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Meeting Minutes 11-14-23 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.miamibeachfl.gov/northbeachcra MEETING MINUTES NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive Members in Attendance: Chair Jose Smith, Vice Chair Betsy Perez, Romina Orozco-Encio, Manning Salazar, Elizabeth Latone, and David Sexton Members Absent: Ronnie Issenberg 1. Welcome & Attendance At 4:15 p.m., Chair Jose Smith opened the meeting and greeted the attendees. 2. Approval of October 10, 2023 Meeting Minutes Motion: to approve the Committee meeting minutes from October 10, 2023. Made by: David Sexton Seconded by: Vice Chair Betsy Perez 3. Committee Matters: Meeting Schedule Chair Smith referred to a draft calendar with proposed meeting dates for the 2024 calendar year. Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager, explained that the meeting dates are proposed for the second Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm, same as the Committee’s current practice. She expressed that the proposed calendar was drafted for discussion purposes and staff is open to discussing modification. Ms. Williams also cautioned that the schedule was subject to change following the scheduling of City Commission committee meeting dates. Chair Smith suggested removing the August 2024 meeting date to observe customary practice of an August recess. Following discussion of certain dates and scrivener’s errors in the calendar, the Committee agreed to continue meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in 2024. Rickelle Williams updated the Committee regarding the requirement for reappointment of most existing Committee members in January 2024, subject to vote by the City Commission, in accordance with Ordinance 2023-4558. Chair Smith sought confirmation that any City Commission vote on reappointment would occur after installation of the new Mayor and City Commission, and Ms. Williams confirmed that the vote on reappointments will likely be brought forward by the City Clerk in January 2024. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2023 Page 2 of 5 Old Business 4. Update: Façade/ Property Improvement Programs Michael Rivera, Redevelopment Specialist, provided an update on the North Beach CRA’s Commercial Façade Improvement and Residential Property Improvement Programs. As of the current date, four (4) businesses had expressed interest and begun the application process. No completed applications have been submitted to the City, however Mr. Rivera actively follows up with each business to facilitate their completion of the application submission process.. Committee member Elizabeth Latone inquired about enhanced program promotion to Collins Avenue businesses and Mr. Rivera clarified that the initial phase of the program targets the Normandy Fountain area, with possible program expansion in the future. Regarding the Commercial program, Committee member Romina Orozco-Encio raised concern with the eligibility restriction of one-business-per-landlord. Mr. Rivera explained that participating property owners selected for an award must adhere to a two-year waiting period before submitting new applications for another property address. Committee members David Sexton and Manning Salazar both expressed concerns about the restriction. They suggested revisiting the guidelines, to promote collaboration and perhaps enable multiple properties to receive bulk pricing on contractor services. The Committee discussed this program component and how it affects fairness and equity in the distribution of funds. Chair Smith shared firsthand knowledge of how individual property owners can monopolize award funds and Deputy City Attorney Ric Dopico suggested tying the limitation on awards to beneficial ownership, considering the possibility of the same owner having interest in multiple corporate entities. Emphasizing the importance of fairness and reducing barriers to participation, the Committee discussed potential approaches, including implementing a cap, allowing phased participation, and weighing each circumstance separately based on beneficial ownership. Discussion shifted to the program’s deadlines for application submission, with Manning Salazar proposing application deadlines to ensure fairness for all, in contrast to the proposed rolling submission process. Rickelle Williams expressed concern that business participation could potentially be hindered by restrictive application deadlines. It was ultimately agreed to proceed as currently proposed and continue with a rolling application submittal process, with a planned assessment of the situation six (6) months after implementation of the program. Luis Wong, Administrative Services Manager, provided an update to the Committee’s recent discussion of the program requirement that applicants obtain multiple service quotes from contractors. It remains mandatory that, for services in an amount exceeding $5,000, applicants must obtain written quotes from at least three licensed contractors. However, for proposed services which cost $5,000 or less, procurement rules enable the CRA Executive Director or designee to approve applications and a quote for services is necessary from only one (1) contractor. Michael Rivera assured David Sexton that this announcement will be shared promptly with current applicants. Chair Smith affirmed the importance of abiding by procurement rules during the application process. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2023 Page 3 of 5 5. Update: Ocean Terrace Park & Streetscape Improvements Project David Martinez, Director, Office of Capital Improvement Projects, provided an update on the project's progress, including thanking members of the Committee for attending the City’s October 26, 2023 groundbreaking ceremony. His update touched on key details, such as the commencement of demolition of certain structures, the establishment of an initial detour of the beach walk; and an estimated completion timetable within 14 to 16 months, with a final deadline in early 2025. In response to questions by Elizabeth Latone and Chair Smith about the developer’s construction of the private project component, Mr. Martinez preferred to focus on the public construction component which he has firsthand knowledge about. Mr. Martinez did clarify that, pursuant to the development agreement, a building permit for the private component can be issued only after public project permits are granted. Chair Smith inquired whether the developer had filed permit documents for the private component and Mr. Martinez committed to confirming whether the private side has applied for or obtained any building permits. 6. Update: Byron Carlyle Redevelopment Project Elizabeth Miro, Interim Director, Facilities and Fleet Management Department, reported that it is anticipated in December 2023 that consultant AMS Planning and Research will provide its draft report on potential cultural programming partners at the facility. She further shared that the City administration is simultaneously working to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a cultural arts center at the site, to be presented to the City Commission for consideration in early 2024. David Sexton inquired about the vision for the project, referencing the desire for a multidisciplinary, multi-generational community/performing arts center. Elizabeth Latone expressed hope that discussions with the Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) respondents would commence soon, and emphasized the importance of evaluating responses to identify the best fit for the project. Manning Salazar expressed satisfaction with the progress, acknowledging the hard work put into the project over the past several years. New Business Vice Chair Betsy Perez requested an impromptu update regarding the 72nd Street Community Center complex and David Martinez provided a brief overview of recent developments. He reminded the Committee that, last year, the City Commission terminated the design-build development underway and authorized a new procurement process. This involved separate selection of an architecture & engineering design firm and a construction manager-at-risk. Contracts have been executed with both consultants and negotiations with the design and construction teams are underway to ensure construction costs do not exceed $70 million. Mr. Martinez requested patience with this high profile project, as it is crucial that the City proceeds with prudence to keep within budget. In response to Elizabeth Latone’s inquiry about design placement of the pool component, Mr. Martinez clarified that no decision has been made and various scenarios are being considered. David Sexton offered his recollection that a pool consultant advised against placing the pool on the rooftop due to practical concerns. Ms. Latone emphasized the need for accurate information North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2023 Page 4 of 5 to counterbalance rumors circulating about the project. Manning Salazar acknowledged a need for transparency and discussed concerns with the project's impact on the neighborhood. Chair Smith suggested addressing the project as a future agenda item in a few months when more information is available from the new City Commission. 7. Committee Member Comments Manning Salazar highlighted the positive aspects of in-person meetings despite any inconvenience they may bring. Chair Smith echoed Manning's sentiments, adding that the City Attorney’s Office cautioned that there was no choice but to meet in person. Discussion turned to meeting locations and Chair Smith inquired about the North Shore Youth Center as a potential venue. Rickelle Williams deferred to Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager, who had explored meeting locations. Mr. Karr noted challenges presented by scheduling the meetings at other City facilities, such as limited availability until nighttime at the Youth Center due to daytime programming. Romina Orozco-Encio raised the topic of reapplication to serve on the Committee, noting receipt of an email from the City Clerk’s Office indicating a December 1, 2023 deadline. David Sexton informed the Committee about a potential conflict resulting from his dual membership on the now- permanent North Beach CRA Advisory Committee and the Cultural Arts Council. Manning Salazar praised David Sexton's contributions and expressed concern with finding a suitable replacement if Mr. Sexton must resign to comply with City rules. Chair Smith suggested potential avenues to explore participation on both committees and Deputy City Attorney Dopico offered to report back after conferring with the City Attorney. Discussion shifted to inviting the newly installed City Commission, as well as County Commissioner Micky Steinberg, to a future Committee meeting. Information about the completion timeline for the Commission Chambers renovation project was also provided by Elizabeth Miro. 8. Public Comment None. 9. Adjournment Motion was made and the meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 – Normandy Shores Golf Club