2011-27778 Reso RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -27778
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH AND STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUP
(SAG) FOR CONSULTING SERVICES RELATIVE TO THE
EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE MIAMI BEACH
CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS /DISTRICT, PURSUANT TO
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO 33- 10/11, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $175,000, INCLUDING ALL REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES.
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2011, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2011-
27620, which endorsed and supported, in concept, a project to renovate and expand the Miami Beach
Convention Center, including an adjacent Convention Center hotel (the Project); and
WHEREAS, the City Commission also authorized the City Manager to pursue private sector
interest in the Project, including potential joint development alternatives, without being constrained by
current zoning limitations for the site or by the current conceptual design; and
WHEREAS, at its March 9, 2011 meeting, the Mayor and City Commission authorized the
Administration to issue Request for Proposals No. 33 -10/11 for Consulting Services Relative to the
Expansion and Enhancement of the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) Campus /District (the
RFP); and
WHEREAS, on September 14, 2011, the City Commission passed Resolution No. 2011- 27738,
authorizing the City Manager to negotiation with Strategic Advisory Group, as the recommended
proposer pursuant to the RFP; and
WHEREAS, the Administration negotiated a Professional Services Agreement with Strategic
Advisory Group for consulting services relative to the expansion and enhancement of the Miami Beach
Convention Center Campus /District; the Agreement is attached and incorporated as Exhibit "A" hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby approve and
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Agreement between the City and Strategic Advisory
Group (SAG) for consulting services relative to the expansion and enhancement of the Miami Beach
Convention Center Campus /District, pursuant to Request For Proposals (RFP) No 33- 10/11, in an
amount not to exceed $175,000, including all reimbursable expenses.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS I ‘7'II DAY OF 0C4 2011.
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CITY CLERK /NC �A �.�� R . r r r • • AS TO
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Condensed Title:
A Resolution approving and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement between the City
and Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) for consulting services relative to the expansion and enhancement of the Miami
Beach Convention Center campus /district, pursuant to RFP No 33 - 10/11 in an amount not to exceed $175,000,
including all reimbursable expenses.
Key Intended Outcome Supported:
Improve the Convention Center Facility
Supporting Data (Surveys, Environmental Scan, etc.): The 2009 Community Satisfaction Survey indicated that residents
attended events at the convention center 2.7 times per year.
Issue:
Shall the Mayor and City Commission adopt the Resolution?
Item Summary /Recommendation:
At its March 9, 2011 meeting, the Mayor and City Commission authorized the Administration to issue a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for Consulting Services Relative to the Expansion and Enhancement of the Miami Beach Convention
Center (MBCC) Campus /District. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 33 -10/11 was issued on May 24, 2011, and notices
sent to over 67 firms, including a list of 21 firms provided by the Tourism and Cultural Arts and Development
Department, and more than 30 firms that are members of the International Economic Development Council.
After considering the review and recommendation of the Evaluation Committee, the City Manager exercised his due
diligence by reviewing all the proposals and supporting documentation, and conducted question and answer sessions
with the top three (3) firms' key personnel. Although all three (3) firms demonstrated excellent experience and
qualifications, Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) was deemed the most qualified firm based on the vast experience as
detailed in the attached Commission Memorandum. On September 14, 2011, via Resolution No. 2011 - 27738, the City
Commission authorized the City Manager to negotiate with Strategic Advisory Group.
A copy of the Professional Services Agreement is attached for your review.
ADOPT THE RESOLUTION.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
On September 14, 2011, via Resolution No. 2011 - 27738, the City Commission authorized the City Manager to
negotiate with Strategic Advisory Group
Financial Information:
Source of F nds: Amount Account Approved
1 175,000 City Center RDA
168- 1985- 000312
OBPI Total
Financial Impact Summary:
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
Max Sklar, Ext. 6116
Sign - Offs:
Departm nt Director As ant City Manager City M nager
MS //Pr `. H JMG
jT' END 011110- 19- 111SAG Consulta MBCC Summ.docx
M I A .M AGENDA ITE 11
DATE /0 —0-0
- MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Com • sion
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: October 19, 2011
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH AND STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUP (SAG) FOR CONSULTING
SERVICES RELATIVE TO THE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE
MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS /DISTRICT, PURSUANT
TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO 33 -10/11 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $175,000, INCLUDING ALL REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.
