LTC 69-2003 CITY of MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: March 17, 2003
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
March 10, 2003:
Royal Palm Hotel Negotiations - Members of the administration and the City
Attorney met with developer Don Peebles and outside counsel to continue
negotiations addressing environmental delay claims. The developer is
considering presenting a comprehensive buy-out proposal that would serve as a
global settlement applicable to all issues.
Special Events - Members of the administration are working with various event
producers, facilitating the coordination of a multitude of events throughout the
month of March. Meetings have also been held with hotels, nightlife industry,
area residents and businesses to ensure that the City's resources are properly
allocated and planning information is disseminated. On the horizon is: Fashion
Week of the Americas taking place at the Roney Palace, from March 19-22; and
the Winter Music Conference, from March 17-22, with an estimated attendance
of 11,000. The South Beach Entertainment District is also preparing for the
Miami Beach Sports and Fitness Festival taking place on Ocean Drive, from 5th
to 15th Streets, from Mamh 27-30 with an estimated attendance of 20,000.
Major Events Plan (MEP) - In accordance with the City's Major Events Plan
(MEP), representatives from the administration met throughout the week to
continue planning and coordinating city services for all of the 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. In preparation for the
upcoming Winter Music Conference, the administration met with area nightclubs
and hotels to discuss extension of hours, load occupancy requirements, noise
violations, outdoor entertainment and the City's enhanced staffing levels. Among
other events for which the City will be implementing its MEP are: the MTV March
12-15 filming of "Spring Break Weekend" at the Surfcomber and Ritz Carlton
Hotels; Miami Beach Fitness Festival; Dance Star USA Awards; and Memorial
Day weekend.
Memorial Day 2003 - Members of the administration continued to meet with the
Police Department and other city departments throughout the week to ensure
proper allocation of city services and personnel during the upcoming Memorial
Day weekend. On March 11, in response to the City's request for enhanced
County staff for the holiday weekend, the Board of County Commissioners
approved a resolution for the County to provide in-kind services estimated at a
cost of $335,522.40 for Memorial Day Weekend 2003. I also plan to schedule a
follow-up visit with County Manager Steve Shiver to further clarify details.
Filming in Miami Beach - Representatives from the administration continue to
facilitate various filming projects throughout our city. MTV "Spring Break
Weekend," filming from March 12-15 at the Surfcomber and Ritz Carlton Hotels,
proceeded successfully and without incident. Several productions are scheduled
to film throughout March, including: "Stuck on You" starring Matt Damon, Greg
Kinnear and Cher among others; "CShMiami" returning for four weeks of filming;
and "Dance Star USA Awards," airing on FOX, will film on Ocean Drive on March
19. An ABC television pilot titled "Karen Sisco," based on the feature film "Out of
Sight," will also be filming from March 17 - April 2 with Miami Beach locations yet
to be announced.
Nightlife Industry Task Force - Representatives from the administration,
alongside Nightlife Industry Task Force members, met on March 11 to review
police deployment plans for the South Beach Entertainment District. The District
will be hosting the Miami Beach Sports and Fitness Festival on Ocean Drive,
from 5th to 15t~ Streets, from March 27-30.
131 Alton Road Property Community Meeting - Members of the administration
hosted a community meeting on March 13 regarding the property known as "The
Courts," located at 131 Alton Road. The administration received public input on
potential uses for the 5,000 square feet property currently utilized as commercial
space.
City's Birthday Celebrations - Staff members continue coordinating a variety of
events to commemorate the city's 88th birthday, spanning the month of March.
Scheduled events include: a pictorial exhibition in the Fourth Floor Gallery tracing
the history of our city which kicked off from March 10 - April 10; the launching of
the City's newly designed website which took place on March 1; and the debut of
the City's new Answer Center, aimed at streamlining and enhancing customer
service. Other commemorative events yet to be finalized are also in the planning
phase for the March 26 birthday celebration.
Venetian Islands Community Design Workshop Members of the
administration are preparing to host a community design workshop on March 20
in the First Floor Conference Room, City Hall, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The
meeting will allow members of the community to review funded plans for the
Venetian Islands.
Belle Isle Community Design Workshop - Members of the administration are
preparing to host a community design workshop on March 25 at the Costa Brava
Condominium, 11 Island Avenue, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting, including
participation from the project consultants, will allow members of the community to
review funded plans for the Belle Isle area.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
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