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Draft Minutes - May 14, 2024 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.miamibeachfl.gov/northbeachcra MEETING MINUTES NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – 4:30 pm Normandy Shores Golf Club 2401 Biarritz Drive 1. Commencement & Attendance Members in Attendance: Chair Jose Smith, Vice Chair Ronnie Issenberg, Romina Orozco-Encio, Tom Richerson, Manning Salazar, and David Sexton At 4:35 p.m., Chair Jose Smith opened the meeting. Committee Business 2. Approval of the April 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved by acclimation. 3. Recap of Walking Tour with Commissioner Bhatt / Façade Program Update Commissioner Tanya Bhatt joined the meeting and offered thanks to everyone who attended the May 5th walking tour from Bandshell Park to North Beach Town Center to the Normandy Fountain. Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager, summarized issues discussed during the walking tour. Old Business 4. Commercial Façade Program Application Mr. Karr introduced an application to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program by Normandy Isle Investments, LLC, located at 1191 71st Street. Applicant business owner Laura Veitia greeted the Committee and discussed how her business would participate if accepted into the program, North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2024 Page 2 of 5 including using the grant funds for installation of a new awning, exterior light fixtures, impact- resistant storefront glass and door, and painting of the storefront exterior. Motion: The Committee recommends that the Chair and Board of Directors of the North Beach CRA approve the application, by Normandy Isles Investment LLC., to the North Beach CRA Commercial Facade Improvement Program, for the property located at 1191 71st Street. Made by: Manning Salazar Seconded by: Romina Orozco-Encio Motion passed by acclamation (5-0) 5. Ethics Inquiry by Committee Member Romina Orozco-Encio Farosha Andasheva, Senior Assistant City Attorney, advised on the Commercial Façade Improvement Program application eligibility for Romina Orozco Encio, for Abbott Florist, LLC, located at 1008 71st Street. Ms. Andasheva shared that she reviewed relevant materials, including written opinions regarding conflicts of interest for CRA board members, published by the Florida Commission on Ethics. Ms. Andasheva noted that the written opinions distinguished between CRA board members and those serving in an advisory capacity on boards, which do not decide the award of CRA funds. Ms. Andasheva opined that a conflict does not appear to exist in these circumstances, if Ms. Orozco Encio refrains from voting on the award of CRA funding, and if she does not influence discussion of the matter. Nonetheless, Ms. Andasheva recommended seeking a NBCRA Board declaratory action, by a two-thirds vote, to waive any perceived conflict. Chair Smith explained that Florida Statutes outlines prohibited activities for elected officials and makes a distinction for advisory board members. The prohibition applicable to elected officials should not apply to advisory members, and doubt can be further mitigated if a waiver of conflict is approved by those who award the funds, i.e. the CRA Board. Motion: The Committee recommends, in view of the favorable legal determination regarding conflict of interest by the North Beach CRA General Counsel, that the Chair and Board of Directors of the North Beach CRA waive any potential or perceived conflict of interest and allow submission of an application, by North Beach CRA Committee member Romina Orozco-Encio, to the North Beach CRA Commercial Façade Improvement Program, for a property located at 1008 71st Street. Made by: Manning Salazar Seconded by: Jose Smith Motion passed by acclamation (4 - 0). Romina Orozco-Encio abstained from the vote and did not influence the discussion. New Business 5. North Beach CRA Collateral North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2024 Page 3 of 5 Dean Chambers, Visual Communications Manager, Office of Marketing and Communications, and Aliette Fournie, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager presented proposed designs for a North Beach CRA related marketing campaign, which incorporates a “Know NoBe” branding identifier, as suggested by the Committee in the April meeting. Heather Shaw, Interim Economic Development Director, noted that the content featured in today’s presentation was prepared in response to two requests discussed at the Committee’s April 2024 meeting—the Committee’s request for introducing “NoBe” branding and a request for funding support by the Rhythm Foundation. Ms. Fournie presented two concepts to the Committee. Chair Smith asked for an opinion from James Quinlan, representative of the Rhythm Foundation. Commissioner Bhatt and Committee members discussed the benefits of QR codes and Ms. Shaw emphasized the importance of the QR code for ease of information sharing. Chair Smith proposed a motion to approve the concept, allowing the Communications staff to adjust the design based on Committee feedback. Ms. Orozco inquired into banner locations and Mr. Karr confirmed that locations were being finalized, with concentration throughout the central corridors of the CRA district. Motion: The Committee recommends providing funding for seasonal marketing support for the Miami Beach Bandshell's Seaside Summer 2024 Series, including temporary light pole banners and bus shelter advertising, in accordance with the North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan strategy to strengthen cultural arts in the North Beach CRA, by supporting and enhancing cultural facilities through cultural tourism and programming (North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan sections 9.3.1 and 9.3.3). Motion made by: Ronnie lssenberg Seconded by: Tom Richerson Motion passed by acclamation (5 - 0) 6. Byron Carlyle Redevelopment Daniel Alzuri, Assistant Director, Facilities & Fleet Management, shared that the Byron Carlyle Redevelopment was discussed at the May 2024 Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC). The discussion included concerns over