Meeting Minutes - July 12 20181
Mayor’s General Obligation Bond Advisory Panel
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2018
City Manager’s Large Conference Room
Chairperson Karen Rivo called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m.
Attendance was taken. Mayor’s General Obligation Advisory Panel Members in attendance were as
follows:
Last Name First Name Present Absent Phone Not Sworn in
Rivo Karen X
Breslin Ray X
Glottman Jack X
Gross Saul X
Jones Carolina X
Leibowitz Debra X
Libbin Jerry X
Malakoff Joy X
Meiner Steven X
Peter Marie X
Ramos Margueritte X
City of Miami Beach employees and City of Miami Beach residents present included:
Eric Carpenter, Assistant City Manager
Jack Johnson, Resident
K.E. Boehm, Resident
Maria Cerna, CIP Division Director
Danila Bonini, PAL
Heather Shaw, TCED Assistant Director
Eva Silverstein, TCED Director
Kristina Leiter, Rbg company
Rory Greenberg, Rbg company
Kathie Brooks, Assistant City Manager
Commissioner Mark Samuelian
Lynda Westin, Transportation Manager
Jose del Risco, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Ana Salgueiro, Building Director
Alex Denis, Procurement Director
Roy Coley, Public Works Director
Commissioner John Alemán
Adrian Morales, Property Management Director
Michelle Huttenhoff, Economic Development Manager
Mark Coolidge, Interim Internal Auditor
Saul Frances, Parking Director
Wendy Rich-Goldschmidt, Chief Oates’ Chief of Staff
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Allison Williams, Deputy Finance Director
Margarita Wells, Environment and Sustainability Assistant Director
John Deutzman, Resident
Erick Chiroles, Aide to Commissioner Arriola
Jose Gonzalez, Transportation Director
Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, Transportation Assistant Director
Tameka Otto Stewart, Budget Director
Brandi Reddick, TCED Cultural Affairs Manager
Roll Call
Attendance of the Panel was taken.
Minutes June 28, 2018
They were not discussed.
Updates from July 5 meeting
Chairperson Karen Rivo explained the Panel’s mission is to make a recommendation what the Panel
recommends for the G.O. Bond at a $300 million bucket, $400 million bucket, and $500 million
bucket. Staff will help come up with the priorities to bring to the Commission to the July 17th
Commission meeting. She said as she understands it is not in the purview of the Panel to decide
whether the G.O. Bond will go on the November ballot or not, that will be something the Commission
discusses.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said he thinks the Panel should have a discussion about that and
make a recommendation on whether it should be on the November ballot or April, or next November.
Commissioner Alemán weighed in on this issue. She said this really is the Mayor’s Panel, she said
personally she would welcome the Panel’s feedback.
Chairperson Karen Rivo mentioned that the Panel has new spreadsheets in front of them that
contain the projects that the Panel is recommending at this time. There has been some movement of
projects and some changes that have been made. She asked Eric Carpenter, Assistant City
Manager or Tameka Otto Stewart, Budget Director to go through the updated project list.
Eric Carpenter went through the list that was handed out regarding the July 5th meeting. The filtered
list are the projects that received a formal approval or approval with request of more information. The
following projects were added: Project #91 North End Sub Station, Project #92 LED Lighting/Shade
Structures in the Parks, which captured about $3.7 million of projects that were already in the Parks
list and he gave an example of item #24 Flamingo Park that $30,550,000 dropped to $27,750,000.
That happened with a few other projects and then the project also picked up about $1.4 million for
additional lighting and shade structures in other parks to give more lighting and shade citywide.
Project #93 was added which is a Skate Park, which was a $3 million project that didn’t necessarily
tie it to any location, but wanted to make sure there was funding in the G.O. Bond to make sure the
skate park was built. The 4th page the Panel received were projects the Panel identified to transmit to
the Commission to prioritize funding in the regular Capital Budget process.
#50 Resiliency Fund for Parks was moved from the Infrastructure to Parks category. #42 Baywalk,
#44 Middle Beach Beachwalk, #48 Artificial Reef and Resilient Marine Habitat, #52 Waterway
Restoration, #61 Log Cabin Reconstruction, and #77 Mobile Stage Set that the City Attorney’s Office
opined should be in the Parks and Beach category as opposed to in the Infrastructure category,
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therefore there are a few more Parks projects and a few less Infrastructure projects based on the
City Attorney’s recommendation.
