3- Meeting Minutes 6-22-23
General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee
City of Miami Beach
MEETING MINUTES No. 41
June 22, 2023
Members in Attendance Via Zoom:
Karen Rivo, Chair
Scott Needelman
Jason Koslowe
David Grieser
Dana Martorella
Laura Veitia
Susan Askew Michael DeFilippi
Absent:
Jack Glottmann, Vice-Chair
Dennis Scholl
Carolina Jones
Adam Kravitz
Bruce Carter
Staff and Guests Attendance:
Maria Hernandez, Liaison
Devin Ramirez
Thais Vieira
David Martinez
Jason Greene
Alex Denis
Eric Carpenter
Roland Aragunde
Chief Abello
Allison Novack
Elizabeth Estevez
Elizabeth Miro
Giancarlo Pena
Frank Garcia
Jose Del Risco
Jose Gonzalez
Lauren Firtel
Kevin Pulido
Mark Taxis
Maria Cerna
Maria Gulias
Matthew LePera
Rickelle Williams
Tiffany Bain
Virgil Fernandez
Jani Singer
James Quinlan
Matthew Gultanoff
David Phillips
Natalie Burns
Meeting Start Time: 4:30 pm
General Notes: These meeting minutes are condensed and seek to capture the overall intent of discussions as
interpreted by the meeting coordinator. Each paragraph indicates the time on the audio recording where the
discussion commenced during the meeting. For more detail on the discussion, please refer to the audio recording
in its entirety. All current and past meeting materials including agendas, handouts, minutes, presentations, and audio
recordings are available by visiting: www.GOMBInfo.com/OversightCommittee/Meeting Records.
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 41
June 22, 2023
Page 2 of 6
I. Roll Call and Introductions
(Refer to the Meeting Audio Recording on the G.O. Bond Website.)
0:34 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed.
3:10 Chair Karen Rivo asked a few members to introduce themselves. David Grieser and Laura
Veitia introduced themselves.
II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 5-24-23
6:15 Chair Karen Rivo asked for a motion to approve the May 24th meeting minutes.
Motion:
6:19 Dana Martorella made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
6:26 Laura Veitia seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
July Meeting
6:40 Chair Karen Rivo stated that the July 20th Committee Meeting is going to be canceled.
7:00 Maria Hernandez explained that Staff is diligently preparing for the June 28th City
Commission Meeting and building the G.O. Bond for Arts & Culture Bond website.
III. Community Outreach
Upcoming and Recent Past Public Meetings
(Refer to pages 3-5 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
9:08 Kevin Pulido discussed the Items Related to G.O. Bond Program Projects, found on pages 3-
5 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet.
12:20 Maria Hernandez reported that the most important G.O. Bond related item at the June 28th
City Commission Meeting is Item R7 A, which is the issuance of the bonds for the G.O. Bond for
Arts & Culture.
2018 Bonds
IV. Program General Status Update
(Refer to pages 6-14 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
15:40 Maria Hernandez reported that approximately $60 M has been spent and approximately
$24 M is encumbered. There are currently 32 active projects and 11 completed. In regard to
subprojects, there are 11 under construction and 30 under planning and design. Commencement
of construction for GO# 15 Bayshore Park, GO# 23 Pedestrian Bridge, and GO# 19 Soundscape
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 41
June 22, 2023
Page 3 of 6
Storage is slated to begin in the third quarter. A groundbreaking ceremony for Bayshore Park is
currently being planned for September.
V. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
(Refer to pages 15-25 of the Agenda & Handout Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
#1 72 St. Community Complex
19:32 David Martinez reported that Item C2 A, at the June 28th City Commission Meeting, will
authorize Staff to begin negotiations with the Construction Manager at Risk. Concurrently, Staff
is deep into their negotiations with the Design Consultant. Staff anticipates finalizing negotiations
within the next 2-3 weeks.
