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GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO OUR COMMISSION MEETING.WE'LL GET STARTED AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO OUR CITY CLERK TO SEE IF THERE'S ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS.
MORNING, EVERYONE DURING THIS HYBRID COMMISSION MEETING, THE CITY COMMISSION IS PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBER AT MIAMI BEACH CITY HALL, 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE THIRD FLOOR.
THE PUBLIC MAY ATTEND THE MEETING VIRTUALLY, HOWEVER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE MEETING OR PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON MAY APPEAR AT THE COMMISSION CHAMBER TO PARTICIPATE OR PROVIDE COMMENT VIRTUALLY DURING THE COMMISSION MEETING.
THE PUBLIC MAY JOIN THE MEETING BY VISITING THE ZOOM APP ON THEIR SMART DEVICE OR ON THE WEB AT ZOOM US OR BY TELEPHONE AT (305) 224-1968.
AGAIN, THE PHONE NUMBER IS (305) 224-1968.
THE TOLL FREE NUMBER IS 4 8 8 8 4 7 5 4 4 9 9.
THE WEBINAR ID IS 8 1 3 9 2 8 5 6 71 POUND.
AGAIN, THE WEBINAR ID IS 8 1 3 9 2 8 5 7 6 71 POUND.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WANTING TO SPEAK VIRTUALLY ON AN ITEM DURING THE MEETING MUST CLICK THE RAISE HAND ICON IF USING THE ZOOM APP OR PRESS STAR NINE ON THE TELEPHONE TO RAISE THEIR HAND.
THE ZOOM, THE ZOOM LINK AND WEBINAR ID AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS PROVIDED FOR THIS MEETING ARE STATIC AND DO NOT CHANGE FROM MEETING TO MEETING.
WE'LL GET STARTED WITH THE INVOCATION AND I'M PROUD TO, UH, INTRODUCE, UH, RABBI YESHUA SOVA, A FRIEND, PROMINENT LEADER IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, AND A, UH, PROMINENT SPEAKER ON A, ON AN OUTLET CALLED TOUR ANYTIME.
HONORABLE MAYOR, HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS, AS WELL AS CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, AS WELL AS CITY MANAGER.
GOOD MORNING AND MORNING TO EVERYONE WHO'S HERE AS WELL AS EVERYONE WHO IS ATTENDING AS WELL, VIRTUALLY AS WELL AS ALL CITIZENS OF MIAMI BEACH.
MY FAMILY MOVED HERE IN THE LATE NINETIES AND MY WIFE'S FAMILY IS HERE FROM THE EIGHTIES.
SO I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN, AS WELL AS ALSO A PUBLIC FIGURE, THANK YOU.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK THAT YOU DO EVERY DAY.
PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IT, THAT PEOPLE, WHEN THEY'RE OUT HAVING FUN IN THE SUN OUT THERE, YOU'RE DOING A TON IN HERE AND WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE AND, AND MAY GO UN UNNOTICED.
AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE MAY NOT SAY THAT, BUT I LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO.
REALLY, IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND WE SEE THAT THROUGHOUT THESE PAST YEARS.
I'D JUST LIKE TO, BEFORE I GIVE THE INVOCATION, JUST SHARE WITH YOU JUST A TINY THOUGHT.
KING SOLOMON WAS KNOWN AS ONE OF THE WISEST OF ALL MEN.
AND HIS GREAT, HIS GREAT WISDOM WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY MANY OF THE COMMENTATORS.
THEY SAID THAT HIS WISDOM WAS LIKE THE SAND OF THE OCEAN.
SO THE COMMENTATORS, THE MA LOIS SAYS WISE IT SPECIFICALLY THAT WE COMPARE IT TO THE SAND OF THE OCEAN.
HE SAYS, JUST LIKE THE SAND OF THE OCEAN IS A FORMIDABLE FORCE, IT DOES NOT ALLOW WAVES TO COME AND OVERTAKE, ESPECIALLY MIAMI BEACH.
WE APPRECIATE THAT TYPE OF, UH, THAT TYPE OF ANALOGY.
SO WHEN IT COMES TO THIS IDEA OF SAND, IT COULD BE A FORMIDABLE FORCE, BUT EACH GRAIN ONTO ITS OWN IS ALSO PRECIOUS.
AND THE SAME THING AS WELL, WHEN A PERSON DOES WHATEVER IT MAY BE, THEY HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT IT COULD BE THE TOTALITY OF WHAT THEY'RE DOING, BUT ALSO EVEN ON A MINUTE SCALE, IT ALSO IS SOMETHING AS WELL.
AND THEREFORE, HIS WISDOM WAS RECOMMENDED TO BE SOMETHING OF THAT, OF THAT TYPE THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS THE TOTALITY, BUT ALSO EACH INDIVIDUAL PIECE WAS AS WELL.
SO WHEN WE HAVE LEGISLATION ABOUT TRAFFIC MITIGATION OR LET'S SAY RESTORING LAW AND ORDER, WHERE SHOULD THE HOMELESS BE? WE SHOULD HAVE CERTAIN TYPES OF, UH, FAR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISTANCES AND HAVING ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WE HAVE DEBATE AND WE HAVE VIGOROUS DEBATE.
AND MANY OF YOU, I RECEIVE YOUR EMAILS AND THEY'RE QUITE VIGOROUS AND I DO APPRECIATE THAT.
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND, UH, I VOTED FOR MANY OF YOU AND, UH, IT'S GREAT TO KNOW ALL OF YOU.
AND, UH, I'M VERY PROUD TO BE A CITIZEN OF MIAMI BEACH.
SO JUST TO GIVE AN INVOCATION TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU.
MAY GOD ALMIGHTY CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS COMMISSION, ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE BEING LED BY OUR HONORABLE MAYOR, SIM SIMLA STEVEN MINOR, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE WHO ARE WORKING REALLY HARD TO MAKE MIAMI BEACH AN UNBELIEVABLE PLACE.
DEAR GOD, PLEASE INVEST IN ALL THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO MEAN THE CITIZENS OF OUR, OF THE CITY, OF MIAMI BEACH, TO CONTINUE TO GO FORWARD, TO BE AN UNBELIEVABLE PLACE, NOT JUST A TOURIST DESTINATION, BUT ALSO A PLACE WHERE OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FAMILIES CAN BE RAISED AND LIVE, AND WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO GO IN THE PATH OF GOD AND TO CONTINUE TO SERVE HIM.
MAY ALL OF YOU BE BLESSED, AND THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME TO SPEAK.
WE'RE GONNA DO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
I'M ACTUALLY GONNA ASK RICK AND RALPH, OUR CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY CLERK TO LEAD US STAND.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES PREMIER AND REPUBLICAN FOR WHICH SUSTAIN NATION UNDERGONE INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE.
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AND WE WILL GET STARTED[R9 C DR. STANLEY SUTNICK CITIZEN'S FORUM. (8:35 A.M./1:00 P.M.)]
WITH THE SUT HOUR.PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, STATE YOUR NAME, UH, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
GOOD MORNING COMMISSION AND MAYOR.
I KNOW MANY OF YOU PERSONALLY, BUT THIS MORNING I'M HERE IN THE CAPACITY AS A-P-T-S-A BOARD MEMBER REPRESENTING NAUTILUS MIDDLE SCHOOL.
I'M HERE TODAY TO SPEAK IN REGARDS TO RESOLUTION C SEVEN F.
I'M FORMALLY REQUESTING YOUR SUPPORT AND PROVIDING A GOLF CART TO NAUTILUS MIDDLE SCHOOL.
A GOLF CART ALLOW WILL ALLOW ADMINISTRATORS AND OUR SECURITY PERSONNEL TO QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY MONITOR MANY OF OUR UNFENCED AND OPEN AREAS, INCLUDING OUR LARGE PARKING LOTS, OPEN FIELDS, AND OTHER EXPANSIVE AREAS OF THE CAMPUS, THEREBY ENSURING SWIFT RESPONSES TO POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS AND ALLOWING BETTER VISIBILITY AND SECURITY MONITORING PRESENCE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN SUPPORTING, UM, A GOLF CART FOR NAUTILUS MIDDLE SCHOOL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'M CERTAINLY HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.
OUR FIRST VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS JOHAN MOORE.
MR. MOORE, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
GOOD MORNING, JOHAN MOORE, 7 1 7 JEFFERSON AVENUE.
UH, HAVING COMMUNICATED IN WRITING MY ONE, UH, UH, THE ONE ITEM I OBJECT TO, UH, I'M GOING TO COMMENT ONLY, UH, ON A FEW THAT I AM SUPPORTIVE OF.
UH, I WANT TO START BY THANKING COMMISSIONER BT FOR ITEM C FOUR ZERO.
UH, MERIDIAN COURT COMMUNITY, UH, CAME TO AN ARTICULATION, UH, AS WE WERE, UH, ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS, UH, SOME ISSUES, UH, WITH THE SPECIAL MASTER A YEAR AGO.
NAMELY THAT CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICERS SHOULD ACT AS PROSECUTORS, AND I WOULD URGE THAT THAT INSPIRE YOUR, UH, GOING FORWARD WITH THIS ITEM.
UH, I THINK CODE ENFORCEMENT IS NOT, UH, SEEN AS AND MAYBE IS NOT AS CONFIDENT, UH, AS OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT, BUT IS JUST AS VALUABLE IN, IN PROTECTING THE PUBLIC AGAINST DISORDER.
UH, I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ FOR ITEM C FOUR.
I THINK S UH, WHICH, UH, INCREASES, UH, THE NUMBER OF PERMITTED YARD SALES PER YEAR TO TWO.
THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A MINOR, UH, UH, ISSUE.
UM, BUT MERIDIAN COURT COMMUNITY BELIEVES THAT DOUBLING THAT, UH, HELPS BUILD COMMUNITY.
IT CERTAINLY HAS BEEN A MAJOR WAY THAT WE HAVE GAINED NEW MEMBERS.
UH, I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE FOR C SEVEN ONE, UH, THE SOUTH SHORE COMMUNITY CENTER SUMMER CAMP, A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTIVATION.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ FOR C SEVEN U, UH, THE WASTE HAULER, RFP, LONG SUPPORTED BY SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE.
AND FINALLY, UH, R FIVE AF, WHICH, UH, INVOLVES AMENDING THE GO BOARD APPOINTMENT PROCESS.
AND I'M NOT CLEAR ON THE DETAILS OF THAT, BUT I WANT TO SPEAK INFORMALLY ON BEHALF OF SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE TO URGE YOU THAT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THAT COMMITTEE TO GO BOND COMMITTEE, UH, BE A VOTING POSITION.
MATT ROSENBERG PATH, SOUTH BEACH TRACK CLUB, SAFE FLAMINGO PARK.
AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE, TO ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR STAFF FOR ALL THE DEDICATED WORK THAT YOU DO.
WE KNOW IT'S NOT AN EASY JOB AND WE KNOW YOU'RE VERY COMMITTED TO TRY TO FIND THE BEST PATH FORWARD, WHATEVER PATH THAT IS, AND WE'RE ALL GRATEFUL.
I WANNA SAY THANK YOU AGAIN FOR WHAT YOU DID ON OCTOBER 30TH WITH THE SEVEN, NOTHING RESOLUTION ON PROTECTING THE TRACK FROM ANYTHING THAT RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OR POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION FOR THE FIRE STATION THAT MAY OR MAY NOT END UP THERE.
SO WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT, AND THANK YOU FOR ALSO THE CORRECTION THAT NEEDED TO HAPPEN WITH THAT AGREEMENT WITH THE DESIGN COMPANY, WHICH WAS WITH THE LITTLE TYPO THERE.
SO WE'RE, WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT AS WELL.
AND JUST, UH, YOU KNOW, AGAIN, A COUPLE OF NOTES, UH, SHOULD YOU STILL CONTINUE TO SEEMINGLY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND ADDITIONAL FUNDS DOWN IN, IN THE FUTURE, AS HAD BEEN SHOWN THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR THAT 12TH STREET LOCATION, WE WOULD LOVE IT IF IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED TO USE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO ULTIMATELY PUT THE FIRE STATION IN ANOTHER IDEAL LOCATION SOMEWHERE ELSE.
AND A REMINDER TO THE COMMISSION THAT THE WHOLE FOODS LOCATION WAS LISTED AS A VIABLE SITE ON THE MATRIX AS WELL FOR THE ORIGINAL, UH, PLAN THAT WAS PROVIDED.
UM, WHETHER THAT'S STILL FEASIBLE OR NOT, I'M NOT ENTIRELY SURE, BUT AT LEAST IT WAS LISTED AS A OKAY, AS A, AS A VIABLE SITE AT THE TIME.
BUT WE ENCOURAGE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK FOR AN ALTERNATE LOCATION.
AND UH, AS I EMAILED ALL OF YOU EARLIER TODAY, THE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF MAMIE BEACH ITSELF DID CALL FOR A RATIO OF 10 ACRES PER THOUSAND FOR OPEN AND GREEN SPACE FOR YOUR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR MAMIE BEACH.
AND GIVEN THAT YOU HAVE 78,000 RESIDENTS NOW, GIVE OR TAKE A FEW HUNDRED AND 400 ACRES OF GREEN SPACE, IT COMES TO 5.08 RATIO ACRES PER THOUSAND PEOPLE.
SO WE'D FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
AGAIN, WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
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JULIANA, IF YOU'RE LISTENING, THAT IS FROM JULIANA, TMA AND WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL WHO IS A RESIDENT AS WELL, UH, FOR THAT INFORMATION.SHE MIGHT BE CALLING IN LATER.
WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS ANNAMARIE DELLO.
PLEASE GO AHEAD, STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
ANNAMARIE, PLEASE UNMUTE YOURSELF.
SO WE'RE GONNA GO THEN TO DARREN, DARREN MIG.
DARREN, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
DARREN, PLEASE UNMUTE YOURSELF.
SO LET'S BRING IT BACK IN HERE.
UH, MICHAEL GRECO, UH, I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF SUNTEC, I BELIEVE MIAMI BEACH'S LARGEST TENANT.
UM, HERE ON, ON ITEMS R FIVE AD JUST IN CASE, UH, I'M NOT HERE IN THE AFTERNOON.
UM, WE ARE HERE TO EXPRESS OUR SUPPORT FOR FURTHER, UH, LIMITING SOME OF THE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS AS IS BEING REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
I EXPECT OVER THE NEXT, UH, COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND, WE'RE GONNA BE HAVING SOME CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE MARINA.
UM, AND I'M GONNA HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOU INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY, PREFERABLY SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
UM, AND, UH, MY PHONE IS ALWAYS, YOU KNOW, OPEN FOR YOU GUYS TO TALK ABOUT THINGS, UM, NOT JUST ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS WITH THE MARINA, BUT UH, ALSO WITH THE FUTURE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SUNTEC AND THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
JULIANA, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES PLEASE.
I'M A, UH, UH, A HOMEOWNER AND A RESIDENT OF THE FLAMINGO PARK, UM, NEIGHBORHOOD.
UM, I'M CALLING IN REGARDS TO THE FIRE STATION AT, UM, UH, THE, UH, FLAMINGO PARK.
I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE, UH, WHAT, UH, SOME OF THE THINGS MATT SAID THAT IN 2019, THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT OF MIAMI BEACH ADOPTED THE 2040 MIAMI BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE PLAN IN PREPARATION FOR ALL OF THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO HAPPEN IN 2040 WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE WEATHER CHANGING ON PAGE 97, THIS DOCUMENT STATES THAT PER 1000 RESIDENTS CITIES SHOULD PROVIDE 10 ACRES OF OPEN RECREATION AND GREEN SPACE.
CURRENTLY 78,000, UM, RESIDENTS, UM, AND WE ARE ONLY PROVIDING FIVE ACRES PER 1000 RESIDENTS ON OUR 18 SQUARE MILE ISLAND.
THE SOME OF THE ECO ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACE INCLUDE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT, URBAN HEAT, ISLAND MITIGATION, AND BIODIVERSITY.
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND LISTS, CITIES AND PARKS ACCESSIBLE BY RESIDENTS WITHIN A 10 MINUTE WALKING RADIUS.
UM, MIAMI BEACH HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE ADAPTION, GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPEN SPACES.
ALSO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE AND IMPROVE COLLATERAL PUBLIC BENEFITS FROM INVESTMENTS.
PLEASE CHOOSE AN EXISTING SITE WITHIN CONCRETE AND NOT VERY LIMITED GREEN PARK AREA SERVING AN EVER-GROWING MIAMI BEACH POPULATION.
STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS IN TWO MINUTES, PLEASE.
GOOD MORNING, MITCH NOVIK, 9 0 1 COLLINS AVENUE.
OUR ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE OUR CITY DURING ART WEEK HAS ONCE AGAIN PASSED.
I VENTURED TO THE MAINLAND A RECORD THREE TIMES.
THE WATER TAXI WAS A PRACTICAL ADDITION TO THIS EVENT.
BY WEEKS END, THERE WERE LINES OF HUNDREDS WAITING TO TRAVERSE THE BAY ON EACH SIDE.
WHILE I CERTAINLY WASN'T A FAN OF SPENDING 600,000 ANNUALLY ON A PROBLEM PLAGUED WATER TAXI TO OFFER SUCH A SERVICE UTILIZED BY THE MASSES AMOUNTS TO A WIN ON WE WEDNESDAY, EARLY EVENING.
AFTER MIAMI CONTEXT, MY GROUP VENTURED TO WYNWOOD, WHICH EVOK MEMORIES OF SOUTH BEACH.
IN THE EARLY 1990S, THE AREA WAS BUSTLING WITH PEOPLE EXPLORING UNIQUE STOREFRONTS, A STAR CONTRAST TO MIAMI BEACH'S EMPTY SPACES.
THE TRIP TO BRICKELL CITY CENTER VIA THE METRO MOVER AND A WALK OVER THE BRIDGE TO EAT AT WHOLE FOODS REVEALED A THRIVING DOWNTOWN WITH NOTICEABLE POLICE PRESENCE.
THE METRO MOVER RIDE BACK HOME FEATURED A DIVERSE MIX OF RIDERS.
UTILIZING THE CROWDED TRAIN ON SUNDAY, WE VENTURED TO THE DE DESIGN DISTRICT IN MIDTOWN.
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ALLURE AND LUSTER LONG AGO TO REVITALIZE OUR CITY, PERHAPS WE SHOULD FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES TO ALLEVIATE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN AN EFFORT TO MOVE US WISELY INTO THE FUTURE.AND ON A SIDE NOTE, I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER CHALLENGING STATE PREEMPTIONS TO OUR HOME RULE.
OUR FORMER CITY ATTORNEY WHO ISSUED A FLAW OPINION AGAINST THE CHALLENGE IS NOW EMPLOYED BY A PROMINENT PRO-DEVELOPMENT LAW FIRM.
WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DECIDE OUR DESTINY WITHOUT STATE INTERFERENCE.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL CALLER IS SCREEN NAME RICHARD.
RICHARD STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I'M PRESIDENT OF PALMS ASSOCIATION AT 10 25 ALTAM ROAD, WHICH HAS APPROXIMATELY A HUNDRED, UH, VOTING RESIDENTS.
AND, UM, FOLLOWING MATT AND JULIANA.
I HOPE YOU WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS 2040 MIAMI, UH, UH, MIAMI BEACH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
THERE'S NUMEROUS AREAS IN THIS THAT JUST TOTALLY GOES AGAINST PUTTING THIS FIRE STATION IN FLAMINGO PARK.
THE RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT EMPHASIZING PRESERVING THE OPEN SPACE AND PARKS FOR ESSENTIAL RESOURCES, MAINLY, UH, MAINTAINING PARK RECREATIONAL PURPOSE OR MET RECREATIONAL PURPOSES TO PROMOTE PUBLIC WELLBEING, PROTECTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO GREEN SPACES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO QUALITY OF LIFE AND NATURAL AESTHETICS UNDERNEATH THE CONSERVATION AND COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT.
THIS ALSO IS, UH, GOES AGAINST PUTTING THE PARK IN, UH, PUTTING THE FIRE STATION IN THE PARK, THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT AND THE LAND USE ELEMENT, UH, WHICH ENSURES THE CAPABILITY WITH ADJACENT USES AVOIDING CREATING NUISANCES OR HAZARDS THAT DISRUPT THE COMMUNITY WELLBEING.
FACING A FIRE STATION IN THAT DENSELY UH, LOCATED AREA IN THE PARK WITH THE TRACK IS JUST UNACCEPTABLE.
YOU KNOW, WE HAVE SPOKEN TO THIS NUMEROUS TIMES.
MYSELF, THE RESIDENTS OF OUR ASSOCIATION, WE ARE TOTALLY AGAINST USING A GREEN SPACE FOR, UH, FOR A FIRE STATION.
WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO, UH, DAMAGE OUR PARKS.
MR. GUTOW, IF YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES, STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PLEASE.
GOOD MORNING, MAYOR, CITY MANAGER COMMISSIONERS.
MY NAME IS MATTHEW ALTOFF AND I RESIDE AT 1 25 JEFFERSON AVENUE.
FIRST, I WANT TO COMMEND THE WORK BY THE TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY DEPARTMENT.
DATA THEY PROVIDED SHOWS OVER 23,000 PEOPLE TRAVELED ON THE WATER TAXI AND THE BUS SHUTTLES.
PLUS OVER 2000 PEOPLE USED THE CITY BIKE STATIONS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER DURING ART WEEK.
A HUGE SUCCESS AND HOPEFULLY THE START OF EVEN MORE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSIT PLANS.
AND, UM, FOR ART WEEK AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE CITY NEXT YEAR, CONSIDER POP-UP DEDICATED BUS LANES THAT WOULD CREATE MORE INCENTIVE FOR PEOPLE TO DITCH UBERS AND REDUCE TRAFFIC AND IMPROVE MOBILITY FOR ALL.
I'M ALSO SUPPORTIVE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TODAY RELATED TO MOBILITY.
CITY CODE TODAY ENCOURAGES BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE BICYCLE PARKING.
AS PART OF THE SPECIAL EVENT PROCESS, ANYONE WHO ATTENDED ART BASEL AND RELATED FARES SAW BIKES LOCKED TO ANY FIXED OBJECT AROUND THESE EVENTS.
AND ADDITIONALLY, I URGE THE MAYOR TO CALL R 5G SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER ROSA ROSA GONZALEZ, WHICH WOULD ALLOW SENIORS TO OPERATE E-BIKES AT SPEEDS UP TO EIGHT MILES AN HOUR.
I WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE THIS TO BE EXPANDED FURTHER, TO PERHAPS ALSO INCLUDE PARENTS THAT ARE CARRYING CHILDREN.
THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT MEETING.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL CALLER IS ANNA MARIE, PLEASE UNMUTE YOURSELF.
STATE YOUR FULL NAME AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I'M ANNA MARIE FELO, RESIDING AT 4 7 7 9 COLLINS AVENUE, AND I'M REPRESENTING THE MID BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AND ORGANIZATION THAT, UM, THAT OPERATES WITH THE INTEREST OF HOTELS AND CONDOMINIUMS ALONG COLLINS AVENUE AND INDIAN CREEK DRIVE.
FROM 24TH TO 63RD STREET, WE'D LIKE TO THANK THE CITY FOR AN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL ART BASEL WEEK.
WE ALSO ENCOURAGE THE CITY TO CONSIDER MORE COMPREHENSIVE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MEASURES, MASS TRANSIT TO BE CONSIDERED MORE SERIOUSLY AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION, PARTICULARLY IN MID BEACH TO MATCH OUR PRIVATE INVESTMENTS, UM, THE CITY'S OWN SURFACE PARKING LOT ON 27TH STREET COULD SERVE AS AN IDEAL SOLUTION FOR INCORPORATING A DESIGNATED LOADING ZONE ON THE GROUND LEVEL AND CREATING DEDICATED VALET AREAS FOR SPILLOVER ALONG COLLINS AVENUE.
AND ALSO TO A, TO BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE IN THESE, UM, HIGH IMPACT WEEKENDS.
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ARTS OR, OR ACTIVATIONS, PATRONS COULD THEN BE TRANSPORTED TO THE DESTINATIONS BY GOLF CARTS OR FREEBIE SERVICES, OR SIMILAR LIGHT VEHICLES EASING CONGESTION AND IMPROVING OVERALL TRAFFIC FLOW REGARDING R 5G, WHICH, UM, PROPOSES AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE TO PERMIT SENIORS OR INDIVIDUALS OF ANY AGE TO USE MOTORIZED BICYCLES ON THE BEACH WALK.UH, WE'RE CONCERNED THAT ENFORCEMENT COULD BE CHALLENGING AND IT COULD INADVERTENTLY LEAD TO DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES BY TARGETING PATRONS BASED ON AGE.
WE ALSO THINK THAT IT, IT, UM, IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE, AND WE AT THIS TIME WOULD NOT BE IN FAVOR OF HAVING ANY MOTORIZED, UM, BICYCLES ON THE BEACH WALK.
SEEING NO ONE ELSE IN THE AUDIENCE, I'M GONNA GO AGAIN TO, UH, DARREN MIG.
YOU, YOU'RE UP AND THEN YOU'LL BE NEXT.
DARREN, UNMUTE YOURSELF, PLEASE.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? GO AHEAD.
UH, UH, DEAR COMMISSIONERS AND MAYOR, UH, AGAIN, UM, ONE THING THAT I NOTICED IS THAT OUR, UH, YOUR EFFORTS TO MAKE OUR STREETS CLEAN AGAIN, UH, IS DEFINITELY WORKING.
UH, THE FLAMINGO PARK AREA LOOKS MUCH CLEANER.
CREWS ARE COMING, UH, AND, UH, CLEANING BY HAND AND, UH, YOU KNOW, WITH THE CUSTOMARY MACHINES.
UM, THEN THE OTHER THING, MY COMMENT IS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT OF THE SMOKING BAN AT OUR PUBLIC BEACHES AND PARKS.
UM, I, I DID TALK TO, YOU KNOW, SEVERAL LIFEGUARDS AND THEY SAY, WELL, IT'S, IT'S NOT OUR, YOU KNOW, RESPONSIBILITY TO ENFORCE IT.
SO THE QUESTION IS, WHO IS ENFORCING IT? HAVE YOU TAKEN SOME KIND OF, UM, UH, ARE THERE ANY NUMBERS OF, UM, YOU KNOW, UM, IF YOU HAVE ACTUALLY, UM, GIVEN ANY, UM, FINES, UH, TO PEOPLE WHO BREAK THE LAW OR SOMETHING.
SO THAT, THAT'S I WOULD CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO.
UM, THE NEXT TOPIC THAT I WOULD WANT TO DISCUSS IS ABOUT, UM, THE PLUMBING PARK AS MAT AND EVERYONE ELSE SAID, UH, TAKING AWAY GREEN SPACE IS NOT THE RIGHT APPROACH, RIGHT PATH, UH, IN THIS CASE, WE NEED MORE, NOT LESS.
SO THAT MEANS THAT IT'S NOT REALLY UNDERUTILIZED, IT'S NECESSARY, RIGHT? SO THE WORDING THAT WAS USED, UH, DURING THE, UM, THAT SPECIAL, UH, BALLOT MEASURE, UH, WAS ALSO, IN MY OPINION, MISLEADING, RIGHT? UH, FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT RESIDENTS OF MIAMI BEACH, WHO KNOWS HOW, UM, PRECIOUS THAT GREEN SPACE IS, PLUS TAKING THE, UM, UH, ACCORDING TO THE PLANS, TAKING THAT, UM, THERE IS A BUILDING IN BETWEEN, UH, THE GREEN SPACE, TAKING IT OUT OF THAT AND PUTTING IT INTO THE NOR, UH, SOUTHEAST CORNER.
IT'S GONNA REMOVE EVEN MORE GREEN SPACE.
SO THE, WE ARE GONNA BE, UH, LEFT WITH BASICALLY NO GREEN SPACE THERE.
I APOLOGIZE YOU'RE OUT OF TIME.
UH, IS THERE ANYONE ELSE IN THE AUDIENCE? GO AHEAD.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM IF YOU'RE, IF YOU WISHING TO SPEAK.
UH, UH, MAYOR MINOR AND COMMISSIONERS, UH, BLANCA ELLO, PRESIDENT OF THE OWNERS' ASSOCIATION OF GARDEN ON THE BAY, 64 84 IN INDIAN CREEK DRIVE.
UH, SINCE IT'S, UH, THE HOLIDAYS, UH, AND DON'T COME TO BRING PROBLEMS, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT THAT WE ARE GETTING CONCRETE AND DIRECT ACTIONS TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS. IN OUR CASE, AFTER THE LAST TIME I WAS HERE, UH, IMMEDIATELY WE GOT SOMEBODY FROM PUBLIC WORKS.
SORRY, DANNY, I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO ANSWER TO YOU TO FIX THE BIG HOLE THAT WE, WE HAVE, UH, OUTSIDE OF OUR PROPERTY, AND THAT IS A HAZARD FOR PEOPLE THAT IS IN THE PARK.
WE'RE WORKING ALREADY WITH PUBLIC WORKS, VERY EFFECTIVE AND VERY QUICKLY.
UH, THEN, UM, ALSO I WANT TO REPORT THAT I WALK ALMOST EVERY NIGHT AROUND COLLINS PARK, AND THERE IS DAYS THAT THERE IS NOT, NOT ALMOST ANY HOMELESS.
FEW DAYS, YES, THERE IS ONE OR COUPLE IN THE LITTLE, UH, ALLEY BESIDES THE BALL SCHOOL, BUT NORMALLY IT'S VERY, UH, EMPTY AND, UH, WE CAN FEEL SAFER ABOUT WALKING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THEN, UH, REGARDING OUR BUS, AND OBVIOUSLY WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER THING THAT THANK FOR ALL THE EFFORTS REGARDING THE TRAFFIC, AT LEAST WASHINGTON AVENUE, EVEN AC EVEN ACROSS THE CONVENTION CENTER WHERE I LIVE, THE TRAFFIC WAS MUCH LESS THAN OTHER YEARS AND EASIER TO, TO MOVE OUT OF THE PLACE WHERE I LIVE.
AND, UH, AND FINALLY, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE.
[00:25:01]
I, WE HAD A GREAT, UH, MEETING WITH, UH,THANK YOU SO MUCH, AND HAPPY HOLIDAY STORE.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS DIEGO M DIEGO, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I'M A RESIDENT AT 1688 WEST AVENUE, WEST BAY PLAZA ASSOCIATION, WHERE WE HAVE ABOUT 112 UNITS.
UM, I WANNA THANK EVERYBODY FOR ALL THE WORK YOU ALL DO ON A DAILY BASIS.
UM, AND JUST WANTED TO MENTION THAT I, AS A RESIDENT AND A FEW OF THE RESIDENTS THERE WOULD OPPOSE, UH, THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE BOARDWALK AND WANTED TO BRING ATTENTION TO OUR CORNER ACROSS FROM TRADER JOE'S.
IT'S, UH, BEEN BLOCKED FOR BICYCLE USE AGAIN, UM, AFTER A BASEL WAS OPEN.
IT CREATES A LOT OF LIFE SAFETY ISSUES FOR US.
WE WALK OUT OF THERE AND PEOPLE ARE WHIZZING BY ON THESE ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, ON THE SIDEWALKS, AND THERE'S NO ENFORCEMENT OR ANY SORT OF ISSUES THERE.
SO IF ANYBODY COULD, YOU KNOW, SEND SOMEBODY OVER THERE, THAT'D BE GREAT.
TAKE THAT A LOOK AT THE SITUATION.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND I HAVE TWO MINUTES.
MY NAME IS DEBBIE QUAID, 2301 COLLINS AVENUE.
AND, UM, I HAVE, FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, CHAIRED THE SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF MIAMI BEACH.
I'M HERE AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN, THOUGH, UM, EXPRESSING MY SUPPORT FOR ANY KIND OF MOTORIZED VEHICLE FOR THE SENIORS THAT ARE, UM, ON THE BEACH, ON THE BOARDWALK.
IT'S HEARTBREAKING TO SEE SENIORS THAT HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES THAT CANNOT EVEN THE SIT DOWN SCOOTERS TO RIDE ON THE, UM, BOARDWALK WITH THEIR FAMILIES.
IT'S HEARTBREAKING TO SEE THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT ROUTE FOR A RESTAURANT, A LOCAL RESTAURANT, UM, WHEN THE REST OF THE FAMILY IS VERY MOBILE.
SO I WOULD LIKE TO HOPEFULLY SEE SOMETHING THAT CAN ADDRESS THE SENIORS, WHETHER IT IS, UH, THE SEATED ONES.
THERE ARE SENIORS THAT COME TO VISIT THEIR FAMILY.
THEY CAN RENT ONE OF THOSE, AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE BOARDWALK AND SPENDING TIME WITH THEIR FAMILIES.
I ALSO WANT TO, UM, SUPPORT ADDITIONAL BICYCLE STATIONS.
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF TAKING THE WATER TAXI OVER TO ART MIAMI.
THE LINE COMING BACK WAS TWO HOURS.
WE WALKED ACROSS THE VENETIAN BRIDGE.
IT WOULD'VE BEEN GREAT TO BE ABLE TO PICK UP A BICYCLE THERE AND JUST KIND OF GET BACK TO SUNSET HARBOR.
SO I SUPPORT ANY INITIATIVE TO ADD BICYCLES AROUND THE CITY.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS ROSALIE THOMPSON.
ROSALIE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
HI, MY NAME IS ROSALIE THOMPSON.
I'M AT 57 57 COLLINS AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH.
I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AGAINST THE IDEA OF ADDING ADDITIONAL BICYCLES INSTEAD.
UM, I THINK A BETTER IDEA WOULD BE TO UPGRADE THE SCHEDULING OF THE TROLLEY SO THAT PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON THE BEACH CAN DEPEND ON USING A TROLLEY.
AND RIGHT NOW, I THINK, UM, IT'S QUESTIONABLE AS TO WHEN YOU WILL GET A TROLLEY IF YOU GO OUT TO THE CORNER.
UM, ALSO, UM, THE WHOLE THING WITH BICYCLES EATS SOME REGULATION.
I'M UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN I SEE SOMEONE RIDING WHIZZING BY ME IN THE, UH, ON A BICYCLE, IN A MASK.
UM, I I, I'M OPPOSED TO MASK WEARING IN ITS ENTIRETY.
AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME RULES IN MIAMI BEACH, UM, AGAINST MATH, WEARING MASKS.
UM, SO I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF MORE BICYCLES.
OUR, I SEE NO ONE HERE IN THE AUDIENCE.
I'M GONNA GO TO THE NEXT VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS C-W-C-W-A LOCAL 31 78.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I AM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF CW, UH, LOCAL 31 78, AND I'M CALLING FOR THE SUPPORT FROM THE MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS FOR ITEM, UH, C SEVEN H, UM, FOR OUR UNION TO BE, UH, EXECUTIVELY RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, UH, CWA.
WE REPRESENT AND COVER OVER, UM, 300 EMPLOYEES THAT WORK FOR THE CITY IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING OCEAN RESCUE, UM, PUBLIC SAFETY, COMMUNICATIONS, CO COMPLIANCE, PARKING, PUBLIC WORK, ET CETERA.
AND WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO REPRESENT AND SUPPORT THESE WORKERS.
[00:30:01]
AND WE HOPE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE MAYOR SUPPORT, UM, RESOLUTION C SEVEN H AND IN GOOD FAITH SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO, UH, BARGAIN FOR PEOPLE AND GIVE PEOPLE, UM, EQUAL EQUITABLE PAY AND CONTINUE OUR GOOD REGULAR RELATIONS THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN, SEEING NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE, I AM GOING TO ANDY.
ANDY STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I LIVE IN 3 4 5 OCEAN DRIVE MIAMI BEACH.
I SOLD MY BMWZ FOUR TWO YEARS AGO, AND I'VE BEEN RIDING A BIKE EVER SINCE.
IT'S BEEN THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE.
IT IS VERY CLEAR THE CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH HAVE SERIOUS, SERIOUS TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS. THE FREEDOM OF RIDING A BIKE ALONG ROWS AND ROWS OF TRAFFIC IS LIBERATING.
UM, SO I ENCOURAGE THE CITY TO EMBRACE BICYCLES, PLACES FOR THE BICYCLES TO BE LOCKED.
AND THE THE LANES ARE BEAUTIFUL, THEY'RE EMPTY, AND THE TROLLEY SYSTEM ISN'T GONNA HELP AT ALL BECAUSE THE STANDSTILL REMAINS.
I ENCOURAGE SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR BIKES, ELECTRIC BIKES, AND STANDARDS FOR THESE BIKES.
UH, UM, I'VE PLACED MY NAME ON THE, ON THE, UM, ROSTER TO BE PART OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE.
SO I'M WILLING AND ABLE TO HELP AND, UH, HAVE A LOT OF INSIGHTS.
I'VE RIDDEN ALL KINDS OF E-BIKES, BIKES, SO I KNOW HOW THEY WORK.
I KNOW THE PITFALLS, AND THERE'S CERTAINLY A LOT OF IMPROVEMENT THAT CAN BE DONE ON THE SAFETY FACTOR OF THESE BIKES, NOT ONLY FOR THE PEDESTRIANS, BUT FOR THE RIDERS.
WAYNE STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
HEY, GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
I WASN'T GONNA TALK TODAY, BUT I, I GOT, I GOT THE, UH, THE BUG.
SO, UM, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I WAS SO EXCITED TO HEAR THAT, UH, THE SHUTTLE BY, UH, FERRY BETWEEN HERE AND MIAMI WAS, UH, SUCCESSFUL IN THE SENSE OF, OF ART BASEL, UM, THAT THERE WERE LINES, UM, I WISH THERE WEREN'T LINES, UM, BUT IT SHOWS THE QUALITY, THE, THE IMPACT OUR WATERWAY COULD HAVE IN ELIMINATING TRAFFIC.
YOU KNOW, BIKES ARE GREAT, BUT IF YOU'RE, IF YOU'RE 64 YEARS OLD OR YOU HAVE A DISABILITY, OR, OR IF YOU ARE, UH, YOU'RE AFRAID OF, OF ACCIDENTS, BIKES ARE NOT THE ANSWER.
BUT, BUT CERTAINLY FERRIES ARE, AND FOR LONG DISTANCES, UM, YOU KNOW, A FERRY SERVICE COULD SUPPORT, UH, NOT JUST, UH, UH, EAST WEST, BUT NORTH SOUTH.
IT COULD GO FROM BEN AVENTURA, SUNNY ISLES, ALL THE WAY TO, UH, UH, WHATEVER IS SOUTH OF US THERE IS.
BUT, UM, AS WELL AS EAST WEST, BETWEEN US AND THE MAINLAND.
UM, IT COULD DRIVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LIKE SEATTLE.
SEATTLE HAS A VERY EFFECTIVE, UM, FER SERVICE USING ELECTRIC FER SERVICES THAT HOLD HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AT A TIME, AT SPEEDS OF 40 KNOTS OR GREATER.
UM, SO, UH, I, I URGE CITY AND THE COUNTY AND THE STATE TO, UH, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR, OUR, OUR, OUR PERFECT SITUATION FOR THAT, THAT, UH, THAT, UH, MEANS OF TRAVEL.
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO CALLED IN AND COMMENTED.
ALSO, WE, UH, I, ALONG WITH MY COLLEAGUES, GOT A LOT OF EMAILS FROM, FROM FOLKS, SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.
IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SO KEEP MAKING YOUR VOICES HEARD.
I DID WANNA COMMENT JUST BRIEFLY ON TWO OF THE COMMENTS WE HEARD.
ONE CALLER CALLED IN AND, UH, THANKED US FOR THE, UH, CLEANER STREETS, CLEANER NEIGHBORHOODS.
AND THAT'S AN EFFORT THAT I, ALONG WITH ALL OF US ARE MAKING.
AND I WANTED TO THANK YOU ERIC AND BRAD CAIN, OUR SANITATION DIRECTOR FOR, FOR MAKING THAT HAPPEN.
UH, CLEAN STREETS, SAFE STREETS, DRY STREETS.
[00:35:01]
GLAD IT'S BEING ACKNOWLEDGED AND NOTICED BY OUR RESIDENTS.AND WAYNE, I DO AGREE WITH YOU ON THE WATER TAXIS.
I'VE BEEN PUSHING THAT, AND I THINK COLLECTIVELY OUR COMMISSION IS PUSHING THAT.
UM, IT, IT WORKED INCREDIBLY WELL OVER ART BASEL AND ART WEEK, AND, AND WE'RE LOOKING TO CONTINUE THAT ON A PERMANENT BASIS.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ HAS A SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.
A WHAT? I'M SORRY? SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT.
I, I, I APPRECIATE IT'S A MOMENT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE BECAUSE I JUST WANTED TO, BEFORE WE START OUR MEETING, I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SEASON OF LIGHT AND CELEBRATION FOR MANY OF US.
ADVENT MARKS A TIME OF REFLECTION AND PREPARATION AS WE APPROACH THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS.
THIS, THIS SPECIFICALLY IS THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT, WHICH REPRESENTS PEACE.
IT'S A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PEACE THAT JESUS CHRIST BRINGS INTO THE WORLD AND INTO OUR HEARTS.
AND SOON ALSO FOR OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY.
UH, THEY, THEY WILL BE GATHERING TO CELEBRATE HANUKKAH, A FESTIVAL THAT REMINDS US OF THE RESILIENCE AND ENDURING POWER OF LIGHT.
UH, THESE TRADITIONS, THOUGH, THEY'RE DIFFERENT, SHARE A COMMON, COMMON MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RENEWAL.
SO I JUST, UH, I JUST WANT, WANT US, UH, TO REFLECT ON THAT MADE THIS, UH, SEASON INSPIRE EVERYONE TO BRING LIGHT AND KINDNESS INTO OUR COMMUNITY AND INTO OUR WORLD, AND USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY DO GOOD, TO INSPIRE OUR HEARTS AND TO TRULY CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH PEACE AND WITH MEANING.
AND THE HOLIDAYS OVERLAP THIS YEAR, WHICH DOES, UH, NOT FREQUENTLY HAPPEN.
[R9 D LEGISLATIVE UPDATE PRESENTATION BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE FABIAN BASABE.]
ASK OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, UH, FABIAN BAA TO, TO COME UP AND GIVE US A LEGISLATIVE REPORT AS IS, UH, TYPICAL AS WELL AS, UH, THE UPCOMING SESSION, AND THANK YOU TO AND ALL YOUR COLLEAGUES IN THE STATE BECAUSE, UM, WE DO RELY A LOT ON STATE RESOURCES.SPRING BREAK WAS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION, UH, THE PREEMPTION STUFF, NOT SO, UH, NOT SO GREAT.
WE'RE NOT AS EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
BUT, UH, BUT THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND GIVING US A REPORT.
BE BEFORE I BEGIN, I'LL JUST COMMENT, UM, ON THE PREEMPTION STUFF, IT'S ABOUT A BALANCE, RIGHT? SOMETIMES THE STATE KNOWS BETTER, SOMETIMES THE CITY KNOWS BETTER, AND THAT'S WHERE WORKING TOGETHER MAKES THAT IMPACT.
BUT I COULDN'T RESIST, I COULDN'T RESIST SAYING IT, SO, BUT WE DID DO GREAT ON SPRING BREAK.
LET'S, UH, LET'S GET SOME NEW PROGRAMMING AND, YOU KNOW, GET THE PEOPLE BACK OUT THERE, ESPECIALLY THE LOCALS.
I'D LIKE TO SEE OCEAN DRIVE JUST AS VIBRANT AS POSSIBLE.
SO, GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE FABIAN BAAA.
I RESIDE AT NINE ISLAND AVENUE HERE IN MIAMI BEACH.
AS I COMMENCE MY SECOND TERM, I WOULD LIKE TO FIRST REAFFIRM THAT BEING A MEMBER OF FLORIDA'S MAJORITY PARTY ASSURES OUR STATE TO BE THE BEST PARTNER FOR YOU AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF OUR CITY.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW SOME OF WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MY LEADERSHIP OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS IN EDUCATION.
OUR TEACHERS MUST BE THE HIGHEST PAID IN THE NATION.
WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH MONEY TO, TO AFFORD THIS.
AND SIGNING OFF ON OUR WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES IN THE LEGISLATURE, OUR GOVERNOR HAS ALREADY APPROVED A RECORD INCREASE IN TEACHERS PAY STATEWIDE.
BUT I CALL UPON MY CITIES TO CONTRIBUTE FURTHER BY INCLUDING FUNDING THAT FOLLOWS THE STATE'S EXAMPLE IN MATCHING AN INCREASE IN PAY TO THOSE WHO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN.
A PATH HAS BEEN CLEARED TO DO SO.
THIS WON'T BE JUST TO SHOW A MONETARY RESPONSE OF APPRECIATION, BUT TO ASSURE THAT IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT EVERY UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL IS SEEN, HEARD, AND LOVED, AND THAT OUR SCHOOLS ARE EQUIPPED WITH CRUCIAL RESOURCES TO PROPERLY ADDRESS POSSIBLE ISSUES OF OUR DIVERSE STUDENTS.
AS WE CANNOT COUNT ON THE INTEGRITY OF ACTIVISM AND PARTISAN LEADERSHIP WHO MANIPULATE AT THE EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPENSE OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE, OUR JOB IS TO PROTECT AND INFORM OUR COMMUNITY RATHER THAN MISINFORM FOR PERSONAL AGENDA AND IDEOLOGY.
IN REGARD TO TRAFFIC, I'M ASKING THAT ALL THE CITIES I REPRESENT DEMAND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FULLY ACCESS AND RECALIBRATE OUR TRAFFIC ASSIMILATION SOFTWARE WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY AND PAID BY OUR TAX DOLLARS.
I BELIEVE THEY'RE FAILING US, AND I BELIEVE WE SHOULD EXPECT BETTER OF THEM.
THEY ARE, THEY ARE OBLIGATED TO SERVE ALL OF OUR CITIZENS IN REGARDS TO THE HIGH COST OF LIVING.
PROPERTY OWNERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES MUST HAVE IMMEDIATE RELIEF.
AND I'M ASKING THAT ALL MY CITIES TO ACT NOW BY ACTIVATING WHATEVER AVAILABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, BUDGET AND OPPORTUNITIES AS OUR PRIOR PROPERTY TAX APPRAISER HAS OVERVALUED OUR ASSETS MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE ENTIRE STATE.
THIS WAS NOT SOLELY DUE TO THE CASH MARKET INFLUX OF LUXURY HOUSING, BUT RATHER FEDERAL SUBSIDIES THAT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE, AVAILABLE TO US, BUT THAT CONTINUE TO DISTORT THE MARKET.
TAX INCENTIVES AND DEREGULATION IS OF IMMINENT IMPORTANCE TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS NEED RELIEF.
AS I WORK WITH OUR NEWLY ELECTED PROPERTY TAX APPRAISER ON LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS THE EXTRAORDINARILY
[00:40:01]
HIGH PROPERTY TAX IMPOSED ON MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ALONE, CAUSING RENTS TO SKY, TO SKYROCKET, DISPLACING THE VALUED AND LONGTIME RESIDENTS OF OUR COMMUNITIES, I URGE YOU ALL TO DO WHAT YOU CAN TO REDUCE FEES AND COSTS TO OUR PROPERTY OWNERS.WHILE I ADDRESS THIS IN THE LEGISLATURE FOR NEXT YEAR'S PROPERTY TAXES ARE ALREADY DUE AND MANY ARE UNABLE TO MEET THESE COSTS.
THE FUNDING AND TORT REFORM DELIVERED IN MY FIRST TERM, HELPED BRING NINE INSURANCE COMPANIES BACK TO FLORIDA, DIRECTLY RESULTING IN COMPETITION FOR BETTER RATES.
BUT WE ARE STILL FAR FROM WHERE WE NEED TO BE AND FAR FROM MAKING THE NUMBERS APPROACHABLE FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.
WE MUST ALL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY AS IT CAN BE.
LOGICALLY ARGUED, THIS DISTRICT IS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSURANCE CRISIS, WHICH IS THE DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF PRIOR DECADES OF POOR CITY MANAGEMENT, LACK OF LAW, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT RESULTING IN DECADES OF DEFERRED MAINTENANCE.
WE MUST REESTABLISH OURSELVES AS A VIABLE INSURANCE MARKET.
THIS IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT SOLUTION, BUT ONE THAT WE WILL ONLY RESOLVED.
WE MUST DELIVER COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, CREATE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ALONG WITH GREATER FUNDING.
WE MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT THAT MONEY GOES WHERE IT'S INTENDED TO.
I PLEDGE TO WORK WITH YOUR TEAMS AND DELIVER RESULTS IN REGARDS TO OUR UNHOUSED.
STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE, THAT CITIES CREATE A DESIGNATED AREAS.
AND AGAIN, STATE FUNDING HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO HELP THE COUNTY STUNT IN USING OUR HOMELESS POPULATION WAS DESPICABLE AND UNFAIR TO ALL OF US.
WE ARE NOT WEAK, AND WE MUST NOT, AND WE MUST STAND UP TO STRONG, STRONG ARMED COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
WITH THIS RECENT ELECTION, HONEST LEADERSHIP HAS WON OVER DESPICABLE SMEAR CAMPAIGNS AND DEDICATED WORK OVER DISHONORABLE ANTICS.
I HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF KEEPING IT THAT WAY.
AS ELECTED LEADERS OF THIS COMMUNITY, IT IS YOUR ROLE TO LEAD OUR CONSTITUENTS WITH OBJECTIVE SENSE RATHER THAN PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
WE ARE THE ECONOMIC ENGINE OF OUR STATE, AND WITH THIS IN MIND, WE SHOULD BE SETTING THE EXAMPLE.
ANYONE TRYING TO ADVANCE THEMSELVES OR A PARTY RATHER THAN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE HERE.
THE PEOPLE SEE IT, AND THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN IN A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.
AND I AM HERE BECAUSE BEFORE WE ARE PARTISAN, WE ARE HUMANS.
AND I INVITE OUR COMMUNITY PRESIDENT IN THE AUDIENCE AND WATCHING VIRTUALLY TO JOIN IN MY EFFORT TO BRING IN PEOPLE BACK TOGETHER TO RESTORE CIVILITY AMONG US RATHER THAN ENCOURAGE A DIVIDE.
MR. MAYOR, AS SOON AS I RECEIVE MY COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, I'LL BE EXTENDING AN INVITE TO YOU AND YOUR CITY MANAGER TO JOIN THE OTHER MAYORS AND CITY MANAGERS OF DISTRICT 1 0 6, AS I'VE DONE IN PRIOR YEARS TO DISCUSS OUR VISIONS, YOUR PROJECTS, AND THE NEEDS AND GOALS OF OUR CITIES AND EFFORTS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH THE STATE.
THERE'S BEEN A COMPLETE OVERHAUL IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, HOW BUDGETS WILL BE FILED, HOW LEGISLATION WILL BE FILED, UM, AND WE'LL GO OVER THAT.
AS COMMUNITIES ARE ASSIGNED, I REMAIN AVAILABLE TO ALL OF YOU AND OUR CONSTITUENTS.
AND MAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BRING US ALL PEACE AND TOGETHERNESS AND JOY AND HAPPINESS TO YOU AND ALL OF OUR FAMILIES.
UH, STATE REPRESENTATIVE SABBE, APPRECIATE THE REPORT.
AND, UH, AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR OUR INTEREST HERE IN, IN MIAMI BEACH AND CONTINUOUS, UH, CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR US.
UM, IT'S A BATTLE, LIKE YOU SAID, ON THE COUNTY STATE LEVEL, BUT I THINK WE DO HAVE GOOD PARTNERS, SO APPRECIATE IT.
RALPH, I BELIEVE WE NEED TO, UH,
[CONSENT AGENDA]
GO, UH, APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.UH, FOR THE RECORD, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN SEPARATED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ SEPARATED C SEVEN AF.
AGAIN, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, C SEVEN AF.
COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ HAS SEPARATED C FOUR D AS IN DOG.
AGAIN, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, C FOUR D COMMISSIONER SUAREZ HAS SEPARATED TWO ITEMS, C SEVEN M AS IN MARY, C SEVEN Z AS IN ZEBRA.
SO AGAIN, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, C SEVEN MC SEVEN Z.
ALSO, THE MAYOR HAS NOT APPROVED THE ADDENDUM ITEMS. THOSE WILL BE HEARD AFTER 5:00 PM UH, SO IF I COULD HAVE A MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA, EXCLUDING THE, THE, UH, ADDENDUM ITEMS AND EXCLUDING THE CONSENT, THE SEPARATED ITEMS, I'LL MOVE THE AGENDA.
ALL IN FAVOR OF THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS IS AYE, AS OF SEVEN ZERO.
IN THE SPIRIT OF PROMOTING OUR CITY AS A HEALTHY AND FITNESS CITY, AND WE'RE CONTINUING ON THAT TREND, I'M GONNA CALL ITEM R NINE.
[R9 AC DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION: DEVELOP AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A PADEL FACILITY ON ONE OF THE SURFACE LOTS ABUTTING LINCOLN LANE.]
AC.RFP FOR CO CONSTRUCTION OPERATION OF PODELL FACILITY ON LINCOLN LANE.
IT IS, UH, MAGAZINE AND SUAREZ, RAR NINE AC COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
UH, I'M NOT SURE IF THERE'S BEEN AN ITEM I'VE BEEN MORE EXCITED ABOUT TO,
[00:45:01]
UH, PRESENT TO MY COLLEAGUES INTO THE COMMUNITY.AND I'M NOT SURE IF, UH, IN THE PAST FEW YEARS SINCE I'VE BEEN INVOLVED, WE'VE SEEN MORE OUTREACH TO US FOR AN ITEM IN SUPPORT OF SOMETHING.
UH, MY IDEA HERE, AND PJ, FEEL FREE WHENEVER YOU'RE ABLE TO, UH, PIGGYBACKING ON MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, UH, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ'S POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS, BUT JUST WANT TO RUN THROUGH SOME THINGS.
UM, THE GOAL HERE IS ESSENTIALLY TO ISSUE AN RFP, UH, AN RFP FOR THE LINCOLN LANE LOT, LOT P 27, THAT WOULD ESSENTIALLY TRANSFORM A CITY SURFACE PARKING LOT INTO A PREMIER PADDLE FACILITY.
UH, AS A BIT OF BACKGROUND, PADDLE IS NOW THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.
IT HAS JUST TAKEN OFF LAKE FIRE.
UH, IT IS LARGELY POPULAR SOUTH AMERICA IN EUROPE.
IT'S THE SECOND MOST POPULAR SPORT IN SPAIN.
OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE PLAYED IN ARGENTINA.
AND IT IS TAKING, UH, OUR TOWN BY FIRE.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT IS STAYING IN 2032.
PIEL IS LOOKING TO BE AN OLYMPIC SPORT, WHICH WILL EVEN INCREASE ITS APPEAL.
AND ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I'M LOOKING TO BRING THIS TO LINCOLN ROAD IS, UH, THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND THE CATALYST TO BRING PEOPLE, EVENTS, LIVELIHOOD, VIBRANCY BACK TO OUR CITY.
THE ONLY, THE ONLY DOWNFALL OR CAVEAT THAT I WAS ABLE TO ESSENTIALLY, UH, COME UP WITH IN ANALYZING THIS, TALKING TO OUR STAFF AND TALKING TO OUR COLLEAGUES IS THE PARKING THAT WE WOULD GIVE UP.
HOWEVER, UH, AFTER A VERY, VERY COMPREHENSIVE, UH, ANALYSIS, I BELIEVE THAT THERE'S ALREADY AMPLE PARKING IN THE AREA THAT WE'RE GOING TO OUTLINE.
AND WE'VE ALSO, UH, GOTTEN CONFIRMATION THAT WAS SENT TO ALL OF US BY THE PROPERTY OWNER OF A BUILDING RIGHT NEXT DOOR, UH, THAT WOULD ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS OR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CITY TO PROVIDE THE RELIEF OF ANY PARKING.
SO MAYBE IF WE COULD JUST GO THROUGH THE PRESENTATION, BUT I WANTED THIS TO BE INTERACTIVE FOR ANYBODY THAT HASN'T BEEN FOLLOWING ALONG THE LIFESTYLE AND THE BRAND THAT THIS BRINGS TO AREAS, UH, JUST, UM, PJ WE'LL GO NEXT.
UH, THE ACTIVATION IS EXACTLY IN LINE WITH WHERE WE'RE GOING WITH, UH, BLUE CITIES WITH OUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVE.
AND THIS IS A SPORT THAT REALLY, REALLY THREADS THE NEEDLE BEHIND NOT JUST HEALTH AND WELLNESS, BUT THE SOCIAL ASPECT AS WELL.
IN FACT, OVER 40% OF ALL ACTIVE PIEL PLAYERS ARE ACTUALLY FEMALE COMPARED TO ONLY 15% FOR TENNIS.
UH, SO THINK, UH, WHEN YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WHAT THIS SPORT IS, IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR, HAVEN'T BEEN FOLLOWING ALONG, IT'S ESSENTIALLY, IT COMBINES THE FINESSE OF TENNIS WITH THE ENCLOSED COURT OF SQUASH.
AND WHY THINK THIS IS SO APPEALING TO LINCOLN ROAD IS BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING.
THIS HAS, THIS TURNS INTO A VERY SOCIAL ASPECT.
IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THESE FACILITIES, UH, THEIR CITY OF MIAMI HAS GIVEN A, UH, GROUND LEASE, UH, OF ONE OF THEIR PREEMINENT PIECES OF PROPERTY OUT BY THE MIAMI SEAPLANE, RIGHT BY THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, UH, TO HAVE ONE OF THESE FACILITIES.
AND IT IS JUST WILDLY POPULAR, THE TYPES OF EVENTS THEY'RE ABLE TO HAVE THERE.
THIS PAST WEEKEND, CELSIUS ENERGY DRINK, UH, SPONSORED, UH, HUGE EVENTS THAT JUST ATTRACTED SUCH A GREAT CROWD.
IT, IT IS FREQUENTED BY THE LIKES OF DEREK JETER, DAVID BECKHAM, UH, PEOPLE THAT ARE JUST, UH, EPITOMIZED MIAMI AND THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FACILITY AS WELL.
UM, IT'S A GAME THAT REALLY, REALLY FACILITATES TEAMWORK.
UH, AND THE LEARNING CURVE IS NOT NEARLY AS STEEP AS A GAME LIKE TENNIS.
IT'S MUCH MORE FORGIVING AFTER, UH, GETTING OUT THERE FOR A HALF HOUR.
UM, I'M JUST STARTING TO PLAY MYSELF.
UH, YOU'RE ABLE TO PICK IT UP.
MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER'S TAKING LESSONS AND SHE'S GOTTEN INTO IT AND IS FREQUENTED BY OLD PEOPLE AGAIN, OF ALL GENDERS.
SO REALLY IT PROVIDES A VERY, VERY EASY AND APPROACHABLE, UH, FACILITY AND AMENITY FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND TA ALIKE.
AND, YOU KNOW, AS I VIEW THINGS, A SURFACE PARKING LOT IS AMONGST THE LEAST PROGRESSIVE LAND USES, UH, THAT WE CAN HAVE.
UM, HOWEVER, WE'RE NOT ABANDONING THAT ENTIRELY.
WE HAVE AMPLE AMOUNTS OF THAT.
WE'RE GOING TO MAINTAIN SURFACE PARKING LOTS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF LINCOLN ROAD.
WE'RE GOING TO MAINTAIN A SURFACE PARKING LOT ON, UH, BEHIND THE APPLE STORE AS WELL.
THIS IS JUST TAKING ONE OF THOSE FACILITIES AND CONVERTING IT INTO SOMETHING THAT IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS AMENITY FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
IT'S AN ACTIVATION ON LINCOLN ROAD THAT'S GOING TO, UH, STIMULATE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, DIVERSIFYING AWAY FROM WHAT HAS JUST REALLY LARGELY BEEN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT IN RETAIL.
UH, WE CAN ONLY HAVE SO MANY RESTAURANTS.
WE CAN ONLY HAVE SO MUCH RETAIL.
WE NEED ACTIVATIONS THAT ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO BE A DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE TO COME TO LINCOLN ROAD, AND THEN THEY'RE GOING TO FREQUENT THINGS.
I GOT A CALL YESTERDAY FROM A GENTLEMAN THAT INITIALLY WAS THE ONLY PERSON WE RECEIVED FEEDBACK FROM THAT WAS HESITANT.
UM, AND HE SAID, YOU KNOW, WE REALLY NEED TO HELP OUR SMALL BUSINESSES THERE.
AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THAT IS INTENDED TO DO.
[00:50:01]
A STORE LIKE BOOKS AND BOOKS, RIGHT? WHEN TOURISTS COME HERE, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT BOOKS AND BOOKS ARE WHO FREQUENTED, UH, CAFE LAKE BOOKS AND BOOKS.IT'S THE RESIDENTS, IT'S OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THIS IS EXACTLY THAT TYPE OF SMALL MOM AND POP BUSINESS.
THAT BRINGING PADDLE FACILITY TO LINCOLN ROAD.
WE'LL BE ABLE TO HELP BECAUSE AFTER, UH, GROUPS OF 8, 10, 12 PEOPLE PLAY AN HOUR ON A SUNDAY, THEN THEY WALK A BLOCK AWAY AND GO HAVE CAFES AT OUR SMALL MOM AND POP BUSINESSES.
SO THE INTENT OF THIS, I COULD HAVE CHOSEN ANYWHERE IN THE CITY TO PUT THIS OR TO OFFER A PROPOSAL, BUT LINCOLN ROAD IS THE ECONOMIC BACKBONE OF OUR CITY, AND THIS WILL BE THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR LINCOLN ROAD THAT I'VE SEEN.
IF WE COULD GO, UH, NEXT, THIS IS JUST LOOKING AT SOME OF THE SIMILAR VENUES NEARBY.
THERE'S ONLY ONE FACILITY BECAUSE OF HOW CONSTRAINED WE ARE, UH, BY LAND IN MIAMI BEACH, UH, THAT'S A NEW FACILITY THAT JUST OPENED IN SUNSET HARBOR, UM, UH, CALLED SUNSET PADDLE.
THAT'S A PRIVATE MEMBERS ONLY FACILITY.
SO IF YOU'RE NOT A MEMBER THERE PAYING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS PER MONTH OR EVEN TENS OF THOUSANDS FOR FOUNDING MEMBERSHIPS, UH, YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO ACCESS THAT AND YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO PLAY THAT.
SO IT'S REALLY A SPORT RIGHT NOW THAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO OUR COMMUNITY IN MIAMI BEACH.
AND ALL THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND PEOPLE THAT I KNOW THAT, UH, BASICALLY HAVE MADE THIS GAME A LIFESTYLE EVERY SINGLE DAY, EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND, HAVE TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF OUR CITY.
UH, IF YOU LOOK OVER TO THE RIGHT AND, UH, TO NOTE, UH, SUNSET PADDLE ALSO HAS A 750 PERSON WAIT LIST, 750 PEOPLE WILLING TO PAY $400 A MONTH, UH, JUST FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLACE.
SO THAT REALLY SPEAKS ON THE DEMAND THAT IS THERE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE PICTURE HERE TO THE RIGHT PICTURE THAT RIGHT OFF OF LINCOLN ROAD, THIS IS AESTHETICALLY BEAUTIFUL.
IT WILL ENHANCE THE APPEAL OF OUR CITY AND CREATE A VIBRANCY AND ENERGY THAT HAS JUST BEEN LACKING FOR WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC DRIVER OF OUR CITY.
THIS WILL RESTORE TO A PLACE WE CAN ALL BE PROUD.
AGAIN, THIS IS, UH, THE PICTURE TO THE RIGHT IS OVER IN THE DESIGN DISTRICT.
CRAIG ROBBINS ACTUALLY JUST GAVE AWAY LAND TO ONE OF THE PREEMINENT OPERATORS OF THIS FACILITY BECAUSE OF WHAT THIS MEANS TO THAT DISTRICT, BECAUSE OF THE CROWD THAT IT GENERATES, THE EVENTS THAT THEY HAVE THERE AND THE BRANDING THAT'S ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
SO JUST GET THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM.
UM, PARKING, UH, WE, WE CAN ANALYZE THIS IF ANYBODY HAS MORE QUESTIONS, BUT WE HAVE SO MUCH PARKING IN THIS IMMEDIATE AREA.
I DON'T THINK THAT WE TRULY APPRECIATE IT WITHIN ONE BLOCK, WITHIN ONE BLOCK OF THE SURFACE PARKING LOT THAT, UH, WE ARE, UH, REFERENCING HERE.
WE HAVE A 1400 SPOT MUNICIPAL GARAGE THAT HAS ABOUT 50% OCCUPANCY, AND THAT'S EVEN DURING PEAK TIMES.
OKAY? RIGHT TO THE EAST OF THAT, THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY.
WE HAVE A 500 PARKING SPOT GARAGE THAT HAS A 25% OCCUPANCY.
THINK ABOUT HOW MANY HUNDREDS AND EVEN THOUSANDS OF PARKING SPOTS THAT SIT EMPTY AND INACTIVATED.
AND WE'RE ABLE TO HAVE AN AMENITY HERE CLOSE BY THAT WILL ACTIVATE A HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACTIVITY FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
ADDITIONALLY, WE ALL RECEIVED AN EMAIL YESTERDAY FROM THE OWNER AND OPERATOR OF AN OFFICE BUILDING THAT IS 20 FEET ADJACENT AND ABUTS THIS SURFACE PARKING LOT.
HE OWNS THE BUILDING AND HE CONVEYED HIS FULL SUPPORT OF THIS BECAUSE OF WHAT THAT WILL MEAN FOR HIS OFFICE TENNIS PJ I'M GONNA GO ONE MORE SLIDE AFTER THAT.
UH, BECAUSE OF WHAT THAT WILL MEAN FOR THE ECONOMIC, UH, VIBRANCY AND ENERGY FOR THE AREA.
HE HAS 700 PARKING SPOTS IN HIS FACILITY, 700 WITH A UTILIZATION THAT IS CONSISTENTLY UNDER 40%.
SO HE PUT, UH, FORWARD GOOD FAITH EFFORTS THAT HE'S HAPPY TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS OR DISCUSSIONS WITH US ABOUT HOW WE CAN RELIEVE ANY AND ALL LOST PARKING THAT WOULD RESULT FROM THIS PJ.
SO ALSO, WE DID, UM, AN RFP FOR LOTS ON LINCOLN LANE THAT THE VOTERS REJECTED SEVERAL YEARS AGO.
AND I JUST WANT TO GET RIGHT OUT IN FRONT ABOUT HOW THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT.
UM, AND I LOOKED AT WHAT'S SOME OF THE PUSHBACK AGAINST THAT WAS, I'D SAY DEVELOPMENT DEAL.
PEOPLE ARE PROFITING OFF OF THIS.
UH, THIS ISN'T FOR OUR COMMUNITY, THIS ISN'T FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
THIS ABSOLUTELY IS NOT A DEVELOPMENT DEAL.
THERE WILL BE MINIMAL, UH, BUILD OUT THAT GOES ON HERE, STRUCTURES THAT WILL NOT BE LONG LASTING, RIGHT? THIS IS A BUILD OUT JUST LIKE A PARK AND REC, UH, FACILITY.
AND WHILE A PRIVATE OPERATOR WILL BE SELECTED THROUGH A VERY PUBLIC RFP PROCESS, IT, THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THIS FACILITY.
THIS IS THE SAME OPERATING MODEL FOR PUBLIC PLACES LIKE NIKKI BEACH, NORTH BEACH, BANDSHELL, BYRON CARLE, OR WHERE THE CITY OWNS RETAIL.
AND WE LEASE IT OUT TO GREAT OPERATORS
[00:55:01]
LIKE YUKON 1 0 5.THIS IS THE EXACT SAME BUSINESS MODEL THAT WE EMPLOY ALL OVER OUR CITY.
THIS ABSOLUTELY IS NOT ANY TYPE OF LAND GIVEAWAY.
THE LEASE TERM FOR THIS DEAL WILL BE UNDER 10 YEARS.
SO THE SELECTED OPERATOR WILL HAVE TO INVEST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BUILDING THE FACILITY OUT WITH THEIR PRIVATE MONEY, OPERATE THE FACILITY, AND IT'S GOING TO BE FOR A TERM OF LESS THAN 10 YEARS.
PREVIOUS PROPOSALS FOR THE RFP THAT WERE REJECTED WERE 99 YEARS BY ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES THAT WAS GIVING THAT LAND AWAY.
THIS IS NOT, THIS IS JUST ESSENTIALLY ENTERING INTO A LEASE WHERE THE CITY WILL RECEIVE RENT PAYMENTS FOR A DURATION OF LESS THAN 10 YEARS.
AND THIS FACILITY WILL NOT FURTHER STRAIN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.
LIKE PEOPLE WERE CONCERNED WITH PUTTING PARKING LOTS RIGHT OFF OF ALREADY CONGESTED 17TH STREET.
THIS WILL BE UTILIZED BY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS THAT ARE ALREADY IN OUR CITY, MANY OF WHOM ALREADY CURRENTLY LIVE ON MIAMI BEACH, ARE VISITING MIAMI BEACH, AND RIGHT NOW LEAVE TO ESSENTIALLY GO PLAY IN OTHER CITIES.
UM, I'M SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS.
UH, I I JUST THINK ABOUT WHEN WE ALL LEAVE ON LUNCH OR LEAVE AFTER THIS, INSTEAD OF WALKING BY MORE CONCRETE, MORE ASPHALT, THINK ABOUT THE PROGRESSIVE NATURE AND THE ENERGY AND VIBRANCY THAT THIS WILL BRING, UH, UH, ALL DAY, ALL WEEKEND ACTIVATION OF PEOPLE OUTLIVING THAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS LIFESTYLE THAT MIAMI BEACH IS LOOKING TO BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH.
AND I THINK THAT WILL REALLY FURTHER THAT AGENDA.
SO, UH, MR. MAYOR, I APPRECIATE YOU AND ALL OF OUR COLLEAGUES, UH, TIME AND THOUGHT GOING INTO THIS.
I'M GONNA TURN IT OVER TO THE GROUP TO DISCUSS.
I SHOULD HAVE REALIZED WHEN COMMISSIONER SUAREZ SIGNED UP AS A CO-SPONSOR, THERE'D BE A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION INVOLVED, SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.
I'M GONNA SIGN UP AS A CO-SPONSOR AS WELL.
COMMISSIONER SUAREZ? YEAH, JUST, I JUST QUICKLY WANNA STATE AS THE FITNESS COMMISSIONER, UH,
I, I THINK, UM, I THINK WHAT A GREAT WAY TO ACTIVATE LINCOLN ROAD.
YOU KNOW, IT, IT, IT IS STRUGGLING AND WHAT A WAY TO BRING PEOPLE FROM, YOU KNOW, ALL OVER THE COUNTY TO, TO THIS SPOT AND TO NEXT TO LINCOLN ROAD, WHICH, WHICH, WHICH COULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM, UM, FROM THIS FACILITY.
UM, SO THANK YOU AND THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT PARKING ANALYSIS.
THE FACT THAT WE'RE UNDER 50% ON MOST OF THESE GARAGES JUST SHOWS THAT WE HAVE PLENTY OF PARKING AND, UH, THE, THE SURFACE LOT IS REALLY NOT A GOOD USE OF, OF PUBLIC SPACES.
AND THE MORE WE CAN REALLY ACTIVATE LINCOLN ROAD WITH SUCH A SPACE IS SUCH A GREAT AND UNIQUE IDEA.
SO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS.
THAT'S WHY I BECAME A CO-SPONSOR.
AND SO YOU HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT.
THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR AND THANK YOU COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
I THINK THIS IS VERY EXCITING.
IT BRINGS, UH, BRINGS GREAT ENERGY, UH, TO AN AREA OF OUR CITY, UH, THAT I THINK WILL BE VERY ORGANICALLY GENERATED.
UH, AND, UH, AND I, AND I SENSE THE, THE EXCITEMENT IN OUR, IN OUR COMMUNITY, THE MOTION TODAY IS TO ASK THE ADMINISTRATION TO DEVELOP AN RFP AND THEN HAVE THAT R-F-P-R-F-P UH, LANGUAGE COME BACK TO THE CITY COMMISSION.
AND, AND THE GOAL IS TO BRING THAT BACK FOR OUR SECOND MEETING IN FEBRUARY.
ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SUGGEST IS THAT, UM, YOU KNOW, I, I THINK, UH, THE, UH, PRIVATE PADDLE CLUB, UH, THAT IS, UH, IN SUNSET HARBOR, I THINK THEIR MEMBERSHIPS, UH, I'VE HEARD ARE LIKE $350.
I, I HEARD SOMEONE ELSE MENTION $700.
UM, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE, WE, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS WE CAN TO THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF AFFORDABILITY IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THAT THE RFP LANGUAGE TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION MAKING SURE THAT RESIDENTS ARE OF ALL MEANS IN OUR COMMUNITY, HAVE THE ABILITY TO ACCESS, UH, THIS, UH, THIS FACILITY.
UM, AND THE, AND THE OTHER THING I WOULD JUST, UM, MENTION, THERE'S ALSO, UM, YOU KNOW, I THINK IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO GIVE THE MARKET SOME FLEXIBILITY.
UM, I THINK P 27 IS GREAT, UH, BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT THERE IN THE HEART OF LINCOLN ROAD.
IT IS THERE IN THE, IN, IN THE BEATING HEART, IN THE, IN THE CENTER OF IT.
UH, THERE'S ALSO P 26 THAT IS ALSO VERY UNDER UTILIZED.
I THINK THAT THAT HAS A UTILIZATION RATE, UH, BETWEEN 50 TO 69%.
UM, MAYBE, YOU KNOW, GIVE THE MARKET TWO OPTIONS.
ASK THE MARKET, HEY, DO YOU WANT TO DO P 27? OR DO YOU WANT TO DO P 26? UH, SO THAT THEY CAN, YOU KNOW, GRAVITATE TO WHERE THEY FEEL, UH, IT COULD WORK BEST.
[01:00:01]
MS. VICE MAYOR? UH, IF, IF I COULD IN RESPONSE, UH, ONE, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ON THE FIRST POINT.SO, UM, SOME OF THE OTHER OPERATORS, THIS WILL BE AN OPEN RFP.
AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WOULD LOOK, UH, WHEN EVALUATING IS THE PUBLIC BENEFIT AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY MM-HMM
THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL OPERATOR IS ABLE TO USE.
I KNOW, UH, THE OPERATOR FOR THE, UH, SPACE OVER ON THE CITY OF MIAMI LAND, UH, THEY DO HAVE A OPEN STYLE OF PLAY, UH, THAT'S AVAILABLE.
THEY DO HAVE, UH, A MEMBERSHIP TYPE WHERE IT GIVES YOU MAYBE FIRST ACCESS TO SOME OF THE PEAK TIMES, BUT YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO PLAY.
SO I THINK, UH, A BUSINESS MODEL LIKE THAT WOULD BE REALLY CONDUCIVE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
AND OF COURSE, WE WOULD LOOK, UH, I WOULD HOPE TO SEE, UH, RESPONSES FROM OPERATORS SUCH AS KIDS CLINICS, UH, FACILITIES DURING NON-PEAK TIMES FOR, UH, THE OLDER COMMUNITY FOR PEOPLE OF LESSER MEANS.
SO, UH, JUST LIKE YOU SAID WITH, UH, UH, ITEM NUMBER TWO, GIVING SOME FLEXIBILITY, UH, CERTAINLY I, I, AND I THINK ALL OF US WOULD LOOK TO SEE THE PUBLIC BENEFITS, UH, MOST NOTABLY ACCESSIBILITY THAT THE OPERATORS WOULD, UH, ESSENTIALLY SEEK AND RETURN.
AND, UH, FOR YOUR SECOND POINT, I, I TOTALLY AGREE.
I DON'T WANT TO, UH, PAINT, UH, US OR ANY OPERATOR INTO A CORNER.
SO IF SOMEBODY WANTED TO SUBMIT A RFP PROPOSAL TO SEE WHAT P 26 WOULD LOOK LIKE, I, I'D BE HAPPY TO, UH, OPEN IT UP TO THOSE TWO FACILITIES.
AND, AND, AND MY LAST POINT, UH, IS, IS GOING TO BE, UH, WE ALL RECEIVED, AS YOU, AS YOU MENTIONED, THE, THE, THE EMAIL I, I ABOUT, UM, THE 400 UNDERUTILIZED PARKING SPACES IN A PRIVATE GARAGE.
UH, AND I THINK, UH, AS WE, AS THIS MOVES FORWARD, HOPEFULLY IN FEBRUARY, WE'LL, WE'LL HAVE A WELL STRUCTURED RFP THAT WE CAN ALL, UH, CONSIDER AND, AND, AND APPROVE.
UM, BUT, BUT AS THAT MOVES FORWARD, YOU KNOW, JUST ENCOURAGE, YOU KNOW, ENGAGE IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS.
SEE, SEE IF THAT, UM, BUILDING OWNER IS WILLING TO MAKE THOSE PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE, UH, YOU KNOW, KIND OF AT THE SAME RATE THAT PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR NOW IN THE, IN THE, UH, IN THE SURFACE LOT.
BECAUSE I THINK YOU ARE SPOT ON TO SOMETHING THAT COULD BE GREAT AS AN ECONOMIC GENERATOR, UH, AND AS A GENERATOR OF OUR BRAND, ENHANCING OUR BRAND AS A HEALTHY COMMUNITY AND AS A DESTINATION FOR, FOR, FOR ACTIVE ACTIVITY.
SO, CONGRATULATIONS, THIS IS GREAT, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CREATIVITY HERE.
I, I ALMOST HEARD, UH, I LOOK FORWARD TO CO-SPONSORING THIS, BUT I, I COULD HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN.
I'LL JOIN C COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ CO.
I'M UNDER, UM, I JUST HAD A FEW, UH, FINANCIAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT PARKING LOT.
FIRST I WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH REVENUE DOES IT GENERATE PER YEAR, BECAUSE I THINK AS PART OF THE RFP, WE HAVE TO RELEASE, RECUPERATE WHAT WE'RE BRINGING IN RIGHT NOW.
SO, AND JOSE, YOU CAN ANSWER, BUT I BELIEVE, UH, UPWARDS OF ABOUT 650 TO $700,000.
SO MY FIRST QUESTION IS, ARE THEY WILLING TO, AT LEAST IF THEY'RE NOT PAYING FOR THE LAND, UM, ARE THEY WILLING TO GIVE US A MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF 650 TO $700,000 PER YEAR BECAUSE OF THE FACT, WHAT, FIRST, WHAT IS THE REVENUE ON 27? AND DO YOU HAVE THE REVENUE FOR 26 TOO? FOR, UM, GOOD MORNING, MR. MAYOR COMMISSIONERS, JOSE GONZALEZ, TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR AND INTERIM PARKING DIRECTOR, UH, FOR P 27, IT'S 718,000 APPROXIMATELY, UH, FOR 2024, 750,000 IN REVENUES.
SO, I MEAN, EVEN, OKAY, LET'S SAY THAT FOR ECONOMIC BENEFITS, WE GAVE UP 50% OF OUR REVENUE, WHICH WELL, GIVING UP 50% OF OUR REVENUE HURT, UM, THE PARKING DEPARTMENT IN ANY WAY, ANY REVENUE LOSS WOULD.
YEAH, I MEAN, I JUST, I WONDER, OKAY, THIS SEVEN 50, I MEAN, IN THIS RFP, WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO DEMAND AT LEAST 50% OF CURRENT REVENUE.
UM, I THINK WE SHOULD DEMAND A HUNDRED PERCENT OF WHAT WE'RE BRINGING IN RIGHT NOW.
UM, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROJECTED REVENUE IS ON THAT, BUT WE DON'T WANNA GO INTO A REVENUE DEFICIT, ESPECIALLY SINCE IF THERE'S NO UPFRONT PAYMENT, SO BASED ON THE SEVEN 50, I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU GUYS FEEL ABOUT THIS, THAT WOULD BE A RENT OF ABOUT $62,000 PER MONTH.
I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S VIABLE OR NOT, BUT I THINK THAT THAT'S WHAT THAT'S WORTH.
UM, I WOULD LIKE TO DEMAND THAT WE AT LEAST RECUPERATE OUR REVENUE.
I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT.
WAIT, I HAVE A FEW THINGS THAT I
NUMBER TWO, UM, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, I CERTAINLY WANT A, UM, PUBLIC BENEFIT.
AND NUMBER THREE, I KEEP HEARING, UH, ARGUMENTS THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PARKING IN SOUTH BEACH, ESPECIALLY FROM RESIDENTS, BUT THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYTHING IS SUPPOSEDLY LIKE UNDERUTILIZED.
SO ARE THESE LOTS UNDERUTILIZED? BECAUSE THAT IS A KEY LOT, JOSE, AND I'M JUST TRYING
[01:05:01]
TO UNDERSTAND THAT.I WOULD LIKE TO ALSO, AND YOU'RE GONNA TELL ME FOR THIS, BUT BETWEEN NOW AND THE TIME THAT IT COMES UP IN FEBRUARY, I WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME, AT LEAST ONE COMMUNITY OUTREACH, ESPECIALLY FOR THE BUSINESSES LIKE SAM DONALDSON AND THESE OTHER, I MEAN, EVERYONE GETS THEIR HAIR DONE THERE.
IF I SAW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GUY AT THE, TO THE OWNER OF SUSHI BEACHY WHEN WE TOOK AWAY THE MUNICIPAL PARKING, LIKE, LIKE DESPERATION.
SO IN THE SPIRIT OF, UH, SUPPORTING BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOR DECADES, NUMBER ONE, I THINK THAT, AND I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS, BUT YOU HAVE TO LET THE BUSINESSES KNOW, NUMBER TWO, RECUPERATE SOME PORTION OF OUR REVENUE.
AND MAYBE YOU SIT DOWN WITH THEM AND HAVE A CONVERSATION, UM, ABOUT THIS.
AND NUMBER THREE, A SUPER PUBLIC BENEFIT.
AND I'M NOT TRYING TO BE A NEGATIVE NELLY.
I'M JUST TRYING TO, UH, PROTECT, UM, YOU KNOW, WHAT, BE A STEWARD OF THE FIDUCIARY.
I UNDERSTAND THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS ARE NOT ALWAYS IN DOLLARS, RIGHT? UM, BUT I DO THINK THAT THIS FACILITY IS GONNA GENERATE, UM, IT'S GOING TO, DID YOU HAVE PROJECTED REVENUE FOR THE FACILITY? HAVE THEY SHOWED YOU? AND OH, AS PART OF THIS, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THE PROJECTED REVENUE IS OF A CURRENT PADEL FACILITY THAT THE COMPANY OWNS.
SIMILARLY, BECAUSE WE SHOULD PROBABLY HAVE SOME SORT OF PERCENTAGE OF THE, EITHER, EITHER WE ENTER INTO A PARTNERSHIP 50 50 'CAUSE THEY'RE GETTING THIS LAND, OR WE AT LEAST RECUPERATE OUR REVENUE, ONE OF THE TWO.
SO LET'S DO THIS, BUT LET'S DO IT IN A WAY THAT'S FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE IN, IN, IN MY OPINION.
MR. MR. MAYOR, IF I COULD, COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE AND COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
AND I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.
UH, THE ONE THING I WILL NOTE IS THERE'S NOT A THEY YET, RIGHT? SO THIS WILL BE A PUBLIC RFP PROCESS.
I'VE JUST HIGHLIGHTED SOME OPERATORS, BUT I HAVEN'T HAD ANY SUBSTANTIAL TALKS WITH ANYBODY SAYING EXACTLY WHAT THAT BUSINESS MODEL WILL LOOK LIKE.
SO, UH, WITHOUT PAINTING OURSELVES INTO A CORNER, UM, YOU KNOW, THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF THE OPEN RFP PROCESS IS WE CAN LOOK AT WHAT THE BEST MIX OF PUBLIC BENEFITS, THE REVENUE THAT WE'RE RECEIVING BACK INTO OUR CITY, WHAT THAT ACTIVATION WOULD LOOK LIKE.
UM, BUT OF COURSE, IS SOMEBODY THAT IS VERY, UH, FISCALLY CONSCIOUS.
UH, I, I DO WANT TO SEE, UH, SOME SORT OF RETURN ON, UM, LEASING AWAY THIS, UH, PRIME SPACE, UH, WHAT THAT NUMBER IS.
I THINK WE LEAVE IT FOR THE MARKET.
AND LISTEN, IF, UH, WE HAVE FOUR OPERATORS THAT COME BACK AND SAY, NO, WE ACTUALLY NEED YOU TO PAY ME.
UH, I'M NOT SO DOGMATIC TO SAY, WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT? WE NEED TO DO THIS COME HELL OR HIGH WATER.
UH, WE COULD EVALUATE THAT WHEN WE ACTUALLY GET THE TERMS BACK.
UM, BUT I THINK, UH, WE OPEN THIS UP TO SEE ESSENTIALLY, UH, WHAT THAT HEALTHY MIX OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS, REVENUE THAT WE'RE RECEIVING AND THE ECONOMIC, UH, BOON THAT THIS WOULD BE THE LINCOLN ROAD WILL LOOK LIKE.
UM, I, I THINK WHAT I THINK THE, WHAT'S BEING LOST HERE IS THE FACT THAT WE HAVE UNDERUTILIZED PARKING LOTS.
COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ, UM, THEY'RE UNDERUTILIZED UNDER 50%.
SO IF THEY'RE NOT GONNA PARK IN THE SURFACE PARKING LOT, THEY'RE GONNA PARK IN THE GARAGES, WHICH HAVE PLENTY OF AVAILABLE PARKING.
AND SO THAT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT THE SPACE, THE SURFACE LOT, IT'S NOT A GOOD USE OF, OF TAXPAYER, UH, RIGHT OF WAY OR PROPERTY, UH, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAN BE ACTIVATED TO BRING SUCH A, A, A UNIQUE, UH, CROWD, UH, TO, TO LINCOLN ROAD.
SO I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY, ANY ECONOMIC, ECONOMIC IMPACT.
UM, THE FACT THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE, THEY CAN EITHER PARK IN THE LOT OR THE GARAGE.
IF THE LOT IS GONNA BE A PADDLE COURT, THEY'LL NATURALLY GO INTO THE GARAGE, WHICH HAS PLENTY OF AVAILABLE PARKING.
SO, I, I, I DON'T SEE ANY SORT OF, UM, ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THAT.
AND, AND LOOK, I, I THINK ALSO COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE SAID, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T WANT TO PAINT OURSELVES IN A PICTURE.
I THINK THAT'S WHY WE HAVE AN RFP PROCESS.
THE RFP PROCESS IS GOING TO, UH, LET US SEE WHAT THE BEST QUALIFIED, UM, PLAN IS FOR, FOR THE CITY.
UH, AND IF THEY'RE, YOU KNOW, WE GET TO DECIDE THAT.
SO I THINK THIS IS, UH, AGAIN, AN EXCELLENT IDEA.
AND I, I DON'T, CERTAINLY DON'T SEE AN ECONOMIC IMPACT CONSIDERING WE HAVE SO MUCH UNDERUTILIZED PARKING GARAGES.
I'M GONNA HAVE COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ SPEAK AND THEN CALL TO VOTE.
UH, SO I REALLY LIKE THIS IDEA.
I THINK IT'S A POSITIVE STEP FOR LINCOLN ROAD.
I TOO WORRY ABOUT, UH, THE LOSS OF PARKING.
[01:10:01]
LOT IN PARTICULAR THAT'S BEING MENTIONED, MAYBE UNDERUTILIZED, UM, IT IS UTILIZED QUITE A BIT.I MEAN, PEOPLE GO TO THE DENTIST, GET THEIR HAIR DONE, GO SHOPPING, GRAB LUNCH, UH, THERE'S AN OFFICE BUILDING ON MICHIGAN.