#21 Crespi Park, #23 Fisher Park, #24 Flamingo Park, #25 La Gorce Park, #27 Marjory Stoneman
Douglas Park, #30 Normandy Isle Park and Pool, #32 North Shore Park and Youth Center, #33
Palm Island Park, #36 Polo Park, #39 South Pointe Park, #40 Stillwater Park, #41 Tatum Park were
reduced to fund the LED Lighting/Shade Structures.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross asked if the money for the Skate Park item was deducted from
project #18 72nd Street Park, Library, and Aquatic Center.
Eric Carpenter said no because that project still has to program the area where the skate park would
be and whatever ends up there will have a dollar figure associated with it. We didn’t want to short
that project.
Carolina Jones mentioned the Panel was looking for guidance from staff on project #18 to split it into
2 buckets.
They are going to go through all of the information that they requested shortly.
Chairperson Karen Rivo said she would like to start by looking at the 4th page at the projects that are
being recommended for capital funding.
Discussion was had about the projects on the list and only putting projects there that were in addition
to the ones the City Manager said he could fund.
Clarification- the Panel wanted everything that was being recommended for capital funding be put on
a separate list.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked the Panel if they wanted to add project #27 Marjory Stoneman
Douglas Park and #36 Polo Park because those were also recommended by the City Manager to be
funded through capital funding.
The Panel will keep those off the list; they agreed that those parks would just get the LED Lights/
Shade Structures.
Chairperson Karen Rivo said there was a request to break down Project #50 Resiliency Fund for
Parks; she asked if that was Carolina Jones’ request.
Carolina Jones replied no, but that is one they want to split out.
The $17 million will be broken out.
CIP did a breakdown that project #18 72nd Street Park, Library, & Aquatic Center would utilize $3.8
million of the $17 million. Project # 24 Flamingo Park would utilize $7.2 million, project #28 Maurice
Gibb Park would utilize $1.7 million, and project #34 Par 3/Community Park would utilize $2.5
million. What was $17 million is now $15.2 million.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross said he finds it a little hard to wrap his head around with the
different funding pieces are spread across different categories. He thinks it would be helpful for
people to understand the cost for a certain project. Some of the stormwater improvements in the
individual neighborhoods it is hard to get arms around of what is actually being approved. It doesn’t
help us to understand the bigger picture of those being approved. He asked if there is a cost sheet to
see what the total cost for a project is.
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Eric said this is what we talked about in the last meeting, the City Manager made the
recommendation that rather have the slug of $17 million to identify to see what we could get the best
bang for our buck, putting it into parks projects that have multiple benefits. These were the ones that
were worked through with various departments.
There are multiple moving pieces.
Discussion continued.
Saul gave an example of North Bay Road. $14 million is in the G.O. Bond, but total is a little over
$100 million. That is a neighborhood that hasn’t been done. For those that have been done, he
would like to know the total number is for the projects to know if it makes sense to reinvest more
money in those neighborhoods now that have already been done. Maybe that is not the first priority.
Former Commissioner Joy Malakoff said the $14 million is what was left from the 1999 Bond. That
neighborhood has not received money yet. Her understanding is that the stormwater bonds are
paying for the underground drainage and so forth.
#62 Above Ground Improvements was discussed. It was broken down and sent in an email.
Margueritte Ramos said North Shore neighborhood needs to be broken out. It was a 1999 Bond
project that was not completed.
Debra Leibowitz said she doesn’t feel comfortable approving $50 million unless there is a very
specific list.
Chairperson Karen Rivo said it is broken down within the $50 million, they just aren’t separate
projects.
Carolina Jones agreed with Margueritte Ramos, it shouldn’t be lost in the big bucket.
Ray Breslin motioned to move North Shore into a new project line. Carolina Jones seconded. All in
favor.
Project #62 Above Ground Improvements will now be $42 million because $8 million will be
separated out for North Shore.
Chairperson Karen Rivo said that her notes indicated the Panel wanted #66 Flamingo Park
Neighborhood to be explained regarding the $20 million.
Eric Carpenter said it is basically above ground enhancements and completion of above ground
components to the projects that aren’t the responsibility of the utilities.
20% cost of the stormwater is above ground.
Debra Leibowitz said her understanding for project #62 Above Ground Improvements is that Belle
Isle was supposed to be one of the lines within the project broken out.
Eric Carpenter said it was on the original breakdown and then what they did was rather than just
grabbing neighborhoods they went through CIP and made sure that at least as of now what are
currently funded in the next 4 tranches are being covered by the above ground improvements. There
are still about $100 million of stormwater improvements in the future that are not covered in project
#62.
