Introduction II
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
AS PART OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
1999 - 2004
I. April 6, 1999, a special meeting of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee was
held to review the proposed City of Miami Beach Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), 1999-2004. Changes were made based on previous comments of the
Commission from May 1998. The Committee gave specific directions concerning the
following: (I) Include cost of fire apparatus in the Proposed General Obligation Bond
and review costs for the Fire Administration project in light of the current relocation
plan; (2) consider including approximately $11 million of projects in the proposed
General Obligation Bond package to complete Parks Master Plan; (3) consider the
expansion of City Hall for flexibility and future growth; (4) consider golf course
funding alternatives; (5) consider establishing an endowment or an impact fee for
parks maintenance; and (6) concern was expressed regarding current staffing and
workload in Public Works, and how the magnitude of proposed projects would impact
this organization. The Committee recommended the CIP with a proposed General
Obligation Bond, and referred it to the full Commission for approval. It was
recommended that a community workshop be held (after City Commission approval)
to obtain public input on the CIP, proposed General Obligation Bond, and other
funding sources. (See Attachment 1).
2 April 14, 1999, the City Commission Accepted a verbal report on the Finance and
Citywide Projects Committee meeting of April 6, 1999 regarding CIP. (See
Attachment 2, item R6B).
3. May 26,1999, the City Commission, at a Joint City Commission and Redevelopment
Agency meeting, did not approve a Resolution Approving the City of Miami
Beach/Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency Capital Improvement Program 1999-
2004 (CIP); Approving Certain Projects Within Such Program for Possible Inclusion
in a Proposed General Obligation Bond Offering. The Commission requested that the
Administration review the CIP with the Mayor and each Commissioner individually,
explore a lower dollar figure for the proposed bond issue and then hold a Commission
Workshop seeking public input and comments to be scheduled after revisions to the
CIP have been made. (See Attachment 3, item R7G).
4. June 23, 1999, the City Commission Approved a Resolution Granting Conceptual
Approval of the Placement of a Question on the City of Miami Beach's November
2, 1999 Special Election Ballot Amending the Designation of the Eleven (11)
Contiguous Oceanfront Lots in Altos Del Mar on the Flum of the City's Existing
Single-Family Residential (RS) Designation to Recreational Open Space (ROS), With
a City Commission Workshop to be Held in Order to Ensure that the Ballot Language
is Clear, Objective and Legal, and Providing that the Resolution Calling for the
Special Election on this Proposed Ballot Question be Placed on a City Commission
Agenda By No Later Than Its July 21, 1999 Meeting. (See Attachment 4, item R7G).
5. July 14, 1999, City Commission Workshop Regarding the City of Miami Beach
Capital Improvements Program for 1999-2004, and Certain Projects Within Such
Program for Inclusion in a Proposed General Obligation Bond Offering. In
accordance with the Commission's concerns, the proposed bond issue was reduced
from $88-million amount presented on May 26, to $65.2-million. The proposed
General Obligation Bond would fund the following: (I) Public Safety $13.3-million;
(2) Neighborhood and Park Enhancements $34.6-million; and (3) Public Facilities
Rehabilitation and Replacement $17.3-million. (See Attachment 5).
6. July 20, 1999, the City Commission Approved a Resolution Redesignating the
Property Known as the Eleven (11) Contiguous Lots of the Altos Del Mar From the
Existing Future Land Use Category RS Single Family to the ROS Recreation and
Open Space Future Land Use Category. (See Attachment 6, item R5F in conjunction
with items R9A and A).
7. July 21, 1999, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce submitted a survey of
frequent voters in Miami Beach to determine public opinion regarding the General
Obligation Bond. The survey found that 62% of City voters would vote yes on a 20-
year general obligation bond issue - "which would provide up to $65-million
specifically dedicated to improving police and fire facilities, beautifying Collins
Avenue, improving public buildings, making public and fire facilities accessible to the
disabled, enhancing beaches and neighborhoods, and building a new tourist
information center. " (See Attachment 7).
8. July 21, 1999, the Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Approved in
Principle the City of Miami Beach/Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency Capital
Improvement Program 1999-2004; and Authorizing the RDA Administration to
Conduct Public Meetings and Seek Input on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
and Engage a Professional Services Firm to Assist the City/Agency With a Public
Information Program Regarding the Above With Funding For Such Professional
Services Firm From Available Sources. (See Attachment 8, item 2D).
