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make it. Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to 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. >> Hi everybody. I'm Commissioner Laura Dominguez, chair of public safety and neighborhood quality of life committee. And joining me today is Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez, and Vice Chair Alex Fernandez will be here momentarily.
And from the city administration, we have the fabulous Stephanie Ray Brooks, our assistant city manager, Mark Taxis, equally fabulous, and are equally fabulous as well, uh, deputy city attorney, Rob Rosenwald. Stephanie, do you have any announcements?
>> Yes. Good morning. The meeting today is a hybrid meeting with members of the committee joining in person and members of the public wishing to join virtual can join by joining Zoom our Zoom link or dialing 1888-4754499. We have a couple of announcements. We
have five items that will be deferred. I will read them to the record. Item number one, discuss relocating the log cabin to its original site on Westlot will be deferred. Item number three, incentivizing groceries and food vendors expansions in North Beach will be
deferred. Item number 20, discuss update on geobond log cabin project will be deferred. Item number 24, discuss using the portion of the log cabin for community pantry with fridge will be deferred and item number 27 discuss future programming opportunities at the
log cabin. And with that, that is the it for announcements. Great. So, we'll start with number 10. >> Item number 10 is discussion regarding an installation of a bust of General Jose Don San Marding at the Normandy Fountain Plaza. This item was sponsored
by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and Parks and Rec will be presenting the item. Good morning everyone. Um, this item is about a bust celebrating um Argentine General Don Jose de San Martin. We have busts around the city celebrating the
entire Hispanic diaspora um from Venezuela and Simon Bolivar. We have who's >> Jose Marti. And so this is just uh to add to the collection on 71st Street at the fountain. >> Do you move the item?
>> I move the item. >> Okay. I'll second it and um we'll close this one out or wherever it needs to go next and then move on to number 19. >> Okay. And I'll show it with a favorable recommendation. Correct. >> Okay. The next item is item number 19. A
monthly update on the status of the Fifth Street pedestrian bridge and the Mandrin Hotel Miridor Condominium Baywalk projects. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and CIP will be presenting. >> Good morning. David Gomez, director of the capital improvements uh projects
office. Uh as an update, the Baywalk for behind the Mandrean from 10th to 12th is essentially complete. the there was an an inspection by Durm schedu scheduled for last week that was rescheduled for today. That's one of the pending items so that we can open and and close the
excuse me, close the permits and open the Baywalk. Uh the other item for the update was the progress on the pedestrian bridge. The developer is here to present any additional information. They did complete uh the bulk of the utility relocations and have commenced
with the drilling the test piles. Um and they're proceeding with that work currently. >> Can you remind us can I be recognized please one moment? Can you remind Can you remind us of the completion date of this? I get this question all the time and one other question that I got last
night that people are concerned about is how we're going to direct traffic on Fifth Street as the work is being completed. If you could address both of those items, I'd be appreciative. >> So, I will start with directing traffic on Fifth Street because that's I think the easier one to answer.
>> Okay. Um there is a series of maintenance of traffic plans and and lane closures that have been uh prepared and ahead of any closure activities and that will really be dependent on the activity happening. For example, um
right now they're doing all of the test piles and they're they're not closing any lanes so they don't need it. They the all of the lanes are open. Um once they do once we get to the point where they are flying the actual structure over Fifth Street that will require a full closure and that'll happen at
night. Um and we have coordinated with police and fire so that everything is in terms of public safety is addressed but we will have to close the the entire the entirety of the street for those activities. And that's projected to last about two weeks but again only at night.
So, we're not going to be ever shutting it down to one lane just for two weeks at night. >> Starting when? >> There there will be intermittent lane closures depending on the work that they're doing. Um the next one coming up will be one westbound lane that they're
working on ironing out the the maintenance of traffic plan now. Um that's probably a couple of weeks out before they start that. Um >> wait, we're going to start that now in the high season. This project doesn't have a low season. >> That should not happen, guys. Closing
down one lane on Fifth Street during our Basel seems like a really bad idea. >> No, it won't happen during our week. It'll be open during our week. >> How do you guys feel about shutting Fifth Street down to one lane during high season?
>> I mean, I want to get this done. >> Yeah, definitely. for moving forward. >> But at the same time, I think that December, January, and February, you cannot shut traffic down to one lane. I don't think >> it won't be it won't be shut down to one lane. It'll be one lane shut down
periodically and more for safety of equipment as we're as we're installing the structure. Uh but we won't be shutting it down to choking it off to one lane um in any respect um until we do we're flying the structure the pre-cast beams over it and that's going
to be done at night. That's going to be a complete shutdown and that's a complete detour rerouting at night. >> And also I would ask during the week before our Basel people don't realize how much setup there is and how the traffic grows. Can we do those two weeks? That's really important. I think
we've we've coordinated pretty well with through Art Basle as far as you know taking that into account and helping the city out and I know that's very big that's that's a very big week. So internally we we talked through that as well and I think we've we've coordinated that successfully in the past. >> And now the completion date
>> so the completion date right now is and I as I report last week uh last time we were here is is the end of the first quarter of 27. Um, and this was really the this is really impacted by utilities for the fact that right now we're drilling test piles and and as of a couple days ago we hit another unmarked
line at 33 foot in depth which is not marked anywhere not not understood as to even what it is. So FPL right now is looking into it trying to figure out what what it is that that was that was uh touched. So you know as it is every time we put anything in the ground we hit we find something or hit something.
So as it is right now it's there. I think we can I think we can expedite that. I can't promise that we can just because I don't know what's what's coming until we get the structure on the ground. I can't start tightening the schedule because right now it's it's just we just continue every time we put we we dig something we find something.
>> My one final request would be that as you build this you equip it with security cameras so that people walking um through feel safer and we know that somebody's watching it because I've had a lot of questions regarding public safety as you as you walk through. It's
going to be well lit at night. Correct. >> That's going to be a lot of lighting. And we have >> if you could put in some security cameras now, I think that would be smart. >> Those are already planned. >> There they are. >> Okay. The infrastructure is there for it to be done by the police department after they can install their their security system that they want.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Is that it? >> Um were there any Baywalk updates? >> The Well, the the one I gave was 10 to 12 Street. uh separate developer, the the developer for 1250 has commenced
meeting with Lincoln Bay Tower um and South Bay Club. We've had those meetings. There's one scheduled for Bay View Terrace um that's coming up. It's either this week or next >> 1228. >> Yeah. Um so those are those are ongoing.
