LTC 127b-2003 CITY of MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Man.ager
Letter to Commission No.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: May 30, 2003
The purpose of this LTC is to provide the Mayor and Commission with an update
describing some of the areas the administration focused on during the week of
May 26, 2003:
Hurricane Season Preparedness - In an effort to help our residents and
businesses prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, from June 1 through
November 30, the City is preparing to host the second annual Hurricane Fair on
June 1. The City will team with organizations such as the Humane Society, Red
Cross, Home Depot, and Southeast Metals to disseminate safety and
preparedness brochures, offering valuable information that could save properties
and lives.
Leadership Initiatives - As part of my list of annual strategic priorities aimed at
enhancing organizational efficiencies through the empowerment and education of
our employees and managers, several departmental retreats took place
throughout the week. Participating departments included: Operations on May 27;
Finance, Information Technology, Neighborhood Services, Public Works, Parks
and Recreation, Planning and Capital Improvement Projects on May 28; Building
Department on May 29; and administrative and internal support staff on May 30.
During its May 29 retreat, the Building Department was closed for the day, with
no inspections carried out. Notices were disseminated to contractors, residents
and businesses throughout the community while customer service-friendly fliers,
courteously explaining the need for the department closure, were posted
throughout City Hall prior to the date. A scrolling message was broadcast on
Channel 20 during the May 21 Commission meeting and continued to appear
leading up to May 29. Other City Staff was also assigned to the Building
Department to assist customers while additional staffing was also assigned to the
City's Answer Center. Members of the administration also participated in
Governor Bush's Sterling Conference in Orlando, Florida from May 27-30. The
conference, including more than fifty workshops highlighting various industries,
provided a unique opportunity for our staff to learn about and benchmark the best
practices of successful companies throughout the state of Florida and across the
nation.
Ali-America Civic Award - Members of the administration continue planning
logistical and presentation details as well as seeking sponsors for the upcoming
Ali-America City Award presentation in Washington, D.C. The Ali-America City
Award is the nation's longest running and one of the most prestigious civic
recognition programs in the country, encouraging and recognizing civic
excellence. The City will send a delegation comprised of staff representatives
and community and business activists to participate in the final round of the
competition in Washington, D.C. from June 12-14, 2003. The City received
notification on April 30 that it has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the 2003
Ali-America City Award; the only municipality in Miami-Dade County to have
been selected this year.
Filming in Miami Beach - Representatives from the administration continue to
facilitate various filming projects throughout our city. Several productions
wrapped up successful filming schedules during the last two weeks, including: a
music video from singer R Kelly, shooting behind the Roney Palace and
throughout the city; a 17th Street beach unveiling of Daimler Chrylser's latest
concept car; casting sessions at the Eden Roc and Opium Garden for "Cupid," a
new matchmaking show from the producers of "American Idol," highlighting vistas
throughout the city. Also on the horizon for the month of June is a locally
produced and staffed Burdines commercial on Lincoln Road taking place next
week; the late-month return of the popular CBS drama "CSI Miami," filming
portions of the first three episodes for the upcoming television season; and the
theatrical releases of "From Justin to Kelly," a Fox feature film set in Miami Beach
and the eagerly awaited sequel, "2 Fast 2 Furious." Also scheduled for release is
"Bad Boys 2," opening in July 2003. Three television shows, set and filmed in
Miami Beach, have also been picked up by their respective networks, including
ABC Television's "Karen Sisco," F/× Network's "Nip and Tuck" and UPN's
"Hotel."
Modes of Rapid Transit Options - The Consultant, HDR Engineering, Inc.,
hosted a public information workshop on May 28 to discuss modes of rapid
transit options. The workshop provided an opportunity to review evaluations and
results from a recent Modes of Transit study while affording the public with a
forum to express their perspective and receive answers to their concerns. A
follow-up meeting is scheduled for June 9, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Miami
Beach Convention Center, Board Room D237-239.
Parks and Recreation - Members of the administration and the Parks and
Recreation Department held a special meeting of the Parks and Recreational
Facilities Advisory Board on May 28 to discuss new pool fees. The meeting,
resulting from a directive issued by the Finance and Citywide Projects
Commission Committee at its May 12 meeting, outlined program market analysis
results and fee recommendations among other items.
Charter Review Board - A public meeting was held on May 29 to address the
renewal of the City's charter. Further information, and agenda minutes, can be
found on the City's internet under E-Government, Boards and Committees. The
next meeting is scheduled to take place June 3, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the
Mayor's Conference Room.
Employee Leadership and Parenting Forum - In order to help employees
achieve stronger leadership and interpersonal skills, the City held Family
Development Forum on May 29. The forum, part of an innovative six-month
coaching series developed by representatives from the Human Resources
Department and the Communications Office during the '~/Vaves of Change
Customer Service Appreciation Week," provides employees with dynamic and
real life solutions to everyday work scenarios and life challenges. The Family
Development forum, which also includes a corresponding Leadership forum,
focuses on enhancing family relationships while instructing staff on how to
develop a balance between life and work responsibilities. All coaching forums
are carried out by a professional coaching instructor, with the schedule posted on
the employee intranet.
Ethics Training Seminar - Members of the administration are preparing to host
a Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics training seminar on June 2,
beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers. The seminar, led by the
County's Robert Meyers, will focus on strengthening ethical practices citywide.
Handbills and Flyers Proposed Ordinance - Members of the administration,
alongside representatives from the Nightlife Industry Task Force, are preparing to
host a meeting on June 3, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the City Manager's Inside
Conference Room, to discuss a proposed handbills and flyers ordinance. The
publicly advertised meeting will afford members of the community with a forum to
express their perspective on the ordinance which seeks to better describe what
constitutes a handbill and clarify enforcement regulations.
Landlord and Tenant Workshop - Representatives from the administration are
preparing to host a public information workshop on June 9 to discuss landlord
and tenant conflict resolution. The mini workshop, in conjunction with the Legal
Services of Greater Miami, Inc., will address landlord and tenant rights,
responsibilities and where to seek assistance. The workshop is scheduled to
begin at 6:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
F:lcmgrlSalllltc-O31weeklyupdates/May3Oweeklyupdate