LTC 274-2012 Condominium Ombudsman IM MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 274 -2012 LETTER TO COMMIS, 10N "7)
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Kathie G. Brooks, Interim City Manager
DATE: October 24, 2012
SUBJECT: Condominium Ombudsman
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to advise you of the assignment of a
Condominium Ombudsman in the City Manager's Office.
If you recall, Commissioner Libbin initially referred this subject to the Finance and
Citywide Projects Committee (FCWFC) for consideration. The FCWPC considered the
request at its April 2012 meeting, and the Committee recommended that the item be
:reviewed, during the FY 2012/13 budget process. I subsequently proposed to fill the
position with existing resources rather than create a new position. To that end, please
note that Barbara Hawayek has been appointed to serve in this position. Ms. Hawayek
has been with -the City for approximately ten (10) years and has worked with different
departments, and on Citywide initiatives, to improve the City's customer experiences.
Ms. Hawayek most recently served as a resource to Building Department customers,
assisting them with navigating departmental processes. She also assisted customers
regarding the plan review process, serving as a facilitator with the other departments
involved in the Building Development Process, including Fire, Planning and Public
Works, to resolve issues raised by customers.
The Condominium Ombudsman's main functions include:
• `Assisting condominium and /or co -op owners to navigate through the City's
permitting process;
• Facilitating the resolution of condominium - related issues with outside'agencies;
• Serving as a liaison between condominium or co -op owners, management firms
and the City;
• Preparing quarterly reports to the Manager for distribution to the City
Commission, regarding issues and opportunities; and
• Interacting with staff from various departments in order to resolve permitting,
licensing, building or City Code issues.
By focusing on condominium or co -ops, this individual would become well versed in
assisting this specific class of residents and will be most qualified to quickly and
efficiently resolve any issues associated with condominium ownership.
We welcome Ms. Hawayek in this new assignment.
Pleas contact me if you have any questions.
KGB