LTC 137-2003 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~[lf~
City Manager
WEEKLY UPDATE
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
June 9, 2003:
Neighborhood Leadership Academy - The Building Department presented an
overview of their responsibilities and services to academy participants on June 9.
The participants' 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.
Ethics Training Seminar - Members of the administration hosted a second
installment of the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics training seminar on
June 9. The seminar, led by the County's Robert Meyers, focused on
strengthening ethical practices citywide.
Neighborhood Conservation District - I met with representatives from the
administration on June 9 to discuss policy details on establishing a Neighborhood
Conservation District in the two-block stretch of West Avenue.
Modes of Rapid Transit Options - The Consultant, HDR Engineering, Inc.,
hosted a follow-up public information workshop on June 9, which provided an
overview of the transit evaluations currently underway. The workshop,
discussing modes of rapid transit options, provided an opportunity to review
evaluations and results from a recent Modes of Transit study while affording the
public with a forum to express their perspective and receive answers to their
concerns. A community involvement workshop will be held by HDR Engineering,
Inc. on June 25, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in a location to be determined, to
evaluate the various transit options. A special Commission workshop, presenting
the draft report has also been scheduled for July 10, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers.
Landlord and Tenant Workshop - Representatives from the administration
hosted a public information workshop on June 9 to discuss landlord and tenant
conflict resolution. The mini workshop, in conjunction with the Legal Services of
Greater Miami, Inc., addressed landlord and tenant rights, responsibilities and
where to seek assistance.
Charter Review Board - A public meeting was held on June 10 to address the
renewal of the City's charter. Further information, and agenda minutes, can be
found on the City's internet under E-Government, Boards and Committees.
Ali-America City Award - The City was awarded the prestigious Ali-America
City Award on June 14. The award, given by the National Civic League, is part of
a 54-year-old program recognizing civic excellence and communities best
exemplifying the spirit of citizen involvement and collaborative problem solving.
A delegation comprised of staff representatives and community and business
activists participated in the final round of the competition in Washington, D.C. and
were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the City.
Fourth of July Celebration - Members of the administration are preparing to
host the City's annual Fourth of July celebration, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on
the 72na Street Beach, behind the Band Shell. The free event will be headlined
by world renowned trumpet player Arturo Sandoval and will include a
naturalization ceremony and a fireworks display over the ocean. The Office of
Communications has begun media outreach efforts, disseminating press
releases and event flyers. Further information on the transportation, parking and
security plans, as well as copies of the English and Spanish versions of the flyer,
are posted on the City's intranet and internet.
Middle Beach Neighborhood Meeting Representatives from the
administration and the Police Department are preparing to host a community
meeting on June 16 to address various Middle Beach neighborhood issues. The
meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Nautilus Middle School Cafeteria, will
provide residents with a forum to express their concerns as well as receive input
from various city departments.
Bayshore Neighborhood Traffic Calming - Members of the administration will
be meeting with area residents on June 18, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Mayor's
Conference Room, to discuss traffic and congestion in the area.
Outdoor Entertainment - Members of the administration are preparing to
participate in a City Commission Workshop on Monday, July 7, beginning at 2:00
p.m. in the Commission Chambers, to address community concerns and
comments regarding the proposed hotel and outdoor entertainment ordinance.
if you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me.
JMG/ri/jl
F:lcmgr/$alllltc-O3/weeklyupdateslJune 13weeklyupdate