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Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=IvBJBxB_h5o

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Hey, hey hey. I want you. Baby, baby. Heat. Heat. N. >> [music] >> Baby, baby, baby.

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Baby, baby, baby, baby. Baby, baby. Can't make it. Hey hey hey.

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Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Rolling [music] back.

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[music] Back. [music] believe me behind. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into the microphone [music] as this meeting

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is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on air in [music] 5 4 3 2 1. >> Good morning everyone and welcome to our commission meeting today. We uh have a

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lot on the agenda. We'll get started. We're also going to be doing a little uh little presentation early on to celebrate America 250 since uh this is our last commission meeting before July 4th. And uh most of us are wearing red, white, and blue. If not, uh we're going

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to get a little color in there. But uh Ralph, if you can uh give us some instructions before we get started. Thank you, mayor. Good morning, everyone. The city commission is physically present in the commission chambers at Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive, third floor. Members of the public are invited to

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attend either in person or virtually. If you're joining us virtually, you can log in using the Zoom app or visit Zoom. us on your browser. You can also phone in at 3052241968 or toll-free888-4754499. Again, the local number is 305224-1968. The webinar ID is 813-928-576771

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pound. Again, 813-928-5767 71 pound. If you would like to speak virtually on an item during the meeting, please click the raise hand icon in the Zoom app or press star 9 on your phone. All lobbyists must register with the office of the city clerk located on the first floor of city hall. You do not

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need to register if you're an expert witness giving only technical specialized testimony. a representative of a neighborhood association or nonprofit speaking without pay or a private citizen speaking on your own behalf without compensation. However, [clears throat] if you are an expert witness or a nonprofit or neighborhood

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rep, you do need to submit a written disclosure form to the office of the city clerk before speaking with the commission or staff. Forms are available at the office of the city clerk. If a if a lobbyist gives or agrees to give a thousand dollars or more to a neighborhood association or its representative regarding a city matter

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that must be disclosed in writing to the city clerk. Note that contingency fees are not permitted to compensate lobbyists. If you plan to speak during the comment period today, please sign in. You can use the sign-in sheets at the podium or the scan QR codes also located there. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. Now, it's my honor to call up Pastor Victor Palasios from Eglacio Bautista Poda Deios. How'd they do? [laughter] >> Not bad. A church right here in uh in Miami Beach. You're also uh >> 28 in Sheridan.

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>> 28th in Sheridan. You're also a friend and recently we did a uh national day of prayer uh which you had a number of pastors, fathers, rabbis. Uh we did a ceremony outside of city hall about a month ago. Uh it was very uh it was very

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moving. So I I appreciate you putting that together. I know you also did a caravan. >> Yes. >> Of cars. So So thank you for >> Yeah. Thank you for the city need to break. >> Yes. >> You know. >> Yes. Amen. >> Well the country too but we live here

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and we need to pray for our city. Well uh today was that is the day the special day for heaven and for this city. We want to pray for you, for the

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mayor, for the commissioners, for the manager, for the city clerk, for the attorney, and for everybody in this room and uh for this city. Father in the name we come to you to

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this day. We thank you because you're the lord of the lord. You're the king of the king. We come to you in this day. We ask you Lord for wisen in this meeting. We ask you Lord to do your direction

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your anointing. Thank you for everything you do so far in the city. Thank you for everybody you put here help to responsibility to the do the direction in this city Lord we know you in control the everything

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you say you are we clam to you your respond and this day we clam to you that way you can be the god for the city be the god for this city hall we bless everybody working in the city hall we

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bless everybody live in the city, beautiful city, the Miami beach. We ask you for protection. We ask you Lord to direction the people who commend this city uh do it with

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integrity responsibility to today we see that happen. Lord we pray for the police department for the fire department for everybody to get involved to work in the city. Thank you for everything. We

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putting everything in your hand and when we put it everything in your hand, everything is go well. Oh Lord, we pray in your name. In the name of God. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, pastor. >> Appreciate your leadership and and

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friendship. >> Thank you. >> Are there any uh veterans of the United States Armed Forces here? Wow. Oh, come on up. I'm gonna ask you to lead the pledge. >> Will McDonald, our parking director.

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>> Which branch were you in? >> United States officer. >> God bless. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation indivisible

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and justice for all. Thank you, Will. Thank you to all our service members. Just wanted to take a brief moment before we started Sutnik to uh commemorate America 250. Um July 4th, uh

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this is our last meeting before then. As I mentioned, I just wanted to briefly mention what America has meant to me and my family. I'm going to try to do this without getting emotional, but my grandparents moving here luckily

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before the Holocaust cuz I did lose many family members who did not have the foresight or the luck whatever it may be that they had to get out. And this country, America, while there were quotas and

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limitations, did accept a lot of people um that were escaping what was becoming a very obvious hostile situation in Germany and Europe. But that's just my story. I think pretty much everyone in this room has their own story for why

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they came to America, why this country continues to offer so many uh so much. And we're not perfect. We try to get better. We have our bumps and ups and downs, but we always try to get better. I tell you, I I I I had a situation

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recently. I was at a restaurant and and and the the the waiter was from Venezuela and I asked him why he moved here and he said cuz Maduro a couple years ago took my business. He literally took my business that I owned for 20 years. And it makes us realize how fortunate we are to live in this country

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that offers opportunity for so many. There's a reason why people all over the world continue to try to come here >> because we offer so much and uh I know personally I'm grateful. I'm grateful to this country. I even look at my own story, not to make this about me, but a

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kid from Brooklyn and Staten Island, the last thing I thought in the world I'd be a mayor of a major global international city. But those opportunities are there. And that's everyone. Everyone in this room has their own story, their own opportunities that they've been able to pursue because of this great country.

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So, I think it was important to mention that. Um, happy to open it up. Love your tie, Commissioner Fernandez. Uh, >> outfits, Commissioner Bot, I know you're you're getting there, [laughter] Commissioner Magazine, and Commissioner Dominguez. We also have these commemorative coins. I would I would

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love to uh to do a picture with it uh with everyone. And also I have one for our police chief and and fire chief if uh if Chief Abella is here. >> Sure. >> How beautiful.

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>> What do we Mr. Mayor? Before we go take a picture, I just want to mention that uh what you mentioned is so important because so many of us we are here for out of different circumstances but all seeking freedom. That ultimately is what

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has brought so many of us, so many of our families. Uh for me as a first uh generation of American, July 4th means a lot for my family and myself because on July 4th, 1963, my grandmother, my aella Mary, uh

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arrived to the to the United States uh with um with her mother Adelina from Cuba and my uncle Larry, my my my dad's brother, and they came u by sea via the Red Cross, a ship called Maximus. uh who took supplies and tractors to

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Cuba in exchange for Bay of Pig prisoners being set free by Castro at the time. And uh and as history would have it, as as fortuitous as it may be, they arrived to freedom,

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escaping Castro's tyranny on a July 4th. Um and for them uh and my and my uncle wrote a beautiful essay about this you know narrating how how for him um it was a new life. It was liberty was freedom

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uh in the in the US they came in uh through the US Coast Guard air air station in Opalaka on July 4th. And I think for so many of us uh this country has given us so many opportunities for my family for my grandmother gave us freedom itself that they got on July 4th

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escaping the uh the Castro regime and so and so it's it it is symbolic uh for so many of us so many immigrants that make that are part of our country as you well mentioned uh Venezuelans and so many others who have who have fled

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dictatorship and thanks to 250 years of America America and this great country. We're all united here celebrating that today. >> Well, thank you for mentioning that. It's it's true. Really, you can't go a day, especially in Miami Beach and South Florida, without meeting someone who's

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been directly impacted in a positive way by America, whether it be people fleeing Cuba's Castro regime, Venezuela, other countries. And um it's it's a constant reminder of how blessed we are. So, thank you. Should we all go down and

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take a picture with this Is that okay? Good morning, Eric. >> Yeah, people close. Okay, look at this camera. Three, two, one. All right, one more. This camera. Three, two, one.

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All right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can we look up here? Can we look up here? Thank you. >> Thank you. Hey, was it this morning? >> How are you?

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>> I even have my sneakers on with the American flag on it. We're going to start the Sutnik hour. Um, we'll wait for Ralph call up. Thank you everyone for coming. Good morning everyone. Again, anyone

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[snorts] who's interesting interested in addressing the commission, please make a line. You will have two minutes. We ask you to please state your name and address. Go ahead, please. >> My name is Brenda Jordan, 2316 Bay Drive, Miami Beach. As everyone knows, I'm artist vendor and I asked the most

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high and my ancestors to guide me today in this speech because sometimes it's almost like a nightmare where I'm sleeping, I'm talking, and no one is listening. And every time I come to this meeting, that's what I feel like. I feel

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like I have not been heard. The last time I was in this commission chambers, the item of the artist vendors were put forward and I said, "Great. Finally, I get a chance to really speak more than two minutes to defend my life, my

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tradition, my arts and the city and its arts program. And when I got my two minutes, other people were invited. And the people were Manny, he's an expert in finance [snorts] um, code compliance. They follow the

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rules that you put forward. Um, the other one was, uh, somebody else, but the point is none of them are experts in this and neither are you. You set up a program without any input from experts. I see when you do parking um things, you

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go through a feasibility study, you do all of this to set up a viable program not only for people parking but for this city. And in this program, no. From the beginning, it was dictated to us. And then I thought Commissioner Suarez was

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here to help and have a viable program. But instead, I was duped. I felt like I was used like a pawn to push his agenda which had nothing to do and then it was a vote taken without us seeing what the ordinance was that killed the sunshine

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law and I've been putting up with this disrespect. Last time I was shut down because who was speaking when Manny said there were 48 there 15 people that entered the lottery and we used to have 58. That's a big disparity. And I think

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that the prices have gone up. Giving nothing to the artist. Nothing. In every relationship, there's a give and take. Is that it? Or do you really want to hear the truth? >> Thank you, Miss Jordan. >> Yeah. I'm tired of the disrespect that this city has given deaf ears to what is

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our livelihood and our lifestyle. If you want to talk, I'm here. >> Next, please. Uh, hi. My name is Jillian Haber, 1699 Daytonia Road, Miami Beach. I've emailed most of you. I am here to speak on

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behalf and hope that item RD R9 A is uh heard on the agenda today. This is the city's traffic plan for road closure emergencies. Um, I live in North Beach. Um, apparently the city does not have a plan in place when roads get closed due

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to emergencies. It's not as rare an occasion as you might think it is. Uh, on June 5th, uh, a road was closed in North Beach that created absolute mayhem and chaos for hours. I'm not questioning the police's uh, determination to close

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the road. They did that for our safety. That's not the issue. The issue is once a road gets closed in North Beach, we have one road south, two roads north. You cannot get off those roads once you're on them. There was no control of the traffic. People north were driving

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the wrong way down the streets. They were The road rage was unbelievable. And this was at 7:30 in the morning before rush hour had even began. I am simply asking that the city have in place a traffic closure emergency system. Uh

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it's pretty easy. You would inform our four neighboring cities, Surfside, BA, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbor, North Bay Village. Let them know a road is closed. You could tell ways a road is a road is closed. You could tell us residents a road is closed. That would immediately redirect a ton of traffic and and um

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mitigate some of this. I don't understand. Then there were no police officers at the time handling the traffic. They there was a shooting. They were investigating that. No one was called to handle the traffic because I spoke with other people. I had to turn around. This is a public health issue.

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You're going to have a secondary problem with road rage when this happens. The traffic tie up was about 2 hours. The electric lights that say when a road is closed were not uh told timely. Um nor when it was raised and was no longer

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closed, that wasn't fixed either. Um, I have a lot more to say on this and I would like to know how do I find out if you're going to hear this on the agenda today. Thank you. >> What? Thank you. What What date was >> June 5th? >> The 5th of what? >> June.

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>> Yeah, this was when uh >> Juning on Collins Avenue and >> and thank you and that's and and by the way, I heard from a lot of people, a lot of friends of mine who were stuck in that and they and and everyone I have to say thank you because you're saying it in such a uh rational, professional way. I appreciate that. But I did hear it a

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lot. Everyone understands the police activity. It was the unknown. People had no idea sitting in the cars. It was like people were telling me pedestrians were telling them, "Hey, there's a police activity up front. You're not getting through." And they were able to turn around >> contingency plan. It's it's happens. You're going to have it with flooding.

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You're going to have another police incident. You're going to have a terrible traffic accident where they need to close a road. A fatality. Something h these things happen. It's happened before. It's going to happen again. Let's just Whoops. Let's just have a plan. That's it. And then you swing it into action. You don't have to

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spend a minute figuring out what to do because everybody knows, oh, the roads closed. All the cities know what to do. The police know what to do. If you need to pull people from from uh the Mid Beach police people or the South Beach police people to help out, whatever you need to do, just say, "Okay, it's on."

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You turn a switch, everyone does their thing, traffic gets mitigated, done. >> Great. Thank you so much. Yeah. >> Appreciate We'll we'll hear it today. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Go ahead, please. >> Good morning. Jose Ali, 788 Southeast

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Park Drive, Halia. I committed like nothing but praise and admiration for the way uh Miami Beach does government. I I worked 30 years for parks and recreation highly and I I retired 13 years ago after 30 years in parks and recck and I spent a lot of time here um

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to the 112 I I make it here in 15 minutes. I had a concern with with with Muscle Beach because I know it's a combination of the county, the city, you u maintaining that, but I I know my you're going to take care of my issue because within one day I saw Commissioner Monica Mateo Salas

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yesterday and she read the email and she already knew what it was about and Mary you answered the my email this morning. I don't know it's going to take care of it. And uh I just come here with encouragement because I've seen the demographic change in Miami Beach where before [snorts] we were catered a lot of like the LGBT, the hip-hop, the party

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scene. I notice Miami Beach is now like a very very like a big family destination and there's a big need for like the fitness people to travel for fitness. I think Muscle Beach could be incorporated in that where where we're a fitness destination and Miami Beach could be a family destination. And if

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you look into like with with um the tourism department of Miami date Ohio or city of Miami Beach your tourism department I think if you reach out and present u Miami Beach as a a tourist destination for families I think you will go like it's like a lot of families

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especially in the summer something similar to like Miami Spice or something where yeah the families were family community and I want to share a quick u story about your city clerk Mr. Ronaldo 30 years ago he was uh our human resources director and I was young. I

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took a test. I was going to take an interview. I didn't have a I didn't have a tie and Mr. Ronaldo brought me to his office. His personal tie from the from his uh door. He gave me the tie. Jose, you look better with the tie. Wear this tie. It just shows his character and

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what a great person he is. I really I really I come I was greeted by by Commissioner Magazine. Your chief of staff helped me when I came earlier. one of your assistant. I just have all praise to you guys. Keep doing what you're doing and thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Appreciate that. Thank by the way, thank you for your email. It was very it was

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very helpful. You laid out uh the issues and uh thank you for sharing that story about Ralph and our city charter. Today during the lunch hour, we do our review, our annual review of the charter offices. So, very timely. Did you feed him that? >> Yes, and I gave him extra time. [laughter]

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>> Thank you, mayor. Go ahead, please. >> Hi. Uh good morning, mayor and commissioners. Uh my name is Marina Brain and I'm here again uh today for Saves Advocacy is Pride campaign uh to recognize Miami Beach again for its constant support of the LGBTQ community

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and to offer our support for what's coming. As I'm sure you all know um uh Florida's SB134 or official actions of local government was signed into law earlier this year during the past legislative session. It'll prohibit local governments from funding,

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promoting, or taking any official reaction regarding DEI initiatives, and it's set to go into effect January 1st, 2027. If our cities don't take action now, this law will strip local governments of the tools you use to support communities like mine. I'm here

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ringing alarm bells because obviously I'm a member of the LGBTQ community and all the great things Miami Beach has done to support our community like sponsoring Miami Beach Pride which has tens of thousands of attendees every year, having a full-time LGBTQ liaison

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in your police department and having an active LGBTQA uh advisory committee just to name a few things could be at risk. This law won't just come after LGBT programs and policies in Miami Beach, though. Obviously, I'm also a woman and a black

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person, and I'm telling you now, as a former legislative aid, this law will come after every program and activity referencing any race, any color, any gender, and any ethnicity or religion. So finally, just

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like with the floor ratio exemption for genderneutral restrooms sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez last year, which incentivizes developers to build inclusive restroom facilities, we need this comm uh this commission to get very creative in how it fights back against

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the state because all of the amazing policies and programs you have for everyone here in Miami Beach is at risk. Okay, thank you so much for your time and of course we will reach out because um like I said the deadline is January 1st. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. Next, please. >> Good morning, mayor and commissioners. My name is Paul Thomas. I live in West Avenue. How's everybody doing? Uh I'm a member of SAVE, South Florida's leading LGBTQ advisory uh advocacy organization.

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And I'm here today to ask the city of Miami Beach for the consistent support uh this commission has shown the LGBTQ community. Miami Beach's perfect score of 100 on the human rights campaigns, municipal

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equality index reflects the work through the city's policy, services, leadership, and public commitment uh to equality. That record matters, especially now. Florida's new anti-Dei law is written

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broadly and may affect more than any one community or program. It could reach city policies, funding, contracts, partnerships, advisory boards, training grants, recognition efforts, and other initiatives connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because the law

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does not take effect until January 1st, 2027, Miami Beach has an important window to act. I am asking the commission to direct city staff and legal council to conduct a comprehensive review

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of everything that may be affected by the law. That review should identify what can be protected now before January 1st 2027. >> [snorts] >> The city should also develop a clear implementation strategy, communicate

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with affected organizations and residents, and evaluate whether Miami Beach should support or join legal action challenging the law. Miami Beach has already shown that it is an ally and a leader on inequality. The goal now is

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to protect that leadership and use the time available to preserve the inclusive work the city has already built. I hope the commission will act now to review at risk, secure long-term funding and agreements where possible and protect

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Miami Vich's progress. Thank you very much for your time this morning, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I want to and thank you uh for to to all the members of the public. you've been such a such a uh strong voice in our community um for

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I think over a decade uh advocating here here in Miami Beach not only on LGBTQ rights but also on healthc care which is also important and is also threatened by by by a lot of these these bills. I'm extremely grateful to save for being

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here. Mr. Attorney um I know your office has been working closely with my office. You've been analyzing the bills. You've been researching the [clears throat] impact it's going to have not only on on the LGBTQ advisory committee, but the

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funding that we provide for outside agencies as it relates to LGBTQ services events um cultural activities as well. and beyond the LGBTQ uh community, its impacts on on funding

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that we have for the Hispanic community, the black community, uh women's activities. Can you guide us where are we in that analysis? I know you've been dedicating a lot of time uh to to this, please, uh if you can give us an update regarding this. So, so I've had several

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meetings with key members of my team over the last several weeks, and we are actually setting up a meeting with your office, I believe, next week to review our findings and make certain recommendations and potentially put out a memo with guidance on what committees

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will be affected, what committees will not be affected, and so forth. And generally um because part of the challenges that I understand uh is that the position that Miami Day County is in is different than the position that

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Miami Beach is in. Miami Day County had a whole office and specific staff people whose sole job where to deal and to lies and advocate and act as executive directors of these committees. Uh and so

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their position um and how they're going to be impacted might be different than how Miami Beach, how we might be impacted because of the way that our system is structured. >> That is correct. The the the law includes um an exemption for voluntary

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boards and committees. um the city can provide basic administrative support services as long as there's not a dedicated employee whose sole function is to provide that support. So, we're looking at that very closely. Um but we feel confident that

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um that we should be able to preserve our committees. And as it relates to the funding uh that that we currently have in place, a number of health care uh uh support that we have for people that are

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facing housing insecurity which is a big issue that we have including in our transgender among transgender youth. There's a lot of homeless issues um as well then as cultural activities and tourism generating activity that's good for business in Miami Beach such as uh

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such as Pride. Uh where are we in the in the analysis to determine whether if we funded before uh the implementation of of of the bill whether whether the law would allow us to do that. >> Sure. Um there are certain programs that

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we fund for uh at risk youth and individuals that we can continue to fund based on the the exemption included in the law, which I think was in part uh thanks to efforts by you and and your colleagues in in uh in lobbying the the

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legislature in Tallahassee to include some exemptions uh for those groups. And as it relates for for for example pride pride which is an investment that we make not only because it's in in our values and it runs in who we are as a as

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as a community but it's also good for business in Miami Beach. It generates tourism. It promotes us as a destination around the world and it brings people to to to our businesses. uh where are we in the analysis as to whether we can try to

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still allocate the funding for for for that activity and other activities before the implementation of the law January 1st. >> As of the moment, we do not believe that the city can continue to provide support for Pride other than for public safety.

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Um there is an exemption for uh providing public safety resources uh to parades uh such as the pride parade. >> I want to thank you for for for the amount of time you and your staff has been have been dedicating to this. I know there's still work. I know there's

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still a lot of analysis that that's being done. I want to encourage you to also be engaging um with with our neighboring jurisdictions who are facing this the same challenge so that so that so that we have um clear analysis um and

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guidance amongst the different municipalities. >> In fact, one of my team members is reaching out to other municipalities are similarly situated. I look forward to our meeting with your office and I know we're planning simultaneously meeting with the various advisory committees to

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give them the feedback as to as to where they stand. We take this very seriously and I appreciate you being present and your continued work. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you for the work. >> Perhaps uh if you would be open to it uh consider making that a sunshine meeting.

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I my office myself, I'd love to attend and just for efficiency of government instead of just having that same uh but it's uh your call. >> I'll I'll defer to the city attorney. The city attorney is fine with that. Uh I I love being able to collaborate with

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my colleagues and I I will say it I'll say it to the last day I am in I am in office. I am so grateful to our straight allies on the city commission. We are unable to secure the rights that we have to continue protecting them or even

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advancing if it not be for the support of and the incredible leadership, the fearless leadership and the bold leadership of our straight allies like yourselves. Um, and so if it's I'll defer to the city attorney if he feels it's fine. >> I think once we're ready for prime time,

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then we could absolutely have a sunshine meeting. I think that's a fantastic idea. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. >> Next, please. >> Uh good morning, mayor, commissioners, fellow residents. Uh thanks for your time. I know you guys work hard and you

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have a big pract agenda today. My name is Philip Stillman. I'm an Miami Beach resident. I live in 3015 North Bay Road. Uh close to 10 years ago, we moved from South of Fifth neighborhood to Lower North Bay Road where our 90-year-old neighbor fed community cats twice a day.

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When she passed away, we were left with a colony of cats reproducing unchecked. And we have since spayed and neutered over 30 cats from just our block alone, which gives you a glimpse into what other neighborhoods are hiding as far as

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free roaming cats. And I'm here uh to introduce my wife, Dana Stillman. And when Dana was a young single mother working in an animal shelter, she faced the daily heartbreak of performing euthanasia on healthy animals. All because there was not there weren't enough homes or cages uh for the

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constant stream of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens that community members brought in each day, just like the shelters we have today. That experience has stayed with her and she saw the suffering caused by unchecked overpopulation and knew there had to be a better way. She's dedicated herself to prevention and

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targeted trapped neuter return. Over the years, she's earned nine TNR certifications. She's become a free roaming cat population expert, and she founded the TNR Pro Hero Foundation, which is a nonprofit, and is now in her third year serving on the animal welfare

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committee of this city. Dana will share best practices in humane cat population management with the city. She's prepared some important data which I think is on a slide and uh on our city's outdoor free ranging free ranging uh cat

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population. She's worked closely with internationally recognized experts like Stacy Learon of Community Cat Central and the Community Cats podcast to understand where our population control program is and where it needs to be. Dana is also a longtime Miami Beach

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resident, not surprisingly, who truly cares about our community and will now explain how to keep the free roaming cat population from increasing using widely known nationally recognized best practices in the humane cat population

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management. So, she's drawing on cat current cat population science, her TNVR certifications, and years of hands-on experience. She's going to share with the committee. >> Thank you, Mr. Silman. Oh, >> over. Thank you.

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>> Good morning, everybody. I um my name is Dana Stillman. I live at 315 North Bay Road. And I had sent some slides to the um communications director, but I see they're not up. So, I will just go over our CAT population. Our cat population is going up and up and up and up. It was

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uh 7,000 in 2014. It was 15,000 in 2020. In 2022, there's a published article um which quotes um a person from our city at 30,000. And in 2024, there the just the dunes in the Beachwalk area was

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approximately 5,000 cats with a 25% sterilization rate. So, what are we doing wrong? A lot of things. And I'm here to help you fix them. But I'm going to cut right to the chase. We need to spring break the cat situation. We're not doing things right at this time. So right now we are not putting enough

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money into where it should be spent which is assisting the owned cat population. It are those people that are abandoning and surrendering or inability to surrender because our shelters are full. They are faced with rising veterary costs that they cannot afford and they're having accidental litters

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which end up outside. So it's assisting the owned cat population. That's where the money needs to go, not into fostering and adopting which is also important. So I know I'm running out of time. Um, so in 2023, the city fixed 893

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cats. In 2024, we fixed 920. In 2025, we fixed 806. While our city's cat program expenses keep going up, the number of cats we can fix is essentially remaining flat. Why? We don't have the infrastructure. We do not have the veterary capacity and we do not have the

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surgical recovery capacity because we're dealing with live animals that have to recover. Um, can you imagine trying to drive all of these cats, the thousands of them off the beach twice to get them fixed because that's what we're doing. It's a waste of time. Um, so I've been

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mentioned and moni um studied under under Stacy Learon of the Community Cat Central and Community Cats podcast and she has um looked at our city's cat data and she recommends the following. Instead of fixing 900 cats, we need to be fixing 1700 cats a year broken down

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as follows. three or three to 400 of them straight TNR cats and the rest should be the friendly socialized cats on the foster to adoption track and then continue scaling up each year. So kittens don't fall from the sky. We have to fix the Adam and Eve and there's

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a lot of them out there. Anyone have any questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good morning. Go ahead, please. >> Good morning. Uh Sarah de los Reyes, Sansa Harbor Neighborhood Association. I have two items that I want to support.

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C7N, which is um which is dear to our neighborhood since the inception of the Maurice GIF park reconstruction. We agreed in the beginning that we were going to have Astrotherur in in the dog

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park and and the city did not [clears throat] have enough funds. So, we decided to move it on afterwards. And it's important because we tried the we tried the grass and the dogs are digging and there's a lot of dirt there. And it's a small park. It's not like the one in Bell Island that is

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very get very big. So, I really want you to support this and to get it done for the neighborhood. Uh Marilyn could not be here. She is somewhere in Arizona um in some of our parks visiting and she's in satellite so she could call

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in. So, she said to please strongly support this. And another item I want to thank uh Tanya Bot for supporting the the historical marker on 1801 Bay Road uh where the beaches had their studio. I think that's a great idea. I think it he needs to have that done. Thank you,

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Tanya. >> Thank you. Go ahead, please. >> Good morning, mayor and commissioners. My name is Matthew Ganoff, 125 Jefferson Avenue. I want to speak on a few mobility related items on today's

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agenda. C4F, the water taxi. The mayor recently shared his concept for a south of Fifth to Bayside route. Sness said they would send a letter of support. It's a great idea and it connects dense neighborhoods with with real destinations on both sides. I'm happy to

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work together and with FOP to move this forward. >> Thank you, Matt. >> You're welcome. Uh C7Q, the trolley advertising wraps the transportation advisory committee had concerns about full wraps covering the windows and I'd ask you to take those concerns

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seriously. C4S and R9 AI, the red light cameras. I understand people dislike automated enforcement, but stopping at red lights is a basic safety safety issue, and the evidence is clear that red light cameras significantly reduce T-bone crashes,

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the ones that cause the most serious injuries. Removing red light cameras may be a great campaign talking point, but it could make our streets more dangerous. um R5V, which is which would ban uh fishing at the street end parks at 10th,

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[snorts] 14th, and Lincoln Road. Um I personally don't fish, but I'm concerned with the continued degragation of our public spaces and restrictions on um on activities. And this brings me to my my main point, the proposed elimination of the bicycle pedestrian

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coordinator. The commission funded this position through a vigorous multi-year process. Um, and we recently were surprised to learn that it was never filled by the administration. Meanwhile, bicycle and micromobility use has grown dramatically and so have serious crashes, including recent deaths of

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people walking and riding e- scooters who by the limited information release weren't at fault. The transportation department is funded largely through the half penny sales tax and resort taxes, not the general fund. And Mr. Mayor, you yourself have acknowledged that resort tax revenues are at record levels.

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Please don't eliminate this position. Please fill it. Thank you and have a great meeting today. >> Well, you covered a lot of ground. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead, please. >> Good morning. Good morning, mayor commissioners. My name is Alan Florio

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and I have worked for the city of of parking enforcement for 22 years. I'm also vice president of CWA and um I'm speaking today in both capacities um parking enforcement and CWA.

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I'm here to support item C7AC regarding the recall of the improperly titled uniforms recently issued to parking enforcement specialists. The uniform reads parking specialist and leaves out enforcement. Our correct legally established title is parking enforcement

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specialist. We are too often the targets of verbal and physical abuse on the job. The war enforcement is the one word in our title that signals authority and in a tense moment that one word can be the difference between a situation

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that deescalate and one that does not. For these reasons, we respectfully ask that you pass item C7AC so that uniforms reflecting our correct title can be used to all our members. Thank you. And I'm happy to answer any um answer any

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question. >> Yeah, I was about to say the good thing is I don't think anybody pulled it, so it looks like it's going to uh >> I' I'd like to co-sponsor that item along with Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you for being here today. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Good day. >> Um commissioners, may I say something for a moment, please? My name is Steve

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Walkholder. I'm a parking officer with the city of Miami Beach. Uh first, good morning to all the commissioners and Mr. Mayor. Um I've been with the city for about 10 and a half years. And recently, there's been a uniform change per our new director, Mr. McDonald. And for the

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last 10 and a half years, we've been wearing white shirts. I'm wearing the button-down shirt. Some of the officers or most of the others are wearing the um pol white polar shirts like this young lady right here. The polar shirts have an engraved badge which shows authority like I'm wearing this badge here. We

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have these beautiful patches on the sides and when a citizen comes up to us uh either happy or upset and and unfortunately it's usually the latter. They're upset. Uh they see this right here, they see what we are. We're parking enforcement officers. We're just

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doing our job. The new uniforms that were just assigned to us um like these gentlemen here are wearing, all it has here is a P. This is parking. And on the back it says parking specialist. Most citizens that come that approach you on the street are not looking at your back.

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They're looking at you from here up. And we've been issued a badge for the belt. Again, they're looking at you from the from your chest up and they want to see what you are. They have to because we do run into a lot of aggressive, agitated, upset, and unfortunately sometimes emotionally disturbed people because we

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issue them tickets and they just go bonkers. I myself have been assaulted. I spent four and a half hours in the emergency room in Mount Sinai Hospital and subsequently six weeks of physical therapy. >> Uh I've had other incidents with people on the street. We have a terrific police

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force that always comes within 25 seconds to help us out. They're fantastic. Probably the best police force in the country. And the main contention here with me is uh the majority of my co-workers that I've spoken to want to retain these white shirts. They're highly visible at night

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if the police need to find us on the street if we're in trouble. It's a lot cooler during this obsessive incredible heat. And the main thing is it's a safety issue because they can see that we're officers and we're doing our jobs. People have been mistaken us for

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citizens have been mistaking our my co-workers are wearing these shirts as parking attendants. That [snorts] the same symbol here is the one used in private parking lots all throughout the city. and they look like they're car runners, parking attendants, and we should look like this, a parking officer. I think this uniform that I'm

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wearing is fantastic. I think it's the best uniform in the whole city. No offense to the police. Personally, I do. >> Yeah. No, thank you. Um I think we're all in agreement. Nobody pulled the items, so you're it's going to it's going to pass. I I could tell you I grew up in New York and uh the parking attendants I remember when I was a kid

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wore they they they wore these brown uniforms. They looked like UPS officers. And as soon as they switched to a more professional, >> it it had a profound difference on how they were treated. So, >> if I may interrupt, I I've been to other cities around Florida and when I travel, when I'm when I have some vacation time,

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even in Key West, they wear blue slacks or black slacks, a white shirt, they have a badge this big, like they wear in LA, they have patches on their arms, and they look very professional. And to go from something like this to this, >> I think is unacceptable. Okay, let it

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let us talk here. You >> you got it cuz it's going to pass. Nobody pulled it. Um, thank you for bringing it to our attention. I just actually wanted to turn it to you know, Will to me has been extremely responsive and anytime I've called him with anything. So, I'm just kind of curious how this came up. Uh, >> so

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>> it kind of came to my attention pretty late in the game. So, just to put my perspective on the situation out there, um we hadn't ordered new uniforms for a number of years. Um Mr. McDonald had um

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tried to find a way to improve the engagement with the community with the parking enforcement specialists. My understanding is they cannot be referred to as officers under state law.

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Um and so there were some modifications to the uniform that were being discussed, proposed, ultimately ordered. Um we then got feedback from the team that they felt that that wasn't sufficient. So Mr.

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[snorts] McDonald modified his perspective on it and allowed them to keep the class A white uniforms that um Mr. Walker's wearing today. And that class A white uniform is currently part

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of their allowable uh uniform wearing as of two weeks ago and he's ordering more of those uniforms. So, I'm not sure what the issue is at this point. >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Yeah. And and and thank you, Mr. Manager

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and Mr. Mayor. So, you guys are allowed to wear the class A uniform. Uh I want to ask you because you represent the membership. >> Yes, we are allowed to uh use um our class uniform.

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>> How many So, why aren't all the employees Why aren't all the employees wearing the class uniform? Unfort Unfortunately, there was only two [snorts] officers and three I include myself that they normally wear the class A. What

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they were normally were wearing at all times. Well, this kind this kind of shirt, the polar shirts, >> this is known as the class A, right? >> And this is similar, but it's just a polar shirt and it has an engraved badge. >> It also looks very official. Right. Well, well, the polo the polo is what is

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what I think I'm accustomed to seeing uh most most of our uh parking enforcement officers wearing wearing the white polo. Um and so I you know the this class A uniform looks old and you're saying how many people in front of the parking

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department had had it we we before we had the choice of the class A and the polish shirts. Most of the people were wearing polish shirts and now two of the people including myself, three are wearing the class A, >> but this class A has been here like we

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haven't gotten uniforms like this in over two years. >> Okay. So, you know, that's that's that's the challenge. So if only three three of the employees really had that that uniform and were and were were using it, you're putting at a were putting at a

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disadvantage all the other employees who how many employees do we have that are doing this type of work? >> About 48 to 50. >> Okay. So So we're putting all the other 47 employees at a at a disadvantage. You

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guys are on the streets. You guys are in the heat in in elements that I don't want to be dealing with. You're representing our our city and as you very well described, you deal with violence. You deal with w with aggression on behalf of of our city. And

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I want to make sure that you all feel comfortable in in the uniform that that that you're being asked to wear. And if you feel uncomfortable with it, I want to make sure that we as a city take corrective action. My my frustration was that [snorts] four of us sat on the deis

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at the neighborhoods committee. We we engaged in in conversation about this. I thought we offered good feedback. Um and then I I feel almost like our feedback, our thoughts about this was just

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ignored. Most certainly forget about us. your feedback I feel was ignored and and you know the roll out moved forward without giving that I feel the proper consideration uh and so and so I thank my colleagues

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for for not pulling the item I thank the co-sponsors and I thank you guys because you guys are the ones that are on the streets every single day we might not always see eye to eye when it comes to enforcement you know and that's a whole different story but you are city

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employees. You are public employees. You are in the heat and you're doing difficult work and uh and your your opinion and your uniform matters at least to me >> and obviously to my colleagues. >> Commissioner Matenas, >> I I want to echo Commissioner

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Fernandez's comments because I I want you guys to look as professional and powerful and intimidating as possible because the fact that you guys potentially get attacked on your jobs is unacceptable. I I feel so bad for you that you have to and no one wants to get

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a parking ticket ever. So, of course, they're going to be upset when they get it. And you guys have to be the face of that. So, I want people to think that you are police or an extension of the police. And so, this uniform that you're wearing, the class A. >> Yes, it is. >> Do you get the same response when you're

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wearing the white polo? >> I I I think they do. It's just a Some people prefer a pol a polo shirt. Okay. >> And to me, it's okay because they have a badge and this badge means just as much as this one. Okay. >> So, they're more comfortable with a polar shirt. I like to look a little more dressy, so I wear this one, which which I think is fantastic as do two or

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three other officers. And a lot of them used to wear this, but we've had new officers come on board now. >> Okay. Sure. I I just want to make sure that you guys look like you, you know, you feel protected and empowered and

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that people don't assault you or threaten you in any way, shape, or form. And then another question. The gentleman in the gray and the gal in the white. Could you turn around so I could see the back please? Okay. So there was never and you were saying Eric that what what can we not

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say? >> Officer enforcement. >> And neither neither of them say officer. >> So we will be including enforcement on all of the future um orders. the gray ones had already been ordered at the time that the

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committee had the discussion and so it would have been throwing away money to not at least hand them out and give them to the individuals for the ability to wear them. Um my understanding is if they want to wear the white polos, if

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they want to wear the gray polos, if they want to wear the class A, we're okay with all of that until the new uniforms get ordered. The new uniforms will have class A, will have white polos, will have gray polos, and will

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include enforcement in the terminology. >> Excellent. But but none of them ever said officer. So that's kind of a moot point to mention that that's isn't part of this. >> It only says officer in the badges. >> I want to follow up on that. >> And wait, you have to go through me. >> Yeah, if I may. >> Yeah, finish up. But then I have

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Commissioner Magazine and Commissioner Bot. >> Thank you. Thank you. By the way, by the way, I I I was going to make this comment a little later. We We have a lot of items today. This item passed. So, it's a good discussion, but we really I'm hearing a lot of feedback from residents, maybe you have as well, that

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we're taking too long on items. This item has passed. They got what they want. So, we have to keep items moving. So, I'm asking that to all my colleagues today. I'm going to start cutting items off because we we owe it to our residents to hear some very important items. But, Commissioner Fernandez, Commissioner Magazine, Commissioner

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Botton, let's let's move on. Sure. And I'm happy to collaborate with I just want clarification. Miss Mr. Manager, you just mentioned that that the employees can wear either either the class A or the polo or or the gray polo. This yesterday during during our

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briefing, I asked you about this and you gave me a copy of an email that that that says that any employee currently wearing a class A uniform full-time could continue doing so. But that's only three employees that and then the rest

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of the 47 employees. What happens to the rest of the 47 employees? And so what was communicated to to to to the membership based on the email that you provided me in in my briefing was that >> those who were wearing the class A

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uniform could continue doing so. And so that's great for three people. And so what about the other 47? what you're saying now and I just want to make sure for you know the the benefit of the employees that we have here the rest of them can can choose to wear the polo or

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some or whatever they feel most comfortable in within their uniform options. >> Yes, they can continue to wear the white polos until we get the new order done. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> and I'll keep it brief, Mr. and

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wholeheartedly support trying to uh you know limit non-necessary uh debate. But quick question, I've seen city government anytime there's something that's proactive like a change from enforcement to specialist,

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there has to be rhyme or reason behind it, right? So there was proactive change. What drove that? So I think the concept was similar to our code enforcement department becoming a code compliance department. I think we

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were trying to emphasize people's parking compliance. um which I think is is an important message, but ultimately if we're not willing to do um something that is going to, you know,

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make the employees feel like they're in in harm's way. That's not worth it. So, we can walk that back. That's necessary to keep the workforce happy. >> Commissioner Bot, >> just a quick question to clarify. So, the new uniforms that are being ordered

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are going to look like what? [snorts] >> I mean, Will, do you want to come up and actually >> And while you're coming up, >> since we're talking about you an awful lot, >> uh, while you're coming up, I I want to reiterate that >> nobody wants to put anybody in harm's way. I would not want to take your job

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because I know we all get quite testy. Well, not we all, but many people get quite testy when they're dealing with what you do for a living and we are asking you to do it for a living. So um we want to make sure you have all the tools necessary. I also know that um

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there was no malice in in this um change, right? We are trying to collectively be a city that is um um encouraging people to adhere to to shifting norms. We're doing it with micromobility. We're doing it with signage and stores. We're doing it with um what you can and can't do with your

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home. We're trying to encourage that. So if there was a misstep, it was not um malicious. It was, you know, a sin of omission, not commission that is being rectified. So I want to make that really clear. I just want to understand for my own edification what the new uniforms

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are going to look like because I can understand that a a gray polo or white polo is probably more comfortable to wear, but I do like having all the sort of official um bells and whistles, the patches, and um I understand that officer can't be used legally, but enforcement can. um trying to make it a

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little softer. I totally understand that. But if that ends up not being productive for you guys in the field, then then that's that's a a thing a conversation. So Will, um again, I know this was not done out of malice or trying to to do anything um uh unourred,

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but where where um where did we end up on the new uniform so that everyone feels like they get what they need? >> Uh Will McDonald, director of parking. So, we are currently we met with the union on Monday regarding what a new uniform would look like. Um, you know, we heard the feedback. I I don't want to

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speak before everything is fully baked. Um, one of the things you'll see, you know, we heard the badges are important. That's why we went out and bought brand new metal badges for every one of our team members. I want to make it clear our badges were very important. I The class A's were only three people that

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voluntarily wore them. That's why there's so few class A's. It's not because we we denied them the class A's. Um I want to make that very clear. As far as the polos, what we've heard so far, and I don't want to speak for the union, we've heard instead of charcoal, uh start with dark and go to a light

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white polo for everybody that wants. We've heard the talk about um instead of an embroidered badge. Uh we talked about a flex badge. So it's like a rubberized badge that you velcro on, but it looks metallicized. So, it's a little bit uh I'll just say it has a little bit more

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presence along with the same type of flex metallicized name patch that can go on the shirt. Um we sent them a few mock-ups last night and we just need to hear back. >> Okay. So, so you guys are actively collaborating in getting new shirts that

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everybody feels good about that give you the folks in the field the protections that you need and provide whatever new standards we want as a city. So, that sounds like a good step forward. Is everybody who's up at the podium feeling good about this? >> Yeah, we we're going to talk about him.

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>> Okay. So, let's let's move forward in a positive way. Again, um let's let's put let [clears throat] the bygones be bygones and let's move forward in a positive way and make sure that as a city we're messaging the right thing and as as our employees, you're getting the protections you need in the field. Thank

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you everybody. Thank you, Will. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Have a good day. Thank you. >> Thank you for uh doing what you do and and I think we reached a good place and thank you Will as [snorts] well. I we got this corrected and Will, you've

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always been very responsive and on issues and uh and helping uh and helping. I think you've been a good addition to the city. So, thank you. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Good morning. My English is not very good-looking.

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My name is Martin San. going to represent expert technology choice uh a water conservation program system a company established since the 2016 I see a lot of people bring a lot of situation problem I bring solution to

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the city of Miami beach uh and I I want to thank you I'm here I'm here to thank uh the beauty blade >> and also Alice Fernandez I sent you thank you for

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answering my email and also David Suare. >> David, I'm the one that called you last night. >> Uh okay. Uh who are giving me the opportunity uh at this moment the city uh of Miami

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Beach covering a facing a situation with a water and sewer a big uh time situation. I had the solution and also uh the great thing is that is it not initial invest I can bring a solution to

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say on water the city of Miami Beach bay to Miami day I have a great solution and I just uh waiting for the opportunity to present the whole project this about it.

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So uh uh he direct me to the uh engineer department. I have my engineer. I I just ask him a few uh detail that I need to present the project. So in a few weeks uh when you guys give me the opportunity, I'll be ready to to bring

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to the city of Miami Beach a great opportunity to say in the money that you guys paid to Miami date water and sewer. I I just asking this. I know the minister if the if the water and sewers raise the the water then you have to

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raise to the citizen at this point we're going to load that that possibility. Thank you Fernandez. Thank you David. Thank you so much. [cough and clears throat] >> Go ahead please. >> Good morning. My name is Carmen Olen. I live at 1200 West Avenue and I'm just

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here for a breath of fresh air, a moment of gratitude for all of you and the work that you do because it doesn't go unnoticed. My husband and I, we moved here 5 and a half years ago. We plan for staying two years, but primarily because of the work of the city and this council

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mayor. Um, we've been here almost six years. I feel safe walking the streets. We walk all the time and bike. We love going down Lincoln Road. We play basketball at Flamingo Park and roller skate and we love the economic development that's happening across the

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city, the rejuvenation, the things in the back office. Um the concierge service to be able to my husband to move his office a little bit easier for his business. We're not only residents but business owners. I see you mayor all over the city. I listen to you speak.

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You're very clear, direct, and inspiring. Um, and I'm just here to say thank you and express my gratitude as a resident and as a business owner. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Wow. >> I have chills from your speech. So,

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thank you for that. That's uh very very kind of you. Um, we I do hear it oneon-one. I think we all do from a lot of our residents, but it was very kind of you to come up and uh and express that here. >> Thank you. >> Can Mr. Mayor >> run for office? [laughter] >> Mr. Mayor,

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>> I just want to thank you very much for saying that. Um, we don't hear that all that often. I mean, we do hear it, but I want want to make sure that um that our staff hears that as well because uh none of us up here is doing this alone. It is with the full support and cooperation and teamwork from every single city

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employee from directors to um the newest hire in in in any department. So, it is a a true team effort and so I want everybody to hear that loud and clear. >> Thank you. Thank you, >> Eric. Eric Trolles on behalf of the

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firefighters of Miami Beach Union. I just want to recognize her for being so positive because I work with them a lot and you're right, they do not get nearly enough thank you. So, thankful for all you do. That's what I'm actually here for is to thank you uh in multiple ways because you're all doing so many great things for the community. I just want to

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highlight those things. So on behalf of our president and our membership, he wants to let you know he's very happy about the news that we got that the marine patrol and fire patrol is moving forward on Perie. That's a very welcome location for our fireboat operations so we can have great response times both to

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the south and north. As well as we got great news that also fire station one is moving along. So those are again great things for our community. Also thank you commissioner Dominguez. I see you're sponsoring our whole blood initiative which is uh great and thank you to our fire chief uh Dignabelloo for enabling

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our rescue chief uh David Solo who I think many of you know but he um has helped launch this whole blood initiative with a long he also brought two other uh drugs one is TXa so when those are combined for trauma incidents

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they help you know amazingly with the the the patient outcomes and that's what we're looking for also he's in instituted uh septic IC alerts or so we have a new drug that we have reception that we've added into our trucks that that helps with septic patients. So overall we're just delivering more

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services to the citizens of Miami Beach and that would not be uh possible without your support and your leadership. So thank you. Appreciate it. >> Thank you Eric. >> Appreciate it. >> And thank you for all the work that uh fire department does. I we talk about the police a lot but certainly um a fire

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department is topnotch. >> Yeah. Well it takes a village also parking like everyone really in in the whole city. We work together as a team, one city, one team. So, uh it's great being part of the team. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. We're now going to switch to

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uh online. Our first caller is Alicia Kasanova. State your name, address, please go ahead. >> Alicia Kasanova, 4775 Collins Avenue. >> Um I agree with what that uh beautiful lady just said. Uh amazing to hear that.

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Very rare to see that. Anyway, uh good morning. I represent the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association and we're in support of three items on today's agenda that impact our area. First, we support Commissioner Fernandez's R5 AF, which would modify the notice requirements for

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prospective bulk owners of condominium units. This measure promotes greater transparency and helps ensure that both residents and associations are better informed about significant ownership changes within their communities. Second, we support Commissioner Fernandez's R5X regarding an amendment

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to procurement procedures since this item seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the city's procurement process and the awarding of contracts. And finally, we support Commissioner Bots R5Y, which establishes a clear definition for

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micromobility devices. This ordinance strengthens basic safety requirements and helps protect pedestrians, cyclists, and all users of our public spaces. We do however respectfully request clarification of the language in section 70-66. The proposed definition of micromobility

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devices includes both humanpowered and non-human powered devices such as bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorized scooters. That same section, however, includes microobility devices within the definition of motorized means of transportation, which could create

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unintended confusion regarding traditional bicycles. We also believe that the proposed one-year grace period is too long. Basic safety requirements involving lights, brakes, helmets, and passenger limits should become effective after a much shorter public education

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and warning period. Thank you all for all that you do for our city. >> Thank you so much. Our next virtual caller is Johan Moore. Mr. Moore, you have two minutes. >> Good morning, uh, commissioners. Uh, I want to speak in favor of two items. Uh,

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no, excuse me, in favor of one, uh, two items and in opposition to two others. Uh, I am supportive of R5N, uh, Commissioner Feternandez. Um, basically, uh, cheaper multi-unit buildings,

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garbage collection. Uh this has been an issue that many in Flamingo Park have long uh agitated for. Uh I also want to support Commissioner Suadis R7F uh condo special assessment assistance for

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vulnerable residents. Uh likewise an issue of great concern to our relatively low-income neighborhood. Uh, I am in opposition to, as are many of my neighbors, uh, R5E, the 1600 Washington

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LDR amendment, and R5F, the 1600 Washington uh, parking LDR amendment. Uh I had uh assumed that someone else from uh my neighborhood association would be presenting today, but I believe that

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that will be at the next meeting after my neighborhood association has had uh more opportunities to uh review what you all decide today. Uh to make a final comment in terms of something that Commissioner Fernandez said earlier, I

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wonder if the commission can do an end run around the state's preclusion of DEI funding by essentially, for instance, giving whatever grant uh money would have been given to Pride uh during this year while it is possibly still legal uh

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for let's say 10 years in advance. I would encourage you to think creatively in that respect to counter uh Tallahassy's assault on our diverse communities. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Our next speaker is Sharon. Sharon, please go ahead.

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Hi, good morning. This is Sharon Weiss, 23381st Street. Um, I'm calling today about the uh proposed or the the discussion regarding water and sewer uh rate hikes or the issuance of a geo bond to address our infrastructure issues.

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Um, today is the fth anniversary of the Surfside Condo tower collapse. And one thing that I remember reading about uh after the collapse was that there was a countywide moratorum on building in um Serbside during the 1970s because uh of

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crumbling infrastructure related to water and sewer. And part of the reason why the Champlain Tower was built was because the developer paid for funded half of the cost of water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. Um, since that

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time it has just been a blitz of uh of of of building and developer giveaways. And while I appreciate the discussion as to whether or not we want to uh fund the water and sewer infrastructure upgrades via um via uh increases to the bills or

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voting on a geo bond. Either way, that money comes out of the taxpayer and the residents. And what I would uh respectfully suggest is that there are a number of uh items uh where developers want to increase bar or have more height

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or various giveaways and instead of just accepting another freebie public park, I think that we should be uh demanding that they contribute significant money towards our water and sewer infrastructure system. Um we are a community. Water and sewer is a community resource. um the existing

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residents already pay for their maintenance um through taxes on our bills and asking us to pay more when we're not actually contributing to additional stress on the system is not fair. We need to demand more of the developers that wish to take advantage

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of our community resources. >> Thank you so much. >> Our next caller is Troy Wright. Mr. Wright, please go ahead. >> Uh good morning, U mayor and commission. Uh my name is Troy Wright, executive director of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District. Uh thank

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you Commissioner Monica Matteo Selenus for bringing the article 111 property maintenance standards division for abandoned and vacant properties registry back. Uh we support that uh that uh and encourage property activation, improve the appearance of vacant properties, and

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create a stronger environment for businesses, residents, and visitors. A well-maintained corridor and city obviously benefits everyone. Uh however, respectfully ask that the commission to consider a few important points. First, there should be a clear distinction

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between a truly abandoned property and a property that is temporarily vacant while actively pursuing redevelopment, leasing, financing, or permits. Um those situations are very different and should not necessarily be treated the same. Uh second, many property owners experience

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delays outside of their control, including permitting, plan, review, and construction timelines. Uh we should be careful not to unintentionally penalize owners who are making a good-faith effort to improve their properties. And finally, I encourage the city to consider incentives in addition to

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enforcement. If a property owner allows pro uh temporary activation such as public art, murals, retail, pop-ups, cultural programming, or community events, perhaps there could be reduced fees or other incentives that help keep properties active and contribute to the

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public realm while permanent plans move forward. The goal should not simply be fewer vacant properties. The goal should be more active, attractive, and productive properties throughout Miami Beach. So, the bottom line um is that conditions are and will be important uh

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because a dark storefront sends a message of decline, an activated storefront sends a message of investment. Uh thank you for your consideration. Oh, and by the way, in honor of Americans 250 years on the 4th of July, visit a Washington Avenue

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business and you get a complimentary American flag. Have a good day. >> Our next caller is Diane Braslo. >> Diane, please unmute yourself. >> Hi, good morning. >> Yeah. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Hi, I'm Diane Brezlo. I live at 750 West

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51st Street and I am joining to support resolution R7 as recommended by the administration. And I ask the commission to approve this R7 A as recommended by the administration. This fund is for

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critical neighborhood projects. Uh we need to fix the flooding problems in my neighborhood, uh the Lake View area. I've lived here for 57 years and it is getting worse every single year to the

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point where I've lost a car um water into my house. this is happening and we really need to address this critical issue. Um, I want to also take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Monica Matea Selenus um and John Norris uh from

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public works who have been amazing and so open and receptive to our neighborhood meeting with us um really it makes me feel so good to be a part of this community where I have people representing us that want to help. So, I

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really am begging this commission to um pass this resolution and we get it on the ballot in November. So, thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Our next caller is Brett Benza. >> Okay. Good morning. My name is Brett Benza. Uh good morning, commissioners.

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Good morning, Mr. Mayor. My name is Brett Benza. I live at 650 West Avenue. I'm the president of the board here. I'm calling today to highlight a situation at Canopy Park. We all voted in supported a public park

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um when a developer had suggested a very dense housing project. We did not vote for a public meal mental institution. Now, before someone gets politically correct on me, this is not a homeless issue. That title paints a wide swath. And we all have empathy for those who

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are down on their luck and need support. This is a mentally unstable population that falls between the cracks of outreach support and police enforcement. Mothers with their children in strollers are afraid to walk the park without their husbands. Men are arming themselves with walking sticks or worse. They should not have to face screaming

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mentally ill people trying to intimidate, harass, and scare them from using the park. I have in my hand a petition my wife started at 5:00 p.m. last night. It has over a 100 signatures. Keep in mind that these four buildings near the park are at 50% capacity right now. By next commission

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meeting, I'll have over 500. You get the drift. This is a serious issue and what we are asking you for is more support from the police department. We'd like the rangers back at the park just like they were before. Vi Park sold

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most of their uh apartments. That park was patrolled daily by a park ranger. They are intermittent now at best. Um, and we need focus on this issue. We have two major issues in the south part of West Avenue. You know, the first one is the Live Local Act. This is just as

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important. Without security, people can't enjoy the quality of life that they pay so much to live in South Beach for. Thank you very much for your attention. >> Thank you. Our next caller is >> Eric, we really shouldn't be getting calls like this. I've been seeing emails about this for weeks. We We have to

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address this immediately. Officers need to be out of their cars walking. I know we do a pretty good job, but I'm I'm very I'm This one I'm upset about. This is not This is not coming. That call didn't come out of the blue. Thank you. Our next caller is Judith.

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Judith Smeiggel. PJ. Let's go to Lori. Lori Beckham. Good morning everyone. Thank you so much for your time. Lori Bacham, 903th Street. As a lifelong dog lover who has raised many dog family members in Miami

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Beach, I ask you to please oppose C7N, which changes natural grass in all our dog parts to ash artificial turf. Artificial turf is bad for dogs and bad for the environment. Every article I can find supporting artificial turf in dog

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parts was industry published. Artificial turfs creates heat islands which will make their use unbearable for dogs and people half the year and also impact the surrounding areas. On top of that, the thought of introducing thousands of square feet of plastic into our

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environment is not in keeping with our goal to be green. Green is not a color. It is a practice. Daily we will be introducing microlastics into our water and air and at the end of its useful life we'll have a bunch of garbage to deal with.

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>> Perf is also a hard service that will potentially cause harm to playing dogs especially the elderly ones. Natural grass is cool. It filters naturally. It is sustainable and most of all dogs love it. I do understand that artificial turf

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is easier to maintain and has a better look and can be cleaner, but I do implore you to find solutions to put the investment into maintaining our dog parks in a natural way. It's better for the whole community. Thank you so much

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and always thank you all for all your time. We do really have the very best commission and city staff of any city in the country. Thank you all. Our next caller is Chris Deliss. >> What is it?

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>> Chris, unmute yourself. >> Linda Diamond is next, please. >> Hi, good morning. >> Linda, >> go ahead. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you. Sorry about that. Uh, good morning. I'm calling in reference

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to uh R5M, which is the uh uh repeal for landbased shark fishing in Miami Beach. I just wanted to basically call and say thank you to um attorney Mark Fisherman that I've been communicating with and the council for considering this repeal

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um in good faith. And I just wanted to drive home the fact that um there has been zero provoked sharks attacks ever in Miami Beach going back to 1958. Um and zero instances ever where a swimmer or beachgoer was ever entangled in any

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shark fishing line uh hooks or leaders of any kind. Um I know was brought to the attention when initially passed I believe in January or February by an activist uh making these claims but those claims were false and um unchecked. So, um I would like to just say thank you again for the potential

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repeal. Um you've [snorts] been a real pleasure to work with uh all every step of the way and uh thanks again. >> Thank you. Our next caller is Linda Diamond. >> Hi there. I'm Linda Diamond. I am the chair of the animal welfare committee and I'm also the president of Soieat

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Spay and Neuter, which is a partner with the beach on the cat program. Um, I want to thank the commission and the mayor for being so supportive. Uh, since our program has begun, we have spayed and

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neutered 14,22 cats. The reproductive suppression rate, meaning if those cats had procreated, which they can since we fixed them, would be at 57,232 cats. So, we are making a huge impact.

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and I'm so proud of our program. We have also been recognized at Better Cities for Pets. Uh they did a case study on us. Uh we have also been doing presentations for different cities such as the city of Honolulu. Um we also have

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been recognized by Jackson Galaxy. You might know him from the Animal Planet, his show um the cat from hell. Our program does TNVR, trap, neuter, vaccinate return adoption foster and we have a feeder program. We are

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recognized across the globe, and I want to thank our commission for supporting us. >> That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Diamond. Our next caller has a phone number ending in 600. Please state your name and unmute

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yourself please. Good morning, mayor and commissioners. My name is Christina Vega. I live at 65 Washington Avenue, Golden Dreams Condominium, and to present cyber money laundering in real estate investigations

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corp. I'm here to object to items R5C and R5D. Um the Alton City Center overlay. Uh first um a developer explicitly admits

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to active code enforcement violations of these parcels. Land development regulation section 2.4.1 strictly mandates that private applicants must be in certified good standing prior to consideration.

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Uh second, the developers mandatory disclosure of interest list uh entities priv Alton LLC. Next one is Alton Road J,

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LLC. Next one is Rosney Capital LLC as the primary beneficial owners holding com combined 54%

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of interest in in the property. Our public audits of Florida's Department of State, Division of Corporations portal and open corporate confirm that these three entities do not exist anywhere in

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the world. Third, the legal descriptions listed in the application and other documents submitted to the city are inaccurate. We verified those legal descriptions against Miami date county

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recorders de data and property appraisal data. Finally, >> thank you so much. >> Our next caller is Johan Burmo. >> Hello. Can you hear me? >> Go ahead, please.