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9. July 21, 1999, the City Commission Approved a Resolution in Principle Approving
the City of Miami BeachlMiami Beach Redevelopment Agency Capital Improvement
Program 1999-2004; Authorizing the Administration to Conduct Public Meetings and
Seek Input from the Community; Authorize the Administration to Prepare a Ballot
Language for the November 2, 1999 Election regarding Whether the City of Miami
Beach Should Be Authorized to Issue General Obligation Bonds Payable from Ad
Valorem Taxes for Said Projects; and Authorizing the Administration to Engage a
Professional Services Firm to assist the City with a Public Information Program
Including Surveys and Polls Regarding the Above; Funding from Unallocated Bond
Fund 351. (See Attachment 9, item R7B).
10. August 10, 11, 12, 1999, three focus group meetings with community leaders were
held in each of the City's sub areas, North Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach.
The Administration invited representatives from community organizations, and
members of City committees and boards for the purpose of: (I) familiarizing the
community with the CIP, and the needs for General Obligation Bond funding in their
community and the City at large; (2) determining whether the community would
conceptually support the issuance of General Obligation Bonds for community
enhancement purpose; and (3) obtaining input on projects to add, delete, or modify
on the list of General Obligation Bond projects that would be desirable for each
community and the City at large. Specific changes to add or delete projects and other
line items were incorporated into a new proposed project list for the proposed General
Bond Issue. (See Attachment 10).
II. August 18, 1999, meeting with Bond Counsel and production of consolidated
proposed project list. The project list was grouped into three related areas based on
three ballot questions: (1) Fire and Safety Facilities and Equipment - to renovate,
expand, and improve fire stations and related facilities located in the City, and to
acquire and equip fire trucks.; (2) Improvement to Neighborhood Infrastructure - to
improve neighborhood infrastructure in the City, consisting of streetscapes and traffic
calming measures, shoreline stabilization, and related maintenance facilities; and (3)
Improvement to Parks and Beaches - to improve recreational facilities and equipment,
access, security, and related maintenance facilities for parks and beaches located in
the City.
12. August 23,1999, the General Obligation Bond Issue Community Workshop held in
Commission chambers. (See Attachment 11).
13. August 24, 1999, the presentation made at the Community Workshop was taken
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before the Planning Board and additional comments were taken. A summary of
changes from the Community Workshop, Planning Board and additional community
input includes: (1) inclusion of Park View Island improvement; (2) inclusion of
Normandy Sud improvements; (3) funding for the expansion of North Shore Open
Space Park with the Altos del Mar property; (4) reallocation of funding in the
Normandy Shores Neighborhood; (5) additional funding for projects in the South
Pointe Redevelopment area; (6) additional funding for projects in the City Center
Redevelopment Area; (7) sidewalk widening on the east side of Ocean Drive; and (8)
shoreline stabilization costs were considered too high and the allocation was reduced
from $10,300,000 to $4,800,000. (See Attachment 12).
VOLUME 11
CITY COMMISSION APPROVES SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF
SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORATE 3 OUESTIONS ASKING WHETHER THE
CITY SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
V.II September 17, 1999, the City Commission Approved 3 Resolutions Calling for a Special
14. Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 2, 1999 for the Purpose of Submitting to the
Electorate of the City of Miami Beach 3 Questions Asking Whether the City Shall be
Authorized to Issue General Obligation Bonds not Exceeding (1) $9,720,000, (2)
$57,915,000, and (3) $24,120,000 in Principal Amount Payable from Unlimited Ad Valorem
Taxation, Bearing Interest At Rates Determined at the Time(s) of Sale Thereof, Not
Exceeding the Maximum Legal Interest Rate at Such Time(s) to Renovate, Expand and
Improve Fire Stations and Related Facilities Located in the City and Acquire and Equip Fire
Trucks; to Improve Neighborhood Infrastructure in the City, Consisting of Streetscapes and
Traffic Calming Measures, Shoreline Stabilization and Related Maintenance Facilities; To
Improve Recreational Facilities and Equipment, Access, Security, and Related Maintenance
Facilities and Equipment for Parks and Beaches Located in the City; and Providing an
Effective Date. (See Attachment 13, item R 7 A). Note: The Scheduled Commission Meeting
of 9/14/99 was continued to 9/17/99 because of Hurricane Floyd.
