2003-25318 Reso
Resolution 2003-25318
Item R7A
September 8, 2003
This resolution was never prepared.
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Robert Parcher
City Clerk
Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT City of Miami Beach
Motion #6:
Action: Resolution No. 2003-25318 adopted. Motion made by Commissioner Steinberg to
prepare a companion resolution to pursuit an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Miami to
preclude the City of Miami frOm developing a convention center; seconded by Commissioner
Garcia; Ballot vote: 5-2: Opposed: Mayor Dermer and Commissioner Gross.
Commissioner Gross stated that it would be very important to have those route read-outs in Miami
Beach.
Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager, stated that in the analysis of the FEIS the vibration needs to be
studied. Also, emphasiz~ the committeemen from the Assistant County Manager
Handout or reference materials:
1. Notice of Ad in Miami Herald
Meeting adjoumed at 12:27;:6 A.M.
End of Regular Agenda
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Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT City of Miami Beach
RTA
A Resolution Of The Mayor And City Commission Of The City Of Miami Beach, Flodda, Approving
The Continuation Of The Bay link Transit Project Into The Final Environmental Impact
Statement/Preliminary Engineering (FEIS/PE) Phase Of Study; And Designating The Streetcar Mode
As The Optimal Transit Technology And Designating A Bi-Directional Loop Route Utilizing The
Washington Avenue And Alton Road Corridors As The Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) As
Described Fully In The Final HDR Report.
The "Evaluation of Rapid Transit Options - Final Report for Phase I", prepared by HRD is submitted
as a separate document.
(City Manager's Office)
ACTION: Resolution No. 2003-25317 adopted as amended with amendments to the routes,
Commissioner Steinberg's four (4) amendments and the amendments to the conditions on the
resolution. Motion made by Commissioner Cruz; seconded by Commissioner Garcia; Ballot vote: 4-
3; Opposed: Mayor Dermer, Vice-Mayor Bower, and Commissioner Smith. Tim Hemstreet to handle.
Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager, stated that the item is very specific and the question that needs to be
answered when discussing the issue of Bay Link, and moro specific the mode and the locally
preferred alternative is; do you want to continue onto the final environmental impact statement
analysis and the preliminary engineering design on a Bay Link project? He stated that member of the
MPC the Miami-Dade County Manager's Office, and the Miami-Dade County Transportation
Department along with City staff are present to answer any questions and to help the Commission
make this decision. He explained that his recommendation is two fold; 1) proceed with the Final
Environmental Impact Study (FEIS) and 2) from an administrative perspective, the optimal transit
solution is the street car technology.
Charles Hales, HDR Consultant, gave a Power Point presentation.
Commissioner Gross requested that Mr. Hales explain the routes for the public, running in the street
rather than a dedicated lane, also the si~s of the different rail vehicles and the street car.
Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Hales to identify a specific study or example where a shared lane
situation was used and will support his premise that it will attract "choice dders".
Mayor Dermer acknowledged Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro and State
Representative Gus Barreiro in the audience.
Vice-Mayor Bower is concerned that any type of rail will cause a vibration will impact the histodc
buildings.
Commissioner Barreiro stated that buses continued to go to downtown Miami from the Omni after the
people mover extension was built. He stated that bus routes will not be removed.
Danny Alvarez, form Miami Dade County Transit Department, stated that the removal of the bus
routes is a policy decision to be made the Mami-Dade County Commissioners, but it can be done.
Mr. Jeffrey Bradley from MDTA spoke.
Commissioner Steinberg asked why the routes are sometimes in the median lane and on the outside
lane in other areas.
Miami City Commission Johnny Winton spoke.
Commissioner Steinberg asked the City of Miami Commissioner, would he be willing to advocate an
agreement between the two municipalities for the City of Miami not to build a convention center in
Miami, because it competed with the Convention Center in Miami Beach.
Commissioner Winton stated that the City of Miami will probably sign an agreement that they will not
build a convention center to compete with Miami Beach, but not that they will not build a convention
center.
Commissioner Bruno Barreiro from Miami-Dade County stated that the decision does not have to
make today, in his opinion the City of Miami Beach has over a year to make this decision. He
recommended studying al the options. He stated that the decision does not have to be made today
because the funding is not in jeopardy.
Prepared by the City Clerk's Office Page No. 2
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Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT Cit7 of Miami Beach
Motion #1:
Motion made by Commissioner Garcia to approve the Administration's recommendation.
Commissioner Garcia commended the City Manager and stated that he deserves the credit for this
process and gave him the entire credit.