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>> Hi. Yes. Uh I'm calling to uh first thank you for all the work you do. Uh we feel uh way safer. Um so I live in 7441 Wayne Avenue. Um I'm I'm calling to support uh

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I'm sorry, the project on 16 uh 1600 Washington. Uh I think the the project uh adds housing, which is something we truly need in South Beach. uh since I work here right here in 16 and and and Washington actually. So that I think

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that that project would add a lot of um h housing and would help actually the the traffic which is insane sometimes to get here and uh and I think it's a it's a project that should be voted for yes.

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>> Thank you so much. Our next caller is Judith Smeiggel. Hello, I am from Flamingo Park. A brief note, you can hear me, right? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Great. About um Matthew's discussion of

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red light cameras. Matthew from Better Streets. I am totally in favor of that. We all know how recklessly people run lights and how dangerous it is. if it is allowable. I believe in the deterrent effect of having signage saying in this

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case it would be great if we could say cameras on this and other signals. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you very much. >> Our last caller virtually is John Stewart. Go ahead, please. >> Good morning, everyone. Um, Mayor Miner

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and city commissioners. I'm John Stewart. I live at 900 Bay Drive, apartment 825 in Miami Beach, and I'm speaking in support of R5E and R5F. They've been mentioned uh recently. As many of you know, I'm a professor of

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architecture at FIU. I served on the city's historic preservation board for many years, including as chair when this proposal first came before the HPB. At HPB, we asked the applicant to address three primary concerns. to provide a more appropriate homage to the

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building's history and its architect, Henry Hohouser, to improve the articulation of the facade. Um, there were questions about the balconies and to clarify the treatment of the alley and ver vehicular access. I'm really pleased to see that the

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applicants responded what I consider to be thoughtfully and substantively to each of these requests and I support the accompanying amendments to the compre comprehensive plan and the land use development regulations. But I'd like to also just mention the housing needs of this pro that this project addresses. Um

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for more than 13 years, I've worked for FIU on the block where this project's proposed. And during that time, I can probably count on one hand, if I don't even need a whole hand. Uh the number of full-time faculty and staff members who've been able to live in South Beach while working at at Embus. The lack of

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attainable workforce housing has been a persistent challenge for our community, our institutions, and our local businesses. This project really helped to address the critical need that's existed for many years and is even more urgent today. So, I thank you for your inspiring service to our city and for

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considering these agenda items. >> Thank you. I think the officer has said there was one more person. I'll give you one minute. Go ahead, please. >> Thank you. Uh Kevin Krueger, nine-year Miami Beach resident in Flamingo Park. Uh uh currently uh John Stewart's a

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tough act to follow, but hello my friend, my fellow real estate pro. Um uh as you all know me, I also advocate for sports tourism. I got to back up Lori uh asking for natural grass rather than astral turf. I've asked twice that we

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look into this. I think I shared some information last year when we debated placed in the fire station at Flamingo Park and claimed that uh we wanted to preserve the green space which the football field is astroturf mostly black pellets which are carcinogenic

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and I gave you some research from uh Philadelphia Phillies case studies uh ma half a dozen of their star players you know how rare it is to make it to the major leagues and six of them uh Commissioner Magazine probably knows Tug Mau and some of the others have died

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from brain cancer in their in their uh mid-50s and we have our children out there playing. I would like to advocate that we research this. I think if we have enough to staff uh gum cleaners, I like our parks department's uh maintenance guys over at the baseball

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field where I play. They do really well. Let's hire more and do natural grass, not just for dogs, but literally our children. Uh there's also stats if I may one second. Um it's 30 times more likely. We're watching the World Cup right now and goalies that play on

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astroturf have 30 times the brain cancer. Not only that, but our World Cup FIFA uh was requiring NFL stadiums to perfect their turf. We all know that famously if you didn't notice, but let's please look this up.

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>> Thank you, sir. and and lean into this and be the envy of Miami Dade parks with uh natural grass and beautiful fields. They're better to play on anyway. Thank you. >> Conclude subjects.

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Okay. So, uh, let's go over the consent agenda, the pulled items, and then let's, uh, approve the consent agenda. >> Yes, sir. So, the following items have been separated from the consent agenda. Mayor Miner has separated C4B and C4S.

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Commissioner Dominguez has separated C2D as in dog, C2C, and C7A. >> C7 Okay, so apologize. C2D, C7 C, C7A. >> Commissioner Fernandez separated C4S.

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>> Apex, >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas has separated C7D, >> C7Z, and C7 A. Now, these three that I'm going to read now are not on your separated list. If you can write these

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down. Commissioner Suarez is separating the the the next two items. C4G C7 AJ Again, Commissioner Suarez C4G C7 AJ. May I have a motion for the consent

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agenda, excluding the separated and any addendum items that uh that are on the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> May I have a second? >> I'll second. >> I heard a second from Commissioner Suarez. All in favor, please say I. >> I.

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>> Anyone opposed? Hearing none. The item is approved 6. Mayor Miner is absent. You're at the vice mayor. >> Thank you. Um R We have to go by time, right? R5U.

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>> R5U. R5U is an ordinance of the mayor and city commission of the city of Miami by Miami Beach, Florida, amending chapter 82 of the code of the city of Miami Beach, Florida entitled public property by amending article 3 entitled use of public property by amending division 1 entitled generally by amending section

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82-72 thereof entitled commercial vessel activity hours of operation at publicly owned marinas by amending and refining eligibility criteria for commercial vessel activities at public marinas and public marine facilities and providing for repealer severability codification

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and effective date. This is a second reading public hearing. It is item R5U. >> Commissioner uh Vice Mayor Dominguez. >> Thank you, Mayor. This is second reading on the item. Um I work closely with this with um the city attorney's office, with

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code enforcement, and also with the South of Fifth Neighborhood Association. And um this basically makes the eligibility criteria. We currently have 31 BTRs that have um operators that have applied and been approved for the Sunset

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Cruises. And if an operator has a violation that is not public safety or quality of life related, they can apply for consideration to

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um be allowed to continue. So that's what this item is about and I will move the item. >> Second. >> Call it. >> I heard a motion from Vice Mayor Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bot. Roll call. Commissioner Bot, >> yes.

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>> Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suarez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas, >> yes. >> Mayor Miner, >> yes. >> Motion carries. The item is approved. Mayor, I forgot to mention two things.

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Yesterday, there was an addendum addendum three, which was R9 AI. Discuss and take action. Eliminate red light camera citations and notices for red light. uh right on red sp co-sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sp sponsored prime by both mayor Miner and Fernandez

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that is on the deis so you have that sheet in front of you so when we hear it and there was an addendum that was done this morning that will be provided to you shortly addendum 4 is R7 AI authorized city attorney to coordinate with uh the city of Miami uh city

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attorney's office legal options to the live local act uh jointly sponsored by commissioner bot, Commissioner Fernandez, and Commissioner Magazine. That one will be provided later on. >> Great. Thank you. And the the red light camera item we'll call with C4S that

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both Commissioner Fernandez and I uh pulled. Let's call R7W. >> R7W is transportation to public Celomar's house residents three times a month. >> Great. So, uh, Commissioner Monica Mate

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Selenus and I are co-primeing, uh, Commissioner Vice Mayor Dominguez and Commissioner Fernandez, uh, uh, co- co-sponsoring. Last year, I brought an item to help our seniors with, um, getting around to, uh, to Walmart. Uh, it's it's really a

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challenge for some of our seniors who live in the, um, in the housing at places like Rebecca Tower, Stella Marie to get around. So, um, very supportive of this continuation of that as well. I'll turn it over to you, Commissioner Mattail Selenus.

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>> Sure. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so on a recent visit to Celer's house, which is up in North Beach, the residents um really appreciated how we have a once a month transportation to I believe it's Walmart off the beach. Um because again

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these residents don't have cars, they are elderly. It's very difficult for them to get to and from the grocery store. Um they actually don't live in a walkable dis area from a grocery store. So they have to take

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public transportation and they want to be able to frequent a grocery store at least once a week, which I think is reasonable. Um some of them were even asking for twice a week. Uh, and you know, I don't think we have the budget for that, but I do think we

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have a budget. Um, and it and the item states three times a month because that would be going to the local Publix. And then once a month they would be taking the transportation that we provide for them to Walmart so they can get, you know, maybe if they need to get some

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stuff that Publix doesn't have. Um, and with that, I'm going to move my item. >> Second. >> Call the vote. Have a motion by Commissioner uh Matel Selena, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. All in favor, please say I. >> I.

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>> Ralph, if I could be a co-sponsor, >> R7W is approved unanimously and we're adding uh Commissioner Bot as a co-sponsor. And just for the record, on the previous item, R5U, it was a public hearing. There was no one requesting to speak either in person or in the

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audience. >> It's called Mark. Can I just ask a quick question on the last item and maybe it's just something that we follow up on, but do we know if we have services in some of the elderly communities that help uh facilitate online ordering?

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>> Maybe I'm just throwing that out there in the abyss. Something that we could >> Great question. >> Yeah, I don't know the answer to that question, but I could certainly get with our housing community services folks. >> Maybe that's something that we could explore. Call R7E. >> R7E is accept recommendation wave bid

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extend concession agreement French French market at South Point Park. >> Yes, please come up Karine. >> Let me just say you do a a fabulous fabulous job with uh >> Thank you. Thank you mayor and all the

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commissioner. >> Can I say a few words? Take it away. >> Okay. My My name is Ken Vajinger and I've proudly called Miami Beach home for nearly 15 years. I'm the founder of the French

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American Association of Craft and Threads. A nonprofit organization run interiorly by volunteers. As an artisan myself, um I supportive craftsmanship and small

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businesses business businesses. It's not uh only my profession, it's my uh soul. The French market was created during the pandemic to help artisan and small

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business owners continue their work during a difficult time. Since then he has grown into much more than a market. He has become a community.

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We carefully select our artisan to ensure quality, authenticity and professionalism. After our first year in South um Point uh Park, we are proud to see the positive impact the market has had.

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Residents are always happy to see us return and many has told us how much they enjoy the atmosphere and sense of community we bring. We are committed to being

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respectful neighbors. We pay close attention to cleanliness, organization safety, and the overall experiments for residents, visitors, and local business. In a world increantly driven by mass

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production, preserving craftsmanship and supporting local artisan is more important is more important than ever. I would also to thank the city of Miami Beach events and recreation department.

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We work and in end through this year and their support has been essential to the success of the French markets. Finally, I would uh I would like to sincerely thanks um Mayor Steven Miner

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and all of you the commissioner for your continued support and trust for the artisan. Sorry for my AV accent. [laughter] >> I'm happy. What do you mean? Thank you. We love it. It's what makes our city amazing.

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>> We do our best. Um and thank you for all the artisan and we have a majority of women lives through our knowhow and beyond the woman we have some families. >> I remember the some of the culinary

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events that you do you get hundreds of I I think one of them you had over 500 people. Uh you have I walk in there's French media all over the place there. You you >> Yes. our um nonprofit organization. We support all the artisans and we organize

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also some contest to support artisan and shine uh the business and the next uh major event is in national hotel October 25th for the best baguette and the best quo

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in Florida >> and we waiting for 600 visitor. Wow, >> it's a lot. Thank you. >> Thank you, John. >> The only thing I got to add is we, you know, we fully um support and look forward to a continued relationship with

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them if it's approved. >> Amazing. >> I move the item. >> Second. >> Let's call the vote. >> Motion by Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Mattel Selenus. All in favor of R sevene, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Hearing none, the item is approved. 70. That was R7E.

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>> Excellent. Thank you. Call C4B. >> C4B is proposed new agreement with Sedexo Live for MBCC food and beverage service. C4B was separated by Mayor Miner. So I I pulled this item. It's a referral

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and I'm going to do something I don't think I've ever done. I'm going to ask this commission not to approve this referral. I know there's three sponsors and co-sponsors, but I think there's certain information that's very pertinent that should be said. So, Sedexo, I'll start off by saying they do

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they actually do an outstanding job. They do a good job for the purpose of serving our convention customers. The problem is, and this has been uh extremely frustrating for me, is that I brought an item several years ago, but

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it's not really even about the item. it's that our convention center is empty at night and on the weekends. And there are many nonprofits that would love to utilize that space for for their annual charity dinner for um again on the on

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the weekends and at nights when it's not being used. If obviously there's a convention that's going on that's utilizing the space, of course that takes priority. That's what it's there for. Also, for example, our residents could utilize the space for weddings and that has been to limited extent. The

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problem is every time this happens, they we run into a wall with the extremely high cost for that Sedexo puts in. It's extremely high. And actually, I'm I'm going to after I finish speak, I'm going to ask uh Natalia from the Miami Business Club. As you recall last month,

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we authorized um uh basically a gala that's going to happen at the convention center, but they're running into major major issues with Sedexo, and you'll hear it directly from the Miami Business Club. I've met with Sedexo multiple times. Eric has been in those meetings

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with me in the in that I've asked for them to come up with a kind of rate that could be something that uh if someone again, this is serving our residents. This is something we we we we were probably all there. There's an organization. This is one example.

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There's an organization called Borm. They do amazing work. It means uh helping the sick. They work out of Mount Sinai Hospital. They help families that have loved ones who are sick, providing whatever they need. Koshu food, housing for people who are coming in to visit um

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loved ones who are who are sick. Incredible organization. They do a dinner 600 700 people. They've always wanted to do it in the convention center and every year they do it in the shul of Bal Harbor. Right here is a major organization from Miami Beach that's Miami Beach based that 90% of the people

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coming are from Miami Beach and they can't even use our convention center because the fees are too high. Now, we've had a couple that have a couple of events that have happened there in weddings, but it's a battle every time. Eric, you and I have lived those battles cuz I got to keep calling you and sort of saying, "Hey, we got to get this. We

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got to get that." This is not a way to do business. And by the way, if they don't want to do the business, if their excuse is if their excuse is this is not a money maker for them, then just let another caterer come in. But the problem is the way this contract is structured, they have full authority over that convention center for any meals. And

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honestly, I I I'm actually surprised they're trying to bring this item and get through when they know my consistent frustration. They asked me to sponsor this item. I told them no because I'm I'm I'm extremely frustrated. And it's and it's and what's what's sad is they do a good job. They're a good provider,

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but this is a disservice to our residents. >> Mr. Mayor, >> who was first? >> Commissioner Magazine. >> It actually was pretty close to simultaneous. I will say, um, I I've heard these similar concerns and

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frustrations, Mr. mayor, whether it be for nonprofit events that are in there, uh, where they've had to thread a needle of not even being, and this is for the lowest charities for the lowest income, uh, children across our community. Um,

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and they're paying for the convention center, but for the food portion, wanting to have chicken fingers and things like that that are low cost, having issues with being able to do so. uh to the other end of the extreme where we have incredibly high profile events

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and they want um an enhanced kind of luxury or VIP area that Sedexo isn't able to provide preventing them from coming in with other types of operators that would be able to uh provide something that is kind of on par with their event. Um so I'm fine to kind of

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for lack of a better term hold this up a little bit. Uh do you want to take the lead on trying to discuss this? I don't think your goal is to immediately pivot away from Sedexo if we're able to thread this needle. Uh but I'd certainly

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like to see them work with some of these concerns because there are issues that I've had conveyed to me over the years by organizations across the gamut. >> Yeah, Ali, I'll actually answer your question. I would actually I think that Sedexo overall does a good job. So I

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have no I'm not adversely. I actually I don't have a problem with them continuing. I I do have a a problem with them continuing under the current status of this contract because it's it's been an I I think we're we're really doing a disservice to our our our

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our nonprofits, our charities, our residents who just want to utilize the space that that we should be providing. We have a magnificent convention center that we have invested in it and other than coming to a convention, our residents can't benefit of it. Why shouldn't they? They want to do a

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wedding here. They can't. They and and but they end up and and what happens is they don't end up doing it in Miami Beach. They end up going to Sunny Isle or somewhere else and then we lose out on that and when when they could have the benefit of something of a of a of of a service that we should be providing. Commissioner Fernandez.

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>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um and I want to, you know, highlight Sodaxo because I they do such a great job with the large events that come into into our convention center. The food quality is is great. The service is is great. Um,

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the bartenders are great. Whenever I get invited to an event at the convention center, I always want to go because I know that that that it's always a great meal. And that was not always the case at the Miami Beach Convention Center. There was a point in

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time uh back in the day where the quality of the food and you go to many conventions and to many convention centers and the quality of the food is usually subpar like you don't even want to eat it is cold and not only that the

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service the employees uh that that that work with with Sedexo they really engage uh with with the people who are attending and in fact I believe a number of their employees are actually local from from Miami Beach. I'm sensitive to

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to to the comments raised by by the mayor because this is a facility that was funded using the taxpayers dollars and it and it should have accessibility to to the taxpayers. I'm open to

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conversations um where if if if Sodexo is willing to have an opt out provision from the smaller uh from the smaller events, the more community >> the more community focused events and

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they they want to have an opt out provision or maybe or maybe the smaller events is just something that's not part of their contract. Maybe we segregate that that part out because that's not their money maker. Yeah. I would imagine

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their their their money maker. They want the big conventions, the conventions that that occupy the entire facility. The whole reason why we invested what was it 600 million uh in in uh in in

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improving the property. So I am sensitive to your comments. I do think if there is an avenue for improvement to provide affordability for our local nonprofits, for people that during slow season when the convention center is not being occupied by a large convention and

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someone wants to be able to have their wedding there. um that you know either flexibility and pricing be be baked into the contract for for for local originated activities or maybe just the

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smaller events get segregated out uh so that Sodexo can keep on doing what it does great and it does really well and does masterfully. Um so I'm sensitive to your comments. I also know like for example Style Saves uh Styles Saves um

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which does great work giving out school supplies for for underprivileged children in our community. They have their event at the Miami Beach Convention Center. They're not able to afford the food at

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Sedexo and so and so they had food partners. I think they wanted to bring in like at one point they wanted I think Pola or or someone wanted to donate food for them. They can't they can't accept that food because of the contract the

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very strict contract. So, Mr. Mayor, maybe there's room for flexibility for flexibility. I appreciate your approach that you don't you don't want to do away with this contract. It's an important contract. We're at a better place today, I will tell you, than when than what we

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were at many years ago with prior vendors. Um, but maybe what you raised does open up an opportunity for reform to help our community be able to use the center and afford, not just to use it.

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Anyone can use the center, to be able to afford to use the center, especially during the slow seasons. So, I'm I'm open to the conversation. Thank you. I'd ask I'd like to ask u Naima Business Club Natalyia Onusk is here. Um

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>> thank you very much for this opportunity. Good morning everyone. Um and uh first of all I would like to thank everyone for approving $33,000 fee waiver last time. Uh we appreciate your support. >> Why don't you explain what you're what

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what what you're doing and the and the partnership that we're collaborating with Miami Business Club. >> Yes, of course. Uh first of all, we are trying to do the charity gala on October 10th, 2026 in a beautiful sunset vista room uh in convention center benefiting

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uh Miami waterkeeper. Uh what we try to do is to partner with we are partnering with the Miami with the Miami Beach with the city of Miami Beach in order to raise money for this local cause to keep our waters clean.

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uh the the issue when we signed when we agreed for this um event. We didn't realize that after 30 that on top of $30,000 minimum spent with the exclusive

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catering uh vendor, we wouldn't be able uh to meet this threshold because of the uh because of the high prices. We didn't realize that the actual cost once menu pricing. >> I'm asking please everyone in the

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gallery, everyone in the gallery, please >> please. Thank you. >> The 24% service charge and 9% sales tax were added a $53 and I will add some numbers to this conversation to make it more structured. I'm an accountant. My

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language is numbers. So I think maybe that will help. And I do have supporting uh analysis and uh some uh print screens from the menu that I maybe could pass to the commissioners to look at my calculations. Uh a $53 chicken entree

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including salad and dessert ends up costing about $72 per per guest after the 24% service charge and 9% sales tax. Similarly, a $90 filmon entree increases to approximately $122

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per guest once those mandatory fees are added. A bottle of Lamar Proco that retails for under $20 costs nearly $68 and a bottle of White Haven Savon Blanc approaches $88.

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Meanwhile, compatible high-end Miami restaurants charge the same or less while operating full service restaurants with sub with substantially higher overhead. Sodax is charging compatible or higher prices and then adds a 24%

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search charge and 9% tax on top. Another concern is the search charge structure. Sodexo [snorts] charges an additional 15% if orders are finalized within 30 days of the event and 20% within 7 days. At

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the same time, they require 100% prepayment 30 days before the event. For most gallas, the final month is when the majority of ticket sales happen and attendance numbers become clear. Requiring full payment before organizers

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know their final guest count while also imposing significant search charges for adjustments creates unnecessary financial risk and makes planning extremely difficult. for for a charity gala. This structure defeats the purpose

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of the city's $33,000 venue waiver. While we understand that the Miami Convention Center is worldclass venue and we are grateful for the city's support, we struggle to understand the pricing structure imposed

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through the exclusive catering agreement. With around 500 attendees, these costs add up quickly and significantly reduce the money that can go to charity. Even with the least expensive chicken

431
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dinner and just two cocktails per guest, we already looking at over $54,000 in food and beverage cost. Once [snorts] we add wine service at the tables, we are over we are at over $63,000.

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That's nearly double the value of the city's 33 $333,000 venue waiver and significantly reduces what can ultimately be donated to Miami water keeper. In our opinion, Sedexa is

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not just expensive. The structure makes it unreasonable for a charity gala. Without alternative catering options or competitive bidding, organizers have no choice but to accept the pricing structure, regardless of whether it aligns with their budget or charitable

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mission. This not only creates challenges for our event, but also makes the Miami Beach Convention Center less accessible for other nonprofits, community organizations, and local groups seeking to host events there. I

435
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[snorts] have my calculations and um like that you can see structured with the prices added 24% 9% market price and I chose some compatible Miami restaurant prices so you could see how in our

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opinion unreasonable pricing is for the charity gala. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Mr. Mayor, commissioners, Doug Connor, senior vice president for Sedexo Alive, and we've had multiple conversations

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about this particular issue. And publicly, I want to say to you that we have agreed to do 5013C and charity at cost at the convention center. So, that's our once we move this forward, that's our position and we'll do those. >> Did you notify? Let me get you. We did

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not cuz I wasn't aware that we were you were having this conversation with Maria. >> Uh we had conversations with two people. >> Well, I don't have the let's not go back and forth here. Joeline >> after this meeting. >> Yeah. >> No, Danny Medina and you we can get together.

439
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>> Well, we can solve that issue today. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Well, no, you can't because this keeps coming up. That's what I'm saying. >> We can solve it today. And >> believe me, I did not want you and I have met many times. I did not want to have to do it this way, but I I I actually believe this was the only way

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that I'm going to get your attention. >> I understand completely, but we've also agreed to local residents at 20% off the menu pricing as well, and we we've done that in writing, and I'm going to give that to all of you later on today. >> Okay. Yeah, we we want to do the right thing for the community. We completely

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agree with your position. The community should have access to the building. It should fill in the dark spaces. Completely agree with that. It should be part of the charity and part of the community. We're 100% on board with that. >> Well, I'm not going to negotiate with you here. I would like to to continue the discussion obviously through the

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city city manager >> and we'll bring it back next month uh to see what you come up with. >> Oh, perfect. >> And thanks for that opportunity. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And Mr. Mayor, I just want to highlight Manny and his team, they're great. Um and uh and it's always good quality. Um

443
02:10:49.360 --> 02:11:06.320
but I do again since you're here um I I do agree if we can do something and and it's not necessarily even charity. We have uh I guess you know nonprofit organizations that are willing to pay but the cost I guess is when it's when

444
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it's a non small nonprofit community nonprofit it's not the same that an entity like Art Bossel you know or a national trade show it's very very very different budgets and and so and the same thing happens with Style Saves um

445
02:11:22.960 --> 02:11:38.719
that in the past they've tried to bring in uh food donated because a small nonprofit, they can't afford the food that Sodexo has. Why? Well, because Sodexo has really great food, uh, which is a good problem to have. And so if we

446
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can figure out some sort of flexibility even with that so that you know when we have these these events a school distribution event you know and they have someone that's willing to donate pizza for for for kids you know if we

447
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can have some consideration uh for that so that if they can't afford your food then maybe they can be able to bring that in >> and we we have been doing that with that particular uh wis over the last few years we've actually donated water, labor, all kinds of things that we have

448
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done that for them. And again, we are happy to do that for those things. We'll let that in. It's not an issue for us. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Not at all. >> Just a just a quick note, this is a referral to FK. And so none of the all the items that have been brought up for discussion, all those things are still

449
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to be negotiated. And so this all of the the topics of negotiation still has to go before. So this is the referral. >> Can you let me handle how to run the meeting, please? No, I just want to I understand we're not calling the I am not calling the item to for a vote.

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>> Thank you. Thank you. Let's call R5E and R5F. >> Yeah. Uh Vice Mayor Dominguez just has a clerical uh announcement. >> Um thank you, Mayor. I had pulled C7 C

451
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and C7A and I made a mistake on those item numbers. So, I'd like uh for consideration for them to be approved on consent. The item numbers that I meant to pull were C70 and C7Q. And the reason we're pulling is I simply have something

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to say on each of those items. >> I I won't speak for the for the city attorney, but you may want to do a motion to approve C7 C and C7A. I move to approve C7 C and C7A as they

453
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were on consent and uh reconsider C7O and C7Q from consent so that I can have an opportunity to speak on them. >> Okay. So let's do first the approval C7 C and C7A. I have a motion by Commissioner Dominguez. Anyone second it please >> second. I have a second from

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Commissioner Fernandez. Uh on C7 C and C7A approving it. All in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> Anyone opposed? Hearing none. C7 C and C7A is approved. Now, Vice Mayor, you're asking to reconsider C70 and C7Q, correct?

455
02:14:09.760 --> 02:14:25.520
>> So that I can have an opportunity to speak on them. Thanks. >> So C70 and C7Q. Anyone uh a second, please >> second. >> So I have a second from uh Commissioner Matel Selenas to reconsider. All in favor of the reconsideration,

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>> say I. >> The items will be reconsidered when the mayor calls them. Thank you all very much. I appreciate it. >> Let's call R5E and R5F. >> Yes, sir. R5E. An ordinance to the mayor, city commission of city of Miami Beach, Florida, amending the city of

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Miami Beach year 20 240 comprehensive plan pursuant to the expedited state review process of section 163.3184 subsection 3 Florida statute by amending the resilient land use and development element goal. RLU1 entitled land use objective RLU 1.1 entitled establishment

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02:14:59.040 --> 02:15:16.079
of future land use categories to conform table RLU 1.1 with the amended floor area ratio F regulations for the respective future land use category by amending policy RLU 1.1.10 10 entitled highintensity commercial CD3 to provide F incentives to encourage the

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development of non-transate residential uses for applicable properties located on Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road and amending objective RLU 1.2 entitled land use regulations to amend policy 1.2.8 Eight entitled residential use incentives to amend the

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minimum standards for obtaining the the F incentive set forth in this ordinance and providing for qualification repeal servability transmitt and effective date. That is a first reading public hearing. That was item R5E. Item R5F is an order to the mayor and city commission of the city of Miami Beach, Florida, amending the Miami Beach

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Resiliency Code Chapter 5 entitled off streetet parking article two entitled vehicle parking, bicycle parking and off- streetet loading requirements section 5.2.4 Four, there entitled vehicle off streetet parking requirements to modify the parking requirements for parking tier 2 by amending chapter 7 entitled zoning

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02:16:03.599 --> 02:16:19.599
districts and regulations. Article one entitled general to all zoning districts by amending section 7.1.11 thereof entitled residential use incentives to establish residential use incentives specific to properties bounded by Drexel Avenue and Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road by amending

463
02:16:19.599 --> 02:16:36.559
section 7.2.12 2.12 thereof entitled CD3 commercial highintensity district recreating section 7.2.12.6 Six entitled urban core residential incentive area CD3 to create a residential incentive area bounded by Drexel Avenue and Washington Avenue from 16th Street to Lincoln Road and

464
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providing for codification repeaters of ability and an effective date. That was that is item R5F that is a first reading public hearing. That item requires 67 vote. So we're listening to R5E and F. >> This is a private applicant. Uh Debbie

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Tacket. >> Correct. Um thank you Mr. Mayor. Um before I turn it over to the applicant, um I just want to give a a very brief um summary and our administration's uh recommendation. So the current proposal

466
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is to incentivize non-transient residential use um at the property located at 1600 Washington Avenue. Um the applicant is proposing an increase in Fly allowable 2.75

467
02:17:21.760 --> 02:17:40.399
to a 3.25. So that results in a.5 um additional F which equates to about 50,000 square ft uh of additional square footage that can be built on the site. Um the [snorts] applicant is also requesting a height increase. The currently allowable height is 100 ft and

468
02:17:40.399 --> 02:17:57.120
they are proposing a a new development project that would exceed that by 50 ft. So a maximum of 150 ft is being requested. Uh they are not requesting an increase in density. So 150 units per acre is currently allowed and their their proposed project does comply with

469
02:17:57.120 --> 02:18:13.280
that. Um just one quick update is that the project was approved by the historic preservation board at their May meeting. That approval however is contingent upon um the land development regulation modifications being approved. Um the

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administration is supportive of the project and is recommending the uh commission approve at first reading and schedule the second reading for September. Um just one quick uh point of information for anyone who's watching since this includes an F increase

471
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request. Um between first and second reading the planning department will be scheduling an additional public meeting. Uh we had our first public meeting after the uh first reading of the planning board. So between first and second reading there will be another opportunity for members of the public to

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02:18:46.880 --> 02:19:02.000
join the meeting and issue any comments they may have. Um with that >> just to be clear that public meeting is for the community. It's not I mean I would like to participate but it's not a commission meeting. >> Correct. It's not a commission meeting but um you know it is is open to the

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entire public and it's typically on on Zoom. So, I know it's going to be over the summer and a lot of people travel, but we will um you know be able to to accommodate people who are remote to participate. >> Morning, Mr. Mayor. We have a

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presentation. If it could be loaded, please. >> Here we go. The clicker. Uh good morning, uh mayor and commission. Nissan Casden and Cecilia Torres Toedo of Acreman representing the applicant for 20

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Lincoln Road Development and Ambassador Paul Seahos who is here today along with Trudy Seahas as well, longtime Miami Beach residents. Um, I'd like to briefly take you through this presentation. I know that you have been briefed on it

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and have spoken with some of us, but to underscore how this is absolutely the right thing to do for this part of town at this time. We call this this is the urban core legislation. This is truly the heart of the city of Miami Beach. Uh

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I don't think any of you are old enough to remember this. There may be a handful of people in the room who do, but this was Miami Beach's downtown. It was the center of offices, businesses, retail, the convention center. Uh it was the

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heart of the city, particularly the intersection of Lincoln and Washington Avenue. However, what is missing in the heart of the city is a res is residences where people can live. The city has taken cognizance of

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this fact and you have put in your comprehensive plan policies which specifically address this and specifically call for encouraging mixed use, encouraging overlay districts,

480
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encouraging F incentives for residential development. This is the plan, the comprehensive plan you have adopted and it makes total sense because this is the missing element in this part of the city. I think you're all familiar with the property.

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Uh, Ambassador Seahas owns the entire block uh from Lincoln Road to 16th from Drexel to Washington Avenue. This would be a portion of the property in the southern end of the block along with the parking garage to accommodate residential

482
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development. Uh I've mentioned to you already that this is Miami Beach's urban core. It remains that today in fact even more so the actions of this city with the expansion of the convention center and

483
02:21:46.880 --> 02:22:02.160
the events that are hosted there with the new world center with the new convention center hotel uh with the renewed efforts to revitalize Lincoln Road. Once again, this rema this becomes the beating heart of the city of Miami

484
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Beach. Um, and the this has been endorsed by the Washington Avenue bid, who I believe you will hear from, as well as by the Lincoln Road bid. Uh, I would just want to briefly mention uh that Ambassador

485
02:22:18.960 --> 02:22:34.319
Seahas has owned this property for over 30 years. He invested at a time when people were not investing in South Beach. I see one other person, Mel Schleser, one of the pioneers was investing at that time.

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He has been a incredibly great steward of this important property. One of the largest, the 420 building itself, the office building, one of the largest historic buildings and office buildings, if not the largest, in the city of Miami Beach. and he has spent millions of

487
02:22:50.640 --> 02:23:06.479
dollars in restoring it from everything including the vitrolyte banding around it bringing in new tenants. He now has the flagship Zara store there taking care of the lobby and that magnificent mural he has. But to help

488
02:23:06.479 --> 02:23:24.920
Washington Avenue and to help Lincoln Road, the missing component is residential and that is what ambassador Seahos wants to bring. So, uh, we are here to answer any questions that you may have or hear from Ambassador Seahas himself if you would like. Thank you.

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[clears throat] >> Actually, sorry. Commissioner Mateo Selenus. Oh, no. Oh, Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, and I want to ask our planning director if if she if she could come to the podium. So, this

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property is located in the CD3 district. >> Correct. >> Okay. Currently, the density that's allowed at the CD3 district, what is the current density allowed in the CD3 district?

491
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>> Current density is 150 units per acre. The current intensity which is the F is 2.75 for this property. >> 2.75. Okay. So it's so okay. So the so the increase I guess is just.5

492
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>> correct >> which is I guess very nominal. >> Yeah the there are our calculations uh basically result in about an additional 50,000 square ft for the for the property. And remember the property also includes the garage.

493
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>> Okay. Um and so and so in order to be able to access the units the the amount of units that are allowed per acre uh under the zoning code right now the the the

494
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current F doesn't allow them to access the full potential of of of the units that that are allowed under the code. >> Correct. >> Okay. The surrounding buildings. Talk to me about about the surrounding buildings. What are the buildings in in the surrounding? So this is located

495
02:25:07.439 --> 02:25:24.720
within the city center which is um you know up until when we adopted the TCC regulations in North Beach this was the highest intensity zoning in terms of um F and height. So it was um most of the buildings that are in the neighborhood

496
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that have been constructed since um the 19 late 1980s to 1990s are are maxed out at 100 ft. Um now then the 407 Lincoln Road building which is not far is is I believe over 150 ft. So there are taller

497
02:25:42.880 --> 02:25:57.520
buildings in the immediate neighborhood. Um which is one of the reasons why the administration is supporting the requested >> the decage. >> How does the zoning being very requested here compared to to the deco plage?

498
02:25:57.520 --> 02:26:14.240
>> So the deco plage is in the RM3 zoning district. So it has um you know different the deco is actually a non-conforming building to their particular zoning. So they are maxed out on F and height.

499
02:26:14.240 --> 02:26:29.840
>> What's their current height? >> Um I believe it's about a 16story building. I don't have the exact height for the building. Um but it's taller than than 100 ft. It's taller than what would be permitted on that site today.

500
02:26:29.840 --> 02:26:45.040
I mean, I I I have to say that just being aware of what's happening in in the area. Um, we have a need for for housing in in our city. Yesterday I met with one of our major stakeholders

501
02:26:45.040 --> 02:27:02.800
and and they were explaining to me that they were looking to rent bulks of units and the closest that they were able to rent bulks of unit for their employees was in [snorts] Coral Gables was all the

502
02:27:02.800 --> 02:27:19.520
way at the lifetime building in in Coral Gables um for for for their employees here in in Miami Beach. And so we've been speaking greatly about affordability. And you know, we've been speaking and we'll be discussing today

503
02:27:19.520 --> 02:27:34.479
about affordability as it relates to water and sewer rates. I'd love to talk about affordability as it relates to parking and towing, but affordability and housing is only achieved

504
02:27:34.479 --> 02:27:52.000
by by supply. That's the [clears throat] reality of it. Um, and we want to be able to work with our private partners in identifying those areas where we feel comfortable facilitating growth so that we're able to preserve the other areas

505
02:27:52.000 --> 02:28:08.080
of our city so that the his the fabric of the core of our of our historic districts are not eroded. Um, I feel I feel comfortable with this also because as as the representative for the for the

506
02:28:08.080 --> 02:28:23.920
applicant mentioned, this is in the in the area of our city that has traditionally been the downtown of of Miami Beach. You have an office building close by. There's actually an office building on city- owned land. Uh, I

507
02:28:23.920 --> 02:28:41.520
think it's Lincoln Terrace on Washington >> across the street. Right across the street. Right across the street. AC across the street. I understand that there is I heard yesterday in in a briefing that there's a potential buyer for that property, a property that today I believe sits mostly empty. We need to

508
02:28:41.520 --> 02:28:58.960
find the way uh so that so that the people who are going to be working in in buildings like those and the people who work at city hall and the people who work at the fountain blue and the people who work at Mount Sinai and the people who work at Lowe's have an ability to

509
02:28:58.960 --> 02:29:16.479
live in our city and what's happening is that the rents that they're getting in in in in Flamingo Park the rents that they're getting throughout of our city, it doesn't compete with what they're getting in Bickl, but with with what

510
02:29:16.479 --> 02:29:32.479
they're getting in Edgewater and what with what they're getting in other areas. For the same price, they're getting more value in other areas. And that is creating a housing challenge for us. Um, let me ask the applicant. These units, what is going to be the composition of these units? There'll be

511
02:29:32.479 --> 02:29:49.880
a mix of units. There will be uh studios, onebedrooms, two bedrooms. Uh I don't know that the final mix has been uh uh decided but there will be [snorts] if you want ambassador would you like to address that?

512
02:29:53.280 --> 02:30:09.359
Mr. Mayor, commissioners, city manager, city attorney, uh city clerk, staff, uh uh thank you for for listening to to me. Uh I'm Paul Seas. I live at 3315

513
02:30:09.359 --> 02:30:25.349
Collins Avenue and uh I've uh had the honor and the privilege to have owned that property for many years. As a matter of record, it's the second when it was built, the second uh

514
02:30:25.349 --> 02:30:43.200
[clears throat] um air conditioned uh building built in the United States, only second to one on Park Avenue in New York. So, uh, we're we're proud when we saw the asset, we saw it was totally,

515
02:30:43.200 --> 02:30:59.439
uh, dilapidated. We spend actually millions of dollars. Uh, and that was 20 somewhat years ago, close to 30 years ago to restore the building. Uh, and, uh, we were successful and we're very

516
02:30:59.439 --> 02:31:16.399
proud of that. Uh, we're not turnover, uh, people. Uh we're we're people that hold assets because we believe in uh first in our city because it's where we live. Uh we've been involved in many

517
02:31:16.399 --> 02:31:32.240
other issues. My wife is on the board of the Bass. Uh and uh if you see the the symphony, we were contributors as well as the Bass. So, we uh we're proud to be

518
02:31:32.240 --> 02:31:48.560
uh from Miami Beach and uh and I brought my wife uh because in two weeks it'll be our 44th anniversary uh of being married and uh she said uh you know and I always believe happy

519
02:31:48.560 --> 02:32:05.280
wife, happy life. [laughter] So, she's judging me on this presentation. So, [laughter] I hope you help me with my marriage. [laughter] >> Thank you, ambassador. >> So, anyway, I uh I wanted to tell you

520
02:32:05.280 --> 02:32:21.600
that I I I thank you for considering this. Uh I know that in the past we had gotten approvals to do things and the last one for instance, and I know the mayor was concerned about this, uh we we

521
02:32:21.600 --> 02:32:38.800
made a mistake. Uh uh the architects have moved a building into the alley and uh the alley is needed to service uh Sara and all of the other uh tenants on

522
02:32:38.800 --> 02:32:56.160
Lincoln Road uh that they need to have trucks to come in and unload their merchandise. And uh so we made a mistake and we move the existing uh building that is there blocking the alley. So

523
02:32:56.160 --> 02:33:10.560
then we we couldn't build that and that's the reason Mr. Mayor why we didn't we didn't build what was approved. Now we did it right and the historical preservation board uh

524
02:33:10.560 --> 02:33:29.520
approved it uh with uh having a representation of the existing historical building that is there as part of the new structure of the new building. Uh so they approved it uh subject to your approval and [snorts] uh

525
02:33:29.520 --> 02:33:46.319
so we're we're pleased to be able to conserve uh some of this and we are committed to building that building. Uh I as I assure you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. >> So >> thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.

526
02:33:46.319 --> 02:34:03.920
>> Oh yeah. So and just a couple more questions and so ambassador you're you're proposing this. I just want to make sure because one of one of everyone's concerns I I believe in the community that I've heard the majority of new development in Miami Beach has

527
02:34:03.920 --> 02:34:18.880
has been for the for the most part over the past couple of decades it feels like luxury condominiums. Uh and that has been the greatest concern uh that our residents have have expressed that over the years as new

528
02:34:18.880 --> 02:34:37.120
development has been approved. It has either displaced longtime residents and that it's been replaced with with something that is not affordable to the average Miami Beach resident and that it's that it's mainly condominium units

529
02:34:37.120 --> 02:34:53.840
that are being built. In this case, your this project is completely a rental project. >> Not only is it a rental project with a covenant requiring it to be a rental, no short-term rental. No. And and also to answer your question, >> does that covenant transfer with the land? Does that run with the land?

530
02:34:53.840 --> 02:35:09.040
>> It runs with the land. So, a future buyer couldn't buy this property and and turn it into a condominium building because the covenant requires this to be a rental be subject to the covenant which can only be released by you by a 67th vote.

531
02:35:09.040 --> 02:35:24.319
>> And amenities wise because one of my concerns is that sometimes the more amenities that buildings offer, then the market rate goes up. uh and it goes from being attainable and and affordable to the rental market and then all of a

532
02:35:24.319 --> 02:35:41.040
sudden, you know, the more amenities, the more expensive it gets. Uh what what are you doing in terms of of amenities to be able to control the price point? >> I'm sure it'll be have the amenities that are necessary to attract new tenants, you know, uh things of that

533
02:35:41.040 --> 02:35:57.120
sort, but it's certainly not a luxury building. And to that point, I do do want to mention the proposed breakdown of units. to your question, 36 studios, 144 onebedrooms, and 32bedrooms. Uh the studios would be in the 500 ft,

534
02:35:57.120 --> 02:36:12.720
the onebedrooms in the 8 to 900 ft², the two bedrooms in the 1100 ft² range. So this is these are units designed for working people uh in the community. >> Mr. has an at at the property right now

535
02:36:12.720 --> 02:36:28.800
there's a it's zoned that I I believe there's a 5:00 a.m. nightclub. >> Yes. And that this ordinance once it passes that that uh that use would have to cease. >> Okay. All right. I feel comfortable with

536
02:36:28.800 --> 02:36:45.920
this. Our city needs rental housing. It needs attainable rental housing. We don't need more luxury condominiums. we have from everyone that we hear, we have uh we have too much of that and uh and it's consistent with our city's desire to uh move away from from these

537
02:36:45.920 --> 02:37:02.640
grandfathered 5 a.m. establishments. So, I'm grateful for for you for bringing this forward to our city. Thank you, Mr. R. >> Commissioner, I would like to clarify something because you said I'm a developer and I develop other luxury condominium. This is the first time that

538
02:37:02.640 --> 02:37:18.160
I develop And uh and the idea was to service and our grant. Uh it was it was designed to be ex explicitly for the market. Uh to

539
02:37:18.160 --> 02:37:32.960
it would have benefits uh that that will be uh helpful to to market the the building. uh like having uh uh a gym for instance in inside which is contributes

540
02:37:32.960 --> 02:37:50.640
to to people's health uh and it has certainly contributed to mine. Uh so some of these things that are included in in luxury uh condominiums or apartments uh will be included but at

541
02:37:50.640 --> 02:38:07.359
the market rate that the market will bear. So, it would be basically for the people of Miami Beach to be able to afford it, which is needed. And that's what we felt that we would do this. I'm not a a developer. I'm an investor. And

542
02:38:07.359 --> 02:38:26.800
I and that's what I done. And long-term investments as proven when I bought uh uh 420. >> Thank you, Ambassador and Niss. And I'm going to actually ask you to if I'm going to call up uh Debbie and Nick. >> So, a couple of questions. Um why no

543
02:38:26.800 --> 02:38:41.600
development agreement here? For example, in 1250 West Avenue, we have a development agreement. Why why none here? >> So, a development agreement is a is a tool that's available to us when there's uh going to be a public project involved, public property involved, um if there's significant infrastructure

544
02:38:41.600 --> 02:38:57.600
that's going to be impacted. Um this particular proposal was submitted as a as a private application to amend the LDRs. The project is a private project itself. There is not a a public component here.

545
02:38:57.600 --> 02:39:13.120
>> So a couple of questions based on that one. Is there anything and you alluded to this because we we did have a conversation uh Ambassador and and and Mayor Kasden, you're mayor for life, right? Um I [laughter]

546
02:39:13.120 --> 02:39:28.880
That's why I'm doing it. Um I just uh is there a because we've we've seen this happen. We'll we'll we'll approve something here and then nothing happens. So what I'd like to see and have some asurances and probably

547
02:39:28.880 --> 02:39:46.319
carve it into the legislation is that there should be some time limitations embedded to assure that the project cuz we're giving something of value and we should assure that it's not just something people I I don't I don't believe that's the intent, but obviously

548
02:39:46.319 --> 02:40:02.960
things happen and we have to make sure we're we protect ourselves. >> Um yes, Mr. Mr. Mayor, we could there's there's not currently a sunset provision as as the ordinance is drafted, but that's something certainly that the administration would support and that we could include um if if that's your

549
02:40:02.960 --> 02:40:18.000
recommendation. >> Okay. I'm I'm hearing general support for that. Is that something you want to >> work on? Yeah. So, we could um if you'd like for second read reading, we could require that a that applications be

550
02:40:18.000 --> 02:40:34.160
filed by a certain date. um that otherwise the incentives will will sunset and be automatically repealed. We can do that. >> Okay. Um is there a public benefit in this case?

551
02:40:34.160 --> 02:40:51.680
>> So what um the way that this ordinance as many other incentives have been structured that the city commission has considered in the last couple years, the developer would have to satisfy certain benchmarks to be eligible for the incentives. Um, and so I mean the the

552
02:40:51.680 --> 02:41:07.520
>> Well, I let me I'm sorry. I let me ask it a different way. Public benefits to our city, our residents, are they are they offering some Let me ask a backup question. What's the assessed value if we approve this? What is the assessed

553
02:41:07.520 --> 02:41:24.160
value the increase on the property by doing this? >> And you know, I don't have a I don't have a clear answer to that, right? I think >> Do you have that? I I don't know that we have a dollar figure on the increased F that's being

554
02:41:24.160 --> 02:41:39.760
contemplated. So, mayor, while while the while the code amendment may have a positive impact on the value of the property, since the since we're not, you know, we're not here on a uh on a on a transaction that the city is a party to,

555
02:41:39.760 --> 02:41:55.359
um the commission should really look at this as a matter of policy is whether you think, you know, it's it's um it's good planning policy to adopt it. And obviously, the commission can amend this ordinance. Um but but it it it's really more on the basis of policy rather than

556
02:41:55.359 --> 02:42:10.399
you know the things that we could consider on a transaction. >> No. And I'm I'm separating the two, but I I to me it's I'd like to know how much we're what value we're actually providing by making this uh zoning change.

557
02:42:10.399 --> 02:42:25.520
>> Mr. Mayor, may I >> uh Well, let me hear from Commissioner Fernandez. >> Would it be possible >> only if you're clarifying this question? Yes, please. Would it be possible to require that whoever benefits from the

558
02:42:25.520 --> 02:42:42.080
adopted ordinance to enter into a development agreement by the city whereby were by the city administration because we're not allowed to negotiate public benefits. Neither are public benefits allowed to be negotiated through a legislative item. But if the

559
02:42:42.080 --> 02:42:59.840
legislative item requires for there to be a development agreement, um, could we could we do that to to require to amend that into into the into the ordinance that the property that's going to benefit from this needs to enter into a

560
02:42:59.840 --> 02:43:16.000
development agreement before they can get their their building permits so that that can be negotiated by the city manager and the city's best interest. Generally speaking, the the commission can't contract its its legislative approval of of code amendments based on

561
02:43:16.000 --> 02:43:32.640
the u the the receipt of consideration from from the applicant. So, I would say I mean I think if there are particular issues that the commission would like to see from a from a planning standpoint uh incorporated into the project, I would recommend doing it that way. >> Well, let let me ask you a question.

562
02:43:32.640 --> 02:43:48.880
1250 West, we there was a development agreement. There were certain the Baywalk, the bikini hostel. How did all that come about? >> That's how that project was was uh was proposed was, you know, that the there was a private component, but there were

563
02:43:48.880 --> 02:44:04.080
also >> Yeah. I I think there was a lot of pushing to get them to they didn't just come up and wake up one day and do it, [clears throat] >> right? But because there were there were so many public facilities I think involved in that in that project the Baywalk the the site of the the Bikini

564
02:44:04.080 --> 02:44:20.640
Hostel which will become a park. Um I think that's why that one was structured differently. >> Mr. Ray may I address >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh yeah this is uh Nick has given I think a very clear uh explanation of when development

565
02:44:20.640 --> 02:44:36.160
agreements are appropriate and what they're appropriate for. I would just like to touch on a few things. Number one, to use the 1250 West there. There was a what was viewed as a public safety issue and that property across the

566
02:44:36.160 --> 02:44:52.399
street want had to be bought and closed down. That was the uh uh as well as other public improvements. We don't have that here where we have to uh that and and in exchange for that as you know the

567
02:44:52.399 --> 02:45:09.840
increase in development rights was many many times what we're asking for here at a property that is much much more valuable but I would like to get back to the we have to understand what the public benefit is and what the restrictions are that you are placing on

568
02:45:09.840 --> 02:45:25.920
the property owner. Number one, you have to get back to your comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan says what you should do to develop the city you want and therefore you enact zoning which implements that. That's what you're

569
02:45:25.920 --> 02:45:43.520
doing here. So, so we need >> stick to the specific issue. I got to I got >> but but a couple of other things if I may mayor please. >> So, for instance, one minute. We uh have a covenant that restricts uh uh in our ability uh to have uh

570
02:45:43.520 --> 02:46:01.040
anything but rental apartments. We have all these limitations on our property. And with that, you know, this is the minimum that is really necessary after a lot of study and a lot of analysis to be able to build a building that will work.

571
02:46:01.040 --> 02:46:18.960
uh it can't really stand more in order to be able to happen. So I would say as Nick explained this is not a situation where a development agreement is appropriate but beyond that the code itself has all the relevant provisions which are limitations on the property to

572
02:46:18.960 --> 02:46:34.720
make sure it delivers the product that you the city commission have put out for in your comprehensive plan. >> Thank you. Before one more question I when we had when we were talking about other projects I I recall this issue coming up about the assessed value of

573
02:46:34.720 --> 02:46:50.560
zoning changes we did I don't I don't remember where we landed but I thought it was something we were going to do routinely on these projects. >> How would I how would we get an assessed value? It's obviously worth something. >> Assessed value will go up. >> Please Nissan please.

574
02:46:50.560 --> 02:47:06.560
>> I'm sorry. >> Why don't we keep just the city staff on the floor? We'll call you back up when uh >> I believe we did that mayor for for 1250 because again we were in we you know we were in a different posture uh because we were trying to consider the value of

575
02:47:06.560 --> 02:47:22.960
the of the public benefits. >> We've done it for others. It wasn't just wasn't just them. the I I think the only clarification that I would >> I'm wondering if we need to to codify this in legislation that we should I mean we're these this is of significant

576
02:47:22.960 --> 02:47:39.359
maybe this project is not as large as others but when we approve zoning changes it has a value and we we're making decisions without even knowing that value >> if I may through the chair [snorts] um I think it would be okay to request valuations but I I just want to caution

577
02:47:39.359 --> 02:47:55.920
you that you cannot take that and say we are giving zoning changes having this value and therefore we wish to extract value back to the city. Um the zoning decisions need to be made based on the policy and is as Nick you know very

578
02:47:55.920 --> 02:48:12.960
aptly pointed out development agreements occur when you have a developer who approaches us and says I want to profer these benefits as part of my project and then those benefits get negotiated and sometimes the benefits end up being different than what was originally profered. Uh but it's different than a

579
02:48:12.960 --> 02:48:30.399
situation where a developer is proposing changes and the commission simply needs to decide is this a good policy is this something we want to pursue or or not and the decision should be based purely on that. >> Let me ask you this question Nick if if if uh if they decide again I apologize

580
02:48:30.399 --> 02:48:46.160
I'm not trying to say that you're not going to commit to what you're saying. Uh I have no reason to believe otherwise but I got to we got we got to protect ourselves. That's what we do here. That's what lawyers do. If they decided they wanted to build all 500 foot 500 square foot apartments, could they do

581
02:48:46.160 --> 02:49:03.840
it? >> I don't I don't believe Debbie, what is the >> So they um they could if they if they availed themselves of an additional restriction which would be to limit the AMI rent to no more than 140%. So those

582
02:49:03.840 --> 02:49:20.880
would be true workforce housing rent restricted units and they could they could um potentially have all units at 400 square ft. If they are not, which the current proposal does not um restrict uh AMI rentals, uh the the

583
02:49:20.880 --> 02:49:37.200
average uh the minimum unit size would be 550 square ft. So >> yeah, I mean this is what gets me concerned when I hear that >> think we I mean could could could the ambassador sell the property to someone else and he would then inher he or she

584
02:49:37.200 --> 02:49:53.359
would then inherit the zoning change. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So how so that's this is my question is what protections do we have that significant change we don't want micro units in our city. So, mayor, if I could answer your first question, I I think that's exactly the kind of thing that you can consider when you're voting

585
02:49:53.359 --> 02:50:08.880
on legislation is that's a planning issue, right? If you if you would like to see, >> but the current proposal before us does not have these protections, and I'm saying they should, >> the commission could amend uh could amend the draft ordinance to address, you know, minimum unit size, average

586
02:50:08.880 --> 02:50:25.200
unit size. Um, if you wanted a particular mix of of units, that is the kind of thing that you >> And what document does that get codified? It would be it would be in the code. It would be it would be a strict requirement, a land development regulation that the developer would have to comply with to be able to build this project.

587
02:50:25.200 --> 02:50:41.600
>> I think we need to do that. >> And by the way, that's how we've memorialized the other things like, you know, like no short-term rentals, any existing non-conforming establishments have to sunset. >> Was this was this >> I mean, I'm I'm I'm doing this because s think thinking through the issues we've

588
02:50:41.600 --> 02:50:57.840
seen. Is this all written out in the in the memo? Those other those other points are in the draft ordinance. The only one that >> No, the one I'm mentioning now >> was it highlighted that this is not I'm saying this this should have been flagged >> the unit size. >> Correct. And >> we need we're relying on you to flag

589
02:50:57.840 --> 02:51:14.479
these uncertainties. >> This particular proposal does not have minimum and maximum allowable unit size, but that's certainly something we can work with the applicant and and make some recommendations at second reading. >> I have a few others. I'm sorry. Before

590
02:51:14.479 --> 02:51:30.240
uh that I have to take um Commissioner, >> may I just respond factor because you raised an issue and I think we could discuss with staff an average unit size as well as the minimum unit size as part of this ordinance to deal with the

591
02:51:30.240 --> 02:51:47.439
because we do have a it's it's not going to be all studios and we can come up with an average unit size that will address your point. >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner. >> Mr. Mayor, I just want to clarify something because you said that I have to develop. I'm 83 years old and I have

592
02:51:47.439 --> 02:52:04.319
I live with a cancer that thank God is in remission but never know what happens. My wife will become the the trustee of my trust. So I don't know if she could develop that or whether she

593
02:52:04.319 --> 02:52:20.479
would sell it. So, if you limit that, uh, you know, I I really appreciate you considering, but I don't know. I hope that I live another 20 years to 120. Uh, [laughter] I was going to I was going to say, you got the No. And and first of

594
02:52:20.479 --> 02:52:37.359
all, you should you should continue to be healthy, vibrant. 44 years you're about to celebrate, you should celebrate at least another 20, 30 more. Thank you. >> Uh, in good health. But but you know I'm I'm just doing what any commission should do and and together here and what

595
02:52:37.359 --> 02:52:52.640
any lawyer should be doing. We have to protect ourselves like I appreciate that >> because we there's so many unknowns. I mean we >> you don't you don't go to I mean for the most part you don't go to spend uh or millions of dollars in a deal by by a

596
02:52:52.640 --> 02:53:09.680
handshake. Maybe that still happens but generally there's a contract and we need to make sure that contract is iron tight so we don't Yes. We we we protect our residents and businesses. That's our job here. >> You you can uh go around this community to Mr. Mayor uh where I've done business

597
02:53:09.680 --> 02:53:25.520
for many years and the biggest asset that I have is not 420 is my name. But but what I'm saying is there's nothing and and I appreciate >> David Martin who is a developer here and is doing a great developer can tell you

598
02:53:25.520 --> 02:53:42.640
that in a handshake I gave him I sold [clears throat] him a property um $2 million less than another offer just because I we had shaking hands on it. So that old time shaking hands that still exist and I said again the the biggest

599
02:53:42.640 --> 02:53:59.040
asset that I have is my name and >> for sure but uh as we said there could be a various reasons that we in a few years we'll be dealing with someone else. >> Well you may decide to sell you know whatever either way we that's our job. Commissioner Magazine.

600
02:53:59.040 --> 02:54:15.359
>> Yeah. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um try and be quick. I I I believe creating a a vibrant, walkable, mixeduse district in this area is the single most important thing that we can do for our city. It adds housing affordability.

601
02:54:15.359 --> 02:54:30.000
It adds even for people that may not afford to live here. It will then take the rent pressures off of where they do live, helping the affordability in other areas of our city. Full-time residents are what we need to

602
02:54:30.000 --> 02:54:47.279
help revive our local economy. It will take cars off the road, creating a walkable district, and it cleans up underperforming blighted areas. I want sidewalk and corner cafes watching the World Cup just like in Paris and Barcelona rather than vape shops and

603
02:54:47.279 --> 02:55:03.680
strip clubs that we currently have on Washington Avenue. Um, I'm okay with it being a bit taller. I don't think it's plural, but uh unfortunately we're legislative prohibited. That last one is one. >> So, I'll reverse that. Strip club invades shops. >> Okay. [clears throat]

604
02:55:03.680 --> 02:55:20.560
>> I feel so much better now. [laughter] Never mind. Washington Avenue is good. Um uh I'm okay it being a bit taller than I would prefer uh given it's on the corner of 16th in Washington. Um,

605
02:55:20.560 --> 02:55:37.040
and I think that truly is the nexus of this downtown walkable district. Uh, I don't like one-off applications, especially all the timing that we've spent talking about comprehensive plans. And I hope that we can use something

606
02:55:37.040 --> 02:55:53.680
like this as somewhat of a template or a model for a true comprehensive walkable livable place that will become our vibrant downtown, right? Perhaps a similar type of zoning on the caddy corner across and

607
02:55:53.680 --> 02:56:10.960
then down Washington at a at a shorter uh height with the same residential incentives uh that we're looking to achieve. Um, couple things that I'd like to address. Uh, one, if we can talk on the height real quick, just about why

608
02:56:10.960 --> 02:56:26.720
you have to be at that because I can understand the next applicant having to be at that because he just had to acquire the land um, for a very significant dollar amount. I know the ambassador who I'd like to thank you and your family for all you've done for our city and

609
02:56:26.720 --> 02:56:45.279
your commitment has a much lower cost basis, if any cost basis really. Um so why we have to be at that 150 and not somewhere around 125 135. Uh but we can get to that. Um most importantly to me the single most

610
02:56:45.279 --> 02:56:58.960
important thing that I need this needle threaded here is ensuring that this gets done. As I said it is the single most important catalyst I believe for our city. The ambassador said he's not a

611
02:56:58.960 --> 02:57:16.960
developer. it does us and our city and a comprehensive district. We want to be seen if we grant this zoning right and it's just at some point in time then marketed for sale because then the next applicant comes here and says well this

612
02:57:16.960 --> 02:57:36.319
cost me $25 million and I just can't make the numbers work so I need 175 or 200 feet or things like that. I am happy to work about how this takes shape in some regard >> in in a way I I I'd want to see the

613
02:57:36.319 --> 02:57:52.319
ambassador find a development partner not to sell it to but a JV partner or something like that to ensure that this is going to get done. >> Uh Commissioner Magazine good points I'd like to to mention respond to a few.