V.II September 17,1999, the City Commission, at the request of Commission Dermer and
15. Mayor Kasdin, discussed the issue of renovations of the swimming pools at Flamingo and
Normandy Parks. The City Commission directed the Administration to take the following
actions: (1) Review current proposal for Flamingo Park pool to include four swim lanes, (2)
Include cost of enhancement ($400,000), in proposed General Obligation Bond, (3) Submit
proposal to the Miami-Dade County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Program requesting
$400,000 for the Flamingo Pool project and develop a third alternative to finance the cost
of the swimming pool expansion, (4) Begin planning and design process for additional four
lanes, and (5) Proceed with Normandy Isle Park pool as originally designed. (See
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Attachment 14, item R9I/R9J).
V.II September 22,1999, the City Commission Deferred an Ordinance Amending Chapter 2,
16. Article III of the Miami Beach City Code Entitled "Agencies, Boards, and Committees" By
Establishing an Oversight Committee for the Purpose of Providing Guidance and Assurance
That the Proposed General Obligation (GO) Bond Funded Projects are Implemented in
Accordance with the Project List. The Commission instructed the Administration to modify
the ordinance including changing "members" to "residents"; adding "appointments to be
made by the City Commission"; and adding "a member of the Chamber of Commerce". The
item was deferred to the October 6, 1999 Commission meeting. (See Attachment 15, item
R5B), (See October 6, 1999 and November 17, 1999).
V.II September 30 - October 31,1999, Community Meetings, Press Clippings, Brochures, and
17. Advertisements concerning GO Bonds and Ballot Questions for November 2, 1999 Election.
(See Attachment 16)
V.II October 6,1999, the City Commission Approved an Ordinance on First Reading Amending
18. Chapter 2, Article III of the Miami Beach City Code Entitled "Agencies, Boards and
Committees" By Establishing an Eleven (11) Member G.O., Bond Oversight Committee
Comprised of Two Residents from the North Beach Area, Two Residents From the Middle
Beach Area, Two Residents From the South Beach Area, One Member From the Budget
Advisory Committee, One Member of the Planning Board, One Member from the Chamber
of Commerce, One Member From the Parking and Transportation Committee and One
Member From the City Commission for the Purposes of Providing Guidance and Assurance
that the Proposed General Obligation Bond Funded Projects are Implemented in Accordance
with the Project List Approved by the Mayor and City Commission, Said Appointments to
be made by the City Commission; Providing for Severability, Repealer, and an Effective
Date. (See Attachment 17, item R5A).
V.II October 6,1999, the Administration submitted a status report via L.T.C. No. 198-1999
19. concerning additional swim lanes for Flamingo Park Pool. The Administration initiated the
following actions: (1) Suspended all work on park bond project until alternative funding
sources were explored, (2) Included additional $400,000 in the proposed General Obligation
Bond to be presented to the voters on November 2, 1999, (3) Submitted a request to the Safe
Neighborhood Parks Oversight Committee on September 12, 1999. Subsequently the Safe
Neighborhood Parks Oversight Committee stated that the City of Miami Beach should
request a matching grant of $200,000. The City amended its request and applied for
$200,000 on November 15,1999. The City was awarded $100,000 on December 6,1999.
(See Attachment 18)
V.II October 12, 1999, Press Conference to Introduce the My Neighborhood Now! Issue
20. Campaign. (See Attachment 19).
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Y.II October 25,1999, Town Hall Meeting on Proposed General Obligation Bonds and Other
21. Ballot Questions at City Hall. (See Attachment 20).
V.II GENERAL OBLIGATIONS BONDS APPROVED BY VOTERS
22. November 2, 1999, the citizens of Miami Beach approved the issuance of $91,755,000
million in General Obligation Bonds. (See Attachment 21).
V.II. November 3,1999, City Commission Approved a Resolution Adopting the Certificate of
23. the Results of the November 2, 1999 General Election for the City of Miami Beach and
Adjourning the City of Miami Beach Canvassing Board for the November 2, 1999 General
Election. (See Attachment 22).