>> Thank you for the update until the next meeting. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Okay. Item number 21. >> Item number 21 is discuss proposed Normandy Owl neighborhood interest sign at the Normandy Fountain and on the western end of Normandy Drive on 71st
Street. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and CIP will be presenting. >> And do we have Howard Chase on the line? >> He is on the line. >> Can we unmute him? >> Yes. Um, if Howard Chase can get unmuted. >> Howard,
>> I'm here. How are you? >> Hi, everybody. Hi, Howard. Um, so the Normandy Dood neighborhood uh brought up some ideas on how to beautify and uh improve the signage in that area. And um
we have David here from the CIP department to tell us more. Howard, do you want to present your side before we go into the city, please? >> Sure, that'd be great. And thank you very much, uh, Commissioner and everybody for hearing us on this issue. It's an important one for us. So, uh, I'm a real estate broker. Uh, I own my
home on Normandy Isle where I've lived with my family for the last 10 years. Uh, I also own several other properties on Normandy and, uh, and in North Beach. One of my offices is on is really in the heart of North Beach on, uh, the corner
of 71st Street in Indian Creek. So, I'm very much involved in the North Beach community in many ways. Uh, and I'm part of the leadership council of Normandy South, which is essentially the southern half of Normandy Isle. And many in our neighborhood, myself included, we've noticed that we have a problem with
recognizability um in um on Normandy. And we essentially have kind of like an extremely weak and fragile kind of commercial sector uh particularly in areas that should be thriving. for example, the Normandy Owl
Fountain. Uh there are several businesses that come in and out of uh existence. Um and really that neighborhood should really be thriving. It's a bit of a ghost town. Uh further, the value of our residential area severely drags essentially behind the
rest of Miami Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach in particular. And personally, I've experienced that many in the in the population coming to Miami and I interact with a lot of people, they really have absolutely no idea where Normandy Isle is. And the reason
uh that we've found for that is not that we're not a visible area. It's uh not that we don't have enough car traffic. It's just that we have absolutely no signage. There is no sign for Normandy Isle uh from the east to the west and no sign for Normandy Isle from the west to
the east. So, uh, we started to look around and do a little bit of an examination. We realized that every single island, Miami Beach has a sign. All the Sunset Islands, the Venetian Islands, Star Island, Palm, habiscus, uh, Allison, everywhere, literally everywhere has a sign except for
Normandy Isle. So, uh, the solution for that essentially is to create a signage for Normandy is specifically. Uh and so we had some renderings completed uh subject to obviously like finalization and design and everything like that to essentially elevate the area, elevate
the community identity and pride in the area, increase property values uh due to recognizability, improve neighborhood quality of life, uh improve commercial desiraability, which is an important component obviously of any city. uh and really kind of take our
area because we've been through real a real generation generational shift over the course of the last 10 years or so in North Beach. Obviously you guys all know that uh and to essentially elevate Normandy Isle to the real level that it deserves uh just like all the other
islands. So, we had an idea to essentially raise the funds, do the design work uh for the actual uh production of the signs uh and do them extremely tastefully. And then uh the ask uh and there's some emails on this topic. The ask is that Miami Beach
installs and maintains the signs, for example, cleans them and puts the landscape lighting on them and things things of that nature, but all of it would be funded privately, the actual uh fabrication of the actual signs. So, that's the issue in a nutshell. Uh we want to create recognizability and
signage for North Beach. >> Thank you, Howard. Uh David Gomez. >> Good morning, David Gomez. Capital Improvements. Uh as you all will recall, the one of the sites recommended for a neighborhood sign is the site of an iconic welcome to Miami Beach or Miami
Beach entrance sign for North Beach. Uh it's actually a pair of iconic designs that began in 2019 and whose uh concept plan was approved in I'm sorry, began in 2014. and the concept plan was approved in 2019. Both of those plans have been
approved by their respective boards, other HPB or um DRB. Uh they've gone through extensive permitting and review with DOT and we are now preparing the job order contract to get them constructed. Um so there's a conflict
with the proposed location. What the administration is recommending is to do something uh similar to what has been done in Palm View Island or excuse me, Palm View neighborhood uh as well as a recent presentation for Nautilus neighborhood using the city's uh sign
and wayfinding plan. We're recommending that the neighborhood work with our planning department and our communications department to develop signage for the neighborhood that we could put up. >> Okay. Um, so Commissioner Bot wants to speak first and then Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. >> So, um, Howard, hopefully you're still
on the phone. I'm a neighbor of yours. I, um, walk and drive by your >> I am. Thanks. >> Um, uh, walk and drive by your beautiful storefront um all the time, and thank you for making it look so welcoming and and eye-catching. Um, I would like to
support this endeavor. Um, I very much am going to request that the city and the residents who are already engaged also reach out to David Ston, to the Normandy Fountain Business Association, to the other neighborhoods that are
adjacent to and um complement the incredible growth that's happening at at Normandy Isle and those corridors. And while I agree, Howard, that it's been an underserved and underutilized corridor um and arguably north and south on
Collins um as well um for far too long, that is no longer the case. And while there is still a lot of opportunity for improvement and for new things to come, uh to that neighborhood to um I don't want to mischaracterize it for anybody
else who might be listening it to this as um a a a failure because it's thriving. If anybody has gone to the events at the Normandy Fountain, um we I literally was just talking to our director and uh deputy director of economic development about yet another
new business that's looking to open up there. Um it's it's not glossy like what you find in South Beach. And it's, you know, that's one of the charms of North Beach is that it's got a little bit of a of a community feel and a little bit of
grit to it. And that's why so many of us are passionate defenders. So, I would like to support this from from a city perspective and figure out what that means as we move through. But I really will have a problem if this sign does not these signs don't get vetted through
all the neighborhood communities. I would go so far as to include the folks at the band shell and um you know um residents who live just a little bit north and south on Collins, you know, the no no collaborative because we all feel a tremendous sense of pride about
what's happening in North Beach and and that catalyst are right now the two points for that catalyst that that economic development are the Banshell and the Normandy Fountain um activations and business association. It's critical that, you know, this is a continuous
contiguous cohesive message and and that everybody feels proud and doesn't feel like it gets forced down anybody's throat. >> So, we approved this in 2014 and here we are 12 years later and we have no signs.
if and let's keep in mind that this was >> it's just unacceptable because we were promised that iconic sign as a welcome to North Beach nearly 12 years ago and here we are. So what I would ask
Commissioner Bot is that if we do do another public vetting process and this would be like the 10th public vetting process that we just move it forward because Wait, wait, wait. Let me finish. >> I'm not interrupting. I mean, because at this point, the funding that was
approved for it 1,3001 1,359,000 is worth 30% less understand >> than when it was approved. So, you know, the longer we wait on these things, I I have no problem doing another community process. It's been vetted and revetted.
We don't have a Do we have the final design yet? >> We do, and it's going through final permitting. Have you to change anything now at this hour? Um, well, I would like Do you have pictures of the sign so we can just show everybody
>> because to start vetting this all over again could mean another two years. I don't think we can afford >> I did not include as part of the memo the the design for the iconic signage. This is two different proposals. One is the city's proposal for the welcome sign
for Miami Beach and the neighborhood is suggesting a sign for the neighborhood itself, not for >> So this is just neighborhood signage and it has nothing to do with the entrance signs. >> That's correct. Other than >> you to see the entrance signs yet? >> No. And so I I haven't and I understand
that it's two different proposals, but I also understand and I I take your point about the money not being worth the same amount and taking, you know, 11 years is insane and I agree with that. But I will also say the last time I saw a proposed sign for welcome to Miami Beach that was
proposed at approximately the same time but for a different part of Miami Beach was a giant neon billboard that is dangerous. It's not uh it doesn't pay homage to our city and our architecture. So I don't know where this is. But the fact that I haven't seen it, I'm a sitting commissioner. I'm a resident of
North Beach. I was on the planning board for three years as you know deeply involved as an activist. The fact that I have not seen either one of these signs is concerning to me. And if I, you know, if I'm not seeing these signs, I'm pretty sure that the residents who have
made the transformation happen over the last decade plus haven't seen the signs. And so I don't want there I I love the idea of having a Normandy neighborhood sign. I think there's a huge amount of support for it. And I also love the idea of the welcome to Miami Beach sign being
jazzed up. I really hope it doesn't it doesn't include be tearing down the sign that's when you come over the 79th Street Causeway. I hope it's more about illuminating and dressing it up because it's it's beautiful and it's understated and it's respectful of the architecture and the heritage and the and the
character of place in which it um exists. So the fact that it this wasn't that the images weren't included in the memo is problematic. The fact that nobody has seen it in a decade is problematic. I don't want to slow things down. I know how hard it is to get
things permitted, but I also don't want to blindly approve something from 11 years ago when it was a very different neighborhood and aesthetics were different and priorities were different. >> So, if I can clarify, >> wait, can I I just want to read something just so that you understand where we are in this design process
because I just would like to get a sign finally 2015 and I was there. The city engagement and associates to preser concept designs for the new entrance signs. The sign underwent an extensive public outreach process including presentations for review and input from
the community Florida Department of Transportation. Both signs were presented to the mayor's blue ribbon panel in North Beach and received their endorsement. So now we have done a an incredibly deep uh community outreach and with the state of Florida. I mean,
I'm hoping that you're going to agree with the sign that was finally chosen because I think we have to finally move forward. >> So I'm hoping so as well. My goal is not to blow anything up, but I do think that just approving something that was approved 11 years ago is not the right
way to go because think about what happened in Town Center. All of that upzoning was approved 7 8 n years ago and it's disastrous and we can't do anything about it. This is only a little sign. Let's control the things we can control. >> If I could clarify for the record, it get it went through DRB or HBB in 22
2022. So it was recent. Um it was not funded until the geo bond in 2018. Even then it was funded for tranch two of the geo bond. Just last year the commission uh made a motion to move that funding forward into tranch one and that's when
we began the construction documents. >> So great let's just have a you know just a reminder to everybody this is the sign these are what this is what we're doing. make sure and you know cosmetic things can be tweaked without changing the whole or whatever the alphabet soup is
about where it gets placed and how I just think it is the right thing to do to make sure all the stakeholders know about it and also by the way can share the good news about it right like this is something to be celebrated communitywide I'm not trying to blow this up I don't want to redesign anything I just want everyone to buy
into it saying this is awesome how soon can we get it built >> um we are finally izing the construction contract now. >> But I want people to see it before you sign anything. >> Can can you send us a copy of the picture today? >> Absolutely. >> It's not just me though. It's it's the
community. I like Normandy business u Normandy Fountain Business Association all the stakeholders. >> So we can issue a community advisory or a community update that will include the images and I can issue an LTC that delivers the the actual renderings to the board or to excuse me to the commission.