614
02:57:52.319 --> 02:58:09.279
First of all, Ambassador Seahas will have a fee developer who's an experienced developer to develop it. I would point out, and this is an advantage to the city, that he is a long-term property. He owns rental apartment buildings elsewhere, which he has owned for years. He's not a flipper.

615
02:58:09.279 --> 02:58:26.800
He he's he would be building to invest long-term and will bring in a fee developer as a partner. Couple other things I'd like to mention. >> Can we center? Let's We don't even have to get in the height. I want to stick on this point because it's the single most important one. Can we come up with

616
02:58:26.800 --> 02:58:42.720
something? What the ambassador does after this project is developed or perhaps his wife or the trust, whatever happens happens. I need this to move forward, right? I can't have a sale happen before it's developed because

617
02:58:42.720 --> 02:58:59.200
then that just brings a cash and economic windfall for [snorts] what's happening and it does nothing to get the project closer to fruition. So if the ambassador is able to find a 4e developer and commit that the property

618
02:58:59.200 --> 02:59:16.399
won't be sold until after it is developed, sign me up today. >> Well, we've talked about two things here which I think the ambassador is willing to do. Number one, we can look at in between with a planning planning director tacket. I got to get used to that. It's a nice has a nice sound. Um,

619
02:59:16.399 --> 02:59:33.760
uh, a, uh, a average unit size to address the mayor's concern that this is going to be all could be all small units. We will do that. Uh number two, we can also look at an outside date uh in terms of as I think uh Debbie

620
02:59:33.760 --> 02:59:50.160
mentioned in terms of obtaining the necessary permits and approvals uh to do that. One point I would say and you uh Commissioner Magn very savvy about the markets here. It's very tough to build rental housing in South Florida right now. Construction costs are extremely

621
02:59:50.160 --> 03:00:06.319
high. Financing is very difficult. And in order to be able to bring this to fruition, uh, he spent a lot of time studying and analyzing something that would thread the needle and be able to actually be built. So, uh, you know, if

622
03:00:06.319 --> 03:00:22.640
we can get getting this built is a major accomplishment. >> Yeah. So, I don't love the product mix, but I'm not going to opine on that, right? I'm going to let the market be the market. The amenities, what I don't want to be heavy-handed on that. I want to give you flexibility because my

623
03:00:22.640 --> 03:00:38.880
biggest concern and priority as the ambassador mentioned he's not a developer is ensuring that this gets developed and how we do that most efficiently is if the ambassador is able to commit that he or his trust remains

624
03:00:38.880 --> 03:00:56.479
the owner of this and pays a forprofit or a forfeed. Right? Because if that is not done, then what happens is this zoning increase increases the value of the property. And then if they just turn around and sell

625
03:00:56.479 --> 03:01:11.600
that, then the next owner comes back and he's in the position of, well, I just paid all this money for this property and perhaps uh this doesn't get done. This is a different concern than what you would hear 99% of the time. I'm trying to say I want this to come to

626
03:01:11.600 --> 03:01:27.359
fruition. Let's make it happen. >> Yeah. I mean, Ambassador Sales did develop the garage himself, but here's the point. We can't put in the ordinance uh requiring him to hire a fee developer. I think what we can discuss to address your point is some target deadlines

627
03:01:27.359 --> 03:01:44.399
>> or that their estate of somehow >> that that's not appropriate to put in a in a zoning ordinance. Frankly, it's it's the zoning ordinance deals with regulations, >> but the regulations can be such as to incentivize that it happen in a timely

628
03:01:44.399 --> 03:02:00.640
fashion, >> happen under the current ownership that it is right. I I would look incredibly unfavorable if we essentially pass zoning that increases the value

629
03:02:00.640 --> 03:02:17.200
only for the property to be turned around and sold whether it be next week or in two years. Uh because I'm not I'm not granting zoning increases to increase the value of the property. I am willing to grant very significant zoning

630
03:02:17.200 --> 03:02:31.840
increases to bring this product to market as soon as possible. >> And this is Commissioner Magazine the proper zoning for this site can candidly regardless of who owns it. It's a proper site for >> another discussion. Don't disagree.

631
03:02:31.840 --> 03:02:47.920
>> Yeah. And so uh but you know I think what we can do is discuss with planning staff uh a uh outside dates. We'll discuss average unit sizes to accomp to to accomplish what you I understand what you want. Now, the fact of the matter is

632
03:02:47.920 --> 03:03:02.160
Ambassador Seas has always been a long-term holder of course of his assets. >> But you never contracts. We would all operate under handshake agreements as the ambassador did if you're not planning for contingencies. >> No, but but it's good to know that the

633
03:03:02.160 --> 03:03:19.520
person who has the property has a track record of not being a flipper, but being a loaner. I don't know if we'd be having this conversation even uh if it not for the ambassador's contributions to our city, >> but we'll work with planning staff on those two issues. >> And then the others that I would like in

634
03:03:19.520 --> 03:03:37.600
there, if we do grant this, um are you you have a 5:00 a.m. uh late night entertainment license? Are you willing to just extinguish that? >> Yeah, it's in the ordinance. The ordinance says you can't have that use. They know they but it's not going to be

635
03:03:37.600 --> 03:03:53.120
transferred or sold or anything like that. That that license won't be transferred to another property or sold or >> Well, it can't be because once it will be if this is adopted, that use will not be legal. >> Y someone else couldn't go in there to

636
03:03:53.120 --> 03:04:09.040
get an approval for that use. A and then I would also respectfully ask that you would pro offer if we pass this never to take advantage of a Tallahassee driven housing law that would supersede this property.

637
03:04:09.040 --> 03:04:23.840
>> That's a very good point. Obviously, this is a site that can use live local uh and uh ambassador se and ambassador seas is trying to work with the city to achieve your objectives and not in a way

638
03:04:23.840 --> 03:04:41.680
that is uh uh uh would be a live local project which he could come in and and seek to do. So this is really what I think everyone here has been looking for. >> Absolutely. And I wish we could have this in a more comprehensive discussion. This is live better as commission.

639
03:04:41.680 --> 03:04:57.920
>> So I would ask that you consider as we are doing this one-off uh request as part of the agreement then forgoing the ability to do live local on this project. >> Well, it's not an agreement. This is zoning. And I don't I I can't I cannot

640
03:04:57.920 --> 03:05:14.080
say standing here that we would forgo it. But >> that's why we have two readings. So let's uh let's discuss in between. >> It gives you it gives you an enormous power. I could uh I could withdraw the petition right now and go to the state and build over 20 stories.

641
03:05:14.080 --> 03:05:31.359
>> Yeah. And what I'm asking is we approve and you don't do that. >> I'm not doing it. I'm coming to you because I live on a beach. I love the beach. I love that building >> and I want to do something with you. >> But all I find is is opposing and

642
03:05:31.359 --> 03:05:48.880
putting more and more stapes. I I don't have to do this. I can go to the state and >> I'm not sure if that's the tact that we want to take at this. I'm actually trying to work very closely with you and I appreciate you. But all of the demands that you're requiring, I mean, we're in

643
03:05:48.880 --> 03:06:05.520
a free enterprise country, you know, if if I need to sell it because of my health or whatever, I'm not doing that. I built a garage 500 car garage. >> I'm letting you know, Mr. ambassador. That's that's not the tact that we want

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to take right here. Okay. I am sitting here trying to protect our city, which is what I was elected to do. >> I appreciate very much. >> I was elected by our residents, one of which I believe you currently are or formerly were >> to protect our city.

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>> I I do and I appreciate it. I don't know if you knew that I was sitting in a place like you many years ago. You came into my office actually and we had this discussion >> in 1980. I was uh elected to the school board and I served for eight years

646
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>> as chair >> as as chair and uh I I know what it feels to be in your place and what you have to do. So I do appreciate it very much. But, you know, I see what happens in the city of Miami and uh other

647
03:06:53.920 --> 03:07:11.439
cities, how they facilitate development that that are contributing to the city. I I'm not a developer, but I did hire a fee developer to develop that beautiful garage, which is the nicest, and I don't know if you ever been in it, is I have

648
03:07:11.439 --> 03:07:28.479
59 cameras to secure two things, security and cleanliness. And that garage is cleaning the stairs where is are clean clean as it could be that wash regularly. So I try to do things the

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right way. So and this will be done exactly the same thing and that's why I hired a an important architect to show that we're proud of our property. So the history is there >> and respectfully every single thing that

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I've brought up here is actually to help facilitate this gets done as quickly as possible. >> If if I may also add >> okay last comment but what I'm going to ask after you make the comment ambassador I'm going to ask you and Nissan to please we have to hear from our commissioners. I got to keep this meeting moving and we can't keep having

651
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this dialogue unless there's a question directed. So the only thing I would say is unlike other property owners who said I'm going to do a live local now let's sit and negotiate city. The only thing he's come in with is this very reasonable appropriate plan. So he's

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approaching this in good faith in dealing with the city not trying to hold the city over the the barrel comm uh promised commissioner Monica Mattel Selenus Comm Vice Mayor Dominguez and Commissioner Bach. Debbie, Nick, could you two address um

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the ground floor retail? My concern is that a lot of developments have ground flooror retail that is very very large and just sits empty because it's too large and no one can rent it and and I would rather see something that can be easily broken up and is that addressed

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in the legislation? >> So, it's not specifically addressed. Um the project does require that micromobility component and we do anticipate some of that will be included at the ground level. Um that's one of the requirements in order to get the

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incentives because while the another thing that the ordinance is doing is it's removing the parking requirement even though because this um this project is connected to an existing garage there will be parking available for the residents. So I think um you know we

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encourage as many active uses as possible at the ground level. Um that's also going to include in this particular instance a lobby for the for the residential units. Um so that will certainly be um activated. Um as far as commercial uh we encourage neighborhood

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commercial but we're this particular ordinance does not have a a required square footage. So whatever when the uh project if the project moves forward and the applicant is looking for tenants they they wouldn't be restricted if they just wanted small retail spaces which is

658
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kind of the trend we're seeing now. Um some you know even as small as just a few hundred square feet could make a big difference um if it's a coffee shop or something that's that's actively used. So, is it typical though to put in something like this legislation that would require for

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space to be smaller, retail space to be smaller, or is that completely up to the applicant? >> Um, it currently as drafted, it would be up to the applicant in terms of their leasing. um because we've seen such a struggle with commercial properties um

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in this area but really citywide um we want to give you know as maximum flexibility as possible to a potential retail quality retail tenant um we wouldn't want to restrict um based on their square footage needs for example um just because it's been such a

661
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struggle lately um to find good quality tenants in the city >> may I sure wish just briefly address that it's a very small footprint Listen, I I literally this the last I I we can't have this back and forth. >> No, the commissioner I think >> add and Debbie answered it

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>> but not with one piece of information missing that this is only 7,000 square ft at max on the entire ground floor and the and remember this particular building has been approved by the historic preservation board so it can't have a large retail on the ground floor.

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>> Okay. Thank you >> Vice Mayor Dominguez. >> Thank you. Um, so what I wanted to comment on, the Flamingco Park Neighborhood Association sent us a long list of concerns that they had and I know that it was mentioned that uh, this

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project was going to have a community meeting again and I do encourage a discussion with the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association so that all of their items are addressed. >> Commissioner Bach, >> um, thank you for bringing this item. Um my colleagues have made excellent points

665
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so I'm not going to reiterate them. I will um bring up two items for well in for context. This is a part of the city that has been um underwhelming to say the least for a long time and I really believe that having eyes and feet on the streets

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there will start to transform that. I've got some items pending um in the next number of months to try to do that from a few blocks down the road from you. So, I'm really excited to see this come forward. Um, I share some of the concerns. Um, but I know we have a second reading coming up, so we can take

667
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that offline in the interest of furthering this day's agenda. Two things I want to bring up. One is that when the Good Time Hotel was built, and I know you're not a hotel, um, but they had an enormous amount of retail space that was never even finished with floors and and

668
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walls. And I don't want I whether big retail or small retail or some other use that is permitted. My I just want to put out there so we can have this conversation about how to ensure that something happens there um when the building is built that it doesn't stay

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empty. I think the developers of the good time ran out of resources um and for whatever reason they didn't attract the tenants they were hoping. So I would like to have a conversation about how we can mitigate that so that it is easy for maybe smaller startup businesses to um

670
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move into the space uh in a way that isn't ownorous to everybody. So conversation between now and future. The other thing is if I remember correctly and if I'm not correct please please advise but my understanding is that this is a um short-term rental this has a

671
03:13:31.120 --> 03:13:46.479
restriction on short-term rentals six months in a day. Is that right? That's correct. >> Would and again we don't need to have this conversation today, but would there be willingness to extend that to a full year instead of 6 months in a day? So that you know if we're trying to

672
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encourage people to actually move here and live here and work here to me that that makes it much more appealing. And so I will let you guys all discuss um and hopefully we can have that written in for the second reading. And I'm going to add a third point because at the end

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of the day, the most important thing, Ambassador Seahas and Mrs. Seahas, I congratulate you on your pending anniversary. My parents just I know you're you're you're flinching, but my parents just hit 63 years last week. So, um you're an excellent company and

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here's to many more. >> Commissioner Fernandez, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um currently, um what is CD3? This is the zoning area. They're not asking for more density than what's required in in the current zoning code.

675
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>> They're not asking for additional density. Correct. >> Okay. Um separately from that, um as it relates to unit sizes, currently we have co codified minimum and maximum unit sizes for for

676
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this zoning district or or we do not? >> No, we do not. We have minimum required unit size. An average required unit size does exist. However, for projects that profer no short-term rentals, there is also no average unit size. So, it would

677
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just be the minimum, which is currently 550 ft. And so and so I would I would uh I would support the idea of between first and second reading to supplement what we already have uh within the city's uh three zoning district to speak

678
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about the average unit size since since uh we are considering the amendment to to this ordinance. I have to echo the comments by commissioner Mattel Selenas. Um, one of my greatest concerns uh with with new developments is that

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it has introduced a high amount of new retail spaces and those retail spaces are sitting empty and then it creates competition uh with with with the surrounding uh

680
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retail. And so and so I would want to see what is what gets baked into the ordinance between first and second reading. I know the challenge with retail is that a lot of our older retail does not meet the needs that merchants

681
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need today. However, it's the new retail for the most part that is sitting empty. And so so that is a a concern that I share uh that I would like to see addressed between first and second reading. Lastly, does the ordinance

682
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speak to setbacks? >> Um there is a it's a 20 foot required setback above is it 50 ft? Above 50 ft it requires an additional 20 foot setback for the tower portion. And at

683
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the ground level, at the pedestrian level, what is the current pedestrian level setback? >> Um, there's no required setback. The HPB approved plans showed >> how many what was your setback at HPV? At the ground level, do you know?

684
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>> I don't think we have one. >> Yeah, there's no required setback in the CD3 for the for the ground level. I saw a massing uh study that had had a sandbag at the ground level. >> Not for this. Not for this.

685
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>> Okay. I I So I would just please I don't know if it's going to create an issue with with a historic preservation board's determination. You know, a question that I have for for our staff. How can a project We're considering legislation. So So we are not here in the posture of

686
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reviewing a project. We are reviewing policy. Correct. How does a project get approved by a board before the policy to to guide that project is adopted by

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the city commission because it truly now eclipse our wings and our ability to to properly legislate here. >> It it does not commissioner because this the commission could always amend this ordinance. the commission could decide not to adopt the ordinance at all. The

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the HPB approval is very clear that it's contingent on the the requisite amendments being adopted by the city commission, but nothing can move forward unless and until these amendments are adopted. And if the commission revised this ordinance, they would have to go

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back to the HPB uh to to conform. >> So, what's what's the separation between the street? If I can ask M if if I could recognize through the mayor, mayor Kassen, what's the separation from the street and the and and the front of of the building under the uh the approved

690
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>> there there is there is there is no setback at the street level and you don't want that. All of Washington Avenue doesn't >> but Mr. Mayor >> the building does not go up to the street. I'm sure there must be something at the ground level. If I could finish my question, at the ground level,

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>> I am certain that the building does not go up to Washington Avenue. There must be there's a sidewalk. >> Oh. Oh. Oh. Well, of course. >> Yeah. >> So, what is what is what is the separation from the curb of the street? I'm thinking of pedestrianism. What is

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the separation under under the the the approved plans from the street to the building? it it is uh whatever the required sidewalk width is that the city has is the sidewalk width that we will have. So, if you look at the adjacent

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property, his 420 building, there's a wide sidewalk there. Uh because of course, yes, we do want to have pedestrian, a great pedestrian environment, but the planning, for example, on on 16th Street, fronting 16th Street, I see that there is a

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separation between between landscaping and the building of 14T 8 in. That's that's in the massing study that was included with our agenda packet. Unless I'm looking at at the at the wrong

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documents. >> Yeah, Commissioner. Um, our setback from our property line is zero, but I believe looking at this survey that from the center line of the ride ofway until our property line, so where the sidewalk would be accommodated, it's 25 feet. I

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believe 25 or 35. It's very tiny. >> 25. Okay. 25 feet. So between how how much again? >> I'm sorry. >> Between how much? >> Between the center line of of the rightway on 16th Street and our property line, there's 25 ft. >> 25 ft. And so that's 25 ft and and 16th

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Street must be how wide u Mr. Manager. >> I'm trying just to understand the setbacks. >> So >> not the setbacks, but the separation from the street, >> right? to the right of way, which is the city's purview to determine how much of that is going to be street, how much is

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median, how much is sidewalk, is all currently laid out for Washington and 16th Street. I would guesstimate that Washington is larger than 16th Street. I believe Washington is probably

699
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close to 80 feet. Um, Washington, uh, 7 16th Street is probably a 60 or 70 foot right of way. Um, but in either case, those sidewalks are outside of their property. >> Correct.

700
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>> Their property line is is the interface between the right of way and the private property. >> I understand that. I I understand that. But for the pedestrian that is not they don't they don't know the center line of the street and they don't know the

701
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property line and and so what I what I want to make sure is that is that if any amendments should be contemplated between first and second reading to provide for s for good pedestrianism and not just narrow pedestrianism. There's

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areas where you see where you have s sufficient separation between the street and the uh front of of the building to be able to accommodate not only pedestrians but a safe environment. People don't want to be right right on

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top of the traffic especially in a busy area like Washington. >> Good sidewalks as well. >> Sorry. >> We want good sidewalks as well. >> Of course. So, so I just want to make sure that we have at least a I would love to see a 20 foot buffer between the

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street and the front of the building. And maybe that's something that we can look at between first and second reading um just to make sure that especially since we're looking um in an area of our city where we're where is it's

705
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anticipated to have a transit corridor. You know, this is this is a major transit corridor, Washington Avenue. Eventually, it's in a plan somewhere that there's going to be dedicated bus lanes on on Washington Avenue. I want to

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make sure that any new development of this nature in this pivotal area provides uh the proper separation from the street. >> We'd appreciate the opportunity to sit with you on that. We think, as we say, if you look at the sidewalks on the entire remainder of the block, they're

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very wide sidewalks on Washington Avenue and by by plan the the the uses come to the street so that the street is activated. That's what's going to happen here. Uh, and so, but we I'd like to we would be happy to sit with you and show

708
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you how that works and how the city's requirements for sidewalks are more than adequate to handle not only to handle but to make a good pedestrian environment. >> Okay. >> Without without the need for any additional building setbacks. >> Sure. Sure. And I appreciate uh this

709
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this this collaborative approach uh because the city does need this type of housing. The city needs rental housing. We don't need more condominiums and we don't need more luxury inventory. We need we need this type of housing. So,

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I'm supportive of this item in first reading. I think there's work to be done between first and second reading. I take uh to heart uh a lot of the concerns raised that need to be addressed at the community meeting uh from our important stakeholders at the Flamingo Park uh

711
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neighborhood association. Um, but I feel comfortable uh cons uh considering a a motion uh for for the for the first reading of this item and between first and second reading to to incorporate the

712
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concerns that have been raised by the neighborhood association by all of us uh at this day as today. >> Okay, let's uh before we vote, let's uh hear public comment. We have some callers. >> Is there anyone in the >> person who wants to speak? Anyone in the audience who wishes to speak?

713
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If so, please approach the podium, make a line, and we'll call the people. >> Go ahead, sir. You have two minutes. >> I guess Mel Schleser. Uh [clears throat] I'm the managing partner of Jamic Development, and we also own the Lincoln Center on Lincoln Road, Uclid Avenue.

714
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Uh, and this has been a long meeting and I'm not going to be uh very wordy just to tell you that I as a residential developer I fully support this development to bring people to Lincoln Road. It's something I know the commission has been working on with your ordinances which I also support. So

715
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please uh I see where this is going and I think it's going in a positive direction. Whatever can be done for Mr. Sees and his long-term marriage uh [laughter] would be wonderful. Uh, I fully support this and ask the commission to go forward with allowing residential

716
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development uh on Lincoln Road. >> Thank you. >> Next, please. >> Good afternoon, mayor, commissioners, manager, and staff. Annabelle Yobies, Lincoln Road business improvement director, executive director. I'm here

717
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on behalf of the board to show our unequivocal support for this project on the 1600 Washington Avenue. Um as many of you know this is not going to be news to you that the city is faced two major challenges and that's traffic and housing and market value housing. Um

718
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many of the people who work in our stores and our restaurants in the hospitals don't have a place to live here and they have to go across to Bickl to Edgewater to find a reasonable housing that impacts our workforce tremendously. The reality is that we

719
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have a significant demand for market rate residential housing but very limited supplies. For decades, our zoning on the beach has largely supported hotels, luxury condominions, and transit uses. If we want a more balanced and sustainable city, we need

720
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to create opportunities for people to live here. And I can't think of a better place than the 1600 Washington Avenue, the intersection of Lincoln Road and Washington, the heart and the hub of Miami Beach. It is already surrounded by

721
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jobs retail restaurant cultural institution, public spaces, and transit. In every successful city, downtown is where housing belongs because it creates walkability, supports local businesses, and reduces dependency on cars. Our

722
03:27:27.600 --> 03:27:43.760
merchants need more residents, people who are here year round, who support local businesses every day and who contribute to the vitality and economic stability of the district. This project will approximately add 210 residential

723
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units to the urban core, has been thoroughly vetted, approved by appropriate land use boards, and supported by professional staff. The linker road bid believes this is exactly the type of housing in exactly the type of location that Miami bid should be

724
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encouraging. I respectfully urge you support items RF5 and RF RF and RF5. Thank you. >> Good morning again. Uh Miami Beach uh resident and commercial real estate agent. Um, I wasn't prepared to speak

725
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upon this and uh I think I mentioned last uh last month or earlier this month maybe is uh planning board where we talked about Washington Avenue becoming a better mixed use and um you know any development of apartments also adds to

726
03:28:36.319 --> 03:28:52.640
affordable housing if we have uh uh more more options on the marketplace. And I I can speak professionally um and my experience as a former office listing broker at 420 Lincoln Road, 1600 Washington Avenue. Uh I kind of fell in

727
03:28:52.640 --> 03:29:08.399
love with the building. Um, Bickl is the hot spot for um, basically for America on offices and thanks to to our management, they they love I I have a creative side and I what I thought would

728
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be so cool is that this art deco building that they have preserved so well uh, could really lean in and be a signature building. We're not going to be Bickl. We don't want to be Bickl um, specifically. we've got a a a cool, sexy

729
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chic here and this building and this this family seem to be part of that and so I just advocate that um you know it [clears throat] sounds like a good plan. I've seen themelves uh myself and uh I you know I encourage it and if it comes

730
03:29:38.880 --> 03:29:56.000
to fee development I can shift over from office brokerage to uh one of my other awesome clients I'm texting him asking him if he's ready to go. Uh he's been building 35 years and I know you are so well networked. Uh you've got a lot of options. I look forward to seeing this this go through.

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>> I'm sorry. Your name? >> Uh Kevin Krueger. >> Next, please. >> Good afternoon. My name is Matthew Ganoff, 125 Jefferson Avenue. I don't have a position on this project, but I'm generally supportive of corridorwide

732
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incentives that increase the supply of housing for everyday people. I do have a question about the claims that were being used to support the requested increase of F. The applicant has stated that the existing 2.75

733
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F does not allow them to achieve the full density permitted in the comprehensive plan on this site which is 150 dwelling units per acre. [snorts] Um which would be approximately 235 units based upon the unified development site

734
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of about 68,000 square ft. However, because the parking garage is excluding from F calculations, it's not clear from the presentation why the F allowed today is not sufficient. So, to clarify the record, could the planning director

735
03:31:01.359 --> 03:31:17.359
please walk us through the numbers supporting that claim? Specifically, how many units can be built under the existing 2.75 F and what design or code constraints present prevent the project from being uh from reaching the full

736
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allowed unit code? Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, please. [snorts] >> Hi, how's it going? David Herzburg, Sterling Building. Uh, just wanted to speak out in support of the project. Um, I think the addition of market rate

737
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housing is always a good thing in the area. I just like to echo everything that Mel and Annabelle said earlier. I disagree with them fully. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our first virtual caller is Jessica. Jessica, state your name, please. You have two minutes. Jessica, go ahead, please.

738
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We're going to go. >> Yes. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Thank you very much for taking my call. Jessica PETA of 63913th Street, just a few short blocks from this proposed big development in the heart of our

739
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amazing Art Deco Historic District. To clarify during my little two minutes, I'm speaking on my own behalf, not on behalf of FPNA. However, I am a member and over the past several months, I've listened to the public, attended various

740
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meetings, spoken with residents. And let me tell you, just because they cannot be here today because they're working day jobs, because they are the people that you guys are talking about, oh, let's help people live here. There are people living here and they're at work, most of them right now. Okay? I'm speaking on

741
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their behalf. There's significant concern and opposition regarding this demolition height increase proposal far increase proposal. A comment that particularly stood out to me was Commissioner Fernandez's on the additional 0.5 FAR. What that actually

742
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looks like I really appreciate that question. I'm going to start talking more quickly because it highlights how difficult these numbers can be to visualize. On paper, 0.5 far seems modest. Look, in reality, it represents

743
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a very significant increase in intensity, mass, occupancy, and long-term impacts on the neighborhood. There is often times a disconnect and how these numbers appear on paper, my

744
03:33:40.160 --> 03:33:56.239
friends, and how they are experienced on the ground. I also appreciate, let me take a quick breath, the mayor's focus on economic value, the potential increase in the assessed value

745
03:33:56.239 --> 03:34:14.080
for our city associated with this proposed project. Excellent point, mayor. That being said, I respectfully encourage this commission to also consider what cannot be captured on a tax role or to pay off city bonds, for

746
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example. Your time is up. >> No, I'm not quite >> I know. I apologize, but we have a lot of callers. Troy Wright is next, please. You have two minutes, >> Mr. Wright. Go ahead, please. >> Go. Troy Wright, Washington Avenue Business Improvement District. Uh

747
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there's no question that Washington Avenue needs additional residential occupancy that strengthens the core and supports the corridor. So what I appreciate about this proposal is that it is not a massive tower. It is a project that appears to be scaled

748
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appropriately and has the potential to help change the direction of Washington Avenue in a positive way. Uh residential brings something that visitors alone cannot provide consistency activity support for local businesses and a sense

749
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of community. So they help create the kind of environment that attracts entrepreneurs for professionals, families and individuals who we want to live, work and invest on Miami Beach. So Washington Avenue cannot thrive on

750
03:35:20.319 --> 03:35:36.960
tourism alone. Um, a successful corridor requires a healthy balance of residents, businesses hospitality culture entertainment, and [clears throat] retail all working together. Um, we believe this project um, a project like

751
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this can help create the balance and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Washington Avenue, the heartbeat of Miami Beach for years to come. Thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you, sir. Our next caller is Mark Needle. Hi. Uh, I am part of Flamingo Park

752
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Neighborhood Association. Uh, speaking as a resident today, um, we all want to create affordable housing, but wishful thinking and goodwill for current owners are not good public policy. A greatly enhanced condo, a block from Lincoln

753
03:36:13.200 --> 03:36:28.319
Road and a block from the ocean, looks and quacks a lot like a luxury tower. But down the road, it only takes one change of ownership and another six, seventh vote like this one to turn the completed structure into luxury condos in order to at that point it will be

754
03:36:28.319 --> 03:36:45.520
increase the tax base. 15% of the building will be publicly granted bonus. But there are truly no guarantees that it will ever much less permanently be affordable for local workers even if the massing and liberal setback changes are made permanent. Live local allows another halfozen floors. It's true, but

755
03:36:45.520 --> 03:37:01.840
at least it requires 40% affordable housing for decades. Uh, Commissioner Dominguez, thank you for putting FPNA concerns on the table. They've hardly been thoroughly vetted, as has been suggested, and indeed they've been ignored at each stage. Uh, Commissioner Fernandez, thank you for noting that

756
03:37:01.840 --> 03:37:18.880
much work needs to be done. Uh, as you can see in the commission item, the public feedback has identified uh, nothing but concerns. Mayor Miner, great question. No valuation has ever been done. It shows how this process has been flawed. It's just a negotiation between staff and ownership. The public are shut

757
03:37:18.880 --> 03:37:34.720
out. Commissioner Magazine strongly agree on the danger of being resold even before construction adding pressure to allow condo sales for luxury owners. Commissioner Selenus agree on the requirement of small retail spaces. Commissioner Bot agree on fullyear

758
03:37:34.720 --> 03:37:51.520
leases because even 12-month leases can still become short-term uses for the many millionaires looking to spend a few weeks or weekends in Miami Beach. and the six-month leases increase the likelihood of short-term visitors using these apartments. We have a lot of skepticism and so far we've been shut

759
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out. I hope that changes. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Our next co our next caller is Muel Hosman. Hman. >> Hello, commissioners. Mr. Mayor, it's always a pleasure to address you. I am Michelle Houseman, the

760
03:38:09.680 --> 03:38:24.640
founder and the artistic director of Miami New Drama based at the Colony Theater. We're one of the last remaining cultural institutions on Lincoln Road. And for the past decade, I lived and breathed Lincoln Road. I've seen its beauty history, but also its problem and

761
03:38:24.640 --> 03:38:40.800
its extraordinary potential. Last Sunday, by the way, I had my last drink at Sega Fredo, the restaurant that for 26 years lived inside the Colony Theater. And I think the closing um is uh a result of the trend on Lincoln

762
03:38:40.800 --> 03:38:58.080
Road. And in order for Lincoln Road to survive and thrive, it needs residents. That's why I support the project at 1600 Washington Avenue. Um Lincoln Road needs its residents to fully flourish. I want

763
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to express my admiration for Ambassador Paul Seas, his wife Trudy. They've really been model citizens of Miami Beach, profoundly committed to the nonprofit community and they are exactly who we want to be developing uh this

764
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project. I also want to thank them for bringing Enrique Norton as the architect. He's one of the world's most respected architects and it raises the bar for Miami Beach to have a project designed by him. It's a show of

765
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excellence and I give my strong support because I believe in the future of Lincoln Road. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, sir. Our next caller is Daniel Seraldo. >> Yes. Hi, Commissioner. Daniel Saldo, calling as a resident of 7:30 10th

766
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Street in Flamingo Park. First, I have a formal objection on the record that this item R5E is improperly noticed as being at 9:25 p.m. It's still there on the city website. I've got a screenshot if anyone

767
03:40:09.359 --> 03:40:24.800
wants it before it gets changed probably very quickly. Uh, so let's please renotice R5E properly so that residents and not just real estate folks can be here listening. Second, the city charter

768
03:40:24.800 --> 03:40:42.000
requires F increase to go to voter referendum. There was a state preeemption a couple of years ago, but it's not clear if it applies. But what we all know is the intent to the voters is that major decisions like this should go to them. There's nothing stopping

769
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this commission with four votes from sending this to the ballot in November. Let's get this project better. Let's let's make sure all of the community knows about it, not just the Chamber of Commerce and affiliated entities, and let's make a project that we could all

770
03:40:57.439 --> 03:41:13.920
be proud of. >> Uh, just so everyone knows, there's already a project approved at the HPB years ago when I was director of MDPL that came forward and it actually saved the Hohazer building on the site. This one would obliterate it. And finally,

771
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the HPB did vote improperly because they voted before you all had the opportunity to weigh in. And I was shocked to see a new member of the HPV works at a school named after the property owner. There's a lot of issues here that need better vetting and need the public to weigh in.

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Thank you, Mayor Miner, for holding the line. >> And just for the record, R5F says 9:26 a.m. It is a companion item. >> Okay. Our next caller is Johan Bero. >> Hello, my name is Johan Bero. I live at 7441 Wayne Avenue and I work near

773
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intersection of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Road. Um, I support this project as uh someone who both lives and works in Miami Beach. I see firsthand how difficult the commit has become. Many of the people who work in this area

774
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can't afford to live here. So, they spend hours commuting every day, which only adds to the traffic challenges and experience. Adding housing at 1600 Washington Avenue is practical solution in a location where it belongs. It will

775
03:42:28.080 --> 03:42:45.439
help bring people closer to where they work, support local businesses, and create more activity in the neighborhood through the day and evening. More residents mean more people invested in the community, which helps makes this

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03:42:45.439 --> 03:43:03.920
area feel safer, livelier, and more welcoming for everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Our next caller is Lyall Stern. Good morning everyone. Mayor, commissioners Lyall Stern 690 Lincoln uh

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03:43:03.920 --> 03:43:20.960
Lincoln Road. Speaking in my capacity as a resident and business owner and not in my capacity as the chairman for the Lincoln Road bidel did a spectacular job for the bid. I really want to thank Ambassador Seas and and uh and True for bringing

778
03:43:20.960 --> 03:43:36.960
this this opportunity forward. I I'm incredibly supportive of this. It significantly activates what is a dead corner. Uh it provides needed and necessary housing for our community. It substantially cleans up very important

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03:43:36.960 --> 03:43:52.880
corner and corridor. It adds substantially to to our tax base. Uh it leads and and as importantly it leads and signals that we're open for for responsible development. I don't know how we could have a more responsible

780
03:43:52.880 --> 03:44:09.040
developer than Paul and Trudy Seahas given their commitment to this community over over so many decades. Uh and perhaps as important is this is this isn't a creative play. This signals that Washington Avenue is going through a a

781
03:44:09.040 --> 03:44:24.080
real metamorphosis, a real revitalization. We have to start somewhere. And I think that this is an important cornerstone. So I I appreciate the discussion. I appreciate the debate. I appreciate the concerns, but it's also important that we provide pathways for

782
03:44:24.080 --> 03:44:42.479
for reasonable expediency in bringing capital uh to our city, new capital to our city and adding to our stock. So, I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Our last caller is Michael Cormas. Comrades. >> Yes. Good morning, commissioner and

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03:44:42.479 --> 03:44:58.800
mayor and commissioners. Michael Comra with offices at 126120th Street. Uh, I must say I'm a huge supporter of development like this around Lincoln Road. Um, I developed the Lincoln Place Office Building at 1601 Washington Avenue almost 24 years ago in hopes that

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it would have impacted that corner a positive direction. It's been 24 years and it's only been worse than it's ever been. So, I would applaud this type of development in the area. Secondarily, Lincoln Road is a single purpose district is not sustainable and that's

785
03:45:15.359 --> 03:45:31.680
been proven over and over again. Mixed use is where we need to get to. The closer we can get residents to Lincoln Road proper, the better off we'll be. So, I support this project and I support the Burke project coming up in case I can't get on the phone at that time.

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Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Mayor, that concludes the public comment period. >> Right. Thank you to all the callers. Um, we've certainly laid out a number of issues to work on. If this does pass now between first and second reading, let's call the vote. >> I need a motion, please.

787
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>> I have a motion by Commissioner Fernandez, second by Commissioner Mattel, Monica Matel Selenus. >> Uh, one vote for both items is okay. >> Yes. >> If so, this item requires a 67s vote. Uh, Commissioner Mattel Selenas, >> yes.

788
03:46:02.560 --> 03:46:17.520
>> Vice Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bach, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suarez is absent. Mayor Miner, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Second reading public

789
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hearing for both items is September 10th 2026. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, we have some work to do in between. >> Yes. >> Um I think let's call two quick items, I hope, uh and then we'll take our our our break. And for the record, mayor, uh,

790
03:46:33.199 --> 03:46:56.000
uh, Commissioner Suarez is a Yes, he is in the room. >> Ah, >> we we see we see a sighting >> R5 AAA. >> Yes, sir. R5 AAA is an ordinance to the mayor of city commission of city beach amending chapter 70 of Miami Beach city code

791
03:46:56.000 --> 03:47:10.960
entitled miscellaneous offenses by amending article one entitle in general by amending section 70-1.1 thereof entitled habitual municipal ordinance violation offenders to include additional criminal municipal ordinance violations within the habitual municipal offender ordinance providing for

792
03:47:10.960 --> 03:47:27.600
repealer servability qualification an effective date. This is a second reading public hearing. It is item R5A. >> Thank you. And Commissioner uh Monica Mate Selenus and I are sponsoring along with co-sponsors Commissioner Bot Magazine Fernandez. Um but I'll I'll

793
03:47:27.600 --> 03:47:44.560
turn it over to you, Commissioner Matt Selenus. >> Sure. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item really um firms up our habitual mis misdemeanor offenses and it shortens some timelines so that way it's easier to um keep our habitual misdemeanor

794
03:47:44.560 --> 03:48:00.640
offenders off our streets. And with that, I move the item. >> Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Specifically, right now it takes four convictions uh in a 12-month period to be labeled a habitual offender, which can increase penalties. This would be three offenses within a 2-year period. So, um,

795
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certainly we're trying to address recidivist. We've done a good job about it, but this is another good piece of legislation. So, great to partner with you. >> Thank you to the chair, if I may. Um, so the four offenses still applies to the uh to the existing offenses. The shorter

796
03:48:16.399 --> 03:48:32.560
period applies to to some new offenses that were added that are quality of life um violations, including smoking cannabis, urinating or defecating in public, um consumption or or of possession of alcohol in public,

797
03:48:32.560 --> 03:48:48.479
conducting business on streets, and uh staying in parks after hours. >> Let's call a vote. I have a motion. Mayor, you're seconded. >> Sure. Uh, I have motion by Commissioner uh Monica Matel Selena, seconded by Mayor Miner. It is a public hearing. I

798
03:48:48.479 --> 03:49:06.800
see no one on Zoom requesting to speak. No one in the audience requesting to speak. Commissioner Mattel Selenas. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Magazine. >> Yes. Can Can I ask you a quick question uh before going forward with voting? I I apologize. >> What What is the procedures or municipal

799
03:49:06.800 --> 03:49:24.720
prosecution team go forward with this? Like what the message we are trying to send is we are done with the same people over and over terrorizing our city terrorizing our city. Right? It is not

800
03:49:24.720 --> 03:49:43.040
this large swath of problem makers we have. It is a very concentrated number of individuals and I don't want to prolong something that we're all going to pass but chief if I could just grab your attention when we have a serious crime

801
03:49:43.040 --> 03:50:00.000
besides you know your kind of domestic or two people that know each other and it's kind of a moment of chance. Is it a fair assumption to say even our most violent and serious crimes, those are not firsttime offenders, painting with a broad brush,

802
03:50:00.000 --> 03:50:15.279
I I don't want to talk about the exception, but the broader rule. When that happens, when we see crimes we don't want to see anywhere, it's buildup and it's typically people that have a long record that that have just been in and out of this system. Is that correct?

803
03:50:15.279 --> 03:50:31.199
>> Um, good afternoon, Wayne Jones, police chief. Um, Commissioner, that's absolutely correct. I mean, it's been our experience anecdotally, and I don't have empirical data with me to share with you today, but anecdotally has been our experience that u oftent times folks who engage in in various crimes

804
03:50:31.199 --> 03:50:48.960
throughout the city, multiple offenders, sometimes even uh offending across the country in multiple states. Um, time after time, you know, just this year alone in arrests we've made of folks, you'll find that have in some cases dozens of arrests. uh dozens here in uh

805
03:50:48.960 --> 03:51:06.399
region Florida in of itself and across the the the country as well. >> Thank you, Chief. Um so, and I'll just wrap it up and get back to the vote clear uh clarifying with our municipal prosecution team. I'd like to spend more time working or speaking with you all.

806
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You are receiving a clear message from this city. We are done with this. We want to protect our residents, protect our visitors, protect our tourists, protect our city. We don't want the these plea deals down if that's

807
03:51:21.439 --> 03:51:37.600
happening just to get case work off of the plate or things like that. That's what I see on social media. I don't know the merits of it. So, I want to discuss with that more, but I do want to highlight you are seeing a clear unified message about the direction that we want to take up here. So, thank you for the

808
03:51:37.600 --> 03:51:52.479
work that you all do. Um, I'm putting that out there. Like I said, perhaps unfairly. I don't have data to back that up. Just seeing some people in the no. Uh what they comment that while we do have, you know, high rates, a lot of it is just kind of plea bargaining

809
03:51:52.479 --> 03:52:08.640
downwards. Um don't have to get into the back and forth about that right now in public. We're going to take the vote. I just wanted to recognize that you have a clear message that we are done with this and it's not just about managing case load. It's about getting these people that are terrorizing our community at

810
03:52:08.640 --> 03:52:24.960
times off of our streets. Yeah, thank you, Commissioner. If I could piggyback on that, I mean, it's one of the things and I have a meeting with the prosecution team next week. Sort of let us know if there's something there's more we can do. For example, early on, this is when we we were not we didn't have the robust team that we have now. We weren't prosecuting. I put on

811
03:52:24.960 --> 03:52:40.319
legislation basically requiring our prosecution. If the judge dismisses it, we would appeal. And that worked because they tested us once or twice, but ultimately realized we were serious. And you know, when I when I first brought that legislation, I was told internally

812
03:52:40.319 --> 03:52:56.399
like it's it's a balancing act because we face these judges all the time. We don't want them to be upset at our lawyers. I said, "Perfect. I'll put on legislation that can be upset at me and the rest of our commission, right? Uh we'll take it out of your hands." So, if there's anything like that, we're certainly uh we're certainly willing um

813
03:52:56.399 --> 03:53:12.319
I think all of us collectively willing already willing and able to bear the brunt of that. and whether it be uh I mean right now thank thankfully this is not happening but when that bail reform was initially proposed and I had uh exposed it and then I worked closely commissioner Fernandez was also

814
03:53:12.319 --> 03:53:27.199
instrumental in that this is several years ago a lot of a lot of you weren't even on the de at the time when this was happening so um and we're still fighting because some of these unfortunately some of these I actually there was a there was an individual who was um arrested 87 prior arrests

815
03:53:27.199 --> 03:53:45.680
>> crazy 87 prior arrests I actually publicly exposed osed it, put it on my social media outlining every date this man was arrested and what he what he uh the the the crime he committed. I get a call about a week later that he he was

816
03:53:45.680 --> 03:54:02.160
arrested again. I'm like, how is it possible? Then and then he was actually dismissed because they said he actually was erroneously arrested. So, I'm not questioning that. If a person's erroneously arrested, but I I I call the state attorney myself, the state attorney's office, and I speak to them a lot, and I'm like, I don't I don't even

817
03:54:02.160 --> 03:54:17.040
care that he was erroneously arrested, fine. Then then then, but it seems like he's always in the middle of trouble. But why was he on the street in the first place? He committed a serious crime in our city. 87th arrest and he was out in our streets. This is the type

818
03:54:17.040 --> 03:54:33.680
of stuff. And now, I not blame you. Our municipal prosecution team only handles misdemeanor. the the the state attorney handles the felonies, but this is the type of work that gets gets maddening and um but this is good legislation to try to to to try to make an impact. But we there's so much work more to do

819
03:54:33.680 --> 03:54:49.279
because there are too many people like you say terrorizing our city and recidivist that that that should not be on our streets. >> Call the vote. >> Yes, sir. Uh we have Commissioner Mattail Selenus as a yes. Commissioner Magazine, >> yes.

820
03:54:49.279 --> 03:55:05.439
>> Commissioner Bot, >> yes. Commissioner Suarez is a yes. Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. >> Mayor Miner, >> yes. >> Motion carries. R 5A is approved. And again, there was no one requesting to speak in the audience or in Zoom.

821
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>> One last item before lunch. Uh what's not even a it's a working lunch break. I'll announce that in a minute. R5 R5 is an order to the mayor city commission of city Miami Beach for amending chapter two of the code of the city of Miami Beach entitled administration by amending article two entitled city commission by amending section 2-18 entitled stop the pause

822
03:55:25.840 --> 03:55:43.120
policy to establish minimum voting thresholds for city commission relating to specified projects at advanced stages of completion having an estimated construction cost above a stated threshold and providing for repealer servability clarification effective date. This is second reading public hearing is item R50.

823
03:55:43.120 --> 03:55:59.120
>> Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh this is an item I've been working closely with the office of the inspector general on as well as several of our committees back in 2025. Uh, this city commission adopted the original

824
03:55:59.120 --> 03:56:14.399
stop the pause ordinance which requires a supermajority vote to impede to amend to cancel a CIP project costing over a million dollars. And the reason why we did that was because we would spend

825
03:56:14.399 --> 03:56:29.840
staff resources, time, invest in designers and engineers getting a project uh to a point of of it being shovel ready. and then all of a sudden we pull the plug on the project and we end up losing the millions of dollars

826
03:56:29.840 --> 03:56:46.479
that we have invested into into those projects. At the time the original stop the pause ordinance legislation focused on issues like storm water systems, uh water and sewer upgrades, fireflow improvements. The expansion that we have

827
03:56:46.479 --> 03:57:02.880
before us today uh expands the coverage of the ordinance to include all capital projects. um that have a value over a million dollars and and it increases the voting thresholds required uh to to

828
03:57:02.880 --> 03:57:19.279
cancel or pause uh those those projects. We've worked uh closely with the neighborhood resiliency committee. Thank you, Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez, uh for for having encouraged us to go and meet with them. It was highly productive and

829
03:57:19.279 --> 03:57:34.960
the public is now going to benefit of a project kickoff meeting immediately when the city brings in a contractor uh to ensure neighbors have the opportunity to speak directly with that contractor and share their thoughts on the design and

830
03:57:34.960 --> 03:57:52.399
raise any concerns from the start from the moment that the contractor is hired so that at the very last minute we don't then raise those issues and then you waste all of that precious taxpayers uh by cancelling the project at the end. Um happy to move this item and again

831
03:57:52.399 --> 03:58:07.760
thank you to the office of the inspector general for guiding us through this important policy. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez. >> Uh thank you mayor. Thank you Commissioner Fernandez for bringing this item forward and also for being open to meet with the uh committee. Not only did

832
03:58:07.760 --> 03:58:22.800
you go once, I think it was three times in total. So, you really went above and beyond to uh work with the residents and make sure that this ordinance um got every input that needed to. And I'll second the item. >> Thank you. >> Call a vote. >> It is a public

833
03:58:22.800 --> 03:58:39.120
>> It is a public hearing. I see no one on Zoom and no one in the audience requesting to speak. Uh Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas is a yes. Commissioner, Commissioner Bot, >> yes. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suarez is a yes. Mayor

834
03:58:39.120 --> 03:58:55.760
Miner. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Item R50 is approved. Thank you. >> Okay, we're going to take our lunch break. Uh let's reconvene at 1:30. We we do our annual review of our charter offices. That's our city manager, city attorney, city clerk, inspector general.

835
03:58:55.760 --> 03:59:56.600
So, you'll be able to tell by their smiles or frowns afterwards uh how it went. We'll see you at 1:30 or if they come back. Nana [singing] n enough another enough.

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865
05:06:10.342 --> 05:08:14.320
[music] behind. Heat. Hey Heat. [music] >> [music] >> It get it up. [music] Nana nah

866
05:08:14.320 --> 05:10:44.440
The neighboring love Baby nothing. My heart. >> [music] >> Hey, hey hey. Don't know. Don't

867
05:11:00.160 --> 05:12:50.606
be [music] Heat. Heat. Hey, hey hey. Now hey fire high. Heat. Heat. N. I'm a favorite. Feel [music]

868
05:13:11.600 --> 05:14:29.200
the heart. You can't [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> down. [music] [music] Hey hey hey.

869
05:14:29.200 --> 05:17:08.440
Heat. Heat. N. I want to be Hey, hey hey. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Hey, hey hey.

870
05:17:09.920 --> 05:19:19.520
Heat. Heat. [music] Baby. You know, you [music] feel make you break down. Baby. Baby. a

871
05:19:38.798 --> 05:23:14.560
a Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. I don't Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] >> Falling. [music] Come

872
05:23:16.080 --> 05:25:04.120
on. [music] Beautiful. >> [music] [music] >> Get it. [music] It up. [music] Nana

873
05:25:18.240 --> 05:27:26.080
nana n girl la Enough. There is nothing. In my mind, my Hey, hey hey. Please take [music] your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to

874
05:27:26.080 --> 05:27:41.120
speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on air in 5 4 3 2 1.

875
05:27:41.120 --> 05:27:57.520
>> Okay, welcome back for our afternoon session of the commission meeting. We uh as I mentioned as we took a break, we were doing the annual review of our chartered officer, city manager, city attorney, city clerk, um and our inspector general, which

876
05:27:57.520 --> 05:28:12.558
we're going to continue in July. lot to talk about. So, uh you can try to determine from their faces how they feel, but it was a good discussion, robust discussion um and moving our city forward to even greater greater heights.

877
05:28:12.558 --> 05:28:28.798
Let's call we have anybody >> is here to speak. >> Yes. >> So, approach the podium, state your name. You have two minutes, sir. >> Good afternoon. My name is Jeff

878
05:28:28.798 --> 05:28:46.878
Weinberger from Miami 33162. Can I adjust this a little bit? Okay. Until about 60 years ago, Miami Beach was notorious for being a sundown town.

879
05:28:46.878 --> 05:29:02.958
That ended because the Jim Crow times were changing. But now, 60 years later, Miami Beach is once again a sundown town. Except the terms are different because today sundown is 247 and the color of your skin doesn't matter. If

880
05:29:02.958 --> 05:29:19.280
you're caught outdoors trying to do what we all need to do, namely sleep, you go to jail. I've done homeless solidarity work for over 15 years. I've pushed back on numerous homeless criminalization laws and my work has led to successful lawsuits against cities in South Florida

881
05:29:19.280 --> 05:29:35.440
and beyond over unconstitutional panhandling bans and the trashing of homeless people's property. In [snorts] all that time, I've never seen a city enforce a municipal ordinance with such sadistic zeal as Miami Beach is doing

882
05:29:35.440 --> 05:29:52.480
with the enforcement of its camping ban. around 800 arrests in 2025 as reported by Aaron Lieowitz in the Miami Herald a few months ago. A slower pace, but still well over a 100 arrests in 2026. The numbers are astonishing. Those 800

883
05:29:52.480 --> 05:30:09.200
arrests comprise nearly half of all arrests in the city last year. I've taken the analysis further. The cost of incarcerating homeless people last year, looking at actual days in jail for people arrested by your police was over $3 million.

884
05:30:09.200 --> 05:30:26.160
You don't pay that. We Miami Dade taxpayers from Florida City to Miami Gardens pay it. And I'm quite certain we don't want our money spent over a policy that's purely punitive and does nothing toward ending homelessness. For $3 million, we could have housed well over

885
05:30:26.160 --> 05:30:43.200
the entire homeless population of Miami Beach for a full year in $2,000 a month apartments. That's how we need our tax dollars spent, not jailing people who are barely surviving on these very mean streets. End the regime of

886
05:30:43.200 --> 05:31:00.240
incarceration. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else who wishes to address the commission? Seeing none, we're going to go to Zoom. and and thank you for for coming in. Uh obviously I think myself and the rest of our commission have a very different uh

887
05:31:00.240 --> 05:31:15.760
take and it is by the way I I've actually been on with the police. I don't not often uh I don't try to get involved in there but I happened to be with them one time when they did have to make an arrest and I could tell you uh the person had a warrant out for them and I I can tell you I got emotional

888
05:31:15.760 --> 05:31:32.718
about it. I started tearing up. It it's it's not something that we relish doing, but we also offer a lot of help. We spend you you mentioned numbers about money, but we also spend millions of dollars to help homeless with shelter and and rehabilitation programs, even employment programs, but ultimately

889
05:31:32.718 --> 05:31:49.360
sleeping in the public does impact our residents, impacts our businesses. And homeless is a catch-all term. It's not a fair term actually cuz there's homeless people who are really down on their luck and there's people who are really part of the criminal element, but it gets thrown into this catchole term. Um, but ultimately I think as a city we're we're

890
05:31:49.360 --> 05:32:06.400
doing quite well and we uh for the various reasons with the the help we provide and the enforcement and um so I appreciate your comments, but I don't I don't think you're going to see a change here. I think we're doing it right. >> You don't help anyone by arresting them.

891
05:32:06.400 --> 05:32:26.320
>> Thank you, sir. Our next virtual our first virtual caller is Helena Crystal. >> Please unmute yourself. You have two minutes. >> Hi, can you hear me? >> Yes. Go ahead, please. >> Okay, wonderful. Hi, my name is Helena Crystal and I live at 770 West 50th

892
05:32:26.320 --> 05:32:42.878
Street in Miami Beach in the Lake View neighborhood. I'm here today in support of resolution R9H as recommended by the administration. First, I want to thank the mayor, the city commission, um, vice mayor, all of you for your time, attention, and diligence that have gone into investigating flooding and

893
05:32:42.878 --> 05:32:58.080
infrastructure needs in Lake View. As residents, we greatly appreciate the effort to understand the challenges facing our neighborhood, and identify meaningful solutions. For those of us who live with reoccurring flooding, this issue is not theoretical. It affects our home, our safety, our quality of life,

894
05:32:58.080 --> 05:33:14.080
our ability to navigate our streets during major rain events. So, I respectfully urge the commission to support resolution R8 R9H and continue moving forward the recommended improvements for Lake View. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next caller is Ronnie

895
05:33:14.080 --> 05:33:35.600
Eisenberg. >> Hi, good afternoon and uh and and thank you for allowing me to call in. I truly appreciate it. Um, I'm calling in regards to R9 AE, the discussion and take action uh update on dynamic security performance uh at the Biscane

896
05:33:35.600 --> 05:33:52.718
Point Guard House. I'm calling as a resident, a father of two daughters and a husband of a wife that lives on the island since 2012. And I also represent the 327 single family homeowners as the president of the homeowners association. And uh I'm really glad that we're bringing this up today. We have been

897
05:33:52.718 --> 05:34:08.160
through quite a rigor since the dynamic performance security company took over the citywide contract. Um, our costs have gone up and our service has declined greatly from the beginning. We have dozens and dozens of emails, text

898
05:34:08.160 --> 05:34:23.840
messages, and voicemails with live pictures, live video of the performance of the dynamic security guards um in all day shifts uh in all day parts. We also know that the city has been monitoring

899
05:34:23.840 --> 05:34:40.000
the interior cameras and the performance of the security officers as recent as today. Twice I went in and out of the the guard the island bother standing or opening up the sliding glass doors realizing it's very warm. Um but that they just push the button and allow the

900
05:34:40.000 --> 05:34:57.120
cars to come in. So, it it's going on as of just 30 minutes ago, and it's been going on since the day they took um over the contract and replaced five of our security officers that we actually took part in training, and they were magnificent with the prior uh security

901
05:34:57.120 --> 05:35:12.638
company, but they were the first five to go and they've been replaced with definitely substandard untrained um guards that have taken all the different shifts, including the roving security officer who dozens of reports from our

902
05:35:12.638 --> 05:35:28.958
residents that they park and they don't move around. The prior company, they actually had to log in and check in uh every 15 minutes. They knew where the cars were and it seems like this company does not have uh any kind of guidelines for their roving um vehicle. I've spoken

903
05:35:28.958 --> 05:35:44.160
to the owner of the company. They this company is very reactive and not proactive. and as the front guard gate that protects these homeowners, we should be reactive. So, I appreciate you all bringing this to the uh agenda today and I look forward to listening in.

904
05:35:44.160 --> 05:36:00.400
>> Thank you, sir. Our next caller is Spencer Roberts. You have two minutes. Go ahead, sir. >> Hi. I'd just like to thank the commission for standing on the right side of history and passing the shark fishing ban despite

905
05:36:00.400 --> 05:36:16.958
um the state's intervention. I don't you know you didn't do anything wrong. There was so many cities that had already passed these bans. FWC had respected this local authority for 18 years and sort [snorts] of decided to change its

906
05:36:16.958 --> 05:36:33.040
mind now. But um we're seeing other states like Hawaii, New York, um Massachusetts, California taking steps to re in this outofc control trend of hunting these endangered species for

907
05:36:33.040 --> 05:36:50.320
selfies. And I just want to thank you. We're going to be trying to address this at the state level in spite of everything and all the turmoil. Um sorry that it's become such a political issue. I'm sure you've received all sorts of um nasty emails and comments, but I just

908
05:36:50.320 --> 05:37:06.798
wanted to say thanks. >> Thank you. Our next caller has a screen name of Zoom user. Please identify yourself, state your name, address, and you have two minutes. >> Hi, my name is Mark Lumpl. I am a resident of South Fifth and I have been

909
05:37:06.798 --> 05:37:22.080
so for over 30 years. I'm calling in support of resolution five um in regards to granting a grace period or zone extending from the perimeter of the dog park for unleashed animals. I myself have a dog has never had a problem nor

910
05:37:22.080 --> 05:37:37.520
have I seen any other uh animals with issues in the park aside from a little you know argument between two dogs and um I think that you know dogs sometimes have a tendency to get out and chase a squirrel what have you or this or that or raise another dog and any type of

911
05:37:37.520 --> 05:37:58.320
severe financial ticket or fee is unreasonable. Um and I am in support of resolution five. >> Thank you. Our last caller is Elba Machado. >> Hello. Afternoon. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes.