CITY COMMISSION APPROVES ESTABLISHING A GENERAL OBLIGATION
BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
V.II November 17,1999, the City Commission Held a Public Hearing and Approved on Second
24. and Final Reading an Ordinance Amending the Code of the City of Miami Beach; by
Amending Chapter 2, Article III of the Miami Beach Code Entitled "Agencies, Boards and
Committees" by Establishing a (13) Thirteen Member General Obligation Bond Oversight
Committee Comprised of Two Residents from the North Beach Area, Two Residents from
the Middle Beach Area, Two Residents from the South Beach Area, One Member from the
Budget Advisory Committee, One Member of the Planning Board, One Member from the
Chamber of Commerce, One Member from the Parking and Transportation Committee, One
Member from the Historic Preservation Board, One Member from the Community
Development Advisory Committee, and One Member from the City Commission for the
Purposes of Providing Guidance and Assurance that the Proposed General Obligation Bond
Funded Projects are Implemented in Accordance with the Project List Approved by the
Mayor and City Commission, Said Appointments to be Made by the City Commission;
Providing for Severability, Repealer, and an Effective Date. The Commission amended the
Ordinance to include two more members; one non-voting member from the Historic
Preservation Board; and one non-voting member from the Community Development
Advisory Committee. (See Attachment 23, item R5A), (See September 22, 1999 and
October 6, 1999).
V.II November 17, 1999, the City Commission Referred the $92 Million General Obligation
25. Bond Issue to the Joint Meting of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee and the
Neighborhood's Committee (See Attachment 24, item C4C).
V.II November 29,1999, a publicly noticed community meeting was held to review the overall
26. goals, and composition of the GO Bond Oversight Committee .During this meeting
additional nominations were collected, questions were answered by the administration, and
comments were received, which were incorporated. (See Attachment 25).
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V.II December 1,1999, the City Manager sent Commission Memorandum No. 895-99 to the
27. City Commission concerning community recommendations for the G.O. Bond Oversight
Committee including the role and composition of the Oversight Committee, nominees, and
the role and composition of District Task Forces. City Commission approved a motion
designating the chair or designee of City Boards (Budget Advisory Committee, Planning
Board, Transportation and Parking Committee and the non-voting members from the
Community Development Advisory Committee and the Historic Preservation Board) to serve
on the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee. The Commission requested that the administration
report at the December 15, 1999 Commission meeting on the structure of the District Task
Forces and how they will work. The Commission appointed Commissioner Dermer as the
member of the City Commission and Chair of the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee. The
Commission made appointments to the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee. The Commission
agreed that the person receiving the highest number of votes would receive the 2 year term.
(See Attachment 26, item R9Al).
V.II December 6,1999, the first meeting of G.O. Bond Oversight Committee. (See Attachment
28. 27).
V.II December 8,1999, Joint Meeting Finance Committee, Citywide Projects Committee,
29. Neighborhoods Committee and G.O. Bond Oversight Committee. A presentation was made
by the Administration concerning amending the existing professional agreements with each
architectural firm currently working on parks projects. An extensive discussion transpired
concerning the benefits of such an action, the past performance of each firm, the amount of
fees paid to each of the firms to date and the possibility of the firms to handle additional
workload. The final recommendation of the Committees was to amend the contracts subject
to renogiation to lower fees. (See Attachment 28), (See V.II 31).
V.II December 15,1999, the City Commission approved on first reading an Ordinance
30. Amending Chapter 142 Entitled "Zoning Districts and Regulations", Division 2 Entitled RS-
1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4 Single-family Residential Districts Section, Section 142-105 Entitled
"Development Regulations and Area Requirements" by Setting the Minimum Lot Width for
Oceanfront Lots in the RS-3 Zoning District at 50 Feet; Providing for Inclusion in the Code
of the City of Miami Beach, Florida; Repealer; Severability; and an Effective Date. (See
Attachment 29, item R5K).
V.II December 15, 1999, the City Commission accepted the Report from the December 8, 1999
31. Meeting of the Joint Meeting of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee,
Neighborhoods Committee and GO Bond Project Oversight Committee. (See Attachment
30, item R6A).
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