SO WHILE THERE IS A GARAGE A COUPLE BLOCKS UP, IT'S HOT, IT'S HUMID HERE, IT RAINS.
AND SO IT, IT CHANGES THINGS FOR THE RESIDENTS.
UM, BUT I AM VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE RFP AND TALKING THROUGH THIS FURTHER AND GETTING SOMETHING DONE TO HELP REVITALIZE THAT AREA.
I HAVE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SUAREZ ON R NINE AC.
ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY, AYE.
JUST, JUST A QUESTION, JUST A QUESTION ON THAT.
WELL, I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE THAT IT INCLUDES THAT THE RFP INCLUDES, UH, YOU KNOW, THE OPTION OF THE TWO LOTS, THE ISSUE ON, ON AFFORDABILITY, UM, AND I THINK THERE WAS A THIRD THING I HAD MENTIONED.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCESSIBILITY, RIGHT? THE, THE, THE ACCESSIBILITY.
SO I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE THAT STAFF HAS, HAS THAT IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE ARC.
YOU MENTION ROSE GONZALEZ, AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WHOEVER IS BIDDING FOR THIS IS GOING TO REPLACE THE REVENUE.
LET'S SAY, YOU KNOW, AT LEAST GET IT TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.
IF THE REVENUE'S 750,000, THAT SHOULD BE LIKE A MINIMUM, SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM BID ON THIS, WHICH IS A LITTLE OVER, IT'S A COUPLE THOUSAND, YOU KNOW, A $1,500 A DAY, 1750, I MEAN, LIKE FOR IN ORDER, I MEAN THAT LOT RIGHT THERE.
HOW MANY SPACES IS IN IT? WELL, IF I COULD, COMMISSIONER, WAIT, CAN I, CAN I JUST, I'M ASKING THIS QUESTION.
WE JUST REALIZED THAT EVERY PARKING SPACE IS COST COSTING US $55,000, RIGHT? SO HOW MANY SPACES ARE IN THAT LOT? 150 SPACES.
SO IT'S WORTH, SO JUST THOSE PARKING SPACES ALONE ARE WORTH $8,250,000.
AND THE LAND VALUE ON THE LOT, DO WE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THAT IS? DOES IT MATTER? I WE'RE JUST LEASING THIS.
WE DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER AS WE'RE SITTING HERE TODAY.
UM, CERTAINLY SOMETHING WE COULD TAKE A LOOK AT.
BUT ULTIMATELY, THIS IS REALLY A, IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, AS A SHORT TERM LEASE.
UM, WHILE WE'RE EVALUATING WHAT WE MIGHT WANT TO DO WITH THESE LOTS LONG TERM, BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE, WOULD YOU CONSIDER A FIVE YEAR OPTION IN THIS RFP? JUST TO SEE HOW IT GOES.
SO IT'S NOT THAT I WOULD NOT CONSIDER IT, BUT WHERE YOU GET INTO ISSUES THERE IS PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE VERY HESITANT TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT.
SO THE PRIVATE OPERATOR IS GOING TO HAVE TO INVEST MILLIONS, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THIS, AND TO TRY AND RECOVER THAT.
ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE NOT MAXIMIZING THEIR REVENUE THROUGH $500 A MONTH MEMBERSHIPS, THEY'RE GONNA BE VERY HESITANT FROM A, A BUSINESS STANDPOINT TO ESSENTIALLY, UM, MAKE THAT INVESTMENT.
SO ONE OF THE THINGS, I DIDN'T SEEK OUT THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE HERE, RIGHT, IN TERMS OF MAXIMIZING REVENUE.
IF WE WANTED TO DO THAT, WE COULD SELL THIS FOR AN OFFICE OR FOR, YOU KNOW, HOUSING OR FOR LUXURY HOUSING.
BUT THIS IS A COMMUNITY AMENITY.
AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU'RE PROVIDING THOSE, IT'S FOR THE ANCILLARY AND SECONDARY BENEFITS, AND IT'S NOT LOOKING TO ACHIEVE THAT HIGHEST AND BEST USE.
SO WHILE, YES, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE REPLACE SOME OF THAT REVENUE FOR PARKING ONE, NOT ALL THAT REVENUE WILL BE LOST BECAUSE IT'LL BE SIMPLY SHIFTED INTO OTHER LOTS WHERE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO PARK, RIGHT? IT'S NOT AS IF OUR OVERALL PARKING REVENUE IS GOING TO DROP BY THIS AMOUNT.
IT'LL JUST BE SHIFTED TO ANOTHER LOT OR TO ANOTHER FACILITY.
AND SECONDLY, PART OF THIS IS NOT SEEKING THE HIGHEST AND BEST REVENUE USE, IT'S REALLY DOING WHAT'S BEST IN PROVIDING AMENITY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
SO I WOULD SAY THAT AS PART OF THE BID, THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE SHOULD BE REPLACEMENT OF REVENUE.
AND THEN THERE SHOULD BE ABOVE AND BEYOND IF PEOPLE WANT SOME SORT OF PERCENTAGE RENT WITH A CAP ON IT.
I UNDERSTAND THE, THE ECONOMICS BEHIND IT, BUT I THINK THEY REALLY NEED LIKE, SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AS TO, UM, WHAT WE'RE GONNA DO WITH THAT LAND.
JUST BECAUSE IT'S IT'S BIG PARKING LOT
YEAH, I, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT, I DON'T ALWAYS USE ALL OF OUR SURFACE PARKING LOTS, BUT I KNOW THAT AS A RESIDENT, I DO USE THAT ONE VERY OFTEN.
SO I, I DO KNOW THAT IT'S, THIS IS BA I'M GONNA VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS.
I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, IF WE DO, WE REALIZE THAT IT REALLY ISN'T ABOUT THE REVENUE, IT'S REALLY ABOUT THE FACILITY OF BEING ABLE TO PULL UP.
UM, COULD I GO FOR SUGGESTION? ESPECIALLY LIKE HARRY'S PIZZA, I WORRY ABOUT MCDONALD'S AND PEOPLE GETTING THEIR HAIR.
JUST YOU SAW WHAT HAPPENED TO SUSHI, BEACHY AND I WE'RE HERE, WE'RE GONNA DO THIS AGAIN.
I JUST WISH THERE'S, IS THERE ANY OTHER LOT ON LINCOLN ROAD? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.
THAT YOU COULD EXPLORE WHY THERE'S ONE, LET'S, WHY WE LET EITHER IN FAVOR OR,
[01:15:01]
OR NOT.AND I WAS JUST GONNA SUGGEST MAYBE ASK THE ADMINISTRATION JUST TO, AS PART OF THE DRAFT, YOU KNOW, COME UP WITH A MINIMUM AMOUNT GUARANTEE, BUT FOR THEM TO BE PROFESSIONALLY DRIVEN, BECAUSE WE'RE NOT GONNA LOSE ALL OF THE REVENUE.
THE CARS THAT PARK ON THE LOT, THEY WILL GO INTO A GARAGE, SO THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE A LOSS OF REVENUE.
SO, YOU KNOW, WITH ALL OF THESE RFPS AND THESE TYPES OF USES, THERE USUALLY IS, ANYWAYS, A MINIMUM AMOUNT GUARANTEE THAT'S, THAT'S RECOMMENDED.
AND PERHAPS AS PART OF WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION COULD, COULD COME BACK WITH, YOU KNOW, AND SOMETHING THAT'S STUDIED AND PROFESSIONALLY RECOMMENDED RATHER THAN US DICTATING IT FROM THE DA.
JUST OFFERED THAT RECOMMENDATION.
ANY OPPOSED? A MOTION CARRIES SEVEN ZERO R NINE AC R
[R7 H A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE DESIGN FOR THE 41ST STREET CORRIDOR REVITALIZATION PROJECT, INCLUDING CERTAIN ADDITIONAL SCOPE ITEMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMUNITY, DESIGN REVIEW BOARD, AND THE MAYOR‘S 41ST STREET BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE, SUBJECT TO FUNDING BEING APPROPRIATED IN FISCAL YEAR 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET PROCESS.]
SEVEN H.RR SEVEN H IS PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR 41ST STREET QUARTER REVIT REVITALIZATION.
SO I'M GONNA CALL THE, UH, CITY ADMINISTRATION, DAVID GOMEZ.
WE HAVE TWO MAJOR GEO BOND PROJECTS ON THE AGENDA TODAY.
WE HAVE THE COMMUNITY CENTER AQUATIC CENTER, UH, FOR NORTH BEACH AT TWO O'CLOCK TIME CERTAIN, WE'RE GONNA DISCUSS THE 41ST STREET, UH, ITEM.
IF MY COLLEAGUES CAN, UH, CAN, CAN, UH, LISTEN.
SO THERE, THERE'S A COUPLE OF ITEMS HERE AS HOPEFULLY WE'LL APPROVE THIS TODAY.
UM, JUST TO GIVE YOU RIGHT AT THE OUTSET, BEFORE YOU EVEN GO, DAVID, WHERE I STAND, ONE IS THAT THERE'S, UH, IT, THERE'S A COST TO IT, BUT IT, IMPLEMENTING C-C-T-V-L-P-R READERS, LICENSE PLATE READERS, UH, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THAT.
UH, I THINK WHENEVER WE CAN, UH, ADD SAFETY, ESPECIALLY AT THE OUTSET, WHICH WILL SAVE COSTS IN THE LONG RUN, WE SHOULD DO IT.
THE OTHER ONE IS, THERE'S A SUGGESTION TO DO UPLIGHTS, WHICH I'M SUPPORTIVE OF, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF LOSING THE WRAP TREE LIGHTING.
BEFORE I WAS COMMISSIONER ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO, I HEARD LITERALLY FOR 10 YEARS, A DECADE HOW PEOPLE, RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES WANTED THE PALM TREE LIT.
AND WE'VE DONE IT IN OTHER PARTS OF OUR CITY.
IT WAS THE FIRST FIRST ITEM I BROUGHT AS COMMISSIONER.
IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED AS CO-SPONSORED BY ALL MY COLLEAGUES AT THE TIME.
UM, IT'S STILL HUGE SUCCESS AND WE'VE ADDED, WE'VE DONE IT IN OTHER PARTS OF OUR CITY.
SO I, I AM STRONGLY, UH, SUGGESTING THAT WE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE WRAP TREE LIGHTING AS WELL.
AND WE'RE GONNA VOTE ON YOUR, UH, LATER TO BE THE DIRECTOR OF, UH, CIP.
GOOD MORNING, MR. MAYOR COMMISSIONERS.
DAVID GOMEZ, INTERIM DIRECTOR FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.
UM, WE COME BEFORE YOU TODAY SEEKING DIRECTION ON SOME ADDITIONAL SCOPE ITEMS FOR THE 41ST STREET PROJECT.
UH, AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN TO SEVERAL OF THE COMMUNITY GROUPS, INCLUDING THE BID AND THE MAYOR'S BLUE RIBBON PANEL FOR 41ST STREET.
WE DID GO TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD FOR THEIR ADVISORY REVIEW, AND THE GROUPS DID MAKE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE PROJECT.
THESE SUGGESTIONS, UH, WHILE WE'RE MEETING MOST OF THEIR SUGGESTIONS, THESE THREE IN PARTICULAR ARE OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE, OF THE ORIGINAL PROJECT, AND WE NEEDED DIRECTION ON THOSE.
WE ARE NOT SEEKING ADDITIONAL BUDGET AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE WE COULD MANAGE THAT THROUGH THE BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 26.
UH, BUT IT IS THE THREE ITEMS THAT WERE MENTIONED.
IT IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRING LIGHTING ON THE PALM TREES WITH, UH, LANDSCAPE LIGHTING ON EVERY OTHER TREE.
IT IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LICENSE PLATE READERS ALONG THE CORRIDOR.
AND IT IS THE REPLACEMENT OF ACORN FIXTURES THAT WERE RECENTLY, WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS REPLACED BY PUBLIC WORKS.
AND WE FELT THAT THAT COULD BE, UH, A MISUSE OR, OR NOT THE BEST USE OF THE FUNDING IF WE WERE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN NOW.
SO WE COME LOOKING FOR DIRECTION ON THOSE THREE ITEMS. VICE MAYOR BI I'M SORRY, BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER, I, I ADORE MY COLLEAGUES AND I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF, UM, ENTHUSIASM ABOUT A LOT OF DIFFERENT IDEAS.
IT IS REALLY HARD TO HEAR AND TO FOCUS ON WHAT OUR STAFF AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE PRESENTING TO US THAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE VOTING ON WHEN THERE IS SUCH, UM, ROBUST CONVERSATION AT THE DEUS ON, ON DIFFERENT MATTERS.
AND I WOULD RESPECTFULLY ASK, I'M NOT TRYING TO BE ANYBODY'S MOM, BUT I WOULD RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A REALLY ENGAGED CONVERSATION ABOUT WHATEVER ITEM IT IS THAT YOU REMOVE YOURSELF TO A DIFFERENT PART OF THE DAUS OR OUTSIDE, SO THE REST OF US CAN HEAR AND FOCUS ON WHAT'S BEING SAID.
OUR STAFF WORKS WAY TOO HARD, UM, TO NOT GET THE, THE, THE FOCUS AND ATTENTION THAT THEY DESERVE.
AND WE ARE BEING CHALLENGED TO SPEND OUR COLLECTIVE MONEY WISELY.
AND I, I MAKE ENOUGH MISTAKES ON MY OWN.
I DON'T WANNA MAKE A MISTAKE BASED ON THE FACT THAT I DIDN'T HEAR SOMETHING CORRECTLY.
SO FORGIVE ME FOR PLAYING MOM, BUT YOU KNOW, ONCE A MOM, ALWAYS A MOM, WELL, YOU ARE FILLING YOUR ROLE AS VICE MAYOR VERY
[01:20:01]
WELLSO I DIDN'T ATTEND THE RECENT BID MEETING, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT, UH, PALM TREE LIGHTING.
YOU KNOW, THE BEAUTY OF THE PALM TREE IS THE CROWN AT THE TOP.
AND IN MOST PLACES WHAT THEY DO IS THEY UPLIGHT IT.
SO THIS WRAPPING IS REALLY NOT HOW YOU LIKE TREAT, I DON'T CARE IF YOU WANNA KEEP IT AND POSSIBLY UPLIGHT IT, BUT I, I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT IT'S THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
AND IF YOU GO ANY PLACE, I HAVE A PICTURE,
BUT WHAT IT SHOULD REALLY LOOK LIKE ARE, UM, IF YOU'RE GOING TO SPEND THIS MONEY INSTEAD OF WRAPPING THE UNATTRACTIVE PART, I THINK WHAT WE SHOULD DO IS HIGHLIGHT THE BEAUTIFUL CROWN.
AND, UM, IF YOU GO TO VER RODEO DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS, PLACES THAT UNDERSTAND THIS TYPE OF DESIGN, UM, I THINK THAT NUMBER ONE, THE LIGHTING NEEDS TO BE UP LIT.
WE RECENTLY, AND BY THE WAY, IT COULD BE LIT WITH LIGHTS THAT YOU CAN CHANGE COLORS.
YOU COULD MAKE THEM BLUE, YOU COULD MAKE THEM PINK, YOU COULD MAKE THEM, I MEAN, SO NUMBER ONE, I THINK YOU NEED UPLIGHTING, LED, AND YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
I MEAN, IN MY HOUSE, I DIDN'T WRAP THE BASE OF THE TREE.
ILET THE BEAUTIFUL PART SO THAT, YOU KNOW, YOU CAN SEE IT.
NUMBER TWO, UM, IN THINKING A LOT ABOUT 41ST STREET AND THE FACT THAT REALLY IT'S A HIGHWAY, YOU KNOW, PART OF OUR PLAN HAS BEEN TO BEAUTIFY THE SIDEWALKS ON THE STREET.
IT JUST DOESN'T WORK, YOU KNOW, FOR MANY YEARS.
UM, I'LL TELL YOU, UM, MY FAMILY OWNED A, A RESTAURANT ON HARDING AND SURFSIDE CALLED CAFE AZI.
IT'S FAMOUS, IT'S STILL THERE, RIGHT? AND WE TRIED ON 96TH AND HARDING TO PUT TABLES OUTSIDE ON A HIGHWAY.
AND I HAVE TO TELL YOU, NOBODY EVER SAT AT THEM.
SO ANY MONIES THAT WE SPENT SHOULD NOT BE SPENT ON THE HIGHWAY.
I'VE THOUGHT A LOT ABOUT THIS.
AND I ACTUALLY MENTIONED THIS TO THE 41ST STREET COMMITTEE, AND I THINK THAT THEY WERE IN FAVOR OF INSTEAD BEAUTIFYING THE BACK OF, UM, THE STOREFRONTS.
SO YOU HAVE THESE REALLY UNSIGHTLY ALLEYS THAT COULD BE BEAUTIFIED.
SO I WOULD SAY UPLIGHT, THE PALM TREES, UM, FOCUS ON BEAUTIFYING AND CHANGING THE, UM, THE NOT PAVEMENT.
PUT SOME SORT OF BEAUTIFUL MATERIAL, UH, BEHIND SO THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, CAFE AVANTI OR PITA HUT, FOR EXAMPLE, COULD NOW HAVE BEAUTIFUL SIDEWALK CAFES INSTEAD OF BEING ON A HIGHWAY.
SO WE HAVE TO REVERSE THE WAY THAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT 41ST STREET.
AND IF YOU REALLY WANNA DO IT RIGHT, I THINK THAT THESE ARE THE OPTIONS THAT WE SHOULD DO.
UM, BECAUSE I'M TELLING YOU THAT BEAUTIFYING THE HIGHWAY IS NOT, IS NOT THE WAY TO GO OR SPEND THIS MONEY.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS? SO A COUPLE OF COMMENTS.
I'M GLAD YOU MENTIONED BEVERLY HILLS.
I'M ACTUALLY FLYING THERE TONIGHT, TOM SPEAKING AT AN ANTISEMITISM CONFERENCE THERE.
SO I WILL CHECK OUT THE LIGHTS YOU MENTIONED.
'CAUSE I ASKED THE CITY ADMINISTRATION, 'CAUSE I WANTED TO CHECK OUT THESE UPLIGHTS IN PERSON.
I THINK THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE.
UH, THE CLOSEST ONE THOUGH, UH, I'M BEING TOLD THIS IS AROUND THE ORLANDO AREA, SO I WASN'T GONNA MAKE THAT TRIP.
UM, I, I STILL THINK THEY'RE TWO SEPARATE ITEMS. I'M NOT DISAGREEING WITH YOU ON THE, ON THE UPLIGHTING, BUT THE WAY IT WAS PRESENTED TO ME, I IT'S NOT GONNA, AND THE PICTURES THAT I SAW OF THE OTHER AREAS, IT DOES NOT ENCAPSULATE EVERY TREE, UH, PROPERLY.
UH, AND I'M BEING TOLD BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION, YOU CAN ADDRESS IT.
SECONDLY, UM, HARDING ITSELF IS PRETTY MUCH A HIGHWAY, AND THEIR OUTDOOR SEATING THERE IS EXTREMELY ROBUST.
THE RESTAURANTS THERE ARE BOOMING.
I MEAN, YOU TALK ABOUT BOOMING, YOU GO THERE ALMOST ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK, AND YOU CANNOT GET A TABLE IN THOSE RESTAURANTS ON HARDING.
UH, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WE'RE TRYING AND THERE'S A LOT OF OUTDOOR SEATING.
THE, THE, AND I, AND I'LL ADDRESS THIS TO YOU, DAVID.
I'M, I'M THIS, WE HAVE SPENT SEVERAL YEARS IN DESIGN.
IF WE NOW SWITCH TO THE BACK OF THE, I MEAN THIS, THESE TYPES OF COMMENTS AND CHANGES, TELL ME IF I'M WRONG, NEEDED TO BE DONE YEARS AGO, NOT NOW, BECAUSE WE'RE JUST GONNA DELAY THIS.
THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT IS ALONG 41ST STREET, AND IT IS PRIMARILY AN IMPROVEMENT TO THE PEDESTRIAN WALKING AREA AS WELL AS SEATING AREAS.
AND IF WE DO IT IN THE BACK, IT DOESN'T REALLY MEAN YOU MAY HAVE SOME OUTDOOR SEATING.
I, AND I UNDERSTAND THE, THE THINKING, BUT YOU'RE NOT IMPROVING THE PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE ON 41ST, WHICH IS THE, WHICH HAS BEEN THE STATED GOAL OF THIS PROJECT FOR, FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
SO COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ, NUMBER ONE, I SPENT 15 YEARS RUNNING CAFE AZI.
SO THE RESTAURANTS THAT DID HAVE OUTDOOR SEATING THAT WERE ROBUST HAVE RECESSED AREAS.
THE SEATING THAT IS DIRECTLY ON THE STREET, UM, DID NOT WORK.
AND, UM, IT EVER, SO WE COULD DO WHAT WE'RE DOING, BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
SO YOU COULD SPEND THE MONIES THIS WAY, BUT REALLY, IF YOU WANTED TO HELP THE BUSINESSES, WHAT YOU
[01:25:01]
COULD DO INITIALLY IS CHANGE THE SIDEWALKS AND CREATE THE RIGHT KIND OF UPLIGHTING AND THEN MOVE FORWARD.ALL WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS BEAUTIFICATION AND LIGHTING IN THE ALLEYWAYS, UM, WHERE WE HAVE SURFACE LOTS, BUT NOT THE ENTIRE SURFACE LOT, JUST 10 FEET OUT FROM THE BUSINESSES.
I GUARANTEE YOU, YOU WOULD SEE ROASTERS AND TOASTERS, PITA HUT, CAFE, AVANTI, THEY WOULD ALL BEGIN TO HAVE SIDEWALK CAFES AND AN AREA THAT'S NOT GONNA BE FULL OF, UH, TRAFFIC AND GRIME.
AND I THINK THAT IF YOU REALLY WANNA HELP 41ST STREET, THIS IS THE WAY TO TO, TO DO IT.
HOW MANY, HOW MUCH MONEY DO WE HAVE FOR 41ST STREET? THIS IS A $10 MILLION GEO BOND PROJECT THAT, AS A REMINDER, THIS WAS APPROVED THROUGH THE GEO BOND, THE MASTER PLAN, THE ACOM MASTER PLAN, AND THE VISION PLAN BEFORE THAT WAS APPROVED BY COMMISSION MANY YEARS AGO.
I APPRECIATE YOUR DESCRIPTION, AND I THINK THAT'S A GREAT PROJECT, BUT IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT PROJECT THAN WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
AND WE'D BE HAPPY TO LOOK INTO POTENTIALLY CREATING A SEPARATE PROJECT TO DO THAT.
COULD YOU AT LEAST CHANGE THE LIGHTING SO THAT WE UPLIGHT THE CORRECT WAY? JACKIE, I GAVE YOU A SLIDE OF WHAT A PALM TREE UP LIT SHOULD LOOK LIKE.
AND THIS ISN'T EVEN A, A GREAT SLIDE OF IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T, I JUST TOOK IT THIS WEEKEND BECAUSE I THOUGHT, SEE NOW, REALLY, I'M SORRY, JUST QUICK CORRECTION.
THIS IS THE BEAUTIFUL AREA OF A TREE.
SO WHEN YOU, WELL, YOU'RE SAYING, EH, EH, BUT, AND THIS IS NOT THE BEST LIGHTING, BUT ANY PLACE PROFESSIONAL WHERE YOU GO, WHAT YOU WANNA HIGHLIGHT IS THE CROWN OF THE TREE, NOT THE STICK.
UM, AND, AND, AND BY THE WAY, WE COULD HAVE BETTER LIGHTS THAT GO LIKE ALL THE WAY UP, BUT THE POINT IS, IS TO CONTINUE TO WRAP, UM, A STICK.
YOU KNOW WHAT, YOU WRAP MERIDIAN TREES LIKE THAT, THAT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE YOU SEE THE BEAUTIFUL BRANCHES.
BUT TO WRAP THE STICK AND LEAVE THE, LIKE, THAT'S I THINK, HOW PEOPLE IN DESIGN WRAP, UM, A LIGHT TREES.
AND BY THE WAY, UM, IT DOESN'T REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE BECAUSE ONCE YOU PUT THAT LED UM, LIGHT IN THE GROUND, IT'S MUCH LESS MAINTENANCE THAN CONTINUALLY REPLACING THESE, UH, THESE WRAP LIGHTS.
SO, UM, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT AT LEAST IN THE TERMS OF THE LIGHTING PERSPECTIVE, YOU COULD LEAVE THE WRAPS THAT ARE THERE RIGHT NOW AND UPLIGHT THE BEAUTIFUL AREA SO THAT WE KIND OF LOOK LIKE, YOU KNOW, AND THEN, AND THEN LITTLE BY LITTLE AS THE, AS THE THE ONES AROUND THE STICKS BURN OUT, UM, WE CAN REMOVE THEM.
AND BY THE WAY, YOU, YOU, IT WOULD BE TRANSFORMATIVE TO DRIVE DOWN THE STREET AND SEE LIKE ALL OF THEM IN BRIGHT PINK OR ALL OF THEM IN BRIGHT BLUE OR IN, YOU KNOW, ON CHRISTMAS IN RED AND GREEN.
I MEAN, YOU COULD HAVE ALL OF THIS, THE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES FOR THIS.
AND I REALLY THINK THAT IF WE'RE GONNA SPEND THIS MONEY, YOU SHOULD INVEST IN LED UPLIGHTING.
SO, UM, THIS, THIS PROJECT, AS I'M TALKING ABOUT AS A WHOLE IN ITS ENTIRETY, HAS BEEN THROUGH A ROBUST COMMUNITY PROCESS.
THERE WERE NUMEROUS CHARETTES, THERE WERE NUMEROUS MEETINGS, MOST OF WHICH I ATTENDED FROM THE MAYOR'S 41ST STREET COMMITTEE, OBVIOUSLY, UH, PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE, OUR COMMISSION, UM, WE, I I, WE DO NOT HAVE THE, IN MY OPINION, THE ABILITY TO LITERALLY CHANGE IT NOW AND WE DON'T HAVE IT.
THIS, THIS HAS BEEN YEARS IN DESIGN AS TO WHAT IS GONNA TRANSPIRE.
IT ALSO TAKES FDO T'S INPUT BECAUSE IT'S 41ST STREET, IT'S A STATE ROAD, WHICH WE HAVE.
SO WE, TO CHANGE IT ON THE FLY HERE, UM, TO ME IS NOT PRUDENT.
AND NOR DO I THINK WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO IT, NOR DO I WANNA DO IT.
SO I AM, I'M, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THIS PROJECT AS IT IS.
UM, AND BASED ON THE COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THAT WE'VE GOTTEN, UM, I AM, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF THE UPLIGHTING IN, IN GENERAL.
I DON'T AGREE THAT IT SHOULD COME AT THE EXPENSE, BECAUSE THE WAY I AM TOLD, TELL ME IF I'M WRONG, DAVID, THE UPLIGHTING RIGHT NOW AS DESIGNED WOULDN'T BE ON EVERY PALM TREE.
IT WOULD BE STAGGERED, IT WOULD BE EVERY OTHER PALM TREE.
AND IF I COULD CORRECT THE RECORD, I SAID $10 MILLION.
I ACTUALLY, I I, I KNEW THAT WHEN YOU SAID IT, SO THAT'S WHY I DIDN'T, UH, I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING.
HERE'S, HERE'S WHAT I WOULD SAY.
WE ARE GOING TO, WE ACTUALLY GOT, WE APPROVED THE FUNDING TO UPLOAD THE STREET ON ESPANOLA WAY EAST.
CORRECT? DIDN'T WE APPROVE THAT AT THE LAST MEETING? I BELIEVE THAT WE DID.
WHAT I WOULD DO IS, UM, WE'RE GONNA UPDATE THAT ONE STREET AND YOU'RE GONNA SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN WE DO IT.
UM, IF YOU WANNA SPEND THIS 15 MILLION, UM, IN MY OPINION, THE THE WRONG WAY, UM, I'M NOT GONNA VOTE FOR IT BECAUSE I DON'T THINK IT'S THE RIGHT VISION.
AND I CERTAINLY DON'T THINK THAT ON THAT VERY NARROW SIDEWALK, UM, YOU ARE GOING TO SEE A DIFFERENCE.
I'M GONNA VOTE NO FOR 41ST STREET BECAUSE I THINK THAT THIS $15 MILLION IS A LOT OF MONEY THAT'S BEING MISSPENT WITH WHAT, UM, WAS DECIDED HERE.
[01:30:01]
AND BEAUTIFICATION OF ALLEYS IS THE WAY TO REVITALIZE 41ST STREET MAYOR, UH, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, THEN, UH, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.UH, SO YESTERDAY I ATTENDED THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE 41ST STREET BID, AND THEY WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS, AND THEY WANTED TO MOVE FORWARD.
SO I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT THE STAKEHOLDERS THAT ARE LOOKING AFTER THIS AREA, UM, REALLY WANT THIS TO GO THROUGH.
AND THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THAT MEETING.
IT ACTUALLY GOT BACK TO ME THAT YOU WERE THERE AND, AND, AND IT WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
AND SO I WALK, UH, 41ST STREET EVERY DAY.
I WALK SAMMY OVER THERE EVERY, EVERY MORNING.
AND THEN I WALK SAMMY AGAIN EVERY NIGHT TO, UH, 41ST STREET.
AND, UM, AND SO I GOTTA TELL YOU, I, THE ONE QUESTION I ALWAYS GET WHEN I GO TO 41ST STREET IS RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS.
I LIKE ASKING ME, WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE 41ST STREET PROJECT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE BEEN ASKED THAT QUESTIONS.
BOTH THE BUSINESSES AND THE RESIDENTS WANT ABOVE ALL ELSE THE WIDER SIDEWALKS, AND THEY'RE THINKING ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE TABLES THERE.
AND WHAT DID THEY MENTION? THEY, THEY MENTIONED SPECIFICALLY HARDING AVENUE.
HOW HARBOR GRILL HAS A FEW TABLES OUTSIDE.
THEY MENTION RUSTICO, HOW RUSTICO HAS TABLES OUTSIDE.
EVEN IF YOU GO TO FLANAGAN'S IN, UH, IN, IN SURFSIDE, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE ABLE TO TO, TO HAVE THE TABLES.
AND SO I THINK THAT THIS IS VERY MUCH OVERDUE.
IT'S WIDELY NEEDED, IT'S VOTER APPROVED, AND IT'S SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS.
I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE, UH, MOVING AWAY FROM STRING LIGHTS.
MAYBE WE NEED TO DO MORE SOPHISTICATED STRING LIGHTS THAT ARE MORE PERMANENT IN NA IN NATURE WITH THE PROPER INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE THE LINES, YOU KNOW, FROM ONE TREE TO THE OTHER, UH, KIND OF LOOKING LIKE CLOTH LINES, UH, FROM ONE TREE TO THE OTHER, YOU KNOW, THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED.
UM, BUT I'M ALL FOR, UH, JUST KEEPING THE, THE, UH, STRING LIGHTS.
I SUPPORT, UH, OF COURSE A REQUEST FROM POLICE FOR THE, UH, LPRS.
UM, I'M FINE WITH THE ACORN LIGHTING.
I THINK THEY'RE RELATIVELY NEW.
I THINK THE, THE, THE RB HAD SUGGESTED DOING SOMETHING MORE MODERN, UH, THAT WAS GONNA COME AT AN EXPENSE OF OVER A MILLION DOLLARS.
BUT IF WE CAN KEEP THE EXISTING ACORN LIGHTING THAT WAS JUST INSTALLED IN, UH, IN 2020, I, I THINK IT MAKES IT, IT'S JUST PRUDENT.
UM, I DON'T THINK COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ IS WRONG IN BEING CONCERNED ABOUT THE ALLEYWAYS, BUT I THINK THERE'S OPPORTUNITY FOR THAT IN, IN THE FUTURE.
I THINK ALLEYWAYS ARE ONE OF OUR MOST UNDERUTILIZED PUBLIC ASSETS.
I TH I THINK COMMISSIONER, UH, OR VICE MAYOR TANYA BOT IS, HAS THE CITYWIDE INITIATIVE ON ALLEYWAYS.
AND I THINK WE CERTAINLY SHOULD LOOK AT THESE ALLEYWAYS BECAUSE THEY CERTAINLY DO HAVE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY TO BE CLEANED, TO BE LIT, TO BE ACTIVATED IN THE PROPER WAYS.
UH, BUT THE COMMUNITY HAS LONG ASKED FOR THIS.
UM, THE ONE THING I WOULD SAY AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROJECT IS TO CONSIDER THE COORDINATION OF THE SCHEDULE WITH, UH, OTHER PROJECTS.
UM, I GET CONCERNED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHENEVER WE DO WORK ON ALTON ROAD OR THE TURNING LANE FROM INDIAN CREEK, I GET CONCERNED, UH, WITH THE 41ST STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT.
UH, I THINK WE JUST HAVE TO LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE AND THE TIMING OF, OF ALL OF THESE PROJECTS TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T END UP WITH A GIGANTIC TRAFFIC JAM.
UM, AS IT RELATES TO, TO THE 41ST STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT, I THINK THAT'S BEING INCORPORATED AS PART OF THIS PROJECT AT SOME POINT.
IS THAT RIGHT, DAVID? THAT'S CORRECT.
SO WHAT I WOULD ASK, I I, IS THERE ANY TRAFFIC LANE CLOSURE THAT'S GONNA RESULT AS, AS, AS A RESULT OF THAT FDOT HAS NOT OR HAS MADE CLEAR THAT THEY WILL NOT ALLOW A CLOSURE OF 41ST, BUT THERE OBVIOUSLY AS WE'RE INSTALLING WATER MAINS, THERE WILL BE SOME LANE CLOSURES TO IN ORDER TO DO THAT.
OKAY, SO LIKE PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES? YEAH.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I HAVE ASKED TRANS, THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST TO LOOK AT AS IT RELATES TO 41ST STREET, IS GETTING THE CENTER TURNING LANE AND USING THAT CENTER TURNING LANE AS A REVERSIBLE LANE THAT CAN BE USED FOR, FOR HIGH PERIODS OF TRAFFIC TO ALLOW MORE CAPACITY FOR THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
I THINK FOR YEARS I'VE BEEN ASKING JOSE TO, TO, TO, TO LOOK INTO IT.
AND WE ALWAYS GET MIXED FEEDBACK, UH, FROM THE OTHER OUTSIDE
[01:35:01]
AGENCIES.IF WE DO HAVE TO CLOSE ANY LANE OF TRAFFIC ON 41ST STREET AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT, I WOULD ENCOURAGE US TO LOOK AT THAT TURNING LANE AND SEEING HOW COULD WE MAKE THAT TURNING LANE ONE DIRECTION TO SUPPLEMENT FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE, OF THE TRAVEL LANE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
AND SO I JUST WANT TO BRING THAT UP AGAIN.
IN THE PAST WE'VE DISCUSSED HO JOSE MAKING THAT TURNING LANE INTO A, UH, REVERSIBLE LANE TO ACCOMMODATE TRAFFIC.
MAYBE THAT COULD BE HELPFUL NOW, UH, IF WE ENCOUNTER ANY, UH, CLOSURES AS A RESULT OF CONSTRUCTION.
ALRIGHT, SO I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THIS ITEM.
UH, I'M HAPPY TO MOVE IT OR SECOND IT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
COMMISSIONER ROSELAND GONZALEZ.
AND THEN WE'RE GONNA CALL THE VOTE.
UM, I THINK COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE WANTED TO SPEAK ALSO.
SO WHAT WE'RE PROVING RIGHT NOW IS JUST $2.5 MILLION FOR THE UPLIGHTING, CORRECT.
FOR ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
THERE'S NO WIDENING OF SIDEWALKS.
NOT EVEN, UH, THE 2.5 WOULD GO THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS NEXT YEAR.
SO WE'RE NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT CONSTRUCTION DOLLARS AT THIS POINT.
SO THIS IS JUST LPRS ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACTUAL WIDENING OF SIDEWALKS, OR NO WIDENING SIDEWALKS.
THE PROJECT DOES INCLUDE WIDENING OF SIDEWALKS IN CERTAIN AREAS AND PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL SEATING AND, AND ACCOMMODATING SOME OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS.
YOU KNOW, LISTEN, I I I WILL, BASED ON WHAT YOU, BASED ON THE COMMUNITY INPUT, I'LL SUPPORT IT.
BUT DO I THINK THAT IT WAS, I I DO THINK THAT OVERALL WE PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THE FACT THAT 41ST STREET IS A MASSIVE TRAFFIC CORRIDOR AND, YOU KNOW, DINING ON A HIGHWAY IS NOT IDEAL.
AND SO MAYBE IN THE FUTURE, COMMISSIONER BOT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE WORKING ON ALLEYS, UM, I, I'VE BEEN MEANING TO PUT THIS ON, BUT I THINK THE ALLEYS ALONG 41ST STREET SERIOUSLY NEED, UM, IMPROVEMENT SO THAT WE CAN BEGIN TO HAVE OUTDOOR CAFES AND I, AND SO I'LL, I'LL VOTE FOR THIS.
BUT YOU ARE GOING TO CONSIDER THE UPLIGHTING, CORRECT? OR THIS IS JUST FOR STRING LIGHTING? WE ARE HERE FOR DIRECTION.
ERIC, IF, IF I COULD JUST HELP MAYBE I, I THINK THIS WILL FACILITATE THE DISCUSSION A LITTLE BIT BETTER.
THERE, THERE ARE THREE THINGS THAT WE NEED, BASICALLY AN UP OR DOWN VOTE ON.
B'S RECOMMENDATION THAT WE CHANGE OUT THE ACORN LIGHT FIXTURES ON THE LIGHT POLES FOR A MORE CONTEMPORARY FIXTURE.
WE ARE NOT IN RECOMMENDATION, WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING THAT BECAUSE WE RECENTLY CHANGED OUT THOSE LIGHTING FIXTURES.
THE SECOND ITEM IS THE INTRODUCTION OF CONDUITS AND LPR AND CCTV INFRASTRUCTURE AS PART OF THE PROJECT.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING THAT WHILE WE'RE OUT THERE DOING THE WORK ON THE STREET, WE THINK THAT WE SHOULD PUT THAT IN BECAUSE WE'RE GONNA NEED IT.
AND THEN THE THIRD ITEM IS THE UPLIGHTING ON THE PALM TREES, WHICH WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DRB UP.
WE ARE RECOMMENDING IN FAVOR OF THE UPLIGHTING.
IT IS NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE WITH THE WRAP LIGHTING.
IF YOU WANTED TO MAKE THAT A LATER DECISION, YOU CAN CERTAINLY DO THAT.
WE JUST NEED DIRECTION TO INCORPORATE THE UP AND DOWN LIGHTING ON THE PALM TREES, YES OR NO.
CAN I, DO YOU WANNA SPEAK WHERE YOU COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE? ACTUALLY, I, I WAS GONNA SPEAK TO ASK FOR SOME CLARIFICATION ON, ON THINGS LIKE THAT WHEN WE WENT THROUGH OUR BRIEFING.
I APPRECIATE STAFFER BEING SO THOROUGH IN THAT.
UH, THE THING THAT REALLY JUMPED OUT AT ME WAS, UM, WHEN WE DO THINGS WITHOUT GETTING A LOT OF COMMUNITY INPUT AND PEOPLE JUST WAKE UP AND LIFE, YOU KNOW, CHANGES ALL OF A SUDDEN, UH, THAT'S WHEN WE GET A LOT OF FEEDBACK.
AND THAT'S KIND OF WHAT I VIEWED AS CHANGING THOSE LIGHTS THAT I FEEL HAVE BECOME KIND OF ICONIC TO 41ST STREET ALONG WITH MERIDIAN AVENUE.
UM, WE CAN HAVE DIFFERENT THEMES FOR DIFFERENT PLACES.
YOU KNOW, I LOVE THE, UM, YEAH, THE LOOK OF THE UPLIGHTING WASHINGTON LINCOLN ROAD, YOU KNOW, THINGS LIKE THAT.
I WOULD JUST BE VERY HESITANT, UH, TO COMPLETELY ABANDON THE STRING LIGHTING AROUND THE PALM TREES.
AND THAT'S SOMETHING I WOULDN'T BE IN SUPPORT OF.
CAN I JUST SAY, I, I'M NOT SAYING ABANDON IT, BUT I THINK ONCE YOU SEE, I THINK THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE, UH, REQUIRED, AND I DO THINK THAT ONCE YOU SEE THAT WE, AS WE LIGHT THE CROWN OF THE TREE, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, REALLY WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DO, UM, YOU'RE GONNA SEE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL AND DRAMATIC AND I THINK A LITTLE MORE REFINED AND ELEGANT.
UM, I THINK THAT STRING LIGHTING WAS A GREAT FIX.
AND LIKE I SAID ON OAK TREES, I THINK IT'S PERFECT.
BUT I ALSO THINK THAT THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ALSO RECOMMENDED UPLIGHTING BECAUSE THAT WE ARE NOT, UM, DESIGN EXPERTS.
I DO NOT PRETEND TO BE, BUT ONE THING I DO KNOW IS THAT, UM,
[01:40:02]
STRING LIGHTING IS, IS IS FESTIVE.AND I THINK IT WAS GOOD FOR, FOR WHEN IT STARTED, UM, LET'S SEE WHAT THE STRING LIGHTING PLUS THE UPLIGHTING LOOKS LIKE.
BECAUSE TO SEE THE STICKS WITH NO CROWN TO ME DOES, DOESN'T MAKE, UM, A LOT OF SENSE.
UH, BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU LIKE IT AND I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE ON 41ST STREET LIKE IT.
BUT AS WE STREAMLINE AND GROW AND BECOME MORE REFINED AND MATURE AND DESIGN, LIKE, I, I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD IGNORE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD EITHER.
WE CAN HAVE BOTH, RIGHT? WE'RE PUTTING IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE WE CAN AND BASED ON YOUR DIRECTION, WE CAN DO BOTH.
WE JUST GONNA, WE'RE GONNA PUT IT IN THE ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SO THAT YOU CAN UPLIGHT AND THEN WRAP.
YEAH, THAT'S WHAT I, AND THEN BY THE WAY, THE WAY, THAT'S WHAT I SUGGEST MR. MAYOR, AS WE DO ESPANOLA AND YOU SEE WHAT LIKE COOL UPLIGHTING LOOKS LIKE, MAYBE LITTLE BY LITTLE WE WILL, UM, REMOVE SOME OF THE STRING LIGHTING.
IT LOOKS, I COULD HAVE DONE IT.
YOU KNOW, THAT'S WHAT LIKE THE POINT IS LIKE WE'RE A MUNICIPALITY AND YOU KNOW, AND LOOMIS PARK IS ICONIC AND THAT SHOULD BE UPLIFT IN PASTEL COLORS THAT REFLECT OCEAN DRIVE.
I THINK THE STREAMLINING FOR RIGHT NOW IS FINE.
DO I THINK THAT IT'S THE RIGHT VISION? NO.
MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, MR. MAYOR, I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO NOT CHANGE THE ACORN LIGHTING, TO INCORPORATE THE POLICE REQUEST FOR THE LPR, UH, READER AND CCTV, UM, UH, CONDUITS AND TO KEEP THE STRING LIGHTING WHILE INCORPORATING THE UPLIGHTING FOR THE CROWN.
I'LL SECOND YOU BEAT ME TO IT.
UH, BEFORE WE TAKE THE VOTE, DAVID BOUTS, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSION.
UH, I DID A TOUR WITH FDOT, THE COUNTY AND POLICE CHIEF, OUR CITY MANAGER.
CAN THAT BE PART OF THIS PROJECT? WHILE WE'RE ALREADY EXPANDING SIDEWALKS AND MAKING CHANGES TO REMOVE SOME OF THE BULB OUTS.
WE ARE, WE ARE COORDINATING WITH THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ON THEIR EVALUATION OF THOSE BULB OUTS AND WE'RE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THEM ON THAT.
UM, I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'VE LANDED AT A SPACE THAT WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE RIGHT MIX IS.
UH, BUT YES, IT COULD PROBABLY BE INCORPORATED INTO THIS PROJECT.
IT DEPENDING ON FUNDING AND, AND SCOPE.
AND WHEN IS THE PROJECT SLATED TO START ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION? UH, END OF NEXT YEAR.
20, UH, EXCUSE ME, LET ME, LET ME DOUBLE CHECK THAT.
GIMME A SPECIFIC MONTH AND YEAR, I'M SORRY, CONSTRUCTION START APRIL OF 26.
AND WE'RE ONLY LOSING, WHAT IS IT, NINE PARKING SPACES OR WHAT IS CORRECT? NINE PARKING SPACES.
AND, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTIONS.
UM, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION AND THE TRAFFIC.
OBVIOUSLY IT'S UNBEARABLE AND, UH, UH, IN ALL OVER THE CITY, BUT MID BEACH, UH, CERTAINLY.
AND WE HAD, UH, ANNA MARIE FROM NBNA CALLING BEFORE ABOUT IT.
SO WE CERTAINLY NEED TO BE SENSITIVE TO IT.
AND I HAVE A FEELING THAT'S NOT, THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE TIMING OF CONSTRUCTION, HOW IT'S GONNA WORK.
LIKE YOU SAY, WE HAVE ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF CLOSE TO IT.
WE NEED TO REALLY STAY ON TOP OF THAT.
'CAUSE THIS COULD BE EXACERBATE A PROBLEM THAT'S ALREADY PRETTY SEVERE AND THE TEAM DOES HAVE A MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC CONSULTANT ON BOARD THAT THEY'LL BE LOOKING AT HOW WE HANDLE TRAFFIC CURRENT CONSTRUCTION.
ON R SEVEN EIGHT, I HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
ALL IN FAVOR AS AMENDED WITH THE THREE DIRECTIONS, PLEASE SAY AYE.
MOTION PASSES SEVEN ZERO R SEVEN H AS AMENDED.
[R7 J A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-366(C)(2) OF THE CITY CODE FOR EXEMPT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTE 287.057, A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NEW HOPE C.O.R.P.S., INC. TO PROVIDE VARIOUS HOUSING SERVICES, INCLUDING STREET OUTREACH, DETOX, TREATMENT, RECOVERY, TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CITY'S UNSHELTERED POPULATION , IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $568,000 FOR THE INITIAL TERM OF THE AGREEMENT, WITH SAID AGREEMENT COMMENCING ON OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND EXPIRING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, WITH ONE (1) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR RENEWAL TERM, AT THE CITY MANAGER'S OPTION AND SUBJECT TO FUNDING APPROVAL.]
SEVEN J RENEW PSA WITH NEW HOPE CORP, INC.VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS R SEVEN J.
UH, THIS, THIS ITEM IS ACCEPTING, UH, THE ADMINISTRATION'S, UH, RECOMMENDATION, UM, FOR, FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN OF A PSA WITH NEW HOPE.
AN AMOUNT OF, UH, 568,000, UH, IS FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM.
AND THEY, AND THEY PROVIDE INVALUABLE, UH, SERVICES, UH, TO, TO, TO OUR HOMELESS, UH, POPULATION.
UM, THIS, THIS IS A VERY SPECIALIZED, UH, SEGMENT OF OUR UNSHELTERED POPULATION IN OUR CITY.
AND NEW HOPE HAS THE SPECIALIZED, UM, THE SPECIALIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS TO DEAL WITH THIS SPECIFIC SEGMENT.
AND, UM, UH, I THINK, UM, YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK WE CAN DO WITHOUT THIS.
AND SO I JUST WANT TO MOVE MY ITEM.
I JUST HAVE A COUPLE, COUPLE COMMENTS.
I THINK WE, I THINK WE DISCUSSED THIS LAST TIME, UM, ABOUT THE REALLY LOW PERCENTAGE RATE OF WHICH THEY SHELTER ALMOST INDIVIDUALS.
[01:45:01]
HAVE WE DISCUSSED ANYTHING WITH THEM TO, TO CHANGE THAT? I MEAN, WHAT, WHAT WAS THE, UH, DISCUSSION ON THAT? GOOD MORNING ALRE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES? YES, WE HAVE, UH, MR. STEVEN ALVAREZ, HE IS THE CEO OF NEW HOPE.WE HAVE DISCUSSED BENCHMARKS FOR THIS CONTRACT HERE.
WE HAVE LOOKED INTO AUGMENTING THEIR OUTREACH EFFORTS.
WE HAVE LOOKED AT STRATEGICALLY MAKING SURE THAT STAFF IS HERE WITHIN THE TIMEFRAMES NEED BE.
WE'VE TALKED ABOUT CHECK CHECK-INS AND CHECKOUTS WITH ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS WITH PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND THEIR, UH, COORDINATION.
UM, SO YES, THOSE BENCHMARKS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AND HAVE BEEN OUTLINED IN THE CONTRACT.
JUST, JUST TO REMIND EVERYONE, I THINK THE LAST YEAR, LAST FISCAL YEAR THERE WAS 4,900, UM, NEW HOPE CONTACTS, RIGHT? AND THEN THERE WAS 476 ENGAGEMENTS.
UM, AND ONLY 94 NEW HOPE SHELTER PLACEMENTS, PRE-TREATMENT, AND THEN 13 NEW HOPE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PLACEMENTS.
THAT'S REALLY, THAT'S REALLY LOW.
WHAT ARE THE NEW BENCHMARKS FOR? SO WORKING WITH THIS POPULATION THAT'S SUFFERING FROM MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAN BE A LITTLE BIT TRICKY TO GIVE SPECIFICS ON HOW MUCH YOU'RE GONNA LOOK AT ENGAGEMENT.
SO WHAT WE'VE DISCUSSED IS LOOKING AT DIFFERENT RAPPORT BUILDING STYLES, DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR STAFF TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE BUILDING RAPPORT WITH THE CLIENTS.
UM, BUT AS FAR AS SPECIFIC NUMBERS FOR SHELTER PLACEMENTS, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO GAUGE WITH THIS POPULATION BECAUSE YOU ARE WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO SOMETIMES DO NOT WANT THE SERVICES.
UM, SO, UH, AND THE, AND THE TOTAL IS 568,568,000, BUT THAT IS INCLUSIVE NOT ONLY OF AFTER HOURS, THAT IS ALSO INCLUSIVE OF LIVE ASSISTANCE SUPPORT FOR OUR PHONE LINES.
THAT'S ALSO INCLUSIVE OF THE PRETREATMENT BEDS AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL LEVEL TWO BEDS FOR THE INVOLUNTARY MARCHMAN PROGRAM THROUGH THE POLICE AND THROUGH OUR OFFICE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING, UH, TREATMENT SERVICES AS WELL AS THE RECOVERY RESIDENCE.
SO THAT'S HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR AN AFTER HOURS CALL IN AND, AND THE TREATMENT BEDS.
BUT THE TREATMENT BEDS FROM THE STATS THAT I JUST LISTED WAS 94, UH, PRE-TREATMENT PLACEMENTS FOR LAST YEAR AND ONLY 13 RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS.
AND RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CAN LAST ANYWHERE FROM 90 TO 120 DAYS WHEN THE PERSON IS IN RECOVERY.
THIS ISN'T A SHELTER PLACEMENT, THIS IS A INTENSIVE RECOVERY TREATMENT, WHICH I'M SURE, UH, MR. ALVAREZ CAN SPEAK TO.
THEY ARE A CARF ACCREDITED AGENCY.
AS FOR RESIDENTIAL, UH, SERVICES, YEAH, I MEAN, I JUST, WHEN I LOOK AT THESE STATS, WHEN THERE'S 4,900 CONTACTS AND FOR ONLY 476 DECIDED TO ENGAGE WITH NEW HOPE WE HAVE ONE.
UM, LIKE I SAID, I MEAN, WHEN, SO WHEN A NEW HOPE MEMBER GOES UP TO A HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL THAT'S CONT THAT'S CONSIDERED A CONTACT, CORRECT? CORRECT.
SO LAST YEAR THERE WAS 4,900, ALMOST, LET'S JUST SAY 5,000, UM, AND THEN ONLY 476 DECIDED TO ACTUALLY ENGAGE.
AND THEN OF THAT ONLY 94, WHICH IS ANOTHER 10% OF THAT 10% DECIDED TO DO A PRE-TREATMENT, UH, PLACEMENT.
SO THE WAY THAT THEY WERE GAUGING THEIR ENGAGEMENTS WAS ONLY IF THE PERSON CONSENTED TO BEING PLACED INTO THE HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM.
UM, SO NOT IF ONLY THE PERSON ENGAGED AND WAS OPEN TO A REPORT, IT WAS ONLY IF THEY CONSENTED TO BEING PLACED TO HAVING THEIR INFORMATION BE PLACED INTO HMIS.
AND I'M SURE MR. ALVAR CAN SPEAK A LITTLE BIT MORE TO HOW HIS TEAM WAS LOOKING AT THAT.
UH, MR. MAYOR, UH, COUNSEL, GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW HOPE, UM, 1 92 41 HOLIDAY ROAD.
UM, COLOR BAY IS MY RESIDENCE.
UM, AS FAR AS YOUR QUESTION, UH, IN REFERENCE TO ENGAGEMENTS LAST YEAR, UH, WHEN YOU, WHEN YOU COMPARE THIS LAST YEAR TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WE HAD THE SIMILAR AMOUNT OF CONTACT.
SO WE HAVE ABOUT 4,000 CONTACTS.
THE REASON WHY THE ENGAGEMENTS WENT LOWER IS BECAUSE, UM, THE PREVIOUS YEAR WE WERE, UH, REQUIRING THAT A PERSON SIGN AN, UH, UH, WE WERE ACCEPTING VERBAL RELEASE OF INFORMATION.
THIS YEAR, WE DECIDED TO, ACROSS THE BOARD, THAT WE ONLY WOULD ENGAGE INDIVIDUALS AND EN ENTER 'EM INTO THE SYSTEM, THE HMIS SYSTEM, IF THEY, IF THEY SIGN AN ROI.
[01:50:01]
AND SO WE'RE GOING BACK TO VERBAL ROI SO THAT OUR ENGAGEMENTS CAN INCREASE.AND SO LAST YEAR WE HAD ABOUT 800 ENGAGEMENTS, AND THIS, IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS, UH, WE'VE INCREASED OUR ENGAGEMENTS AND SO WE'RE ON TRACK TO MEETING ABOUT 800, 800 ENGAGEMENTS.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I, I THINK THE MISSION FOR NEW HOPE IS TO PLACE A HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL IN, IN IN CARE.
AND SO I DON'T REALLY, THE ENGAGEMENT NUMBERS AREN'T NECESSARILY A-A-A-K-P-I FOR ME, IT'S MORE OF LIKE THE PLACEMENTS.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, POINT, LIKE 0.1% OF THE CONTACTS GET A, GET A TREATMENT BED, AND THIS IS COSTING TAXPAYERS HALF A MILLION DOLLARS.
I I MEAN, I, I I, I AIRED MY GRIEVANCES AT THE LAST MEETING ON THIS ITEM.
I MEAN, IT'S JUST, IT'S REALLY LOW, I GUESS, VALUE, UM, FOR, FOR OUR CITY.
UM, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE THIR, THE 94 AND 13, YOU KNOW, UM, THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE BETTER OFF WHEN BEFORE NEW HOPE GOT TO THEM.
I, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THEM.
BUT AT WHAT POINT DO WE LIKE, DRAW THE LINE AND SAY, YOU KNOW, HOW MUCH IS THAT GOING TO BE? YOU KNOW, IF I DO, UH, JUST A QUICK MATH AND I SAY, UM, $560,000 DIVIDED BY 13, UH, RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PLACEMENTS, THAT'S $43,000 A PERSON I'M GONNA ASK.
RIGHT? SO, AND, AND I GET, LOOK, I ALSO, I UNDERSTAND THERE'S AFTER HOUR, YOU KNOW, CALL CENTER, WHICH IS IMPORTANT.
WELL, IT'S A, IT'S IT'S CALL, RIGHT? UM, IT'S, SO LOOK, I, I, I, AGAIN, I, I I, I, I DON'T, I DON'T KNOW HOW I CAN JUSTIFY SPENDING THAT KIND OF MONEY, UM, OR FOR THIS, UM, IT, IT, IT JUST, THE STATS ARE VERY POOR.
AND I KNOW IN, IN THE INDUSTRY IT IS, IT IS CHALLENGING.
I MEAN, GUYS, WHEN YOU SPEND $43,000 PER PERSON, I, I THINK THAT'S JUST, IT'S A LOT.
YOU KNOW, IT'S WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE? SO, UM, DR. TERRY, IF YOU COULD PERHAPS, UM, PROVIDE A LITTLE INSIGHT INTO WHAT, UM, INDUSTRY STATS ARE SORT OF GENERALLY SPEAKING, UM, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WRITTEN AND VERBAL ROI SO THAT WE HAVE BENCHMARK ABOUT FROM WHICH TO EVALUATE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT, UH, FOR ENGAGEMENTS AND FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE UP ON SERVICES.
UM, IT IS ABOUT THAT 20% MARK.
UH, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LOOK AT, FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE COMPARE, WE WERE LOOKING TO COMPARE OUR PROGRAM VERSUS, UH, OUR CITY PROGRAM VERSUS OUR AFTER HOURS.
WE CAN'T EVEN COMPARE THAT 'CAUSE IT'S APPLES TO ORANGES BECAUSE WE'RE ENGAGING DURING THE DAY, WHEREAS THEY'RE ENGAGING AT NIGHT WHERE THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES THAT MAY BE PREVALENT THAT YOU MAY NOT BE SEEING DURING THE DAY.
UM, SO IT'S, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO COMPARE APPLES TO ORANGES.
YOU ARE WORKING WITH THE SAME POPULATION.
SO WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE A VERY TRANSIENT, UH, SERVICE RESISTANT, UH, POPULATION.
WE TRY TO HAVE AS COMPREHENSIVE OF SERVICES READILY AVAILABLE.
SO WHEN THE PERSON IS WILLING TO TAKE US UPON THE SERVICES, THERE'S NO DELAY TIME AND NO LAG TIME.
AND THAT HAS TRULY PROVEN TO BE A DIFFERENCE.
UM, BECAUSE THE PERSON DOESN'T HAVE TO IT, THEY DON'T NECESSARILY CHANGE THEIR MINDS WAITING FOR, LET'S SAY, A TREATMENT BED TO BECOME AVAILABLE OR, OR A PRE-TREATMENT BED, OR A SHELTER BED, ET CETERA.
SO, YOU KNOW, WE'RE, WE'RE IN A TIME AND PLACE IN, IN OUR WORLD WHERE WE ARE VERY EXIGENT ABOUT HOW WE ADDRESS A HOMELESS POPULATION.
AND, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS AND WISH TO NOT BE HOMELESS.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS BY CHOICE AND, UM, THAT IS THEIR RIGHT.
UM, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS AND ARE CRIMINALS, AND THAT'S A DIFFERENT SORT OF PATH.
AND THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS WHO HAVE VERY SER SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT, UM, HEALTHCARE ISSUES.
THERE'S MEDICAL, UH, MENTAL OR, OR OTHER KIND OF PHYSICAL ISSUE TO DO WITHOUT A PROGRAM LIKE THIS IS NOT AN OPTION IN OUR CITY BECAUSE, UM, THERE, THERE'S JUST NO, YOU CAN'T CLAIM TO BE COMPASSIONATE IN, IN TREATING HOMELESS POPULATION ISSUES WITHOUT OFFERING A PATH TO THE HELP THAT IS NECESSARY.
THE POPULATION GROUP SELF-SELECTS TO BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH.
UM, ANYBODY WHO HAS A RELATIVE WHO HAS HAD
[01:55:01]
SERIOUS CHRONIC ILLNESS OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAN ATTEST TO THAT.UM, I, I HOW EXPENSIVE IS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR A PERSON'S SHOT AT LIFE? I DON'T KNOW.
UM, I, I THINK THAT TRYING TO BRING THIS PROGRAM IN-HOUSE WOULD NOT ONLY HAVE AN OUTRAGEOUS DELAY, BUT THE LEARNING CURVE AND THE COST WOULD BE, UH, THE LEARNING CURVE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT.
I THINK IT WOULD BE A VERY DIFFICULT SET OF JOBS TO FILL.
WE CAN BARELY FILL JOBS THAT WE HAVE THAT AREN'T SO CHALLENGING.
UM, AND THE COST TO BRINGING THIS AS AN IN-HOUSE PROGRAM WITH, UH, LONG-TERM CARRIED COSTS, PENSIONS, PROMOTIONS IS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE THAN THE COST HERE.
WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE A BETTER RETURN ON OUR INVESTMENT? FOR A MILLION REASONS, YES.
WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE PEOPLE ACCEPT THE HELP THAT IS BEING OFFERED.
UM, WE WOULD LIKE TO, YOU KNOW, HOPEFULLY WITH GOING BACK TO VERBAL ROIS AS OPPOSED TO WRITTEN, WHILE I UNDERSTAND, YOU KNOW, THE DESIRE TO HAVE EVERYTHING BUTTONED UP, UM, WE'LL HAVE DIFFERENT METRICS AND, YOU KNOW, HOPEFULLY THE NUMBER OF CONTACTS WILL GO DOWN BECAUSE THERE ARE JUST FEWER PEOPLE WHO NEED OUR HELP.
UM, SO I'M GOING TO BE IN, IN SUPPORT OF CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM.
UM, MAYBE SOMETHING WILL BETTER WILL COME ALONG DOWN THE ROAD.
THERE ARE WAYS TO REFINE, UM, HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO.
AND I ANTICIPATE THAT, UM, AS WE DO WITH OUR OTHER OUTREACH PROGRAMS, THERE'S COLLABORATION ACROSS MUNICIPALITIES AND STATES TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER.
I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE COME HERE TO LEARN FROM WHAT WE ARE DOING SUCCESSFULLY, AND I WOULD EXPECT THE SAME IF WE KNOW THAT SOMEBODY'S GOT A SUPER EFFICIENT WAY OF DOING X.
LIKE IT IS INCUMBENT ON ON YOU, SIR, TO INCORPORATE THAT TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY IN A WAY TO MAKE SENSE.
NOT EVERYTHING WORKS FOR EVERY SITUATION, EVERY MUNICIPALITY, BUT I, UM, I OBVIOUSLY WANNA HEAR FROM THE REST OF MY COLLEAGUES, BUT I WILL BE MAKING A MOTION TO SUPPORT THIS.
COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, THANK COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ AND COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
UH, I TOO, UH, SHARE MY COLLEAGUES, UH, COMMENTS THAT I'M VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS CONTRACT.
AND I ALSO DID SOME COMPARISON AND INVESTIGATION ON, UH, WHAT THE PRICES AND CONTRACTS INCLUDE.
COMPARE, COMPARING MIAMI BEACH RATES, UH, WITH OTHER CONTRACTS.
AND SO OUR RATES INCLUDE STREET OUTREACH.
IT'S BUNDLED WITH SALARIES, FRINGE BENEFITS, TRANSPORTATION CAUSE INSURANCE, AND OTHER ADMIN OPERATING COSTS.
THE MP AFTER HOURS IS 38 58, WHICH IS LOWER THAN SOME OF THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES, WHICH COME IN AT OVER 41 AND $40.
ALSO, THE RESIDENTIAL LEVEL TWO TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RATE COMPARED TO OTHER FUNDERS AND CONTRACTS.
SO THE MIAMI BEACH, UH, BED RATE IS 1 77 AND OTHER, UH, ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO THIS, THE BED RATES COME IN AT 2 74, 2 25.
UH, ONE, UH, THAT IS OUT OF NETWORK IS EVEN AT FOUR 50.
AND THE SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT FOR STREET OUTREACH COMPARED TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTINUUM OF CARE, UH, MIAMI BEACH PLACEMENT IS 20%, AS WE'VE MENTIONED, WHERE IN THE COUNTY IT'S, UH, LESS THAN THAT.
SO, UH, THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO SHARE.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
AND IY YOU KNOW, IT'S, IT'S IMPORTANT TO, TO RECOGNIZE THAT NEW HOPE HAS BEEN A VITAL PARTNER WITH US, WITH OUR OUTREACH SERVICES AND SPECIFICALLY THIS, WHAT WE HAVE BEFORE US.
AND THE REASON WHY I SPONSORED THIS, I HAVE THIS ON THE, ON THE AGENDA BECAUSE IT'S SO IMPORTANT FOR THE CONTINUITY OF SERVICES, FOR THE SEGMENT OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION THAT IS DEALING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE CHALLENGES.
AND THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE SPECIFICALLY NEW HOPE HAS A SPECIFIC ACCREDITATION THAT, THAT, THAT POSITIONS THEM IDEALLY TO DEAL WITH THIS.
WE CAN TALK ABOUT BRINGING THIS IN-HOUSE.
BRINGING THIS IN-HOUSE DOESN'T GUARANTEE A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUCCESS OR A BETTER RETURN ON THE, ON THE INVESTMENT BECAUSE YOU GOTTA GO OUT AND FIND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CERTIFIED AND ACCREDITED TO DEAL WITH THIS SPECIFIC SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION AND EXPERTISE IN DEALING WITH DISABILITY SERVICES AND REHABILITATION, UH, OF FIELDS.
AND SO I JUST WANNA HIGHLIGHT THAT NOT ONLY, UH, DOES NEW HOPE IN OUR CURRENT AGREEMENT OFFER SPECIALIZED, UH, SERVICES, BUT THEY SPONSOR OFFER SPECIFICALLY AFTER HOURS.
AND IT'S NOT JUST A CALL CENTER BECAUSE THEY ALSO DO OFFER OUTREACH EFFORTS IN OUR CITY ENGAGING DIRECTLY, UH, WITH HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 PM AND 3:00 AM I, I, I BELIEVE, WHICH IS, WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT.
'CAUSE WHEN I FIRST GOT ELECTED, ONE OF THE THINGS I WORKED ON WAS EXPANDING THE HOURS OF OPERATIONS IN WHICH WE OFFER OUTREACH SERVICES.
[02:00:01]
AND I WAS VERY FRUSTRATED WHEN I FIRST GOT ELECTED THAT WE WERE ONLY IN DOING ENGAGEMENT IN WHAT SEEMED TO BE NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS, LIKE SEVEN TO THREE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.AND SO ONE OF THE THINGS I WORKED ON IS, WELL, HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT WHEN INDIVIDUALS ARE IN THEIR MOST VULNERABLE, MOST VULNERABLE AND MOST WILLING TO ACCEPT ASSISTANCE, THAT WE HAVE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM.
AND ALBA WORKED, UH, WITH US, AND THE TEAM WORKED IN OFFERING THESE, THESE, THESE SERVICES BEYOND, UH, THOSE HOURS.
AND WHY DO WE DO THIS? 'CAUSE NEARLY 30% OF OUR RESIDENTS WHO FILL OUT OUR RESIDENT SURVEY TELL US THAT THEY PRIORITIZE AND THEY SEE HOMELESSNESS AS AN ISSUE THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS, AND THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS COMPASSIONATELY AS WELL.
AND SO, AND, AND, AND SO SOMETIMES IN PUBLIC SERVICE, IT'S NOT ABOUT THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, BUT IT'S ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT YOU ARE MAKING.
AND I THINK WE WILL DO A GREAT DETRIMENT TO OUR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS, TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THESE INDIVIDUALS, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR RESIDENTS.
IF WE DON'T APPROVE THIS CONTRACT TODAY, BECAUSE IT WILL CREATE A BIG LAPSE IN THE SERVICES THAT WE OFFER OUR, OUR, OUR UNHOUSED POPULATION.
COULD THINGS BE BETTER? OF COURSE.
BUT WHEN YOU'RE DEALING WITH A VERY DIFFICULT POPULATION, WE JUST CAN'T SEE IT AS A TYPICAL BUSINESS RETURN ON INVESTMENT.
YOU JUST CAN'T SEE IT THAT WAY.
AND IN, IN A PERFECT WORLD, YES, BUT YOU'RE DEALING WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE MENTAL ILLNESSES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND OTHER TYPES OF DISABILITIES THAT WE'RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE NEW HOPE THAT IS SPECIFICALLY ACCREDITED TO, TO, TO DEAL WITH THIS WITHOUT MR. MAYOR, I MOVE MY ITEM, UH, AND I'D ASK YOU TO CALL THE QUESTION I'D SECOND IT.
MR. MAYOR, IF I COULD JUST CHIME IN FOR, UH, WELL, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ WAS NEXT.
I MEAN, I JUST, I'M LOOKING AT THE STATS.
IT'S A 0.2% SUCCESS RATE, AND WE'RE SPENDING $560,000 OF TAXPAYER MONEY.
UM, YOU KNOW, YES, THE RESIDENTS HAVE, HAVE A QUALITY OF LIFE CONCERN AND WAS ONE OF THE TOP ISSUES, UH, ON, ON OUR SURVEY.
HOWEVER, BASED ON THESE STATS, NOTHING'S CHANGING AS FAR AS QUALITY OF LIFE.
THERE IS NO, THERE'S NO MOVEMENT IN, IN QUALITY OF LIFE WHEN ONLY 13 OVER THE WHOLE YEAR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROGRAM.
UM, YOU KNOW, I WOULD BE MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE TAKING $560,000 AND PUTTING IT TOWARD POLICE OR, OR ANOTHER PROGRAM THAT ACTUALLY, UH, BENEFITS THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF RESIDENTS IN TERMS OF HOMELESS.
SO, UM, AGAIN, I MEAN, I, I, I DON'T, I DON'T, TO ME, A 0.2% SUCCESS RATE IS NOT, UM, IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S, THAT'S WORKING.
IT'S, IT'S, IT'S THE OPPOSITE OF WORKING.
UM, YOU KNOW, I I I DON'T KNOW HOW ELSE TO EXPLAIN THAT.
I MEAN, THE RESULTS ARE THE RESULTS.
I'M A, YOU KNOW, I, I I, THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF ACCOUNTABILITY ON TAXPAYER FUNDS AND, AND MAKING SURE THAT IT'S BEING USED PROPERLY.
AND I DON'T SEE THAT A PROGRAM WHERE THE 0.2% SUCCESS RATE IS, IS, IS SUCCESSFUL.
COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE AND COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ, UH, COMMISSIONER ESPARZA, I THINK, UH, SOME OF THE POINTS THAT YOU BRING UP, UH, ARE VALID AND HAVE MERIT.
AND I THINK CERTAINLY, UH, WARRANT FURTHER, UH, ANALYZING AND DISCUSSION.
WE ARE GOING THROUGH A LOT OF MOVING PIECES WITH, UH, OUR HOMELESS OUTREACH, OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COUNTY.
UM, I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A ONE YEAR CONTRACT.
YOU KNOW, SO, UH, I THINK I'D BE HESITANT TO KIND OF, UH, CUT SHIP RIGHT NOW WITH SO MANY MOVING PIECES.
UM, BUT IN THE SAME REGARD, I, I CERTAINLY THINK THAT SOME OF THE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK ARGUMENTS, UH, THAT YOU'RE BRINGING UP ARE CERTAINLY WORTH FURTHER DISCUSSING AND ANALYZING OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR, UH, WHEN WE MOVE, YOU KNOW, TOWARDS A, TOWARDS A FURTHER CONTRACT.
AND I THINK THAT IS THE TIME TO REALLY START HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS.
I'D BE HESITANT TO JUST KIND OF, UH, CUT FROM THIS RIGHT NOW.
SO I THINK YOU'VE KIND OF HEARD WHAT IT IS THAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR, WHICH IS GETTING PEOPLE INTO BEDS.
I ALSO THINK WE'VE CHANGED OUR LEGISLATION OVER THE PAST YEAR OR TWO, AND WE HAVE NO RULES IN PLACE, AND I DON'T THINK THAT WE NECESSARILY SET THE EXPECTATIONS FOR WHAT WE WANT, BUT DO YOU THINK THAT IF WE CONTINUE THE CONTRACT FOR THE NINE MONTHS, THAT YOU CAN IMPROVE THE SUCCESS RATE OF GETTING PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS? YES, WE CAN.
WE CAN, WE CAN IMPROVE THE, THE OUTCOMES.
BECAU, BECAUSE I, I, I DO, I DO WANT
[02:05:01]
TO ADD TO, IF I CAN, TO, UH, THROUGH THE MAYOR, UM, COMMENT SOME COMMENTS IN REFERENCE TO, UH, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.UM, THE, THE REASON WHY ENGAGEMENTS ARE SO IMPORTANT, IT'S JUST NOT JUST AN ENGAGEMENT AND THEY ENTER INTO A SYSTEM AND THEN YOU NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN.
THE ENGAGEMENTS ARE ENTERED INTO THE HMIS AND IT CREATES A RECORD WHERE A PERSON, IF THEY MAY NOT BE READY FOR SERVICES AT THAT POINT IN TIME, IT CREATES A RECORD OF CHRONICITY.
AND THAT WAY WHEN A PERSON BECOMES READY, IT, THAT THEY MEET THE OTHER CRITERIA THAT ARE NECESSARY TO TAP INTO OTHER FUNDING SOURCES THAT ARE FUNDED THROUGH HUD, SUCH AS HOUSING AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES THAT ARE IN OTHER PLACES, PARTS OF THE COUNTY.
SO ENGAGEMENTS AREN'T, ARE IN FACT IMPORTANT.
AND, AND THAT'S WHY I DRIVE TO OUR STAFF THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE, UM, ONLY ENTERING ENGAGEMENTS WITH A, A SIGNED RELEASE OF INFORMATION.
BUT IF THE PERSON AGREES TO GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION, ENTER 'EM, BECAUSE IN THE LONG TERM, IT COULD HELP THE INDIVIDUAL WHEN THEY DECIDE THAT THEY WANT SERVICES.
SO WHAT, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE ENGAGEMENT'S GONNA INCREASE BY? WELL, I MEAN, WE'RE AT FOUR 70.
WE COULD GO, WE COULD, WE COULD GO TO 800 WE THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AND WHAT, AND AS FAR AS, I MEAN, DOES THAT, IS THAT A LINEAR INCREASE WITH THE NUMBER OF TREATMENTS, UH, PLACEMENTS? SO AS FAR AS THE TREATMENT PLACEMENTS, I KNOW THAT YOU'RE SAYING THAT THERE'S ONLY 12, 12 13 TREAT 13 TREATMENTS PLACEMENTS, BUT THERE WERE 666 BED BED DAYS UTILIZED.
SO WHEN YOU KIND OF, YOU KNOW, DO THE MATH, IT'S NOT 13 $560,000 DIVIDED BY 13, YOU HAVE TO DECIDE, DIVIDE THE NUMBER OF THE CONTRACT BY ALL THE SERVICES AND THE BED DAYS THAT WERE, THAT WERE PROVIDED.
SO IT'S, YOU KNOW, THE, THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS A LITTLE HIGHER THAN, THAN, YOU KNOW, WHAT WAS BEING STATED.
WHEN WE DO NUMBERS, I MEAN, IT'S TYPICALLY BASED ON UNIQUE VALUES, RIGHT? NOT THAT'S, THAT'S THE NUMBERS.
IT'S 13 INDIVIDUALS WHO'S WHO, WHO BENEFIT, NOT NECESSARILY THE, THE DAYS, UM, BEING USED.
SO I MEAN, IF THAT, IF, IF THAT'S THE CASE, I MEAN, WE WOULD GO BANKRUPT IF EVERYONE DECIDED TO COME TO MIAMI BEACH AND UTILIZE IT.
SO, OKAY, SO MR. WILSON GONZALEZ HAD THE FLOOR.
I'M JUST GONNA, AND I DON'T KNOW, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER THIS, BUT MY SECOND QUESTION IS, DO YOU GUYS HAVE SOME SORT OF DIRECT COMMUNICATION LINE WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT? YES.
SO I THINK THAT WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN HERE IS THAT YOU'RE, THE JOB THAT THEY ARE DOING IS REALLY TO ALERT THE POLICE.
WE'VE MADE CONTACT WITH THE HOMELESS PERSON.
WE HAVE SOMEBODY WHO'S NOT WILLING TO TAKE THE BED AND THEN WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I DON'T THINK THAT THEY'RE, I DON'T THINK THAT NEW HOPE'S JOB SHOULD NECESSARILY BE, YOU KNOW, I THINK IT SHOULD BE MAKING CONTACT.
AND IF YOU CAN GET SOMEBODY INTO A BED, FINE.
BUT WE'RE GOING TO OBVIOUSLY BE COUNTING NOW 'CAUSE WE'RE LOOKING AT THIS IDEA OF SUCCESS RATE, BUT THEN DIRECT LINE TO OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THEY'RE ALREADY, YOU KNOW, BUSY FINDING THE PEOPLE.
AND THEN, YOU KNOW, AND IF THEY DO REFUSE THE SHELTER, YOU GUYS ARE GONNA HAVE TO GO OUT AND CALL.
IS THAT HAPPENING RIGHT NOW? WELL, THE POLICE ACTUALLY USE NEW HOPE.
THERE IS A STRONG PARTNERSHIP, IN FACT, IN ORDER FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BE ABLE TO DO SOME OF THE, IF IT'S, IF IT'S MARCHMAN SERVICES, THEY USE THE TREATMENT AND PRE-TREATMENT BEDS OF NEW HOPE.
AND THAT'S PART OF THIS, OF, OF THIS ITEM.
IT'S $183,000 THAT ARE PART OF THIS, OF THIS ITEM THAT SUPPORTS SPECIFICALLY IN, IN INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFIED THROUGHOUT OUTREACH, WHO ARE VOLUNTARILY ACCEPTING, UH, AS WELL AS THOSE WHO THE POLICE ARE IDENTIFYING THAT NEED MARCHMAN ACT.
NOW, I ALSO WANNA ADDRESS THE WHOLE ISSUE OF THE TWO OF THE 0.2% SUCCESS RATE.
I THINK, I THINK WE HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN, IN WHAT WE PUT OUT THERE IS, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE LOOK AT, AT, AT THE DATA, WHAT DOES THE DATA TELL US? WELL, IN OCTOBER, OCTOBER OF, OF THIS YEAR, ALRIGHT, WHICH WAS NOT TOO LONG AGO, THEY ENGAGED, HAD MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENTS WITH 49 PEOPLE.
OF THOSE 49 PEOPLE, SEVEN WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE STREET EITHER INTO RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT OR INTO EMERGENCY SHELTER OR PRE-TREATMENT, UH, FACILITIES.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? THAT OF THE 49 PEOPLE, THAT NEW HOPE MADE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENTS WITH 14%, WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE, OFF THE STREETS.
NOW IN ORDER, WHY, WHY ISN'T THAT COMMISSIONER SUAREZ IS GETTING TO THIS 0.2% NUMBER? WELL, IN ORDER TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT, IT TAKES MANY
[02:10:01]
CONTEXTS IN ORDER FOR A HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL TO FEEL COMFORTABLE TO ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION.SO THOSE 49 MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENTS WERE THE RESULT OF 337 CONTACTS.
THEY HAD TO ENGAGE WITH THESE, WITH HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, 337 TIMES PERSISTENCY IN ORDER TO GET 49 MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENTS.
BUT THOSE 49 MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENTS YIELDED A 14% SUCCESS RATE FOR OUR COMMUNITY OF SEVEN HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE URINATING, DEFECATING, AND SHOWERING IN PUBLIC.
AND I THINK THAT THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT.
WE NEED TO LOOK AT HOW ARE WE HELPING PEOPLE, NOT HOW DO WE TEAR AN ITEM APART? AND THAT IS KEY HERE.
YEAH, WE COULD ALWAYS MAKE SOMETHING LOOK BAD.
YEAH, WE CAN MAKE IT LOOK LIKE 0.2% SUCCESS RATE.
I'M SEEING A 14% SUCCESS RATE BECAUSE WE WERE ABLE TO GET IN, IN, WE WERE ABLE TO, TO GET IN THAT ONE MONTH PERIOD, SEVEN PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS.
IS THERE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALWAYS DO BETTER? YES.
BUT PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS IS THE MOST OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF THE POPULATIONS.
INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES, INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE, IN ADDITION TO DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF HOMELESSNESS.
I CHALLENGE ANY ONE OF US TO TRY TO DO THIS BETTER IN-HOUSE.
IT WON'T WORK IN-HOUSE BECAUSE IN ADDITION TO THAT, YOU'RE DEALING FOR CHEAPER, AT LEAST BECAUSE YOU'RE DEALING ALSO WITH OVERNIGHT HOURS.
AND WE'VE ALREADY RUN THE NUMBERS OF WHAT IT WOULD COST US TO, TO, TO, TO DO THIS, UH, UH, IN, IN HOUSE OVER OVERNIGHT.
I MEAN, WE CAN BEAT THIS HORSE TO, TO, TO, TO DEATH, MR. MAYOR.
BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, THIS IS, WE'RE READY TO CALL THE ITEM MOTION IN A SECOND.
UM, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR ITEM.
I DO WANT TO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
I THINK YOU'VE, UH, BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT, UH, AND HIGHLIGHTING HOW WE CAN MAKE IMPROVEMENTS.
AND I THINK THAT'S AN IMPORTANT PART.
EVEN IF SOMETHING PASSES, DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOUR, UM, OBJECTIONS AREN'T FRUITFUL.
AND I, AND I'M TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS AS WELL, I'M, I'M, YOU KNOW, PARTICULARLY, UM, COMFORTED BY THE FACT, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES MIAMI BEACH GETS, UH, A TOUGH RAP THAT, 'CAUSE WE ARE ENFORCING ALL LAWS.
WE DO MAKE ARRESTS WHEN APPROPRIATE, THE PUBLIC SPACES IS FOR THE PUBLIC.
AND WE'VE MADE THAT VERY CLEAR.
AND WE CONTINUE TO ASK OUR POLICE TO DO MORE AND MORE AND MORE, AND THEY'RE DOING A GREAT JOB.
AND WE'RE, WE'RE ASKING 'EM TO DO EVEN A GREATER JOB, WHICH IS TOUGH TO DO WHEN YOU'RE ALREADY DOING IT.
BUT, UM, IT'S SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AND THE SUPREME COURT, AND I'M SO PROUD OF THIS COMMISSION AND OUR CITY AND OUR RESIDENTS AND OUR ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE THE SUPREME COURT IN A RECENT DECISION AND OUT OF OREGON SAID, YOU DON'T HAVE TO OFFER ALL THESE SERVICES.
IF THEY'RE IN THE PUBLIC AND THEY'RE SLEEPING AND, AND, AND A PERSON'S SLEEPING IN THE PUBLIC, YOU CAN MAKE THE ARREST.
AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO OFFER SERVICES.
AND WE CHOOSE NOT TO GO THAT DIRECTION.
UM, AND WE'RE GONNA CONTINUE TO DO THAT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE ULTIMATELY ARE GONNA ENFORCE OUR LAWS.
SO I THINK IT'S, WE NEED TO EXAMINE EVERY ASPECT, MAKE SURE WE'RE BEING PRUDENT WITH OUR RESOURCES AND OUR TAXPAYER FUNDING.
AND I, AND I THINK THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, AND I ENCOURAGE THAT.
I HAVE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BOT.
ANYONE OPPOSED? PASSES THE SEVEN ZERO.
WELL, THEY SAID THEY WERE GONNA BRING BETTER ENGAGEMENT, SO I'M GONNA HOLD THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE FOR NEXT YEAR.
[R5 A AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 58 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED "HOUSING," BY AMENDING ARTICLE Ill, ENTITLED "PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS," BY AMENDING SECTION 58-298 THEREOF, ENTITLED "RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS", TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOUSES AND BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT ANIMALS ON THE PROPERTY; AND, PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
A IS AN ART OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING CHAPTER 58 OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
CODE ENTITLED HOUSING BY AMENDING AR THREE ENTITLED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS BY AMENDING SECTION 58 DASH 2 9 8 THERE OF ENTITLED RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOUSES AND BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT ANIMALS ON THE PROPERTY AND INSTALL ONE, INSTALLING ONE WAY ANIMAL DOOR OR CRAWL SPACES AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAT OBSERVABILITY CLARIFICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
WHO'S PRESENTING THE SAME? IT'S MY AUNT.
UM, SO BASICALLY THE PROPOSAL ENSURES THAT ANIMALS LIVING IN CRAWL SPACES ARE NOT TRAPPED DURING FUMIGATION, WHICH CAN LEAD TO INJURY AND DEATH.
AND WE JUST HAD THE, UH, UM, HOLLY WAYLAND AND LINDA DIAMOND HERE, BUT I THINK THEY MAY HAVE WALKED OUT.
BUT THE ITEM HAS THREE CO-SPONSORS.
SO WITH ME THAT'S, UH, FOUR VOTES.
AND I KNOW, UM, THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF, THERE WERE A LOT OF, UM, THERE IS CONCERNS
[02:15:01]
ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT NOBODY GOT TRAPPED UNDER, NONE OF THE ANIMALS GOT TRAPPED, AND THAT ALL GOT ADDRESSED.SO WANNA MAKE SURE ANYBODY LISTENING TO THIS UNDERSTANDS THAT.
SO, UM, UNLESS ANYBODY HAS ANY SUPER PRESSING THING TO SAY, JUST IF I COULD BE ADDED AS A CO-SPONSOR.
OH, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, WOULD YOU ACCEPT COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE AS A CO-SPONSOR? YES.
COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ? YEAH, I WOULD.
AND THEN WE'LL TAKE THE VOTE TO THANK COMMISSIONER DEEZ FOR CHANGING IT.
SO THE WAY THAT IT WORKS RIGHT NOW, INITIALLY YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE TO INSTALL THE TRAP DOOR, BUT IF YOU HAVE A CRAWL SPACE UNDER YOUR HOUSE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS OPEN UP YOUR EXISTING CRAWL SPACE, WHICH I THINK IS, IS MUCH EASIER, UM, TO DO.
MANY OF US HAVE TRAPPED DOORS ON OUR CRAWL SPACES, UM, NOT TRAP DOORS, BUT LIKE NAIL DOORS.
SO THAT'S SOMETHING THAT'S NOT GONNA CAUSE LIKE ANY ECONOMIC ISSUES AT ALL.
AND BY THE WAY, YOU KNOW, I HAD A, A SIMILAR ITEM ABOUT TRAPPING THAT I MOVED TO NEIGHBORHOODS NOW BECAUSE, UH, SOMEBODY'S CAT WAS, UH, YOU KNOW, TAKEN VIA TRAPPER.
SO, YOU KNOW, WE, WE ARE HAVING THESE ISSUES ACROSS THE BOARD, BUT, YOU KNOW, I HAD A LONG CONVERSATION WITH TWO CATS, LINDA AND HOLLY.
SO WE'RE GONNA ADDRESS THAT TOO DIFFERENTLY.
UM, BUT THANK YOU FOR CHANGING IT SO THAT, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T, YOU KNOW, MAKE IT TOO DIFFICULT TO TENT OUR HOMES, WHICH NEED TO BE TENTED ROUGHLY LIKE EVERY FIVE YEARS.
I'D LIKE TO JUST TAKE A A MOMENT TO CLARIFY.
UM, THE REVISED VERSION REQUIRES THAT IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PUT A PERMANENT SCREEN, THEN FOR A PERIOD OF 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THAT, YOU WOULD HAVE A ONE-WAY DOOR.
UM, IT, IF YOU'RE, IF YOU'RE NOT REQUIRED TO ENCLOSE YOUR CRAWL SPACE, THEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING.
SO, FOR EXAMPLE, IN A SINGLE FAMILY HOME, IF I CALL TO GET MY HOUSE TENTED RIGHT NOW, AND LET'S SAY THAT I HAVE THREE OPENINGS TO THE CRAWL SPACE UNDERNEATH MY HOUSE, WHAT I UNDERSTOOD WAS THAT IF I OPENED UP MY CRAWL SPACES, I WOULD NOT HAVE TO INSTALL A DOOR.
YOU ACTUALLY SHOULD NEVER HAVE YOUR, SORRY.
I'M LINDA DIAMOND, UH, SOBI CAT SPAY NTER PRESIDENT, MOVE ON 400, ALTON.