912
05:37:58.320 --> 05:38:14.080
>> Thank you. Uh good afternoon and my name is Elva Machado. I'm speaking on behalf of Vida and Estilo B&E Hospitality Group and we are speaking in support of item R5C which is the Alton City Center

913
05:38:14.080 --> 05:38:29.280
overlay. Um we truly believe this proposal is very important. It's a very important step tower creating housing and mixuse development in the in the heart of our city where where we

914
05:38:29.280 --> 05:38:46.718
actually needed uh needed very much uh adding about 180 residential units. uh it will tremendously help revitalizing besides a historical and vacant and underutilized uh area stretch of Alton Road for

915
05:38:46.718 --> 05:39:04.160
specifically for VNE uh this issue it's very practical and personal we operate uh more than 30 locations including 16 in South Beach and like many hospitality businesses we are facing serious

916
05:39:04.160 --> 05:39:21.040
staffing challenges because so many employees employees cannot afford simply to live in Miami Beach. Uh so this matter for talent retention especially for management and skilled hospitality workers who often we have to see going to other markets such as Coconut Grove

917
05:39:21.040 --> 05:39:37.920
and Bickl. So definitely this will be uh and this will be in support of a year round residency reducing commuter traffic and adding uh layers of things like micro mobility and uh so this we consider this very

918
05:39:37.920 --> 05:39:54.400
smart and we ask you for your support of this item. Thank you. >> Thank you. Go ahead please. >> Good afternoon. Matthew Ganoff 125 Jefferson Avenue. I believe there are a couple of items related to the storm water uh project and the funding

919
05:39:54.400 --> 05:40:10.958
challenges related to that and I don't believe there'll be an opportunity for the public to speak during that. So I wanted to offer a suggestion right now. At the June 5th finance committee meeting the uh there was a lengthy discussion about this and I believe the public works director offered a pretty

920
05:40:10.958 --> 05:40:28.240
uh interesting suggestion or idea to consider which was that some of these projects have grown substantially in costs and scope. And I'll give you an example. the south of fifth uh stormwater improvement project has ballooned from I think $20 million about 20 about 10 years ago is budgeted to be

921
05:40:28.240 --> 05:40:43.440
20 million and now it's there's a gap of like a hund00 million. Um and he suggested and not specifically for this project but in general why not look at at maybe not doing all the bells and whistles and and just some some pump stations you know filtered pump stations

922
05:40:43.440 --> 05:40:59.280
that take the storm water out and maybe not raise all the streets. And I know there are some special interests trying to push this project as fast as possible in the south of Fifth neighborhood. But if we really want to see some meaningful change and some meaningful uh improvement when we have heavy rain

923
05:40:59.280 --> 05:41:16.080
events in the south of Fifth, maybe perhaps it's not raising all the streets down there, maybe it's as simple as uh you know the 8020 rule. We'll get 80% of the benefit um and and we'll save significant amounts of money and maybe just do the pump station part to it. So, I wanted to plant that seed in your mind

924
05:41:16.080 --> 05:41:31.200
when that debate comes up today. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our last virtual caller is Keith. Please state your name and address, please. >> Yeah, Keith. Keith Marks. Um, calling

925
05:41:31.200 --> 05:41:48.878
for myself. Uh, 50 South Point Drive. Uh to add on to that, yes the there was a very good discussion in FERC uh in which they did talk about uh doing just south point one and two west north

926
05:41:48.878 --> 05:42:05.120
picking certain items out. But the other thing that was mentioned and got cancelled uh and moved to ah from AD was the discussion of taking those critical projects and doing them with revenue

927
05:42:05.120 --> 05:42:21.600
bonds and then moving the rest to a geo bond which may or may not pass. uh we need certainty and the geo bond methodology is flawed in that it's against raising property taxes. In the

928
05:42:21.600 --> 05:42:37.600
same time the Florida is voting to lower property taxes with the homestead exemption. You've got just a few months to communicate this geo bond market it. It's not going to pass. It's a it's it's

929
05:42:37.600 --> 05:42:55.840
fool's gold and at least pass revenue bonds against stormwater fund for things like the first phase of uh first street project just like Matthew had mentioned. It's the funding mechanism that's flawed

930
05:42:55.840 --> 05:43:18.360
in Mr. Suarez's and Alex's proposal to put it all under voters when this can be voted on by the commission. Thank you. >> Thank you. That concludes subject matter. >> Okay. >> Let's call R seven AF.

931
05:43:20.320 --> 05:43:36.400
R7 AF is authorize agreement with one blood one and provide $20,000 in funding. >> Commissioner Dominguez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh so at a recent meeting that I had with uh Chief DNA and other members of her team, they stressed

932
05:43:36.400 --> 05:43:51.840
the importance of having one blood for having uh life safety measures available uh in within the fire department. And I'll let uh Chief DNA give you more information. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Good afternoon, uh, mayor, commissioners, city manager,

933
05:43:51.840 --> 05:44:07.600
um, city clerk, staff. So, I stand before you to ask you one more time, uh, to support us on another initiative for our department. Um, we will be the first in Miami date county and it's less than

934
05:44:07.600 --> 05:44:23.600
2% of the entire state of Florida and that is placing whole blood on our frontline rescue units. So since December we've ran 115 trauma calls of which approximately 10 or 15 could have been administered

935
05:44:23.600 --> 05:44:38.638
um some whole blood. So the difference between whole blood and saline is that saline doesn't transport oxygen to your cells um to your you know um main organs in your system and it also doesn't clot.

936
05:44:38.638 --> 05:44:55.120
So to be able to have this um extraordinary piece of equipment for our trauma patient is next to none. Um as you know this commission doesn't wait to set the standard. We lead the standard. We lead

937
05:44:55.120 --> 05:45:09.600
the way. We'll be the first in Miami date county. Again less than 2% of all of state of Florida. And many of you have said um throughout, you know, the the mayor has said his goal is to make Miami Beach the best city in America.

938
05:45:09.600 --> 05:45:25.920
Mr. Dominguez, I thank you very much for helping us um lead the effort in this initiative. And to Mr. Doppico's staff, you know, working with us for the last six months, going back and forth and making sure that we have an ironclad

939
05:45:25.920 --> 05:45:42.480
uh contract. Um, I asked that we um, you know, the $20,000 is going to get us 10 units in our rescue trucks. It's, you know, there's no cost to life, but at least we'll be able to save someone. Um,

940
05:45:42.480 --> 05:45:57.520
because right now they have to wait to get to the hospital in order to have a transfusion administered. and we're trying to work on another project with the hospital that before the blood expires or anything that we're able to swap it out so at least it doesn't um expire.

941
05:45:57.520 --> 05:46:13.760
>> Thank you. I move the item. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commission Vice Mayor. >> If anything, our our medical director is also online if you know you need a few words. Awesome. >> Yeah, I think you got it. >> Thank you, sir. >> Let's call the vote. I have a motion by

942
05:46:13.760 --> 05:46:28.400
Commissioner uh Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. All in favor, please say I. I I >> Anyone opposed hearing? None. The item is approved 6. Commissioner Schwar is out. Let's call one other quick item. I

943
05:46:28.400 --> 05:46:52.798
believe R5M R5M is an ordinance to the mayor city commission of city may be Victoria amending chapter 10 entitled animals by repealing section 1021 entitled shorebased shark fishing prohibited definitions penalties and providing for repealer servability and an effective date. This is a first reading public

944
05:46:52.798 --> 05:47:11.600
hearing. It is item R5M too. My god. My god. >> Commissioner of Vice Mayor Dominguez. >> The item. >> I'll move the item. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by the mayor. It is

945
05:47:11.600 --> 05:47:27.840
a public hearing. I see no one on Zoom and no one in the audience requesting to speak. Commissioner, >> this is just Rick. This is to comply with state law. Uh >> that that is correct. Let's >> call the vote. Commissioner Suarez is absent. Commissioner Bach,

946
05:47:27.840 --> 05:47:44.320
>> yes. >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas, >> yes. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. >> Mayor Miner, >> yes. >> Motion carry, second reading, public hearing schedule for July 22nd. That was item R5M.

947
05:47:44.320 --> 05:48:01.360
>> R 7A. >> R7A is a public hearing. Approve amendment one, Revani LLC lease, 1691 Michigan Avenue. It requires a 57 vote. R7A Commissioner Magazine. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh item I'm excited about, we talked about uh

948
05:48:01.360 --> 05:48:18.400
earlier today, transforming this area into a vibrant, walkable, mixeduse district. Uh one of the things that has really uh helped us chart a different path forward away from the anything goes nightife and partying image that so

949
05:48:18.400 --> 05:48:34.320
often was synonymous with Miami Beach is attracting businesses here. We are building a real economy. And sometimes what gets lost in that is it's not just these highlevel office buildings and things like that, but what was for so

950
05:48:34.320 --> 05:48:50.400
long missing in Miami as a region and Miami Beach is opportunity, right? Opportunity for the everyday people. When I moved to New York City right out of college, I believed I could be anything, right?

951
05:48:50.400 --> 05:49:07.280
There were opportunities there. It's romanticized in songs. You can make it in New York City. You can make it anywhere. That was not always the case with Miami Beach and Miami in general. For so often, we were a city in a region where the halves could move here and

952
05:49:07.280 --> 05:49:23.920
have a great life or people could move here without much opportunity for upward mobility. And I'm proud of our city commission for helping further that charge. and

953
05:49:23.920 --> 05:49:40.400
Commissioner Dominguez. It was actually Commissioner Samuelian that was one of the original champions of economic development and office overlay incentives that really helped set that path in motion that I'm proud to help carry the torch on with this. Uh for

954
05:49:40.400 --> 05:49:57.840
this particular property uh and um item, we have a piece of property that is on city land. Azie, maybe I'll kick it over to you for the specifics. Uh, but I I'll just talk high level. Uh, full disclosure, the applicant here and

955
05:49:57.840 --> 05:50:13.520
the property owner is a very good friend of mine. I was not involved in uh negotiating a single item of any of the terms. Uh, that was all done by city staff. There's nothing that would uh not allow me to act impartially or

956
05:50:13.520 --> 05:50:30.798
fairly for this. Um, so these terms were all negotiated from city staff. This allows our city for a city-owned asset to receive a $50 million investment from the property owner that he's only able to make if he has longer time on his

957
05:50:30.798 --> 05:50:46.320
lease extension to essentially make that money back. But it's a it's a city-owned asset that we will ultimately inherit. But what's more important than that is what we get in the interim. Right? Right now, we have a lease agreement in place

958
05:50:46.320 --> 05:51:02.638
that gives us a gross percentage of rent that is received from the building. The property owner when he bought the property several years ago, it was about 30% occupied. Rents were kind of struggling with a class B type property.

959
05:51:02.638 --> 05:51:20.320
He made a substantial investment and now he's almost fully occupied with rents that are much higher. So we sit around and say, "Well, why do we care about that?" Well, we actually receive a percentage of rent. So, we have a vested interest, the city, in that building

960
05:51:20.320 --> 05:51:35.760
performing well, which becomes even more important perhaps in November when homestead property taxes are going to be on the ballot, it becomes even more critical that Miami Beach and other cities and municipalities in Florida

961
05:51:35.760 --> 05:51:53.600
diversify their revenue streams and receive substantial increasing revenues from commercial properties that this project does. Azie, I'd really like you to focus after you describe uh kind of the overview and macro of the deal, really focus on the lease revenues that

962
05:51:53.600 --> 05:52:09.680
we're receiving now and what they are proforma proposed. So, not only is the property owner making substantial capital uh investments in a asset that we'll inherently get, but we actually

963
05:52:09.680 --> 05:52:26.160
get increased value right now every single year for revenues that we're able to to essentially uh use that will be needed more than ever in November. So, with that, I appreciate the work you and your team have done. As I understand, it's been months of negotiation uh back

964
05:52:26.160 --> 05:52:42.400
and forth. Um, but I'm very excited because to me, this isn't just one asset that we're talking about. This really marks the new page that we're turning in Miami Beach. >> Thank you, Commissioner Azie Dominguez, division director of asset management for city of Miami Beach. Good afternoon.

965
05:52:42.400 --> 05:52:58.878
>> Sorry, Azie Dominguez. Uh, as uh, Commissioner Magazine was saying, this is a great opportunity for the city. uh great partnership with an existing tenant who is going to continue to invest in this asset uh that is on a ground lease with the city. Currently,

966
05:52:58.878 --> 05:53:13.840
uh we have a an agreement, a ground lease that runs through 2022 with two 20-year extensions. This new amendment will provide for two additional 20-year extensions to the property. It will also raise the gross revenue percentage from

967
05:53:13.840 --> 05:53:31.280
2.5% to 3% which will allow us to generate more money especially or more revenues I should say especially when they uh complete their expansion. Uh they are currently paying $392,000. Um I'm sorry. They're they they're base

968
05:53:31.280 --> 05:53:46.718
they have a base rent structure uh that increases every 5 years. In 2027 uh through 2027 that base rent is 392,000 and in 2028 with a minimum uh percentage increase of 12% they're going

969
05:53:46.718 --> 05:54:02.080
to be increasing to 439,000. Uh however with a new structure uh we have increased those minimum rent uh for the first uh uh uh pha or the second phase of the project. So once a tenant

970
05:54:02.080 --> 05:54:18.400
receives their TCO if it's by January 1 of 2033 their minimum rents will increase to 500,000 plus a 12% increase if the TC does that occur only when they exercise the two lease extensions or is

971
05:54:18.400 --> 05:54:35.200
that right now? Well, >> that's when phase 2 when phase 2 actually gets TCOed or COed. >> Okay. So, that's an increase that we will get over the next 40 years of the existing lease that otherwise we wouldn't get. >> That's an increase that we'll get over the next uh for the life of the lease

972
05:54:35.200 --> 05:54:53.360
compounded by the 5-year interval increases uh that will continue to to uh to escalate. uh in addition to that if the TCO is not received or is not achieved uh by Janu between January 1, 2033 and

973
05:54:53.360 --> 05:55:08.798
December 31, 2033, then the minimum rents are going to increase to 515,000. The reason that we work that in there is because we want to uh keep the uh tenant motivated to get this project done. Uh and if there is a delay and causes us

974
05:55:08.798 --> 05:55:25.040
any loss of potential uh gross revenue, percentage gross revenue, we want to be able to capitalize on that as well. So the city's not out and the tenant remains motivated. They feel extremely positive that they are going to meet every benchmark and we've set several benchmarks to make sure that they don't

975
05:55:25.040 --> 05:55:40.638
fall behind that they stay motivated and getting the project not only uh permitted and TCOed but open and operating. So, uh, at the end of the day, by 2033, their base minimum rents will have increased to 575,000

976
05:55:40.638 --> 05:55:57.360
plus the 12% escalations that correspond uh for those years. In addition to that, the tenant has uh agreed to $1.3 million in additional public benefits for the city. There's

977
05:55:57.360 --> 05:56:14.080
$600,000 that will be contributed to the Lincoln Road master plan. Uh there's $100,000 that will be for uh for programs for tipsters for human trafficking, $50,000 for Miami Beach Sister Cities, $250,000

978
05:56:14.080 --> 05:56:30.958
for general programs. Uh there's $300,000 in total for parking programs that include 110 parking passes for the city that our parking department will be able to use and convert into uh passes for workforce employees or Miami Beach

979
05:56:30.958 --> 05:56:46.160
residents at Miami Beach rates instead of private [snorts] uh developer rates. Uh and in addition to that, there's the contribution to the art and public places which is 2% of their uh hard construction cost.

980
05:56:46.160 --> 05:57:01.760
And I know that the developer wanted to add some comments. Uh I'm sorry, the uh tenant wanted to add some comments. U Mr. Larkin. Uh thank you Azie Mayor Commissioners Michael Larkin representing Robert Ravani here. I'm here with Robert and

981
05:57:01.760 --> 05:57:18.160
Nicholas Rodriguez. We're pleased to be here seeking this lease amendment. You know, Robert took over an aging city asset that was hardly leased. He bumped it up to almost 100% even while he was undergoing a phase one renovation of the existing building. That goes to show you what a great salesman he is and how much

982
05:57:18.160 --> 05:57:33.200
he has energized the city asset. Now he wants to embark upon phase two which consists of new office square footage, a 6,000 square foot restaurant and pedel courts all be an attached addition that will be mostly on the the south side of

983
05:57:33.200 --> 05:57:50.320
the existing office building. what Azie had mentioned is that there is a series of public benefits that we are happy to offer the city um has been a part of this process. One of the public benefits requires a $100,000 payment for the maintenance and restoration of a

984
05:57:50.320 --> 05:58:05.440
religious institutional use in the Palm View neighborhood. In further discussions with the elected official that requested that, we'd like to half that amount and then add in a new category, which would be the creation of a 17th Street master plan. that would be

985
05:58:05.440 --> 05:58:23.638
at $50,000 with the maintenance for the religious use be at $50,000. That would be the only change and we can certainly work with Azie and Richto Pico in formalizing that change as we come back to you all for second reading in July 22nd.

986
05:58:23.840 --> 05:58:39.200
>> Thank you very much. Uh the administration recommends that the city commission adopt the resolution on first reading accepting the recommendation of the FIRK from the June 5th meeting and uh setting the second reading for July 22nd 2025. >> Commissioner Suarez.

987
05:58:39.200 --> 05:58:59.200
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um the public benefits, uh I respectfully I think they're all great. Um, everyone has their their passion project. I would like to propose something else

988
05:58:59.200 --> 05:59:14.320
if my colleagues are willing to do that between first and second reading. We're obviously going through a a budget crisis whether we like it or not. Um, and what you know what what what put me

989
05:59:14.320 --> 05:59:32.000
on to this was I got a I got a text message last night from a resident and he says, "You supporting this Ravan Lee thing, Palm View got listed as a public beneficiary, but we never even heard about it until yesterday." So, I'm supportive of the project,

990
05:59:32.000 --> 05:59:49.040
but I think the public benefit portion should really be put toward infrastructure. You know, we have a named project, West Avenue 3. I think it's $7 million gap.

991
05:59:49.040 --> 06:00:05.920
Why don't we have the developer pay toward that which is going to greatly enhance his his his value of his property or his leased property while also contributing to a um a a a help

992
06:00:05.920 --> 06:00:22.480
with our infrastructure needs. And look, I mean, like I like I said, a lot of these public benefits are great, but I think at the end of the day, our primary job is public safety and infrastructure. And we've had great big grain

993
06:00:22.480 --> 06:00:37.520
discussions at the budget hearing on how to pay for some of these infrastructure projects. And I think that that this that these benefits that they're willing to profer should go to infrastructure.

994
06:00:37.520 --> 06:00:53.520
I I could add a possible threading of that needle while keeping these public benefits according to my colleagues. Uh along with that, part of this what Azie laid out was essentially if we agree to this, we're going to be getting a lot

995
06:00:53.520 --> 06:01:08.798
more money each year, not 50 years from now, but starting almost immediately because of the new uh lease. Is that correct about how much increased money will the city get on the gross uh lease per year?

996
06:01:08.798 --> 06:01:25.520
>> Uh well, initially uh upon TCO, it's an additional 50 or 60,000. Uh but then it really starts kicking in once the project opens and operates and the revenue starts coming in and we get that extra bump of the 3% on the new project

997
06:01:25.520 --> 06:01:42.320
that originally was not generating any uh gross revenue for the city at all. So perhaps what we can do that variance of what we will receive prospectively versus what we're receiving now uh that could be put towards the Palm View infrastructure project which would

998
06:01:42.320 --> 06:02:00.798
enable these public benefits to stay in place while also addressing uh very much needed infrastructure challenges that the Palm View neighborhood may need. >> Just a thought. >> Yeah, look I I don't know. I I mean between first and second

999
06:02:00.798 --> 06:02:16.240
reading we can we can hammer that out but I just think it's a good practice that if we have a developer or a developer agreement or someone who wants to come and by the way this is going to have to go to a referendum. Correct. >> That is correct. >> I mean personally I don't think it's

1000
06:02:16.240 --> 06:02:35.200
going to pass unless you put on I I think public's smart enough to say public benefit. It it could be I'm sure we're going to put that on the referendum question, but I think if you say fund infrastructure, it's going to be a little bit better sell to the all

1001
06:02:35.200 --> 06:02:52.320
the residents of Miami Beach, that's just my two cents. I think that's, you know, I cuz it's going to be a shame if this goes and forward and it doesn't get passed and nothing gets funded. So, you know, I'd like to hear what my colleagues think. Vice Mayor Dominguez.

1002
06:02:52.320 --> 06:03:09.680
>> Thank you. Um, well, we've had several discussions about the public benefits and the project and I think it's really going, this project [clears throat] is really going to transform that area and I'm very excited about it. I've had a hard hat tour and uh, a lot

1003
06:03:09.680 --> 06:03:26.878
of really good uh, things are going to happen there. With respect to the public benefit, so what was the total dollar value? 300,000 >> 1.3 million >> 1.3 million and it was 250,000 for general and then um it broke it down

1004
06:03:26.878 --> 06:03:43.840
into other >> that is correct >> other pieces >> correct there's 300,000 that is is >> uh real value because it's related to the parking passes and parking that they're going to be providing. So that has no no uh hard monetary um value to

1005
06:03:43.840 --> 06:03:59.280
us. So in total it's really a million >> right >> uh plus the art and public places contribution. Thank you. Thank you for that. Um, so those are things that can help the community without it being uh taxpayer dollars that are used for it.

1006
06:03:59.280 --> 06:04:16.080
And when you look at our infrastructure projects, there are hundreds of millions of dollars over many years. So 1.3 million of uh public benefit wouldn't even make a dent in any of it. Um, sorry to put him on the spot, but Jason Green,

1007
06:04:16.080 --> 06:04:38.080
I have a question for you. So, I've heard several times uh that we're in a budget crisis, and I don't feel that we are. Do we need to look at our numbers and tighten the belt for next year,

1008
06:04:38.080 --> 06:04:56.000
especially if the um the property tax item passes through [snorts] the voters? Uh, sure. But are we in a budget crisis today? >> Uh Jason Green, chief financial officer, um is someone who's always, you know, fiscally conservative. I think it's

1009
06:04:56.000 --> 06:05:11.440
always important to, you know, scrutinize every expenditure and make sure it's being spent in the most prudent way. Um but as we discussed uh at the budget workshop last week uh we are in a in a situation based on the uh increase the the smaller than than

1010
06:05:11.440 --> 06:05:27.920
needed increase in the taxable values that when we meet in July to start going through uh the budget uh that we would at a minimum >> about 7 million >> yeah about $8 million in cuts and and the commission has requested a roll back rate budget of which you know the administration will be delivering which

1011
06:05:27.920 --> 06:05:44.400
will be closer to a $15 to $17 million uh cut. But what's important to note is as we often talk about is recurring versus one-time. Um so on a recurring basis, we look at recurring revenues that are coming in and I believe Commissioner Magazine was alluding a little bit to that with the lease and you know these will be recurring

1012
06:05:44.400 --> 06:06:01.280
revenues for the next 50 100 years something like that. Uh where the profiters are more I think you know onetime uh item which is I think I think you're having that um philosophical debate on you know you have this onetime money and how do you want to utilize it? Thank you. Thank you for the information.

1013
06:06:01.280 --> 06:06:17.760
>> So, with that discussion and uh given the amount of the public benefits and they've been discussed at committee and now at commission, um I would be comfortable keeping it as it's been negotiated for months. Um and I'd love

1014
06:06:17.760 --> 06:06:45.280
to hear how my other colleagues feel about it. Let's bring it home. >> Just say say it out loud. So there's uh just to clarify, Comm Vice Mayor Dominguez, what's what's your request? >> Um I I wanted to hear from the rest of my colleagues. Uh Commissioner Suarez

1015
06:06:45.280 --> 06:07:02.638
had an idea and I have another one. Let's hear where the day is at and hopefully uh put a vote on this. >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> the next item. >> Commissioner Fernandez. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor. Um, I had to take a call and so if someone could please restate for

1016
06:07:02.638 --> 06:07:16.798
me, my apologies. >> I'll be more than happy to >> respare. I'm supportive of the item. I think it's going to be great for Lincoln Road and and [clears throat and snorts] the overall well-being of our city.

1017
06:07:16.798 --> 06:07:34.320
I had an idea for the public benefits of 1.3 or really like 1 million aside from the parking is to take that benefits and put it toward infrastructure. Uh we have a $7 million

1018
06:07:34.320 --> 06:07:51.120
West Avenue phase three that yeah we're going to actually be discussing today because we're going to have to try to find and thread the needle on how to pay for it. whatever costs we can bring down. And you know, I think time and time again,

1019
06:07:51.120 --> 06:08:07.280
at least the emails that I've seen is, you know, why don't we have the developers pay for it or and this is a perfect example of how we could have at least I know it's not going to make a huge dent, but you a million dollars is a million dollars and it it could help.

1020
06:08:07.280 --> 06:08:25.200
So, um I just and look and and and I want to put it aside all the projects here, you know, they're great, but as a city elected official, I think infrastructure and public safety come

1021
06:08:25.200 --> 06:08:42.240
first and foremost. And so, you know, we're going to have to make budgetary cuts um to not only satisfy what what I think is going to pass at uh this November, but also for the roll back rate. So, I'm just prioritizing the

1022
06:08:42.240 --> 06:09:00.080
public benefit dollars for infrastructure and and paying down that uh that price tag. Mr. Mayor, >> so now that I understand what what the request is, uh I'll say there's a number of public benefits on on this item, um

1023
06:09:00.080 --> 06:09:17.040
you know, for things specific like for example, you know, the 17th Street master plan. I think we all want to see 17th Street improved. Uh it's in it's in the heart of our of our neighborhood. we all want. Uh, for example, there's

1024
06:09:17.040 --> 06:09:32.240
the Cuban Hebrew congregation there that I have heard for a long time um from the neighbors of that area, the lack of maintenance because it's an aging congregation and they just don't have the membership and the revenues to

1025
06:09:32.240 --> 06:09:49.440
maintain the property it itself. We have opportunities to do direct improvements to the neighborhood. Uh I'm going to give deference to the sponsor of the item who is the chair of our finance committee who also [clears throat] happens to have been very focused on our

1026
06:09:49.440 --> 06:10:04.400
infrastructure projects and has always uh guided us responsibly on these on these matters. Perhaps, you know, a better a better approach could be reinvesting the dollars uh from from

1027
06:10:04.400 --> 06:10:21.040
from the lease um into into the infrastructure. That might be that might be a way in which this renegotiated um agreement uh can help uh towards towards infrastructure projects. Uh but

1028
06:10:21.040 --> 06:10:36.320
there are needs with the business community around Lincoln Road that that affects the quality of life of our residents. There are needs with property ma maintenance on properties fronting 17th Street and there are needs envisioning what is the future of 17th

1029
06:10:36.320 --> 06:10:52.000
Street going to look like that we need uh these these dollars for. So, um, Commissioner Magazine, I'm going to give deference to you because I know you've been working hard on this item. >> And I appreciate Commissioner Suarez's comments about this isn't about just what we want. It's about what is going

1030
06:10:52.000 --> 06:11:09.120
to pass in November. So, I suggest we move this along to second reading. And in the interim, I'll I'll actually put it on the sponsor team to go out and talk to the neighbors in that surrounding area. I want you to talk to Palm View uh neighborhood association.

1031
06:11:09.120 --> 06:11:24.240
Find out what's important to them. what what do they want? Because at the end of the day, we're represent we're elected to represent our constituents and I want the public benefits to be aligned with what they want. I think we have a tremendous starting point. I don't

1032
06:11:24.240 --> 06:11:39.920
picture us deviating uh materially, but if there's $100,000 that we could shift from something that we thought was wanted to something that is more needed, we can have those conversations uh within the next month. the the deal team should be having it with the

1033
06:11:39.920 --> 06:11:55.120
neighborhoods and uh Commissioner Fernandez, that's actually what I suggested uh as well. So, I like where your head's at. Uh the increase uh in the next couple of years for the increase of the proformer prospective uh

1034
06:11:55.120 --> 06:12:11.600
lease payments that we'll get, perhaps we can essentially direct them to some neighborhood improvements that are done in that area, infrastructure projects, things of that nature. >> Okay. >> Yeah. just on the >> good approach >> just just for the $600,000 for Lincoln

1035
06:12:11.600 --> 06:12:29.600
Road improvements andor Lincoln art. >> Is it or or and >> andor. >> Right. So that could just you know we had a discussion if I remember like a year ago where you know we're paying 100 or $200,000 for something that's only there for 6 months. you know that would

1036
06:12:29.600 --> 06:12:46.360
be I think a waste of public benefit money when you know we have infrastructure needs. So you know between first and second reading we we can go over that. >> We can review that item.

1037
06:12:47.440 --> 06:13:04.160
>> Okay. Let's uh >> and thank you Aussie for the work you and your team. >> Yeah. >> Well, excellent work and thank you Mr. Ravani for your investment in our city. Uh I that rang true when I heard I believe it was Mr. Larkin who mentioned you took over properties that were

1038
06:13:04.160 --> 06:13:20.718
largely vacant in a very short period of time. You filled them with with quality um and you're continuing to invest in our cities and we take that uh seriously. So thank you. Let's call a vote. It is a public hearing. I have uh Shyra

1039
06:13:20.718 --> 06:13:46.400
Turkal uh requesting to speak via Zoom. Go ahead please. Please unmute yourself. They're not unmuting themselves. PJ, can you put the hand down just in case? Uh, we have a Okay, we've lost the two

1040
06:13:46.400 --> 06:14:02.240
callers there. Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to speak? Seeing none, I need a motion, please. >> The item. >> A motion by Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner. Second the item. >> So a motion by Commissioner Magazine, second by Commissioner [clears throat] Fernandez. Uh all in favor of R7A,

1041
06:14:02.240 --> 06:14:17.680
please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Hearing none. The item is approved 70. Second reading. Public hearing is scheduled for July 22nd. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Let's call R 5 C and D.

1042
06:14:17.680 --> 06:14:34.840
>> Yes. Sorry. Just for the record on item R5M, Commissioner Suarez is a yes. I'm sorry, mayor. You say >> I was in suspense, so appreciate that. >> I'm sorry, mayor. I didn't hear the items. What? >> R5 C and D. >> Yes, sir.

1043
06:14:35.200 --> 06:14:51.520
>> R 5C is an ordinance of the mayor, city commission of city of Miami Beach, Florida, amending the city of Miami Beach 2040 comprehensive plan pursuant to the expedited state review process of section 163.3184 subsection 3. Florida statutes by amending the resilient land use and development element go RLU1

1044
06:14:51.520 --> 06:15:07.120
entitled land use objective RLU 1.1 entitled establishment of future land use categories table RLU 1.1 to modify the floor area ratio F and density regulations for consistency with the land development regulations by amending policy RLU 1.1.9

1045
06:15:07.120 --> 06:15:23.040
entitled medium intensity commercial CD2 to create F and density incentives to encourage redevelopment of dormant commercial parcels into mixeduse projects on properties that meet certain requirements and are located between the west side of Alton Road and the east side of West Avenue between Lincoln Road

1046
06:15:23.040 --> 06:15:39.360
and 17th Street and providing for inclusion in the comprehensive plan repeal of ability transmitt and an effective date. This is a first reading public hearing. It is item R5C. Item R5D is an order to the mayor and city commission of city of Miami Beach for amending the Mey Beach resiliency code

1047
06:15:39.360 --> 06:15:55.600
by amending chapter 7 entitle zoning district regulations article 2 entitle district regulations section 7.2.11 2.11 entitle CD2 commercial medium intensity district to create section 7.2.11.11 thereof entitle Alton city center overlay CD2 to create overlay district

1048
06:15:55.600 --> 06:16:11.200
regulations for certain properties located between the west side of Alton Road and the east side of West Avenue between Lincoln Road and 17th Street and providing for codification repealer servability and effective date. This is a first reading public hearing. This item requires seven's vote. That was

1049
06:16:11.200 --> 06:16:26.400
R5D. So, we're hearing R5 C and D. >> Okay. So, before we start, so we're calling this item um presumably hopefully we can finish this item in 14 minutes, but I don't think it's going to happen because of uh I do we do have to call R7D at 3 p.m. because it was

1050
06:16:26.400 --> 06:16:42.958
noticed by the city clerk R7D uh not before 3. I couldn't call it early, but we do have to get to that. So, we may have to take a timeout uh at 3 and we'll go back to this um to discuss R7D. You're linously for the Brazil game. >> You know, I I I don't know the reasons,

1051
06:16:42.958 --> 06:17:26.400
but I was told it's imperative. [laughter] >> Uh Debbie t [clears throat] PJ. Yeah, we got >> Hello. Okay, that's good. Um, yes, Mr. Uh, Mr. Mayor, this is a private application, so I will be brief in terms of staff's presentation. Uh, this is

1052
06:17:26.400 --> 06:17:43.120
similar to the application we we spoke about earlier this morning at 1600 Washington. This is a request um by a private property owner of the old Epicure site uh to provide uh long-term residential housing in exchange for

1053
06:17:43.120 --> 06:17:59.280
certain zoning incentives. Um this is currently located within the CD2 zoning district. The allowable F today is 2.0. Uh the request is to increase that up to 3.5. Um there is also a request to increase

1054
06:17:59.280 --> 06:18:14.878
the height from a maximum allowable 65 ft to 150 ft. Um and all of this would be predicated upon a voluntary profer that there shall be no short-term rentals as part of uh the project in

1055
06:18:14.878 --> 06:18:31.520
perpetuity. Um this particular application is also asking for an increase in density. Um the current allowable density is 100 units per acre. They are asking for a 150 unit per acre increase. Uh staff is generally

1056
06:18:31.520 --> 06:18:49.360
supportive of the proposal. Uh we do have some recommendations and our recommendations are consistent with another initiative that's actually a city sponsored by uh Commissioner Suarez um for the greater Lincoln Road 17th

1057
06:18:49.360 --> 06:19:06.638
Street and this particular property. Um so our recommendations would be to um to move this forward but with a requirement that uh the project contain more focus on residential units as currently

1058
06:19:06.638 --> 06:19:22.480
drafted. The the property owner is requesting only 50% of the new F the new construction to be used for residential. um staff believes that that should be 80%. Um so that all of the um the uses

1059
06:19:22.480 --> 06:19:38.558
above the ground floor would be residential with the exception of about 20%. Um we are also concerned about the vehicular traffic impacts of this particular site. This is a very challenged intersection. Um we um and the applicant has also agreed to

1060
06:19:38.558 --> 06:19:54.000
increase the micromobility facilities as part of the project and in the area. Um but they would like to include all of the required parking per uh parking district number one. Uh staff has some concerns about that um in terms of the

1061
06:19:54.000 --> 06:20:08.320
intensity of the site when it comes to vehicular traffic and would recommend that an a maximum of 50% of the required parking per parking district 1 be be allowed. Um, we are also uh recommending

1062
06:20:08.320 --> 06:20:24.480
that any existing short-term rentals on the property um be discontinued as part of this residential use incentives. The Epicure site currently does not have any short-term rentals. However, the property adjacent where Trader Joe's is

1063
06:20:24.480 --> 06:20:41.680
is a is a um residential uh project that contains uh legal short-term rentals. So, we would ask that if that property is also going to be included in this that those short-term rental usage uh be discontinued. But with that, um that's

1064
06:20:41.680 --> 06:20:56.480
our recommendation. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, but I think we're going to turn it over to Nissan. >> Thank you, Debbie. Let's see if this is working now. Nope, not working. >> Yeah, my mic is not working.

1065
06:20:56.480 --> 06:21:13.518
>> Yeah. Now, PJ, >> is this working? >> Yeah. No, use the the wireless one, please. Okay. >> Okay. But I also need I know you can't do two things at one time, but I need my my presentation. Oh, here it is. Okay. It's pretty good that he got that up.

1066
06:21:13.518 --> 06:21:30.240
[laughter] Okay. Nissan Casden and Cecilia Torres Toledo Acre for the applicant. Also here as well, uh David Berg, the principal of Infinity Collective who is the developer of this site. We have a brief presentation and then I would like to

1067
06:21:30.240 --> 06:21:45.200
also uh discuss with you the planning board version of the ordinance which is what was distributed to you last night and is very important for you to understand. So I don't need to spend a lot of time

1068
06:21:45.200 --> 06:22:01.760
telling you about the problems on the west end of Lincoln Road and that area of Alton Road and the vacancies at the stores and the retail businesses. One thing that is an indisputable fact though is that as the population of

1069
06:22:01.760 --> 06:22:18.638
Miami Beach has overall declined in the last few years and even more so if you go back 15 20 years the amount of traffic has greatly increased. And what that points to is one obvious fact that I think we're all now becoming aware of.

1070
06:22:18.638 --> 06:22:35.360
The people who work on Miami Beach don't live on Miami Beach. And the people who live on Miami Beach don't work on Miami Beach. And that results in a commuter situation. I don't think for some of you may not be old enough to remember this, but if you

1071
06:22:35.360 --> 06:22:53.920
do, if you remember in the 1990s, it was a breeze going across the Julia Tuttle and McCarthy. Oh, I The music's not part of my presentation. [laughter] It was a nice effect, I think. Yes, [laughter]

1072
06:22:53.920 --> 06:23:08.480
it was a breeze going across the causeway because although the city was larger in population, there was not nearly as much commuter traffic. And I show you this picture because this is what was popular and current in

1073
06:23:08.480 --> 06:23:26.240
1990s. Different hairstyles, different electronics, different computers. That's before mixed use became the solution to urban traffic problems. So we need to update that and you have actually the city acknowledges that

1074
06:23:26.240 --> 06:23:44.080
because you all put in your comprehensive master plan. I touched on this a little bit earlier in the morning specific policies to encourage mixed use. uh that that zoning overlay districts under policy 1.5.1

1075
06:23:44.080 --> 06:24:02.080
uh also uh 2.1.1 including mixed uses additional floor area when at least 25% is residential. Uh and then again in policy 2.1.4 before mixeduse developments will continue to be encouraged in all areas designated as

1076
06:24:02.080 --> 06:24:16.558
commercial residential by creating districts in the land development regulations. So you've recognized it, you've discussed it, you've put it in your comprehensive plan, and now you're at the point in time where you have the

1077
06:24:16.558 --> 06:24:32.480
ability to implement this policy. And that is what is being proposed to you today with the Alton Road overlay. And why is this so important today? Uh you know the traffic problem of

1078
06:24:32.480 --> 06:24:48.718
commuting. And what has happened is that communities are becoming more localized. And we show you this map because I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with Coconut Grove parts different parts of Carl Gables as well in which people are

1079
06:24:48.718 --> 06:25:06.080
able to live, work and shop and play within a small area so they don't have to commute long distances. That is the and this is a national trend actually in larger cities as well. We call that the three-legged stool. In

1080
06:25:06.080 --> 06:25:23.040
order to have a vital and viable community, you have to have all three legs. You have to have a place where you can live. You have to have a place where you can work. And you have a have to have a place where you can shop and play. That is what is lacking and what this overlay will help bring to this

1081
06:25:23.040 --> 06:25:39.840
part of Miami Beach. Uh and we have actually somewhat of a model already in the revitalization of Sunset Harbor which you going back Alton Road was actually largely a lot of was warehouses and auto repair stores and

1082
06:25:39.840 --> 06:25:57.760
things like that and sort of uh kind of lost its way and those became obsolete uses. Not that different different than Sunset Harbor. Sunset Harbor is becoming that kind of three-legged stool mixed community. It has residential, it has

1083
06:25:57.760 --> 06:26:14.480
retail, and now it has office. And so that's the way you reduce commuting and make it more convenient for citizens of Miami Beach. This overlay has many benefits uh which we're happy to go through with you. I

1084
06:26:14.480 --> 06:26:31.280
think we've shared them with you before and broad broad support from many organizations and individuals who you have heard from and some who you will hear from as well. And why does it have support also particularly from employers? I think you heard it earlier

1085
06:26:31.280 --> 06:26:47.360
by one of the the managers of one of the big um uh restaurant and beverage operations here. Their people don't have places where they can live on Miami Beach. uh particularly the managers and more senior staff because they are they

1086
06:26:47.360 --> 06:27:04.160
aren't available and similarly our big employers like the hospital Mount Si for instance one of their big problems is everyone has to almost everyone has to commute to work there so this fills a need and has been endorsed broadly by

1087
06:27:04.160 --> 06:27:20.878
the community uh now I'd like to conclude by discussing the ordinance that is before you This item of course went to the planning board twice. It went to the planning board. Then they had a public meeting at which input was received from from neighbors and

1088
06:27:20.878 --> 06:27:37.600
interested parties and then it went back to the planning board. The planning board drafted specifically drafted an ordinance and approved it. Uh it was not in your original package. It was distributed to you last night. But the planning board ordinance reflects

1089
06:27:37.600 --> 06:27:53.680
our response to the needs and the demands of the community. So for instance, we do have the ability to have parking, although ultimately the amount will be determined by conditional use. Uh we also have a ratio where we're

1090
06:27:53.680 --> 06:28:10.400
allowed to have to have a minimum of 50% residential. Important because uh there is going to be a mixeduse. There's going to be some retail. There's going to be a little office. there's going to be some residential. So, we would encourage you, the reason you have a planning board is

1091
06:28:10.400 --> 06:28:26.718
to provide you with advice and guidance. They spent a lot of time on it and they came up with the ordinance that is before you and that's the ordinance we request that you adopt. Uh David is here to answer any questions or have any fur any engage in any discussion. We we

1092
06:28:26.718 --> 06:28:43.280
thank uh you know all of you for giving us your time. We thank uh uh planning director Tacket. I got to get used to saying that. I'm getting used to it [laughter] for our conversations and and Nick Colergus in the city attorney's office. And and with that, we'll we're available

1093
06:28:43.280 --> 06:29:03.920
for questions. >> Mayor Dominguez. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, so I've uh met with uh the developer on this project uh quite a few times and I have also spoken to the Soie West Neighborhood

1094
06:29:03.920 --> 06:29:20.798
Association, Lincoln Road. They're all fully in support and I had received some uh concerns from the West Avenue Neighborhood Association and I believe those concerns were forwarded to you and they were pretty well addressed. Does is

1095
06:29:20.798 --> 06:29:35.920
there anything that you'd like to highlight? um from uh Wava's concerns. >> Well, uh thank you for your time, Commissioner. We uh went through all of their concerns and emailed you a correspondence that addressed point by point.

1096
06:29:35.920 --> 06:29:51.520
>> No, it's not. Um that's addressed point by point for their concerns. So, we we distributed um uh a response to every single item they had. Some were uh just, you know, unfortunately uh inaccurate statements of their concerns. And then as Nissan showed in our presentation, I

1097
06:29:51.520 --> 06:30:06.320
think we pretty have a pretty robust set of uh public benefits that are being offered. So I'm happy to address any particular concern you have, but I think uh our correspondents hopefully addressed it. In one of our discussions, um, you mentioned that you're working with Mount Si and some of the big

1098
06:30:06.320 --> 06:30:23.840
properties, uh, across our city so that their employees can be residents and include shuttles from, um, whether it be Mount Si or the hotels um, to get their people to work. So, I thought that that was really great. >> Correct. We have a um, a letter of

1099
06:30:23.840 --> 06:30:39.680
intent out to Mount Si. It's too early for them to commit to a certain amount of units, but they're definitely interested. And the capac the idea is a bulk unit uh allocation to them at a discount to fair market value with shuttle services. We're also offering that to V& hospitality. A member of

1100
06:30:39.680 --> 06:30:54.558
Think Hospitality here who has a few thousand employees is in the audience as well. And that same goes to the large employees that we're speaking to. And the property is going to have uh parking, loading zone, deliveries, uh everything. >> Loading zone for residential, loading

1101
06:30:54.558 --> 06:31:10.160
zone for office, all in the alley, not on the main street. Uh we have a breezeway that addresses all the queuing so that nothing happens in the traffic areas of West Avenue or uh or Alton Road. Um and yes, sufficient parking. That was a that's bas that was one of

1102
06:31:10.160 --> 06:31:27.280
the biggest components of our private application that differs from uh the Lincoln Road legislation is that we we needed the parking. >> And this may have been mentioned already, so apologies if if it has. Um you're allowing the contractor that's doing the West Avenue project to use your area for

1103
06:31:27.280 --> 06:31:44.080
staging for the next year and change at no cost. >> Correct. We uh we actually don't even have an agreement in place with the city, although the commission did approve that resolution. um as a show of good faith, we're just letting them use it as of, you know, as of weeks ago, in fact, um without any agreement in place.

1104
06:31:44.080 --> 06:32:01.160
So, they're currently staging there now. Uh we think it's public benefit and as long as we're not breaking ground, they'll be able to use the space. >> Thank you. >> Okay. As as I mentioned, if we can take a time out, thank you for uh and uh Ralph, if we can call R7D.

1105
06:32:04.400 --> 06:32:29.600
R7D is a public hearing first reading approved first amendment 1250 West Avenue development agreement. >> See, it shows we can multi multitask here. >> Hello, David. >> Good afternoon, everyone. David Gomez, director of capital improvements. Um we

1106
06:32:29.600 --> 06:32:47.280
come before you today with a restated and amendment and amended agreement amendment one to the development agreement for 1250 West Avenue. Essentially the agreement or the amendment consists of five components. Uh number one we are extending the

1107
06:32:47.280 --> 06:33:05.360
deadline to obtain the easement agreements for the three Baywalk links. This does not alter the deadline for completion only the time that the developer has to establish the easement agreements. Um item number two is to uh

1108
06:33:05.360 --> 06:33:20.638
clarify the ability of the developer to construct the baywalk behind 1250 overwater instead of overland. Uh it aligns with the plans for the adjacent properties and they would still have to transition to the property of the north

1109
06:33:20.638 --> 06:33:34.718
over their property. So, this allows them to construct that piece overwater. Uh, item number three is to modify the description of the property to allow for an increase in ground level retail space

1110
06:33:34.718 --> 06:33:53.040
from 4,000 square ft to 17,000. This is to accommodate a fitness center uh and some other uh amenities that that they are proposing. Uh the next item allows them to or ties the city's flood plane management into the submittal of a

1111
06:33:53.040 --> 06:34:08.638
permit for the for the property. This is typical practice. Once you submit a permit, uh all of the active or current requirements at the time of submitt is what apply is applied to the project. We are just documenting in the agreement that that is the case that once they

1112
06:34:08.638 --> 06:34:25.440
submit for a permit, they will be tied to whatever requirements are in the building department at the time. Um, and then finally, there's some minor technical cleanup where they are removing the name of a former owner and adding the name of the new owner of the corporation. >> No increase far.

1113
06:34:25.440 --> 06:34:43.600
>> No increase in FAR. I have a question. >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you. And perhaps this is to the to the applicants. Um, where are we? My most important thing is making sure that the residents who have

1114
06:34:43.600 --> 06:35:01.840
lived at 1250 West who who obviously are having to move get the assistance that they need so that they're able to continue living in the city of Miami Beach. Where are we today um with with the rental assistance? How many people

1115
06:35:01.840 --> 06:35:20.320
are going to be getting this this assistance? >> Sure. Um, do the mayor Michael Larkin. >> I think you need to use the handheld mic. >> I can do that. Um, good afternoon, mayor, commissioners, Michael Larkin, 2 South Biscing Boulevard here representing the applicant. Uh,

1116
06:35:20.320 --> 06:35:34.958
Commissioner Fernandez, there are 107 tenants that qualify as bonafide less. >> 107 tenants. Okay. >> Right. Um, 10 checks have been sent out via FedEx. Seven of the 10 have been delivered. You know, with FedEx, they keep on trying and trying. that was sent

1117
06:35:34.958 --> 06:35:51.600
out last week. The uh see the next batch of checks, there's 35 tenants where the checks will be mailed out by June 30th. Um and then we have at least 62 tenants who have not told us where they're going to live yet. Once they do, they'll get their check.

1118
06:35:51.600 --> 06:36:07.120
>> Okay. And what are you doing to follow up with those 62 tenants? Um we could send them letters saying please uh you know this is this is your time to because if they don't tell us within a year's time then we give the money to

1119
06:36:07.120 --> 06:36:23.120
the city and the city can allocate it to them but we would hope that would be before then. >> What's the total value of the rental assistance that we're providing to to the tenants? >> It's huge. Hold on a second. It's you have an idea. >> I mean what is this? A couple of hundred >> 548,000.

1120
06:36:23.120 --> 06:36:41.040
>> 548,000. Okay. Done. All right. Um and and it's being mailed now because this is when it coincides with the termination of their leases. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. When they give us lease termination and they give us where they're going to live, we cut the check. >> All right. So, it's not going out now because of any other issue except that

1121
06:36:41.040 --> 06:36:58.080
now is when their leases are being terminated. So, now as they move out, I guess they're being they're they're moving out now. This coincides. All right. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Commissioner Fernandez. >> No, no worries. Thank you. And um and just to confirm, there's no height increases here. There's no ground level

1122
06:36:58.080 --> 06:37:18.600
new construction. There's no F. These are just changes of dates and simple terms. All right. I'm happy to move the item. >> I'll second. >> Call the vote. It is a public hearing. I have Mr. Saldo on the line.

1123
06:37:24.558 --> 06:37:41.120
Please unmute yourself. >> Yes. Thank you, commissioners. Daniel Seraldo, 7:30 10th Street. Um, I just wanted everyone in the public also to be aware there have been multiple uh lawsuits filed this week by the owner

1124
06:37:41.120 --> 06:38:00.000
against tenants for evictions. And I'm not sure why that was not disclosed. And I'm wondering if that can be discussed and if the city can provide assistance to these tenants who are being evicted due to a commission approved FR increase

1125
06:38:00.000 --> 06:38:18.878
that did not go to the voters. Thank you. >> There is no one else on Zoom and I see no one else in the audience requesting to speak. I did I did receive one one email that was actually they were either working or

1126
06:38:18.878 --> 06:38:36.718
volunteering at the uh FIFA Carlos Vivas concert and they they had reached out to me. So I'd like to share that with you. So uh whatever assistance we can give. I have a motion by Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Mattel Selenas. All in favor of of this

1127
06:38:36.718 --> 06:38:52.000
item, please say I. >> I. Anyone opposed? Hearing none. The item is approved 70. Uh second reading public hearing scheduled for July 22nd. >> Okay, back to our regularly scheduled program

1128
06:38:52.000 --> 06:39:29.520
of R5 C and D. >> Just the music part. Um I don't know the employee. >> Yeah. Uh Commissioner Dominguez had asked some questions and now Commissioner Mateo Selenus has u has the floor. >> Um you Commissioner Dominguez had

1129
06:39:29.520 --> 06:39:44.558
mentioned the public benefits and you had mentioned that there's some included in this. So can you just review publicly what the public benefits are to this project? >> Absolutely. Um, if we have the slideshow, we can actually pull it up. But the I I think what's most important from the public benefit standpoint is

1130
06:39:44.558 --> 06:40:01.440
that we're delivering I think pretty much to a teed to the comprehensive plan. This is the initiative that the city put forth and um this is a you know good faith effort and prototype to combat live local through following the city's comprehensive plan. So I think

1131
06:40:01.440 --> 06:40:19.120
you know if if if the if the city needs housing, this is the way to to deliver upon it. Um but but more importantly or not not more importantly but as important um we are doing many things. So first off we are working with Soie West into beautifying the alley alley

1132
06:40:19.120 --> 06:40:36.000
the Alton Court. Uh they have parks on two different streets we've agreed to help beautifying landscape as well. We are burying the FPL lines. We are offering a community paddle court. We are providing parking to residents in the neighborhood for overnight parking at the Miami Beach parking rates. The

1133
06:40:36.000 --> 06:40:52.558
retail parking as well will not be uh a charge parking. Um what else? We are providing EV charging, micromobility. Um we're creating a breezeway and a walkable pedestrian alley from West Avenue to uh Alton Road to provide easier access to the Alter Corridor and

1134
06:40:52.558 --> 06:41:11.040
Lincoln Road West. Um we are reducing traffic. Uh believe it or not, the the prior uh project which was all office and had large uh 20,000 foot office floor plates would have increased traffic substantially more than our project. Um we are creating uh over 700

1135
06:41:11.040 --> 06:41:27.200
construction jobs during our project and we expect over 350 permanent jobs in our project through our uh you know through our uses. Um over a 10-year period we were delivering over $30 million of tax revenue to the city. Um we have a 4500

1136
06:41:27.200 --> 06:41:43.440
foot blue zone hub which is going to um really focus on longevity, wellness, community um and uh and really like hit the found the nine foundations of Blue Zones which I think will benefit our residents, our office workers, the community at a whole and really lean

1137
06:41:43.440 --> 06:41:57.920
into you know a healthier longerterm communitydriven lifestyle. Um what else can I tell you? We are uh revitalizing the retail corridor with you know live, work and play and bringing residents to the area, art and public places as well

1138
06:41:57.920 --> 06:42:14.878
uh among other things. >> Thank you, [clears throat] >> Commissioner Bach. >> Um couple of questions for you. Um we talked about the short-term rental

1139
06:42:14.878 --> 06:42:31.280
covenant. Uh right now it's at six day six years and a month. Six >> six months. >> Wow. >> That that would be a good deal. Um [laughter] uh 6 months in a day and um my desire is to always get to closer full year-long

1140
06:42:31.280 --> 06:42:48.478
um residence here. Can you between first and second reading come back to us with an analysis? I know you'd said maybe nine months might work given that you're looking for hospitality workers. I think that depends on if you're really going to be filling up your units, your residential units with, you know, people

1141
06:42:48.478 --> 06:43:04.638
from V&E and all that stuff versus employees of Mount Sinai or just open market. So, whatever it is, I want it to be longer than 6 months in a day. So, >> yeah, we're sorry to interrupt. Um, 9 months is is is uh perfectly fine with

1142
06:43:04.638 --> 06:43:20.080
us. More than 6 months. I think that the the reason for 9 months is to provide flexibility in a as you mentioned the hospitality workers that may be staffing up or staffing down based on seasonality, but also for us it it it provides a some flexibility on rent roll

1143
06:43:20.080 --> 06:43:35.680
management. So what we don't want is to have all the leases of the building roll over at the same time. So you sometimes want to stagger lease rollover. So, for instance, if we have a heavy, you know, rollover in, I'm making up a month, April or May or June, you may offer a 15-month lease or a 16-month lease or an

1144
06:43:35.680 --> 06:43:52.240
18-month lease or a little bit less than 12 months, maybe 9 months, so that the rollover can be managed across the the course of the year. So, it's not any intention to have short-term leases. We have no interest in that. It's not our business plan. But, I think not being tied to just 12 allows us some flexibility on the uh on the rollover.

1145
06:43:52.240 --> 06:44:09.200
And again, you know, I think 9 months is the is a happy medium, but it's not it's more art than science because we're just trying to manage that rollover risk. >> And that would apply to the property that you're attached to. >> We're not attached to So there's there's this uh misconception. We're not

1146
06:44:09.200 --> 06:44:25.520
attached to 17 West. The the concept there is to do a covenant in Loo um for zoning purposes, but we you know, the ownership structures are different. Um, transparently, there's some investors in that deal that are in our deal, but they but they're completely different ownership structures. There's many of

1147
06:44:25.520 --> 06:44:40.798
investors in that transaction that's not in our in our transaction. Um, so we're not, you know, one entity by any means. And I think that like we're losing sight a little bit of the of the intent here. We're all our project will not have any short-term allowance at all. We're going

1148
06:44:40.798 --> 06:44:57.680
to be all, you know, full year plus two-year hopefully rentals. We're going to hopefully deliver 150 plus apartment units to the community for that. They are a, you know, 20 unit something, you know, project. Um, and so I, you know, I

1149
06:44:57.680 --> 06:45:13.040
can't control what they do. I can't control their license. They're grandfathered in that they're operating their business. But I don't think that 20 units of short-term should, you know, be a challenge to deliver 150 units plus of of long-term. The other question I had for you is um you know we're talking

1150
06:45:13.040 --> 06:45:29.680
about how to be creative in funding some of our larger projects throughout the city. I know you're not building high-end luxury condos. I get that. But we have um just a few a few blocks from you is Flamingo Park, which is the heart and soul of of the South Beach community. Um and the football field

1151
06:45:29.680 --> 06:45:47.718
there is in need of um reurfing. And so we had talked about a possibility of looking at a community benefit going to that. And so between first and second, um, if we could have further conversations about that as well, absolutely, that would be great. >> Absolutely.

1152
06:45:47.840 --> 06:46:04.000
>> Yeah, I appreciate it. My entire life is in this corridor. Uh, I'm raising my daughter on Sixth and West. My parents live there. My office uh from my private job. Uh, we have it at 17th in Alton, literally right across the street. Um,

1153
06:46:04.000 --> 06:46:18.958
city hall here. So, my entire life is there. I think we're on the verge of something special, right? A corridor between Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road, Alton Road, 17th Street, going down into Sunset Harbor where we could create

1154
06:46:18.958 --> 06:46:34.958
something very vibrant, something to be proud of, right? We're at a fork in the road because all that excitement, I also look out my window in my office and I see an abandoned dialysis center. I see

1155
06:46:34.958 --> 06:46:49.280
>> you have as many derelik buildings as there are, you know, 10 times more derelch buildings as any type of new development. So, I appreciate it. Uh I've shared with you some of, you know, my reservations, things I wish I could

1156
06:46:49.280 --> 06:47:05.120
have, but uh I'm I'm 90% happy and I'm not going to let the other 10% get in that way. I really appreciate the time that you've done to um speak with the surrounding neighbors and

1157
06:47:05.120 --> 06:47:21.120
neighborhoods. I know I've had lengthy discussions with members of WANA. They're personally an important group to me. I started my involvement in the city with some of those folks. I I understand

1158
06:47:21.120 --> 06:47:36.718
their challenges. I can't simply ignore them. So, I ask you not to. I know you sent the letter in response. Have another meeting. Work with them. See if there are some areas of compromise. But I

1159
06:47:36.718 --> 06:47:52.400
appreciate the outreach you've done to other neighborhood groups. Uh see my friend Tom Hawkins sitting there. Uh yesterday, I just needed to clear my mind. So, I went to a different gym than I usually go to in the morning. I go, I I I just I need to be focused. Four

1160
06:47:52.400 --> 06:48:08.320
seconds into the gym, Tom goes, "Hey, Joe, just want to let you know we're really supportive of the project." [laughter] I go, "Mission totally failed." Um, so but that only happens because you are community-minded and do outreach uh

1161
06:48:08.320 --> 06:48:25.520
to things like that. So um my comments that I gave for uh the 16th in Washington about creating vibrant mixed use that also fosters afford or facilitates affordability helping our local economy right now on

1162
06:48:25.520 --> 06:48:41.760
that western end of Lincoln Road. It is a dead zone. It is a dead zone. You know people lament Sega Fredo leaving as do I. Why is it? I walk Lincoln Road every single morning until noon time. You

1163
06:48:41.760 --> 06:48:57.600
won't see a soul. Why? Because who typically goes in a corridor like that in the morning. Not a destination shopper that's going there for H&M, but somebody that lives close by because they happen to be there, cuz they live there, right? And that is that type of

1164
06:48:57.600 --> 06:49:14.400
consumer that we need to bring back to help our local retail. Every single person in this city, every single one will say one of our most important priorities is revitalizing Lincoln Road, revitalizing our retail corridors.