Debra Leibowitz wants Belle Isle added.
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Eric Carpenter said what is good about having it in a bucket like this is that if some of the other
neighborhoods don’t use all the money, there would be money available for the next projects.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to add Belle Isle for $1 million. Margueritte Ramos seconded. All in favor.
Ray Breslin said his concern is that if they fragment everything so much it is going to be too
complicated and if someone sees their neighborhood isn’t specifically on there they could vote
against it. He thinks it has to stay more grouped.
Project #79 Washington Avenue Corridor was discussed. The Panel had requested more information
on this project.
Rory Greenberg spoke on behalf of Washington Avenue. He said he has been in the betterment of
Washington Avenue for about 3 years. He spoke about the BID passing and now moving forward.
He said he noticed Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive is receiving more money than originally slated for.
He said as a resident on Miami Beach he thinks Washington Avenue has really struggled. He thinks
it would be a big miss if Washington Avenue wasn’t focused on and make a drastic change. He
encourages the Panel to take a hard look at Washington Avenue and make it a street that people
want to be on.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin asked if there are any renderings of how they would allocate the
dollars.
Mr. Greenberg responded and said they worked with Zyscovich but at the time there was a street car
planned so all of the iterations were limited to what they wanted to do.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said he made a motion last week to increase the funding to $20
million and he motioned again today to do so. Former Commissioner Saul Gross said he seconded it
last and he will second again today.
Chairperson Karen Rivo mentioned everywhere to be mindful they are close to $500 million.
Debra Leibowitz said she was hoping to hear more of what was going to happen for increasing the
funding from $10 million to $20 million.
Mr. Greenberg responded and saying they are going to take Zyscovich’s study and vacate one lane
on each side of the street and the median. He continued to say the street is not so nice right now
and they need the money. They need to rethink the parking and the flow of traffic, etc. They want to
create Washington Avenue as its own destination.
Jack Glottmann said he likes the idea of having a pedestrian median. He asked if the study included
any traffic studies. He said if you lose a lane in each direction it will obviously have an impact on
traffic.
There has always been some transit plan in mind.
Former Commissioner Joy Malakoff said she thinks the idea of helping Washington Avenue is
wonderful. She also mentioned she has been getting push back from South Beach residents about
spending $20 million on Ocean Drive.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked why they don’t just give money to South Beach, why does everything
have to be so separated.
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Mr. Greenberg said keeping Washington Avenue as its own item is important because things seem
to trickle east.
Carolina Jones said residents did say something to her about Washington Avenue, Ocean Drive,
and 41st Street and asked why the private businesses cannot pay for the bulk of this.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin referenced the Panel’s criteria and that these types of projects
meet those.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross said a lot of the action that used to go on in South Beach has
migrated and we need to invest in it in order to let it thrive and let it compete with other areas.
Motioned failed to increase to $20 million.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross brought up what Carolina said about residents being opposed to
economic money in the G.O. Bond. He thinks there should be 4 categories and that economic
development should be one of them. He would be curious to hear what the City Attorney thinks
about the categories.
Eric Carpenter said the Commission can choose to package this in different ways, as long as the
City Attorney’s Office looks at it and says it makes sense, we picked 3 because that is what has
been done in the past and people are used to. There’s nothing that says we cannot do 4, or 2, or
even 1. It is in the purview of the Panel to modify the categories if there is a desire.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross motioned to add an economic development category that includes
the economic development projects that are more than half of the infrastructure category. No second
on the motion. Motion died.
Former Commissioner Joy Malakoff said it is important to look at what residents will vote for.
Debra Leibowitz said that she thought they talked about previously changing the name of the
category to economic development and infrastructure or resiliency and economic development.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said the more categories the less people will vote. He doesn’t
necessary like putting economic development because it raises a question. He also mentioned he is
still uncomfortable about Fire Station #1 because we don’t know where it is going to be yet.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked Eric Carpenter to go through the first category of projects, Public
Safety.
Tameka Otto Stewart, Budget Director made the different levels on the spreadsheet.
Panel members commented on project #79 Washington Avenue Corridor. They said they would
have been inclined to support more money if they knew what they wanted to do with it.
Eric Carpenter said the he and Karen Rivo sat down and thought about how to come up with a list
for $300, $400, and $500 million. His thought was to go through the projects and check boxes that
they should be in all 3 lists, or just the $300, just the $400, or just the $500 million. He thinks it mi ght
be helpful to go through the projects once quickly to see if they can do it that way.
