LTC 034-2025 Board and Committee Biannual ReportsOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
LTC No. 034-2025
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
DATE: January 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Board and Committee Biannual Reports
Please find attached for your review, the Board and Committee Biannual Reports submitted to the Office of
the City Clerk for the period of July to December 2024.
Pursuant to City Code Section Sec. 2-22(13), the chairperson of each agency, board, or committee, or
his/her designee, shall biannually submit a completed written report to the City Commission and City
Manager. The submitting agency, board, or committee must approve the contents of the report prior to the
presentation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Clerk at 305-673-7411.
REG
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community
BOARD AND COMMITTEES THAT DID NOT SUBMIT A BI-ANNUAL
REPORT FOR JULY – DECEMBER 2024
Ad Hoc City Lighting Plan Advisory Committee
Ad Hoc City Sanitation Advisory Committee
Ad Hoc Iguana Remediation Advisory Committee
Ad Hoc Nightlife Industry Task Force (NITE) Advisory Committee
Ad Hoc South Shore Community Center Advisory Committee
Miami Beach Commission for Women
Next Generation Council
Personnel Board
Sister Cities Committee
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Ad Hoc Permitting Process Improvement Advisory
Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Damian Gallo
CITY LIAISON:
Maria Hernandez, Interim Assistant City Manager
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
6
ACTIVITY:
Purpose
The purpose of the Ad Hoc Permitting Process Improvement Advisory Committee is to conduct
monthly meetings to assess and evaluate the City's permitting process and provide
recommendations to streamline the permit process and improve the public’s customer service
experience.
AGENDA – Meeting #4 – Tuesday, July 16, 2024
• Explanation of Building Department Vacant Positions, Employee Classification, Salary
Compensation, and Benefits
• Progress Report on Moran Consulting Customer Service Initiative
• Discussion on Lobby Configuration
AGENDA – Meeting #5 – Tuesday, August 13, 2024
• Progress of CMB Customer Service Improvements (presented by Bob Moran, Moran
Consulting & CMB Staff)
• Experience of Resident Owners and how to improve it (proposed by Member Jordan
Ronson)
• 6-Month Recap: Committee Findings & Recommendations vs Actions taken by the Building
Management Team
• Introduction of North Office Manager Leonor Hernandez, Customer Service Manager,
Building Department
• Open Discussion
• Implementation of Committee Recommendations – Eliminating Excess Permit Types (proposed
by Vice Chair Nicholas Caliri)
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AGENDA – Meeting #6 – Tuesday, September 17, 2024
• Welcome to Future Building Department Director Vince Seijas (Virtual)
• Progress Update from Moran Consulting
• Discussion on Private Provider (proposed by Member Jeevan Tillit)
• Q & A with Tyler Technologies
o Darlene Garner, Vice President of Client Success
o Mo Mabrouk, Client Success Manager
• Open Discussion
o Early Start Permitting
o Interior Partial Demolition Permit
AGENDA – Meeting #7 – Tuesday, October 15, 2024
• Progress Update from City Administration
• Permit Intake Discussion by Jordan Ronson
• Free Amnesty Program for Property Legalization
• Open Discussion
AGENDA – Meeting #8 – Tuesday, November 19, 2024
• Welcome to Building Department Director Vince Seijas
• Permit Intake Discussion by Jordan Ronson
• Fast Permitting and OTCP, Issues
• Administration Requirement Requests
o Condo Letter & Renewal Approvals
• Open Discussion
o Early Start Permitting
o Interior Partial Demolition Permit
AGENDA – Meeting #9 – Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• Building Department Updates by Building Director, Vince Seijas
• Unsafe Structures Violations Impact on the Community
• Improving Permit Accessibility on CSS:
o Addressing Resident Challenges with Timelines and Attachments
• Open Discussion
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
• Return of a “Walk-through” permit process i.e., in person (Phase 1 pilot close to
commencement),
• Comprehensive communication plan to assist in simplifying the process for the public
(brochures, video, one-pager hand out material, on-line information improvements – all
close to completion and launch),
• Implementing information regarding the Certificate of Use (CU) and Busines Tax Receipt
(BTR) requirements early in the permit application process for businesses (In process),
• Continue measuring improvements based on time and customer experience (customer
satisfaction, cycle time, call volume – ongoing),
• Consider implementing a ticketing process to streamline communication and problem
solving for customers (under review),
• Implement “Decision Engine” technology to streamline the permitting process “From the
Get-Go” (in process),
• Re-assessment and re-structuring of all permit types streamlining the process, removing
redundancies, and simplifying the system for customers and staff.
• Implement recommendations from Tyler Technologies and Energov assessments, and
make other technology improvements (in process),
• Implement interdepartmental policy changes which speed up permitting (in process),
• Evaluate interdepartmental staffing needs to meet the desired levels of service to the
customer (future change),
• Create a more welcoming environment in the building department lobby (future change)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Comprehensive assessment of the permitting customer’s needs,
• Fundamental customer service training for all staff of 6 permitting city departments,
• Process improvement teams who identified root causes of problems and recommended
solutions,
• Implementation of recommendations that have resulted in a 30% reduction in call volume
to the call center (indicating 30% fewer problems for customers),
• Segmented certain permit types to speed up the process to include – Over the Counter
(OTC), i.e., same day, and “Fast Permits”, i.e., with a 5-day review time,
• Established and implemented formal “Standards of Service” for each role impacting the
customer’s experience with permitting,
• Established metrics to indicate review cycles and review times showing measured
improvements,
• Updated permitting “Frequently Asked Questions” and responses on-line,
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• Established internal communication tool – directory or “Who Does What” for 6 permitting
departments enhancing communication and access to solve problems.
• Hiring of a new Building Director and other key staff within the Department,
• Promoting a Customer Service Manager to become the point person to assist with
resolving customer complaints and provide guidance to help customers complete their
process,
• Hiring of a Permitting Coordinator reporting to the Neighborhood Affairs Division and
working closely with the Building Customer Service Manager,
• Completed assessment of permitting related software and technology with
recommendations for improvement,
• Reallocation of knowledge staff to front counter from customer service and violations
expediting problem solving and service delivery.
• Installed computers in lobby area for customers to easily access accounts as well as “How
To” videos on TV monitors.
• Enabled direct communication for the customer to the inspector by passing the call center
– saving the customer time and frustration.
• Specialized trainings for each role in the permitting process implementing the new role-
specific standards of service. (Intake, Review, Call Center, Inspectors, Records, Finals,
Violations)
• Filling of open staff positions as well as department restructuring to meet the needs of the
community.
• Policy modifications to include Planning plan review not required for re-submittal after
passing.
• Policy group remains in place representing all 6 permitting departments with a focus on
streamlining processes and enhancing the customer experience.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
CHAIRPERSON: Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
CITY LIAISON: Marcela Rubio
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD: 3
ACTIVITY: July 2024- December 2024
July Meeting: No meeting was held.
August Meeting: No meeting was held.
September Meeting:
1.Staff provided the Committee with updates on rent assistance programs, Homeowner Rehab and
First-Time Homebuyer program.
2.Collins Park Workforce Housing Update:
Justin Karr from the Economic Development Department provided an update on the seven-story
Collins Park Workforce Housing project, approved by the commission a few years ago. The
project includes 80 residential units for workforce housing, prioritized for artists, educators,
nurses, veterans, and city employees. The second floor will serve as a dormitory for the Miami
City Ballet, while the ground floor, spanning 2,248 square feet, is planned as a nonprofit cultural
arts space to maintain its tax bond status. An RFP for a suitable tenant will be discussed in
October. Completion is expected in February, with leasing starting in November.
3.Acquisition of Multi-Family Property using Federal Allocations Update:
•On May 15, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission approved the contract to purchase 1735
Normandy Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33141 utilizing CDBG and HOME funds.
o The one-story property consists of two, two-bedroom two-bath units and two, one-
bedroom one-bath units. The four apartments have been rehabilitated including:
plumbing, electricity, appliances, and flooring.
o Purchase price: $1,600,000.00
o We have been unable to close due to an unsafe structure’s violation related to the
property recertification. The seller has been working to resolve the issue, and the
electrical permit for the necessary work was closed last week. We are now only
waiting for the building recertification to be completed in order to proceed with the
closing.
4.Affordable Housing Projects Update:
o Vista Breeze: The Seawall at Breeze has been fully completed at 100%.
Construction of the housing has not commenced.
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o HACMB -- The Egret 8127 Crespi Blvd.: Acquisition funded with CDBG, and
additional funds were awarded for the seawall. HACMB is pending funding for the
construction of the building.
o HACMB – The Heron: Pending funding for construction
o 337 20th St.: Tenants are working with Legal Services of Greater Miami offers
services and some tenants have accepted
o Council Towers: Working on closing out permits and punch-list at both towers
5. Barclay Plaza Apartments Update
The Administration will meet with Legacy to begin negotiations, which will be presented to
the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee on September 20, 2024, before
presenting the proposal to the Mayor and Commission.
6. Discussion on Construction of Affordable Housing Projects
• Current efforts on constructing workforce housing on parking lots:
o Staff informed that the transportation department is currently collecting data on
commuters, specifically regarding the workforce and the number of people
commuting into the city. They are willing to present their findings after next month's
meeting, and we may also have some additional details to share.
7. Amount of SHIP Funding Available for FY 24-25
• Below are the estimated amounts of available SHIP funding released with the RFA. No
proposals for multi-family rehabilitation projects were received. The Administration
submitted an item to the Mayor and City Commission on September 11, 2024, to propose
the available funding for homeowner programs.
o FY 24-25 SHIP Allocation: $403,374
Waitlist for Purchase Assistance with Rehabilitation and Homeowner
Rehabilitation: $363,036.60
Administration (10% of allocation): $40,337.40
8. AHAC Annual Report 2024:
• Must be approved by the Mayor and City Commission
• Must be submitted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 30, 2024
• Public Hearing will be held at the October AHAC meeting
o Staff has included a draft in your email and also in your packets. The AHAC has
previously made motions regarding incentives for affordable housing. The state does
not expect significant motions to be made every year; however, we are required to
submit a report to them annually. We do this each year, and it is very good.