1165
06:49:14.400 --> 06:49:31.440
And it is my adamant belief it's because of lack of walkability and lack of residents that are living in those areas. Draco went out of business. The owner actually said, "We don't have that residential class that used to come to us for happy hours." We say, "Why do we have all these large

1166
06:49:31.440 --> 06:49:46.638
big box stores? Why not books and books?" Well, who goes to books and books? Guys like these gentlemen sitting out there in the in the audience that live right there. And that's the full-time residential population that we've lost and by having

1167
06:49:46.638 --> 06:50:01.520
full-time residents in this corridor is how I hope to restore it. So, I I I wish you luck on the project. >> I I I just want to comment. Um we spent many first off there's not a single person in the community that's reached out to us that we have not engaged in

1168
06:50:01.520 --> 06:50:18.080
conversations. Not one. Um we spent probably you know we had one or two two meetings with Wabna. Um and also I've had five six seven hours of conversations directly with their with their board members. Um so we're always open to conversation. If anyone calls us

1169
06:50:18.080 --> 06:50:33.760
our they have our cell phone numbers. They can reach out to us anytime. Um they know where we office. We're always around. Um the other thing I want to mention to you >> I appreciate that. I'll ask you to go step beyond that and reach out to them. >> Absolutely. >> Um and the other thing I want to mention is is we take

1170
06:50:33.760 --> 06:50:50.160
development and particular housing very seriously. Not why I say that is because first off this is where someone lives. It's very sacred, right? This is where their family is, their children are, their pets are. It's a very sacred responsibility to provide housing for people um for safety reasons, for

1171
06:50:50.160 --> 06:51:05.680
community reasons, for neighborhood creation reasons. And so, it's critical to us to engage with the community because that's the definition of socially responsible development. And so, it's not um a talking point. It's a it's a it's a sacred critical, you know,

1172
06:51:05.680 --> 06:51:20.400
business point for us, what we do. >> Mr. Mayor, Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um and and and again I you know as has been well articulated the need for non luxury uh

1173
06:51:20.400 --> 06:51:38.478
rental housing in our city is critical. Uh and we see the displacement of our longtime residents to other areas of Miami and the mainland where they can get inventory like this >> at a price that that they can afford. Um

1174
06:51:38.478 --> 06:51:54.320
and so and so this when we talk about affordability in our city that's that's this is important. How do you achieve the affordability here? Because you something something that was brought up was staff's concern

1175
06:51:54.320 --> 06:52:09.600
with with the um with the amount of space dedicated to office as opposed to residential. But my inclination would be to ask you to consider this is not every day that we have the opportunity to have

1176
06:52:09.600 --> 06:52:26.080
new rental inventory in our city. Uh what impact would that have? Is this something that could be accommodated? Um to answer your first question, the commercial component of this is what allows us to deliver the attainable

1177
06:52:26.080 --> 06:52:43.040
housing because the cost of building rental housing now is generally cost prohibitive which is why um most buildings are going condo in you know pretty much everywhere across the country in South Florida. So, if you kind of do just quick math, um the

1178
06:52:43.040 --> 06:52:59.280
retail corridors and the commercial corridors of Alton Road, Sunset Harbor, uh etc. can deliver, you know, maybe $100 a foot or $75 or $80 a foot triple net rents, um for those spaces. Whereas, if you're trying to, you know, provide

1179
06:52:59.280 --> 06:53:15.840
housing, it's probably closer to $60 a foot, you know, gross, which then you you net, you know, $40 a foot. So there's about a $40 to $60 a foot swing by the commercial space per square foot than on the residential. So by having the commercial space um we're able to

1180
06:53:15.840 --> 06:53:31.920
deliver the residential at the price point. Um is there you know a little bit of of of room that we could have over 50% yes we could move uh a little bit but I but we cannot go to they uh the 75% that they're asking. >> I would ask you please work on that. Uh

1181
06:53:31.920 --> 06:53:48.478
I want to be able to prioritize as much as we can the inventory of of housing uh in this in this in this corridor. Um you started off um this project. I think you were you were asking a higher height

1182
06:53:48.478 --> 06:54:03.680
than where you currently are. What were you asking originally? >> We initially uh wanted to request 200 ft of height. uh that would have been um 16 or 17 stories or maybe 18 stories and then we uh actually submit our

1183
06:54:03.680 --> 06:54:21.920
application at 185 versus the 200 based on some feedback we had some early conversations with >> and higher F. >> Um yeah, it was it was 4.0 F and 200. Um we had conversations with city staff. They thought that was a little bit too aggressive. Uh we submitted the application at 185. Um and then through

1184
06:54:21.920 --> 06:54:38.558
conversations with uh the commissioners and city staff and the planning board members, the recommendation from city staff was 150 and we accepted that recommendation. So we have >> How does that compare to the surrounding buildings in that in that area in that West Avenue Lincoln Road area? >> We think it's very much in character. So

1185
06:54:38.558 --> 06:54:55.440
11-11 Lincoln is slightly slightly smaller than 150, but not by much. And all of the properties behind us on Bay, not all of them, but a good amount of properties on West Avenue um are 150 or higher. Uh you know, we have a we have actually a picture if you want to bring it up to show you.

1186
06:54:55.440 --> 06:55:11.360
>> And I just want to check with our planning staff. Are we comfortable with the uh height of this of this property that's being proposed? >> Yes. >> Okay. And it's contextual. You can confirm this contextual to the other properties. >> Correct. And now it's important to point out that this project will require

1187
06:55:11.360 --> 06:55:27.760
design review board and planning board in terms of that you'll be required to have a CUP from the planning board and design review. We haven't engaged in any particulars yet in terms of the massing the setbacks the particulars of the site plan or architectural features. We look

1188
06:55:27.760 --> 06:55:43.440
forward to doing that um with the team and so the design of it may may change. So, and that's in general. I think the 150 ft is within the context um and can be appropriate >> and so that and so as I was going to ask about that I was going to ask about the

1189
06:55:43.440 --> 06:55:59.920
about the setbacks. Um what does the ordinance um require today as it relates to the setbacks? >> So this is CD2 which does not require any setbacks. They the applicant has profered and again this is not something that has been you know approved in terms

1190
06:55:59.920 --> 06:56:18.240
of a design yet. uh 20 ft above the first 75 ft in height. Now, there is a a pretty large sidewalk here. Um but that's something that that the planning department hasn't fully evaluated in terms of the specifics of the massing and the design, but a minimum uh setback

1191
06:56:18.240 --> 06:56:35.600
will be required above 75 ft and height of 20 ft. 20 ft setback. >> And so I guess all of that will be determined through the DRB process that the community will be able to be involved in. >> Correct. Okay. Um, what what are we um

1192
06:56:35.600 --> 06:56:51.040
doing in terms of and I think it may have been raised now I'm I'm blurring applications um on on the housing yearround housing. I you know I I want us especially when

1193
06:56:51.040 --> 06:57:08.320
it comes to rental housing be moving away from these six months and and a day. I want us to be embracing year-round housing, especially when it comes to attainable market rate housing, rental housing, that should be re

1194
06:57:08.320 --> 06:57:26.760
yearround housing to address the desperate and significant need that we have for it in our community. Um, what is being done is does does the ordinance speak, Mr. attorney to the minimum length of of the housing.

1195
06:57:27.200 --> 06:57:43.920
>> Commissioner, the current uh the current draft of the ordinance says uh that any rentals would be a minimum of 6 months in one day, which is consistent with our short-term rental ordinance. Anything less than that would be a short-term rental. >> I really would feel more comfortable if this ordinance dictated year round

1196
06:57:43.920 --> 06:57:59.520
housing. Um, you I've managed rentals, you know, rentals, we've [clears throat] managed rentals larger than than this unit count, and you stagger your leases, you know, all your leases don't end at

1197
06:57:59.520 --> 06:58:17.040
the same time. Um, and so you're able to to to stagger them. So, I don't I don't see why why we would need to to to go lower than than the year round uh year-long um rentals uh in this in this this

1198
06:58:17.040 --> 06:58:34.080
legislation if the intent is indeed to ensure that this is true housing to serve the workforce at attainable market rates. >> Thank you. Yeah, I mean I think you're on the same page with what Commissioner Bot was saying. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh to the first point on setbacks,

1199
06:58:34.080 --> 06:58:51.040
I only know 68% of our ground floor is set back. More than 10 ft off of the wide side uh sidewalk. So the vast majority of the ground floor is is set back. Um we I think we're comfortable at 9 months for sure on the on the housing. And the reason why it's 9 versus 12

1200
06:58:51.040 --> 06:59:06.000
again is to your point about staggering. You can always offer 15 months, 16 month, 17-month leases, but if someone says, "I can't, you know, qualify for that. I can't commit to that." Um, you want to be able to stagger the leases and have a little bit of flexibility on the shorter side. >> My friend, I can assure you in Miami

1201
06:59:06.000 --> 06:59:21.200
Beach there is a demand for that year year-long. >> No, that that that's the intention. And and by the way, I'd be comfortable saying um even >> the thing is I'm the one that has to be comfortable. The commission is the one that has to be comfortable. And the direction that the commission is going

1202
06:59:21.200 --> 06:59:39.360
in is ensuring that this that this m ends [clears throat] up being no possibility of short-term rentals, no possibility of someone coming in seasonally. Uh for the long-term residents of Miami Beach who are going

1203
06:59:39.360 --> 06:59:55.440
who who are being priced out of of our city, uh I I highly encourage you uh to consider in your in your in your overlay uh private application um to to to

1204
06:59:55.440 --> 07:00:12.320
incorporate and embrace the yearround uh the the yearround housing. I I I honestly don't have a ton of sensitivity to this because that's our intent. I would ask would the commission consider as part of the ordinance a small percentage of the building could be 5%

1205
07:00:12.320 --> 07:00:27.360
be have an allowance of 9 months or something like that just because again that provides the flexibility on trying to manage the rent roll. It's not it's not that 95% of the building will be 12 months or more but again you want some >> I think we can leave that to to to the attorneys to to draft it. I think our

1206
07:00:27.360 --> 07:00:44.400
current ordinances that that speak to short-term rentals reads along the lines of the general the general practice is is that the building operates as at least six six months as a day and a

1207
07:00:44.400 --> 07:01:00.558
day but it doesn't say that it doesn't say you know for a certain amount of time it's just that's your general business practice um and I think you know I leave that to the attorneys I don't want to say a certain amount of units can be 9 months. I don't want to

1208
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open that door. I want to establish the president going forward that the housing that we approve in the city of Miami Beach, especially housing that is rental housing for the workforce. I don't see my nurses uh at Mount Si or or the or

1209
07:01:17.920 --> 07:01:33.920
the teachers in in in our schools, you know, living here for only 9 months. They're living here year round and they need housing nine months. I 12 months out of the year, not nine months. So, I

1210
07:01:33.920 --> 07:01:48.400
I don't see why we don't we we wouldn't embrace that that language. Um parking, are you providing parking uh making allocations for parking on site? >> Sorry, >> parking.

1211
07:01:48.400 --> 07:02:05.200
>> Yeah, we have 367 spaces. I believe >> everyone who spoke as well as the planning board felt that that was important to provide. >> Just a question for the city attorney. Is that is that percentage like a like a legal thing that we could put in the ordinance

1212
07:02:05.200 --> 07:02:21.440
>> like 95% have to be more than 12 months lease? >> Yeah, we can discuss that before second reading. I would not recommend doing that. I think that remember at the end of the day this is going to be enforced by code compliance. So it really should be one term that applies to the whole property. I'm sorry. So, so you're

1213
07:02:21.440 --> 07:02:38.958
saying sticking to rather rather than saying a certain percentage can be a certain amount of months and a different percentage a different amount of months, it should be year round, >> right? It needs to be one term. >> Okay. So, it so so let's address that because I I understand there's a

1214
07:02:38.958 --> 07:02:55.840
potential unification of of sites here that might be in in the works in the future. >> Correct. >> Okay. And that potential unification involves property that currently has

1215
07:02:55.840 --> 07:03:12.000
short-term rentals on it that you're not involved with. It's a is a building that was built years ago that you have nothing to to to do with it, but you're trying to to to unify those those properties. I if if I'm sure that

1216
07:03:12.000 --> 07:03:27.440
whoever owns that property is going to benefit financially from the unification um and I want to make sure just like any other incentive that we have done in our city as it relates to F and housing it

1217
07:03:27.440 --> 07:03:43.200
yields the elimination the sunset of of short-term rentals then I would encourage you to work with our planning department. I would encourage you to work with our city attorney's office on language that achieves that. Our voters

1218
07:03:43.200 --> 07:03:58.478
uh have a number of times overwhelmingly approved in the ballot boxes F incentives that do away with short-term rental. And I would imagine that if we would be sending if we still had the

1219
07:03:58.478 --> 07:04:14.478
authority of sending this to to the voters, something that those who we represent would expect uh to be to be included there. So, so I I strongly urge us that between first and second reading

1220
07:04:14.478 --> 07:04:30.320
if that site is pi is part of the unified uh site and within the overlay that we transition them out of of u of short-term rental should that unification occur.

1221
07:04:30.320 --> 07:04:46.718
>> We can definitely discuss it. We have no authority to um to to change a use of of a neighboring property. Um, our our legislation states that that our new any new development, any new units, anything we do on our site will abide by the, you

1222
07:04:46.718 --> 07:05:02.400
know, if you want it to be 12 months, it's 12 months. Um, again, as I mentioned earlier, you know, I think we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we're trying to deliver 150 plus units and that's a 20some unit building. Um, so I just wouldn't want to jeopardize the housing for the city over an

1223
07:05:02.400 --> 07:05:20.400
existing grandfather use that we don't have any authority to control. Would it be could could the city commission require approval of the unification? >> So, this ordinance could be revised so that the adjacent property could only be

1224
07:05:20.400 --> 07:05:38.718
included um if it transitioned to uh to long-term residential. I understand you don't represent the owner of that property, but that's something you could uh you could do in the ordinance, and that is, I think, what the administration is recommending. I would like us uh to to to to consider

1225
07:05:38.718 --> 07:05:53.840
this uh between first and second reading. I is is something that I have championed over over time over over my uh term of of service. The elimination and you know, Commissioner Magazine mentioned earlier, Commissioner Samuel,

1226
07:05:53.840 --> 07:06:09.360
he was the father actually of these incentives, F incentives to do away with short-term rentals. We have an existing short-term rental units that should be for full-time residents uh in a in a corridor where, as you mentioned in your

1227
07:06:09.360 --> 07:06:25.120
your presentation, is suffering. Why is it suffering? Because full-time residents have been displaced. Uh and so so I I want us to make sure that we that we do that. The other challenge that we have in this area, um, since we're

1228
07:06:25.120 --> 07:06:41.840
giving you something that is that is very much of value and and of value as well is the housing that you're going to be providing to to our residents. But there is a great parking deficit. There's a great parking deficit in this part of our city that the neighborhood

1229
07:06:41.840 --> 07:06:57.360
um desperately needs, especially after hours, after after work hours. What does this contemplate to address the parking challenges? >> This provides that the uh uh the underutilized commercial parking outside

1230
07:06:57.360 --> 07:07:13.840
of commercial hours of operation shall be made accessible to the residents at then current Miami Beach public parking rates. So this is a a a part partial solution to some of the shortage that they have in that area >> which they will be that's in the

1231
07:07:13.840 --> 07:07:29.280
ordinance. >> Okay. uh have you met with our parking department or or perhaps between first and second rate? I want to make sure that not just available uh at at the rates uh but perhaps you know whatever

1232
07:07:29.280 --> 07:07:45.040
parking is is uh is not used at under utilized parking maybe for for the zone of of the area that's going to be needing uh parking. >> We can certainly discuss what it is. Yeah, sure. That's the intent. >> Okay, perfect. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No, thank you.

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07:07:45.040 --> 07:08:02.160
Good questions. Call the vote. >> It is a public hearing. I have no one in the audience requested to speak. Mr. Seraldo is requesting to speak via Zoom. >> Yes. Thank you, Daniel Seraldo, 7:30

1234
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10th Street. I just want to put on the record that this is the second F increase today that um in my opinion and in the city charter should go to the voters. There's nothing precluding the commissioners by asking for a straw

1235
07:08:17.680 --> 07:08:34.320
ballot question for this and the Washington Avenue. And I want to make sure it's on the record that I feel that this sort of negotiating via handshake as somebody mentioned earlier is not the right way to go to properly plan the city. Thank you.

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>> Go ahead, sir. State your name, address. You have two minutes. >> Uh good afternoon everyone. Tim Carr, Soie West Neighborhood Association. Again, just wanted to speak out on behalf of our neighborhood association that we're really excited that this is the beginning of the tipping point. I really feel for reactivation of this

1237
07:08:50.160 --> 07:09:06.558
corridor that we desperately need. Also, it's been a pleasure working with uh with David Berg over the last several months here. He's been very forthright uh making himself available multiple times for community meetings. In the large community meetings that we had,

1238
07:09:06.558 --> 07:09:23.760
there was overwhelming support for this. He also forgot to mention some of the other public benefits that we negotiated was uh space for his community room to use for our community meetings, which would be a nice benefit for community groups, but also the uh surface parking

1239
07:09:23.760 --> 07:09:38.400
lot for the post office that he'd actually enhance the uh landscaping for that area as well. So, there's multiple things that he's doing now for the community besides what he listed earlier. So, that we ask that you really support this project. Thank you.

1240
07:09:38.400 --> 07:09:58.240
Thank you. Next, please. >> How you doing? Uh Sean Vardy. I'm the CEO of Think Hospitality. For those of you who don't know who I am or what Think is, we have about a little over 2,000 employees in Miami Beach. Around 25 to 30 hotels in Miami Beach that we

1241
07:09:58.240 --> 07:10:14.080
manage and operate. um attainable housing uh for you know our midlevel and and higher level staff is a real issue. It's a challenge that we face. Uh um we're very much in support of any uh attainable housing that's

1242
07:10:14.080 --> 07:10:30.080
being you know proposed for for those reasons. And I think you know in order for our city to kind of compete and have a better quality experience overall you know having people live here is a real a real problem for us and any project that supports that is is a real solution. So, I don't want to underscore it. I mean,

1243
07:10:30.080 --> 07:10:45.920
we have we have a tremendous thing that's happened, you know, since CO as it relates to the amount of people that are coming to the city and the quality of our city needs to grow. We need projects like this, otherwise we're never going to be able to have the staff uh that can come here. And again, uh part of that is also part of the parking

1244
07:10:45.920 --> 07:11:01.680
impact that gets uh or the traffic impact. It's really really part of it. A lot of people would much rather, you know, grab a scooter or a moped and not travel an hour and a half uh and pay for the car and the gas to wherever they live and live in Miami Beach. So, projects like these are things that we

1245
07:11:01.680 --> 07:11:21.440
need and we need more of. >> Thank you. Next, please. >> Annabelle Yobies, executive director at the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District. Of course, everyone has echoed the importance of having the revitalization for Lincoln Road and that

1246
07:11:21.440 --> 07:11:37.040
is the community. Building year round resident is key, but I also want to make a point about the office component of this multi- uh use development. Having office workers there during the day is also quite important so we can get that day traffic that feeds into our cafes

1247
07:11:37.040 --> 07:11:52.240
and restaurants that are there. So, we do need traffic for the lunchtime business that we have on Lincoln Road. But overall, obviously, this is an amazing project that Linker Road bid is behind and stands behind. And there's great bookings for for Lincoln Road. You know, with the project on the east and

1248
07:11:52.240 --> 07:12:11.840
this one on the west, it really will set Link Road and this district apart um for growth. Thank you. I hope you consider this and we look forward to having this project start. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, please. David Herzburg of the Sterling Building

1249
07:12:11.840 --> 07:12:28.000
and in my capacity as a resident of Miami Beach. Um, like to speak in support of the project. I think that the residential component specifically is paramount to the reactivation of the corridor and we support it fully. I'd like to echo everything that Annabelle said again. I'm fully in agreement. Thank you.

1250
07:12:28.000 --> 07:12:51.760
>> Next, please. >> Oops. Good afternoon. Matthew Ganoff, 125 Jefferson Avenue. I'm supportive of comprehensive quarterbased approaches that provide more housing for everyday residents. And that's on the agenda today. Items R5H and I, a commission sponsored item that also contains this

1251
07:12:51.760 --> 07:13:07.600
property. The mayor should call these items, too. I agree with Nissan. In fact, we agree on a lot. We agree that Bayink is vital to reducing traffic and we agree that by not supporting the expansion of expansion of transit, the city is merely rearranging the chairs on

1252
07:13:07.600 --> 07:13:24.400
the Titanic. The increase in F and height proposed by Commissioner Suarez was tied to less parking and was meant to build housing for people that already choose South Beach, the car free and the car light. In fact, 75% of households in South Beach, according

1253
07:13:24.400 --> 07:13:41.760
to the census, have zero or one car. And that's the crux of the issue with this private application. It wants all the benefits of the Lincoln Lincoln Road West overlay without reducing the parking. So I'll reiterate what the planning director said earlier. All street parking spaces it provided shall

1254
07:13:41.760 --> 07:13:58.638
not shall not exceed 50%. required under parking tier one. This private application wants 100%. The ask is simple. Call the call the broader corridorbased overlay items R5H and I. That's the approach that actually

1255
07:13:58.638 --> 07:14:14.878
delivers on the goal of reducing traffic and increasing housing too. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, please. Anyone? No. Then we're going to go to Mr. Roberts on Zoom.

1256
07:14:14.878 --> 07:14:33.280
>> Thank you very much. Um, I I appreciate Mr. Berg's u approach uh to selling his development, but um the outcome is not going to be good for Miami Beach. And if you did put a straw

1257
07:14:33.280 --> 07:14:50.240
poll out there, I am confident that with the right information that's fair and equitable to the community, um that it would be voted down. And the the reason strictly is that Alton Road cannot support 150 ft development. Um it will

1258
07:14:50.240 --> 07:15:06.080
actually add tremendous traffic to a very um uh hight trafficated um uh road between uh the two bridges that's backed up daily and will add um

1259
07:15:06.080 --> 07:15:23.840
more and more traffic to our our island. Um Miami Beach is special. It's an environmentally special place and it's a special place in my memories. And it wasn't uh it wasn't Bickl. My memory is not Bickl. My memory is a a community

1260
07:15:23.840 --> 07:15:40.080
where uh where people lived in in homes that um that had uh uh sort of a a towers in the in the on the outside and and and lower density on the inside. And what

1261
07:15:40.080 --> 07:15:55.360
what you're doing is filling in the density on the middle of the island. And uh Alton Road, if this is the first project, it will be 150 ft across all of Alton Road, which is really what you talked about earlier. And I'm dead set against that. I think it's the it's the

1262
07:15:55.360 --> 07:16:11.680
the worst outcome possible for the community and the city and future generations. And that um when people talk about lost, okay, lost sales along um Lincoln Road, we could just look at the developers or the the owners that

1263
07:16:11.680 --> 07:16:28.512
that left property vacant. It's quality space. Um um at least at it it seemed it appears that it's intentional. >> Thank you, Mr. >> And um our next caller is Nancy Duke.

1264
07:16:28.512 --> 07:16:45.440
[snorts] >> Please unmute yourself. You have two minutes. Uh good afternoon everyone. It's great to see you all there today. I'm calling in support of uh David Bird's project. Any building in that area that isn't

1265
07:16:45.440 --> 07:17:01.840
going to include parking is going to need uh increased F. So regardless of what's put there, you're going to need increased F. Parking is badly needed and that's one of the main reasons I'm in support of this project. Also, David could do a live local project there.

1266
07:17:01.840 --> 07:17:18.080
He's not doing that. He's trying to do something that's thoughtful and he really seems to want work with the city. I think that's to be applauded and I think the city should work with him. I know they will. And um and also a building that is targeted

1267
07:17:18.080 --> 07:17:33.600
toward workforce housing is important. It's what we say we need right now. So, I think that's another plus. So all in all I am for the project and I support it and I'm speaking actually on behalf of myself but also I'm a member of Soie

1268
07:17:33.600 --> 07:17:55.120
West board. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Our final caller is Michael Comrades. >> Uh good afternoon mayor commission. Michael comrades with offices at 126120th street property owner on Lincoln Road. Um, as I mentioned

1269
07:17:55.120 --> 07:18:12.240
earlier, mixed juice to Lincoln Road is everything is what we need. Uh, bringing in the residents, bringing in more officers is key to Lincoln Road's success. Uh, the commissioner spoke this morning about it being super quiet in the mornings. I think having residents

1270
07:18:12.240 --> 07:18:28.558
being able to walk their dog, um, go get a cup of coffee, have some breakfast, do morning meetings is critical to making Lincoln Road really successful. not just in the afternoons but in the evenings and in the mornings as well. So I fully support the project. I think we got a

1271
07:18:28.558 --> 07:18:45.120
great project on our hands. I think the one this morning was great as well and I encourage you guys to move forward on this. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. Mayor, this concludes the public uh portion. >> Okay. Thank you everyone who called in or spoke in person. Let's call a vote. >> I need a motion. M

1272
07:18:45.120 --> 07:18:59.920
>> M Mr. Mayor, just to be clear, this would be on the planning board version of the ordinance, which is in your package. [snorts] [clears throat] >> For which one? >> So, this is the version that was

1273
07:18:59.920 --> 07:19:16.478
submitted to the city commission uh by supplemental. I believe it was yesterday Ralph. >> But is it D or C? I'm sorry. Just for me >> for >> for both. >> For the LDR amendment >> for the LDR. >> And what are the differences? So, this one includes the planning

1274
07:19:16.478 --> 07:19:32.638
board's recommendation on setting a maximum unit size at 1,700 square f feet. It includes the provision requiring that the project be limited to rentals. Um, it requires that any surplus or underutilized parking on the

1275
07:19:32.638 --> 07:19:48.798
site uh be made available to the public at Miami Beach parking garage rates. I think I covered >> the planning board meeting. >> When was the planning board meeting? I believe this went to planning board in June. >> In May. >> In May. >> In May. >> May.

1276
07:19:48.798 --> 07:20:05.440
>> And when was it put when was the supplemental put out? >> The supplemental was put out either Monday or Tuesday. >> Why? the uh I'm not sure exactly, but I think there we had previously included uh the the version of the ordinance that

1277
07:20:05.440 --> 07:20:21.840
staff presented to the planning board and then we were contacted by the the applicant and asked to include the a revised version including the planning board's recommendations. The planning board's recommendations are usually summarized in your commission memos and that's the case here. Um but the

1278
07:20:21.840 --> 07:20:37.360
applicant suggested that we include the >> but here it was specifically whereas sometimes the planning board will pass a a commit a staff recommended ordinance and then a separate package of recommendations here very specifically

1279
07:20:37.360 --> 07:20:54.400
the planning board amended the specific language of the ordinance and had a plan there's a planning board version of the ordinance and and Nick has gone over the changes which we meant which mentions only a handful. >> Question Matteas Selenus,

1280
07:20:54.400 --> 07:21:10.080
>> is there a change that um states that the minimum period of rental units is for 10 10 years? It's like a covenant for 10 years and then after that, do you have any what are your plans after the 10 years? Is it just kind of to test to see if you get the ROI or

1281
07:21:10.080 --> 07:21:25.600
>> No plans. We just felt that was, you know, you're you're building a rental project, but you can't forecast, you know, more that's that's a long-term to forecast. I think anyone anyone who's forecasting more than 5 to seven years is you know kind of finger in the wind. >> So after the 10 years you want the option to

1282
07:21:25.600 --> 07:21:39.920
>> yeah we we just don't know what the where the market is at that point you know where where the world is at that point. So >> but would you turn it to hotel or short-term rentals? I don't understand. >> No no short-term rentals is outlawed as a covenant forever. >> So then why have a minimum of 10 years

1283
07:21:39.920 --> 07:21:56.400
>> because maybe there's um you know for sale product maybe there's commercial. Maybe maybe the parking is obsolete and you know that becomes a different use. Like we just don't know where we are in 10 years. >> Mr. Mayor, >> I I think Commissioner Fernandez, you're thinking what I'm thinking.

1284
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>> Go for it. Well, I mean it's it's either a rental building and if at some point there has to be an amendment in the future, you know, to me it just it's either a rental building and it's going to because to me 10 years 10 years go by

1285
07:22:12.080 --> 07:22:30.080
very quickly and over a 10-year period I have only seen the need and the demand for rental housing in our city increase. Um, and so, and so, you know, I think it should just be clearly clearly spelled spelled out that this is a rental

1286
07:22:30.080 --> 07:22:47.040
building, period. And there's a change to that in the future, uh, then then it comes to to to the commission and an amendment can be contemplated at that time. But I want I I want I want the shortity

1287
07:22:47.040 --> 07:23:04.798
because you know if anything we're going to be talking about a covenant as to the term of the rental housing I would want a minimum of 30 years. You know to me at le a minimum of 30 years. Well that's that's at least a a a guarantee for for

1288
07:23:04.798 --> 07:23:21.680
that gives me assurityity that we have rental inventory for for a substantive amount of time. Uh my response to that is you know we're I can give you our unit um breakdown. Um it's uh off top of my head roughly about

1289
07:23:21.680 --> 07:23:38.958
uh 20% you know junior onebedrooms about 35% onebedrooms 35% twobedrooms and then you know I think it's like 7 or 8% maybe it's like more than 22% studios uh 70% 3bedrooms. So we put a provision in the covenant that says the minimum square

1290
07:23:38.958 --> 07:23:54.320
footage would be 550 ft. the maximum square footage will be I think it's like 1,700 ft². Um, we're not building a building for for sale condo. So, it's it's it's it's definitely a designed rental building. If you're going to build a condo building, you would build

1291
07:23:54.320 --> 07:24:10.798
50 units and they'd be 2,000 ft² or 3,000 ft². My point is that we just don't know where we I I can't forecast 30 years in advance. I can't forecast anything. >> Yeah. 10 years in advance. And so we we're just trying to have, you know, the enough enough duration to commit to building a rental building, which is

1292
07:24:10.798 --> 07:24:25.840
what we are, which is what we're designing. Um, which we're planning for. And I think that like you we just need to have provisions in the future because what what ultimately happens is codes change, demands change, um, uses change, uh, life changes. I mean, you you saw

1293
07:24:25.840 --> 07:24:42.160
the picture in the presentation of the of the 1990s. That wasn't that, you know, that long ago. Um, but in the 1990s also was when we saw the mass conversion of of apartment rentals into condominiums in this city. And so we're going to be talking about the 1999s. Let's learn from the 1990s. In the

1294
07:24:42.160 --> 07:24:58.240
1990s, Miami Beach, all of our um forplex buildings, sixplex buildings, uh 12plex buildings in Flamingo Park and so many areas of of our city. for the most part they weren't uh they they they they

1295
07:24:58.240 --> 07:25:14.878
weren't in the structure of ownership that they are in today. They were they they were mainly apartment apartment buildings and they were being sold at $20,000 a unit at that time. I want to make sure that you know going back at the 90s that we learn from them and that

1296
07:25:14.878 --> 07:25:31.200
and that we don't find in our ourselves in the same situation that rental housing ends up being converted into into lucrative developments um taking displacing displacing uh renters from

1297
07:25:31.200 --> 07:25:48.558
our city and if that does happen and if there is a market shift in that direction then then it come back to our city. But what happens usually is that the renters end up and you know at at the losing end. If you if you if you decide if the market changes

1298
07:25:48.558 --> 07:26:06.160
and you decide to convert this um 10 years from now into condominium, who's going to take care of those renters? Who's going to think about the needs of those individuals? Making sure that they give rental assistance and making sure that they have a place to to to land in our city. and those protections didn't

1299
07:26:06.160 --> 07:26:22.638
exist in our city back in in the 90s when we saw this when we saw this happen. So, I'm very glad that Commissioner Matel Selenas caught that provision in in the in in in the language. Um because we if we are

1300
07:26:22.638 --> 07:26:38.558
building rental housing in our city, it's not just for today. It's to make sure that the community that the people that inherit this from us have the availability of this type of housing. So, we need to work on that. >> And by the way, this is this is my

1301
07:26:38.558 --> 07:26:56.000
concern that a supplemental on a on a really important item comes out two days before a meeting. It's such a bad look for us. It really it's really doesn't put us in a good position as a city. I mean, how we we were we put something out there and then two days before a meeting,

1302
07:26:56.000 --> 07:27:10.320
>> I I I guarantee most people have not had a chance to look at that if they want to read. >> And I I understand, mayor, but I mean, the the version was in was created a month or more ago. And

1303
07:27:10.320 --> 07:27:26.878
uh and so, you know, it it did didn't wind up, I guess, getting into your package until yesterday. But the other thing is there are only these few hands. >> I know, but that's part of you got to work with the city administration, the city attorney's office to make sure it gets to us correctly.

1304
07:27:26.878 --> 07:27:43.200
>> We didn't we we >> I'm not blaming anybody. It's it is what it is. >> Well, we we did we did submit the planning board version a month over a month ago. >> To to to your point, Commissioner, um

1305
07:27:43.200 --> 07:27:58.638
look, we can we can discuss a longer term of 10 years. It's not I think I think when you start going to 20 years it's just it's just too far out. Um but you know the American dream has always been to for home home ownership. The last you know 10 plus years um there's

1306
07:27:58.638 --> 07:28:14.638
been a significant move towards rental housing and that's where the demand is and and home ownership's been you know there's lack of supply there's interest rates. There's there's there's elements of that that impact you know the the the middle class um working citizen. But to say that, you know, 15, 20 years from

1307
07:28:14.638 --> 07:28:31.120
now, that's not going to be where, you know, people that the residents of Miami Beach want. They where they want attainable, you know, home ownership versus rental, I think, is is we just don't know the answer to that, which is what the flexibility is there for. Um, that's my only comment. We're we're in the business of building residential

1308
07:28:31.120 --> 07:28:46.160
housing. We haven't done a single condo project our entire, you know, careers. Um, and you can look at our portfolio and our history to confirm that. But I I just don't want to forecast where the world is and where where where the American dream is and where home ownership is supposed to be, you know,

1309
07:28:46.160 --> 07:29:06.798
more than 101 15 years from now. >> Okay, let's call the vote. It is a first reading, so >> I need a motion. >> I'll make the motion to move the item. Second. >> I have a motion by and I can take one

1310
07:29:06.798 --> 07:29:22.638
vote for both items, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, uh, we're going to do the the planning board version of a motion by Commissioner Monica Mattel Selena, seconded by Commissioner Bot. Commissioner Bot, >> yes. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> yes. >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas,

1311
07:29:22.638 --> 07:29:36.718
>> yes. >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suarez, >> yes. >> Last Mayor Dominguez, >> yes. >> Mayor Miner, >> yes. Motion carries. Second reading. Public hearing schedule for September 10th. That is for both R5C and R5D. Both

1312
07:29:36.718 --> 07:29:52.478
will be on September 10th. The planning board version was adopted. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. By the way, if this was second reading because of the administrative issue, I would not have supported it. >> I understand. And and and let me also say this. Uh just

1313
07:29:52.478 --> 07:30:12.320
>> the item the item is done. Let's >> No, no, no. In terms of procedurally, if you want to know, okay, >> you got the win. >> No, I know. I'll talk to you later. >> I could stall a minute. Uh, let's call let's call R90. I can't call it yet.

1314
07:30:12.320 --> 07:30:32.638
R90 and then we'll >> R90 is discuss action RFLI for 7605 Collins Avenue. >> Commissioner Fernandez and Commissioner Suarez. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I don't I don't know if Alex or myself want to take this.

1315
07:30:32.638 --> 07:30:48.478
>> Um, well, I this item has been on the agenda for a long time and thank God to my aids who give me good notes to remind me of where [laughter] we were at on this um because our goal has always been to transform this property into a

1316
07:30:48.478 --> 07:31:05.120
dynamic community hub. We've been speaking with uh with residents from North Beach as close as residents that live across the street uh from from this property who have all expressed a strong desire to transform

1317
07:31:05.120 --> 07:31:22.958
um this house into into a marine life center or or or museum. um to achieve this. it. You know, different different avenues have been pursued, but ideally a public private

1318
07:31:22.958 --> 07:31:39.040
partnership um to make sure that that we're not carrying the burden of this property that someone else is able to come in to take the community desires of their there being um this this this

1319
07:31:39.040 --> 07:31:56.478
marine um this this marine life center and and and museum come to reality. what where the city doesn't have to be reinvesting uh in into that. Um, I'm interested in in hearing what my colleagues uh have have to [snorts] say,

1320
07:31:56.478 --> 07:32:13.840
but I believe, you know, the right in the the right purpose or of this item was to discuss the potential of an RFI uh to see what would be the interest in the community uh from different community organizations

1321
07:32:13.840 --> 07:32:30.798
uh to operate this space uh in a way that doesn't cost the taxpayers more money. We have the asset. We can make the asset available to to a organization that could come in and and potentially activate it where we don't have to

1322
07:32:30.798 --> 07:32:48.080
outlay more dollars. >> And that's correct. Not only do we have nearby residents and like entire condominium associations that were in support of this, but the QEC um you know for a marine science learning center

1323
07:32:48.080 --> 07:33:06.160
uh fully supportive of the idea and there's not enough educational projects in North Beach and and this would be a great start and what a great way to honor our marine life habitat and you know we're already

1324
07:33:06.160 --> 07:33:21.520
doing that through our initiatives uh on the commission. So I' I'd love to love to move this along and and get some input and seeing what what's out there to to

1325
07:33:21.520 --> 07:33:37.520
what what interest we can we can have for the property that doesn't again cost the taxpayers money. So perhaps we can make a motion uh to ask the city administration to put together an RFLI um to see what interest there could be

1326
07:33:37.520 --> 07:33:55.200
uh for for for this type of use. Uh I don't know if we would want the RFI, the draft RFLI to come back to commission so we can review it before we put it out. I don't know what the appropriate process is, Mr. Manager, or what type of direction you would need from us. So, typically when we're preparing something

1327
07:33:55.200 --> 07:34:11.280
like this, you would either direct the administration to draft and and engage with the public and bring back the responses or to draft and bring back the commission. So, I would need some clarification on whether or not you'd

1328
07:34:11.280 --> 07:34:25.760
like to see it before it goes out to the public. I mean I yeah between correct me if I'm wrong but there was there was plenty of interest on making this a marine science >> um center and I think that's the

1329
07:34:25.760 --> 07:34:41.840
direction that we promise residents and can we start there and ask for interest in groups that could participate for that center >> sure is there I mean why why wouldn't we

1330
07:34:41.840 --> 07:34:58.160
have the draft come back to >> maybe explain the process. I'm maybe a little confused. Give a little bit more detail there. >> So, I'm looking at this as similar to an RFP or an RFQ where we're basically

1331
07:34:58.160 --> 07:35:14.798
drafting a document that is going to request solicitations or proposals from outside entities to potentially take over this property and manage it as a marine learning center. And it's just a

1332
07:35:14.798 --> 07:35:30.160
question of whether or not the commission wants us to draft and circulate or draft and bring back for approval before we circulate. >> I would prefer to draft it, bring it bring it back to the commission so that we have the opportunity to share with

1333
07:35:30.160 --> 07:35:47.520
the neighbors of of the of the area. Uh at the end of the day, this is I don't think this is an idea that any of us came up with. Maybe you, Commissioner Suarez, may have had uh an element of of of ideas with this, but but in my case, residents residents were of that

1334
07:35:47.520 --> 07:36:04.160
immediate area uh were coming to us um asking us for this and it's why this item is on the is on the agenda. I'd like to be able to go back to them, share with them a draft of the RFLI before we put it out there because at

1335
07:36:04.160 --> 07:36:20.878
the end of the day, it's their it is their neighborhood. Uh, and I think we owe them that courtesy. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry to interrupt. Christy B, the chief procurement officer. Just to clarify, the RFI is an informal process where we gauge interest from the vendor

1336
07:36:20.878 --> 07:36:37.200
community or prospective proposers that can possibly later submit to a future formal solicitation. So, this is an informal process where we're just gauging interest. We won't be contracting anyone pursuant to this process and we could eventually in the

1337
07:36:37.200 --> 07:36:53.520
past I know we have brought back. >> What's the timeline? >> It can be out for just 30 days or so. It's really just to gauge interest. If we need to put it out a little bit longer, we can. It's a little >> Okay. Yeah, look. >> Can we draft this and bring it back to the >> We absolutely can if it's the will of

1338
07:36:53.520 --> 07:37:09.040
Yes. >> Listen, it's just the building's sitting there, right? We purchased it and it's kind of gone away. So, I don't want to I mean, let's move forward on it and >> but I'd like to see that draft if I'd like to see that draft at at the next

1339
07:37:09.040 --> 07:37:23.440
meeting. >> We can do that. >> Um, just for just for transparency >> of of the neighbors. This has been a conversation that's been going on for a long time. Um, and um, [snorts and clears throat] and I want to make sure that we have the buy in front of them. very important. I want to make

1340
07:37:23.440 --> 07:37:41.360
sure that it's clear in whatever RFLI we put out there to gauge uh the the the interest is that it's clear that this would be fully self-funded, a fully self-funded marine facility where the city is providing a space, but that, you

1341
07:37:41.360 --> 07:37:56.878
know, not to come to us seeking the dollars, the investments or the or the operational funds for for this facility. We're making a a an oceanfront premium piece of real estate available in the most desirable city in in the world. Who

1342
07:37:56.878 --> 07:38:13.040
out there is willing to come in and self-fund uh an operation for a marine uh science center? >> Madam Vice Mayor, >> um and I'll def I'll defer to the sponsors uh but just throwing this out there for

1343
07:38:13.040 --> 07:38:28.958
consideration. Do we cast the net slightly wider given this is receiving informal interest and maybe have it just a bit wider where it's educational family related kid focused if we want to

1344
07:38:28.958 --> 07:38:46.958
do that uh as opposed to really kind of tying into a very niche and narrow category of marine. I get the tie in with uh being on the water there and if that's the direction you want to go, I will back and support you. But I

1345
07:38:46.958 --> 07:39:03.840
think if we're just doing this to gauge interest, uh it doesn't mean we can't land on uh marine operators, but I do think it could be wise to just cast a slightly broader net. >> Commissioner Matteo Selenas. >> Um thank you, Vice Mayor. I'd like to I

1346
07:39:03.840 --> 07:39:19.360
agree with that, Commissioner Magazine. I think we should broaden it up a little bit and maybe we just open it up to any nonprofit because I'd like to take the temperature of the city to see especially in North Beach what nonprofits um are interested in either coming to our city or already here that need

1347
07:39:19.360 --> 07:39:34.958
office space. I know the Rhythm Foundation there's an item on here for the Rhythm Foundation to use that space temporarily. um they would be maybe a better you know so I want to make sure that you know we're listening to our whole nonprofit

1348
07:39:34.958 --> 07:39:56.160
community and you know I want to just make sure we c cast a broad net just to see what the interest is. So I would agree with that commissioner magazine um and uh you know maybe we can have multiple agencies there sharing the space. >> Shall we call the vote?

1349
07:39:56.160 --> 07:40:12.080
I just um if if if I may through through the vice mayor or the mayor or both [laughter] the mayor's in his >> back I was talking to the city clerk and the city manager uh >> I want to be mindful of how of of the

1350
07:40:12.080 --> 07:40:28.478
reason why this item is on the agenda. A number of number of years ago, a the the prior property owner of this site came to the city seeking to to commercialize the site. Um and then and then when that

1351
07:40:28.478 --> 07:40:45.920
started, there were a number of other discussions of other potential uses for for for this property. and and there was alarming concern, alarming o opposition from the surrounding neighbors. Uh from

1352
07:40:45.920 --> 07:41:02.718
what I gather, from from what I understand, the neighbors in the in the area feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel best feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel feel most comfortable uh with the marine life science center uh and and museum for

1353
07:41:02.718 --> 07:41:19.360
this location. There are not a lot of tourists or cultural um destinations that we have invested in in in North Beach and this could be uh one such investment that can that can help improve that that that area. I would

1354
07:41:19.360 --> 07:41:36.000
feel more comfortable out of respect to those residents to those stakeholders who have been working on this for such a long time and advocating on behalf of of this area to keep it at this. This is very informal. If the responses are underwhelming and they're and they're

1355
07:41:36.000 --> 07:41:51.040
not what we expect, I'm sure we can go back and uh and do a separate ex exploration, but I would rather stay true to what the residents have asked of us. >> I agree, Commissioner. And that we we've

1356
07:41:51.040 --> 07:42:07.200
been through the gauntlet with discussing with residents there, and for now to go back and say, "Oh, we're going to restart things." I I don't think that would be a good look or a good precedent. So, um, respectfully, Commissioner Magazine and Matteo

1357
07:42:07.200 --> 07:42:23.760
Selenus, I'd like to keep this a marine science center. It's a unique situation where it's on the east side of Collins. And what a better perfect place than to have it there where families and

1358
07:42:23.760 --> 07:42:44.478
children can learn about marine science, especially for Miami Beach. >> Call them out. I have a motion from Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Draft RLI come back to city commission in July. All in favor, please

1359
07:42:44.478 --> 07:43:00.120
say I. >> I. >> I. Anyone opposed? Hearing none. The item is approved. So 70. That was item R90. >> As was referenced, there's a somewhat related item regarding the Rhythm Foundation.

1360
07:43:02.478 --> 07:43:17.200
>> You have the number handy. >> R7 AE. >> R7 AE. R7 AE is license temporary use agreement with Rhythm Foundation doing business as a bandell 7605 Collins Avenue.

1361
07:43:17.200 --> 07:43:33.920
>> So, Mr. Mayor, this is an administrative item. Can I take it off? >> Take it away, Eric. So, um, the Rhythm Foundation was, uh, leasing space from the Ocean Terrace, uh, development,

1362
07:43:33.920 --> 07:43:51.520
uh, for a nominal fee, uh, in light of the fact that they were in a transitional period, meaning Ocean Terrace, Ocean Terrace has given them notice that they will be moving forward with their development and that they need the Rhythm Foundation to be out of

1363
07:43:51.520 --> 07:44:09.360
of that space by the end of next month. Um, so we were trying to find some way to bridge a temporary uh home for them while they figure out where they're going to find a soft landing. Um, and

1364
07:44:09.360 --> 07:44:27.360
since 7605 is currently unoccupied and is deteriorating by not being occupied, uh, we thought that that might be a good opportunity for them to move in, no cost to the city, um, and them

1365
07:44:27.360 --> 07:44:42.798
pick up the cost of the air conditioning and any utilities on the site, help keep the facility in a better condition, um, and also give them a place to call home for the next 6 months while they

1366
07:44:42.798 --> 07:44:59.360
find a permanent location. Um Azie, anything that I've left out, >> Mr. Manager? Um the way that the memo is written, the city would be responsible for the utilities. >> Okay. Can we make the >> We want to make that change. >> Yes. >> Yes, sir.

1367
07:44:59.360 --> 07:45:17.200
>> Um no, no, nothing further. They will provide us with a certificate of insurance. Um and we will enter into a I believe a use agreement. um that we will draft through our legal department. >> Just a second.

1368
07:45:17.200 --> 07:45:34.398
>> Call a vote. I have a motion on R seven AE by Commissioner Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Suarez as amended. Uh all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> The amendment it was the utilities 70. It's approved. 70

1369
07:45:34.398 --> 07:45:58.638
R7 AE R2A >> R2A is award RFQ 2026119 WG Byron Carile Cultural Center with workforce housing R2A the uh North Beach afternoon. >> So good afternoon if I may. Christy

1370
07:45:58.638 --> 07:46:14.320
Bala, chief procurement officer. If you all recall at the May 20th commission meeting, you requested for the proposers to come back and do a quick presentation on their experience and qualifications. They're all prepared to do so. Um

1371
07:46:14.320 --> 07:46:31.520
um they are each available and present to provide a brief presentation. I've asked them to prepare based on their experience and qualifications. Once they complete their presentations, if it's okay, we'll go ahead and allow, well, not allow, but you're all welcome to ask them any questions that you may have

1372
07:46:31.520 --> 07:46:48.240
relative to their experience and qualifications. With that, um, >> didn't we agree 5 minutes each? >> I Yes, we told them five minutes each. Um, and we also asked them to be prepared for less time if needed, but um, they've been asked to keep it at five minutes. >> So, with that, the first ranked proposer

1373
07:46:48.240 --> 07:47:09.120
was Stantech. I believe they might be I don't know if they're Oh, you're here in person. Perfect. >> Welcome. >> Um, I'm going to put boards because I know we're limited with time and it'll be much easier for you guys to see information. >> Thank you. >> And while that happens,

1374
07:47:09.120 --> 07:47:25.360
>> um, thank you very much for giving us an opportunity to present our qualifications and experience. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Arur Vasquez. I am a resident of Miami Beach. I've been here for 15 years and I

1375
07:47:25.360 --> 07:47:39.520
appreciate all the work that you guys have done for um uh improving our neighborhood and uh when I moved here in 2010, I lived at 74 in Byron. So I've actually seen the transformation of this amazing neighborhood that we now have an

1376
07:47:39.520 --> 07:47:55.760
opportunity to create an anchor that can unify the whole neighborhood and expand on the resources that the community is interested to bring such a facility. Um uh the company that I work for is called

1377
07:47:55.760 --> 07:48:11.360
Stantech. Stantech has been here for close to 25 years. Um, I realize that the paperwork that you saw, uh, Commissioner Matio Salinas, uh, says that we have a license or we have, um, uh, in Denver, but that's only because

1378
07:48:11.360 --> 07:48:27.120
Stantech acquired us when, uh, my partners and I created the firm, uh, almost 20 years ago. Uh, and that means that Stantech allows us an opportunity to bring you experts from across the country. So, our office has been local

1379
07:48:27.120 --> 07:48:44.080
for the entire time that we've been here. We are in Miami Beach in Miami. Uh and uh I moved here in 2010 because I wanted to be a resident of Miami Beach uh and celebrate the great diversity and all of the efforts that you guys have done to improve the city that I'm a

1380
07:48:44.080 --> 07:49:00.558
proud resident of. Um this project is unique because it represents an opportunity to bring an adaptive reuse condition to a building that is very meaningful to a lot of people in the neighborhood. I'm aware of that because

1381
07:49:00.558 --> 07:49:15.920
I've seen the transformation of that neighborhood. So, we've assembled a team both internally and externally in order to bring you the experts that can give you not only the local knowledge that we have of the neighborhood. I designed the

1382
07:49:15.920 --> 07:49:32.320
Gail Hotel, if you remember that, and I'm happy that um uh Santorini is moving there because we don't want to lose an institution like that. Um and I run around the track at Flamingo Park. So, I appreciate what you've done to save that. >> Sorry. >> You know, all of us.

1383
07:49:32.320 --> 07:49:48.320
>> I I know I know you guys because I follow you everywhere. I see Steve Mayor Miner at the Betsy on Sundays celebrating music. Um, we're very proud to be here and uh unfortunately the paperwork didn't reflect that we're local simply because when we were

1384
07:49:48.320 --> 07:50:04.638
acquired, it moved the legality of being able to bring other experts. Uh on these boards you see our knowledge of the locality and the opportunity for this building to expand and become a cultural

1385
07:50:04.638 --> 07:50:21.440
anchor that not only is the preservation of the building possible. I know Commissioner Suarez is very keen on the housing component and how the housing component can offset the operational costs. We have specialists that know about

1386
07:50:21.440 --> 07:50:38.638
>> I would say that's between that's both Commissioner Bot and >> well housing is very important. My experience in adaptive reuse and all the work that we've done locally uh with specialists that we can bring to the table is going to give you what you need. What is the right number? It

1387
07:50:38.638 --> 07:50:54.878
depends. It depends on the number of parking. It depends on the AMI. It depends on how we can give you the best example of beautiful housing for residents that live there that are not going to be priced out. Um, when I lived at Byron, I had to move over to Uklid

1388
07:50:54.878 --> 07:51:12.080
because I can't I can't live there anymore. Um, and things get expensive. Um, so our our team not only has people like myself who know the district and know the area very well, have experienced the revolution of what's

1389
07:51:12.080 --> 07:51:26.240
happening in Miami Beach. My first project when I moved here was the um u the theater uh the Jack Theater, then the Gale, and then the Berkeley Shore. So, I know how to do projects like this

1390
07:51:26.240 --> 07:51:43.440
where you need a real level of of understanding of adaptive reuse and new construction. With me is Gustavo, who is the guy that signs all the documents. Um, and he's been here longer than me. >> 30 years.

1391
07:51:43.440 --> 07:52:01.360
>> 30 years. and uh he is an expert at resiliency, adaptive reuse, and understanding what we can do with the building, what parts we can preserve, and what parts need new construction because we're putting in a building that is significant and that you want to be

1392
07:52:01.360 --> 07:52:20.240
proud of. Um, with us is also a firm, an international firm called MDR, MBRBD, DV. They have experience locally uh and they are experts at creating iconic imagery. So the building that we we've

1393
07:52:20.240 --> 07:52:35.760
uh hope to work with you on not only is going to celebrate the past but also look into the future with experts that are both international in quality because we heard loud and clear from the residents that they wanted to be proud of the neighborhood and look into the

1394
07:52:35.760 --> 07:52:52.398
future. And I realize uh Commissioner Bod, you've been involved with this project for a long time. Um we are here to ask you for your vote and for your confidence that we're the right team to give you not only a lens of what happens in the past, but also what is necessary

1395
07:52:52.398 --> 07:53:08.320
to bring this project to a future. Um and I'll close by saying uh my favorite quote in my entire career from Winston Churchill. First we shape our buildings and then they shape us. And that's really fundamental to everything that

1396
07:53:08.320 --> 07:53:23.360
I've done as an architect in the last 30 years and what I can uh deliver to you with Stantech. And we appreciate your vote. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Some of your projects here. >> Yes. Um the that project there is um the

1397
07:53:23.360 --> 07:53:39.520
CL the um uh residential project in in uh Windwood. Uh right before Windwood became what it is now, we did one of the first project of strata. All of our work is always uh involved with an art

1398
07:53:39.520 --> 07:53:56.478
component. Even if it's residential, there's always a concept of art necessary for that. The other projects are with our experts from New York who are experts in performing arts centers. That's Carl Kres. He's been working as a performing arts center specialist for 40

1399
07:53:56.478 --> 07:54:13.600
years. um and he will be involved on that aspect of the work while I cover with Gustavo the residential and the u expression of the building with the larger context of the of the neighborhood.

1400
07:54:13.600 --> 07:54:30.958
Um these are the performing arts centers that have fared very well during the interview phase. Um the the the selection committee liked these projects because they bring in housing and the performing arts center and there's a number of ways that we can do that on

1401
07:54:30.958 --> 07:54:46.398
this project that I think will um will be good for you guys to sort of analyze uh so that we bring you not only the housing but a very beautiful community uh building that achieves all the uses that you're looking for.

1402
07:54:46.398 --> 07:55:04.000
Uh down here we did a collage um simply because I know the neighborhood and that collage expresses our concept of bringing everyone together and creating not only a building that can be functional. It can be emotionally

1403
07:55:04.000 --> 07:55:20.320
connected to the neighborhood, but also allowing that building to become part of the larger millu of the city and the neighborhood with a band shell uh connections to the park for family and people to be able to access the building, but also improve the

1404
07:55:20.320 --> 07:55:37.200
neighborhood. And I think that's really fundamental uh to understanding how important this building is. It's more than a building. It's a community asset. Thank you. >> All right. >> Good presentation. >> I hope I answered all your questions. >> Thank you.

1405
07:55:37.200 --> 07:55:52.798
>> If we have more, we'll we know where to find you. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate you. >> So, the second ranked is >> Gustavo, you were Miami Beach resident, too. >> I'm sorry. >> Are you Miami Beach res? >> No. >> Okay. Close by. >> Close by.

1406
07:55:52.798 --> 07:56:10.320
>> One one last thing. Um uh our project manager, Edva, is with her family traveling. she couldn't be here. Um, she's actually worked with the city for a long time when she was the principal at CP3S that we already have a contract with you guys on doing some work. Um, so

1407
07:56:10.320 --> 07:56:25.680
we just really continuing that opportunity to be able to work with you. >> Thank you. >> Well, can I ask a quick question? What's what's your idea? >> My idea, >> what should we expect? What what what would be your vision? How do you bring

1408
07:56:25.680 --> 07:56:42.478
that to life? First of all, the building needs to be able to work as a modern facility that creates a mixture of uses, all of which are unique, right? You want several different kinds of uses. Um, but

1409
07:56:42.478 --> 07:56:59.920
it also needs to open to the community and open to the neighborhood and be able to connect people not only to what happens inside the building, but also to the band shell, to the park across the street and not just be um, you know, inundated with development. I think you

1410
07:56:59.920 --> 07:57:16.798
guys have an opportunity to create a center that will become an anchor for the arts, for the whole city, not only for Miami Beach, but also for Miami. In fact, that doesn't exist right now. There is no building like this anywhere

1411
07:57:16.798 --> 07:57:32.878
in the city. Not in Miami, not in Miami Beach. The vision is for a a building that can go beyond itself and be able to be part of the entirety of the arts um

1412
07:57:32.878 --> 07:57:50.558
and culture that is beyond North Beach. >> Thank you for your passion for our city. >> Excellent. >> Thank you for your passion for our city. >> Thank you. >> You wear it on your sleeve. >> I hope you uh I hope I answer your question. >> Thank you. I'll go ahead and call up the next um the second ranked which was Brooks

1413
07:57:50.558 --> 07:58:17.360
Scarpa Huber Architects. >> Yeah. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. >> You want to switch? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Um good afternoon, mayor and commissioners. I'm Angie Brooks, managing principal of Brooks Scarpa

1414
07:58:17.360 --> 07:58:34.398
Huber. I was born and raised in Florida and my two partners grew up in Miami. We are a globally recognized woman-owned firm founded 35 years ago with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Los Angeles. And we've completed cultural arts projects around

1415
07:58:34.398 --> 07:58:51.600
the country, including Hollywood, Florida, as well as thousands of units of housing, including two apartments very close to us today. We are currently working on two cultural arts projects. One with virtually the same program as the Byron Carile performance space,

1416
07:58:51.600 --> 07:59:06.638
cultural space. >> Where is that one? I'm sorry. >> This one is in Culver City, the city of Culver City. Uh workforce housing over retail. >> Our team really knows North Beach. And I'm going to hand it to Jeff, my partner, for a short presentation. >> Yeah. And we do have a presentation. I

1417
07:59:06.638 --> 07:59:22.478
don't know if we can pull it up on the screen. So, yes. Good afternoon, mayor, commissioners. Um, we believe our team is the most qualified for the Byron Carlile. We know North Beach, we know cultural arts facilities, we know housing, and we know public private partnerships and how they

1418
07:59:22.478 --> 07:59:38.798
work. I'm Jeff Huber. I will lead and be the project architect on this. And I am here local and also born and raised in Miami. So, I I've been here for 46 years. Um together our team brings the experience, expertise, relationships and

1419
07:59:38.798 --> 07:59:53.760
local knowledge necessary to move the Byron Carlile forward. Most importantly, these are existing partnerships. We have done this before together and we are prepared to do it again. We are not learning North Beach. We are

1420
07:59:53.760 --> 08:00:09.440
already here within less than a mile of the Byron Carile. Our team has just completed the largest affordable housing project in the city of Miami Beach in the last 50 years. this debris and we've permitted the heron and both are in partnership with the housing authority here of the city of Miami Beach. We have

1421
08:00:09.440 --> 08:00:26.718
worked alongside organizations helping shape this neighborhood today and we have a long-standing relationship with the residents, stakeholders, community organizations and city staff. We believe that architecture should be of a place and this is no different than

1422
08:00:26.718 --> 08:00:42.798
Byron Carlo. North Beach deserves a project that belongs here and could not exist anywhere else. Many of us also have personal connections to the Byron Carlile. Michael Harris actually performed in the space when it was O Cinema. I actually

1423
08:00:42.798 --> 08:00:57.600
watched Empire Strikes Back when I was growing up. Um so like many residents, we carry memories of this place. The Byron Carile has been a part of North Beach's story for generations and it deserves a future worthy of the

1424
08:00:57.600 --> 08:01:14.958
residents of and of that history. So that's where our experience becomes or becomes particularly relevant. The Hollywood Art and Culture Center demonstrates our experience transforming historic structures into vibrant cultural destinations like the Byron Carile. This required balancing

1425
08:01:14.958 --> 08:01:30.160
preservation, community programming, and long-term operations. Cultural buildings succeed only when they become community assets. This debreeze demonstrates our ability to de deliver affordable housing right

1426
08:01:30.160 --> 08:01:46.320
here in Miami Beach and in North Beach. It also demonstrates our experience working with the housing authority, navigating approvals, adapting to flooding and future heat, and strengthening neighborhoods through housing.