#15 Bayshore Park/Par 3
20:53 David Martinez reported that Staff is anticipating issuing a Notice to Proceed to begin the
paperwork of the project by next week, which will take about 2 months. Staff is currently
coordinating a groundbreaking ceremony.
#43 Chase Ave/34 St Shared Use Path
22:07 David Martinez reported that project was discussed at length at the May 23rd Public Safety
Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee Meeting (Item 5). There are concerns from
residents of the path being in front of a single-family home on the corner of Prairie Avenue and
34th Street. The Committee has asked the Administration to look into alternatives to address the
concerns. Staff is currently working on looking into alternatives, but this project is tied to a FDOT
project. Staff spoke with FDOT regarding the concerns and FDOT said they were going to meet
amongst themselves and then provide feedback. This challenge may cause a delay in the project.
27:29 David Grieser expressed that he would not want to see this project get delayed. He asked
if there was an official request from the Committee.
27:40 David Martinez reported that the Committee asked Staff to comeback to the July 12th
Committee Meeting to discuss alternatives. (Item 1 was discussed. Administration to hold a
meeting with stakeholders and FDOT and bring final recommendation to September City
Commission Meeting.)
Discussion continued.
29:37 Jason Koslowe stated that he agrees with David Grieser. He would like a solution to be
found so that the project can move forward.
Discussion continued.
Motion:
33:30 Jason Koslowe made a motion to support the plan of action that the Administration
recommends to expeditiously advance the GO #43 Chase Ave/34 Street Shared Use Path project
forward.
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 41
June 22, 2023
Page 4 of 6
35:40 Susan Askew seconded the motion. Motion passed 6-0.
#23 Pedestrian Bridge
36:50 David Martinez reported that the developer’s design team is sorting through utility
conflicts. Staff has met with them and have provided feedback. They are expected to provide
their revised drawings in the upcoming days.
39:23 Dana Martorella expressed that the residents in the area are very anxious to see the project
begin.
#43 23 Street Streetscape Improvements
40:09 David Martinez reported that at the beginning of 2023, this project received 2 bids that
were unfortunately deemed unresponsive. The City is currently exploring the Job Order Contract
(JOC) procurement method and expect to obtain and evaluate pricing by August.
#45 Fire Station #1
43:49 David Martinez reported that the Historic Preservation Board approved the plans for the
temporary daycare in Flamingo Park on June 13th. There will be two items at the July 26th City
Commission Meeting regarding this project that will allow the City to go into contract with FPL
and AT&T. (This item was subsequently approved) The award of the construction services
contract will be brought to the September 13th City Commission Meeting.
Discussion continued.
#54 Marine Patrol Facility
53:36 David Martinez reported that the Design Review Board approved the 30% design drawings
on June 6th. The 60% design drawings are expected in August.
#48 Police HQ Facility – Tranche 1
54:49 Frank Garcia reported that at the June 28th City Commission Meeting, the issuance of a
Request for Qualifications for a Construction Manager at Risk Firm will be approved (Item C2 J).
(This item was subsequently approved). On a parallel track, Staff is working on a permit package
for the Real Time Crime Center.
#42 Bayshore South Traffic Calming
55:52 Jose Gonzalez reported that the 60% design plans were received. Staff is currently
requesting additional funding according to the latest estimated construction costs, which
includes additional traffic calming devices requested by some of the Commissioners and
residents. This project is being closely coordinated with GO#43 Chase Ave/34 St Shared Use Path.
#29 West Lots – Tranche 1
1:00:00 Elizabeth Estevez reported that the Parks and Recreation Board made a motion at their
May 25th meeting requesting that the West Lots be used for recreational use. A discussion item
is going to the Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee Meeting on June 23rd (Item 20). (This
item was subsequently deferred).
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 41
June 22, 2023
Page 5 of 6
1:03:40 Laura Veitia asked for an update on GO#30 Skate Park since it is located in the West Lots.
1:03:55 Elizabeth Estevez explained that the project is on hold because it needs additional
funding to proceed as designed.
Discussion continued.
