LTC 180-2003 CITY of MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City M_anager
Letter to Commission No. /
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: July 29, 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
July 21,2003:
*NSYNC Charity Event - Members of the administration successfully hosted the
*NSYNC annual charity event, "Challenge for the Children V," ensuring city
services and personnel were properly allocated. The event, hosted by multi-
platinum recording group *NSYNC, took place from July 19-20 and generated
positive media attention nationwide.
Bass Museum - In order to begin the installation of a complete humidification
system, the Bass Museum was closed on July 21. The new humidification
system will allow the Museum's current humidity levels to be adjusted according
to specific performance standards needed to protect the various art on display
and in storage from any perceptible damage. The public has been informed of
the closure by the Bass Museum via letters to the community and press
outreach. All work is expected to be completed by November 2003.
Department Budget Reviews - I, alongside representatives from the Finance
Department and the Office of Management and Budget, continued to finalize
budget plans and allocations for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. A second budget
briefing with the Commission took place on July 22, detailing individual
departments' needs and budget adjustments. A Special Commission meeting
serving as the first public hearing on the budget is scheduled for September 4,
beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
Major Events Plan (MEP) - As part of the City's Major Events Plan (MEP),
representatives from the administration met throughout the week to continue
planning and coordinating city services for all of the upcoming events. The MEP,
consisting of various phases of citywide planning and logistical implementation,
attempts to ensure that all city services are enhanced and members of the
community are adequately informed. Among the events for which the City will be
implementing its MEP are the Labor Day Ultra Fest, MTV Latin Music Video
Awards, Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Billboard Hip Hop Awards, scheduled
for August 9 at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
Brown Bag Luncheon - As part of an ongoing series with the various city
departments, I had an opportunity to meet with Neighborhood Services
Department staff on July 21 and held informal discussions on a multitude of
issues of internal and external concern.
Charter Review Board - Representatives from the administration, joined by
members of the Charter Review Board, met on July 22 to address renewal of the
City's charter. Topics discussed and submitted for Commission consideration
included the Citizen's Bill of Rights, election reform and City
Manager/administrative amendments. Further information, including agenda and
accepted issues, can be found on the City's website under E-Government,
Boards and Committees.
Wayfinding Signage - Representatives from the administration hosted an
"Identity Forum" on July 24 to discuss marketing, image branding and public
relations efforts for the Citywide Wayfinding Signage System. The brainstorming
session attempted to develop a consistent identity for Miami Beach signage
efforts.
Ali-America City Award - Representatives from the administration traveled to
the City of Miami on July 24 to receive a proclamation honoring the City's receipt
of the Ali-America Award. Tuscan Steakhouse and the newly established All-
America City Community Committee also hosted a celebration on July 24
honoring members of the City delegation who traveled to Washington, D.C. and
discussed plans for upcoming community-wide celebrations. Other municipalities
will also recognize the City's achievement through proclamations including the
City of South Miami on August 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the South Miami City
Hall. The City of Hialeah and Miami-Dade County will recognize Miami Beach
during their upcoming Commission meetings.
Online Permitting - I, alongside members of the administration, met on July 25
to discuss enhancing the City's Online Permitting process. Evaluation of existing
permitting software was undertaken while the development of an in-house
application which may be expanded to include other departments was
considered. A vendor demonstration of the program has been scheduled for
August.
Espanola Way - Members of the administration conducted a Logistics Site Visit
on July 25 to discuss issues related to parking, market operations, nightly street
closures and the Capital Improvement Project.
New World Symphony (NWS) - Members of the administration are preparing to
participate in a Town Hall meeting with Lincoln Road property owners on July 29,
hosted by the New World Symphony. The meeting, detailing the Commission-
approved Master Plan and the Soundspace project, will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the
Lincoln Theater and include a reception with a live performance by New World
Symphony musicians.
Alaska Parcel - Members of the administration are preparing for the public
hearing on July 30, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, to
provide public information and receive input from architect Alex Cooper of the
firm Cooper, Robertson and Partners. Mr. Cooper will also provide a final report
and recommendation based partly on prior community input. Discussed
proposals are aimed at resolving South Pointe area litigation through the
proposed expansion of public land and Baywalk adjacent to South Pointe Park
and development of the Goodman, Hinson and Alaska Parcels.
Environmental Cleanup - Members of the administration, in conjunction with
various city departments and ECOMB, are coordinating a volunteer clean-up
effort of the banks of the Dade Canal on August 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers will be clearing the canal path leading to the Miami Beach Chamber
of Commerce, Holocaust Memorial, Miami Beach Convention Center and 21st
Street Recreation Center among others. Parking will be available at the North
Loading Dock of the Convention Center and volunteers are asked to meet at the
entrance to the canal pathway, located at the Meridian Avenue.
Building Fees - Members of the administration are coordinating a public
workshop aimed at informing the public and members of the development
community about recently approved (First Reading) building fee increases. The
August 26 workshop, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room,
seeks to convey permit and inspection fee details for building, plumbing,
electrical and mechanical work among others. Additional details will be provided
as they become available.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
F:lcmgrlSalllltc-O31weeklyupdateslJuly 25 Weekly Update