9. Schedule Meeting Dates 2024
• October 15, 2024, 5:00 pm
• November 19, 2024, 5:00 pm (City Commission meeting is November 20, 2024)
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• December 17, 2024, 5:00 pm
October Meeting: The meeting was cancelled.
November Meeting:
The Committee discussed various items, including:
1. Staff provided the Committee with updates on rent assistance programs, Homeowner Rehab and
First-Time Homebuyer program.
2. Acquisition of Multi-Family Property using Federal Allocations Update:
• On September 27, 2024, the City finalized the acquisition of 1735 Normandy Drive.
• The Administration is currently working on filling the two vacant units in the property and
recertifying the other two households.
3. Discussion on Construction of Affordable Housing Projects Update:
• Jose R. Gonzalez from Transportation and Mobility Department Director/ Interim Parking
Department Director, and Jackie Caicedo, Administrative Services Manager provided the
following updates: Interactive map of parking lots throughout the City: Parking Facilities,
Rates, and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - City of Miami Beach (miamibeachfl.gov) and
60 parking lots, 12 parking garages
• The Committee has requested the Transportation and Mobility Department provide a list of
garages at the next meeting that could potentially be developed into workforce housing.
Additionally, the Administration is tasked with identifying funding sources for the
construction of 10 units.
• The Committee requested a meeting on December 17, 2024, with a single agenda item: for
Administration to explore potential funding sources and to investigate the building
department fees, including whether some of those fees could be allocated toward this
project.
4. Barclay Plaza Apartments Update:
• On September 20, 2024, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee recommended
the term sheet for approval by the Mayor and City Commission.
• Vice-Mayor Fernandez motioned to transmit this item to the City Commission with a
favorable recommendation of the terms as presented with the final term sheet to include
an initial deposit with benchmarks and a potential cap on the area median income.
• The Administration is currently developing the term sheet and intends to present the term
sheet at the December 11, 2024, Commission meeting
5. AHAC Annual Report 2024 Update:
• Was approved by the Mayor and City Commission on October 30, 2024
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• Will be submitted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation before December 30, 2024
December Meeting:
The following updates were provided:
1. Homeowner Assistance Program Update FY 23-24 Update:
• Staff advised the Committee that we currently have four homeowner rehabilitation applications
approved.
• Staff went on to state regarding allocations, to provide a general estimate:
o For Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), we receive approximately
$800,000 annually.
o For HOME funds, the allocation is around $600,000 per year.
o For the state SHIP program, we receive about $400,000 annually.
o These amounts can vary depending on the federal allocation, which is determined
based on Census data and the assessed needs of low-income populations.
2. Discussion on Enterprise Accounts Update:
• Jason Greene from Chief financial Officer provided the following updates:
• Building Department: The Building Department enterprise fund is regulated by Florida Statue
553.80(7)(a) and is very clear and specific that the fund may only be used for enforcing the
Florida building code.
• Jason stated that the city manages several enterprise funds, which operate as self-sustaining
businesses separate from general government functions like police or administration. These
funds cover services such as water and sewer, stormwater, sanitation, the building department,
the convention center, and parking. Each fund is supported by user fees rather than taxes and
is designed to cover its own costs without relying on property tax revenue. Unlike progressive
taxes, user fees are fixed charges for services, regardless of income or property value.
Enterprise funds are common in municipalities and may also include utilities like power or waste
management, depending on the region. Their primary purpose is to independently provide
specific services to residents and customers.
• The city's enterprise funds face varying challenges and constraints:
o Sanitation Fund: It operates at a deficit and requires additional funding, making external
transfers unrealistic.
o Building Department Fund: Legally restricted by state law to be used solely for operating
the department, with no flexibility for other uses.
o Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Funds: These funds are critical for a $1 billion, 5-year
capital program and funded through user fees. Diverting funds would increase rates and
raise legal concerns due to revenue bonds.
o Convention Center Fund: Supported by operational revenues and county convention
development taxes, these funds are tied to agreements that limit reallocation.
o Parking Fund: Financially healthy with a surplus, though slightly lower than expected
due to deferred rate increases. It remains a potential resource but draws scrutiny from
rating agencies.
o Overall, legal and financial restrictions limit flexibility in reallocating enterprise fund
resources.
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3. 2025 Meeting Dates:
• The tentative schedule takes into consideration the 2025 City Commission dates:
• January 21, 2025, 5:00 pm
• February 18, 2025, 5:00 pm
• March 11, 2025, 5:00 pm
• April 15, 2025, 5:00 pm
• May 13, 2025, 5:00 pm
• June 17, 2025, 5:00 pm
• July 15, 2025, 5:00 pm
• August- RECESS
• September 16, 2025, 5:00 pm
• October 21, 2025, 5:00 pm
• November 18, 2025, 5:00 pm
• December 16, 2025, 5:00 pm
FUTURE ACTIVITIES: JANUARY 2025– JULY 2025
• AHAC will continue to work on discussing incentive strategies to develop affordable housing
and will submit an Annual Report to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, as required
by Florida Statute, by December 31, 2024.
• The AHAC will continue to invite community partners to provide legislative updates and
information related to affordable housing.
• The members of the AHAC will continue providing the Administration with recommendations
on proposals connected to affordable housing.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: July 2024- December 2024
The members of the AHAC continue to advocate for the creation and preservation of existing
affordable housing units. The Committee made several motions in support during this period.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Animal Welfare Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Linda Diamond
CITY LIAISON:
Julien Desrois
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
2
ACTIVITY:
Discussed - C7 AJ - A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO PREPARE A
PLAN AND A COST ESTIMATE FOR TRAPPING, AND SPAYING OR NEUTERING ALL
COMMUNITY CATS WITHIN MIAM6I BEACH OVER A PERIOD OF SIX MONTH, WITH THE
PLAN TO BE PRESENTED TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE
(“FERC”) AT ITS JULY 26, 2024 MEETING.
Office of the City Attorney Commissioner David Suarez
• A facility will be required for CJ AJ project, with paid employees.
• Another facility/facilities is/are required for the Cat Program for adoption, sick and injured
cats,
• and TNVR recovery due to the success of our new CMB Cat Trapper Coordinator.
Trappers are experiencing issues with feeders who do not withhold food after they have been
notified about a trapping schedule. Discussed possible addition to ordinance about issuing fines
for interfering with trapping by feeding.
Discussed private residences who hire animal removal companies and our trapping and removing
owned pet cats. The Cat Program Coordinator, Holly Whalan, met with a few HOA’s to discuss.
Discussed multiple buildings that hired fumigation companies that had open crawl spaces with
cats underneath. After they were met on location by The Cat Program Coordinator, Holly Whalan,
and notified the cats, they said they would not proceed and then proceeded the next day and cats
were killed. Also, discussed buildings that called Holly in advance and installed the one-way doors
and no animals were killed.
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Continue the ask for another facility/facilities which is/are required for the Cat Program for
adoption, sick and injured cats, and TNVR recovery due to the success of our new CMB Cat
Trapper Coordinator
Request that CMB section regarding Cruelty to Animals mimics the Florida State Statue Chapter
828.13 which is not included. This will be valuable to CMB regarding domestic animals
abandoned in a street, road or public place. CMB would benefit from this to stop people from
abandoning both cats and dogs within our City, which we have seen a huge increase in. Most of
the cats we see abandoned are unfixed, which is counterproductive to our TNVR program and
new TNVR project.
Below is the Florida law which is not included in CMB Municode.
828.13 Confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise; abandonment of
animals.— (Florida State Statue)
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Abandon” means to forsake an animal entirely or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform
the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner.
(b) “Owner” includes any owner, custodian, or other person in charge of an animal.
(2) Whoever:
(a) Impounds or confines any animal in any place and fails to supply the animal during such
confinement with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water,
(b) Keeps any animals in any enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air, or
(c) Abandons to die any animal that is maimed, sick, infirm, or diseased, is guilty of a
misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more
than $5,000, or by both imprisonment and a fine.
(3) Any person who is the owner or possessor, or has charge or custody, of any animal who
abandons such animal to suffer injury or malnutrition or abandons any animal in a street, road, or
public place without providing for the care, sustenance, protection, and shelter of such animal is
guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of
not more than $5,000, or by both imprisonment and a fine.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- C7 AJ – Started a City Wide Cat Count as the first phase for CMB TNVR project.
- C4 P - Proposed disclosure ordinance for Notice of trapping and extermination services.
by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez (Due to the trapping and removal of pets)
- LTC Crawlspace ordinance – The ordinance was passed unanimously by commission on
December 11, 2024 and went into effect on December 21, 2024.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Art in Public Places Committee (AIPP)
CHAIRPERSON:
Ann-Kathrin Seif
CITY LIAISON:
Lissette Garcia Arrogante
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
Five (5) meetings held July-December
ACTIVITY: Art in Public Places (AIPP) is a City of Miami Beach program for curating and
commissioning public art. The program was created in 1984, with its ordinance adopted in 1995.
The program is funded from 2% of hard costs for City projects and joint private/public projects.
Appointed by the City Commission, the A OPP Committee’s seven members serve in an advisory
capacity to the Mayor and City Commission. Artworks commissioned by the City of Miami Beach
Art in Public Places should add value to the public art collection, attract international attention and
celebrate the diversity and heritage of Miami Beach.
July 18, 2024
• Ceci Valasco, Ocean Drive Association President, presented on a p roposed art projection
on Ocean Drive. Ceci Velasco is set to return to the following meeting to present the list of
twelve (12) proposed works for AIPP approval, logistics, and equipment for the one -year
pilot program.
• Motion: The Art in Public Places Committee made a motion to support the concept
of the Fritz Hotel Art Projection Installation on Ocean Drive and would like to revisit it
once all the details (proposed images, plans, materials required, etc.) are shared in
the Art in Public Places Committee’s September 17, 2024, meeting. The above
motion was made by Aaron Resnick, seconded by Nick D’Annunzio, and passed
unanimously.
• For the No Vacancy Curatorial Advisory Committee, Chair Seif and Vice -Chair D’Annunzio
volunteered to join as AIPP Committee representatives. There will be two (2) of six (6)
committee members evaluating shortlisted artists for the annual No Vacancy program.
