LTC 156-2016 Motions by the Hispanic Affairs Committee MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach, FL 33139,www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF THE CITY M ANAGE R
LTC NO. #
156-2016 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Ma - er %LiV
DATE: April 12, 2016
SUBJECT: Motions by the Hispanic Affairs Committee
On April 11, 2016, the Hispanic Affairs Committee adopted the following motions:
1. A motion of the Hispanic Affairs Committee opposing a Cuban consulate in the City of
Miami Beach, so long as the Cuban government continues its violation of basic freedoms
and human rights.
Motion made by Herb Sosa, and seconded by Regina Suarez.
Adopted 7-0 by voice vote.
2. The Hispanic Affairs Committee advises the Mayor and the City Commission that, in midst
of the implementation of new diplomatic relations and policies between the United States
and the Cuban government, upon the date of adoption of this recommendation by the City
Commission, it is premature to create any new policy or change the City's_current policy in
regards to normal relations between Cuba and the City of Miami Beach. Time must be
given to grasp the results and outcome of the full implementation of those new diplomatic
relations and policies. As stated by President Barack Obama on March 21, 2016 during
his trip to Cuba, "Change is going to happen," adding that change would not occur
"overnight" and that "we still have significant differences around human rights and
individual liberties inside of Cuba."
Motion made by Alex Fernandez,' and seconded by Herb Sosa.
Adopted 6-1 by voice vote, with Regina Suarez dissenting.
3. The Hispanic Affairs Committee reaffirms its respect to the Cuban exile community and
will thus forever be united in solidarity with the pain endured by those who fled Castro's
dictatorial rule, the divide of family, the loss of loved ones, and the persecution of Cubans
seeking religious and political freedom.
Motion made by Alex Fernandez, and seconded by Herb Sosa.
Adopted 7-0 by voice vote.
c: Raul J. Aguila, City Attorney
Marcia Monserrat, Chief of Staff
Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
JLM/KEG/NK
1 Mr. Fernandez, the Chair of the Hispanic Affairs Committee, passed the gavel to Ms. Velasco prior to
making the second and third motions adopted at the meeting.
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