>> That would be great. The sooner the better. Thank you. If you don't mind, I'd like you to just chime in one last time, uh, if we have enough time for that. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. So, uh, I understand that there's another sign
that predated this sign that the one that you're just discussing with the gentleman there. However, that is unrelated to the sign that I'm proposing. As I understand the sign the gentleman has uh planned or the renderings that he have planned has no mention whatsoever of Normandy Isle and
does not reference Normandy Isle in any way, shape or form. The sign that I'm proposing is a sign that simply says Normandy Isisle and that is placed on the eastern tip of the grassy area coming from east to west right by the
fountain and on the western tip in the grassy area not replacing the existing my welcome to Miami Beach sign but rather in front of that sign just a sign that says Normandy that essentially references where you're entering the actual island that you're entering. So the sign that the gentleman is
referencing is unrelated in any way, shape or form and does not even mention norm is >> right. And and we there are two different signs and we we understand that the they have >> so the projects are independent. >> They're totally independent and they
both need to well the Normandy is definitely needs to um be be shown around to the the stakeholders who are transforming that neighborhood. Um the the welcome to Miami is a little welcome to Miami Beach rather is a little bit of a different conversation but I you know
I think we still need to just refresh everyone's memory but they are they're different conversations and again I'm not trying to blow anything up. I just want to make sure everybody is on board. >> Sure. And I understand that as well. So can we agree then that the gentleman will uh engage in what you asked him to
engage in and then for the Normandy Isle sign on our end, the leadership council and the the community associations will essentially deliver uh renderings of what will be a Normandy Isle sign independent and different from the sign the gentleman was referencing and would
you uh be okay if we advance that project along? >> Go ahead. >> So Mr. Chase is absolutely correct. They are independent or separate signs. The issue is that they are planned for the same location and we can't have that planned for the West End occur at the
same time as they it just won't fit. >> But no, I don't think but they shouldn't be planned actually incorrect. >> They shouldn't be planned for the same location that >> the Normandy Isle sign should be on the the triangle that is the Normandy Fountain Plaza someplace there.
>> So that's exactly right. That's a Normandy aisle sign. location on the west end is the same location as the entrance sign. >> So that's where the conflict is. >> The sign is going Sorry to interrupt. That entrance sign is going in front of the welcome to Miami Beach sign. A little grassy area right in front of the welcome to Miami Beach sign.
>> Then that entire site is occupied by the Miami Beach entrance sign. The proposed sign, the city sign. >> Okay, gotcha. So the proposed sign on the west side you're saying is the small grassy strip sign. That's that's that entire triangle
gets occupied by the new sign. Um so on the east side there is no there is >> on your end correct that there is no proposed sign welcome to Miami Beach the east side >> on the east end we do not have a welcome to Miami Beach sign. No. >> So can I make a suggestion Howard? So,
my suggestion is while we in North Beach know and love Normandy Isle and um and think it's amazing, I think there's very little foot traffic around the Welcome to Miami Beach side coming off of the 79th Street Bridge. I think where you get the biggest bang for the buck and
the best branding return. Uh, and that's my background is branding is by focusing the attention on the the Normandy Fountain area and and if you there's a real interest in having a second sign perhaps something closer into that, but let's let's let people recognize that
they are no longer in Miami, right? That they're now in Miami Beach. And then let's let people recognize, oh, and this is this amazing neighborhood of Norm Day um in Miami Beach. So, >> sure, Commissioner But I I think that's a great idea. I would be more than happy to to scale back this project at least
temporarily to to focus specifically on the east to west version which is on that little tip. >> So if that's okay with everybody on this uh this meeting I would be more than happy to advance that on our end too. >> Yeah. And I would like you to be working with um our neighborhood resource
officers and neighborhood affairs division to help um get the communication out so this doesn't fall all on your your shoulders. like I really would like this to be a collaborative effort because we have the infrastructure at the city to reach out to the people who we want to to um weigh
in on this. I I love the fact that the community is taking the initiative and and doing all this, but I want to help it be easier for you and to get it done sooner. >> Very very nice. That's great. Awesome. It's a great suggestion. I'm all all about that. Commissioner Dominguez, I
just want to recognize you as uh and say a quick thank you to you for proposing this and and being so supportive and Commissioner Bot and Rosen Gonzalez, you guys are also uh very much on board, it seems as well. So, thank you all. If you don't mind, um perhaps Commissioner Dominguez's office because that's the
contact info I have. If you would be able to contact uh or send me the contact info for all of those respective uh boards and commissions if you have them. Yes, >> I will be happy to begin the email chain, put it that way, to uh to start with renderings and and get some feedback from everybody.
>> We'll do >> um >> Thank you all very much. >> Go. >> If if I could clarify for the record, I misspoke earlier. I was thinking of a different project. This project does not have GOB funding. >> Does not >> does not have GOB funding. >> Okay. So, but but the request from
Howard was just as the city would pick up the maintenance of it, right? >> Correct. And if that project proceeds, if the commission decides to to go ahead with that arrangement, then that would have to be worked out. >> Wait, Howard, are you still there?
>> Howard was I forget what you said. Yeah, the the idea was to essentially raise >> you guys would design and and and it would just maintain it. >> Yeah, the the installation and the maintenance we would need the city
support. >> I I am still here. Can you guys hear me? Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay, great. Yeah, the installation and the maintenance we would need the city support. the actual fabrication and uh design of the sign. We would cover the costs for those. So essentially we would
fund privately the fabrication of the sign, the design of the sign and then the city we we would be happy obviously to install it as well but we would need some direction of course from the city and some collaboration but the maintenance of it uh there isn't too much maintenance obviously for a for
like an annual basis but the maintenance of it would probably be better suited for the city for example cleaner or whatever else is required >> committee. >> Okay. So we're going to keep the item at committee for another meeting. Uh, Commissioner Bot will be a close >> to summarize. Sorry. Uh, yeah. To summarize that, sorry. We would take
care of Commissioner. Congratulations on this great >> We really do need to highlight this area and the way that you're doing it is a very thoughtful way that recognizes the heritage of this area. So, I fully support keeping this item >> with the neighborhood association. I move to keep this item in committee.
>> Okay. Item number eight. Okay. Item number eight is discuss the installation of an official historical marker at 1801 Bay Road, Miami Beach, the former site of Middleear Studio founded by the Beges. This item was sponsored by Commissioner B and Madam Chair will be
>> I think this item is a no-brainer, Commissioner Bod. This recognizes the rich history we have in our city. I'm happy to move the item with a positive recommendation. >> Great. Thanks. Second. All right. So we'll move to number seven.
>> Item number seven is discuss integrating age inclusive features into public spaces to support aging and grace and better accommodations for residents of all ages. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and parks and rocks who will be presenting. >> Since the commissioner is not on the
days, maybe we can go to >> number nine. >> Oh, that's hers too. Uh let's see. >> We can Would you mind taking number 18 so that we can Number 18. >> Dispense up. Then >> item number 18 is discuss implementing a text notification system for building
inspection queue updates. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and building and IT will be presenting the item and I think Frank is online. >> All right, Frank. Uh, quickly, are we ready to implement uh this this item? Do you still need more time?