SO THERE ALREADY IS BUILDING CODE THAT EVERY CRAWL SPACE HAS GOT TO BE CLOSED WITH SOME TYPE OF SCREEN OR LATTICE ALL THE WAY AROUND THE PERIMETER.
SO IF YOU'RE IN COMPLIANCE, THERE IS NO ISSUE.
AND THIS DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO APPLY TO YOU BECAUSE ANIMALS CAN'T GET IN OR OUT.
SO IF I'M IN COMPLIANCE, AND SO I DON'T HAVE TO OPEN ANY DOORS AT ALL, SO I JUST LEAVE IT SCREENED AS IS AND THEN I WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING.
I SEE NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE, AND I SEE NO ONE IN ZOOM REQUESTING TO SPEAK.
MOTION CARRIES THE ITEM AS APPROVED.
IT WAS ITEM R FIVE A I CORRECT.
[R5 S AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 58 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “HOUSING,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 58-298 THEREOF TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS OF COMMERCIAL, HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED BUILDINGS IN THE ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT TO MAINTAIN THE HISTORIC CHARACTER BY PROMPTLY ADDRESSING EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE, UNAPPROVED SIGNAGE OR AWNINGS, AND OTHER VISUAL BLIGHT VIOLATIONS; AND, PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
AS IN STEVE.R FIVE S IS THE NORTH TO THE MAYOR CITY COMMISSIONER OF CITY OF THE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING CHAPTER 58 OF MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE ENTITLED HOUSING BY AMENDING ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS BY AMENDING SECTION 58 DASH 2 9 8 THEREOF, TO REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS OF COMMERCIAL HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED BUILDINGS IN THE A CULTURAL DISTRICT TO MAINTAIN THE HISTORIC CHARACTER BY PROPERTY ADDRESSING A EXTERIOR OF MAINTENANCE AND APPROVED SIGNAGE OR AWNING AND OTHER VISUAL BLIGHT VIOLATIONS AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL ACCEPTABILITY CLARIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
IT IS ITEM R FIVE S, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
UM, YES, I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS ITEM.
THIS IS FOR OUR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN OUR, OUR DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT.
UM, I KNOW THAT THERE WAS SOME QUESTION AS TO WHETHER ALL OF IT WAS ONLY DESIGNATED BUILDINGS, WHICH WOULD'VE, WHICH WOULD'VE REALLY MEANT ONLY CITY HALL.
BUT WHAT I THINK THE SPIRIT AND INTENT OF THIS ITEM WAS, AND WHAT I THINK IT ACTUALLY DOES IS ALL BUILDINGS THAT ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
IS THAT CORRECT, RICK OR MI? YES.
SO THE HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED TERM ACTUALLY INCLUDES ALL BUILDINGS THAT ARE WITHIN A HO HISTORIC DISTRICT.
THERE WAS SOME CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THAT WAS INTENDED TO REFER TO A HISTORIC, HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED SITE, WHICH IS A DIFFERENT TERM.
SO WHAT WE DID, AND TO, TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION, WE CLARIFIED HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED MEANS ANY BUILDING THAT IS WITHIN A HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED DISTRICT, UM, PURSUANT TO SECTION TWO POINT 13.9 OF THE RESILIENCY CODE.
WE ALSO CLARIFIED BECAUSE WE NOTICED THAT THERE'S NO DEFINITION FOR ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT IN THE CODE.
SO WE WENT AHEAD AND DEFINED THAT TO INCLUDE THE AREA THAT, THAT YOU WANTED TO INCLUDE.
[02:20:01]
LIKE TO THANK THE WOMEN IRENE VIER AND NINA WIRTH OF THE R AND JANE KREPP OF THE ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, BECAUSE I ACTUALLY GOT THIS IDEA WHEN WALKING OCEAN DRIVE WITH THEM A FEW YEARS AGO.AND WE SAW THAT SEVERAL OF THE BUILDINGS HAD RUSTED LIGHTING FIXTURES AND THERE WAS PAINT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
SO, AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO COMMEND COMMISSIONER BOT ON CARRYING MY INITIATIVE FORWARD WITH A SECOND ITEM TO INCLUDE ALL HISTORIC DISTRICTS ACROSS MIAMI BEACH, UM, COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
SO I THINK, AND I CO-SPONSOR THAT AS WELL.
AND I THINK IT SHOWS THAT MIAMI BEACH REALLY CARES AND APPRECIATES WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL.
AND THIS IS ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS IN MAKING SURE THAT AS WE WALK THROUGH OUR CULTURAL DISTRICTS, WE ARE GOING TO DEMAND THAT, UM, THAT OUR PROPERTY OWNERS, UH, EVEN IF THEIR BUILDINGS ARE VACANT, THOSE BA BA BUILDINGS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE PAINTED IN PROPER CONDITION.
OR, UH, WE WILL, UH, NOT JUST ISSUE THIS INITIAL CITATION, BUT WE ARE GOING TO FIND PROPERTY OWNERS, UM, UP TO A THOU A THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY.
AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL SEE, UH, SOME CHANGES VERY QUICKLY WITH THIS NEW LEGISLATION.
SO I'D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE COMMISSIONER BOT.
COMMISSIONER BOT, ARE YOU CO-SPONSORING MY ITEM TOO? BECAUSE I THINK YOU SHOULD.
YEAH, I THINK, I THINK AT SOME POINT I TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IT GOT LOST IN THE SHUFFLE.
SO WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I'D LIKE TO.
UM, AND I WOULD INVITE EVERYBODY TO CO-SPONSOR IF THEY WANT, BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN, YOU KNOW, GETTING THE NEW SIDEWALKS, THE NEW, UH, LIGHTING.
I KNOW THAT COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ IS WORKING ON SIGNAGE WITH THE ART DECO CULTURAL INSTITUTION.
I KNOW THAT THE MAYOR IS WORKING ON CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM.
AND THESE ARE ALL THINGS TO REALLY SHOW THAT WE CARE, THAT WE APPRECIATE OUR DECO AND THAT WE'RE MAKING A COMMITMENT TO NOT JUST KEEP OUR BUILDINGS, UH, VACANT WHILE WAITING FOR, YOU KNOW, BETTER ZONING.
THAT WE WANT IT TO LOOK BEAUTIFUL NOW.
AND OF PLACES LIKE PALM BEACH AND DELRAY BEACH AND, UM, YOU KNOW, OTHER WATERFRONT MUNICIPALITIES LIKE SARASOTA, THEY REALLY DO HAVE A COMMITMENT TO MAKING THEIR BUILDINGS LOOK BEAUTIFUL.
AND FINALLY, MIAMI BEACH, AFTER SEVERAL DECADES OF NEGLECT, A MANAGED DECLINE OF OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT, I THINK WE'RE GONNA SEE A CELEBRATION OF IT.
I THOUGHT I'D MOVE THE ITEM AND I'LL, I'LL SECOND IT, BUT I DO WANNA JUST SAY, UM, UH, I THINK I ECHO EVERYTHING THAT YOU SAID, BUT ALSO JUST FROM A, A SIMPLE DOLLARS AND CENTS PERSPECTIVE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
IF YOU'RE A LANDLORD OR A PROPERTY OWNER AND YOU'RE TRYING TO RENT OUT A FACILITY, A SPACE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO RENT IT OUT VERY WELL.
BUT IF YOU HAVE A NICE CLEAN COAT OF PAINT ON IT AND THERE'S NO WATERMARKS AND DRAIN AND RUST COMING DOWN THE DRAIN, UM, IT'S NOT AN EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE, BUT IT'S, IT WILL SET YOUR PROPERTY OFF BETTER.
AND IF YOU WANNA BE CREATIVE ABOUT THE WAY YOU, YOU PAINT IT TO MAKE IT LOOK EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL, THAT WILL INSPIRE YOUR POSSIBLE TENANTS TO DO, YOU KNOW, TO COME FORWARD AND PAY WHATEVER RENT THAT YOU'RE REQUESTING.
SO, UM, I, UH, I'M THRILLED ABOUT THIS.
I'M EXCITED ABOUT THE NEXT ONE UP.
UM, THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED NEXT MONTH, I GUESS, IN FEBRUARY.
AND, UM, PERHAPS WE COULD MOVE THE ITEM.
MOTION I SECOND, LET'S CALL THE VOTE.
MR. ALDO, YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PLEASE.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS DANIEL ERALDO WITH MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION.
WE, UM, I WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSION FOR SUPPORTING THIS AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING PROPER EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE AND ADDRESSING SOME OF THE VISUAL BLIGHT THAT WE SEE WITHIN THE ART DECO AND OTHER DISTRICTS.
YOU KNOW, MOST OF OCEAN DRIVE IS BEAUTIFUL AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE MOST PART DO KEEP THEIR PROPERTIES UP TO CODE.
BUT WHEN THERE ARE A FEW PROBLEM PROPERTIES, IT REALLY CAN SPREAD AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
UM, AND SO THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE DOING THE BEST AND PUTTING OUR BEST FACE FORWARD AS I THINK MANY OF US SAW DURING ART WEEK, HOW BEAUTIFUL THE CITY LOOKS.
AND, UH, WE WE'RE HOPING THAT WE CAN KEEP IT EVEN MORE THAT WAY THROUGH CONTINUED VIGILANCE.
I HAVE ONE ADDITIONAL SPEAKER, GEORGE WALNER.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, PLEASE.
AND MY QUESTION JUST TO FOLLOW UP ON THE, ON THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER IS YOU'VE GOT THE TIDES HOTEL THAT IS A FOR, FOR OCEAN DRIVE, OR RATHER LARGE PROPERTY THAT STRETCHES ALL THE WAY FROM OCEAN DRIVE
[02:25:01]
TO COLLINS AVENUE.AND IT'S BEEN SITTING VACANT SINCE ABOUT 2017.
UM, AND IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO UNDERSTAND OR GETS SOME HELP FROM THE CITY, UH, ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WHY IS THIS BEING ALLOWED? I MEAN, I KNOW YOU HAVE LIMITED POWERS, BUT THIS IS GONNA GO ON EIGHT YEARS OF A MAJOR PIECE OF THE STREET SITTING DARK AND UNUSED AND, YOU KNOW, UH, IT'S GONNA BE HARD TO BRING OCEAN DRIVE UP TO FULL POTENTIAL WITH THIS KIND OF, UH, HOLE ON THE STREET.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ.
YOU KNOW, YOU'RE THE SECOND PERSON IN 24 HOURS TO MENTION THE TIDES HOTEL.
AND I DON'T THINK THAT IN THIS ORDINANCE WE ADDRESS VACANCIES IN THE ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT.
AND I DO THINK THAT THAT IS ONE OF OUR LARGEST PROBLEMS. MAYBE COMMISSIONER BOUGHT, UM, IN YOUR ITEM BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING, YOU CAN ADD A PIECE ABOUT VACANT PROPERTIES IN THE ART DECO, UH, CULTURAL DISTRICT ABOUT POSSIBLY BEEFING UP WHATEVER, UM, CURTAIN.
I KNOW WE HAVE A VACANCY ORDINANCE THAT WE CREATED THAT IT NEEDS TO BE LANDSCAPED AND IT NEEDS TO BE LIT.
THE QUESTION IS, ARE WE ENFOR, ARE WE ENFORCING THAT RIGHT NOW? ESPECIALLY WITH PROPERTIES LIKE THE TIDES.
UM, SO MAYBE YOU WANT TO ADD TO YOUR ORDINANCE OR I'LL BRING A SEPARATE ORDINANCE TO ADDRESS VACANT PROPERTIES AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE BEAUTIFIED BECAUSE MAYBE THAT WOULD MOTIVATE THE TIDES TO, UH, REOPEN.
DOES ANYBODY ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE TIDES HOTEL LITIGATION COMMISSIONER? IT'S IN LITIGATION COMMISSIONER.
CARRIE CARRIES THE ITEM AS APPROVED.
[R5 V AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE VI, “PROCUREMENT,” DIVISION 3, “CONTRACT PROCEDURES,” BY CREATING SECTION 2-379, TO BE ENTITLED “PROHIBITION ON CITY CONTRACTS WITH CAMPAIGN CONSULTANTS,” TO PROHIBIT THE CITY FROM CONTRACTING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY WHICH HAS, WITHIN A DEFINED PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION OR EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY, PERFORMED SERVICES FOR COMPENSATION TO A CANDIDATE FOR CITY ELECTED OFFICE, AND PROVIDE FOR A WAIVER; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE V AS IN VICTOR.R FIVE V IS IN ORDER TO THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION, THE CITY MIAMI, BE FLORIDA MANY CHAPTER TWO OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ENTITLED ADMINISTRATION ARTICLE SIX, PROCUREMENT DIVISION THREE CONTRACT PROCEDURES BY CREATING SECTION TWO DASH 3 7 9 TO BE ENTITLED, PROHIBITION ON CITY CONTRACTS WITH CAMPAIGN CONSULTANTS TO PROHIBIT THE CITY FROM CONTRACTING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY, WHICH HAS WITHIN A DEFINED PERIOD TIME PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION OR EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE CITY PERFORMS SERVICES FOR COMPENSATION TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE CITY ELECTED OFFICE AND PROVIDE FOR A WAIVER AND PROVIDING FOR A REPEAL SUSTAINABILITY CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
UM, THIS IS A SECOND READING ITEM, SO I WILL MAKE MY COMMENTS BRIEF.
BUT THE GOAL HERE IS TO, UM, CLEAN UP WHAT I SEE AS ABUSE IN THE SYSTEM WHERE SOMEBODY WHO MAY BE A PAID POLITICAL, UM, OPERATIVE, UH, COULD BECOME A CONSULTANT TO THE CITY.
SO I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT PLACES THAT GET RENTED OUT FOR EVENTS OR BANKS OR LAWYERS OR ACCOUNTANTS, BUT, BUT PEOPLE WHO CAN USE THEIR ACCESS TO THE CITY TO, UM, FURTHER THE GOALS OF ANY POLITICAL, ANY PARTICULAR, UM, POLITICAL CANDIDATE FOR ANY OF THE POSITIONS ON THE COMMISSION, UM, AND VICE VERSA.
AND, UH, I WOULD, MR. MAYOR, YOU MOVING, MOVE IT.
I'LL SECOND COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
I, I BELIEVE WE HAD SOME DISCUSSIONS, UM, BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING TO REMOVE I THINK BANKS FROM YEAH, I JUST SAID THAT.
I THINK YOU WERE AWAY FROM THIS.
WHAT WERE THE OTHER CONCERNS? RICK, WOULD YOU MIND? UM, SURE.
DETAIL BECAUSE WE, WE DID SOME WORK TO, YEAH, WE, WE CREATED EXCEPTIONS FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT PROVIDES GOODS TO A CANDIDATE.
SO IF YOU'RE JUST PROVIDING T-SHIRTS, UM, THAT, THAT WOULD NOT PRECLUDE YOU FROM PROVIDING SERVICES OR THE SAME T-SHIRTS TO THE CITY.
UM, ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT PROVIDES SERVICES TO A CANDIDATE, IF THOSE SAME SERVICES ARE REGULAR, PERFORMED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS FOR CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS OTHER THAN CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.
SO THAT WOULD INCLUDE YOUR BANKS, YOUR ACCOUNTANTS, UM, NOT ACTUALLY, WE HAVE A SEPARATE ONE FOR ACCOUNTANTS, UH, BANKS, UH, CABLE COMPANIES, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS, UH, PRINTING COMPANIES, ET CETERA, UH, RESTAURANTS AS WELL.
AND THEN FINALLY, AN EXCEPTION FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
AND THAT INCLUDES YOUR LAWYERS, YOUR ACCOUNTANTS, ET CETERA.
MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, THANK YOU.
UM, AND THANK YOU COMMISSIONER, VICE MAYOR
[02:30:01]
BOT FOR UPDATING THE ITEM, UH, WITH, FOR, FOR THESE EXCEPTIONS WAS A CONCERN I HAD.UM, I, YOU KNOW, I, I HAVE A CONCERN.
LET ME ASK THE CITY ATTORNEY DIRECTLY, FOR EXAMPLE, FAVELA, WOULD THIS AFFECT FAVELA FOR, FOR, FOR EXAMPLE, VALERIE, VALERIE WHO RUNS FAVELA.
VALERIE, UH, WORKED IN MY FIRST CAMPAIGN AND, UH, AND, AND SHE HELPED ME IN MY FIRST CAMPAIGN.
UM, AND SHE RUNS THIS NONPROFIT THAT DEALS WITH THE HOMELESS AND THE CITY, UH, YOU KNOW, PRIOR, I THINK EVEN TO MY ELECTION, HAS BEEN WORKING WITH FAVELA IN, IN TRYING TO GET HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED, LET'S SAY, UM, YOU KNOW, WHEN ANY OF US RUN FOR REELECTION AND SHE HELPS US AS SHE GOES, YOU KNOW WHAT SHE DOES? SHE JUST LIKE GOES AND TAKES PICTURES AT, AT EVENTS AND HELPS, UH, PEOPLE, UH, IN HER OWN FREE TIME.
WILL THIS PROHIBIT HER FROM CONTINUING ON WITH FAVELA SUPPORTING THE CITY WITH ITS HOMELESS OUTREACH EFFORTS? IF SHE DOES THAT AS A VOLUNTEER, THIS WOULD NOT AFFECT HER IF SHE AS A VOLUNTEER.
BUT IF I, IF SHE PAYING FOR PAY, THEN THAT WOULD MEAN THAT THE CITY COULD NOT CONTRACT WITH HER ORGANIZATION, UH, FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AFTER THE, I I BELIEVE IT'S AFTER THE ELECTION.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, I THINK IT HAS, YOU KNOW, UN YOU KNOW, UNINTENDED, YOU KNOW, CONSEQUENCES.
YOU KNOW, SOME PEOPLE, GOOD PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY LIKE THAT WHO, WHO WHO DO GOOD WORK, COULD WE INCORPORATE HERE AN EXCEPTION FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS? UH, BECAUSE A NON-PROFIT IS NOT A FOR-PROFIT VENTURE.
UM, YOU KNOW, IF, IF, IF SOMEONE IS AN OFFICER OF A NON-FOR-PROFIT, UM, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE NOT PROFITING FOR FROM THESE THINGS AND THEY'RE HELPING OUR CITY ADVANCE IN OUR MOST CHALLENGING OFFICIALS.
AND IN THIS SPECIFIC CASE, IT'S SOMEONE THAT IS HELPING HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS GET EMPLOYED AND ENGAGE WITH OTHER HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS TO GET THEM OFF THE STREETS.
AND SO, AND SO I LIKE THE INTENT OF THIS ORDINANCE.
UM, I, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US HAVE AN EXCEPTION FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS BECAUSE NO ONE ENRICHES THEMSELVES, UH, OFF OF A NONPROFIT, UH, EFFORT, UH, LIKE THE WORK THAT FAB BELLA DOES WELL.
AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER THAT AMENDMENT TO, TO, TO THE SPONSOR IF, IF FOR, FOR CONSIDERATION, I DON'T KNOW IF THE SPONSOR WOULD CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENTS.
UH, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, AND COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
AND THANK YOU VICE MAYOR FOR BRINGING THIS FORWARD.
UM, I'M, UH, IN THE SIMILAR BOAT AS, UH, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ THAT I WORRY ABOUT UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES SOMETIMES WHEN, UM, ENTITIES APPEAR ON OUR ON CAMPAIGN REPORTS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THEY WERE A PAID OPERATIVE.
YOU COULD HAVE GONE TO CAFE ANTE AND THEY'LL SHOW UP ON YOUR REPORT AS YOU PAYING THEM, BUT YOU WERE REIMBURSING FOR SERVICES.
I REMEMBER IN, UH, ONE OF, UH, MARK SAMUEL'S CAMPAIGN, SOMEBODY SOUTH OF FIFTH SAID THAT THEY WOULD ARRANGE THE PARTY BUT NOT PAY FOR IT.
SO WE PAID HER AS REIMBURSEMENT FOR, UH, AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE SOUTH THE FIFTH.
SO I JUST, I UNDERSTAND THE INTENT, BUT I WORRY THAT IT WILL CAUSE MORE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THAT, THAT WE WE'RE NOT WANTING TO HAVE COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ, THANK COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, THEN COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, SOMEBODY LIKE MOLINA ALMODOVAR, THIS WOULD PUT HER OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE SHE GETS PAID TO SING AT DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN EVENTS, AND THEN YET SHE HAS SALSA FESTIVAL WITH THE CITY, AND SHE PERFORMS WHEN WE HAVE OUR CONVENTION CENTER, UH, PARTIES.
SO WITH THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION, YOU'RE KIND OF, UH, SQUEEZING OUT A CERTAIN GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY, AND MAYBE THEY SOMETIMES WORK WITH CAMPAIGNS LIKE IN ENTERTAINMENT AND OTHER STUFF, BUT THEN THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO WORK FOR THE CITY TOO.
AND I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S FAIR.
CAN I JUST, I, I, LET ME, LET ME COMMISSIONER SWEAR US.
WELL, THAT'S EXACTLY THE POINT.
WE, WE DON'T WANNA HAVE PEOPLE THAT HELP US ON CAMPAIGNS THEN GET A JOB OR WITH THE CITY LIKE THIS IS, I THINK, I THINK THIS, THIS, I THINK THIS ITEM REALLY HITS TO THE HEART OF THAT, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW,
SO THEY'RE MAKING, THEY, THEY COULD BE MAKING MONEY.
THEY MAY NOT BE MAKING A PROFIT, BUT THEY'LL,
[02:35:01]
THEY'LL, THEY'LL DEFINITELY BE HAVING A, A SALARY.SO THERE IS A MONEY COMPONENT TO IT.
JUST BECAUSE IT SAYS NON-PROFIT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S THAT THERE'S NO, YOU KNOW, SELF-INTEREST IN IT.
BUT, YOU KNOW, LET'S LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS WHERE, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE, THERE ARE CERTAIN PEOPLE WHO, WHO, YOU KNOW, WHO HAVE, UH, CONSULTED CAMPAIGNS IN THE PAST.
THEY'RE, THEY'RE HIGHLY, UM, I WOULDN'T SAY PARTISAN, BUT THEY'RE, UM, THEY'RE FAVORED FOR THAT PARTICULAR CANDIDATE.
I, I DON'T THINK THAT THEY SHOULD BE REWARDED WITH A, A, UM, A GOVERNMENT TAXPAYER FUNDED, UM, POSITION OR JOB, UH, WITH, WITH THE CITY.
I, I THINK, UH, YEAH, LOOK, WE HAVE GREAT PEOPLE WHO, WHO, UM, WHO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, BUT, YOU KNOW, THAT SHOULDN'T BE A RESULT OF, OF AN ELECTION, RIGHT? SO, UM, YOU KNOW, I'M FULLY IN SUPPORT OF THIS ITEM.
MY, I THINK, I THINK MIAMI BEACH IS, IS, YOU KNOW, UNFORTUNATELY UP TO THIS POINT WE'VE HAD A, A VERY BLURRING OF THE LINES, UH, OF, OF, OF THESE CONFLICTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO CAMPAIGN SEASON.
SO, YOU KNOW, I THINK THE, THE MORE WE REALLY SHORE THAT UP, I THINK THERE'S GONNA BE A LOT MORE PUBLIC TRUST, UH, IN, IN, IN THE, IN THE CAMPAIGN PROCESS AND THE PEOPLE WHO WE HAVE IN, IN OUR CITY AND, AND WHO DO BUSINESS WITH US COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
YEAH, I AGREE THAT THE, THE CAMPAIGN JUST SEEMED TO GET VERY, VERY INCESTUOUS ABOUT YEAH.
YOU KNOW, B BLURRING OF LINES, WHO, WHO WAS A CITY EMPLOYEE WHO WAS SUPPORTING, I MEAN, I WAS SHOCKED.
I WAS LIKE, I WENT OUT AND SAW THESE CAMPAIGN OPERATIVES AND THEN I WALKED INTO CITY HALL ONE DAY, I WAS LIKE, OH, YOU'RE LIKE A SECRETARY
I WAS, MY MIND WAS JUST BLOWN.
SO, UM, I WOULD SAY IF YOU REMOVE ANY NAMES FROM IT AND YOU JUST LOOK AT THINGS, SAY IF I'M PAYING SOMEBODY TO WORK ON MY CAMPAIGN, I SHOULDN'T BE IN A POSITION TO THEN IF I GET ELECTED, TURN AROUND AND SAY, YES, YOU GET REWARDED WITH THIS CITY CONTRACT, RIGHT? YEAH.
YOU, YOU CHOOSE ONE PATHWAY OR ANOTHER.
UH, I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT INDIVIDUALS SAYING, WELL, LET'S CARVE THIS PERSON, YOU KNOW, OKAY.
RESTAURANTS, ACCOUNTANTS, BANKS.
BUT WHEN WE START TRYING TO FINE TUNE IT FOR INDIVIDUALS, I, I THINK WE JUST KEEP IT AS BLACK AND WHITE AS WE CAN.
BECAUSE I THINK WHY, UH, VICE MAYOR BROUGHT THIS IS EXACTLY BECAUSE OF THAT BLURRING OF THE LINES THAT OFTEN OCCURS, AND IT JUST RUN A FOULS OF, YOU KNOW, THE SMELL TEST ABOUT WHAT COULD BE RIGHT AND WHAT COULD BE WRONG.
SO I'D RATHER ARE ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION OF, YEAH, OKAY, I'M SORRY, MAY, MAYBE THERE WILL BE AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE, BUT I THINK WE HAVE NO GREATER DUTY AT TIMES THAN TO REALLY UPHOLD THE, UH, TRUST AND HONESTY IN, IN, YOU KNOW, CAMPAIGN SEASON.
UM, SO THAT, THAT'S WHERE I'M AT.
YOU KNOW, I, I JUST LOOK AT THINGS KIND OF BLACK AND WHITE WHERE IF I PAY SOMEBODY TO HELP GET ELECTED, I, I SHOULDN'T BE IN A POSITION TO REWARD THEM WITH A CONTRACT.
UH, I GET SYMPATHETIC WHEN WE START TALKING TO INDI, UH, ABOUT INDIVIDUAL NAMES THAT I LIKE AND I CONSIDER MY PERSONAL FRIENDS AND MAY, YOU KNOW, BE CAUGHT UP IN THIS.
BUT, UH, I'LL TRY AND LIKE, KIND OF LOOK ABOVE THAT AND JUST LOOK AT THINGS KIND OF IN A X AND O'S BASIS.
MS. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER B.
AND I CAN APPRECIATE A LOT OF THE COMMENTS THAT ARE, THAT ARE BEING SHARED HERE ON, ON THE DAYS.
YOU KNOW, WHEN I COME TO CITY HALL AND, AND I, AND I WALK THE HALLS OF CITY HALL, YOU KNOW, I SEE PEOPLE THAT ARE EMPLOYED ON OUR OWN FLOORS, IN OUR OWN OFFICES THAT HAVE WORKED IN CAMPAIGNS AND, AND, AND THAT IS THEY'RE BEING PAID SALARIES WITH THE SAME TAXPAYERS DOLLARS THAT WOULD PAY A CONTRACT FOR SOMEONE THAT DOESN'T WORK IN OUR, IN, IN OUR, IN OUR OFFICES.
YOU KNOW, AND JUST, YOU KNOW, FOR PURPOSES OF TRANSPARENCY, MY OWN AID, MONICA, MONICA, WHO DOES A PHENOMENAL JOB, YOU KNOW, YOU CANNOT FIND, IT'S HARD PRESSED TO FIND A MORE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT THAN MONICA, WHO IS CONSTANTLY RESPONDING TO CONSTITUENT REQUESTS AND GOING OUT OF HER WAY CONSTANTLY TO HELP CONSTITUENTS.
SHE WORKED IN A, IN, IN, IN A CAMPAIGN BEFORE, BEFORE WORKING AT CITY HALL, YOU KNOW, SHE'S BEING PAID WITH THE SAME TAXPAYER'S DOLLARS THAT A CONTRACTOR WOULD'VE, WOULD'VE BEEN PAID.
I'M JUST SAYING, YOU KNOW, WE'RE DRAW, WE'RE, EVEN THOUGH THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO EMPLOYEES, WELL, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE AND A CONTRACTOR? THEY'RE BOTH RENDERING SERVICES USING TAXPAYER'S DOLLARS TO
[02:40:01]
THE PUBLIC.AND WE'RE GETTING JUST SO CLOSE WITH ALL OF THESE RESTRICTIONS.
FIRST, IT WAS IF YOU, IF YOU, IF YOU WORKED IN A CAMPAIGN, WELL, YOU CAN'T SERVE AN ADVISORY BOARD AND, AND, AND COMMITTEE.
WELL, I, I'LL TELL YOU, I, YOU KNOW, I LOOK AT THE LIST OF PEOPLE SERVING ON ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
I DON'T KNOW WHO IS ENFORCING THAT BECAUSE I LOOK AROUND THE STATES, A NUMBER OF US HAVE PUT PEOPLE ON BOARDS AND COMMITTEES WHO HAVE, UH, WHO ARE ON THE, ON THE EXPENDITURE REPORTS OF CAMPAIGNS.
THEN, THEN, THEN NOW WE'RE PUTTING IT ON CONTRACTORS.
IF YOU, YOU KNOW, HAPPEN TO BE, UH, PARTICIPATING IN A CAMPAIGN, YOU CAN NO LONGER RENDER SERVICES TO, TO, TO, TO THE CITY THE NEXT, I MEAN, I'M TELLING YOU, THE NEXT THING THAT'S GONNA BE EMPLOYEES, IF YOU, IF YOU WORKED IN, IN, IN A CAMPAIGN, YOU'RE, YOU'RE GOING TO BE PROHIBITED FROM BEING EMPLOYED BY, BY, BY, BY THE SAY, I JUST THINK IT JUST GOES IN SUCH A BAD DIRECTION WHERE WE'RE ACTUALLY SAYING, TELLING THE COMMUNITY, DON'T GET ENGAGED IN CAMPAIGNS.
DON'T GET ENGAGED IN EXERCISING YOUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND, AND, AND SHAME OF YOU IF YOU CAN'T DO IT AS A VOLUNTEER, BECAUSE YOU KNOW, YOU DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES AND YOU'RE GETTING PAID OR YOU APPEAR ON A REIMBURSEMENT, UH, REPORT.
AND THEN I ALSO PUT OUT THERE, THERE'S A NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE MAY ENGAGE WITH AS A CITY THAT MIGHT ALSO APPEAR ON OUR EXPENDITURE REPORTS.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, IMPORTANT TO MANY OF US THAT IN OUR EXPENDITURE REPORTS, THEY MIGHT APPEAR IN EVEN IN LARGE SUMS FOR WHATEVER REASONS, THEN THIS COULD POTENTIALLY PROHIBIT THEM FROM DOING WORK WITH, WITH, WITH, WITH THE CITY.
AND SO AND SO, I JUST THINK, LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, I THINK OF SAVE, LET'S SAY SAVE HAS AN EVENT AND WE DO A SPONSORSHIP WITH SAVE, SAVE HAS A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY TO RUN, UH, OUR, OUR OUR SAVE ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH, UH, FOR, FOR FOR L-G-B-T-Q FAMILIES, MR. ATTORNEY, WOULD THIS PROHIBIT US FROM HAVING, UH, SAFE, UH, ENGAGE IN, IN THAT CONTRACT WITH, WITH THE CITY IF THEY APPEAR ON THE EXPENDITURE REPORTS? ARE THEY APPEARING ON YOUR EXPENDITURE REPORT BECAUSE THEY PROVIDED CAMPAIGN SERVICES OR JUST BECAUSE OF SOME OTHER SERVICE THEY PROVIDED? THIS IS ONLY BASED, BASED ON CAMPAIGN SERVICES, THIS LEGISLATION.
BUT WHAT IF YOU'RE REIMBURSING THEM FOR, FOR STUFF, LET'S SAY, YOU KNOW, ORGANIZATIONS DO DAYS OF ACTIONS AND YOU MIGHT BE RE, RE REIMBURSING THEM FOR, FOR, FOR THINGS RELATED TO, TO YOUR CAMPAIGN.
UH, WE'VE DEFINED, UM, LET'S SEE.
THE CITY WILL NOT ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH AN INDIVIDUAL ENTITY IF THE INDIVIDUAL ENTITY OR PRINCIPAL, THAT OFFICER HAS PERFORMED SERVICES FOR COMPENSATION TO A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR OR COMMISSIONER.
SO IF THEY DON'T FALL WITHIN THAT, THEN THAT WOULD NOT PREVENT THE CITY FROM ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT.
AND SO WHAT IF IT'S A REIMBURSEMENT? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAYING SOMEONE FOR SERVICES AND LET'S SAY REIMBURSING THEM? HOW DO YOU, HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE? ONE IS REIMBURSEMENT FOR AN OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENDITURE, AND WHAT IS PAYING THEM FOR SERVICES THAT WOULD REQUIRE EITHER AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT AND A 10 99 OR A W2, UH, FOR THEIR WAGES? AND HOW ABOUT, AND HOW DOES THIS ADDRESS THEN, LET'S SAY, UH, THIRD PARTY ENTITIES, THIRD, THIRD PARTY ENTITIES THAT MIGHT NOT BE THE CAMPAIGN DIRECTLY, LET'S SAY, UH, YOU KNOW, THE PACS AND THE ECOS AND ALL THESE OTHER SHADOW GROUPS.
IS THIS ADDRESSING THAT YOU MEAN? WELL, THIS, THIS, THIS ENTAILS INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES THAT YOU ARE PAYING, NOT ENTITIES THAT ARE PAYING YOU.
SO I, I JUST SEE A LOT OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES WITH THIS.
AND MORE AND MORE WE ARE IMPEDING IN PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, UH, IN THE ELECTION PROCESS.
UH, AND, AND, AND I, YOU KNOW, I GOT THE SPIRIT OF IT.
CAN I ASK, WE ACTUALLY, I, I HAD PROMISED, UH, COMMISSIONER BOT, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, AND THEN, UH, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, I THINK IT LOOKS LIKE, IF I CAN COUNT THE VOTES WITH THREE THREE, AND I HAVEN'T SPOKEN, SO I'LL SPEAK BRIEFLY SO EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE I AM.
UH, I COMMEND YOU ON THIS ITEM, VICE MAYOR, UH, BOT, I, I'M, I, I THINK IT'S AN EXCEPTIONAL
[02:45:01]
ITEM.AND, AND I'LL BRIEFLY TELL YOU WHY.
UM, IN, IN, IN POLITICS, WHICH WE'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF HERE, UM, THE GOOD OF POLITICS IS WE CAN DO MORE GOOD.
I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING THAT I COULD DO WITH MY LIFE TO HELP PEOPLE AND OUR RESIDENTS.
AND I, THAT'S, I THINK I SPEAK FOR ALL OF US HERE.
OBVIOUSLY HERE WE MEET LEGISLATIVELY, BUT LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE DAY, THE THINGS WE DO, THE EMAILS WE GET TO HELP PEOPLE, IT'S TREMENDOUS.
AND IT'S, IT'S VERY GRATIFYING.
WE ALL KNOW THE POLITICS IS UGLY.
AND ESPECIALLY CAMPAIGNS CAN BE EXTREMELY UGLY AND BRUTAL.
UM, AND TO ME, ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO REMOVE THE POLITICS OF CAMPAIGNS FROM THE POLITICS OF CITY HALL, I'M GONNA BE SUPPORTIVE OF.
UM, AND, AND, UH, I COMMEND YOU FOR BRINGING IT, COMMISSIONER BOT.
UM, SO A COUPLE OF THINGS WERE RAISED, I JUST WANNA ADDRESS ONE IS THAT, UM, I, I THINK IF THERE IS A PERSON WHO'S PROVIDING A SERVICE FOR A CAMPAIGN, UM, OR MORE THAN ONE CAMPAIGN, UM, LIKE THE SINGER, UM, THAT IS NOT A PROBLEM TO LET THAT SINGER ALSO WORK FOR THE CITY.
UM, I'M NOT, I'M NOT SURE I'M WORDING THAT CORRECTLY.
IT'S NOT A SERVICE FOR A CAMPAIGN, BUT IF SHE IS, IF SHE IS, UM, AT CAMPAIGN EVENTS FOR MULTIPLE DIFFERENT CAMPAIGNS, THAT'S NOT AN ISSUE.
BECAUSE LIKE, LIKE A, LIKE A RESTAURANT OR SOMEBODY WHO'S PROVIDING FOOD, SHE'S, IF, IF I MAY, UM, IF IT'S SOMEBODY WHO IS PROVIDING SERVICES TO VARIOUS CAMPAIGNS, BUT ALSO TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, SUCH AS THE SINGER, THE SINGER IS PROBABLY HIRED FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR, UM, WEDDING RECEPTIONS OR BAR MITZVAHS, THEN THAT PERSON WOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED.
IT'S, IT'S SOMEBODY WHO IS JUST WORKING FOR A CAMPAIGN OR A RIGHT.
I MEAN, IF, IF THE SINGER WHO IS BE DECKED HEAD TO TOE IN ONE CANDIDATE'S OUTFIT AT EVERY EVENT, THAT'S A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION.
BUT THAT'S NOT, THAT'S NOT, I THINK WHAT'S BEING CONTEMPLATED.
THE OTHER THING IS THAT, UM, IN TERMS OF THE ENDORSEMENTS WITH, UM, SAY FOR INSTANCE AND INEQUALITY OR WHATEVER, WHERE THEY MAY BE IN CONTRACT WITH THE CITY TO PROVIDE SERVICE, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, I DID NOT GET THE SAVE ENDORSEMENT BECAUSE I PAID ANYBODY.
AND I DON'T BELIEVE ANYBODY ELSE DID EITHER.
THEY, THOSE ENDORSEMENTS ARE GIVEN, UM, WHETHER IT'S AS FOP OR FIREFIGHTERS OR SAVE OR THE UNIONS BASED ON THE QUALITY OF YOUR INTERACTIONS AND YOUR IDEAS THROUGH THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, YOU ARE SUBMITTING A LENGTHY, UM, QUESTIONNAIRE WITH HOPEFULLY WELL THOUGHT OUT ANSWERS IN DETAIL.
AND THEN YOU HAVE AN INTERVIEW PROCESS AND YOU EITHER DO OR DON'T GET AN ENDORSEMENT.
AND THERE ARE IN SOME CASES, DAYS OF ACTION FROM THOSE ORGANIZATIONS, BUT YOU HAVE NOT PAID, UH, TO GET ENDORSED.
AND THOSE DAYS OF ACTIONS ARE VOLUNTEER.
AND THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCERN THAT I SHARE WITH MY COLLEAGUES, WHICH IS I WANT MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH OUR, FROM OUR COMMUNITY IN OUR CAMPAIGNS, NOT FEWER.
I DON'T WANT THE SAME CLICK OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GETTING PAID, PAID FOR CAMPAIGN SERVICES TO BE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN OTHER WAYS AS WELL.
I, I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER TO, TO DONATE TIME AND EFFORT TO CAMPAIGNS.
AND THEN TO SHARE THAT, UM, YOU KNOW, IN, IN OTHER WAYS THAT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN OTHER WAYS.
BUT IF YOU ARE A PAID OPERATIVE FOR A CAMPAIGN, I THINK THAT IS PROBLEMATIC TO THEN HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY.
GOT WE HAVE, WE HAVE THE, THE VOTES, UH, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND, I BELIEVE I HAVE A QUESTION.
AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO, KRISTEN, GO AHEAD AND, SORRY.
UH, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, AND THEN I'D LIKE TO CALL THE VOTE.
CAN WE EXEMPT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS? BECAUSE FOR EXAMPLE, MONICA AND I WORKED ON A CAMPAIGN, LEWIS WORKED WITH COMMISSIONER, UH, MAGAZINE, EMPLOYEE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.
I, DANNY ARE NOT, NOT COVERED.
SO WE CAN WORK WITH SOMEBODY AND THEN EVENTUALLY HIRE THEM ON OUR STAFF.
I THINK THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN, DO WE, YEAH, WE, WE MADE SURE THAT THAT WOULD NOT BE, UH, A, A STUMBLING BLOCK HERE.
SO, BUT, BUT I THINK, AND, AND, AND IF I MAY, I, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO JUST HIGHLIGHT THAT DISCREPANCY, THEN IT'S OKAY FOR US TO, I, I MEAN, IT'S A REAL DOUBLE STANDARD THAT WE'RE CREATING HERE.
WE'RE SAYING IT'S OKAY IF WE HIRE THEM FOR OUR OFFICES, THAT'S OKAY, BUT IT'S NOT OKAY IF THEY, IF THEY GET A CONTRACT WHERE THEY ACTUALLY HAVE TO RENDER SERVICES AND GIVE DELIVERABLES, MEASURABLE DELIVERABLES THAT ARE USUALLY, YOU KNOW, VERY MUCH VETTED THROUGH PROCUREMENT PROCESSES BY, BY THE CITY MANAGER.
THOSE ARE COMPETITIVE CONTRACTS THAT ARE AWARDED BY THE CITY WITH REVIEW CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES THAT, THAT, THAT FALLS UNDER THE CITY MANAGERS.
BUT WE'RE CREATING, WHAT WE'RE HERE SAYING IS A DOUBLE STANDARD.
IT'S OKAY IF YOU WORK IN OUR OFFICES,
[02:50:01]
IF YOU'RE DOING SENIOR AFFAIRS IN, IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OR WORKING AS OUR AIDES IN MY OFFICE OR ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES' OFFICES, BUT IT'S NOT OKAY.IN THAT CASE, IT'S FINE TO HIRE PEOPLE THAT, THAT, YOU KNOW, MAY DO STUFF WITH CAMPAIGNS, BUT IT'S NOT OKAY IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH A PROCUREMENT PROCESS, BEING COMPETITIVELY VETTED AND HAVING TO ADHERE TO CONTRACTS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES.
AND THAT IN THAT CASE, YOU CAN'T GET A CONTRACT WITH A CITY.
I, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, I, YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD GOVERNMENT PERSON, AND I KNOW THIS IS COMING FROM A REALLY GOOD PLACE, AND I AGREE WITH A LOT OF THIS, EXCEPT I JUST THINK WE ARE BEING, WE ARE CREATING SOMETHING EVERY DAY, MORE AND MORE RESTRICTIVE THAT I ACTUALLY THINK IT TAKES US FARTHER AWAY FROM INDIVIDUALS ACTUALLY WANTING TO GET ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS.
WE'RE CREATING SYSTEMS THAT ARE SO RESTRICTIVE THAT ACTUALLY DIS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE WE'RE BEING EXCLUSIVE RATHER THAN INCLUSIVE IN OUR PROCESSES.
AND I'M ALL ABOUT SEEING A CITY THAT'S MORE INCLUSIVE AND LESS EXCLUSIVE.
VICE MAYOR, OH, COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE AND LET'S CALL A VOTE.
I THINK WE'RE, AND I APPRECIATE THAT SENTIMENT.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, WHAT I WOULD OFFER IS, UH, SOMEWHAT OF A REBUTTAL OR DEVIL'S ADVOCATE HERE IS EACH OF US HAVE A FINITE AMOUNT OF POSITIONS THAT WE'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR, FOR HIRING.
THAT'S JUST WITHIN OUR OWN INTERNAL STAFF.
AND THAT'S A MAXIMUM EXCLUDING THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF TWO, RIGHT? AND THOSE POSITIONS ARE GONNA BE FILLED REGARDLESS.
AND THOSE ARE SOMEWHAT OF A POLITICAL POSITION.
UH, I THINK THAT'S, UH, A VERY DIFFERENT LINE THAN, UM, ALL OF US VOTING ON EXTERNAL CONTRACTORS.
AND THEN IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW, UH, PEOPLE EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS, WE HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RESTRICT PEOPLE EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS, GETTING INVOLVED IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS OF EXCLUDING THEM FROM ANY TYPE OF THEN INCLUSION IN OUR CITY, BEING A CONTRACTOR.
UH, BUT WHERE THAT CLEAR LINE IS DRAWN IS VERY SIMPLE IN BLACK AND WHITE.
AND THAT'S JUST, IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THAT A STEP FURTHER WELL BEYOND ANYBODY'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF GETTING PAID FOR THOSE SERVICES.
AND THAT'S WHERE I DRAW A LINE.
UH, I SEE IT AS BLACK AND WHITE.
UM, BUT I THINK THAT WE'VE LEFT THAT PRETTY CUT AND DRY ABOUT, PLEASE GET INVOLVED IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, EXERCISE YOUR, UH, RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH, EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE TO COME OUT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMPAIGNS.
BUT IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER AND MAKE IT A CAREER, THEN I DO THINK THAT WE SHOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF, UH, A WINDOW THAT YOU'RE, YOU'RE KIND OF NOT ON THE INSIDE.
I HAVE TWO INDIVIDUALS REQUESTING TO SPEAK, UH, INDIVIDUAL WITH THE NAME, LAST NAME, SUAREZ, NOT ME,
UH, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME, UH, ADDRESS SO YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
CAN WE, CAN WE, CAN WE CUT HIM OFF PJ CUT HIM OFF.
UM, I HOPE I'M NOT AS RUDE AS THAT GENTLEMAN, BUT, UM, I JUST WANNA SAY THAT IT'S VERY ELITIST OF YOU TO SAY THAT, UH, I'M NOT GONNA NAME NAMES, BUT THERE'S LOBBYISTS THAT WORK FOR VERY WEALTHY BILLIONAIRES WHO, UH, HAVE A VERY BIG SAY IN THE CITY, BUT YET PEOPLE LIKE, I WON'T NAME HER, THAT LIVES IN NORTH BEACH, THAT, YOU KNOW, SHE LOVES THE CITY, SHE GETS INVOLVED, BUT SHE GETS PAID AND SHE, SHE WAS ON A BOARD.
AND, UH, UH, THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE I CAN NAME, UH, THAT ARE VERY INVOLVED AND I DON'T REALLY SEE A PROBLEM WITH THEM AS THE WAY THAT, UH, SOME OF YOU DO.
I SEE A BIGGER PROBLEM WITH THE LOBBYISTS, UH, THAT ARE WORKING FOR THE BILLIONAIRES.
THEY HAVE MUCH MORE SAY THAN THESE LITTLE PEOPLE IN NORTH BEACH OR, OR SOUTH BEACH.
UH, THEY HAVE A BIGGER IMPACT ON YOUR, YOUR VOTE THAN THESE LITTLE PEOPLE.
I THINK IT'S, IT, IT, YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT INTENTION, BUT THE THE REALITY OF IT IS, IT IS SO ELITIST, SO INAPPROPRIATE.
I HAVE NO ONE ELSE IN ZOOM AND NO ONE ELSE IN THE AUDIENCE MAY I CALL.
I, I WOULD LIKE TO JUST, UH, SAY ONE THING BEFORE WE CALL THE ROLE.
WHICH IS, IF I HAD THE ABILITY TO OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED, I WOULD BE DOING THAT AS WELL.
BUT THIS IS AS FAR AS I CAN DO.
[02:55:01]
THAT WE NEED TO SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE.I'M NOT TRYING TO PENALIZE ANYBODY.
I'M JUST TRYING TO KEEP A CLEAR DELINEATION BETWEEN PEOPLE WHO GET PAID FOR A CAMPAIGN AND THEN USE THAT, UM, POWER TO DO OTHER THINGS IN A WAY THAT'S NOT APPROPRIATE.
SO I, YOU KNOW, EQUATING, UM, EQUATING THIS WITH, WITH PAID LOBBYISTS AND, UH, YOU KNOW, GOING UP TO THE CITIZEN UNITED ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL, THAT'S JUST APPLES AND ORANGES.
I, I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THIS FORWARDING, MADAM VICE MAYOR.
DID YOU ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT ON THE NONPROFITS OR ARE YOU NOT ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT ON THE NONPROFITS? I'M NOT ACCEPTING THE AMENDMENT ON THE NONPROFITS.
AND, AND WAYNE, YOU BRING UP GOOD POINTS AND, AND OUR COMMISSION OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAS TRIED WITHIN THE LEGAL PARAMETERS, UH, TO, TO LIMIT AS MUCH INFLUENCE AS WE CAN.
BUT WE HAVE OBVIOUSLY THERE'RE, UM, WE'RE, WE'RE, WE'RE WORKING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF, UH, EXISTING LAW.
SO I HAVE MOTION BROUGHT BY COMMISSIONER, BY VICE MAYOR BOTT, SECONDED BY THE MAYOR.
IT'S REALLY PUNISHING THE LITTLE GUY.
I'M GONNA VOTE FOR IT SO THAT IT'S, IT'S NOT USED AGAINST ME, BUT IT'S WRONG.
I THINK ETHICALLY, WHAT, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? I THINK IT IS PUNISHING THE LITTLE GUY.
YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, THIS IS A MESSY ITEM AND I THINK THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH GUARDRAILS ALREADY AND SO I WILL VOTE NO.
I THINK THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ITEM AND I PROBABLY SUPPORT IT.
SO WE HAVE TWO AGAINST ITEM PASSES.
LET'S TAKE CARE OF A COUPLE ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS. UH, R FIVE
[R5 O AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 789, THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES SALARY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR QUALIFYING INCUMBENTS IN THE CLASSIFICATIONS IN GROUP V REPRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA (“GSAF”), OPEIU LOCAL 100 AS FOLLOWS: EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN JULY OF 2025, THERE WILL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (“COLA”) OF THREE PERCENT (3%), AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY THREE PERCENT (3%); EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2026, THERE SHALL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF THREE PERCENT (3%), AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY THREE PERCENT (3%); EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2027, THERE SHALL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF THREE PERCENT (3%), AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY THREE PERCENT (3%); REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND CODIFICATION.]
[R5 P AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 789, THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES SALARY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR THE CLASSIFICATIONS IN GROUP III, REPRESENTED BY THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE (“FOP”), WILLIAM NICHOLS LODGE NO. 8; EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD JULY 2025, SELECTED PAY INCENTIVES AND FIVE PERCENT (5%) CJIS PAY WILL BE ROLLED INTO SELECTED BASE PAYS, AND THERE WILL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (“COLA”) OF THREE PERCENT (3%); EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2026, THERE SHALL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF THREE PERCENT (3%); EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2027, THERE SHALL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF THREE PERCENT (3%); AN ADDITIONAL FOUR PERCENT (4%) STEP SHALL BE ADDED TO THE END OF THE RANGE FOR THE POLICE OFFICER AND DETENTION OFFICER CLASSIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF JULY 2025, AND AN ADDITIONAL FOUR PERCENT (4%) STEP ADDED TO THE END OF THE RANGE FOR THE POLICE OFFICER AND DETENTION OFFICER CLASSIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF APRIL 2026; ALL POLICE SERGEANT AND POLICE LIEUTENANT PAY STEPS SHALL BE ADJUSTED BY FOUR PERCENT (4%) EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF JULY 2025, AND POLICE SERGEANT AND POLICE LIEUTENANT PAY STEPS SHALL BE ADJUSTED BY FOUR PERCENT (4%) EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF APRIL 2026; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND CODIFICATION.]
O AND R FIVE P ONE SECOND.SO I'M GOING TO DO P, O, AND P, SO I'M GONNA READ BOTH TITLES AT ONCE.
R FIVE O IS THE NOR OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH AMENDING ORDINANCE 7 89, THE CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE SALARY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT PROVIDED FOR QUALIFYING INCUMBENTS AND THE CLASSIFICATION IN GROUP FIVE, REPRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS AND ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA AT GSF, G-S-A-F-O-P-E-I-U, LOCAL 10 LOCAL 100 AS FOLLOWS.
EFFECTIVE THE FIRST POLL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN JULY OF 2025.
THERE WILL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT OF 3%, AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY 3% EFFECTIVE.
THE FIRST PULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2026, THERE SHALL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF 3%, AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY 3% EFFECTIVE.
THE FIRST PULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL OF 2027.
THIS SHOULD BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF 3%, AND THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM OF EACH SALARY RANGE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY 3%.
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR ACCEPTABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE AND CODIFICATION, THAT IS A SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING.
ITEM R FIVE P IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 70 7789 CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE SALARY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MAN BEACH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR THE CLASSIFICATIONS IN GROUP THREE, REPRESENTATIVE BY THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, FOP WILLIAM NICHOLS LODGE.
NUMBER EIGHT, EFFECTIVE THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD IN JULY OF 2025, SELECTIVE PAY INCENTIVES AND EFFECT AND 5% CJIS PAY WILL BE ROLLED INTO SELECTIVE PAY BASE PAYS.
THAT WILL BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT COLA OF 3% EFFECTIVE, THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING APRIL, 2026.
THIS SHOULD BE AN ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF 3% EFFECTIVE.
THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL, 2027 SHOULD, WHICH ARE BEING ACROSS THE BOARD COLA OF 3%.
AND AN ADDITIONAL 4% STEP SHALL BE ADDED TO THE END OF THE RANGE OF THE POLICE OFFICER.
AND DE DETENTION OFFICER CLASSIFICATION AFFECTED THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF JULY, 2025 AND AN ADDITIONAL 4% STEP ADDED TO THE END OF THE RANGE FOR THE POLICE OFFICER AND DETENTION OFFICER CLASSIFICATIONS AFFECTED THE FIRST FULL PERIOD OF APRIL, 2026.
ALL POLICE SERGEANT AND POLICE LIEUTENANT'S PAY SHALL BE ADJUSTED BY 4% EFFECTIVE, THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF JULY, 2025.
AND POLICE SERGEANTS AND POLICE LIEUTENANT'S PAY STEPS SHALL BE ADJUSTED BY 4% EFFECTIVE.
THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD OF APRIL, 2026, REPEATING ALL ORDINANCES AND CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR FAVORABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE AND CODIFICATION.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
SO WE ARE LISTENING TO ONP RALPH.
[03:00:01]
I'M SORRY, I DIDN'T GET THAT.CAN YOU REPEAT THAT
I WAS GONNA VICE MAYOR
GOOD MORNING, MAYOR AND COMMISSION.
THESE ARE OUR CLASSIFIED SALARY ORDINANCES FOR THE GSAF CONTRACT AND THE FOP CONTRACT RESPECT RESPECTIVELY.
THEY DO, UM, ALIGN WITH THE, UM, BARGAINING AGREEMENTS THAT PASSED THE LAST COMMISSION MEETING.
WHO'S MOVING IT? I'LL MOVE IT.
THIS IS ON BOTH R FIVE O AND R FIVE P.
I SEE NO ONE IN ZOOM AND I SEE NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
SO FOR BOTH ITEMS, COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ? YES.
THAT IS ITEM R FIVE O AND R FIVE P.
[R7 E A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (BEACH HIGH), FOR THE INITIATION OF A METAL DETECTOR PROGRAM, ON A PILOT PROGRAM BASIS, TO ENHANCE SCHOOL SAFETY THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF METAL DETECTORS AT BEACH HIGH, WHICH WILL PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL LAYER OF PROTECTION FOR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND VISITORS; AND DIRECT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ANY ACTIONS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THIS PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A PILOT METAL DETECTOR PROGRAM; AND FURTHER, DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THE PRINCIPAL OF MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.]
IT'LL BE QUICK.UH, YOU KNOW, THERE'S A FAMOUS PROVERB THAT SAYS, IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE.
IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.
WE WANT STICK TOGETHER WITH THE MAYOR COMMISSION ADMINISTRATION.
AND, UH, I THINK WE'RE, WE'RE GONNA BUILD ON THAT SUCCESS.
WE HAD A, A VERY GOOD SPRING BREAK.
THE MEMORIAL DAY WAS PHENOMENAL.
I THINK WE'VE TURNED THAT SHIP.
LIKE THE SAYING GOES, YOU CAN'T TURN TURN AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER ON A DIME, BUT WE DID.
UM, AND WE ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
HIS DELIVERY SOMETIMES IS A LITTLE OFF.
I THINK WE CAN WORK ON THAT, BUT WE'RE GONNA MOVE ON.
LIKE COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE TOLD ME WHEN WE SPOKE, LET'S LAND THIS PLANE.
WELL, THE, THE PLANE HAS LANDED.
UH, BUT I WANNA SAY THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF ALL OUR MEMBERS.
WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH EVERY, EVERY ONE OF YOU TO TRY TO MAKE MIAMI BEACH THE LAW AND ORDER CITY THAT THE MAYOR AND AND COMMISSIONER WANT.
AND, UH, AS I CONTINUOUSLY TELL YOU AND THE OFFICERS ANY CHANCE I GET, UH, WE'RE REALLY BLESSED TO LIVE IN A CITY WHERE OUR RESIDENTS, OUR ADMINISTRATION, OUR CITY COMMISSION FULLY SUPPORT AND BACK OUR, UH, OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE, R SEVEN ER SEVEN ER SEVEN E SUPPORT METAL DETECTOR PILOT PROGRAM AT MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
SO ULTIMATELY, IT'S NOT OUR DECISION, IT'S THE, UH, IT'S THE, IT'S THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT WILL, THAT WILL ULTIMATELY MAKE THAT DECISION.
UM, OTHER SCHOOL BOARDS ARE GOING TO IT, BROWARD IMPLEMENTED IT.
UM, MY UNDERSTANDING IS IT'S GOING EXTREMELY WELL.
AND I THINK IT WAS WORTHY OF A, OF A PILOT PROGRAM AND SUGGESTING TO THEM THAT, THAT WE WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE IN MIAMI BEACH TO THE SCHOOL BOARD TO, TO LOOK AT THIS AND, AND POTENTIALLY IMPLEMENT, CAME FROM ACTUALLY TALKING TO A NUMBER OF PARENTS WHO, UH, WERE SUPPORTIVE OF THIS AND THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT, UH, THEIR SCHOOL NEEDED.
AND ACTUALLY, I HAD PARENTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS REACH OUT TO ME AND ASK IF THEY, THEY CAN INCLUDE THEIR SCHOOLS.
SO, UH, THAT'S WHERE THIS IS COMING FROM.
AND I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTHY OF OUR COMMISSION PASSING TO HAVE THE SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDER COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
I BELIEVE THAT WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND PUT, UM, A METAL DETECTOR UP IN A SCHOOL THAT IT SHOULD BE RESEARCHED.
SO I KIND OF DID A LITTLE BIT OF A DEEP DIVE INTO EDUC CURRENT EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH.
AND, UM, WHAT I FOUND, I'M GONNA GO THROUGH SEVERAL PEER REVIEWED RESEARCHERS, ACTUALLY, KAYLEE PATRICK OF ED TRUST.
IT SAYS, UH, UM, PART OF THE INTEREST IN METAL DETECTORS IS THE, UH, PERCEPTION OF SAFETY.
HOWEVER, THERE'S NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT METAL DETECTORS PREVENT VIOLENCE IN SCHOOL SETTINGS.
BY THE WAY, IF, IF SOMEBODY IS GOING TO SHOOT, THEY'RE NOT TAKING THEIR AK 47 THROUGH THE METAL DETECTOR.
MANY STUDENTS, THE PRESENCE OF METAL DETECTORS MAKE THEM FEEL LESS SAFE NOW, MORE, IT MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEY ATTEND SCHOOL INSIDE OF A PRISON, OR THAT THEIR EDUCATORS PERCEIVE THEM AS A THREAT.
I THINK IT'S BAD ENOUGH THAT OUR SCHOOLS, UM, ARE BUILT WITH CINDER BLOCKS.
I THINK HAVING TO GO THROUGH A METAL DETECTOR WHEN SCHOOL ALREADY STARTS AT SEVEN 15 IS JUST, UM, REALLY A NEGATIVE WAY TO START THE DAY.
ONE THING THAT YOU CAN DO, UM, IS TO SPEND MONEY ON TRUSTING AND CARING RELATIONSHIPS AMONG STUDENTS.
THIS IS JUST ONE STUDY, A SECOND STUDY BY HANKER HERTZ AND SIMON 2011 SCHWARTZ 2016, WIND 2018.
ON ONE HAND, METAL DETECTORS PROVIDE VISUAL EVIDENCE THAT SOMETHING IS BEING DONE TO ADDRESS SECURITY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME HAVE ARGUED THAT THE PRESENCE OF THESE DEVICES MAY UNINTENTIONALLY BE SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGES TO STUDENTS AND OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
I, UH, PULLED A REPORT FROM WESTED NATIONAL, UM, SAFETY RESEARCH RESEARCHERS SUGGEST METAL DETECTORS CAN CREATE LONG LINES TO GET IN OR
[03:05:01]
GIVE STUDENT A SENSE OF FEAR.STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS WITH METAL DETECTORS, WHICH TYPICALLY ARE STUDENTS WITH GREATER PROPORTIONS OF STUDENTS OF COLOR, ARE MORE LIKELY TO PERCEIVE VIOLENCE AND DISORDER AND LESS LIKELY TO FEEL SAFE THAN STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS WITHOUT METAL DETECTORS.
UM, ANOTHER REPORT FROM, UH, WEST ED, UH, JUSTICE AND PREVENTION RESEARCH.
UM, AS OF 2017, AND AGAIN, IN 2022 OF ALL THE SCHOOL DETERRENTS AGAINST WEAPON SCHOOL SAFETY RESEARCH IS BELIEVED THAT THEY'RE ACTUALLY THE LEAST COMMONLY USED TOOL.
UM, AND THE REASON WHY IS THAT, UH, OUT OF 23,000 STUDENTS SCANNED, UM, ONE DANGEROUS ITEM WAS FOUND.
THE RESEARCHERS SUGGEST THAT, UH, SCHOOL STAFF OFTEN LACK THE TRAINING TO PROPERLY, PROPERLY USE METAL DETECTORS OR SOMETIMES HAVE THEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
I THINK THAT IN ORDER TO STAFF AND DO THIS, IT WOULD COST US MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PER YEAR.
AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS THAT MONEY INVESTED IN MENTAL HEALTH INSTEAD OF THIS KIND OF FORCE.
YOU KNOW, THIS, THIS IDEA, EVERYBODY WOULD LIKE, UM, LAW AND ORDER, BUT THERE'S A CERTAIN TYPE OF SOFT DIPLOMACY, OKAY? AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT, CORRECT.
SAFETY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE.
BUT WHAT WORKS IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS, AND WHAT PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH SHOWS IS THAT THESE CREATE NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS.
THEY DO NOT STOP ACTIVE SHOOTERS.
THEY PROVED ONE ACTIVE SHOOTER THAT WENT THROUGH A METAL DETECTOR.
THEY JUMPED OVER A GATE, THEY GOT IN A SIDE ROUTE.
I MEAN, I WOULD LIKE BEFORE YOU DO THIS AND IMPOSE A PRISON-LIKE SETTING ON OUR STUDENTS.
OKAY? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW MUCH THIS WOULD COST.
BY THE WAY, I DON'T NECESSARILY THINK THAT M-G-C-P-S IS ON BOARD WITH THIS EITHER, BUT WHEN PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH IS SHOWING THAT THIS IS INEFFECTIVE, OKAY, AND IS GOING TO CREATE A PERCEPTION AND NOT NECESSARILY MAKE SOMETHING SAFER, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS MONEY AND INVEST IN SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS.
PUT FIVE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, DO AN EVALUATION FOR EVERY SINGLE STUDENT SO THAT WE ARE TRACKING THESE STUDENTS AND DOING SOMETHING THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN HAVE.
AND THAT IS THE WAY THAT YOU PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE AND MAKE A SCHOOL SAFER.
YOU DON'T PREVENT, UM, MAKING A SCHOOL SAFER BY MAKING EVERY SINGLE PERSON GO THROUGH A METAL DETECTOR IN THE MORNING WHEN STUDENTS ARE ALREADY HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING TO SCHOOL AT SEVEN 15.
NOW, FIRST AND FOREMOST, I DON'T THINK THAT MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS GOING TO SUPPORT THIS, BUT IF YOU HAVE RESEARCH BEFORE, I WOULD ASK YOU TO DEFER THIS ITEM FOR ONE MONTH AND COME BACK AND SHOW ME PEER REVIEWED ACADEMIC RESEARCH SUPPORTING METAL DETECTORS IN SCHOOLS, AND THEN I WILL SUPPORT IT.
SO, UM, THIS IS SUCH A IMPORTANT AND HOT TOPIC IN OUR COUNTRY.
OBVIOUSLY, THE, UH, SCHOOL SHOOTINGS THAT UNFORTUNATELY HAVE PLAGUED OUR NATION AND IT'S UNIQUE TO OUR COUNTRY.
SO I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE IS GONNA BE PEER REVIEWED ON BOTH SIDES.
I MEAN, THESE, THESE ARE ACADEMIC PAPERS AND AN ACADEMIC PAPER HAS NEVER STOPPED THE SHOOTER.
AND IT'S NOT A PRISON LIKE, BECAUSE THE METAL DETECTORS AND THE TECHNOLOGY, AS HAS BEEN PROVEN IN BROWARD IS ACTUALLY QUITE SEAMLESS.
AND THEY HAD A COUPLE OF KINKS THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT REALLY IT WORKED IT OUT NICELY.
AND THEY'RE THE TECHNO, IT'S NOT LIKE THE AIRPORT.
YOU LITERALLY JUST KEEP WALKING.
AND IF THERE'S SOMETHING THAT'S IDENTIFIED BY A SECURITY PERSONNEL, THEY PULL THE PERSON OVER.
BUT GENERALLY, YOU DON'T EVEN BREAK STRIDE.
THE THE STEPS WE'VE TAKEN, I'M, I'M PROUD OF IN MIAMI BEACH FIRST WHEN THERE WERE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, AND THIS WAS BEFORE MY TIME EVEN ON THE COMMISSION, OUR, OUR COMMISSION PUT OUR OWN POLICE OFFICERS PLACED IN EACH OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
ULTIMATELY, WE SCALED BACK BECAUSE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY POLICE THEN PROVIDED THOSE OFFICERS, AND WE NOW SUPPLEMENT THAT WITH A ROTATIONAL.
SO WE ARE PROVIDING THOSE SERVICES AS WELL.
THEN WHEN AN INITIAL CAME UP A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHERE I WAS CONCERNED, I BROUGHT AN ITEM TO COMMISSION BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME IN CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR THEN, UH, POLICE CHIEF CLEMENTS, UM, BEFORE, BEFORE CHIEF JONES BECAME POLICE CHIEF.
I WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS A JURISDICTIONAL ISSUE BECAUSE TECHNICALLY MIAMI-DADE POLICE HAVE CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS.
BUT MIAMI-DADE POLICE, GENERALLY, IF YOU NEED A LARGE CONTINGENCY OF POLICE, WHICH WOULD BE THE NECESSARY IN A CASE OF, GOD FORBID, A SCHOOL SHOOTING, THEY COULD NOT GET HERE AND TO BE DEPLOYED AS QUICKLY AS OUR MIAMI BEACH POLICE CAN BE.
AND OUR INCREDIBLE RESPONSE TIME.
SO WE ACTUALLY, AS YOU REMEMBER, WE HAD A PUBLIC COMMISSION MEETING WHERE THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL POLICE, UH, MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL POLICE CAME HERE WITH OUR POLICE CHIEF AND WE WORKED OUT THROUGH AN MOU THAT WE WOULD HAVE JURISDICTION TO GO IN AND MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NO ISSUES.
AS WE'VE SEEN, UNFORTUNATELY, FOR EXAMPLE, IN TEXAS, WHERE THERE WAS ALL THIS CONFUSION AS TO WHO'S GONNA GO IN AND STUDENTS LITERALLY BLED TO DEATH WHILE THE POLICE STOOD OUTSIDE.
GOD FORBID, THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN HERE.
UH, MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOU ARE
[03:10:01]
CORRECT THE SCHOOL, THE SCHOOL BOARD IS NOT RECEPTIVE AND SUPPORTIVE OF THIS.BUT WHAT I, I'M BRINGING FORWARD IS THAT WE SHOULD ENGAGE IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS, BE AT THE TABLE, AND SHOW THE SCHOOL BOARD THAT WE AS A COMMISSION ARE SUPPORTIVE OF IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM.
THAT'S ALL THIS ITEM IS, AND I'M GONNA, I'M GONNA MOVE FORWARD WITH IT.
IF SOMEBODY WILL MOVE THE ITEM, I'LL MOVE THE ITEM SECOND.
[R5 N NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND USE BOARDS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, SUBPART B, ENTITLED “MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE,” CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES,” ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “GENERAL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION AND HEARING PROCEDURES,” SECTION 2.2.4, ENTITLED “PUBLIC HEARING,” SECTION 2.2.4.1, ENTITLED PUBLIC NOTIFICATION,” BY MODIFYING THE PUBLISHED NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CITY’S LAND USE BOARDS; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
N.R FIVE N IS A NOTICE OF THE MAYOR OF CITY, COMMISSIONER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH SUB PART B, ENTITLED BY MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE CHAPTER TWO, ENTITLED ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES.
ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED GENERAL DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION AND HEARING PROCEDURES SECTION 2.2 0.4 ENTITLED PUBLIC HEARING.
SECTION TWO POINT ENTITLED PUBLIC NOTIFICATION BY MODIFYING THE PUBLISHED NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY'S LAND USE BOARD AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION RE APPEAL, HAVE ABILITY ON AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING.
UH, RAFAEL, I THINK YOU HAVE A PRESENTATION FOR US.
SO I, UH, PJ CAN YOU BRING UP R FIVE N PLEASE? WELL, EVERYONE HAS A PRESENTATION, SO I JUST WANTED TO, UH, BASICALLY UPDATE THE COMMISSION AS TO WHEN WHAT WE DID SOMETHING SIMILAR HERE ON THE COMMISSION A FEW MONTHS BACK.
SO ON SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2024, THE CITY ALLOWED THE, FOR THESE TYPES OF MEETINGS, COMMISSION MEETINGS TO IT ALLOWED US TO, UH, ADVERTISE IN THE COUNTY'S, UH, PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WEBSITE.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE SINCE THEN? ONE, WE'VE NOTIFIED THE PUBLIC.
PJ, CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE PLEASE? WE HAVE NOTIFIED THE PUBLIC TWICE IN ENGLISH, PJ NEXT IN SPANISH, THAT ALL OUR PUBLIC NOTICES, EXCEPT FOR ORDINANCES AND FOR LAND USE MATTERS ARE BEING PUBLISHED IN, UH, THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
WE DID IT AGAIN, THAT WAS IN SEPTEMBER.
PJ NEXT, BOTH IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC AGAIN, THAT IF THEY WANTED TO RECEIVE THESE NOTIFICATIONS BY MAIL, WE WOULD MAIL IT TO THEM FIRST CLASS MAIL.
IF THEY WANTED TO COME PICK THEM UP AT CITY HALL, WE WOULD DO SO.
UH, CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE? IN ADDITION, WHAT WE'RE DOING IS WE'RE DELIVERING EVERY TUESDAY TO THE SENIOR CENTERS, EACH OF THEM LISTED THERE, 20 COPIES OF ALL THE NOTICES THAT WE HAVE BEEN PUBLISHING, UH, ONLINE, THE SAME ONES THAT THEY WOULD GET IN THE NEWSPAPER.
WE ARE DELIVERING 20 COPIES TO EACH OF THESE.
CAN WE GO TO THE NEXT ONE? PJ? WE'RE DELIVERING 40 COPIES TO UNIT A.
THESE ARE NUMBERS THAT THEY HAVE REQUESTED.
SO WE DELIVER THESE BOUND DOCUMENTS WITH ALL THE NOTICES THAT THEY WOULD GET.
UH, WE ARE DELIVERING THEM ALSO TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, AND WE'RE DELIVERING EXTRA COPIES AT CITY HALL WHERE WE HAVE SOMEONE THAT COMES TO PICK THEM UP ON A REGULAR BASIS EVERY TUESDAY THEY COME AND PICK IT UP.
SO AS A REMINDER, THE VOTERS APPROVED TO ALLOW US TO DO ORDINANCES ALSO ON THE PUBLIC NOTICE, UH, ON THE PUBLIC WEBSITE BY AN OVERWHELMING, UH, PERCENTAGE.
76% SAID THAT THEY WANTED TO, UH, THAT THEY WANTED THE CITY TO MIGRATE TO ONLINE PUBLICATION.
SO THAT'S THE, THE VOTER TURNOUT.
UH, ON THIS, ON FAVOR OF THIS QUESTION.
THIS IS THE, THIS IS SIGNIFICANT.
THIS IS WHAT WE'VE SAVED SINCE SEPTEMBER 27TH.
LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, WE HAVE SAVED $65,000 FOR THE CITY SPECIAL ELECTION.
WE ARE HAVING AN ELECTION NEXT YEAR.
IF WE HAVE BALLOT QUESTIONS ALONG WITH THE CANDIDATES, THAT NUMBER IS GONNA BE DOUBLED.
WE JUST, WE'RE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF DOING THE LINCOLN ROAD BID.
THAT WAS $14,000 THAT WE SAVED IN ADVERTISEMENT.
THIS COMMISSION HAS APPROVED FOR NEXT YEAR, ANOTHER ELECTION FOR THE SOUTH BEACH BID.
THAT'S ANOTHER $14,000 THAT YOU'LL BE SAVING ON THOSE TWO ELECTIONS.
FOR THE MEETING NOTICES, IT IS ROUGHLY $600 A WEEK THAT WE SPEND THREE MONTHS.
MULTIPLY THAT BY FOUR FOR THE PUBLIC HEARINGS THUS FAR.
AND MIND YOU, MOST OF THEM WERE STILL, WE WERE STILL SPENDING UNTIL THIS MEETING ON THE ORDINANCES, BUT WE'VE SAVED $9,175 ON THAT.
THIS IS TO ALLOW THE LAND USE BOARDS TO DO THE SAME THING THAT WE ARE DOING HERE.
WE WILL DELIVER THOSE ADS AS WELL.
WE WILL MAIL THOSE ADS AS WELL.
ONCE THAT IS DONE, WE WILL RE ADVERTISE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.
[03:15:01]
WHEN IT'S A NEWSPAPER, YOU READ IT ON SUNDAY.YOU CAN GO AT YOUR CONVENIENCE AT ANY TIME.
WE DO NOT REMOVE THE ADS FROM THE WEBSITE.
YOU CAN GO BACK AS FAR AS WE STARTED.
THE OTHER PART IS FLEXIBILITY.
RIGHT NOW, THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THE HAROLD MISSES MY ADS WHEN THE HERALD, UH, PUBLISHES IN THE WRONG NEWSPAPER.
AND NOW YOU HAVE TO ADVERTISE EVERY ORDINANCE FIRST READING AND SECOND READING.
THIS ALLOWS YOU TO GET THE INFORMATION OR THE REQUEST AT LEAST ONE WEEK LATER TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OFFICE SO THEY CAN DRAFT IT.
IF NOT, YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE ASKING FOR ALMOST THREE WEEKS IN ADVANCE TO GET ORDINANCES PUT ON.
SO IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR US CAN EXPLAIN HOW HE THINKS IT WOULD WORK FOR THE LAND USE BOARDS.
UM, JUST BRIEFLY, UH, I'LL MENTION THAT IN ADDITION TO THE COST SAVINGS, THE LAND USE BOARDS ARE ADVERTISED, UH, THE PUBLISHED NOTICES IN THE NEIGHBORS, BECAUSE THAT'S THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY OF MEETING THE PUBLISHED NOTICE REQUIREMENT.
AND UP UNTIL A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, UM, THE NEIGHBORS USED TO PUBLISH ON BOTH THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
AND THE LEAD TIME TO GET A PUBLISHED NOTICE IN IS SO SIGNIFICANT THAT IT OFTEN REQUIRES BETWEEN A 45 AND 60 DAY WINDOW FOR APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED.
AND THEN IF THERE'S AN ERROR IN THE NOTICE AND IT'S NOT CAUGHT IN TIME, AN APPLICATION WILL THEN HAVE TO BE CONTINUED TO THE FOLLOWING MONTH BECAUSE IT WILL NEED TO BE RETIC.
UM, THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE HERE WOULD LET THE CITY FULLY CONTROL THAT BY SIMPLY SENDING THE NOTICE THAT WE CONTROL TO THE COUNTY FOR PUBLICATION ON THE WEBSITE.
BASICALLY, YOU UPLOAD IT YOURSELF.
IF THERE'S A MISTAKE, WE CORRECT IT.
SUNSHINE NOTICES THERE'S BEEN MISTAKES RECENTLY, WE CORRECT THEM IMMEDIATELY.
SO, UM, THROUGH THE MAYOR, ASIDE FROM AS FAR AS, ASIDE FROM THE SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS TO TAXPAYER MONEY, I MEAN, WHAT IS THE WORKLOAD AS FAR AS REDUCTION IN, IN EFFORT AT NOT EFFORT, BUT BANDWIDTH AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE? WELL, THE FIRST PART IS THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE, BASICALLY WE CREATE THE AD, WE PUBLISH IT, IT'S DONE.
WE DON'T HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S ERRORS, THERE'S ERRORS ALL THE TIME WHEN YOU SEND STUFF TO THE HERALD BECAUSE, AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PROVE IT, PROOF IT.
IF YOU PROOF IT AND YOU MAKE, YOU DON'T CATCH AN ERROR, STUFF HAS TO GET RESCHEDULED HERE.
AND YOU, ANY ERROR THAT THAT IS DONE IS CAUGHT IMMEDIATELY OR CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY.
SO LOOK, UM, COLLEAGUES, I THINK THIS IS A FINANCIAL MAKES PERFECT FINANCIAL SENSE.
IT STREAMLINES OUR CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND YOU KNOW, I, I THINK, YOU KNOW, THE, WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE, THE, OF THE NEW LAWS THAT WERE PASSED AT THE STATE TO, UM, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE, THESE BENEFITS.
MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, AGAIN, I LOVE THE FACT THAT WE'RE SAVING COSTS.
MR. CLERK, WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST SAVING TO THE CITY? UM, I DON'T HAVE THE ANNUAL BECAUSE, BUT LIKE I SAID, UH, THE, THE ELECTIONS THEMSELVES NEXT YEAR, 77, $70,000 THAT WE'RE SAVING, UH, THE LINCOLN, THE SOUTH BEACH BID IS GONNA BE $13,000 THAT WE'RE SAVING THE MEETING NOTICES.
IF, IF IT'S 5,000 FOR THREE MONTHS, THAT'S, IT'S ALMOST 6,000, 6,004, 24,000 FOR THAT.
AND THE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR THREE MONTHS HAS BEEN $9,000 TO MULTIPLY THAT BY, YOU KNOW, BY FOUR.
SO IT'S A HUGE AMOUNT OF SAVINGS.
SO OVER THE THREE MONTH PERIOD, YOU GAVE US A THREE MONTH PERIOD.
WHAT, WHAT WAS THE SAVINGS IN A THREE MONTH PERIOD? MIND YOU, IT WAS, IT'S $65,000 FOR A THREE MONTH PERIOD.
BUT REMEMBER THAT, THAT, THAT ENCOMPASSED TWO ELECTIONS.
SO EVERY ELECTION, EVERY THREE MONTHS, WE DON'T HAVE AN ELECTION, BUT I JUST, BUT WE HAVE AN ELECTION NEXT YEAR AND WE HAVE THE SOUTH BEACH BID NEXT YEAR.
SO WE WILL BE REPEATING THOSE TWO COSTS.
SO, SO LIKE FOR EXAMPLE, WE GOT THE 65,000 FOR A THREE MONTH PERIOD, WE MULTIPLY THEM BY FOUR.
THAT'S A, THAT'S AT LEAST $260,000.
CORRECT? THAT WE WOULD BE IN AN ELECTION YEAR.
AND SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE EVERY YEAR IS AN ELECTION YEAR.
SO, YOU KNOW, I THINK THIS IS REALLY GOOD.
I THINK WE SHOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS.
I THINK WE SHOULD REFER AN ITEM TO FERC TO DISCUSS, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, THIS COST SAVING THAT WE'RE GONNA HAVE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A COST SAVINGS AS A SIGNIFICANT COST SAVING.
IN THE FIRST OFFICE WE WERE HOPING TO RENOVATE.
WHAT'S THAT? WE WERE HOPING TO RENOVATE OUR OFFICE AT SOME POINT.
WELL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE THE ISSUE OF THE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, THE NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE, THE LAND USE COMMITTEE, AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE THAT, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE BEEN UNDER
[03:20:01]
THE GUISE OF THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.THE HANDLING OF THE AGENDA, THE HANDLING OF THE MINUTES, THE REGISTERING OF ALL THIS INFORMATION.
I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE A DISCUSSION AT FERC, UH, WITH THE COST SAVINGS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF THIS ITEM, WHICH ARE REALLY GOOD TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THESE AGENDAS AND ALL THESE MINUTES JUST REMAIN CENTRALIZED THROUGH THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER SUAREZ FOR THIS INITIATIVE.
UH, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ? YES.
PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
AFTER THE FEBRUARY 3RD MEETING, THEN WE WILL SCHEDULE SOMETHING FOR FERC.
WHICH IS ANOTHER REASON NOW EVEN THE F FIRST READINGS, SO THAT THIS WOULD, THE SAVINGS ARE EVEN DOUBLED NOW BECAUSE OF THAT.
AS WE'RE COMING UP TO, UH, NOON, LET'S CALL, UH, LET'S CALL LUNCH BREAK AND WE'LL RECONVENE FOR SUT HOUR AT ONE O'CLOCK.
WELCOME BACK TO OUR COMMISSION MEETING.
WE'RE GONNA START, START THE SUT HOUR.
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN ADDRESSING THE COMMISSION, PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM PLEASE.
AND AT THE MOMENT WE HAVE NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
LET'S, LET'S START THE ITEMS I THINK WE'RE WAITING FOR.
AND WE'RE MISSING A COUPLE OF OUR COLLEAGUES.
TRY TO WAIT A FEW MOMENTS, BUT YEAH, WE'RE MISSING OUR CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY.
AND AT LEAST I'M PROVING WHEN I SAY ONE O'CLOCK, I MEAN ONE O'CLOCK.
THE VICE MAYOR BEAT YOU TO IT THOUGH.
SHE WAS, SHE WAS, SHE WAS THE FIRST ONE HERE.
TURNED, TAKES THAT WHOLE SERIES.
SEE, BECAUSE THIS JUST NEVER HAPPENS WHEN EARLY TO ANYTHING.
THEY'RE ALWAYS STARTING THE MEETINGS ON TIME.
I CAN REMEMBER BEING IN THE PUBLIC AND BEING HURT.
THE CITY MEETINGS WOULDN'T START ON TIME.
[R7 L A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, PURSUANT TO SECTION 106-118 OF THE CITY CODE, THE PRIVATE PARKING LOT SIGNAGE, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT “A,” TO BE PROVIDED AT NO COST TO OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR PAID MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING, SO THAT THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SUCH PRIVATE PROPERTIES MAY POST THE SIGNS, IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 106-118, TO ENSURE THAT MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS ARE AWARE THAT THE PROPERTY IS PRIVATE PROPERTY AND IS NOT A PUBLIC PARKING FACILITY OPERATED BY A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.]
RALPH.R SEVEN L IS APPROVED PRIVATE PROPERTY PARKING SIGNAGE.
IT'S REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
UM, MR. MAYOR AND R SEVEN L IS THE COMPANION ITEM TO R FIVE L.
UH, AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN CALL THEM BOTH TOGETHER 'CAUSE THIS IS THE RESOLUTION THAT APPROVES THE SIGNAGE THAT'S BEING, UH, CREATED THROUGH R FIVE L.
I COULD READ THE TITLE IN THE MEANTIME.
[R5 L AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES,” BY CREATING SECTION 106-118, ENTITLED “PRIVATE PROPERTY USED FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING; SIGNAGE REQUIRED; PENALTIES,” BY ESTABLISHING SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY WHEN SUCH PROPERTY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR PAID MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
FIVE L IS THE NOR OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.THE CITY CODE ENTITLED TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES BY AMENDING ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED PUBLIC OFF STREET PARKING FACILITIES BY CREATING SECTION 1 0 6 DASH ONE 18.
PRIVATE PROPERTY USED FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING SIGNAGE REQUIRED PENALTIES BY ESTABLISHING SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.
WITH SUCH PROPERTY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR PAID MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL SERVICEABILITY QUALIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND MEETING PUBLIC HEARING.
IT IS ITEM R FIVE L, COMPANION TO R SEVEN L.
AND SO I'VE HEARD FROM MANY RESIDENTS WHO ARE CONFUSED ABOUT PRIVATE PARKING LOTS THAT THEY THOUGHT WERE PUBLIC, LOTS THAT THEY THOUGHT WERE CITY OWNED.
MUNICIPAL LOTS PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS THAT WHEN THEY RECEIVE CITATIONS FROM THESE PRIVATE LOTS, THEY MISTAKENLY BELIEVED OR THAT THEY ARE BEING TICKETED BY THE CITY INSTEAD OF A PRIVATE ENTITY.
UH, OFTENTIMES WHEN THEY GO INTO THESE PRIVATE LOTS, THEY OPEN UP THE APP THAT THE CITY USES, UH, FOR PAYMENT OF PARKING ONLY TO PAY FOR, FOR, FOR, FOR
[03:25:01]
PARKING IN A ZONE.BUT THEN YOU'RE IN A PRIVATE LOT, SO YOU'RE REALLY NOT PAYING FOR, UH, PARKING.
THE PRIVATE PARKING LOTS CAN HAVE DIFFERENT RATES, DIFFERENT ENFORCEMENT ME MECHANISMS AND DIFFERENT PENALTIES THAN, THAN THE MUNICIPAL LOTS.
AND THIS CONFUSION HAS LED TO MANY COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE RECEIVED IN MY OFFICE, AND I COMPLETELY EMPATHIZE, UH, WITH THEIR FRUSTRATION.
UM, BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST THE PENALTIES THAT THEY GET IN TERMS OF A TICKET FROM A PRIVATE ENTITY, IT'S THAT OFTENTIMES INDIVIDUALS END UP GETTING TOWED.
AND, UH, AND ESPECIALLY, UH, A PROBLEM WHEN YOU'RE DEALING WITH INDIVIDUAL WITH DIS WITH DISABILITIES, YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE THE HANDICAPPED PLACARDS THAT THEY THINK THAT THEY'RE GETTING FOUR HOURS OF FREE PARKING IN A PUBLIC LOT, BUT THEN THEY GO INTO A PRIVATE LOT THAT'S NOT PROPERLY CONSPICUOUSLY MARKED AS A PRIVATE LOT.
THEY PUT UP THEIR HANDICAP PLACARD ONLY TO FIND THEMSELVES GETTING TOWED.
THIS SIGNAGE SEEKS TO CORRECT THAT.
IT IS A SIGN THAT, UH, THAT THROUGH THIS ORDINANCE AND THIS LEGISLATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE PROMINENTLY PLACED AT THE ENTRANCE OF EACH OF THESE LOTS, LETTING THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT THEY'RE ENTERING A PRIVATELY OWNED PARKING LOT AND THAT THE PENALTIES COULD POTENTIALLY BE UP TO TOWING.
AND SO THAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THIS ITEM.
I MOVE MY ITEM AND I WELCOME ANY FEEDBACK FROM MY COLLEAGUES, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
SO I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WOULD ENTERTAIN THIS, AND I THINK THE SIGN IS A GREAT FIRST STEP, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD AND SEE IF YOU WOULD SECOND THIS, THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING REQUIRED PARKING FREE.
NOW, JUST AS A DISCUSSION, AS A REFERRAL TO LAND USE, IF WE MAKE REQUIRED PARKING BECAUSE THE PARKING ADJACENT TO THESE PLAZAS IS REQUIRED PARKING, IF WE MAKE REQUIRED PARKING FREE, I THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF THESE LOTS MM-HMM
BUT I THINK THAT IN GENERAL, UH, PEOPLE ARE GONNA START, STOP GETTING THESE NOTICES THAT ARE, YOU KNOW, THAT ARE CAUSING A LOT OF CHAOS.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT? BECAUSE I THINK WE NEED TO ADDRESS IT.
