May meeting of the North Miami CRA Advisory Board. Uh, can we have a roll call? >> Absolutely. Michael McDermade, Chairman, >> present. >> Kenneth each, >> present. >> Randy Grace, >> present. >> Ashaki Bronson Marcelus.
>> Claudia Rees, >> present. >> Chairman, you have a quorum to proceed. >> Okay. All right. Should we move on to Does everybody have an agenda? >> Okay. It would be on your >> Yes. >> Oh, it's on the square >> on the screen. And I think the next um
item is a pledge of allegiance. >> Okay. Oh, what's what's the password? No, you just swipe up. >> Oh. Oh, no passwords. All good. >> Good to go. Well, mine seems to insist
on a password. Yeah, he was asking for >> um it >> crashing >> all zeros. How many? >> Five zeros. Press zero five times. >> Five >> zeros.
>> No, not zero. >> Oh, there you go. >> Okay. Okay. Um, can we do the um pledge of allegiance? Randy, you want to
>> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Consent agenda. Unless a member of the
CRA advisory committee wishes to remove a specific item from this portion of the agenda, tabs A through B constitute the con the consent agenda. These resolutions and items are self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion. These items will be recorded as
individually numbered resolutions adopted unanimously by the following motion. That the consent agenda comprised of tabs A through B adopted. >> Okay. All right. Um, can we begin with uh the first item?
>> Well, on consent, are you We need a motion for agenda. Okay. Moved by committee member Grace. >> Second. Oh, >> seconded by committee member each. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
Motion P passes with a 40 vote. >> Okay. So, um, under number four, items for review and action item agenda item one, the green error renewal. Yes. Staff
requested approval for a facade grant of $50,000 to No, that's on the consent agenda. I'm so sorry. Um, here we go. NMC staff is requesting that the NMC board approve the renewal of the contract with Green Arrow Sustainable
Consulting, Inc. to continue providing inspection services and quality control for the NMC's housing rehabilitation grants program. The proposed contract price has been adjusted to $2,500 per project with an estimated total of $65,000 for up to 26 housing
rehabilitation projects in the fiscal year 2526. Okay. Do we have any uh I don't have a gavvel or anything but um we don't have any be anybody here um obviously. Um
so can we have board discussion? Anyone have any questions of staff? >> I'm sorry. >> This is for green errors renewal. So for the residential rehabilitation program, we have a contracted housing inspector
that goes in. Yes. So this >> perfect. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Any other questions? >> Good. >> No. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve the item? >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Do we need a roll call? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. All right. Uh, moving on to agenda item two, the bylaws amendment. >> So, this is an amendment to is being requested as an amendment to the existing bylaws. The spending authority
of the CRA executive director normally matches the city manager threshold. For the city manager, there is a $50,000 general um authorization. However, in their ordinance, there was a new move in order to be able to increase
that threshold to $100,000 for construction projects. We're asking for the executive director of the CRA to have that same authority only for construction projects as we are now taking on more of those opportunities. So, it's only to match what is going on at the city manager level.
>> Okay. All right. Um, is there any public discussion? Don't see anything. Board discussion. If a project comes >> $7,000 without >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Sorry. Thank you. Go ahead.
>> Okay. Let's let's say for instance a project comes to you $70,000 a beautifification project. That means that you would have the authority to approve it without it going to the advisory board or or or the CRA or the regular board. >> That is correct. For any construction
project, if this is passed, then projects up to $100,000, I would have the authority to approve it administratively. >> That's an uh what you're saying is it's already passed the board and the CRA. >> No. So, currently my spending authority
is up to $50,000 regardless of anything >> anything. And at the city manager level, she also has the same $50,000 um threshold. However, there is a carveout for construction projects. So, if there is a city project that comes to her that is a $100,000 or $80,000, normally she
would not be able to under her $50,000 general threshold be able to approve it. But because of the new carveout for the city at $80,000, she would be able to go ahead and approve that project administratively without bringing it to the city council. We're asking that um threshold be the same as the executive
director so that when we have construction projects that are under 100,000 but above my $50,000 threshold, I would also be able to administratively approve those projects. >> So right now you can approve a $50,000 project without
going to the uh >> without going to the board for approval. Right. Without going to the board for approval. >> The board the actual CRA board for approval. Mhm. >> I'm I'm I don't mean to throw stones. I I'm kind of I thought that all projects,
the business comes into the city, >> beauty salon down the street, they want uh a $35,000 uh stipen from the CRA and they're going to put up $5,000. That means that that doesn't have to get the approval of the board.