Commissioner Gross stated this has been a tough process, one that has divided the community and
has not been easy. He stated that after reading all of the material, bus rapid transit was a "no
brainer"; no wires, no tracks and with tool box technology it could make rapid transit as good as light
rail with all the same advantages. He explained that the literature from the consultant shows that it is
a very close toss up between the streetcar system and bus rapid transit, but not enough one way or
another to counterbalance the fact that there is a lot less construction, less interruption to the
business, cheaper and could be done faster. He did some research and found out that many
municipalities throughout the country have replaced the bus rapid transit systems. It does not attract
the ridership. He stated that it is very important having the same system that the City of Miami is
going to have and the City of Miami Beach needs to be integrated that that cannot be
underemphasized.
Commissioner Garcia withdrew his motion to allow somebody else to make the motion.
Commissioner Smith commended the consultant for teaching this commission so much in reference
to this subject. He explained that the decision is strictly based on the City's best interest. The Citywill
be well served either way, bus rapid transit or street car. After considering all of the issues and
considering the ability to connect all the way north, considering government funding, etc. the City of
Miami Beach will be better served with a bus rapid system.
Commissioner Cruz stated that the best option for the City's quality of life and the future depends on
this decision.
Motion #2
Motion made by Commissioner Cruz to approve the Administration's recommendation, which
is streetcars; seconded by Commissioner Gamia.
Commissioner Bower is not convinced and she does not feel that this is right for the City and that
South Beach can tolerate the street cars and the buses. She will go with bus rapid transit.
Commissioner Steinberg stated that the entire beach should be part of the program. He hopes the
consultant is right and that the system can be expanded. He will support the street cars.
Mayor Dermer stated that raising this issue was important for the community and because of that
there has been a shift of opinions. He is convinced that the City needs to look at the region as whole
and the best way to link Miami Beach to Miami is to have a high tech clean system that covers the
entire city. He thanked Frank Del Vecchio for his vision on this and he believes he is correct.
Commissioner Gross asked the Mayor if he thinks that the people of South Beach are against the
tracks.
Mayor Dermer explained that with everybody he spoke, everybody wants the bay link but they do not
want rails.
Commissioner Gross asked does it make sense to have the streetcar system for South Beach and to
move forwards with connecting streetcar system with a bus rapid transit system to middle and north
beach.
Mayor Dermer stated that the City should implement bus rapid system for the entire City and do it right
away. He also stated that the Citywill have more control than with installing tracks.
Commissioner Gross stated that the City has funds from the transit tax to implement this.
Mayor Dermer stated to gain consensus this issue should be placed on the ballot. The City has until
the end of November to put it on the ballot.
Vice-Mayor Bower asked if the City could do both.
Commissioner Smith stated that this decision is only from South Pointe to the convention center and
do not have the authority to go further.
Bill Johnson, Assistant County Manager, state the City Commission can make that recommendation
to the MPO, and it will require a study of the new area.
Commissioner Smith asked what the best way to accomplish this is.
Charles Hales HDR Consultant stated that this is a federally funded study. He stated that even the
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Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT Cit~ of Miami Beach
bust rapid transit takes just as long as the rail.
Mayor Dermer wants it on the record that he is asking this Commission to place this issue on the
ballot next November.
Motion #3:
Motion made by Vice-Mayor Bower to place the issue on the ballot. Discussion continued. No
second offered.
Murray Dubbin, City Attomey, stated his advice is to vote on the first motion first.
Commissioner Steinberg stated that the routes need to be discussed before a vote is taken.
Commissioner Gross stated that the bus rapid system and better busses needs to be clarified and
asked Mr. Johnson to explain this.
Bill Johnson, Assistant CountyAttomey, stated that a separate resolution can be passed for the MPO
to study the connection to the entire beach.
He stated that the IViami-Dade County is committed to improving the entire bus system
Commissioner Smith stated that the City is picking a much cheaper system, can the City use the
difference to improve transit up North Beach.
Bill Johnson, Assistant County Attorney, stated that this Commission can give him the director to
request the county to implement the next generation buses
Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager, asked how soon the City would see these improvements.
The Miami-Dade County Transit Director stated that a year or a year and half throughout the county
Motion ~4:
Motion made by Vice-Mayor Bower to defer the issue; seconded by Mayor Dermer; Voice vote:
3-4: Opposed: Commissioners Cruz Garcia, Gross and Steinberg.
Commissioner Gross asked what would happen if Miami Beach chooses street car and the City of
Miami choose light rail.
Cad Turner from the City of Miami stated that it would not be compatible to what the City of Miami has
decided to do.
Jorge Gonzalez, City Manager, asked Charles Hales how this would get resolved at the MPO>
Commissioner Smith stated that the City of Miami Beach and the City of Miami need to have a
discussion.
Amendment #1:
Motion made by Commissioner Steinberg to amend the preferred route by extending it to
Biscayne Street which is South Pointe Drive instead of turning on Commerce Street or 1't
Street.