I THINK I, I THINK IT'S A VERY GOOD POINT.
I HAVE SPOKEN IN THE PAST WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY ABOUT THIS ACTUALLY NOT, NOT ONLY AS A RESULT OF WHAT'S HAPPENING ON ALTON ROAD AND 15TH STREET, THE SHOPPING CENTER THERE, BUT IN THE PAST WE'VE HAD SITUATIONS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR, UH, REQUIRED PARKING THAT'S REQUIRED BY THE CODE.
AND SO THEN PEOPLE GO, LET'S SAY TO AN OFFICE BUILDING TO USE THE REQUIRED PARKING THAT THEY WERE MANDATED TO BE BUILT ONLY TO BE CHARGED.
UH, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THROUGH THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WE CAN'T PROHIBIT A PRI PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER FROM CHARGING PEOPLE TO USE THE PARKING EVEN WHEN IT'S PART OF THEIR, OF THEIR REQUIRED, UH, PARKING AS PER THE ZONING CODE.
IS THAT CORRECT, MR. ATTORNEY? THAT IS CORRECT.
WE DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT AT THIS TIME.
WELL, WE DON'T HAVE A PROVISION RIGHT NOW, BUT WE COULD MAKE REQUIRED PARKING FREE MOVING FORWARD.
AND IF YOU DO, IF YOU MAKE REQUIRED PARKING, WHY, WHY COULDN'T YOU MAKE REQUIRED PARKING FREE? LET ME RECOGNIZE OUR CHIEF DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY, NICK ES WE'VE, OVER THE YEARS, WE'VE DISCUSSED THIS A NUMBER OF TIMES AND WE'VE ALWAYS HIT A BRICK WALL WITH THIS.
SO I LIKE TO DEFER TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
SO WE HAVE AUTHORITY, OF COURSE, TO SET PARKING RATES FOR, FOR, UH, FOR CITY METERED SPACES, CITY PARKING LOTS, CITY PARKING GARAGES TO SET, UH, PARKING RATES FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY WOULD BE AN UNLAWFUL PRICE CONTROL.
WE DON'T HAVE AUTHORITY TO SET, UH, TO SET PRICES FOR, UH, GOODS OR SERVICES ON THE, ON THE, ON THE PRIVATE MARKET UNLESS WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, SPECIFIC BASIS TO DO IT.
LIKE FOR INSTANCE, WITH, UH, WE CAN SET TOWING RATES BECAUSE WE HAVE EXPRESS AUTHORITY TO DO THAT UNDER STATE LAW.
UH, THERE ARE OTHER THINGS WHERE WE, WHERE WE CAN, BUT, BUT EVEN OUR OWN REQUIRED PARKING MOVING FORWARD, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SAY, IF YOU WANNA BUILD THIS AND WE ARE REQUIRING X, WE WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FREE.
WE'RE JUST SAYING, IF YOU WANNA BUILD IT, THIS HAS TO BE FREE.
IT WOULD BE AN LDR AMENDMENT, BUT I WILL SAY THAT IT WILL SAVE STRIP MALLS, BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS GETTING THESE NOTICES, UM, BECAUSE IT'S OUR JURISDICTION.
SO I THINK THAT WE CAN DO IT, AND IIII DON'T SEE WHY NOT.
WE'RE JUST SAYING YOU CAN'T CHARGE FOR IT.
I, AND, AND, AND I LIKE HOW YOU'RE THINKING BECAUSE I'VE DISCUSSED THIS OVER THE YEARS, MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THE, WITH WITH THE CITY ATTORNEYS.
I'M HAPPY TO HAVE A REFERRAL TO LAND USE TO SEE IF PERHAPS AS PART OF DISCUSSIONS WHEN THERE'S A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT INVOLVED, IF, IF AN APPLICANT IS,
[03:30:01]
IS VOLUNTARILY WILLING TO PROFFER, UH, TO HAVE THEIR REQUIRED PARKING BE AVAILABLE FOR FREE.MAYBE THAT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED, UH, AT THE TIME OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
UM, BUT TO MANDATE THAT THE REQUIRED PARKING UNDER THE CODE BE FREE.
I HAVE BEEN GETTING THAT SAME, THIS, THIS SAME OPINION THAT WE'RE GETTING NOW, BUT I'M, I'M HAPPY TO WITH YOU SEND A, SEND AN ITEM TO LAND USE WHERE WE CAN FURTHER DISCUSS THIS TO SEE WHAT OTHER CREATIVE OPTIONS WE COULD COME UP ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS, UH, FROM, FROM APPLICANTS.
AND NICK, I THINK YOU WANTED TO ADD SOMETHING ELSE, OR, OR AS AN INCENTIVE OR AS AN INCENTIVE SOMETHING THAT YEAH, SOMETHING YOU WOULD CONSIDER.
I WOULD BE WILLING TO ENTERTAIN THAT.
THERE'S ALSO THE IDEA OF WHEN USING SOMETHING LIKE THIS, SO THAT PARKING LOT IS DESIGNATED AS UNDERUTILIZED, I'M NOT QUITE SURE I UNDERSTAND THE UNDER UTILIZATION FORMULA, BECAUSE YOU COULD SAY FOR A PARKING LOT THAT IS FULL ALL DAY, BUT NOT FULL BETWEEN THE HOURS OF LIKE 8:00 PM AND 8:00 AM WELL, YEAH, GUESS WHAT,
BUT GUESS WHAT, DURING THE HOURS OF OPERATION, IT'S A HUNDRED PERCENT UTILIZED.
AND DOES THIS DESIGNATION OF BEING, UM, AN UNDERUTILIZED LOT ALLOW FOR THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF, OF THAT WITH, OF AN APPLICATION LIKE THIS AI APPLICATION? BECAUSE I DO THINK THAT IF WE SEE THESE ACROSS THE CITY, IT COULD BE, IT'S GONNA BE A REAL PROBLEM FOR BUSINESSES, FOR SENIORS WHO AREN'T SCANNING THE QR CODE.
I MEAN, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S, THERE HAS TO BE A LEGAL WAY TO, TO GET AROUND THIS.
AND SO, UH, UH, CAN, DOES THE UNDER UTILIZATION ASPECT HAVE ANY PLAY INTO, OH, IF YOU HAVE REQUIRED PARKING AND YOU'RE DESIGNATED AS UNDERUTILIZED, WHAT RATES DOES THAT GIVE YOU? SO THE, THE UNDERUTILIZED PARKING IS IN ADDITION TO, OR SEPARATE FROM, I SHOULD SAY THE REQUIRED PARKING.
AND TO YOUR FIRST EXAMPLE, WHICH IS THE MOST COMMON, LET'S SAY YOU HAVE A BANK THAT'S OPEN FROM NINE TO FIVE MM-HMM
CLEARLY THEIR PARKING LOT'S EMPTY AFTER 5:00 PM AND THEY USUALLY WILL LEASE THAT OUT TO A VALET COMPANY.
WHERE IT STARTS TO BECOME A LITTLE BIT MORE NUANCED ARE PROPERTIES THAT ARE OPEN, SAY 24 HOURS OR PROPERTIES THAT HAVE TENANTS FROM 8:00 AM TO 11:00 PM BECAUSE SOME RESTAURANTS STAY OPEN LATER.
AND THOSE ARE WHERE THEY HAVE TO SHOW US THAT THE NUMBER OF SPACES THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THAT THEY BUILT ARE NOT UTILIZED DURING CERTAIN TIMES OF THE DAY.
SO IF WE PULL THIS UNDERUTILIZED DESIGNATION, UM, DOES THAT MEAN THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE A BTR TO LEASE OUT THEIR LOT, UM, IN THE HOURS WHERE THEY'RE SUPPOSEDLY NOT USING IT? IF WE SAY TO THEM, LOOK, WE DO NOT WANT, UM, THIS PARKING SOFTWARE, RIGHT, BECAUSE IT'S SENDING NOTICES TO ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS THAT YOU GOTTA GO AND YOU HAVE TO PUT IN YOUR LICENSE PLATE TO GET A SMOOTHIE OR TO GET A COFFEE.
SO IT COULD WE PULL THAT DESIGNATION IF WE, SO IF WE CHOSE TO, THAT WOULDN'T IMPACT THE UNDER UTILIZATION BECAUSE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE EVEN UTILIZING, UH, UNDERUTILIZED PARKING, UH, BUT THEY NEED THAT DESIGNATION, RIGHT? NO, THEY DON'T NEED THAT DESIGNATION TO HAVE ANY FORM OF OPERATIONAL CONTROL.
SO WHETHER IT'S THIS AI TECHNOLOGY OR THEY PUT UP SIGNS WHERE YOU HAVE TO PUT IN A CODE ON AN APP, OR THEY HAVE A PERSON THERE THAT'S MONITORING IT, THAT'S JUST ADMINISTERING THE OPERATION OF THE PARKING LOT.
BUT THAT'S SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE UNDER UTILIZATION.
SO IT, IT'S, IT'S COMPLETELY UN THEY CAN CHARGE FOR PARKING WHETHER OR NOT THE LOT IS UNDERUTILIZED OR NOT, IT COULD BE UTILIZED TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL AND THEY COULD STILL BE CHARGING.
THEY, THAT'S THEIR PREROGATIVE AS PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS FOR AS LONG AS THEY GET THE PROPER LICENSES FROM THE CITY.
FOR EXAMPLE, PUBLIX, I MEAN, AND IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING, FRANKLY, THAT WE CAN'T REGULATE THIS, BUT LIKE PUBLIX, IF PUBLIX WANTED TO START CHARGING US TO GO TO PUBLIX, THEY CAN, THEY COULD CHARGE THE PARKING.
BUT THAT'S WHERE US AS CONSUMERS, US, US AS CONSUMERS JUST NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE.
IF WE DON'T LIKE THE FACT THAT TO GO TO CHICKEN KITCHEN ON TON ROAD OR TO SMOOTHIE KING ON, UH, IN THE SHOPPING CENTER OR TO PINECREST BAKERY, YOU KNOW WHAT, WE JUST NEED TO TAKE OUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE BECAUSE THOSE TENANTS NEED TO PASS ALONG THE MESSAGE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER THAT IT'S AFFECTING THEIR BUSINESS THAT YOU KNOW, THAT THEY'RE CHARGING FOR, FOR, FOR THE PARKING.
I KNOW I'VE BEEN GOING THERE LESS.
I USED TO, I WAS ADDICTED TO CHICKEN KITCHEN AND
[03:35:01]
I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PARK WHEN TO PAY TO PARK WHENEVER I GO THERE.
SO WHAT WE COULD DO IS IF THEY DON'T OPEN IT UP TO FREE PARKING DURING THE DAY, WE COULD PROHIBIT THE PROPERTY OWNER FROM SELLING PARKING TO NON-CUSTOMERS AT NIGHT.
WE HAVE THAT IN OUR TOOLBOX, DON'T WE? THERE THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO BECAUSE I, OKAY, I SPOKE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER AND I GOT HIM AT FIRST, IT WAS 15 MINUTE RACE PERIOD.
WELL, I DIDN'T, THE BUSINESS OWNERS, HE'S NOW EXTENDED IT TO 30 MINUTES.
SO YOU GET 30 MINUTES, BUT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW IT.
SO THEY'RE GOING IN AND PARKING.
UM, IF THEY DON'T SCAN, IF YOU'RE SENIOR FOR EXAMPLE, AND YOU'RE NOT SCANNING YOUR QR CODE AND YOU'RE GETTING YOUR EYES CHECKED, YOU COME OUT AND YOU GET THIS REALLY SCARY NOTICE.
AND BY THE WAY, IF YOU DON'T PAY THE FIRST NOTICE BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GET IT, I THINK I, I'M NOT QUITE SURE HOW THEY, THEY SEND IT TO YOU, BUT, SO I THINK IMMEDIATELY DOUBLES.
THIS, THIS, THIS ACTUALLY HAS TO DO WITH, THIS IS EXISTENTIAL, BUT THIS IS, THIS IS SIGNAGE.
SO THIS, THIS LEGISLATION RELATES TO SIGNAGE.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT BUSINESS PRACTICES, WHICH IS A SEPARATE DISCUSSION THAT WE CAN HAVE AT COMMITTEE AS TO THEIR RIGHT TO BE ABLE TO CHARGE AS A BUSINESS PRACTICE FOR THE USE OF PARKING OR NOT.
SO I DON'T, YOU KNOW, THIS HAS TO DO WITH SIGNAGE AND MAKING SURE EVERYONE IS AWARE AND NO ONE GETS CAUGHT BY SURPRISE THAT THEY'RE GOING INTO A PRIVATE PARKING LOT WHERE, WHERE THEIR CITY DECAL OR WHERE THEIR HANDICAPPED PLACARD MIGHT NOT BE, UH, ACCEPTED AT, OR, OR WHERE THEY DON'T PAY FOR PARKING THAT THEY MIGHT BE IMMEDIATELY TOWED.
THAT'S, THAT'S WHAT'S BEFORE US TODAY.
COMMISSIONER, I THINK YOU MAKE SOME REALLY GOOD POINTS.
I'M HAPPY, UM, TO HAVE A DISCUSSION AT LAND USE ON, ON WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR CONSUMERS THAT FOR 10, 15, 20 YEARS HAVE BEEN PARKING AT A LOT FOR FREE.
ARE THEY ALLOWED TO POST ALL THOSE PARKING SIGNS? SORRY FOR INTERRUPTING.
I'M NOT THE CITY ATTORNEY OR ANYTHING.
YOU'RE, YOU'RE ALLOWED TO HAVE DIRECTORY SIGNS AS LONG AS THEY'RE LESS THAN TWO SQUARE FEET PLACEMENT.
I'M SORRY FOR INTERRUPTING THAT.
SO I'M TRYING TO FIGURE, YEAH, SO I THINK THAT'S A SEPARATE DISCUSSION, SO I'M HAPPY TO HAVE THAT A, A COMMITTEE.
I'M HAPPY TO MOVE MY ITEM, MADAM VICE MAYOR.
UH, AND UNLESS THERE'S MORE FEEDBACK FROM YES, COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE HAS A COMMENT, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, GREAT ITEM.
I'D LIKE TO BE ADDED AS A CO-SPONSOR WITH YOUR, UH, ACCEPTANCE.
UM, WANNA BE SURE THAT PRIVATE ENTITIES, UH, BECAUSE THEY ARE INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO MAKE THEIR SIGNS LOOK LIKE THE CITY SIGNS.
PERHAPS EVEN AS A, UH, ADD-ON AFTER THIS.
MAYBE, UH, YOU AND I COULD WORK ON EVEN COMING UP WITH SOME SORT OF MANDATES WHERE THE SIGNS HAVE TO HAVE A CERTAIN LEVEL OF DISTINCTION FROM THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO MAKE THEIR SIGNS LOOK LIKE THE CITY SIGNS, WHETHER IT BE THROUGH THE COLOR OR THINGS LIKE THAT.
I'D LIKE TO BE ADDED AS A CO-SPONSOR WHEN WE START GETTING INTO, YOU KNOW, WHAT PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO DO ON THEIR PRIVATE PROPERTY.
BECAUSE THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT.
WE'RE LOOKING TO ELIMINATE ANY UNCERTAINTY ABOUT WHERE THEY'RE PARKING AND WE WANNA DRAW THAT VERY CLEAR DISTINCTION BY PUTTING THIS SIGNAGE AT ALL THE ACCESS POINTS.
SO THANK YOU COMMISSIONER AND I WELCOME YOUR CO-SPONSORSHIP.
DID, HAD YOU MADE A MOTION FOR A REFERRAL FOR OUR ITEM? YEAH, I'M, I'M HAPPY TO INCLUDE THAT'S PART OF THE MOTION OF APPROVING THIS ITEM, INCLUDING A REFERRAL TO THE LAND USE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE, THE BUSINESS PRACTICES OF CHARGING FOR, TO PARK IN THE REQUIRED PARKING UNDER THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
IS THAT A MOTION? I'LL SECOND THAT.
ORIGINALLY I HAD A MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ.
R FIVE HI AM SORRY, MAYOR, WE HAVE TO DO THE, THE COMPANION ITEM ALSO.
IF I COULD HAVE A MOTION, I'LL MAKE THEM A SAME MOTION.
SO, UH, COMMISSIONER, VICE MAYOR BOTS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, R SEVEN L.
[R5 H AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PLACES,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 70-66, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS,” BY CONFORMING THE DEFINITION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTER TO STATE LAW; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED “PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES,” BY PROHIBITING MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, BICYCLING, IN-LINE SKATING, ROLLER SKATING, AND SKATEBOARDING ON THE BAYWALK; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
FIVE H IS THE NORRIS[03:40:01]
OF THE MAYOR CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE ENTITLED MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES BY AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED PUBLIC PLACES BY AMENDING DIVISION TWO ENTITLED, BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, INLINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED VEHICLE PIPE, MOTORBIKE, MOTORIZED BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS BY AMENDING SECTION 70 DASH 66 ENTITLED DEFINITIONS BY CONFORMING THE DEFINITION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTERS THROUGH STATE LAW AND BY AMENDING SECTION 70 DASH 67 ENTITLED, PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES BY PROHIBITING MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, BICYCLING, INLINE SKATING, ROLLER SKATING, AND SKATEBOARDING ON THE BAY WALK, AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OBSERVABILITY CLARIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING.
SO THIS ITEM IS COMING FORWARD FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY REASON.
THERE ARE PARTS OF THE BAY WALK THAT ARE FIVE OR SIX FEET WIDE.
UM, AND SO IT'S NOT DESIGNED TO HAVE PEOPLE WALKING AND THEN ALSO HAVE MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION.
THIS, OF COURSE EXCLUDES ANYTHING A DA, UH, THAT WOULD BE USING THE BAY WALK IN THE BACK.
AND WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THE ITEM.
I SEE NO ONE ON ZOOM AND I SEE NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
MAY I CALL THE VOTE OR IS THERE A DISCUSSION? CALL THE VOTE.
SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
LET'S DO, UH, WE'LL GO THROUGH SOME
[R5 F AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ENTITLED “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “METERED PARKING,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 106-79, ENTITLED “ISSUANCE OF PERMITS; PLACEMENT OF SIGNS;” TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER DISCRETION TO MODIFY ELIGIBILITY IN ESTABLISHED RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT ZONES; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
SECOND READINGS HERE.R FIVE F IS AN ORDER OF MAYOR, CITY COMMISSIONER OF CITY MIAMI BEACH AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA BY AMENDING CHAPTER 1 0 6, ENTITLED TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES BY AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED METERED PARKING BY AMENDING DIVISION TWO ENTITLED RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS BY AMENDING SECTION 1 0 6 S 79 ENTITLED ISSUANCE OF PERMITS, PLACEMENTS OF SIGNS TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER DISCRETION TO MODIFY ELIGIBILITY AND ESTABLISH RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT ZONES PROVIDING FOR CLARIFICATION, REPEALS OF ABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING.
UM, JOSE, DO YOU HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PRESENTATION FOR THE PICTURE OF THE DECAL, BUT I THINK YOU SHARED IT WITH ME LAST NIGHT.
UH, HOWEVER, UH, COMMISSIONER THIS, THIS ITEM IS AN ORDINANCE ON SECOND READING, WHICH IS THE ONE THAT ESTABLISHES THE FOUR CRITERIA THAT WOULD ALLOW BUILDINGS THAT ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE OH, OKAY.
OF, OF THE ZONE, UH, THAT DO NOT HAVE ON STREET PARKING THAT ARE LOCATED WITHIN 1500 FEET OF THE OUTSIDE BOUNDARY, UH, OF THE ZONE THAT HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY ISSUED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1ST.
AND THAT, UM, INCLUSION OF THOSE BUILDINGS WOULD NOT HAVE A MATERIAL IMPACT ON THE ON STREET PARKING AVAILABILITY IN THE AREA.
THAT'S WHAT THIS ORDINANCE DOES.
THERE'S, UH, NO CHANGES BETWEEN FIRST READING AND SECOND READING.
I THINK I HEARD COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, AM I CORRECT AS A SECOND? UH, IF SO, VICE MAYOR B.
[R5 K AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, CHAPTER 66, ENTITLED “MARINE STRUCTURES, FACILITIES AND VESSELS,” ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “PIERS, DOCKS AND BOAT RAMPS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 66-107, ENTITLED “USE OF THE BARRY KUTUN BOAT RAMP AND ASSOCIATED PIERS/DOCKS AT MAURICE GIBB PARK,” TO ESTABLISH A DOCKAGE AGREEMENT PROGRAM AT THE BARRY KUTUN BOAT RAMP AT MAURICE GIBB PARK; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
KR 5K IS AN ORDER OF THE MAYOR OF CITY, COMMISSIONER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
CHAPTER 66 ENTITLED MAREEN STRUCTURES, FACILITIES, AND VESSELS.
ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED PI DOCKS AND BOAT RAMPS FOR AMENING SECTION 66 SLASH 1 0 7 ENTITLED USES OF BARRY COTEN BOAT RAMP AND ASSOCIATED PEERS DOCKS AT MAURICE GIBB PARK TO ESTABLISH A DOCKET AGREEMENT PROGRAM AT THE BARRY COTEN BOAT RAMP AT MAURICE GI PARK, PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ABILITY, IFICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
UM, IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING AS YOU KNOW, ONE IN ZOOM, NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
I RECEIVED SOMETHING FROM THE PALM VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AND, UM, LET ME SEE.
AND SO DID, UH, THE CITY ATTORNEY, UM, LET ME JUST SEE WHAT THEY WROTE.
[03:45:01]
I THINK THAT WAS FROM JOHN COURTNEY.IT WOULD LIKE THE AGREEMENT AMENDED TO ALLOW PICKUP AND DROP OFF USE ONLY AND NOT THE TWO HOUR DOCKING, GIVE PARK RANGERS DISCRETION TO DEFINE WHEN AND WHERE LONG-TERM DOCKING IS ALLOWED.
YEAH, I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT.
THAT I BELIEVE THAT'S GONNA BE COMING AS A RESOLUTION AFTER THIS READING.
SO THAT'S WHAT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION'S GONNA RECOMMEND AND THEN WE WILL PUT IT FORWARD.
BUT THIS ALLOWS IT TO ACTUALLY HAPPEN.
[R5 M AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED, "ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT," BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED "CITY SPONSORSHIP OF EVENTS," BY AMENDING SECTION 12-9 THEREOF, ENTITLED "SPONSORSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS" TO ALLOW FOR A LARGER ADVANCE OF ANY CITY CASH SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTION MADE IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT IF (A) THE EVENT ORGANIZER CAN ESTABLISH THAT LIMITING THE ADVANCE TO FIFTEEN PERCENT (15%) WOULD CAUSE AND UNDUE HARDSHIP, (B) THE EVENT ORGANIZER IS A MIAMI BEACH-BASED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, (C) THE EVENT ORGANIZER HAS PRODUCED THE EVENT IN QUESTION FOR AT LEAST FIVE (5) YEARS, AND (D) THE EVENT BUDGET IS NOT GREATER THAN $500,000; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE M IS IN NORTH OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ENTITLED ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT BY AMENDING ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED CITY SPONSORSHIP OF EVENTS BY AMENDING SECTION 12 DASH NINE THEREOF ENTITLED SPONSORSHIP TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO ALLOW FOR A LARGER ADVANCE OF ANY CASH SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS MADE IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT.
IF A, THE EVENT ORGANIZER CAN ESTABLISH THAT LIMITING THE ADVANCE TO 15% CAUSED AN UNDUE HARDSHIP.
B, THE EVENT ORGANIZERS OF MIAMI BEACH BASED ON PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
C THE EVENT ORGANIZER HAS PRODUCED THE EVENT IN QUESTION FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
AND D THE EVENT BUDGET IS NOT GREATER THAN $500,000 I'M PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR SEVERABILITY CLARIFICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND MEETING PUBLIC HEARING.
WHAT IS THE MAYOR? UH, COMMISSIONER EZ EZ.
OKAY, SO IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING.
NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE IS REQUESTING TO SPEAK.
NO ONE IN ZOOM IF NO DISCUSSION.
COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ? YES.
THAT WAS ITEM R FIVE MR FIVE Q.
[R5 Q AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “FEE SCHEDULE” BY AMENDING (1) THE FEE CHARGED TO FILE A RECERTIFICATION REPORT TO ALLOW FOR A DISCOUNT AS SET FORTH IN APPENDIX “A” OF THE CITY CODE FOR TIMELY FILED REPORTS AND (2) THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMIT FEES APPLICABLE TO SCOPE OF WORK REQUIRED TO BE PERFORMED BY A RECERTIFICATION REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECERTIFICATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 8-11 OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
Q IS IN ORDER OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSIONER CITY BY BEACH FLORIDA.AMENDING APPENDIX EIGHT TO THE CITY CODE OF TITLE FEE SCHEDULE BY AMENDING ONE THE FEE CHARGE TO FILE A RECREATION REPORT TO ALLOW FOR A DISCOUNT AS SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A OF THE CITY CODE FOR A TIMELY FILE REPORT AND THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMIT FEES APPLICABLE TO SCOPE OF WORK REQUIRED TO BE PERFORMED BY A RE RECERTIFICATION REPORTING CONNECTION WITH A RECERTIFICATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AS REQUIRED BY SECTION EIGHT DASH 11 OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR FAVORABILITY CLARIFICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
THIS IS THE DISCOUNTS FOR CONDO RECERTIFICATION.
SO WITH THAT, I'LL MOVE MY ITEM.
UH, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
[R5 R AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED “BUILDING REGULATIONS,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “PERMITS APPLIED FOR ON OR AFTER MARCH 1, 2002,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “DEMOLITION,” BY AMENDING SECTION 14-421 THEREOF, ENTITLED “NOTICE TO DEMOLITION TO AFFECTED PERSONS,” BY EXPANDING THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS THE RADIUS OF THE NOTICE TO AFFECTED PERSONS SET FORTH IN SUBSECTION (B); AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
FIVE R IS THE NOTICE TO THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE MAY BE CITY CODE ENTITLED BUILDING REGULATIONS BY AMENDING ARTICLE SEVEN ENTITLED PERMITS APPLIED FOR ON OR AFTER MARCH 1ST, 2002 BY AMENDING DIVISION TWO ENTITLED, DEMOLITION BY AMENDING SECTION 14 DASH 4 21 THEREOF ENTITLED NOTICE OF DEMOLITION TO EFFECTIVE PERSONS BY EXPANDING THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS THE RADIUS OF THE NOTICE TO EFFECTIVE PERSON SET FORTH.
AND SUBSECTION B AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR ACCEPTABILITY CODIFICATION AND, AND EFFECTIVE DATE IS A SECOND MEETING PUBLIC HEARING.
R FIVE RI MOVE MY COMMISSIONER BOT.
I'D JUST, UM, LIKE TO COMMENT ON THIS.
I THINK THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT WENT FROM WHAT 30 OR WITH THE DEMOLITION WENT FROM 30 DAYS TO 90 DAYS.
COMMISSIONER 10, 10 TO 90 I BELIEVE I I FOR, I DON'T HAVE IN FRONT OF ME AT THE MOMENT, BUT IT WAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED.
AND THE, THE, THE ENTIRE THOUGHT BEHIND THIS PROCESS IS, IT'S ONE THING IF YOU'RE DEMOLISHING A SMALL, YOU KNOW, BUNGALOW OR A SINGLE FAMILY HOME OR WHATEVER, BUT WE HAVE BUILDINGS, YOU KNOW, CONDO BUILDINGS THAT ARE BEING DEMOLISHED.
AND THE, THE NOTICES WHILE THEY COMPLIED WITH THE, THE LAW, UH, THAT WAS CURRENTLY ON OUR BOOKS, DON'T DO AN ADEQUATE JOB OF NOTIFYING RESIDENTS.
SO, YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE ABSENTEE OWNERS OR OWNERS WHO ARE TRAVELING OR PEOPLE WHO OWN, UH, YOU KNOW, WHO RENT THEIR APARTMENTS OUT OR, UH, NOTICES ONLY GET DELIVERED TO THE,
[03:50:01]
THE ASSOCIATION MANAGER OR THE BOARD PRESIDENT AND NOT ALL THE RESIDENTS.UM, SO THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE, UM, WHO DIDN'T GET, WHO DON'T GET NOTIFIED.
AND THEN IN ADDITION, THERE ARE BUILDINGS, UM, THAT ARE SUPPOSEDLY OUTSIDE OF THE CONE OF DUST THAT ARE, UM, UH, THAT GETS CREATED BY THIS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU GET TO OCEAN FRONT OR OR BAYFRONT BUILDINGS.
AND THEY NEED TO PREPARE THEIR BUILDINGS TO BE ABLE TO, UM, PREVENT HAVING TO SHUT DOWN THEIR AC FOR TWO DAYS AFTER THE DEMOLITION TO CLEAN OUT THEIR COILS AND CLEAN OUT THEIR, SO YEAH, THE MORE NOTICE THE BETTER.
DOES THIS APPLY FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES? IT, UH, I BELIEVE, RICK, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, I BELIEVE IT'S FOR EVERYTHING, RIGHT? THERE'S NOT AN EXCLUSION BASED ON BUILDING TYPE.
IT'S, IT'S BASED ON THE LOCATION OF THE DEMOLITION.
ANYBODY WHO'S WITHIN 700 FEET MUST RECEIVE THE NOTICE.
AND AS YOU MENTIONED, IF, IF IT'S A TENANT, THE TENANT WOULD NEED TO RECEIVE THE OWN, THE, THE NOTICE IN ADDITION TO THE OWNER IF THERE'S AN ASSOCIATION, ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
SO IT'S A VERY WIDE, UH, NET OF NOTICES.
SO JUST, JUST TO UNDERSTAND YOU CORRECTLY, UM, SO THE INTENT IS TO NOTIFY THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR THE, THE SURROUNDING, UH, NEIGHBORS TO PREPARE FOR THE DEMOLITION AND THEN, AND THE DUST AND THE, OKAY.
UM, WHAT IS, RIGHT NOW THE, THE WINDOW FOR DEMOLITION, ONCE A NOTICE IS GIVEN, IS IT 10 DAYS OR 30 DAYS? 10 DAYS, CORRECT.
UM, AND IT'S GOING TO 90 NOW THAT'S CORRECT.
UM, FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, I THINK CAN WE SHORTEN THAT A LITTLE BIT? BECAUSE, UH, YOU KNOW, IF THERE IS A HOUSE THAT IS GONNA BE DEMOLISHED, UM, I THINK THERE'S, YOU KNOW, CARRYING COSTS, THERE'S TAXES, THERE'S INSURANCE, UH, ON THE LAND, UM, AND TO WAIT ANOTHER THREE MONTHS.
BUT THIS, UH, THROUGH THE MATTER, IF I MAY, I, THIS ISN'T GOING TO DELAY THEM.
THEY KNOW THEY'RE GONNA DEMOLISH THE HOUSE, SO IT'S JUST THAT THEY NEED TO PROVIDE NOTICE EARLIER IN THE PROCESS.
BUT THE, THE, THE ACTUAL DEMOLITION GETS DELAYED FROM 10 DAYS TO 90.
IF, IF I'M, IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, BUT IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE GONNA DEMOLISH YOUR HOME, RIGHT? UM, YOU CAN PUT OUT THE NOTICE AND, AND YOU KNOW, YOU'VE GOT A WHOLE BUNCH OF THINGS THAT HAVE TO HAPPEN IN THIS AT THE SAME TIME, YOU, YOU CAN PUT OUT YOUR NOTICE.
DO YOU NEED A BUILDING PERMIT BEFORE YOU PUT OUT A NOTICE? LIKE, LIKE I IS IT CAN, CAN WE, CAN WE, CAN IT RUN CONCURRENTLY WITH WHATEVER PROCESS THERE IS? I, IT, IT DOESN'T REQUIRE TO HAVE THE DEMOLITION PERMIT BEFORE YOU SEND THE NOTICE.
SO IF I HAVE A HOUSE THAT I CAN DEMOLISH AND I SAY, HEY, I'M GONNA DEMOLISH MY HOUSE, UH, ALL I NEED TO DO IS JUST GO TO THE CITY, SAY, I'M GONNA DEMOLISH MY HOUSE, AND THEN, AND THEN THAT WOULD START THE CLOCK.
WELL, YOU, YOU WOULD CALCULATE APPROXIMATELY WHEN YOU EXPECT TO HAVE A BUILDING PERMIT AND A CONTRACTOR AND THEN WORK BACKWARDS AND, AND THEN DETERMINE WHEN YOU WOULD NEED TO SEND A NOTICE.
THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO EXTEND THE PROCESS.
SO WHATEVER YOUR, YOUR RIGHT TIMEFRAME IS GONNA BE.
WE, WE WANNA AVOID UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, RIGHT? SO WHATEVER YOUR TIMEFRAME IS GONNA BE, BUT YOU, YOU KNOW, PRETTY EARLY ON IN THE PROCESS OF THE PROJECT, IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RENOVATE YOUR, YOUR BUILDING OR IF YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO DEMOLISH IT.
SO THEN YOU CAN CALCULATE WITH YOUR ARCHITECT AND YOUR BUILDER AND THE CITY STAFF BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO PULL PERMITS FOR ALL THIS STUFF WHEN THE APPROXIMATE DEMOLITION WOULD BE.
SO IF YOU'RE PLANNING THAT, IT WILL BE PROBABLY IN JUNE.
THEN IN MARCH YOU WOULD SEND OUT THE NOTICE SAYING, WE ARE ANTICIPATING A DEMOLITION IN JUNE.
SO LOOK FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, BECAUSE I, I THINK THIS MIGHT BE LOST ON A LOT OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY MOVING FORWARD.
CAN WE DO FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 30 DAYS AND GO FROM 10 TO 30 AND EVERYTHING ELSE CAN STAY THE SAME AT 90? I, I MEAN, HOW COMPLICATED IS THAT TO ENFORCE RICK? HOW COMPLICATED TO ENFORCE? WELL, LIKE DOES IT MAKE IT MORE, I MEAN, WE HAVE REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO SINGLE FAMILY VERSUS BUILDINGS.
WELL, TWO DIFFERENT TIMEFRAMES DEPENDING ON RIGHT.
SINGLE FAMILY VERSUS EVERYTHING ELSE.
I MEAN, I WOULD DEFER TO THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO ENFORCEMENT, BUT TO ME IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT WOULD BE TERRIBLY DIFFICULT.
CAN WE JUST, CAN WE TALK MORE BEFORE PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT? 'CAUSE I'M SORRY, I'M A BIT LOST, IF I CAN.
UM, WHEN I WENT THROUGH THE BRIEFING, I ACTUALLY THOUGHT THIS WAS, UH, JUST EXPANDING THE RADIUS, WHICH I ALWAYS THINK IS GOOD.
THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.
I WASN'T AWARE THAT, SO WHAT IS THE INTENT OF EX, ARE WE EXTENDING THE TIMELINE OR ARE WE NOT 10 TO 90 DAYS? SO JUST SO THAT PEOPLE CAN PREPARE OR THEY CAN SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT, I, I, MY KID HAS ASTHMA.
I'M GONNA MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE VISITING MY PARENTS THAT WEEKEND.
OR, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR COILS.
WE GONNA NEED TO GET THEM WRAPPED AND WE, YEAH, WE NEED TO GET ALL THE POOL DECK FURNITURE OFF, YOU KNOW, OFF THE POOL DECK BEFORE THE BUILDING COMES DOWN.
BECAUSE THAT JUST, YOU KNOW, IF,
[03:55:01]
IF I HAVE A BUILDING OR A HOUSE, RIGHT? I'M SYMPATHETIC.'CAUSE I, I KNOW PEOPLE WHERE THEIR BUILDING AND THEY'RE CARRYING TWO HOMES.
SO WHAT I'M TRYING TO KIND OF RECTIFY IN MY HEAD IS, IS THAT EXTENDING OUT THEIR PROCESS? NO, IT'S NOT INTENDED TO EXTEND THEIR HOUSE.
AND THAT'S WHY THIS WASN'T EVEN ON MY RADAR THROUGH THE AGENDA.
BUT WOULD WE NOT JUST THEN KEEP THE TIME PARAMETERS IN PLACE WHEN WE EXPAND THE RADIUS? ISN'T THAT WHAT WE'RE LOOKING TO ACHIEVE? NO, BECAUSE WHAT IF YOU'RE, UM, IT'S AUGUST AND YOU'RE ON VACATION AND, UM, YOU KNOW, YOU'RE ON A RV TRIP WITH FAMILY ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND YOU FIND OUT 10 DAYS BEFORE THERE'S GONNA BE YOUR, THE BUILDING NEXT DOOR TO YOURS IS COMING DOWN.
ARE YOU GONNA ABANDON SHIP AND COME BACK TO TRY TO PROTECT YOUR APARTMENT? OR ARE YOU GONNA TRY AND RALLY THE NEIGHBORS TO DO YOU A SOLID, IF YOU KNOW, THREE MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME THAT IN AUGUST AT SOME POINT, UM, STUFF IS GOING TO COME DOWN, THEN YOU WOULD PLAN DIFFERENTLY.
YOU WOULD MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS IN AND YOU WOULD, YOU KNOW, WHATEVER, WHATEVER.
I, IT'S, AND AGAIN, IT'S SOUP INTENDED TO RUN CONCURRENTLY.
IT'S NOT AT ALL INTENDED TO, UM, DELAY THE PROCESS.
CAUSE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR THE PERSON WHO'S PROPERTY IT IS, IS BEING DEMOLISHED.
ARE YOU MARRIED TO THAT 90 DAY NUMBER? IS 30 DAYS REASONABLE? 'CAUSE IT'S STILL THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF, YOU KNOW, TIME THAT WE'RE GIVING NOTICE TO NINE TIMES.
WELL, NO, I'M SAYING 30 DAYS WOULD BE, I, I WOULD SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE IN GIVE 45 ACROSS THE BOARD.
JUDGE, YOU'RE A REASONABLE PERSON.
BUT COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, THANK YOU.
UM, AND I THINK AFTER, AFTER THE DEMOLITION OF THE IL, I WORKED ON SOME LEGISLATION, I THINK IT WAS BACK IN 2022 ON THIS.
AND WHAT, WHAT I JUST WANNA POINT OUT IS THAT, IS THAT THIS SECTION OF, OF THE CODE SECTION 14 4 4 21 SPEAKS SPECIFICALLY OF BUILDINGS, OF THREE STORIES OR HIGHER.
SO USUALLY A SINGLE FAMILY HOME USUALLY WON'T BE AFFECTED BY THIS LEGISLATION.
SO THE IMPETUS OF OF, OF THIS, YOU KNOW, SECTION OF THE CODE SPECIFICALLY TO PROTECT RESIDENTS OF LARGE SCALE DEMOLITIONS, UH, THAT COULD AFFECT PEOPLE.
USUALLY YOU DON'T HAVE HOMES THAT ARE OVER THREE STORIES IN HEIGHT.
AND THAT'S WHAT THIS PO THIS SECTION OF OUR LDRS, UH, ADDRESS.
UM, IT, IT, IT SPECIFICALLY, IT IS NOT EVEN LDRS.
IT'S OUR BUILDING REGULATIONS.
IT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES BUILDINGS OVER THREE STORIES, UH, IN HEIGHTS.
SO I DON'T SEE A SINGLE, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE'S BUILDING A ONE STORY HOME OR TWO STORY HOME, OR SOMEONE THAT'S KIND OF DEMOLISHED A ONE OR TWO STORY HOME REALLY BEING AFFECTED BY WHAT IS BEING, UH, LEGISLATED HERE.
ALTHOUGH INCREASINGLY WE'RE SEEING PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT, WHO BUILT SPEC HOMES, YOU KNOW, 10 YEARS AGO THAT ARE THREE STORIES IN, YOU KNOW, X NUMBER OF FEET.
AND THEN A NEW OWNER COMES IN, THEY'RE LIKE, OH, I DON'T LIKE THIS VERSION OF THE SPECTRUM.
AND SO I WANNA PUT IT IN THERE AGAIN, PREEMPTIVELY.
WE'VE GOT UNDERST STORIES COMING, WE'VE GOT BERMS, WE'VE GOT ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT MAKE BUILDINGS TALLER.
SO I WANNA MAKE SURE THAT IT, UM, COVERS ALL CONTINGENCIES.
AND I APPRECIATE THAT COLOR COMMISSIONER.
I WASN'T, UH, PRIVY TO THAT, BUT YEAH.
UH, GOOD SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE, UM, FOR, IS VINCE HERE? I WANNA MAKE, HI.
ARE WE NOT THINKING OF ANYTHING THAT WE SHOULD BE THINKING OF BEFORE WE SEAL THE DEAL? UH, NO.
I THINK YOU GUYS HAVE COVERED IT ALL QUITE, UH, IN DETAIL.
MORE NOTICE IS ALWAYS GOOD TO MAKE PREPARATIONS.
AND DON'T, DON'T FORGET, UH, THE VILLE AND THOSE LARGER STRUCTURES DEAL WITH IMPLOSION.
SO IMPLOSIONS TAKE A LOT OF LOGISTICS.
YOU GOTTA GET CLEARED BY THE FIRE MARSHAL AT THE STATE.
THERE IS PLENTY OF TIME IF YOU HAVE YOUR BINGO DATE, LIKE THE CITY ATTORNEY, UM, HAD MENTIONED YOU WORK BACKWARDS FROM THAT DATE THAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO THE IMPLOSION.
UH, SO THAT'S THE REAL IMPETUS BEHIND THIS.
UM, SO WE AVOID THE DUST AND THE FALLOUT AND, AND THE KICK OUTS, IF YOU WOULD, UH, FROM THOSE TYPE OF ACTIVITIES.
S SO THROUGH THE VICE MAYOR, UM, NOT GONNA SLOW DOWN THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS WHATSOEVER.
IMPLOSIONS BRING ON THEIR OWN LOGISTIC HEADACHES, NOT I, YEAH, JUST, UM, JUST A REGULAR DEMOLITION OF A HOUSE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE SINGLE FAMILY OWNED DISTRICT.
YOU STILL HAVE TO COORDINATE WITH, UH, UTILITIES REMOVE FPL POWER TO AVOID ANYONE GETTING SHOCKED.
YOU HAVE TO CUT OFF THE WATER AND SEWER, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
SO THERE'S STILL PLENTY OF LOGISTICS TO, TO GET TO.
UH, AND LIKE I SAID, TYPICALLY YOU HAVE A BINGO DATE OR A TARGET DATE IF YOU WOULD.
SO THEN WHY WAS IT 10 DAYS? MEANING LIKE, THAT'S JUST, THAT'S 10 DAYS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE IN CHAPTER 31 OF THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE.
WHEN YOU START, UH, ANY ACTIVITIES OR EXCAVATIONS NEAR EXISTING FOUNDATIONS, THAT'S
[04:00:01]
JUST THE BENCHMARK.AND AGAIN, THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE IS A MINIMUM STANDARD.
SO ANYTHING THAT WE ADD TO IT IS, IS AN ADDITIONAL BELTS AND SUSPENDERS, UH, TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND GIVE THEM A LITTLE BIT MORE CUSHION OR NOTICE.
AND I WILL SAY, I MEAN, NOT THAT MY LIVED EXPERIENCE SHOULD DICTATE THE, THE CODE CHANGES, BUT, UM, I LIVED, I DON'T KNOW, A, A MILE OR SO FROM THE VILLE UH, IMPLOSION ACROSS A BODY OF WATER ACROSS STREETS, AND, YOU KNOW, UH, AND, YOU KNOW, YOU COULD SEE THE DUST, YOU COULD SMELL IT AND YOU KNOW, THERE'S A FINE POWDER ON EVERYTHING.
SO FOR THE FOLKS WHO ARE, YOU KNOW, A FEW BUILDINGS AWAY OR EVEN FURTHER AWAY, BUT JUST ON THAT DIRECT LINE, THEY WERE, THEY WERE COVERED IN IT.
AND, YOU KNOW, BUSINESSES WEREN'T APPRISED OF IT PROPERLY BECAUSE THE TENANTS IN THE BUSINESS SPACE, UM, DIDN'T GET NOTICED FROM THEIR ABSENTEE OWNERS AND IT, IT WAS JUST A MESS.
SO MINIMUM STANDARDS ARE GREAT.
IT'S BETTER THAN NOT HAVING THEM, BUT IT DOESN'T MEAN THEY'RE GOOD ENOUGH.
ALRIGHT, SO AS AMENDED, UM, I'LL SECOND THE ITEM.
NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BOT SECONDER BY COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ AS AMENDED WITH 45 DAYS.
COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, WHICH COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ? YES.
[R5 AD AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROPERTY," BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 1, ENTITLED “GENERALLY,” BY AMENDING SECTION 82-72 THEREOF, ENTITLED “COMMERCIAL VESSEL ACTIVITY HOURS OF OPERATION AT PUBLICLY-OWNED MARINAS,” TO MODIFY EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITED HOURS OF DEPARTURE FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS AT PUBLICLY-OWNED MARINAS AND MARINE FACILITIES; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE AD VOTE.R FIVE AD IS AN ARTICLE OF MAYOR CITY, COMMISSIONER OF CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ENTITLED PUBLIC PROPERTY BY AMENDING ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY BY AMENDING DIVISION ONE ENTITLED GENERALLY BY AMENDING SECTION 82 DASH 72 THEREOF ENTITLED COMMERCIAL VESSELS ACTIVITY HOURS OF OPERATION, UH, PUBLIC OWNED MARINAS, UH, TO MODIFY EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROHIBITED HOURS OF DEPARTURE FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS AND PUBLICLY OWNED MARINAS AND MARINE FACILITIES PROVIDING FOR REPEATER, OBSERVABILITY, CODIFICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING.
I BELIEVE THAT'S MY, I BELIEVE THAT'S MY ITEM, VICE MAYOR.
UM, THE REASON I BROUGHT THIS FORWARD WAS, UH, THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOOPHOLE IN THE CHARTERS, THE PARTY CHARTERS THAT ARE NOW CLASSIFYING THEMSELVES AS ECO CHARTERS, UH, TO GET AROUND THE CURFEW LOOPHOLES THAT WE'VE BEEN PUT IN PLACE.
AND SO, UM, I'VE WORKED WITH SOUTH OF FIFTH AND, UM, TEX IS HERE TO VOICE SUPPORT FOR IT AS WELL.
UM, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THE MARINO LIKES THESE SORT OF RESTRICTIONS AND IT KIND OF TAMPERS DOWN THE AMOUNT OF, UM, ENFORCEMENT THAT THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, UH, AT THE MARINA.
I SECOND CALL VOTE PUBLIC HEARING.
RALPH, DO WE HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS? IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING.
NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE EXCEPT THERE, EXCEPT MR. GRECO REP.
REPRESENTATIVE GRECO IS THERE.
WE CANNOT SHORT HAIR EVEN LIKE, GLOWING FROM THE HEAD UP.
MICHAEL GRECO, UH, I, UH, WORK WITH SUNTEC AND SUNTEK WANTS TO, UH, ARTICULATE SUPPORT EVERY TIME THAT COMMISSIONER SUAREZ PUTS AN ITEM ON WITH THE WORD MARINA ON IT, MY WATCH GOES OFF.
SO I'M HERE JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GUYS KNOW WHERE WE STAND ON THESE THINGS.
WE'RE, WE'RE, WE'RE, UM, WE'RE, WE'RE HAPPY TO PARTNER AND TO CONTINUE TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY ON THESE TYPES OF ISSUES.
YOU KNOW, I LIVE RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET PERSONALLY FROM THE MARINA.
I'M OUT THERE EVERY NIGHT WITH MY DOG.
UM, ANY OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE TO CONTROL THE, UH, THE IMPACT THE MARINA HAS ON PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE, ESPECIALLY ON THE ADJACENT PROPERTIES, SPECIFICALLY THE MURANO, PORTOFINO YACHT CLUB, UH, MURANO AND MURANO GRANDE AND THE ICON.
UM, WE WANNA BE GOOD PARTNERS.
WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE AGGRESSIVE POLICING TOOLS AND CODES OUT THERE ALL THE TIME.
SO, UH, YOU KNOW, THIS JUST GIVES, PUTS ANOTHER TOOL IN THE TOOL SHED FOR, UH, HERNON AND HIS TEAM.
AND, UH, WE'RE ON BOARD AND, YOU KNOW, ANY WAY WE CAN HELP WE'RE HERE.
DID YOU MOVE IT? YEAH, I MOVED IT.
I HEAR A SECOND VOTE MAGAZINE.
SO AGAIN, SIR, NO ONE IS REQUESTING TO SPEAK.
[04:05:01]
SUAREZ? YES.COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ? YES.
PUBLIC HEARING IS FEBRUARY 3RD.
[R7 F A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO BEAUTIFY THE MANUAL GATES CURRENTLY LOCATED AT EACH END OF THE PEDESTRIAN PLAZA ON OCEAN DRIVE, IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE VISUAL APPEAL OF THIS ICONIC STREET; AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IDENTIFY FUNDING IN THE FY 2025 BUDGET FOR THESE PURPOSES.]
SEVEN.MANUAL GATE F 14TH PLACE ON OCEAN DRIVE.
REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, R SEVEN F COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
UM, I DON'T KNOW IF MOST OF YOU HAVE SEEN WE, UH, I WALKED OCEAN DRIVE, ESPECIALLY THE PEDESTRIAN AREA WITH, UM, OUR LEGAL TEAM, PUBLIC WORKS.
WE HAVE THIS REALLY KIND OF AWKWARD, UGLY LOOKING GATE MARKING IT, AND I THINK WE HAVE SOME IDEAS TO, UH, BEAUTIFY IT.
SO THAT'S WHAT WE'RE APPROVING HERE TO BOTH OF THEM, BOTH OF THE GATES, WHICH WILL JUST LOOK NICER.
IT'LL BE A BETTER PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE, UM, FOR AS LONG AS, YOU KNOW.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THIS ENTIRE ISSUE IS GOING TO LAND, BUT I WILL SAY THAT IN THE INTERIM TO HAVE THAT UGLY LOOKING GATE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BEAUTIFUL AREA RIGHT THERE ON OCEAN DRIVE IS JUST UNSIGHTLY.
SO HOPEFULLY WE CAN, UM, MAKE IT LOOK BETTER.
UH, THANKS FOR TAKING THE LEAD.
I, I DO THINK THAT ONCE WE DECIDE ON A DIRECTION FORWARD AND, AND ALL THE LEGAL CHALLENGES ARE OUT, DO WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE VISION AND PLAN THAT GOES IN PLACE HERE? BECAUSE THAT AREA IS, IS ONE OF OUR, SHOULD BE OUR MOST PRIZED CHERISH AREAS, AND IT JUST FEELS AS IF IT'S IMP PURGATORY, RIGHT? LIKE, THAT AREA DOES NOT DESERVE A MANUAL GATE WITH SOMEBODY SITTING OUT IN FRONT OF THERE IN AN UMBRELLA, RIGHT? THAT SHOULD BE AN AREA WHERE WE ARE HOSTING WORLD CLASS, JUST ART, CULTURE, UH, EVENTS, UH, OUR RESIDENTS WHERE WE CAN LOOK AND BE PROUD, NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT IS KIND OF STUCK IN LIMBO, UH, A GATE.
SO I, I APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS TO BEAUTIFY IT IN THE INTERIM.
AND I HOPE ONCE WE REALLY DECIDE ON A VISION, WE MOVE SWIFTLY WITH A COMPREHENSIVE VISION OF SOMETHING THAT'S PERMANENT.
I MEAN, IDEALLY WE'D HAVE THOSE ELECTRONIC BALLARDS THAT GO UP AND DOWN.
THAT'S WHAT MOST VENUS PAL WOULD HAVE.
BUT IN THE INTERIM, WE'VE GOTTA WORK WITH WHAT WE HAVE.
LAURA? UM, DO WE HAVE A MOTION? MOTION? MAY I'M NEXT.
SO, UM, THIS WAS ON, UH, CONSENT, LAST ITEM, LAST, UH, COMMISSION MEETING.
AND I PULLED IT AND WE DIDN'T GET TO IT, BUT NOW IT'S ON REGULAR.
SO I JUST WANTED TO MENTION THE REASON I HAD PULLED IT.
WE ALL RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM MITCH NOVIK SAYING THAT THE COST TO REPLACE THE ARM IS ABOUT $3,000, AND THE ARM THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED HAD ALREADY BEEN PUT IN NEW SIX WEEKS BEFORE.
SO WE'VE SPENT ABOUT $48,000 TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE ARMS. SO, UH, COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ, I AGREE WITH YOU.
MAYBE IT'S TIME TO LOOK AT DOING THE BOLLARDS THAT COME UP, UH, LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.
BECAUSE WHEN I GO TO OCEAN DRIVE AND I LOOK AT THE TWO ENDS THAT HAVE THE ARMS, THEY DON'T LOOK GOOD.
THEY, THEY JUST LOOK INDUSTRIAL.
THEY DON'T LOOK, I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING QUITE LIKE IT IN A PEDESTRIAN AREA IN ANY MAJOR CITY
SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GONNA EXACTLY.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT EXACTLY THE SOLUTION IS, BUT WHATEVER IT IS, IT'S GONNA BE BETTER THAN WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE.
UM, OKAY, SO DO WE HAVE A MOTION? HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
SO PUBLIC COMMENT, UH, NO PUBLIC COMMENT.
UH, NO PUBLIC COMMENT IS REQUIRED.
[R7 M A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER (AS SET FORTH IN THE CITY COMMISSION MEMORANDUM ACCOMPANYING THIS RESOLUTION) AND WAIVING BY A 5/7TH VOTE THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT, AS PERMITTED IN SECTION 2-367(E) OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH RUBIN, TURNBULL & ASSOCIATES, INC. AND RUTLEDGE-ECENIA, (AGREEMENTS) TO PROVIDE STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING SERVICES FOR A TERM OF UP TO ONE YEAR, FOR A FEE OF $54,000 (PAYABLE IN EQUAL MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS) FOR EACH FIRM AND INCLUDING SUCH OTHER TERMS AS ARE CUSTOMARY IN SIMILAR AGREEMENTS FOR SUCH SERVICES; AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS.]
M AS IN MARY, R SEVEN M IS ACCEPT, UH, UH, WAIVE BID NEGOTIATE AGREEMENT.STATE LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING SERVICES.
I PLA I I PLACED THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA AS A RESULT OF THE FIRST OF AS, AS A RESULT OF THE ACTION WE TOOK IN CONSENT, I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WAS CONTINUITY IN OUR LOBBYING SERVICES.
UH, LEDGE ASINIA HAS BEEN A PART OF THE CITY'S LOBBYING TEAM FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
VERY MUCH FAMILIAR WITH OUR HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHALLENGES IN THE PAST WITH THE STATE.
VERY MUCH FAMILIAR WITH OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND BISCAYNE BAY AND OUR EFFORTS ON, IN THAT FRONT.
VERY MUCH FAMILIAR WITH LIVE LOCAL.
THEY'VE BEEN A VERY BIG, UH, PARTNER, UH, OF, OF OUR CITY.
AND SO, UM, AND SO I BELIEVE THE CITY MANAGER HAS RECOMMENDED THEM TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE CITY.
[04:10:01]
I'M GONNA DEFER TO THE CITY MANAGER BECAUSE I BELIEVE HE'S ALSO MADE AN ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION, UH, TO INCLUDE AS PART OF OUR LOBBYING TEAM.UM, AS WE'RE APPROACHING THE NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION, I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE GONNA HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO BE WELL REPRESENTED IN TALLAHASSEE.
UM, I CONVENED OUR, OUR COLLECTIVE GROUP OF, UH, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS TEAM, UH, PETER LISGAR AND CHRISTINA BAGGER, JASON GREEN.
UM, AND THEY VETTED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT FIRMS AND CAME BACK TO ME WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF, UM, RUTLEDGE, RUTLEDGE AND CENA, AS WELL AS RUBEN TURNBULL AND ASSOCIATES.
EACH OF THEM HAVE DIFFERENT STRENGTHS, UM, AND WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE, UH, WELL PREPARED GOING INTO THIS SESSION.
SO MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO ALLOW FOR THE WAVING OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING AS DETERMINED TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, AND AUTHORIZING MYSELF AND THE CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH THESE TWO FIRMS. I MOVE THE ITEM, MS. MAYOR.
UM, WE DON'T NEED PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS, RALPH.
CORRECT? THERE'S NO PUBLIC HEARING COURT.
SO LET'S CALL THE VOTE, UH, ON R SEVEN M.
ALL IN FAVOR? PLEASE SAY, AYE.
WE HAVE A TWO O'CLOCK TIME CERTAIN ON THE NORTH BEACH, UH, COMMUNITY CENTER.
[R5 E AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ENTITLED “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “METERED PARKING,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 1, ENTITLED “GENERALLY,” BY AMENDING SECTION 106-55, ENTITLED “PARKING RATES, FEES, AND PENALTIES; EXCEPTIONS;” BY AMENDING PARKING METER TIME LIMITS IN THE NORTH BEACH ZONE, EXCEPT SIX (6) METERED PARKING LOTS LOCATED BETWEEN COLLINS AVENUE AND HARDING AVENUE FROM 79 STREET TO 87 TERRACE; AND AMENDING THE CORRESPONDING PARKING FEE SECTION OF APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “FEE SCHEDULE,”; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
TO CALL ANOTHER ITEM.R FIVE E IS THE NORTH OF THE MAYOR CITY COMMISSION OF CITY MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH BY AMENDING CHAPTER 1 0 6, ENTITLED TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES BY AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED METERED PARKING BY AMENDING DIVISION ONE ENTITLED GENERALLY BY AMENDING SECTION 1 0 6 SLASH 55, ENTITLED PARKING RATE FEES AND PENALTIES EXCEPTION BY AMENDING PARKING METER TIME LIMITS IN THE NORTH BEACH ZONE, EXCEPT SIX METERED PARKING LOTS LOCATED BETWEEN COLLINS AVENUE AND HARDING AVENUE FROM 79TH STREET TO 87 TERRACE, AND AMENDING THE CORRESPONDING PARKING FEE SECTION FOR APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE ENTITLED FEE SCHEDULE, PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATION, REPE OBSERVABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A SECOND READING PUBLIC HEARING.
HAS THERE BEEN ANY UPDATES SINCE THE LAST READING? UH, THANK YOU COMMISSIONER JESS.
JUST ONE, UH, REVISION BETWEEN FIRST READING AND SECOND READING.
AND THAT IS THE EXCLUSION OF THE SIX, UH, PARKING LOTS LOCATED NORTH OF 79TH STREET TO 87TH STREET BETWEEN COLLINS AND HARDING.
AS BASED ON RESIDENT FEEDBACK, WE DISCOVERED THAT THOSE LOTS ARE, UH, GENERALLY USED BY RESIDENTS, UH, STARTING AT 6:00 PM SO IF WE EXTEND THE METERED HOURS, UH, TO 11:00 PM IT WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT RESIDENTS THAT ARE USING THOSE LOTS.
AND SO THAT'S WHY THIS ORDINANCE NOW EXCLUDES THOSE SPECIFIC SIX PARKING LOTS.
UM, SO IT INCLUDES THE EXCLUDES, THE SIX WEST LOTS.
UM, CAN WE CONSIDER ALSO EXCLUDING ALL OF THE METERS ON COLLINS NORTH OF 77TH STREET AND THE SIDE STREETS FROM 77 TO 87, COLLINS TO HARD THE, THE METERED ON STREET PARKING SPACES.
SO COMMISSIONER, WE DID TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.
THE METERS THAT ARE ON THOSE BLOCKS, THE, THE 200 BLOCKS, UM, ARE USED BY THE ALTOS DEL MAR RESIDENCE.
ALTOS DEL MAR IS A ZONE, IT'S A, IT'S A, A SEPARATE RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL PARKING ZONE.
UH, THAT'S, THAT'S BEEN IN PLACE FOR, FOR SOME TIME.
AND AS PART OF THEIR, UH, PERMIT, THEY ARE ALLOWED TO USE THOSE, THOSE PARKING SPACES THAT ARE, YOU KNOW, ON THE, ON THE STREET.
UH, AND THEY ACTUALLY, THEIR COST.
SO DOES THAT MEAN IT'S EXCLUDED OR NO? UH, NO, THOSE WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS ORDINANCE NOT BEING EXCLUDED.
MEANING THAT THOSE METERS WOULD BE ENFORCEABLE UP TO 11:00 PM UP TO 11:00 PM AFTER 11:00 PM THEY'RE FREE AND AVAILABLE TO, TO ANYONE.
UH, BUT, BUT, BUT THE RESIDENTS CAN STILL USE IT BEFORE THE RESIDENTS CAN ST BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE ALTO STILL MAR ZONE, RIGHT? NO, NO, THEY'RE METER PARKING.
SO THEY COULD BE USED BY ANYONE.
IT'S JUST THAT BECAUSE OF THE PROXIMITY TO THE ALTOS DEL MAR ZONE.
BECAUSE KEEP IN MIND, THESE, THESE METER PARKING ON STREET, UH, PARKING SPACES THAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO ARE OUTSIDE OF THE ZONE 26 OUT OF THE OUTSIDE THE NORTH BEACH RESTRICTED ZONE.
AND THEY'RE, THEY'RE UTILIZED BY THE ALTOS DEL MAR RESIDENCE.
[04:15:01]
AS PART OF THAT ZONE, THOSE RESIDENTS PAY A HIGHER, UH, PRICE, IF YOU WILL, TO BE ABLE TO PARK IN THE METERED PARKING SPACES AS WELL.SO WE WANTED TO RESPECT, UM, THAT, THAT, UH, PRIVILEGE, IF YOU WILL, FOR THE ALTOS DELMAR RESIDENTS TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO FIRST PARK, UH, TO PARK THERE.
BUT AGAIN, THESE ARE METERED PARKING SPACES, SO THEY'RE REALLY AVAILABLE, UH, TO ANYONE, UH, FREE OF CHARGE AFTER 11:00 PM AND BEFORE THAT TIME THEY'RE AVAILABLE TO ANYONE.
IT'S JUST, UH, THE, THEY, THE, UH, SOMEONE HAS TO PAY THE, THE METER AND COMMISSIONER DOM.
UNLESS, UNLESS YOU ARE PART OF THE ALTA DELMAR PARKING DISTRICT, IN WHICH CASE YOU CAN USE THEM STARTING AT 6:00 PM CORRECT.
AND IT'S PART OF THEIR PERMIT, BECAUSE THAT'S THEIR PERMIT.
SO IT, WHAT WE'RE DOING IS WE'RE NOT TAKING AN EXISTING PARKING, UM, DISTRICT AND MERGING IT INTO THE NEW ONE.
MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
SO I JUST, TO COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ COMM, SO I JUST WANNA UNDERSTAND AGAIN, WHAT WAS YOUR POINT? WHAT WERE THE SIDE STREETS FROM 77 TO 87? FROM 77TH TO 87TH, AND SO THAT THEY WOULD STAY AT 6:00 PM CORRECT.
BUT, BUT THAT'S, IF THERE'S NO BUSINESSES THERE THAT WOULD NEED THAT, UM, IT WOULD HELP RESIDENTS THAT ARE LOOKING FOR PARKING.
BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THOSE ARE PART OF THE ALTO DELMAR PARKING DISTRICT.
WELL, THEY'RE, THEY'RE METERED PARKING.
THEY'RE, THEY DON'T BELONG TO ANYONE PER SE.
IT'S JUST THAT THE ALTOS DELMAR RESIDENTS CAN USE THOSE PARKING SPACES THAT ARE IN PROXIMITY TO, TO, TO THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD WITHOUT PAYING AFTER 6:00 PM WITHOUT PAYING AFTER 6:00 PM BECAUSE IT IS PART OF THEIR PROGRAM.
SO, SO I THINK THE ISSUE IS THAT THEY APPEAR THAT THEY'RE GOING TO BE, THAT THEY'RE OPEN TO ANYBODY, AND TECHNICALLY THEY ARE.
IF YOU EITHER PAY FOR PARKING LIKE A REGULAR METER SPOT, OR YOU HAVE AN ALTO DELMAR PARKING PASS, WHICH GIVES YOU THE A THE ABILITY TO PARK IN THOSE SPOTS FOR FREE, YOU KNOW, WITHOUT FEEDING THE METER AFTER SIX, NO, I'M SORRY, ALBERTO VENTURA, ASSISTANT PARKING DIRECTOR, ZONE 15, AUTHORIZES THE RESIDENTS TO USE ALL THOSE, TO USE THOSE METERS WHILE METER HOURS ARE IN EFFECT.
SO THEY'RE, THEY'RE ABLE TO USE 'EM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AT ANY TIME.
SO THEY ARE PAYING FOR THAT PERMIT.
SO THEY HAVE A PERMIT THAT GIVES THEM FREE REIGN, NO PUN INTENDED, TO THOSE PER THOSE METERED PARKING SPOTS.
SO IF WE REMOVE OR EXTEND THE METER PARKING HOURS, GIVES THEM MORE, IT GIVES THEM MORE AVAILABILITY.
IT, IT, IT GIVES 'EM FIRST CHOICE TO USE THEM VERSUS A RESIDENT FROM ZONE 26 GOING IN THERE AND USING IT AFTER 6:00 PM OR, OR TOURISTS.
SO YOU'RE SAYING IT'S BETTER TO EXTEND THE MAR THE HOURS OF THAT? YEAH, BUT I DON'T THINK, NO, I THINK THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION WAS TO KEEP IT, LEAVE IT AT 6:00 PM BECAUSE THAT'S NOT EVEN PART OF THE ZONE.
THOSE, THOSE, AS PART OF THIS ORDINANCE, THOSE METERS WOULD BE ENFORCEABLE UP TO 11:00 PM OH, THE ONES ON THE STREET, ON THE SIDE STREETS, THE 200 BLOCKS.
COMM COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE AND COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
SO IF I'M UNDERSTANDING THIS CORRECTLY, NOT INCLUDING, UH, GOING WITH STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION IS ESSENTIALLY BETTER PROTECTING OUR RESIDENTS BECAUSE IF WE ROLL BACK THE HOURS OF METERED PARKING TO 6:00 PM THAN PEOPLE THAT ARE JUST VISITING THE AREA FROM OUT OF TOWN WOULD ESSENTIALLY BE MORE IN SANITIZED TO PARK IN THE SPOT THAT IS, UH, WHAT WE WANT TO BE FOR RESIDENTS.
AND KEEP IN MIND, THIS ORDINANCE EXCLUDES SIX PARKING LOTS.
SO THERE, THERE'S AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO PARK IN THOSE SIX PARKING LOTS STARTING AT 6:00 PM BECAUSE WE'RE EXCLUDING THOSE FROM THIS ORDINANCE, WHICH WHAT THIS ORDINANCE DOES IS EXTEND THE METER PARKING TO 11:00 PM BUT WE'RE EXCLUDING THE LOTS THAT RESIDENTS TYPICALLY USE.
WE'RE NOT EXCLUDING THE ON STREET PARKING SPACES ALONG THE SIDE STREETS FOR THE REASONS WE'VE EXPLAINED.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ? NO, I'M FINE.
SO IT, IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THROUGH THE MAYOR, IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THAT STAFF HAS, YOU'VE GOT THIS BUTTONED UP, RIGHT? LIKE, I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO TWEAK THIS.
I THINK YOU'VE THOROUGHLY THOUGHT THIS THROUGH.
WE, WE HAVE, AND AGAIN, THIS IS A, A PILOT PROGRAM AS WELL.
SO THIS IS ALL WE'RE GONNA BE MONITORING, UH, ALL THESE ASPECTS OF THE PILOT PROGRAM.
AND WE CAN ALWAYS COME BACK IF WE NEED TO CHANGE A SPECIFIC SECTION.
WELL, I'D LIKE, AGAIN, I'D LIKE TO MOVE THE ITEM AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED.
[04:20:05]
OH, SECOND CALL THE VOTE.WHERE WERE YOU NOW? IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING.
ARE YOU SWEATING THERE? COMMISSIONER SUAREZ? OH, THAT'S SECOND.
WE'RE PRETTY MUCH RIGHT ON SCHEDULE.
[R9 E DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION: COMMENT ON 72ND STREET COMMUNITY COMPLEX REDESIGN PHASE AND HOW TO OPTIMIZE THE PROJECT, INCLUDING IF OTHER RECREATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/OPTIONS WOULD BE PREFERABLE IN ORDER TO PRESERVE BOTH INTENT AND COST FEASIBILITY OF PROJECT.]
NINE ER NINE E IS DISCUSSED SLASH TAKE ACTION.72ND STREET COMMUNITY COMPLEX.
SO I'LL TURN THIS OVER TO, UH, ERIC AND DAVID.
I'LL, I'LL JUST SAY I'LL TIP MY HAND A A BIT.
I WANT TO HAVE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR NORTH BEACH.
UM, I BELIEVE NORTH BEACH DESERVES IT.
UM, THE RESIDENTS VOTED FOR IT.
OBVIOUSLY WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT THE PARAMETERS 'CAUSE OF PRICE AND SOME OF THE FEEDBACK WE'VE GOTTEN FROM RESIDENTS.
BUT, UM, I'M DEFINITELY ON BOARD WITH, UH, WITH GETTING A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT DONE IN NORTH BEACH ON 72ND STREET.
UH, MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER DAVID GOMEZ, UH, INTERIM DIRECTOR FOR CIP.
UH, IF WE COULD HAVE THE PRESENTATION JUMP UP.
I PROMISE IT'S VERY SHORT, IT'S FIVE SIMPLE SLIDES, JUST AS A REMINDER OF WHERE WE'RE, THANK YOU FOR THAT.
UM, AS A QUICK REMINDER, THIS IS A GOB PROJECT.
THE PROGRAM AS DESCRIBED IN THE GOB IS THE SAME AS IT WAS AT GOB.
AND TODAY THE PROJECT WAS NEVER FULLY FUNDED BY GOB, THAT IT WAS ONLY A PARTIAL FUNDING.
UM, AND THEN WE CAN GET INTO SOME OF THE SLIDES, UH, AS I GO THROUGH THESE.
UM, AS A REMINDER, THE GOB FUNDED OR PROVIDED FOR THREE LARGE PROJECTS, ONE IN SOUTH BEACH, ONE IN MID BEACH, ONE IN NORTH BEACH.
THIS IS THE NORTH BEACH PROJECT, UH, IN ORDER TO AVOID, UM, A LOSS OF TIME AND EXTENDED DELAYS AND, AND WITH IT, UH, EXTENSIVE INCREASES IN COST, SHOULD THERE BE A DECISION TO TWEAK OR ALTER THE PROGRAM, WE WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT NOW SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD.
BY THE WAY, THAT WAS A PERFECT TEST CASE IN THE USE OF SLIDES.
I THOUGHT THEY WERE ACTUALLY VERY POWERFUL AND IT WAS SHORT.
I, I WASN'T LOOKING AT ANYBODY.
QUICK, PRETTY QUICK WITH MY SLIDES.
NEED TO LIMIT POWERPOINTS TO FIVE SLIDES.
UH, AND THAT'S WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU.
WE HAD STARTED THE DISCUSSION, UH, AT OUR LAST MEETING AND, AND WE'RE BACK TODAY.
I WAS THINKING THAT AND OUR VICE MAYOR JUST, UH, COMMENTED.
MAYBE WE TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT FIRST AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK TO THE DAY.
THERE IS NO ONE IN ZOOM AND I DON'T SEE ANYONE.
CAROLINA JONES
OH, MY ADDRESS GOT ARLINA JONES 1101 STILLWATER.
UM, GOOD MORNING, MAYOR COMMISSIONER STAFF.
IT'S REALLY NICE TO BE HERE AGAIN.
UH, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW ME, MY NAME IS CAROLINA, AS I MENTIONED, I'M THE PRESIDENT OF STILLWATER DRIVE ASSOCIATION.
I SERVED ON THE NORTH BEACH STEERING COMMITTEE.
I WAS THE PARKS BOARD CHAIR FOR SEVEN YEARS.
I SERVED ON THE ORIGINAL GEO BOND ADVISORY BOARD AND THE GEO BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, AND I PARTICIPATED IN BOTH OF THE 72ND STREET RFP EVALUATION COMMITTEES.
I HAVE SPENT 10 YEARS AS A VOCAL COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, SPECIFICALLY ON PARKS AND NORTH BEACH.
UM, I KNOW THIS PROJECT INTIMATELY AND I'VE BEEN A CHAMPION FOR IT SINCE ITS BIRTH.
IF I GO A LITTLE OVER TIME, I HOPE YOU GUYS WILL INDULGE ME BECAUSE OF MY AFFILIATION WITH THIS PROJECT.
UM, WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH THREE CITY MANAGERS SINCE THIS PROJECT WAS BORN.
MANY OF YOU ON THE DAAS INHERITED THIS GOB PROMISE AND POSSIBLY WEREN'T AS INVOLVED BACK IN 2018.
THAT IS WHY I SENT THE EMAIL YESTERDAY WITH A SELECTION OF ADVOCACY LETTERS FROM VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMITTEES, HOAS, SCHOOLS, RESIDENTS, EVEN A VIDEO FROM THE MIAMI BEACH HIGH SCHOOL SWIM TEAM.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF THIS PROJECT AND THE AGREEMENTS AND THE COVENANTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE 2016.
LIKE ME, PEOPLE GROW TIRED OF CHASING PROJECTS AND TIRED OF MAKING SURE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT KEEPS ITS WORD.
I'M HERE AFTER A LONG HIATUS, NOT ONLY TO VOICE MY THOUGHTS, BUT TO BRING TO LIGHT ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SPENT YEARS CRAFTING THE VISION OF THIS COMMUNITY CENTER AND URGING YOU THAT PROMISES
[04:25:01]
MADE MUST BE, PROMISES KEPT, JUST LIKE THE BAYSHORE NEIGHBORHOOD IS FINALLY GETTING ITS GORGEOUS PASSIVE PARK, JUST LIKE FLAMINGO NEIGHBORHOOD IS GETTING THE AMENITIES THEY WERE PROMISED IN FLAMINGO PARK.NORTH BEACH NOW NEEDS YOU TO KEEP YOUR WORD.
THIS WAS A REFERENDUM VOTED BY OVER 70% OF RESIDENTS.
THE SINGLE PROJECT REPRESENTS 65% OF THE TOTAL DOLLARS ALLOCATED TO NORTH BEACH.
OVER 50% OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS LIVE IN NORTH BEACH, AND THEY NEED THE SINGLE CENTRAL PARK THAT WAS PROMISED TO THEM.
THIS IS NOT A PARKING LOT OR A POOL.
THIS PROJECT REPRESENTS YEARS OF HARD WORK, RESEARCH, CONSULTANTS, BOARDS, ALL BRINGING THEIR BEST AND BRIGHTEST IDEAS FORWARD, CULMINATING IN THE 72ND STREET COMMUNITY CENTER.
THE SINGLE PROJECT WOULD PROVIDE DESPERATELY NEEDED ACTIVE SPACE FOR SPORTS, A TRACK AND A FITNESS CENTER THAT WOULD SERVE NOT ONLY OUR KIDS, BUT OUR RESIDENTS, YOUNG AND OLD, A STATE-OF-THE-ART LIBRARY WITH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS AND CHILDREN.
A TEEN CENTER, A COMMUNITY CENTER, BOTH VITAL GATHERING SPACES AND A COMPETITION AQUATIC CENTER, WHICH WOULD BE THE ONLY REGULATION SIZE POOL IN OUR CITY, AND WHICH WOULD BE ABLE TO HOST REGIONAL EVENTS AND BRING ATHLETIC AND FAMILY TOURISM TO OUR CITY.
AND OF COURSE, WE WOULD REPLACE THE EXISTING PARKING AND AD SPACES FOR THE ADDED USES.
SO THIS IS OUR ONE BIG IDEA IN NORTH BEACH.
SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO DESIGN THE BEST SOLUTION FOR THE PLACEMENT OF THESE AMENITIES OVER THE YEARS.
SO TODAY I'M HERE TO ASK YOU, PLEASE DON'T SECOND GUESS.
THE SIX CONSULTING FIRMS THAT HAVE OPINED ON THIS, DON'T SECOND GUESS, SEVEN DIFFERENT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES DON'T QUESTION ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS OR PTAS COUNTLESS RESIDENTS THAT HAVE COME BEFORE.
YOU DON'T THINK THAT ONE MORE STUDY IS GONNA GIVE YOU A DIFFERENT OR A BETTER ANSWER THAN WE HAVE CRAFTED OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS.
I THINK TODAY'S MEETING SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON THE VALUE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS THAT STAFF IDENTIFIED.
IT'S ABOUT LOOKING THROUGH THOSE, CONSIDERING THE BEST OPTIONS AND MAKING SURE THAT THE CONSULTANTS GET AS CLOSE TO THAT 70 MILLION CONSTRUCTION DOLLAR THAT THEY COMMITTED TO.
TODAY IS ABOUT KEEPING YOUR WORD TO NORTH BEACH.
TODAY IS ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT THE REST OF THE CITY KNOWS THAT YOU'RE A GOVERNING BODY THAT KEEPS ITS WORD.
SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, RALPH.
IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE? THANK YOU CAROLINA.
WE SAT ON THAT, UH, AS YOU POINTED ON YOUR EMAIL, WE SAT ON THAT ORIGINAL, UH, GEO BOND ADVISORY PANEL.
SO, UM, YES, IT'S BEEN ALL, IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD.
COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, THANK COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
UM, WELL I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP THIS PROJECT GOING.
UM, THE VOTERS DID VOTE ON IT AND WHILE THE INITIAL COST OF THE PROJECT THAT THE VOTERS AGREED TO WAS 55 MILLION A COUPLE COMMISSIONS AGO, MONEY WAS FOUND IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THIS PROJECT MOVES FORWARD FOR 101 MILLION.
AS CAROLINA JONES JUST MENTIONED, UM, OTHER PARTS OF MIAMI BEACH ARE GETTING BIG PROJECTS THAT WERE PROMISED.
AND, UH, NORTH BEACH DESERVES THIS, NEEDS THIS, AND I AM SUPPORTIVE.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
UM, JUST WANNA FLAT OUT SAY, LOOK, I I THINK THE PROJECT'S GREAT AND, UM, NORTH BEACH DOES, DOES NEED SOMETHING.
UM, MY ONLY CONCERN AGAIN IS THE, IS THE COST.
AND I JUST WANT TO GET, I WANNA GET A LITTLE BIT MORE EDUCATED AND I WANT THE PUBLIC TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE EDUCATED ON THIS AS FAR AS THE TIMELINE OF HOW THINGS TRANSPIRED IN TERMS OF COSTS.
SO FROM, FROM TALKING TO CAROLINA, UM, THERE WAS DISCUSSIONS FROM BEFORE THE GEO BOND COMMITTEE THAT THIS WAS NOT GONNA JUST BE $53 MILLION, IT WAS GONNA BE SOMEWHERE AROUND 70, UH, 64.
AND SO, AND THEN THE GEO BOND, WHAT'S THAT, MARTIN, DO YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY IF, UH, THROUGH THE, THROUGH THE MAYOR, IF I MAY, I JUST WANTED, BECAUSE I WAS VERY INVOLVED IN THIS, IN HOW THAT WENT ON.
SO DURING THE PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO THE GEO BOND REFERENDUM TAKING PLACE IN NOVEMBER OF 2018, THIS PROJECT WAS IN, IN THE MIDST OF BEING UNDER A FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS WHERE WE WERE PREPARING OUR CRITERIA AND DEVELOPING COST ESTIMATES EARLY IN 2018 WHEN IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WE, THE CITY WANTED TO, UH, SEEK OUT THE DUAL BOND, WE WERE ASKED TO PUT
[04:30:01]
TOGETHER BUDGETS FOR A LOT OF THE HUNDREDS OF PROJECTS THAT THE CITY WAS CONTEMPLATING AT THE TIME.THIS WAS EARLY PROBABLY MARCH, MAYBE EVEN EARLIER, MAYBE SOONER.
SO AT THE TIME WE SUBMITTED A $60 MILLION NUMBER FOR THE NORTHEAST, VERY EARLY ON FOR THE NORBY, FOR THE NORTHEAST PROJECT FOR THIS PROJECT.
NOW, WHEN THE PRO, AS THE PROJECT WAS MOVING FORWARD THROUGH THE YEAR BEFORE THE REFERENDUM, ADDITIONAL SCOPE WAS BEING, UH, DETERMINED AND, AND, AND, UH, AND, UH, EXPLORED THAT CHANGED THE, THE THINGS AROUND A LITTLE BIT.
AND THE PROJECT GREW AND COST, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT CAPTURED BECAUSE IN, IN THEORY, WE HAD TO PUT IN OUR $60 MILLION ASK ALREADY, AND WE WEREN'T GONNA START ALL THESE HUNDREDS OF PROJECT MOVING NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE.
SO WHEN IT FIRST CAME TO THE JILL BOND OVER, UH, THE, TO THE DISCUSSIONS AT COMMITTEE AND FINANCE, AND THEN EVENTUALLY AT THE COMMISSION, THE NUMBER WAS 66 0 6 0, THEN ADDITIONAL FUNDS WERE ADDED.
THEY MADE IT THE ALMOST 64, 63 0.8 TO INCLUDE, UM, SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT MEASURES INTO SEVERAL PROJECTS, WHICH INCLUDED FLAMINGO AND OTHER PROJECTS.
AND THIS ONE THAT BROUGHT IT UP TO THE 63.4.
AT THAT TIME BEHIND THE SCENES, WE WERE ALREADY NORTH OF THAT, OF WHAT WE HAD CALCULATED, BUT WE WEREN'T GOING TO BE STARTING AGAIN TO CHANGE NUMBERS.
SO WE LEFT IT AT THAT WHEN THE COMMISSION FINALLY DETERMINED AND THEY LOOKED AT WHAT SIZE OF A OVERALL GEO BOND WAS GONNA, WE WERE GONNA PUT OUT, THEY, THEY PICKED A CERTAIN LEVEL AND AT THAT TIME, $10 MILLION WAS ARBITRARILY CUT DOWN TO, TO BRING IT THE OVERALL GEO BOND PROGRAM TO A CERTAIN LEVEL, UH, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT, WHY DO YOU THINK THAT WAS? I'M SORRY? WHY DO YOU THINK THAT WAS? WELL, BECAUSE WE WERE TRYING, WE HAD AT THE TIME A FOUR, UH, WHAT WAS THE TOTAL MARIA? THE TOTAL GEO BOND 4 39.
THAT WAS KIND OF THE, WHERE THE COMMISSION AT THE TIME WAS TRYING TO LAND IN THAT BALLPARK AND THEY HAD TO SHAVE CERTAIN PROJECTS DOWN.
AND I'LL LET THE MANAGER JUMP IN IF HE, IF HE'D LIKE, SURE.
BASICALLY AT THAT POINT IN TIME, WE BROUGHT TO THE, UM, COMMITTEE OF THE RESIDENT COMMITTEE, A THREE DIFFERENT VERSIONS.
THERE WAS A $300 MILLION GEO BOND, THERE WAS A $400 MILLION GEO BOND AND THERE WAS A $600 MILLION GEO BOND AND I THINK WE CALL IT SILVER, GOLD, AND PLATINUM, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, MARIA, SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
UM, AND THE RESIDENT COMMITTEE BASICALLY WENT DOWN THE LIST AND SAID, I WANT THE GOLD VERSION OF THIS, I WANT THE PLATINUM VERSION OF THAT, I WANT THE SILVER VERSION OF THAT.
AND IT LANDED ON THIS 439 NUMBER THAT WE ENDED UP BRINGING TO THE PUBLIC.
SO, SO YOU GOT A, SO YOU GOT A TWO-TONE ROLEX.
UM, ALRIGHT, SO NOW THE VOTERS VOTED ON 53.8, OR IF YOU DON'T MIND SAYING, UM, THAT IS CORRECT.
THE VOTERS DID VOTE ON A $53.8 MILLION FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT.
UM, BUT THE INTENTION WAS ALWAYS AROUND 63 Y YES, THAT WAS WHAT WE HAD, WHAT WAS IN AT THE TIME WHEN IT GOT CUT.
HOWEVER, WE ALREADY KNEW THAT IT WAS GONNA BE MORE THAN THAT.
AND AT THE TIME THE COMMISSION SAID, LET'S JUST FUND IT WITH THIS AND THEN WE'LL HAVE TO SO SUPPLEMENT.
SO WHAT WAS PROMISED TO NORTH BEACH WAS 60, AROUND 63.
IS THAT, IS THAT GIVE OR TAKE? LET'S SAY, I'M GONNA SAY YES IN TERMS OF WHAT WAS PUT ON THE RECORD GOING THROUGH THE BUDGET, GOING THROUGH THE GOB PROCESS THROUGH ALL OF YEAR 2018 CULMINATING IN THE ELECTION OR ON THE REFERENDUM.
AND SO LET'S FAST FORWARD TO TODAY.
UM, YOU KNOW, I THINK COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ PUT A, A, A RENDERING ON WHATEVER EMAILS THAT SHOWED A BUILDING THAT LOOKED FABULOUS.
A A REAL BEAUTIFUL STELLAR RENDERING OF A, OF, OF A, OF A CENTER.
AND THEN WE HAVE A VALUED ENGINEERED, UM, BUILDING THAT DIDN'T LOOK AS GOOD.
UM, IS, IS THE 101 PRICE TAG AS IT STANDS TODAY, IS THAT THE OP IS THAT THE, I GUESS THE, THE DOWNGRADED VERSION OF WHAT WE COULD EXPECT? AND THE ANSWER, THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS YES.
HOWEVER, I MEAN, I WANNA QUALIFY.
THIS BUILDING IS NOT VALUED, ENGINEERED DOWN THE CURRENT, UH, RENDERINGS THAT WE SHOWED A FEW MINUTES AGO.
THIS IS A WHAT WE WERE DIRECTED BY THE COMMISSION TO BRING BACK A PROJECT THAT HAD ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES THAT THE VOTERS VOTED FOR THAT COULD BE AFFORDED FOR APPROXIMATELY $70 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION, PLUS THE OTHER, UH, SOFT COST
[04:35:01]
THAT WOULD'VE BROUGHT IT UP TO THE A HUNDRED MILLION.SO IT'S NOT VALUE ENGINEERED DOWN, IT'S JUST A DESIGN TO BUDGET.
THE OTHER RENDERINGS THAT EXISTED BEFORE THAT HAVE BEEN, HAD BEEN SHOWN THAT WAS DESIGNED BY THAT WAS THAT THE CONCEPT WERE PREPARED BY A DIFFERENT CONSULTANT.
THOSE WERE, WERE WHEN WE WERE PROCEEDING THROUGH A DESIGN BUILD, UH, PROCUREMENT METHODOLOGY THAT WAS LATER ABANDONED AND AGREED BY THE COMMISSION TO ABANDON THAT PROCESS BECAUSE WE, AT THAT TIME, WE WERE, WITHOUT A COMMITMENT FROM THE DESIGN BUILDER, WE WERE LOOKING AT COST POTENTIALLY NORTH OF 130, $140 MILLION.
UH, AND THAT'S JUST CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN.
THAT WAS AN EVEN WITH SOFT COSTS.
SO, SO THAT'S WHAT THAT DECISION WAS MADE TO ABANDON THE DESIGN BILL PROCESS.
WHY, WHY WAS THAT SO EXPENSIVE? WHAT, YOU KNOW, ONE OF MY FEARS IS THAT WE SIGN ON THIS, IT'S 101 NOW, AND WE GET TO LIKE 60, 80% DESIGN AND THEN, THEN IT'S NOW 200.
SO, YOU KNOW, THERE'S SOME SAFEGUARDS, RIGHT? BUT IF YOU HAVE A DESIGN FIRM THAT'S SAYING IT'S GONNA COST CONSTRUCTION FOR AROUND $140 MILLION AND YOU HAVE ANOTHER DESIGN FIRM OR, OR I GUESS A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER SAYING THAT WE CAN DO IT FOR $70 MILLION, THAT'S A, I MEAN, THERE, THERE'S A BIG DISCREPANCY THERE.