September 17, 2024
• Ellen Harvey’s work Atlantis located in the Miami Beach Convention Center has sustained
damage. Staff worked collaboratively with the artist to begin the process of fabricating a
replacement panel to be installed prior to Art Week.
• South Pointe Pier Gate will be receiving major conservation by RLA Conservation, as a
part of the City’s 10-year maintenance plan.
• Six artists were shortlisted for a permanent public artwork at Bayshore Park. The AIPP
committee shortlisted the following artists: Dara Friedman, Ivan Depena, Mark Handforth,
Michele Oka Doner, R&R Studios, and Richard Hudson
• Based on the prior feedback by the Committee, AIPP approved a new plan to review and
select the shortlisted works for Legacy Purchase Program in advance of Art Basel Miami
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Beach. This may encourage more gallerists to submit works for consideration and may
lead to an increased number of high-quality artworks.
• AIPP reviewed the list of hotel partners for No Vacancy 2024.
October 15, 2024
• Ariel Guitian, Senior Project Manager, CIP provided an update on the current status of
Ocean Terrace Park. On October 30th, an item will be heard by the Mayor and City
Commission. This item would provide the option for the developer, Ocean Terrace
Holdings, to select an artwork that exceeds the required 2% AIPP contribution, instead of
allocating it directly to the AIPP fund.
• February 2023, City Commission adopted Resolution 2023 -32506 to relocate the 5G pole
obstructing artwork, Starchild. Before voting to use AIPP funds for this relocation, the AIPP
Committee would like Staff to see if the vendor relocating the pole would be amenable to
paying some or all of the associating costs.
• An update for South Pointe Pier Gate was provided, which was undergoing conservation
by RLA Conservation.
• The No Vacancy Curatorial Advisory Committee selected the twelve (12) artists for No
Vacancy. This list was shared with the AIPP Committee.
November 19, 2024
• David Sexton, President of the Normandy Fountain Business Association (NFBA),
presented on a recent, temporary artwork at the Normandy Fountain Plaza. Mr. Sexton
requested support for the NFBA to commission a second temporary artwork and display
both works through Art Week.
• Motion: The Art in Public Places Committee motions to approve the temporary art
installation, consisting of two painted obelisks, to be displayed at the Normandy
Fountain Plaza until January 2, 2025. The above motion was made by Gabriel Páez,
seconded by Sara de los Reyes, and passed unanimously.
• The relocation of the 5G pole obstructing the artwork Starchild was discussed, the vendor
will not pay any associated costs. The Public Works department has quoted the relocation
to be $86,000.
• Motion: The Art in Public Places Committee proposes allocating $86,000 from the
Art and Public Places Fund to remove and relocate the 5G tower in front of
Starchild. The above motion was made by Gabriel Páez, seconded by Ann -Kathrin,
and passed unanimously.
• A new, replacement panel for the artwork Atlantis by Ellen Harvey is onsite and ready for
reinstallation, to take place on November 21.
• RLA to conduct onsite maintenance for AIPP collection within the next two weeks in
anticipation of Art Week.
• The installation for Elevate Espanola is completed. Committee members discussed the
option of a singular Elevate Espanola presentation annually to increase the project budget
and impact.
• Motion: The Art in Public Places Committee motions to approve a singular, annual
Elevate Española installation, extending the mural component and increasing the
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project budget allocation. The above motion was made by Sara de los Reyes,
seconded by Ann-Kathrin Seif, and passed unanimously.
• AIPP Committee members selected three (3) artworks for Legacy Purchase Program, of
the ten (10) shortlisted.
• Motion: The Art in Public Places Committee motions to shortlist the following
artworks for Legacy Purchase Program public voting: Allegory of Florida by Nina
Surel; Modulations – sequence XVI by Ximena Garrido-Lecca; and sin titulo (rumi
maki #46) by william cordova. The above motion was made by Gabriel Páez,
seconded by Ann-Kathrin Seif, and passed unanimously.
December 13, 2024
• Physical quorum was not established so no motions or voting were able to take place at
this meeting.
• AIPP Members received updates on the Artist Vendor Certification program. AIPP will be
supporting the certification process.
• The conservation work for eloquent south pointe pier gate by Tobias Rehberger has been
completed.
• Josh Aronson, No Vacancy artist, received the Juror’s Prize and the People’s Choice Prize ,
for his work Florida Boys presented at the Catalina Hotel.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Art in Public Places Committee is preparing for the following projects:
o Marjory Stoneman Douglas Park Mural, Spring 2025
o Bayshore Park Permanent Public Work, October 2025
o No Vacancy, November 2025
o Elevate Espanola, December 2025
o Legacy Purchase Program, December 2025
o Flamingo Park, Winter 2025-2026
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
No Vacancy (December 2024)
Temporary Public Art, Hotels in Miami Beach
The City of Miami Beach presented the fourth edition of No Vacancy, a juried contemporary public
art competition that celebrates 12 artists in 12 of Miami Beach’s famed hotels. Funded in
partnership with the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority, the art competition featured
$35,000 in prize money, including a $10,000 public prize by the Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau and a $25,000 juried prize decided by nationally recognized art experts. Each
artist received a $10,000 stipend to create their installation at an assign ed hotel. The program ran
from November 14 to December 12, 2024.
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Elevate Española (December 2024)
Temporary Public Art, Española Way
Elevate Española presented the opening of Sundial Spectrum, a site-specific art installation and
mural by Miami-born artist Jen Stark, on December 3, 2024.The work features 13 sculptural
panels fabricated from clear acrylic sheets, layered with laser-cut transparent vinyl showcasing
Stark’s signature spectrum of bold colors. Inspired by geometry and natural forms, the hypnotic
patterns interact and shift throughout the day. As sunlight filters through, viewers will find
themselves surrounded by rainbow shadows along Española Way. The piece is the fifth
installment of Elevate Española, a temporary public art program launched by the city in 2022,
which aims to enhance the corridor and encourage pedestrian connectivity to Ocean Drive.
Legacy Purchase Program (December 2024)
Permanent Public Art, Miami Beach Convention Center
Allegory of Florida by Nina Surel was selected by Miami Beach residents as this year’s acquisition
for the Legacy Purchase Program. An annual initiative, the city’s Art in Public Places Committee
selected artworks by william cordova, Ximena Garrido -Lecca, and Nina Surel from the Art Basel
Miami Beach Positions, Nova, and newcomers joining the main sector from Nova or Positions
within the last four years with a budget of up to $50,000. The public voted among the finalists,
selecting Nina Surel’s Allegory of Florida for accession into the city’s public art collection.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Audit Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Ronald Starkman
CITY LIAISON:
Norman Blaiotta
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
Three meetings held.
ACTIVITY:
8/14/2024
1. Approval of the May 20, 2024 meeting minutes
2. RSM US LLP Presentation of Annual City Audit
3. City Pension Director Presentation of Inspector General Pension Item
4. Audit Division Status Report Discussion
5. Completed Reports Discussion
9/25/2024
1. Approval of the August 14, 2024 meeting minutes
2. Business Tax Receipt Discussion
3. Update on Stop The Pause Ordinance
4. Audit Division Status Report Discussion
5. Completed Reports Discussion
6. Mark Coolidge’s Farewell
12/18/2024
1. Approval of the September 25, 2024, Meeting Minutes
2. Procurement Process Discussion - Kristy Bada, Chief Procurement Officer
3. Hire of Deputy Chief Auditor Jane Sukuro
4. Discussion LTC 499-2024 City Issued Business Tax Receipts (BTR)
5. Resort Tax (RTX):
a. Hire of Four New RTX Auditors
b. Resort Tax Auditor II Position Creation (Vacant)
6. Code Amendment Approval - Sanitation
7. Audit Division Status Report Discussion
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8. Completed Reports Discussion
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
1. RSM US LLP presentation of its financial audit reports for the fiscal year ending 09/30/24.
2. Discussion of the OIG Audit Division’s Status Report concerning the status of assigned projects.
3. Presentation of OIG completed/issued audit reports and their findings, with an emphasis on any
repeated issues from prior audit reports that have not been sufficiently resolved.
4. As needed, further conversation regarding OIG staffing issues and possible solutions to help
stem attrition.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1. Facilitated detailed discussions on the Business Tax Receipt (BTR) process, highlighting
inefficiencies and suggesting a potential return to pre-2016 practices to streamline compliance.
2. Supports the increase of the pension accrual factor for the City of Miami Beach Inspector
General from 2.5% to 4%, as the other Charter Officers.
3. The Audit Committee respectfully request Commission members to appoint a member to the
Audit Committee, which currently has only four of its seven members.
4. Supported the "Stop the Pause" ordinance which provides strategic guidance to address delays
and stoppages in G.O. Bond projects.
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Motions Passed:
8/14/2024
Motion: To approve the minutes from the May 20, 2024 meeting.
Motion Made by: David Grieser
Motion Seconded by: Adam Kravitz
Motion carried: 4-0
Motion: The City of Miami Beach Audit Committee supports the increase of the pension accrual factor for
the City of Miami Beach Inspector General from 2.5% to 4%, as the other Charter Officers.
Motion Made by: Adam Kravitz
Motion Seconded by: Marc Gidney
Motion Passed: 4-0
9/25/2024
Motion: To approve the minutes from the August 14th, 2024 meeting.
Motion Made by: David Grieser
Motion Seconded by: Marc Gidney
Motion carried: 4-0
12/18/2024
Motion: To approve the minutes from the September 25th, 2024 meeting.
Motion Made by: David Grieser
Motion Seconded by: Marc Gidney
Motion carried: 4-0
Motion: The Audit Committee respectfully requests that Vice Mayor Tanya Bhatt, and Commissioners David
Suarez and Joseph Magazine, each appoint a member to the Audit Committee, which currently has only four
of its seven members because the Committee’s ability to consider a motion is limited to its having a quorum,
which is possible at this time only when all four of its current members are present.
