LTC 206-2002
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CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 2t;fr 2ao2
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Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez \ ~~.
City Manager 0 t-' - 0
INTERIM ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
TOURISM AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS
Date: September 3, 2002
To:
From:
The purpose of this LTC is to inform the Mayor and Commission ofthe interim assignments
I have made in light ofthe pending departure of Assistant City Manager, Christina Cuervo.
You may recall that in June 2001, I made modifications within the Administration and
streamlined the organization by grouping similar Departments together through a
realignment of reporting relationships. This restructuring was designed to facilitate
teamwork within the organization in a manner that has expedited our ability to address
community needs. It is my plan to hire a new Assistant City Manager and reevaluate
assignments based on that person's skill set. I have already begun the recruitment
process and will keep you posted as appropriate.
As you know, Christina was responsible for leading our efforts related to the Economic
Development, Tourism and Cultural Development areas (including RDA and Asset
Management); Planning; Building; Parking; in addition to a number of special projects or ad
hoc assignments. With Christina's departure, I have made adjustments to this structure-
many interim and some permanent. These changes will be further refined and amended
once our recruitment for a new Assistant City Manager is completed and the appropriate
relationships are formed. However, with Christina's departure at the end of September, I
have already begun to transition her assignments to other members of my Executive Staff
to ensure as seamless a transition as possible
First, I have asked Jorge Gomez to once again join the Executive Staff in an interim
capacity. You will recall that Jorge briefly served in this capacity following the departure of
another ACM a few years ago. He will lead the following areas: Planning; Building;
Economic Development (including the non construction related issues for the RDA). The
construction related issues for the RDA will permanently be assigned to Tim Hemstreet and
the Capital Improvement Program Office. This is consistent with my earlier efforts to
consolidate all of our capital improvement and construction initiatives under one
department.
Assistant City Manager, Bob Middaugh will assume responsibility for the Parking
Department, as well as the City Administrative Office Space Planning. While initially
interim, one or both of these assignments could ultimately end up as a more permanent
change in the future.
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Assistant City Manager, Mayra Diaz Buttacavoli will assume interim oversight ofthe Asset
Management Office.
The Tourism and Cultural Development efforts will be split among a few members of the
Executive Staff for an interim period.
. Assistant City Manager, Mayra Oiaz Buttacavoli will assume responsibility for the
Bass Museum and the Convention CenterfTOPA management agreement. You will
recall that in the past Mayra has capably dealt with these agencies.
. My Chief of Staff, Ramiro Inguanzo will assume responsibility for the Arts, Culture
and Entertainment (ACE); Cultural Affairs Council (CAC); Visitors and Convention
Authority (YCA). In addition, Ramiro will assume the staff liaison role on the
Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tourism, the NITE (Nightlife Advisory Task
Force), and the Major Events Plan.
Chief Financial Officer, Trish Walker will work with me to finalize contract negotiations with
the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), as well as their ongoing
oversight and supervision. In addition Trish will join me in our ongoing dialogue and
negotiations with the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza Hotel.
As always, be assured that I will continue to further refine these reporting relationships if
necessary and as appropriate in order to assure that this, and all areas of the
Administration, remain responsive to our residents, efficient and continuously improving.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact
me.
Electronic Copy: Management Team
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F:/cmgr/alllltc-02lCmcChanges.doc