WELL, WHAT I'LL TELL YOU, FIRST OF ALL, THERE'S A SAFEGUARD.
YOU, YOU WILL ALL SEE A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE AMENDMENT COME BACK TO YOU AT SOME POINT IN TIME IN THE NEXT YEAR OR YEAR AND A HALF TO VOTE ON AND APPROVE.
THAT'S PART ONE, PART TWO, UH, I WOULD, I WOULD COMPARE TO NO DIFFERENT THAN AN AUTOMOBILE ALONG WHAT A CAR, YOU'RE GONNA GO BUY A CAR, YOU CAN BUY A REALLY NICE CHEVY, OR YOU CAN BUY A ROLLS ROYCE AND THEY'RE ALL GONNA HAVE ROUGHLY THE SAME BELLS AND WHISTLES, BUT OBVIOUSLY TWO DIFFERENT CARS.
WELL, I MEAN, I'D LIKE LAWRENCE BEACH TO HAVE THE ROLLS ROYCE, AND, AND THAT'S WHERE I'M GETTING AT.
YOU KNOW, WHAT IT, HOW MUCH MORE IS IT TO GET THAT ROLLS ROYCE AS OPPOSED TO THIS KIND OF DOWNGRADED VERSION OF, OF WHAT WE SAW? I MEAN, YOU KNOW, IF WE'RE GONNA BE SPENDING THIS KIND OF MONEY, I'D RATHER IT BE A STELLAR PROJECT INSTEAD OF SOMETHING THAT WE'RE JUST, YOU KNOW, SETTLING WITH.
SO, UH, AGAIN, SO RIGHT NOW WE'RE AT 30%, RIGHT? I MEAN THIS IS, IS THIS JUST A DISCUSSION ITEM TO MOVE FORWARD, RIGHT? THIS IS, THIS IS GIVING DIRECTION TO, TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD.
HOW MUCH HAVE WE SPENT SO FAR? APPROXIMATELY $5 MILLION.
DESIGN AND SOME SURVEYING AND TESTING AND SOME OTHER STUFF.
UM, ANOTHER CONCERN THAT I'VE, I'VE HEARD IS THAT THERE'S NOT ENOUGH PARKING.
UH, WE'RE ONLY ADDING 180 SPACES, UM, TO A 320 SPOT PARKING GARAGE.
I'M ASSUMING MORE SPACES WE ADD, I DUNNO HOW MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANT THE COSTCO'S UP.
UM, BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT, UM, YOU KNOW, IF, IF WE'RE GONNA, IF WE'RE GONNA MOVE FORWARD ON THIS, I THINK THAT IS A CONSIDERATION THAT WE SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO NECESSARILY DO THAT THIS POINT OR FURTHER DOWN THE LINE.
UM, IF THIS, IF THE REST OF MY COLLEAGUES FEEL THAT THIS IS THE, THE DIRECTION THEY WANT TO GO, HOWEVER, I JUST WANT TO BE CAREFUL ON ON WHAT THE, WHAT, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT THE PRICE TAG TO BE AT, AT THE END OF THE DAY? WHAT DO YOU EXPECT IT TO BE? FROM SOUP TO NUTS, WE, INCLUDING THE $5 MILLION WE'VE ALREADY SPENT, WE, WE EXPECT, AND WE HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE DESIGNER, UH, AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER THAT THEY ARE TO DELIVER A PROJECT THAT THE CONSTRUCTION, UH, AMOUNT IS $70 MILLION.
NOW THERE'S SOME CONTINGENCIES BUILT INTO THE PROJECT, UH, THAT, THAT COULD BE, YOU KNOW, THAT THAT NUMBER COULD VARY, BUT THAT, THAT'S THE TARGET.
THE DESIGNER IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE US A DESIGN THAT THAT IS THE VALUE, WHICH WITHOUT REMOVING ANY OF THE ELEMENTS THAT THE ELECTORATE VOTED ON.
AND, AND WHEN THEY APPROVED THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND, SO AT NO TIME WOULD THEY BE ALLOWED TO SAY, WELL, WE'RE GONNA MAKE THE POOL SMALLER, OR NO, WE'RE GONNA, WE'RE GONNA TAKE OUT A FLOOR OF PARKING OR WE'RE GONNA MAKE THE LIBRARY SMALLER.
UH, THEY STILL HAVE TO BRING IT IN FOR THAT AMOUNT OR ELSE WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BRING YOU A GMP AND SAY, WE'RE NOT GONNA SHOW UP HERE AND SAY, UH, SORRY GUYS, GUESS WHAT, UH, GMP IS 90 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION.
THAT'S THE BEST WE COULD DO THAT.
WE, WE WOULD NOT BE DOING THAT.
SO, SO WHAT, SO JUST SO YOU CAN CORRECT ME, WHAT YOU'RE TELLING ME IS WHAT WE'RE VOTING ON TODAY IS BASICALLY THE, THE, THE STRUCTURE OF IT, THE MEAT AND POTATOES, RIGHT? AS FAR AS AESTHETICS GO, WE'RE NOT THERE YET.
[04:40:01]
THE, OUR INTENDED PLAN WAS WE WERE GONNA GET TO THIS POINT, WE WERE GONNA TAKE IT, TAKE THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, AS I LIKE TO CALL IT, SHOW IT TO ANYBODY THAT WOULD WANT TO SEE IT AND HEAR ABOUT IT.ALL THE DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDER, UH, ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMITTEES AND WHAT HAVE YOU, GET TO THE END OF THAT AND THEN BRING IT TO YOU BE BEFORE GOING TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD AND SAY, LOOK, THIS IS WHAT WE GOT.
THIS IS ALL THE FEEDBACK WE RECEIVED.
YOU KNOW, WE MADE SOME MODIFICATIONS BASED ON THE FEEDBACK AND HERE'S WHAT WE ARE.
BUT WE WANT ALL OF YOU TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH IT BEFORE WE GO TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD.
ONCE I GO, ONCE WE GO TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD AND WE GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS AND THEY'LL HAVE A CHANCE AT, UH, COMMENTING ON THE AESTHETICS AND A LOT OF THE OTHER THINGS THEY LOOK AT, THEN WE, THAT'S, THAT'S A LOT OF EFFORT.
SO WE WANNA MAKE SURE WE GET THAT RIGHT BEFOREHAND, BEFORE WE GO THERE.
ONCE WE GET PAST DRB, WE WANNA BE ABLE TO RIGHT.
MOVE AND, AND GET IT TO COMPLETION.
AND JUST TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE, SO AROUND 60 MILLION ISH, 63 WAS PROMISED TO NORTH BEACH, BUT THAT, THAT WAS JUST FOR CONSTRUCTION OR IS THAT FOR THE WHOLE PROJECT? THAT WAS THE TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET THAT WAS ALLOTTED AT THE TIME.
SO THAT IN THEORY WOULD'VE BEEN EVERYTHING.
SO ROUGHLY JUST A LITTLE LESS THAN 30 MILLION IS WHAT? IT'S OVER BUDGET.
WELL, I DON'T WANNA USE THE WORD OVER BUDGET.
BUT CONSIDERING THE PAST COMMISSIONS HAVE, HAVE YES.
WELL, I'D LIKE TO SEE WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS.
SO IF I MAY, SO, BECAUSE LAURA'S HERE AND SHE JUST MISSED A PUBLIC COMMENT, I'M GONNA ALLOW LAURA TO COME AND SPEAK AND THEN MAKE SOME REMARKS AND TURN OVER TO, UM, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ AND THEN ANYBODY ELSE.
I'VE BEEN A RESIDENT OF MIAMI BEACH FOR 30 YEARS, AND I CURRENTLY SERVE ON THE GEO BOND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTING NORTH BEACH.
UM, I JUST WANNA SAY THANK YOU.
THE TONE IN TODAY'S MEETING SEEMS VERY UPLIFTING AND, UH, I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU TAKING YOUR TIME TO LISTEN TO THE CITY AND SOME OF THE RESIDENTS AND, AND CONSIDERING MOVING THIS PROJECT FORWARD.
UM, I LOOK AT THIS PROJECT NOT JUST AS AN AQUATIC CENTER OR A GARAGE.
IT REALLY SERVES SEVEN DIFFERENT COMPONENTS.
IT IS THAT LIBRARY THAT RESIDENTS IN NORTH BEACH HAVE BEEN WANTING FOR TWO DECADES.
UM, IT SERVES THAT GARAGE, WHICH ACTUALLY IN SOME OF THE EARLIER STUDIES WAS CONSIDERED AN INTERMODAL CENTER.
SO IN LOOKING AT WHAT THIS CAN CREATE, IT CAN BE THE ONE PLACE THAT CREATES THAT DESTINATION INTO NORTH BEACH THAT SERVES ALL OF THE OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS IN NORTH BEACH.
SO CONSIDER THAT AS FAR AS A 15 MINUTE CITY AND HOW YOU MAKE THIS AREA A, A, A A PLACE THAT PEOPLE STOP TO, TO VISIT ALL OF THE OTHER AREAS.
SO ONE OF THE BIG THINGS I FEEL IT'S, UM, THE GARAGE, AS YOU HAD MENTIONED, IT'S 500 SPACES.
IT JUST REPLACES THE SPACES THAT WE ALREADY CURRENTLY HAVE.
IT DOESN'T REALLY TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE BYRON CARLISLE CULTURAL CENTER OR ALL OF THE OTHER COMPONENTS THAT ARE COMING INTO NORTH BEACH.
SO I JUST, UM, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT AND HOPE THAT YOU'LL CONSIDER CONTINUING WITH ALL OF THE ELEMENTS THAT EXIST IN IT, IN THIS ONE SPOT.
SO, UM, I WANNA MAKE SOME COMMENTS AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
SO, UM, I'VE BEEN A PART OF THIS CONVERSATION SINCE I WAS AN ACTIVIST IN 2015, AND I CONSIDERED MYSELF FAIRLY WELL INFORMED.
I WENT TO THE CHARETTES, I PUT MY LITTLE DOTS ON THINGS, I STAYED ENGAGED.
I WAS PRESIDENT OF MIAMI BEACH UNITED WHEN THIS WAS WINNING ITS WAY THROUGH THE PROCESS.
AND BETWEEN LAST MONTH AND THIS MONTH, I HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH THIS WITH PEOPLE WHERE I LEARNED THINGS THAT EVEN, NOT THAT I'M INFALLIBLE BECAUSE I'M EXTREMELY FALLIBLE, BUT EVEN BEING SOMEBODY REASONABLY ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS, I DID NOT KNOW, UM, I DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE WAS SORT OF A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO FUND IT AT THE MAXIMUM LEVEL THEY COULD.
THAT, THAT WE COULD AS A CITY, KNOWING THAT WE WOULD FIND MONEY TO COMPLETE THE FULL VISUAL BRING, BRING TO FRUITION THE FULL VISION FOR THE PROJECT.
RIGHT? SO, UM, I MEAN, IF THE, IF THE PROJECT HAD BEEN SCOPED AT $53 MILLION, IT WOULD'VE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT PROJECT IN AND OF ITSELF.
SO THE $53 MILLION, WHICH I FOR YEARS HAVE, YOU KNOW, USED AS A RALLYING PRICING, OH, THIS IS NOT OKAY, WAS NOT ACCURATE.
AND, AND SO, YOU KNOW, THAT'S A LESSON THAT WE CAN LEARN AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, THAT IT IS OKAY TO FUND THINGS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS WITH BUDGETS AND GEO BOND, UH, INITIATIVES.
YOU CAN SAY THIS IS JUST THE SEED MONEY TO GET SOMETHING GOING.
THIS IS SOMETHING WE'RE GONNA PAY FOR A HUNDRED PERCENT OUTTA THIS GEO BOND MONEY.
THIS IS SOMETHING WE GET TO 50% WITH THE GEO BOND MONEY AND WE'LL FIND THE REST LATER.
THAT'S TOTALLY FINE TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS.
BUT I WOULD SAY THAT THAT'S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE COMMUNICATED MORE CLEARLY BECAUSE I WILL TELL YOU THAT I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, IT SHOULD BE ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AND ALSO
[04:45:01]
COME IN AT $53 MILLION, WHICH COULD NEVER HAPPEN.BUT WE WEREN'T, YOU KNOW, LIKE THAT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT, THAT WAS WIDELY KNOWN.
SO, UM, I WANNA PUT THAT OUT THERE.
UM, I, I ALSO WANNA PUT OUT FOR THE RECORD, FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T BEEN INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN THIS, YOU KNOW, PLAN NOBI, UM, THE MASTER PLAN THAT WAS DONE IN 2018 WITH DOVER COLE ASSOCIATES, WHICH BY THE WAY IS AN AWARD-WINNING MASTER PLAN.
IF YOU DON'T KNOW IT, UM, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GOOGLE IT AND READ IT.
IT IS, IT IS A THOUSAND PERCENT WHAT WE WANT NORTH BEACH TO BE.
IT WAS DONE, UM, WITH THE INPUT OF I THINK WELL OVER A THOUSAND RESIDENTS, UM, MULTIPLE MEETINGS OVER A YEAR AND A HALF.
AND IT IS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS COMPLETED IN 2018, I REVIEWED IT RECENTLY AND IT IS STILL ACCURATE IN TERMS OF WHAT IT REFLECTS.
AND I WILL TELL YOU THAT ONE OF MY FRUSTRATIONS AS AN ACTIVIST WAS THAT PRIOR COMMISSIONERS CHERRY PICKED BITS AND PIECES FROM THAT PLAN AND PRIORITIZED THOSE THINGS AND ALL THE THINGS THAT COMPLIMENTED QUALITY OF LIFE.
SO, YOU KNOW, WIDENING SIDEWALKS AND MORE GREEN SPACE AND MORE AMENITIES AND, YOU KNOW, UM, THOSE THINGS JUST SORT OF FELL BY THE WAYSIDE.
AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S VERY EASY, AND I WILL CASTIGATE MYSELF CALLING THIS THE AQUATIC ALBATROSS 'CAUSE IT'S A VERY CATCHY NAME, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL IT IS.
IT IS, UM, A FULL CENTER, A COMPLEX THAT BANDS TOGETHER A BUNCH OF THESE OTHER THINGS THAT WERE IDENTIFIED IN PLAN NOBI AS DESIRED BY THE COMMUNITY.
UM, WE HAVE A SMALL LIBRARY NOW.
IT'S UNDERWHELMING, TO PUT IT MILDLY.
WE LIVE IN NORTH BEACH WHERE, UM, THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE WIFI AT HOME, DON'T HAVE LAPTOPS AT HOME, HAVE TO DO SCHOOLWORK OR APPLY FOR JOBS, AND THEY HAVE TO GO TO A LIBRARY.
AND, YOU KNOW, SOME PEOPLE SIT OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY TO USE A WIFI THERE.
THAT LIBRARY COULD BE LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY ELEVATED INTO SOMETHING FAR MORE, UM, USEFUL THAN IT IS NOW.
AND WITH PUBLIC MEETING SPACE ATTACHED TO IT.
UM, WE HAVE A TRACK AND WELL, WE HAVE A, A, A FIELD, UM, ILLUSTRATED IN THE RENDERINGS.
YOU KNOW, WE'VE SPENT MONTHS HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN SOUTH BEACH ABOUT THEIR TRACK AND FIELD AND HOW PRECIOUS IT IS TO THEM AND HOW, YOU KNOW, ANYTHING THAT WE WANNA DO AROUND THERE CANNOT AFFECT THE TRACK AND FIELD.
WE DON'T HAVE A TRACK AND FIELD IN NORTH BEACH RIGHT NOW, SO THIS IS GOING TO DELIVER THAT.
UM, THE POOL REMAINS MY ONE BIG QUESTION, AND I DON'T HAVE ANY ISSUE WITH PUTTING A NEW POOL IN THERE.
UM, BUT MY, WELL, LET ME BEFORE I GET TO THE POOL, THE OTHER THING IS, UM, THE PARKING WAS CONTEMPLATED, UM, IN 2018 WHERE THE BANDSHELL WAS NOT FULLY ACTIVATED.
BUT YOU GO TO THE BANDSHELL NOW AND THAT PARKING LOT IS FULL ALL THE TIME.
UM, OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WE HAVE 15 AND GROWING NEW BUSINESSES JUST AROUND THE NORMANDY FOUNTAIN AREA THAT ARE ORGANICALLY OCCURRING, NATURALLY OCCURRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS BEEN SPURRED BY THE NORMANDY BUSINESS FOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION, NORM NORMANDY FOUNTAIN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, UM, AND, AND SUCCESS BREED SUCCESS.
SO WE'RE GETTING MORE AND MORE RESTAURANTS THAT PEOPLE ARE LITERALLY DRIVING, NOT JUST FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY, BUT DRIVING ACROSS THE BRIDGE TO GET TO, UM, WE HAVE SOME, WHETHER OR NOT WE LIKE IT, WE HAVE SOME HIGH-END DEVELOPMENTS COMING ONLINE.
UM, WE'VE GOT SUSHI BEI, WHICH IS A GREAT RESTAURANT ON OCEAN TERRACE, AND THAT'S EVEN WITHOUT OCEAN TERRACE BEING ACTIVATED, RIGHT? SO WHEN THAT IS NOW ACTIVATED, THAT'S GONNA BE A WHOLE DIFFERENT, UM, DYNAMIC AND IT'S GOING TO BRING MORE AND MORE OF THAT.
SO THE, THE PARKING NUMBERS THAT WERE CONTEMPLATED AND BUILT INTO THE SCOPE, I, I'M QUITE SURE ARE INSUFFICIENT.
SO AS WE MOVE FORWARD, I WOULD, AND I'M NOT A FAN OF MAKING THINGS TALLER BY, BY AND LARGE, BUT I WOULD SUGGEST THAT WE ARE STILL WELL UNDER WHAT WE CAN BUILD AS OF RIGHT THAT WE PUT IN AN ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF PARKING, WHICH COULD BE, LET'S SAY DURING THE DAY WHEN IT'S NOT NEEDED FOR PARKING.
IT COULD BE PICKLEBALL, QUARTS, AND THEN AFTER 6:00 PM OR WHATEVER IT BECOMES PARKING.
SO, AND WITH THE ENTIRETY OF THE PARKING SPACES, BECAUSE THE GOAL IS TO EVENTUALLY BE LESS DEPENDENT ON PARKING, THAT THOSE, THOSE FLOORS, THOSE AREAS COULD BECOME CONVERTED INTO RETAIL SPACE OR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, OR WHO KNOWS WHAT.
I MEAN, I'M NOT THE ENGINEER, I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS GOES, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE, THE IDEA IS THAT WE'D EVENTUALLY NEED LESS PARKING, UM, AND, UM, PROCEED FROM THERE.
SO NOW LET ME COME TO THE POOL.
UM, WHEN, WHEN I WAS TALKING ABOUT THIS WITH, UM, STAFF AND WITH RESIDENTS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST MONTH IN THE INTERVENING, OR THREE WEEKS, WHENEVER IT WAS OUR LAST MEETING, UM, I THOUGHT, WELL, WHY CAN'T WE PUT THE POOL HERE? WHY CAN'T WE PUT THE, THE POOL THERE? AND I DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN CONVERSATIONS TO INVESTIGATE PUTTING
[04:50:01]
THE POOL AT THE NORMANDY POOL SITE AND BUILDING THAT INTO A BIG AQUATIC CENTER OR, YOU KNOW, DOING SOMETHING ON THE WEST LOTS AND BUILDING THAT IN.AND YES, MAYBE IT CAN BE DONE, BUT LIKELY NOT WITH AS MUCH EFFICIENCY.
AND THEN IT ALSO HAS ITS OWN ISSUES.
SO I CAN LIVE WITH HAVING A POOL AS PART OF THIS, AND I CAN EVEN LIVE WITH HAVING IT ON TOP OF THE FIRST FLOOR.
ALTHOUGH I THINK A CASE COULD BE MADE FOR ABOVE GROUND OR IN GROUND.
SO I'M, I'M NOT GONNA DIE ON THAT HILL.
WHAT I DON'T HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING FOR, AND I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO, WE'RE NOT GONNA GET THE ANSWER TODAY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT VERY SOON, IS IT'S ONE THING TO BUILD A COMP, A COMPETITION SIZE POOL, WHICH IS GREAT FOR TRAINING PURPOSES.
IT'S ANOTHER THING TO BUILD A COMPETITION POOL TO HOST MEETS.
AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT OLYMPICS BECAUSE THAT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT THING.
I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY WE'RE NOT HAVING THE OLYMPICS NORTH BEACH, I'M NOT DELUSIONAL, BUT, BUT IF YOU HAVE A POOL THAT IS BUILT SO THAT PEOPLE CAN TRAIN FOR COMPETITION, UM, IN COMPETITION STYLE, UM, SPACE, THAT IS A DIFFERENT THING THAN BUILDING POOL FACILITY THAT IS DESIGNED TO HOST COMPETITIONS.
BECAUSE THE WAY IT'S SPECKED NOW YOU'VE GOT A WARMUP POOL, YOU'VE GOT A A ZERO GRADE ENTRANCE POOL FOR A DA, WHICH IS FANTASTIC, AND FOR KIDS, UM, YOU'VE GOT, UM, DIFFERENT, UM, UM, OFFICE SPACE IF YOU WILL, FOR MANAGING THE EVENT.
THE HOST FACILITY MANAGES THE EVENT, THE EVENT, AND THE TIMEKEEPERS AND THE COACHES AND THE JUDGES AND THE THIS AND THAT.
SO WHAT I WANNA UNDERSTAND IS HOW MUCH, UM, UH, HOW MUCH OF A DEMAND IS THERE IN THE MARKETPLACE, RIGHT? SO LET'S FIND OUT, AND I KNOW THERE'S SOME RESEARCH THAT'S BEEN DONE ON THE POOL IN, UM, UH, AT THE MA AT THE, UH, THE CENTER IN FORT LAUDERDALE, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT RANSOM EVERGLADES, AND I THINK IT WAS GULLIVER RECENTLY IN THE LAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS, UM, REDID THEIR POOLS AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING? HOW MUCH BUSINESS ARE THEY HOST? HOW MUCH BUSINESS ARE THEY GETTING BY HOSTING, UM, UM, MEETS.
BECAUSE IF IT'S NOT REALISTIC FOR US TO HOST A REASONABLE NUMBER OF MEETS THAT I WOULD SAY WE COULD THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT THE POOL AND GET RID OF THE THINGS THAT WE WOULDN'T NEED JUST TO HAVE AN AMAZING POOL UP THERE WHERE OUR KIDS COULD COME UP AND TRAIN.
UM, BUT WE, YOU KNOW, I DON'T WANNA BUILD STUFF FOR THINGS THAT WILL NEVER BE USED.
SO, AND I'M NOT SAYING MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION, I'M SAYING LET'S GET THOSE ANSWERS BEFORE WE, YOU KNOW, WE CUT THE LINE ON THIS.
UM, SO THOSE WERE, UM, THOSE WERE MY QUESTIONS.
AND BEFORE I JUST GET OFF THIS LITTLE RANT, UM, I WANNA MAKE SURE I'M NOT LEAVING ANYTHING OFF HERE.
SO COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ LOVE SOME OF THE ANSWERS.
UM, CAN WE REPEAT THE QUESTIONS,
UM, ADDING A, AN ADDITIONAL STORY OF PARKING THAT COULD BE USED AS PICKLEBALL QUARTZ WHEN IT'S NOT USED FOR PARKING.
UM, MAKING SURE THERE'S A TRACK THAT GOES AROUND THE FIELD AS IT'S ILLUSTRATED.
I DUNNO IF THAT'S JUST A QUIRK OF, UM, OF THE, THE SCHEMATICS.
AND I WILL SAY FOR FOLKS LISTENING WHO ARE, WHO MAYBE HAVE LOOKED AT THE PRESENTATION, UM, THE STYLE OF THESE PARTICULAR SCHEMATICS IS FAIRLY AUSTERE.
AND, AND IT'S NOT NECESSARILY A FINISHED DESIGNED PRODUCT.
UM, IT IS MORE OF A, THIS IS HOW THE PIECES OF THE PROJECT FIT TOGETHER IN THIS SHAPE AND, YOU KNOW, TO, IT'S, IT'S SORT OF LIKE A, A PROOF OF CONCEPT.
SO THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT WHEN IT'S BUILT, IT'S GONNA LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THIS.
THERE'S A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR LANDSCAPING AND MURALS AND TILE WORK AND, YOU KNOW, ALL KINDS OF BEAUTIFICATION.
UM, SO, YOU KNOW, I, I'VE HEARD FROM SOME PEOPLE, WELL, IT'S REALLY UGLY.
WELL, LET'S FOCUS ON WHAT IS GONNA GO INTO THAT SPACE, AND THEN WE CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT LOOK REALLY STUNNING, BECAUSE WE, WE CAN DO THAT, THAT I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT AT ALL.
SO, I DUNNO IF THERE WERE OTHER QUESTIONS THAT YOU WANTED ANSWERS TO, BUT I'LL TURN IT OVER TO, TO THE DAVIDS, I COULD ADDRESS YOUR QUESTIONS IN REVERSE ORDER.
UM, THE TRACK IS INCLUDED AS PART OF THE PROJECT.
IT IS NOT A TRACK LIKE THE ONE AT FLAMINGO PARK WITH THE EIGHT LANES IN THE LINES.
IT IS A, A FITNESS TRACK OR A, A FITNESS RUNNING PATH THAT CIRCUMNAVIGATES THE, THE ENTIRE SITE.
UM, AS FAR AS ADDING SPACES TO THE GARAGE, THE DESIGN, THE WAY IT IS TODAY IS MODULAR.
SO IT IS FAIRLY SIMPLE TO INSERT A LEVEL OF SPACES THAT WOULD PROVIDE WITH EVERY LEVEL OF APPROXIMATELY 110 SPACES
[04:55:01]
AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY FOUR AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS.HOW MUCH? UM, FOUR AND A HALF.
SO THAT, IT'S NOT AN UNREASONABLE PRICE.
UM, THAT WOULD, THAT WOULD, YOU WOULD NEED ANOTHER LEVEL, I'M ASSUMING? IT WOULD, YES, IT WOULD GO UP.
SO YOU WERE, FOR ONLY FOUR AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS, WE GET AN EXTRA LEVEL OF PARKING, RIGHT? YES.
BUT, BUT, AND IT GOES UP 20 FEET, I'M ASSUMING? NO, IT'S, UH, I THINK IT'S A 10 FOOT FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHT.
ACTUALLY, A LITTLE LESS THAN THAT.
AND, AND, AND THROUGH THE MAYOR, I'M SORRY, I'M CUTTING THROUGH.
BUT YOU SAID THE PROJECT RIGHT NOW IS AT 70 FEET, IF WE ADDED ANOTHER LAYER, IT WOULD BE AT 80 FEET.
THE, THE PROJECT RIGHT NOW I THINK IS AT 60 FEET, YOU WOULD ADD, BUT WITH THE BFE, WITH THE, WITH THE BASE FLOOD ELEVATION.
IT'S EIGHT TO 10 FEET PER LEVEL OF PARKING.
THE, THE LEVEL OF PARKING IS A LITTLE SHORTER THAN A BUILDING LEVEL.
THE, UH, THE FINAL QUESTION, THE POOL USAGE, THIS FACILITY WAS, UH, SPECIFIED AND THE DESIGN CRITERIA WAS PREPARED TO HOST LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL MEETS.
SO BETWEEN A COUPLE OF HIGH SCHOOLS, THEY WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO HOST THOSE TYPES OF MEETS AND POTENTIALLY EVEN, UH, COUNTYWIDE OR EVEN REGIONAL MEETS BEYOND THAT IS A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF FACILITY.
SO JUST BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, I JUST WANNA BE SURE THOUGH THAT IF WE BUILD IT, THEY REALLY WILL COME.
I MEAN, WE'RE NOT IN THE FIELD FIELD OF DREAMS HERE, AND I DON'T WANNA BUILD A, A, A COMPETITION POOL WITH THE BELLS AND WHISTLES NEEDED FOR REGIONAL DOWN MEETS AND MASTERS.
IF THERE, WE MAKE SOME PHONE CALLS AND EVERYONE'S LIKE, YEP, NO, WE'RE FINE.
WE'RE NEVER GONNA CHANGE WHERE WE DO IT.
IF THERE'S PEOPLE CLAMORING TO, TO HAVE A MEET AND THEY DON'T HAVE A PLACE TO DO IT, THAT'S ANOTHER THING.
BUT, SO I REALLY WANNA GET A MUCH BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON THAT BEFORE WE, BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MEAN WE ARE TAKING THE POOL AWAY, IT JUST MEANS WE'RE TAKING SOME OF THE OTHER ANCILLARY THINGS OF THE POOL THAT WE MIGHT NOT NEED.
AND EITHER IT SAVES US MONEY OR WE REPURPOSE THAT MONEY FOR SOMETHING ELSE.
AT LONG LAST, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
UM, SO I THINK, UH, CAROLINA SENT US AN EMAIL WITH HER REMARKS FROM 2022, UH, HIGHLIGHTING THIS AS A COMMUNITY CENTERPIECE.
AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S WHAT NORTH BEACH HAS BEEN ASKING FOR IS WHAT NORTH BEACH HAS BEEN PROMISED.
I THINK ABOUT BAYSHORE PARK, UM, WHEN I GOT ELECTED, BAYSHORE PARK WAS IN THE RED, ALMOST LIKE $20 MILLION.
AND WE WORKED THROUGH THE FISCAL YEARS TO FILL THAT GAP.
AND WE DELIVERED OUR PROMISE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BAYSHORE PARK WITH A PROJECT THAT'S GONNA HOPEFULLY BE DE DELIVERED VERY SOON.
THAT I THINK IS GONNA BE A JUMP FOR OUR CITY AND SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF.
WE'RE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE PROMISES MADE, UH, FOR FLAMINGO PARK.
WE'VE ENDED UP WITH A BEAUTIFUL PARK AT CANOPY PARK.
WE'LL HAVE PADEL COURTS YET ANOTHER PLACE OF, OF, OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, UH, IN, IN SOUTH BEACH.
WE'RE DELIVERING ON THE PROMISE OF DOING A FACELIFT MUCH LONG AND NEEDED FACELIFT FOR 41ST STREET, UH, WHICH WAS YET ANOTHER PROMISE MADE TO THE RESIDENTS AND TO THE COMMUNITY THAT'S BEING DELIVERED.
UM, YOU KNOW, FEW TIMES DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE SOMETHING THAT'S ALREADY FULLY FUNDED? YOU KNOW, WE'RE USUALLY LOOKING FOR DOLLARS TO COVER THE RED.
I KNOW WE'RE GONNA, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GONNA BE DEALING WITH THAT WITH OTHER PROJECTS HERE.
DAVID, IS THIS PROJECT FULLY FUNDED TODAY? IT IS TODAY, YES, SIR.
AND SO FOR US TO WALK BACK A PROMISE, AND I'VE, YOU KNOW WHAT, FOR A LONG TIME, I, I HAD HEARTACHES ABOUT THIS.
UM, BUT OUR PTAS AND OUR SCHOOLS HAVE OVER THE YEARS ENDORSED THIS PROJECT.
THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTH BEACH HAVE ENDORSED THIS, THIS PROJECT.
AND TO NOW AT THE LAST MINUTE WHEN WE'RE READY TO GO TO DRB NEXT YEAR, WHEN WE'RE GONNA BE READY TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION IN 2026, SAY, YEAH.
YOU KNOW WHAT, 10 YEARS OF DISCUSSION AND PLANNING AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND CHARETTES AND PTA PRESENTATIONS AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS AND THE SIGNS AND ALLOCATING OF FUNDING.
LET'S GO AND START FROM SCRATCH.
YOU KNOW, I DON'T, I I DON'T THINK IT'S, IT'LL BE RIGHT.
WE DO INHERIT THE DECISIONS OF PAST CITY COMMISSIONS.
UH, WE DON'T ALWAYS NEED TO LIKE THE DECISIONS OF PAST CITY COMMISSIONS, BUT, YOU KNOW, THAT IS PART OF CONTINUITY IN GOVERNMENT.
THE GOVERNMENT MADE A COMMITMENT AND THE COMMITMENT WAS VOTED ON.
AND IT'S OUR JOB AS STEWARDS TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THOSE COMMITMENTS.
AND AS THIS, AS, AS HAS BEEN SET ON THE STAIRS, IT'S NOT JUST A POOL, IT'S NOT JUST A A GARAGE, IT'S A LIBRARY THAT'S BEING
[05:00:01]
DELIVERED.IT'S A FITNESS CENTER THAT'S BEING DELIVERED.
IT'S A COMMUNITY CENTER THAT'S BEING DELIVERED.
IT'S A 60,000 SQUARE FOOT ACTIVE GREEN SPACE AND JOGGING, UH, PATH THAT IS GOING TO BE DELIVERED.
IT'S STORM WATER RETENTION, UH, IMPORTANT FOR RESILIENCY THAT'S GOING TO BE DELIVERED HERE.
IT HAS SOLAR, UH, POWER, UH, CAPABILITIES IN HERE THAT'S BEING DELIVERED.
SO IT'S MORE THAN JUST A GARAGE AND IT'S MORE THAN JUST A POOL.
AND IT'S A VERY EASY DECISION RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT'S SOMETHING THAT IS FULLY FUNDED THAT WE DON'T NEED TO BE SEARCHING FOR DOLLARS FOR.
I THINK IT'D BE A VERY BAD TASTE FOR US AS A GOVERNMENT AND AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE TO GO BACK AND TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY THAT WE'VE PROMISED THIS TO AND TELL 'EM, SORRY, ALL OF THIS, WE'RE JUST GONNA TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU.
SO I THINK WE'RE AT A POINT THAT WE NEED TO DELIVER ON THE PROMISE AND GIVE NORTH BEACH THIS PROJECT THAT IT HAS LONG AWAITED AND LONG DESERVES.
WELL SAID COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
MR. MAYOR, UH, THANK YOU FOR THIS.
UH, JUST MAKING A COUPLE OF COMMENTS ON THINGS THAT I'VE KIND OF PINPOINTED.
OBVIOUSLY, WE HAVE A STRONG NEED TO DELIVER A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY, WORLD-CLASS RECREATIONAL FACILITY FOR ALL OF NORTH BEACH.
I PERSONALLY FEEL STRONG THAT AN OLYMPIC SIZED POOL ON THE ROOF THERE PROBABLY ISN'T THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE FOR THE MOST AMOUNT OF PEOPLE.
UH, I WOULD'VE LOVED TO HAVE SEEN LIKE A MULTIFACETED SPORTS FACILITY ON THE ROOF THING, LIFETIME ATHLETIC.
BUT, UH, I DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE FAIR TO ME TO JUST INTERJECT MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS.
UH, AT THE 11TH HOUR HERE, THE COMMUNITY'S GOING THROUGH YEARS AND YEARS OF OUTREACH.
I WAS ULTIMATELY ELECTED TO REPRESENT OTHER PEOPLE'S VIEWS, NOT JUST MY OWN PERSONAL ONES.
AND IF THE COMMUNITY HAS HASHED THIS OUT OVER THE YEARS, I WOULDN'T FEEL RIGHT.
JUST PIVOTING ON, ON MY OWN PERSONAL THOUGHTS, UH, WHERE MY OWN PERSONAL THOUGHT WEIGHS EVEN STRONGER, THOUGH, IS AN INACTIVATED ROOFTOP ON THE OTHER SIDE, UH, OF PARKING.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOMETHING JUST A BIT MORE DYNAMIC, RIGHT? HAVE THAT ACTIVATED.
I, I WOULD, IT WOULD BE A DERELICTION OF DUTY IF WE MOVED FORWARD AND WE WANTED TO HAVE THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS AND WE WANTED TO HAVE, UM, A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OR A GALA OR COMMUNITY NIGHT OR, UH, NORTH BEACH, UH, NIGHT OUT.
AND WE WEREN'T ABLE TO DO IT ON A ROOFTOP BECAUSE ONE WAS JUST A PARKING LOT AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS A FULL POOL.
SO I'D REALLY LIKE THE OTHER SIDE ABOVE THE GARAGE, UH, TO BE MORE ACTIVATED, WHETHER IT BE FROM THE PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE, UM, LAND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA THAT ARE GOING MORE VERTICAL NOW.
THEY SHOULDN'T BE LOOKING DOWN ONTO A PARKING LOT.
I LOOK DOWN ONTO THE PUBLIX AT FIFTH AND ALTON, IT LOOKS AWFUL.
IT'S NOT WHAT MIAMI BEACH DESERVES.
UH, SO I'D REALLY LIKE TO GET MORE CREATIVE THERE, WHETHER AT IT'S ADDING AN EXTRA LAYER, BUT I THINK THAT'S JUST VERY UNINSPIRING.
UM, THE COMMUNITY DECIDED ON THE POOL, EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT MY OWN PERSONAL CUP OF TEA.
UH, I, I THINK THE COMMUNITY HAS SPOKEN, SO I, I'LL BE FINE MOVING ALONG FOR THAT.
I'M JUST VERY UNINSPIRED BY THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT.
I THINK NORTH BEACH DESERVES BETTER THAN JUST A, A ROOFTOP, UH, PARKING, UH, FACILITY.
SO, UM, WHILE KEEPING THE ENTIRETY OF THE PARKING, I'D REALLY LIKE TO SEE MORE IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY, UH, REALLY CREATING A BETTER, UH, COMMUNITY GATHERING, UH, MORE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING RECREATION SPACE, UH, ON THE SIDE OF THE PARKING GARAGE.
NOW AFTER WE HAVE COMMISSIONER BOT, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
SO I JUST, I JUST, YOU KNOW, THERE'S SO MANY GREAT IDEAS, WHETHER IT'S AN EXTRA LAYER OF, UH, AN EXTRA PARKING SURFACE, UH, OR ACTIVATING ROOFTOPS.
ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I FEEL SO COMFORTABLE TODAY WITH THIS IS 'CAUSE IT'S FULLY FUNDED.
I WILL HAVE A LOT OF HESITATION 'CAUSE THE PRICE TAG IS ALREADY SO BIG, GETTING, ADDING MORE DOLLARS TO, TO A PROJECT THAT'S FULLY FUNDED.
YOU KNOW, I GET CONCERNED, LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN WE ACTIVATE ROOFTOPS, THAT'S A DIFFERENT STYLE OF CONSTRUCTION.
A DIFFERENT STYLE OF CONSTRUCTION THAT USUALLY ADDS COSTS.
AND I BELIEVE IT'S NOT INSIGNIFICANT THE COST THAN AN ACTIVATED ROOFTOP COULD, COULD HAVE.
AND SO THE ONE THING THAT I JUST WANT TO SAY TODAY WITH MY SUPPORT OF THIS IS THAT I SUPPORT THIS TODAY BECAUSE IT'S VERY, IT, IT, IT, IT IS FUNDED, FULLY FUNDED.
I CANNOT SUPPORT ADDING MORE MONEY TO ALREADY TO A PROJECT THAT IS COSTING SO MUCH ALREADY.
SO AS IT STANDS TODAY, YOU KNOW, CLEARLY FULL SUPPORT.
BUT IF I'M GONNA BE VERY TRANSPARENT, IF ANYTHING COMES BACK TO INCREASE COST IN THE MILLIONS TO THIS PROJECT, THAT'S WHAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO SUPPORT.
[05:05:01]
THANK YOU.MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER B, VICE MAYOR BOT.
UM, PART OF THE RESILIENCE, UM, UH, PIECE THAT YOU'VE BUILT IN IS, UH, WATER RETENTION.
HOW, CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW THAT WILL HELP, UM, NORTH BEACH IN GENERAL, IF IT WILL? OR IS IT SPECIFIC JUST TO THAT SITE? NO, THIS IS ACTUALLY MEANT FOR, TO RECEIVE SOME OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, UH, RAINWATER.
SO WE WILL TAKE WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY THE FIRST FLUSH.
UM, AND WE WILL TREAT THAT ON SITE, UH, THROUGH INJECTION WELLS, UH, BEFORE IT GOES INTO THE REST OF THE SYSTEM.
SO IT'S, UM, TAKING WATER OFF THE ROADS AND BEFORE IT GOES INTO THE BAY, IT GETS ITS FIRST TREATMENT, IF YOU WILL.
UM, ALSO NORTH BEACH, LITTLE KNOWN FUN FACT.
UM, NORTH BEACH DOES NOT HAVE A SINGLE PIECE OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES.
ART, ANYONE KNOW THAT? ASK WHAT DOES NOT HAVE A SINGLE PIECE OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES? FUNDED ART.
AND MY UNDERSTANDING, PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG 'CAUSE I COULD VERY WELL BE, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT, UM, THOSE FUNDS TO PURCHASE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMES FROM THE COST OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LIKE THIS.
SO IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING, UM, THE FACILITY ITSELF, A PORTION OF THE COST OF THE FACILITY IS ART AND PUBLIC PLACES ART, WHICH WOULD BE DETERMINED PRESUMABLY WITH THE INPUT OF NORTH BEACH AND THE COMMITTEE AND, AND ALL THAT KIND OF STUFF.
BUT, YOU KNOW, A THIRD OF OUR POPULATION IS UP THERE.
WE HAVE A LARGE LAND MASS, WE'VE GOT BEAUTIFUL PARKS, AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT.
UM, SO, AND THEN ALSO, DO YOU NEED US TO GO THROUGH THE VALUE ENGINEERING LIST THAT YOU PRESENTED LAST TIME THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY DISCUSSION ABOUT? BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE TIME.
IS THAT SOMETHING NO, NONE OF NONE OF THESE VALUE ENGINEERING ITEMS IMPACT THE PROGRAM OR THE, THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE BUILDING.
SO IT'S ESSENTIALLY INVISIBLE TO THE USER.
IT, IT, YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE FROM ONE AND THE OTHER.
UM, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MATERIAL OF THE, THE, THE STRUCTURE OF THE POOL WOULD BE DIFFERENT.
YOU WOULDN'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
SO IT'S JUST YOU WERE JUST INFORMING THE THESE CORRECT.
AND THEN FROM HERE IT GOES TO COMMUNITY MEETINGS, CORRECT.
TO FINE TUNE ANY, ANY BITS AND PIECES.
AND THEN BEFORE WE GO BACK TO DRB, WE'D COME BACK AND GIVE YOU THE RESULTS OF THE COMMUNITY INPUT.
SO DO YOU HAVE YOUR FIRST COMMUNITY MEETINGS SET UP YET? IT HASN'T BECAUSE WE HAD A DISCUSSION HERE.
SO BETWEEN NOW AND YOUR FIRST COMMUNITY MEETINGS, WOULD IT BE REASONABLE TO GET THE, UM, DETAIL ON THE DEMAND FOR MEETS AT A REGIONAL AND BELOW LEVEL? WE'VE BEGUN THOSE DISCUSSIONS.
AND IF I COULD ADDRESS THAT REALLY QUICKLY, THE, THE FACILITY IS ALSO DESIGNED TO BE MULTIPURPOSE.
SO IT'S NOT JUST A COMPETITION FACILITY.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE POOL DOES INCLUDE A MOVABLE FLOOR.
WHAT THAT MEANS IS WE CAN EITHER PUT THE FLOOR ALL THE WAY AT THE BOTTOM AND IT'S A COMPETITION FACILITY.
WE CAN RAISE IT UP TO TWO FEET TO DO, LEARN TO SWIM CLASSES OR PUT IT AT THREE FEET FOR AQUA AEROBICS AND WATER AEROBICS, OR TAKE IT ALL THE WAY OUT TO INCREASE YOUR DESK DECK SPACE.
SO THE EVENTS LIKE GRADUATIONS, WE HAVE THE COMMUNITY CENTER THAT, THAT IS AVAILABLE AS WELL.
AND THEN THE, THE POOL FLOOR COULD ACTUALLY COME UP AND INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF DECK SPACE THAT YOU HAVE.
BUT YOU COULD BETWEEN NOW AND THE FIRST COMMUNITY YES MA'AM.
OUTREACH SO THAT IF THIS QUESTION COMES UP, WE HAVE ANSWERS? YES MA'AM.
COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, UM, I KNOW COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ SAID HE WAS A LITTLE BIT HESITANT ON ADDING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
UM, BUT CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, WE CAN GET ANOTHER FLOOR WITH ANOTHER 110 PARKING SPACES FOR FOUR AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS.
I MEAN, COMMISSIONER FE, WELL, JUST TO BE CLEAR ALSO, DAVID, THAT MONEY WOULD BE COMING FROM PARKING BONDS, NOT FROM THE GEO BOND PROJECT, RIGHT? YEAH, SO I HAVEN'T IDENTIFIED THE FUNDING SOURCE.
I JUST GOT THE ESTIMATE OF WHAT IT WOULD COST TO DO IT.
NOW WE'D HAVE TO LOOK AT HOW WE WOULD PAY FOR IT.
I THINK, LOOK, I MEAN, IF WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADD ANOTHER 110 PARKING SPACES TO, UH, AN AREA THAT IS SEVERELY CHALLENGED, AND NOT TO MENTION WHILE THIS THING IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THERE'S GONNA BE 315 SPACES THAT ARE NOT GONNA BE THERE FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
IT'S GONNA BE A LOT, IT'S GONNA BE A LOT EASIER PILL TO SWALLOW IF WE'RE SAYING WE'RE DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF PARKING ONCE THIS IS COMPLETED INSTEAD OF ONLY HAVING, YOU KNOW, TWO THIRDS MORE PARKING OR, OR, OR ONE THIRD.
UM, SO I MEAN, HOW DO MY COLLEAGUES FEEL ABOUT THAT? I THINK, I THINK THAT'S A REALLY GOOD BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
AND, AND MR. MANAGER, YOU, IF IF YOU COULD CHIME IN HERE, I MEAN, IS THERE, IS THERE A WAY TO FUND THIS THROUGH, UH, THROUGH, THROUGH PARKING BONDS? SO THERE IS A POTENTIAL, I, I HAVEN'T VETTED IT WITH OUR FINANCE TEAM, BUT THERE IS A POTENTIAL THAT THIS COULD
[05:10:01]
BE FUNDED.AT LEAST THE ADDITIONAL DOLLARS COULD BE FUNDED THROUGH A PARKING BOND WITH THE REVENUE STREAM COVERING THE COST OF THOSE BOND PAYMENTS.
STILL PRELIMINARY, BUT THAT'S A POSSIBILITY.
SO FOR ME, LIKE, LIKE IF THERE IS THAT POSSIBILITY, THAT'S FINE.
I, I JUST DON'T WANT US, YOU KNOW, AG AGAIN, YOU KNOW, THE GEO BOND IS, IS, IS WHAT, 53 MILLION FOR THIS? UM, 53.8.
AND SO THEN WE'VE HAD TO TAP INTO, YOU KNOW, I THINK THERE'S ALREADY 16 MILLION COMING FROM, FROM, FROM THE PARKING FUND.
UM, WE HAVE QUALITY OF LIFE DOLLARS, WE HAVE PAY AS, AS YOU GO.
THE MORE WE TAP FOR THIS PROJECT INTO ALL THESE OTHER FUNDS THAT WE HAVE, THE LESS THAT WE HAVE FOR OUR OTHER NEEDS.
BECAUSE THIS ISN'T OUR ONLY NEED IN, IN NORTH BEACH.
WE HAVE OTHER NEEDS IN NORTH BEACH AS WELL.
SO FOR AS LONG AS IT CAN SELF, SELF-FUND ITSELF THROUGH A BOND THAT I'M FINE WITH THAT.
I JUST DON'T WANNA KEEP ON TAPPING INTO OUR OTHER FUNDING SOURCES.
THAT IS THEN GOING TO IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO ADDRESS SOME OTHER NEEDS THAT WE HAVE UP THERE.
SO, SO CAN WE INCORPORATE AN AMENDMENT TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL FLOOR? I SUPPORT THAT.
AND IF I, IF I MIGHT JUST ADD ONE QUICK THING ABOUT THE PARKING.
UM, THERE'S A GARAGE ON 67TH AND INDIAN CREEK THAT IS GOING TO BE OPEN WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WE HOPE, WHICH WILL ALLEVIATE VILLE MM-HMM
SO THAT WILL ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE WHILE IT'S UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
IT'S NOT PERFECT 'CAUSE IT'S A FEW BLOCKS SOUTH, BUT IT'S, YOU KNOW, IN NEW YORK YOU WALK FIVE OR SIX BLOCKS TO, TO YOUR GARAGE THOUGH.
COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ, I HAD A FEW QUESTIONS.
I THOUGHT THAT THE POOL LANES WERE GOING TO THREE LANES.
THAT'S NOT TRUE, ISN'T IT? NO, THE, THE WARMUP POOL, ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS IS TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE WARMUP POOL TO SAVE SOME OF THE MONEY.
BUT THAT'S NOT THE COMPETITION PORTION.
THAT'S JUST AND HOW MANY LANES ARE IN THE COMPETITION POOL? IT IS 10 LANES.
SO, UM, YOU KNOW, LISTEN, I I I'M GONNA SUPPORT THIS TODAY, BUT I HAVE TO SAY WHAT WE'RE GETTING LOOKS LIKE A SCHOOL, IT'S LIKE A CEMENT CINDER BLOCK SCHOOL.
CAN YOU PUT THE VISUALS UP FOR A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS TOTAL WITH DIFFERENT CONTINGENCIES? WHAT WE'RE PAYING FOR AND WHAT WE'RE GETTING TO ME IS, IS CONFUSING.
CAN YOU PUT THE SLIDES UP? UM, SO THAT WE CAN REALLY LOOK AT IT? I MEAN, I JUST, FOR AT, AT THAT PRICE, I THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE WINDOWS BECAUSE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, IT'S LIKE A CEMENT WALL.
AND YOU KNOW, I JUST WONDER HOW WE GOT WITH THIS EXORBITANT PRICE TO WHAT WE'RE BEING PROMISED, WHICH IS, UM, DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THERE'S, UM, YOU KNOW, ANY KIND OF FINISHINGS APART FROM ROUGH CEMENT, UM, FEW WINDOWS AND A LOT OF CONCRETE.
AND WHAT, YOU KNOW, I'M GONNA SU THIS, THIS WAS NOT, BUT WE WANTED AT ALL.
AND I AND THE FACT THAT, AND YOU SAID IT WAS 14% UNDERFUNDED RIGHT NOW? NO, IT WAS 14% OVER ON THE CONSTRUCTION BUDGET WITH THE V WE WERE ABLE TO BRING IT DOWN TO FIVE, 6% OVER BY CUTTING OUT.
WE THINK WE CAN GET WHAT I'M CONCERNED THAT WE'RE GONNA CUT EVEN MORE THAN WHAT YOU SEE RIGHT THERE.
AND IT'S GONNA LOOK LIKE AN M-D-C-P-S SCHOOL WITH NO WINDOWS AND CINDER BLOCK.
I MEAN, YOU'RE, WE'RE NOT CUTTING ANY MORE WINDOWS.
AND THE FINISHINGS, DOES THIS INCLUDE FLOORS WITH LIKE NICE FINISHINGS OR IS THIS LIKE FINISHED WITH CEMENT? I MEAN, WHAT ARE, WHAT ARE WE, I I'D LIKE TO LOOK AT THE FINISHINGS BECAUSE ON OUR CONVENTION CENTER, $700 MILLION, WE DIDN'T PUT A NEW ROOF AND WE GOT CEMENT FLOOR FINISHINGS ON THE TERRACE.
AND THOSE THINGS WERE VERY UPSETTING TO ME IN THIS VALUE ENGINEERING.
SO CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT EMBEDDED IN THIS PRICE, WHAT THE DIFFERENT FINISHINGS ARE GOING TO BE LIKE? I MEAN, ARE WE GETTING LIKE DOLLAR SQUARE FOOT LINOLEUM FOR A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS? OR ARE WE GETTING LIKE, SOMETHING REALLY NICE THE, BECAUSE I GET CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS IS WHERE, THIS IS WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, THE
SO WE HAVE NOT SPECIFIED FINISHES YET.
BUT YOU, YOU HAVEN'T, BUT LIKE, HOW DID YOU BRING IT DOWN FROM 14 TO 5%? HOW DID YOU BRING THE OVERAGE DOWN? THE VALUE ENGINEERING ITEMS THAT WERE LISTED IN THAT SHEET.
SO MAKING, MAKING THE WARMUP A LITTLE, LITTLE SMALLER,
[05:15:01]
CHANGING THE STRUCTURE OF THE BODY OF THE POOL.UH, REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE BULKHEAD OF THE MOVABLE FLOOR, SORRY.
UM, ASSUMING ON OWNER DIRECT PURCHASE PROGRAM WHERE BECAUSE THE CITY BUYS THE CERTAIN MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT, WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY TAXES.
SO WE SAVE A LITTLE BIT THAT WAY.
UM, COMBINING SOME SPACES SO THAT THEY'RE SHARED BETWEEN USES, UH, REDUCING THE SPORTS LIGHTING ON THE FIELD FROM A HUNDRED FOOT CANDLES TO 50 FOOT CANDLES.
UM, SO IT, IT'S STUFF THAT DOESN'T IMPACT THE, THE AESTHETIC OR THE PROGRAM OF THE, OF THE FACILITY, YOU KNOW, WITH THIS MASSIVE BUDGET THAT WE HAVE.
THIS IS A CRAZY THOUGHT, BUT WITH THIS PROPOSAL FOR THE VILLE THAT'S GOING THROUGH AND NO REAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT, YOU DON'T THINK WE SHOULD ASK, HEY, NUMBER ONE, WE'VE GOT X AMOUNT OF MONEY.
COULD YOU BUILD US WHAT WE GOT PROMISED, UM, THE BEAUTIFUL ICONIC CENTER THAT WE GOT PROMISED.
COULD YOU DO IT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AT THIS PRICE, WITH THIS MONEY AND ADD IN THE DIFFERENCE? I MEAN, AT THIS, AT THE RATE THAT WE'RE GOING RIGHT NOW, I MEAN, I, I DON'T THINK IT'S A HUGE ASK.
IF THERE'S A HUGE, IF THERE'S A CONSTRUCTION CREW OUT THERE, WE MIGHT GET SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT THAN THIS CINDER BLOCK STYLE EXPOSED, UM, STRUCTURE THAT I HOPE IS NOT GOING TO LOOK LIKE SOME OF OUR OTHER PUBLIC STRUCTURES.
UM, IS IT FINISHED ON THE INSIDE? DO WE KNOW? ARE WE GETTING CINDER BLOCKS FINISHED? FACES RECEIVE FINISHES? OF COURSE.
UM, DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE, THAT THE GARAGE IS DRYWALL AND TILE? NO, IT'S A CONCRETE PAINTED CONCRETE FINISH AND THE FINISH ON THE POOL.
AND WE'RE GETTING, UM, OKAY, SO YOU'RE GETTING THE POOL AND YOU'RE GETTING THE PRACTICE POOL.
AND WHAT DID YOU REMOVE FROM THE COMPETITION POOL IN ORDER TO GET US TO WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW? CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE, HOW IT'S BUILT, WHAT, WHAT KIND OF CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE FROM A MARTHA STAINLESS STEEL POOL TO A CONCRETE STRUCTURE.
AND WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? WHY DID YOU START OUT WITH STAINLESS STEEL AND WHY IS IT NOW CONCRETE? AND I'M SORRY FOR ASKING THESE QUESTIONS.
THIS, THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
THIS IS PROBABLY THE LARGEST PURCHASE AND THE LARGEST THING THAT WE'RE GONNA BUILD.
UH, THE ADVANTAGE TO ERTA POLE IS OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE A VERY FAMOUS MANUFACTURER.
THEY, THEY PROVIDE ALL OF THE OLYMPIC POOLS AND ALL OF THE US SWIMMING POOLS.
UM, THERE IS SOME, UH, TOLERANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS AND THERE IS SOME LONG-TERM, UM, MAINTENANCE.
YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU BUILD IT.
AND EVERY 5, 10, 15 YEARS, YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO RERATE IT.
SO WHY WOULD WE SKIMP ON THE POOL AND GET A CONCRETE POOL THAT'S ELEVATED RATHER THAN THE OLYMPIC STYLE METAL POOL THAT'S NOT GOING TO REQUIRE THAT MAINTENANCE.
DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? CITY MANAGER? WHAT? NO, I SAID MR. CITY MANAGER, WHAT I'M SAYING IS A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS.
A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS, WE SHOULD AT LEAST GET THE METAL POOL.
YOU CANNOT GIVE US A CONCRETE POOL THAT NEEDS TO BE REFINISHED, THAT'S ELEVATED.
I'M ALREADY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE ON THIS STRUCTURE.
WE SHOULD BE GETTING THAT POOL.
DON'T YOU AGREE? WE SHOULD BE AT LEAST GETTING THE, THE BEST POOL WE GETTING IT.
I MEAN, YOU KNOW, YOU COULD SAY, YEAH, LET'S MOVE IT ALONG AND LET'S VOTE ON THIS A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLAR POOL.
BUT I'M TELLING YOU THAT I DON'T THINK THAT WE SHOULD VOTE FOR IT WITH A CONCRETE POOL.
I THINK YOU NEED TO COME BACK AND TELL US EXACTLY WHAT IT'S GONNA COST, BUT WE WANT THE REAL POOL.
I'D LIKE TO SEE A LITTLE BIT MORE OF WHAT KIND OF FINISHINGS YOU'RE PROPOSING.
WE DON'T WANNA SEE EXPOSED CEMENT ON THIS, UM, ISSUE.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE JOGGING TRACK AN ACTUAL TRACK AND NOT JUST ONE WEIRD LITTLE LOOP AROUND THE ENTIRE THING? BECAUSE THEY WERE PROMISED A TRACK.
THEY WERE, AND NOW IT'S LIKE ONE LITTLE LOOP THAT IS NOT A TRACK.
THEY WANNA BE ABLE TO HOLD TRACK MEETS TOO.
BUT THE VALUE ENGINEERING HAS TAKEN US DOWN TO NOT JUST THE BARE BONES, BUT NOW WE'RE, UM, SKIMPING ON, ON THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIALS AND, AND WHAT WE'RE GETTING.
SO, UM, ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT, WITH THE CONCRETE POOL? ARE WE VOTING FOR THE CONCRETE POOL INSTEAD OF THE MERCA? ERIC? SO JUST TO BE CLEAR, AT THIS POINT WE'VE BROUGHT TO YOU THE PROGRAM, THE SITUATION THAT WE'RE, UM, THAT WE'RE MOVING FORWARD WITH BEFORE WE WENT TO THE PUBLIC.
WE'RE GONNA GET FEEDBACK ON CERTAIN THINGS FROM THE PUBLIC.
ULTIMATELY WE'RE GONNA COME BACK TO YOU BEFORE WE GO TO THE DRB.
WE'VE JUST GOTTEN THESE VE OPTIONS RELATIVELY RECENTLY.
[05:20:01]
NOT ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY VETTED.WE CAN GO THROUGH THEM AND BY THE TIME WE COME BACK TO YOU, WE CAN HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS AND DOLLAR FIGURES ASSOCIATED WITH EACH.
I PERSONALLY THINK THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT WE COULD SAVE MONEY ON AND NOT HAVE ANY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE FOR THE PUBLIC THAT'S DEALING WITH IT.
UM, THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT WE MAY FEEL LIKE IT'S NOT WORTH THE FEW DOLLARS THAT WE WOULD SAVE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DELIVERING A WORLD CLASS.
UM, ULTIMATELY WE ALSO HAVE AS, AS ONE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES MENTIONED, ARD IN PUBLIC PLACES DOLLARS AND THOSE ARD AND PUBLIC PLACES DOLLARS CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO THIS FACILITY AS POTENTIALLY SOME OF THE FINISHES OR SOME OF THE, UM, SOLUTIONS TO SOME OF THIS EXPERIENTIAL QUESTION THAT YOU'RE POSING.
UM, SO WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE WORK TO DO.
WE'RE STILL AT THE 30% DESIGN.
I WANNA MAKE SURE EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS THIS IS NOT A FINISHED PRODUCT.
IT'S GONNA GO TO D-R-B-D-R-B IS GONNA GIVE US FEEDBACK ON THE AESTHETIC.
UM, WE STILL HAVE TO DO SOME WORK ON THE FINISHES AND WE STILL HAVE TO DO THE VE AND I HAVE ONE MORE, ONE MORE QUESTION.
I WOULD MOVE THIS, BUT I THINK WE SHOULD ALL AGREE THAT WE DESERVE THE STAINLESS STEEL POOL BECAUSE IT'S ELEVATED AND NOT THE CONCRETE POOL.
AND NUMBER TWO, I'VE NOTICED THAT ONE SIDE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER THAT WE'RE NOT SHOWING HERE WHEN I LOOKED AT THE PICTURES, IS JUST A SOLID CONCRETE WALL.
WHY IS THAT? THAT'S THE SCREENING FOR THE PARKING GARAGE.
AND THAT'S YET TO BE DESIGNED.
THAT'S, THAT'S WHAT WE HAD ENVISIONED AS THE A IPP PIECE OF THE FACILITY.
SO THEY'RE STILL WORKING ON HOW THAT LOOKS.
I WOULD LIKE YOU GUYS TO KNOW THAT ONE SIDE OF THE BUILDING IS A 60 FOOT SOLID CONCRETE WALL, BUT, AND WE CAN PAINT IT, WE COULD PUT A MURAL ON IT.
I'M NOT SAYING THAT WE, IT'S NOT A WE'RE GONNA PUT IT'S SCREENING.
WE JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT'S GONNA, SO WE'RE GONNA PUT A SCREENING ON IT.
YOU COULD DO SOMETHING DECORATIVE.
WELL, THE PROBLEM IS, IS THAT WE CAN'T PUT A DECORATIVE SCREENING ON IT BECAUSE YOU SAID THAT YOU'RE NOT SPENDING ONE MORE PENNY AND THEY'VE JUST SCALED IT BACK TO THE ARTS AND PUBLIC PLACES.
MONEY IS ALREADY IN THE BUDGET FOR THE SCREENING, THE CONCRETE WALL.
SO THAT'S GONNA LOOK BEAUTIFUL.
OKAY, THEN I WILL VOTE FOR THIS WITH THE MECA POOL, WHICH I THINK IS THE BEST QUALITY BECAUSE I THINK IT ALSO CHANGES THE SHAPE OF THE POOL.
LET'S AT LEAST LET'S GET THE RIGHT POOL.
WHAT I HEAR TODAY, AND I THINK, TELL ME, ERIC, I THINK YOU HAVE THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED.
THERE'S OVERALL SUPPORT FROM THIS BODY FOR THE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE POOL AND, AND THE EXTRA LEVEL OF PARKING.
AND COULD WE JUST MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE EXTRA LEVEL OF PARKING WE CAN SPECIFICALLY IF IT CAN SELF-FUND ITSELF? SURE.
'CAUSE THAT WOULD ADDRESS A FUNDING SITUATION.
CONVERTIBLE TO PICKLEBALL DURING THE DAY.
WE'RE I CAN ADD THE PIT, THE PICKLE BALL TO THE PARKING GARAGE.
AND I, I JUST WANT TO GIVE ALSO, UH, A SHOUT OUT TO OUR GEO BOND COMMITTEE.
AND WE HEARD FROM CAROLINA BEFORE KAREN REVO THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE.
UH, A LOT OF WORK HAS GONE INTO THIS AND INCLUDING OBVIOUSLY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION.
WE HAVE A COUPLE OF BUDGET ITEMS TO, TO DO.
YES, YOU'RE GIVING YOURSELF THIS ROUND OF APPLAUSE, WHICH IS GOOD.
[R7 D A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AS SET FORTH IN ATTACHMENTS A, “PROJECTS”; B, “SOURCE OF FUNDS”; AND C “PROGRAMS."]
R SEVEN D DISCUSSION.WE DIDN'T DO A R SEVEN D IS ADOPT SECOND AMENDMENT TO FISCAL YEAR 2025 CAPITAL BUDGET.
TAMIKA STEWART, BUT THE DIRECTOR AND IT'S JUST ONE ITEM THIS MONTH.
SO THIS IS THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET.
IT CONTAINS TWO ITEMS, RECOMMENDS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF $2.64 MILLION AND THE TRANSFER OF APPROXIMATELY 54,000 BETWEEN TWO PROJECTS.
SO THE FIRST PROJECT IS A COLLINS PARK ROTUNDA.
THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROPRIATE $2.64 MILLION OF INTEREST INCOME FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURE GEO BOND IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE 162 PANELS THAT NEED ADDITIONAL REPAIRS.
UH, THE SECOND PROJECT IS THE MIAMI BEACH ROWING CLUB, EXTERIOR PAINTING AND WATERPROOFING.
THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO TRANSFER $54,978 FROM AN EXISTING PROJECT.
THE SHANE ROWING CENTER SURFACE LOT RENOVATION.
IN ORDER TO APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT, THE SHANE ROWING CENTER PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO BE COMPLETED WITH THE SAME.
WELL, IT, WELL, IT'S A VOICE VOTE.
SO ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY, SAY AYE.
THE ITEM PASSES SEVEN ZERO R SEVEN
[R7 G A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA AND AVR CONTRACTORS, CORP., PURSUANT TO ITB-2023-321-DF, FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AT THE COLLINS PARK PERFORMING ARTS VENUE - ROTUNDA, WITH SAID CHANGE ORDER IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $2.1 MILLION, PLUS A 10% OWNER'S CONTINGENCY, AND 300 CALENDAR DAYS INCREASE IN THE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION TIME, TO ADDRESS UNFORESEEN STRUCTURAL DEFICIENCIES AND REPAIRS TO THE EXISTING SANDCAST PANELS AROUND THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING, WATERPROOFING TO ADDRESS WATER INFILTRATION AND REPAIRS TO THE EXTERIOR STRUCTURAL WALLS, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE SECOND CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE FY 2025 CAPITAL BUDGET.]
D.ITEM R SEVEN GR SEVEN G IS EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER ONE.
[05:25:01]
ARTS VENUE ROTUNDA PROJECT CIPI MOVE THE ITEM.IT IS, UH, NOT A PUBLIC HEARING, SO IF THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, ALL IN FAVOR.
[R7 I A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING: (1) THE CITY MANAGER TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 36.2 AND EXHIBIT 36.2(A) OF THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT OF LEASE, DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1999 (GROUND LEASE), BETWEEN THE CITY (OWNER) AND LIPT COLLINS AVENUE, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION (TENANT), RELATING TO TENANT'S NOTICE TO THE CITY (OFFER NOTICE) OF ITS INTENT TO SELL TO MR PELICAN GARAGE, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, TENANT'S LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN THE GROUND LEASE AND TENANT'S TITLE AND INTEREST IN THE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE LAND LOCATED AT 1027-1041 COLLINS AVENUE (LAND), CONSISTING OF A PARKING GARAGE CONTAINING 278 PARKING SPACES AND APPROXIMATELY 3,350 SQUARE FEET OF GROUND FLOOR RETAIL SPACE (COLLECTIVELY, THE PROJECT), IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000,000.00 PLUS CLOSING COSTS; (2) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISAPPROVE THE SALE OF THE PROJECT TO THE PROPOSED PURCHASER IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10.5(A) OF THE GROUND LEASE; (3) AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO CONVERT THE PROJECT INTO A CONDOMINIUM FORM OF OWNERSHIP IN ORDER TO SECURE THE MUNICIPAL TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE GARAGE UNIT; AND (4) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE PROJECT AND THE CONDOMINIUMIZATION PROCESS.]
LET'S CALL R SEVEN I.R SEVEN I IS EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER TO PURCHASE PARKING GARAGE.
10 27 10 THROUGH 10 41 COLLINS AVENUE, R SEVEN I MAYOR IF I COULD KICK THIS ITEM OFF, ERIC.
UM, SO THIS IS A PARKING GARAGE, UM, AT 10 27 COLLINS AVENUE ON THE EAST SIDE OF COLLINS BETWEEN 10TH AND 11TH.
UM, IT IS A, UH, PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP THAT WAS ENTERED INTO IN 1999 AND COMPLETED IN 2000 BETWEEN THE CITY AND A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT FIRM.
CITY OWNS THE LAND AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE, THE EQUIVALENT OF A 50 YEAR LEASE ON THAT PROPERTY.
SO THAT PROPERTY LEASE RUNS THROUGH 2050 AND EMBEDDED IN THAT AGREEMENT, THE LEASE, ANYTIME THAT THE PROPERTY TRANSFERS OWNERSHIP, THERE IS A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL FOR THE CITY TO POTENTIALLY STEP IN TO THAT PURCHASE AND BUY OUT THE REMAINDER OF THE LEASEHOLD INTEREST.
UM, WE WERE NOTIFIED, UH, IN MID MID-NOVEMBER THAT THERE IS A, A CONTRACT IN PLACE FOR THE PURCHASE OF THAT LOT.
UM, WE HAVE UNTIL DECEMBER 22ND UNDERNEATH THE CONTRACT TO BE ABLE TO, UH, LET THEM KNOW THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO EXECUTE A A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
UM, I AM NOT SURE AS WE SIT HERE TODAY THAT WE WANT TO DO THAT, BUT I WANT TO GET THE AUTHORIZATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO EXPLORE THAT WITH THE ABILITY TO STEP IN IF WE NEED TO OR POTENTIALLY, UM, NEGOTIATE A SIDE AGREEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL PURCHASER TO EXTEND THAT DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD TO THE FEBRUARY COMMISSION MEETING SO THAT I COULD COME BACK TO YOU IN FEBRUARY AND GIVE YOU A DEFINITIVE ANSWER.
BUT UNFORTUNATELY, BECAUSE WE HAVE TO GIVE AN ANSWER BY DECEMBER 22ND, I NEED TO HAVE THE AU AUTHORIZATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO DO EITHER EXECUTE THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OR ENTER INTO A SIDE AGREEMENT WITH THE PROPOSED PURCHASER TO SEE IF WE CAN FIND A WAY TO EXTEND OUR DUE DILIGENCE.
LET ME ASK YOU, ERIC, SO I'M, I'M REPEATING WHAT YOU SAID, BUT I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND.
YOU, YOU, YOU'RE NOT A HUNDRED PERCENT SURE YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO I IMPLEMENT THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
SO IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR SECOND OPTION WOULD BE THE MOST PRUDENT THEN TO GET SOME SITE AGREEMENT TO ALLOW US THE EXTRA TIME TO DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE.
I I, I AM VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR THE CITY AND THE CITY ATTORNEY AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS QUITE A BIT.
WE NEED TO SIT DOWN WITH, UM, THE PURCHASER AND LOOK AT SOME INFORMATION, UH, THAT THEY HAVE THAT THEY'VE DONE IN THEIR DUE DILIGENCE.
UM, THEIR DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD COMES DUE, UH, RELATIVELY SHORTLY ALSO.
AND SO I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO PUT THE CITY IN THE BEST POSTURE, UM, FOR WHAT WE'RE GOING TO NEED IN THE WAY OF PARKING IN THE ART DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT MOVING FORWARD.
AND, AND WOULD THE SITE AGREEMENT THAT YOU'RE DESCRIBING, WOULD THAT COVER US? ABSOLUTELY.
AND PROTECT OUR RIGHTS COMPLETELY.
I I, I WOULD NOT ENTER INTO ONE IF IT DIDN'T.
AND I WOULD OBVIOUSLY WORK VERY CLOSELY AND RELY ON THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE COMFORTABLE WITH WHATEVER THAT WOULD BE.
WOULD, WOULD THAT SITE AGREEMENT ALSO GET US PAST OUR NEXT COMMISSION MEETING, WHICH IS IN EARLY FEBRUARY? THAT WOULD BE MY HOPE.
AND THAT'S, THAT WOULD BE MY HOPE, IS THAT WE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO BRING BACK TO YOU THE FINAL OF WHATEVER WE'RE PROPOSING TO DO, LET'S MAKE IT MORE THAN A HOPE.
LET'S MAKE IT, UH, PART OF, PART OF WHAT WE'RE AGREEING TO.
THE ONLY THING THAT I, THE ONLY THING THAT I WORRY ABOUT IS THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO EXECUTE A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL BEFORE THAT FEBRUARY MEETING.
AND SO I HAVE TO HAVE THE AUTHORIZATION TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT IN CASE WE CAN'T GET TO THAT POINT.
I'M SORRY, JUST TO BE CLEAR, IS THAT, IS THAT TRUE EVEN IF WE AS A COMMISSION AGREE TO THE SIDE AGREEMENT? SO THE
[05:30:01]
SIDE AGREEMENT AS WE'RE POTENTIALLY DISCUSSING IS NOT YET DRAFTED? I SEE.DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.
I'D MAKE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, HAVE THE RIGHT TO UH, TO ON THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND THE SIDE AGREEMENT.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE SECOND THAT.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THIS FACILITY IF WE WOULDN'T BUY IT AT? I'VE HEARD DIFFERENT THINGS.
DOES IT ULTIMATELY REVERT BACK TO US? IT REVERTS BACK TO US IN 20 50, 26 YEARS FROM NOW? YES.
SO EVEN IF SOMEBODY ELSE TAKES IT OVER IN THOSE 25 YEARS, IT ULTIMATELY REVERTS BACK TO US FOR FREE.
SO WE'D JUST BE BUYING FOR A 25 YEAR TERM.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE'RE GOING TO GET THAT BACK.
SO IF WE WOULD SAY, YOU KNOW, WHAT PARKING, UH, AS KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPS 20 YEARS FROM NOW, UH, WHO KNOWS WHAT THE NEED'S GOING TO BE, BUT IF WE DON'T EXERCISE THIS OPTION, IT'S NOT LIKE WE GIVE THAT UP FOREVER.
WE ACTUALLY GET THAT BACK IN 25 YEARS WHEN WE'RE THINKING ABOUT THE OUTLOOK OF THE CITY AND YOU GOTTA HELP SELL ME ON WHAT OUR NEED IS TO OWN PUBLIC SPACES IN THAT DISTRICT.
WHEN WE HAD A TALK, UH, WITH THE ENTIRE TEAM, IT DIDN'T SEEM AS IF THERE WAS MUCH RESIDENTIAL PARKING DEMAND FOR THAT AREA, RIGHT? SO THAT'S WHAT I'M STRUGGLING WITH WHERE I'M LIKE, DO WE OUTLAY $15 MILLION JUST SO WE CAN KIND OF CONTROL FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS? 'CAUSE AFTER THAT, WHAT HAPPENS IS THE SAME END GAME, RIGHT? SO IS IT WORTH $15 MILLION FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS FOR THE CITY TO CONTROL THOSE SPACES VERSUS THE PRIVATE SECTOR CONTROLLING THEM? AND IF THAT WAS WHERE ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS PARKED, OKAY, I SEE MERIT THERE.
I'M NOT SOLD INDIVIDUALLY ON PUTTING FORWARD A HUGE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON DAY ONE JUST TO PUBLICLY CONTROL THOSE SPOTS FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS.
IF THIS IS FOR PEOPLE COMING INTO THE MXE DISTRICT, I'M NOT SOLD ON THE NEED THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO PRICE CONTROL THAT.
AND IT'S NOT JUST, YOU KNOW, KIND OF THE SAME, UH, END GAME OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR ESSENTIALLY CONTROLLING THAT LOT.
SO THAT'S WHAT I'M STRUGGLING WITH WHERE OKAY, YOU KNOW, I, I GET, YOU KNOW, IT COULD HAVE SOME MERIT TO HAVE A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
UM, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I JUST DON'T, I'M NOT SOLD ON MAKING A HUGE CAPEX OUTLAY WHEN THE ASSETS ALREADY GOING TO REVERT TO US 25 YEARS FROM NOW JUST FOR US TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL IT.
IF THEY WERE SAYING, YOU KNOW WHAT, WE'RE ACTUALLY GONNA BUILD A, A NEW AQUATIC CENTER THERE AND YOU'RE LOSING ALL OF THESE PARKING SPACES.
OKAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? MAYBE WE HAVE TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL THAT, BUT THE PARKING'S GONNA REMAIN THERE.
WE'RE JUST SAYING SHOULD THE CITY OUTLAY $15 MILLION JUST SO WE ESSENTIALLY HAVE CONTROL OVER THE PRICING OF IT.
BUT COULDN'T, COULDN'T THERE ALSO BE A, AND MAYBE THERE COULDN'T.
SO HERE'S A QUESTION TO FOLLOW ON WITH YOURS.
UM, COULD THEY DO A, COULD THEY COME COME IN AND DO LIVE LOCAL PROJECTS? THEY KNOW WHAT WE DON'T WANNA DO.
PARKING? WHO'S THEY? IF I COULD THROUGH, THROUGH THE VICE CHAIR, UM, VICE MAYOR, UM, THIS PARTICULAR AGREEMENT IN IN PLACE ALREADY IN PLACE FOR THE NEXT 26 YEARS REQUIRES THEM TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN A PARKING FACILITY WITH A SMALL RETAIL COMPONENT ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
SO THEY COULD NOT, NOR DO I THINK THEY COULD FINANCE A LIVE LOCAL PROJECT FOR 26 YEARS.
SO ULTIMATELY, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT A PRIVATE PARKING GARAGE FOR THE NEXT 26 YEARS REVERTING BACK TO THE CITY AS OPPOSED TO A PUBLIC PARKING GARAGE.
AND, AND THERE ARE NUANCES TO IT.
THERE'S A LOT OF MOVING PIECES IN THIS DISCUSSION.
UM, AND THAT'S PART OF THE REASON THAT I'M ASKING FOR THE FLEXIBILITY TO BE ABLE TO ENTER INTO A, A SIDE AGREEMENT AND EXTEND THE DUE DILIGENCE TO BE ABLE TO, UM, COME BACK TO YOU WITH A MORE COMPLETE PICTURE OF WHAT I THINK IS IN THE CITY'S BEST INTEREST.
COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ AND COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
ERIC, WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SIDE AGREEMENT? WHAT IS THAT? SO COULD POTENTIALLY BE SOMETHING LIKE, UM, WE ARE WILLING TO ALLOW FOR THE PURCHASE TO GO THROUGH AS LONG AS THERE'S A 90 DAY OPTION THAT THE CITY COULD PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AT THE SAME PRICE,
[05:35:01]
UM, AT THE END OF THAT 90 DAYS TO GIVE US SOME ADDITIONAL TIME.COULD BE A SITUATION WHERE, UM, THE PURCHASER GOES TO THE PROPERTY OWNER AND IS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE AN EXTENSION TO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD SO THAT WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO NOT HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL IMMEDIATELY ON DECEMBER 22ND.
UM, OR IT COULD BE, UH, ANY NUMBER OF OTHER PERMUTATIONS.
THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY THAN I WOULD NORMALLY ASK FOR JUST BECAUSE WE'RE UP AGAINST THE GUN OF A DECEMBER 22ND DEADLINE.
AND I DO THINK THAT THERE'S A LOT OF, UM, THREADS THAT WE WANT TO PULL TO FIND OUT WHAT'S AT THE END.
AND IF WE AUTHORIZE YOU, UM, TO NEGOTIATE THIS SIDE AGREEMENT, ARE YOU SAYING LIKE EMBEDDED IN THEIR PURCHASE THERE WOULD BE SOME BENEFIT FOR THE CITY? IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN? OR IS THIS JUST JUST ABOUT DUE DILIGENCE AND ABOUT FLAT OUT PURCHASING OR, WE DON'T EVEN HAVE THAT, RIGHT? IT'S EITHER WE BUY IT OR WE DON'T.
IT, IT, IT'S REALLY, IT'S A, IT'S A BUY IT OR DON'T EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OR DON'T BY DECEMBER 22ND, WE HAVE TO GIVE THEM A FIRM ANSWER BECAUSE A NON-ANSWER IS DEEMED THAT WE'VE WAIVED OUR FIGHT RIGHT.
UM, AND SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO STAY IN THE GAME BECAUSE IF WE DON'T DO ANYTHING BY DECEMBER 22ND, WE'RE OUT.
BUT IF WE DON'T DO ANYTHING, IF WE GIVE YOU THIS RIGHT FOR YOUR THE SIDE AGREEMENT, THEN WE'RE STILL IN THE PRO PROCESS.
WE'RE STILL IN, WE COULD STILL, I I WOULD PRESERVE OUR, OUR RIGHTS TO BE ABLE TO EXECUTE SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL WITH THE NEW PURCHASER OR IF THERE'S SOME OTHER WAY THAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THE SAME THING.
UM, SO LET ME, LET ME JUST ASK YOU HOW MUCH, HOW, HOW IS THIS GARAGE BEING USED NOW? CURRENTLY THE GARAGE HAS 278 SPACES FOR SELF PARKING.
IT ALSO HAS 61 SPACES, UH, THAT ARE BEING USED FOR VALET PARKING.
IT HAS 3,350 SQUARE FEET FOR THE RETAIL SPACE ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND THE 278 UH, PARKING SPACES THAT ARE SELF PARKING.
WHAT'S THE RATE TO THE PUBLIC TO BE ABLE TO PARK THERE AT THE MOMENT? I DON'T HAVE THAT INFORMATION.
I KNOW THAT THEY GENERATED ABOUT $2.3 MILLION LAST, UM, CALENDAR YEAR.
UH, AND MR. MANAGER, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THEY'RE CHARGING RIGHT NOW? UH, FOR PRETTY SURE IT'S 15.
UM, THEY ARE CHARGING $20 EVERY, UM, I THINK THAT SAYS FIVE HOURS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, $30 EVERY FIVE HOURS SATURDAY, SUNDAY OVERNIGHT IS $25 EXPIRING AT 2:00 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
AND SO I JUST, YOU KNOW, I I I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT CONTEXT.
'CAUSE WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR PLANNING, WE'RE LOOKING, WE ARE ENDEAVORING TO IMPROVE OUR, OUR DECO CULTURAL DISTRICT.
WE ARE LOOKING TO, FOR EXAMPLE, WE'RE TRYING TO INCENTIVIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING.
AND PART OF WHAT WE'RE DOING IS ALSO WE'RE PART OF THE PROPOSALS OUT THERE IS WAIVING PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
UM, YOU KNOW, WE'RE ALSO DEALING WITH THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF PARKING AT SEVENTH STREET.
UM, MR. MANAGER, HOW MANY PARKING SPACES DO WE HAVE AT SEVENTH STREET THAT WE MAY POTENTIALLY BE LOSING? 646.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, I REALLY DO LIKE THE IDEA OF ALLOWING OUR, OUR CITY MANAGER TO HAVE, UH, THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE OUR RIGHT TO THE FIRST OFFER OR TO COME UP WITH, WITH A SIDE SIDE AGREEMENT.
BECAUSE THE BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC IS IF, LET'S SAY WE TAKE OVER THE GARAGE, WHAT WE CHARGE FOR PARKING IS $1 FOR OUR RESIDENCE AND $2 FOR VISITORS.
AND THAT'S TO THE PUBLIC'S BENEFIT AS OPPOSED TO $20 OR $30 FOR FIVE HOURS.
AND SO, AND, AND, AND SO TO THE EXTENT THAT WE COULD SOMEHOW, LET'S SAY IF WE DON'T DO A SITE AGREEMENT AND WE END UP, UH, OPERATING IT, YOU KNOW, I COULD SEE THIS ALMOST FUNDING ITSELF.
YOU KNOW, MAYBE WE CAN HAVE A CERTAIN PORTION OF THESE PARKING
[05:40:01]
SPACES BE USED FOR VALET AND I KNOW WE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO DO A CODE AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO DO THAT, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE COULD, YOU KNOW, MAYBE HAVE A PORTION OF IT USED FOR VALET PARKING TO HELP SUBSIDIZE RESIDENTS BEING ABLE TO PARK THERE AT A DISCOUNTED RATE TO MEET THE NEEDS THAT WE'RE GONNA BE HAVING.OR AT LEAST WE'RE GIVING THE CITY MANAGER THE OPTION TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE, UM, A, A SITE AGREEMENT IN ORDER TO WORK ON, ON A SITE AGREEMENT, WHICH I THINK IS GOOD.
IT'S TO THE PUBLIC'S BENEFIT TO GIVE OUR, OUR MANAGER THIS, THIS ABILITY.
SO I, I DO SEE BENEFITS TO US.
UM, I DO SEE BENEFITS TO THE PUBLIC, IT COMING UNDER THE CITY'S DOMAIN IN TERMS OF PRICE POINTS.
AND, UM, AND I, I THINK IT POSITIONS US, UH, VERY WELL, ESPECIALLY, UH, GIVEN THE LOSS OF PARKING WE, WE ANTICIPATE TO HAVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
SO I'M STILL A LITTLE TRYING TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THIS.
UM, ARE, ARE YOU SAYING THAT YOU WANT TO POTENTIALLY BUY A PARKING LOT, BUY THE PARKING LOT FOR, FOR HOW MUCH WOULD IT BE IF WE, IF YOU DID EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL? SO THE EXISTING PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT THAT HAS BEEN EXECUTED AND IS UNDER THE DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD IS FOR $15 MILLION ONE FIVE.
AND SO THEY'RE GONNA CONTINUE TO OPERATE IT AS A PARKING LOT.
I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE MUCH CHOICE UNDER THE EXISTING LEASE THAT RUNS THROUGH 2050.
SO THERE WOULD BE NO LOSS OF PARKING IF, IF WE DIDN'T EXERCISE THE RIGHT, THERE WOULD BE NO LOSS OF PARKING, WHETHER WE EXERCISE A, A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OR WE DIDN'T PURCHASE THE PROPERTY, AM I CORRECT? CORRECT.
IT WOULD BE EITHER PUBLIC PARKING OR PRIVATE PARKING.
UM, SO YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL BECAUSE DECEMBER 22ND.
SO IN ABOUT 11 DAYS, UM, A CONTRACT IS UP WHERE EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS.
SO ACCORDING TO OUR LEASE AGREEMENT, WE HAVE 45 DAYS FROM AN ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION OF THE CONTRACTED SALE TO BE ABLE TO EXECUTE OUR RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER, RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL DEPENDING ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT.
UM, AND SO THAT, SO SO SOMEONE HAS ALREADY HAD A CONTRACT, SOMEONE IS ALREADY UNDER CONTRACT FOR $15 MILLION.
WE HAVE THE ABILITY BY DECEMBER 22ND TO MATCH THEIR PURCHASE OFFER.
AND, AND, AND AGAIN, THE REASON TO DO THAT WOULD BE TO WHAT EXACTLY IF WE, IF THE CITY WANTED TO TAKE OVER THE PARKING LOT, IF THE CITY WANTED TO TAKE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF THE LAST 26 YEARS OF THAT LEASE AGREEMENT.
YES, BUT I MEAN, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT, UM, DOESN'T IT, IT, IT SEEMS, WOULDN'T WE BE BETTER OFF SPENDING $15 MILLION ON LIKE ANOTHER GARAGE CREATING MORE PARKING INSTEAD OF JUST BUYING A GARAGE THAT WE HAVE THAT'S GONNA CONTINUE, IT'S JUST GONNA STAY A GARAGE.
SO THAT'S CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT WE COULD DEBATE AND LOOK AT.
I DON'T KNOW THAT I COULD BUILD THE NUMBER OF SPACES THAT I COULD GAIN CONTROL OF FOR $15 MILLION.
SO IT WOULD BE FEWER PUBLIC PARKING SPACES, BUT IT WOULD BE MORE TOTAL AGGREGATE SPACES WITHIN THE DISTRICT IF WE WERE TO SPEND THAT MONEY ON NEW PARKING.
BUT IT WOULD BE FEWER PUBLIC PARKING SPACES.
SO JUST JUST TO CLEAR IT, CLEAR IT ALL UP, YOU, I GUESS THIS IS JUST A MANEUVER TO MAXIMIZE LEVERAGE ON WHATEVER DEAL YOU WANT TO MAKE WITH THESE BUYERS.