>> Yeah, we're moving it. Yeah, >> I could also read his communication if it's easier. So, the part of the integration with Intergov is complete and has been tested already for several weeks. Right now, the uh they're only pending completion on the SMS
integration, which is the text part of it. Okay? And uh it's with the vendor. Um and that's the only part that's left. So, once that's up and working, um they'll do a few more testing uh tests and that's it. Once they've got it squared away and up and running, we'll
be able to go live. >> Okay. So, what action do you need uh from us >> from you right now? Nothing. Just the uh SMS vendor to get it launched and get the communication between Intergov and the SMS worked out. >> Okay, great. Very excited. This is going
to be such a great service to our residents and to those who want more efficiency in the building department. Under your leadership, we're delivering that. So, thank you, Mr. Director. >> Absolutely. >> Wonderful. So number 22 please. >> And just for the record, we'll close out this item.
>> Okay. Item number 22 is discuss timeline for construction of Miami Beach Convention Center headquarter hotel and anticipation opening date. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez, co-sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez, and we have the hotel to be presented. >> Okay, great.
Hi, good afternoon. Um, we represent MBMU. Um, the good news about the hotel is that we are on track for our anticipated dates for topout and hotel opening. They have
not changed. Uh, topping out in July 2026, hotel opening late 2027. Um, and the progress since the last time we're we were here is that now you can see we are at the second elevated deck
on the tower. We still have some foundation work to complete but uh we're doing it in parallel and we have B forbid joining us today in case we have any additional questions. The other uh progress that we have done is the
diagonal crossing on the uh convention center drive at 17th Street uh which will help >> the so it's been fantastic to see the progress and being right here at city hall and also a very clean construction site. Uh you guys doing a great job.
>> Yeah. So thank you for that update and until uh the next meeting. Okay. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Item number two, discuss take action regarding possible amendments to residents right to know ordinance to enhance transparency notice and
accessibility for Miami Beach residents. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez, co-sponsored by Commissioner B and Commissioner Magazine, the city attorney's office, the clerks and it will be presenting this item. >> Thank you. So, um I've had discussions with the clerk, with it, with the city
attorney, with the city manager, and um one meeting wasn't giving us everything that they promised they would. Uh it's been a huge manual process for your department, Mr. City Clerk. Um residents are still not getting the information that they need and I want to hear an
update if you're >> Well, I'm hoping Frank can give the IT section of it first. >> Frank. >> Yes. Good morning, Mr. Sure. Madam Chair, uh Frankie Dana, IT director. Uh so we have been having ongoing conversations as you're aware with the
city clerk and granicus to resolve the issues that they have been having. Uh as of last week, they released a new version of the application that finally gave us access to the portion that we need to rebuild the residents right to know portion. And we're actively
developing that. So we hope to have that up within the next several weeks. And they and Frank, they showed us yesterday a sample. >> What timeline did you say? >> I think he said two or three weeks. >> Oh, that's amazing. >> Is that what you said, Frank? That's what I heard. >> Yeah. Yeah. We're hoping within the next 30 days.
>> Great. >> And yesterday we saw an email where we got a sample and it worked. It had more information than we had in the past. Um, so we're hoping that that will get implemented soon. >> I'm so happy to hear that. I'll keep
this for the next meeting so that we can um see the progress and uh thank you >> for staying on top of it. Really appreciate it. >> Byebye. >> Okay, so we'll keep this item and go on to the next one. 23. >> Item 23, Commissioner.
>> Okay, >> we'll actually backtrack now that Commissioner Gonzalez is back. Number seven. Item number seven is discuss integrating age inclusive features into public spaces to support aging and grace and better accommodate residents of all ages. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and Parks
and Rec will be presenting. >> Okay, John, tell us what you found. >> Well, actually, I was we were hoping for a little this was a very broad topic. It mentioned a lot of things including rideaways and parks and we already do a lot of things within our parks with our seating, different exercise equipment
and programming. It was just hoping to get some maybe some funnel down a little bit more narrow direction for commit from the committee so we could work on a budget and a plan a plan for this space. It's a pretty broad topic. >> I think we were thinking about um
integrating some senior elements into parks and green spaces too. kind of like we had the Domino pavilion that we shut down, but if we could add certain elements possibly to some green spaces like that, it might be great. Or exercise equipment made for seniors, if
that's even a thing. I don't know if it is, but we wanted to >> Quick question, Commissioner, because you just brought up something very important. The Domino Pavilion >> up in North Beach, what happened to it? like why why why did it all of a sudden why do we take
this space away from the residents and the el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el el elderly people there? >> The domino pavilion had been closed for years. It was um it was somewhat of an attractive nuisance that was causing problems for the the local residents and they asked that it be closed. So it was actually shuttered other other than if
it was going to be specifically used. After after sitting there was a conversation of how could it be repurposed. We we we spoke to some other departments and at the same time they were um transportation mobility was looking for some bicycle parking up in that area. So we have a pilot program
right now that was repurposed and is open for a place for bicycles the airfill station the repair station. So you >> So the domino pavilion was attracting nuisance but the bicycle parking is not going to attract nuisance. I don't get it. >> Well we don't know that yet. That's why
it's in the review process now. It is open. I haven't received any concerns from the police department >> and they coexist. I mean, I see I see in Little Havana, I mean, there's the popular Domino Park and it they they manage it and it's a beautiful it's a
beautiful gathering space for elderly people. It's a beautiful cultural attraction. I just don't understand taking away public spaces because, you know, there's a nuisance. Well, we address a nuisance, but we don't take away the space from people. I I I can tell you that it was not being used. You
you knows very well that Unidad's right next door. So, we have a we have a a captive um senior audience and it was not being used. We even had dominoes available to check out. So, if you didn't bring your own, you could go over and and get them. It was just not being used for the intended attended purposes.
>> At one point, we approved to make it a bathroom at some level, but >> we're not doing that anymore. I think we're going to store bicycles there. But it is a shaded space and I would like to see a program domino pavilion if we could, but maybe it's a question before
we turn it into bicycle storage of just pro doing some programming so that people know it's there because maybe people didn't know. And um how how long was it there before we shut it down? >> It was there for several years. I can't put my the exact year, but it it goes
back to when Mayor Philip Lavine was here that I just go by who maybe was there. So, it go it goes back several years. >> Okay. Well, going back to my item, I would like to defer to ne I would like to defer this or hear it again next month. And in between, could you see if
there's any kind of senior specific exercise equipment that we could integrate into parks? I I have a Yes, we we do have some of our equipment is for example um at the the fitness stations at Flamingo Park which are near the near the dog park at Britney Bay for example
some others and also we have a presentation coming to finance to talk about creating a muscle beach north beach and in that presentation we're going to going to be presenting some senior specific equipment in that as well. >> Okay thanks I look forward to hearing
it. All right. Thanks. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we'll keep it for uh another month and then um go on to number nine. >> Item number nine is explore the use of temporary structures such as mini parks or pop-up seings to activate underutilized public spaces. This item
was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez, co-sponsored by Commissioner Magazine, and Parks and Recre will be presenting. >> Um let's see. Can we skip this one? Yes. >> Okay, we'll defer.
>> Let's see. Uh item number five. >> Item number five is discuss potential additional steps the city can take to increase iguana remediation. This item is sponsored by Mayor Miner and facilities and fate will be presenting the item.
>> Hi. Hello. Good morning madam chair, committee members. Elizabeth Miro, assistant director for facilities and fleet. Um the item before you, uh we had a very similar item last month in in reference to iguana remediation. Um before you is basically we have
remediated about 3,000 iguanas from January to September and we provide some input in terms of what our residents can also do to assist in the cartailing iguanas in their in in their properties.
