January 9 2024-Minutes City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Members:
Ben Mostkoff – Appointed by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Dave Doebler- Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Elaine Roden – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez Jack Benveniste’-Appointed by Commissioner Steven Meiner
Julio Magrisso – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Tim Carr – Appointed by Commissioner Mark Samuelian
Amy Litos- Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Mike Gibaldi – Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
John Gardiner- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
Jose Frias- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held on January 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. via zoom conference. The Vice President called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.
The attendees were as follows:
Board members: Dave Doebler, Amy Litos, John Gardiner, Elaine Roden,
Jack Benveniste, Mike Gibaldi, Jose Frias, Julio Magrisso,
Absent: Ben Mostkoff, Tim Carr
City Staff: Sony Remilien– Code Compliance Department Brandon McLean– Code Compliance Department Sergeant Duane Rezende- City of Miami Beach Marine Patrol
Lindsey Precht - Environment & Sustainability Assistant Director
David Suarez- City of Miami Beach Commissioner Otneil Rodriguez- Transportation Department, Assistant Director
Mikhail Ryabov- Transportation Department, Transportation Manager
Rafael Paz- City of Miami Beach, City Attorney
Public: Bee Dahl, Luis Terife, Erick Argote, Lysette Leon
Meeting called to order at 9:20 a.m. by Vice Chairman, Dave Doebler
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
a. Marine Patrol update and discussion by Officer Duane Rezende, City of Miami Beach Marine Patrol
• Sergeant Rezende stated that the county ordinance is difficult because there’s only two ways to enforce. The $100-dollar civil citation is issued by the county and the only portion they have is arrest. They made three different arrests, all boats from Indian Creek Canal.
• There’s a schedule meeting with Code Compliance to address the issue with the pontoon boats and other sun deck boats that are picking up along Collins Avenue.
• A vessel that was in good condition broke free with the heavy winds. The vessel was
removed by sea tow and it’s no longer an issue. There is no new derelict vessel to report.
• Two new boats were ordered, and it’s expected to be delivered in the summer. b. Park Ranger Report by William Harris, Park and Recreation Department-Not
present.
c. Beach report by Marcella Cohen Paz-Not present.
d. Update on GOB Dredging Project, Mooring Field, and Water Quality by Lindsey Precht, Environmental Research Manager
Mooring Field:
• A preliminary concept layout has been put together and will be shared to MWPA from the Office of Capital Improvements through the liaison.
• A public meeting is being planned for a few weeks from now and more details will be shared once that is finalized. They will ensure the invite is shared to MWPA through the liaison. Capital Improvements and the consultant are also planning to attend a future MWPA meeting to present to the Board.
c. Discussion by Board member Amy Litos on the request from the Planning Board
for a presentation by the MWPA on recommendations for updated CMB Marina
rules legislation for consideration by the Commission.
• Update will be given at the next MWPA meeting.
New Business:
a. Fireworks effect on the marine and waterways by MWPA board member, John Gardiner
• Agenda item moved to the next MWPA meeting.
b. Discussion on the removal of Publix dock by MWPA Board member John
Gardiner
• Agenda item moved to the next MWPA meeting.
c. Olimpo Azimut LLC by Lysette Leon
Lysette Leon presented business application to the Board and answered all questions regarding business proposal.
• Approved-motion passed.
d. Bentley Yachts LLC b Bee B Dahl
• Bee Dhal presented business application to the Board and answered all questions
regarding business proposal. Approved – motion passed contingent to liaison Brandon Mclean validating insurance and landing agreement.
e. Terrific Boat Charters LLC by Luis Terife
• Luis Terife presented business application to the Board and answered all questions regarding business proposal.
Approved – motion passed contingent to liaison Brandon Mclean validating insurance.
f. Ocean Wellness Center LLC by Erick Argorte
• Erick Argorte presented business application to the Board and answered all questions
regarding business proposal.
Approved – motion passed contingent to liaison Brandon Mclean receiving revised
application.
Open Discussion
1. Motion to approve December minutes. - Motion passed.
2. Commissioner David Suarez stated that he is going to have an agenda citywide. The same
rules of not allowing any sort of charter operation will be applied to the Miami Beach
Marina.
3. City Attorney, Rafael Paz stated that there were discussions between stakeholders at
the South of 5th Neighborhood Association and the Marina Suntex Group about amending the lease in certain ways and limiting charter activities. When authorization is given for the city to take them on as part of the negotiations, they could add the MWPA board requests to be negotiated. Within the contract they can build in a role for the board.
Meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.
To access the Marine & Waterfront Protection Authority meeting videos click the following
link:https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/boards-and-committees/marine-
waterfront-protection-committee/