September 10, 2024 Minutes
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.miamibeachfl.gov/northbeachcra
MEETING MINUTES NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 – 4:30 pm Normandy Shores Golf Club 2401 Biarritz Drive
1. Commencement & Attendance
Members in Attendance: Vice Chair Ronnie Issenberg, Romina Orozco-Encio, and Tom Richerson
Members Absent: Manning Salazar and David Sexton (ex-officio)
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Ronnie Issenberg at 4:51 p.m. Vice Chair Issenberg acknowledged the presence of Assistant City Manager Rickelle Williams, who greeted the Committee and expressed her enthusiasm to continue serving as co-liaison, a role she has held since the Committee’s inception.
It was noted by Vice Chair Issenberg that the meeting lacked a quorum, which limited the Committee’s ability to take formal action on its business. In response to a question regarding the reappointment process for the Committee chair following Commissioner Jose Smith's resignation,
Ms. Williams clarified that it is the responsibility of the Committee members to nominate and elect a new chair, and the City Commission does not select the Committee’s leadership. Committee member Tom Richerson inquired about the possibility of meeting quorum through virtual participation, but Senior Assistant City Attorney Farosha Andasheva explained that Florida law does not permit board members to vote or fulfill attendance obligations when participating virtually. Committee Business 2. Approval of the May 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes
No vote was taken due to lack of quorum.
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Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2024 Page 2 of 3
3. Approval of the July 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
No vote was taken due to lack of quorum.
4. Approval of January – June 2024 Biannual Report
No vote was taken due to lack of quorum.
Old Business
5. FY 2025 Proposed Budget Recommendation
Luis Wong, Economic Development Administrative Services Manager, presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 CRA budget, highlighting a 6.6% increase in taxable values from the previous year. He detailed allocations across various categories, including beautification, enhanced services, arts and culture, small business development, administration, and future projects. Specific budget items included $374,000 for beautification, $239,000 for community policing, and
$175,000 for arts and culture.
Assistant City Manager Williams emphasized the need for a five-year strategic plan to align the
CRA's goals with programming and ensure efficient funding management. In response to Committee member Richerson's inquiry about the hiring process for consultants to develop the strategic plan, Ms. Williams explained that staff, independent consultants, and community
member input would contribute to the plan’s preparation.
Committee member Romina Orozco-Encio asked about the timeline for processing payments for
the Commercial Facade Improvement Program. Mr. Wong assured her that grant reimbursements are typically processed within one month. Additionally, Mr. Richerson questioned the reduction in the community cleanliness budget, which Mr. Wong explained based on an analysis of prior year expenses and an hourly rate study by the Office of Management and Budget in conjunction with the Public Works Sanitation Division.
6. Update: 72nd Street Community Center
David Gomez, Interim Director of the Office of Capital Improvement Projects, provided an update on the 72nd Street Community Complex project, which is part of the General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Program. He explained that the City Commission had decided to shift from a design-build model to hiring a design and construction manager. The project, which has a $79 million
construction budget, includes a 500-space parking garage, a competition pool, a fitness center, and a new library.
The project timeline anticipates the completion of design review by January 2025, with construction expected to begin in May 2026. Mr. Gomez addressed questions from Committee members Richerson and Issenberg about potential challenges related to relocating underground
utilities and the traffic impacts during construction.
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Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2024 Page 3 of 3
New Business
7. Miami Beach Business Survey and Business Accelerator/Incubator Program
Diana Fontani-Martinez, Redevelopment Specialist, introduced the Economic Development Department’s plans for a business incubator and accelerator program. This initiative aims to support the formation and growth of new, early-stage, and more established businesses by offering technical support, market analysis, mentoring, financing resources, and cost-saving opportunities. Ms. Fontani-Martinez also mentioned an ongoing survey campaign to gather feedback from the business community, as well as a forthcoming pitch competition that will offer financial assistance to small businesses. Vice Chair Issenberg suggested the creation of a North Beach food and wine festival to promote local businesses and restaurants. Ms. Fontani-Martinez praised the idea, comparing it to a culinary incubator that could bolster the local food scene.
8. Committee Member Comments
Committee member Romina Orozco-Encio proposed exploring solutions to address the lack of
shade in North Beach, particularly during the summer months. She suggested the installation of
shade sails or similar structures as innovative ways to provide relief from the sun. Committee members Richerson and Issenberg agreed, noting the challenges of tree planting due to space constraints. They recommended that the Committee consider pilot projects to test shading solutions along Collins Avenue to enhance walkability and attract visitors. The Committee agreed to add this topic to the agenda for further discussion at the next meeting.
9. Public Comments
Jessica Fried from Sybarite Productions, Inc. requested support from the Committee for the
upcoming LOVEisLOVE Festival and Artistic Installation, a community arts and cultural event
scheduled for November 2, 2024, at Normandy Fountain, produced in conjunction with the
Normandy Fountain Business Association. The event will feature local and professional artists
across various disciplines, including music, dance, and visual arts, with a focus on cultural
exchange and community engagement. Ms. Fried asked for assistance in setting up a temporary
public art installation at the Normandy Fountain, which will include interactive elements for
community participation.
Assistant City Manager Williams proposed scheduling a meeting between event organizers and
staff to ensure alignment with the North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan’s objectives, with a
detailed request to be presented at the Committee’s October 2024 meeting.
10. Adjournment A motion was made, and the meeting adjourned.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Normandy Shores Golf Club