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Meeting Minutes - Feb 13 2024 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.miamibeachfl.gov/northbeachcra MEETING MINUTES NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – 4:30 pm Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive Members in Attendance: Chair Jose Smith, Vice Chair Betsy Perez, Ronnie Issenberg, Elizabeth Latone, and Manning Salazar Members Absent: Romina Orozco-Encio 1. Commencement and Attendance At 4:51 p.m., Chair Jose Smith opened the meeting and greeted the attendees. Committee Business 2. Approval of December 19, 2023 Meeting Minutes Motion: to approve the Committee’s meeting minutes from December 19, 2023. Made by: Vice Chair Betsy Perez Seconded by: Chair Jose Smith 3. Approval of Bi-Annual Report (July – December 2023) Motion: to approve the Committee’s Bi-Annual Report for July – December 2023. Made by: Vice Chair Betsy Perez Seconded by: Chair Jose Smith 4. Legislative Update: Committee Composition Ordinance Deputy City Attorney Ric Dopico announced that the upcoming City Commission meeting agenda on February 21, 2024 includes the deferred first reading of an ordinance amendment to amend Article III, Division 33 of the Miami Beach City Code, entitled “North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee” to add a representative of the Normandy Fountain Business Association (NFBA) as a nonvoting, ex officio member of the Committee. Mr. Dopico noted that any proposed nominee from the NFPA would be subject to approval by the City Commission. Note: on February 21, 2024, the City Commission unanimously approved item R5 R and Second Reading of the ordinance amendment is anticipated for March 13, 2024. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2023 Page 2 of 8 Discussion turned to the impending resignation of Committee member Elizabeth Latone upon her appointment to the Miami Beach Planning Board. Mr. Dopico noted that the Committee previously discussed retaining Ms. Latone on the Committee via a potential ordinance amendment codifying a member of the Planning Board on the Committee; however, this method presented questions of fairness and practicality. An alternative suggestion proposed adding a representative from a North Beach homeowner's association and Committee member Manning Salazar questioned whether this presented a conflict of interest. Mr. Dopico expressed concern that, with approximately a dozen community associations in North Beach, the selection of one association over another could be perceived as exclusionary or prioritizing one Redevelopment Area neighborhood above all others. The Committee members concurred that a simpler resolution is to appoint a replacement who would not necessitate amending the City Code. Ms. Latone suggests Mr. Tom Richerson, who serves as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Allison Park Neighborhood Association. Chair Smith supports this potential nomination, because it would avoid additional ordinance amendments. Ms. Latone laments her departure from the Committee and expressed willingness to continue contributing however possible. New Business 9. Introduction to North Beach Police Commander Police Captain Javier Matias, Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD), was introduced as the commanding officer for MBPD’s North Beach district, which runs from 63rd Street to the northern City limit. Chair Smith requested an update on a recent criminal incident that has received news coverage. Captain Matias recognized Officer Julio Blanco, North Beach Neighborhood Resource Officer, who has firsthand knowledge after responding to the attempted crime. Both police officers relayed details and answered questions from the Committee about MBPD’s apprehension of the suspect, which was effectuated without injury to any person. Captain Matias also shared background information about himself and his career, then introduced Police Sergeant Ysidro Llamoca, leader of the Community Affairs Unit, and highlighted that Sergeant Llamoca has improved the organization’s impact by incorporating data tracking technology in management of the division. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2023 Page 3 of 8 Committee member Manning Salazar requested an overview of area crime trends, specifically violent crimes versus quality of life or “nuisance” crimes, and Captain Matias agreed to provide the information prior to the Committee’s next meeting, as it is important to assemble accurate and transparent data rather to summarize from memory. Captain Matias offered to provide the Committee with ongoing reporting of criminal trends, which could be shared with Committee via Committee Liaison Ms. Williams. The MBPD officers responded to various queries from the Committee, such as the ongoing investigation into an incident at the beachfront posed by Vice Chair Perez, regulation of electric vehicles from Ronnie Issenberg, and enforcement of anti- dumping regulations asked by Chair Smith. Old Business 5. Update: Ocean Terrace Project – Private Component David Martinez, Office of Capital Improvement Projects Director, began his update on the progress of the private property component of the Ocean Terrace Streetscape & Park Project by sharing an email to the Committee from developer Ocean Terrace Holdings, LLC. Mr. Martinez also circulated aerial photographs, which Chair Smith requested to be entered into the meeting record, of the public property development project currently underway, which will beautify and pedestrianize the Ocean Terrace corridor east of Collins Avenue between 73 and 75 streets. Responding to Manning Salazar about the public park, Mr. Martinez noted that the public component of the Ocean