SO THIS IS GIVING ME A LOT OF OPTION TO TRY AND FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION TO MAKE SURE THE CITY'S INTERESTS ARE PROTECTED.
PROTECTED FROM WHAT, FOR EXAMPLE.
SO ULTIMATELY WE DO, I FEEL, HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE PUBLIC PARKING IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE CITY WHERE WE'VE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PARKING, AT LEAST IN THE PAST.
UM, WE ARE POTENTIALLY RUNNING INTO A SITUATION WHERE WE ARE GOING TO BE TAKING OFFLINE A NUMBER OF PUBLIC PARKING SPACES IN APRIL OF 2026, WHICH IS A, A NEW DYNAMIC THAT WE HAVEN'T FACED BEFORE.
AND SO WE WANNA MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE ALL OPTIONS
[05:45:01]
ON THE TABLE.COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE, AND I GUESS WHAT I'M STRUGGLING IS WE'RE NOT GOING TO LOSE OVERALL PARKING, RIGHT? IT'S JUST WHO'S OPERATING THAT? SO WHEN COMMISSIONER SUAREZ SAID, UM, YOU KNOW, WE'LL LOSE PUBLIC PARKING, IT'S YES.
OUR ABILITY TO CONTROL IT, WHICH I GUESS I'M TRYING TO INTERNALLY DEBATE HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT? 'CAUSE WHOEVER BUYS IT, IT'S NOT LIKE, OH, IT'S JUST GONNA BE MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS PARKING THERE.
THEY'RE ESSENTIALLY GOING TO BE DRAWING FROM THE SAME CUSTOMER BASE, THE SAME PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING TO THE MXC, UH, TO USE IT.
AND WE MAY SAY, WELL, THEY'RE GONNA CHARGE, UH, $200 TO PARK THERE.
WELL, THEIR GOAL IS ALSO TO, UM, MAXIMIZING REVENUE PER SPACE IS ONLY ONE PART OF THE EQUATION.
MAXIMIZING VOLUME IS THE OTHER.
AND IF YOU GO TOO MUCH ON REVENUE PER SPACE, YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE VOLUME.
RIGHT? SO IT'S, IT'S JUST HOW CAPITALISM WORKS THAT THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND THAT RIGHT BALANCE WHERE THEY CAN'T PRICE GOUGE, UH, PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT GOING TO GET, UH, ANYBODY THAT WILL PARK THERE.
SO I GUESS I'M REALLY STRUGGLING.
I WANNA PROVIDE YOU FLEXIBILITY, BUT LONGER TERM, ARE WE LOCKING IN IF WE GIVE YOU THE FLEXIBILITY OR ARE WE SAYING, ERIC, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO OUT AND BUY THIS WITHOUT COMING BACK TO US? OR ARE WE JUST SAYING YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO OUT AND HAVE THESE NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS? SO I DON'T BELIEVE THAT NO MATTER WHETHER I EXECUTE THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OR WHETHER I'M ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A SIDE AGREEMENT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO HARD WITH THE $750,000 DEPOSIT AHEAD OF THE FEBRUARY COMMISSION MEETING.
UM, I BELIEVE THE CONTRACT THAT'S ON THE TABLE HAS A 60 DAY DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD.
SO, UM, SO I BELIEVE, AND THE CITY ATTORNEY CAN HOPEFULLY CORRECT ME IF I'M MISSTATING SOMETHING.
I BELIEVE THERE'S NO SCENARIO WHERE I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A FINAL GO NO GO BEFORE BEING ABLE TO COME BACK TO YOU FEBRUARY 3RD.
THERE'S A 60 DAY DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD IN THE CURRENT CONTRACT.
SO WE WOULD HAVE THE SAME, UH, TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND YOU WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO COME BACK ON FEBRUARY 3RD FOR A YES OR NO VOTE.
IF YOU WANT TO RECOMMEND THAT WE PROCEED.
AND IF I COULD JUST ONE MORE THING, MR. MAYOR, UH, MAYBE ACTUALLY THIS MAY BE COUNTER TO, UH, MY PREVIOUS ARGUMENTS, BUT DID WE SAY THAT GARAGE IS KICKING OFF LIKE $2.5 MILLION NOI PER YEAR? SO I THINK THE NUMBERS THAT WE GOT, BECAUSE WE WERE, IT WAS REQUIRED THAT THEY PROVIDE TO US THEIR, UM, THEIR INCOME STATEMENTS AS PART OF THE, UM, THE DOCUMENTATION OF US BEING ABLE TO HAVE THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
AND I BELIEVE THAT THEY WERE LOOKING AT, UM, A A, THEY DO MUCH BETTER WITH THEIR PRIVATE GARAGE THAN WE DO FOR THE SAME NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES ON A PUBLIC GARAGE.
UM, THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT IF THE CITY WERE TO TAKE IT OVER, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO GENERATE THOSE DOLLARS BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT RATE STRUCTURE.
UM, BUT YES, I DO BELIEVE THAT WAS CORRECT, NUMBER TWO.
YEAH, BECAUSE I'M JUST GOING THROUGH A QUICK VALUATION IN MY HEAD, AND IF IT'S THROWING OFF TWO AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS OF NOI PER YEAR, UH, EVEN IF WE WOULD ONLY RETAIN, UH, THAT ABILITY FOR 25 YEARS, YOU KNOW, SIMPLE VALUATION METRICS WOULD CERTAINLY BALLPARK THIS WELL ABOVE 14 OR $15 MILLION.
COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, THANK YOU.
UM, SO AS A PRIVATE LOT, UH, THIS GARAGE, I IF, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY FROM MY BRIEFING, THE PUBLIC BENEFIT THAT IT OFFERED WAS, UM, RESIDENTIAL PARKING SPACES FOR THOSE BUILDINGS IN THE AREA, OR NO? SO RIGHT NOW WE DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER WHAT THE PRIVATE OPERATOR IS DOING WITH THE PARKING SPACES.
THEY HAVE SOME GUARDRAILS AS TO WHAT THEY CAN CHARGE.
THEY CAN'T CHARGE LESS THAN WHAT WE CHARGE AND THEY CAN'T CHARGE MORE THAN, UM, I THINK IT'S AN OVERALL UPPER BOUND OF THE MARKET IN THE AREA.
AND THE CITY HAS A CITY LOT ON 13TH AND COLLINS CITY HAS A SURFACE LOT P 16 AT 13TH AND COLLINS.
UH, BASED ON OUR DISCUSSION AT THE BRIEFING, I THINK MAYBE THE SITE AGREEMENT IS THE BEST
[05:50:01]
OPTION FOR US.HOW DOES THE CITY FEEL? SO IF I CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN, I AM NOT OPPOSED TO THAT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE ALL OPTIONS ON THE TABLE.
ERIC, WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 2050, THE 25 YEARS IT COMES BACK TO US, WE GET THE PROPERTY FREE AND CLEAR AS THE UNDERLYING PROPERTY OWNER.
SO THIS IS REALLY A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT WE WANT THAT PROPERTY TO BE FOR THE NEXT 26 YEARS.
IT, IT'S, IT'S COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, IT'S A PARKING GARAGE, RIGHT.
IT'S GONNA STAY A PARKING GARAGE.
COMMISSIONER, IT, IT WILL BE A PARKING GARAGE NO MATTER WHAT WE DO OR DON'T DO.
IT'S JUST A FUNCTION OF WHAT DOES THAT PARKING GARAGE END UP DOING OR NOT DOING FOR THE COMMUNITY.
AND I THINK IF, IF, IF I MAY, I THINK IF KNOW, I THINK WE SHOULD BE VERY OPEN-MINDED TO ALLOW THE CITY MANAGER TO BE ABLE TO LOOK IN THE PUBLIC'S BEST INTEREST.
UM, IF THE, IF THE PUBLIC'S BEST INTEREST IS TO EXERCISE THE FIRST RIGHT.
UH, THEN, YOU KNOW, ALLOW, GIVE HIM THAT RIGHT.
UH, TO BE ABLE TO WORK ON THAT.
IF IT'S TO, YOU KNOW, NEGOTIATE A SIDE AGREEMENT.
I DON'T THINK WE LOSE ANYTHING, UH, BY GIVING OUR CITY MANAGER THAT ABILITY.
THAT'S THE REASON WHY WE HAVE A CITY MANAGER AND LET'S SAY, YOU KNOW, IT COMES BACK AND, AND WHAT HE CHOOSES IS WHAT HE RECOMMENDS IS, YOU KNOW, OKAY, LET'S EXERCISE THAT FIRST.
WHAT, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? WELL, IT GOES FROM BEING A PRIVATE GARAGE RATE STRUCTURE TO THE PUBLIC AND OUR RESIDENTS TO A BETTER RATE STRUCTURE, UH, ULTIMATELY FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
HOPEFULLY, UM, YOU KNOW, THAT COULD BE ONE OPTION, BUT I'M VERY OPEN-MINDED TO WHAT THE CITY MANAGER, UH, CAN WORK ON, UH, RATHER THAN US, YOU KNOW, GETTING, GETTING IN THE WAY OF, OF WHAT HE COULD POTENTIALLY NEGOTIATE IN THE PUBLIC'S BENEFIT.
BUT SO COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, THIS IS, THIS ISN'T THE MXC DISTRICT.
THERE'S NO, I MEAN, THERE'S BARELY ANY, WELL, THIS IS ACTUALLY JUST A BLOCK AND A HALF AWAY FROM WHERE WE'RE LOOKING TO UP ZONE INCREASE IN FAR, INCREASE IN DENSITY AND HEIGHT WITH PARKING WAIVERS.
I MEAN, I MEAN, LIKE, LIKE THIS IS VERY CLOSE TO WE, TO WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE CREATING A BIG DEMAND FOR PARKING.
WHICH IS WHY I, I THINK, YOU KNOW, THE CITY MANAGER, YOU KNOW, SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO LOOK OUT FOR, FOR WHAT IS IN, IN THE CITY'S, UH, BEST INTEREST.
EVEN THOUGH IT'S THE, IT'S THE MXC WASHINGTON AVENUE WHERE WE HAVE MANY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IN, IN THE WORKS RIGHT NOW IS THE MXC.
UH, AND SO THAT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND.
UM, AND I KNOW YOU'RE REFERRING TO THE WASHINGTON AVENUE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM, BUT YEAH, THE WHOLE POINT ABOUT THE WASHINGTON AVENUE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM OR, UM, THE, THE UPZONING THERE IS TO SPECIFICALLY TARGET PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE CARS.
AND
AND SO THAT THE WHOLE POINT IS NOT TO OVERFLOW THEM ONTO A GARAGE.
UH, I JUST, I WANNA MAKE THAT CLEAR.
IT, IT'S, IT'S SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANNA USE A CAR AND USE MICRO MOBILITY OR WALK OR USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
SO I, I'M JUST TRYING TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THIS, WHERE IT, IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE YOU, I GUESS ERIC JUST WANTS, UH, A BARGAINING CHIP.
I MEAN, IS THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT'S WHAT, THAT'S WHAT IT IS.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, I AM NOT SURE WHAT IS THE BEST PATH FORWARD FOR THE CITY.
SO I WOULD LIKE THE FLEXIBILITY TO BE ABLE TO EXPLORE WHAT IS THAT BEST PATH AND BRING IT BACK TO YOU TO SUMMARIZE ERIC, BASICALLY IT, IF POTENTIALLY YOU BOUGHT IT, YOU'D BE TAKING FROM A PRIVATE PARKING GARAGE TO A PUBLIC PARKING GARAGE FOR 25 YEARS AT A COST OF 15 MILLION.
AND BUT IF WE VOTE YES ON THIS, SO YOU CAN TECHNICALLY SPEND $15 MILLION OF TAXPAYER MONEY TO BUY A GARAGE.
NO, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT'S CORRECT.
AND, AND I WOULD RELY ON THE CITY ATTORNEY, BUT I WOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL, WHICH ENTERS US INTO A DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD, BUT DOES REQUIRE ME TO SIGN A CONTRACT THAT WE ARE, AND THAT WE'D HAVE TO APPROVE WHAT WOULD BE OUR OUTS ON THE DI I'M SORRY, COMMISSION, BUT WHAT WOULD BE OUR OUTS ON THE DILIGENCE? THE 60 DAY DUE DILIGENCE
[05:55:01]
PERIOD INCLUDES A STANDARD RIGHT TO INSPECT WITH A RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT FOR PRETTY MUCH ANY REASON.SO YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT AND WE GET OUR DEPOSIT BACK, YOU WOULD GET THE DEPOSIT BACK.
SO THE NEXT MEETING IS WITHIN THAT 60 DAY DILIGENCE WINDOW? YEAH.
SO WE COME BACK TO US COMMISSIONER BOCK, VICE MAYOR BOT, IF WE BOUGHT THE GARAGE FOR $15 MILLION AND OPERATED IT AS A PUBLIC PARKING FACILITY FOR THOSE 25 YEARS, WE HAVE A SENSE OF HOW MUCH MONEY WE WOULD GENERATE, HOW MUCH REVENUE WE WOULD GENERATE, WOULD IT MORE THAN COVER THE $15 MILLION WE'VE LAID OUT, PLUS ALSO PROVIDE A MORE AFFORDABLE, MORE AFFORDABLE PARKING OPTIONS IN, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
SO IF WE OPERATE IT AS JUST 278 SINGLE PARKING SPACES, THE WAY WE OPERATE OTHER CITY GARAGES, I DON'T KNOW THAT WE BREAK EVEN.
I DON'T THINK I, WE MIGHT NOT GET THERE.
UM, IF WE'RE ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE 60 ADDITIONAL TANDEM SPACES THAT COULD BE USED FOR VALET, AND WE TRY TO IMPLEMENT A VALET PROGRAM FOR OCEAN DRIVE, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE SOME CODE AMENDMENTS, THEN I THINK WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF, UM, IT'S NOT GONNA BE A HUGE MONEY MAKING.
I, I DON'T WANNA PROMISE ANYBODY SOMETHING I CAN'T DELIVER, BUT IT WILL BE, IT COULD BREAK EVEN.
WE WOULD, WE WOULD BE SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF BREAKING EVEN AND WE WOULD HAVE CONTROL OF THE PARKING SPACES.
AND, AND, AND IN ADDITION, YOU KNOW, THERE HAVE BEEN CALLS FOR THE LAST YEAR AT LEAST, IF NOT LONGER, UH, THAT I'VE HEARD ABOUT.
WHY DON'T WE HAVE, UM, VALET OPERATIONS LIKE THEY DO IN WYNWOOD SORT OF CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD.
IT'S NOT THE USURIOUS $20 AN HOUR KIND OF THING, OR WHATEVER IT IS.
UM, IT'S $5 OR $10 FOR THE NIGHT, AND IT'S A CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT.
SO LOOK, I THINK WE HAVE A, A, A MOTION AND A SECOND, RIGHT? I, SORRY.
AND, AND, AND I, AND I JUST THINK, I MEAN, I THINK IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO KNOW, LIKE, LET'S SAY IF WE DO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS, AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK AS THE CITY MANAGER LOOKS AT THE NUMBERS FOR FURTHER, SO 60 TANDEM PARKING SPACES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE USED FOR VALET PARKING, YOU KNOW, WOULD WE BE OF THE APPETITE, YOU KNOW, EVENTUALLY IN, IN THE FUTURE IF NEEDED TO CHANGE THE CODE TO ALLOW VALET PARKING IN A PUBLIC GARAGE? 'CAUSE I THINK RIGHT NOW OUR CODE DOESN'T ALLOW THAT.
YOU KNOW, AND I GUESS, YOU KNOW, PART OF THE QUESTION OF WHAT WE SHOULD TELL THE CITY MANAGER IS, WOULD WE BE OPEN-MINDED TO AMENDING THE CODE TO ALLOW THAT INTO THIS GARAGE? DO WE KNOW HOW TO OP, SORRY, MS. WRIGHT, DO WE KNOW HOW TO OPERATE THAT INTERNALLY AT TANDEM GARAGE? SO WOULD BE THE OPERATOR.
WE DON'T TYPICALLY OPERATE VALET OURSELVES, BUT WE DO HAVE CONTRACTS WITH THIRD PARTY VALET OPERATORS.
WE HAVE A VALET OPERATOR THAT OPERATES AT THE CONVENTION CENTER, SAME VALET OPERATOR OPERATES AT LINCOLN ROAD.
UM, AND I THINK THERE MIGHT BE OPPORTUNITIES TO POTENTIALLY WORK WITH THE, UM, THE FOLKS THAT ARE THE PURCHASER OR THE PROPOSED PURCHASER OF THIS GARAGE, UM, KNOWS A LOT ABOUT VALET OPERATIONS AND PARKING IN GENERAL.
SO I THINK THAT ONCE WE PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER, WE COULD COME UP WITH SOME, SO MAYBE WHERE MY HEAD'S AT, I'LL JUST PUT THIS OUT THERE FOR MY COLLEAGUES.
MAYBE I, I'LL GIVE YOU THE FLEXIBILITY TO ENTER INTO THAT DILIGENCE, BUT MAYBE PART OF ITS NEGOTIATION OUT OF THOSE SPOTS, MAYBE WE, WE FIGURE OUT A WAY TO RESERVE 50 OR A HUNDRED, HAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATOR, BUT WE RESERVE 50 OR A HUNDRED SPOTS AT ANY GIVEN TIME AT A MUNICIPAL RATE.
UH, I'D BE VERY HESITANT TO OUTLAY JUST $15 MILLION JUST TO ESSENTIALLY BE ABLE TO, UH, PRICE CONTROL.
AND THAT'S, AND THAT'S WHAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GIVING ERIC THE RIGHT TO DO, ESSENTIALLY IS, YOU KNOW, COME UP WITH A SIDE AGREEMENT THAT, I MEAN, THAT'S, YEAH, YOUR POINT IS PERFECT.
ACTUALLY, THIS IS WHY YOU'RE DEFINED AS CHAIR
IT'S, IT'S NOT A PUBLIC COMMENT, BUT, UH, I GIVE YOU THE COURTESY.
I JUST WANT, I JUST, YOU KNOW, I, I FORCE, WHO ARE YOU? SCOTT ROBBINS
WE'RE, WE'RE, WE'RE, WE'RE FOR THE RECORD.
WE'RE, WE'RE THE, FOR THE RECORD, WE'RE THE CRAZY PURCHASERS.
UM, I JUST WANTED TO, UH, SAY THAT I, I, I FULLY SUPPORT THE, UM, MANAGER RECOMMENDATION.
BUT I THINK ONE THING THAT I THINK IS IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU GIVE HIM THE RIGHT TO ALLOW US TO CLOSE ON.
'CAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF DATES AND THEY, THEY GO BACK AND FORTH AND IT'S CONFUSING AT, AT A MINIMUM, UM, TO ALLOW US TO, TO CLOSE ON THE GARAGE AND GIVE THE CITY AN OPTION TO PURCHASE IT BACK FROM US AT WHATEVER IT COSTS US IN, IN THREE MONTHS FROM NOW.
UM, OTHER THAN THAT, I MEAN, I, YOU KNOW, THE CITY ATTORNEY HAS TO LOOK AT THIS STUFF.
[06:00:01]
I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE 60 DAYS AND THE 45 DAYS.IT'S CONFUSING AT, AT BEST, YOU KNOW, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE.
SO, UM, IF THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT, IF YOU GUYS CAN'T, YOU KNOW, GET COMFORTABLE WITH IT, UM, AS A BACKUP TO ALLOW US TO CLOSE ON IT, WE'RE GIVING YOU AN OPTION TO BUY IT BACK FROM US.
HONESTLY, LIKE, IF THE CITY REALLY WANTS THIS THING, I'M OKAY WITH IT.
IT'S NOT LIKE, UH, I'M ACTUALLY SURPRISED THAT THE CITY'S CONSIDERING IT.
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT THAT WOULD HAPPEN.
BUT, UM, THAT BEING SAID, I THINK TO GIVE US ALL THE, THE MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY ON THIS THING MIGHT BE, AND, AND, AND I, AND I DEFER TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, I HONESTLY DON'T CARE.
I WANT TO GIVE THE CITY AS MUCH, MUCH FLEXIBILITY AS POSSIBLE.
SO IF PART OF GIVING THE CITY FLEXIBILITY WOULD BE TO ALLOW US TO DO THAT, UM, I'D LIKE YOU TO GIVE, I, I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU GIVE HIM PERMISSION TO DO THAT.
SO, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
SO, UH, SCOTT, WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS YOU HAVE, YOU HAVE TO GO HARD BY A CERTAIN DATE.
SO WHAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN IS WE ALLOW THEM TO DO THAT, BUT WE WOULD HAVE A LEGAL AGREEMENT THAT GIVES THE CITY THE RIGHT TO PURCHASE AT THE PRICE THAT THEY ARE PURCHASING FOR, OR THE PRICE THAT YOU'VE, YOU, YOU HAVE OUTLINED IN THE MEMO YOU WOULD GIVE US, LET'S SAY 75 DAYS TO PURCHASE IT FROM YOU AT THAT PRICE.
JUST TO KIND OF LIKE, WOULD THAT WORK FOR YOU? JUST TO KIND OF CLEAN THE SLATE ON THAT SIDE.
IT, IT ESSENTIALLY JUST GIVES US AN OPTION.
WE'RE NOT TIED INTO THE DILIGENCE PERIOD AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
SO THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS, BUT YES.
SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES IS WHAT I'M SUGGESTING AS THE SIDE AGREEMENT.
I MEAN, THE GARAGE IS BASICALLY, IT'S A, IT'S A, UM, A BALLET GARAGE.
IT'S, IT'S NOT REALLY SET UP FOR PUBLIC USE.
IT'S NOT, IT'S NOT A GREAT GARAGE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
UM, IT WAS BUILT REALLY TO KIND OF SERVICE OCEAN DRIVE AND HOTELS HAVING, UH, VALETS COME IN THERE.
AND, YOU KNOW, THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN THIS GARAGE.
IT'S NOT LIKE, YOU KNOW, YOU PUT POSTS UP AND LET CARS IN AND CARS COME IN AND CARS GO OUT.
UM, AND IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE THAT USE THIS GARAGE ARE BEACH GOERS.
PEOPLE COMING ACROSS GOES TO THE BEACH.
THEY DON'T REALLY SPEND A LOT OF MONEY IN THE CITY.
THEY GO TO THE BEACH, THEY LEAVE, YOU KNOW, THEY, THEY, THEY GO OUT OR, OR VALETS FROM HOTELS AND, YOU KNOW, WOULD BE OUR, I MEAN, THE GARAGE DOESN'T MAKE THAT MONEY IN THE FIRST PLACE AS IT IS, AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE'RE BUYING IT FOR 15 MILLION AND IT MAKES A MILLION.
WE'RE BARELY PAYING OUR MORTGAGE.
UH, OUR JOB WOULD BE TO GO OUT AND FIND VALET PARKING, YOU KNOW, IN THE HOTELS.
I MEAN, WE'RE NOT GOING TO OVERCHARGE ANYONE.
WE JUST WANT TO, YOU KNOW, WE WE'RE GONNA BE IN THE MARKET.
AND, AND AS FAR AS THE 660 SPACES ARE CONCERNED, UM, WOULDN'T BE THAT TERRIBLY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT.
I THINK ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, IT'S GONNA BE A GARAGE, WHETHER THE CITY OWNS IT OR THE GOLDMANS OWN IT, YOU KNOW? SO I DON'T REALLY SEE YOU GUYS WORRYING ABOUT LOSING, UM, THAT GARAGE SO MUCH, ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND THAT.
SO, UM, I FULLY SUPPORT, I I, I'VE SPOKEN TO THE, UH, THE MANAGER WE'VE TALKING, TALKED ABOUT IT, LIKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PARKING.
AND, AND, UM, AND ERIC IS INTERESTED IN FIGURING OUT A, A LONG TERM SOLUTION FOR ALL OF THE PARKING.
I THINK HE'S DOING, I THINK HE'S DOING THE RIGHT JOB IN BUYING SOME TIME TO REALLY FIGURE THIS THING OUT, SEEING IF HE COULD WORK WITH US, PERHAPS EVEN THE GOLDMANS ON THAT GARAGE.
THIS MIGHT BE THE OPPORTUNITY TO, TO GET IT ALL RESOLVED ALL AT ONCE.
SO, SO ARE YOU, AT THE END OF THE DAY, IF YOU WANT TO BUY THE GARAGE, YOU CAN BUY IT
QUICK, QUICK QUESTION BEFORE I, I HAVE COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, COMMISSIONER SUAREZ AND COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ.
BUT QUICK QUESTION FOR THANK YOU, SCOTT.
UH, WHAT, WHAT'S THE REVENUE THAT WE EARN ON THIS? I BELIEVE WE EARN A PERCENTAGE OF THE REVENUE.
SO I THINK IT'S ABOUT A HUNDRED AND, SORRY, UM, I'M LOOKING AT THE MEMO HERE.
I BELIEVE WE RECEIVED $111,000 IN PERCENTAGE RENT EQUAL TO 2.5% OF THE PROJECT REVENUE.
UM, AND I DO BELIEVE THAT WE RECEIVE SOME PROPERTY
[06:05:01]
TAXES ON THE PROJECT.IT'S PROBABLY SOMEWHERE IN THE TWO 300 RANGE.
SO WE'RE BASICALLY AT 400,000, THREE TO 400,000 A YEAR.
I, SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THAT WE WOULD, WE WOULD NOT SEE IF WE PURCHASED IT, WHICH IS PART OF THE EQUATION THAT I'VE GOTTA FIGURE OUT.
AND ONE OF THE THINGS, UH, THAT I WANT THE CITY MANAGER TO CONSIDER AS HE'S LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS FOR THIS, AND AGAIN, I'M VERY OPEN MINDED ABOUT THE CREATIVITY OF WHAT COULD BE DONE HERE, BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE CONSTANTLY HEAR IS THAT IN ORDER, IN ORDER FOR BUSINESSES IN THIS AREA OF THE CITY TO SUCCEED, THEY NEED PARKING FOR THEIR WORKFORCE.
WE HAVE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE SHUT DOWN IN THIS AREA OF THE, OF THE CITY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO RETAIN THEIR WORKFORCE.
'CAUSE THEIR WORKFORCE IS, IS NOT, IS UNABLE TO FIND PARKING THAT THEY CAN AFFORD IN THIS PART OF THE CITY.
AND IT IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.
AND SO, AGAIN, YOU KNOW, PLEASE KEEP THAT INTO CONSIDERATION BECAUSE THIS COULD ALSO BE AN AVENUE TO ADDRESS THAT SIGNIFICANT NEED THAT WE HAVE FOR A SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION THAT DOESN'T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY, BUT THAT CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO OUR ECONOMY AND THE CITY.
UM, I, I HAVE COMMISSIONER SUAREZ AND THEN COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
I, I, I JUST, I I, I DON'T, I'M JUST ON THE SURFACE OF IT.
I DON'T THINK I'M GONNA BE OKAY WITH PURCHASING THIS GARAGE, BUT I MEAN, IF ERIC, IF THIS IS WHAT YOU THINK, I'M JUST TELEGRAPHING MY, I GUESS MY, UM, ISSUE WITH THAT.
BUT IF, IF YOU THINK THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED, AND I GUESS I'M OKAY WITH THAT.
SO WE'RE GONNA BRING BACK TO YOU WHATEVER WE END UP NEGOTIATING.
UM, AND I, I'M CONFIDENT THAT YOU'LL SEE THE VALUE IN WHATEVER WE BRING BACK.
COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, SCOTT, DO YOU REALLY NOT CARE IF WE PURCHASE THIS GARAGE FOR 15? 'CAUSE WE'VE HAD THESE RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL COME UP MANY TIMES IN THE PAST, AND THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN OVERINFLATED PRICES.
BUT GIVEN THAT THE LAST SALES PRICE OF THIS, AND I KNOW THE LEASE WAS LONGER AT THAT POINT WAS 22 5, WE'RE GETTING A REALLY GOOD DEAL.
AND IT TOOK US LIKE 20 YEARS TO BUILD OUR LAST PARKING GARAGE.
IF I DIDN'T BUY IT, IT WOULDN'T BE THE END OF THE WORLD FOR ME.
OF COURSE, I'D LIKE TO BUY IT.
BUT LET ME JUST SAY, COMMISSIONER, UM, YOU'RE EFFECTIVELY PAYING FOR THIS GARAGE, WHICH I'LL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU 60 TO $70,000 A SPACE.
THAT'S WHAT'S REALLY COST TO YOU.
YOU CAN TAKE THAT MONEY, YOU HAVE $15,000, $15 MILLION IN THE ACCOUNT.
TAKE THAT MONEY AND BUILD ANOTHER GARAGE WITH IT.
YOU COULD BUILD JUST AS MANY SPACES AT THE SAME PRICE.
THAT'S THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE
AND I THINK THAT YOU COULD, BECAUSE AS SOON AS THE CITY KIND OF GETS INVOLVED, AND, AND, AND BY THE WAY, YOU COULD, YOU COULD MONITOR THE PARAMETERS OF WHAT IS BUILT.
YOU COULD BUILD, YOU COULD SAY, UH, MR. MANAGER, WE'D LIKE YOU TO HIRE A PRIVATE FIRM TO BUILD A GARAGE.
THESE, THESE ARE, THESE ARE WHAT WE WANT THE RATES TO BE.
YOU KNOW, YOU, YOU SET THE, THE, THE PARAMETERS AND THEN YOU HAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR BUILD IT.
AND THEN, YOU KNOW, AND YOU KNOW, EVEN ON THIS GARAGE, WE ARE LIMITED TO NOT CHARGING ANY LESS THAN WHAT THE CITY CHARGES.
AND NOT ANY MORE THAN, THAN THAN COMPETITIVE, YOU KNOW? SO, SO LIKE, IT'S LIKE 20 YEARS AGO, THE CITY WANTED TO LEVERAGE ITS RESOURCES AND BILL PARKING, THAT'S WHAT THEY DID.
WE, WE, WE BUILT, UH, THE, UH, LINCOLN ROAD GARAGES.
WE BUILT SOME, UH, I, I BUILT SIX OR SEVEN GARAGES, UH, A SUNSET HARBOR I BUILT, YOU KNOW, SO THE CITY WAS LIKE, IN, IN, IN THE MODE OF, HEY, LET'S LEVERAGE OUR RESOURCES, WORK WITH THE PUBLIC, BUILD PARKING GARAGES, AS MANY AS WE CAN, AND AS MANY SPACES AS WE CAN.
AND THAT'S KIND OF WHAT HAPPENED.
SO NOW, YOU KNOW, YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, LIKE GOING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
LIKE, NOW WE WANT TO DELEVERAGE OUR MONEY.
WE WANT TO SPEND $15 MILLION ON A GARAGE THAT'S ALREADY THERE.
NOT ADD ONE SPACE ON TOP OF THAT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO PROVIDE CHEAP PARKING FOR BUSINESSES AND BEACHGOERS, YOU KNOW, AND I'M NOT SAYING THAT THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE, BUT THAT IS WHAT'S HAPPENING.
AND THAT'S WHY HE'S HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE.
I HAVE TO BRING THIS IN FOR A LANDING.
OKAY, I'LL, YEAH, AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO YOU COMMISSIONER AL AND COMMISSIONER, I'LL BE HAPPY TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU.
IS THAT WHAT THE SIDE AGREEMENT? THIS IS COMING BACK.
ANYTIME YOU, I'M NOT, ANYTIME YOU WANT, I'LL BE HAPPY YOU, THIS IS COMING BACK TO COMMISSIONER AS ERIC SAID.
SO, I MEAN, LET'S, LET'S THE VOTE YOU, I MEAN, I THINK THE ADVANTAGES YOU GAIN
[06:10:01]
THE, THE 278 SPACES AND YOU GET THEM IMMEDIATELY.WHEREAS IF WE HAD TO GO THROUGH A PROCESS, I MEAN, YOU JUST SAW WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE 72ND STREET GARAGE.
THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 20 MARIA'S SHAKING 18, 20 18, 20 18.
WE'RE GETTING THERE, YOU KNOW, UM, SO I, YOU KNOW, I, I'M, I, LET'S VOTE FOR HIM TO NEGOTIATE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
AND MAYBE THERE IS SOME SORT OF PUBLIC PRIVATE, UM, SOMETHING SIDE AGREEMENT.
I'M NOT SURE WHAT THAT MEANS, BUT GO FOR IT AND COME BACK AND WE'LL SEE.
IT'S COMING BACK TO US IN FEBRUARY.
LET'S CALL THE VOTE NO SECOND YET.
SO, UH, ALL IN FAVOR OF THE ITEM, AND IT IS CORRECT.
WAS IT AMENDED THE AMENDMENT WOULD BE TO, TO GIVE THE MANAGER MORE DISCRETION TO ENTER INTO A SIDE AGREEMENT THAT ACCOMPLISHES THE SAME OR SIMILAR RESULTS.
HEARING NO ONE OPPOSED ITEM IS APPROVED AS AMENDED.
[R5 C SHADE AND PALM TREE REQUIREMENTS - CHAPTER 4 LDR AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 4 OF THE MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE, ENTITLED "LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS," BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED "REQUIREMENTS," BY AMENDING SECTION 4.2.3, ENTITLED “MINIMUM STANDARDS” BY ALLOWING PALMS TO COUNT TOWARD MINIMUM STREET TREE REQUIREMENTS; AND, PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
GREAT.R FIVE C IS AN NOTICE OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF CITY MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER FOUR.
THAT MIGHT BE BEACH RESILIENCY CODE ENTITLED LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS BY AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED REQUIREMENTS BY AMENDING SECTION 4.2 0.3 ENTITLED MINIMUM STANDARDS BY ALLOWING PALMS TO COUNT TOWARD MINIMUM STREET TREE REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALS OF ABILITY, QUALIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING, PUBLIC HEARING.
THE ITEM REQUIRES FIVE SEVENS VOTE.
THIS BASICALLY DEALS WITH THEIR RIGHTS TO PUT PALM TREES ON RIGHT OF WAYS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SWES.
RIGHT NOW, THE CITY'S ORDINANCE DOES ONLY ALLOWS FOR CANOPY, NOT PALMS. THE PROPOSAL AT THE LAND USE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE BY FOUR OF YOU, UH, WAS TO, IF SOMEONE WANTS TO RE NOT USE CANOPY, BUT UH, REPLACE IT WITH A PALM, THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT TWO PALMS FOR EVERY CANOPY.
AND JUST IN GENERAL, THE CITY IS ADDING MANY, MANY SHADE TREES.
UH, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE, IN MY OPINION, NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF PALM TREES.
IT ALSO TAKES AWAY THE PROPERTY RIGHTS OF, UH, THE CURRENT LAW TAKES AWAY PROPERTY RIGHTS OF, OF, OF THE OWNERS AND NOT GIVING THEM THE AUTONOMY TO BUILD AS THEY WISH.
SO THIS IS, I THINK, A GOOD COMPROMISE.
THE TWO FOR ONE, UH, PALMS PER CANOPY.
OH, WELL, WE'LL GIVE IT TO COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ.
I AM NOW SEEING NO ONE IN ZOOM.
SO COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ.
PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
NEIL, IT'S LIKE BEING IN A, OH, OKAY.
I WAS GONNA CALL AN ITEM OF COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, BUT WE'LL GET TO THAT IN A MINUTE.
SO LET'S CALL IT, CALL IT, I'M HERE.
LET'S CALL, WE'LL CALL ON THE RAVEN CRAFT
[R5 W AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PROPERTY,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE VI, ENTITLED “NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 82-503 THEREOF, ENTITLED “NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES; CO-NAMING AND RE-NAMING OF STREETS,” BY AMENDING SUBSECTIONS (C)(1)(A) AND (C)(2)(A) TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CO-NAMING OF STREETS IN HONOR OF A DEDICATED ATHLETE, WORLD-RENOWNED STREAK RUNNER, AND COMMUNITY ICON WHO MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WELLNESS CULTURE OF MIAMI BEACH; PROVIDING SUNSET PROVISIONS THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
[R7 B A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, FOLLOWING A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 11, 2024, PURSUANT TO SECTION 82-504 (A) OF THE CITY CODE, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE LOCATED ON 3RD STREET AND THE BEACHWALK, IN HONOR OF ROBERT RAVEN KRAFT.]
[R7 C A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AND APPROVING, BY 5/17TH VOTE, FOLLOWING A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING, CO-NAMING OF 3RD STREET BETWEEN OCEAN DRIVE AND WASHINGTON AVENUE AS "ROBERT 'RAVEN' KRAFT WAY," SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL OF THE CO-NAMING BY THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-1, RULE 9.02 OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE.]
ITEMS R FIVE WR SEVEN B AND R SEVEN C.R FIVE W IS AND NOR TO THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MAMEE BEACH ENTITLED PUBLIC PROPERTY BY AMENDING ARTICLE SIX ENTITLED, NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MONUMENT OR MEMORIALS BY AMENDING SECTION 82 DASH 5 0 3 THEREOF ENTITLED, NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES, CONA AND RENAMING OF STREETS BY AMENDING SUBSECTION OF C ONE A AND C TWO A TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CONA OF STREETS IN HONOR OF, OF A DEDICATED ATHLETE, WORLD RENOWNED STREET RUNNER AND COMMUNITY ICON WHO MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WELLNESS CULTURE OF MIAMI BEACH, PROVIDING SUNSET PROVISIONS THEREOF, PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR SUB ABILITY, CLARIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
IT'S A SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING.
COMPANION ITEMS. R GIMME ONE SECOND PLEASE.
R SEVEN B, UH, APPROVED PLAQUE IN HONOR OF ROBERT CRAVEN.
THAT IS A PUBLIC HEARING, AN R SEVEN C CODENAME THIRD STREET, ROBERT RAVEN CRAFT WAY, ALSO A PUBLIC HEARING.
SO WE'RE DOING R FIVE W, R SEVEN B, R SEVEN C, COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ,
[06:15:01]
AND MULTIPLE CO-SPONSORS.OKAY, SO R FIVE W IS JUST ADDING THE 16TH EXEMPTION TO OUR STREET NAMING
SO, OUT WITH THAT, I'LL MOVE IT.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER TWO? R FIVE WR SEVEN B AND CR SEVEN B AND C ONE IS A PLAQUE AND THE OTHER ONE IS THE, ACTUALLY THE STREET NAMING.
SO CAN I MOVE ALL THREE? WE DID.
WE MOVED IT AND THEY'RE SECONDED.
SO, AND WHICH IS ONE VOTE? ONE, ONE VOTE.
SO IF THERE'S NO DISCUSSION, MAY I CALL THE VOTE? YES, CALL THE VOTE.
SO ON ITEMS R FIVE WR SEVEN B AND R SEVEN C.
COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ? YES.
[R5 J AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A OF THE CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW RATES FOR ARTIST VENDOR FEES AND AMENDING CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ENTITLED "BUSINESS," BY AMENDING ARTICLE XV, ENTITLED "STREET PERFORMERS AND ART VENDORS," BY AMENDING SECTION 18-903, ENTITLED “ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS AND RULES,” BY AMENDING SUBSECTION (3)(F) TO PROVIDE THAT ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATE FEES SHALL BE SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE AND BY CREATING SUBSECTION (5) THEREOF, TO INCLUDE A LIMITATION ON THE ISSUANCE OF ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATES FOR NONEXPRESSIVE PRODUCTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 18-905 ENTITLED “PERMIT APPLICATION AND RULES” BY AMENDING SUBSECTION (7) TO CLARIFY THAT ARTIST VENDOR PERMIT FEES ARE SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
LET'S CALL R FIVE J.R FIVE J IS A NOTICE OF THE MAYOR, CITY COMMISSIONER OF CITY MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING APPENDIX A ON THE CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH NEW RATES FOR ARTIST VENDORS FEES AND AMENDING CHAPTER 18 OF THE CODE OF CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ENTITLED BUSINESS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 15 ENTITLED STREET PERFORMANCE ART VENDORS BY AMENDING SECTION 18 DASH 9 0 3 ENTITLED ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS AND RULES BY AMENDING SUBSECTION THREE F TO PROVIDE THEIR ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATE FEES SHALL BE SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE BY CREATING SUBSECTION FIVE THEREOF TO INCLUDE A LIMITATION ON THE ISSUANCE OF ARTIST VENDOR CERTIFICATES FOR NON EXPRESSIVE PRODUCTS BY AMENDING SECTION 18 9 0 5 ENTITLED PERMIT APPLICATION AND RULES BY AMENDING SECTION SEVEN SUBSECTION SEVEN.
TO CLARIFY THAT ARTIST VENDOR PERMIT FEES ARE SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A TO THE CITY CODE AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR SUB ABILITY CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING R FIVE J.
AND WHAT DOES ROB POWELL VICE MAYOR THROUGH? IF, IF I MAY VICE MAYOR, TAKE IT AWAY.
UH, THANK YOU, UH, MR. MAYOR AND, UH, MADAM VICE MAYOR.
UM, SO, YOU KNOW, WALKING AROUND ALL THE, ALL THE SPOTS THAT I DO ON A NIGHTLY BASIS AND DURING THE DAY WITH MY FAMILY, ONE THING I REALIZED WITH THE, THE ARTIST VENDOR PROGRAM, THERE'S A LOT OF BEADS BEING SOLD.
AND IN FACT, WHEN I DID MY RESEARCH, IT TURNED OUT THAT AROUND 95% OF THE APPLICANTS, OR, OR THE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TICKET FOR THE ARTIST DEFENDER PROGRAM IS JUST BEAD STRINGERS.
UM, AND I DON'T REALLY THINK THAT'S A, A, A DIVERSITY OF ART IN MIAMI BEACH.
IN FACT, THERE IS A, UH, CHECKBOX WITH ABOUT 30 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF ART.
EVERYTHING FROM, UH, CANDLES TO KITE MAKING, UM, PRINTMAKING, WOODCRAFT, FEATHER ART, GLASS ART, UH, I MEAN, THIS IS ACT, WHEN I LOOK AT THIS, THIS IS LIKE, WOW, I WOULD ACTUALLY LOVE TO SEE MORE OF THIS, UM, ON, ON OUR, AS OUR ARTIST VENDOR PROGRAM.
AND SO WHEN I DID A, A COUPLE SOME MORE FURTHER ANALYSIS, UH, IT ACTUALLY TURNS OUT THAT WE'RE LOSING MONEY, UH, IN THIS PROGRAM.
UM, WE SPEND, THE CITY SPENDS APPROXIMATELY $106,000 A YEAR, BUT WE ONLY COLLECT $53,000.
AND SO WE'RE, WE'RE RUNNING THIS AT A DEFICIT.
I THINK IT'S BEEN LIKE THAT WAY FOR A LONG TIME.
AND, UM, PJ IF YOU COULD PUT UP THE SCREEN AND GO TO SLIDE FOUR, JUST THE, YEAH, THANKS.
I'LL SKIP EVERYONE THE, THE OTHER SLIDES.
BUT A LOT OF THESE, A LOT OF THESE VENDORS HAVE, UH, FAKE VON CLEEF AND FAKE CHANEL, UH, BEING SOLD.
AND THIS ONE WAS, I THINK RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CVS AND, AND LOOK, I MEAN THIS, THIS, THIS IS TACKY.
IT'S, IT LOOKS LIKE A FLEA MARKET.
AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, MIAMI BEACH, WE, WE WANNA MOVE AWAY FROM YOU.
CAN YOU CAN, YOU CAN SHUT THE SLIDE SHOW DOWN, PJ YOU KNOW, I THINK WE WANT TO MOVE AWAY FROM
[06:20:01]
THIS SORT OF APPEAL.I THINK IF WE WANT TO ELEVATE OUR BRAND, UH, AND THE, UH, APPEAL OF MIAMI BEACH, I THINK LET'S REALLY DIVERSIFY OUR, OUR, THE, THE ARTISTS THAT ARE ON OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
UH, THIS HAS GONE THROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE WITH, UH, UNANIMOUS SUPPORT, UM, WITH THE FIVE, UM, EXCUSE ME, WITH, WITH AN EXCEPTION FOR ALLOWING FIVE BEAD STRINGERS IN THIS CATEGORY.
UH, ROB, UH, ROSENWALD, OUR CITY ATTORNEYS HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AS FAR AS LEGALITY.
UM, AND I'M, I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT IS THAT?
UH, YEAH, I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
UH, WHAT THIS IS IS THE LEGISLATIVE RECORD THAT WE NEEDED AS PART OF LEGISLATIVE RECORD TO SUPPORT THE FINDINGS THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS MADE, UH, IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDINANCE.
EVERYTHING HE JUST SAID, EVERYTHING IN HIS, UH, UH, IN HIS SLIDESHOW.
UH, THERE ARE ITEMS PURCHASED FROM, UH, 36 OF 42, UH, VENDORS.
WE, WE GOT ONE PIECE OF ART AND, UM, AND A BUNCH OF BEADS.
AND ALMOST 90% OF THEM WERE NOT BEADS MADE BY THAT VENDOR.
UM, AND, UH, AND THEN SOME ALSO, JUST AS THE COMMISSIONER SAID, SELLING FAKE DESIGNER BRANDS, UH, THIS WILL BE PLACED WITH THE CITY CLERK IN THE LEGISLATIVE RECORD, UH, TO SUPPORT THE ORDINANCE.
UH, ROB, LOOK, YOU KNOW, WE'RE RUNNING OUTTA DEFICIT ON THIS.
UM, I THINK WE NEED MUCH BETTER ARTISTIC DIVERSITY ACROSS MIAMI BEACH SELLING BEADS, UH, YOU KNOW, EVERY BLOCK OR SO I, I IT'S JUST TACKY.
AND, UM, I, I THINK WE LOOK, WE WANNA ELEVATE OUR BRAND FOR, FOR, FOR MIAMI BEACH.
I THINK IF, IF WE WANT TO BE A A AN ARTISTIC CITY, I SURE THERE IS A CERTAIN ART TO BEACH STRINGING, BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE 90% OF IT.
SO, UH, WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO HEAR WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY.
SO, UH, IF YOU DON'T, UH, I'LL GO THEN.
SO, UM, I'VE A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS.
FIRST OF ALL, I'D LIKE THE IDEA OF MAKING THE FEES JUST COVER THE COST OF RUNNING THE PROGRAM.
I DON'T THINK THIS IS, UM, YOU KNOW, AN ENDEAVOR WHERE WE'RE TRYING TO, UM, COVER PEOPLE'S COST OF DOING BUSINESS OF THE, I I KNOW THAT 80 TO 90% OF THE, THE, THE PASS, THE, UM, LICENSES ARE BEAD STRINGERS.
BUT WHAT, MANNY, IF YOU DON'T MIND, WHAT, UM, ACTUAL NUMBER IS THAT? IS THAT 10 OUT OF THE 20? IS IT, OR I MEAN, IS IT 10 OUT OF 12 OR IS IT AND OUR ARTIST VENDOR LOTTERY PROGRAM? YEAH.
SO ON, ON AVERAGE ABOUT 85 TO TO 90% OF OUR APPLICANTS ARE BEAD RINGERS JEWELRY MAKERS.
AND THEN THERE'S SOME ARTISTS, VENDORS.
WELL, BUT THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.
BEAD STRINGERS, PEOPLE MAKING BEADED JEWELRY IS DIFFERENT FROM SOMEBODY WHO'S, YOU KNOW, HAMMERING SILVER INTO RINGS OR SOMETHING.
AND THEN WE DO HAVE SOME ARTISTS, SOME PAINTERS THAT HAVE BECOME BEAD STRINGERS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S SELLING IN THE STREET.
SO THEY, THEY START OFF AS, AS PAINTERS, PAPER MACHE SCULPTORS, AND EVENTUALLY START SELLING BEADS.
THEY COME AND APPLY AND START SELLING BEADS AFTERWARDS.
SO IS IT MORE OF AN ISSUE? I MEAN, IF THAT'S WHAT IS SELLING, THAT'S WHAT'S SELLING, THAT'S, THAT'S ONE CONVERSATION TO BE HAD.
BUT IF, IF THEY'RE CREATING INTERESTING JEWELRY USING BEADS, ISN'T IT MORE OF AN ENFORCEMENT? BECAUSE, UM, WHEN THEY COME TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE ARTISANS CREATING BEADED JEWELRY, THEY'RE NOT JUST THROWING A BUNCH OF BEADS ON A SINGLE STRING AND SAYING, YOU KNOW, MIAMI BEACH IN THE BEADING, THEY'RE GEN LIKE WHAT WE SAW AT THE LAST MEETING, UM, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS NEIGHBORHOODS MEETING WHERE SOME OF THE VENDORS CAME WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF ART, THAT WEARABLE ART THAT WERE INTRICATE AND DESIGNED AND THOUGHTFUL AND CREATIVE AND NOT SOMETHING THAT SOMEBODY IN FOURTH GRADE COULD JUST KNOCK OUT.
SO I'M WONDERING IF IT'S MORE LESS ABOUT THE TOTAL, THE AGGREGATE NUMBER.
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO GET TO ON THIS AND MORE ABOUT THE ENFORCEMENT OF, IF YOU SAY YOU'RE GONNA DO SOME BEAUTIFUL FIREBIRD NECKLACE SITUATION OR WHATEVER IT IS, THAT'S WHAT YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO SELL, NOT PRESENT THAT, UM, AND THEN JUST DO A BUNCH OF, YOU KNOW, BASIC.
BUT THAT'S WHAT THEY COULD DO.
BUT, BUT I'M SAYING THAT'S MORE OF AN ENFORCEMENT THING.
LIKE IF YOU SAY YOU'RE GONNA DO SOMETHING, GO ENFORCEMENT IS OUT.
UH, THIS, THE ARTIST VENDOR THAT WAS SELLING THE VAN LEAFS JUST GOT HIT, UH, HIT WITH HER THIRD, I'M SORRY, HER SECOND VIOLATION.
SO NOW SHE, SHE CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM FOR A QUARTER.
SO NO, AND, AND THAT'S, THAT'S
[06:25:01]
A WHOLE DIFFERENT TOPIC.BUT IF, IF YOU ARE SAYING, I'M A JEWELRY MAKER AND I USE BEADS AND HERE ARE THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS I CREATE, AND IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME AND ARTISTRY, BUT THEN WHAT YOU ACTUALLY END UP SELLING IS THESE, LIKE, YOU KNOW, YOU CAN MAKE 'EM ON A SCHOOL FIELD TRIP BRACELETS.
IT'S NOT THAT THEY'RE BEAD STRINGING JEWELERS, IT'S THAT THEY'RE PRESENTING ONE SET OF ART AND ACTUALLY SELLING ANOTHER.
LIKE IF YOU HAVE, THAT'S PART OF THE ISSUE.
I I I WOULD DEFER TO TOURISM AND CULTURE TO, THEY'RE THE ONES THAT APPROVE THE ART.
UM, THE ARTISTS NEED TO GO BEFORE TOURISM AND CULTURE AND PROVE THAT THEY MAKE THE ART BY HAND.
SO THEY'RE STRINGING THE BEADS.
THEY'RE PAINTING, THEY'RE MAKING THE JEWELRY IN FRONT OF SOMEBODY.
SO THEY, THEY MAKE THEIR CASE, THEY DEMONSTRATE HOW THEY MAKE THE ART, IT GETS APPROVED, BUT WHAT THEY'RE SHOWING FOR APPROVAL IS THIS BIG, BEAUTIFUL COMPLEX THING THAT NONE OF US COULD DO.
AND WHAT THEY'RE ACTUALLY SELLING IS STUFF THAT WE USED TO DO ON A FOURTH GRADE FIELD TRIP.
SO THAT'S THE DISCONNECT PART.
THAT'S THE BREAKDOWN IN, IN THE SYSTEM.
BECAUSE IF YOU'RE GETTING A LICENSE BASED ON X, BUT YOU'RE SELLING Y, THEN THAT'S THE PROBLEM.
IT'S NOT THAT WE HAVE FIVE PEOPLE OR NO PEOPLE, IT'S, IT'S, I COMPLETELY HEAR YOU.
BUT I THINK THEY'RE GETTING A LICENSE BASED ON WHY AND SELLING WHY THEY'RE GETTING A BI A LICENSE BASED ON STRING JUST PUTTING FIRST GRADE BEADS TOGETHER.
AND THAT'S, THAT'S PASSING AT THE INITIAL STATE.
I MEAN, I THINK THAT I WOULD DEFER TO, I LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS.
GOOD AFTERNOON, ANTE DIRECTOR OF TOURISM AND CULTURE.
UM, IT'S ACTUALLY WHAT YOU'RE STATING VICE MAYOR BOT, THEY COME TO IN OUR OFFICE AND THEY PRESENT, UH, UH, ARTWORK THAT THEY CREATE IN FRONT OF STAFF.
AND SO I THINK THAT THERE IS A DISCONNECT FROM WHEN THEY PRESENT TO US AND THEN WHAT'S OUT THERE ON THE STREET, BECAUSE WE'RE NOT REVIEWING A TON OF BEAD STRINGERS.
BUT, AND IF, IF YOU, PJ, IF YOU, IF YOU DON'T MIND, CAN YOU GO BACK TO THE SLIDE REAL QUICK? 'CAUSE I, I, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO SEE, GO TO SLIDE, UM, FIVE, THAT'S THE NEXT SLIDE.
I MEAN, LOOK, YOU KNOW, THE BOTTOM RIGHT? THERE'S NO WAY TOURISM'S LOOKING AT ALL THOSE BEADS,
IT'S, IT'S JUST, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S NOT POSSIBLE.
YOU, YOU'RE, I WOULDN'T PUT THAT ON A CODE OFFICER TO CHECK THAT.
I MEAN, CODE OFFICERS SHOULD BE LOOKING AT NOISE VIOLATIONS OR, UH, YOU KNOW, QUALITY OF LIFE THINGS.
I'M NOT, I, I DON'T REALLY EXPECT CODE.
YOU CAN, YOU CAN CLOSE THE SLIDESHOW.
WELL ACTUALLY KEEP IT UP FOR A SEC, IF YOU DON'T MIND.
UM, PJ, CAN YOU KEEP IT BACK UP FOR COMMISSIONER? BUT, UM, YOU KNOW, THAT I, I DON'T, I DON'T EXPECT CODE TO REALLY GO OUT AND WASTE THEIR TIME LOOKING TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE BEADS ARE WHAT WAS APPROVED AT TOURISM AND CULTURE.
BUT LOOK AT, LOOK AT THE END OF THE DAY, LOOK, I DON'T WANNA SEE MY CITY FULL OF THIS, 90% OF THESE, THESE VENDORS BLOCKING RIGHT AWAY AND SORT OF JUST, YOU KNOW, DOWNGRADING OUR, OUR BRAND.
I, I, TO ME, LOOKING AT THIS, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S SAD, YOU KNOW, UM, I, I WOULD RATHER SEE MORE DIVERSITY ON THIS, BUT I MEAN, IMAGINE YOU'RE LIKE A MIAMI BEACH TOURE.
YOU'VE NEVER COME HERE BEFORE AND IN BLOCK AFTER BLOCK YOU SEE THIS
IT'S, IT'S, IT'S, SO, I, I AGREE WITH YOU.
I, THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANNA SEE, BUT I THINK THERE ARE DIFFERENT ISSUES THAT AREN'T BEING ADDRESSED BECAUSE I DON'T THINK TOURISM CULTURE WOULD BE APPROVING THAT ASSOR ASSORTMENT OF BRACELETS AS A NIFTY ARTISTIC THING.
AND, AND WHAT I'M SAYING IS, I, I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.
THERE'S, THERE'S A DISCONNECT BETWEEN WHAT'S BEING APPROVED AND WHAT'S BEING OUT THERE.
BUT THE DISCONNECT IS THE ENFORCEMENT.
AND I DON'T, I DON'T EXPECT TO HAVE CODE GO TO THESE BOOTHS AND LOOK AT INDIVIDUAL BEADS AND SAY, YEAH, THIS WASN'T APPROVED BY TOURISM.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE IS A, A FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN THE SYSTEM IF YOU CAN SAY TO WHOEVER THE AUTHORITY IS THAT HAS A SET OF LAWS AND PARAMETERS SAYING, THIS IS WHAT I MAKE AND GET THE LICENSE TO SELL WHATEVER IT IS YOU'RE SAYING THAT YOU MAKE AND THEN GO OUT AND SELL SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
YOU CAN SAY, I'M SELLING CIGARETTES AND GET A LICENSE TO SELL CIGARETTES, BUT ACTUALLY YOU'RE SELLING WEED.
YOU, YOU'VE PROVEN MY POINT AND WHAT I'M, BUT, BUT, SO THERE, THERE, I'M NOT SURE THAT LIMITING THE NUMBER I AND I UNDERSTAND GETTING TO BETTER DIVERSITY AND I AGREE WITH THAT, BUT I I, I'M SAYING THAT I DON'T THINK JUST LIMITING THE NUMBER IS GOING TO GET US TO THIS ISSUE BEING RESOLVED.
AND, AND TO THAT POINT, I WOULD ALSO SAY THAT, UM, YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT THERE'S SOME KIND OF LOTTERY FOR CHARITY, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO SELL THEIR WARES AND TALK
[06:30:01]
ABOUT LOOKING CRAPPY.UM, THERE'S A BOOTH THAT LOOKS LIKE HELL AND IT'S A STACK OF T-SHIRTS, YOU KNOW, THAT YOU COULD FIND AT ANY DIME STORE, UM, YOU KNOW, ON WASHINGTON OR WHATEVER.
UM, AND, AND NOBODY, THIS DOESN'T ADDRESS THAT AT ALL.
AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ADDRESS THAT.
SO I SHARE YOUR DESIRE TO CLEAN ALL THIS UP, BUT I'M NOT SURE THAT, EXCUSE ME, I'M NOT SURE THAT THIS IS GOING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES WE'RE TRYING TO CLEAN UP.
SO LET ME ADDRESS, UH, WELL LET ME, LET ME SPEAK TO THAT.
SO LOOK, I, I THINK YOU, YOU HIT ON A POINT WHERE FUNDAMENTALLY I THINK IT'S IMPRACTICAL TO ENFORCE.
I, I THINK THAT'S THE, THE BOTTOM LINE.
I THINK IT'S IMPRACTICAL TO ENFORCE WHAT THEY'RE SELLING VERSUS WHAT THEY'RE PRESENTING AT, AT, AT THEIR, AT THEIR INTERVIEW, JUST BY THE, BY THE LOOK OF WHAT YOU SEE.
AND THAT'S, THAT'S AN ENFORCEMENT ISSUE.
BUT I THINK IT'S A LOT EASIER FOR A CODE OFFICER TO GO UP TO A BOOTH AND SEE THAT THEY'RE JUST SELLING BEADS IN GENERAL, KNOWING THAT THIS PARTICULAR PERMIT HOLDER DOESN'T, IS NOT ALLOWED TO SELL BEADS.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, THAT'S, THAT I THINK THAT'S, THAT'S JUST SIMPLIFYING THE PROCESS.
I MEAN, IF IT WAS UP TO ME, I'D HAVE, I'D HAVE NO BEAT STRINGERS.
UM, BUT AT AT COMMITTEE, WE ALL AGREED ON BRINGING IT DOWN TO FIVE.
UM, WHAT WAS YOUR SECOND POINT, COMMISSIONER? THE, UM, THE, UH, NOT-FOR-PROFIT T-SHIRT.
I, I THINK THAT'S A SEPARATE ISSUE, RIGHT? I THINK, 'CAUSE I ACT, I ACTUALLY ASKED ROB ABOUT THAT.
AND THAT IS BECAUSE IT'S A NON-FOR-PROFIT, CORRECT? IT'S, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ARTIST VENDOR PROGRAM.
WELL, IT'S A TOTALLY, TOTALLY SEPARATE PROGRAM AND YOU COULD DO HAVE LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS THAT.
BUT, UH, WE WOULD HAVE TO ADDRESS FIRST AMENDMENT CONCERNS WHEN DOING THAT RIGHT? AS WE HAVE DONE IN THIS ORDINANCE, RIGHT? SO THAT, THAT, THAT, THAT DOESN'T FALL IN THE ORBIT OF, OF, OF THIS, UH, ORDINANCE.
SO LOOK, I MEAN, GUYS, I, I, I, I, I, I, IT'S JUST, IT JUST SADDENS ME TO SEE, UM, YOU KNOW, THE, THE EXPERIENCE OF A, OF A PERSON COMING HERE AND EVEN RESIDENTS BLOCK BY BLOCK.
IT'S JUST, JUST, YOU KNOW, A THOUSAND BEADS ON A TABLE BLOCKING RIGHT AWAY.
I MEAN, IF WE'RE GONNA HAVE SOMEONE BLOCKING RIGHT AWAY, AT LEAST LET'S HAVE SOMETHING INTERESTING AND, AND DIVERSE AS FAR AS ART.
SO THE OTHER PART OF THIS IS, UM, YOU KNOW, THE, THE EGREGIOUS EXAMPLE THAT WAS JUST RAISED IS SOMEBODY SELLING COUNTERFEIT BRAND NAME STUFF, WHO IS NOW PROHIBITED FROM BEING PART OF THE, THE, UM, PROGRAM FOR TWO QUARTERS.
I, I THINK THAT IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN THE PUNISHMENT? LIKE IF YOU, IF YOU DO IT ONCE, YOU, YOU HAVE TO SKIP TWO QUARTERS.
IF YOU DO IT TWICE, YOU'RE OUTTA THE PROGRAM IN PERPETUITY.
THOSE ARE ALL POLICY CALLS YOU COULD MAKE.
UM, AND I WOULD SAY THE SAME THING WITH IF YOU ARE, UM, SELLING SOMETHING THAT YOU DID NOT GET APPROVED.
IF YOU GOT APPROVED BEAUTIFUL HAMSTRUNG NECKLACES THAT ARE CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC, BUT YOU'RE SELLING, UM, FIELD TRIP BRACELETS MADE ON THE SCHOOL BUS, THEN YOU GET BOOTED OUTTA THE PROGRAM, YOU CAN COME BACK, WE'LL GIVE YOU A SECOND CHANCE.
BUT IF YOU DO IT AGAIN, YOU'RE DONE.
I MEAN, BUT HOW DO YOU ENFORCE THAT? THAT'S THE ISSUE THAT, THAT WE HAVE, RIGHT? I MEAN, WELL, BECAUSE, BECAUSE ANY TABLE THAT HAS BEADS ON IT, THEY WOULD HAVE TO SHOW A, A FORM SAYING YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE JUST PLAIN OLD BEADS, OR, OR YOU SHOULDN'T BE THERE.
IF I MAY WE'RE ALSO, OOPS, CAN YOU HEAR ME IF I MAY? WE'RE ALSO TAKING STEPS TO STRENGTHEN THE APPLICATION PROCESS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
SO, YOU KNOW, THE APPLICATION'S OUTDATED, SO WE'RE MAKING SURE THAT THE CATEGORIES ARE UPDATED TO REFLECT MORE ART TERMS AND REMOVE SOME OF THESE THINGS, UH, IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF, OF THE WORK.
SO WE'RE MAKING, TAKING THOSE STEPS ON OUR END.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ AND COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ.
HOW MANY, HOW MANY OF THESE, UM, ARTISTS, VENDOR PERMITS DO WE HAVE OUT THERE RIGHT NOW? 50 FOR THE LOTTERY, UH, SECTION.
THE, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF FOLKS THAT PARTICIPATE OUTSIDE OF OUR LOTTERY ZONES.
LIKE IN NORTH BEACH YOU MIGHT SEE SOME VENDORS ON OCEAN TERRACE, 73RD AND OCEAN TERRACE.
YOU MIGHT SEE SOME VENDORS ON 65TH AND COLLINS AVENUE.
SO AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT THERE, THERE MIGHT BE 70, 70 OF THEM THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
BUT 58 IS A CAP IN SOUTH BEACH.
58 SOUTH OF 23RD STREET AND EAST OF ALTON ROAD.
UM, SO I DO THINK THAT 58 MIGHT BE TOO MUCH.
UM, I THINK RESTRICTING IT TO WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED, IT'S FIVE CITYWIDE.
IS IT NO FIVE BEAT, FIVE BEAT STRINGERS,
[06:35:01]
FIVE BEAT STRINGERS IN WHAT AREA? CITYWIDE.YOU KNOW, THERE ARE BEAT STRINGERS THAT DO, THAT DO CREATE ARTISTIC WORK.
I REALLY THINK, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO PERHAPS AS COMMISSIONER BOND MENTIONED, BE MORE SELECTIVE, UH, IN, IN WHO WE ARE APPROVING TO BE OUT THERE.
I THINK PERHAPS WE NEED TO BE STRICTER IN OUR ENFORCEMENTS AND PERHAPS MORE CONSISTENT IN IT.
AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, THE MOMENT SOMEONE IS FOUND TO COMMISSIONER BOT'S POINT TO BE VIOLATING THIS, BRINGING IN SOMETHING THAT, YOU KNOW, IS NOT OF THE QUALITY OF WHAT WAS APPROVED OR SOMETHING THAT IS COUNTERFEIT, JUST BE VERY PUNITIVE.
DON'T, DON'T GIVE THEM A PASS, KICK THEM OUT OF THE PROGRAM THE FIRST TIME.
BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S LOWERING THE STANDARD.
AND I GET WHAT COMMISSIONER SUAREZ IS SAYING, YOU KNOW, YOU GO OUT THERE AND YOU REALLY SEE THESE CHEAP, VERY CHEAP BRACELETS OUT THERE, UM, THAT ARE NOT ART, BUT THEY ARE OCCUPYING THE SPACE THAT SOMEONE ELSE WHO REALLY IS ARTISTIC COULD BE OCCUPYING.
AND THAT'S WHAT I DON'T WANT TO LOSE.
I DON'T WANNA LOSE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRULY ARTISTIC PERSON TO BE OUT THERE.
AND I THINK WE HAVE MAYBE TO PUSH OURSELVES A LITTLE BIT MORE IN WHAT WE APPROVE IN INSPECTING THESE, AND THEN BE JUST BEING HARSHER IN OUR PENALTIES.
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OFFERING SOMETHING THAT IS OF LOWER QUALITY THAT'S NOT ARTISTIC OR THAT'S COUNTERFEIT, DON'T GIVE THEM A PASS.
YOU KNOW, LET'S COME, LET'S DROP THE HAMMER ON THIS.
AND THE FIRST TIME, THAT'S IT.
YOU'RE OUT USING THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT OF WAY IS NOT A RIGHT, IN MY OPINION.
IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
AND WE DEALT WITH THIS FOR SUCH A LONG TIME WITH A SIDEWALK CAFE.
WE BE, WE, AND, AND I SEE HERNAN IS, IS HERE.
AND I LOVE TO HEAR FROM, FROM OUR CODE DEPARTMENT ON THIS, BUT TO ME, USING THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY IS A PRIVILEGE.
AND I DON'T HAVE AN ISSUE WITH, WITH HAVING ARTISTIC BEATERS OUT THERE, AND I THINK OF CHRISTINE KING.
CHRISTIAN KING DOES BEAUTIFUL WORK.
THERE WAS ANOTHER LADY THAT CAME IN THAT I THINK SHE SAID SHE DRIVES ALL THE WAY FROM POMPANO OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO, TO TO, TO PUT HER WORK OUT THERE.
AND THERE'S OTHERS THAT WE'VE SEEN OUT THERE, UH, WHO WHO, WHO DO GREAT WORK.
I JUST THINK WE OURSELVES IN THE APPROVAL PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT PROCESS.
AND THEN ON THE PENALTY PART, JUST PERHAPS NEED TO BE A LITTLE BIT STRICTER.
LET ME RECOGNIZE HERNAN, I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM HERNAN ONUS.
SO, UH, THROUGH THE MAYOR HERNAN CARINO, DIRECTOR OF CODE COMPLIANCE, JUST TO MANAGE EXPECTATIONS, I CAN'T ENFORCE THIS.
THERE'S 58 LOCATIONS IN THE LAST EIGHT WEEKS.
WE'VE DONE THREE FULL COMPLETE AUDITS.
AND WHEN WE'RE THERE, WHAT WE SEE IS WHAT'S APPROVED, BUT IT TAKES THREE NANOSECONDS FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO PULL OUT THESE LOUIS VUITTON, THESE YSL ALL THESE FAKE BAGS TO OCCUR.
THERE'S FOUR OFFICERS, MAYBE FOUR OFFICERS WORKING THROUGHOUT THE DAY IN THE EVENING, UH, TO AUDIT THESE LOCATIONS.
58 LOCATIONS PER CONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT.
THAT'S, THAT'S NOT, THAT'S NOT REALISTIC.
AND I DON'T, I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THAT.
58 LOCATIONS MIGHT BE TOO MUCH.
BUT ARE WE ONLY ABLE TO HANDLE FIVE LOCATIONS CITYWIDE? HOW MANY OFFICERS DO YOU HAVE DOING THIS? YOU SAID? OR YOU EXCEPT FOUR IN, IN THE EVENINGS? YEAH, MAYBE FOUR.
SO, YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE, YOU KNOW, WE CAN ONLY HANDLE ONE LOCATION PER OFFICER.
I, I, I THINK, I THINK WE CAN DO MORE.
WE CAN DO MORE THAN JUST FIVE, UH, OF THESE, IF YOU DON'T MIND, COMMISSIONER, CAN I, AND JUST TO CORRECT, I'M NOT TRYING TO, IT'S JUST THE 58 LOCATIONS WILL REMAIN.
UH, WE'RE GONNA SET ASIDE FIVE PERMITS FOR BEAD STRINGERS.
THE, THE 58 LOCATIONS WILL STILL BE AROUND THE CITY, BUT WE'RE ONLY GONNA ISSUE OR GRANT FIVE.
COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ, I'M GONNA GET YOU SOME BEADS FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
I MEAN, I FEEL LIKE YOU NEED SOME PUKA BEADS OR SOMETHING ARTISTIC.
AND LET ME EXPLAIN WHY THE MARKET DETERMINES, OKAY.
SO DO I GO TO THE BEACH IN MY BIKINI AND SAY, HEY, I WANNA BUY A CANDLE? NO, THAT'S WHY CANDLES AREN'T SELLING.
WHEN YOU GO TO THE BEACH, WHAT DO YOU WANT? YOU WANT SOME DECORATIVE BEADS.
YOUR KID'S MOM, GET ME THESE BEADS.
EVERYBODY'S BUYING MATCHING BEADS, SO THAT'S FINE.
I DON'T NEED TO HARASS THE, THE BEAD PEOPLE.
I DON'T EVEN THINK CODE SHOULD BE HARASSING THE BEAD STRINGERS.
I THINK THAT NUMBER ONE, IF YOU WANNA ELIMINATE, OKAY? AND,
[06:40:01]
AND MAKE THE PROGRAM SMALLER, NUMBER ONE YOU WANNA SELL ON MIAMI BEACH, YOU GOTTA BE A RESIDENT THAT'S GONNA CUT IT DOWN TO LIKE, YEAH, OKAY.IF YOU LIVE IN THE CITY, THEN YOU CAN SELL YOUR WARES.
AND HAVING CODE COMPLIANCE HARASS OUR BEAD STRINGERS IS, IN MY OPINION, IT IS A, IT IS A WASTE OF
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH CODE COMPLIANCE WITH 20 TRILLION.
OTHER THINGS, LIKE, I DON'T THINK THE BEAT STRINGERS SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF CODE COMPLIANCE.
SO IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT, OKAY, AND YOU COME IN AND YOU SHOW YOUR WHOLE TABLE AND LIZETTE SAYS, WOW, THAT'S GREAT.
I THINK THAT I DON'T CARE IF THERE'S 80 BEAD STRINGERS BECAUSE GUESS WHAT? I'M NOT BUYING A BIG PIECE OF ART IN MY BIKINI.
OR WHEN YOU'RE GOING SWIMMING, YOU'RE GONNA BUY SOME JEWELRY.
OKAY? 'CAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S COOL AT THE BEACH.
YOU BUY ALL SORTS OF DIFFERENT BEATY THINGS, RIGHT? SO I, YOU KNOW HOW MANY ARTISTS I'VE HAD IN MY OFFICE? LIKE HE LOOKED TO SHUT DOWN.
LIKE I'M LIKE, WHAT? OBVIOUSLY THEY HAVE LIKE A FINANCIAL INTEREST.
HAD SOMEBODY COME IN WHO LIKE POUNDS OUT THIS STUFF.
I HAD TO LISTEN TO SOME OTHER ARTIST WHO WAS SHOWING ME HER WARES.
AND I'M LIKE, I, THIS IS OF ALL, OF ALL OF YOUR INITIATIVES AND I LOVE EVERY SINGLE THING THAT YOU DO.
I WOULD SAY THAT THAT, THAT THIS IS NOT, YOU'RE, OF COURSE THEY'RE COMING TO YOU.
LET'S JUST, YOU ARE WAY BIGGER THAN BEATS.
AND, AND, AND I'M TELLING YOU THAT IF YOU DON'T LIMIT, LET LET PEOPLE SELL WHATEVER THEY WANT AS LONG AS THEY MAKE IT THEMSELVES.
BUT AS LONG AS THEY'RE A RESIDENT, AND BY THE WAY, I WOULD SAY THAT OF THE 58 LOCATIONS, MOST OF THOSE LOCATIONS ARE NO GOOD BECAUSE IT'S JUST TOO HOT.
SO SIX MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, YOU CAN'T EVEN SELL YOUR WARES.
AND TO MAKE CODE COMPLIANCE GO ON THE BEACH WALK TO I DON'T WHATEVER ENFORCE THE BEAD STRINGING ORDINANCE DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE.
SO I WOULD, WHY DON'T YOU GUYS, YOU GUYS KNOW, WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS THAT ARE JUST TOO HOT? LET'S ELIMINATE SOME OF THOSE LOCATIONS AND MAKE IT RESIDENT ONLY.
AND THAT WOULD BE MY AMENDMENT TO THIS.
AND I THINK YOU'LL SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE, MR. MAYOR, IF, IF I DON'T MIND RESPONDING TO THAT.
SO COMMISSIONER SUAREZ, LOOK, LET'S BRING IT IN FOR A LANDING.
UM, I I OF COURSE THESE BEE STRINGERS OR ARTISTS ARE COMING TO YOU, KRISTEN, THEY'RE PROFITING OFF PUBLIC RIGHT AWAY, RIGHT?
SO, YOU KNOW, OF, OF, OF COURSE THEY HAVE A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THIS.
THEY'RE MAKING MONEY HAND OVER FIST.
THERE IS NO, THERE'S, THERE'S BASICALLY NO CAPITAL COST.
YOU PITCH A TENT, YOU PUT A, YOU PUT A NOODLE WITH A BUNCH WITH A THOUSAND BEADS AND YOU KNOW, YOU'RE MAKING MONEY HAND OVER FIST, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE BUYING ALL THIS STUFF FROM LIKE ALIBABA.
UM, NOW THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT ALL OF 'EM DO THAT, BUT I WOULD SAY MOST, MOST OF THEM DO THAT.
UM, YOU KNOW, LOOK, AT THE END OF THE DAY, YES, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE SELLING BEADS.
WHY? BECAUSE YOU CAN BUY THOSE BEADS FOR LIKE 10 CENTS AND SELL 'EM FOR 15 BUCKS.
SELLING ART, LIKE THE PAINTING YOU JUST SAW ACTUALLY TAKES TIME AND, AND CREATIVITY TO MAKE SOMETHING.
AND THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGING.
WE'RE JUST ENCOURAGING FLEA MARKET SALES ON OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
UM, SO LOOK, YOU KNOW, I, I VALUE THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
I DON'T WANNA SEE OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY LOOK LIKE A FLEA MARKET, OKAY? UM, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S TACKY AND, AND IT, AND IT DEGRADES OUR BRAND.
WHEN YOU ARE A, WHEN, WHEN YOU ARE A TOURIST, IT'S NEVER BEEN TO MIAMI BEACH.
AND YOU COME HERE AND YOU SEE JUST BLOCK AFTER BLOCK SELLING SELLING BEADS.
IT JUST LOOKS, IT LOOKS, IT LOOKS SO BAD.
UM, BUT LOOK, I, I'M WILLING TO MEET YOU EVERYONE HALFWAY.
YOU KNOW, I ORIGINALLY SAID FIVE MAYBE.
WE'LL MAYBE WE'LL DO, UM, SOME MAY.
MAYBE WE'LL DO LIKE A QUARTER, A QUARTER OF THE PROCESSORS.
SO WHAT'S A QUARTER? 15? OKAY, 15.
BUT LET'S ALSO INCORPORATE SOME OF THE, UH, IDEAS THAT WE'VE HAD HERE.
LIKE A FIRST, LIKE A FIRST OFFENSE OF SELLING ANYTHING FAKE.
ANYTHING FAKE OF, UH, YOU, YOU WANNA PUT IT IN A MOTION? IS THIS A MOTION? YES.
I'M MAKING A MOTION OR AMENDMENT.
AND, AND WITH OUR CITY ATTORNEY'S BLESSING THAT IF THEY SELL ANYTHING FAKE, THERE'S, THERE'S A ZERO TOLERANCE AND THEN THEY'RE OUT OF THE PROGRAM.
AND WHAT DOES THAT DO? THAT OPENS UP THE SPACE FOR LEGITIMATE ARTISTS TO COME IN AND TAKE THEIR, THEIR SPOT.
SO, UM, AND, AND, AND LOOK, I I, LIZETTE HAS TOLD US THAT I GUESS THEY'RE RAISING THEIR STANDARDS, UH, ON, ON WHAT THEY'RE GONNA BE SELLING.
[06:45:01]
SO MAYBE YOU NEED TO RAISE THAT SINCE THIS ISN'T A FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUE, BECAUSE BEAD STRINGING IS NOT A FIRST AMENDMENT APPARENTLY.MAYBE LISETTE NEEDS TO COME BACK BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING AND EXPLAIN MORE OF A ROBUST PROCESS FOR, UH, APPROVING THESE BEAT STRINGERS SPECIFICALLY.
UM, AND THE CREATIVITY THAT GOES INVOLVED.
UM, AND I, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD MIDDLE GROUND.
I MEAN, ROB, DO YOU I WOULD JUST, I WOULD JUST SAY THAT THE ADDITION OF, UH, THE 15, WE CAN SWITCH FROM FIRST TO SECOND READING AND IT FALLS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS.
I'M NOT SURE, I DON'T HAVE THE FULL ORDINANCES IN FRONT OF ME WITH THE ENFORCEMENT.
IF THAT IS NOT WITHIN THE ORDINANCES THAT WE WERE ALREADY IMAGINING, WE COULD JUST DO THAT AS A SEPARATE ORDINANCE.
WE WOULD DO IT AS A SEPARATE YEAH, THAT'S FINE.
I MEAN, THAT, THAT CAN COME DOWN, DOWN THAT THAT CAN BE RUN SEPARATE.
AND I CAN PUT THAT IN BETWEEN ABOUT CHANGING THE NUMBER OF TOTAL FROM 58 TO WHATEVER, 30 OR 40, I MEAN 58 FROM IN SOUTH OF 23RD EAST OF US SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF IT IS A LOT.
OH, WHY DON'T YOU JUST MAKING RESIDENTS AND IT'LL AUTOMATICALLY GO DOWN TO 20 OR 30.
WHY CAN'T WE, HERE'S THE THING.
WE, WE, WE'VE BEEN SUED PROGRAMS, WE'VE BEEN SUED THE, AND FOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH ARTIST VENDOR SPOTS, ARTIST VENDING IS PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
HOWEVER, THINGS THAT YOU WEAR ON YOUR BODY GENERALLY ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE ART AS A GENERAL STATEMENT, INCLUDING BEADS AND OR JEWELRY.
UM, AND SO YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM TO REGULATE HOW MANY, UH, BEAD STRINGERS OR JEWELRY MAKERS YOU WANT BECAUSE IT'S THAT GENERALLY NOT PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
THE REST OF THOSE 58 SPOTS, WHICH ARE FOR CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED ART, UH, WE ARE AT PRETTY MUCH THE LEGAL MINIMUM THAT WE CAN HAVE, UH, AND STILL EXPECT TO WIN IN COURT.
OKAY, SO JUST BAGS OR NOT, I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
SO JUST, JUST SO EVERYONE IS CLEAR RIGHT NOW, THE MINIMUM IS 58.
THAT'S WHAT WE, THAT'S, I, THAT'S THE MINIMUM WE CAN HAVE.
WE HAVE 58 LOCATIONS FOR THE ARTIST VENDOR PROGRAM.
WHAT I'M PROPOSING IS PUTTING A CAP ON THE NUMBER OF BEAD STRINGERS OR ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH BEADS IN THE PROGRAM, AND ALSO BOLSTERING ANY AS A, MAYBE AS A SEPARATE ORDINANCE BOLSTERING THE ENFORCEMENT OF, OF THAT PROGRAM.
SO, BUT JUST SO EVERYONE'S CLEAR, IF 50 EIGHT'S GONNA STAY THE SAME, IT'S GONNA BE 58 SPECIFIC LOCATIONS.
THEY'RE PREDEFINED LOCATIONS ACROSS SOUTH BEACH.
AND OF THOSE 58, 15 WILL BE PERMITTED TO BEAD STRINGERS.
UM, SO JUST SO THAT EVERYONE IS CLEAR AND THE FEES THROUGH THE MAYOR AND THE FEES WILL, WILL, WILL GO UP TO COMPENSATE FOR THE DEFICIT IF I MAY, THROUGH THE MAYOR.
15 BEAT STRINGERS, BUT WHICH 15 BEAT STRINGERS OF THE 70, WOULD WE DO A LOTTERY FOR THAT OR WOULD WE, WOULD WE HAVE JUDGES TO PICK THE 15? IT BE EVERY QUARTER? WE COULD HAVE A WHAT DO YOU DO NOW? RIGHT NOW IT'S A LOTTERY.
WELL, IS THAT, IS THAT BECAUSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL? NO, IT, IF YOU'RE, UH, WORKING WITHIN THE SPHERE OF NON-ART, WHAT I'M CALLING, WHICH INCLUDES BEADS, YOU CAN PICK THE MOST ARTISTIC BEADS.
YOU CAN, UH, YOU CAN PICK WHATEVER YOU WANT.
IF IT, IF IT WAS, UH, TRUE ART, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE THAT FREEDOM.
BUT WITH THIS STUFF YOU CAN, YOU SEE, BUT THAT'S, BUT YOU, YOU SEE THE FACT THAT THIS IS A LOTTERY AND NOT SOMEONE THAT HAS TO COME IN AND ACTUALLY PERFORM THEIR ART OF DOING THESE SPEEDS IN FRONT OF STAFF.
WELL, IT'S ACTUALLY, LET ME JUST CLARIFY.
THERE'S ACTUALLY THE LOTTERY IS FOR, TO SELL THEM ON SOUTH BEACH IN THE ZONE.
THIS IS TO LIMIT TO FIVE OR 15 OR WHATEVER NUMBER YOU PICK THE NUMBER OF TOTAL VENDORS CITYWIDE THAT ARE SELLING, UH, NON EXPRESSIVE, UH, THINGS LIKE BEADS AND JEWELRY, RIGHT? UM, THE, UH, SO I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE.
PERHAPS ART OF PUBLIC PLACES COULD JUDGE WHO ARE THERE, THE 10 TO 15, AND LET ME ASK YOU THIS.
THE OTHER ONES THAT WE, THAT WE, THAT IT'S NOT LOTTERY, THAT IT'S ACTUALLY THAT THERE'S SOMEONE REVIEWING THESE.
ARE THESE IN PERSON REVIEWS? ARE THESE REVIEWS DONE VIA ZOOM? HOW ARE THESE DONE? THESE ARE DONE IN PERSON AND THEY'RE RECORDED, BUT I THINK MANNY BRINGS A GOOD SUGGESTION.
UH, I THINK IT BECOMES MORE LIKE A COMMITTEE.
'CAUSE YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW WE HAVE STAFF AND EVEN THOUGH OUR STAFF HAS A BACKGROUND IN ART, UH, I THINK IT BRINGS UP THE QUESTION TO EVEN PUT IT THROUGH A IPP.
YOU KNOW, THEY MEET MONTHLY AND WE CAN PRESENT TO THEM.
THESE ARE, YOU KNOW, THE DIFFERENT 15 APPLICATIONS THAT WE'VE RECEIVED.
UH, BUT IT IS IN PERSON AND THEY ARE RECORDED BECAUSE I, BECAUSE I THINK IT'S, IT'S JUST SO IMPORTANT.
THEY'RE REALLY GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE.
AND I DON'T WANT TO HURT THE GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE.
'CAUSE OF THE PEOPLE DOING THE MASS PRODUCED, I MEAN, LET'S CALL 'EM WHAT IT IS.
[06:50:01]
PRODUCED GARBAGE OUT THERE THAT WE NEED TO GET RID OF AND WE NEED TO WEED OUT.UM, BUT, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THERE ISN'T, THAT THERE SHOULDN'T BE ROOM FOR PEOPLE THAT DO MAKE UNIQUE PIECES OF JEWELRY.
I MEAN, I SEE IT WHEN I GO TO, TO, TO, TO THE BEACH WALK.
YOU SEE PEOPLE WHO DO GRAVITATE TO THE GOOD PIECES OF, OF, OF JEWELRY.
UM, AND SO FOR ME, I, I JUST FEEL, YOU KNOW, I THINK WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB IN REVIEWING THAT AND NOT LETTING IT BE JUST A RANDOM LOTTERY ANYMORE.
AND, UH, JUST BEING, YOU KNOW, JUST MORE SELECTIVE.
THIS IS OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE AS SELECTIVE AS WE WANT, AND THEN IF ANYONE THAT VIOLATES THAT, DON'T GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE.
WE JUST, YOU KNOW, DISBAND THEM FROM BEING ABLE TO BE THERE PERMANENTLY.
SO, UH, THROUGH THE MIRROR, BE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING.
UM, JUST SO THAT WE'RE ALL CLEAR, I THINK LET'S, LET'S ALLOW OF THE 58 20 5%, WHICH IS 15 B BEAT STRINGERS, OKAY.
SO, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GOING FROM FIVE TO 15 AND THE 15 HAVE TO GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS.
MAYBE THAT IS THE ART AND PUBLIC, ART AND PUBLIC PLACES.
MAYBE THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A COMMITTEE TO REALLY, UH, RO ROBUSTLY GO THROUGH THEIR, THEIR, UH, THEIR ART, WELL, NOT ART, BUT, UM, THEIR, THEIR, THEIR CRAFT.
UM, AND ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT WE'RE GONNA WANT TO EXPLORE REAL ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS.
AND, AND IF I MAY TO CLARIFY, TCD, WE REVIEW THE ARTWORK, BUT WE DON'T GRANT THE LOCATION.
SO THE LOTTERY IS FOR THE LOCATION, AND THEY DON'T BYPASS THE REVIEW PROCESS.
JUST TO CLARIFY FOR THE RECORD, I'M TRYING TO ASK A QUESTION.
I, I DON'T UNDER, I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE LEGALITIES BEHIND THIS.
SO WE HAVE A PROGRAM AND WE CAN'T REGULATE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OUR PROGRAM.
WHY CAN WE CHOOSE A BATES STRINGER? BUT WE CAN'T CHOOSE ANY OTHER CRITERIA FOR WHO'S GOING TO SELL ON OUR RIGHT OF WAY.
SO YOU CAN DO A PROGRAM FOR A, A BEAT, YOU CAN CHOOSE AN A BEAT STRINGING ARTIST.
BUT WE CAN'T HAVE ANY OTHER CRITERIA FOR THESE ARTISANS.
WHAT, WHAT HAPPENED WAS, WE, WE, UH, UH, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, WE, WE WERE SUED MANY YEARS AGO, MANY DECADE, YEARS AGO, AND WE WERE REQUIRED BY THE SUPREME COURT TO HAVE, UM, WELL, THE SETTLEMENT WAS SELECTED ZONES AND A LOTTERY PROGRAM FOR ARTIST VENDORS.
