LTC 126-2003 CITY of MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission /
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
WEEKLY UPDATE
Date: May 23, 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
May 19, 2003:
Leadership Initiatives - As part of my list of annual priorities aimed at enhancing
organizational efficiencies through the empowerment and education of our
employees and managers, leadership development sessions have been created.
On May 15, one such leadership session was held at the Jackie Gleason Theater
of the Performing Arts, focusing on overall team building, mission alignment, goal
setting, performance measures and internal leadership development. While the
Police Department coordinated the entire session, the morning portion of the
symposium was open to all city employees and facilitated by the co-founder of
Franklin Covey, Hyrum Smith. Two sessions were held through the day, with the
morning session focusing on leadership development and the afternoon portion
emphasizing the "Nobility of Policing."
Public Works Week Celebration - Members of the administration and the Public
Works Department hosted the "Public Works Week Celebration" from May 18-24,
successfully commemorating the valued job performed by Public Works
employees nationwide. An employee appreciation luncheon was held on May 22
in tribute to the weeklong celebration.
Neighborhood Leadership Academy - The Planning Department presented an
overview of their responsibilities and services to academy participants on May
19. The participant's surveys, completed at the end of each session, will be
compiled and shared with each department. A final report, including a summary
of all three Neighborhood Leadership academies, will be presented to the Mayor
and Commission.
Memorial Day 2003 - Members of the administration continued to finalize
planning details throughout the week with various city departments as well as
local businesses, hotels and nightclubs; ensuring proper allocation of city
services and personnel during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I,
alongside the Mayor, attended a Miami Herald editorial staff meeting on May 19
to ensure Memorial Day weekend news coverage is factual and fair while
emphasizing the City's myriad of the planning efforts. I was also joined by
Assistant City Manager Christina Cuervo, during our visit to the WLRN Public
Radio studios on May 22 to appear on the live call-in show "Tropical Currents"
detailing the City's action plan while responding to community concerns. Media
outreach efforts, including Police and staff representative appearances at urban
and mainstream news radio stations such as WEDR/JAMZ, WHQT-FM/Hot 105,
610-WlOD News among others, took place throughout the week conveying the
City's Major Events Plan to large segments of the population. The
administration also continued to monitor websites and local and national media
outlets to help determine event perception and possible crowd size estimates.
Employee Leadership and Parenting Forum - In order to help employees
achieve stronger leadership and interpersonal skills, the City held an employee
Leadership Forum on May 20. The forum, part of an innovative six-month
coaching series developed by representatives from the Human Resources
Department and the Communications Office during the "Waves of Change
Customer Service Appreciation Week," provides employees with dynamic and
real life solutions to everyday work scenarios and life challenges. The program
also includes a second Family Development forum, focusing on enhancing family
relationships while instructing staff on how to develop a balance between life and
work responsibilities. All coaching forums are carried out by a professional
coaching instructor, with the schedule posted on the employee intranet. The next
Family Development Forum is scheduled for May 29, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in
the First Floor Conference Room.
Markets Negotiations - Members of the administration met with the successful
proposer on May 20 to continue ongoing negotiations for a concession contract
resulting from the Market RFP process. The administration and the successful
proposer have discussed a "First Source Agreement" that would be included as
part of the contract negotiations for Miami Beach Flower Vendors, with a priority
for those merchants in proximity to the respective market. To that end, the City
facilitated a meeting with Mark Johnson and the Market Company to initiate the
discussion; and 2 Dozen Roses was provided an application to participate
immediately in the Lincoln Road Market commencing this weekend.
Collins Park Homeowners Association - Members of the administration,
alongside representatives from the Police Department, joined residents on May
20 to discuss various neighborhood issues. Residents expressed concerns over
quality of life issues, including litter and graffiti along Washington Avenue and
22nd Street and along the Liberty Avenue pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian
bridge and the boardwalk were also identified by residents as areas of homeless
encampments and loitering. Residents also voiced their apprehension with
activities involving the Roney Plaza, citing valet and taxi traffic disruptions as well
as noise violations resulting from on-site events. Those in attendance were
assured that the areas of concern would be reviewed by both the Police
Department and the administration and the pertinent departments notified to take
corrective action where possible.