Project Prioritization - Public Safety
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Eric Carpenter started with project #1 New Call Center for 911 Dispatch. This is the one that the City
Manager did not include in his recommendation. The Panel recommended it should be in the $500
million list, but should it be in the other lists of $400 or $300.
Former Commissioner Malakoff said Fire Station #1 with the 911 Center included should be on the
list.
$10 million will take care of the Fire Station #1 with the call center in it.
Project #2 is the New Ocean Rescue Sub-station in North Beach. $5 million project. The project was
discussed. It is in at the $500 million level. Keep at the $400 million. Doesn’t stay at $300 million
level.
Project #5 Replace Fire Stations #1 and #3 was discussed. The project was explained. $3 million
from project #1 will be included in this project. Total $10 million.
Chief Fernandez said Fire Station #1 is extremely important. It is the most critical need.
Fire Station #3 will be included at the $400 million level and $300 million level.
The Panel agreed to keep it in at all 3 levels.
Project #1 gets absorbed into this project.
$20 million will build the call center and 2 new fire stations.
Project #9 Police Headquarter Renovations and Expansion was discussed. $10 million project.
The Panel agreed to keep it in at all 3 levels.
Project #11 Replace Public Safety Radio System was discussed. The radio system is one of the
greatest needs citywide. $10 million project.
The Panel agreed to keep it in at all 3 levels.
Project #15 Security for Public Spaces was discussed.
Stays in for all levels.
Project #91 North End Sub-Station (NESS) was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to put this project in at $1.8 million. Carolina Jones seconded.
Stays in at all levels.
Project Prioritization - Parks & Beaches
Project #18 72nd Street Park, Library, and Aquatic Center was discussed.
Eric Carpenter said they did look at the project and it could be broken into 2 pieces. The park and
parking garage could be a separate component from the rest of the build out at ab out $30 million
each cost. There are pros and cons to breaking it up.
Jack Glottmann mentioned that the parking garage was about $24 million; he said he cannot
imagine the park will be $6 million.
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Maria Cerna, CIP Division Director said that one of the things they would have to consider is building
one less floor of parking to fit in the $30 million.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said that the parking bonds should pay for the parking and not
provide free parking.
$24 million for the garage, $36 million for everything else.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned that subject to the Commission assuring the Panel that
the parking bonds would cover this and it wouldn’t damage the project anywhere, he thinks the
parking bonds should cover it.
Kathie Brooks, Assistant City Manager, said that then parking bonds utilization is off 20% and now
another 4% this year, we continue to see decline. It is difficult to sell parking bonds in this
environment.
Commissioner Alemán spoke. She said this is not an economic development project, it is a mixed
use garage it is resident focused 100%. The library will be bigger, it is an aquatic center, but resident
focused for the Miami Beach Senior High School team and for adult competitive swimmers, a fitness
center for residents, there will be 500 parking spaces. It is to serve residents to come and take
advantage of the center. It is a neighborhood North Beach community center. This is not to create a
regional draw, but to provide an amazing civic amenity for the area.
Discussion continued.
In relation to bonding out the garage, Kathie Brooks said that we are not comfortable that for 30
years the garage will remain used. There is the need and the demand for the short term.
The Panel agreed to keep the project in at the $400 million.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to drop the amount to $50 million at the $300 million level. Former
Commissioner Jerry Libbin seconded. Motion failed.
Ray Breslin said at $500 million he would keep it in, but if the Panel has been asked to cut, he
doesn’t think it makes economic sense to keep it in at the $300 million level for $50 million.
Debra Leibowitz suggested looking at the project for $50 million for all of the levels.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross suggested seeing where the rest of the projects fall and then go
back to this.
Project #24 Flamingo Park was discussed.
Eric Carpenter said they can do it one of 2 ways. They can either do the $27,750,000 or the
$27,750,000 plus the resilient component that was $7.2 million.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said they should look at items that can be broken out because
they need to find some savings.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked if it is possible to break the project down.
Eric Carpenter said $15 million of it is for the PAL. He said there are many ways to do this. He said
based on the task in front of the Panel he recommended going through the projects as is at the
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$300, $400, $500 level and see where they end up. There may be some projects that are easy to
cut.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to fund everything, but the PAL building at the $300
and $400 million level. Cut it down to $12.75 or $15 million. No one seconded. The motion died.
Danila Bonini, Executive Director of PAL spoke. She said they share a building with Parks and
Recreation right now.