BUT BEAT STRINGING IS NOT AN ART.
SO WE DON'T HAVE TO EVEN HAVE IT IN THE PROGRAM IF WE DON'T WANT TO.
I'M NOT SAYING THAT THAT'S THE DIRECTION WE'RE GOING NOW, BUT THAT'S WHERE WE ARE TODAY.
WE CANNOT REGULATE ART, BUT WE CAN REGULATE BEAD STRINGING.
I JUST WANNA JUST, JUST CLARIFY BECAUSE I THINK TO YOUR POINT, I THINK FOR MANY PEOPLE, BEAD STRINGING IS AN ART.
UM, WE'RE TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM THAT FOR THE IES.
YEAH, I KNOW, BUT I JUST, BEADING IS NOT AN ART FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS HEARING, BUT, BUT, YOU KNOW, BE THERE, ARE THERE, THERE IS ARTISTIC JEWELRY OUT THERE, YOU KNOW, AND I THINK WE JUST, YOU KNOW, CAN'T LOSE SIGHT OF THAT.
UM, I JUST DON'T THINK THAT 90% OF IT ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY SHOULD BE BET STRINGING.
ANOTHER THING, WHY DO WE HAVE TO HAVE 58 LOCATIONS? THAT SEEMS EXCESSIVE BY STATE LAW OR, OR FEDERAL LAW.
FEDERAL LAW MANDATED THAT WE HAVE 58 LOCATIONS.
THE FIRST AMENDMENT MANDATES THAT WE ALLOW TRUE ARTIST VENDORS SELLING TRUE ART, UH, TO HAVE LOCATIONS ON THE BEACH.
WE WANTED TO REGULATE WHERE AND HOW MANY THEY COULD BE ON SOUTH BEACH, BECAUSE THAT'S OBVIOUSLY THE MOST, UH, POPULOUS AREA AND WHERE EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE.
AT THE TIME OF THE LAWSUIT, WE HAD, I, I BELIEVE SOMEWHERE AROUND 20, UH, AND THE COURT SAID THAT WASN'T ENOUGH.
UH, WE HAD, UM, A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT ZONES.
THE COURT SAID WE HAD TO INCREASE THAT.
AND SO THIS IS WHAT WE CAME UP WITH TO MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE THIRD DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS DECISION THAT INVALIDATED THE ORDINANCE THAT PRODUCED THE CURRENT ORDINANCE.
SO WE WERE MANDATED, WAIT, I'M JUST FINISHED THIS.
WE WERE MANDATED BY THE COURT TO HAVE 58 LOCATIONS, NOT EXACTLY 58.
THAT'S A JUDGMENT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
BUT, UH, CLOSE AROUND THAT NUMBER, AND YOU COULD PLAY WITH IT WITH A, WITHIN A FEW, BUT YOU COULDN'T SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE IT.
SO NOW I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? I DIDN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND THE LEGALITIES OF, SO BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING, IF, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH THE
[06:55:01]
AMENDMENTS OF HAVING, INSTEAD OF FIVE, WE'LL HAVE 15.AND OF THOSE 15, THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS AT THE A PUBLIC PLACES.
UM, AND WE'RE GONNA RAISE THE FEES SO THAT WE'RE NOT IN A DEFICIT ANYMORE.
SO WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO MOVE THE, THE ITEM PLEASE.
UH, NICK, WHY DON'T YOU, UH, SURE.
PARAPHRASE THE, UH, THE MOTION AGAIN.
SO, AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE MOTION IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER, UM, FROM FIVE CERTIFICATES TO 15 CERTIFICATES, UH, AND TO COME BACK WITH A REVISED ORDINANCE FOR SECOND READING WITH A MORE ROBUST PROCESS, UH, WHICH COULD BE THROUGH THE ART AND PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE TO, TO EVALUATE, UH, THE, THE, THE MERIT OF, OF APPLICANTS FOR THESE PARTICULAR TYPE OF CERTIFICATES, OFFENSES.
AND SECOND READING IS FEBRUARY 3RD AND THE OFFENSES, I CAN'T WAIT.
WELL, THAT'S A SEPARATE AND A SEPARATE ITEM.
I THINK COMMISSIONER SUAREZ WILL BE BRINGING COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
MOTION COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE, SECONDING YOUR CO-SPONSOR.
IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING, AND I HAVE TWO INDIVIDUALS ON THE LINE.
THE FIRST ONE IS SOMEONE WITH A NAME OF JUST IPHONE.
IF YOU COULD STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES, PLEASE UNMUTE YOURSELF.
LET'S GO TO THE SECOND CALLER WHO ALSO HAS A, A NAME OF IPHONE 42.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
HELLO? CAN YOU HEAR ME? YES, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
MY ADDRESS 24 63 PINE TREE DRIVE.
UM, AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY, UH, I THINK IT SETS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT WHEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE, ARE TRYING TO TELL US WHAT IS ART
UM, I THINK THAT THE REASON THAT WHY THERE'S SO MANY BEAD MAKERS ON THE BEACH IS 'CAUSE IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S PORTABLE.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT WHEN IT RAINS, WHICH IT DOES ALMOST EVERY DAY DURING THE SUMMERTIME, CAN EASILY BE PUT AWAY AND STORED AND NOT GET RUINED.
SO I DON'T THINK IT'S JUST BECAUSE IT'S AN INFERIOR PRODUCT THAT PEOPLE ARE PAYING 10 CENTS TO TURN A GIANT PROFIT ON.
UM, I JUST, I JUST THINK THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HEARD.
AND, UM, YEAH, I'VE, I'VE LIVED HERE FOR FIVE YEARS.
I'VE VISITED HERE AS A TOURIST, AND I'VE NEVER BEEN BOTHERED BY THE AMOUNT OF BEADS, UH, WHETHER IT'S WALKING ON A BEACH OR WALKING DOWN, UH, LINCOLN ROAD.
I MEAN, WE WANT TO COMPARE THAT TO EVERYTHING ELSE.
THERE'S INFERIOR PIZZA PLACES AND THERE'S INFERIOR ICE CREAM SHOPS EVERYWHERE, YOU KNOW, LIKE, WHERE, WHERE ARE WE GONNA DRAW THE LINE? SO, UM, I THINK THERE'S MORE PRESSING MATTERS RIGHT NOW THAN THAN THE BEAD SITUATION.
UH, THAT'S, THAT'S ALL I WANTED TO SAY.
OUR NEXT, UH, CALLER IS WAYNE.
HEY, HOW ARE YOU? UM, I BUY STUFF FROM PAULA KING ON LINCOLN ROAD ALL THE TIME.
I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE PAULA IS FINE.
UH, LIKE SHE'S A RESIDENT FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, AND SHE'S A SWEET LADY.
UM, I THINK SHE SELLS BEADS AND SHE SELLS OTHER THINGS.
LIKE, SO WHEN YOU SAY 15 BEADS, DOES THAT MEAN LIKE, IF PART OF THEIR PRODUCT LINE IS BEADS, THEN THAT COUNTS TOWARDS THE 15? OR IF THEY SELL OTHER ITEMS BESIDES BEADS THAT THEY'RE, THEY'RE NOT PART OF THAT, UH, SUBSET.
UM, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT CLARITY.
UM, ADDITIONALLY, UM, UH, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CITY PAYING 50 GRAND A YEAR TO SUPPORT THE, ESPECIALLY RESIDENTS.
ONLY RESIDENTS REALLY, IN MY MIND, YOU KNOW, THE, THE, THESE GUYS DON'T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY.
IT'S NOT, IT'S NOT LIKE HANDS OVER FIST MONEY.
I, I KNOW PAULA STRUGGLES TO PAY HER RENT AND, YOU KNOW, THIS IS A, THIS IS A WAY FOR HER TO SURVIVE.
SO, UM, 50 GRAND, REALLY, THE CITY CAN'T AFFORD 50 GRAND.
UM, YOU KNOW, AND I THINK IT IMPROVES OUR IMAGE AS AN ART, ART AND CULTURE CENTER.
LIKE, NOT EVERYTHING IS, IS A MILLION DOLLAR PAINTING.
IT'S, YOU KNOW, IT'S, UH, IT'S LITTLE GUYS MAKING THINGS.
[07:00:01]
I WOULD CONFUSE THOSE TWO.THERE IS NO OTHER SPEAKERS MAYOR.
MR. MAYOR, I HAVE A QUESTION TO CITY ATTORNEY BECAUSE I, I DO THINK, YOU KNOW, WE DO HAVE SOME RESIDENTS WHO TRULY ARE ARTISTS WHO HAVE SURVIVED THE TEST OF TIME, UM, AND THE CHANGES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
CAN'T WE HAVE A PROGRAM WHERE WE ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW, RATHER SOME OF THEM HAVING TO GO THROUGH AN APPROVAL PROCESS AND ALL THAT, WHERE WE ACTUALLY, LIKE, IF SOMEONE REALLY IS REALLY GOOD AND DOES SOMETHING THAT'S EXCEPTIONAL, THAT'S TRULY ART, AND ART CAN BE IN THE FORM OF JEWELRY, I BELIEVE, AND THEY'RE RESIDENTS, THAT WE CAN ACTUALLY PAY THEM TO BE THERE, BECAUSE THAT WAY WE CAN CONTROL THE QUALITY OF WHAT'S BEING PLACED OUT THERE.
YOU COULD MAKE THAT POLICY CALL IF YOU WANTED.
SO I JUST WANT US TO KEEP, KEEP THAT IN MIND.
I WOULD LIKE US TO SEE THAT, BECAUSE I DO WANNA HELP OUR RESIDENTS AND I DO WANT TO HELP REAL ARTISTS.
AND, YOU KNOW, MAYBE THE SPONSOR, MAYBE YOU'D BE WILLING, YOU KNOW, AS AN INCENTIVE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE DOING THIS TO LIMIT THE BAD ONES, WHICH IS IMPORTANT, BUT WE CAN DO SOMETHING ALSO TO REWARD THE REALLY GOOD ONES THAT MAKE UP A FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY.
WOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING SOMETHING LIKE THAT, UH, THROUGH THE MAYOR, MAYBE AS A SEPARATE ITEM? UM, WE HAVE A PROGRAM FOR, UM, ARTISTS WHO ARE RESIDENTS WHO ARE RESIDENTS, YEAH.
BUT SEPARATE AND APART FROM THIS.
I MEAN, IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF MIAMI BEACH AND YOU HAVE, AND YOU GO THROUGH A VERY, YOU KNOW, EVEN MORE OF A ROBUST PROCESS THAN WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING TODAY MM-HMM
BECAUSE WE'RE GONNA BE ADDING ABOVE THE 58 LOCATIONS.
YOU KNOW, THAT IS SOMETHING, BUT I DON'T WANT IT ALL BEING BEADS
UM, LET, LET'S, LET'S KEEP THAT SEPARATE.
UH, AND I, I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO CO AND DOES IT HAVE TO BE SEPARATE THAN THE 58 LOCATIONS CAN BE PART OF THE 58 LOCATIONS? IT'S OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY, SIR.
UH, I THINK IT WOULD BE SEPARATE.
I THINK THERE WOULD NEED TO BE ADDITIONAL TO THE 58.
IF THERE THREE OR FOUR, IT'S NOT SO MUCH OF A BIG DEAL, AND YOU CAN PLAY WITH THAT.
IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT MORE THAN THAT, THEN IT BECOMES AN ISSUE.
AND I ALSO NEED TO RESEARCH THE, UH, EFFECT OF THE RESIDENCE ONLY PORTION.
YOU CAN DO THAT FOR SURE WITH THE BEAD STRINGERS, BECAUSE IT'S NOT ART.
BUT WITH TRUE ART, I NEED TO RESEARCH THE EFFECT OF A RESIDENCE ONLY RESTRICTION.
SO IF WE WERE GONNA WRITE SOMETHING SEPARATE, I WOULD NEED TO RESEARCH THAT, UH, AS WE WENT FORWARD WITH IT.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND? YES, SIR.
ITEM THE SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
THAT WAS ITEM R FIVE J, WHICH WAS ADOPTED AS AMENDED.
[R5 Z SHRUBBERY AND FENCING HEIGHTS – CHAPTER 14AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING SUBPART A OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ENTITLED “GENERAL ORDINANCE,” CHAPTER 14, ENTITLED “BUILDING REGULATIONS,” ARTICLE I, ENTITLED “IN GENERAL,” BY CREATING SECTION 14-1, ENTITLED “BEACHWALK ACCESS AND VISIBILITY,” TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PEDESTRIAN VISIBILITY TO AND FROM THE BEACHWALK; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
[R5 AB VISIBILITY TRIANGLE REQUIREMENTS FOR OCEANFRONT PROPERTIES – LDR AMENDMENTAN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE RESILIENCY CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 7, ENTITLED “ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS,” ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “OVERLAY DISTRICTS,” DIVISION 1, ENTITLED “DUNE PRESERVATION AND OCEANFRONT OVERLAYS,” SECTION 7.3.1.2, ENTITLED “OCEANFRONT,” BY REFERENCING COMPLIANCE WITH NEWLY CREATED SECTION 14-1 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CODE, ENTITLED “BEACHWALK ACCESS AND VISIBILITY,” AND ADOPTING CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
ALL R FIVE Z AND THE COMPANION ITEM R FIVE A B.R FIVE Z IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING SUB PART A OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ENTITLED GENERAL ORDINANCE CHAPTER 14 ENTITLED BUILDING REGULATIONS ARTICLE ONE IN GENERAL BY CREATING SECTION 14 DASH ONE ENTITLED BEACH WALK, ACCESS AND VISIBILITY TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PEDESTRIAN VISIBILITY TO AND FROM THE BEACH WALK, AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING THAT WAS ITEM R FIVE Z COMPANION ITEM R FIVE.
AB IS IN ORDER TO THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE RESILIENCY CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH BY AMENDING CHAPTER SEVEN ENTITLED ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS.
ARTICLE THREE ENTITLED OVERLAY DISTRICTS DIVISION ONE ENTITLED DUNE PRESERVATION AND OCEAN FRONT OVERLAYS SECTION 7.3 ENTITLED OCEANFRONT BY REF BY REFERENCING COMPLIANCE WITH NEWLY CREATED, CREATED SECTION 1414 DASH ONE OF THE BAMBI BEACH COURT ENTITLED BEACH WALK, ACCESS AND VISIBILITY AND ADOPTING CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS.
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARE PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATION, REPEAL, AND ABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THAT IS ITEM ITEM R FIVE, AB B.
IT IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING, IT REQUIRES FIVE SEVENS VOTE, COMMISSIONER, BOT VICE MAYOR B.
UM, I'LL LET TOM DO MOST OF THE HEAVY LIFTING, BUT JUST TO REMIND EVERYBODY, THESE TWO ITEMS WORK IN CONCERT.
UM, THE GOAL IS TO, UM, MAKE THE BEACH WALK AT, IN ITS CURRENT CONFIGURATION AS USER FRIENDLY FOR AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
AND AS WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS MICRO MOBILITY, UM, TASK FORCE BASICALLY FOR THE LAST YEAR,
[07:05:01]
AND WE DID SOME SITE VISITS, WHAT WE SAW CONSISTENTLY UP AND DOWN THE BEACH WALK, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORE CROWDED AREAS, UM, YOU KNOW, MID BEACH AND SOUTH BEACH, UM, THAT THERE WERE ENTRANCE AND EXIT POINTS ONTO AND OFF OF THE BEACH THAT HAD VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY, UM, AND A LOT OF CROSS, UM, BEACH WALK TRAFFIC.UM, AND ALSO THAT WE HAD, UM, A LOT OF, UH, SHRUBBERY INCLUDING ON OUR OWN PROPERTIES, BUT WE CAN MANAGE THOSE WITHOUT AMENDING ANYTHING.
UM, BUT PRIVATE ERY THAT ENCROACHED OVER AND, UM, MADE IT HARDER TO SEE, UM, WHEN PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO GET THROUGH NARROW AREAS.
SO, UM, I DID, UH, THE STAFF, TOM AND JOSE AND, AND THEIR TEAMS, UM, LOOKED AT WHAT THE RIGHT ANGLES AND DIMENSIONS WERE TO NOT, UM, ERADICATE THE BEAUTY OF THE FAUNA, THE FLORA, BUT MAKE IT MORE, UM, USER FRIENDLY SO THAT PEOPLE ZOOMING BY ON BIKES AND ROLLER BLADES AND WHATEVER, UM, DON'T INADVERTENTLY RUN OVER PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT BE ZOOMING.
AND I'LL JUST ADD TO THAT BRIEFLY.
UM, MADAM VICE MAYOR, THAT R FIVE Z IS AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE SPECIFICALLY.
IT CREATES SECTION 14 DASH ONE REGARDING BEACH ACCESS AND VISIBILITY, AND IT CREATES STANDARDS FOR VISIBILITY TRIANGLES BASED UPON THE WIDTH OF A PROPERTY ON THE BEACH WALK.
SO IF A PROPERTY HAS AT LEAST A HUNDRED FEET OF FRONTAGE ON A BEACH WALK OR MORE, THEN THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A 10 FOOT VISIBILITY TRIANGLE AT EACH ACCESS POINT TO THE BEACH WALK.
IF THE PROPERTY IS LESS THAN A HUNDRED FEET IN WIDTH, THEN IT WOULD ONLY BE A SIX FOOT VISIBILITY TRIANGLE IN EITHER SCENARIO.
IT WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OVER A LOT OF THE CURRENT ACCESS POINTS, WHICH CREATES SOMEWHAT OF A HAZARD FOR BOTH PEOPLE WALKING ON THE BEACH WALK, AS WELL AS PEOPLE THAT MIGHT BE ACCESSING THE BEACH WALK FROM THE PRIVATE PROPERTY.
UH, THE LAND USE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THIS A COUPLE OF TIMES AND DID ENDORSE IT.
AND SO WE'RE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF R FIVE Z, WHICH IS A CITY CODE AMENDMENT.
AND THEN R FIVE A B IS BASICALLY JUST A MINOR, UH, AMENDMENT TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS UNDER THE OCEAN FRONT OVERLAY SECTION TO REFERENCE, UM, SECTION ONE, SECTION 14 DASH ONE THAT'S BEING CREATED.
SO THAT'S MORE OF A CLARIFICATION AMENDMENT THAT IS AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
UM, SO I'D LIKE TO MOVE IT, AND I'LL SECOND YOUR ITEM.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE VISIBILITY TRIANGLE, THAT IT EXTENDS BEYOND THE PROPERTY LINE AND THE, AND THAT IT REACHES THE ACTUAL BEACH WALK, WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD BE THE, THE, UH, INTENT OF THE ORDINANCE.
AND IT'S THE, WE CHANGED IT AT THE DIRECTION OF THE LAND USE COMMITTEE, SO THAT THE TRIANGLE IS FROM, UM, THE ACCESS POINT TO THE BEACH WALK.
UM, AND SO THAT WAY IN CASE THERE MAY BE, UH, LANDSCAPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, IT WOULD BE TAKEN FROM THE BEACH WALK ACCESS POINT.
MADAM VICE MAYOR, THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD, UM, UH, CARETAKER OF OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAYS AND PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS.
THIS THIS TRULY LOOKS OUT FOR THEIR SAFETY.
SO COMMENDATIONS TO YOU ON THIS GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION.
AND THANK YOU FOR, UM, UH, HAVING US GO BACK AND REVISIT THE ANGLES A LITTLE BIT.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.
SO THIS IS THE FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING? NO? YES.
AND IS THERE ANYBODY, THERE'S NO ONE THAT WE'RE OPENING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR ITEM R FIVE Z AND R FIVE AB.
THERE'S NO ONE IN ZOOM, AND I SEE NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
UH, MOTION AND A SECOND ALREADY.
SO THIS IS BOTH FOR ITEM R FIVE Z AND R FIVE AB B COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
THE SECOND READING FOR PUBLIC HEARING FOR BOTH ITEMS IS FEBRUARY 3RD,
[R5 AA FAR EXCEPTION FOR GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, SUBPART B, ENTITLED “MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE,” CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED “GENERAL PROVISIONS,” ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS,” SECTION 1.2.1, ENTITLED “GENERAL DEFINITIONS,” BY AMENDING THE DEFINITION FOR FLOOR AREA TO CREATE AN EXCEPTION FOR UNISEX OR GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE AA, R FIVE AA IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION, CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, MEANING THE DAKOTA OF CITY MIAMI BEACH ARE PART B ENTITLED MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE CHAPTER ONE ENTITLED GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED DEFINITIONS SECTION 1.2 0.1, ENTITLED GENERAL DEFINITIONS BY AMEN, THE DEFINITION OF FOURTH FLOOR AREA TO CREATE AN EXCEPTION FOR UNISEX OR GENDER NEUTRAL RESTROOMS. AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION REPELS SHALL THE IAN EFFECTIVE DATE.THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING.
[07:10:01]
IT'S ITEM R FIVE.UH, THIS IS AN ORDINANCE THAT I'M SPONSORING TO AMEND THE LDR TO CREATE AN EXCEPTION TO THE DEFINITION OF FAR FOR GENDER NEUTRAL, UH, BATHROOMS. IT'S, UH, IT'S, IT'S A VERY, UH, SIMPLE, UH, PIECE OF, OF LEGISLATION TO, TO BE ABLE TO INCENTIVIZE, UH, THIS, THIS TYPE OF, UH, OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.
A NUMBER OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY HAVE, UH, POLICIES THAT PROMOTE, UH, THESE, UH, TYPES OF, OF FACILITIES AND, UH, IS RECEIVED AS SUPPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD.
AND WITH THAT, I MOVE MY ITEM.
I HAVE ONE INDIVIDUAL REQUESTING TO SPEAK.
UH, PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS, AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
I'M QUIN DIAZ FROM EQUALITY FLORIDA.
EQUALITY FLORIDA STRONGLY SUPPORTS COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ'S RECOMMENDATION TO EXEMPT UNISEX OR GENDER NEUTRAL RESTROOMS FROM FAR CALCULATIONS IN THE SHADOW OF THE STATE'S RECENTLY ENACTED ANTI L-G-B-T-Q LAWS, INCLUDING ITS 2023 RESTROOM BAN, WHICH APPLIES ONLY TO PUBLICLY OWNED OR LEASED BUILDINGS.
THIS INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL WILL INCENTIVIZE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO CONSTRUCT RESTROOMS THAT ALL PEOPLE, INCLUDING TRANSGENDER PEOPLE CAN USE WITHOUT FEAR OF HARASSMENT OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES AT A TIME WHEN L-G-B-T-Q IANS ARE FACING DISCRIMINATION FROM THE STATE EVERY DAY, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF, AND A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO USE THEIR TOOLS TO MITIGATE HARM TO RESIDENTS AND VISITORS BY LEVERAGING NEW AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.
SOLUTIONS LIKE COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ'S WILL ENSURE PEOPLE CAN GO ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND FEEL NOT ONLY SAFE, BUT THAT THEY BELONG.
IT WILL HELP MAKE MIAMI BEACH MORE WELCOMING AND PROSPEROUS, BOLSTER ITS REPUTATION AS AN L-G-B-T-Q FRIENDLY DESTINATION, AND CREATE A ROADMAP FOR OTHER MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS FLORIDA TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THE STATE IS LEAVING BEHIND.
WE APPLAUD THIS PROPOSAL AND STRONGLY URGE ITS APPROVAL.
OUR NEXT VIRTUAL SPEAKER IS WAYNE.
ALEX, I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU STA STAND FORWARD FOR A MINORITY AUDIENCE OF AMERICA THAT'S BEEN STEPPED ON WAY TOO MUCH LATELY.
UM, I WOULD, I WOULD OFFER, UH, THE, THE FOLLOWING IDEA SO THAT, UH, THESE BATHROOMS WOULD BE ACTUALLY BUILT OUT RATHER THAN, UM, JUST AN IDEA AND JUST A STATEMENT IS THAT, UM, YOU ADD THE FAR OR THOSE BATHROOMS, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THEY COULD BE UTILIZED FOR FAMILIES OR UNISEX USAGE.
IT'S A SINGLE OCCUPANCY BATHROOM, I WOULD IMAGINE.
SO THAT, UH, IT WOULD ACTUALLY GET BUILT OUT IF, IF, IF A DEVELOPER, BUT IT WAS JUST FOR, UH, UH, UH, USE FOR TRANSGENDER ONLY.
I DOUBT MANY WOULD BUILD IT OUT.
BUT IF IT WAS UTILIZED FOR, YOU KNOW, ANY UNISEX OR FAMILY USE WITH A, WITH A DIAPER CHANGE WALL AND, AND TRANSGENDER, BUT IT'S A SINGLE USE, AND, YOU KNOW, TRANSGENDER HAS THEIR PLACE, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE THEIR HOME.
THEY, THEY FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE.
SO THAT WOULD BE MY IDEA TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DEVELOPERS ACTUALLY BUILD THESE OUT.
THERE'S NO ONE ELSE REQUESTING TO SPEAK.
AND JUST AS A FOLLOW UP, THANK YOU, WAYNE, FOR THAT COMMENT.
IN FACT, GENDER NEUTRAL RESTROOMS HAVE SEVERAL BENEFITS IN INCLUDING THE CREATION OF SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL PEOPLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF GENDER.
AND THIS INCLUDES ACCOMMODATING PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN, ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH CAREGIVERS, AND OF COURSE, AS WELL, UH, TRANSGENDER AND GENDER NON-CONFORMING INDIVIDUALS.
SO IT'S REALLY, IT REALLY IS A VERY INCLUSIVE, UH, POLICY RATHER THAN, THAN EXCLUSIVE.
UM, AND THIS EXCEPTION ON THE FAR CALCULATION IS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR, THEIR, THEIR USE BY ALLOWING THE SQUARE FOOTAGE, THE FACILITY TO BE ALLOCATED FOR OTHER USES IN THE BUILDING.
SO, WAYNE, WE'RE IN THE SAME WAY FROM THAT.
COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, I WANT TO CO-SPONSOR THIS ITEM.
I ALSO THINK IT'S A GREAT INITIATIVE AND I'M HAPPY TO SUPPORT.
COMMISSIONER B WHAT COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ SAID DITTO.
I'D ALSO LIKE TO CO-SPONSOR, PLEASE.
SO, CITY ATTORNEY, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE, IS THERE, HAS THERE BEEN A, AN AMENDMENT OR YOU'RE SAYING IT WAS INCORPORATED ALREADY? IT IS INCORPORATED, YES.
I, I HAD SOME RESERVATIONS, WHICH I RAISED AT
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MY AGENDA REVIEW, UM, BECAUSE OF THE FAR ASPECT, AND I HAD SOME CONCERNS THAT WE'RE MAKING EXCEPTIONS AND WHERE DO WE, WHERE DO WE END? BUT I KNOW IT'S COMING FROM A GOOD PLACE.BUT, UM, I THINK YOU'RE GONNA HAVE THE VOTES NO MATTER WHAT
BUT, UM, I JUST, I GET CONCERNED THAT WHEN WE START USING PHA FOR, FOR CERTAIN, UH, FOR CERTAIN REASONS THAT, UH, THAT COULD BE, THAT COULD BE POTENTIALLY MISUSED AS WELL.
AND THAT'S, THAT'S, SO I WANNA MAKE SURE THERE ARE THE PROTECTIONS IN HERE THAT IT'S USED IN THE, IN THE, IN THE WAY ANTICIPATED.
COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ? YES.
MOTION, CARRIE? SECOND READING.
PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
AND, AND, AND IF YOU DON'T MIND, MR. MAYOR, TOM, MAYBE FOR THE SECOND READING MEMO, WE CAN PUT SOME INFORMATION AS TO, YOU KNOW, I THINK SOME OF THESE BATHROOMS ARE LIKE 50 SQUARE FEET, SOME MIGHT BE A HUNDRED SQUARE FEET.
MAYBE WE CAN PUT SOME CALCULATIONS ASKING LIKE, WHAT DOES THIS ACTUALLY MEAN? 'CAUSE I JUST, I WANNA MAKE SURE FOR THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION, I DON'T WANT THERE TO BE ANY, YOU KNOW, MISUNDERSTANDING THAT WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT BUILDINGS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
I MEANT TO MENTION BEFORE I SEE HERNAN IN THE BACK, I WANTED TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO, UH, TO OUR CODE COMPLIANCE, UH, FOR THE WORK DONE DURING ART WEEK.
AND I MEAN, LITERALLY THE EMAILS WE WERE GETTING REGARDING THE PARTIES AND THE WORK CODE COMPLIANCE DID AND KEEPING THAT ONTO CONTROL, WE WERE SEEING EMAILS AT 3 56, 2 41, 2 57, 1 41.
SO, SO THANK, THANK YOU FOR THE WORK THAT YOU DID, HERNAN AND YOUR, AND YOUR TEAM, UH, POLICE AS WELL.
I MEAN, THERE WAS A LOT GOING ON, SO IT'S A, IT'S A TEAM EFFORT.
UH, BUT I'M, I'M GONNA, I'M GONNA SINGLE YOU OUT SINCE WE DON'T ALWAYS DO THAT FOR CODE.
[R5 AC HOTEL APPROVAL PROCESS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES,” ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “COMMISSION WARRANT,” TO CREATE SECTION 2.7.2, ENTITLED “HOTEL APPROVAL PROCEDURES” AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
LET'S GO TO R FIVE AC.R FIVE AC IS A NORTH OF THE MAYOR CITY COMMISSION OF CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE BY MANY CHAPTER TWO ENTITLED ADMINISTRATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES.
ARTICLE SEVEN, ENTITLED COMMISSION WARRANT TO CREATE SECTION 2.7 0.2 ENTITLED HOTEL APPROVAL PROCEDURES AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEAT OR S ABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING, PUBLIC HEARING.
THE ITEM REQUIRES FIVE SEVEN'S VOTE.
IT IS ITEM R FIVE AC COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
WHILE I'M ALWAYS HESITANT TO DO ANY TYPE OF BACK PADDING, I THINK THIS COMMISSION COLLECTIVELY IS, UH, COMPLETELY RESIDENT FOCUSED, THE MOST THAT I CAN EVER REMEMBER, UH, WHERE PREVIOUS COMMISSIONS HAVE REALLY, UH, DOUBLE TRIPLED AND QUADRUPLED DOWN ON A LOT OF TRANSIENT USAGES.
UH, THIS COMMISSION IS STOOD SOLELY IN THE CORNER OF OUR RESIDENCE AND, UH, INCLUDING AND, UH, MOST NOTABLY THROUGH SOME LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS IS LOOK TO DE-INCENTIVIZE HOTELS.
AND WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR THE RIGHT KIND OF DEVELOPMENT THAT WE WILL WOULD LIKE TO SEE.
AND THAT'S FOR FULL-TIME RESIDENTIAL.
SO, UH, THIS IS PART OF THE PIECE WHERE WE'RE SAYING WHAT WE DO NOT WANT.
UM, AND THIS IS, UH, KIND OF TWOFOLD.
WE ARE JUST SIMPLY OVER COMMERCIALIZED, AND WE ARE, OUR ECONOMY IS VERY CONCENTRATED IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY, WHICH CAN CERTAINLY HAVE, UH, ITS CONSEQUENCES WHEN THE ECONOMY SUFFERS.
AND ALSO, UM, WHAT THIS WAS REALLY DOING WAS BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND HAVING HOTELS.
AND WHILE WATERFRONT IS GOING TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THIS ORDINANCE, WHAT THIS ORDINANCE IS INTENDED TO DO IS CREATE ANOTHER STEP IN THE PROCESS.
IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO BUILD A HOTEL IN AN INFILL AREA, WE CLEARLY WANT TO FURTHER IN SANITIZE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OVER HOTELS.
SO THIS WILL JUST ADD ONE STEP IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO COME IN WITH A HOTEL, AND, AND THE PROCESS DOES HAVE, UH, MERIT.
WE'RE NOT SAYING YOU CAN'T BUILD IT, BUT IT'LL HAVE TO TAKE THE EXTRA STEP OF ACTUALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER COMING TO THE COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL.
WHAT THAT IS ALSO GOING TO DO, ONE OF THE REASONS, PROBABLY THE PRIMARY REASON WHY RAM IS BECAUSE THE RESIDENTS IN OUR CITY THAT HAD LIVED HERE FOR SO LONG, AND OFTENTIMES THE MOST IMPOVERISHED AND MOST, UH, IMPACTED BY, UH, RISING COSTS, RISING HOUSING PRICES WERE THE ONES THAT WERE BEING DISPLACED.
UH, WE'VE ALL QUOTED MIAMI BEACH BEING THE ONLY CITY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO LOSE FULL-TIME RESIDENCE CENSUS OVER CENSUS.
AND WHY IS THAT? UH, IN LARGE PART BECAUSE A LOT OF THESE OLDER MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS, UH, THAT WERE HOUSING SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE WERE BEING TAKEN OFFLINE.
PEOPLE WOULD COME IN AND BUY THOSE, OR THE
[07:20:01]
LANDOWNERS WOULD SIT THERE AND KICK THEM OUT, KICK OUT RESIDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN LIVING THERE FOR 30 TO 40 YEARS TO MAKE HOTELS.AND THIS IS GOING TO, IT'S NOT FOOLPROOF, RIGHT? BUT THIS WILL ADD SUCH AN INCREMENTAL ADDITIONAL BURDEN ON A LANDOWNER'S ABILITY TO DO SO.
I REALLY THINK THEY'RE GOING TO THINK TWO AND THREE TIMES.
AND THAT IS EVIDENCED BY, ONCE THIS APPEARED ON OUR AGENDA, THE AMOUNT OF LOBBYING THAT I RECEIVED FOR, UH, TWO PROPERTIES.
UM, ONE WAS A MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING WITH OVER A HUNDRED RESIDENTS IN THERE, AND SOME RESIDENTS, ALL OF US WOULD KNOW.
AND IN MANY PA UH, WAYS, THE FACES OF OUR CITY, WITHOUT THIS ORDINANCE, THOSE PEOPLE WERE ALREADY GOING TO BE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING KICKED OUT AND REMOVED FROM THEIR HOMES AND CREATING A HOTEL IN AN INFILL AREA IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR CITY.
UH, SO I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD TO BRING THIS LEGISLATION.
UH, LIKE I SAID, THIS IS A TEAM EFFORT.
I JUST HAVE MY NAME ON THE SPONSORSHIP NEXT TO IT.
BUT THIS IS REALLY A, A COLLECTIVE EFFORT THAT WE HAVE ALL PUT FORWARD, UM, AND, AND LEGISLATION THAT I'M VERY PROUD THAT WE'RE ALL INTRODUCING MAD VICE MAYOR.
UM, TOM, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD? UH, NO.
I MEAN, UNLESS THE SPONSOR WANTS ME TO GO THROUGH IN GENERAL TERMS WHAT THE PROPOSAL ENTAILS.
I JUST WANT TO CONGRATULATE COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
YOU FOUND A WAY WHERE, WHERE WE CAN PUT THE RIGHT CONTROLS IN PLACE AND WHERE OUR CITY COMMISSION CAN HELP PROTECT SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS FROM BEING PUSHED OUT, UH, BY, UH, BY, BY SOME OF THE WEALTHIEST IN, IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THIS, UH, THIS IS A, A HUGE SAFEGUARD IN OUR DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES, AND I THINK IT'LL, IT'LL HELP PRESERVE THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY MOVING INTO THE FUTURE.
IT IS, IT IS A PUBLIC HEARING.
THERE IS NO ONE ON ZOOM, AND THERE IS NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE REQUEST.
SECOND, AND JUST AS A MATTER OF, OF, UH, HOUSE CLEANING, WE WILL, WE WOULD NEED A, A REFERRAL TO THE PLANNING BOARD TO ESTABLISH THIS RESTRICTION FOR THE DISTRICTS WHERE HOTELS ARE ALLOWED CURRENTLY.
AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS THAT WORK? DO, DO I MAKE A SEPARATE MOTION? IT, IT COULD BE OKAY.
IT COULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE ORIGINAL MOTION.
SO THERE IS NO ONE, THE PUBLIC READING, PUBLIC, UH, HEARING IS CLOSED.
I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND, INCLUDING A REFERRAL TO THE PLANNING BOARD.
MOTION CARRIES THE SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 3RD.
[R5 AE AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ENTITLED "FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION," BY AMENDING SECTION 50-10 THEREOF, ENTITLED "OTHER PERMITS AND REVIEWS," BY PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF FIREWORKS PERMITS FOR THE DISPLAY, USE, OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS IN BISCAYNE BAY OR IN ANY RESIDENTIAL AREA IN THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE AE.R FIVE AE IS AN ORDER OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.
AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA ENTITLED THE FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION BY AMENDING SECTION 50 DASH 10 THEREOF, ENTITLED OTHER PERMITS AND REVIEWS BY PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF FIREWORK PERMITS FOR THE, FOR THE DISPLAY USE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS IN BI GAME BAY OR IN ANY RESIDENTIAL AREA IN THE CITY, AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OR SERVICEABILITY IDENTIFICATION ON AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING.
IT'S ITEM R FIVE AE SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR BOT CO-SPONSORED BY COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ.
WE'RE ACTUALLY CO PRIME SPONSORS ON THIS, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE HAD THAT GREAT BRAINSTORM AT THE SAME TIME.
UM, AND I'LL LET, UH, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, UH, UH, FILL EVERYBODY IN ON THIS.
BUT IF ANYBODY'S SEEN, UM, THE IMAGES FROM THE FIREWORKS AT THE PALM STAR AND HIBISCUS ISLANDS OVER THE WEEKEND, UM, THE FACT THAT WE HAVEN'T DONE THIS ALREADY IS, UH, YOU KNOW, SHAME ON US FOR NOT HAVING THOUGHT OF THIS.
I KNOW WE'VE ALREADY BUY ON FIREWORKS, UM, ON THE BEACH, AND WE SHOULD BE DOING THE SAME THING FOR THE BAY SIDE.
WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE LAW, WHICH IS NEW YEAR'S DAY, NEW YEAR'S EVE, AND JULY 4TH.
BUT OTHERWISE, UH, FIREWORKS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
SO THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE IS TO HELP PRESERVE THE HEALTH OF BISCAYNE BAY AND REDUCES THE RISK OF WATER CONTAMINATION AND PROTECTING SEA LIFE FROM DISRUPTIVE CHEMICALS AND DEBRIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS.
IT'S ALSO A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE, AND MANY RESIDENTS HAVE COME FORWARD WITH CONCERNS REGARDING THE DISRUPTIONS CAUSED BY THE FIREWORKS, AND IT'S A RESIDENTIAL AREA, AND IT
[07:25:01]
IT ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO SAFETY CONCERNS LIKE FIRE HAZARDS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHICH HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST.I SEE NO ONE ON ZOOM AND NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE.
PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR, UH, FEBRUARY 3RD,
[C7 AD A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID A. GOMEZ, LEED AP, AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.]
C SEVEN A, D AS IN DAVID, C SEVEN A D IS, UH, CONSENT APPOINTMENT OF DAVID A. GOMEZ AS DIRECTOR OF CIP.I DON'T NEED MY BINDER FOR THIS ONE.
UM, JUST BRIEFLY, IT IS AN INCREDIBLE HONOR FOR ME TO BE A PART OF SUCH A GREAT ORGANIZATION UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF SOME FANTASTIC PROFESSIONALS, COWORKERS, AND PEERS THAT SURPRISE ME AND MAKE ME PROUD EVERY DAY.
SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.
I THINK, I THINK ERIC WANTS TO SAY SOMETHING.
MR. RAM, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT, UM, I AM SO PROUD TO BE ABLE TO, UM, GIVE DAVID THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ON THIS ROLE AS THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DIRECTOR.
UH, HE'S PUT IN A LOT OF TIME, A LOT OF EFFORT, UM, AND HE'S ALWAYS, ALWAYS, UM, HAD AN OPEN DOOR TO EVERYBODY AND WANTED TO DO WHAT'S BEST FOR THE CITY.
AND I'M EXCITED TO SEE WHAT HE'S GONNA ACCOMPLISH IN THIS ROLE.
SO THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HIS APPOINTMENT AS A CIP DIRECTOR.
WELL, WE HAVEN'T YET, BUT PRESUMABLY WE WILL.
I THINK WE'LL ALL MAKE IT, UH, UNANIMOUS.
AND DAVID, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.
UM, YOU, YOU, YOU DON'T MAKE WAVES, BUT WHEN I SEE YOU IN MEETINGS OR AT PUBLIC MEETINGS, LIKE AT THE WEST AVENUE MEETINGS, THEY'RE ALWAYS PREPARED.
UM, SO IT'S, IT'S A JOY WORKING WITH YOU AND IT'S GREAT TO SEE WHEN WE PROMOTE WITHIN, OBVIOUSLY, UH, WE, WE SAW DAVID MARTINEZ PROMOTED AND YOU COME UP THE RANKS, UM, THAT'S, YOU WANNA HAVE A DEEP BENCH AND WE DEFINITELY HAVE THAT.
SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU IN THIS ROLE.
IT'S CALL R FIVE AB B AS IN BOY, R FIVE A B WE DID THAT.
R 5G HAS BEEN ON THE AGENDA FOR THREE MONTHS.
WELL, I'M, I'M ACTUALLY, UH, I'LL GET TO THAT.
[R9 AG DISCUSS/UPDATE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF REGAL SOUTH BEACH MOVIE THEATRE.]
LET'S CALL, I'LL CALL ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR ITEMS THAT I WAS ABOUT TO CALL R NINE AG R NINE AG.UPDATE CURRENT STATE OF REGAL SOUTH BEACH MOVIE THEATER R NINE AG G.
THIS WASN'T THE ITEM THAT I'D LIKE YOU TO CALL, BUT FINE.
UM, AS EVERYBODY KNOWS, UH, YOU KNOW, THERE WAS A, A RUMOR THAT THE MOVIE THEATER WAS GOING TO CLOSE.
NOW THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVEN'T CLOSED.
AND SO WHAT I WANT TO DO IS ENGAGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO GO OUT AND FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE THEATER THAT WE HAVE.
I WILL SAY THAT THE REGALS FALLING APART THE OTHER DAY WHEN I WAS THERE TO WATCH WICKED, AND I DID SEE IT IN 3D, WHICH IS REALLY COOL, YOU KNOW, WATCHING ALPHABET, BIG GREEN
BUT, UM, A LOT OF THE SEATS WERE BROKEN.
UM, AND I, YOU KNOW, AND, AND THEN THEY DIDN'T HAVE EVERYTHING LIKE ON THE MENU, SO OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE NOT INVESTING ANY MONEY IN IT.
BUT THE QUESTION IS, THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PROJECT THAT SOME OF US HAD HEARD ABOUT.
SO MY MOTION HERE WOULD BE TO, UM, JUST DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATION TO REACH OUT AND GET US AN UPDATE SO WE ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING
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WITH THE REGAL.UM, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A MOVIE THEATER.
IF THAT OTHER PROJECT IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN IN THE REGAL AND THEY'RE NOT SUBLEASING IT, THEN UM, YOU KNOW, I'D LIKE TO FIND OUT WHAT, WHAT IS HAPPENING.
BECAUSE ONE THING THAT OUR RESIDENTS CARE ABOUT IS HAVING A MOVIE THEATER.
YOU WOULDN'T THINK SO, BECAUSE WHEN YOU GO, SOMETIMES IT'S NOT SO FULL.
BUT I WILL, I WILL SAY THAT RECENTLY, UM, YOU KNOW, WHEN I'VE GONE, THERE'S BEEN MORE PEOPLE THERE, SO, UM, THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION.
WELL, CAN I JUST PREEMPTIVELY ASK YOU, MS. SORRY.
UH, SO I GO TO THE MOVIES OFTEN AND I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH LINCOLN ROAD TO FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON.
I HAVE BEEN PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE LAST FEW TIMES I'VE GONE TO THE MOVIES.
LIKE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FLOCKING TO THE THEATERS LIKE IT WAS 2019 OR JUST REALLY, REALLY FULL.
BUT SEATS ARE BROKEN AND A, UH, REGAL IS NOT FIXING THEM UNTIL THERE'S A CONCRETE DATE OF, UH, IF THE NEW ART INSTALLATION PEOPLE ARE GONNA TAKE OVER OR NOT.
I MEAN, I WOULD JUST LIKE AN OFFICIAL ASK, YOU KNOW, HAVE THE CITY MANAGER REACH OUT TO THE REGAL PEOPLE, FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING.
UM, WE DON'T HAVE ANY JURISDICTION IF IT'S FALLING APART, THAT'S NOT, WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT.
CAN WE, THROUGH THE VICE MAYOR, I'M HA HAPPY TO REACH OUT AND HAVE THAT CONVERSATION.
UM, I'LL REACH OUT TO THE LINCOLN ROAD BID AND ASK THEM TO PUT US IN CONTACT WITH THE, UM, PROPERTY OWNERS.
AND WE'LL FIND OUT WHAT THE LATEST AND GREATEST IS, AND WE'LL GO FROM THERE.
UM, I JUST WANTED TO KIND OF PREEMPTIVELY SEE WHERE WE WERE GOING TO GO WITH THAT.
IF AT THE
'CAUSE I THINK THE THEATER MOVIE THEATERS WERE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.
SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE SEEING MORE PEOPLE AT THE THEATER AGAIN.
AND I WOULD LOVE TO OFFER THEM SOME SORT OF INCENTIVE TO STAY THERE.
OH, THAT'S WHERE I WAS GETTING PREEMPTIVE ABOUT WHY YOU DON'T WANT THEM THERE.
BUT YOU JUST SAID WITH THE BEADS, THE MARKET IS THE MARKET.
WELL, I THINK NOW THAT THEY'RE RELEASING MOVIES, IT'S PACKED AGAIN.
YOU KNOW, THEN, THEN I HOPE SO.
I MEAN, I WOULD HOPE, I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY MAKE IT.
I JUST, SO LET'S DIRECT THE CITY STAFF TO FIND OUT WHERE THEY'RE AT, BUT BEFORE WE WOULD GO FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD OF SUBSIDIZING ON PRIVATE SECTOR.
SO I THINK THERE'S A MOTION A SECOND.
UM, PUBLIC HEARING, IT IS NOT, IT'S NOT.
ALL IN FAVOR OF GIVEN DIRECTION.
I HEAR SEVEN ZERO DIRECTION IS GIVEN SINCE MR. RAM MAYOR.
CAN I JUST MENTION SOMETHING QUICKLY? SURE, SURE.
IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA, BUT SINCE WE'RE REACHING OUT TO AN ENTITY, MR. MANAGER, COULD WE ALSO REACH OUT TO PUBLIX ABOUT THE STATUS OF THEIR ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS AS I KEEP ON GETTING COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ONE IN SUNSET HARBOR, AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO NAVIGATE THEIR WAY THROUGH THERE.
SO WE COULD, WE HAD DONE AN URGING AT ONE POINT, BUT I THINK WE TRULY NEED TO REACH OUT, UH, TO THEM AGAIN.
IT, IT IS A PROBLEM FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
[R9 AE DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION – UPDATE FROM ADMINISTRATION CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND OUTREACH FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.]
VERY SLOW, VERY BAD.R NINE A ER NINE AE DISCUSS ACTION TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS REQUESTED BY THE MAYOR, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ AND VICE MAYOR BOT.
SO THANK YOU FOR, TO MY, TO MY CO-SPONSORS.
JUST SIMPLY, I BROUGHT THIS ITEM.
IT'S, UH, THERE'S ALWAYS SITUATIONS OF, UH, UNFORTUNATELY OF SUICIDE AND EMPLOYEES WHO CAN USE THE HELP.
UM, THIS ITEM IS JUST REALLY TRYING TO GIVE DIRECTION TO EVEN RAMP UP THE EFFORTS TO, UH, TO HELP OUR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE, WHO ARE IN NEED.
DO YOU WANNA SAY ANYTHING ABOUT COMMISSIONER BAD OR DOMINGUEZ? NO.
UH, IN THE PAST I HAVE SPONSORED, UM, MENTAL HEALTH NEAR WELL AWARENESS MONTH IN GENERAL.
AND WHEN I SAW THIS ITEM THAT IT WASN'T ATTACHED TO A MONTH, BUT IT WAS SOMETHING, UH, TO DO TO, UH, HELP WITH OUR EMPLOYEES, I WAS ALL ON BOARD.
IT'S SO IMPORTANT AND I FULLY SUPPORT IT.
AND I, YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY ON THE HEELS OF TWO UNFORTUNATE UNTIMELY DEATHS, UM, BY SUICIDE, YOU KNOW, SUICIDES CAN BE CLUSTERS, AND WE WANNA MAKE SURE THAT ANYBODY WHO'S FEELING LIKE THEY, UM, NEED HELP KNOW WHERE TO GO AND GET IT AND FEEL SECURE AND ASKING FOR IT.
AND ANYBODY WHO MIGHT BE LISTENING, ASKING FOR HELP IS, IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS.
IT'S AN ENORMOUS SIGN OF STRENGTH.
UM, AND SO REACH OUT TO COLLEAGUES, COWORKERS, UM, HOTLINES, ASK FOR HELP.
[07:35:01]
STRONGER.ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD, MARLA? I WANT TO, UM, ADD THAT I APPRECIATE YOU ALL BRINGING THIS ITEM FOR DISCUSSION, THAT WE ARE OF COURSE, VERY, UM, COMMITTED TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OUR EMPLOYEES.
WE DO HAVE AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
I'M ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT IT WITH EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE THAT COMES TO VISIT MY OFFICE.
UM, SOMETIMES WE FORGET WHAT BENEFITS WE HAVE AND THE FACT THAT THEY'RE FREE AND THEY'RE CONFIDENTIAL.
EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE CAN UTILIZE FOR EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY, THESE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES THAT THE CITY, UM, DOES GIVE, UM, EMPLOYEES.
WE DO WANT TO REMIND DEPARTMENTS THAT IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO, UM, COME TO YOUR DEPARTMENT TO EITHER HELP A GROUP THROUGH SOMETHING THAT IS TRAGIC, LIKE HAS RECENTLY OCCURRED, OR PERHAPS TO HELP SMOOTH THROUGH SOME INTERPERSONAL CONFLICTS OR ANYTHING.
UM, WE DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO HAVE, UH, COUNSELORS COME IN AND PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED ASSISTANCE TO EACH INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENT FOR WHATEVER NEED MIGHT ARISE.
AND WE HAVE HAD DEPARTMENTS, UM, OVER THE YEARS USE THAT SERVICE TO HELP ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES, UM, WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.
AND I WANT TO SAY THAT, UM, WE'RE EXPLORING SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SUCH AS, UM, SOMETHING CALLED MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, WHICH IS THE ABILITY FOR MANAGERS TO TRAIN AND COMPLETE, UM, COURSES THAT ARE CERTIFIED TO HELP YOU RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF SOMEONE WHO MIGHT NEED, UM, AN ARM AROUND THEIR SHOULDER OR STRUGGLING AND, AND HOW TO APPROACH PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT IS WELCOMED AND IS NOT, UM, CONFRONTATIONAL AND IS SUPPORTIVE.
SO WE ARE TRYING TO, UM, REALLY BE THERE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES, AND WE THINK THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT, UM, THIS TIME PERIOD IS HISTORICALLY, UM, DURING THE HOLIDAYS HARD FOR MANY PEOPLE.
AND, UM, I THINK IT'S GREAT THAT WE'RE SENSITIVE TO, UM, THE NEEDS OF OUR EMPLOYEES IN THIS MATTER.
IT'S CALLED R FIVE GI, MR. MAYOR, ON THAT ITEM, I JUST WANNA MAKE SURE.
DO, DO WE KNOW IF, AND I HAD HAD THIS, UM, THIS CONVERSATION A WHILE, A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, UH, WITH OUR PREVIOUS CITY MANAGER.
AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE EVER LOOKED INTO THIS, BUT DOES OUR EMERGENCY ROOM AT MOUNT SINAI OFFER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR PEOPLE THAT MAY BE HAVING A CRISIS THAT MIGHT NEED ASSISTANCE? IS IS THAT OFFERED FOR AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR PEOPLE THAT MAY NEED ASSISTANCE? I KNOW THAT MOUNT SINAI TO THE, THROUGH THE CHAIR.
I KNOW THAT MOUNT SINAI DOES HAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THAT WORK THERE.
UM, WE HAVE CONNECTED WITH THEM THROUGH OUR CONTRACT FOR WORKFORCE, UM, UM, WORKFORCE HEALTH THAT WE, THAT WE USE ALL THE TIME.
AND SO I DO THINK THAT THERE IS A TEAM THAT IS AT MOUNT SINAI THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC, PUBLIC AT LARGE.
UM, BECAUSE THEY WERE THE RESOURCE THAT THE, THE WORKFORCE HEALTH CONNECTED US TO.
THANK YOU FOR PLACING THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
APPRECIATE YOUR EVERYONE'S COMMENTS AND CO-SPONSORS.
[R5 G AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED “MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES,” BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED “PUBLIC PLACES,” BY AMENDING DIVISION 2, ENTITLED “BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 70-66, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS,” BY CONFORMING THE DEFINITION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTER TO STATE LAW; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED “PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES,” BY PERMITTING SENIOR CITIZENS HAVING ATTAINED A CERTAIN AGE TO OPERATE ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES UPON THE BEACHWALK AND THE LUMMUS PARK PROMENADE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM SPEED OF EIGHT (8) MILES PER HOUR; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.]
R FIVE GR 5G IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR OF CITY COMMISSION OF CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA.AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE CITY CODED ENTITLED MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES BY AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ENTITLED PUBLIC PLACES BY AMENDING DIVISION TWO ENTITLED BICYCLING SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING IN LIGHT SKATING, MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION OR ELECTRIC BICYCLE MOPEDS MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED VEHICLES, AND MOTORIZED SCOOTERS BY AMENDING SECTION 70 DASH 66 ENTITLED DEFINITIONS BY CONFORMING THE DEFINITION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTER TO STATE LAW.
AND BY AMENDING SECTION 70 DASH 67 ENTITLED PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES BY PERMITTING SENIOR CITIZENS HAVING ATTAINED A CERTAIN AGE TO OPERATE ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED VEHICLES UPON THE BEACH WALK.
AND THE LEWIS PARK PROMENADE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM SPEED OF EIGHT MILES PER HOUR, PROVIDING FOR REPEAT OBSERVABILITY CLARIFICATION ON AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARING OF 5G COMMISSIONER ROSA GONZALEZ.
SO THIS WAS AN ITEM FOR, UM, ONE OF OUR RESIDENTS, RORY GREENBERG, FOR HIS FATHER WHO HAD LUNG CANCER.
HE E-BIKES ON THE BEACH EVERY DAY.
AND HE GOT A TICKET AND THEY CAME TO ME AND THEY SAID, UH, I, I CAN'T BIKE NORMALLY.
I NEED A LITTLE BIT OF HELP WITH THE E-BIKE AND I DON'T WANT TO BE TICKETED.
SO I SAID THAT I WOULD PUT THIS ON, AND THIS HAS BECOME SO CONTROVERSIAL.
I HAD THE LADIES FROM THE MID BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION THIS MORNING SAY WE OPPOSE IT.
[07:40:01]
WHAT I WOULD SAY TO YOU.IF WE HAVE A FEW SENIORS THAT NEED A LITTLE SPEED
I MEAN, IF YOU WANT, IF IT'S GONNA FAIL, THEN I'M GONNA REFER IT TO COMMITTEE.
BUT TRUTHFULLY, I WANNA BE ABLE TO TELL RORY'S DAD AFTER SIX MONTHS OF HAVING THIS ON THE AGENDA, I SWEAR IT JUST DOESN'T GET CALLED.
BY THE WAY, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU KNOW, THE CHAIR, IF, IF HE DOESN'T LIKE AN ITEM, HE SHOULD PROBABLY JUST CALL IT ANYWAY.
YOU KNOW, HE CAN VOTE AGAINST IT.
HE CAN'T JUST LEAVE IT LANGUISHING ON THE AGENDA.
I THINK IT HAPPENS TO MANY ANYWAY.
SO JUST GO DOWN THE LINE AND TRY TO BE AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE.
'CAUSE I THINK THAT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
ANYWAY, UM, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.
I, I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH, UH, NOT TARGETING, UM, RORY'S FATHER AS HE BIKES ALONG THE BEACH, WALK IN THE EARLY MORNING LIGHT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SENIORS, BUT I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY OF YOU.
I'LL CHIME IN ON MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
I THINK HOW TO MANAGE THE BEACH WALK IS COMPLICATED ENOUGH, AND I TRULY DON'T KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER.
I I DON'T, UM, IT, THIS IS MAYBE ONE OF THE MOST DIVISIVE ISSUES THAT THERE IS, WHERE SOME PEOPLE SAY, WOW, THIS SHOULD BE ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION.
AND THAT'S QUITE LITERALLY 50%.
AND THEN WE HAVE ANOTHER 50% SAYING, NO, THIS NEEDS TO BE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY, PEOPLE ARE SPEEDING TOO MUCH.
I DO KNOW THAT THE ONE THING THAT COULD PROBABLY COMPLICATE IT EVEN FURTHER IS IF WE START BLURRING THE LINES OF, YOU KNOW, WHO'S ALLOWED TO DO WHAT AND DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
SO I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR, YOU KNOW, UH, THE OVERALL COMPREHENSIVE VIEW FOR THE BEACH WALK.
UM, BUT I THINK THE BEST THING THAT WE COULD DO IS KEEP IT SIMPLIFIED IF WE NEED TO.
ESSENTIALLY, IF THERE ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR A PILLAR OF OUR COMMUNITY, MAYBE WE DEAL WITH THAT ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
UM, BUT I, I'D BE VERY HESITANT TO, UH, START INTRODUCING, UH, ELECTRIC BIKES.
UM, 'CAUSE THE FEEDBACK THAT WE HAVE LARGELY HEARD, I THINK FROM THE RESIDENTS, AND THIS IS AN ONGOING DIALOGUE, RIGHT? UM, IF I'M MISTAKEN IN THIS, I'M HAPPY TO REVISIT.
BUT I THINK COLLECTIVELY THE FEEDBACK I'VE HEARD MOST AND WHAT I'VE OBSERVED, AND I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS, UH, YOU KNOW, A BIT YOUNGER, BEING SO SCARED ABOUT THE PEOPLE ZOOMING UP AND DOWN ON THE BEACH WALK.
'CAUSE IF THEY HIT HER, IT WOULD'VE BEEN GAME OVER.
UM, I, I, I, I THINK WE SHOULD SOMEWHAT BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT, UH, THE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION THAT WE ALLOW ON THERE.
I THINK THAT'S THE CORNER OF WHERE I STAND NOW.
I'M, I'M NOT A CLOSED BOOK ON THIS.
IF MY COLLEAGUES, UH, MAKE COMPELLING ARGUMENTS, OTHERWISE I'M HAPPY TO REVISIT.
BUT I THINK MAKING DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND DIFFERENT SETS OF RULES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, JUST OVERCOMPLICATES THINGS.
MS. YEAH, I LOOK, I MEAN, DO YOU WANT ME TO WITHDRAW? I I CAN, I CAN WITHDRAW THE ITEM.
I KNOW THAT IT'S NOT GONNA PASS.
I KNOW THAT THE, UM, MBNA AND PEOPLE CONSIDER IT TO BE DANGEROUS.
I JUST, I, HERE'S WHAT I WOULD ASK OUR POLICE OFFICERS WHO ARE ENFORCING.
IF YOU SEE A SENIOR ON THE BEACH WALK AND THEY'VE GOT A LITTLE E-BIKE, JUST, I MEAN, DON'T GO
OKAY? HE WANTS YOU TO ENFORCE THE BEAD STRINGERS, NOT THE SENIORS
I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY.
I MEAN, I TRIED, I'M GONNA WITHDRAW IT.
'CAUSE I DON'T THINK IT'S VERY POPULAR.
I DON'T WANNA PUT ANYBODY IN AN AWKWARD POSITION.
I MEAN, DAVID MARTINEZ, NOT TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT, BUT MY
MY RECOLLECTION IS THE BEACH WALK WAS BUILT WITH FUNDS THAT EXPRESSLY PROHIBIT MOTORIZED VEHICLES TO BE USED ON THE BEACH WALK.
IS THAT A CORRECT RECOLLECTION? THAT IS CORRECT.
UM, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS BECAUSE OF A DA COMPLIANCE, RIGHT? SO WE CAN CERTAINLY EXPLORE THE LANGUAGE AND TALK TO THE ATTORNEYS TO SEE SO THAT WE CAN STAY WITHIN RAILS.
SO WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST, AND LISTEN, WE ARE GOING INTO YEAR TWO OF THIS MICRO MOBILITY TASK FORCE, AND BELIEVE ME, THE NOTION OF E-BIKES VERSUS NOT E-BIKES OR SCOOTERS ON THE BEACH WALK BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY SAFE PLACE TO RIDE WITHOUT TAKING ONE OF THE FEW SAFE PLACES TRIED WITHOUT TAKING YOUR LIFE IN YOUR HANDS BY COEXISTING WITH CARS.
IT IS NOT SAFE FOR ANYBODY WHO'S IN THAT SPACE SHARING IT WITH SOMEBODY WHO'S GOING 18 MILES AN HOUR.
I WOULD SAY THAT IF SOMEBODY IS IN AN A DA COMPLIANT VEHICLE AND GOING EIGHT MILES AN HOUR, THAT'S ONE THING.
[07:45:01]
THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO BICYCLE ON A NON-MOTORIZED VEHICLE FASTER.YOU KNOW, I USED TO DO A TRIATHLON AND WHEN I WAS ON, YOU KNOW, I'D GET UP THERE AT SIX O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, I'D BE FLYING.
BUT, UM, BUT SO IT'S NOT WHETHER OR NOT IT'S A, IT'S A MOTORIZED VEHICLE OR NOT NECESSARILY, BUT RIGHT NOW YOU ARE NOT, WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ALLOWING MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
IT IS ALREADY A, A, UH, A RISK.
I MEAN, I WALKED DOWN, UP AND DOWN ON, ON THE, UM, THE BEACH WALK IN THE EVENINGS GETTING FROM PLACE TO PLACE ON DURING BASEL, AND THERE ARE PEOPLE USING IT AS A HIGHWAY.
UM, WE, IT, IT IT'S VERY NARROW IN THERE ARE CHOKE POINTS WHERE IT'S SUPER NARROW.
UM, WE ARE TOLD CONSTANTLY THAT ENFORCEMENT IS A HUGE ISSUE BECAUSE HOW DO YOU TELL IF A BIKE IS MOTORIZED OR NOT? AND THEN WHEN YOU SAY SENIORS, WELL, I MEAN, ARE YOU GONNA STOP SOMEBODY WHO'S 45 BUT LOOKS 70? ARE YOU GONNA LET SOMEBODY WHO'S 75 A PROFILE SENIORS? I HAVE, LIKE, I I JUST, SOMEBODY SENT ME AN IDEA JUST NOW, SOMETHING THAT I HAD NOT CONSIDERED.
IF YOU ARE DISABLED AND YOU ARE A SENIOR CITIZEN, YOU COULD APPLY FOR A PERMIT THAT WOULD WE PERMIT TO DO WHAT? A PERMIT TO BIKE IF YOU ARE OVER 65.
I WHAT'S WRONG WITH BEFORE WE CONTINUE, BEFORE WE CAN, I DON'T MIND THIS DISCUSSION, BUT IF YOU'RE GONNA WITHDRAW IT, I SAY WE JUST MOVE ON IF YOU'RE GONNA CONTINUE.
I'M TRYING TO LISTEN TO EVERYBODY.
I I'M NOT GONNA BE SUPPORTIVE.
IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO GET A PERMIT TO HAVE ONE OF THESE MOTORIZED VEHICLES WHERE YOU SIT AND YOU GO A CERTAIN NUMBER OF, YOU KNOW, LIKE AN A DA, UM, VEHICLE, LIKE A SPECIFIC KIND OF MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR, THAT'S ONE THING.
BUT ANYTHING ELSE? I I'M A HARD NO, I'M GOING TO, I'M GONNA REFER THIS TO NEIGHBORHOODS AND COME UP WITH A PERMIT SYSTEM AND HOPEFULLY I CAN GAIN COMPLIANCE OF FOUR OF US.
THAT IF YOU ARE A SENIOR AND YOU HAVE SOME SORT OF A DISABILITY, HOW ARE YOU GONNA, POSSIBLY YOU CAN E-BIKE.
IS THAT YOU WOULD SECOND THAT FOR THE REFERRAL.
I I'M JUST GONNA SAY, EVEN, EVEN FOR THE REFERRAL, I JUST GOTTA SAY I HAVE CONCERNS WITH, UM, I HAVE CONCERNS WITH THIS AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY.
I THINK WE CREATED A LEVEL OF CONFUSION, NOT JUST AS IT RELATES TO POPULATIONS AND NOW WE'LL BE ABLE TO USE IT OR NOT, BUT THEN SEGMENTS OF THE BEACH WHERE WE'RE ALLOWING IT AND NOT, FOR EXAMPLE, WE JUST PASSED R FIVE H, WHICH PROHIBITS MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION ON THE BAY WALK.
AND NOW WE'RE GONNA COME IN AND SAY, WELL, YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO DO IT ON THE BAY WALK, BUT IF YOU'RE OF A CERTAIN AGE OR HAVE A CERTAIN, YOU KNOW, CONDITION YOU CAN DO IT ON, ON, ON THE BEACH WALK.
I JUST THINK WE NEED SIMPLICITY AND CLARITY.
AND WHAT WEIGHS ALSO WE NEED TO WEIGH AS POLICY MAKERS IS WHEN WE HAVE OUR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER COME TO THE PODIUM AND SAY THAT THIS FACILITY WAS BUILT WITH FUNDING THAT PROHIBITS THE USE, THE USE OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
HOW ARE WE GOING NOW TO LEGISLATE THAT? WE'RE GOING TO ALLOW IT WHEN WE BUILT IT WITH, WITH, WITH FUNDS THAT PROHIBIT THIS TYPE OF USE.
AND THE OTHER THING I'LL SAY IS THAT THE POLICY ITSELF, AND I GET YOU'RE COMING FROM SUCH A GOOD PLACE AND YOU, YOU REALLY DO CARE ABOUT HELPING THE SENIORS.
BUT I'LL TELL YOU, EIGHT MILES, EIGHT MILES AN HOUR, YOU KNOW, LAST WEEK I, UH, DURING BASEL, I, I'M, I'VE BECOME A BIKING EXPERT NOW BECAUSE I GOT AROUND MIAMI BEACH ON A BICYCLE DURING ART BASEL.
UM, BUT I WAS ON MY E-BIKE AND IT HAS A SPEEDOMETER ON IT.
AND I TESTED THIS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GO BELOW EIGHT MILES AN HOUR.
AND THAT'S, AND AND THAT'S WHAT THIS LEGISLATION SAYS.
YOU CAN USE AN E-BIKE IF YOU DON'T EXCEED EIGHT MILES AN HOUR, BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE.
YOU CAN'T, EVEN IF YOU'RE JUST PADDLING, YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT.
AND SO I JUST THINK LET'S SAVE THE COMMITTEE'S TIME, LET'S SAVE YOUR TIME.
THIS IS, SOME THINGS ARE NOT REALISTIC AND I, AND IT, YOU'RE DOING IT WITH SUCH GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT I, I JUST THINK IT IS JUST RIDDLED WITH UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.
AND WORSE YET, YOU'RE TRYING TO HELP SENIORS.
WE'VE HEARD TOO MANY HORROR STORIES ABOUT SENIORS GETTING CONCUSSIONS ENDING UP IN HOSPITALS WITH BROKEN, BROKEN BONES BECAUSE OF SPEEDING BICYCLES ON THE BEACH WALK.
IT'S JUST NOT CONDUCIVE FOR IT.
OKAY, MR. GREENBERG, I APOLOGIZE.
I GAVE IT THE OLD COLLEGE TRY.
I'M OBVIOUSLY GETTING SHOT DOWN HERE, BUT, UM, I, I DID, I DID TRY FOR YOU, SO I APOLOGIZE AND I'M GOING TO WITHDRAW THE ITEM NOW.
I WILL SAY HIS SON IS AN AVID PADDLE PLAYER, SO IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING FOR MR. GREENBERG
[07:50:01]
WITH, WITH HELPING SOME WE'RE HURTING OTHERS.UM, OKAY, LET'S GO TO R NINE A H,
[R9 AA DISCUSS IMPROVING SAFETY AND COORDINATION FOR CONSTRUCTION IN AND AROUND THE VENETIAN ISLANDS.]
I'M SORRY.UM, R NINE A AA R NINE, R NINE AA.
DISCUSS IMPROVED SAFETY COORDINATION FOR CONSTRUCTION IN AND AROUND VENETIAN ISLANDS.
R NINE AA, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
ALRIGHT, I GOT ANOTHER ITEM ON, UH, I WILL TAKE TWO SECONDS.
WELL, WHICH IS WHAT THE, UM, FUNDING? THE, UM, SO, SO, MR. MAYOR, THIS IS AN ITEM.
UH, I THINK MANY OF US MAY, MAY BE RECEIVING EMAILS, UH, ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION AROUND THE VENETIAN ISLANDS.
UH, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, THESE LARGE SCALE EVENTS, UH, PARTICULARLY WHEN MULTIPLE PROJECTS ARE, ARE OCCURRING CONCURRENTLY.
UM, WE, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT, UM, THAT, THAT OUR SIDEWALKS, THAT OUR BICYCLE LANES, UH, REMAIN ACCESSIBLE, UH, DURING, DURING, DURING CONSTRUCTION.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, I PLACE THIS, THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA SO THAT OUR CITY ADMINISTRATION COULD, UH, FILL US IN AS TO WHAT WE CAN DO, UH, TO ENSURE THAT THESE PATHS ARE ACCESSIBLE.
UM, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE'RE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS TO NOT USE VEHICLES, UH, DURING HIGH IMPACT, HIGH TRAFFIC ACTIVITIES.
WHAT CAN WE DO DURING, DURING THESE CONSTRUCTION PERIODS TO ENSURE, UH, THE WALKABILITY OF THE CITY AND THE ABILITY FOR BICYCLISTS TO GET THROUGH? SO, COMMISSIONER, I, I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHICH PROJECTS THAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO.
I KNOW THAT WE HAD A HUGE PUSH GOING INTO OUR BASEL TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP AS MANY LANES OF TRAFFIC AS POSSIBLE.
UM, WE DO UNFORTUNATELY HAVE A TEMPORARY, UH, WATER MAIN THAT IS BEING, UH, THAT IS CURRENTLY ON ONE OF THE VENETIAN BRIDGES THAT'S IN PLACE WHILE WE'RE DOING SOME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY.
SO THAT IS IMPACTING, UM, ONE OF THE SIDEWALKS.
AND I KNOW THAT WE HAD TO IMPACT, UM, SOME BICYCLE FACILITIES IN ORDER TO OPEN UP THE TRAVEL LANES FOR OUR BASEL.
BUT I'D LIKE TO ASK OUR INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, BRAD KANE, TO STEP TO THE PODIUM AND TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE EFFORTS THAT HIS TEAM MADE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE COULD GET AS MANY, UM, MODES OF TRANSPORTATION OPEN FOR ART BASEL AS POSSIBLE.
AND, AND, AND, AND I'LL JUST ADD TO, TO THAT, IT'S NOT JUST IAN ISLANDS.
LIKE FOR EXAMPLE, AROUND TRADER JOE'S.
UM, YOU KNOW, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS HAVE HAD TO SHARE THE SIDEWALK BECAUSE THE ROADS, YOU KNOW, CLEARLY WE'RE DOING CONSTRUCTION THERE.
AND, YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW, IT'S A FEASIBLE, IF WE'RE DOING CONSTRUCTION ON, ON A ROAD, UM, YOU KNOW, E-BIKES, E-BIKES, E-BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO ON SIDEWALKS.
UH, BUT, YOU KNOW, IS THERE A WAY, YOU KNOW, IF WE'RE DOING CONSTRUCTION ON THE ROAD, AT LEAST LEAVE SOME SPACE ON, ON, ON THE ROAD SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS ENCOUNTERING THE SAME SITUATION WE'RE ENCOUNTERING ON, ON, ON THE BEACH ROCK WHERE THEY'RE HAVING TO SHARE VERY NARROW SPACES AND IT'S JUST NOT NARROW SPACES, NARROW SPACES WITH PEDESTRIANS, AND THEN YOU HAVE LANDSCAPING IN, IN THE MIDDLE.
THAT JUST MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE TO GET AROUND.
NO, BRAD KA IN INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
UH, I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM, COMMISSIONER, AS WE, YOU KNOW, MOVE FORWARD WITH OTHER TYPES OF PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE, UH, YOU KNOW, FROM A PUBLIC WORKS PERSPECTIVE AND THE GL BOND ONES THAT WE'RE ON, YOU KNOW, WE CERTAINLY WILL TAKE NOTE OF THOSE THINGS AND TRY TO MAKE IT AS FRIENDLY FOR PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO NAVIGATE IN THOSE SITUATIONS.
'CAUSE OBVIOUSLY, UH, IT'S DIFFICULT WHEN, YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION GOING ON AND ALL THE TRAFFIC GETS TIED UP LIKE THAT.
SO IT'S SOMETHING, YOU KNOW, FROM OUR END WE CAN LOOK AT AND, AND WE CAN SEE IF WE CAN FIND SOME MORE, UM, UH, MEANS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THOSE ACCOMMODATIONS.
AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL TIMELINES THAT WE HAVE LAID OUT FOR THE VENETIAN AND FOR WEST AVENUE? I SAW AFTER OUR BASEL WEST AVENUE REOPENED, I THOUGHT WE, WE WERE LOOKING TO WRAP THAT UP BY NOVEMBER.
WELL, I'LL LET DAVID TALK ABOUT WEST AVENUE AND THEN I CAN TALK ABOUT THE VENETIAN.
AND WE HAVE A ONE HOUR, YOU KNOW, ABILITY TO RESCIND, YOU KNOW, THE LAST VOTE, DAVID.
SO
UM, WEST AVENUE IS A COMPLICATED PROJECT.
[07:55:01]
THAT IS HAPPENING IN FRONT OF TRADER JOE'S IS LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE WORK THAT JUST TAKES UP, IT'S, IT'S NOT ONLY LARGE, BUT IT'S DEEP IN THE STREET.WE DID MEET AS RECENTLY AS LATE YESTERDAY WITH ONE OF THE BUILDINGS ACROSS THE STREET FROM, UH, FROM TRADER JOE'S SO THAT WE COULD SHOW THEM WHAT WE WERE DOING.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE ROOM TO ACCOMMODATE MAINTAINING THE BIKE LANE OPEN ON WEST AVENUE.
WE DO HAVE DETOURS FOR BIKE LANES FOR THE BICYCLISTS.
SOMETIMES THEY JUST DON'T FOLLOW THEM.
SHOULD THAT PROJECT LIST, THEY ARE LOOKING AT WRAPPING UP THE PUMP STATION IN FEBRUARY AND THEN AROUND THE SUMMER THEY SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE SECTION OF STREET BETWEEN LINCOLN ROAD AND 17TH STREET.
OH, SO THAT'S THE, WHAT'S GOING ON NOW ON WEST AVENUE IS THE ACTUAL PHASE TWO RESILIENCY PROJECT? YES, SIR.
I I, I WAS MISTAKEN THAT WHERE I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN INTERIM PROJECT AND WE'RE STILL WAITING FOR THAT.
AND SO I JUST ASK, LET'S JUST BE AS MUCH AS WE CAN IF WE CAN WORK WITH THESE COMPANIES ARE DOING THEIR WORK AND SEE LIKE HOW WE CAN JUST MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S ALWAYS SOME SORT OF A PATH AVAILABLE IF THERE ARE PIPES OBSTRUCTING OR PEDESTRIANS OR, OR BICYCLISTS ARE GOING THROUGH, AS IF THERE'S A WAY TO POSITION IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.
BECAUSE IT WAS AN ISSUE DURING BASEL.
I GOT A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT.
THERE WAS EVEN A PETITION CIRCULATING AROUND THIS.
AND SO, UM, AND SO IF WE CAN JUST BE MINDFUL ABOUT THIS MOVING FORWARD.
SO I LIVE ON THE VENETIAN, SO I HAVE, UH, FELT A LITTLE BIT OF THE PAIN.
I DO WANNA COMMEND THE CITY BECAUSE, UM, THE VENETIAN ITSELF HAS BEEN FINE.
WHAT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT FOR RESIDENTS WAS THE STAGING AREA.
UM, AND THEN BRINGING, GETTING RID OF 17TH STREET AND THEN NO ACCESS TO DADE BOULEVARD AND HAVING TO DO THAT ROUTE.
AND BPD HELPED IN DIRECTING TRAFFIC, BUT IT, THAT WAS A REAL NIGHTMARE.
THANK YOU FOR GETTING RID OF ALL OF THAT STAGING FOR ART BASEL, ALL OF YOU.
UM, I LOVE IT THE WAY IT IS, BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS ARE COMING BACK.
HOW MUCH STAGING IS COMING BACK TO THAT AREA? WHAT WILL BE CLOSED? UM, IT'S, WE'RE WE'RE GOING INTO SEGMENT TWO OF, UM, THE PROJECT.
IT'S A SIX SEGMENT PROJECT, WHICH WILL BE OVER, UM, THE NEXT, YOU KNOW, AND TO BE HONEST, IT'LL, IT'S GONNA GO INTO 26 AND I DON'T, I DON'T THINK THAT THAT'S NOT GONNA BE THE CASE WHERE IT WON'T END AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
UH, JUST TO BE, YOU KNOW, HONEST, YOU KNOW, ALWAYS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, UM, YOU KNOW, KNOW THEY HAVE LITTLE ISSUES.
BUT, UM, I'LL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE, I CAN PROVIDE YOU ALL OF THE SCHEDULING OF, UH, THE DIFFERENT SEGMENTS WITH, WITH, WITH THE DEPOT THE NEXT YEAH.
AND I'D BE HAPPY TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU AND GIVE OTHER OPTIONS FOR STAGING AREAS TOO.
LIKE, UM, THAT LITTLE SIDE STREET BETWEEN ALTON ROAD AND OFFICE DEPOT, NOBODY EVER USES THAT STREET.
WHY CAN'T ALL OF THAT BIG EQUIPMENT BE THERE INSTEAD OF ON A MAJOR ARTERY WHERE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE VENETIAN? WE, WE CAN CERTAINLY TAKE A LOOK AT IT.
A IT'S A BIG PROJECT WITH A LOT OF PIPES, SO WE'LL, BUT WE, WE CAN SEE, UH, YOU KNOW, AS WE'RE WORKING IN THE DIFFERENT SEGMENTS, IF THERE'S A WAY WE CAN, YOU KNOW, MAKE IT PERHAPS EASIER FOR RESIDENTS AND PEDESTRIANS, YOU KNOW, THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND.
ANYBODY ELSE? WHO'S THE CITY MANAGER? IF, IF I COULD, I JUST WANNA, I JUST WANNA CLARIFY, UM, 'CAUSE WHEN YOU SAY STAGING IT, IT EVOKES A CERTAIN IDEA IN PEOPLE'S MIND THAT WE'RE JUST PUTTING EQUIPMENT SOMEWHERE TO, FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE CONTRACTOR.
IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WE WERE ACTUALLY DOING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING AND THAT THOSE WERE, THAT WAS DRILL EQUIPMENT THAT WAS DRILLING FROM THAT LOCATION SUB AQUEOUS UNDERNEATH THE WATERWAY AND COMING UP ON BELL ISLE.
SO, UM, WE DON'T HAVE QUITE AS MUCH FLEXIBILITY WITH WHERE WE WOULD PUT THAT.
THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION.
'CAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE STAGING, UM, 'CAUSE THERE WERE BIG PIPES AND LOTS OF TRUCKS AND THEY, THEY WEREN'T REALLY MOVING.
ARE THOSE TRUCKS GOING BACK TO THAT AREA? SO FOR MORE DRILLING THERE, NOT NECESSARILY THERE, BUT IN OTHER, IN OTHER SEGMENTS OF THE ISLANDS, THERE WILL BE, I COULD HARDLY HEAR YOU IN, IN OTHER SEGMENTS OF THE ISLAND WILL BE NOT NECESSARILY THERE, BUT IN THE OTHER, IN OTHER SEGMENTS AS WE
[C7 M A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE, FINALIZE, AND EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE COLONY THEATRE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND MIAMI NEW DRAMA, INC. TO REFLECT A $200,000 INCREASE TO THE MANAGEMENT FEE, AS APPROVED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET.]
DISCUSSION.M AS IN MARY, C SEVEN M EXECUTE AMENDMENT FOUR TO THE COLONY THEATER AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI.
NEW DRAMA C SEVEN M WAS SEPARATED BY COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
I THINK, UM, YOU KNOW, THE REASON I
[08:00:01]
PULLED IT WAS BECAUSE LAST TIME I HAD SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE INCREASE OF, UH, A GRANT FUNDING ON A, ON AN ANNUAL BASIS RECURRING.THAT'S PROBABLY NEVER GONNA END.
UM, AND I, I HAVEN'T CHANGED MY VOTE, SO THAT'S WHY I PULL THE ITEM.
ANY OPPOSED? WELL, ACTUALLY, SORRY.
[R9 AD DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION: PERSISTENT DEFECTS IN THE GRANICUS ONEMEETING ELECTRONIC AGENDA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND LACK OF FUNCTIONALITY FOR "RESIDENTS RIGHT TO KNOW" AND "MB RESIDENT CONNECT" FEATURES.]
LET'S CALL R NINE A.R NINE A D IS DISCUSSED PERSISTENT DEFECTS IN ONE MEETING.
RESIDENT CONNECT FEATURE REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ.
THANK YEAH, COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ.
UM, SO RESIDENT'S RIGHTS NOTE CAME ABOUT WHEN, UM, MARK SAMUEL WAS PRESIDENT OF MIAMI BEACH UNITED, AND HE LATER BECAME COMMISSIONER AND CONTINUED, UH, ENSURING THAT RESIDENTS HAD MUCH TRANSPARENCY AND INFORMATION AS THEY NEEDED.
AND WHAT'S HAPPENED IS WE RECENTLY CHANGED SOFTWARE AND THE COMPANY THAT, UH, TOOK OVER PROMISED US HAVING CERTAIN ACCESSIBILITY AND IT HASN'T BEEN THE CASE.
AND THE CLERK'S DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING LIKE CRAZY DOING MANUAL ADJUSTMENTS.
AND IT HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED.
UM, AND I APPRECIATE THE BANDAIDS THAT THEY'RE DOING, BUT IT'S NOT WORKING.
I GET ON A WEEKLY BASIS COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND THE ITEMS AND THE EMAILS ARE GETTING FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE IS NOT ENOUGH.
AND SO, UM, I KNOW THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SAID THAT THE NEW ORGANIZATION WAS IN BREACH OF WHAT THEY PROMISED WE WOULD GET.
SO I WANNA FIND OUT, DID THEY GET A DEMAND LETTER? WHAT'S GOING ON? HOW CAN WE FIX THIS SO THAT THE RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO OUR ITEMS THE WAY THEY USED TO.
UM, SO COMMISSIONER, WE ACTUALLY DID SEND OUT A DEMAND LETTER OR A NOTIFICATION OF BREACH LETTER THIS WEEK TO THE PARENT COMPANY, UM, WITH AN EXPECTATION THAT THEY WILL RESPOND BACK BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.
UM, WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THEY WILL WORK WITH US TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS, BUT WE'VE BEEN ASKING FOR SOME TIME NOW AND THEY'VE BEEN, UM, LESS THAN FORTHRIGHT WITH ALL OF THEIR RESPONSES, UNFORTUNATELY.
SO IF THEY CAN'T DO IT, AND I KNOW THAT THERE AREN'T OTHER COMPANIES THAT, UH, PLAY IN THIS ARENA, CAN OUR IT DEPARTMENT HELP OUR, OUR IT DEPARTMENT STANDS READY TO DO IT.
WE JUST NEED TO HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR SOFTWARE THROUGH AN API MM-HMM
THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ASKED FOR IN THE LETTER.
UM, WE'LL SEE HOW THEY RESPOND, BUT AS SOON AS THEY PROVIDE ACCESS FOR THAT, AND I KNOW FRANK IS HERE, UM, BUT AS SOON AS THEY PROVIDE ACCESS TO THAT, WE COULD BUILD THE SAME THING WE BUILT BEFORE.
I CAN'T IMAGINE I'M THE ONLY ONE ON THE DAY IS HERE THAT HAS THOSE COMPLAINTS.
IF ANYBODY ELSE WANTS TO CHIME IN.
YEAH, I LISTEN, I SHARE, I SHARE YOUR FRUSTRATION.
THERE'S MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE NEW SOFTWARE.
IT'S MUCH EASIER TO ACCESS THE AGENDAS.
IT DOESN'T TAKE, YOU KNOW, FIVE MINUTES ANYMORE TO ACCESS AN AGENDA OR TO ACCESS AN INDIVIDUAL ITEM.
THERE'S GREAT COMMENT FEATURES.
THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE NEW SYSTEM, BUT RESIDENTS RIGHT TO KNOW IS SOMETHING THAT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO, TO, TO OUR CITY.
AND I FULLY SUPPORT THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AND THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN EXERCISING EVERY SINGLE RIGHT.
THAT THE CITY HAS TO DEMAND THE SOLUTION FROM THIS COMPANY THAT WAS PROCURED AND HIRED AND AWARDED THIS CONTRACT, UH, WITH A FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT RESIDENTS RIGHT TO KNOW IS SOMETHING THAT WAS EXPECTED AS PART OF A DELIVERABLE.
AND IF THEY'RE NOT ABLE TO FULFILL THAT COMMITMENT, WELL THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A MITIGATION OF SOME SORT.
AND I THINK, UH, THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE CITY MANAGER SHOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE WHATEVER THEIR, WHATEVER OPTIONS THEY NEED TO EXERCISE TO GET WHATEVER SOLUTION THEY NEED OUT OF THIS COMPANY.
THANK, I'D LIKE TO KEEP THIS ITEM FOR THE FEBRUARY 3RD AGENDA SO WE CAN HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENED AND HOPEFULLY A RESOLUTION BY THEN.
[C4 U REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE STATUS OF THE BYRON CARLYLE PROJECT AND THE STRUCTURE FOR THE CONTEMPLATED RFP(S).]
NO, IT'S CALLED C FOUR U.[08:05:02]
C FOUR U, SORRY.C FOUR U IS A REFERRAL TO FINANCE STATUS OF THE BYRON LAR PROJECT AND CONTEMPLATED RFP STRUCTURE.
THIS ITEM WAS AN ADDENDUM, SO IT'S BEING HEARD AFTER FIVE.
UM, YEAH, THIS IS, UM, JUST ENCOURAGING OUR STAFF.
DANIEL IS WORKING ASSIDUOUSLY TO GET THIS GOING, BUT WE WANNA MOVE FORWARD AS WE CAN.
UM, AND SO IT'S A SIMPLE REFERRAL TO FERC TO HAVE SOME TIME TO HEAR WHAT'S BEING CONTEMPLATED, HOW TO, HOW WE'RE GONNA MOVE FORWARD AND HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T GET CAUGHT IN THE MIASMA OF, UM, YOU KNOW, WE'RE NOT GONNA DO ANYTHING UNTIL EVERYTHING IS PERFECT.
AND SO I DON'T WANNA SPEND TIME ON IT HERE SINCE WE'LL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO DISCUSS IT.
SO I'D LIKE TO MOVE IT, UM, TO BE REFERRED TO FERC SECOND IT'S CALL THE VOTE.
I'M SORRY, I HEARD SECOND, BUT I THANK YOU MAYOR.
SO ALL IN FAVOR OF THE REFERRAL? AYE.