1427
08:01:46.320 --> 08:02:03.040
And so this may be the closest precedent to the Byron Carile that we're currently working on. And so this is being developed, you know, as as close and in in relationship to this as any other project across the country. And this is the Culver Theater. It is essentially the same program and scale.

1428
08:02:03.040 --> 08:02:18.160
And that combines an historic theater, cultural arts programming, workforce housing, retail activation, and a public private partnership delivery all within a single project. It addresses many of the same issues being discussed here today. Preserving

1429
08:02:18.160 --> 08:02:35.680
culture, creating housing, and strengthening community identity. We understand how to balance those priorities successfully. So, the Byron Carlile requires cultural arts expertise, housing expertise, historic preservation experience,

1430
08:02:35.680 --> 08:02:51.200
financing development and implementation. Our team has delivered projects like this across the country. We have done this before and we have assembled the team necessary to deliver it again here for the Byron Carile. Our [snorts] team

1431
08:02:51.200 --> 08:03:08.798
is fully integrated. Brooks Scarper Huber will provide design leadership and expertise as well as preservation. Roberto at C studio and stages will bring arts programming, operations, community engagement with a deep Miami Beach relationship. Donahghue Peoples

1432
08:03:08.798 --> 08:03:24.398
brings development, financing, and public private partnership experience. The housing authority brings housing delivery and management experience. And our team understands the Miami Beach process, the stakeholder groups, and the importance of community consensus. Our

1433
08:03:24.398 --> 08:03:41.360
commitment is to work with the city and the North Beach community to identify the right solution together. So, we are the most qualified team. We know North Beach. We know cultural arts. We know housing. We know how public

1434
08:03:41.360 --> 08:03:57.760
private partnerships work. And we understand most importantly, we we are already here. And we understand the community, the stakeholders, the process. And we will remain in this community long after this project is built.

1435
08:03:57.760 --> 08:04:13.200
We are ready to begin immediately and we would be honored to work with you on this project in the next chapter of the Byron Carile. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Commissioner Magazine, >> for anybody on the on your team, whether you're the right person or somebody

1436
08:04:13.200 --> 08:04:28.718
else, same question I asked before. What is your vision? Help help me visualize in my head what I would see there in four or five years. >> So, I think you can you can look I mean one of the things Byron Carile like I said has a memory. It also has a future. We want to look at how do we preserve

1437
08:04:28.718 --> 08:04:43.600
those memories within the Byron Carile. Um, but if you look at our Vista Breeze project, I mean, this is one thing we're always accused of is we never repeat ourselves because we want to understand and are steeped in the places that we're working. Commissioner, like we cannot, you know, again, what I would always say

1438
08:04:43.600 --> 08:05:00.558
is it's the idiosyncratic Vista Breeze was in a historic preservation district. It's in a place susceptible to sea level rise and flooding. We had to manage and understand working with that going through the historic preservation board going through the design reviews going through all of these process as well as

1439
08:05:00.558 --> 08:05:16.240
going ahead and working with the developer to save them 90% on insurance cost to make this a resilient sustainable building. It just received lead certification or lead gold certification. Um and so these are things that we want to look at. It's not about one identified solution. We're

1440
08:05:16.240 --> 08:05:32.080
going to understand the place, the history, the architecture, and the community because I know all of those are varying and um we would identify what those those um those elements would be. So, we don't come in with like a preconceived notion of what it wants to look like. We think about it in the

1441
08:05:32.080 --> 08:05:51.680
place that in the context that it's in. >> Are you based in Florida or California? >> I'm in I'm Fort Lauderdale and Miami. >> Yep. >> With the headquarters. And so Angie is in Los Angeles. >> I'm in Los Angeles. >> Can you explain the the the difference? >> Yeah, sure. The company was incorporated

1442
08:05:51.680 --> 08:06:07.360
in uh California and we're 20 about 25 people. Um we have an office here that's been here for nine years. >> No, 12 >> 12 years. And um >> 10 years goes by real quick as the commissioner >> and part of the reason why we did that

1443
08:06:07.360 --> 08:06:24.240
is because I'm from Florida. Um, we have always wanted to work in Florida and it was an opportunity with Jeff um to open an office here and that's that's what we >> we're all from Florida and um you know I was born and raised like I said in Miami and Baptist Hospital actually went to New World School of the Arts in downtown

1444
08:06:24.240 --> 08:06:40.878
uh Miami. Came over here during um and we would always paint. I was a visual uh in the visual arts program on that. But you know so we're steeped in this place. I've been here and I've worked here my whole life. >> Yeah. I'm just confused how Don is involved in this. Like this is the first

1445
08:06:40.878 --> 08:06:57.280
time I'm seeing this. >> I'm happy to answer. In fact, Commissioner, I think uh it might have been your idea and I I remember I think it was a FK hearing and uh with respect to our other project, the Barlay uh and and you you brought me back up to this

1446
08:06:57.280 --> 08:07:14.878
lectern and and you asked me uh if I would come in and help figure out what to do with the Byron Carile and u you know I uh I did my best. I brought together the architecture team that we use at the

1447
08:07:14.878 --> 08:07:30.000
Barlay that uh we do or that that produced the most workforce housing in the city and done it in an incredible way in partnership with the housing authority. Uh we've put together a team that's steeped in the cultural arts infrastructure. In fact, brought the

1448
08:07:30.000 --> 08:07:47.600
team that led the Adrian Arts Center uh to come in and ensure that we deliver best-in-class product. Uh my hope is is that we've put together a compelling proposal that um >> So are you are you are you an acting consultant for the firm? How do you

1449
08:07:47.600 --> 08:08:02.478
>> No. Um >> I'm just just curious what's your role in >> to uh to assist in structuring the development in the capital stack in order to minimize the city's economic exposure and develop workforce housing without coming back here and asking for

1450
08:08:02.478 --> 08:08:20.398
money. >> Okay. in ensuring a vision that we can move forward >> from beginning to end. >> I mean obviously you're not part of the architecture firm. >> So just I just want to know like how like >> how does how do you play in on this

1451
08:08:20.398 --> 08:08:37.040
design? You know I mean that's why I'm asking are you brought on as a consultant or >> I I think that the the design and the financing actually intimately interplay with one another. Uh certainly we can design something that you know might might look like the Guggenheim. Uh but

1452
08:08:37.040 --> 08:08:52.878
the question is can we afford it uh and that's doubly true with respect to workforce housing. Brooks and Scarpa does an amazing job uh developing workforce housing that is aesthetically beautiful but you know ultimately u also financable. Uh someone's got to run the

1453
08:08:52.878 --> 08:09:08.558
numbers. Someone has to have the intimate understanding of the financing solutions that allow these sorts of housing to get developed. Uh and frankly uh I think that you know together as a team we're we're greater than than the sum of our parts. Uh I don't think I'd

1454
08:09:08.558 --> 08:09:25.296
be a consultant as much as uh I'd be a uh financial engineer. >> Just to clarify, they were asked to partner with a financial analysis firm and that I believe is the role of their firm within their team.

1455
08:09:25.296 --> 08:09:39.520
>> [snorts] >> All the teams were asked to have a financial analysis firm for the workforce housing component. >> Okay. >> Can you um Sorry, >> Commissioner Bot.

1456
08:09:39.520 --> 08:09:54.878
>> Can you please um speak to the other members of your team's relevant expertise and local >> me >> roots? I I can actually ask some of them to come up and just give Roberto, you want to just give a a sentence or two about your role in the project?

1457
08:09:54.878 --> 08:10:12.160
>> Sure. Mr. Mayor, Commissioner, I'm Roberto Spe. I was the lead architect at the Arch Center and um been working in the community in predominantly cultural projects. Um I started working with the save the Byron uh October 2020.

1458
08:10:12.160 --> 08:10:26.638
um work through from my experience with the Sears building and how much do we keep or not at the AR center and the sensitivity involved and then through with the friends of the Byron. I was part of the friends of the Byron and worked with them to define the the

1459
08:10:26.638 --> 08:10:43.520
program and you know understand what the sweet spot is for what they their needs are. Um and then Donghue and I worked on a proposal that including included the housing. So I I would be an arm and a plug in to uh and a collaborator with

1460
08:10:43.520 --> 08:10:59.520
the Brooks and Scarp and Cuber uh team. Mike, you want to share? >> Good afternoon. Uh Michael O'Hara, executive director of the housing authority, city of Miami Beach, 200 Alton Road. The housing authorities's role is on the housing component to make

1461
08:10:59.520 --> 08:11:15.440
sure the housing works. Um too many times you've seen projects come to the city that are brilliantly designed and don't work. Um, so that's the housing authorities's role with Donnu peoples is to make sure that the product works. It's economically feasible and can

1462
08:11:15.440 --> 08:11:32.478
realistically um move ahead. Some interesting tidbits. The housing authority was the fir was the uh developer that brought Brooks and Scarpa to Miami Beach. Um, we focus uh heavy on design, making sure that our projects stand out and fit into the

1463
08:11:32.478 --> 08:11:50.080
neighborhoods. And we looked for firms nationwide and we came to uh Brooks and Scarba and they have delivered uh brilliant designs for the housing authority Vista Breeze and the Heron um and we're working with Donnu and and the team also with the uh Barkley and uh

1464
08:11:50.080 --> 08:12:06.478
like Jeff said I performed three times at the Byron Carlile uh probably the only team member across all of the applicants that had the opportunity to see the stage, be backstage, perform in it and and I know it um intimately. And

1465
08:12:06.478 --> 08:12:23.040
one thing that I took away from that is 20 years ago wasn't in good shape. It wasn't up to uh the standard of what Miami Beach should be offering as a cultural institution. So, I'm proud to be part of a team that can make sure that we bring something that uh Miami

1466
08:12:23.040 --> 08:12:40.240
Beach will be proud of. Thank you. >> Barry, I'm gonna ask you to come up, too, please. I I don't know if uh you should be familiar with this gentleman here. [laughter] Uh, good evening. I guess now Barry Miller, landscape architect with Savina Miller Design Studio. Uh, long-term

1467
08:12:40.240 --> 08:12:55.440
residents. Uh, we love this city. I think you all know that. Uh, generationally, I I guess my tidbit is that I work with this gentleman's father for the Royal Palm Hotel project. You go

1468
08:12:55.440 --> 08:13:11.680
way back remembering that when the city didn't give Mandela the key and Mr. Peeles senior uh uh came in to uh save the hotel. So we were the landscape architect for that project and I it's a privilege to to maybe work with his son

1469
08:13:11.680 --> 08:13:28.638
uh again uh and of course the Brooks and Scarp team. Thanks. >> And we're currently working on several projects here uh locally. Cranon Park, you know, one of the small thousand acre parks over uh you know, across the the cut. Um but you know, we we assembled a

1470
08:13:28.638 --> 08:13:43.840
team that we are excited to work with them. We all have mutual respect. We have a former relationships working with each one of these team members. And that was what we wanted to bring that vision to the Byron Carlile because we understand how critical it's going to be

1471
08:13:43.840 --> 08:14:06.160
for this community and as a cultural asset for the city of Miami Beach. Thank you. >> We We just It's 100% occupied now or at least the contracts are signed on the last one, but the Yeah, it's 119 units

1472
08:14:06.160 --> 08:14:22.240
that has moved beyond the 115 I think you built over the last 10 years. And we're really excited to be a part of that. It also to build on out Commissioner Fernandez's comment um from shovel in the ground which happened when we were just elected to you know

1473
08:14:22.240 --> 08:14:38.958
completion um was pretty quick and it's contextually appropriate in Miami Beach and fresh and with roots uh architectural roots being clear. So um I'm a fan. Thank you. You look at it and you think through the mayor that

1474
08:14:38.958 --> 08:14:54.878
it's a building that was that would have built would have been built in the era of Miami modern architecture >> but with all the modern standards. >> That's the biggest compliment we can receive because that's exactly what we were going for. And then two, I don't know if you noticed, we didn't want just

1475
08:14:54.878 --> 08:15:11.040
a banal stucco building too. We put some glitter on it. So, you know, we hope it's playing Liberace as you're walking or >> Commissioner Bod is going to loves that. I'm sure the [laughter] glitter. >> I'm a big fan of glitter. >> You want no splinters. Just glitter. >> Just glitter. >> Okay. Thank you.

1476
08:15:11.040 --> 08:15:37.840
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> With that, we'll move to the third and last ranked firm, Color Architecture. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Well, good afternoon, Mayor. uh vice mayor and commissioners. Uh my name is Joseph Kaylor of Kaylor

1477
08:15:37.840 --> 08:15:54.160
Architecture and we are the workforce housing uh experts. We are a local South Florida architectural firm practicing for 45 years. I personally grew up here during my early years on South Beach and

1478
08:15:54.160 --> 08:16:09.440
attended my elementary through high school education in Miami Beach. Having a local presence in South Florida gives our firm an extensive understanding of local zoning, state codes, and FEMA flood requirements. We have an

1479
08:16:09.440 --> 08:16:24.638
unparalleled experience in affordable and workforce housing and have completed more than 5,000 workforce housing units in South Florida. Our Kaylor and Diamond Schmidt team will bring global highes

1480
08:16:24.638 --> 08:16:40.558
standards and integrate a project containing both workforce housing and an unparalleled community performing arts complex that will strengthen North Beach as a significant cultural and arts center

1481
08:16:40.558 --> 08:16:57.600
hub. Your project success is built on key five pillars. one, community support, stakeholder engagement, financial viability, workforce, housing and cultural center integration, and

1482
08:16:57.600 --> 08:17:13.200
outstanding architecture. Our Kaylor uh Diamond Schmidt team have you covered with these five key pillars. Calling up Matthew Leila of Diamond Schmidt with unparalleled performing arts experience. Thank you.

1483
08:17:13.200 --> 08:17:30.080
>> Thank you. And uh good afternoon to everyone. Do we have also had a short PowerPoint? I'm not sure. Thanks. Um so those are the five um key pillars we think and the project will not succeed if all if any one of them um isn't as

1484
08:17:30.080 --> 08:17:46.558
strong as it can be. It really needs full-on in. We are the um performing arts and design uh specialists on the team. Um we've built over 60 venues all over the country and all over the world. We've received over 400 national and

1485
08:17:46.558 --> 08:18:02.638
global awards and we've been ranked in the top 10 of performing arts uh architects globally. Um we've built at very large scales. So we recently completed David Geffen Hall uh in Lincoln Center in New York City. What we

1486
08:18:02.638 --> 08:18:18.878
also build at all scales if you go to the next slide um uh building for >> the computers on your left hand side. second. >> The computer's on your left hand side for the next slide. >> Oh, there it is. Here it

1487
08:18:18.878 --> 08:18:33.360
is. >> Um, so yeah, there are some of our um >> accomplishments. >> Accomplishments. Um and we, as I was saying, we built at all scales. So the building on the upper

1488
08:18:33.360 --> 08:18:50.398
left uh and left middle of the screen is a project um that is exactly this program uh that was completed in Toronto, Canada. It's quite an unusual mix, programmatic mix to mix housing um and theater, but it should be applauded

1489
08:18:50.398 --> 08:19:07.840
as uh in this case after a couple of years of intensive community engagement um to get the mix just right, the mix of theater, educational component, outreach, uh and housing. It made an enormous difference to this community.

1490
08:19:07.840 --> 08:19:23.280
>> Where where was that? >> In Toronto, Canada. Um the building on the bottom middle with the blue background is in Lebec, Texas and it's a PPP project that was also built uh following years of community engagement

1491
08:19:23.280 --> 08:19:40.558
together with the independent school district um with the LEC symphony orchestra uh with um local dance groups uh ballet folk chlorico ballet lab etc. So um and on that I want to say that to

1492
08:19:40.558 --> 08:19:58.600
bring life back to the Byron Carile the first two steps are the most important ones and they are the engagement process and the modeling to make sure this flies and so with that I'd like to introduce Diana and Eric and Diana will speak about engagement.

1493
08:19:58.638 --> 08:20:15.200
>> Good afternoon. Thank you for having us. My name is Diana Sanhuro. I um I'm the public information officer uh that will be working on this project hopefully. Uh we are a local um you know media relations and um community engagement firm. I have personally worked at the

1494
08:20:15.200 --> 08:20:30.958
beach for the past 12 years in several um projects. I work handinhand with the neighborhoods affairs office on a daily basis. um currently leading all PI efforts for the fireflow packages, the first street um improvements project and

1495
08:20:30.958 --> 08:20:48.478
we also did the advanced meter and infrastructure project. Uh Eric Ly with Lambert Advisory, principal with Lambert Advisory. We're an economic and real estate uh consulting firm based here in Miami. I'm actually a former North Beach resident. Don't ask me how long ago. Um [laughter]

1496
08:20:48.478 --> 08:21:03.520
our and uh our practice has a specialty in public private partnership structuring. Um we've been fortunate enough to be able to work with the city of Miami Beach in the past uh including the North Beach Town Center, Ocean Terrace, uh the Mixed Youth Entertainment District, and other

1497
08:21:03.520 --> 08:21:20.080
projects. Um in in this brief time I just want to say we are keenly aware of the city's um goals and focus for redevelopment in terms of you know especially focusing on on affordable housing or attainable housing um and and how important that is to any

1498
08:21:20.080 --> 08:21:36.958
redevelopment uh and so uh you know we understand you know kind of you know where that needs to be and it obviously is part of this Byron Carell you know programming. Um the second the second item is obviously the fiscal responsibility um and and and really

1499
08:21:36.958 --> 08:21:53.040
seeking to make projects financially viable. Um and that is why we are on this team. I I think it was already mentioned before, you know, let's not kid ourselves. The ability to support attainable workforce, affordable housing along with some community, community-

1500
08:21:53.040 --> 08:22:08.718
based and cultural activity can be financially challenging. Uh especially, you know, given where, you know, development costs are today. uh and so I think it's important that you know any team has a financial analyst like we we've talked about and it's been mentioned before as part of the team

1501
08:22:08.718 --> 08:22:24.320
namely to be able to provide some guidance in terms of alternate programming perhaps or development options that would leverage the as much you know private sector revenue generating resources whether it's you know including some market rate or some

1502
08:22:24.320 --> 08:22:40.080
element of commercial retail uh to you know provide uh you know that you know additional financing that can help uh you know make this financially viable uh and not only to attract a private you know a developer partner if that's how you choose but also make this accretive

1503
08:22:40.080 --> 08:22:57.280
to the city. So that's our role and hopefully we'll be able to play in that in terms of its guidance. So I'll turn it back over to >> Commissioner Bond. >> Um just a quick question for you. You said you worked uh in North Beach Town Center. What projects? >> Um right here on the North Beach Town Center. So initially structuring the uh

1504
08:22:57.280 --> 08:23:12.878
>> uh helping with Mark I gosh um but but we did the economic uh and fiscal analysis initially before the before the RFP or any any uh documentation went out in the development but we were kind of instrumental in providing the fiscal >> benefits which are the development

1505
08:23:12.878 --> 08:23:26.958
projects or for the m the north beach master plan with >> it was it was specifically the North Beach Town Center project as part of the master plan. Yeah, Lam Lambert did the work for the city as part of the TCC

1506
08:23:26.958 --> 08:23:46.160
discussions and in the before the implementation of the the town center >> preliminary stages of up >> but not for any specific project for the modeling of what town center zoning could be. >> Yes, they were working directly with the

1507
08:23:46.160 --> 08:24:00.878
planning department. >> Okay. So before or after plan noi? >> What's that? >> Before or after plan noi? [sighs] >> I believe it was after plan noi. But >> that plan noi my understanding is was

1508
08:24:00.878 --> 08:24:18.240
the initial plan that was done in 2014 and then the TCC zoning district was implemented in 2016 2017. >> Yeah. 2019 and we were involved in >> Nobody was later than that I thought >> with do coal that was later than 2014. over coal was after Lambert.

1509
08:24:18.240 --> 08:24:33.280
>> Okay, that's what I'm trying to get to. Okay. >> Yes. >> We were involved in I think it was about 2020. So, >> okay. >> You mentioned that you had um was it 400 projects across the country or 400 awards? Well, how many

1510
08:24:33.280 --> 08:24:50.240
projects did you >> uh we have many more than 60 projects? Uh >> 60 performing arts venues was the stat. any that we would know or that we >> David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center is the renovation of um the old Avery

1511
08:24:50.240 --> 08:25:05.520
Fischer Hall. So it's where the New York Philarmonic plays. We did the American Shakespeare Theater, the Harmon Cardan Center in Washington DC. Um we did call in Detroit. >> You did the whole architecture. >> Yes.

1512
08:25:05.520 --> 08:25:21.280
>> Don't let me stop you. Yeah, keep going. >> Uh I'm we're working now at the University of Virginia. We're working at Old Dominion University. >> Um [clears throat] we've got a long portfolio of theaters and we're also working with Fischer Dax Associates uh

1513
08:25:21.280 --> 08:25:38.320
with um Bob Campbell who did the programming um for the Byron Carile for the for as part of the RFP that that went out. >> And you know, maybe I should through the mayor ask and I'll ask I'll start with you guys. Have you ever built anything

1514
08:25:38.320 --> 08:25:53.120
like this? Well, as I said by like this >> of what we want, >> do you mean the full program of uh a theater and housing? The answer is yes, we have built it. It's in Regent Park in

1515
08:25:53.120 --> 08:26:11.360
Toronto. Um, and the reason I say we've only built one out of the 60 is because it's quite an uncommon mix to mix housing together with a theater project. Um, but uh perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I think it's a great idea. Um,

1516
08:26:11.360 --> 08:26:28.000
it does rely on a lot of engagement and it does rely on a lot of financial modeling to get the balance right. Let me say actually the um when there's a lot of engagement and a lot of stakeholders,

1517
08:26:28.000 --> 08:26:45.360
you can't compromise. You must take the time to create consensus. Nobody should leave the table feeling like their needs won't be met. And that takes a little bit of time. So, we think our team is toolled to help the city

1518
08:26:45.360 --> 08:27:01.440
meet that goal. >> Yeah. Cuz I was always under impression that this was never been done before where you have a housing component subsidizing or paying for the cultural arts component or the offset for it.

1519
08:27:01.440 --> 08:27:17.200
And this has happened in Toronto. >> It did. I'd be stretching a little bit to say that the financial operating model is based on income, but the co-development model is exactly what you're proposing.

1520
08:27:17.200 --> 08:27:36.798
>> And sorry to um bring the other applicants up. Has any of you ever built something like this? And if you can name a project. >> Um, I just wanted to mention the Kirk Douglas Theater project we're working on

1521
08:27:36.798 --> 08:27:52.080
now, which is permit ready. We also did the CAM Raleigh Museum, which is in our package, the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, and it was designed with housing on top and they decided not to do the housing on top. They did the Contemporary Art Museum

1522
08:27:52.080 --> 08:28:08.000
without the housing piece. The Kirk Douglas Theater uh is going to have the housing adjacent to it. It is a disposition and development agreement from the city of Culver City to the developer. The city is giving the developer the land to develop the

1523
08:28:08.000 --> 08:28:23.680
housing and it is a market rate and a certain percentage of workforce housing. And we have cultural arts spaces on the ground floor and in the space between the housing and the theater that is going to be operated by the center theater group. and they're the operator

1524
08:28:23.680 --> 08:28:39.520
also of the Almanson and the Mark Taper forum. And that is a I don't want to say it's complicated because it's very challenging and it's a very um interesting project, but what we did was separate the housing spatially from the theater. And I think you can do that as well. And we have a retail on the ground

1525
08:28:39.520 --> 08:29:00.000
floor, but there are ways to make it work. There are ways to make it work. And the way not to make it work is to separate the housing. We have a vision that will allow you a way that the building could be more integrated so that the housing

1526
08:29:00.000 --> 08:29:16.638
is integral to the design of the cultural center because the key is how the cultural center has different uses and how the housing is going to support that. Um the Irish cultural center that we presented and the Pollson that are in our proposal both have housing in them.

1527
08:29:16.638 --> 08:29:33.120
The Pollson is a lot bigger than what you're looking for, but the Irish Cultural Center is very close. And the reason it's close, it's not because it's a building that integrates housing because it's a building and a cultural institution that expands beyond the building component so that it integrates

1528
08:29:33.120 --> 08:29:48.798
the entire community. That's what you need here. You need a a building uh that has both housing and a variety of different uses that don't necessarily coexist, but in a way that you can take a look at both sides and come up with a much more clever solution than

1529
08:29:48.798 --> 08:30:05.360
separating the housing, which I don't think is going to work with the parking and the the Byron. There's a way to do it. If you hire us, we'll show you >> through the mayor or the vice mayor. >> Good answer. >> Neither of whom are here. So, I'm just going to ask this is a question for all three groups. I mean, clearly everybody

1530
08:30:05.360 --> 08:30:21.760
here is qualified, so nobody's disputing that, obviously. Um, I I heard somebody mention um let me rephrase. I have a concern that um that this is going to be relitigated. We have gotten

1531
08:30:21.760 --> 08:30:38.878
to this point with a great deal of community input on what the functionality of the community center, the commu community arts center is going to be. Um, none of us here are architects, so we don't presume to know how that will fit

1532
08:30:38.878 --> 08:30:56.080
with the housing, with the space, with all the other elements. However, I I get very concerned when I hear that we are going to go back and reimagine what this venue is going to offer the community. We have been doing that since 2018 in various forms. And we have

1533
08:30:56.080 --> 08:31:11.200
finally gotten to a point where even Commissioner Suarez and I agree on what the functionality of this will be. Um we had a sunshine meeting. It was memorialized and I think the community feels very good about what this facility will offer. There will always be

1534
08:31:11.200 --> 08:31:26.558
different views on how to get there and that's why we're turning it over to the highly paid experts because none of us here are those. But so when I hear and we clearly must have the community engaged on this um because it is as everybody here has mentioned it is a

1535
08:31:26.558 --> 08:31:41.920
very emotional project different from others that might come in as something new and and exciting. So I I'm not suggesting for a millisecond that the community is not engaged. That is never my intent going back to my activist roots. It is concerning though to hear

1536
08:31:41.920 --> 08:32:01.280
about reimagining what the functionality would is going to be. And so I'd like each of the groups to address that comment a little bit please. >> We're not suggesting that any functionality needs to be reimagined and we agree with you that the community aspect is a key aspect. We have

1537
08:32:01.280 --> 08:32:17.200
specialists on our uh in our office that are storytellers and it is the way that we present the methodology of coming to consensus on all the work that you have already done in order to give you a building that supports the community's

1538
08:32:17.200 --> 08:32:34.240
efforts but also the coats are very different now than they were 5 years ago. So we have to be very cognizant of what can happen with the building that isn't just going to be a renovation. It's probably more of an adaptive reuse with state-of-the-art functionality, but

1539
08:32:34.240 --> 08:32:49.600
also looking back at what touches the heart of people, which is where you've spent so much time in making sure that there is community consensus with the vision that we hope to achieve with you. >> I will just say for the record, I think

1540
08:32:49.600 --> 08:33:05.920
the we are open to adaptive reuse, to building new, to any combination thereof. So, you know, I I don't want in one version or another to dictate before, you know, there's been even the meest concept of design work for any of the groups because this was not about

1541
08:33:05.920 --> 08:33:20.878
design work. This was about getting three very qualified out of a very robust list of I think it ended up being 12 qualified people um groups rather. So, I I don't want to talk about design here. I know, you know, there's been a little bit of because we're all curious

1542
08:33:20.878 --> 08:33:39.280
and excited about the project, but so I just again want to keep us focused on the functionality and the process. >> Yep. >> Good afternoon. I just want to touch base on that. Um I completely agree it's not about reimagining the the space, but

1543
08:33:39.280 --> 08:33:54.878
also but we have to make the community involved from an early stages and kind of emphasize on the benefits of this project. but while hearing them, you know, hearing their voices and making them feel that they are being a part of it cuz it's their uses, it's their

1544
08:33:54.878 --> 08:34:17.040
space. Um, so just bringing them in um and building just that additional consensus from all of the work that you've done in the past just kind of like you know keeping that track um going. I want to be very clear too about our team that we assembled because that's

1545
08:34:17.040 --> 08:34:32.558
why we're saying we can hit the ground day one running because we have Roberto from C studio that's been working with the community with the organizations over the last five years >> six years we're not >> um since the pandemic and you know that's something that we critically

1546
08:34:32.558 --> 08:34:48.558
understand as a firm that that's going to be something we're going to have to tap into day one because what we don't want to get into is a reimagining a revisioning We want to build on what's already there and has been established. And that's why we've assembled this team with Donahghue, with Roberto, with

1547
08:34:48.558 --> 08:35:05.440
ourselves because we we're here. We've done it. We're going to be here and continue to be in this community long after this project um is completed. And we want to see it successful no matter who you select. And I just wanted to expand. I mentioned [clears throat] the save the Byron and

1548
08:35:05.440 --> 08:35:22.318
the Friends of the Byron. The friends of the B was a group that put was put together. Um it was Rhythm Foundation, Young Musiciansite, Miami New Drama, um Dance Now. Um and the whole mission was to understand what they needed. This was

1549
08:35:22.318 --> 08:35:38.798
a two years ago with David Ston. We put together a presentation or a series of alternatives. So we looked at the standalone theater with the housing across the street. We looked at the standalone theater with the housing on

1550
08:35:38.798 --> 08:35:55.120
top. We looked at the standalone theater with the housing on top and on the adjacent site. All of them have implications. Building on top of a performing arts center, acoustic isolation structure that has to move a lot more complicated, more expensive,

1551
08:35:55.120 --> 08:36:10.878
but they all work uh depending on what the priorities are and what the project um goes forward. So, it was our presentation, David Sexon and mine to the commission that approved uh the pulled the geo bond um and it was a

1552
08:36:10.878 --> 08:36:35.760
unanimous vote um to move forward with a Byron. >> Thank you. >> Anything to add, Eric? I I think you've heard loud and clear that there's a reason [clears throat] why these three firms were tied for number one after the original

1553
08:36:35.760 --> 08:36:50.798
evaluation. You got three very qualified, very knowledgeable groups. Uh each brings a little bit different perspective on this particular project. Um but I think you're in good hands no matter who you

1554
08:36:50.798 --> 08:37:08.000
decide to go with. Our evaluation committee broke the tie. They came back with Stantech one, Brooks Scarpa 2, and um Ker three. And so that is >> who's on that committee? >> That is my recommendation. Uh the

1555
08:37:08.000 --> 08:37:24.558
committee was, I believe, seven people. There were two residents, John Stewart and Ronnie Eisenberg, and there were five department head or program director uh staff members. >> And how'd you pick those two residents?

1556
08:37:24.558 --> 08:37:40.398
um [sighs] people that I felt knew the neighborhood very well and people who I also value their opinion and I thought that they could add significantly to the perspective of the

1557
08:37:40.398 --> 08:37:58.318
committee. They were my choice. >> And how did the res and the order again? I think I got it. The evaluation committee came back with a recommendation of Stantech 1, Brooks Scarpa 2, Caler 3.

1558
08:37:58.318 --> 08:38:14.398
>> Was there a score or just one, two, three? >> So, it's based on an aggregate ordinal score among the seven people. Um, there were a number of folks that ranked um

1559
08:38:14.398 --> 08:38:31.040
Brooks Garpa won. There were a number of folks that ranked um uh Stantech one. There were a couple of folks that that ranked Ker one. But when you added up all of the scores, the

1560
08:38:31.040 --> 08:38:47.840
lowest ordinal score was um Stantech with a 12, Brook Scarpa with a 13, and I believe Ker finished with a 17. >> Lower being the better score. lower like golf being the better score.

1561
08:38:47.840 --> 08:39:04.958
>> Nice. Commissioner Bot, >> um, do we know how the residents ranked >> the the three finalists? >> So, I don't remember exactly. It's in the book, but I do remember that John

1562
08:39:04.958 --> 08:39:22.718
Stewart and Ronnie Eisenberg both had Brooks Scarpa number one. >> Uh, Commissioner Matteo Selenus. Sorry, >> Commissioner >> answer. No, he >> commissioner has an answer to the question. >> I asked the same question and because

1563
08:39:22.718 --> 08:39:39.840
this was an AON of silence, I couldn't approach these people and ask them why did you vote this? What were your thoughts? So, I asked it in my agenda review and um the manager, I'll just repeat what you said. The two residents, both of whom live in North Beach, ranked ranked um Brook Scarpa Scarpa, how do

1564
08:39:39.840 --> 08:39:56.558
you say that? as that one is number one. I'll just echo what the manager said and then the Stanton I believe Santk 2 and um caller three and I've calculated all this out because I was very curious about this too but I yeah the both the

1565
08:39:56.558 --> 08:40:14.080
residents um ranked Brooks Scarpa is one >> Mr. Mayor, >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> I I want to thank all the all the applicants because I think our city is so fortunate to have so many wonderful

1566
08:40:14.080 --> 08:40:30.318
professional, talented teams competing to uh to to to work on this incredible cultural asset that that we have. Are we I don't know the legal posture we in. Um we like allowed to voice our opinion,

1567
08:40:30.318 --> 08:40:46.000
Mr. attorney and preferences and >> um yes, you are allowed to voice your opinions when >> well because I don't know because since this >> we're going to vote. >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm going to be then very very clear where where where I stand on this. I've seen the work of

1568
08:40:46.000 --> 08:41:02.080
Bruce Scarpa uh very impressed uh with with with the work product that they've given North Beach with the identity of of North Beach and the affordability uh component. I also feel that um it's

1569
08:41:02.080 --> 08:41:17.840
great that the housing authority is is is included as part of this team. It gives me confidence uh because we have seen already in in the past city assets partner uh with entities to deliver

1570
08:41:17.840 --> 08:41:32.958
housing affordability and then it ends up being a struggle and to have the housing authority who that is the subject matter expertise on this team to me is is great. Mr. Estrada uh that I guess he worked with Cesar Pelly's team

1571
08:41:32.958 --> 08:41:49.200
uh is I'm sorry Mr. Mr. Espel guess he worked with Cesar Pelly's team uh with uh with with the Adrien Arch uh center for the performing arts. Um, you know, I think I think we want that caliber of expertise

1572
08:41:49.200 --> 08:42:07.040
uh to be to to to to be a part of this and so many other members of the team that have connections to to Miami Beach uh Scavenino Miller uh that has done truly iconic work for for for our city

1573
08:42:07.040 --> 08:42:25.200
there. You all are are are incredible uh partners. Um, and so and so I I feel very comfortable uh with uh with with what I saw from from Brooks Scarpa. That's not to to a discredit to any of

1574
08:42:25.200 --> 08:42:40.958
of the other teams, but I think something so sensitive uh as as this project where that is so beloved by the community, you really want a partner that is a part of the community that has

1575
08:42:40.958 --> 08:42:56.558
already proven to know how to deliver and I a product that reflects the identity of of of of the community and that will help guarantee that the housing is truly housing that works for

1576
08:42:56.558 --> 08:43:12.080
the end user in its affordability. So, just to put it on on on the record, I I feel very confident with uh Bruce with Brooks Karpa. >> Mr. Mayor, >> Commissioner Bot, >> um in the interest of moving things along, um I appreciate everybody's time

1577
08:43:12.080 --> 08:43:28.798
for coming here. It's been a longer process than anybody signed up for. So I I respect that you guys have put in a lot of effort and I think it is a testament to the validity and um unique character of this project that we had so many and not only the 12 who were

1578
08:43:28.798 --> 08:43:44.240
finalists um or you know who are qualified but there were countless more who were interested in this project. So, um, however this decision goes, please take some pride in the fact that you're here in this room and that there's so much interest, um, among my colleagues

1579
08:43:44.240 --> 08:43:59.200
and staff and most importantly the community on getting this exactly right that that we are, um, we've given extra due deliberation to this process. Um, I share my colleagues sentiments. I I

1580
08:43:59.200 --> 08:44:15.760
think that everybody here um is really talented and really qualified having been a part of this conversation since I was a baby activist. um um and first moved to North Beach um um and having attended screenings at at

1581
08:44:15.760 --> 08:44:32.718
the theater and all kinds of things and seeing most importantly how deeply meaningful this project is to North Beach residents whether they are new or recent I guess um or grew up uh in North Beach. Um, for me the tipping point um

1582
08:44:32.718 --> 08:44:48.318
is to have people who have been involved with the community for a long time, who um who have the the chops, who understand the city and how it works, who understand the nuances of North Beach. You know, the the analogy is when Steven Ross came in to try to do

1583
08:44:48.318 --> 08:45:05.760
something at the Doville site, um, and just really did not care one wit about what the community had to say about it. And I'm not suggesting that the the two other groups are that at all. That's a it's not a great analogy, but you know, when somebody came in and and did listen and did um pay close attention, that's

1584
08:45:05.760 --> 08:45:22.398
when a project got got approved finally. So, with great respect for the talent and business savvy and um acumen and years of experience of um of everybody who applied, I'm also going to support Brooks Scarpa. >> Mr. Mayor,

1585
08:45:22.398 --> 08:45:38.478
>> uh Commissioner Magazine. Yeah, I'll uh I'll prolong [clears throat] it by just saying how how lucky are we? Uh when the second team was going and you were saying where your offices are, he said Los Angeles and I got to daydreaming. He said Los Angeles then Miami. I go wow,

1586
08:45:38.478 --> 08:45:55.040
how cool does that sound? Designing architecture in Miami. I go wait, we live here, right? We're talking about projects that are based here and and there's days that that's just lost on me and we all need to take a step back and appreciate just how amazing that is. You

1587
08:45:55.040 --> 08:46:10.478
know, we have people from all over the world visiting here and they all will leave with that same impression. Um, that being said, I really love every single group that presented. Like I said, you wore your heart on your sleeve, your care and passion about

1588
08:46:10.478 --> 08:46:27.760
Miami Beach, your projects in Lubec, Texas Tech, right? Is that Yeah. world class. Um, fair or not fair, I can see in person the products that they've done up close and that that's what skewed it for me. Um,

1589
08:46:27.760 --> 08:46:43.840
so, uh, I I, you know, I I tip my hat to, uh, uh, Brooks and, you know, look forward to partnering with you if that's the will of the commission. I'll I'll lien it up a little bit. Uh, so this is I see why this is so hard. I

1590
08:46:43.840 --> 08:47:00.638
kind of want to I'll vote the way I always want to vote, but I kind of want to love to see uniformity here, but I actually was going to go with scent. um partly partly because unless I have a reason not to go with the administration which sometimes I do and I don't always

1591
08:47:00.638 --> 08:47:18.240
support and in this case I don't um and it's really tight I'll tell you it's I don't think we can go wrong it's a good position we're in I really I actually feel comfortable that no matter what we decide here we're going to be a winner so that's a credit to you um but I I was I was no offense

1592
08:47:18.240 --> 08:47:34.638
um I liked some of the the products you showed some of the New York um things uh in cultural institutions which are which are first class. So I'm throwing that out there because I I I I want to I want us to be supportive, but I I I didn't want anybody to be sitting here

1593
08:47:34.638 --> 08:47:49.280
thinking, well, maybe I would have supported them, but nobody's saying it. So love to hear from the rest of my colleagues. >> Elizabeth, you know, they're clearly all qualified. Um, but you know, I to be honest, I I kind of

1594
08:47:49.280 --> 08:48:05.840
like the the last panelist. [laughter] I mean, and it and it all boils down to, you know, we want it we want this to work and god forbid we get into something where it can't work and we have to start the process over. I mean, you know, I asked a simple question. Have you made

1595
08:48:05.840 --> 08:48:22.080
something very similar to this or like this? And they said, yeah, I know Brooks Scarpa has done almost something. I know they pulled the permit back, but to me that's that that's a that's a that's a marker for success. And so,

1596
08:48:22.080 --> 08:48:38.000
um I don't know why the administration didn't rank them, you know, why why they were ranked three. Um but look, I ultimately I want to go with the will of the body. I'm not trying to make this difficult. I just

1597
08:48:38.000 --> 08:48:54.398
want to be careful with, you know, setting a precedent that we are going to overrule the procurement selection committee and the city manager. And I don't know, does this set up any

1598
08:48:54.398 --> 08:49:09.920
sort of challenge to us if in the future? >> Well, anybody could always challenge. I don't believe that a [clears throat] decision by the by the commission absent fraud or some other nefarious uh purpose

1599
08:49:09.920 --> 08:49:26.318
would would in any way uh be challengeable. Right. So, you know, look, I'm I think they're all very qualified. I just that's sort of I was most impressed by that because they actually have work doing exactly what we want to do. But

1600
08:49:26.318 --> 08:49:43.520
I'd like to hear the rest to just >> just uh I'm gonna turn over to Commissioner Matasin a question. Uh when we vote, is it just whoever has the most votes or does someone need four? >> Let's say it was three, two, and two. >> I I think in a situation like this, you

1601
08:49:43.520 --> 08:49:59.040
would probably pick whoever has the most votes. >> Oh, I hear the manager saying we we need four. >> That's [laughter] why I'm asking. I think at some point there needs to be a resolution selecting a firm. I think there can be iterative votes.

1602
08:49:59.040 --> 08:50:15.360
>> Maybe we do the way that we do some of the voting on appointments where you all vote and if there's not a clear winner then we do another vote. >> I don't think so. I think we just >> I think we'll come together in a consensus. I just want to know legally what we're because three, two, and two. You can't just say we'll drop the last

1603
08:50:15.360 --> 08:50:31.040
one because then it's a tie. I think there's a lot of people using the word think where somebody should say I know. >> Yeah, we don't know yet. Commissioner Matteo Selenus. >> Oh, it be you or you or whoever. Well, we

1604
08:50:31.040 --> 08:50:49.200
should get to that procedure, >> right? >> Commissioner Matan Linus. >> Um, so thank you all, all three of your groups that's been here today. I don't know any of you. I've never met any of you. Again, Kona silence. Um, but I will say this, the most important aspect to

1605
08:50:49.200 --> 08:51:05.520
this project to me is, yes, the cultural center, but I don't want to lose sight of the affordable housing. Um, and that's something that's near and dear to my heart. Um, and I chair the affordable housing advisory committee here with the city and I've have a long history with

1606
08:51:05.520 --> 08:51:21.040
affordable housing and I want to make sure we get that right. And so having Mr. O'Hara working with the Brooks Garpera team um is just a testament to how qualified you guys are because you do great affordable housing in our city and I like that consistency and I like

1607
08:51:21.040 --> 08:51:37.878
the fact that you are in s South Beach, you're in North Beach, you opened a new building, you've you you're you're very consistent with the way you operate all of the buildings. How many residents do you deal with? Mike, would you like to step up to the podium real quick? >> Yes.

1608
08:51:41.680 --> 08:51:57.840
Uh good afternoon. Uh so the housing authority has over 600 physical housing units and we serve almost 6,000 uh families countywide. >> Thank you. And so for me, you and what you do with the housing authority is is

1609
08:51:57.840 --> 08:52:13.040
the check mark that I needed to support affordable housing at this at this site. I I really want to make sure it's done right. I've seen it done wrong. Um, and it's and it's not pretty. So, I thank you for being a part of this

1610
08:52:13.040 --> 08:52:29.920
project. And so, that's where my support would go. [snorts] >> Nobody else wants to speak. Want to take the vote? >> I'll make a motion on Brooks. Oh, wait. How are we going to do this? >> Uh, yeah. well discussed with the clerk and we

1611
08:52:29.920 --> 08:52:46.318
believe we should have a vote and if if we don't have a clear four votes we will eliminate the lowest vote getter and then take a second vote. >> When you say are we saying yes to a specific firm or are we saying a name of a firm? >> You're saying the name of a specific firm.

1612
08:52:46.318 --> 08:53:02.080
>> Got it. >> So I'll make a motion on Brooks Scarpa. >> Second. >> No, that's not what Rick is saying. Rick is saying we we say the name of the firm. >> Oh, got it. >> As opposed to a yes and no. >> Your vote. I think everyone has it. [laughter]

1613
08:53:02.080 --> 08:53:18.000
>> You guys do something. >> It sounded like there are four, but I mean we could let's just do a voice. >> Yeah, let's go through it. >> So, you want me Okay, so >> we're we're we're naming the name of the firm that we are. >> So, you want me to call you in alphabetical order? If so, uh, Commissioner Bot, >> Brooks Scarpa,

1614
08:53:18.000 --> 08:53:34.478
>> Commissioner Dominguez, >> uh, Brooks Scarpa, >> Commissioner Fernandez, >> Brooks Scarpa, >> Commissioner Mattel Selenas, >> Brooks Scarpa, and the Housing Authority, >> Magazine, >> Commissioner Suarez, >> Brooks Scarpa,

1615
08:53:34.478 --> 08:53:51.040
>> Mayor Miner, >> I hate to do this, but I said stand back and I'm going to I'll stick to it even though I'm losing. >> So, we have five >> six. Oh, yeah. 6 61. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations everybody. Thank you for

1616
08:53:51.040 --> 08:54:07.040
your commitment to the city. >> I know it doesn't mean much at this point. >> I'm sorry. Just to because this is CCNA, we need so I just want to clarify if Stantech would be second because we need to negotiate with Brooks Scarpa then so and so and then so so we need to do the three. >> We need to rank them. Okay.

1617
08:54:07.040 --> 08:54:26.240
>> So, I guess the second vote is for who's your second ranked. >> And >> so, I'm going to go reverse alphabetical order. >> I just have a question. [clears throat] >> Okay. The last company that presented

1618
08:54:26.240 --> 08:54:43.520
you all have delivered the combination of performance art center with um with housing you mentioned and you and the first company that the first ranked company

1619
08:54:43.520 --> 08:54:58.638
um what is what is your experience? Have you delivered um you've you've you've delivered two okay >> to Fson and the Irish center in York

1620
08:54:58.638 --> 08:55:25.318
>> okay >> thank you so commissioner Suarez ranked two >> um The last >> caller commissioner magazine

1621
08:55:25.760 --> 08:55:44.318
>> stand >> commissioner Mattel Selenas >> I am sorry which company is which Santech and >> that's Stantech that's >> okay um Stantech

1622
08:55:44.318 --> 08:56:01.760
>> or Fernandez Commissioner Dominguez >> Stantech. >> Commissioner Bot >> Stantech. >> Mayor Miner >> stand back. >> Stantech has a majority votes for rank

1623
08:56:01.760 --> 08:56:21.280
number two. >> Thank you. >> So we need an after the fact Razel Chrissy. Okay. If I could just say thank you to everybody for the deliberation and you all got to see firsthand how our

1624
08:56:21.280 --> 08:56:39.040
evaluation committees work and it's uh it's not always pretty how the sausage is made but hopefully at the end of the day it tastes good. >> Mr. Premier. >> Um I mean we >> just just one quick Eric. Can you just talk really quickly about the next steps, how quickly we can move to

1625
08:56:39.040 --> 08:56:54.878
reaching agreement and what the time horizon looks like to move forward. >> So we have a resolution of the commission to begin negotiations with the top ranked firm. We're going to start that tomorrow. And obviously, we're it's going to take a little bit of

1626
08:56:54.878 --> 08:57:12.080
time to get to a contract with that design firm, but we will endeavor to get that done as quickly as possible. What's the average amount of time that it takes to do this kind of work? 60 days >> a little bit more I would say maybe u

1627
08:57:12.080 --> 08:57:27.520
and >> the the first process or the first step is for them to prepare a full proposal. Um that usually takes a little bit of time. We negotiate that proposal and then we've got to bring it back to commission for for adoption. So it'll

1628
08:57:27.520 --> 08:57:43.040
take us a good four months, five months and there have been times where it takes a little longer. >> Thank you. >> Fewer months than than more it would be better. Please, >> we will do our best. >> Thank you. >> I believe the resolution is worded to provide the city manager authority to execute. Do we need to bring I don't

1629
08:57:43.040 --> 08:57:58.958
think it says to bring it back, right? >> I amend the reso. I'm sorry. You'll amend the res. Okay. And provide that to us. >> Okay. No, because normally the authority is given to the city manager to execute the contract. So, I just want to make sure we don't.

1630
08:57:58.958 --> 08:58:15.440
Well, would the commission want to see the contract before it is awarded or do you want to authorize the manager to execute once successful negotiations have occurred? >> I think we should see it. >> Okay. So, we >> What's the normal >> I know we should see it. How's that? >> It's currently written um authorizing

1631
08:58:15.440 --> 08:58:32.160
the city manager, which is our normal practice unless >> you all request to bring it back. >> I know. I >> So, normally >> I know that's our that's our usual practice. Yes. Yes. In some instances, you decide you want to see it and some >> Yeah.

1632
08:58:32.160 --> 08:58:48.080
>> Okay. Thank you. >> I know Brazil. [laughter] >> Let's call um together two items, C4s and R9 AI. C4S

1633
08:58:48.080 --> 08:59:03.618
is referral to public safety neighborhood quality of life committee, possible termination of the city's red light camera program. It was separated by two members of the commission and R9 AI is discuss action eliminate red

1634
08:59:03.618 --> 08:59:22.638
[laughter] light camera citations and notices for right unread. So C4s is an item that Commissioner Fernandez brought and together R9 AI Commissioner Fernandez and I are bringing. Do you want to take it away Commissioner

1635
08:59:22.638 --> 08:59:39.120
Fernandez? >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and uh and and thank you for for for R9 AI uh on on today's agenda as well. I understand the importance of the red

1636
08:59:39.120 --> 08:59:56.080
light camera system for for traffic safety. My challenge uh with with with the red light camera system is that I am getting an overwhelming amount of complaints from our residents who are getting

1637
08:59:56.080 --> 09:00:12.878
tickets when they're turning unread. And they show you the citations and clearly the car is stopped. You see the lights, the brake lights, they're shining red and they're still getting getting these

1638
09:00:12.878 --> 09:00:29.520
these these tickets. Originally, I had placed an item on the on the agenda to suspend or to find a way to to cancel the contract. Um, and then and and then in speaking with our police and speaking

1639
09:00:29.520 --> 09:00:45.120
with with our city attorney, I think many of us have have received these the these complaints, you know, I've become aware that uh that we might be able to address the issue of the right-hand turn violations

1640
09:00:45.120 --> 09:01:01.680
um without having necessarily to suspend the contract. Uh and so if there is that avenue, Mr. mayor uh Mr. Mr. Attorney to suspend the enforcement of the right-hand turns on on the red light

1641
09:01:01.680 --> 09:01:19.840
cameras. I think uh I would like for us to enter to entertain that, but I'll defer to you, Mr. Mayor. >> No, thank you, Commissioner Fernandez. So, ironically, I was working with our city attorney's office and with our police chief, Wayne Jones, and then you put your item on and um ultimately I

1642
09:01:19.840 --> 09:01:34.878
there were some questions we had, so that's why it got on late because we were still doing some legal research. Um but love to hear your views. Uh Chief, I'm not a you I'm not a big fan of the red light cameras, but I think a it could be an issue terminating it. Also, I think there's a difference when you're

1643
09:01:34.878 --> 09:01:51.120
going straight through it because when that light hits red and you're going through it, I I don't have such sympathy if if someone's getting a ticket, even though I don't love the overall scheme. The but a red light I I don't I don't know. I don't Maybe you can speak to it. They I'm assuming they're not fully

1644
09:01:51.120 --> 09:02:07.920
stopping, but they're probably they could be going really slow. Um, I I just I do hear a lot of complaints about it and I can understand some of the complaints even though I've taken those intersections and so far thankfully I've not gotten that ticket. But I'm a little

1645
09:02:07.920 --> 09:02:23.520
I'm I'm sympathetic to it that it's uh it may be unjust to issue those pretty hefty fines on people who are coming to a a virtual stop. They're not doing something that's dangerous in any way. >> Sure. >> But what's your thoughts? >> Sure. Um good afternoon, good evening.

1646
09:02:23.520 --> 09:02:40.798
Uh Wayne Jones, police chief. Um thank you for bringing this this item for discussion. As you know, red light cameras were implemented predicated on the fact that um it reduced crashes within intersection and thus save lives.

1647
09:02:40.798 --> 09:02:57.760
Um my understanding is currently right now there's a threshold that we have in place. Uh and by the way, people are not stopping. They're just not. I mean, we've got video to support every um infraction that's been um refuted. They're just not stopping. What they're

1648
09:02:57.760 --> 09:03:14.958
doing in most cases, making right turn is what is called a California roll. They slow considerably and then the turn. Um right now, I think that the the threshold is about 7 miles per hour. We can certainly look at raising that threshold. In other words, the camera activates if they go 7 miles or um or

1649
09:03:14.958 --> 09:03:30.318
more through that intersection. We can raise that threshold. It's 15 miles an hour. Um, and >> can you repeat that again? That was so that was >> a little nasal. >> No, I I heard you. I think I heard you, but I want to understand. >> Yeah. My understanding is the way the system works is uh there's a threshold

1650
09:03:30.318 --> 09:03:46.080
that that's set. That's preset. If someone slows but not stop, if they slow down to several miles an hour or more and they go through several seven, I'm sorry, a little >> that's okay. >> Fogged up today. Uh they slow down to seven miles per hour

1651
09:03:46.080 --> 09:04:02.160
or more. Slow at least seven miles per hour. That camera is activated. Photograph is taken of them and they've essentially ran that light >> on a red light on a red and is going four miles an hour. >> Seven. >> I know, but I'm saying if they go four, they do not get a ticket.

1652
09:04:02.160 --> 09:04:17.120
>> Correct. >> How is that gauge the speed? >> Um the camera has I I suppose is smart enough to say tell how far how fast the car is going at any given time. >> Is this >> But there's no red on red. >> You have to come to complete stop. I

1653
09:04:17.120 --> 09:04:33.440
mean the idea is not to roll through the intersection have to come to a complete stop and what's happening in most cases well in every case that people have cited you're just just not stopping >> people are not stopping virtual stop is not a stop Mr. Mayor we're a law and order city right now >> we are we are >> Mr. Mr. Mayor,

1654
09:04:33.440 --> 09:04:49.120
>> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Yeah. And and I I I get that. I just have received so many complaints about this and I think people in their mind they're stopping and I think it's what you've described as a what is it called? A

1655
09:04:49.120 --> 09:05:04.398
>> California rule. >> I like the California rule or what is it called? A a rolling uh >> stop. >> A rolling stop or something like that. >> California stop. >> California roll. >> Yeah. I don't trust that raising the

1656
09:05:04.398 --> 09:05:19.440
threshold is going to solve the issue because I don't generally trust the technology. Mhm. >> Generally speaking, what I see living right in front of a red light camera is

1657
09:05:19.440 --> 09:05:37.200
is that while the intent of of red light cameras is to avoid traffics, what I accidents, what I see happen is that all of a sudden the the driver slams the brakes and the person behind them rear

1658
09:05:37.200 --> 09:05:52.398
end them. Yeah. >> So now you're avoiding the again the T-bone accidents are dangerous and we are avoiding them but we're not avoiding accidents in in our city. You're still I'm I see this all the time. Not

1659
09:05:52.398 --> 09:06:07.840
notwithstanding that um I do understand their their public safety purpose. I would rather see a complete suspension on the right-hand turns on on on the red because then the question is going to be

1660
09:06:07.840 --> 09:06:23.680
was the camera calibrated? Who's checking whether whether the person was going 7 miles an hour or eight or or 10? Um, I think the real concern is if the person is running the red light and and

1661
09:06:23.680 --> 09:06:40.640
that can continue to happen without having uh the enforcement on on the right um on route. >> So to be clear, so we're keeping straight through. You still get the tickets just not on the right turn. I think there's only two

1662
09:06:40.640 --> 09:06:55.918
intersections that's been been the major problem that I know of. Uh, one in particular, uh, another one that's sort of, um, Chase and Alton's been problematic. >> You have a conflict there, uh, that you live right on that corner. >> No, actually, [laughter] he has not. He lives right there. Jason Alton is

1663
09:06:55.918 --> 09:07:10.960
>> I'm going to defer to the city attorney on that. Do seriously. [laughter] >> Um, >> there are more than 100 people. I think you're okay. >> You got it. By the way, I mean, I don't know why this is, but in the past three months, we've gotten more, I think, complaints across the board from red

1664
09:07:10.960 --> 09:07:26.878
light cameras than probably the past 5 years. In fact, just sitting here today, I got another one um a couple you copied on. I don't know why that is. It just seemed to be unusual, honestly. But Chase Alton seemed to be the most problematic um I've seen. That's where we get the most complaints from.

