March 2019 Summary
Agenda Summary
I. Call to order & Introductions, 2 min
Valerie Navarrete, Chair
Action: The meeting was called to order at 4:36pm. The following people were in attendance:
Members:
Lori Bakkum Darren Cefalu Mitchell Korus Valerie Navarrete
Debby Schwartz Charlotte Tomic
Staff/Visitors:
Alba Tarre Maria Ruiz Daniela Tamayo Martin Margulies
Constance Collins Roberto Morales Rocio Alba Saul Frances
Manuel Sarria Jerome Berrian Vicki Mallette
II. Approval of February 12, 2019 Minutes, 2 min
Valerie Navarrete, Chair
Action: Motion by Ms. Tomic and second by Mr. Korus to accept the minutes.
III. Elections of Chair and Vice-Chair, 5 min
Maria Ruiz, Dir., Housing & Community Services
Action: Ms. Navarrete was selected Chair and Ms. Bakkum was selected Vice-Chair.
IV. Confirmation of meeting schedule, 5 min
Maria Ruiz, Dir., Housing & Community Services
Action: The current monthly meeting schedule will remain for the year.
V. Committee Member Requests Update, 5 min
Cliff Friedman, Committee member request for a review of Sunshine Law
Action: Item deferred until City Attorney is scheduled.
VI. Collection of Donations Via Parking Machines Information, 20 min
Mitchell Korus, Committee Member
Saul Frances, Parking Director
Action: Mr. Frances presented on a program in St. Petersburg that allows for donations. The concept is feasible as long as
the City is reimbursed for costs.
Motion by Mr. Korus and seconded by Ms. Bakkum to recommend that the City explore the collection of donations for the
homeless through its parking payment program. The motion passed unanimously.
VII. Constance Collins, Lotus House, 10 min
Valerie Navarrete, Chair
Action: Ms. Collins presented regarding Lotus House and the proposed one percent food and beverage tax.
Motion by Ms. Tomic and seconded by Mr. Korus for the Chair to speak at Commission meeting in support of the proposed
tax.
Committee on the Homeless
March 12, 2019
Office of Housing & Community Services’ Conference Room (rear entrance)
555 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
4:30pm
VIII. Miami Beach Library Services, 15 min
Marcella Paz Cohen, Committee Member
Bryant Capley, Miami Dade County Library System
Action: Item deferred until Ms. Paz-Cohen returns.
IX. Miami Beach Police Dept. presentation, 10 min
Cap. Ian Robinson, MBPD
Action: Sgt. Berrian reported on Police efforts.
X. Homeless Outreach presentation, 10 min
Maria Ruiz, Dir., Housing & Community Services
Action: Ms. Ruiz reported on Homeless Outreach Team efforts.
XI. Public Right to be Heard, 5 min
a. Ms. Navarrete asked the Committee if she had ever asked anyone of them for money. The membership replied
‘no.” The Chair asked that the minutes reflect this.
b. Ms. Bakkum expressed concern regarding woman on 41st Street. Outreach staff advised they are familiar with her.
XII. Adjourn, 1 min
Valerie Navarrete, Chair
Action: The Committee adjourned at 5:52pm.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
4:30pm
Housing & Community Services Conference Room
555 – 17th Street (rear entrance)