Motion Made by: Ronald Starkman
Motion Seconded by: David Grieser
Motion Passed: 4-0
Motion: That the Finance Committee annually include a discussion item on a meeting agenda to
consider findings and recommendations on Annual Reports submitted by the Office of the Inspector
General.
Motion Made by: Ronald Starkman
Motion Seconded by: David Grieser
Motion Passed: 4-0
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Black Affairs Advisory Committee (BAAC)
CHAIRPERSON:
Glendon Hall, Chair
CITY LIAISON:
Lissette Garcia Arrogante, Director, Tourism and Culture
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
Six (6)
ACTIVITY:
July 9, 2024
Approved BAAC Minutes from June 4, 2024
New business discussion:
o Guest speaker – Dinna Alexanyan, Founder of Sybarite Productions Inc, introduced
Sybarite Productions Inc to the BAAC and discussed the LOVEisLOVE Miami event
The following motions were made:
o The BAAC would like to honor with a proclamation or certificate Christopher Norwood
of Hampton Art Lovers (Guest Curator), Shawn Christian (Curatorial Consultant) and
the Curatorial Staff of the Wolfsonian Museum for the exhibit Silhouettes: Image and
Word in the Harlem Renaissance at the Wolfsonian Museum (Miami Beach), with
published works that conveyed a new, modern image of African Americans to the
world in the 1920s and beyond.
o Josephine Baker not only desegregated Miami Beach Nightclubs in 1951 with her
tour-de-force performances at Miami Beach's Copa City Club, but she did the same
thing In Las Vegas - fighting for Equity & Inclusion before they were buzzwords. The
BAAC worked with French Consul General Laurent Gallissot to have her honored in
Miami Beach in 2022 with a proclamation, programming, and the historic designation
of the Bridge Tender House on Washington Avenue in her name. An official plaque
was never installed, and the BAAC is requesting that the city further collaborate with
the Wolfsonian-FIU to have this installation occur at that location and the former
Miami Beach's Copa City Club site
o In addition to the installation of the plaque to honor Josephine Baker, the BAAC
requests that the city has annual programming to honor Josephine Baker day
(November 26th) on Miami Beach
o The BAAC would like to highlight notable Black landmarks within Miami Beach with
plaques with historical information with the assistance from the City to create the
infrastructure for future Black cultural/culinary tours of the city (that has support from
the GMCVB and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce) to provide support for
Minority businesses operating in Miami Beach
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o The BAAC requests that the City support the hosting of the award-winning baseball
documentary "Never Drop the Ball," which premiered in January on WLRN, in the
City of Miami Beach
Motions shared via LTC #282-2024
Upcoming Miami Beach Events/Meetings:
o Director Lissette Garcia Arrogante provided updates on the success of the American
Black Film Festival, Juneteenth, and Fire on the Fourth events
September 10, 2024
Approved BAAC Minutes from July 9, 2024
New business discussion:
o Guest speakers – Daniel Ciraldo, Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation
League discussed the Art Deco Weekend 2025 Programming
o Guest Speakers – Jeff Friday, Founder of the American Black Film Festival, provided
updates on the 2024 American Black Film Festival event
Upcoming Miami Beach Events/Meetings:
o Director Lissette Garcia Arrogante discussed the Hispanic Heritage Month
activations
Motion made to allow Jeff Friday, Founder of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), to
be part of the agenda
October 1, 2024
Approved BAAC Minutes from September 10, 2024
New business discussion:
o Guest speaker – Michael Anderson, Director of WLRN, discussed the documentary
“Never Drop the Ball”
Upcoming Miami Beach Events/ Meetings:
o Director Lissette Garcia Arrogante informed the Black Affairs Advisory Committee of
event details for the Onstage program for Black History Month
Motion made for the members to collectively accept the proposed Black History Month
program
November 5, 2024
Approved BAAC Minutes from October 1, 2024
New business discussion:
Guest speakers – Melissa Berthier, Director of Marketing and Communications Department,
introduced the Spring Break Marketing Campaign
Upcoming Miami Beach Events/ Meetings:
o Director Lissette Garcia Arrogante informed the Black Affairs Advisory Committee of
the annual Tree Lighting Partnership with Lincoln Road as well as the upcoming
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Josephine Baker Program and provided updates on Art Week 2024
Motion made for the funding of the Josephine Baker Evening of Jazz in the amount of
$850.00
Motion shared via LTC #504-2024
December 10, 2024
Approved BAAC Minutes from November 5, 2024
New business discussion:
o Guest speakers – Brett Murray, Founder of Concerts for Causes, provided updates
on Causes for Concerts events.
o The Black Affairs Advisory Committee discussed honoring Olympic athlete Twanisha
Terry in the upcoming February Community Awards 2025
Upcoming Miami Beach Events/ Meetings:
o Director Lissette Garcia Arrogante informed the Black Affairs Advisory Committee of
the Holiday Extravaganza event, the New Year’s Day event, and TYR Wodapalooza
Motion made to honor Olympic athlete Twanisha Terry in the upcoming February Community
Awards 2025
Motion made to approve the 2025 Art Deco Weekend Programming as presented by the
Miami Design Preservation League
Motions shared via LTC #555-2024
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Established the Josephine Baker Art Deco Program as an annual event
Funded the Josephine Baker Evening of Jazz Program in the amount of $850
City proclamation to the BAAC honoring Dr. Enid Curtis Pinkney
City proclamation to the BAAC recognizing Detective Christopher Mitchell with an award
City proclamation to the BAAC recognizing Olympic medalist Twanisha Terry with an award
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME: Budget Advisory Committee
CHAIRPERSON: Mojdeh Khaghan
CITY LIAISON: Tameka Otto Stewart
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD: 3
ACTIVITY:
07/09/2024 Meeting Agenda:
FY 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget
FY 2025 Preliminary Capital Budget
Preview of July 12th Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee FY 2025 Budget Briefing
09/10/2024 Meeting Agenda:
FY 2025 Proposed Budget -1st Public Hearing
Environmental and Sustainability Department
11/12/2024 Meeting Agenda:
Fire Department
Pension Investment Assumptions & Actuarial Impacts
Collective Bargaining Update
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Discuss Agenda Topics for 2025 BAC Meetings and Review of Department Budgets
Review FY 2026 Departmental Budgets
Schedule Future BAC Meetings
The Budget Advisory Committee will continue to monitor, review and provide
recommendations regarding the City of Miami Beach Budget and its process.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Preview of July 12th Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) FY 2025 Budget
Briefing
FY 2025 Operating Budget & Millage Rate Update:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
Property Values Update
o FY 2025 Taxable Property Values
o Overall Property Value Trend
o Existing Property Value Trend
o New Construction Trend
FY 2025 Millage Rates
o Total Combined Millage Trend
FY 2025 General Fund Budget Balancing
o Preliminary General Fund Budget
o General Fund Budget Balancing
Commission Enhancement Requests
o Commission Priority Enhancements
o FERC Priority Enhancements
General Fund Enhancements Recommended
o Public Safety & Homeless Enhancements
o Educational Initiatives Enhancements
o Cleanliness Enhancements
o Infrastructure Enhancements
o Other Enhancements
o General Fund Budget Balancing
o Area Managers
o Code Compliance Area Captains
o Additional MBPD Detention Officers
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o FY 2025 Resort Tax Budget Balancing
Preliminary 2% Resort Tax Budget
Fitness Festival
o Spotlight FY 2025 Sanitation Budget
Adopted FY 2024 Sanitation Budget
Preliminary FY 2025 Sanitation Budget
Current Available Sanitation Fund Balance Trend
Sanitation Balancing Strategies
Sanitation Enhancements
Proposed Sanitation Budget
Updated Available Sanitation Fund Balance Trend
o Other Fund Enhancements Recommended
Public Safety & Homeless Enhancements
Transportation & Mobility Enhancements
Infrastructure Enhancements
Other Enhancements
o Next Steps in FY 2025 Budget Process
FY 2025 Preliminary Capital Budget Update:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
FY 2025 Unfunded Capital Needs Update
o Unfunded Needs – FY 2025
Capital Budget Allocations Update
o Capital Funding Strategy – July 1 Update
Recommended Projects Update
o New Recommendations – FY 2025
Major Projects Funding Gaps
o Funding Gaps
o Undetermined Funding Gaps
o Undetermined Funding Gaps
Fire Station #1 Update
Next Steps in FY 2025 Budget Process
o Next Steps in FY 2025 Budget Process
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FY 2025 Operating Budget & Millage Rate Update:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
FY 2025 Proposed Budget
Total Combined Budget
o FY 2025 Proposed Total Combined Budget
o FY 2025 General Fund Budget Highlights.