parking, traffic, and density. Mr. Alzuri acknowledged that efforts will be made to address these concerns and the LUSC did not at all disfavor the project concept. On May 9, 2024, the project received unanimous support from the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee, with support for the plan to commit $4 million to workforce housing. Mr. Alzuri discussed the AMS final report on project planning, which highlighted the vibrant arts scene in Miami Beach, suggested exploring other governance structures, and noted the need for additional financial analysis, if workforce housing is included in the project. Commissioner Bhatt advocated for workforce housing, citing its benefits for the community, importance for CRA statutory compliance, and how promotion of this project aligns with North Beach CRA strategic objectives. Mr. Sexton highlighted that a workforce housing component could help close a development funding gap. Mr. Salazar asked about the existence of guarantees for workforce housing outcomes, and Commissioner Bhatt explained that the project could be structured to prevent North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2024 Page 4 of 5 short-term rentals, prioritize workforce housing, and ensure long-term community benefits. Mr. Quinlan commented about ensuring the financial sustainability of the project, ongoing cash flow, and potential economic benefits after bond repayment. Mr. Sexton noted that a self-sustaining arts center could lessen the need for ongoing subsidies to the facility, which in turn allows for diverse, community-focused programming. Motion: The Committee recommends, in concept, the proposed Byron Carlyle redevelopment plan incorporating a workforce housing component and prioritizing artistic and cultural workers, provided short-term rentals and/or micro-units are excluded. Motion made by: Manning Salazar Seconded by: Jose Smith Motion passed by acclamation (5 – 0) 8. FY 2025 Budget Priorities & Opportunities David Martinez, Interim Assistant City Manager, discussed the budget planning process and reminded the Committee about the upcoming FY 2025 Commission Budget Retreat scheduled for May 20, 2024, to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. He mentioned that real estate values are estimated to increase by at least five percent (5%), though actual growth will be available later in the year. Mr. Martinez took a moment to highlight that both Heather Shaw and David Gomez are serving in interim roles—Ms. Shaw as Interim Director for the Economic Development Department and Mr. Gomez as Interim Director for the CIP Department. Commissioner Bhatt commended City senior staff for stepping up to take on additional responsibilities, often voluntarily, to ensure continued progress and support within the Administration. 9. Committee Member Comments Ronnie Issenberg expressed a sense of pride in the proposed marketing pole banners, highlighting their potential to brighten North Beach and improve the community's perception. Chair Smith inquired who was providing the funding for the banners, and Ms. Shaw clarified that the CRA is providing funding support. David Sexton concurred about the positive impact of community-led support on local businesses, noting the success of operators such as Bob’s Your Uncle. Mr. Richerson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the organic growth of businesses driven by community investment and the North Beach CRA’s support. Romina Orozco-Encio expressed happiness over the possibility of applying for the Commercial Facade Improvement Program and Chair Smith reminded about the need first for a 6/8 vote by the North Beach CRA Board. Tom Richerson inquired about the potential to highlight community programs on the North Beach CRA website. Heather Shaw confirmed that information about program opportunities is currently available on the website and additional content will be added to educate, inform, and engage the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2024 Page 5 of 5 community. Mr. Richerson suggested showcasing concrete achievements attributed to the North Beach CRA to inspire other business owners. Manning Salazar commented on a handout distributed with quarterly reporting to the MBPD’s North Beach CRA detail, expressing a desire to receive comparative data in future reports, with side-by-side comparisons of past and recent statistics which will reflect any changes. Noting a report of 15 arrests in three months, with seven related to narcotics, and requested a detailed breakdown of narcotics arrests, specifying the types of drugs involved (e.g., marijuana, fentanyl, opioids). Mr. Salazar reiterated his perception that the neighborhood is very safe, pointing out that there was only one parking citation reported, which he personally received. Mr. Sexton interpreted the report as statistics which address the impact of the North Beach CRA-funded hours, not all parking citations for the quarter. Mr. Salazar suggested that, if that were the case, it would be beneficial to review the overall reporting for the CRA district, whether or not policing was funded solely by the CRA, to fully understand crime within the district. Chair Smith predicted that the increment tax in the area will likely exceed the rest of the city due to rising property values and new construction. Commissioner Bhatt discussed the historical context and challenges in setting North Beach CRA boundaries, emphasizing the need to include areas like Parkview Island, due to rising property values and ongoing development. She shared her plans to discuss this with Interim City Manager Rickelle Williams. Mr. Salazar suggested including areas north of Marseille Drive and up along the Tatum Waterway, citing potential growth and need for development. Justin Karr recalled past attempts to extend boundaries to the canal, which faced community resistance. Mr. Richerson noted significant pushback in the past from Parkview Island residents against inclusion when the North Beach CRA was first being formed. 10. Public Comments No public comments at this time. 11. Adjournment Motion was made and the meeting adjourned. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Normandy Shores Golf Club