>> So, that is different. That is a grant. This is not for granted projects. So currently >> construction >> for construction that we are doing ourselves, but I want to clarify cuz that was a great example that you gave. >> I'm a little Yeah. >> No, no, no, that's fine. So for instance, it does um right now we have
several commercial levels. So our facade grant program gives you up to $30,000 of funding to be able to do exterior improvements up to $30,000. I can approve that administratively. However, we still include those on the consent agenda because we do want the committee
and the board to be um aware of whenever we are doing those um projects. So although I approve them, we still carry till on consent for you to know what is happening. Something above $50,000, so the rehabilitation program
that we have that's $100,000. If there is a grantee that's requesting $100,000, it goes on the agenda for your approval because I cannot approve that. However, what we're discussing are not grant programs. These are construction projects that are being taken on by the
CRA itself for its own purposes. Just like the city may have a project it may want to do itself for its own purposes, a construction project that is under $100,000 as they would be able to do for themselves without going to the council. We're asking for the same opportunity to
be able to do a construction project for ourselves without having to go to the board for that approval. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What construction projects? I we have it's been such a long time. >> No problem. >> I know. So >> I mean >> it's been a few it has really been a while
>> months and I to get a grip on >> a few board a few board meetings ago we were able to get parcels from the city. >> So what >> land we got two conveyances. One is in district three. One is in district 4 and we would like to go ahead and do
renovations of those parcels. those will very much come over the $100,000 parcel. However, if that was something we were trying to do, then we would be able to do that by ourselves. There may be projects that we want like a rehabilitation of bathrooms somewhere in
the city, we may want to do that. That comes in at 100 under 100,000. We we don't want to have to come back every single time to be able to do these projects. We want to be able to get them done quickly. >> Yeah. And the the only thing you just you did mention a bathroom. Mhm.
>> Okay. The only thing I'm I'm thinking of is, you know, 50,000 that's doable. I understand where you're going. Cost overrun, so forth and so on. You start to hit the 100,000 note and and you open yourself up for say in good faith.
>> I I think there was one in San Francisco. They were going to put out a public bathroom and next thing you know, the cost skyrocketed to $3 million. >> That would have to come before the board. You know, I I'm even saying to me $100,000 for renovation of a a toilet,
it's it's kind of >> for one toilet. Yes. But you have to remember with costs that are happening right now, construction costs are through the roof. So, we are finding a lot of projects that normally would I mean they're reaching $100,000 very
very quickly. So things that would not really come to the board or the council because of the size of the project, because of the cost, because of increase in material cost and all those things, those are things that are now coming before the board where it normally probably wouldn't have to or at the council level it wouldn't have to. So
for expediency, we would like to just have that threshold increased. >> Yeah. I mean, I want to add something. I'm sort of hearing Mr. Each's concern. >> Just because the executive director has a 50 or a hundred or a $200 threshold. >> Yeah. um doesn't mean that we don't have
to get bids and procure it. >> I was just going to mention that. >> Okay. So, we still have to do that. >> Um the 50,000 right now is goods and services. It's not grants. It's like >> buying widgets, hiring consultants, >> um these sort of things.
>> And the 100,000 is just expanding it to bricks and mortar, which is what the CRA is really designed to be doing in the first place. So, we've had fountain projects where we've renovated a fountain. um things like this. It doesn't mean that we wouldn't have to procure the contractor under the
procurement guidelines of the city of North Miami and get bids to the extent that they require it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So that's that's the balance in check because I I sort of heard you saying, "Oh, you could get in tr maybe get in trouble kind of thing." >> No, what what I was thinking along the
lines of, you know, you've done a yman's job. Believe me, when you see managers, I I the only thing I'm thinking of is people throwing stones. >> Understood. >> And you know, you you you open yourself up. Well, in good faith, you did this, you did that, you analyzed it, you went
out for bids, and the next $100,000. What are we crazy? How come you got that authority? This is wrong. Blah blah blah. I mean, if you want to go that way, it's okay with me. I'm not saying that's the bad side of it. I understand the good side. >> And this is trying to be a realistic
world. And this this is all reported to the board itself anyway. Any actions of the advisory of the >> Yes. Yeah. >> All of your concerns are carried to the board. >> So, you know, in clarity, it's you know, it's it's just keeping up with the times. >> Yes. >> You know, absolutely.