o Five-Year General Fund Financial Forecast
Operating Budget & Millage
o FY 2025 Taxable Property Values
o FY 2025 Proposed Millage Rates
o Total Combined Millage Trend
FY 2025 General Fund Budget Balancing
o General Fund Budget Balancing
FY 2025 General Fund Updates
o General Fund Budget Balancing
General Fund Enhancements
o Public Safety & Homeless Enhancements
o Educational Initiatives Enhancements
o Cleanliness Enhancements
o Capital / Planning Enhancements
o Other Enhancements
FY 2025 2% Resort Tax Budget Balancing
o Preliminary 2% Resort Tax Budget
FY 2025 2% Resort Tax Updates
o 2% Resort Tax Budget Balancing
Spotlight FY 2025 Sanitation Budget Update
o Sanitation Fun Balance Trend
o Sanitation Additional Enhancements
o Updated Sanitation Fund Balance Trend
Other Fund Enhancements Recommended
o Public Safety & Homeless Enhancements
o Transportation & Mobility Enhancements
o Infrastructure Enhancements
o Other Enhancements
Next Steps in FY 2025 Budget Process
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Environment & Sustainability Department:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
Department Description
Department Overview
Major Programs / Functions
Environment & Sustainability Organizational Chart
Financial Overview
o Recent Changes
o Expenditure Trends – General Fund
o Position Overview – General Fund
o Revenue Trends – Sustainability
o Expenditure Trends – Sustainability
o Position Overview – Sustainability
o FY 2025 Enhancement Requests
o Performance Indicators
o Challenges / Opportunities
Fire Department:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
Department Overview
Department Description
Major Programs/Functions
Organizational Chart
Reimbursements
Financial Overview
Alignments with Strategic Goals
Revenue Trends
Expenditure Trends
Position Overview
FY 2025 Enhancements
Performance Indicators
Challenges
Opportunities
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Police and Fire Pension Fund:
The following was reviewed and discussed
Asset Allocation & Performance
Current Investment Return Assumptions & Key Funding Metrics
Changes to be Reflected in the October 1, 2024 Actuarial Validation
Additional changes to be reflected after the October 1, 2024 Actuarial Valuation
20-Year Projections of Required City Contributions
General Employee Pension Fund:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
Miami Beach Employee’s Retirement Plan – Asset Allocation & Performance – Gross & Net
Current Investment Return Assumption and Key Funding Metrics
Estimated Projections of Required City Contributions
Investment Return for FYE 9/30/2024
Forthcoming Experience Study
Collective Bargaining Update:
The following was reviewed and discussed:
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Collective Bargaining Goals
Negotiations
Fiscal Impact
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Committee for Quality Education
CHAIRPERSON:
James Orlowsky
CITY LIAISON:
Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
4
ACTIVITY:
Meeting August 27, 2024
Members Present: Donielle Cohen, Laurie Kaye Davis, Seth Guttenberg, Beverly Heller, Mary Keinath, James
Orlowsky, Amy Ostroff, Christine Perrin-Stocco, Jacquelynn Powers, Jonathan Rothman, Karen Fryd, Hayley Ross
Members Absent: Rina Bass, Chana Eisner, Evie Fernandez, Miriam Haskell, Beth Edwards, Faiza Liban, Marilia
Kamil
Commissioners Absent David Suarez and Alex Fernandez
City of Miami Beach Liaison Present: Dr Leslie Rosenfeld
Minutes approved for May 28, 2024
2024-25 Meeting Dates Reviewed and selected
Selection of Chair James Orlowsky & Vice Chair Jacquelynn Powers for 2024-25
Status of Motions reviewed –
Commission Meeting items
1. C4R Referral (Meiner) NQLC and C4AE Referral (Richardson) MBSH Drop off and Pick Up –
February 25, 2022 Finance Meeting discussed. $175,000 recommended as match to MDCPS and
Miami Dade County – County Commissioner Steinberg attended to discuss. Will return in 6
months.
2. C4E MBSH Scoreboard STATUS – agreement fully executed and PO opened with I2 Visual –
scoreboard design under MDCPS review as of Sept. 2024
3. C4F Referral to Land Use (April 3, 2024 Commission meeting) explore zoning incentives for
educational facilities (Commissioner Fernandez and Suarez) – Sept. 4, Land Use - discussed
4. C7C Reso expand mental health to virtual through MDCPS partnership (EPI) (April 3,
Commission) – expansion through Hazel Health FFK-8, MBNMS, SPE, and BBE- discussed
5. R9AF July 24 Commission meeting Teacher appreciation event discussion and action –
discussed
6. C4 V May 15 Commission meeting REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY
EDUCATION IN MIAMI BEACH SCHOOLS’ (“QEC”) MOTIONS PROMULGATED IN LTC 145-2024
RELATING TO STAFFING OF SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
Commissioner David Suarez sponsored – July PSNQL discussion (44 application – hiring 4 so far) -
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discussed
7. C4 Y May 15 Commission Meeting REFERRAL TO THE COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION
IN MIAMI BEACH AND FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS
STRATEGIES IN BRIDGING MIAMI BEACH FIENBERG FISHER K-8 FUNDING GAP IN LIGHT OF THEIR
TITLE I FUNDING LOSS. Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez sponsored – July FERC meeting
discussed with resolution to partner with MDCPS for parking lot revenue for 2025-26 AND fill
gap for 24-25 if applicable. Per Bonce email August 2024, no gap for 2024-25. discussed
8. C7 E May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE
AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE AT ITS MARCH 22, 2024 MEETING TO PRIORITIZE
$189,252 IN EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS FOR PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS DURING THE
FY 2025 BUDGET PROCESS AND ON A RECURRING BASIS THEREAFTER FOR THE SEVEN PRIVATE
AND CHARTER SCHOOLS CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON THE QUALITY EDUCATION COMMITTEE;
FURTHER PRIORITIZING $393,163 AS A ONE-TIME ENHANCEMENT FOR FY 2025 FOR THE SEVEN
PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON THE QUALITY EDUCATION
COMMITTEE; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND CITY MANAGER OR HIS/HER
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE
EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS CONTEMPLATED UNDER THIS RESOLUTION. Commissioner
Kristen Rosen -
Gonzalez sponsored and unanimously supported at FERC in March 2024 - On September
budget hearings as recommended enhancements. Discussed
9. C7 F May 15 Commission Meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, MADE AT ITS APRIL 19, 2024 MEETING, TO AMEND THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS; AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32686 TO INCREASE
AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUNDING AT MIAMI BEACH FIENBERG FISHER AND MIAMI BEACH
NAUTILUS MIDDLE SCHOOL TO IMPLEMENT A MIAMI BEACH MUSIC PROGRAM (ROCK
ENSEMBLE) IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 FOR BOTH SCHOOLS; AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2022-32064 TO INCREASE GRANT FUNDING BY $20,000 FOR THE MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL ROCK ENSEMBLE AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM; AND AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32845 TO ALLOW PROGRAMMING FOR THE STEAM (SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, AND MATHEMATICS) PLUS PROGRAMMING TO BEGIN IN
SEPTEMBER OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR, SUBJECT TO FUNDING APPROVAL DURING THE CITY'S
ANNUAL BUDGETARY PROCESS ANNUALLY. Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt sponsored and
supported unanimously at April FERC - On September budget hearings as recommended
enhancements. discussed
10. C7 G May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE MIAMI BEACH POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE, INC.
("MBPAL") AND THE MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC. ("MBCEF") TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MIAMI BEACH
RESIDENTS THROUGH AGREEMENTS WITH FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION,
INC. AS PART OF AN FIU FOUNDATION, INC. 2:1 MATCHING GRANT, WITH THE TOTAL AMOUNT
OF FUNDING FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH NOT TO EXCEED $30,800 AND $3,900 EACH
FROM THE MBPAL AND MBCEF, FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR
THEREAFTER, SUBJECT TO FUNDING APPROVAL DURING THE CITY'S BUDGETARY PROCESS; AND
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS OR
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AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM. Approved
11. C7 H May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM, AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK) CLASSES DATED
AUGUST 18, 2023, BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY,
FLORIDA; SAID AMENDMENT: (1) MOVING THE VPK CLASSROOM AT BISCAYNE BEACH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO MIAMI BEACH FIENBERG FISHER K-8 FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL
YEAR IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY; AND (2) SETTING AN EXPIRATION
DATE FOR THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AS OF THE LAST DAY OF THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR;
AND APPROVING THE REALLOCATION OF THE CITY CONTRIBUTION UNDER THE INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,945.00 PER YEAR, BEGINNING IN THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL
YEAR, TO SUPPORT THE CITY'S PREKINDERGARTEN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, THEREBY
INCREASING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE PROGRAM BY FIFTEEN (15)
COMMENCING IN THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER; AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE
AMENDMENT. Approved
12. C7 AG May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING DIRECT COST FEES ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE
CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES UP TO TWO (2) TIMES PER ELIGIBLE SCHOOL YEAR
EACH SCHOOL YEAR FOR ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS (K-12) WITH ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ON THE
CITY’S COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION. Commissioner David Suarez sponsored –
Economic Development FERC item not heard
13. C4P July 24, 2024 referral to referral to PSNQLC in September Polo Park and MBNMS Fence
discussion discussed
Education Compact
• Safety / Traffic –
• MDCPS School Operations school time start and end times (MDCPS to invite staff to discuss)
• Communication
• School Board update – legislative issues update provided
• Feeder Pattern Update- not provided
• Student Achievement
• STEAM Plus 2024-25 start date and school cultural partner selections- update provided
• Parental Involvement/Family Support/Youth and Community Engagement
• Trust for Public Land – Biscayne Beach field partnership- discussed
• Technology
• Teacher Recruitment/Retention
• Teach at the Beach – Substitute Teacher Incentive Program- discussed
• Health / Mental Health
• Current mental health city support status and expansion for virtual health support through
MDCPS/Hazel Health (SPE, FF, NMS, BB) - discussed
• New Business / Announcement
• Adjournment
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Meeting September 24, 2024
Members present: Laurie Kaye Davis, Chana Eisner, Beverly Heller, Faiza Liban, James Orlowsky, Christine Perrin-
Stocco, Jacquelynn Powers, Jonathan Rothman, Karen Fryd, Hayley Ross
Members absent: Rina Bass, Donielle Cohen, Seth Guttenberg, Mary Keinath, Faiza Liban, Amy Ostroff, Elizabeth
Soto
Commissioners present Alex Fernandez
City of Miami Beach Liaison present: Dr Leslie Rosenfeld
Minutes approved for August 27, 2024
Status of Motions reviewed and discussed –
Commission Meeting items
1. C4R Referral (Meiner) NQLC and C4AE Referral (Richardson) MBSH Drop off and Pick Up –
February 25, 2022 Finance Meeting discussed. $175,000 recommended as match to MDCPS and
Miami Dade County – waiting on Transportation team update
2. C4E MBSH Scoreboard STATUS – agreement fully executed and PO opened with I2 Visual
3. C4F Referral to Land Use (April 3, 2024 Commission meeting) explore zoning incentives for
educational facilities (Commissioner Fernandez and Suarez) – Sept. 4, Land Use
4. C7C Reso expand mental health to virtual through MDCPS partnership (EPI) (April 3,
Commission) – expansion through Hazel Health FFK-8, MBNMS, SPE, and BBE
5. R9AF Sept. 16 Budget Commission meeting teacher appreciation event discussion and action
taken to fund at $15,000 for one year then assess. To be heard again on September 25, 2024 for
final review.