SEVEN ZERO ITEM IS APPROVED AS REFERRED AND REFERRED C FOUR U
[C7 AF A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A STIPEND IN THE AMOUNT OF $500 PER MONTH FOR EACH CITY COMMISSIONER AIDE TO ENABLE THESE CRITICAL MEMBERS OF THE STAFF TO FIND SUITABLE HOUSING IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH; AND FURTHER, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO IDENTIFY FUNDING WITHIN THE FY 2025 BUDGET FOR THIS PURPOSE.]
CALL C SEVEN A F AS IN FRANK, C SEVEN A F PROVIDE HOUSING STIPEND COMMISSION AIDS.IT WAS SEPARATED BY COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, C SEVEN A F MR. MAYOR, I SIMPLY LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO REFER THIS ITEM TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
I DON'T LOVE THE ITEM SO FAR, SO I GOTTA ADMIT COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE, BUT I'LL, I'LL AGREE WITH THE REFERRAL.
ALL IN FAVOR OF REFERRING, UH, C SEVEN AF TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
[C4 D REFERRAL TO THE PLANNING BOARD – LINCOLN ROAD EAST RESIDENTIAL USE INCENTIVES.]
C FOUR D AS IN DAVID, C FOUR D LINCOLN ROAD, UH, REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD LINCOLN ROAD EAST RE RESIDENTIAL USE INCENTIVE.C FOUR D WAS SEPARATED BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ
FEEL LIKE I'M JUST BEATING THE SAME DRUM.
IN 1990 WITH OUR SAVE MIAMI BEACH, WE TOOK DENSITY INCREASES OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE CITY COMMISSION BECAUSE IT HAD GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND WE PLACED IT IN THE HANDS OF THE VOTERS.
AND THEN FOR PRETTY MUCH, WHAT, 30 YEARS, 33 YEARS, WE ENJOYED, UM, THE PRIVILEGE OF NOT UPZONING OUR CITY BECAUSE OUR ELECTORATE HAS CONTINUALLY AND ALWAYS PRETTY MUCH VOTED AGAINST, UM, A DENSITY INCREASE.
AND, UH, LAST MEETING WE HAD WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER A RATHER LARGE DENSITY INCREASE.
UM, I THINK THAT I GOT A LITTLE TRAUMATIZED OVER A TRAFFIC SITUATION THIS PAST WEEKEND, WHICH MADE ME REALLY THINK ABOUT ADDING DENSITY WITHOUT CONSIDERING, UM, WHY, BUT NOT, THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT DENSITY.
WHEN I WENT THROUGH THE ORDINANCE, IT'S REALLY ABOUT THE NO PARKING ALSO BECAUSE IT SAYS HERE, IF YOU BUILD NON-TRANSIENT RESIDENTIAL UNITS, THERE'S NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
IF YOU BUILD A HOTEL OR A HOSTEL, THERE IS NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
IF YOU BUILD OFFICE, THERE IS NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
IF YOU BUILD RETAIL EXISTING AS OF THE DATE OF THE ADOPTION, NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
IF YOU HAVE A CAFE OUTDOORS, THERE'S NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
THERE IS A PARKING REQUIREMENT FOR NEW RETAIL, WHICH IS ONE SPACE PER 300 SQUARE FEET.
QUALITY RESTAURANTS, NO PARKING REQUIREMENT, APPROVED PARKLETS, NO PARKING REQUIREMENT.
UM, SO IT'S NOT JUST THE DENSITY THAT I, I I UNDERSTAND THESE BLOCKS.
UM, ALSO THE HEIGHT IN OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT IS 50, AND IT USED TO BE REALLY A SACRED THING.
I EVEN HAVE AS MY, AS MY IPHONE SCREENSAVER A PICTURE OF MIAMI BEACH.
YOU SEE THAT RIGHT THERE? PUT IT UP.
YOU CAN SEE HOW, WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT.
YOU KNOW, IF YOU CAN, CAN YOU, CAN YOU, CAN YOU GET THAT ON THERE? IT'S JUST MIAMI BEACH IS JUST, YOU CAN SEE WHY THE 50 FEET IS SO IMPORTANT.
THE ONLY THING OVER 50 FEET IS PROBABLY THE LOWES HOTEL.
AND, AND THAT'S WHAT MAKES OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT SO SPECIAL ARE THESE VIEW LINE
[08:10:01]
CORRIDORS.SO TO CIRCUMVENT THE STATE OF FLORIDA TOOK THIS RIGHT AWAY FROM US.
UM, WE HAVE LEGISLATION HERE, WHICH ABSOLUTELY REQUIRES NO PARKING, BUT IS GONNA POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.
AND, YOU KNOW, COMING INTO THE CITY.
AND THEN YOU HAVE THE HEIGHT INCREASE OF UP TO 150 FEET, 150 FEET, WHICH I THINK IS A LITTLE EXCESSIVE.
AND SO, UM, EVERYBODY ELSE CAN VOTE FOR THIS, BUT, UM, I'M A, I'M A, I'M A NO.
UH, THERE'S GOTTA BE A DIFFERENT WAY TO FIX IT.
THERE'S HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT MAKES MORE SENSE THAN THIS.
UM, AND, AND, YOU KNOW, AND, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THAT BLOCK IS A PROBLEM, BUT I THINK IF WE CLEAN IT UP, UM, YOU KNOW, I, THAT'S IT.
SO I DON'T AGREE WITH THE PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
I DON'T AGREE WITH THE HEIGHT AT 150 FEET, AND I DON'T AGREE WITH THE, UM, FAR INCREASE.
NOW, IF YOU WERE TO MASSAGE THIS A LITTLE BIT AND SAY A HUNDRED FEET, UM, AND POSSIBLY REMOVE THE FAR AND ADD A PARKING REQUIREMENT, THEN I WOULD CONSIDER IT BECAUSE THEN I THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT, UM, MAKES SENSE.
BUT TO SAY THAT EMPLOYEES DON'T DRIVE IS JUST NOT TRUE.
UM, TO THINK THAT PEOPLE COMING TO RESTAURANTS, UH, DON'T DRIVE, PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE LIVING IN ANY OF THESE PLACES ARE NOT DRIVING, NOT UBERING, NOT UBER EATING, NOT ORDERING FROM AMAZON, AND CREATING TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF TRAFFIC OVERALL.
READING THIS TO ME WAS A LITTLE BIT SHOCKING.
SO TO THE PUBLIC, YOU WERE JUST TOLD THAT THIS LEGISLATION TAKES AWAY PARKING REQUIREMENTS ON HOTELS, ON OFFICES, ON CAFE OUTDOORS, ON RETAIL, ON QUALITY RESTAURANTS.
MR. PLANNING DIRECTOR, THIS LEGISLATION, AS FAR AS I KNOW, ONLY TAKES AWAY THE PARKING REQUIREMENT FOR NON-TRANSIENT RESIDENTIAL UNITS.
THAT'S ALL THAT THIS, THAT THIS, UH, AS IT RELATES TO PARKING THAT THIS ITEM DOES.
IS THAT CORRECT, YOUR HONOR? THAT THAT'S CORRECT.
AND I HAVE THE FLOOR, THANK YOU.
AND THAT'S NOTED IN THE DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT IS ATTACHED.
SO, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THAT NO PARKING REQUIREMENT IS ALLOWED FOR HOTELS AND, AND IT'S ALLOWED FOR ALL THESE OTHER UNITS, BUT THE ONES THAT WE DON'T ALLOW IT FOR IS FOR THE CREATION OF WORKFORCE AND MARKET, UH, HOUSING.
IS THAT CORRECT? NON-TRANSIENT RESIDENTIAL.
SO WHAT WE'RE SAYING IS THAT THE SAME THING THAT ALREADY THE PARKING EXCEPTION THAT APPLIES FOR, FOR HOTELS, THE PARKING EXCEPTIONS THAT APPLY FOR RETAIL, THE PARKING EXCEPTIONS THAT ALREADY APPLY FOR CAFES AND FOR RESTAURANTS THAT ALREADY EXIST.
THAT'S NOT WHAT'S BEING LEGISLATED HERE.
THAT POLICY COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ ALREADY EXISTS.
WHAT WE'RE SAYING IS WE NEED HOUSING FOR PEOPLE IN OUR CITY FOR REAL RESIDENTS LESS EXTENT THAT SAME POLICY FOR RESIDENTIAL NON-TRANSIENT HOUSING.
IF WE ARE ALLOWING IT FOR HOTELS, WHY WON'T WE ALLOW IT FOR FULL-TIME RESIDENCES? AND SO YEAH, WE CAN FEAR MONGER THE PUBLIC AND CONVINCE THEM THAT WE'RE WAIVING PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OF THESE OTHER THINGS.
NO, LIKE, LET'S, LET'S BE REAL.
LET'S TELL THE PUBLIC WHAT WE'RE REALLY DOING.
IT ALREADY EXISTS AND WE'RE EXTENDING.
AND WHY, BECAUSE I'M TIRED OF THOSE BLOCKS ON LINCOLN ROAD BEING THE BLOCKS OF LINCOLN ROAD WITH THE HIGHEST CRIME RATE.
WHEN YOU PULL THE STATISTICS IS WHERE YOU, WE HAVE THE HIGHEST CRIME RATES.
I MEAN, YOU'LL REMEMBER THERE'S AN OLD LADY THAT CAME AND STOOD AT THAT PODIUM THAT WAS TELLING US ABOUT HER HUSBAND BEING ATTACKED BECAUSE OF THE CRIME THAT HAPPENS IN THIS, IN THIS PART OF, OF THE CITY.
I REMEMBER, UH, JOHN, JOHN DEUTSCHMAN THAT NOW LIVES IN HAWAII TALKING ABOUT THE MCDONALD FROM ARMAGEDDON.
I MEAN, THAT'S OUR VISION FOR THIS CITY.
I MEAN, LET'S SAY LET'S NOT DO ANYTHING.
LET'S KEEP THE BLOCK WITH THE HIGHEST CRIME RATE.
LET'S KEEP ON HAVING POOR, ELDERLY PEOPLE GETTING ATTACKED ON, ON THE STREET BECAUSE THE AREA IS NOT VIABLE RIGHT NOW FOR POSITIVE ACTIVITY.
BUT IF WE WANNA CREATE SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY ARE PROUD OF, WE NEED LIFE THERE.
WE NEED OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO BE THE EYES AND EARS AND TAKE OWNERSHIP AND CREATE COMMUNITY.
CREATE COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE ARE OUT ON THE STREETS AND WALKING.
AND NOT ONLY CREATING COMMUNITY, BUT CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT HELPS AND SUPPORTS THESE, THESE BUSINESSES.
AND SURE, WE CAN SIT HERE AND SAY, WELL, LET'S ONLY BUILD UP TO A HUNDRED FEET BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE FEEL MIGHT BE MOST POLITICALLY VIABLE.
[08:15:01]
THE MARKET IS TELLING US THAT THAT WON'T WORK.OUR PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS HELPED GUIDE THIS, THIS DISCUSSION AND THIS POLICY WITH INPUT FOR THE MARKET.
IF WE WANNA DO SMOKE AND MIRRORS, I GUESS WE COULD JUST PASS A POLICY TO SAY WE PASSED THE POLICY AND PAT OURSELVES ON THE BACK AND SAY ONLY A HUNDRED FEET, BUT THEN END UP WITH NO IMPROVEMENTS.
BUT IF WE WANNA MOVE THE NEEDLE AND CREATE POLICY THAT CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE IN THE CITY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE RETAIL SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE ANY MORE, WHAT'S THE NAME OF THE FRIED CHICKEN PLACE THAT OPENED UP ON THE CORNER OF CANS, CANE'S, CANE'S, AND PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT FIVE AND BELOW, SO WE DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH FIVE AND BELOW.
AND SO WE DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH SEVEN 11 AND HAVE SOMETHING, SOMETHING OF QUALITY.
WELL THEN THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO.
AND IS IT, WHAT DO I LOVE HAVING TO DO THIS? NO, I DON'T LIKE HAVING TO INCREASE HEIGHT AND I DON'T LOVE HAVING TO WAIVE PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
BUT DO I LOVE IMPROVING AND CREATING POLICY THAT CAN HELP MOVE A CRIME-RIDDEN AREA OF OUR CITY THAT FEELS BLIGHTED RIGHT NOW IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION? DO I LOVE DOING THAT? YES, I WANNA DO THAT.
AND I WANNA, THE DAY I LEAVE TO, I WANNA SEE THAT PART OF LINCOLN ROAD BE THE RED CARPET OF LINCOLN ROAD, RESTORE THAT TO BEING THE ENTRANCE TO THE BEACH THAT OUR WORLD CLASS CITY DESERVES.
I I WANNA SEE THE 100, 200, 300, 400 BLOCKS OF, OF LINCOLN ROAD BE CLEANED, BE ACTIVATED THAT PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE WALKING EAST PAST WASHINGTON AVENUE.
'CAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT RESIDENT'S CALLED RIGHT NOW, THAT AREA OF WASHINGTON, UH, THAT AREA OF LINCOLN ROAD, THE SCARY PART OF LINCOLN ROAD.
AND THAT'S JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR ME.
AND YEAH, I MEAN, VOTE AGAINST IT.
AND THAT'S, THAT'S FINE AND I RESPECT YOUR POSITION ON IT.
BUT THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO GET THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO COME IN TO HELP REVITALIZE THE AREA, TO CREATE HOUSING AND TO BRING IN QUALITY BUSINESSES TO REPLACE CANES 7 11, 5 AND BELOW.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE EMPTY STOREFRONTS THAT ARE BEING RINSED WITH URINE AT NIGHT.
UM, ANOTHER, ANOTHER POINT THAT, UH, I WANTED TO CLARIFY.
I THINK THERE WAS A MENTION THAT DENSITY IS GOING UP.
ACTUALLY DENSITY STAYS THE SAME BECAUSE IT'S JUST THE UNIT SIZE GOES UP BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN'T LIVE IN A 200 SQUARE FOOT, YOU KNOW, HOTEL ROOM.
AND THAT IS WHAT THE ZONING INCENTIVE IS CURRENTLY FOR THAT, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE CAN'T LIVE IN 200 SQUARE FEET.
YOU NEED TO MAKE IT AT LEAST 550 OR 600 SQUARE FEET.
THAT'S WHERE, UM, YOU KNOW, THESE INCENTIVES ARE BEING PRESENTED IS TO, TO GET DEVELOPERS TO BUILD SOMETHING WHERE PEOPLE CAN LIVE THERE FULL TIME, NOT TRANSIENT.
AND YOU KNOW, IT'S FUNNY THAT YOU MENTIONED, UH, KRISTEN OF THE, OF THE, THE TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE YOU HAD DURING BASEL MM-HMM
IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, YOU KNOW, THAT'S WHAT OUR BUSINESS, THAT'S WHAT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, THE WAY WE HAVE IT CURRENTLY SET UP WANT MM-HMM
RIGHT? THEY WANT AS MUCH TOURISTS AND AND VISITORS AS POSSIBLE.
WE COULDN'T, WE COULDN'T, THERE'S NO WAY OUR RESIDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THAT 365 DAYS A YEAR WITH PEOPLE COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN DRIVING IN.
THAT'S NOT, CAN YOU GUYS KEEP IT DOWN BACK THERE, PLEASE? THANKS.
UM, YOU KNOW, WE, THERE'S NO WAY THAT WOULD BE, THAT'S A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE.
HOWEVER, IF YOU INCENTIVIZED RESIDENTIAL PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN MIAMI BEACH, WHERE YOU HAVE A LOCAL ECONOMY AND INSTEAD OF CATERING TO SEVEN ELEVENS OR CANE'S, YOU HAVE OTHER MARKETS THAT ARE BUILT LIKE PURA VITA'S OR, UM, FRESH MARKETS, GROCERY STORES, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, EPIC HERE USED TO BE ON ALTON, UH, ON 17, UH, AND NEAR LINCOLN ROAD.
I IMAGINE IF WE OPENED UP ANOTHER EPICURE, UH, UH, NEAR LINCOLN ROAD, YOU KNOW, THAT'S THE SORT OF ECONOMIES THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO BUILD IN MIAMI.
WELL, THAT'S WHAT I WOULD, THAT'S WHAT I ENVISION TO BUILD IN MIAMI BEACH.
I DON'T NECESSARILY WANT THERE TO BE, UH, AN ART BASEL
[08:20:01]
TYPE EVENT EVERY MONTH TO SUSTAIN OUR ECONOMY AND OUR BUSINESSES.WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IS WE SHOULD BE INCENTIVIZING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESSES THAT CATER TO THAT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
SO THAT WAY YOU AREN'T STUCK IN TRAFFIC GOING ONE BLOCK FOR 20 MINUTES.
YOU CAN WALK TO WORK, YOU CAN WALK TO THE BEACH, YOU CAN WALK TO YOUR GROCERY STORES.
YOU KNOW, PERFECT EXAMPLES OF THAT ARE SUNSET HARBOR, SOUTH OF FIFTH.
AND WHAT A BETTER BACKBONE OF A, OF THE CITY THAN LINCOLN ROAD.
I MEAN, I WOULD, I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE ON LINCOLN ROAD, ESPECIALLY ON THE EAST END.
I MEAN, YOU KNOW, THINK ABOUT IT.
YOU, YOU GO TO A CAFE IN THE MORNING OR A PASTRY SHOP, YOU CAN WALK TO WORK OR YOU CAN WALK TO YOUR OFFICE.
UM, YOU, YOU, YOU CAN WALK DOWN TO TRADER JOE'S, WHICH IS RIGHT THERE.
AND I MEAN, IT'S, IT'S, IT'S, IT, IT IS A TRUE PLACE TO, TO LIVE, WORK AND, AND, AND PLAY.
SO, UM, I'M GONNA BE IN FAVOR OF THIS, OBVIOUSLY.
I HAVE THE WEST END OF LINCOLN ROAD THAT'S COMING UP AND, AND, UM, AND WASHINGTON.
BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, I, I THINK WHAT COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ IS, IS, YOU KNOW, HER, HER PAINS ABOUT BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC.
YOU KNOW, JUST, JUST TRY TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND THAT THE REASON YOU'RE STUCK IN TRAFFIC IS BECAUSE THERE'S VISITORS HERE WHO DON'T LIVE HERE.
AND THEY, AND THEY'RE COMING HERE BECAUSE OUR BUSINESSES CATER TO THAT.
AND IF WE, UM, IF IT WAS UP TO THEM, THEY, WE WOULD HAVE AN ART BASEL TYPE EVENT EVERY MONTH.
AND THAT WOULD JUST BE INCONCEIVABLE TO OUR RESIDENTS AS FAR AS THE TRAFFIC GOES.
SO, UM, I THINK LONG-TERM VISION WHERE OUR CHILDREN CAN ENJOY MIAMI BEACH 20, 30 YEARS FROM NOW, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE PLANNING.
AND THEN THAT'S, THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE FUTURE, UH, SHOULD BE GIVEN TO COMMISSIONER MAGAZINE.
UH, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, I'M HESITANT TO EVEN, UH, ELABORATE FURTHER.
'CAUSE YOU PUT IT SO ELOQUENTLY, THOUGH IT WAS PRESIDENTIAL.
UH, I APPLAUD YOUR BOLD VISIONARY, UH, TONE AND LEADERSHIP.
TRULY, TRULY, I DO, UM, ECHO ALL THE THINGS YOU SAID.
WHEN WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE THINGS WE'VE HAD TO UNDERTAKE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, BUILDING A CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL, AND EVEN QUASI SUBSIDIZING THAT WITH COUNTY RDA MONEY WITH HAVING TO HAND OUT SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS, IT'S BECAUSE THERE'S AN ABSENCE IN OUR ECOSYSTEM.
AND THAT ABSENCE IS THE FULL-TIME RESIDENTS THAT HAVE FLED MIAMI BEACH, RIGHT? AND WE'VE HAD TO BEND OVER BACKWARDS AND GO OUT OF OUR WAY THROUGH ADDING MORE HOTELS, MORE RESTAURANTS, SUBSIDIZING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH, YOU KNOW, GRANTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
LET'S PROVIDE THE ECOSYSTEM RIGHT HERE THAT CAN SUPPORT THAT.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE MAKEUP OF OUR BUSINESSES AND WHAT SHOULD BE ONE OF OUR MOST PRIZED INTERSECTIONS, WE HAVE AN ALVIN SOUVENIR SHOP.
THERE'S A, A HUGE REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE THAT'S IN TOWN, UM, GIVEN BY AN INVESTMENT BANK.
AND I GAVE A TOUR OF LINCOLN ROAD JUST TWO NIGHTS AGO, AND THERE WERE ABOUT 18 TO 20 PROFESSIONALS FROM NEW YORK AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
AND WE GOT TO THAT INTERSECTION ON WASHINGTON OR COLLINS AND LINCOLN THAT WAS JUST KIND OF LIKE, WHAT'S GOING
AND THERE'S BEEN PARTS OF OUR CITY THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND.
AND IF YOU LOOK AT AN AREA THAT IS SO ICONIC ON LINCOLN ROAD, ONE BLOCK FROM THE BEACH, THE ONLY REASON THAT CAN BE THAT WHY THAT AREA'S BEEN LEFT BEHIND IS BECAUSE OF GOVERNANCE, RIGHT? GOVERNANCE OF THE PAST.
BUT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE OUR PATH FORWARD.
AND IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT TONE AND NARRATIVE OUR CITY TAKES, IT STARTS FROM THE TOP, RIGHT? AND IF WE SIT HERE AND WE SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? YES, THE, THE HEIGHT AND BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BUT THIS IS WHAT WE'RE EMBRACING.
THIS IS THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.
AND ALL SEVEN OF US GET BEHIND THAT, AND WE SHOW OUR COMMUNITY, THIS IS THE PATH FORWARD.
WE'RE FACILITATING THE CITY THAT WE WANNA SEE 5, 10, 15, 20 YEARS FROM NOW.
OUR COMMUNITY WILL GET BEHIND US, RIGHT? IT'S ABOUT THE TONE AND THE NARRATIVE THAT WE SET.
SO I APPLAUD YOU FOR STARTING THAT, AND I HOPE TO PIGGYBACK, UH, RIGHT ALONGSIDE YOU, MADAM VICE MAYOR, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
AND I JUST, YOU KNOW, AND I UNDERSTAND
[08:25:01]
SO WELL WHERE, WHERE, WHERE MY COLLEAGUE IS COMING FROM, UM, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE MY COLLEAGUE IS A FIERCE ADVOCATE OF PRESERVING THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY.BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT DENSITY ALSO MEANS.
SOME OF OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITIES IN MIAMI BEACH ARE OUR HIGHEST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS.
FOR EXAMPLE, FLAMINGO PARK IN OUR CITY IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF OUR STATE'S MOST DENSELY POPULATED NEIGHBORHOODS.
ISN'T THAT CORRECT, MR. PLANNING DIRECTOR? YES.
FLAMINGO PARK, ONE OF THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
I CHALLENGE OURSELVES TO FIND AN AREA THAT HAS A MORE BEAUTIFUL FABRIC AS A COMMUNITY THAN FLAMINGO PARK NORTH SHORE, THE DIVERSITY THAT WE HAVE IN NORTH SHORE.
AGAIN, WHY? BECAUSE WE HAVE POPULATION DENSITY THERE.
AND IT'S ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MORE, MOST DIVERSE AREAS IN OUR CITY.
WHY? BECAUSE OF, OF, OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED THERE.
IMAGINE IF BELL ISLE, BELL ISLE USED TO BE MANSIONS.
AND IF SOMEDAY IN THE PAST, THE LEADERS THAT, THAT, THAT PROCEEDED US, WHO SAT AT THE STAGE THOUGHT, WELL, BELL ISLE SHOULD BE PRESERVED AT ITS SCALE.
WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT HAS FLOURISHED IN BELL ISLE.
DID WE DO THIS ONE? AND IT TOOK COURAGE AT ONE POINT FOR PEOPLE TO SAY, WELL, WE'RE GONNA TRANSFORM THIS TO BE, TO, TO, TO HAVE A COMMUNITY.
BUT IT TOOK DENSITY, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO MOVE IN TO LIVE AND TO CREATE COMMUNITY.
WEST AVENUE IS THE RESULT OF THAT.
OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITIES WHERE OUR RESIDENTS LIVE, WHERE WE HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DIVERSITY AND THE STRENGTH IN THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY IS A RESULT OF DENSITY.
AND WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE AND TO GROW UPON THE FABRIC, THE BEAUTIFUL DIVERSITY OF MIAMI BEACH, AND SOLVE ONE OF THE GREATEST PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE TO TRANSFORM AN AREA OF OUR CITY THAT HAS BEEN LACKING OPPORTUNITY, VISION, INVESTMENT FOR A LONG TIME.
AND I THINK WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE DENSITY IS NOT ALWAYS BAD.
DENSITY CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR HOUSING, FOR PEOPLE THAT NEED HOUSING, CREATES OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE COMMUNITY THAT PRESERVES THE FABRIC OF MIAMI BEACH.
SO I'M GONNA, UM, GIVE IT OVER TO COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ IN ONE SECOND.
BUT THIS IS A REFERRAL TO THE PLANNING BOARD.
WE'VE DISCUSSED THIS AT LENGTH.
I I SHARE YOUR RESERVATIONS ABOUT INCREASING HEIGHT BECAUSE IT JUST FEELS YUCKY.
WE LOVE SEEING THE SKY, BUT THERE'S NO, THERE'S NO PATH FORWARD.
WE CAN EITHER SIT ON OUR HANDS AND CONTINUE TO DO NOTHING AND BEMOAN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS, OR WE CAN LET FAMILIES MOVE IN AND BE THE, BE THE, THE EYES ON THE STREET AND, AND THE CATALYST FOR BUSINESSES MOVING IN.
SO, UH, COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ, PLEASE HAVE YOUR, YOUR SAY.
AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE IN.
THIS WILL BE MY FINAL STATEMENT.
HAVE YOU EVER ONCE THOUGHT THAT WE'RE BEING PLAYED? THEY'RE BEING PLAYED BY A FEW PROPERTY OWNERS,
AND THAT'S WHAT WE WE'RE GETTING PLAYED.
BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? I KNOW THAT WE'RE GETTING PLAYED AND I DON'T WANNA BE PLAYED.
AND YOU KNOW WHAT I WANNA DO? I WANNA HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
I WANT CODE COMPLIANCE TO GO IN AND TICKET THEM.
AND ONCE THEY KNOW, OKAY, THAT THIS CITY IS SERIOUS, AND BY THE WAY, WHEN WE GAVE THIS RIGHT TO THE ELECTORATE, THEY WOULD'VE NEVER VOTED FOR THIS.
SO I'M NOT GONNA BE PLAYED, UM, BY THESE PROPERTY OWNERS, AND I'M GOING TO VOTE NO ON THIS BECAUSE I REALLY TRULY BELIEVE THAT BUILDING 15 STORY TOWERS AND THE NARRATIVE THAT THEY'RE CREATING, THAT THIS IS LIKE WORKFORCE.
BECAUSE IT SAYS HERE HOTELS, ACTUALLY, NO.
NO, NO, MR. PLANNING DIRECTOR, WHY DOES IT SAY IN HERE THEN HOTEL? I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE READING, BUT WHAT YOU'RE READING IS YOU'RE, YOU'RE, YOU'RE CONFLATING EXISTING LEGISLATION WITH PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT'S SUPPOSED ANYWAY, NON TRANSIENT IS VERY, OKAY, I HAVE THE FLOOR NON TRANSIENT.
BUT HERE'S WHAT I WOULD TELL YOU.
I'M SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TOLD BY PROPERTY OWNERS WHO, UM, WHO HAVE OWNED HOTELS AND PROPERTIES IN OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT FOR DECADES ON END, WHO ARE BLIGHTING OUR PROPERTIES
[08:30:01]
AND DOING A MANAGED DECLINE WHEN THEY KNOW THAT THEY REALLY COULD NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS IN ANY OTHER MAJOR, UM, ICONIC INTERNATIONAL CITY IN THE WORLD.I DON'T THINK THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN SOUTH HAMPTON.
THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT HAPPENING IN CAPRI.
THEY WOULD NEVER LET IT HAPPEN.
BUT HERE IN MIAMI BEACH, THEY FEEL THAT WE CAN PLAY US.
OKAY? SO, YOU KNOW WHAT? PLAY US.
PLAY US, TELL US THAT WE CAN ONLY DO IT IF WE GET A 4.0 FAR AND 150 FEET.
AND, UM, I'M GOING TO SAY NO TO YOU BECAUSE I KNOW THAT OUR ELECTORATE WOULD TOO.
SO, UM, I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE, UH, DIRECTOR OF CODE ENFORCEMENT TO LET OUR NEIGHBORS ON BUSINESSES ON THAT STRETCH, UH, KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT SCREWING AROUND.
IT IS NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE TO HOLD PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THEIR PROPERTY AND THE COMPLIANCE WITH OUR LAWS.
WE ARE REFERRING THIS TO PLANNING BOARD.
THIS WILL BE HASHED OUT SOME MORE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO MOVE IT TO SECOND PLANNING.
SO, ALL IN FAVOR OF THE REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD, PLEASE SAY AYE.
SO WE HAVE ONE NOTE BY COMMISSIONER ROSE GONZALEZ.
YOU RECORDED ME AS A YES, RIGHT? I JUST, JUST
[C7 Z A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THAT ALL RENT IN EXCESS OF THE MINIMUM FIXED RENT RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND MB MIXED USE INVESTMENT, LLC, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE CONVENTION CENTER HEADQUARTER HOTEL BE EARMARKED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING WORKFORCE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LAND ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, SUBSIDIES, OR OTHER RELATED EXPENSES FOR THE CREATION OF WORKFORCE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN THE CITY, AS DETERMINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION FROM TIME TO TIME; AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE, NOT LESS FREQUENTLY THAN ANNUALLY COMMENCING ON THE FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER HEADQUARTER HOTEL, PERIODIC REPORTS TO THE CITY COMMISSION REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF RENT COLLECTED IN EXCESS OF THE MINIMUM FIXED RENT.]
WANNA MAKE, UH, C SEVEN ZC SEVEN Z USE OF AVAILABLE RENT FROM MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER, HOTEL FOR WORKFORCE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.IT WAS SEPARATED BY COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
MR. MAYOR, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH YOU.
SO THE, I JUST WANTED TO GET A, THAT'S YOUR ITEM.
SORRY, WHAT QUESTION? C SEVEN Z.
OH, YEAH, YOU, UH, NO PROBLEM.
I I, I JUST WANTED TO GET SOME, SOME FURTHER THOUGHTS, UH, ON THIS IDEA.
UM, I, I DON'T, I DON'T REMEMBER SEEING AN, UH, AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS ON, ON, I MEAN, HOW MUCH MONEY ARE WE TALKING? UM, THAT WOULD BE LEFT OVER WHAT, I MEAN, WHAT'S THE BALLPARK RANGE? UM, AND ANOTHER IDEA THAT COMES TO MIND IS, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A LOT OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT NEED TO BE BUILT.
UH, IS THIS, DO WE REALLY, YOU KNOW, DO WE, SO CAN I FINISH? SORRY.
UM, DO WE REALLY WANT TO TAKE OVER, AND AGAIN, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY THIS IS GONNA BE, BUT DO WE WANT A APPLY THAT TOWARD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WHERE, YOU KNOW, OUR STREETS ARE FLOODING? UM, I THINK IF WE'RE GONNA BE ADDRESSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING, I THINK REALLY THAT'S, THAT'S BEING DONE THROUGH LIKE THE, AT LAST ITEM WE JUST TALKED ABOUT WHERE WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, A RELATIONSHIP WITH, UM, PRIVATE COMPANIES TO DEVELOP WHAT WE WANT THEM TO DEVELOP.
UM, BUT I JUST WANNA GET SOME MORE THOUGHTS ON THAT.
I, I THINK, YOU KNOW, WE, WE HAVE, UH, I DON'T KNOW, JASON, YOU CAN TELL ME HOW MUCH IN, UM, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WE HAVE PENDING.
UM, I KNOW WHATEVER WE GET FROM THIS HOTEL IS PROBABLY GONNA BE A DROP IN THE BUCKET TOWARD IT.
BUT IT, IT JUST SEEMS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE SHOULD BE MAKING ALL AN EFFORTS TO, TO, TO FUND THOSE PROJECTS THAT ROUGHLY HOW MUCH DO WE HAVE IN, UM, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE TABLE? SURE.
UH, JASON GREEN, UH, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, WE HAVE ABOUT A $1 BILLION, UH, BACKLOG OF CAPITAL PROGRAMS ACROSS ALL THE DIFFERENT FUNDS.
BUT DOLLARS, THESE COULD PROBABLY BE APPROPRIATED TOWARDS LIKE GENERAL FUND, PROBABLY 250 TO 350 MILLION.
AND SO WAS THERE AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS? I MEAN, I, I DON'T, I HAVE NO, I I MEAN IF THIS IS LIKE $20,000, I'M, I'M NOT GONNA REALLY CARE, BUT LIKE, IF THIS IS SIGNIFICANT, I, I DON'T KNOW.
UM, YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE WE TALKING AS FAR AS WHAT'S A BALLPARK RANGE THAT WE WOULD, THE, THE, THE VARIABLE RENT IN THE FIRST YEAR AS ESTIMATED BY THE DEVELOPER IS $2.4 MILLION.
AND OVER 30 YEARS, THE REJECTION IS $74 MILLION.
SO, I MEAN, COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER, VICE MAYOR, BOT, I, I THINK, UM, I MEAN, LOOK, I I, I, I THINK IT'S MORE PRUDENT TO PUT IT TOWARD THE BILLION DOLLAR BACKLOG OF MONIES THAT WE HAVE.
AND THEN, YOU KNOW, AS FAR AS ATTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, I THINK WE CAN INCENTIVIZE THAT THROUGH ZONING.
SO MY THOUGHT WAS THAT THIS ENTIRE THING WAS ALMOST DERAILED OVER AN ISSUE OF ATTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
WE LITERALLY ALMOST KILLED THE DEAL BECAUSE WE WERE GONNA SPEND $75 MILLION ON, UM, WORKFORCE HOUSING AS OPPOSED TO, UM, GETTING THE CONVENTION CENTER
[08:35:01]
HOTEL BUILT.THE MONEY THAT THE CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL WILL THROW OFF IS BEING USED FOR LOTS OF DIFFERENT THINGS.
SO THIS IS A PORTION OF THE MONEY THAT THE CONVENTION CENTER WILL THROW OFF OVER THE COURSE OF 30 YEARS.
WE KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE HARDEST PART OF BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS THE LAND ACQUISITION COST.
WE CAN FIND PEOPLE TO DO P THREES AND JOINT VENTURES AND, YOU KNOW, WE CAN FIND PEOPLE TO DO THAT.
BUT THE PROBLEM IS BUYING LAND, MY THOUGHT WAS THAT IF WE CAN TAKE THIS MONEY AS IT ROLLS OFF, UM, AND SORT OF BANK IT FOR A LITTLE BIT UNTIL WE HIT, LET'S SAY $15 MILLION, AND EVERY TIME WE HIT $15 MILLION, WE THEN CAN PURCHASE A PIECE OF LAND ON WHICH WE CAN BUILD A WORKFORCE ATTAINABLE, MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING PROJECT.
AND IT IS NOT OFTEN THAT WE HAVE MONEY THAT IS COMING INTO US THAT WILL BE FAIRLY PREDICTABLE, IS FAIRLY SAFE, AND IS FAIRLY CONSTANT.
AND IF WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE THIS INTRACTABLE PROBLEM, WE'RE DOWN TO, BY SOME COUNT 78,000 FULL-TIME RESIDENTS BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE.
AND THE BIGGEST SINGLE BARRIER TO LIVING HERE IS A LACK OF WORKFORCE, ATTAINABLE, MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING.
AND WE KNOW THAT THERE'S MONEY COMING IN OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS THAT WILL ALLOW US TO, UH, BRIDGE, GET, GET OVER THE BARRIER, THE SINGLE BIGGEST BARRIER TO CREATING THAT WORKFORCE HOUSING.
WHY WOULD WE NOT TAKE THAT MONEY AND PUT IT TOWARDS THAT USE? SO, UM, IF I MAY BE THE VICE MAYOR, LOOK, THAT CERTAINLY IS, UM, AN, AN ISSUE.
AND THAT IS OBVIOUSLY CONCERN.
AND I THINK WE'RE ALL ADDRESSING THAT THROUGH, THROUGH ZONING CHANGES AND, AND LEGISLATION FOR INCENTIVIZING THAT I DON'T PARTICULARLY THINK MIAMI BEACH SHOULD BE IN THE BUSINESS OF, OF BUILDING, UH, AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
I THINK WHEN WE BUILT THE COLLINS PARK, I MEAN, UH, IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE.
IF I, IF I, IF I KNOW CORRECTLY, I MEAN THE, IT WAS 80 UNITS AND WHAT DID IT COST US? IT WAS, UM, I'LL LET, LET RAQUEL ANSWER.
GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS.
RAQUEL WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER.
SO THE CITY CONTRIBUTED ALL IN $9.85 MILLION, INCLUSIVE OF 4 MILLION FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURE GEO BOND, AND THEN WE HAVE TO GIVE UP LAND, OF COURSE, RIGHT? THERE IS A LONG TERM LEASE.
SO, YOU KNOW, LOOK, I I, I CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S, WE NEED HOUSING FOR SURE, AND LIKE I SAID, WE'RE, WE'RE, I THINK MOST OF US UP HERE, MINUS ONE IS, IS ACTUALLY ADDRESSING THAT, UH,
BUT WE ALSO HAVE A BILLION DOLLARS OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN A BACKLOG.
AND, YOU KNOW, NO ONE'S GONNA WANNA LIVE HERE IF WE HAVE CERTAIN ROADS THAT ARE JUST CONSTANTLY FLOODING OR NEIGHBORHOODS THAT, UM, ARE GONNA BE UNDERWATER BECAUSE OF, YOU KNOW, INFRASTRUCTURE THAT'S 80, 90 YEARS OLD.
SO, UM, RESPECTFULLY, LOOK, I, I, AND I, I SEE WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM.
UM, BUT I JUST THINK THE BEST USE OF MONEY IS TO REALLY GO, UH, FOR OUR, OUR CRITICAL NEEDS RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, MAKING SURE WE'RE NOT UNDERWATER IN 50 YEARS.
UM, SO THAT'S WHY I PULL THE ITEM AND I'D LIKE TO HEAR WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT.
WOULD ANYBODY ELSE LIKE TO COMMENT? I, YOU KNOW, WORKFORCE HOUSING OFTENTIMES DOES REQUIRE SOME SORT OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY.
UM, YOU KNOW, I, THIS IS, IS THIS A RESOLUTION, UH, MR. ATTORNEY? YES.
IT'S, AND SO IF A FUTURE COMMISSION, YOU KNOW, IDENTIFIES THAT THERE'S A GREATER NEED AT THAT TIME IN THE CITY, WHETHER IT BE INFRASTRUCTURE, WHETHER IT BE EDUCATION, SOME OTHER NEED SOMETHING ELSE, THEY COULD ALWAYS BY RESOLUTION REDIRECT THOSE FUNDS TO A DIFFERENT NEED.
IS THAT CORRECT? THAT IS CORRECT.
SO I THINK RIGHT NOW, YOU KNOW, WE DO HAVE A CRISIS IN OUR AREA.
IT IS EXTREMELY UNAFFORDABLE RIGHT NOW.
UM, YOU ALL KNOW HOW I FELT, UH, UH, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO ON A SIMILAR ISSUE.
I, I, I THINK WE NEED TO HELP, UH, OUR RESIDENTS STAY IN MIAMI BEACH.
WE NEED TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN DISPLACED OUT OF OUR CITY TO COME BACK INTO OUR CITY, UH, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE LOSING THEM BY THE DOZENS.
[08:40:01]
AND SO I, YOU KNOW, THIS IS A GOOD USE.THIS, THIS, THIS HELPS WITH THE HOUSING NEEDS OF OUR, OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THE OTHER COUPLE OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT LAND BANKING, WHICH IS EFFECTIVELY WHAT THIS WOULD BE, IT WOULD BE, BUYING LAND IS ALWAYS A GOOD INVESTMENT IN THE CITY.
UM, THE, THE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING, AND I'LL LET JASON TALK ABOUT THIS 'CAUSE THIS IS HIS THING.
IT'S NOT MINE AS MUCH, BUT, UM, THE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING IS KIND OF ON A ROLLING BASIS.
AND SO THERE WILL BE FUNDING SOURCES FOR THAT, AND YOU CAN BOND OUT CERTAIN THINGS.
I MEAN, BUYING LAND, UM, TO CREATE MISSING MIDDLE WORKFORCE HOUSING IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT AVENUE.
AND YES, WE ARE ADDRESSING SOME OF THE HOUSING CRISIS WITH ZONING CHANGES, BUT THAT'S GONNA PROVIDE BY AND LARGE MARKET HOUSING, MARKET RATE HOUSING.
AND SO WE CAN BE A CITY WHERE WE HAVE MARKET RATE HOUSING, WHICH MEANS THAT THERE'S A WHOLE WIDE SWATH OF PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LIVE HERE.
AND I DON'T THINK WE WANT, UM, OUR FIREFIGHTERS, OUR POLICE OFFICERS, OUR SCHOOL TEACHERS, OUR YOUNG FAMILIES, OUR YOUNG DOCTORS, PEOPLE WHO ARE STARTING OFF IN THEIR CAREERS, WHO ARE MAKING A GOOD CHUNK OF MONEY.
I MEAN, IT'S NOT NOTHING TO MAKE 120 GRAND.
UM, AND THE FACT THAT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO, TO BE ABLE TO, TO AFFORD A PLACE TO LIVE HERE IS, IS SHOCKING.
SO I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT SECTION EIGHT HOUSING, NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT, BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
I'M TALKING ABOUT CREATING VALUE FOR THE CITY'S PORTFOLIO IN, IN THAT THEY'RE BUYING LAND AND BRINGING RESIDENTS BACK HERE.
WHO WILL BE THE ONES GOING TO THE COFFEE SHOP FOR THE MORNING, UH, PASTRY AND COFFEE BEFORE THEY GO TO WORK, GOING TO THE RESTAURANTS, GOING TO SEE THE MOVIES AT THE REGAL, GOING TO SEE PLAYS AT MIAMI, NEW DRAMA, HAVING THEIR FRIENDS COME DOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
WE SEE IT CONSTANTLY, AND I KNOW TRAFFIC IS AN ISSUE.
ART BASEL IS AN EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCE BECAUSE IT'S VERY CONCENTRATED, BUT THE REAL SOURCE OF TRAFFIC IS PEOPLE COMING IN AND OUT OF OUR CITY DURING RUSH HOUR, WHETHER IT'S FOR CONSTRUCTION JOBS OR BECAUSE THEY WORK, UM, SOMEPLACE ON THE BEACH AND LIVE SOMEPLACE OUT WEST.
AND THE, WE'RE NEVER GOING TO BUILD ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OUR WAY OUT OF IT.
WE NEED TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO WORK HERE TO LIVE HERE.
UM, I, I JUST THINK THAT THE WAY WE GET TO THAT, THAT END, THAT GOAL IS NOT USING TAXPAYER MONEY TO FIND LAND TO BUILD THAT.
I THINK WHAT WE SHOULD DO IS, IS WHAT WE'RE DOING CURRENTLY IS INCENTIVIZING DEVELOPMENT FOR THAT MISSING MIDDLE, UH, AND THAT WORKFORCE HOUSING, WHICH WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW.
BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO TAKE INTO MIND THAT WE HAVE SERIOUS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS.
AND, AND I'M SIMPLY SAYING, AND I THINK WHERE YOU AND I DISAGREE IS HOW BEST TO USE OR HOW, HOW BEST TO LEGISLATE TO GET WHAT WE BOTH WANT.
AND I THINK THE BEST WAY TO GET WHAT WE BOTH WANT IS TO INCENTIVIZE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MISSING MIDDLE THAT WE BOTH WANT TO LIVE AND TO MOVE AND LIVE HERE IN MIAMI BEACH, AND THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE.
AND WE ALSO NEED TO FUND THESE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.
SO I I I THINK WE CAN DO BOTH.
I JUST, I JUST THINK THAT THE 2.3 MILLION THAT WE WOULD BE GETTING, UH, EACH YEAR, I MEAN, REALLY SHOULD BE GOING TO SOME OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE GONNA BE UNDERWATER IN, IN A COUPLE DECADES.
UH, YOU KNOW, AND, AND I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE DIGGING OUR HEAD IN THE SAND ON, ON THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO TO FUND THESE PROJECTS.
WE'RE GONNA BE GETTING A BUNCH OF GRANTS.
HOPEFULLY THE STATE IS GONNA BE GIVING US A BUNCH OF RESILIENCY GRANTS, BUT THAT'S A BILLION DOLLARS.
I MEAN, EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO, TO, TO TACKLE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE SHOULD EXPLORE.
AND I THINK THE BEST WAY TO DO THAT, UH, AND AND TO GET PEOPLE TO MOVE HERE AND LIVE HERE FULL TIME I IS, IS THROUGH WHAT WE'RE DOING RIGHT NOW IS LEGISLATION, UH, AND INCENTIVIZING, UH, DEVELOPMENT WHERE WE DON'T HAVE TO SPEND A DIME OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS.
AND IN FACT, WE JUST RAISE, WE, WE, WE, WE RAISE VALUE IN OUR CITY BECAUSE OF PROPERTY TAXES THAT ARE GONNA BE BUILT, UH, AS A RESULT OF, OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT.
SO LOOK, I, YOU KNOW, I, THERE'S A COUPLE PEOPLE IN HERE THAT HAVEN'T SPOKEN.
I'D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY.
UM, AND, AND I GUESS, LET'S SEE WHERE THIS LANDS.
I, I'M JUST, IF, IF I MAY THROUGH THE MAYOR, JUST WANT TO JUST ADD SOMETHING ELSE.
'CAUSE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE COUNTY,
[08:45:02]
THE COUNTY DOES THIS VERY FREQUENTLY.MANY OF THE OTHER PROJECTS FOR WORKFORCE HOUSING AND OTHER TYPES OF HOUSING HAS BEEN THROUGH PUBLIC LANDS THAT THE COUNTY HAS LEVERAGED WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES THAT COME IN AND BUILD THIS.
WHEN WE LOOK AT, FOR EXAMPLE, IN OUR, OUR OWN CITY COUNCIL TOWERS, WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS WHO ARE ABLE TO AFFORD TO LIVE IN OUR CITY.
WHY? 'CAUSE THE CITY HAD LAND, THEY ENTERED INTO A LONG-TERM LEASE WITH AN ENTITY OF PROVIDER OF, OF, YOU KNOW, ELDERLY HOUSING.
AND NOW WE HAVE THESE BUILDINGS WHERE WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS WHO OTHERWISE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO LIVE IN OUR CITY.
AND THIS IS A VERY REAL, UH, PUBLIC PURPOSE.
IT, IT'S, UH, GOVERNMENTS DO THIS.
UH, AND UM, AND EVEN IF YOU LOOK AT, YOU KNOW, THE MIAMI BEACH HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE MIAMI BEACH HOUSING, HOUSING AUTHORITY IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT IT DOES AS WELL.
IT'S NOT A CITY AGENCY, BUT IT'S A STATE AGENCY.
IT LAND BANKS AND OFTENTIMES IT ENTERS INTO PARTNERSHIPS WITH, UH, WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES.
RIGHT NOW, TWO PROJECTS ARE BEING DONE IN, IN NORTH BEACH.
UH, ONE IS ACTUALLY EVEN WATERFRONT BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS.
UM, AND SO, YOU KNOW, I BELIEVE IN THIS.
I, I BELIEVE THIS IS A TRUE PUBLIC, UH, PURPOSE AND, UH, AND IT MOVES US IN THE, THE RIGHT DIRECTION AT THE RIGHT TIME.
I'LL SECOND YOUR MOTION COMMISSIONER BOT AND LET, AND LET JUST MY OTHER COLLEAGUES, AND LET ME JUST ADD THAT, YOU KNOW, LOOK, WE, WE HAVE, LIKE RIGHT NOW WE HAVE THE BARKLEY THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
AND LOOK HOW HARD THAT IS TO GET, TO GET THAT APPROVED, YOU KNOW, THAT'S BEEN THERE FOR WHAT, 15 YEARS? LIKE, IT'S, IT'S DIFFERENT.
I KNOW, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THAT'S JUST HOW OUR CITY IS, RIGHT? I MEAN, WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND WE SQUASH IT, YOU KNOW, IT'S RIDICULOUS.
AND, AND, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THAT'S THEIR, THAT'S THEIR MISSION.
THAT'S THEIR JOB AS A CITY GOVERNMENT.
WE HAVE MANY MORE MISSIONS AND, AND, AND PRIORITIES LIKE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT ARE, ARE NOT GOING AWAY.
THEY'RE ONLY GONNA GET WORSE AS, AS, AS THE, THE WEATHER CHANGES AND, AND SEA LEVEL RISES.
SO, YOU KNOW, OUR, WE HAVE TO TAKE ALL THE CONSIDERATIONS.
IT'S NOT JUST, IT'S NOT JUST ONE.
SO, I MEAN, $2.3 MILLION IS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUT INTO MIAMI BEACH'S FUTURE AS FAR AS INFRASTRUCTURE.
AND I THINK WE CAN TACKLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND WORKFORCE HOUSING THROUGH, THROUGH PROPER LEGISLATION WHERE IT DOESN'T COST US A DIME.
AND TRUST ME, I'M AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAT.
I MEAN, YOU KNOW, MY WASHINGTON AVENUE AND LINCOLN WEST PROPOSALS DO EXACTLY THAT, YOU KNOW, WHERE I'M, I'M TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT GONNA BE BUILDING SUPER LUXURY UNITS AND IT'S NOT GONNA COST US A DIME.
IN FACT, IT'S GONNA MAKE US MONEY THROUGH, THROUGH, THROUGH PROPERTY TAXES AND VALUE.
SO, UM, YEAH, LOOK, I, I'D LIKE TO SEE WHAT, I GUESS THE OTHER COLLEAGUES THAT HAVEN'T SPOKEN, I THINK, I THINK IT'S A GOOD ITEM, COMMISSIONER BOT, BUT I, I DO AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER SUAREZ.
I, I AGREE WITH BOTH OF YOU ACTUALLY.
UM, AND I AM THE LAST PERSON THAT WOULD EVER, EVER COMMITTEE SOMETHING TO DEATH BECAUSE I, I TALK NONSTOP ABOUT, YOU KNOW, MOVING FORWARD JUST SOMETIMES RIPPING THE COURT.
BUT GIVEN THAT THIS ACTUALLY WOULDN'T EVEN COME TO FRUITION UNTIL, UM, TWO YEARS AND NINE MONTHS FROM NOW, CAN WE SPEND TIME TALKING MORE ABOUT HOW THIS WOULD ACTUALLY WORK ITSELF OUT AND, YOU KNOW, WHAT TYPES OF HOUSING WE'D BE LOOKING AT, UM, FOR HOW LONG THIS REVENUE SOURCE WOULD ESSENTIALLY BE, UH, BIFURCATED AND DEDICATED TO THIS, UH, SEGREGATED FUND AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
AGAIN, I, I WOULD NEVER, EVER COMMITTEE SOMETHING TO DEATH, BUT GIVEN THAT RENT PAYMENTS FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER ARE GONNA START FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS, MAYBE WE FLESH THIS OUT AND MAYBE IF WE CAN ACTUALLY HAVE, UH, A WELL THOUGHT OUT, OKAY, WELL THE FIRST THREE YEARS, UH, THIS AMOUNT OF RENT IS GOING TO BUY LAND, OR MAYBE WE CAN, UH, BUY A PROPERTY TO, UM, RENOVATE WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
I'M, I'M NOT PUTTING ACTUAL IDEAS OUT THERE, BUT IF WE HAD SOME FORM AND SUBSTANCE BEHIND WHAT THAT, UH, PROJECT AND ITS GOALS WOULD ACTUALLY, THE FORM IT WOULD TAKE, MAYBE THAT WOULD HELP GENERATE MORE SUPPORT.
I, I, I TEND TO THINK THAT, UM, WE WILL HAVE TIME TO FLESH THAT OUT ONCE WE APPROVE THIS DIRECTION.
BECAUSE WHAT WE SAY WE THINK WE NEED OR WANT OR CAN ACCOMPLISH TODAY
[08:50:01]
MAY BE VERY DIFFERENT IN THREE AND A HALF YEARS.AND, AND IT'S GONNA TAKE A FEW YEARS FOR THE MONEY TO HIT A POINT WHERE WE CAN ACTUALLY USE IT TO BUY SOME LAND OR TO BUY A BUILDING TO BE RENOVATED.
UM, SO I, I AM OF THE MIND THAT WE GIVE THE DIRECTION THAT THIS IS HOW IT'S GOING TO BE USED, OR THIS IS THE GENERAL DIRECTION THAT WE WANNA GO IN.
AND THEN AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE OPPORTUNITY, WE FIGURE OUT, YOU KNOW WHAT, RIGHT NOW THERE'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A BUILDING THAT HAS, YOU KNOW, A A, AN OWNERSHIP ISSUE.
OR ANOTHER TIME IT MIGHT BE, THERE'S A GREAT PIECE OF LAND THAT HAS JUST BECOME AVAILABLE AND WE CAN GET RID OF THE BUILDING AND, AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
I DON'T WANNA PRESCRIBE WHAT THE EXACT SOLUTION WILL BE WHEN THE POT OF MONEY COMES BEFORE US, AND IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME.
SO WE WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME.
UM, SO AND SO I, WE STILL HAVEN'T HEARD FROM, UM, COMMISSIONER ROSEN GONZALEZ AND COMMISSIONER DOMINGUEZ, AND NEITHER OF THEM ARE HERE.
UM, I MEAN, IF YOU MADE THIS EXCLUSIVELY FOR ALREADY BUILT PROPERTIES TO INVEST IN PROPERTIES THAT ARE ALREADY BUILT, I WOULD SAY FINE.
BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE BUSINESS MODELS AND I LOOK AT CITAS AND HOW THEY COME FORWARD AND HOW, YOU KNOW, I FEEL LIKE THEY CREATE A SCENARIO WHERE WE'RE GIVING THEM A LOT OF MONEY AND THEN THEY BUILD US A SHODDY PRODUCT AND THEN THAT PRO AND, AND AT THE SAME TIME AND THEY'RE PROFITING FROM IT ON TOP OF IT.
SO, UM, IF I WOULDN'T MIND IT GOING TO COMMITTEE TO FLESH SOME OF THIS OUT TO SEE LIKE, YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE, AS CHAIR OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE'VE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF SUCCESS BUYING ALREADY BUILT PROPERTIES THAT ARE RENOVATED.
UM, YOU KNOW, WE JUST RECENTLY CLOSED ON THAT BUILDING FOR UNITS.
INSTEAD OF BUILDING BRAND NEW 400, 500 SQUARE FOOT UNITS AND GETTING PEOPLE, WE'RE ACTUALLY PURCHASING, WELL THE CITY, WITH OUR FEDERAL FUNDING, WE'RE PURCHASING UNITS THAT ARE LIVABLE.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE TWO BEDROOM, TWO BATHROOM, 900 SQUARE FOOT UNITS THAT I WOULD SAY, OKAY, YOU KNOW, FOR TEACHERS, FOR PEOPLE THAT WANNA WORK IN THE CITY FOR LEGISLATIVE AIDS, WHOMEVER, IN A LARGER, OLDER UNIT, I BELIEVE IN THAT BECAUSE THAT'S EXISTING HOUSING STOCK.
AS OF RIGHT NOW, I DON'T THINK I WANT TO BUILD A WHOLE LOT MORE BECAUSE OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.
I JUST DON'T SEE IT SEA LEVEL RISE TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE.
SO I'M NOT, YOU KNOW, I'M, I'M NOT THERE UNLESS YOU WOULD, UNLESS YOU WOULD EXCLUSIVELY COMMIT TO INVEST IN, UM, IF YOU, IF YOU MAKE IT LAND BANKING OR ALREADY BUILT PROPERTIES, FINE.
THAT'S WHY I LIKE THE GARAGE IDEA SO MUCH TODAY.
UH, BOOM, WE GOT 286 SPACES AND WE'RE NOT
OR THEY WOULDN'T BE, YOU KNOW, BUYING IT, YOU KNOW, SO LIKE, YEAH, LET'S BUY IT AS BUILT.
IF I COULD BAT, BUT SEA LEVEL RISE, INFRASTRUCTURE, TRAFFIC, BUT WE'RE BUYING PARKING GARAGES OR BUILDINGS
WELL, I MEAN, I THINK YOU HAVE TO, 'CAUSE YOU'RE LOSING THE OTHER SITE RIGHT THERE, AND YOU JUST, YOU KNOW THAT THERE'S NO PARKING REQUIREMENTS AND YOU CAN'T BUILD RESTAURANTS AND 15 STORY BUILDINGS OR 14 STORY BUILDINGS.
WE CAN'T WITH AN F AN FAR OF FOUR AND NOT HAVE ANY PARKING SPACES.
I THINK THAT'S WHAT CREATES MISERY SOMETIMES WHEN I GO DOWNTOWN, I'M JUST MISERABLE.
IT'S NOT JUST LIKE MISERABLE DURING A BASEL.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND? DOWNTOWN, IT'S ALWAYS A NIGHTMARE 24 7.
WE REALLY HAVE PROTECTED OURSELVES.
BUT I THINK THAT AS WE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, I I, I JUST DON'T SEE IT UNTIL YOU BUILD THAT HOTEL, UNTIL YOU BUILD ALL OF THE BUILDINGS IN NORTH BEACH.
THAT'S WORKFORCE HOUSING RIGHT THERE, ISN'T IT? THOSE SMALL UNITS IN NORTH BEACH, THEY PROMISED US WORKFORCE HOUSING.
YOU KNOW WHAT WE GOT? WE GOT 20 STORY BUILDINGS OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS.
WELL, THAT'S POOR LEGISLATION, BUT NO, NO, IT, WE PASSED LEGISLATION WITH YOUR GOOD INTENTIONS.
WE HAD A MASTER PLAN, A DOVER COAL MASTER PLAN THAT ACTUALLY, UH, TANYA BROUGHT A COMMISSIONER, BOUGHT, BROUGHT UP EARLIER TODAY.
AND THAT'S REALLY NOT WHAT WE GOT AT ALL.
SO THE PROBLEM WITH, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE'RE DOING NOW, THEY SAY, OH, WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT? I CAN'T BUILD ONE 50.
I DON'T KNOW, I JUST, I THINK MIDTOWN MIAMI IS GREAT IN MIDTOWN MIAMI.
I DON'T WANT US TO BUILD A LOT MORE HERE.
SO ANYWAY, I COULD SEND IT TO COMMITTEE.
SO CAN I MAKE A MOTION TO TOP TIME OUT? THE COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ IS NEXT.
COMMISSIONER SUAREZ AND COMMISSIONER BOT.
SO I'LL, I'LL SAY THIS, THE MORE
[08:55:01]
I HEAR, YOU KNOW, I'M, I'M GONNA BE OPEN TO THE IDEA OF HAVING A DISCUSSION AT COMMITTEE AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY.YOU KNOW, I LIKE THE IDEA OF IN INCORPORATING INTO THIS, IF YOU CAN ACQUIRE EXISTING INVENTORY.
WE'VE DONE THAT IN THE PAST RECENTLY.
YOU KNOW, MAYBE THAT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN BE INCORPORATED HERE.
THERE'S GONNA BE A LOT OF OUR RESIDENTS, AND I HAD CONTEMPLATED PULLING THE ITEM, BUT I REALLY LIKE THE IDEA BEHIND THE ITEM, SO I DIDN'T PULL IT, BUT I WAS THINKING, YOU KNOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF RESIDENTS WHO LIVE IN CONDOMINIUMS WHO ARE GONNA BE DEALING WITH THEIR OWN AFFORDABILITY ISSUES.
RESIDENTS WHO ARE ELDERLY RESIDENTS, WHO ARE ON FIXED INCOMES, WHO ARE GOING TO HAVE ISSUES WITH RESERVES, WHO ARE GOING TO HAVE ISSUES WITH ASSESSMENTS.
AND COULD THIS HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE IN VERY DIFFICULT FINANCIAL DIS SITUATIONS PRESERVE THEIR OWN HOUSING.
AND SO I THINK SOME GOOD COULD ACTUALLY COME OUT OF HAVING A DISCUSSION ACT, ACT COMMITTEE, BECAUSE WE CAN ACTUALLY BUILD UPON THE INTENT YOU HAVE HERE, UH, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD IDEA.
BUT I THINK WE COULD MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.
AND TO, AND TO THE CHAIR'S POINT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THESE ARE DOLLARS THAT ARE NOT GONNA BE AVAILABLE TO AT LEAST TWO OR THREE YEARS OUT.
SO, YOU KNOW, LET'S, YOU KNOW, I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU, LET'S REFER THIS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, DEVELOP THIS A LITTLE BIT MORE BECAUSE SOMETHING REALLY GREAT COULD COME OUT OF THIS THAT COULD ADDRESS SOME OF OUR RESIDENTS PRESSING ISSUES, ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY AND THOSE IN FIXED INCOMES WHO ARE GONNA BE DEALING WITH GREAT CRISES IN THEIR OWN HOMES BECAUSE OF ASSESSMENTS AND RESERVES.
SO, SO I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO REFER TO FINANCE.
SECOND, I, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A, A, A DIFFERENT MOTION ACTUALLY, UM, TO REFER TO FINANCE AND FERC, BECAUSE I THINK THERE ARE LAND USE, I'M SORRY, FINANCE AND, AND LAND USE BECAUSE I THINK THERE ARE OVERLAPPING ISSUES THAT ARE BETTER SERVED IN, IN TWO DIFFERENT COMMITTEES, SO THEY GET THEIR FAIR.
SO A REFERRAL TO FERC AND LAND USE.
IT'S, IT'S, IT'S F AND LAND USE, CORRECT? YES.
[R9 AB DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION REGARDING A PROFESSIONAL POLICE PERSONNEL STAFFING AND WORKLOAD ANALYSIS.]
CHIEF JONES, YOU'VE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY.LET'S CALL A POLICE ITEM R NINE.
AB, AB R NINE AB IS DISCUSSED.
PROFESSIONAL POLICE PERSONNEL STAFFING WORKLOAD ANALYSIS.
GOOD EVENING, MR. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER WAYNE JONES, POLICE CHIEF.
UH, SO MR. MAYOR, I, I THINK I'VE MENTIONED YOU PERSONALLY BEFORE, HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE, UH, FOR THIS, THIS RESOLUTION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE TO LOOK AT OUR CURRENT, UH, STAFFING.
LOOK AT HOW OUR PROFESSION, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF SUPPORTS US AND WHETHER OR NOT IS ADEQUATE, UM, FOR OUR NEEDS IN TODAY'S WORLD.
UH, WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL FREE UP MORE POLICE OFFICERS WHO SORT OF DABBLE IN BOTH WORLDS, UM, TO HAVE MORE COPS ON THE STREET INCREASE AND IMPROVE OUR VISIBILITY.
UM, IN, IN OUR EAGERNESS, WE, WE TOOK A, A LOOK AT WHETHER OR NOT WE HAD THE CAPACITY, THE ABILITY, THE EXPERTISE TO DO THIS INTERNALLY.
UM, IT QUICKLY BECAME APPARENT THAT WE DID NOT, AND SO WE ISSUED AN AN ITQ, UM, INVITATION TO QUOTE.
UH, WE GOT, UH, MULTIPLE RESPONSES TO IT, UP TO NINE RESPONSES TO IT FROM VARIOUS FIRMS, BOTH LOCAL AND NATIONAL FIRMS THAT SPECIALIZE IN THIS SORT OF OF WORK.
UM, WE WENT THROUGH AN EXHAUSTIVE PROCESS IN A SORT OF IDENTIFYING AND CHOOSING A FIRM WE THINK WOULD BE WELL SUITED TO DO THE WORKFORCE.
THAT'S THE MATRIX GROUP WHO HAS DONE SOME WORK HERE IN THE CITY BEFORE.
IN FACT, IN PAST YEARS THEY DID DO A POLICING STAFFING STUDY FOR US, AND, UM, WAS QUITE DONE QUITE WELL.
UM, THE TIMELINE WE WERE GIVEN, UH, BY THIS COMPANY, AND IT RANGE FROM VARIOUS, VARIOUS FIRMS FROM ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO ABOUT NINE MONTHS.
UH, MATRIX IS ABOUT 20 WEEKS IF YOU WERE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THEM.
UH, THE COST OF, OF THE STUDY RANGED FROM ABOUT 89,000 UP TO ABOUT A HUNDRED THOUSAND.
AND SO WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW IS AT THE, AT THE TIME TO IDENTIFY SOME FUNDING FOR IT.
BUT WE'D REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS DONE.
I'M GLAD YOU'RE, UH, ALL ON BOARD.
AND DO YOU ANTICIPATE IT WILL, UH, PRODUCE POSITIVE RESULTS IN THE SENSE THAT WE CAN FREE UP OFFICERS TO MORE OFFICERS TO BE ON THE STREET AND, AND USE SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS FOR CIVILIAN USE,
[09:00:01]
BUT THAT, THAT'S, THAT'S CERTAINLY IN HOPE.UM, YOU KNOW, BACK IN 2007, 2006 DURING THE REAL ESTATE, UM, SORT OF, UH, CRASH, UH, MUCH OF OUR PROFESSIONAL ADMIN STAFF WAS REDUCED AT A POLICE DEPARTMENT.
CITY WAS GOING THROUGH SOME FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
UM, AND EVEN THOUGH THE DEMANDS ON THE ORGANIZATION HAS INCREASED, UH, UH, DRAMATICALLY SINCE THEN, OUR CIVILIAN PROFESSIONAL ADMIN STAFF HAS RE REMAINED A CONSTANT.
AND SO YES, SHORT ANSWER IS YES.
LOOK FORWARD TO, UH, SEEING THE RESULTS, SIR.
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I APOLOGIZE SHEATH THAT YOU HAD TO WAIT HERE ALL DAY AND THAT YOUR ITEM WAS THE LAST ITEM CALLED.
I DON'T THINK WE NEEDED TO KEEP OUR POLICE CHIEF HERE ALL DAY AND CALL HIS ITEM LAST.
WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN HERE? I'M SORRY.
WOULD YOU? YEAH, HE WAS WAITING FOR HIS ITEM TO BE CALLED.
I'M, I'M, I'M POINTING THAT A FACT.
I DON'T THINK THE CHIEF CHIEF CHIEF JONES SITS HERE FOR EVERY MEETING.
HE'S HE'S ALWAYS HERE FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE MEETINGS.
IN MY ENTIRE POLITICAL CAREER, I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT.
SECOND, I DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND WHY CHEAT IS ALWAYS C OKAY.
THE SECOND WHAT, WHAT? I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE.
IN THE PAST, WE'VE ALWAYS CALLED OUR OUR CHIEFS ITEMS. IT'S FINE.
EVERYBODY CAN GET OKAY, EVERYONE CAN GET MAD.
I'M JUST POINTING SOMETHING OUT.
I WOULDN'T LIKE IT EITHER IF I WAS LIKE THE LAST MAN STANDING.
WITH A VERY, VERY CRITICAL ITEM.
AND I TRY TO GOVERN WITH EMPATHY AND COMPASSION.
FOR THOSE AROUND, I DO, DO I PUT MYSELF IN EVERYONE'S SHOES ALL DAY LONG.
AND BY THE WAY, IN OR IN DOING THAT, IT'S TORTURE.
IT'S SOMETIMES IT'S TORTURE UP HERE TOO.
SECOND OF ALL, YEAH, SOMETIMES IT'S TORTURE TO LISTEN TO ME.
YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE IT'S, IT'S VERY, IT'S SOMETHING DIFFICULT TO BE A CON TO BE A, A COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUS OR TRY TO CREATE COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS.
SECOND, I FIND THIS ITEM OVERALL.
I, I READ IT LIKE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES AND I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND, I FOUND IT A LITTLE BIT INTRUSIVE BECAUSE UNLESS THEY WERE REQUESTING THAT STUDY, UM, YOU KNOW, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU COMMISSIONED THIS STUDY.
MAYOR, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY? 'CAUSE I THINK THIS IS COMING.
WHAT? IT'S GOOD GOVERNANCE AND THE CHIEF HAS ACTUALLY COMMENDED ME MULTIPLE TIMES FOR ACTUALLY BRINGING THE ITEM.
I THINK THAT IF YOU'RE NOT A POLICE OFFICER AND YOU'RE NOT, NOR AM I, AND WE HAVE EXPERTS, I DON'T THINK THAT WE NEED TO YET.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT WE'RE HAVING AN ITEM LIKE THIS.
THE FIRST ONE WAS TO KIND OF COME IN AND, YOU KNOW, KNOW, INTRUDE AND, AND SOMEHOW EMBED SOMEBODY IN THE COMMAND STAFF.
AND NOW YOU ARE BRINGING IN A THIRD PARTY TO KIND OF EVALUATE.
AND HOW, WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT THAT DOES OVERALL TO, UH, LEADERSHIP AND MORALE? THE CHIEF WANTS THIS.
I WOULDN'T GO, UH, IF SOMEBODY DID THIS TO ME AND I, BUT SHE WANTS THIS WAS LEADING AN ORGANIZATION.
SHE, I WHAT? I'M NOT INTERRUPTING ANYONE.
I'M JUST SAYING WHAT I THINK THIS IS.
I THINK IT WAS TERRIBLE TO LEAVE IT TO THE LAST ITEM.
AND I THINK THAT WE SHOULD PROBABLY STAY OUT OF, OF, OF, OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
'CAUSE YOU CHOSE A CHIEF FOR A REASON.
AND I, YOU KNOW WHAT? I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR CHIEF FOR BEING SO MAGNANIMOUS AND SO PATIENT AND SO KIND BACK TO YOU BECAUSE I WOULD NOT ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW, THAT I WOULDN'T BE LIKE THAT
DON'T INTRUDE UPON HIS LEADERSHIP AND EMBED SOMEBODY.
WHAT IF I JUST SAID THAT TO TOM? YOU KNOW WHAT, TOM? WE'RE COMING IN AND WE'RE EVALUATING YOUR APARTMENT AND WE WANNA SEE IF YOU ARE EFFICIENT.
YOU HAVEN'T DONE THAT TO ANYONE.
SO I DON'T THINK THAT IT'S RIGHT.
AND THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY.
MAYBE IT WAS DONE FOR SOME OTHER REASON.
I THINK THAT EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO PLACATE YOU, BUT I THINK THAT SOMETIMES YOU MAKE A DECISION AND YOU CHOOSE A CITY MANAGER AND YOU CHOOSE A CHIEF, AND THEN YOU STAY OUT OF IT BECAUSE OTHERWISE THAT TYPE OF INTRUSION, IT RUINS MORALE, IT CREATES FEAR.
AND I HATE TO SAY IT, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND YOU YOURSELF HAD A MENTAL HEALTH ITEM, BUT TWO PEOPLE IN OUR DEPARTMENT HAD SERIOUS, TWO PEOPLE COMMITTED SUICIDE BECAUSE OF THIS TYPE OF STUFF.
'CAUSE OF THIS TYPE OF, IN, EXCUSE ME, THIS IS OUT OF ORDER.
I'M SAYING, EXCUSE ME, THAT WHEN YOU, YOU CREATE A CULTURE OF FEAR.
WHEN YOU CREATE A CULTURE OF FEAR, EXCUSE, EXCUSE.
[09:05:01]
WHEN YOU CREATE, WHEN PEOPLE HAVE TO WORK, YOU AS A FRIEND, OKAY, I'M SORRY, BUT WHEN YOU, I, I, LOOK, I'M A PHD IN KRISTEN, YOU GOTTA STOP COMMUNICATION AND YOU GOTTA STOP IS MR. MAYOR, WHEN AN ORGANIZATION OPERATES IN FEAR, YOU HAVE TERRIBLE SITUATIONS AND YOU CAN'T CREATE THIS TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT WHERE PEOPLE ARE FEARFUL.KRISTEN AND THEN KRISTEN, THAT IS WAY OUTTA LINE.
I'M REALLY, EXCUSE ME FOR A SECOND, I'M REALLY SORRY.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH, EXCUSE ME, YOU INTERRUPTED ME AND I'M TELLING YOU THAT THIS IS THE EXACT REASON NO, WHY PEOPLE DON'T WANNA WORK HERE.
CHRIS, THEY DON'T WANNA WORK HERE BECAUSE EVERYBODY BET INSPECTOR GENERAL, I'M SAYING THAT THIS IS A TOXIC WORK CULTURE BECAUSE OF THESE TYPES OF SITUATIONS.
AND THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO AVOID.
LISTEN YOU TO TRUST WHAT YOU SAID.
YOU NEED TO TRUST YOUR EMPLOYEES.
YOU NEED TO TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT.
YOU DON'T COMMISSION THIRD PARTY OUTSIDE STUDIES.
I THINK IT'S WRONG AND I THINK IT CREATES A TREMENDOUS LEVEL OF STRESS.
AND I APOLOGIZE FOR, I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT CORRELATION, BUT IT'S WHAT CAME TO MY MIND WHEN I THOUGHT OF SOME OF THE TOXICITY THAT'S GOING ON HERE IN CITY HALL.
AND I THINK THAT IT STARTS AT THE TOP AND IT STARTS WITH BAD POLICIES LIKE THESE.
OKAY? WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO MY COLLEAGUES, MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE CHIEF AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE INTERESTED IN TO SEE HOW THEY COULD REALLOCATE THEIR RESOURCES BETTER SO THAT WE COULD GET WHAT WE WANTED ON THE STREETS WITH POLICE OFFICERS, SWORN OFFICERS DOING THE JOB THEY ARE TRAINED FOR.
AND WE COULD REALLOCATE RESOURCES WITH CIVILIANS WHO ARE FAR LESS EXPENSIVE TO DO THE MORE MINISTERIAL THINGS.
I PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, OKAY, POINT NUMBER ONE, POINT NUMBER TWO, AS THE MOTHER OF A CHILD WHO HAS TWICE TRIED TO KILL HERSELF, AND IF IT WERE NOT FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, WOULD'VE BEEN DEAD IN SEPTEMBER OF 2015, EXCUSE ME, 2016.
DO NOT FOR A SECOND, DARE TO SUGGEST THAT ANY ONE OF US ON THIS DAYUS OR EVEN THE WORST F*****G BOSS IN THE WORLD, BECAUSE I'VE HAD SOME, IS THE REASON WHY SOMEBODY CAME TO THAT DIRE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE PLACE WHERE THEY SAW NO FURTHER WAY OUT.
I, I LISTEN, YOU AND I AGREE ON A LOT OF THINGS WE DISAGREE ON, SOME WE BUTT HEADS SOMETIMES, BUT THAT IS A BRIDGE TOO FAR, MR. MADD LIKE MR. SUAREZ.
SO I WANT EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON HERE.
OKAY? AND YOU KNOW, I'M GONNA CALL OUT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM.
OKAY? THIS IS COMMISSIONER GONZALEZ CAMPAIGNING FROM THE DAUS.
OKAY? I WANT EVERYONE TO SEE THAT THE REASON WHY SHE'S DOING THIS IS TO GET THE POLICE UNION VOTE.
WELL THEN YOU HAVEN'T HEARD, FIRST OF ALL, EXCUSE, LET, DON'T FINISH VOTE ENDORSEMENT.
LISTEN, I WANNA, SHOULD, IF YOU CAN, LEMME FINISH, PLEASE.
I'VE BEEN A VICTIM OF HAVING MY ITEM CALLED LA I WANT, I'VE BEEN A VICTIM OF INTRUSION.
LISTEN, YOU HAVE, AND YOU KNOW WHAT, I THINK YOU'VE HAD MOST ITEMS CALLED ON THIS THE UP TODAY.
AND BY THE WAY, I HAVEN'T CHANGED IN THE 10 YEARS SINCE 2015 THAT I HAVE BEEN UP HERE.
I HAVE BEEN PRETTY MUCH, UM, A, A, A, YOU KNOW, A VOICE FOR SOMETHING TRUTHFUL.
AND HONESTLY, MAYBE IT'S MY ACADEMIC BACKGROUND AND SOMETIMES I DRAW, UM, I, I I, I FINISH.
SOMETIMES I DRAW CONNECTIONS THAT THERE SHOULDN'T BE.
BUT I ALSO CALL SPADES A SPADE.
AND BY THE WAY, I DON'T EVER, I MEAN, COMMISSIONER HAD THE ONLY, I DON'T FINISH BECAUSE IT'S NOT ABOUT AN ENDORSEMENT.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU SAID AN INTERRUPT YOU AND SHUT.
WELL, BUT IF I'M BEING ATTACKED, YOU KNOW, WHEN I SAID SOMETHING, YOU ATTACKED PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.
YOU, YOU SAID THAT THE MAYOR WAS THE REASON WHY TWO OF OUR EMPLOYEES SAYING TWO EMPLOYEES,
I SAID INTRUSIVE POLICIES THAT CREATE TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENTS.
IF YOU CREATE A TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND THEN YOU PEOPLE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSEL, THIS IS TOXIC TO THE PUBLIC.
OUR PUBLIC, OUR WRESTLERS DO NOT DESERVE TOXIC RIGHT NOW.
I HAVE TO SIT HERE AND AND WATCH THIS.
B ASKED, THIS IS WRONG, KRISTIN, IF I CAN ALLOW IT FINISH PLEASE.
COMMISSIONER SWAR, I, I WANT EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON HERE.
THIS IS, THIS IS, THIS IS CAMPAIGN SEASON.
OKAY? IT'S, IT'S NO SURPRISE THAT ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS UP HERE IS GONNA WANNA RUN FOR MAYOR FOR NEXT YEAR.
AND WHATEVER AVENUE THAT CAN BE EXPLOITED WILL BE, AND THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FOR THE NEXT 12 MEETINGS, UNFORTUNATELY.
AND I THINK IT'S, I THINK IT'S SURPRISING THAT ALL THE TALK OF TOXICITY HERE, YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER, YOU LIKE, YOU ARE, YOU ARE RAISING THE TOXIC NATURE OF
[09:10:01]
THIS COMMISSION.I MEAN, LOOK, THAT THE FACT THAT YOU'VE MENTIONED THAT SOMEHOW OUR POLICIES ARE MAKING OUR EMPLOYEES COMMIT SUICIDE IS RIDICULOUS.
I MEAN THAT, I MEAN, JUST THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND.
THINK ABOUT WHAT MESSAGE YOU'RE SENDING.
I MEAN, THAT IS JUST ASININE, I THINK, AND LET ME FINISH, PLEASE.
AND, UH, YOU KNOW, TO TO, TO, AND IF, IF YOU REALLY WANNA, IF YOU, IF YOU REALLY WANT TO REMOVE THE, THE TOXICITY IN, IN, IN THIS COMMISSION, MAYBE STOP BEATING TO DEATH.
EVERY ITEM THAT COMES TO, TO IN FRONT OF US.
I MEAN, YOU HAVE HAD MORE ITEMS CALLED AT THIS MEETING THAN ALL OF US.
AND EVERY ITEM THAT COME, COMES UP BEFORE US, OR, OR THAT'S OUR ALL ITEMS YOU'RE BEATING TO DEATH.
IT'S LIKE, IT'S, IT'S NOT FUN.
IT'S NOT FRIENDLY, UH, TO YOUR COLLEAGUES.
I MEAN, I, YES, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO DO IT.
BUT I MEAN, LOOK, LIKE YOU SAID, YOU'VE BEEN HERE SINCE 2015.
UH, WE'RE FRIENDS, YOU KNOW, OFF THIS DAY, I, I I STILL WANT TO CALL YOU A FRIEND, BUT UP HERE YOU'VE MADE A MOCKERY OF THIS COMMISSION AND, AND THE PROCESS.
AND YOU KNOW, I I THINK YOU NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT SELF INTROSPECTION ON, ON WHO IS CAUSING THIS TOXICITY BECAUSE IT AIN'T THE SIX OF US.
AND FOR YOU TO MAKE ASSUMPTIONS OR NOT ASSUMPTIONS ASSERTIONS THAT OUR POLICY IS CAUSING SUICIDE.
I MEAN, THAT IS JUST, THAT'S, THAT'S, THAT'S HORRIBLE.
I THINK EVERYTHING EXISTS IN A VACUUM, NUMBER ONE.
NUMBER TWO, I FIND IT ODD THAT ONE TIME THAT I SUGGEST SOMETHING, IT BECOMES TOXIC WHEN REALLY THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN SCREAMING UP HERE AND BEHAVING BADLY AND TREATING EMPLOYEES BADLY, I DON'T THINK IT'S ME.
I THINK THERE'S A FEW OF US UP HERE WHO HAVE BEEN DOING THAT.
AND, AND I DON'T THINK THAT THAT'S ME.
I DO THINK THAT I TOOK THIS TOO FAR IN SAYING THAT.
BUT TRUTHFULLY, WHEN I FOUND OUT THOSE NOTICES, I SAID TO MYSELF BETWEEN THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND ALL OF THE POLICIES THAT WE HAVE AND THE TOXICITY AND THE EXPECTATIONS AND THE AMOUNT OF MEETINGS, I SAID TO MYSELF, THIS IS SO, SUCH A HORRIBLE PLACE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THE RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF LEGISLATION AND POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS THAT WE PASS.
I THINK WE COMPENSATE PEOPLE, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT POLICIES LIKE THIS ARE SOLID POLICIES BECAUSE THEY THINK YOU SHOULD LET DEPARTMENTS GOVERN THEMSELVES.
MAYOR, MR. MAYOR, UH, THERE'S SOME PEOPLE THAT WOULD BE WILLING TO BURN DOWN ROME IF IT MEANT THEY COULD ROLL OVER THE ASHES.
IF WE COULD RESUME THE MEETING, MR. MAYOR, I KNOW YOU'RE THE CHAIR HERE, BUT IF WE GET THIS BACK ON TRACK, PERHAPS CALL THE POLICE CHIEF UP.
UM, AND TRY AND I THINK WE'VE HAD A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING.
TRY AND CLOSE OUT ON A HIGH NOTE, I COMMEND YOU FOR HOW YOU'VE RUN THIS MEETING.
UH, JUST 30 MINUTES AFTER I MENTIONED THAT THE TONE AND THE CULTURE THAT WE ALL SET FROM THE TOP FILTERS DOWN.
THE SAME THING GOES FOR THE NEGATIVE TONE AS WELL.
THERE WERE YEARS IN THE CITY THAT WENT BY WHERE EVERY SINGLE MEETING WOULD TURN INTO A FIGHT.
AND AS A PRIVATE RESIDENT, I FELT THAT, I FELT THAT RIGHT? I FELT THAT NEGATIVE TONE FROM THE TOP AND THAT TRICKLED DOWN INTO THE TOXICITY WAS THAT WAS IN OUR CITY.
AND I'VE BEEN PLEDGING FROM THE BEGINNING THAT EVEN IN TIMES OF DISAGREEMENT THAT WE ALL UNDERSTAND, WE ARE SERVING A MUCH GREATER PURPOSE THAN OURSELVES.
AND THAT IS THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, WHICH IS MUCH GREATER.
AND WHEN WE'RE SERVING THE PUBLIC, WE'RE SERVING A GREATER GOOD.
THE SENSE OF PURPOSE GREATER THAN OURSELVES.
SO EVEN TIMES OF DISAGREEMENT, WE NEED TO DO SO WITH THE UTMOST OF RESPECT.
THIS HAS TURNED INTO A MOCKERY AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN GET BACK ON TRACK.
COMMISSIONER BOT, UM, I WANNA APOLOGIZE FOR, UM, USING INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT.
I WILL SAY THAT IT'S GONNA BE A REALLY LONG YEAR AND WE HAVE SEVEN OF US WHO ARE MOSTLY QUITE ALIGNED IN WHAT WE WANNA GET ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER.
AND WE'VE HAD A VERY PRODUCTIVE YEAR AND WE HAVE TWO COLLEAGUES WHO ARE LIKELY GOING TO BE RUNNING AGAINST EACH OTHER.
AND WHO KNOWS IF A THIRD OR FOURTH PERSON WHO'S HOPEFULLY NOT A THIRD OR FOURTH FROM THE DAYS, BUT A THIRD OR FOURTH, FOURTH PERSON MIGHT, MIGHT JUMP INTO THE RACE, I DON'T KNOW.
[09:15:01]
ARE FREE TO CAMPAIGN HOWEVER THEY CHOOSE TO.I WOULD JUST RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT YOU KEEP IT OFF THE DAIS.
'CAUSE WE HAVE TOO MUCH AT STAKE.
THERE'S TOO MUCH MONEY THAT WE'RE CHARGED WITH MANAGING, AND WE HAVE TO LOOK TO OUR, OUR RESIDENTS FIRST AND LETTING THIS BEHAVIOR BE THE TONE.
THAT WE, WE DEMONSTRATE HERE, I THINK IS, IS APPALLING.
I WILL SAY THAT THERE ARE TIMES THAT THERE ARE POLICIES THAT I THINK ARE AWFUL AND I WANNA RING MY COLLEAGUE'S NECK ABOUT ONE THING OR ANOTHER, BUT THAT, YOU KNOW, YOU MOVE ON.
SOME YOU WIN, SOME YOU LOSE, BUT YOU MOVE ON TO THE GREATER GOOD.
AND I, FOR ONE, FEEL LIKE THIS IS THE BEST JOB I'VE EVER HAD.
IT IS THE MOST, THE BIGGEST HONOR OF MY LIFE TO BE TRUSTED WITH MAKING DECISIONS THAT WILL AFFECT OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE.
AND IT WOULD BE HEARTBREAKING AND DISAPPOINTING AND FRUSTRATING AND DAMAGING IF WE LET, UM, POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS GET IN THE WAY OF THE GREATER GOOD AND THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS.
COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ, THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR.
AND YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD FROM THIS POINT.
WE CAN'T GET BACK TO THIS POINT.
UM, TO THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE CALLED OUT CAMPAIGNING FROM THE DAYS, IT'S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
OUR TAXPAYERS DESERVE BETTER, OUR RESIDENTS DESERVE BETTER.
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THIS ROOM DON'T NEED TO BE EXPOSED TO THAT EITHER.
UM, SO MR. MAYOR, IN, IN 2024, AN ITEM WAS APPROVED FOR US TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY AND THE POTENTIAL OF HIRING ADDITIONAL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL TO ASSIST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH DESK WORK AND ENHANCE SO THAT WE CAN HAVE OFFICERS ON THE STREET DOING THEIR WORK.
TO FOLLOW UP ON THAT, I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION ON YOUR ITEM, MR. MAYOR, IF YOU, IF YOU ALLOW ME, BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS A REALLY GOOD ITEM.
SO I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION, UM, TO, FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO PREPARE A, UM, A, A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO COMPLETE A, A PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL WORKLOAD ANALYSIS THROUGH A SPECIALIZED VENDOR I'VE IDENTIFIED VIA AN INVITATION TO QUOTE SO WE CAN MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD.
UH, WE'LL CALL THE VOTE IN A SECOND.
CHIEF, I APPRECIATE THE, UH, THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING ON THIS AND, AND THE PRESENTATION.
AND ERIC, YOU KNOW, I KNOW WE HAVE GOOD LEADERSHIP IN THE RIGHT POSITIONS AND, UH, I'M APPRECIATIVE WORKING TOGETHER CLOSELY WITH YOU TO, UH, HAVE THE OUTSTANDING POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT WE DO AND, UH, WORKING ALONGSIDE ERIC.
AND I KNOW I HAVE THE RESPECT OF YOU AND OUR OFFICERS, AND THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME.
ALL ALL IN FAVOR OF R NINE AB, PLEASE SAY AYE.
HOW THANK, THANK YOU EVERYONE.