1665
09:07:26.878 --> 09:07:43.122
>> But I've been Mr. through the mayor. I've been getting complaints as well about 41st Street >> at Date Boulevard and 17th. I've been getting [snorts] complaints. Commissioner Dominguez says uh Dave Boulevard and 17th. I haven't received those. Uh but I've received also on

1666
09:07:43.122 --> 09:07:58.800
Washington Avenue and 17th Street. I've received complaints. And one of my concerns with this [clears throat] with the program in general is that I do believe that that elderly people are

1667
09:07:58.800 --> 09:08:14.718
particularly susceptible to this. They're not necessarily the best drivers. They're not necessarily the most aware of drivers. And you know, now we're hitting them with a citation that goes up to 180 something like >> I think it's 180 >> roughly. Yeah,

1668
09:08:14.718 --> 09:08:30.078
>> about 180 something. >> And and you know, here we are. We're trying to improve residents quality of life. We're trying to uh make things more affordable for them. uh addressing parking issues and to and towing issues

1669
09:08:30.078 --> 09:08:47.278
and and a number of issues to address affordability in our city. And this is one of these things that I think unfairly targets specifically elderly people. Um and so and so I'm going to make a motion. I'm going to I'm going to make a a motion for us to suspend the

1670
09:08:47.278 --> 09:09:04.878
right-hand turns on on red. Um, and if the technology changes and there's an ability to to implement that aspect of it better in the future, we can always reconsider it. But for now, I don't think it's working properly. >> One, I'm going to turn over to Commissioner Mate to commission. But you

1671
09:09:04.878 --> 09:09:20.878
have any concerns from a safety standpoint? >> Uh, no. If we commission to uh suspend it, we can do that. Um, there is one intersection where there's no turn at all in red. Um, that's a 17 Alton Road. And so, um, I would ask that we probably keep that one in place.

1672
09:09:20.878 --> 09:09:38.480
>> Well, if there's no turn, I think yes. >> Which direction? >> Um, I want to say from west to northbound. >> Getting the intersection going westbound from Lennox from on 17th Street passing Lennox, you stop at Alton Road.

1673
09:09:38.480 --> 09:09:54.640
>> Where is is permitted? Do you have any concerns if what we're proposing to do here? Um well I mean this will commission we're happy to to apply that. >> Not exactly my question. >> Yeah I we we'll get through it sir. We're fine. >> I mean obviously we're

1674
09:09:54.640 --> 09:10:10.960
>> there there was a there was a world that existed prior to red light cameras cops enforced people not stopping properly. We'll continue to do that. >> Mr. Mayor >> if if if if or we have someone else that needs to speak I'll >> Yeah. Commissioner Matteo Selenus. I

1675
09:10:10.960 --> 09:10:26.480
just I Commissioner Fernandez, I love you, but I don't support this item and I was not going to vote to support this. Um, but you do raise some good concerns, which is how do we know that these these cameras are functioning properly? That that is a concern. I mean, if they if you're saying that you're getting more,

1676
09:10:26.480 --> 09:10:42.320
it's not that a bunch more people are blowing through the light. I mean, maybe, but it could also be that the camera is glitching. And so, how do we test that? And so, now I I do have some concerns. Um, overall again, I'm just I'm not supportive, but I am I am concerned

1677
09:10:42.320 --> 09:10:58.160
about the technology and the cameras and if there's what if a squirrel ate through some electrical wires and now it's picking up everybody. I don't know. >> Can you address how do we test these cameras and the technology? >> So, I don't know how the testing process work on a regular basis, but I can tell

1678
09:10:58.160 --> 09:11:14.558
you this. Every violation, every violation that's issued is reviewed by a police officer prior to being issued, right? camera catches it. Alert is given to the police officer. He or she reviews that prior to a violation being mailed out to the owner of that vehicle.

1679
09:11:14.558 --> 09:11:30.558
>> So they watch the camera and they watch each car that goes through and they time it and they >> only only vehicles that have triggered. Correct. >> And they review it. >> Correct. >> At every single intersection where we have these cameras. That >> That's correct. Every citation that's

1680
09:11:30.558 --> 09:11:49.758
issued is reviewed by a police officer before being issued. >> Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Bot, >> I uh am not supportive of eliminating this completely. I would be very supportive of um trying to raise the

1681
09:11:49.758 --> 09:12:05.918
threshold if that's the concern. Um I have been hit by cars multiple times. It's not cute. Um I don't recommend it. And we have increasingly um bad drivers and we see what happens

1682
09:12:05.918 --> 09:12:22.160
when drivers and other cars, other vehicles other pedestrians, microobility users, etc. um intersect. It's also not cute. I don't recommend that either. So, I before we eliminate it entirely, I would like to

1683
09:12:22.160 --> 09:12:40.160
try a six-month pilot program of um increasing the threshold, going through whatever the testing mechanism is to make sure everything's working properly um and then increasing the threshold so that um people who are, you know, maybe mostly responsible um are not caught up

1684
09:12:40.160 --> 09:12:56.878
in this, but people who are blowing through and and taking aggressive turns on right um are caught because I see it all the time people driving like absolute maniacs and I think this is a deterrent and I don't think we should be taking the safeguards off. I understand

1685
09:12:56.878 --> 09:13:12.718
and I share my colleagues concern with you don't want to catch everybody in the sweep necessarily, but people who are particularly aggressive are doing all of us no no no services and and um so I would be inclined to do a test with an

1686
09:13:12.718 --> 09:13:28.640
elevated threshold of whatever you guys recommend whether it's 10 or 15 or eight or whatever miles per hour to get to a good balance of of judicious safety. >> Sure. Uh, Mr. May I'll I'll wait. Uh,

1687
09:13:28.640 --> 09:13:44.078
Commissioner Suarez, >> thank you. Um, just pulling up some articles here and this was back in March. Judge rules red light camera law unconstitutional. I just asked Rick about it and just the synopsis. So it is a Broward judge ruled the red light citation camera citation

1688
09:13:44.078 --> 09:13:59.438
unconstitutional because Florida's process effectively presumes the registered owner was the driver and then forces the owner to prove otherwise shifting the burden away from the government. The judge found that the violated due process especially because the [clears throat] ticket still carries

1689
09:13:59.438 --> 09:14:16.238
penalty and a fine find finding of wrongdoing. So if it is not the person or the owner of the vehicle, is it on the owner of the vehicle to say it wasn't me, it was this person so that

1690
09:14:16.238 --> 09:14:32.878
they don't get the ticket? >> Yes, sir. That's >> essentially like ratting out their their loved one or [snorts] their friend. >> Um, unfortunately, the answer is yes, sir. They do have the ability to take it to court like any other traditional citation. It'll be issued. You have 30 days to do it after being cited. Um, and

1691
09:14:32.878 --> 09:14:50.320
they can go to court say Yoner was not driving the car to time. Look, I've got paperwork to show I was at work. My cousin was driving my car at the time. >> Yeah. See, I mean, to me, that that that's a big fault in the system, right? You don't know who's driving the car. And once you get issue a citation, it's

1692
09:14:50.320 --> 09:15:06.558
really on the it's on the burden of the car owner, even though they may or may not have been using the car, and uh to prove that it wasn't them. and then they have to have an uncomfortable conversation with with someone else. So,

1693
09:15:06.558 --> 09:15:24.122
um I'm I'm supportive of this and I don't think it's going to be around much longer anyways considering what this finding was, but um I don't really think it does what people want it to do, which is better behavior.

1694
09:15:24.238 --> 09:15:40.718
Um, following up on what Commissioner Bot mentioned, Chief and also Major Garcia, how confident are you that the speed that the technology is properly measuring the speed? >> Um, I'll let Major Garcia speak to that, but fairly confident. I mean,

1695
09:15:40.718 --> 09:15:55.758
>> they have these systems all over the country. >> If I can ask on that, >> because I if it is, I I would be I'd be inclined if we raise the threshold. I mean, if somebody's going 15, 18 miles an hour where you're supposed to stop them, that's pretty high. It's pretty fast.

1696
09:15:55.758 --> 09:16:11.360
>> We can certainly raise the threshold. Um, and that may actually fix the problem we're having where people just aren't slowing down enough to go through the intersection. I think what's happening, particularly at Chase and Alton, folks slow the intersection, they realize no other cars are coming, so just sort of cruise through, not

1697
09:16:11.360 --> 09:16:27.520
thinking um that to be captured on this cameraed. But where is the where we're just curious where is the the speed taken? Is it taken on the curve or is it taken just before the stop? You know

1698
09:16:27.520 --> 09:16:43.840
>> commission I I wish I knew the science behind it. I I can't speak to that. >> I'd really like because I when you said seven that actually really surprises me. >> Yeah, >> that actually that >> and Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you. And so let me let me ask you this. How often what what's that machine

1699
09:16:43.840 --> 09:17:00.480
that you guys use to um to on speed traps >> uh to track the speed of >> the laser? >> The laser. Okay. I would imagine you must calibrate those lasers or they don't need to be calibrated. >> Yes, those are calibrated. >> How often are they calibrated?

1700
09:17:00.480 --> 09:17:15.680
>> Every year. Annually. >> Annually. >> Annually. How often are the are the cameras calibrated? >> Done by the company. >> We don't do that. that's done by the company we're contracted with the calibration of those cameras. >> And and could it be that instead of

1701
09:17:15.680 --> 09:17:30.960
capturing people for not fully stopping at at at the red light before turning right that they're ticking because they they they might register it as oh the car is running the red light because sometimes

1702
09:17:30.960 --> 09:17:46.640
an intersection uh the angle is pretty wide. is is a big intersection and you know might that be a situation. >> Can't really speak to that. I mean that's something I have to >> reach out to the uh to the company about

1703
09:17:46.640 --> 09:18:03.438
but like again every violation we issues >> I officer >> I just have a feeling the people [clears throat] who are who are turning I don't think they're going 7 miles an hour and that's where my hesitation is increasing the speed limit. I'm not

1704
09:18:03.438 --> 09:18:18.160
convinced that that's going to solve the situation. I think I I I think that it my suspicion might be flawed technology or thinks that people are running the red light and instead instead of turning

1705
09:18:18.160 --> 09:18:34.800
right. I I would like to keep my my my motion as as is to uh to to terminate um the enforcement on the right hand turns. uh if we if we legally have have that

1706
09:18:34.800 --> 09:18:51.918
ability. Um and and and and I and I think also even even at 17 and Alton from my perspective, it's no different than having to stop at any other intersection. At 17th and

1707
09:18:51.918 --> 09:19:07.278
Washington, you have to stop before you turn right. Uh at 17 and and Alton, you just can't turn right. I think in in either scenario, they should all be treated the same. I don't like red cameras in general. I think their

1708
09:19:07.278 --> 09:19:23.596
purpose is to generate revenues for municipalities. Uh and I don't think that was the intent of this program when it was created by the state. Most certainly it was not the intent of of our city. I don't like the fact that the

1709
09:19:23.596 --> 09:19:38.000
individual who is driving the car may be the individual who's it's not the individual necessarily who's getting ticketed and and and that's not right either. And so there's just a lot of issues with this.

1710
09:19:38.000 --> 09:19:55.596
Um so I'm I I feel I feel comfortable with with a motion. I I was originally at suspend the entire program. Um, and I am I'm stepping back from that much more comfortable with uh with saying let's

1711
09:19:55.596 --> 09:20:12.960
just suspend uniformly across the city the red light camera uh right-hand turn lane enforcement. >> Okay. But we make an exception where you mentioned that Alton and 17th it's a red a right turn is prohibited. >> I'm comfortable there keeping the red light because you're not allowed to make

1712
09:20:12.960 --> 09:20:30.480
a right turn. >> No, not on the right. I I'm comfortable leaving it for that one. >> Okay. >> It's like going through a red light. You can't turn. That's fine. I I just to me an infraction is an infraction. I I think

1713
09:20:30.480 --> 09:20:48.080
the bigger issue is the the use of this type of of of technology, the constitutionality long term of this of of this type of of of technology. um you know if if you feel strongly about keeping that one intersection

1714
09:20:48.080 --> 09:21:03.840
there >> um m >> Mr. >> that's fine but but but I think there's a matter of principle here as as as well if and um but if you know we need your vote so >> well I there I do have a safety concern that's a major intersection and there's

1715
09:21:03.840 --> 09:21:20.080
a reason why it's the right the right turn is prohibited on red >> Mr. here. >> Commissioner Suarez. >> Um, so the ticket's about $180. What is actually come to the city? >> Um, I don't know the breakdown is >> I don't I can get I can get that

1716
09:21:20.080 --> 09:21:38.640
breakdown for you, but it it's a it's a sharing with the company we're contracted with. >> I mean, well, just because with that line of logic, Mr. Mayor, we would have a red light camera everywhere then. >> No, I don't like the red light cameras.

1717
09:21:38.640 --> 09:21:56.160
Well, at the right on red, you know, on on 17th in Alton, and what typically happens there is that people just start honking. They don't even see the sign. >> And um,

1718
09:21:56.160 --> 09:22:12.560
you know, and then people are, I guess, forced to move and they they don't even know. So, you know, I I also have to agree with Commissioner Fernandez. I I certainly don't like you know, just making revenue for a

1719
09:22:12.560 --> 09:22:28.960
private business where it doesn't actually do anything and it doesn't know who is responsible for for the traffic citation. So, it makes obviously a difference if there's a police officer there, but [snorts] I think, you know,

1720
09:22:28.960 --> 09:22:44.640
it's uh it's just, you know, I I I want to apply it to the rest of the city. If you're saying it's for one intersection, it should be for all intersections. And obviously, we don't want that. >> Okay. >> That's what I would feel comfortable with too.

1721
09:22:44.640 --> 09:23:00.080
>> Yeah. So, let's So, we have two who don't want who don't want to uh who want to get rid of the uh red light tickets for alternate 17th. I I just think it's a safety issue and I don't it's it's illegal.

1722
09:23:00.080 --> 09:23:18.000
>> So, what what is what do you say? six-month pilot program to increase the speeds at which the cameras get triggered. >> I'm fine to either increase the speeds or get rid of the right-hand turn. Want to keep the straight through red light camera and I don't think we should be

1723
09:23:18.000 --> 09:23:34.000
getting on into debates on single intersections. Move that to the police. >> I mean, I'm I'm the black sheep here where I'm just not going to support this item. I don't I think that what this city is dangerous a lot of times for pedestrians and we've seen it all over and I people just need to slow down and

1724
09:23:34.000 --> 09:23:51.436
stop and chill out and just stop and so everyone has convincing arguments but I'm just not supportive >> and Laura >> I'm supportive. I seconded um >> yeah specifically that right turn lane on on 17th and Alton >> that I'm fine with leaving that one as

1725
09:23:51.436 --> 09:24:06.240
is. gotten complaints on that one as well for the same reason that Commissioner Suarez mentioned. People don't since you can make a right turn everywhere else, >> they they stop seeing the sign for that one. But um [snorts]

1726
09:24:06.240 --> 09:24:22.000
I I'm willing to to to make that change. If it doesn't work and we start seeing an uptick in uh fender vendors, we can move back. >> I'm not worried about the fender bender. I'm worried about the uh pedestrian vendor. [laughter] don't bend so well.

1727
09:24:22.000 --> 09:24:38.080
>> They don't bend so well. You're making this tough for me, Commissioner. We're co-prime on this, but I'm I'm a little concerned about that intersection. >> There's a lot There's a lot going on there. >> Um, Mr. Mayor, Chief,

1728
09:24:38.080 --> 09:24:54.400
>> sir, >> do we have any recent incidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists at this at this intersection? >> 17 and Alton. >> Yes. Off the top of my head, not recent.

1729
09:24:54.400 --> 09:25:10.560
>> Get some research done. >> I'm sorry, sir. >> Wasn't there a bicyclist or was that a block go away on Dade? >> I think the better question is to ask transportation why that even exists. You can't make a ride on red. Cuz I never really understood why >> don't have fatalities at that intersection is cuz people can't turn

1730
09:25:10.560 --> 09:25:26.800
right. >> That saving people because it's in place there. I mean I know you think >> you willing to bend [snorts] on this one commissioner >> for >> how about three months how about the three months listen to [clears throat] Jose

1731
09:25:26.800 --> 09:25:44.240
>> why is there why is there prohibition on red and red >> Jose Gonzalez transportation director so a few years ago FOD evaluated that intersection Alton Road is a is a state road they did look at [clears throat] crash uh data and they took into consideration site distance pedestrian

1732
09:25:44.240 --> 09:25:59.840
volumes and whatnot and made the decision to restrict the right turn on reds from westbound 17th to northbound Alton Road for those reasons. Uh that was several years ago that that restriction that prohibition has been in

1733
09:25:59.840 --> 09:26:16.480
place for several years now and that's probably why there are in a lot of accidents. Uh because if people do follow the rules and stop then um that's safest condition for pedestrians. >> Yeah. I mean like 17th is the wor one of the worst intersections and you know

1734
09:26:16.480 --> 09:26:32.960
we're telling people you can't make a right on red when you want to want to leave. I I don't know. It's just >> you can make a right in red everywhere else in the city except there and there's other poor intersections >> through the through the mayor

1735
09:26:32.960 --> 09:26:48.560
>> commission. >> I mean at the end at the end of the day there are intersections of the cities that have terrible sight lines. I mean, we're working with FDOT actually to put a no right on red sign up um at the corner of Bay Drive and 71st going east

1736
09:26:48.560 --> 09:27:05.200
because the street curves around and so people think that it's clear, but there are people going 40 miles an hour, if you're lucky, it's only 40 miles an hour and you know the number of near miss accidents that have happened there because currently there is a right-on red allowed is crazy. So, it depends on on the sightelines [clears throat] among

1737
09:27:05.200 --> 09:27:21.840
other things. And look, I I think an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And if it means that people have to slow down to to Commissioner Monica Mateos, excuse me, Commissioner Mateo Selenus' point of just chill out, I think is a good rule for all of us. Um, you know, you're not going to get there

1738
09:27:21.840 --> 09:27:37.040
any faster if you're in an ambulance or getting a traffic ticket. So, um, you know, I I reiterate that they're they're there for a reason and they should be maintained. >> Be our new slogan. Chill out, Mr. Mayor. >> Yeah. Commissioner Fernandez, you going to bring it home?

1739
09:27:37.040 --> 09:27:52.240
>> I appreciate where you're coming from uh on this. Certainly, no one wants to see a fat a fat fatality in in this in this intersection. And I know we usually have the cops who are

1740
09:27:52.240 --> 09:28:10.160
manning this this intersection, but out of an abundance of caution, um I'm going to yield to to to your wisdom uh as the law and order mayor um of of the city and uh and you know, understanding this

1741
09:28:10.160 --> 09:28:27.276
is a highly pedestrian area, it might it might be prudent to consider making that that amendment. So, so I'll move the the suspension of the right hand on red enforcement of the cameras

1742
09:28:27.276 --> 09:28:44.240
citywide with the exception of that uh intersection where 17th and out where it's already prohibitive for individuals to make a right on red. >> I appreciate that that Commissioner Fernandez. I felt strongly about it. I

1743
09:28:44.240 --> 09:29:00.240
it actually was getting me very nervous sitting here. Um, but so uh we have a motion in a second. Pull a vote. I have a motion on uh by Commissioner Fernandez, second by Commissioner Dominguez. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed?

1744
09:29:00.240 --> 09:29:14.800
>> I'm opposed. >> So I have a no by Commissioner Mattel Selenas. Adam, >> what was the motion? >> Motion is terminated. Right. Red light camera citations right on turn citywide except for 17th and Alton. I'm a no >> and through the chair. Commissioner

1745
09:29:14.800 --> 09:29:31.916
Fernandez, are you withdrawing C4s? >> Yes, I think this addressed the this addresses the concern. >> So the item is approved 52. No, Commissioner Bot. No, Commissioner Matos. >> ME just for point of clarity. This is effective immediately when when you

1746
09:29:31.916 --> 09:29:50.160
looking to have this effective >> immediately. Yesterday done >> and we will need an after the fact res on this one. Um, what I'd like to do is cover a couple of the items that were pulled and see if we can get through that quickly

1747
09:29:50.160 --> 09:30:16.160
so we can get them on referrals or whatever it may be. And then we got to talk about the stormwater fees. >> Oh, wow. >> Yes. >> So, is that is it quick C2D? C2D issue RFP 2026 362ND management of

1748
09:30:16.160 --> 09:30:33.120
artisal craft markets farmers market on Lincoln Road. C2D was separated by Commissioner Dominguez. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez. >> I pulled this to make this a referral to neighborhoods so that we can um discuss the item there. So I move the item.

1749
09:30:33.120 --> 09:30:47.040
>> I'll second. >> Let's call the vote. Have a motion by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Bot to refer C2D to public safety. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed hearing. None. The referral is

1750
09:30:47.040 --> 09:31:07.400
approved. 70. That was C2D. >> C7D. C7D is not proceed with 19th Street parking project administration to explore alternative solution. Uh D was separated by separate

1751
09:31:07.436 --> 09:31:23.756
that. Who separated that one? Uh, I got it. Commissioner Matelas, >> take it away. >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So, I actually pulled this because I want to hear it. I want to refer it to um the public safety uh committee. I think we can do better with

1752
09:31:23.756 --> 09:31:39.756
this. I think this is for the Holocaust uh museum that just opened. It's beautiful and it needs more parking, as does the botanical garden. and I I have a couple ideas for the solution. Um, and I'd like to discuss it further at the committee with my committee members. And

1753
09:31:39.756 --> 09:31:55.120
so with that, I'll just move the item. >> I'll second that. >> Call You're going to be busy, Commissioner Fernandez. Just got two more referrals. >> There you go. >> I'll put on record just because I I'm not able to attend uh always committee meetings. I'm very much against removing

1754
09:31:55.120 --> 09:32:11.916
any type of uh green space or trees down there in favor of just more concrete. So just very high level, you know, when it goes to the committee, uh, even when it comes back here, that'll be my vote. >> You'll play that tape, Commissioner Fernandez. >> We will remember that. >> David, do you I heard there's a cost

1755
09:32:11.916 --> 09:32:28.000
reduction to some of the stuff that we explored. Just really quickly, >> yeah, there is an option to that we were exploring it. It does presume to uh change the layout in a way that the county has already expressed that they would not approve. Uh, but we did get

1756
09:32:28.000 --> 09:32:44.240
some reassurances that the county may consider it. So, possible. >> Well, I'd like to discuss it further at committee. So, great. >> Which committee? >> Public safety, neighborhoods, quality of life. >> But if it's going to be if there's going to finance cost, would I want to go back to finance? If if I may, I I think it

1757
09:32:44.240 --> 09:33:00.640
also has quality of life implications and neighborhood implications for for for [clears throat] there's an issue with with parking in general, with the botanical garden, with the Chamber of Commerce, with uh with neighboring residential buildings, um

1758
09:33:00.640 --> 09:33:16.320
and and residents who who complain about the lack of of parking in in the area. Um so, you know, I I get that there's a financial implication. I might have to stop with finance again. >> And I also know of a private funer. I've

1759
09:33:16.320 --> 09:33:33.680
heard um Norman Braymond wants to chip in a little bit here. >> Yeah. Just I'm just I'm just saying if there's a if there's a financial cost. >> So you're saying in addition to public safety refer to finance? >> Yeah. I mean is there going to be would there be any financial cost to the city?

1760
09:33:33.680 --> 09:33:49.120
>> Let's see what happens in public safety and then Yeah. But then again, it just goes back to commission and then are we going to then send it back to finance? >> So, we could do a dual dual referral and then withdraw it from finance if it's not needed. >> Could we make a motion to send it to neighborhoods and then the outcome of

1761
09:33:49.120 --> 09:34:06.560
neighborhoods uh have that referred to FK kind of like the way we do LDR amendments that we first send it to Lusk doing a dual referral before it stops at the planning board. Mr. Attorney, >> Mr. Attorney, >> you could do a dual You can do a dual

1762
09:34:06.560 --> 09:34:21.840
referral. >> Is that what he's asking? Public safety referral and then depending on the outcome of public safety, >> well, you could do a dual referral and then have the chair of finance not hear it unless it's needed. That's the way I would do it. >> Right. Have it have it go first to public safety so that there is a fiscal

1763
09:34:21.840 --> 09:34:37.120
impact, a change and the numbers. Uh then it's it goes to Ferg before it comes back to commission. >> You okay with that, Chair Magazine? Okay. We have a motion to second. >> Yes, sir. Motion by Commissioner Matelina, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez to duly refer to public safety

1764
09:34:37.120 --> 09:34:56.000
and FIK. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Hearing none. The referral is approved. 70. That was C7D. >> C70. >> C70 is accept recommendation install plum bird bath water feature at Bell Isle Park. It was separated by uh

1765
09:34:56.000 --> 09:35:12.720
Commissioner Dominguez. >> Vice Mayor Dominguez. I separated this item because it's still um on the agenda to be heard at neighborhoods to give the neighborhood association bera a chance to opine. I know that at FK meeting uh

1766
09:35:12.720 --> 09:35:27.916
commissioner Suarez and the resident that wants his bird bath are going to pay for it. Um there's still other implications of cleaning and what about the rodents and uh when it breaks who's going to maintain it and pay for it. So um we're we're still waiting for it to

1767
09:35:27.916 --> 09:35:43.916
be heard at neighborhoods. So, defer the item or said it's already at neighborhood. >> Yeah. To be honest, I don't I didn't even know why it was on the agenda. I thought we were waiting on neighborhoods. So, >> sure. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm sorry. So, the motion is to

1768
09:35:43.916 --> 09:35:58.000
defer or >> Well, yeah. Because whatever comes out of neighborhoods will get heard. >> I think it should just be direction to not bring this. >> Yeah. Again, I don't know why this was on the agenda. I mean, I didn't put it

1769
09:35:58.000 --> 09:36:15.916
on the agenda. So I know it's waiting to be heard at neighborhood. So >> So no action on this item. >> C7Q is amend trolley advertisement agreement with outfront media allow full wrap ads

1770
09:36:15.916 --> 09:36:34.560
on city trolleys. C7Q was separated by commissioner Dominguez. So the reason I pulled that is because the transportation committee and MBU both opined. So I just wanted to give let those voices be heard that they

1771
09:36:34.560 --> 09:36:49.520
preferred not on [snorts] the windows for safety reasons so that people from the outside can see in who's in there for uh MBPD. Um, and I think the transportation committee's LTC to us came out about a

1772
09:36:49.520 --> 09:37:04.960
week or so ago and MB MBU would have been in the last day or so. >> Yeah. I mean, um, to be honest, this really isn't my idea, but um, it, you

1773
09:37:04.960 --> 09:37:24.560
know it's both our ideas, I guess. Um, but I think it's a good item. Um, I think it's a I think it's a good item. We have a We're going to be a deficit in the transportation fund. Is that correct? >> We're We're trying to uh close a gap.

1774
09:37:24.560 --> 09:37:39.520
Yes. >> By how much? >> Uh, well, it it it depends. It right now we think we can close the the gap that we have with some additional resources. >> Um, well, there are different scenarios.

1775
09:37:39.520 --> 09:37:54.640
Commissioner, I don't I don't have it. Yeah. So, you know, for those of you listening, we fund the trolleys 100% through taxes and, you know, we're going to be we're going

1776
09:37:54.640 --> 09:38:12.320
to be looking to tighten our belt on the city budget. It only makes sense to get the sort of best bang for your buck on on these on these trolleys. Um, the date county public buses have it

1777
09:38:12.320 --> 09:38:29.120
fully wrapped. Other cities have it fully wrapped. So, I don't see what the what the issue is here. As far as I know, when you wrap a um bus on the windows, it's preferated so you can see in and out. Maybe not from outside in, but you can

1778
09:38:29.120 --> 09:38:47.040
certainly see from the inside out. Um, anything to say about that? >> Um, so you're right, Commissioner, there are different perforation ratios that advertising wraps can have. They [clears throat] vary. Um, we reached out

1779
09:38:47.040 --> 09:39:06.080
to Outfront Media, who's our advertising company, and they informed us that the wrapping that they use is a uh 50 50 has a it's a 50/50 um perforation ratio, which is actually um the it it maximizes

1780
09:39:06.080 --> 09:39:22.000
visibility while still allowing for advertising. So, there isn't anything less than 50% uh in the market. that's, you know, widely used uh for advertising raps. >> Let me ask you, how much how much more

1781
09:39:22.000 --> 09:39:38.880
value do we get in sponsorship dollars for this by having the full [snorts] wrap? >> By having full wrap, >> and is and are we bound to Outfront Media as a as the sole provider for advertising? >> Outfront Media is our current uh

1782
09:39:38.880 --> 09:39:55.596
advertising company. We are looking to and it's a a topic of um an item at at committee at FK, but we're looking to uh issue a competitive solicitation for new services, but they are uh our current

1783
09:39:55.596 --> 09:40:13.276
agreement is with with Outfront. And so um at at the last FK meeting there was a discussion on this item and the finance committee made a recommendation to amend the existing contract with outfront to include uh fully wrapping the exterior

1784
09:40:13.276 --> 09:40:28.720
of the trolleys. Currently we we've never wrapped the uh the full exterior of our trolleys. Um the current contract only allows for wrapping between the front wheels and the rear wheels as well as the rear of the vehicle itself. So

1785
09:40:28.720 --> 09:40:46.480
according to outfront by opening up the the advertising opportunity uh throughout the entire vehicle it it would uh increase revenues. So >> by how much? Uh I don't think that they gave us uh an exact amount but um you

1786
09:40:46.480 --> 09:41:02.480
know um for the FK discussion we'll we'll try to have that number. >> Mr. Mayor, >> is it possible? Oh >> sorry. >> Yeah. I'm going to go commissioner Matteo Selenus Commissioner Fernandez Commissioner Magazine >> just to let you know I to me to support this I would like to know what kind of

1787
09:41:02.480 --> 09:41:17.680
how much of an increase we're having. To me for a minimal amount to me it's not worth it. But I don't >> um well I'm supportive of this. I understand the concerns. I think there is a way to do it where you can see in and out. Um and there's a bunch of

1788
09:41:17.680 --> 09:41:33.360
different creative ways you can do it to where the windows aren't covered either that can be covered with a lighter shade and you know so forth. Um I my suggestion is is we just you know we can vote on this today and try it out and then the minute it becomes a problem we

1789
09:41:33.360 --> 09:41:47.520
change it back to what it was before. I mean we We don't know if it will really be a problem. I understand that we're we're running that risk, but I just I it happens all over um you know the country and the world where where trolleys have

1790
09:41:47.520 --> 09:42:05.040
these wraps and designs and it works. So uh let's try it and let's try to increase our revenue here. That's my suggestion. >> Um I I think I was next Jose the vehicles for the trolleys that we ended up procuring

1791
09:42:05.040 --> 09:42:21.916
>> Mhm. Did do they have the traditional design? What was the design that we ended up going with? >> It it is the exterior of the vehicle will have a classic American trolley uh design. >> Okay. And and that came at a premium to our city, did it not?

1792
09:42:21.916 --> 09:42:36.720
>> They were a higher cost >> on an estimate. How much of a higher cost was this aesthetic add-on to to the trolley feature? >> So, Commissioner, I apologize. I don't have that number with me. Uh I remember

1793
09:42:36.720 --> 09:42:51.840
there was an incremental cost, but I I don't have that exact number with me. >> Okay. I would I would like to defer this this item. I I know the merits of the of the

1794
09:42:51.840 --> 09:43:08.960
advertising especially today, especially giving given all the changes to our revenues that we're going to be experiencing. From the passenger perspective, I also value the feedback that you want to be able to have the most amount of of of

1795
09:43:08.960 --> 09:43:25.520
transparency. But if we've made a fiscal investment, a an an investment, a a commitment to procuring a specific type of vehicle that has specific aesthetics, I want to know what is going to be the

1796
09:43:25.520 --> 09:43:40.720
revenue that we're going to get now from wrapping that. is are we going to at least break even? Um because then why are we even making the investment in a more aesthetically pleasing vehicle? Uh

1797
09:43:40.720 --> 09:43:56.000
and I and and I do know that that that retrofitted vehicle, it was not cheap. It was it was a significantly uh pricier uh option. So, I'd like to move to defer this this item so that we

1798
09:43:56.000 --> 09:44:12.480
can have the data on the on the potential revenue that we would get from from wrapping and also what was the additional cost for the more aesthetically pleasing traditional American trolley design. >> I'll second the motion.

1799
09:44:12.480 --> 09:44:29.120
>> Oh, sorry. >> No, perfect. Uh, I was going to second the motion as well. In fact, I was going to also suggest the deferral one to get the quantitative numbers, but then also to speak to MBU and the transportation committee, both groups that I hold in high esteem. I value their opinions. It

1800
09:44:29.120 --> 09:44:43.916
caused me to sit up when I saw that they both opined against. However, if I was sitting in a vacuum, I would have opined against it as well. But when you put it in the context of well, this somewhat allowed us to add service levels, right?

1801
09:44:43.916 --> 09:45:00.800
we actually increased uh the hours of operation for the trolleys or at least did not cut them. Uh the funding deficits that we're facing for the transportation committee. I'm happy to reach out to both those groups and explain the totality and context surrounding it. Uh perhaps they are able

1802
09:45:00.800 --> 09:45:18.160
to see, perhaps not. Excuse the pun. Um and >> [laughter] >> uh you know, but either way, we'll get the quantitative numbers back and uh opine fully next month. Let's call a vote on the motion to defer C7Q to July. Uh, Commissioner Fernandez

1803
09:45:18.160 --> 09:45:34.960
made the motion. Mayor Miner seconded. All in favor of the deferral, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> C7Q is deferred to July 22nd. >> C7 AG. >> C7 AG is create a public MB employee salary portal. Uh, C7 AG was separated

1804
09:45:34.960 --> 09:45:51.916
by Commissioner Matas Selenas. >> Commissioner Matas Selenus. So, I understand that our everyone's uh salary is is public record. I get it. Um but I I really feel like this is just a hurtful not intended to be. I don't think the sponsor intends this to be

1805
09:45:51.916 --> 09:46:07.436
hurtful at all. But I do see how people are just going to bully our employees online by saying, "Oh, you know, I called code and sergeant or you know, code officer so and so responded and I look this guy up and he makes x amount and he is overpaid." And I just don't

1806
09:46:07.436 --> 09:46:25.360
like that. And so I I'm just against this. Um it just sits bad with me and I I don't want [sighs] our staff to be further bullied by how much they make and that's where my mind jumped. So I I

1807
09:46:25.360 --> 09:46:40.560
don't support this. >> Commissioner Suarez, it's your item. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Uh I hear your concerns. Um, but at the end of the day, everyone who works for the city government is is a

1808
09:46:40.560 --> 09:46:56.720
public servant and there is a level of transparency that everyone should adhere to. The city of Miami is doing it uh as long as well as the the county. Um, and I don't see

1809
09:46:56.720 --> 09:47:11.120
anything wrong with more transparency in government. Um, sure you're going to have people that may have someone that not like a particular employee, but that's their right to look up their

1810
09:47:11.120 --> 09:47:27.360
salary and look it on an easy to view website. So, just because someone may not like some other other person doesn't mean that they're not privy to public information. >> Yeah, I'm going to I'm going to support

1811
09:47:27.360 --> 09:47:43.520
it. We've added a number of items through public. Some of them I've brought whether it be cups or audits and contracts. I do hear your concerns, Commissioner Masenus. I share those concerns and it's a weighing factor.

1812
09:47:43.520 --> 09:47:59.276
It's uh I think you're going to be right. It's going to happen, but ultimately transparency to me is going to win out and so I'm going to support it. I guess if I could ask Frank uh unknowingly I had a very similar item on

1813
09:47:59.276 --> 09:48:14.240
that even expanded that where I believe transparency in government spending is of the highest importance. So I had an uh a separate but similar item that is establishing a portal to track every

1814
09:48:14.240 --> 09:48:31.360
single dollar that is spent in our city including dollars from us. Right? Are we able to do those in unison? Is the salary one is what I'm proposing going to take much longer and perhaps we do

1815
09:48:31.360 --> 09:48:48.080
the salary one which I mean is is it's pretty simple, right? It's just linking that's all readily available. Uh you probably have that done in two hours. >> So, >> and you're saying no, but you're actually laughing because you're like actually 10 minutes.

1816
09:48:48.080 --> 09:49:04.080
>> So, good evening. um Frankington as CIO. So, both of them are obviously technically feasible. They both pull information from our HR and financial systems. So, they're doable. Uh to your direct question about which one is more labor intensive. The fiscal one is is more because there's more complexity in

1817
09:49:04.080 --> 09:49:20.880
a financial system than there is than just pulling straight uh salary information. Um so, we would pro probably tar them in that order. Salary first and then the financial one just for the sake of effort. I guess where I was going with that, Frank, is >> we wouldn't need both if we could do the

1818
09:49:20.880 --> 09:49:37.596
broader fiscal one and I don't call it a month or something like that. But if this is a longer term endeavor, then I don't want to hold up Commissioner Suarez's item while we're spending time preparing the more comprehensive one. Is that >> I think I think my conversations with

1819
09:49:37.596 --> 09:49:55.120
Frank was you can get this done relatively soon and I think it should be separate. I don't think it should be um I I don't think it should be mixed in with a big sort of portal. I think if you want to see how much any Miami Beach employee is

1820
09:49:55.120 --> 09:50:11.916
making, you go to a specific page and it's there. >> So, as far as scope and effort, um they're related, but they're also very separate. Um one is obviously a much easier deliverable uh the salary one than the financial one. So it would be un irresponsible of me to give you a

1821
09:50:11.916 --> 09:50:27.276
time for the financial one at this point because it it is going to need a little bit of you know discovery on our side to figure that part out. Um but just off the top based on what was in the in the items um it seems that the salary >> so through the mayor I just want to make sure that Frank has seen the addendum. >> Yes.

1822
09:50:27.276 --> 09:50:44.320
>> That included the five-year look back. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Sir look back on >> the salaries. I actually think there's some positives to it because I've actually seen misinformation on this recently. Um, which I think if

1823
09:50:44.320 --> 09:51:00.480
we had a public portal, it would have made it very obvious it was misinformation. >> I mean, it already exists. It's not ours, but you just go to gov salaries.com. I mean, you could literally pull that from the portal in five minutes. >> Yeah, but do it. >> But we don't know if that is actually

1824
09:51:00.480 --> 09:51:15.596
accurate. >> The govsalaries.com. >> Why don't we do a test with Frank right now? [laughter] So, if if I may, the the gov salary one is part of a process they follow that doesn't feed from us automatically. I think it's a year or two behind. Um I think the intent from my understanding,

1825
09:51:15.596 --> 09:51:31.200
commissioner, uh is to have that be more updated >> and also a more trustworthy site like Miami Beach.gov.gov. So, I I don't want to go to a.com when we should be going to our city's website. >> Talking about the simplicity of

1826
09:51:31.200 --> 09:51:48.080
building, >> I have a question. Is this going to be done by job description or by employee name? Because I do have a concern about employee name. I think that is getting close to doxing and I fear for public safety. I have no issue with sharing um

1827
09:51:48.080 --> 09:52:04.160
salary for people people's people in that position. But um you know our in the private sector for years that's actually been encouraged so that um employees have better leverage to negotiate. So there, you know, there

1828
09:52:04.160 --> 09:52:20.800
there pros and cons to either way that we go, but I am very leerary of saying, you know, officer Joe Smith makes X number of dollars because then all of a sudden Joe Smith becomes a a named individual and can

1829
09:52:20.800 --> 09:52:37.916
become the target of harassment and I don't, you know, becomes a public safety issue. So salary disclosure is not an issue attaching them to individual names. To me, that's that's a concern. So I >> that's already available though. >> It's already public record and commit. I'm just want to have it in in a more

1830
09:52:37.916 --> 09:52:54.960
transparent and trustworthy source. >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um and as as was mentioned previously, these portals exist in different jurisdictions. Miami date county has had it for for a while.

1831
09:52:54.960 --> 09:53:11.680
The city of Miami has it and and others have it. [snorts] Um, I want to be mindful of employee morale. Um, and that's a concern that I have that that they feel that I don't want them to feel that this is a target on

1832
09:53:11.680 --> 09:53:30.720
them. Um, [clears throat] I also want to be mindful of unintended consequences. Mr. manager right now. Um I understand the county and different agencies are always looking around to

1833
09:53:30.720 --> 09:53:48.080
scoop up our employees. I believe that we have the most talented workforce in the county and so yes there are a lot of other agencies that would like to have our people >> and usually when they approach our employees they're coming in based I mean

1834
09:53:48.080 --> 09:54:04.720
how what is it that they're offering them that's that scooping them up is it benefits is it a better salary is it a flexible work schedule what is it what is yield >> all the above >> okay so So, so here we would be

1835
09:54:04.720 --> 09:54:23.040
publicizing to our in this case competitor what we pay our employees making it easier for them to come in and scoop up our talents >> potentially, but that's already available.

1836
09:54:23.040 --> 09:54:38.480
>> That's, you know, that's I don't need to facilitate it though. and they want to, you know, make a records request or look up old data, which is what's available now online is is old data. I don't believe it's it's, you know, the most

1837
09:54:38.480 --> 09:54:54.640
up-to-date information. I believe all all of these websites, they don't have the latest data, and it's a it's it's usually a little bit backlogged. I I get [snorts] concerned that we're just gonna throw fuel to the fire that

1838
09:54:54.640 --> 09:55:11.520
we have of people being offered better, more competitive salaries by by neighboring jurisdictions and we're going to be contributing to the loss of of talent. That's a concern that I have and I don't want to facilitate that

1839
09:55:11.520 --> 09:55:28.720
because at the end of the day that makes it more difficult to render services to our residents in in Miami Beach. >> So, uh, Commissioner, respectfully, if someone is trying to poach one of our employees, they don't have to go to our

1840
09:55:28.720 --> 09:55:45.520
gov site. They can go to the do site and get that information within a few thousand uh, salary. But, you know, I I mean, this is just transparency, okay? I just want I I I it's very it's really

1841
09:55:45.520 --> 09:56:01.436
odd to me that I'm getting a lot of push back on this when this data is already readily available on many different websites. And I, for one, want to know exactly where our dollars are being spent and how much

1842
09:56:01.436 --> 09:56:17.756
money a certain individual is making. I think that's a good thing. I don't I don't see I don't shy away from that. And I would rather have our government website, our city official site

1843
09:56:17.756 --> 09:56:34.880
collect and and present that data than other sites which may be wrong and um may give incorrect information. So, you know, it's just I I'm I'm kind of at

1844
09:56:34.880 --> 09:56:51.916
a loss of words here where I just want to have transparency and and and in what we spend and, you know, I don't see the difference in in having a portal of of exactly where our dollars go to for certain projects, but we we want to

1845
09:56:51.916 --> 09:57:09.840
somehow not >> give information on on what's already available and where our tax dollars are being spent. So, >> uh, if I may through the chair, because this might, uh, provide for some column.

1846
09:57:09.840 --> 09:57:25.360
Um, the state adopted a statute earlier this year that will require effective January 1 of next year that the city publish on a quarterly basis salary information for every employee. So, we're just getting ahead by, you know, by a half year.

1847
09:57:25.360 --> 09:57:42.000
>> In that case, I second the motion. I mean [laughter] >> let's call [clears throat] >> I as I mentioned commissioner I am supportive I'm just curious [laughter] is anybody if you know the answer like a public company that has reporting requirements regulatory requirements with the SEC and

1848
09:57:42.000 --> 09:57:57.360
>> they don't publish their employees salaries though right as far as you know >> absolutely >> I believe so >> they don't >> but I'm supportive I'm just saying uh >> it's taxpayer money I get it >> yeah this isn't our money and Second.

1849
09:57:57.360 --> 09:58:12.960
>> I'll move it or second. >> I'm sorry, Mr. May. What was your point of I'm sorry, Mr. >> I was just m I am supportive of the item and but I was just I was making the comparison to a private a private company that's a public company that has

1850
09:58:12.960 --> 09:58:29.520
stringent reporting requirements but yet their employee salaries other than the CEO and maybe a couple of other high are not known. It's actually right that's what's that website glass ceiling or something and glass door >> they they but it's not it's kind of hit

1851
09:58:29.520 --> 09:58:46.000
or miss. So it's interesting that you hear you have these public companies but yet you you have no insight but we're we're >> taxpayers monies and we're we're government and I any transparency and as Rick just mentioned it's going to come public anyway. So we have a motion a

1852
09:58:46.000 --> 09:59:01.360
second. Let's call the vote. And I I just want to mention before I vote because this is at the end of the day, Commissioner Sors is getting ahead of of of the preeemption, but we are preempted. I I do, you know, I feel bad for our employees because I think this

1853
09:59:01.360 --> 09:59:17.680
is something unfair from at the end of the day, the state was going to force us to do this to to do this anyways is I believe is putting a target on them. There's already transparency. Anyone that wants this information is already available through our human resources department. there are records that they

1854
09:59:17.680 --> 09:59:33.276
can request and and it's and it's made available and I think it makes us a less comp competitive uh employer as as I mentioned earlier makes it easier for the private sector to come in and take talent from our city and it's now going to make it easier for other

1855
09:59:33.276 --> 09:59:50.640
jurisdictions to to scoop up our our employees. But >> I and I see that and and maybe you're right. I just to me when you're talking about like the county or other cities, they're pretty sophisticated. I think they either have the information or they can readily get it. And then if

1856
09:59:50.640 --> 10:00:07.596
somebody's being nefarious about it about the salaries, >> it's public record. >> No, they're in the minority and they're going to get it anyway because they know how to get they're just going to make a public records which by the way we get we do get those.

1857
10:00:07.596 --> 10:00:21.200
>> Anyway, we have a motion to second. Call pull the vote. I have a motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Fernandez on C7 AG. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> Opposed. >> Have one uh no from Commissioner Mattel

1858
10:00:21.200 --> 10:00:37.756
Selenus. Item is approved. 61 C7 AG. >> So I'm um I'm going to call the stormwater funding items. I I would like to end this meeting at seven today. So >> So we have a choice. We can be very

1859
10:00:37.756 --> 10:00:53.596
pointed and direct or at least we'll have a half hour discuss and we'll continue it at least. No, but >> Mr. Mayor, >> I I'll be optimistic, but let's try to get through as much as we can. This way we have um we we can have a better uh understanding when we have our next

1860
10:00:53.596 --> 10:01:08.880
meeting. >> If if you don't mind, Mr. Mayor, can we just take a vote now on what option we like and let's just maybe take a straw ballot vote of where you're at and that way >> you know. Well, let me officially call

1861
10:01:08.880 --> 10:01:24.160
the item so the clerk can uh it's R9 ah and R seven AH. >> Okay. R seven AH is authorized geo bond for storm water retain moratorium on water and sewer rates and R9

1862
10:01:24.160 --> 10:01:44.080
ah is a discuss geo bond storm water capital project funding water and sewer capital. >> Happy to put my course on the table. Mr. Please. >> Um, I've said it [clears throat] numerous times. I have a fundamental

1863
10:01:44.080 --> 10:02:01.596
disagreement with funding storm water wastewater uh, projects through a geo bond. Believe it could add potential stress to our overall system, our general fund city.

1864
10:02:01.596 --> 10:02:17.360
um especially with uh the uncertainty that's going to happen when if and when the property tax reform passes. Uh the bond markets will have great uncertainty about how to view

1865
10:02:17.360 --> 10:02:32.960
Florida municipal debt. That being said, if it's the will of my colleagues that that's the route they want to go, I'm going to be supportive of that. Um, however, I do think that there are a handful of projects that we have talked

1866
10:02:32.960 --> 10:02:49.360
about and planned for years up here have been I've sat at people's kitchen tables and planned these out. Um, one for West Avenue phase three. We're in the process of phase two right now and

1867
10:02:49.360 --> 10:03:05.360
we're set to begin phase three in several months, I believe. Uh, correct. John, feel free to jump up and Jason jump up and correct me if I say anything wrong. And then on First Street where we've been planning that for years and

1868
10:03:05.360 --> 10:03:21.276
we for both of those projects, they're very unique because they have tens of millions of dollars of state grants and funding that we would be in jeopardy of losing. So, where I'm at with both of those, even if we would get back a broader

1869
10:03:21.276 --> 10:03:38.160
collection of $800 million of GEO bonds or uh yeah, [snorts] that the voters say no, we don't want to go forward with those, we'd still be forced to go forward, not forced, but I couldn't imagine any scenario where we wouldn't then go forward with these projects. So,

1870
10:03:38.160 --> 10:03:55.120
why not just do that now, right? get that uncertainty out of the way. When we're talking numbers here, collectively, if we just pass those two projects, I respect that we put a moratorum in place and it did its job, right? It's

1871
10:03:55.120 --> 10:04:12.080
already been in place for what, a year, a year and a half unofficially. I mean, we just passed it, but we haven't we've kicked the can down the road on the rate decision for over a year now. >> Okay. for that. Our administration was

1872
10:04:12.080 --> 10:04:29.276
proposing $800 million of borrowing. This would be perhaps if we just did those two projects, 125 to 175, it would equate to in the years in the immediate future, $3, $4

1873
10:04:29.276 --> 10:04:45.520
per month per household. That is manageable to me. And we need to do those projects no matter what because we've been planning them. We've spent tens of millions of dollars on both of them, right? And we have tens of

1874
10:04:45.520 --> 10:05:01.840
millions of dollars of state funding that would be at stake if we would not go forward. So I guess despite what I my my better philosophical beliefs of how you fund these projects, I will go along with the

1875
10:05:01.840 --> 10:05:18.240
will of the body if they want to put this out to a geo bond vote of our electorate. But I would suggest that we carve out those two specific projects, issue those storm water wastewater revenue bonds so they can go forward

1876
10:05:18.240 --> 10:05:33.680
immediately as we've been working with those neighborhood organizations for years and years. >> That's where I'm at. >> I'm I'm in line with what you mentioned. >> Anybody else want to speak? >> Call the vote.

1877
10:05:33.680 --> 10:05:50.640
>> So I have a question. So, so Commissioner Magnus, what you're saying, >> what? Okay. What you're saying is go forward with a geo bond. >> Put it >> right. >> Right. >> I'm comfortable. Um, so I'll tell you from my perspective.

1878
10:05:50.640 --> 10:06:07.200
From [clears throat] my perspective, um, Eric, Mr. Manager, what is the lifespan of water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure? I mean water and sewer infrastructure should be between probably 50 and 80

1879
10:06:07.200 --> 10:06:22.640
years. >> 50 50 and 80 years. Okay. And and so and so we have multiple options how in in how we can do this. We can do this um we can do this through a general

1880
10:06:22.640 --> 10:06:38.000
obligation bond that covers all the projects. Is that correct? So there's yes there are many different ways to come up with funding >> but I have so it the geo bond covers all the projects that we had on on the table

1881
10:06:38.000 --> 10:06:55.040
that had to be funded through the water and sewer rate increase that we had in the pipeline. >> So if that's the direction of the commission we can do a geo bond for all of those projects. Yes. That's the approximately $800 million. >> Okay. All right. And those Okay. And so

1882
10:06:55.040 --> 10:07:18.520
and so if we do the geo bond, what is what is the the average and median that a home would be paying if we do a geob? Mr. CFO here. I think we're good here.

1883
10:07:18.720 --> 10:07:36.080
So if I may there there seems to be two kind of coalesed uh options uh that have come before and one is uh the one option which is to fund the entire uh 8-year capital program through an a geo bond program which would involve borrowing

1884
10:07:36.080 --> 10:07:51.756
about $784 million in debt through general obligation storm water 337 million446 million for water and sewer and the rest of the program is about a billion dollar program would be about would be >> I'm sorry I need to sync the answers

1885
10:07:51.756 --> 10:08:07.360
because I'm going to get lost in all the numbers. >> Yeah. Can you put the presentation up? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We can put >> So, so the geo bond would come out to how much uh for the average household? >> If we can bring up the presentation. >> There it is.

1886
10:08:07.360 --> 10:08:23.680
>> Okay. Where's the >> for all the project? >> For all the project. I got it. >> Okay. So if if you may let me walk walk through because there were there were two options there. One was funding both water and sewer and storm water through geo and the other option that came out

1887
10:08:23.680 --> 10:08:40.480
of FK was uh storm water geo. So it seemed both options were storm water geo $337 million of storm water geo. Uh and really it seems like the two differences that are probably being discussed is water and sewer utility. Is that going to be done through utility rate or is that going to be do done through geo

1888
10:08:40.480 --> 10:08:57.436
bond? I I I think that's the two dueling con kind of concepts. So, let me walk you through. >> Well, just so we're clear, I have a proposal for all of the projects to be geob bond funded, not some sewer. >> Correct. Correct. There there are two

1889
10:08:57.436 --> 10:09:14.240
resolutions. One is the original one that was discussed at FK, which was the full uh both water and sewer and storm water as go. And then the item that came out uh of FK uh motioned by uh Commissioner Matteo Selenus which was to do storm water as a geo but to do uh the

1890
10:09:14.240 --> 10:09:31.916
uh water and sewer as a um through the utility rating. >> Can I get an answer to my question please? >> On when we place everything >> everything >> in a geo bond. >> Yes. What is the average impact on an annualized basis

1891
10:09:31.916 --> 10:09:49.436
>> to our residents and to the property owners of our city here >> after? >> Yeah. Okay. Here we go. Uh this this one is it this is the FK presented annual geo bond debt service. Uh so what this would show is and this is a little updated from the FK presentation because

1892
10:09:49.436 --> 10:10:07.200
we got new updated data uh from the the uh property appraisers. So uh how we would structure that is doing a declaration tent to issue. It seems when we've been talking about this is max debt service which we project would be in 20135. Uh a median homestead of property value

1893
10:10:07.200 --> 10:10:21.040
which is currently valued at only $317,000. We would project that that would be about $210 to the median homestead of property about $616 to the average homestead of property.

1894
10:10:21.040 --> 10:10:38.560
>> Okay. And when we separate um storm water and only do a storm water general obligation bond and handle water and sewer through a rate increase, what what what is the impact annualized when

1895
10:10:38.560 --> 10:10:55.520
you combine both to our >> uh residents? I >> I'll handle storm water and let uh John here deal with >> I would love if the number could just be combined. I want to know what would just be the annualized >> impact to our residents. There is this one. Yeah. Okay. Sorry about that. All right. So, this one is trying is trying

1896
10:10:55.520 --> 10:11:11.360
to compare the two. It's the storm water and the the water and sewer together. So, this is considered option one, which is the the geobond storm water utility rate on water and sewer. So, it would be for the median homesteaded. This would be a single family. These are all single

1897
10:11:11.360 --> 10:11:28.080
family homes. If you're asking condo uh which is a majority going to be a majority of units, that's around 70% of that value. So for a median homestead it'll be around $725. Uh and then for the u median residential

1898
10:11:28.080 --> 10:11:44.400
which is including homestead and non-h homestead you it's the it's the last column you see here the 2035. So you can see those uh values there. >> 20 >> in 2035 we're using 2035 because that would be the max amount on the geo bond debt service.

1899
10:11:44.400 --> 10:12:01.840
>> Okay. and and and then do you have to add uh water and sewer rate increase on top of that? >> You asked for this to be included. I have the separate pieces if you wanted to see the separate pieces. >> Okay. And then there was a third option or >> there were two other options that that

1900
10:12:01.840 --> 10:12:18.160
came out of FK which was uh utility rate increases for just West Avenue and First Street. And then there was a third option that was those two projects plus any critical need projects that public works uh felt was very important. Uh we called it the public works super slim

1901
10:12:18.160 --> 10:12:33.520
down uh option. >> Okay. And so and so then with the with the general obligation bond which on the median home would be $210 as opposed to the other option which would be about $500 more. We still get the completion

1902
10:12:33.520 --> 10:12:49.596
of of all the projects. And from my perspective, I like this because I [snorts] I see this this is a generational improvement to our city. The people who live here today are going to benefit from this improvement, but so

1903
10:12:49.596 --> 10:13:03.436
will the people who are going to be living in our city 20 years from now. The residents are going to be living here 30 years from now. The people who are going to be owning the major resort destinations 40 years from from now. and

1904
10:13:03.436 --> 10:13:21.756
and they get to contribute towards these improvements that we're doing today, but that they're going to be enjoying in in the future. The burden of that cost doesn't fall on the resident and the property taxpayer today that is facing a

1905
10:13:21.756 --> 10:13:36.320
number of of other burdens. And so to the extent that we can spread this out over over I don't know what is it 30 years. So you repay uh this >> whether a go or a revenue bond it would be a 30-year term either way. So, so but

1906
10:13:36.320 --> 10:13:53.200
to the to to to the extent uh that the that the that the burden of it is lower now and that people in in the future pay their share in these generational improvements and commercial properties

1907
10:13:53.200 --> 10:14:09.360
and that's a big that's a big difference. Also commercial properties uh do do they pay a larger are they a larger percentage than residential on on the contribution towards the general obligation bond payments.

1908
10:14:09.360 --> 10:14:25.200
>> The I believe we have more residential property. I think we are 21% in homesteaded and I want to say 50 something on the the other residential. So I think we are primarily >> homestead and our homesteaded res >> 21 I think we're about 21% of our

1909
10:14:25.200 --> 10:14:41.596
property a little over 20% of our properties are considered homesteaded >> and our commercial >> I would say 20 or 30% I'm sorry I don't remember the >> 50% sorry commissioner 50% you're saying is nonhomesteaded which >> it's over 50% is total residential over

1910
10:14:41.596 --> 10:14:56.480
50% >> commercial is is less than 50%. I don't know if if we have a way to get all the projects funded at a lower cost to our residents today, I that's that's going to be my

1911
10:14:56.480 --> 10:15:12.560
preference. Um if the financial situations were different, if if insurance rates were different, if inflation would be would be different, if wages would be uh to the level that

1912
10:15:12.560 --> 10:15:30.000
they should be, I would I would feel comfortable doing a different model. But today, our residents are dealing with financial situations that are very unique. And so and so my preference is going to be to to get it done through the general obligation bond.

1913
10:15:30.000 --> 10:15:46.400
>> Mr. Mayor, can I ask you a quick question? >> Uh just one let me go to Commissioner Mat Selenus and then Commissioner Magazine. >> Correct me if I'm wrong, but we have two options on the table or maybe we have three, but what I'm understanding is one of the option there's two geo bond options. One is to

1914
10:15:46.400 --> 10:16:02.320
bifurcate uh storm water and have a a geo bond for storm water only. Right. But but if we do that then we also automatically raise the water and sewer rates. Correct. >> We would need to raise water and sewer rates to complete all of the projects.

1915
10:16:02.320 --> 10:16:18.640
And we have that shown in a slide what that increase would be. >> So that would not go the geo bond though. That would not go to the voters. That would just be done and then it would split and then the geo bond would be for storm water flooding infrastructure. Okay. And then the second option is that the geo bond wraps

1916
10:16:18.640 --> 10:16:34.640
all of that into one that the voters vote on in November. And it's a much larger number. >> Correct. And and to that point, the the general obligation bond debt estimate would be 783 about 784785 million for the two different programs.

1917
10:16:34.640 --> 10:16:50.080
And the reason it's different amount of debt being issued from let's call it the bifurcated version where we're using would theoretically use utility rate increases to fund the water and sewer portion is because of the nature of how it's structured the financial model. it does more of a payo because remember we

1918
10:16:50.080 --> 10:17:04.080
talked about it's a billion dollar program and a certain percentage gets paid basically through cash that surplus cash that the fund it's uh generates surplus. So we would end up borrowing uh 400 $646 million. So we'd have to borrow about

1919
10:17:04.080 --> 10:17:22.080
$140 million less using the hybrid model >> the bifrocated model. Correct. And then can you also tell me the water and sewer if we increase those rates? Um how much what is that monthly cost per median household? Not median household.