6. C4 V May 15 Commission meeting REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY
EDUCATION IN MIAMI BEACH SCHOOLS’ (“QEC”) MOTIONS PROMULGATED IN LTC 145-2024
RELATING TO STAFFING OF SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
Commissioner David Suarez sponsored – July PSNQL discussion (44 application – hiring 4 so far)
7. C7H Sept. 11 Commission Meeting Reso to negotiatate agreement with MDCPS for use of
MBFFK8 parking lots to fund future initiatives at MB public schools with portion for MB schools
and portion to MDCPS to use at their discretion acorss MDCPS schools . Commissioner Kristen
Rosen Gonzalez sponsored – July FERC meeting discussed with resolution to partner with
MDCPS for parking lot revenue for 2025-26 AND fill gap for 24-25 if applicable. Per Bonce email
August 2024, no gap for 2024-25.
8. C7 E May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE
AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE AT ITS MARCH 22, 2024 MEETING TO PRIORITIZE
$189,252 IN EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS FOR PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS DURING THE
FY 2025 BUDGET PROCESS AND ON A RECURRING BASIS THEREAFTER FOR THE SEVEN PRIVATE
AND CHARTER SCHOOLS CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON THE QUALITY EDUCATION COMMITTEE;
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FURTHER PRIORITIZING $393,163 AS A ONE-TIME ENHANCEMENT FOR FY 2025 FOR THE SEVEN
PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON THE QUALITY EDUCATION
COMMITTEE; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND CITY MANAGER OR HIS/HER
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS OR DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE
EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS CONTEMPLATED UNDER THIS RESOLUTION. Commissioner
Kristen Rosen -
Gonzalez sponsored and unanimously supported at FERC in March 2024 - On September
budget hearings as recommended enhancements. Passed Sept. 16. Next hearing Sept. 25.
9. C7 F May 15 Commission Meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, MADE AT ITS APRIL 19, 2024 MEETING, TO AMEND THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS; AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32686 TO INCREASE
AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUNDING AT MIAMI BEACH FIENBERG FISHER AND MIAMI BEACH
NAUTILUS MIDDLE SCHOOL TO IMPLEMENT A MIAMI BEACH MUSIC PROGRAM (ROCK
ENSEMBLE) IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 FOR BOTH SCHOOLS; AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2022-32064 TO INCREASE GRANT FUNDING BY $20,000 FOR THE MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL ROCK ENSEMBLE AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM; AND AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32845 TO ALLOW PROGRAMMING FOR THE STEAM (SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, AND MATHEMATICS) PLUS PROGRAMMING TO BEGIN IN
SEPTEMBER OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR, SUBJECT TO FUNDING APPROVAL DURING THE CITY'S
ANNUAL BUDGETARY PROCESS ANNUALLY. Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt sponsored and
supported unanimously at April FERC - On September budget hearings as recommended
enhancements. Passed Sept. 16. To be heard Sept. 25.
10. C7 AG May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING DIRECT COST FEES ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE
CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES UP TO TWO (2) TIMES PER ELIGIBLE SCHOOL YEAR
EACH SCHOOL YEAR FOR ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS (K-12) WITH ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ON THE
CITY’S COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION. Commissioner David Suarez sponsored –
Economic Development FERC item not heard
11. C4P July 24, 2024 referral to referral to PSNQLC in September Polo Park and MBNMS Fence
discussion. Heard at Sept. 18 PSNQLC to return October PSNQLC
12. C7T Sept. 11 Arts4Learning allocation of $81,000 per year for ASE enrichment and Parks
programs
13. C7X Reso School Zones to increase visibility Sept. 11 approved
14. C7AL Reso Sept 11 approved urging School Board to recognize October 2024 as LGBTQ History
Month
15. C7AW Reso Sept. 11 approved to partner with Miami Dade College Education Foundation to be
matched 2:1 for first generation scholarship with city contribution $30,000 for one year with
review for recurring consideration
Education Compact
• Safety / Traffic –
• MBSH Drop Off Lane – County Commissioner Micky Steinberg to return in 6 months
• MDCPS School Operations school time start and end times (-MDCPS) - deferred
• Communication
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• School Board update – legislative issues update requested from MDCPS next month
• Feeder Pattern Update deferred
• Student Achievement
• STEAM Plus 2024-25 start date October 2024
• Parental Involvement/Family Support/Youth and Community Engagement
• Trust for Public Land – Biscayne Beach field partnership kick off September 26 deferred to October
23 at 3 pm
• Technology
• STEM equipment for Charter/Private Schools next steps discussed
• Teacher Recruitment/Retention
• Teach at the Beach – Substitute Teacher Incentive Program discussed
• Health / Mental Health
• Current mental health city support status and expansion for virtual health support through
MDCPS/Hazel Health (SPE, FF, NMS, BB) discussed
• New Business / Announcement
• Washington Avenue Residential incentive (Suarez) deferred
• Early Learning support share data per ELC MDC (Heller) discussed pending MDCPS legislative
platform
• Adjournment
Meeting October 15, 2024
Members Present: Rina Bass, Donielle Cohen, Laurie Kaye Davis, Seth Guttenberg, Miriam Haskell, Beverly Heller,
James Orlowsky, Jacquelynn Powers, Jonathan Rothman, Karen Fryd, Hayley Ross, and Elizabeth Soto
Members Absent: Chana Eisner, Evie Fernandez, Mary Keinath, Faiza Liban, Amy Ostroff, Christine Perrin-Stocco
Commissioners absent David Suarez and Alex Fernandez
City of Miami Beach Liaison present: Dr Leslie Rosenfeld
Minutes approved for September 24, 2024
Status of Motions discussed –
16. C4R Referral (Meiner) NQLC and C4AE Referral (Richardson) MBSH Drop off and Pick Up –
February 25, 2022 Finance Meeting discussed. $175,000 recommended as match to MDCPS and
Miami Dade County – waiting on Transportation team update – update deferred
17. C4E MBSH Scoreboard STATUS – agreement fully executed and PO opened with I2 Visual –
update provided
18. C7H Sept. 11 Commission Meeting Reso to negotiatate agreement with MDCPS for use of
MBFFK8 parking lots to fund future initiatives at MB public schools with portion for MB schools
and portion to MDCPS to use at their discretion – update provided
19. C7 AG May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
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THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING DIRECT COST FEES ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE
CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES UP TO TWO (2) TIMES PER ELIGIBLE SCHOOL YEAR
EACH SCHOOL YEAR FOR ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS (K-12) WITH ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ON THE
CITY’S COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION. Commissioner David Suarez sponsored –
Economic Development FERC item not heard – requested udpate
20. C4P July 24, 2024 referral to referral to PSNQLC in September Polo Park and MBNMS Fence
discussion. Heard at Sept. 18 PSNQLC to return October PSNQLC – update provided
Education Compact
• Safety / Traffic –
• MBSH Drop Off Lane – County Commissioner Micky Steinberg to return in 6 months – CMB has
comments from MDCPS
• MDCPS School Operations school time start and end times (-MDCPS) – MDCPS drafting waiver for
time change/exemption on November SBAB meeting
• Speed Detection Cameras – per Fernandez will determine if funds can be allocated to education?
School Crossing Guards? – PD vetting companies and reviewing bids
• Communication
• School Board update – legislative issues update - update provided by Lucia Baez Geller
• Feeder Pattern Update – not provided
• Title I process for determination and support by CMB via MB Magazine or Water Bills or other (
Bonce to share information ) – update provided
• Ribbon Cutting MBSH Kitchen November 4 at 9 am – update provided
• Student Achievement
• STEAM Plus 2024-25 start date October 2024 – update provided
• Parental Involvement/Family Support/Youth and Community Engagement
• Trust for Public Land – Biscayne Beach field partnership kick off October 23 at 3 pm- update
provided – survey out in the community
• Technology
• STEM equipment for Charter/Private Schools next steps – update provided
• Teacher Recruitment/Retention
• Teach at the Beach – Substitute Teacher Incentive Program- ongoing
• Teacher Appreciation Event May 2024 – update provided – dates to schools to select May 1 or May
12
• Health / Mental Health
• Current mental health city support status and expansion for virtual health support through
MDCPS/Hazel Health (SPE, FF, NMS, BB)- update provided
• New Business / Announcement
• Washington Avenue Residential incentive (Suarez)- deferred
• Adjournment
Meeting November 19, 2024
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Members: Rina Bass, Donielle Cohen, Laurie Kaye Davis, Chana Eisner, Evie Fernandez, Seth Guttenberg, Miriam
Haskell, Beverly Heller, Mary Keinath, Beth Edwards, Faiza Liban, James Orlowsky, Amy Ostroff, Christine Perrin-
Stocco, Jacquelynn Powers, Jonathan Rothman, Karen Fryd, Hayley Ross, Elizabeth Soto
Commissioners David Suarez and Alex Fernandez
City of Miami Beach Liaison: Dr Leslie Rosenfeld
Welcome & Introductions
Minutes approval for October 15, 2024
Status of Motions –
Commission Meeting items
21. C4R Referral (Meiner) NQLC and C4AE Referral (Richardson) MBSH Drop off and Pick Up –
February 25, 2022 Finance Meeting discussed. $175,000 recommended as match to MDCPS and
Miami Dade County – waiting on Transportation team update
22. C4E MBSH Scoreboard STATUS – agreement fully executed and PO opened with I2 Visual
23. C7H Sept. 11 Commission Meeting Reso to negotiatate agreement with MDCPS for use of
MBFFK8 parking lots to fund future initiatives at MB public schools with portion for MB schools
and portion to MDCPS to use at their discretion
24. C7 AG May 15 Commission meeting A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING DIRECT COST FEES ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE
CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES UP TO TWO (2) TIMES PER ELIGIBLE SCHOOL YEAR
EACH SCHOOL YEAR FOR ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS (K-12) WITH ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ON THE
CITY’S COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION. Commissioner David Suarez sponsored –
Economic Development FERC item not heard
25. C4P July 24, 2024 referral to referral to PSNQLC in September Polo Park and MBNMS Fence
discussion. Heard at October PSNQLC and approved. Returning to December Commission
October 30, 2024 Commission Items C2 B A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER,
PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO. 2024-274-DF, FOR SPEED
DETECTION CAMERA SYSTEM FOR SCHOOL ZONES; AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH MODAXO TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT USA INC., AS THE TOP-RANKED PROPOSER; FURTHER, IF THE
ADMINISTRATION IS NOT SUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATING AN AGREEMENT WITH
MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC., AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION
TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH SENSYS GATSO USA, INC., AS THE SECOND
RANKED PROPOSER; FURTHER, IF THE ADMINISTRATION IS NOT SUCCESSFUL IN
NEGOTIATING AN AGREEMENT WITH SENSYS GATSO USA, INC., AUTHORIZING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH JENOPTIK NORTH
AMERICA, INC., AS THE THIRD RANKED PROPOSER; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT UPON
CONCLUSION OF SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
(POLICE)
Applicable Area: Citywide
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Procurement
C7 C A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, PURSUANT TO INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE (ITN) NO.