Tourism Efforts - Members of the administration celebrated the launching of a
new tourism endeavor on May 21, aimed at welcoming visitors to the port of
Miami and generate tourist interest in our city. City representatives were on hand
to welcome Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ship, "The Dawn", during its maiden
voyage, with the City's renowned flamingo sculptures to greet visitors. The
unique Miami-Beach flavored flamingo sculptures, part of the "Flamingos in
Paradise" program implemented last year, will be permanently stationed at the
entrance to the Port of Miami's Terminal 3. Also joining the celebration and
greeting visitors every Wednesday will be the City's roaming "Concierge Desk"
which disseminates tourism information and sets up tours to our city.
Sunset Harbor Neighborhood Association - Members of the administration,
alongside representatives from the Police Department, joined the Mayor and
several commissioners and residents on May 22 to discuss various
neighborhood issues. Residents expressed concerns over the Purdy Lounge,
citing the need for off-duty police presence to curb public drunkenness and
disorder as well as excessive noise and littering. Homeless outreach efforts
were also requested for individuals inhabiting Purdy Park. Stricter traffic
enforcement was also requested, specifically targeting drivers running stop signs
at Sunset Harbor Drive and 20th Street and vehicles illegally parked at the nearby
Publix supermarket. Neighborhood members also notified those in attendance of
illegal parking and speeding infractions committed by Tremont and Beach
Towing trucks. All present were informed that all concerns would be forwarded
to Middle District Police Department supervisors for proactive enforcement.
Filming in Miami Beach - Representatives from the administration continue to
facilitate various filming projects throughout our city. Several productions
wrapped up successful filming schedules throughout May, including the
independent film "lsla Bella," starring Charlotte Ayana and Esai Morales; E!
Entertainment Channel's popular show, "Wild On South Beach!"; Comedy
Centrars "The Man Show" and "Trigger Happy TV"; ESPN sports television's
"Beg, Borrow and Deal" and "Totally Hooked"; and the Travel Channel's "Let's
Get Packing." Spanish network Univision successfully broadcasted their popular
morning show "Despierta America" live from South Beach on May 22, reaching
approximately 40 million viewers worldwide. Also on the horizon for the month of
June is the return of the popular CBS drama "CSI Miami," filming a two-hour
episode in June; and the theatrical releases of "From Justin to Kelly," a Fox
feature film set in Miami Beach and the eagerly awaited sequel, "2 Fast 2
Furious." Also scheduled for release is "Bad Boys 2," opening in July 2003.
Departmental Retreats - As part of the City's commitment to Organizational
Development, one of the City's five strategic priorities, departmental retreats
have been scheduled throughout the week of May 26 - 30. Departmental
retreats include: Operations on May 27; Finance and Information Technology
Department on May 28; Building Department on May 29; and administration and
internal support staff on May 30. During its May 29 retreat, the Building
Department will be closed for the day, with no inspections carried out. Notices
are being disseminated to contactors, residents and businesses in the
community while customer service-friendly fliers, courteously explaining the need
for the department closure, have been posted in the Depadment over the past
several weeks. A scrolling message was broadcast on Channel 20 during the
May 21 Commission meeting and will continue to appear leading up to May 29.
Other City Staff will be assigned to the Building Department to assist customers
and additional staff will be assigned to the City's Answer Center.
Modes of Rapid Transit Options - Representatives from the administration are
preparing to host a public information workshop on May 28, beginning at 6:00
p.m. in the Police Department Community Room, to discuss modes of rapid
transit options. The meeting will provide an opportunity for public comments to
be heard.
Parks and Recreation - Members of the administration and the Parks and
Recreation Department are planning a special meeting of the Parks and
Recreational Facilities Advisory Board on May 28, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the
First Floor Conference Room, to discuss new pool fee requests. The meeting,
resulting from a directive issued by the Finance and Citywide Projects
Commission Committee at its May 12 meeting, will outline program market
analysis results and fee recommendations among other items.
Charter Review Committee - Members of the administration are preparing to
host the final public meeting on May 29, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers to address the renewal of the City's charter. The
meeting, televised on TV20, is part of a process undertaken every 10 years
where community participants review items such as district representation,
election runoff time frames, mayoral term limitations and form of government
questions among others. Further information, and agenda minutes, can be found
on the City's internet under E-Government, Boards and Committees.
Hurricane Season Preparedness - In an effort to help our residents and
businesses prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, from June 1 through
November 30, the City is preparing to host the second annual Hurricane Fair on
June 1. The City will team with organizations such as the Humane Society, Red
Cross, Home Depot, and Southeast Metals to disseminate safety and
preparedness brochures, offering valuable information that could potentially save
properties and lives.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
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