Eric Carpenter said if we weren’t tearing the building down and redoing it, it would stay in the
existing condition.
Danila Bonini confirmed that PAL would continue to share the space with Parks and Recreation as
is.
Adrian Morales, Property Management Director said that it is one of the most poorly graded facilities
and it is the most vulnerable facility based on AECOM’s study.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross and Carolina Jones said it is hard to cut parks and to go through
infrastructure first.
Project #93 Skate Park was discussed.
This project has been on the books for a long time.
Some panel members agreed the project should be funded fully.
The project stays in at all levels.
Project #92 LED Lighting/Shade Structures was discussed.
Carolina Jones motioned to revisit the $500 million level and do $0 for the $400 and $300 million
level. No second.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross suggested $2.5 million at the $400 million level and $0 at the
$300 million level. Former commissioner Jerry Libbin seconded.
Marie Peter said they are making a big mistake, it is for safety. Shade is critical.
Jose del Risco said there is a safety concern for the hurricane and high impact wind. Some parks
have shade structures, but they need to put in the quick release ones to be prepared before the
hurricane.
The LED Lighting is $1 million and the shade structure part is roughly $500,000.
All in favor of motion that Former Commissioner Saul Gross made.
Project #50 Resiliency Fund for Parks was discussed.
Revised to $15.2 million.
Maria Cerna explained some options for adding resiliency in the parks.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to keep the full amount of money at all levels.
Margueritte Ramos seconded. The priority should be resilient projects. All in favor of motion.
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Chairperson Karen Rivo said the Panel is potentially funding project #18 72nd Street Park, Library,
and Aquatic Center at $60 million, she asked if that project can absorb the money allocated in this
project.
Eric Carpenter said that budget is actually above the $60 million.
Project #48 Artificial Reef and Resilient Marine Habitat was discussed.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to keep the project in for all levels. Ray Breslin/Debra
Leibowitz seconded. All in favor.
Project #44 Middle Beach Beachwalk was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to keep it at all levels. Carolina Jones seconded. All in favor.
Project #42 Baywalk was discussed.
Eric Carpenter explained the project.
Maria Cerna said the project went down to $20 million. The bridge is $15 million.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to take the bridge out at the $400 million level and the $300 million.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin seconded. All in favor.
$20 million at the $500 million level, $5 million at the $400 and $300 million levels.
Project #38 Soundscape Park was discussed.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to only do the cameras for $400 million level and get rid
of the restrooms.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to keep the $4.5 million at all 3 levels. All in favor.
Project #37 Scott Rakow Youth Center was discussed.
Jose del Risco explained the project. He said a big item is the emergency generator because the
center will serve as an emergency activation site.
The Panel would like to know how much is maintenance and what are must haves and nice to
haves.
Impact windows will be added and they are included in this number for $700,000.
Eric Carpenter said the way we used to have it in the past is that we rally there and launch crews
from and feed people during the storm. If the building is damaged to the point where we cannot use
it, it creates a problem with using it as a rally point.
Adrian Morales explained the 75 foot by 20+ foot window and it is not high impact.
Carolina Jones said there is roughly $3.5 million and she explained what it is for. She motioned for
the whole project at the $500 million level, $3.5 million at the $400 and $300 million level. Former
Commissioner Saul Gross seconded.
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The Panel agreed to keep it at the whole amount for the $400 million level. The Panel agreed to do
the $3.5 million for the $300 million level.
Project #34 Par 3/Community Park was discussed.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to keep it at the amount for all 3 levels. Marie Peter seconded. Motion
carried.
Marie Cerna explained the project.
Project #32 North Shore Park and Youth Center was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to keep it at all levels. It is an extremely used park.
Ray Breslin said they dropped the Scott Rakow project at the $300 level, so they should do the
same here.
Carolina Jones mentioned that they added $2 million for a quad at the baseball field. She said there
are coin operating batting cages going in this park. There cannot be both in that space.
Jose del Risco said there will be limitations because the field will be overlapping.
Commissioner Alemán said the coin operating batting cages are relatively compact and can maybe
be put somewhere else, but there is nowhere else in the City to put the baseball fields. The 72 nd
Street project needs to be done before they can put the put the baseball quad because there needs
to be parking.
Discussion continued about project #18 72nd Street Park, Library, and Aquatic Center.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross said he would like to know about the pool cost. Maria Cerna said
it would be like $4.3 plus the soft costs.
There is not cost estimate of the garage if the pool is removed.