FUNDING
Funds are available in the City Center Redevelopment Agency Account Number 168 - 1985- 000312.
BACKGROUND
Discussions regarding enhancements to the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC or the Convention
Center) have been ongoing for almost ten years, dating back to an October 2001 report from Convention
Sports & Leisure (CSL) commissioned by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB),
in partnership with the City, which analyzed the status of convention and meeting facilities in Miami -Dade
County, as well the competitive standing of these facilities. The CSL report concluded that, given the
MBCC's geographic draw, no new facility should be planned elsewhere in Miami -Dade County but,
instead, improvements to MBCC (including a multi - purpose general assembly /banquet hall) should be
made to increase the marketability of the Convention Center and of the region. In 2004, the Building
Better Communities General Obligation Bonds Program was approved Countywide, and included a total
of $55 million for Convention Center enhancement and expansion. The availability of this funding
prompted further discussion among interested stakeholders (e.g. representatives of the Convention
Center Advisory Board, the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority, the GMCVB, the Greater
Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, Miami -Dade County, the Convention Center managers [SMG
and now Global Spectrum] and City staff) and subsequent updates to the CSL report.
As a result, at the April 11, 2007 City Commission Meeting, the City Commission passed a motion
supporting a proposed MBCC expansion (to include a ballroom, retrofit of space to accommodate new
meeting rooms, and renovations to the northwest ballroom to create a "junior ballroom "), subject to the
County funding all costs associated with the project, and the County managing the renovations/
construction process.
In April 2008, a new plan of action was agreed upon between the City and County that would have the
City and County, in conjunction with interested stakeholders, develop a long -term vision and Master Plan
for this regional convention center. This Master Plan was intended to look "outside of the box" at
r
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possibilities to make MBCC competitive in today's convention and meeting business climate. This would
involve looking at existing and potential site amenities, physical renovations to the interior and exterior,
expansion of exhibit space (to include necessary multi - purpose /ballroom space), technology upgrades,
parking, etc.
MASTER PLAN PROCESS
Needs Assessment
As part of the Master Plan development process, the GMCVB contracted with CSL to conduct a new
study focused on, among other things: identifying current industry trends; competitive /comparable facility
analysis; ys s, existing and projected utilization at the Convention Center; and a market demand analysis. CSL
would also work jointly with a selected architectural firm, and with the stakeholders, in developing a
proposed Master Plan that would incorporate research - driven improvements focused on making the
Convention Center competitive and marketable. The CSL report identified the following needs: Multi -
Purpose /Ballroom Space; Meeting Space; Unique Features (e.g. outdoor terrace); Destination Planning
and Development of a Convention Center District; and Convention Center Headquarters Hotel.
A competitive process was issued for the selection of the Master Plan architect to create a vision for the
implementation of those needs, and others that might be identified. Arquitectonica was competitively
selected as the Master Plan architect. An appointed Steering Committee established nine (9) goals for
the Master Plan process. Using the information from the CSL report and input from the Steering
Committee, Arquitectonica developed a preliminary Master Plan that recommended several specific
enhancements for the facility, including:
• Re- orient the entrance of the Convention Center to create a new facade with a main entrance
• Add approximately 213,000 square feet of additional exhibit space; a 60,000 square foot multi-
purpose ballroom; a 21,600 square foot junior ballroom; an additional 82,000 square feet of
meeting rooms; and an approximately 1,500 space parking garage structure.
• Add a 100,000- square -foot plaza and add outdoor meeting space (terraces)
• Incorporate into the new facility (and update the existing facility with) the latest technologies;
• Address "massing" issues with architectural designs that terrace the facility
• Add "green" components to the new and existing space (to achieve LEED certification); and
• Identify potential locations for an adjacent Convention Center hotel.
As importantly, based on City Commission direction, Arquitectonica was to work within existing zoning
restrictions for the expansion area. The result was a design that addressed the issues and needs
identified by CSL and the Stakeholders, but did so with a design that compensated for the height
limitations with a building expansion that had sizeable massing.