So you're recommending through the chair uh the potential use of iguana repellent plant species. >> Yes, this information by the way is also available on the city's website. We provide a lot of resources better though
because I don't think for for example when >> when I was redoing my yard or not redoing my yard but replacing replacing uh the dead plants I have in my yard because you know the high tide comes in through the city's sewer system and then
you know you end up with dead grass and dead plants. Um, no one I don't think people really know about iguana repellent species. And so I think it might be good number one for us to better communicate this uh to to to the
public >> um and also for us to incorporate this as part of our own landscaping. Does the city incorporate these iguana repellent species in its landscaping? >> That's a question better suited probably for green space.
Okay, maybe maybe we can pass this along to the commission with a positive recommendation because at least I I do think enhanced communication to the residents, better education to the residents about iguana repellent species and making sure that we are integrating it as we are landscaping our public
spaces I think is something we can do. These are natural resources to help uh keep the area free of iguanas. >> Yeah. And in my briefing, um, it was really stressed that this needs to be a team effort. So, there's a discount code. Residents can use that discount code when it's on private property.
We're doing our part on public uh, property. So, happy to move to the full commission. Um, number 13, Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez would like to have it deferred. And now we'll hear number 23. Okay. Item number 23 is monthly updates
on the status of ongoing future projects involving the use of the Leonard Horowitz color palette for the art deco buildings restoration in collaboration with Barbara Hulaniki. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and facilities and fleet will be presented. >> Yeah. And and item 13 um she will end up
hearing after all. Okay. So 23 first. >> Good morning. Uh Frank Garcia, facilities management division director. Um, so the anchor garage, the the contractor has now wrapped around uh to the east side of the building and uh should complete the job in the next uh
two weeks or so, weather permitting. Um, and then the uh next art deco inspired uh painting project is the painting of the 13th Street parking garage. Um, on that project, the contractor is waiting on issuance of their MOT permit from our
public works department. And I understand the job will take approximately 5 to 6 weeks um from issuance of their permit. Um the next project would be the Banshaw and um while the colors have been chosen
for the Banshaw and vetted by our planning department that that particular paint job will be coordinated uh down the line by our capital improvement projects office as they are currently spearheading the expansion um to the band show. I don't know if you guys have seen we've
done three buildings so far. the Colony Theater, which looks beautiful. Um, we painted the anchor garage or finishing the anchor garage and that looks spectacular, too. So, I'm really excited about 13th Street garage because right now it's painted like beige and orange
and not art deco at all. What colors are the 13th Street garage going to be? Do you know? >> I do not have the renderings on hand. Um, I can get back to you guys. >> Okay. And that's going to start when is
when would do you expect to get the permit? >> Um once the permits are issued it should be relatively quick after that but it will take at least 5 to 6 weeks for completion. >> I would love to issue press releases um on the um Melissa if we could as long as
we're here um to highlight the Colony Theater and when we finish the anchor garage to highlight what we did with Barbara and maybe do a little ribbon cutting there because we do want to get press as we paint the buildings. They really are starting to pop and we want to showcase them as much as possible so
that uh we generate positive press for South Beach, the historic district. So, thank you guys for moving on this. >> Quick question. What's the status of the awnings for the Colony Theater? >> They're installed. >> They're installed. Oh, I haven't seen them yet. >> It looks beautiful. Have you seen the Colony? >> The building looks beautiful with the
color. >> Yeah, it's >> amazing. >> Okay, let's see your number 13. Item number 13 is discuss the design review board's recommendation regarding parklet design guidelines. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and public works will be presenting the
item. >> Good afternoon. John Norris, public works director. Um we've brought some recommendations to you to revise the design guidelines for parkletits and we would recommend making those revisions and bringing them to full commission for
consideration. So, let me explain to you what I'm doing here, guys. And I want to thank Charlie for his hard work on the parklets. Um, around the city, we still have parkletits that we started uh during the pandemic. And some of them are very
successful, but they're not some of them are, I would say, a a little unsightly with the fake grass and one of them looks like fake grease. I don't know. So, we're trying to come up with better design guidelines. And I don't even see
Did you include the design guidelines on here or did you pictures of what we're doing? Okay. >> Yes, it should be attached. >> Okay. So, this is to update the parklet designs um so that all the umbrellas are
standard. Okay. And we're going to try to um standardize the colors and design so that they don't all look so different. Have you seen some parklets? Not all parklets are created equal. >> Yeah. So, we're just going going to
update these and they're going to look neater. I think they're going to look more elegant or upscale, I would say, in some ways. So, um I with that I would I'm okay to move it to the full commission. Yeah, I'll second. >> Sorry.
>> Okay. Okay. >> Sounds good. >> All right. So, number 20 five. >> Okay. Item >> number 25 is explore the possibility of a unified valet system from 5th to 15th
Street on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. >> Parks and parking will be presenting the item. sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and co-sponsored by Ball. >> All right. So, I've been having meetings with the parking department, with the
Ocean Drive Association. I'm not sure this is quite yet uh ready yet, but I'd love to hear an update. >> So, not quite ready yet. I we could uh keep it here in in the committee. However, um we've had some very productive uh conversations with the ODA. um we worked together to create
some questionnaires uh to go out to the stakeholders that um would that that kind of make up that that Ocean Drive area. Um I know the last communication that I received was that uh they had just received the responses back. We
have to set up the meeting to go over those responses. Um, we've also brought our transportation partners into the conversation regarding um, some temporary stop gaps to talk about when, for example, Ocean Drive shuts down to traffic where we can relocate some of
those valet stands maybe on the 100 blocks, but obviously with there being no exit, we have to bring our transportation partners to see what is and what is not allowed. Um, but they're they're being great partners and we're working on trying to find a better solution at this time. >> Thank you for that. So, we'll keep this on for another month.
I would love to co-sponsor this with you if possible. I think one of the most important things we can do is get accessible valet parking so that we reduce the price of parking no matter what the cost and we have a unified system so you can drop your car off in one place, pick it up in another place
just like the design district which is so seamless using the best technology. It's accessible to everyone. It is subsidized by the design district owners, but I would consider this type of subsidy to be something pivotal so
that people return to Fifth to 15th Street. It's so important. I Why is this take Why is it taking so long? >> So, I think there's um I I'll remove the the subsidy aspect of it because I it's it's a much different conversation, much
larger one. Um however so this is an ecosystem and whereas the design district the ecosystem all serves one entity um I I can't even begin to imagine how many different stakeholders there are from 5th to 15th and so you
would >> there's currently like nine valet >> that and that's just the valet the different the different restaurants and um hotels that they service. So obviously there's going to be each service provider, each hotel is going to be like, but I love mine, but I love my
company. And so there's a lot of individuals that are playing in this arena. And so that's why it makes it a little bit more >> and the convenience aspect. One of them is uh if somebody goes to Fifth Street and has dinner at Avalon and then decides to walk all the way north, they
can pick up their car where they ended up their walk. They don't have to go back to the initial stop. And this is something that happens in other parts of the county. >> Can't we just say that we're going to do it and we put out an RFP and let them compete uh to give us the best prices
for valet parking and decide on a number subsidy and then just say, "Hey guys, look, we're doing this for the good of everyone and whoever is going to give us the best price, we're going to work with you." I don't want to punt this to our city attorney's office, but I feel that at that point in time, we would be forbidding anybody along Ocean Drive
