20120321 WorkshopMIAMIBEACH
City Commission Workshop
City Hall, Commission Chambers, 3rd Floor, 1700 Convention Center Drive
March 21,2012
Mayor Matti Herrera Bower
Vice-Mayor Jerry Libbin
Commissioner Jorge R. Exposito
Commissioner Michael Gongora
Commissioner EdwardL. Tobin
Commissioner Deede weithorn
Commissioner Jonah Wolfson
City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Attorney Jose Smith
City Clerk Robert E. Parcher
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ATTENTION ALL LOBBYISTS
Chapter 2, Article VII, Division 3 of the City Code of Miami Beach entitled "Lobbyists" requires the
registration of all lobbyists with the City Clerk prior to engaging in any lobbying activity with the City
Commission, any City Board or Committee, or any personnel as defined in the subject Code
sections. Copies of the City Code sections on lobbyists laws are available in the City Clerk's office.
Questions regarding the provisions of the Ordinance should be directed to the Office of the City
Attorney.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
1. Discussion Regarding The Critical Role Historic Preservation Has Played In The Economic
Revitalization And Quality Of Life Of Miami Beach.
(Requested by Mayor Matti Herrera Bower)
@ MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION
TO: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
FROM: Matti Herrera Bower, Mayor
DATE: March 13,2012
SUBJECT: Workshop on Historic Preservation
MEMORANDUM
Please place on the March 2 1,20 12 Commission meeting agenda a discussion item regarding
the critical role historic preservation has played in the economic revitalization and quality of
life of Miami Beach.
At last year's retreat and in subsequent conversations regarding my ongoing concern about
attempts to chip away at hard-fought preservation guidelines, we have directed the
administration to prepare a workshop presentation on the City's progressive approach to
strengthening our historic districts developed over three decades and how those policies have
' significantly contributed to building a world-class city in which to live, work, and do
business.
As you recall, in June 201 1, I brought forward two proposals for charter amendments that
would strengthen the existing protections for historic preservation in Miami Beach. One
proposal was to require a public referendum in order to allow increases to maximum building
heights. The other proposal would make it more difficult to dilute current standards of
historic preservation or the efficacy of the Historic Preservation Board itself.
At meetings in June and July, it became clear that these topics were of sufficient complexity
that we needed time to explore the issues in depth before their placement on a ballot in 2012.
Therefore, we decided to schedule this Commission workshop and then bring these proposals
forward to the Land Use and Neighborhoods Committees for further consideration.
I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Wakefield at extension 6157.
Thank you.
We ore commiiied to providing excellent publfc service and sofew to 011 \vho live, work, and ploy in our vibront, iropicol, historic community