Master Plan Report
The Master Plan and Final Report was presented to the Steering Committee for its review and
consideration at its February 4, 2011 meeting; the Steering Committee reviewed and endorsed the
Master Plan and the Report. On February 24, 2011, the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee (the
Finance Committee) met to consider the Master Plan Report (including the option of a Convention Center
hotel). The City Manager, Arquitectonica, CSL and the Washington Economic Group (WEG) presented
the Master Plan; research from CSL's 2009 strategic facilities analysis, as well as the result of economic
impact findings from CSL and WEG. The Finance Committee recommended to conceptually endorse and
in concept support the renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center to address the
needs identified (multi- use /ballroom space, more meeting rooms, upgrades to technology, outdoor
venue, etc), including the development of an adjacent Convention Center Hotel. One of the reasons of
the Finance Committee's support of the Plan "in concept" was to ensure that the City still had the
flexibility and discretion to evaluate the project and explore options including, in particular, revisiting the
massing and the design of the project without the constraint of current zoning restrictions in the project
area.
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The Committee also supported the securing of a Consultant to assist the City in moving forward on the
overall project concept. This Consultant is to conceptualize and recommend ideas and options to
maximize the City's resources /assets and attract private investments to address identified needs,
including but not limited to, the expansion and enhancement of the Convention Center, and the potential
development of an adjacent Convention Center Hotel. The Consultant would also assist in identifying
potential redevelopment options for public assets in the area surrounding the Convention Center campus
to support the Convention Center project, and potential financing options for the development of the
project(s) and other development concepts, including but not limited to Public /Private Partnerships
(PPP). The Consultant is expected to provide transactional review, including sources of debt and
equity, and is expected to identify creative development and financing structures. Any recommended
financial plan developed by the Consultant is to detail the assumptions used in the recommended
development, and include operating projections that are supported by market research, a financing
plan and project schedule. The Consultant will also recommend development approaches and
construction management and operation methodologies for the project(s) based on best practices.
COMMISSION ACTION
On March 9, 2011, consistent with the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee's recommendations,
the Mayor and City Commission passed and adopted Resolution No. 2011- 27620, which endorsed and
supported in concept the project to renovate and expand the Miami Beach Convention Center, including
an adjacent Convention Center hotel, but did not approve the proposed master plan concept design. The
Commission also authorized the City Manager to pursue private sector interest in the project, including
potential joint development alternatives, without being constrained by current zoning limitations for the
site or by the current conceptual design. In light of the economic impact of the project, the City
Commission also directed the Administration to explore a broader economic development initiative for
the area utilizing the City's assets to generate the greatest private investment, and maximize
economic development opportunities in the Convention Center area (e.g. commercial, retail, and other
mixed -use opportunities) project. Lastly, the Commission, at its March 9, 2011 meeting, ratified the
Finance Committee's recommendation and authorized the City Manager to issue a competitive process
to secure any consulting expertise required to assist with the project.
During the May 20 -21, 2011, City Commission Retreat, the Commission further discussed and agreed to
look at broader development opportunities in this area beyond the Convention Center concept plan, and
expressed a desire to find ways to address the impact on traffic, mobility and to the surrounding
neighborhoods. There was also a desire to maintain sensitivity for the historic district while maximizing
green space. Based on the potential development opportunities (e.g. approximately 6.1 million s.f. of
FAR), and the potential expansion project cost, it was again determined that assistance from a
Consultant with experience and expertise in similar projects (including similar PPP's) would be beneficial
in developing the most effective strategy to solicit the right mixed -use development team for the project,
with a goal of ensuring the highest level of private- sector participation, and the best proposed design for
the expansion project to address our Convention Center needs.