from having valet other than a city controlled valet. Um, and I know that there are certain hotels that run they are revenue centers. So, the city would essentially be commandeering the entire valet operation from every operator on Ocean Drive. And I don't know what that
looks like. >> I'm fine. keep I want you guys to be able to reach out to the stakeholders to gather all the information that you need. I'm fine giving you the time that you need in order to do this. I know your department's also handling a lot of issues right now. We're unveiling the
decals. Uh and that's a lot of people that are going to be going through your department and so you guys have a very full plate and I think your plate is over topping right now. Why don't we hold the meeting with all of the stakeholders and talk to them about this and explain that we want
something more streamlined, more accessible and but we have to present them with something that works. Let's say that we want to keep all the independent operators, right? Could they somehow work together? >> I mean I
>> to get this done. I mean, this isn't going to be a a pleasant transition, but I think it needs to happen because everyone else has this unified valet system. Coral Gables has it. The design district has it. You can valet park at Bickl City Center and yet we can't get
it. I mean, there has to be a transition. I know it's not easy, but maybe if we start to discuss what it is that we want, we can come to a better place. I think we need to sit down in a meeting with them. Well, and we've had uh I I want to say at this time two three three meetings um with the ODA and
the stakeholders. So, I think we're headed in the right direction. I don't know what the the ultimate uh destination will end up being. I think that's a that's part of the conversation and the exploration that we're going through right now. Um but >> why don't we instead of doing Ocean
Drive, which is a biggie because there's so many people, why don't we just do Washington Avenue first? I know that we have some concessions on Washington. It's very expensive. if it's $25 to valet park and people don't really want to pay that. So why don't we grab some low lowerhanging fruit, do it on
Washington Avenue, hear me out and once we're successful with that model on Washington, then we can, you know, move it forward in other places. >> I invite you to be part of the discussions. We've had multiple meetings with Sussy and the ODA and then I don't
want to exclude them. Well, no, we don't want to exclude them, but if it's so controversial and maybe Washington Avenue isn't, we can, you know, bifurcate. We continue the Ocean Drive conversation, but we move forward with something like Washington, which could be more palpable because how many
operators do we have on Washington, for example? >> And that's the point. So, Ocean Drive is iconic. It has restaurants. Who's walking from 5th to 15th on Washington? residents a lot many times want to go to dinner at places like
>> the residents do the trolley >> Tony's sushi no not people like me from mid beach I always go down to Tony Sushi sometimes I can't find parking it's very difficult but if I had accessible affordable parking I would certainly
head down in in that direction so I you know we could start off kind of like we're doing um with the valet system in North beach like just you know weekends or something. >> Commissioner, I I want to be respectful of the chair because she she is a
sponsor of this item and I want to make sure that this proceeds at the pace that that that our chair feels comfortable proceeding and I and I've heard from the community from from business owners about the engagement um that that uh
that Madam Chair has been uh having with with stakeholders. Sometimes it does take maybe a little bit of extra time to get it right, but it's better to unveil it when it's all uh proper to be unveiled and get it right the first time than to prematurely
uh unveil it and then we run we run into conflicts and uh and uh Madame Chair, you know, I've heard from the business community. They're excited about this, but they also know that you're doing your due diligence to to make sure that it's done right and making sure that all
the eyes are dotted, that the tees are crossed so that so they don't run into any conflicts once it's unveiled. So So I'll defer to your judgment uh so that we get this done right. >> All right. So we're going to keep this on committee um and uh commissioner, I invite you to please reach out to Cussy
um and uh have a discussion with her. and the unified valley was to include Collins and Washington. Um, so I just want to make sure that uh the ODA is on board with doing a different street than Ocean. >> No, look, I hear you. I want to see it
happen however it happens, but if Ocean is going to be controversial, it would help Ocean Drive if we were able to roll out something easier first. That's all I'm suggesting. >> Okay, fair enough. All right. Uh, so now number 28, um, which I think started out
being yours and then, uh, Fernandez and I co-sponsored, Commissioner Fernandez. >> Is it 28 or 26? >> 26. >> 26. >> Item number 26 is discussion regarding the establishment of a unified valet
system in the 41st Street commercial corridor. Parking will be presenting the item. >> I just don't even think there's any place to go. I mean, there's ample parking. The one restaurant at nighttime that's hopping
is Cafe Avanti, and I never have a problem parking there. I just don't know who's going to use it. Where are they going? Where are they valeting and going? So, uh
um this is uh I I want to say in in my position as parking director, I'm more than happy to to advise um and consult with with any business improvement district, any community organization regarding parking needs. Um this particular item is not something that I
think is supported by the need um by the facts for the area. So obviously um when you have a certain thing you can use Washington A, you can use Collins, you can use um Ocean Drive, uh Lincoln Road. Um I don't necessarily feel that 41st
Street reaches that criteria. Um we have a large open lot that sits uh uh that sits vacant, has a lot of occupancy during the most of the day. We have uh several hundred spaces in our garage that are available. Madam chair, I would like to suggest maybe let's just keep it in the in in the committee because what
I want to see is how does the other item progress? What are we able to figure out with the stakeholders and what framework is being able to put be put in place? I think that that is where we have the greater need uh in South Beach uh and in that business district that we have in
South Beach and let's let's work that out. Uh let's keep this in committee uh because I don't think that we're ready for this yet. I don't know even if the demand is is there today. Um so that we can put our focus where we know that for sure there is a great demand for it
right now. >> Okay, that's fine. >> I would add one thing at night I don't think it's necessary but sometimes during the day it does get more difficult to park over there. So daytime is a little harder. So if we did do something it would have to be between
you know 9 to 5. And I do know also that, you know, having this conversation could be something attractive for businesses that may be considering coming uh to the corridor. The same way uh the parklet conversation that we had that we expanded the the parklets on
41st Street that has become now uh a business development in incentive uh for for the corridor. The waiver of mobility and concurrency fees, that's yet another. So I think keeping the conversation alive can help the corridor
while we focus more on creating the framework on the Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive uh segment of this. >> And and I also want to to make it very clear to the committee that from as the parking director, I wholly um uh rely on
feedback and conversations with our transportation division because we do not live in a silo. And so while I think that there are parking challenges that we can solve with parking, I think in other areas of the city, we can look at microobility um and public transportation to maybe
take a stab at other areas that may not necessarily have a parking need at the time, but we can do some smart people movers throughout other areas. I do I I do think for the future we do need to keep it in in our agenda for for conversation because we do know you know
we have our 41st street parking our 41st street project that will yield a certain loss of parking on 41st street itself and so and so while we're not ready to move forward with this today and the dynamics might not be there today I
think we need to plan for the future be forward thinking and keep this on the agenda as we work out the >> That's fine. So, we can go to number four. >> And Madam Chair, I'm going to have to leave after this item. >> Okay. >> When do you want that item to come back? Do you want that in a few months or?
>> Yeah. >> Item number four is discuss potentially placing quiet zone signage in various residential areas around city waterways. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Sores and co-sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. Environmental will be presenting the item. Is D is David on?
>> He is not on. >> Okay. So, we'll have You're the co-sponsor, Kristen. So, uh I mean, Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. >> I I don't know about you all, but one of the complaints I get over and over again is speeding boats from people living on
the water and it's dangerous. They don't want to swim. So, putting in these signs, I think, is is really important for the residents living on the water. And um where are we in the in the process? >> Good afternoon.