Ray Breslin said the Panel needs to send a strong message that $300 million will not work and you
need to cut these projects.
Debra Leibowitz said that project #18 and #24 are the bulk of the list. She thinks there needs to be
negotiation on how to achieve a great park for less than $60 million.
Eric Carpenter said maybe at the end of the day the Panel comes up with $420 million or $310
million. It doesn’t need to be exactly $300 and $400 million.
Former Commissioner Joy Malakoff said that moving the pool will save a lot of money.
Carolina made a motion for project #32. She motioned to do $5.725 for the $500 and $400 million
level and $3 million for the $300 million level. Margueritte seconded. All in favor.
Project #31 North Beach Oceanside Park was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to keep the project in at all levels. Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin
seconded. All in favor.
Project #28 Maurice Gibb Park was discussed.
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Debra Leibowitz motioned to keep it at the $1.6 million for all levels. All in favor.
Eric Carpenter said he wanted to make sure everyone understood what they were doing here in
regards to the Marine Facility.
The Panel said they got rid of it.
Tameka Otto Stewart gave an update on the numbers. For the Parks category they are at $87
million at the $500 million level, $69 at the $400 million level, and $62 million at the $300 million
level.
Discussion was held and the Panel moved on to discussed projects #18 and #24.
Marguerite Ramos said for project# 18 they already decided on a number for the $400 million level,
they need to discuss the $300 million level.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked if they keep #24 Flamingo Park at $27 million, what do the numbers
come out to.
For project #18 the Panel had voted for the $500 million level to keep it at $60 million, for the $400
million level keep it at $60 million, and for the$300 million level at $0.
Tameka Otto Stewart went through the numbers. For the Parks category at the $400 million level,
the number is $167 million, $90.6 million for $300 million level. The grand total now at the $400
million level is $415 million and for the $300 million level it is $320 million. At the $500 million level
the number is $479 million.
Discussion was held regarding the numbers of the Parks projects.
Project #24 was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos said to look at what can be cut out there like at the other youth centers.
Maria Cerna said they need $10.2 million for the Master Plan implementation to finish the baseball
field, artificial turf, lighting, and softball field.
Ray Breslin suggested for the $300 million level to just do what was left over from the last G.O.
Bond.
Carolina Jones suggested completing the Master Plan at $10.2 million and add the new PAL
building. It is still $25 million.
This project is an improvement of an existing park.
Chairperson Karen Rivo asked if an amazing complex at 72nd Street can be built with $40 million.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross said there can be a baseball field and a garage, which is not
everyone’s ideal project. He wanted to know how much that would cost.
Discussion was held regarding project #18 72nd Street Park, Library, and Aquatic Center.
Carolina Jones mentioned moving PAL to the 72nd Street project.
Then there will be nothing for the children in Flamingo Park.
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Jose del Risco said that the activities could continue at the same site for Parks and Recreation and
they will gain extra space if the PAL is built at within the 72nd Street project.
Danila Bonini said she would take it back to the board as an option.
Jose del Risco said there would have to be some maintenance items at the existing facility, but there
wouldn’t be a significant change.
Commissioner Alemán said there is some space that they wanted to be left to the community so they
haven’t decided how it should be programmed. They were thinking it could be a teen club; there is
not a good community room in North Beach. The space is 25,000 square foot that is not
programmed. She thinks it works for the project is PAL occupies 15,000 square feet. There is a lot of
good cohesion.
Debra Leibowitz asked if PAL is moved to North Beach if the Fire Station #1 can move to that
location.
Chief Fernandez said that is a great idea.
The current facility where PAL is now is 13,000 square feet. Parks and Recreation can go there.
Marie Peter asked if taking the PAL away from Flamingo Park will affect anyone.
Danila Bonini said that it would affect the residents’ use of the gym, which is the main source of
income for the PAL at this time.
Jose del Risco said the building is not ideal to stay in, which is why the renovation was
recommended.
Discussion continued.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said if they decide to incorporate PAL into the North Beach site,
he thinks the project should be broken into different pieces so it doesn’t look like it’s for too much
money.
Former Commissioner Malakoff asked if the Panel is interested in bringing up to the Commission if
the library moves to the new building on 72nd Street, there would be an oceanfront property that
could be sold to pay for the pool.
The Panel has discussed this before. It has to be voted on.
Commissioner Alemán said if the G.O. Bond goes forward and we are asking the public for support
on the infrastructure projects and we are looking to the public to get the right to sell property to fund
this project, we are not going to be going for the second ask for a number of years. It would be
hitting a 3-5 year pause button on the project, if the that is the will of the Panel then that is the will.