2023-338-ND, THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH AND GLOBAL SPECTRUM L.P. D/B/A SPECTRA VENUE MANAGEMENT D/B/A
OVG360 (A DIVISION OF OAK VIEW GROUP) FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATION OF THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER AND CAMPUS
SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS RESOLUTION; AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO FINALIZE AND EXECUTE
THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
(b) Other Public Benefit(s) to be Provided bv Global Events (1) Each Fiscal Year during the
Term hereof, Global shall produce a minimum of five (5) events, including, but not limited
to, Senior events, a Teacher Appreciation Event, and other comparable size event(s) as
determined by the City, and shall be considered a City Use pursuant to Section 13.1(a), and
the City shall be responsible for any direct out-of[1]pocket (or other) expenses incurred in
connection with these events; provided, however, Global shall not be charged any expense
for utilities in connection with these events. ii. Events shall be free and open to the public,
and the Teacher Appreciation Event shall be open to all Miami Beach school teachers and
administrators
Economic Development
Supplemental updated on 10/28/2024 (Draft Management Agreement) C7 E A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM, THE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE MIAMI DADE COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. AND THE CITY TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR
MIAMI BEACH RESIDENTS, WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING FROM THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH AT $30,000 FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR AND INCLUSION OF
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM DONATIONS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO FINALIZE AND EXECUTE ALL RELATED AGREEMENTS AND TO
REASSESS THE SCHOLARSHIP DURING THE FY 2026 BUDGET PROCESS FOR
FUNDING FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS.
Applicable Area: Citywide
Education and Performance Initiatives
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
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C7 O A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33030, WHICH ACCEPTED THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF
LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS MARCH 20, 2024 MEETING, AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND ACCEPT A DEED FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA (SCHOOL BOARD) TRANSFERRING THE SCHOOL
BOARD'S INTEREST IN THE TATUM WATERWAY WALKWAY AND SURROUNDING
AREA LOCATED OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER FENCE OF BISCAYNE BEACH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SITE), SUBJECT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD'S APPROVAL, TO
ALSO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN EASEMENT FROM THE
SCHOOL BOARD WHICH SHALL INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO IMPROVE THE SITE AND
DEVELOP THE CITY'S LIVING SHORELINE PROJECT, WITH THE ESSENTIAL TERMS
OF THE NEGOTIATED EASEMENT BEING SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE CITY
COMMISSION.
Applicable Area: Middle Beach
Public Works
Commissioner Laura Dominguez C7 Z A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (BEACH HIGH),
FOR THE INITIATION OF A METAL DETECTOR PROGRAM, ON A PILOT PROGRAM
BASIS, TO ENHANCE SCHOOL SAFETY THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF METAL
DETECTORS AT BEACH HIGH, WHICH WILL PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL
LAYER OF PROTECTION FOR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND VISITORS; AND DIRECT THE
CITY ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ANY ACTIONS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THIS
PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A PILOT
METAL DETECTOR PROGRAM; AND FURTHER, DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND
THE PRINCIPAL OF MIAMI BEACH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.
Applicable Area: Citywide
City Attorney
Mayor Steven Meiner C7 AA A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING $25,000 TO PRIDELINES, INC., A NOT-FOR-PROFIT
CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF A SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN FOR LGBTQ YOUTH; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CITY’S
STANDARD GRANT AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE FOREGOING.
Applicable Area: Citywide
City Attorney
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
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R7 E A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, FOLLOWING A DULY ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, ACCEPTING
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY
COMMITTEE AND OF THE ADMINISTRATION, AND WAIVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE
COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT, AS PERMITTED IN SECTION 82-39(A) OF THE
CITY CODE, FINDING SAID WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY,
AND APPROVING, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM, AN AMENDED AND RESTATED LEASE
AGREEMENT AMONG THE CITY AND THE MIAMI BEACH REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
(RDA) (COLLECTIVELY, LANDLORD) AND MOONLIGHTER FABLAB, INC. (TENANT),
FOR USE OF APPROXIMATELY 7,655 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE, LOCATED AT
1661 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA (DEMISED PREMISES); SAID
LEASE ADDING TWO ADDITIONAL RENEWAL TERMS: (1) A THREE-YEAR RENEWAL
TERM, COMMENCING ON MAY 17, 2026 AND EXPIRING ON MAY 16, 2029, AND (2) A
FINAL RENEWAL TERM OF ONE (1) YEAR AND 364 DAYS, COMMENCING ON MAY 17,
2029 AND EXPIRING ON MAY 15, 2031, TO ENABLE TENANT TO SECURE THE FUNDS
NEEDED TO EXPAND PROGRAMMING AT THE DEMISED PREMISES; AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FINALIZE AND EXECUTE THE LEASE. JOINT
CITY COMMISSION AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 2:25 p.m. Public Hearing
Applicable Area: South Beach
Facilities and Fleet Management
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Education Compact
• Safety / Traffic –
• MBSH Drop Off Lane – County Commissioner Micky Steinberg to return in 6 months
• MDCPS School Operations school time start and end times (-MDCPS)
• Speed Detection Cameras – per Fernandez will determine if funds can be allocated to education?
School Crossing Guards?
• Communication
• School Board update – legislative issues update
• Feeder Pattern Update
• Title I process for determination and support by CMB via MB Magazine or Water Bills or other (
Bonce to share information )
• Promote Housing and Community Development Services to support Title I eligibility
• Student Achievement
• STEAM Plus 2024-25 start date October 2024
• Parental Involvement/Family Support/Youth and Community Engagement
• Trust for Public Land – Biscayne Beach field partnership kick off September 26
• Technology
• STEM equipment for Charter/Private Schools next steps
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• Teacher Recruitment/Retention
• Teach at the Beach – Substitute Teacher Incentive Program
• Teacher Appreciation Event May 2024 – awaiting responses from schools for preferred date May 1
or 12
• Health / Mental Health
• Current mental health city support status and expansion for virtual health support through
MDCPS/Hazel Health (SPE, FF, NMS, BB)
• New Business / Announcement
• Washington Avenue Residential incentive (Suarez)
• 72nd Street Community Center October 30 Discussion
• Safe Space – Pridelines
• SRYC programs for children with exceptionalities
• FPL Grant - To apply, visit: FPL.com/ClassroomGrant Applications are now open and will
close Dec. 13, 2024. Applicant Criteria: » This grant is open to all K-12 public schools and
eligible private and charter schools within FPL’s service area in Florida that are designated
as Title 1 or serve a student population with at least 40% economically disadvantaged
students. The Classroom Makeover Grant Program is an educational commitment from
FPL’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation. Up to five schools will be selected to
each receive the $50,000 grant. Public, private or charter schools — all grade levels — are
encouraged to apply!
Motions Approved:
Motion 1
Made by Laurie Kaye Davis
Second by Rina Bass
The Committee for Quality Education requests the Mayor and Commission support Item C7Z from
the October 30, 2024, Commission Meeting for a partnership with Miami-Dade County Public
Schools should the School Board decide to move forward with metal detectors with an additional
comprehensive multipronged approach to safety.
The Committee for Quality Education urges the Mayor and Commission to support the above
request.
Motion Passage: Votes 11-1 (Mary Keinath)
Motion 2
Made by Mary Keinath
Second by Rina Bass
The Committee for Quality Education requests the Mayor and Commission support an aquatic
center as part of the 72nd Street community center complex.
The Committee for Quality Education urges the Mayor and Commission to support the above
request.
Motion Passage: Votes 9-0
Absent for Vote: Donielle Cohen, Seth Guttenberg, and Faiza Liban
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Adjournment
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
1. To continue to offer, oversee, protect, and sustain educational initiatives for our city’s youth in
conjunction and cooperation with MDCPS.
2. To continue to discuss and evaluate requests by the city’s schools and members of the community for
educational programming and infrastructure improvements and then advise the city’s commission
accordingly.
3. To make Teacher Recruitment/Retention a priority while continuing to meet the goals and
objectives that align with the Education Compact.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1. Established sub-committee to propose ideas to improve teacher recruitment and retention.
2. We worked with the CMB’s Economic Development Dept. to identify the many city-owned
venues/facilities available for school usage, with the benefit of waiving rental fees.
3. We continue to actively facilitate discussions with the CMB Transportation Dept, MDCPS, and Miami-
Dade County regarding a drop-off lane on Dade Boulevard in accordance with the Education Compact’s
prioritization of Safety. We are also working to address affects of potential school time changes.
4. We are working with MDCPS on facility issues including flooding and building maintenance.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Miami Beach Committee on the Homeless
CHAIRPERSON:
Charlotte Tomic
CITY LIAISON:
Janay Guerrero
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
3
ACTIVITY: July 2024-December 2024
Meetings are scheduled the second Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall. No meetings
took place in July, August or October. The following topics were addressed this reporting period:
• Monthly updates on the progress of the Camillus House Lazarus Program to address mental
illness among the City’s homeless population.
• Weekly reports from the City of Miami Beach on the efforts to address homelessness,
including details as submitted by the Departments/Divisions of the Homeless Outreach
Team, Parks Rangers, and Miami Beach Police Department.