>> When I've uh been on a boat and in the Bickl area, you see those signs on the seaw wall that says quiet residential zone. >> Good afternoon, commissioners. Lindsay Prect, uh deputy resilience officer and assistant director of the environment and sustainability department. Um this item was referred in June to the public
safety committee committee to discuss next steps. Um visibility, durability and uh maintenance of the signs is a very important consideration for this item and both marine patrol and code have noted that vessel vessels typically maintain a 50 to 100 ft buffer from seaw
walls and so signage must be large enough to be visible from that distance. Um, posting signage on land or on seaw walls that are city-owned minimizes the regulatory approvals that would be required. If signage is mounted
landward, we wouldn't need to go through that extensive permitting process. But if we post things on the wet face or on top of a cap, that could require additional permitting from agencies like Miami date county derm. Um, waterway markers uh is an alternative. However,
that would require extensive regulatory approvals and a lot of the agencies that would be involved have indicated that there's some res uh reticence to install more. Um they are navigational concerns. They can impact resources and they do
want to minimize sign pollution. Um also the permitting and cost associated with that um could be extensive. Um, so as a result, we could look at potential pilot locations to look at city-owned seaw walls, install
signage landward, um, at the size that's appropriate. Uh, to minimize cost >> and I'm sorry, landward, you mean on the dry side, correct? But not on the cap of the seaw wall. Correct. >> Because the cap of the seaw wall then you got to go and get the derm and all the other approvements. >> Correct. The same for a private seaw
wall and an owner can't just put it on. Exactly. Yeah. >> But they could do it on land. >> Yes, that is correct. Um, so if if we're looking to per perhaps do a pilot project, we could look at some areas that have repeat offenses and, you know,
calls to code and police regarding these noise violations. Um, we did indicate that there were some potential pilot locations in in the memo, including Monument Island, Maurice Gibb Park, the West Avenue street ends, the Venetian Causeway easements. Um, Marine Patrol
also further identified additional areas such as the Star Palm and Hibiscus Islands, Bell Isle, Surprise Lake, Lagorse, Indian Creek North of 63rd Street, Normandy Shores, Biscane Point, Still Water, and Tatum Waterway. And we
could reduce some of the costs if this was done inhouse, the signs themselves by the parking department, but we would need a consultant that would, you know, design and move through uh that process. >> But we don't need a consultant to design the sign. I mean, we have a communications department that can do
this in house. >> This is not going to move the needle. I think we need signs in the waterway. >> I mean, voters can see them. I think really needs to be done, right? >> Well, there's two there there's two
things because you know the ones in the in the waterway like we know that needs derm approval, needs FWC approval, it needs the EP approval, it needs the Army Army Corps of Engineers, you need the Coast Guard. So, it's a long bureaucratic process. Also, the cost is over $100,000, I believe, these signs in
the in the water. And and you're right, the goal should be to get those signs in the water. But in the meantime, >> one waterfront home pays for that. One property tax, half the property taxes on one waterfront home pays for that signage cost. Okay, there we have $50
million homes and they're paying tremendous amounts of taxes. So, I would like to move forward with all the regulatory processes. I do not want to put uh signs for the water on land. That to me does not make any sense unless
there I super if we could move forward with both in the interim >> with both >> do the signs on land but I would like us to move forward to the full commission and have signs in the waterways. Um it doesn't matter what the cost is. If it's
going to be $100,000 well so be it. And we'll reach out to the state. will explain that it's public safety that we need to do this and it's a real problem with people speeding in in the waterways. It doesn't it has to has to happen. I also see that that Chad is here representing the Venetian Islands
Homeowners Association. >> Thank you. Actually, I'm on my own today. >> Uh >> oh, that's right. Well, not yet. >> I guess I could say MWPA though. Um but uh yeah, we we have a lot of complaints about uh noise, too. So the um I do
think and in speaking with Sergeant Fernandez, he said a lot of the people that come to Monument Island aren't necessarily regulars. You know, they're new Boers, so they don't necessarily know our laws, and they've changed. You know, now it's 100 feet. Um and I think
people underestimate how far noise travels across water. >> Um so I do think that these would be great items. On the Venetian Islands, we have the street ends. The city has easements on them and they're your seaw walls. So go for it. >> And we also have um street ants palm
hibiscus. We have street ants there uh where where we could do that. I think the landwards I mean that is that is short-term solution stuff that we can do quickly on Monument Island, you know, very efficiently got signs there. While Commissioner Rosson Gonzalez, you're absolutely right. The real solution then
the most effective solution is putting it in in the water. But knowing the regulatory process that goes into I mean how long do you think Lindsay it would take us to get that approved? I I would say it's not only the length. I would also say it's the reticence that the regulatory agencies have expressed to us
about installing more waterway markers. Um our our team has been in working to install several and we've hit several roadblocks of both FWC and the Coast Guard just not being willing to install anymore and and saying that they're unnecessary even for public safety.
>> And what about in manity zones? Can we put signs up that say, you know, slow down, we have manities, cuz I know we have the manity plan. >> Th those are actually some of the ones that we've tried to install, both manatee signage and seaggrass bed signage, and they've indicated that
those actually cause additional navigational concerns. Uh we recently installed five waterway markers adjacent to the Miami Beach Marina, and within 24 hours of one of them being installed, it was hit by a vessel. We have to move forward with this. As difficult as it
is, I would like to give direction to move forward with with both tracks. >> Y >> okay and get to yes on this. We can get to yes. I think we can have some meetings with the state explain what the problem is. I know that we have uh residents who are going to appreciate our efforts and uh we got to be able to
get to yes. So I move this item with a positive recommendation back to the city commission to do the landward signs where we have dead ends and where we have bridges and all that and then separately to start the regulatory process to get the approvals to put them in the waterways as well.
>> Agreed. I Okay, I'll second. Um >> Okay. Um can you stay for 14? Yes. Okay. >> How long do you think it'll be? >> It'll be a fast way. >> Item number 14. >> Okay. Item number 14 is discuss the potential of an artistic mural at the
Miami Beach Municipal Parking Garage located at 17th Street. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez and tourism and culture will be presenting. >> So, how are we going to beautify that garage? Uh, good afternoon. Lisa Roante, director of tourism and culture, city of
Miami Beach. Uh in the memo before you, we provide a twostep recommendation for the artistic mural. Uh one is a temporary wrap that we can do to capitalize on all the sporting events that we have coming up. And the second option is a more permanent mural to help
with wayfinding for Lincoln Road. >> I would love I would love to have a permanent iconic mural. I don't know. It depends on what the wrap looks like. If you want to do the wrap in the inter room, but I would move forward with something really beautiful so that people as people exit the convention center. Everything else is under
construction. Let's just get something beautiful. Let's do a call to artists locally and um have them present. You know, I don't know how I guess art and public places would vet them. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Okay. I that's what I would move to the full commission. How do you feel about that? >> I actually during my briefing really
like the rap. It would have a sports theme and we have the college football championships here in Miami Beach next year. We have seven games of the FIFA World Cup. The cost is significantly less. I think it would be amazing to have a wrap and maybe during that time we could do a call to artist for the
following year. Could we do both? I really loved it. >> I'll move to do both. I think both are great ideas. I think uh we need to capitalize on the sports activities that are coming into that are coming into our city and it also builds upon our health and wellness uh branding that we're
trying to do while we do a call to artists and find you know someone really great. How exciting would it be to discover uh an artist in our community and give them the opportunity of getting uh this this building and adding some color and life to it. So, madam chair,
if you allow me, I would like to make a motion to uh send both step one and two uh to the >> if I may, I believe uh it also will need to go to FK to identify. >> Okay, so it has to go back to the full commission with a referral to Ferg.
>> Does it need to go to FK? >> Well, it needs to go back to the full commission and then that they move from there either to fers by waiver or however they want to do. Well, I mean, I would do it move it to the full commission with a waiver from going to Furk and let's just get it done.
>> Thank you. >> Tell her, >> could we please defer item number six? Um >> business item. >> Let's see. Uh before you leave, did you want to discuss 30?
>> No. >> So did you want to move that? >> Yeah, let's just continue. >> Okay. Um >> is uh Commissioner Magazine on for item 15?
Madam Chair, I'm going to have to step out. Um, unless there's a time-sensitive item that needs to get heard. >> See, uh, >> the moment I leave, then the committee loses quorum. >> You know, I'd love to hear number 28.
Item number 28 is monthly updates on efficiency of enhanced enforcement related to excessive vehicular noise. This item will be presented by police. I don't even see. >> Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the committee, Assistant Chief Daniel
Morgal, on behalf of Chief Wayne Jones and the police department. So, I'm happy to report that our continued efforts to address loud noise from vehicles, loud noise in general throughout the city, our officers doing a tremendous job focusing on this among the many enforcement priorities that we have for
the organization. To date for 2025, we've written a total of 539 citations for exhaust systems, motor vehicle noise, loud noise horns, and warning devices, and operation of radios or other mechanical sound making devices.
That exceeds the 2024 total, which was 423. So, we're already 116 citations above what we were for the total of 2024. and we're going to continue these efforts moving forward since we instituted this particular uh focused
enforcement throughout the city specifically um area one on the fifth street and south of Fifth area which is what was mandated in the resolution area 2 41st Street in the Collins corridor and area 3 71st Street. Uh we've written a total of 146 citations um in the time
period that that we've been focusing on this between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. which is what the uh resolution mandated. Of those 146 citations, 65 have been in area 1, which is the one that leads the uh the other two areas for enforcement.