She just wanted the Panel to consider that factor.
The Panel agreed on $10.2 million for all levels for Project #24 Flamingo Park.
For project #18 the Panel is keeping it at $60 million for the $500 million level.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said that at the $400 million level he would ask the Commission
to value engineer the project to $50 million and to incorporate the PAL and break out the $50 million
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to $35 million and $15 million for the PAL. If it is done in the $500 million level it would show as $45
million and $15 million.
Kathie Brooks said at the Flamingo Park site the PAL is going to incorporate Park s and Recreation
uses as well. She thinks it should be a lower number at the 72nd Street site. She thinks we have to
figure it out.
Maria Cerna said the number on the commercial space at 20,000 square feet is costed at $1.75
million plus the soft costs.
Carolina Jones said at the $300 million level she would recommend $15 million for the aquatic
center.
Discussion continued.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin rescinded his motion. He said the Panel should keep project #18
at $60 million at the $400 million level.
At the $400 million level the total is $397 million.
At the $300 million level with $0 allocated for project #18 the total is $302.9.
Ray Breslin motioned to keep the amount at $0. He said it will force the Commission to do
something. Motion died.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to add the $60 million back in, so it will be $60 million
for all 3 levels and they tell the Commission that the Panel was unable to do any better. Margueritte
Ramos seconded. She asked to amend to do $50 million at the $300 million level. Former
Commissioner Jerry Libbin accepted the amendment. 4 members voted yes. The motion failed.
The Panel wanted to revisit some of the other projects.
Eric Carpenter suggested looking at the other projects to see if there is anything to reconsider.
Michele Burger, Mayor Gelber’s Chief of Staff, spoke. She said any and all input to the Commission
will be valued and respected. They will feel a commitment from the Panel if they should feel they
should increase the number.
Margueritte Ramos motioned to do $45 million at the $300 million level. She changed it to $50
million, then at the $300 million level the total would be $350 million. At the $500 million level the
amount will be $60 million, at the $400 million level the amount will be $60 million, and at the $300
million level it will be $50 million. All agreed.
Totals:
$500 million level: $447,543,000
$400 million level: $397,963,000
$300 million level: $352,950,000
Former Commissioner Saul Gross suggested adding more sea wall for resiliency.
Project Prioritization – Infrastructure
Project #45 Ocean Drive Improvement was discussed.
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Margueritte Ramos motioned to go with the City Manager’s recommendation for the other levels.
Motion failed.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin motioned to put it at $18 million at the $400 million level and $12
million at the $300 million level. These numbers include the $4 million for Lummus Park.
Discussion continued.
The motion passed.
Project #51 Street Tree Master Plan was discussed for $5 million. Additional tree canopy across the
City.
The Panel agreed to keep it at all levels.
Project #54 ADA Recommendation Restroom Renovations was discussed.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross suggested it being on the PAYGO list on page 4 of the
spreadsheet.
The Panel agreed.
Project #60 Roof Replacement for Cultural Facilities was discussed.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross motioned to lower it to $1.5 million at the $400 million level.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to take this project out completely and move it to the PAYGO list. Ray
Breslin seconded. All in favor.
Project #62 Above Ground Improvements was discussed.
Discussion was held.
Carolina Jones suggested having Eric Carpenter recommending the highest priority group and put it
in the $500 million level, the second highest priority group in the $400 million level, and the next
highest priority group in the $300 million level.
Discussion continued.
Eric Carpenter said there have been neighborhoods that have received improvements already but
are still suffering, so it cannot be measured as to which got improvements already should be less of
a priority.
The Panel agreed to keep this in at all levels, based on the majority. The Panel may readdress this
later.
Project #63 Alleyway Restoration Program was discussed.
Marie Peter said she has been through the alleyways and they are very dangerous. They are lacking
paving, lighting, and signs.
Discussion was held regarding developers fixing up the alleyways. Eric Carpenter said we require
developers to repave alleyways adjacent to their project. It is something we can look at and ask
them to pave further from their property.
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The Panel agreed to keep it in at $1.2 million for all levels.
Project #66 Flamingo Park Neighborhood was discussed.
Discussion was held. $20 million.
The Panel agreed to keep in for all levels.
Project #69 La Gorce Neighborhood Improvements was discussed. It was left over from the 1999
G.O. Bond.
$14 million. The Panel agreed to keep it at all levels.
