LTC 242-2003
CITY of MIAMI BEACH ~
Office of the City Manager ~
Letter to Commission No. dl<j)) -0 ro ~
TO:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez \. ~
City Manager U""
SUBJECT: WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: October 6, 2003
FROM:
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
September 29, 2003:
Neighborhood Leadership Academy - The Neighborhood Leadership
Academy, the civic and public information program designed to provide Miami
Beach residents with the information and resources to become more
knowledgeable members of our diverse community, started its new semester on
September 22. Each week, various departments present to the academy an
overview of their responsibilities and services provided. The Capital
Improvements Office held their presentation this week, with the Neighborhood
Services Department following on October 7 in the First Floor Conference Room.
For a full listing of class dates and presenting departments, visit the City's
website under Residents, Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Leadership Academy.
Major Events Plan (MEP) - As part of the City's Major Events Plan (MEP),
representatives from the administration met to continue planning and
coordinating city services for 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 taking place throughout the next several
weeks for which the City will be implementing its MEP are: the Columbus Day
holiday weekend; MTV Latin Music Video Awards on October 23 at the Jackie
Gleason Theater; and the Miami Herald Hunt on October 26 which will take place
throughout the City.
Federal Trade Area of the Americas (FT AA) Major Events Plan - Members of
the administration, alongside public safety representatives, continued to meet
throughout the week to plan for the upcoming FT AA Conference, taking place in
the City of Miami from November 17-21, 2003. The Police Department will be
implementing alpha/bravo staffing during that week, with a contingency traffic
plan to be implemented should the need arise. Updated FT AA news briefs are
being disseminated on an ongoing basis, with daily briefings provided at City
committee and business district meetings. The Tourism and Cultural
Development Department hosted a meeting with hotel managers and security
staff on October 1 and included a presentation from City of Miami Police Chief
John Timmony discussing overall preparations and area impact. Miami-Dade
County is planning to activate its Emergency Operations Center on November 16
for 12 hours and begin a twenty-four continuous operation rotation from
November 17-22. I have met with each of you individually to expound on the
details.
Filming in Miami Beach - Representatives from the administration continue to
facilitate various filming projects throughout our city. Several productions,
concluded their filming schedule throughout the month of September including: a
music video shoot featuring hip-hop superstar Busta Rhymes and Latin music
artist Mia; ABC Television's "Prime Time Mondays" segment filmed from Ocean
Drive aired on September 29; MTV's reality dating show "Dismissed," with Miami
Beach segments scheduled to air in October; Univision's commercial shoot for
the "Doritos" contest giveaway, featuring four Volkswagen Beetles on our beach;
ABC Television's "Karen Sisco," filmed throughout the city, premiered October 1.
Children's Trust - I, alongside the City Attorney and the Mayor, met with the
Executive Director of the Children's Trust on September 30 to discuss the RDA
waivers. Also addressed was the City's contribution to the Trust as well as the
corresponding work plan and its impact on Miami Beach. I will be forwarding
additional information regarding local providers and City service needs in the
near future.
Gablestage - I met with the Executive Director of Gablestage and the Board
Chair on September 30 to discuss their interest in a possible relocation as well as
programming in Miami Beach.
Employee Recognition - As a way of thanking all staff for their hard work
throughout this past fiscal year, a "New Fiscal Year's Eve" celebration was held
on September 30 in the First floor entrance of City Hall. Employees, alongside
members of the community, received complimentary ice cream from Ben and
Jerry's.
Royal Palm Hotel Negotiations - I, alongside Commissioner Smith and
members of the administration and the City Attorney's Office, met with R.
Donahue Peebles and his representatives on September 30 to continue
discussing amendments to the lease in connection with the April 30, 2003 LOI. A
status report detailing negotiation progress will be provided during the October
15 Commission meeting.
Noise Enforcement Workshop - Members of the administration held a
community workshop detailing the City's noise enforcement policy on October 1
while affording the public an opportunity to voice their opinion.
Wayfinding Signage - A steering committee comprised of City staff met on
October 1 to review the Wayfinding Signage program, currently in the
consultant's design phase, and to prepare for a series of workshops aimed at
informing the community, Mayor and Commission on the subject.
Leadership Initiatives - As part of my list of annual priorities aimed at enhancing
organizational efficiencies through the empowerment and education of our staff,
a "Laws of Teamwork" training session was held on October 2. The session
focused on team building and developing effective practices.
Loews Miami Beach - Members of the administration met with the Chief
Operating Officer of the Loews Hotel Corporation on October 4 to discuss their
purchase option denoted in the Ground Lease. I, alongside staff, will be
analyzing the proposal and provide details as part of a referral item presented to
the Mayor and Commission during an upcoming Finance and Citywide Projects
Commission Committee.
Arts and Cultural Facilities Workshop - Members of the administration are
preparing to host a workshop with arts organizations throughout the city to
discuss ways to enhance art related and cultural activities; specifically
addressing operating needs as well as the service capabilities of the city's
existing facilities. The workshop is scheduled for October 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the
Botanical Garden. An LTC providing additional information will be sent to each of
you shortly.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration - An employee volunteer planning
committee continues to coordinate an employee luncheon commemorating
Hispanic Heritage Month. The luncheon will take place on October 10 and is part
of a nationwide tribute highlighting the history and achievements of the Hispanic
community. In addition, the City's Hispanic Affairs Committee, in partnership with
the City, will be hosting a reception on Monday, October 13 beginning at 6:00
p.m. in the Fourth Floor Gallery. The celebration distinguishes the positive
contributions of three worthy recipients who have enhanced our Miami Beach
Hispanic community. The Fourth Floor Gallery is also displaying renowned
artwork from local Hispanic artists throughout the month in an exhibit curated by
the ArtCenter South Florida.
Historic Preservation Designation - Members of the Historic Preservation
Board will host a special meeting to discuss possible historic designation of the
Flamingo Waterway area. The meeting, scheduled for October 22 at 6:00 p.m. in
the Commission Chambers, would empower the Planning Department to prepare
a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendation Report on the area in question.
2003 Elections - Members of the administration have been working in
conjunction with Miami-Dade County Elections staff to coordinate and train
personnel for the upcoming 2003 elections. An informational pamphlet, detailing
the ballot questions, is being prepared and will be disseminated throughout the
community as well as posted on the City's website upon completion. Elections
staff will be on hand in the First Floor Conference Room on October 27-29 from
12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., October 30-31 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and
November 1 from 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to assist in the early voting process.
Election Day is November 4, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Art Basel Miami Beach - The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
and the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, alongside members
of the administration, are coordinating a meeting with area hotels to reinforce
exemplary customer service initiatives to be implemented throughout the duration
of the Art Basel Miami Beach art show. The meeting is scheduled for October
28, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the National Hotel. Art Basel Miami Beach and
associated events will take place throughout the City and in the designated Art
Basel Miami Beach Zone from December 3-7,2003.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
F:/cmgr/$all/ltc-03/weeklyupdates/October 3 Weekly Update