Commissioner Cruz accepted the amendment.
Amendment #2:
Motion made by Commissioner Steinberg to amend the preferred route by creating a median
on Alton Road instead of on the curve side.
Commissioner Cruz accepted the amendment.
Amendment #3:
Motion made by Commissioner Steinberg to make a vital amendment to the preferred route by
allowing the buses and emergency vehicles to have access to the dedicated lanes across the
causeway.
'Commissioner Cruz accepted the amendment.
Amendment #4:
Motion made by Commissioner Steinberg to amend the preferred route to have the blue
alignment make a left on Lincoln Road, a right on West Avenue and across the canal on a
bridge to be built and a right on Dade Boulevard.
Commissioner Cruz accepted the amendment.
Amendment by Mayor Dermer:
Mayor Dermer asked Commissioner Cruz if he would accept the above four amendments
contingent to a public vote.
Commissioner Cruz did not accept this amendment.
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Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT City of Miami Beach
Motion #5;
Motion made by Vice-Mayor Bower to make this amendment contingent on a public vote;
seconded by Mayor Dermer; Ballot Vote; 3-4: Opposed: Commissioners Cruz, Garcia, Gross
and Steinberg.
Commissioner Gross requested the Administration to not delay with the cosmetics improvements on
Washington Avenue.
Commissioner Steinberg requested to go ahead with the improvements to relieve the flooding on
Washington Avenue.
Amendments to the conditions on the resolution:
Another Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) process shall be
initiated to continue ~ analyzing an alignment to Middle Beach
and North Beach, utilizing the Collins Avenue corridor, as recommended by
the Miami Beach Planning Board.
A local circulator bus route connecting the rail stations with the adjacent
neighborhoods should be considered, particularly to areas of Middle and
North Beach.
[] Construction of an intermodal transit facility that would also accommodate
the local circulator route, above mentioned.
Replacement and enhancement of any displaced parking in Miami Beach.
Replacement and enhancement of landscaping in project corridor to include
large shade tree canopy above the wire.
Operating funds for the system are from the Transit Tax or other County
provided resources, not Miami Beach sources.
[] During any construction, a public outreach and awareness effort managed
by Miami Beach is to be funded from Transit Tax and other non-Miami Beach
fund sources.
[] Miami Beach maintains control over the design of stations and the
appearance of vehicles used in the system.
[] Funds are provided to Miami Beach for business impact mitigation.
[] Complete an origin and destination study to guide future routing to serve the
entirety of Miami Beach.
[] Develop a definitive plan for mainland expansion that clearly delineates
future routes beyond downtown Miami.
[] Diversion of MDT bus traffic over causeways north of the MacArthur; and a
plan for bus traffic that does not result in a bus depot being created in Miami
Beach to the extent feasible.
[] Creation of a Citizen's Oversight Board once the full fundin_cl _(lrant
agreement is approved.
[] DEIS operating parameters responsive to Miami Beach peak traffic needs
which includes eveninq hours.
[] The City requests consideration by the Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) of an independent transit consultant to assist the City with the
completion of the next phase of the study, to be selected by the City and
paid by the MPO.
[] The core team of Parsons Brinkerhoff shall be expanded to add an urban
planning and community development expertise.
[] During the FEIS, the City of Miami Beach will have a Commission-appointed
technical advisory committee to review and monitor the study and to provide
detailed design feedback as needed.
[] The County collected contribution for Art in Public Places on the Miami
Beach component is to be specifically earmarked for use in the City of Miami
Beach, or provided to the City's Art in Public Places fund:
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7
Afteraction September 8, 2003 DRAFT Cit7 of Miami Beach
Evaluation of Rapid Transit Options - Final Report for Phase 1, September 87
2005 - Include by reference sections 4.2 (locally Preferred Alternative
Conditions) and 4.$ (Action Plan for Miami Beach)
[] A vibration study is to be included in the FEIS analysis for historic buildin.qs.
[] Based on the commitment received by Miami-Dade County to expeditiously
on bus improvements for the Middle and North Beach areas.
Mayor Dermer stated that there should not be a convention center in Miami.
Commissioner Gross requested to take that last item out completely
Commissioner Garcia stated that what needs to be done is to bring our convention center up-to-date
to a first class center.
Commissioner Smith agreed that it should be removed.
Commissioner Cruz stated that he feels is inappropriate but will leave it up to the commission.
Commissioner Cruz decided to leave the item in the resolution for now.
Commissioner Cruz stated that if Commissioner Smith who seats at the MPO feels uncomfortable
with this item, he will request to have it removed.
Prepared by the City Clerk's Office Page No. 8
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