>> Talk about construction. Talk about construction costs. >> Yeah. >> Randy, anything? >> Absolutely. Through the roof. No, I think this is a really good item. Definitely in the spirit of efficiency and not having to come before the board for everything and especially with construction costs. Um, as you mentioned, $100,000, it may not take you
as far as you think it might take you. So, I'm in very much in support of this item. >> Um, Claire, >> I I I agree and I understand we keep the check. I agree and I understand that as long as we keep the uh check and balances, we're not changing processes.
We're just increasing the the uh discretion on the amount of of money that you can approve. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, I think we have >> director. You asked for it. Okay. Okay. So, um, do I hear a motion to approve the item? >> Move it.
>> Second. >> Yes. A second. >> Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. >> Motion passes with a 40 vote. So, there is also a discussion item for the Police Athletic League of North Miami. Actually, I believe the chairman
here may be able to speak to it a little bit. >> Yes. Um, basically to, as they say, to cut to the chase. Um, you know, the North Miami Police Athletic League has been here for many years and the purpose of the Police
Athletic League is to serve the youth of North Miami, particularly disadvantaged youth in North Miami. Uh, we've had struggles as far as finding a facility um to serve the kids and to house the kids. uh right now they're in the
community room in the police department and very limited because of the fact that we don't have any space for the kids. So, um, through our, um, through our current board and and police chief and Dave Bernie, who you all know, who
is, uh, chairman of the chamber, um, they were able to secure a loan, a construction loan to renovate the old Knights of Columbus JC Hall over here in Griffin Park. Um, it's a leased land um,
from the city of North Miami. Um and what they want to do is they need the seed money or the matching money um to get this construction loan and get this get this under under construction.
So um you know the it's a very important you know we have a lot of projects in the city and all of them on their own merit are probably very important to the city and all the things that go with it. But this is especially important. Um
this is about the kids of our community. Um this is a nonprofit that has served many many generations of kids and the whole idea is to continue uh that service to the children of this community. So the um exact amount um
what is it again? 175 is >> 150. >> 150. So, this will be 150,000 to provide um the money necessary to go forward with this construction loan um you know to renovate the center. Um I know that
there's been a lot of discussion about other things going on at Griffin Park. Uh but this will be um a basis um to uh do what's important in my mind, do what's important, and that's uh serve the kids of the community.
Uh yeah, Mr. Chair, I definitely agree with this. I know this topic came up, what was it at the last uh city council meeting? So definitely in support of this. Of course, this is a very positive program for the children of North Miami. Um also want them to have something to
do positive in the city. So I think if we can get behind this effort and um I think the point is matching the funds from CRA are recommending or is that what is that? So, if I jump in right now, um, so initially the conversation was the gap was 150,000 and the city was
going to split that gap with the CRA 7575. I believe at the last city council meeting there was some kind of a um discussion that then pushed the full 150 over to the CRA. >> Okay, >> that has not yet been discussed by the CRA board, which is where a CRA business
should be discussed. Um but once it is discussed um we will have to then look at if that money is in the budget because we are able to provide the 75 the additional 75 however we would have to see and if we um are able to find that money in the budget.
>> Okay. Well definitely if the money exists then we can um I'll be in support of it. >> Yeah. Well, as I as I say, this is and um I know that this kind of thing really addresses the
core issues of the CRA. Um and I um was was briefly at the FRA. >> And I've, you know, this kind of thing is happening because it's creating an atmosphere of growth. It's creating an atmosphere of connectedness in the
community. Um and and that's so important, you know, as North Miami grows and expands, um we have actually greater demand on human resources um than we would otherwise and we need
to address that. Uh makes the community a better place to live. So, anything from you, Clara? What happened to the um million dollars that was set aside years ago by Mayor Pier for the
for the uh police athletic league? Do we know? >> No, >> it just it's not there. >> I I I have a >> special affection for the police athletically >> because I was the guy that started it.
>> So if you name the building after me, I'll approve it. No, when I was chief, we started this I think in 1992 >> and they have bounced around to about three or four different locations. I don't know. I came back from Chicago.