At its March 9, 2011 meeting, the Mayor and City Commission authorized the Administration to issue a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Consulting Services Relative to the Expansion and Enhancement of the
Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) Campus /District. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 33 -10/11
was issued on May 24, 2011, and notices sent to over 67 firms, including a list of 21 firms provided by
the Tourism and Cultural Arts and Development Department, and more than 30 firms that are members
of the International Economic Development Council. The result of the aforementioned outreach was the
receipt of seven (7) proposals. An evaluation committee met and evaluated all proposals, and
subsequently recommended three firms based on the lowest aggregate score received: HVS
Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting; HR & A Advisors, Inc.; and Strategic Advisory
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Group (SAG). Although all three (3) firms demonstrated excellent experience and qualifications, Strategic
Advisory Group (SAG) was deemed the most qualified firm based on their experience with similar
projects in Florida and throughout the Country in Convention Center and Convention Center Hotel
Development, public private partnerships, capital structuring, tax - exempt asset financing, tax revenue
projection and bond offering due diligence. SAG has a broad range of experience in overall transaction
management with private sector investment, identifying potential private p ivate artners negotiating
Y 9 p p p 9 9
partnerships, executing transactions, monitoring private partner progress, and communicating the
project's costs and benefits (economic impact, jobs, taxes, etc.). On September 14, 2011, via Resolution
No. 2011 - 27738, the City Commission authorized the City Manager to negotiate with Strategic Advisory
Group.
STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUP (SAG)
SAG was founded in 1998 by a senior management team executive of Ernst & Young's Consulting
Practice and is comprised of professionals with experience ranging from 15 years to over 25 years. This
team of experienced industry veterans have come together to help clients realize their potential, while
maximizing return on investment and enhancing their competitive advantage. Firm professionals held
senior management positions with Ernst & Young, KPMG, Arthur Andersen, Trammell Crow, Opus
South, Marriott International and Starwood Capital. Jeff Sachs and Tom Reifert will both be key
personnel from SAG assigned to this project. Mr. Sachs is a founding partner of SAG with over 20 years
of consultancy experience. Prior to forming SAG, Mr. Sachs held management and practice leadership
positions with Ernst & Young and KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Sachs received his Master's and Bachelor's
Degrees from The University of Iowa. Mr. Reifert's career includes over 18 years of consultancy
experience and hotel management experience. Prior to joining SAG, Mr. Reifert held management
positions for Marriott International. Mr. Reifert received his Bachelor's degree from Iowa State University.
SAG has also provided advisory and development fee services for single asset and mixed -use projects
representing nearly $10 billion in value and 30 million square feet. Their partners have experience in fully
integrated retail and mixed -use development projects, with expertise in the total commercial development
process, ranging from concept creation to closeout and asset management. They have worked as the
master developer on a project or in conjunction with a property owner that is in need of specific expertise.
Scope of Work
A copy of the Professional Services Agreement is attached for your review. Below is a summary of the
scope of services to be performed by SAG.
1) Immersion
Consultant will meet with the City to review the scope of services, and establish overall project goals.
Consultant will also meet with project leadership to conceptualize the development strategy that best
meets the objectives and constraints. As part of this process, Consultant will:
a) Meet with project leadership
b) Tour the convention center
c) Tour the site and discuss available sites for development
d) Tour surrounding area
e) Review the "Needs Assessment and Master Plan"
f) Review other information as appropriate
2) Serve as the City's primary advisor /Consultant
Consultant will serve as the City's primary advisor /Consultant throughout the engagement.
Consultant will:
a) Provide project oversight
b) Assist the City on how to best maximize the City's assets
c) Inform the City on how to potentially generate the maximum private investment
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October 19, 2011
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d) Update the City on the status of the project
e) Facilitate stakeholder meetings with the hotel industry, neighbors and other concerned parties
f) Assist the City with the resolution of any issues that may arise as the project progresses
required
Address other issues as re
g)
3 Draft Mixed -Use Developer RFQ
Consultant understands the City desires to create funding for convention
Y center improvements 9 p by
developing the City -owned area surrounding the convention center with commercial uses that create
new revenues to the City. These incremental revenues could be used to fund potential convention
center improvements and /or provide operating funds. The first step to realize the commercial mixed -
use development will be to identify potential development partners through a RFQ process.
