Resolution 2024-33277 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33277
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE
PLACEMENT OF A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE IN THE NORTHWEST
CORNER OF PRIDE PARK NEAR A TREE IN HONOR OF CIVIL RIGHTS
ACTIVIST AND PRESERVATIONIST JOE TOM EASLEY, PURSUANT TO
SECTION 82-504 OF THE CITY CODE.
WHEREAS, at the May 15, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission referred an item (C4 M) to the
Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC"), to discuss the
placement of a plaque in honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley at
Pride Park; and
WHEREAS, at the June 5, 2024 Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life
Committee ("PSNQLC") meeting, the item was moved to the full Commission with a favorable
recommendation; and
WHEREAS, during the July 24, 2024 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City
Commission passed Resolution No. 2024-33191 accepting the recommendation of the Public
Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee, at its June 5, 2024 meeting, to approve the
placement of a commemorative plaque in the northwest corner of Pride Park near a tree in
honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley; setting a public hearing on
September 11, 2024, pursuant to Section 82-504 of the City Code, to consider the installation of
the commemorative plaque; and directing the City Clerk to publish the appropriate public notice;
and
WHEREAS, Joe Tom Easley, who passed away in February of 2022, was a leading
national civil and gay rights activist, a noted attorney instrumental in getting "don't ask/don't tell"
repealed, and a fierce advocate for historic preservation, serving on the board of the Miami
Design Preservation League for many years; and
WHEREAS, his marriage to husband Peter Freiberg was among the first same-sex
unions announced in the New York Times; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Easley served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, spent years
fighting for the repeal of "don't ask/don't tell," and used his skills as a speaker, teacher and
leader to serve the gay community; and
WHEREAS, he was a chairman of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a
group that sought to end discrimination against gay military personnel, served as chairman of
the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, an LGBT group, and as president of the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation; and
WHEREAS, his husband, Peter Freiberg, and the Palm View Neighborhood
Association have requested that the City of Miami Beach honor Joe Tom Easley; and
WHEREAS, the Palm View Neighborhood Association request doing so within the
Palm View neighborhood, and are suggesting to place the plaque near a tree in the northwest
corner of Pride Park. Mr. Easley fought hard to make Pride Park happen and therefore, they
believe it would be a suitable place to honor his memory and legacy; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Economic Development
Department support placing a memorial plaque in the northwest corner of Pride Park near a
tree; and
WHEREAS, the cost to produce and install a 12" x 12" plaque and a supporting
pedestal, is approximately$3,000 - $5,000.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby approve, by 5/7th vote, the placement of a commemorative plaque in the
northwest corner of Pride Park near a tree in honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe
Tom Easley, pursuant to section 82-504 of the City Code.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 11 th day of Septem r 2024.
Steven Meiner, Mayor
ATTEST: SEP 1 7 2024
/ /1/
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE a�,
& FOR EXECUTION = `P". f ' cS
Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
9 I 3/-70IN[ORP'`ORA
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Commissioner Laura Dominguez City Attorney .0gr Date .. � ,
Co-Sponsored by 9 ��,..• � :.. ��_=
Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J.Fernandez
Resolutions - R7 C
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: September 11, 2024 1:40 p.m. Public Hearing
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE PLACEMENT OF
A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PRIDE PARK
NEAR A TREE IN HONOR OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND PRESERVATIONIST
JOE TOM EASLEY; PURSUANT TO SECTION 82-504 OF THE CITY CODE.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve, by 5/7th vote, the placement of a commemorative plaque in the northwest corner of
Pride Park near a tree in honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley; pursuant
to section 82-504 of the City Code.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the May 15, 2024 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt,
the Mayor and City Commission referred an item (C4 M)to the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee("PSNQLC"),to discuss the placement of a plaque in honor of civil rights
activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley at Pride Park. (Exhibit A).
At the June 5, 2024 Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC")
meeting, the item was moved to the full Commission with a favorable recommendation. (Exhibit
B).
During the July 24, 2024 City Commission meeting, Resolution No. 2024-33191 was passed
accepting the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee,
at its June 5, 2024 meeting, to approve the placement of a commemorative plaque in the
northwest corner of Pride Park near a tree in honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe
Tom Easley; setting a public hearing on September 11, 2024, pursuant to Section 82-504 of the
City Code, to consider the installation of the commemorative plaque; and directing the City Clerk
to publish the appropriate public notice.
