146-2001 LTC
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CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. II..{ ft; - c1. 09 I
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June 29, 2001
TO: Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Commission
FROM:
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
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SUBJECT: WEEKLY UPDATE
The purpose of this LTC is to provide the Commission with an update describing some of
the areas the Administration focused on during the week of Monday, June 26 - Friday,
June 29, 2001.
71" Street Charrette - Was held on June 25 as a follow up to the prior Charette on June
7,2001. The Planning Department organized 12 break-out groups that focused on the 6
areas of most concern to the residents of North Beach specified at the June 7 Charrette.
More specific input from residents was solicited and discussed. The Planning
Department is in the process of putting together a formal report that synthesizes these
comments and will present to the Commission on July 18, 2001.
Upcoming Holiday I Event Weekends - The Administration has continued to work to
assure that planning and resources are appropriately allocated for the upcoming holiday
weekends as well as events associated with the Source Awards, These plans include: the
monitoring of hotel occupancy 60, 30, 15 and 7 days out; monitoring special and
nightclub events; assessing the impact of City permitted special events; developing and
maintaining ongoing community contact, including with nightclub and hotel owners;
researching internet information and websites; limit off-duty police available for those
weekends to maximize the number of officers available for those weekends; and
developing transportation plans. A memorandum outlining the City's efforts to date and
ongoing initiatives that are being formulated was sent to each of you on June 26.
Convention Center Capital Advisory Committee - The Convention Center Advisory
Board and Capital Oversight Committee met on June 26. Items discussed included the
renewal and extension of the SMG management contract that expires in September and
discussion regarding the Jackie Gleason TOPA survey. Monthly event and booking
summaries were provided and discussion regarding altering the percentage allotment of
the community benefit fund, which will be discussed further at their next meeting.
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Boys and Girls Club - Staff met with the Boys and Girls Club to discuss their lease
renewal scheduled to be heard by the City Commission on July 18. The Boys and Girls
Club committed to an ongoing renovation plan that may include enclosure of the rear
patio in order to expand their facilities. Property Management also committed to
reviewing the electrical panels and improving the bathrooms to become ADA compliant.
Housing and Urban Development related issues - The annual HUD Community
Consultation was held with representatives from the Administration and Commissioner
Bower. Overall, the report was favorable. The Miami Beach Housing Authority (HA)
was invited to attend and the recent Inspector General audit report of the HA was
discussed in further detail. The City has submitted additional documentation to the HA
and Inspector General to support the expenditures pursuant to the interlocal agreement
between the City and HA that existed between 1992 - 2000. Although a formal response
has not been received, it appears that the supporting documentation may not be sufficient
to justify said expenditures and will result in a final finding that the HA seek
reimbursement from the City for in excess of $800K in costs incurred (i.e. costs for
police protection, recreation programs, code compliance etc.) HUD officials committed
to assist the City in providing better direction on what additional information may be
provided to mitigate this result.
Microsoft Convention - Preparations continue for the Microsoft Global Briefing taking
place at the Convention Center from July 7th through July 17th. Conference attendance
will build from 5,000 on July 7th to 11,500 on July lOth and then taper back down to
2,500 on July 16th. Weekly meetings of Department representatives have been held for
several weeks and will continue to be held through the end of the conference. The
purpose of the meetings is to address specific items related to conference activities and
events as well as to ensure that the overall City looks its best and functions properly
during the conference, Conference events include a Welcome Reception on July 7th in
the preferred lot, a Club Night on July 9th at 5 nightclubs, and a Beach Party on 21 sl
Street from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on July 10th. Please note that these events are only for
the attendance of Microsoft conference attendees.
Mid Beach Home Owners Meeting - Was held on June 26 at the Botanical Gardens.
The general themes discussed included the following: Improve educational material
specifically for Sanitation and Code Enforcement; Follow educational program with
warnings and then strict enforcement of codes; Increased Police presence Rotation of
STEP enforcement; Repair of Monument at 28th Street Pump Station and the Indian on
the Horse Monument at Flamingo Drive; Creation of Bike Paths throughout City; More
frequent litter collection at City Parks; Enforcement of Multifamily use and illegal
subdivisions in single family neighborhoods; and Improved Code Enforcement Response
on nights and weekends.
Budget Advisory Committee Public Forum - Was held on June 28, Although
attendance was lower than expected, the forum was taped for future broadcasts, The
forum provided a high level overview of the budget with an opportunity for the Budget
Advisory Committee to ask questions and hear from the public.
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Collins Avenue - Based on the Commission vote, the Administration IS taking the
appropriate steps to finalize the contract and execute the scope of work.
Should you desire any additional information about any of these items, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG:RI:ptw
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