48 of those are loud exhaust, 15 of those are loud music, two are loud noise. In area two, we've had 35 citations issued. 34 of them for loud exhaust, one for loud noise. And in area three, we've issued 46, 38 for loud exhaust, two for loud music, and six for
loud noise. >> Okay. Um, and one thing that I've heard a lot from residents, particularly South of Fifth and uh, West Avenue is there is technology available, noise camera, and my understanding from speaking with uh,
the MBPD is that we can't use that in enforcement right now because the state prohibits us. So I is that correct? >> That's my understanding. >> Yeah, my understanding too. So, I reached out to our lobbyists in Tallahassee and asked them to put it on the legislative agenda for this year.
Um, I've been in conversations with them and currently Tallahassee is having committee meetings and um there is something about using noise cameras for enforcements. So, we're going to be speaking with a representative
legislator to help us uh hopefully get that approved so that next year uh we'll be able to use noise cameras. But that's something that um I'm really working on to get in the works. Thank you for the update. >> Thank you, ma'am.
>> Okay, let's see here. Um 11. Item number 11 is discussing initiatives to expedite processing of new business tax receipts and related permits. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez, co-sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez, Commissioner Suarez,
Commissioner Magazine and Planning and Finance will be presenting. Okay, as you know, this is one of the biggest complaints we have. I think a lot of it has to do with the technology interface that we have. And you guys
were there in the presentation where the woman showed how the city of Aventura's process was so much easier, you know, than ours. I have an item coming up at the next meeting to copy the te technological interface and to copy
their five-step process, which works in addition to getting your initial approval or initial feedback within 48 hours instead of 30 days. So, we're serious about fixing this problem. I mean like this has to be the focus of
everything because we're getting a reputation for being the most unfriendly place to open a business >> creativity >> in the county. >> So where are we on your end in planning because I think um one of the biggest
complaints I get is the amount of time it takes to approve the sign that has to get changed too. So that'd be >> the um the focus of this memo was primarily on the CUBTR process um
because that permit uh we understand um still has a lot of challenges. In the memo, we've identified some of the common challenges that are associated with delays in the issuance of the the CU and eventually the BTR. And that um
pertains to things like a lack of a current certificate of occupancy, a lack of a current BTR, um incomplete floor plans, um the need to obtain a change of use permit. There are certain things that can trigger a
delay. If somebody has a retail business and they're going to restaurant, oftentimes they would need to submit a floor plan. They would need to get building permit approval for that change of use. So, some of the complexity has
to do with the types of uses that are currently existing and what is being proposed. If somebody's going retail to retail, those are the types of very easy permits that are typically not a problem. Some of the things that we've identified in the memo in terms of improvement initiatives include the
following. Um, establishing a CUBTR coordinator position so that people that have the more challenged applications can have more personalized assistance. Uh the other one would be to amend the land development regulations to make the
regulations easier in terms of uses permitted also in terms of the requirements that um end up causing the need for a mobility fee and a parking impact fee can be looked at. And then finally, we've been exploring ways that
we can better consolidate the CU and BTR processes. currently because everything is so separate often times people will actually get a CU but they won't get the fire inspection or they'll get the fire inspection and they get the CU but they
don't follow through on the BTR and eventually the CU expires and so we're looking for ways that we can ensure that once somebody starts the process that they actually follow through and finish the entire process. So, I would go with number two. Um, amend the LDR for the
purpose of reducing the amount of information, documentation, and expenses associated with CU applications. Um, do >> so, we'd have to do this via ordinance. >> Yeah. Yeah. Can you prepare something for next week or is that to >> We wouldn't be able to prepare something
for next week, but to the extent that the commission wanted to uh discuss that and refer something or direct us to prepare something, we could bring something back for a potential referral perhaps in December
>> and bring it >> to the commission for referral to the planning. >> Are you okay with that? >> Sure. >> Okay. Yes. That's number two. Let me see on number three. Consolidate the CU and BTR processes. Make it one process. >> Well, it wouldn't be one process per se,
but it would uh better integrate them because the CU being issued is different from the BTR being issued. But what we would like to do is find a way to ensure that the process is more holistic and that once they start the process that
there's a better for way for the applicant to go from the start to the finish. Right now it's a little choppy and our concern is that they start it but don't actually finish it. >> Okay. So I agree with all three including getting a person. How first of
all how many CU BTR um requests do we get monthly for example? >> I don't know about monthly. I know that we have roughly 7,000 BTRs and most are renewed pretty easily. >> But how many like new requests do we
get? I'd say probably between two and 300. >> Okay. So, I think that that justifies >> that justifies one person because I do want to make sure that instead of waiting the 30 days and somebody only gets their initial initial feedback on
day 29 that within 48 hours they get an initial response from us. And if that takes one person or it takes two people even, this is something that I we really need to to work on. So, um I agree. I would agree to all three. Having extra
help, streamlining and removing uh cost and information needed to open the business because we're over requiring information. And number three, consolidating the process. Are you okay with all three of those? >> Yes. By acclamation. >> All right. So, we'll bring those to the
commission in December with an explanation and uh the referral information. >> Okay. Thanks. Okay. Um, let's see. Can we go down to number 29?
Okay. Item number 29 is discussion on reviving employee shuttle program and other transportation solutions for Fountain Blue Hotel staff. This item was sponsored by Commissioner Dominguez and transportation will be presented. >> Okay. So, um I've had a few
conversations with the HR department of the Fountain Blue Hotel. That's our number two employer in Miami Beach as far as number of employees and most of them live um in Miami date or Broward County. So they are taking up hundreds
of cars uh in traffic and um one thing that I discussed with the Fountain Blue HR department was how what can we do and they told me that they had a program years ago that they sponsored and they would shuttle and pick up employees in
certain spots around Date County and they would be open to looking that again. Another program that they had was an incentive that if employees came forward to a car, they would get free valet. Um, in one of my discussions, they said that they were speaking with
your department, don't the transportation team on a survey, and my understanding is that the initial survey results were quite low uh because participation wasn't there from the Fountain Blue employees. So, we were
moving to a next step and I'd love to hear an update. Yes. Um, good afternoon, Madam Chair and Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez. On Rodriguez, assistant director with the transportation and mobility department. Last time we discussed this item. Um, Commissioner,
um, we provided an update on that survey. As you said, we only received 29% of the workforce in the Fountain Blue and the direction was to proceed to conduct another survey. The original survey that was conducted was tailored more uh to a different initiative uh
that we're working uh within our department to have those shuttles. Now the survey that we want to conduct for this particular service which is the the the program that South Florida Commuter Services provides is a little different.
It it's it South Florida Commuter Services provide vans um to their employers where they can carpool and come to work together. So, we're working with the South Florida Commuter Services to develop uh a slightly different questionnaire um for the the the workers
in in the Fountain Blue so that way we could get that feedback and and be more tailored to the to the services that South Florida Community Services provides. So, that's something that is currently ongoing. Um once that those questions have been developed and finalized, we'll be sharing that with a
Fountain Blue um to disseminate uh to their to their workers. Another update that was requested by this committee was the the bird uh the north uh the beach express north bus express rapid
transit system the bird where we are with that. So, we had communications with Miami Day County and unfortunately they don't have they themselves don't have a start date um for that service. That's the the rapid transit system that would come from the Golden Glades. And
the reason what that that they expressed to us as to why that service has not started is as a result of lack of resources including funding constraints and also fleet limitations. And unfortunately, they don't have a date that they can provide us as to when
they anticipate starting that service. But however, we're working. We continue to have those conversations with Miami Day County and we'll continue to have those conversations with software services to conduct that survey with the Fountain Blue. >> Okay. I'd like to keep this at committee
and I'll reach out to you separately so that we can have uh more meetings with the fountain blue. This is so important because if we can get this hotel to uh make this a success, then we can reach out to the loads and other hotels that
have a lot of employees and get cars off the road. Um so the the discussion will continue. Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez needs to leave so we will lose quorum. So we'll wrap up the meeting for today. Uh thank you everybody and city
administration and have a great afternoon. >> Thank you.