#18 Scott Rakow Ice Rink Floors
1:06:29 Elizabeth Estevez reported that this project is scheduled for FY25 to allow the Parks and
Recreation Department to replace the refrigeration plant because it is at its end of life.
VI. Public Comment
1:07:57 Chair Karen Rivo asked if anyone from the public has any questions.
1:08:17 Matthew Gultanoff thanked David Martinez for the Chase Ave/34 St Shared Use Path
update and the motion made by the Committee. Regarding the Bayshore Traffic Calming project,
he stressed the importance of connecting bike lanes on Prairie Avenue to the park and adding
additional bike lanes towards Scott Rakow and Miami Beach Senior High for added connectivity.
VII. G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture Update
(Refer to pages 26-30 of the Agenda & Handout Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
Collins Park Artist Workforce Housing
1:13:22 Maria Hernandez reported that there was a financial closing on June 15, 2023 for the
Collins Park Artist Workforce Housing project. This $42 million project will address the need for
additional workforce housing units and dormitories for the Miami City Ballet dancers. The G.O.
Bond for Arts & Culture contributed $4 million via a grant. Rickelle Williams spearheaded this
project.
1:14:50 Rickelle Williams thanked the Committee Members for their support on this project. The
Administration had a kick-off meeting with the developer, contractor, and the Building
Department to discuss obtaining the permit early next week. A groundbreaking ceremony is
currently being planned for July, where invites will be sent once the date is confirmed. Staff
anticipates that this project will be completed in Spring 2025.
1:15:35 Chair Karen Rivo asked Rickelle Williams where this building will be located in Collins
Park.
1:15:43 Rickelle Williams explained that the building will be located at the surface parking lot
adjacent to the library and the parking garage.
1:16:14 Jason Koslowe asked Rickelle Williams if the City was able to take advantage of new
legislation out of Tallahassee that provides certain incentives and benefits for long-term housing
for this project.
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes No. 41
June 22, 2023
Page 6 of 6
1:16:30 Rickelle Williams reported that since this project was well underway and all the financing
was structured prior to the passing of the Live Local Act, it will not be taking advantage of any of
those potential opportunities. This project did take advantage of incentives from Miami-Dade
County and City of Miami Beach. In order for this project to move forward and not become
vulnerable to interest rates and rising costs of construction, materials and labor, Staff believed
that it was to the advantage of every partner on the project to secure the financing and get to
financial closing as soon as possible.
Discussion continued.
6/28/23 Commission Meeting
1:19:04 Maria Hernandez reminded the Committee Members that the approval of Tranche 1
(Second Reading – Public Hearing) will be heard at 9:30 am (Item R7 A). A resolution approving 3
additional grantees that will be receiving partial grants for technology improvements is also on
the agenda (Item C7 G). A resolution accepting the recommendation of the City’s Finance and
Economic Resiliency Committee, at its May 24, 2023 meeting, and approving and authorizing the
City Manager to document the Arts & Culture G.O. Bond projects via video and still photography
is also on the agenda (Item C7 L). (All 3 of these items were subsequently approved)
7/26/23 Commission Meeting
1:23:40 Maria Hernandez reported that there will also be a Tranche 1 - Capital Budget
Amendment item on this agenda, as well as Amendment 1 to the grant agreements, which will
facilitate advanced funding to qualified grantees. The Administration is currently working on the
Aquatic Sculpture Park and MB Classical Music Festival projects.
Next Steps & Anticipated Milestones
1:26:20 Maria Hernandez reported that the Administration will close on the bonds in July and the
funds will be made available in August.
VIII. Public Comment
1:27:36 Chair Karen Rivo asked if anyone from the arts community would like to share some
words.
1:28:56 David Phillips reported that 2 out of the 8 subprojects at the New World Symphony will
be underway this summer. He thanked everyone for the support and efforts.
1:28:35 Natalie Burns, from The Fillmore Miami Beach, thanked Staff and the Committee
Members for all their efforts and communications.
IX. Adjournment
1:31:37 Meeting adjourned.