ANALYSIS
Joe Tom Easley, who passed away in February of 2022, was a leading national civil and gay
. rights activist, a noted attorney instrumental in getting "don't ask/don't tell" repealed, and a fierce
advocate for historic preservation, serving on the board of the Miami Design Preservation League
for many years.
His marriage to husband Peter Freiberg was among the first same-sex unions announced in the
New York Times. Mr. Easley served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, spent years fighting for
the repeal of"don't ask/don't tell," and used his skills as a speaker, teacher and leader to serve
the gay community. He was a chairman of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a group
that sought to end discrimination against gay military personnel, served as chairman of the
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, an LGBT group, and as president of the Human
Page 861 of 1377
Rights Campaign Foundation.
His husband, Peter Freiberg, and the Palm View Neighborhood Association have requested that
the City of Miami Beach honor Joe Tom Easley. They request doing so within the Palm View
neighborhood, and are suggesting to place the plaque near a tree in the northwest corner of Pride
Park. Mr. Easley fought hard to make Pride Park happen and therefore, they believe it would be
a suitable place to honor his memory and legacy.
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Economic Development Department support
placing a memorial plaque in the northwest corner of Pride Park near a tree. The cost to produce
and install a 12" x 12" plaque and a supporting pedestal, is approximately$3,000- $5,000.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The Parks and Recreation Department will be covering the costs through its current budget,
estimated at approximately$3,000-$5,000.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
The Business Impact Estimate (BIE)was published on . See BIE at:
https://www.miamibeachfl.aov/city-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Account: 011-0950-000343-28-406-545-00-00-00-
Amount: $3,000.00—$5,000.00
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project?
Yes No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
Parks and Recreation
Sponsor(s)
Page 862 of 1377
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Co-sponsor(s)
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Condensed Title
1:40 p.m. PH, Install Commemorative Plaque for Joe Tom Easley in Pride Park.
(Bhatt/Dominguez) PKS
Page 863 of 1377
Committee Assignments-C4 M
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commissio i
FROM: Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
DATE: May 15, 2024
SUBJECT: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE
TO DISCUSS THE PLACEMENT OF A PLAQUE IN HONOR OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND
PRESERVATIONIST JOE TOM EASLEY AT PRIDE PARK.
ANALYSIS
Please place on the agenda a referral to the PSNQLC a discusson about installing a memorial park in Pride Park for late Miami
Beach resident Joe Tom Easley. Joe Tom was a leading national civil and gay rights activist, was a noted attorney instrumental in
getting "don't ask/don't tell" repealed, and was a fierce advocate for historic preservation, serving on the board of Miami Design
Preservation League for many years.
His husband Peter Freiberg and the Palm View Neighborhood Association would like to have a plaque honoring Joe Tom, and
while they initially thought someplace in their neighborhood migit work, the feeling is that a location in the northwest corner of
Pride Park, which Joe Tom fought hard to make happen,would bea more suitable location.
Please see the links below to learn more about Joe Tom's remarkable life and legacy,
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article258677928.html
https://www.wa sh i ng ton post.com/ob i tua ri es/2022/02/22/joe-tom-easiey-gay-rig hts-dead/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/23/us/joe-tom-easley-dead.html
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2022/02/23/law-professor-Igbt-rights-advocate-joe-tom-easley-dies-at-81/
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
n/a
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
n/a
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a"Residents RIghtSQ Does this item utilize G.O.
Know"Item,_pursuant to Bond Funds?
Silty Code Section 2.141
No No
Strategic Connection
Non-Applicable
Legislative Tracking
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Page 864 of 1377
NEW BUSINESS 12.
MIAMI BEACH
COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM
TO: Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee Members
FROM: Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager
DATE: June 5, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING PLACEMENT OF A PLAQUE IN HONOR OF
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND PRESERVATIONIST JOE TOM EASLEY AT
PRIDE PARK
HISTORY:
At the May 15, 2024 Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, the
Mayor and City Commission referred an item (C4 M) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC"), to discuss the placement of a plaque in honor of civil
rights activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley at Pride Park. (Exhibit A).
ANALYSIS
Joe Tom Easley, who passed away in February of 2022, was a leading national civil and gay
rights activist, a noted attorney instrumental in getting "don't ask/don't tell" repealed, and a fierce
advocate for historic preservation, serving on :he board of the Miami Design Preservation
League for many years.