1920
10:17:22.080 --> 10:17:37.756
Can you just tell me that number too? >> Sure. >> This this is it. Okay. So this is the water and sewer rate increase. As you can see it's much less than the original proposed which was about $15 a month. So we're hovering around $7 to 8 a month.

1921
10:17:37.756 --> 10:17:53.596
probably averaging about $7 a month throughout the uh rate increase period. >> This is based on sorry to interrupt but this is based on 5,000 gallons correct? >> Yes, this is based on 5,000 >> which is roughly how >> every LTC that comes from the city is based on how many gallons?

1922
10:17:53.596 --> 10:18:11.120
>> It has been 7,000 in the past. However, the presentation for this started at 5,000 and there have been numbers for 7,000, but when references have been made, they always go back to the $15 a month, which has always been the 5,000. The median

1923
10:18:11.120 --> 10:18:25.360
usage, >> well, why I understand? >> So, the average usage Miami Beach is very unique. We have very very large houses with large meters and then we have a lot of condominiums and we lot

1924
10:18:25.360 --> 10:18:41.120
have smaller single family homes. So the average usage might be higher but we keep talking about the median household here. So if we're talking about the median household that's going to skew closer to the 5,000 rather than the average. >> So the 5,000 is how many square feet roughly?

1925
10:18:41.120 --> 10:18:58.000
>> It's just depends on usage. I I think in talking to to John was that you know let's say a smaller home a bungalow home you know normally aisle might be a 3,000galon usage house but you're getting skewed up to 7,000 because you have these 20,000 square foot houses and things like that. So so I think why they decided to use 5,000 which is probably

1926
10:18:58.000 --> 10:19:14.800
closer to a median probably a little higher than the median. >> Okay. And it'll be an additional $7 a month >> right and that that's about I think a 60% decrease from the original $15 and change I think per month. And then if the geo bond passes, then it will go up to it'll go from $7 a month to

1927
10:19:14.800 --> 10:19:30.800
>> the $7 a month that would be on the the water sewer side. You would have a geo bond that would max out at around $90 for the median and $265 for the average homestead property. >> Annually, so tell me that number again. I'm sorry. 90 annually. >> About $90 uh for the median uh

1928
10:19:30.800 --> 10:19:46.720
homesteaded property and the average homestead of property $265 is our estimate. That's in 2035, which would be what we're estimating to be max debt service because then it would start to go down. >> Okay. So then I I don't know who's

1929
10:19:46.720 --> 10:20:02.000
listening to me, but this is the option that I would go for is to bifocate them. And and my concern is is if we wrap it all up into one big geo bond, it's going to be harder to pass because it's going to be a larger number. And aren't we going to save how much again from

1930
10:20:02.000 --> 10:20:17.916
>> the because the if we do the water and sewer utility rates which is a much better financial model uh from a long-term conservative basis because it would generate revenues to do PO as it were and then generate more as the years go on to have additional debt further on as you pay off debt. So it's better for

1931
10:20:17.916 --> 10:20:34.560
the long-term financial sustainability of the fund of that utility. We save how much if we buy >> the difference is around $140 million less in total debt would have to be issued through this hybrid model. >> Okay. Thank you. That's what I'm leaning towards. >> Commissioner Magazine >> Jason very important question.

1932
10:20:34.560 --> 10:20:49.916
>> Right. Let's just go through a hypothetical. We borrow $1,000 and let's say there's a hundred payers in the city of Miami Beach. Right? So we'll keep it very simple. We borrow $1,000 and there's a

1933
10:20:49.916 --> 10:21:06.960
hundred payers. >> If this property tax reform passes in November, >> you're removing 25 of those payers from the system, right? So, we still have to repay. So,

1934
10:21:06.960 --> 10:21:23.040
that would be it's split amongst a hundred payers, right? $10 each. If this property tax reform passes in November, we still have to repay that same $1,000,

1935
10:21:23.040 --> 10:21:41.276
but now there's a much smaller pie of payers. You take out all the homesteaded payers from that pie and guess who that's left on. It's easy to sit there and poo poo, oh, commercial guys. Wow, the fountain

1936
10:21:41.276 --> 10:21:57.840
blue has to pay more. But you just said a number. 50% of that are residential non-h homesteaded renters. This will crush them. Crush them.

1937
10:21:57.840 --> 10:22:14.800
Tell me how I'm wrong. Tell me if I'm wrong and tell me how I'm wrong. I I believe early calculations are that we probably would lose about >> theoretically. Yeah, but there's about I think it's we're still looking at it a little over 10% of total properties perhaps could be in a situation where they're not paying no taxes if the full

1938
10:22:14.800 --> 10:22:30.240
constitutional amendment does happen to pass. Um but yes, in general the concept is you'd have a smaller pool. You'd still have the debt service in example is $22 million, let's say. >> Keep it simple. Do the thousand, right? >> Yeah. So you'd have nine people paying that instead of 10 people paying it. So

1939
10:22:30.240 --> 10:22:46.560
you're telling me only 10% of >> our total payers properties are home. >> That's total properties. Yes. >> Y can if I can to see for a second based on the calculations you had circulated in a worst case scenario even if that commercial property hit that >> Yeah.

1940
10:22:46.560 --> 10:23:03.200
>> We're talking 25 million >> which is on a billion dollar budget. >> Talking two different things here. One I think we were talking about was the impact of the city's general fund uh property tax revenue which was estimated to be around a $10 million total impact of that. The other part that you might

1941
10:23:03.200 --> 10:23:19.840
be thinking that was closer to that 15 or 20 yeah was the uh impact of the non-homesteaded properties moving from a 10% cap to a 5% cap >> and the li that would limit our growth going forward. But at the end of the day, I think as uh Commissioner Magazine stated, if I have debt service of X, I

1942
10:23:19.840 --> 10:23:35.520
am paying, you know, we have to make that debt service and you just it would just be a higher millage uh for those that are actually paying tax. >> Let's speak in English. >> Okay, I know what you're saying. We all know what you're saying. Speaking in English, okay, if we borrow through a

1943
10:23:35.520 --> 10:23:54.240
geo bond x amount and this passes in November, it's a smaller chunk of a pie that is paying right. You're going to remove 10 15% of that total pie of people that are homesteaded

1944
10:23:54.240 --> 10:24:11.360
property taxpayers. They are no longer going to be paying for any of this. Okay? Because GEO bond is paid out of advorum tax revenues. They will be exempted from that. So then that X amount still needs to

1945
10:24:11.360 --> 10:24:27.916
repaid be paid. So the remaining people are left holding a much larger bag. Correct? If you have a a home that has a taxable value of $250,000 and you have an exemption of $250,000, you will be at zero and you will pay uh you would not

1946
10:24:27.916 --> 10:24:42.960
pay for this geo bond. You would not pay for any municipal taxes. You wouldn't pay for any services the city uh provides, but you would receive all the benefit. Correct. Well, just to be fair, no, we have Commissioner Bot and >> I'm sorry to Commissioner Magazine's

1947
10:24:42.960 --> 10:25:00.080
answer. Uh, it's 20% is commercial. >> So that residential is the rest basically. >> So 30% like >> So they said the the the home the non-h homesteaded residential is the biggest piece >> and those are the people that would be left holding the bag,

1948
10:25:00.080 --> 10:25:15.756
>> holding a bigger share. Yeah. So the non-residential uh would would would be there. Yeah. The the homesteaded is I said is 20% and then commercials is 20%. >> So you're telling me the poorest homeowners >> are not going to have to put into the

1949
10:25:15.756 --> 10:25:30.560
geo bond, but the the ones with the most wealth will have to. >> We're obviously speaking theoretically if a constitutional amendment happens to pass. Uh in this particular case, you know, we're in a homestead exemption. I'm living in the world we have today, which is a $50,000 homestead exemption,

1950
10:25:30.560 --> 10:25:47.756
which is a 315,000ish median homesteaded property value. >> Yeah. >> And so that's what those calculations are making. >> It's not the wealthiest homeowners because the plan is eventually to exempt them. Okay. As this is a sliding scale.

1951
10:25:47.756 --> 10:26:04.000
So the homestead of people will be exempt. It will be the renters that essentially this falls on the shoulders of it. It's just simple. >> So may I ask

1952
10:26:04.000 --> 10:26:20.080
>> Commissioner B >> make sure you're finished. >> Commissioner Bot and Commissioner Suarez. So, we don't have any control over what Tallahassee proposes in years going

1953
10:26:20.080 --> 10:26:35.596
forward, nor what the state voters are going to do about this year's proposal. So, option one, as I understand it, splits the burden. Part of the work that is desperately needed in the city

1954
10:26:35.596 --> 10:26:51.596
will come through utility rates based on utility rate increases based on how much you use. So if you are a renter in a building and you're you know one or two people and you don't water a yard and you don't have a pool your usage will be

1955
10:26:51.596 --> 10:27:07.200
less. Is that am I understanding that correctly? >> That is correct. >> Okay. And if you have a mansion and um you know beautiful gardens and a beautiful pool and multiple bathrooms and a large family, you'll be paying more in those increases because you're

1956
10:27:07.200 --> 10:27:23.596
using more. So, it is it is based on it's based proportionally on what you use, which seems I'm not a genius, but that seems equitable to me. If you use less, you have a smaller home,

1957
10:27:23.596 --> 10:27:40.160
um you're a renter, you will be paying less of this. And if you have a bigger home and you are um using more water, you pay more of it. And then if I'm also understanding correctly, we bifurcate >> miss

1958
10:27:40.160 --> 10:27:56.160
literally in the middle of a sentence. >> I know I just Okay, >> Commissioner Suarez. >> I know. I just wanted to be I just want to be intellectually honest with with your argument, but >> I'm asking the two experts if I'm understanding this correctly so I can make an informed decision. Are you

1959
10:27:56.160 --> 10:28:11.840
suggesting they're not being intellectually honest with their arguments? >> No. The distinction you're making is that is that people with smaller homes are going to use less. So, it's going to impact them more. They're in a smaller home for a reason because >> Okay. But if you are in a one-bedroom apartment, >> let her finish the line and then you'll

1960
10:28:11.840 --> 10:28:27.756
speak. >> If you are in a one-bedroom apartment, how much water do you have to go through to be paying the same amount of water usage as a four-bedroom home? I I'm not an expert. Does it happen?

1961
10:28:27.756 --> 10:28:43.680
Maybe it happens. I don't know. >> I I'd like to be intellectually honest on this. No, you're not the expert on this. >> It could be assumed that the fewer fixtures that are in a home, the less water would be used. >> Okay, >> that could be assumed. >> And what we are trying to do is to share

1962
10:28:43.680 --> 10:28:59.360
this burden across everybody in the city who uses water and who has the benefit of our toilets flushing on a pretty regular basis without backing up into anybody's living room. So the proposal that has come out of FK that we were all

1963
10:28:59.360 --> 10:29:15.276
pretty united on as I last recall was to bifurcate this. So some of the burden is is shared through a geo bond and the more pressing potentially I guess it depends on your priorities but the more pressing issue is shared among all of us

1964
10:29:15.276 --> 10:29:31.276
who live and work and own businesses in the city based on our respective water use. Am I understanding that correctly without being intellectually dishonest? That is correct, >> Jason. >> Okay. So, that's option one.

1965
10:29:31.276 --> 10:29:48.960
We have a lot of things that are very complicated and unknown and it makes managing a city very complicated because we have kick this can down the road for decades as a city. I it's been how many years since there was even a a a utility rate increase? uh actually I think the

1966
10:29:48.960 --> 10:30:04.720
city manager was >> I think the last utility rate increase that was passed was a 5-year rate increase that was passed in 2019 but it ended up being lower than inflation >> for that time period >> and if I could add on to that that was a

1967
10:30:04.720 --> 10:30:21.680
it's a very important point uh when you look at those those rate increases that were put in there uh if we went through with the the current you know water and sewer rate increase that's being looked at is that from going back to 2020 because the commission put in artificially specific and low um utility

1968
10:30:21.680 --> 10:30:37.436
rate increases [clears throat] I believe it was a little over 10 10.1% loss to inflation so we're 10% behind the whole on inflation just based on the existing so if you look at the rate increases that were being proposed um which was in the the think six and a halfish range for a couple of years then

1969
10:30:37.436 --> 10:30:53.040
it follows the CPI uh just to get back that 10% that we lost there it would take three years of the rate increases there and if you that's working under the assumption that we're going to be at a 3% CPI anyway. We are currently at 4.2%. We're, you know, perhaps transition uh transitory, which is a

1970
10:30:53.040 --> 10:31:08.320
statement from a several years ago from the Fed. Hopefully, it's transitory. And we're back to more of a standard 2 to 3%, but still, you know, that's only a few percent higher than what inflation, you know, has been over the past number of years. And again, that would only help make up the 10% that we've lost

1971
10:31:08.320 --> 10:31:24.560
out. So um >> so so we are all of us here mindfully trying to get to a point where through circumstances not of any of our making either historically or prospectively either locally or at the state level

1972
10:31:24.560 --> 10:31:41.360
trying to figure out how to fix our aging infrastructure and insulate us from catastrophic failures. And so my understanding please jump in if I'm not understanding this correctly. My understanding is that what you propose as option one kind of shares the

1973
10:31:41.360 --> 10:31:57.276
risk among everybody as equitably as possible. So that part of it is based on use and part of it is based on um your your homestead property taxes which we have no control over and gives us the opportunity to go forward with the most

1974
10:31:57.276 --> 10:32:14.000
pressing items before the costs continue to escalate. [clears throat] and we can keep the conversation going until the voters vote on this on part of this in November and we'll have opportunities to maneuver a little bit going forward. But

1975
10:32:14.000 --> 10:32:30.400
it gives us the option to start now shared as as again the everybody on this commission has worked very hard with starting at pretty different viewpoints to get to an equitable solution and that's what option one is. Is that correct?

1976
10:32:30.400 --> 10:32:45.200
>> That's correct. Yes. >> Okay. Then I will make a motion to support option one. >> Second. >> Commissioner Suarez. >> I just want to get the numbers straight um for a full geo bond funding for all

1977
10:32:45.200 --> 10:33:01.436
the projects that option. What does it come out to the median? That's the 785 >> would the median uh homesteaded owner for Miami Beach >> for the homestead for the homesteaded

1978
10:33:01.436 --> 10:33:18.400
median would be and that's a $317,000 property as of this year but in 2035 we estimate about $210 charge. Median residential which would be all which would be all properties would be about $38.

1979
10:33:18.400 --> 10:33:37.436
The average would be 61628 and so for >> $800. >> So it would be $38 >> average a year >> per year. Yes. The Yes. The median because there's there's a very big difference in the city's median and average properties. Um and as you seen Oh, he's got the slide back up. Thank

1980
10:33:37.436 --> 10:33:53.436
you. Um >> so again just for the geo bond fund for all the projects first street west a critically need the the the ones that we yes >> what is it going to be to the median

1981
10:33:53.436 --> 10:34:10.480
residential property by 2035 per year >> the median residential property tax is estimated to be about $310. Okay, that's option >> per year. Correct. That's the median. >> Okay. Now, there's another option to

1982
10:34:10.480 --> 10:34:28.756
fund it. Well, I don't know if it's an option here, but if we were to fund it solely through if it you with me turn off the presentation. So the option to fully fund

1983
10:34:29.276 --> 10:34:49.840
through a combined hybrid [snorts] model of geo bond and water rate increases. What would that be to the median residential property >> for the median single family residential homesteaded?

1984
10:34:49.840 --> 10:35:05.596
726. So, and then about 70% of that would probably be what a condo would would be. >> Okay. So, almost double. Well, more than double for the median and then almost double for condo.

1985
10:35:05.596 --> 10:35:22.160
Is that correct? >> I'm sorry. Can you state that question again? >> Basically double >> from from which value? I'm sorry. from the option of geo a fully geobond >> and then also that's 308 >> on a median

1986
10:35:22.160 --> 10:35:37.200
>> if we do it through a hybrid >> with geo bond and a storm water increase it's 726 correct >> yes sir >> and if it was >> the other option is a full >> math ain't math >> go ahead

1987
10:35:37.200 --> 10:35:53.520
>> well the other option is a let's just for the sake of argument what if it was all sewer and utility increases. >> The Oh, that was the original >> 11 $1,121 annually. >> What? >> $1,121

1988
10:35:53.520 --> 10:36:08.160
annually. >> Okay. >> Right. So, this [clears throat] the the condo would be probably closer to $510. >> Well, I thought you said it was 70%. >> Wait, it's about 70%. >> Yeah, 70 about 70%. >> So, it's not 500. It would be closer to 800.

1989
10:36:08.160 --> 10:36:23.680
>> 800. No. 7 726 which is the >> you guys are very unprepared for this. I mean I just I mean I'm surprised. Well, I mean you know these are just these are just basic options and I'm asking basic questions of what the median is and I I

1990
10:36:23.680 --> 10:36:38.240
mean I didn't I'm not getting a straight answer it seems. Okay. I just want to get back on on track. Okay. So, the option that I'm proposing is and Commissioner Fernandez is proposing for

1991
10:36:38.240 --> 10:36:54.400
a full geo bond would cost the median residential property $38 a year in total by 2035. >> Okay, >> that is correct. Yeah. >> Option two would be geobond, some geo

1992
10:36:54.400 --> 10:37:11.916
bond and some utility rate increase. Correct. >> Correct. storm water uh would be geo and water and sewer as utility rates. Correct? >> Yes. That comes out to $726. Correct. Median. >> Somebody's going to really have to help explain to me how having a hybrid you

1993
10:37:11.916 --> 10:37:29.360
borrow the same exact amount. You don't because of the cash flow of the model as it was stating that the go you would end up borrowing additional money because if you don't have the additional utility rate increases the model throws off additional cash as you as you know you

1994
10:37:29.360 --> 10:37:45.520
have to have coverage. So um we with the model with as you increase those revenues in the utility not only you paying for the debt service it would have because it's built in you require through you know your revenue bond covenants to have additional cash flow and that additional cash flow because

1995
10:37:45.520 --> 10:38:01.596
there's no profit at the end of the day from government it's utilized to help fund that capital program. So more of the capital program will be funded through pay. So we borrow $140 million. We b we're borrowing $140 million less if we buy >> the hybrid model will be $140 million

1996
10:38:01.596 --> 10:38:18.320
less in in in total debt being issued. And the reason why you're seeing more >> back to my point. >> Yeah. >> Because it's a medium. >> Explain to me exactly >> how this we are not talking apples to apples here and I will not allow this because I know it's going to be in every newsletter tomorrow. I'm sick of

1997
10:38:18.320 --> 10:38:33.680
governing by by sending out emails and what headlines are going to be. Okay, explain to me philosophically how if you borrow the same amount in a geo bond versus you borrow >> 90% in a geo bond and 10% in a revenue

1998
10:38:33.680 --> 10:38:50.880
bond, how you're telling me the same person is going to pay double. One thing is we're not borrowing the same amount of money uh at the end of the day and we're talking about I think as Commissioner Suarez said is we're talking about a median and that's why because it's you're you're going by the

1999
10:38:50.880 --> 10:39:07.756
median value of a uh property versus you know the utility which is is more of a flat service. ex you are not comparing apples to apples and this is going [snorts] to wind up in an email okay because that's how we govern now

2000
10:39:07.756 --> 10:39:24.320
and it's going to say you know what by a geo bond you Joe taxpayer are going to pay $38 but if we do this model where 90% is borrowed by a geo bond but these two critical projects are borrowed in a utility bond

2001
10:39:24.320 --> 10:39:40.720
Joe taxpayer you're going to be paying $750 $50 and that is philosophically wrong. >> Again, I think as Commissioner Suarez has pointed out, it's specifically because of the measure in which you're looking at the the value there. A median home value is very low. uh where on a

2002
10:39:40.720 --> 10:39:54.560
utility >> tell me pick whoever it is >> pick Joe taxpayer what he pays under a straight geo bond model and borrowing 90% from a geo bond and these two simple

2003
10:39:54.560 --> 10:40:11.840
these two projects in a revenue bond that same exact person what does he pay are you going to sit here and tell me that same person will pay double >> to be honest commissioner it depends on the value of the person's home what what that person's usage is. We'd have to

2004
10:40:11.840 --> 10:40:27.840
calculate that individual piece. But yes, uh in the sense that on the issue with a geo bond, if you have a home, remember $300,000 value is our median, but it's not very high at the end of the day. You have a $3 million home, you're going to pay 10 times that amount, but

2005
10:40:27.840 --> 10:40:43.704
where your water and sewer is going to be, you know, in the same realm as as it were. That that's why you're taking one specific point, which is a low property value. And if I may continue with my thought process and to to address magazine's point is the median

2006
10:40:43.704 --> 10:40:59.276
[clears throat] is you have all the properties on the docket right on on our appraisal website right median is just right dab in the middle >> 50/50 correct >> and 300 and what what's the median >> uh we're we were estimating 315,000 was

2007
10:40:59.276 --> 10:41:16.720
the median homesteaded property. >> Yeah. So that means less than half of all the properties in Miami Beach are less than $315,000. Those are I would say the most challenged as far as affordability. And my proposal

2008
10:41:16.720 --> 10:41:33.360
is more commensurate with the value of your home instead of a flat tax on your water consumption where it is a raise on everyone at the same amount. And so

2009
10:41:33.360 --> 10:41:49.276
>> but is it isn't it based on usage? >> It's based on usage. >> It but they're they're paying the same rate. I mean well the rate would be increased on their usage. So if they want to say, you know what, I'm just going to have to take one less shower a day to to make up for the the

2010
10:41:49.276 --> 10:42:05.756
>> so many other things. There's water in the yards. Condos are have pools and uh and a significant landscaping. I mean, the usage >> the rate goes up, but the rate goes up and whatever the rate is now, that's what they're paying. So I'm not talking about a water consumption rate. I'm

2011
10:42:05.756 --> 10:42:24.160
talking about what they're what's on their bill. So what is the rate right now? The rate is for water and utility. Uh John, >> the rate per thousand gallons. >> Sure. >> How do we not know this?

2012
10:42:24.160 --> 10:42:44.720
>> 5,000. >> I think they're in the existing use as example. That's your example. 138 is going to be. >> Yeah. And we've got the example current rate for 5,000 gallons per month is $138 a month. >> Okay. And so if you're going to be using

2013
10:42:44.720 --> 10:43:01.276
the same amount of water by 2035, it goes up to much more than what you're paying now. That's what I mean by rate. You're getting charged more. And what I have a problem with this particular rate increase is it is regressive. people who

2014
10:43:01.276 --> 10:43:18.880
are on fixed incomes, seniors, they they cannot pay into that because they're they're on a fixed income. So, as opposed to if you're doing it more commensurate with with the value of your

2015
10:43:18.880 --> 10:43:34.960
property, as you have seen, you're going to have on average or not on average, the median homeowner of Miami Beach pay significantly less So, you know, I I I mean, I don't know.

2016
10:43:34.960 --> 10:43:50.240
I I just it my plan is the cheapest overall and it >> it it it's going to it'll satisfy all the projects where we don't have to bifurcate one project over. Now, listen,

2017
10:43:50.240 --> 10:44:07.120
they may not pass. You know, there was a we I was at a South Fifth Neighborhood Association and someone said, you know, the voters aren't going to vote for it because there's not enough puppies and kittens in it and that's what voters vote for. I completely disagree with

2018
10:44:07.120 --> 10:44:24.240
that sentiment. I think Miami Beach voters are very smart. They understand our issues more so than most cities in in the county and will will recognize that this is a more equitable and

2019
10:44:24.240 --> 10:44:40.720
affordable way to fund our projects. >> Commissioner Matteo Selenus, >> I'm you just I'm confused because Commissioner Suarez, you just said that your yours is the cheapest overall. You're you're right. You're the media. You're >> and that's

2020
10:44:40.720 --> 10:44:56.720
>> and that's if we do the whole geo bond as together, >> correct? >> But, you know, respectfully, I just have to challenge that because we're actually going to borrow less money, $140 million less if we bifurcate them. >> I'll have Jason explain why it's less.

2021
10:44:56.720 --> 10:45:12.800
Again, I don't it's >> just because you're borrowing less, you're you're still taxing more people, >> but less money because we're borrow >> but but they're still paying through another another tax which is the water and sewer because they're paying

2022
10:45:12.800 --> 10:45:28.560
>> they're not paying as much because we're borrowing less. >> Again, when you mean borrowing, you mean borrowing for a geo bond or borrowing for a water and sewer rate increase? >> Borrowing for the geo bond. So if you borrow for >> bifrocating them,

2023
10:45:28.560 --> 10:45:44.080
>> right? And and I'll have staff confirm this, but if they borrow for every all the projects for a geo bond, it comes out to on the median >> average uh I'm sorry, not average, median home, median residential

2024
10:45:44.080 --> 10:46:01.276
property $38. >> I thought it was $7. >> You thought it was what? >> $7. [clears throat] If we buy from >> the water and sewer utility rate $7 a month >> and then there's the geo bond component for the storm water portion.

2025
10:46:01.276 --> 10:46:17.040
>> Correct. >> And that was >> 200 the the median homesteaded would be around $210 for the median homestead of property >> a month. >> Yeah. And that and that >> and that's really I think the the main

2026
10:46:17.040 --> 10:46:33.436
issue there is the the viewpoint that you're taking. I think that's what you're having is when you're looking at the you look at general obligation debt property taxes through a median or an average home property let's say where water rates are going to be done differently based on usage and such and that's where you're kind of getting that

2027
10:46:33.436 --> 10:46:49.276
that that difference there at the end you would be borrowing more money uh through the general obligation so you would have more of a debt service but it's how you're slicing up that piece of the pie at the end of the day is it going across all uh rate uh users users

2028
10:46:49.276 --> 10:47:05.120
in different ways based on their usage amount. Yes. Whereas on the general obligation, it's based on the value of your home. >> Jason, what is the number that >> Wait, I just want to finish up real quick. I'm sorry. So, but essentially the the method that would be bifurcating the water sewer increase plus the geo

2029
10:47:05.120 --> 10:47:20.080
bond for the storm water rates that the voters get to decide on November would cost provided that the geo bond passes $25 a month roughly $7 for the water and sewer. And this is for the median average home again based

2030
10:47:20.080 --> 10:47:36.320
on usage but $7 a month for water sewer >> for ju I'm sorry for just the uh general obligation bond. >> No for both of them together if it passes in November. >> No no no I'm sorry bifurcated. >> Yeah the bifrocated >> $7 a month for just the water sewer increase and then an additional

2031
10:47:36.320 --> 10:47:52.000
$17.50 if the geo bond passes. So then it's >> I think you're just to clarify that in 27 it would be $78 per per month uh more on the water and sewer and then to pay the general obligation bought on the

2032
10:47:52.000 --> 10:48:06.960
storm water uh it would be nothing in the beginning but 2035 which is what we're talking about max debt service it would be $133 for the whole year. So, call it $11 a month. Let's say for plus the seven. That was the Yeah, that was

2033
10:48:06.960 --> 10:48:23.436
that was the 27 value. >> Yeah. >> Okay. $18 a month >> if we bifurcate them and then have the geo bond go to the voters in November. >> $27 more and then >> but also raise water sewer rates. >> Yeah. And as it's in your packet there, there would be a rate increase, you know, each year, but there will be a

2034
10:48:23.436 --> 10:48:40.000
rate increase with CPI either way. >> And again, it's it's about viewpoint. It's about property value. next splitting it or or the utilities. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, there's um a motion on the table and a second for option one. The city

2035
10:48:40.000 --> 10:48:56.000
recommends option one. Can you give a a quick plug? Why? >> Well, for the health of the uh utility fund. So, at the end of this, we're still going to be in the same situation again. So, there will be

2036
10:48:56.000 --> 10:49:11.596
future projects needed. This is a 10-year CIP plan to get the immediate needs taken care of. So, the utility fund will continue to be underfunded year after year. We still need to build

2037
10:49:11.596 --> 10:49:27.596
up the utility fund to take care of that future debt issuances for future projects because debt >> and option one does this >> and option one would do that on the water and sewer side. >> Um Jason, do you want to elaborate on that a little bit? Uh yeah, I think just again to the financial sustainability on

2038
10:49:27.596 --> 10:49:43.680
the water and sewer is very important into the future because this is a program things are aging all the time. So you know if you do a slug of money which is what a geo bond is when that money is out in those projects there will always be more projects. So theoretically we would be in the same bucket seven or eight years from now having the same exact discussion

2039
10:49:43.680 --> 10:50:00.480
>> but with option one that whole page that you showed of uh projects that need to get done >> would be appropriated and funded and the water and sewer will be set up you know for the future for a longer term uh and you know this would fund my understanding is not only a number of important NIPs and there's obviously a lot of future NIPs in the future but it

2040
10:50:00.480 --> 10:50:16.960
does fund I think a majority or almost all of the critical needs water sewer and storm water that are identified and we hopefully would be in a different situation that. So yes, we the administration would u be recommending option one. >> Oh, Commissioner Fernandez was next.

2041
10:50:16.960 --> 10:50:33.040
>> We have a very well organized presentation, by the way, that you know goes through everything just [laughter] >> Yes, Commissioner Fernandez. >> No, no, no, no. Sorry. I'm right here. Commissioner Magazine, Rick Hernandez, >> would this need to be voted to send to

2042
10:50:33.040 --> 10:50:49.436
the voters in November? You need to we would need a valid question at the next meeting. >> Would we be able to I I'm not in a position to vote on this now? There's too much uncertainty, ambiguity.

2043
10:50:49.436 --> 10:51:06.880
Um would we be able to vote on it in July? And if it is yes, [snorts] send it to the GEO uh to the voters. What I would recommend is that you direct us to draft two alternate geo bond questions. One which would be for

2044
10:51:06.880 --> 10:51:24.800
the full shebang and one for option one which is just for storm water so that we can present those and you could approve them because we would need your approval of the ballot question in July for this to make the November ballot. >> Um [clears throat] I don't know if this is

2045
10:51:24.800 --> 10:51:41.276
your call, Mr. Mayor, having this conversation in the middle of a commission meeting is the best path. I know trying to get an impromptu meeting anytime during summer is very very challenging. I'll leave that up to you. I I just don't know. I mean, this is

2046
10:51:41.276 --> 10:51:57.680
this is consequential stuff, right? And none of these are my measures, right? None of these are somebody else's. I I don't have a dog in this fight. I I'm not like team revenue [clears throat] bond or or team geobond. I want to do what's best for our residents, for our

2047
10:51:57.680 --> 10:52:14.160
taxpayers, right? For our city. That's I'm not dogmatic about this. If I have to come in next month and say, "Guys, gals, I've had everything wrong. I need to eat crow." I am happy to do that because that means we'll be getting it

2048
10:52:14.160 --> 10:52:30.320
right for our city, right? And it's too consequential to vote on this right now. But I'm not dogmatic. I I I I don't care which path we go. I'm not team one bond or the other. I am team get this right and I think more time needs to be spent

2049
10:52:30.320 --> 10:52:46.640
on this. That is just me. If I have other colleagues that are convinced that you know either one way or another they know this stone cold, by all means move on. >> This is a very consequential item, probably one of our more important ones

2050
10:52:46.640 --> 10:53:01.756
that we're dealing with. So I will support you on that. >> And Mr. Mayor, if we do have the will of the commission to defer it, do we have an impromptu meeting sometime before our next commission meeting in July just

2051
10:53:01.756 --> 10:53:18.320
based on this? >> I can't I can't do July. >> If that I mean we could we could handle it at the next commission meeting or if it's the will of everyone to have a special commission meeting. I'm I'm not adverse to it. >> May I just throw another curveball? There's going to need to be five votes to overturn overturn the moratorum.

2052
10:53:18.320 --> 10:53:34.640
Yeah. So >> unless >> there's going to be you you would need at least five votes for a water rate increase. >> Yeah. >> Unless somebody from the prevailing side, Joe or the mayor um or Alex or

2053
10:53:34.640 --> 10:53:50.080
David sorry commissioners everybody whatever. >> Call me bro. >> Um bro over here. Is that what you just said? >> Call me bro. >> Call you bro. Okay. Um chooses to uh make a motion to resend since you're on the prevailing side. Resin the moratorium. So we can actually move this

2054
10:53:50.080 --> 10:54:06.640
forward in a constructive manner. I I think the the goal of the moratorum vote has been achieved. This is the conversation that that was desired to have been had. We're having it. So putting that out there >> and that was the last meeting the mortorium.

2055
10:54:06.640 --> 10:54:21.756
>> Yes, that was the last meeting. >> Just to put out there, I'm going to be a no on that. I think I think by the way I think we have enough you know analysis here today to move forward on the most equitable option. I

2056
10:54:21.756 --> 10:54:39.200
mean you heard it from Jason Green himself. An option where is fully geo bond is $38 to the median property owner. Option two which is a mix 726. Option three which is only water and sewer is 1121.

2057
10:54:39.200 --> 10:54:55.680
I don't I mean that's just math. That's that's that's pretty simple to me. And for the people who think that if we don't fund this immediately uh we're going to lose out on grand funding, that's just incorrect, right, John? I mean, we have enough time to keep and continue to work on it where

2058
10:54:55.680 --> 10:55:11.276
we're not going to lose any grant funding. So, you know, look, uh I would love to make a motion to have the option of a fully geo bond. you we leave it up to the voters and we we'll we'll we'll

2059
10:55:11.276 --> 10:55:27.040
all be in unison on this. Explain to them that the median property residential property is going to this is the cheapest amount for them. I I mean I don't I don't know why do we need to have another meeting? We're just going to talk about the same thing over and

2060
10:55:27.040 --> 10:55:41.276
over. >> But the one thing we're not factoring in is if it doesn't pass well then we come back to the table. We have nothing to lose. Right. I mean, then we'll then then we're then we're going to have to >> and there's also the aspect that the

2061
10:55:41.276 --> 10:55:56.240
state has the property tax item that's on the uh ballot and then we're putting the literally the opposite item on the ballot. >> But yeah, listen, again, I I I have faith in the Miami Beach voter to do the right thing. I think it is the right

2062
10:55:56.240 --> 10:56:11.436
thing. infrastructure [snorts] is a concern and this is the most equitable way to do that. >> You're the mayor. If I may, >> can I Yeah. One question, Eric, why why can't we do this through uh enterprise

2063
10:56:11.436 --> 10:56:28.800
or otherwise known as revenue bonds? >> We absolutely can. And that was the original recommendation of >> Yeah, but the increases were quite significant. So the other way that you could approach it and the way that we talked about once before was you can

2064
10:56:28.800 --> 10:56:44.720
scale back our capital program and then have it be a lower dollar figure for the total capital need. But that means that you're going to have to pick winners and losers on the project side which is extremely difficult.

2065
10:56:44.720 --> 10:57:04.160
>> Yeah, we don't want to do that. [snorts] For me, you know, >> not doing these projects will impact property values in our city. I think doing storm water projects, doing water and sewer projects make neighborhoods more desirable

2066
10:57:04.160 --> 10:57:20.160
and neighborhoods that have to deal with flooding or we've seen other communities not too far away from us in neighboring counties where they haven't maintained their water and sewer infrastructure. it affects their property values. And so

2067
10:57:20.160 --> 10:57:38.000
and so while while a lot of this conversation is based on user fees and how much individuals consume, I see this as an investment in our city, an investment in our city

2068
10:57:38.000 --> 10:57:54.560
that also invests in the values and the homes of our of our residents. And that's where and that's where I see doing this through a general obligation bond that is paid based on the value of your

2069
10:57:54.560 --> 10:58:11.520
property makes to me perfect sense. In addition to the fact that that it ends up being the more affordable avenue today for our for our residents. And I understand what

2070
10:58:11.520 --> 10:58:28.000
Commissioner Mattel Salenas is is explaining as to as to through through the other option. You you end up b borrowing less but on an annualized basis when you combine the numbers the residents end up

2071
10:58:28.000 --> 10:58:45.360
paying more. And so and and so and so for me I I continue to support the general obligation bond. I see a correlation between property values and the desiraability of of uh of of real estate uh and and the tie that that has

2072
10:58:45.360 --> 10:59:01.276
to to infrastructure improvements. Uh and I think it'll be a more equitable distribution of the of the financial impact. So I I continue to to support this. >> Commissioner B. >> Thank Vice Mayor Dominguez

2073
10:59:01.276 --> 10:59:18.080
>> Jason. Um, Commissioner Suarez just has reeled off three different numbers. And could you just go through those for me so I can understand? It went by >> there. >> Quickly. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I'm better reading things than just hearing. >> All right. I will I will try to keep it

2074
10:59:18.080 --> 10:59:33.596
high level and and summary. On the full geo bond model, we would uh be borrowing uh 784 million approximately. Uh in for all residential properties, we are looking at the median residential

2075
10:59:33.596 --> 10:59:49.916
property which is today the median residential is around $350,000. In 2035 would be around $310. Okay. >> Per year. That is for the all residential.

2076
10:59:49.916 --> 11:00:06.560
If we look at the bifurcated >> No, she wants she still wants to know what the what the annualized at the end of the year cost will be for that property. You haven't said that. >> Well, I I apologize. I apologize. >> It would be. So the for the median uh you want to know what the median value

2077
11:00:06.560 --> 11:00:20.880
in 2035. >> So the numbers are 308, 726, 1121. What are those three scenarios? I'm sorry. 30 >> 308 726 1,121.

2078
11:00:20.880 --> 11:00:37.840
What were those numbers correlated to? >> I'm trying to figure out where where your reference point is for that. >> The median residential property annualized by year 2035. What is it going to cost? >> Who who came up with using the median?

2079
11:00:37.840 --> 11:00:53.520
>> I mean, it was just a value that was looking at median versus average and we have them both listed in there. >> What about the mean? So what >> we do have the average number. >> I mean we use that that's what we provide the median and the average.

2080
11:00:53.520 --> 11:01:11.360
>> I guess everything I understand about just math is >> what what is can you impact for the mean >> for the average >> that for the mean I'd have to >> I mean you understand the the shortcomings of just using a median right? Well, it's I mean the 5050 value

2081
11:01:11.360 --> 11:01:27.840
I think thought between median and average. I thought that was because you could pick any value of a home. A million dollar home, $100,000 home, a $10 million home. So, >> can I jump in here for just two seconds because fundamentally we're talking about apples and oranges. We're talking about a median household value and then

2082
11:01:27.840 --> 11:01:44.320
we're talking about a median water consumption amount. >> Those are not the same. You know, there are homesteaded properties out there that may be 10,000 square feet that are only valued at $200,000 because they've been

2083
11:01:44.320 --> 11:02:02.080
homesteaded for 40 years. Those houses probably use 15,000 gallons a month in water right here. It it it's >> two different >> numbers. I I would still like Jason to

2084
11:02:02.080 --> 11:02:18.160
answer Commissioner VA's question. So the the 30 the 308 was the the median uh homesteaded um sorry median residential property for the full geo bond that was the 308 in 2000 the year 2035 >> that's what they would be paying

2085
11:02:18.160 --> 11:02:32.880
>> that's what our estimated that they would be paying correct >> then the >> that's the max >> that would be the that would be the max that's max debt service that's why >> at the end of the year annualized correct >> correct 300 308 correct >> now the 726 is the hybrid model between

2086
11:02:32.880 --> 11:02:49.916
a geobond and water rate utility increase >> for a me that would be the median homestead of the median uh residential would be 769 but the 726 is we've been talking about median homesteaded for a single family home assuming a 70% reduction because it if it was a condo

2087
11:02:49.916 --> 11:03:06.480
>> Jason hold on sorry you're talking about a median home value plus a median usage of water >> for a 12-month cycle if we increase the

2088
11:03:06.480 --> 11:03:22.320
rates by X. >> Correct. Correct. That was the the $726 >> for option one >> for for option one in year 2035 combines the storm water geo bond which is around $90 for the year plus the water and sewer rate increases cumulative through

2089
11:03:22.320 --> 11:03:37.756
the years. >> Why did the city recommend option one over doing a full geo bond? I think as as I think John was explan explaining about on the util on the water and sewer side you know we really feel that for the financial health of the utility fund

2090
11:03:37.756 --> 11:03:53.116
increasing those rates is the way to go over the long term. >> See that is that it that there you go that is the rub. It's it's the it's the health of the fund not the health of the user the taxpayer that's the difference

2091
11:03:53.116 --> 11:04:08.800
right. So it you it's going to be more healthy for the government budget, but it's not going to be less expensive for the tax. >> I'm sorry. Can we get some >> fundamentally I'm sorry that is not it.

2092
11:04:08.800 --> 11:04:26.640
Okay. Why these are funded through utility enterprise funds is so it doesn't put the risk of the entire city under strain. They're bifurcated for a reason, right? So putting it at a general obligation bond, it puts every

2093
11:04:26.640 --> 11:04:45.040
single taxpayer advorum at risk. If it's an enterprise fund, they can go bust. Okay? And they have when you put this strain and debt and leverage on a general fund that actually

2094
11:04:45.040 --> 11:05:01.276
that is what puts the people at risk. That is just fundamental municipal finance. But they pay less overnight. >> Commissioner Bach, >> I some somebody is paying more, right? And

2095
11:05:01.276 --> 11:05:18.240
nobody It's not people that are living in $10 million homes. As much as we want to fantasize about that, right? We are getting this fundamentally wrong by twisting words like me, median, and mode. Okay? If you're telling me the

2096
11:05:18.240 --> 11:05:35.840
median taxpayer is paying three times more under a revenue bond, they would never be issued ever. Right? That is just not how math works.

2097
11:05:35.840 --> 11:05:52.480
It is not how math works. Then somebody has to be left paying three times more. >> Correct. Correct. >> The higher value homes Because the value of our homes here, the median is much lower, but there are very high volume home value homes in real

2098
11:05:52.480 --> 11:06:08.240
estate throughout the city, right? So be paying much. >> So if you look at the average from the option one bifurcated, the average uh homesteaded property would be around $900 in year 2035 or a condo around $631. But if you look at the full geo bond,

2099
11:06:08.240 --> 11:06:23.756
the average residential would be almost $800. How how about somebody and I get you don't have this in front of you. Somebody living in a $750,000 condo. Are they paying significantly more? >> That analysis would be more valuable to make.

2100
11:06:23.756 --> 11:06:38.640
>> Yeah. Well, the a the average home the average residential property >> average Yeah. The average residential property now is about $915,000. That's the average. >> What are the scenarios for those people? >> Yeah. So, the a the average residential

2101
11:06:38.640 --> 11:06:54.400
uh property uh would be [clears throat] the 800 that would be the $800 per year on the full geo bond. >> And then how about for the hybrid? >> And then for the on the hybrid, the average

2102
11:06:54.400 --> 11:07:15.840
residential would be 980 or 686 if I use the 70% rule on a condo. But again, the averages are misleading because we have such a disparity in the city of super wealthy homes and very

2103
11:07:15.840 --> 11:07:31.040
inexpensive homes. In fact, the mean >> doesn't mean that mean the average is correct if there's extremes on both ends. Oh, that's not a good representation of the of the of the tax base because the median is actually the

2104
11:07:31.040 --> 11:07:48.160
middle of of the all of portfolios. >> I don't know anything about media. >> Okay. >> I I'm going to go with the I'm going with the finance for just saying 50% of all portfolios. >> No, let's rewrite municipal government finance right here. It Let's do it.

2105
11:07:48.160 --> 11:08:04.960
>> Let's call for a vote and let's do it. I I'll do it. >> I'm not I'm not playing those games. This is too serious. I listen you do this for a living. Jason doesn't leave my expertise out of it. We haven't even for a living >> taxes are exempted.

2106
11:08:04.960 --> 11:08:19.840
>> They just said it's it's it's even more. It's still more even on an >> Okay, but paying just because you're paying fewer dollars over the long run doesn't mean you're getting the best value. We have our city administration, our city manager, our CFO, our director

2107
11:08:19.840 --> 11:08:35.520
of public works, and a finance bro who does this for a living. With all due respect to finance bros, >> I I just want the math to work, right? I I don't care. >> I'm I'm past the Hold on. I'm past the argument about what's better for the system and things like that. I just want

2108
11:08:35.520 --> 11:08:51.040
the math to work and I don't think we're accurately representing if we just stick with the median because okay, that's what works for people whose homes are valued at $300,000. Okay, I don't care about the people whose homes are $20 million. They pay

2109
11:08:51.040 --> 11:09:06.160
more, they pay more, right? But how about the people making, you know, their condo dwellers value $750,000, a million dollars. Okay, that that is the average that that's the range I guess I should say the people that care

2110
11:09:06.160 --> 11:09:23.680
about from $300,000 to $2 million who gets stuck holding the bag there. >> Yeah, as I think as you were were pointing as you slide up that scale from 300 you start going up there's a reflection point where it becomes more expensive to that. So the more expensive your home, the more likely that

2111
11:09:23.680 --> 11:09:40.160
crossover. And this is an interesting point because the like I said the average residential property tax uh would be assumed in 2035 to be about $800 on the full geo bond. Uh but for the average residential it would be estimated around $980. But again that

2112
11:09:40.160 --> 11:09:55.436
would be for a single family home because now we're dealing about water usage. And if you the 70% rule per the public works director that would be around um $690. So actually it would be more expensive for an average resial. That's what has pissed me off about this entire [snorts]

2113
11:09:55.436 --> 11:10:12.720
exercise. We can disagree about how to measure equitabeness, right? That those are fair philosophical arguments, but I don't like that we're just basing it on one static home making 300 uh that's valued at

2114
11:10:12.720 --> 11:10:29.520
$300,000. You guys just said if your home is valued at an average, you're actually better off under this other hybrid model. Okay, so that's fine. Those are conversations that we can have, right? But I don't like that it's just being

2115
11:10:29.520 --> 11:10:45.116
portrayed. Nope, go with this model or else you're paying three times as much. And that's how it's being painted and skewed fairly or unfairly. At least now with these types of things, we can make more well-rounded decisions. We we can

2116
11:10:45.116 --> 11:11:02.400
say, okay, is it worth, you know, people whose homes are $300,000, but then the people whose homes are worth $700,000, which is not rich in this city is not rich, they're going to be paying more. That is a fair and intellectually honest

2117
11:11:02.400 --> 11:11:17.360
argument. What we were having before is not right. We can have philosoph philosophical differences on what is equitable, but we [clears throat] have to at least have the math mathing >> and [clears throat] that is now at least

2118
11:11:17.360 --> 11:11:33.680
we're at a little better position there. So, let me respond. So, the reason why I like using the median, it's because 50% of all homes in Miami Beach are $35,000 or less. That's it. So half of all of

2119
11:11:33.680 --> 11:11:49.200
Miami Beach residents are have their values at 305,000 or less automatically 50%. The reason why I think the average is not a good representation is because we have a lot of neighborhoods, North

2120
11:11:49.200 --> 11:12:05.840
Bay Village, North North Bay Road, Sunset Islands, Venetians, their homes are so much more expensive than $35,000 that that it it brings that average >> to something that's not a true

2121
11:12:05.840 --> 11:12:22.960
representation of most taxable properties in Miami Beach. >> Mr. may if if I if I if I may. >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Suarez, you and I have sponsored an item to do a general obligation bond. That item does not have

2122
11:12:22.960 --> 11:12:39.596
support. I just seeing seeing I think >> I can get there like I'm >> I want to do what is best. I don't have some philosoph I do have a philosophical disagreement about how to best fund these types of

2123
11:12:39.596 --> 11:12:56.720
projects. I've made that known. But I am willing to get over that hump. >> I get that >> if we have but let me finish because I've been sitting here just observing >> which never happens >> because it never happens and it shows you how much I I I enjoy these these

2124
11:12:56.720 --> 11:13:13.596
topics. Um, can we at least do a strong vote to see if if if we have this item on on the table because why are we going to debate something to death if we can't get to four votes? And so and so I'd like to request

2125
11:13:13.596 --> 11:13:31.200
>> on whether the geo bond on whether the geo bond um putting the entire infrastructure improvement water, sewer, and storm water within the geo bond. um to the voters and then if if it passes,

2126
11:13:31.200 --> 11:13:48.000
great. If it doesn't pass, then we come back to the table and then and then we make difficult decisions. Um and so I just want to see if we have four votes for for that. If not, if we don't have the four votes, then it narrows our options. I am not going to leave infrastructure unfunded in our city

2127
11:13:48.000 --> 11:14:05.040
because to me that'll be a derelct of my duties. Um, but I just want to see where we do we have four votes for this before we continue. >> I'm pretty sure you don't. And actually, there's a there's a motion. There's a motion. One second. There's a motion to bifurcate it. And so that's and a motion

2128
11:14:05.040 --> 11:14:21.680
in a second. So, and I'm not supportive of it. So, I don't I don't think you have the votes for >> Mr. Mayor. If I could just follow the last just to bring it home for Commissioner Magazine. And I all I did was in AI how to explain how average might be different than median with taxable properties. And

2129
11:14:21.680 --> 11:14:38.400
>> please don't insult me about that. I I I fully >> I'll give give a quick There's only six properties on here. Let's say >> don't misunderstand what I misunderstood. I did not misunderstand how to calculate that. What I was not agreeing [clears throat] with was having

2130
11:14:38.400 --> 11:14:54.400
to pull teeth about what the other impacts would be if we're not just doing a median. Right. I I wanted multiple comparisons, which we've gotten in part. Rick, let me ask this. If we would vote to move forward with the geo bond today,

2131
11:14:54.400 --> 11:15:12.080
right? Do we lock in lock in the number and all of the projects or could we vote to move forward with it and at next meeting we'd be able to sit here and come come back and say you know what we are going to go forward with that geo

2132
11:15:12.080 --> 11:15:28.080
bond that we voted on however if it's the will of the body there could be two or three projects that we actually carve out for utility and if that fails then those automatically go to a geobach it's very similar to what we were talking about doing, but at least we pass the

2133
11:15:28.080 --> 11:15:44.720
infrastructure part here, >> right? And then next meeting, if it's the will of the body, talk to the public [clears throat] works director and CFO more. If there are one or two projects that we pull out for um revenue bonds just so we can be certain that those

2134
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projects are moving forward regardless of how the November vote is. Well, the as I mentioned earlier, the commission could give direction to come back with a ballot question for a geo bond and we could just leave a blank space for the dollar amount. Uh we would need to at

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least include what projects are going to include or in in generality. So, if we're going to do storm water, water, and sewer, I guess we could include all three. And then you could also narrow down the question when it's presented for consideration at the July meeting.

2136
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I just sense that if if if I may, um I sense we might have three votes for the general obligation bond. And you know, I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but I've been listening. U Commissioner Suarez and myself that we sponsored the item. Commissioner

2137
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Magazine seems seems to be inclined. I think Commissioner Bond has her strong arguments and her strong positions that they're valid. Commissioner Matil Selenas, Commissioner, Vice Mayor Dominguez have have expressed also very valid points. I think the mayor just

2138
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expressed he doesn't support uh this this item. So I we don't have the votes for a general obligation bond. Um >> I mean >> it seems to me we only have three votes for a for a general obligation bond. And so I think it's just more productive to

2139
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move the conversation forward unless I'm mistaken, unless I misunderstood. No, I think that's a good summary. M >> M Mr. Mayor, if I may, maybe I can move you. Okay. Just between because we you're right. We have Yeah, let me finish, please. We We have had an array

2140
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of how to actually measure what is affordable right? Just want to put this out there. If there is a if there's six properties, one's worth 200,000, one's worth 210,000, one's worth 220,000, one's worth 230,000, and the other one's

2141
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worth 1.5 million. The average is $472,000 and the median is $220. So when I say that that I think that this is a better representation of the

2142
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actual person in Miami Beach, I'm not when you do it as an average, you're doing it based on the property. When you do it on the median, you're doing it based on the individual. >> Regardless, we don't have the votes. >> Well, I don't think so. I I think the mayor could be moved on this. I I I'll put a

2143
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>> I think the mayor has just he's he's made it very clear. Commissioners, >> I'll put a motion on the table that'll take presidents to defer. >> I want to direct city staff to prepare language because I'm going to vote to issue some form of

2144
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general bond next meeting. It just depends if it's the entirety or a subset of that. And my suggestion is we dedicate from 11:00 a.m. until lunchtime next meeting. >> If we have to sit >> could be a late lunch.

2145
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>> Yeah. If if we have to sit here the entirety through lunch, then we do. So, but we finalize this. And I I think I've Yeah. I need more time to really decide is a hybrid model worth it or or do we

2146
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go entirety of a geobond? I need to sit in a more conducive form and talk to you guys. Real real real numbers. Who is left holding the bag? What are the implications of some things? Um, like I said, I I'm not hellbent one way or

2147
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another on this. I just want to get it right. And I'm not kicking this can down the road just to kick the can down the road. I'm doing it so we can have as thoughtful of a conversation as possible. And if if I could just throw

2148
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in what my position is, um you know, seeing that at least today we don't have the dollar the uh the votes to do an entire general obligation bond. What

2149
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what I cannot support is selecting which neighborhoods, selecting a handful of neighborhoods and give preference to certain neighborhoods and fund certain neighborhoods immediately through a revenue bond and then leave the balance

2150
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while while I see the benefits to that um is something that I can't support. I that that that I'm not going to be able to support. That gives me pause and and and concern. Uh so that I want staff I

2151
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want my colleagues to have the benefit the benefit of that of that information. Uh, I would feel more comfortable then if we don't do everything on the general obligation bond that then we perhaps consider what Commissioner Mattel Selenas had had proposed where we're not

2152
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selecting one neighborhood over over the other, but you're um putting storm water in a general obligation bond. And then and then if we have to do a a nominal rate increase, well then we have to do uh a more nominal rate increase. but is

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uniformity, its par and all neighborhoods are being treated fairly and equally. >> I mean, Mr. Mayor >> Commissioner B, >> isn't isn't that what option is? Is we are bifurcating this?

2154
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>> We So, we're by forcating. [clears throat] >> We have an option on the table. Uh, we have a motion on the table. We have a a a second for option one. I mean, call the vote, I would say,

2155
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>> but I want to make sure that we don't have the votes for the general obligation bonds, >> right? And and commission and that motion to defer takes presidents. Commissioner Magazine has made that motion. >> And I'll second it with the caveat 11:00 until we until we vote on it cuz next

2156
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month is the deadline. >> Yes. >> And I'm not going to kick this can past the deadline. Why I'm not going to move forward with the vote tonight. I I can't allow there to be this ambiguity where the message sent out is well if you go through this model that commissioner

2157
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Matteo Selena suggested well now Nancy taxpayer that's three times the amount every single year as if we went this method we need to really iron these numbers out. >> What I want the I guess Mr. mayor the v

2158
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the public to to to realize is that we had an option before us I guess a couple of months ago to do a significant rate increase and we worked together as a commission to say no we're not going to

2159
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do that um and and force there to be options and now we have options [snorts] >> and that's and and that's a great doesn't seem like right now to be a great position to be in. [laughter] But ultimately, it's a great position because those options we know at a very

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least I think it I think in the worst of circumstances what it looks like we could save our residents 30% from what was originally on on the table. >> 35%. >> Yeah. So we might be saving our our residents, you know, in in the most

2161
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expensive scenario in the options that we have before us today 35% of their tax dollars than what was originally being proposed. And that puts us today in a much better position than where this

2162
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city commission was at a couple of months ago. And it puts our our taxpayers in a in a better position. Uh, Commissioner Magazine, you are the chair of the finance committee. If you feel this isn't fully baked to vote on today,

2163
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I will support your motion to defer this. Um, and I just, you know, again, just everyone to be clear that absent having the votes to do the general obligation bond, I'm not going to select neighborhoods. You know, we I would just

2164
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go with with with the more fair option. And I believe then the second most fair option which is what Commissioner Matil Selenus has on the table. >> Yeah. And gentlemen, I don't want to imply what you had wasn't fully baked, right? I it's me trying to wrap my head

2165
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around things uh moving pieces not knowing some of the information my colleagues were put forward. So nothing to do with what you had or had not ready. Um, in fact, we've been so busy I haven't even had a chance to meet with you in this past, uh, two to two weeks

2166
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to go over this personally. So, uh, take it as me needing time to really comprehensively get my head around this. Nothing that you didn't have prepared, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Commissioner Abbot. >> So, nobody wants to pick pick winners or losers. That's that's a losing proposition for the residents, for

2167
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everybody. But my understanding is that option one specifically does not do that. It completely bifurcates the types of projects and it's it's very clean. And so I understand there's a motion on the on the on the day is to defer and

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that takes precedence. I get that. I just want everybody listening to understand that nobody's choosing which project gets precedence over something else. That's not the goal here. I think that would be disastrous for everybody.

2169
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I I I just don't understand. I mean, I will defer to you, Joe, of course, to give you more time, but I don't understand why there is such resistance um to option one, which really feels

2170
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like it is the most equitable way to proceed for everybody in the city. And let's not forget that just was it last week or earlier this week, I can't even remember anymore, there was a neighborhoods committee meeting where we had residents who are, you know, replacing their floors every year or

2171
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replacing a car or two every year and their insurance costs are going up. I mean, this is not some abstract conversation that's happening. This is we had a truck fall into a sinkhole >> two years ago. by hearing it next month doesn't make the bond, you know, market

2172
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any >> No, no, I'm not suggesting that. I want that was not directed at you. That I I want everybody who may be listening to this today or down the road to understand how significant this is um

2173
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and how how seriously this is being taken. I do agree that we've gotten to more options than we had before. I really still wish the moratorum would be lifted because that was the goal of having the moratorum. Um it puts it at a

2174
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57 hurdle instead of a simple majority. Um I just I'm continuing to hope that somebody will >> will come to their senses on that [snorts] >> secret for you. Nobody's listening besides us

2175
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>> that happens to be I I know this is going to sound we've spent almost two hours on this but I this is We move the needle big time. At least I feel all of us. And we're going to be in a position to hammer this out. Everyone's going to meet and uh we're

2176
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going to make a decision the next meeting. I think we have I think we know where this is heading. I have a prediction where this is going to go. Um let let me just uh we're going to make a we're going to vote on the motion to defer, but let's also vote on the motion to extend the meeting so we don't have any administrative issues with that

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>> agreement to extend the meeting. Do we do we also want to instruct the city attorney to at least come up with draft options? >> Yes, >> we will be doing that. >> Yes. >> Ballot languages. More than one or only one ballot language. >> I think we do one and we could modify it. >> If if I may I think you you may want to

2178
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do two. No >> more comfortable with two. That's what you want. >> It'll be one with a blank and we can always remove what is covered or not covered. >> I would do two. >> Okay. >> We'll do two. Okay. So, we uh we we move to and agree

2179
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to extend the meeting and motion to defer. >> Motion to defer. I have motion by Commissioner Magazine, seconded by Mayor Miner. All in favor of deferring the item and bringing this item back at 11:00 certain on July. >> Is that okay? >> Yes.

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>> All in favor, please say I. >> I opposed. Hearing none, the item is deferred. Just for my I'm putting back R seven AH and R9 ah at the next meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay.

2181
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Where was >> great meeting? >> Happy July 4th upcoming for everyone. >> The full geo fund >> we uh >> Mr. Mayor what item was the full geo bund. So that should also be part of what

2182
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>> I'm bringing back ah and R9 ah >> happy America 250 and God bless everyone. Good night.