Terrace Project is over 30% complete and appears on track for an estimated completion in early 2025. Mr. Martinez stated that the private development project is currently in the pre-development phase and the developer is finalizing a business plan. The commencement of construction depends on the tenant pre-sale process, with more information anticipated later in the Spring or Summer 2024. Elizabeth Latone inquired whether the project has received financing and Mr. Martinez clarified that he did not have further details. Chair Smith explained that, typically, lenders require the developer attain a certain number of pre-sold units before construction financing is made available. Chair Smith requested further presentation on the contractual requirements of the development agreement for the private project and any pertinent timeline or deadline to satisfy milestones. Deputy City Attorney Dopico agreed that, at the next Committee meeting, he will present a summary of relevant obligations and agreed upon timeline for the private project. 6. Update: North Beach Entrance Sign on Normandy Drive David Martinez, Office of Capital Improvement Projects Director, provided an update on two signage projects, one located at the Harding Avenue entrance into the city from Surfside and another, slightly larger, at the Normandy/71st entrance from North Bay Village on Normandy Isle. Both projects are fully designed and in the permitting phase with multiple governmental agency involvement. The projected project timeline forecasts a few additional months in permitting, with construction potentially starting in late Summer 2024, depending on the outcome of soliciting contractual services through job order contracting. Chair Smith inquired about the pricing of the job order contracting, and Mr. Martinez explained that job order contracting is exercised pursuant to a national program with pre-negotiated numbers for various items. Chair Smith explained to North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2023 Page 4 of 8 the Committee that that this procurement method allows for quicker hiring without the lengthy RFP or RFQ processes. Assistant City Manager Rickelle Williams proposed a preliminary discussion about potential participation by the North Beach CRA in branding on the Harding Avenue signage. Chair Smith touched upon the distinction between the City's sign program budget and the potential additional cost for including North Beach CRA logo branding on the signage, expressing openness to further discussion. 7. Update: Commercial Façade Improvement Program Michael Rivera, Redevelopment Specialist, shared that the City received submission of the first complete Commercial Facade Improvement Program application from the ownership of Bob's Your Uncle, 928 71st Street. The CRA Board must approve the application for the program, with an item to consider the application on the CRA Board’s March 13, 2024 agenda, and then an award agreement executed before the business may proceed with the proposed improvements. Mr. Rivera informed that the applicant proposes to use funds to power wash and repaint the building façade, replace an existing awning with a new awning, and install lighting underneath the awning. He noted that, in addition, there are four other businesses currently in the process of gathering contractor work estimates for their desired facade improvements. Rickelle Williams reminded the Committee about the grant application review process, noting that the City Manager, acting as the Executive Director of the North Beach CRA, makes a recommendation to the CRA Board; the Committee's feedback on potential program applications is advisory. Vice Chair Perez pondered about when the program might be able to expand into other commercial districts, specifically those with deteriorated building conditions. Discussion turned to the Collins Avenue corridor, and Manning Salazar noted that additional funding would be needed. Chair Smith agreed, highlighting the impact on neighborhood appearance when even one Collins Avenue restaurant underwent improvements. Michael Rivera informed that the first application would be presented to the Committee at their next meeting and Chair Smith added that hopefully representation from the applicant business will attend as well. 8. Walking Tour Follow-Up Rickelle Williams debriefed the Committee regarding the Committee’s January 18, 2024 North Beach Walking Tour and shared that several City departments were mobilized into action following the Committee’s spotlighting of issues that day. Discussion ensued regarding cleaning and sanitation service levels, including Committee member Ronnie Issenberg’s interest in the pressure washing of rights-of-way in North Beach. Manning Salazar raised concerns about potential sewer issues bleeding into the Parkview Canal and Ronnie Issenberg shared multimedia documenting a sewage malfunction affecting a private property at 75th and Collins, despite cleanup efforts and a violation issued to the building owner. Elizabeth Latone acknowledged the City’s efforts to address the issue, including checking for illegal sewer connections and homeless activity. Deputy City Attorney Dopico reminded the Committee that preferred communication protocol is to direct pertinent documents related to Committee business to staff liaison Rickelle Williams, who North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2023 Page 5 of 8 can then disseminate to other members. Chair Smith reviewed the rules regarding communication among Committee members to comply with the Sunshine Law. Ms. Williams informed that minutes summarizing the Walking Tour activities were shared with the Committee and requested acceptance from the body. Motion: to approve the minutes of the Committee’s January 18, 2024 Walking Tour Made by: Vice Chair Betsy Perez Seconded by: Elizabeth Latone 10. Committee Member Comments Elizabeth Latone raised concern that the Normandy Fountain is malfunctioning and emphasized the need for additional Code Compliance officers, noting that many of issues observed during the Walking Tour were not police matters but require code enforcement. Chair Smith agreed, sharing an experience of contacting Code Compliance about illegal dumping and Mr. Smith felt that the level of knowledge and training of the responding Code officer was less than expected. Chair Smith noted intention to add the topic to a future agenda for further discussion. Rickelle Williams highlighted the CRA Budget allocation for enhanced code enforcement, which includes overtime shifts within the district. Quarterly reports on code enforcement activities are also available for review. Michael Rivera provided statistics from the previous fiscal year, indicating that North Beach CRA funds in the amount of $27,000 were expended for code enforcement staffing in the North Beach area, with 283 calls for service and 95 violations issued during Fiscal Year 2023. Ronnie Issenberg inquired into the status of the underutilized 67th Street private parking garage. Rickelle explained that the City has made efforts to engage with the property owners, including successfully enrolling them in the Vacant Storefront Cover Program, but property ownership has been unwilling to further cooperate with City. Mr. Issenberg expressed concern about the inconsistent maintenance and replacement of trees along Collins Avenue and the need for a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance along the retail corridor. Rickelle Williams clarified that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) manages these spaces in the right-of-way, and suggested advocating to FDOT for improved maintenance and tree replacement along Collins Avenue. Mr. Issenberg pledged to propel efforts to engage FDOT and he will collaborate with Ms. Williams to propose an interagency meeting to address the issue. Manning Salazar raised concerns about inconsistent landscaping maintenance in his neighborhood, where public spaces appear neglected and stand in contrast to the well-kept Montessori school grounds. He also highlighted an apparent overwatering irrigation system leading to mud accumulation that prevents patronage at the nearby dog park. Manning confirmed that the park is a municipal dog park, with Ms. William noting that it may fall under the jurisdiction of the Parks & Recreation Department. Manning Salazar shifted the discussion to highlighting recent positive developments in the neighborhood, including the popularity of the Normandy Fountain programming and adjacent local eateries such as Karnitas 71 (954 Normandy Drive) and La Divina Commedia Trattoria (946 Normandy Drive). He expressed excitement for the area's revitalization and inquired about the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2023 Page 6 of 8 Byron Carlyle redevelopment project, emphasizing its importance for the community. Chair Smith agreed that revisiting the Byron Carlyle project and Request for Letters of Interest (RFLI) 2023-261-KB for Cultural Partners for the Byron Carlyle Theater would be beneficial to address at future meetings. 9. Public Comment Chair Smith acknowledged James Quinlan, Executive Director of the Rhythm Foundation, who manages the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue. Chair Smith mentioned his recent conversations with a former Miami Beach mayor regarding the desire of elderly residents, particularly those who receive services at Unidad of Miami Beach, 7251 Collins Avenue, to have access to events at the Bandshell. James Quinlan confirmed that complimentary tickets are regularly provided to Unidad and senior citizens also have other avenues to access reduced or complimentary admission, for example, Miami-Dade County’s Golden Ticket senior arts program. Mr. Quinlan added that such initiatives geared towards the senior adult community have been ongoing for some time. Regarding the Rhythm Foundation’s Seaside Summer event series, Mr. Quinlan desired revisiting last year's discussion on the potential for collaboration with the North Beach CRA to promote the Bandshell’s summertime activations. Ms. Williams noted that the Florida Redevelopment Association has discouraged use of CRA funding for marketing purposes by nonprofit organizations. However, the Committee members agreed that the CRA should explore ways to promote cultural arts in the Redevelopment Area that would benefit North Beach nonprofit partners such as the Rhythm Foundation. Ms. Williams offered to connect with Mr. Quinlan and update the Committee about potential mutually beneficial cultural branding initiatives for the North Beach CRA. Noting that today’s meeting agenda was not provided as far in advance as the Committee is typically accustomed to, Rickelle Williams acknowledged that the Administrationn occasionally encounters challenges in the management of responsibilities while always maintaining expectations of first-class service to residents, businesses, and the community. She thanked the Committee in advance for their patience and understanding and affirmed her commitment to upholding the highest standards in administering Committee affairs and communications. Chair Smith emphasized the importance of timely communication regarding meeting agendas but acknowledged the pressures faced by City staff and expressed understanding in these circumstances. 10. Adjournment Motion was made and the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 – Normandy Shores Golf Club