Information provided in the RFQ will include, but is not limited, to:
a) Sales- oriented information on the retail /restaurant, office, for -rent residential, for -sale residential,
and hotel markets
b) Site information
i) Development potential (height restrictions, FAR, maps, aerial photos, etc.)
ii) Adjacent land uses
iii) Existing building information
iv) Others as appropriate
c) Minimum program components
i) HQ hotel
ii) Convention center expansion areas
iii) Other
d) Submittal requirements
i) Experience
ii) Financial background
iii) Proposed program
iv) Master plan concepts
v) Absorption /Phasing
vi) Cash flow models
vii) Land purchase proposal (if any)
viii) Tax impacts
ix) Sources of debt and equity
x) Development/funding commitment
xi) Litigation history
xii) References
xiii) Others as appropriate
4) Short -List Development Teams
Once the City has approved the RFQ, Consultant will manage the process to identify short -list
candidates. Specifically, Consultant will:
a) Identify potential developers /teams on a local, national and international level to contact regarding
the project.
b) Mail the RFQ to all potential developers /teams identified. Post the opportunity on Internet bid
sites and advertise as required under Florida law.
c) Conduct follow -up phone calls with key potential developers /teams to make certain they receive
and understand the opportunity.
d) Be available for site visits as requested.
e) Coordinate a pre - proposal meeting to discuss the RFQ and answer any questions potential
developers /teams may have.
f) Respond to questions related to the RFQ.
g) Evaluate the responses to the RFQ, including: providing advice on the process of evaluation and
selection, checking proposal references and reviewing the reported success of other projects
completed by the proposers. In addition, Consultant will perform due diligence procedures on
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October 19, 2011
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revenue and expense projections, cost estimates, financing plan, and capital sources. Consultant
will summarize, the salient points of each proposal in a matrix.
h) Recommend a short -list of candidates to be interviewed.
5) Assist in the Selection of the Development Team
a) Consultant will update the comparison matrix to address information learned during the RFQ
process.
b) Consultant will coordinate the interview process of the short- listed candidates. Consultant will
actively participate in the interviews, providing expertise and advice to the City as needed and
desired. Consultant will also submit a list if questions that should be asked to each proposer.
c) Consultant will assist with the final selection of the developer /team and formulate and provide its
recommendations to City Council and any other Council committees and sub - committees as
required.
6) Negotiate Contract with Selected Developer /Team
Once a development team is selected, Consultant will work with and assist the City and its legal team
with negotiations, drafting and finalizing the formal agreements. Consultant will provide advice and
consultation throughout the process. Consultant will be available for conference calls, will review and
suggest revisions to the legal documents, and will ensure the spirit of the RFQ process is
encompassed in the legal documents.
7) Create Convention Center Improvement Financial Plan
a) Based on the selected development team proposal, development approach and phasing timeline,
Consultant will project the revenues anticipated to be generated from the private development
over a 30 -year period.
b) Consultant will calculate the bonding capacity of the revenue streams, assuming various credit
scenarios. This may include a phased approach with multiple bond issuances over time that
utilize revenues to the public sector as each phase of the private development is developed over
time.
c) Consultant will align the bonding capacity with the needs identified in Step 3.
d) Consultant will summarize the convention center improvements and funding plan in a written
document and PowerPoint presentation.
8) Ongoing Tasks
a) Consultant will provide periodic reports as requested by the City.
b) Consultant will assist in other duties as they relate to this engagement and remain available
throughout project development to answer questions and provide information and guidance as
requested and needed.
Fee and Project Timelines
Consultant will bill professional fees based on the time spent on the project, multiplied by the hourly
billing rates listed in Attachment A, up to an amount not to exceed $175,000, including all reimbursable
expenses (e.g. travel, supplies, etc). The project timeline is also attached as Exhibit C to the Agreement
(Attachment A). SAG currently anticipates being completed with the scope of services by June, 2012.
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the attached Resolution
which approves and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement between the City
and SAG for consulting services relative to the expansion and enhancement of the Miami Beach
Convention Center Campus /District, pursuant to Request for Proposals (RFP) No 33 -10/11 in an amount
not to exceed $175,000, including all reimbursable expenses.
T:\AGENDA \2011 \10 -19 -11 \SAG Consultant MBCC Memo.docx