His marriage to husband Peter Freiberg was among the first same-sex unions announced in the
New York Times. Mr. Easley served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, spent years fighting for
the repeal of "don't ask/don't tell," and used his skills as a speaker, teacher and leader to serve
the gay community. He was a chairman of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a group
that sought to end discrimination against gay military personnel, served as chairman of the
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, ar LGBT group, and as president of the Human
Rights Campaign Foundation.
His husband, Peter Freiberg, and the Palm View Neighborhood Association have requested that
the City of Miami Beach honor Joe Tom Easle . They request doing so within the Palm View
neighborhood, and are suggesting to place the plaque near a tree in the northwest corner of
Pride Park. Mr. Easley fought hard to make Prde Park happen and therefore, they believe it
would be a suitable place to honor his memory artJ legacy.
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Economic Development Department support
placing a memorial plaque in Pride Park. The cost to produce and install a 12" x 12" plaque and
a supporting pedestal, is approximately$3,000 -S5,000.
Page 215 of 249
Page 865 of 1377
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that the PSNQLC discuss and male a recommendation on the placement of a plaque in
honor of civil rights activist and preservationist Joe Tom Easley at Pride Park. If recommended, and
approved by the City Commission, this will require anappropriation of a budget, not to exceed $5,000, to
purchase the plaque and pedestal.
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know" item. pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
Yes No
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
0 Exhibit A—Referral Memo from May 15, 2024 Commission Meeing-Item C4 M Memo
Page 216 of 249
Page 866 of 1377
Con mnee
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Harcrabie Mar and M en bers cf 1he City C crn m sscn
FROM: Ca-nmssicher TayaKBett
CATE May 15,AL�4
SL.E.ECT:SAL TO TFE RELIC SAFETY AND NEIG EO RHOOD Q LALITY OF LFE COMM I I if
TO DISCXJSS T1-E RACEM I3\T OF A RAQLE N HONOR OF CNC RIG FTS ACTIVIST AAD
FFESERVATIO NET JO E TOM EA9_EYAT FREE PARK
ANALYSIS
Please place m the agenda a referral to the PSNQLC a cirri aim aba.t i cteij a mane iel pair n Pride Pate fcr late Mani
Bead's resident Joe Tan Easieyc Joe Ton was a leafing r tiQral civi and wy ric}is actin was a ncled atkrr ley keIrtrnertaln
gettr 'tuft adVdcrit k t'repealed,and was a Tierce acloccale fcr IiElaic presavati n.servtg an tie bead cf NFcrni Desigi
Reservaticn League for may yeas
HCs hind Pew Frig axi the Pain View Neat brrtred Asscclion wild lice to Five a s iz e t u u iy-toe Ton and
while they inilialy lhocx,}it some:lace in the*neig-tcrhood m gr-t watt,tie feeling is that a burs,in tie ncrtwest comer cf
Ride Pak,which Joe Tom facht had to make happen,wafd be a mere satdkfe bcaticn.
Fuse see the bits bekw to Lean mere atxx t..be Tang rernaicable fife axi lagers..
Mlicsi/wwwrrsanherActcom I
Illps.//www.ryti I imurnd2aZ,A jud4unicitrodhlrnI
tilpsdMwwt i2LZ JGWZ.Jbw-Rciasscr is-ac\icaclape-tom y-c aR11/
S PPOR1Ir1G SURVEY CATA
r/a
FINANCIAL I'FORNIAT1D N
ria
Appi atkthina
Sa th Beads
Oiba'Aransil;,Feahtllr Quta alb'Darn uttisa(a.U.
Ki cw" _ardFu __
Iy Cade Sedim 2-14?
No No
SkidagicSsimeclicii
Ncri-Arrfirark.
Ccm m ssia a Ta K E It
Page 217 of 249
Page 867 of 1377
� 1
In honor of Joe Tom Easley
(1940 - 2022)
l
f;•)
:4 I _
LGBTQ Civil Rights Leader and
Beloved Miami Beach Resident
Joe Tom was a proud gay man, lawyer,
historic preservation supporter and veteran,
who helped lead the successful campaign
for LGBTO equality in the military.
MIAMIBEACH -)l":�
Page 868 of 1377