>> They're over there by 135th Street and a place over there and then they were on here in Dixie Highway. And uh and I I you know it's >> it's an important program. Uh it's an important program because you're
mentoring. Could you speak? >> You're mentoring these young people >> and you know in today's society when violence is glorified especially now more so than it was in the '9s. I I think it's a very important necessity
that we mentor and try to guide young people in the correct correct uh direction. Um, the police are not the enemies. Uh, you know, of the people, by the people, for the people. And, uh, I said, if you name it after me,
all seriousness, I think it's well worth it. Well, well worth it. Uh, stopping one child from juvenile delinquency, going down the wrong path, society saves about $2 million. I think the National
Institute of Justice came up with statistics on this and it's it's so important to put our money into the >> you know >> and you have my you have my support on. >> Yeah. And you know I'm involved in a lot of charities and I can tell you that the
experience is just one you change just one >> one at a time. So anyway, any uh >> anything else we can do today?
>> Absolutely. The kids are the future and whatever we can do today to >> it. It's not on. >> Yeah, it's happening. >> Oh, there we go. Better. >> I'll take a lot better. >> So, of course, uh kids are the future and whatever we can do today to make the future better, I'll support so long as we have uh the resources.
>> Of course. Um let me ask you a question animal. Uh when we approve this item are we going to approve for the 150 level or the 75 level? >> So this is a discussion item and I think that's what the discussion will be on and I'll get direction from the board tomorrow as to what to do if we're only
going to go into the 75. If I'm going to be instructed to go and find the full 150 and then after that once everything is decided then we can bring back an item for approval. Can we as a discussion item make a motion to um approve the the uh the whole amount?
>> So this is not an action item. So you would not be able to still express our opinion. >> No, you did. And so I will um be able to carry forth that the consensus of the committee was that you know to support it fully. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Do I hear a motion to approve?
>> Well, there is no motion because it's a discussion item. >> Okay. Well, how about for the the the motion to not a motion but the expression of support for the whole >> the expression of support will be communicated. >> Okay. Okay. >> Okay. The next is a CRA attorney report.
>> No report tonight, Mr. Chairman. >> And from me, the executive director, you have been provided with an update. Normally once you meet, we do provide uh monthly updates of all of the projects that are going on in the CRA. So you're
able to see exactly when they were initially approve approved, the allocation, our current spend, and you get a little blurb about what's going on with that project. So as long as the project is open, you will get all of these things. Once they're closed, we fall they will fall off.
And actually um if you give us just two more minutes. >> Our annual reports are ready. So we're going to be providing you all with annual reports this year so you can see everything that was completed in last fiscal year. But that will be all for me tonight.
If there's any public comment um chairman you can request public comment at this time. >> Yeah. Public any public comments? Going once, going twice. Okay. >> Is there a motion to adjourn? >> I want I was just >> Yes, please.
>> You know, we do landscape and the CRA a number of years ago. >> Can you speak into the mic? >> The CRA did a a lot of landscaping and uh the city's just not maintaining it and and I think I brought this up to you before. It's a shame. I mean, we we we did a beautiful project around Arch
Creek Road. >> Uh put in trees. I want to say 20 of the trees are gone. The cars hit them. Blah blah blah. They don't replace them. The uh foliage, I don't know if you call Green Island fus or sea island fus ground cover damaged,
not replaced. Uh pine trees that we eradicated growing back. I called the city two or three years ago on when they were little things still there. Now, now they're about 30 feet tall. You know, the other day I did a jump. I could jump off of the thing. >> Oh, lord.
>> But I mean, it's something you you have to get the public works. I mean, it's a shame. And this has been going on for a number of years. I don't mean to bring it up publicly, but I I I just >> Yeah. So, for our CRA um funded projects, we do normally have maintenance periods that we do, and
especially if the CRA is ongoing with that um project, we do take on the maintenance ourselves. Once we turn it over to the city, however, that it does become a city responsibility, but um I will communicate to the board. >> I mean, I I I can show you it it breaks my heart when I walk over there. They
did a beautiful job the CRA put in drainage, curbs, everything. Beautiful landscaping >> and how many I don't know how many years ago. That's when I first got on the board, I think. I I'm starting to show my age. I don't know. It's uh 12. Yeah. When Andre Cro was American.
>> Okay. >> Yeah. It's just okay it's you know you cry you know you say so anyway thank you thank you Dr. film. >> Is there a motion to adjurnn?
>> Yeah. Motion to adjurnn. So moved. >> Second. >> Yep. Second. I think. All >> in favor? >> I >> second. >> Yep. Okay. >> So, the meeting is adjourned, but I am going to ask that you just take a couple minutes to receive your annual report. >> No problem. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you.
>> All right. >> Do you ever get afraid? >> Yes. >> Yeah, of course. Just close your eyes and pray. >> He's a I, you know, >> he jumps out of a plane. 60 years ago, I graduated junk school.