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LTC 052-2024 Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) MotionsMIAMI/BEACH City of Miami Beach. 1700 Convention Center Drive. Miami Beach. FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov NO. LTC # 052-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner Members of the City Commission FROM: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk REGIS BARBOU DATE: February 13, 2024 SUBJECT: Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) Motions The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide the memo from the Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) Board meeting that occurred on February 13, 2024. Docu Sign Envelope ID: ED8 A4F512-DB84 -4 37E-B9 34 -9AD0 F7391D6 7 MIAMI BEACH MARINE AND WATERFRONT PROTECTION AUTHORITY BOARD TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Board February 13, 2024 Enhancing Charter Boat BTR Approval and Renewal Procedures The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of the City Commission that the Marine Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) has identified critical gaps in the current Business Tax Receipt (BTR) approval and renewal process for charter boats within our jurisdiction. Our advisory role lacks the authority to deny BTR applications, even for operators with histories of citations, complaints, or violations. This limitation hampers our commitment to upholding maritime conduct and environmental stewardship standards. In response, the MWPA unanimously recommends establishing a structured approval process granting us the authority to evaluate and approve initial BTR applications for charter boats. We also propose implementing a renewal process that mandates a review of any violations or complaints against charter operations. This approach ensures that renewals are contingent on a satisfactory compliance record, with the MWPA having the final say on renewals for those with significant non-compliance issues. Additionally, we suggest requiring charter boats to report any operational changes during their BTR renewal application, promoting transparency and adherence to regulations. We request that the City Commission direct the City administration to assess these recommendations and develop a framework that enables the MWPA to effectively oversee charter boat operations. By formalizing these procedures, we aim to better safeguard our waterways and ensure that charter boats meet our city's esteemed standards. The MWPA sincerely thanks you for your consideration. Respectfully, GE» bave p8eyer MWPA Vice Chair 2/13/2024 I 12:48 PM PST