Project #70 Sidewalk Repair Program was discussed.
$13 million. The Panel agreed to keep it at the $400 million level. It is a 3-5 year project.
Discussion was held.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross motioned to reduce to $10 million for the $300 million level.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin seconded. Motion failed.
The Panel agreed to keep the $13 million for all levels.
#71 Street Lighting Improvements was discussed.
Discussion was held.
The Panel agreed to keep it at all levels.
#72 Street Pavement Program was discussed.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross motioned to lower it to $20 million at the $300 million level.
Margueritte Ramos seconded.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said he would support it at $20 million at the $400 level and it
should go down further to $15 million at $300 million. Amendment accepted. All in favor.
At the $500 million it will be $30 million, at the $400 million it will be $20 million and at the $300
million it will be $15 million.
#74 Resilient Seawalls and Living Shorelines was discussed.
The Panel agreed to keep it at all levels.
#75 41st Street Corridor was discussed.
Debra Leibowitz motioned to do this project for $20 million at the $500 million level, $15 million at
$400 million level, and $10 million at the $300 million level. Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin
seconded. All in favor.
Project #79 Washington Avenue Corridor was discussed.
Jack Glottmann motioned to do this project for $10 million at the $500 million level, $7.5 million at
the $400 million level, and $5 million at the $300 million level.
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Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said $7.5 million isn’t enough to do anything. He recommended
amending that motion to $10 million, $10 million, and $7.5 million. He then seconded.
Jack Glottmann accepted the amendment. All in favor.
Project #81 North Beach Entrance Signs was discussed.
Margueritte Ramos loves this project.
At $500 million level it is in completely.
At $400 million level they agreed on $1.6 million for one sign.
At $300 million level it failed to include at $1.1 million for one sign.
Project #84 Intermodal Facility was discussed.
The Panel agreed to keep it in at the $500 million level, but not at the $400 or $300 million levels.
Project #85 Neighborhood Traffic Calming and Pedestrian-Friendly Streets was discussed.
Former Commissioner Saul Gross motioned to keep it in at the $500 million level at $2 million and
take it out at the $400 and $300 million level. Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin seconded. All in
favor.
Project #86 Protected Bicycle Lanes and Shared Bike/Pedestrian Paths was discussed.
Carolina Jones motioned for $8 million at all levels.
Ray Breslin suggested to go with the City Manager’s $5 million at the $300 million level.
Carolina Jones accepted the amendment and Ray Breslin seconded. All in favor.
Project #88 West Lots was discussed.
Debra Leibowitz motioned for $10 million for the $500 million level, $0 at the $400 and $300 million
level. She then withdrew her motion.
Marguerite Ramos motioned for $10 million, $5 million, and $5 million.
Project #94 was created and it is North Shore Above Ground Improvements
The Panel agreed to keep it in at $8 million for all levels.
Tameka Otto Stewart went through the numbers thus far. For the Infrastructure category for the
$400 million level $206.8 and for the $300 million level it is $183,700,000. The Public Safety
category is at $51.1 million at the $500 million level and the same at the $400 million level, at the
$300 million which puts it at $46.1 million.
The Panel went back to the Parks category, please see above.
Wrap-Up
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Chairperson Karen Rivo said that she would welcome the Panel to be at the July 17th Commission
meeting. There is a 9:30 a.m. time certain.
Discussion was held about the meetings on July 17th and July 20th. On July 17th, the panel will be
handing off the task to the Commission. On July 20th, there will be more discussion.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said at the $500 million level, they should look at adding more
resilient pieces because they are $52 million under.
Chairperson Karen Rivo said she thinks they have gone through the vetting process for all the
projects and the amount doesn’t have to equal $500 million exactly.
Former Commissioner Jerry Libbin said he is concerned about putting the hotel, 3 G.O. Bond
questions, and the Inspector General on the same ballot in November. He recommended putting the
hotel and the Inspector General on in November 2018 and the 3 G.O. Bond questions next
November.
These questions together will bring people to polls.
Discussion was held.
The hotel and the Inspector General are not under the purview of this Panel.
The Panel can recommend making one G.O. Bond question if they choose. There are legal
parameters. The City of Miami did 1 question for $400 million dollars and it passed.
If the Commission votes yes on the G.O. Bond the following Panel meetings after today will be
focused on community outreach and the members of the Panel will be ambassadors of the program.
The July 19th and July 26th meetings will be canceled. Depending on what happens with the G.O.
Bond the next meeting will be August 9th.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.