• Homeless Outreach Team efforts to address homelessness:
o Increased shelter bed portfolio by purchasing an additional 13 beds at the Salvation
Army to support men and women experiencing homelessness.
o With the support of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, launched Afterhours Live
Assistance phone lines to offer extended access to homeless services beyond regular
business hours.
o Participated in Excessive Heat Services, led by the Miami Homeless Trust, by
coordinating the transportation of unhoused individuals to cooling shelters and
distributing essential supplies such as water, sunscreen, hats, and cooling towels
during heat advisories when the Heat Index was expected to exceed 105°F for two or
more hours.
o Extended Hours of Operation for the Walk-in Center to Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to
6:00 PM.
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• Miami Beach Police Department’s efforts to address homelessness:
o Placed unhoused persons seeking assistance into Afterhours shelter beds. MBPD
contacted approximately 1,300 people in 2024.
o Received and responded to homeless related complaints and made necessary
arrests.
o Assigned additional police officers to conduct Homeless Outreach .
o Continued to assist unhoused persons struggling with substance abuse to overcome
addiction through Marchman Act Program p etitions, followed by placement into
residential facilities.
o Allocated additional offers to enforce the City’s camping ordinance.
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
The committee anticipates addressing the following issues in the coming months:
o The Committee on the Homeless will continue to support the efforts of the Homeless
Outreach Services Team and the Miami Beach Police Department in addressing
homelessness.
o Work collaboratively with the City’s Homeless Services Division to make quarterly
donations of clothing and other essential items to local shelters.
o Committee on the Homeless will continue to collaboratively explore ways to support the
homeless community and make recommended motions to the City as appropriate
o The Committee on the Homeless aims to invite more speakers from local homeless shelters
and other Miami Beach committees addressing homelessness, including housing and mental
health experts, to help reduce the homeless population and support individuals on their
journey toward permanent housing, clothing, employment, and medical care.
o Maintain communication with staff members of the City’s Homeless Services and Homeless
Resource Police Officers to educate members on a now weekly basis and provide support
when appropriate.
o Invite outside experts to speak to the Committee, including Miami Rescue Mission, Chapman
Partnership, New Hope, VA, Salvation Army, etc.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
o Provided Letter to the City Commission in support of item R5D on the September 11, 2024
Commission meeting agenda to amend Chapter 70 of the City Code by amending Article II,
Section 70-45 entitled “Camping Prohibited” based upon the recent ruling of the Supreme
Court of the United States in the city of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson and the
enactment of Florida Statute 125.0231.
o Provided Letter to the City Commission in support of item R7 J on the December 11, 2024
Commission Meeting Agenda to approve the Professional Services Agreement with New
Hope C.O.R.P.S. to provide various housing services, including street outreach, detox,
treatment, recovery residences, transportation, and other related services for the City’s
unsheltered population.
o Provided Letter to the City Commission in support of item C7 L on the September 11, 2024
Commission Meeting Agenda to establish Afterhours Live Assistance for homeless outreach
services.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Cultural Arts Council (CAC)
CHAIRPERSON:
David Sexton
CITY LIAISON:
Lissette Garcia Arrogante
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
Five (5) meetings
ACTIVITY: The Cultural Arts Council (CAC) is an eleven-member council created in 1997 for the
purpose of developing, coordinating, and promoting the performing and visual arts in the City of
Miami Beach. The CAC serves as arts advocates before governmental bodies, coordinates
collective marketing initiatives for the local arts community and funds not -for-profit arts
organizations. Since the program’s inception, the CAC has awarded approximately $18 million in
cultural arts grants, supporting thousands of performances, exhibits, and other cultural activities in
Miami Beach.
July 11, 2024
• The CAC Committee discussed recent state of Florida budget cuts to grant funding for arts
organizations.
• The CAC Committee reviewed three models to allocate funding between the Cultural
Anchors and Presenters for the Cultural Arts Grant.
• Motion to approve up to $450,000 for Cultural Anchors and $600,000 for Cultural
Presenters by Ami Glottman, seconded by David Sexton, and passed unanimously.
• CAC Committee members reviewed recommended improvements to the grant application
based on their feedback.
• CAC Committee members shared feedback on the panel presentations for the Cultural Arts
Grant.
• For the No Vacancy Curatorial Advisory Committee, Chair David Sexton and Vice -Chair
Lauren Cohen volunteered to join as representatives as the City of Miami Beach Cultural
Arts Council. The No Vacancy Curatorial Advisory Committee is composed of two
members from each of the following groups: Cultural Arts Council, Art in Public Places
Committee, and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board.
September 19, 2024
• The CAC Committee discussed Resolution 2024-33265, approved by City Commission on
September 11, 2024, suspending the current and future grant agreements for South
Florida Art Center (Oolite Arts) until otherwise directed by the Mayor and City Commission.
• The grant workshop for FY 25 grantees will take place at the Miami Beach Botanical
Garden on September 26, 2024.
October 14, 2024
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• Reviewed proposed revisions for the venue waiver application to standardize the
requirements for all applicable locations.
• Motion to approve pending language of the maximum venue rate as advised by the
specific venue made by Member Ravelo, seconded by Member Garcia, and
approved unanimously by the council. A finalized version of each venue waiver will
be provided for council approval.
• Due to eleven (11) waiver submissions and a maximum of six (6) available for the Miami
Beach Bandshell, members were required to vote on their top six (6) programs. Members
reviewed and approved venue waiver applications for: Colony Theatre (2), Miami Beach
Bandshell (11), Soundscape Park (1), and The Fillmore (1). The following motions were
made:
• Motion to approve the request from the Save Foundation (12/17/24) and Hued
Songs (6/16/25-6/19/25) for the Colony Theatre waiver made by Member Leddick,
seconded by Member Garcia, and approved unanimously by the council.
• Motion to approve requests from Power Access (1/11/25), Blue Scholars Initiative
(6/2/25), Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (1/23/25), GroundUp
(2/7/25-2/10/25), Miami Light Project (3/1/25), and Bas Fisher Invitational (2/2/25)
for the Miami Beach Bandshell made by Chair Sexton, seconded by Vice Chair
Cohen, and approved unanimously by the council.
• Motion to approve Miami Light Project (1/17/25 & 1/24/25) for Soundscape Wallcast
made by Member Garcia, seconded by Member Leddick, and approved
unanimously by the council.
• Motion to approve Miami City Ballet (4/1/25 & 4/2/25) for the Fillmore Waiver
Request made by Member Garcia, seconded by Member Leddick, and approved
unanimously by the council.
November 7, 2024
• The one-time funding supplement for Miami Beach cultural and arts organizations was
approved by Commission on October 30, 2024, in the amount of $957,000 for FY25 ,
through a separate contract from the CAC grant.
December 12, 2024
• CAC members reviewed dates for 2025. Members will return in January to approve the
meeting dates.
• FY 25 Grant Contracts are undergoing revisions and should be routed for signature soon
after.
• FY 26 Grant preapplication opens on January 6th.
• Members reviewed final language changes to venue waiver applications.
• The Community Benefit Fund is $523,427.73.
• The grantee, Indie Pasion, lost their 501c3 status, so does not qualify to receive CAC grant
funding
• Oolite Art’s new CEO assumes their role in late January 2025. Oolite’s funding is still on
pause and the CEO’s practices and plans will need to be reviewed.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
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• Review and select grantees for the FY 26 grant cycle.
• Venue waiver requests for January 2025 – June 2025 at the following locations:
o Miami Beach Bandshell
o Colony Theatre
o SoundScape Wallcast
o The Fillmore
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Provided effective feedback about the grant reviewing process.
• Made motions to improve the grant application process and requirements.
• Made motions to ensure organizations are maximizing grant funds towards multiple events
in Miami Beach.
• Approved cultural programming to enrich Miami Beach residents and visitor experiences.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANUAL REPORT FORM - DRB
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME: DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CHAIRPERSON: SARAH GILLER NELSON
CITY LIAISON: ROGELIO MADAN
DATE OF REPORT: JUL 2024 – DEC 2024
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD: 5
Meeting
Date
Agenda
Items Approved Denied Discussed Continued Withdrawn No Action Moved Other
JUL 14 3 9 2
AUG NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM
SEPT 15 11 3 1 1
OCT 10 8 3
NOV 14 8 5 3
DEC 8 6 2
TOTAL 61 36 22 1 6
NM: No Meeting
Note: Some totals may not match due to some items being removed from the agenda at the last minute, or items that are partially
approved and also continued.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
G.O. Bond Oversight Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Karen Rivo
CITY LIAISON:
Thais Vieira
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
4
ACTIVITY:
Purpose
The G.O. Bond Oversight Committee was established in 2018 to provide advisory recommendations to the
City Manager and City commission from a macro perspective regarding the timely progress, overall goals,
costs and timely completion of G.O. bond projects approved by the voters.
Power and Duties
The primary responsibilities of the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee are to make recommendations and
provide general oversight relative to the overall timing, cost efficiencies, and prioritization of the projects.
Meeting Agenda Items
I. Roll Call and Introductions
II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 5-9-24
Welcome New Members
GO Bond Program Information
Sunshine Law
2018 G.O. Bonds
III. Neighborhood Improvement Plan Update
IV. Program General Status Update
V. Funding Swap - #7 La Gorce Park Playground
VI. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
72nd St. Complex (D), Fire Station #1 (D), 41st Street Corridor (D),
Seawalls (C), Streets & Sidewalks (C)
VII. Public Comment
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
VIII. Grant Projects Scope Variation
IX. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update
X. 2022 Bonds Projects Update
Fillmore (P), Byron Carlyle Theater (P), Botanical Garden (P),
Reefline (D)
XI. Community Outreach
• Recent Past Public Meetings / Upcoming Events
XII. Public Comment
XIII. Adjournment
Meeting #5
July 18, 2024
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Motions Made:
Motion #1 – #45 Fire Station No. 1
The Committee made a motion recommending to the City Commission to proceed
with the Fire Station 1 Project at the South Shore Community Center site, and not
proceed with the Flamingo Park location, regardless of the Referendum, because of
concerns over the costs spent to date, significant cost increase, and reduction of fire
safety services over the next three years (due to project delays).
Motion #2 – #40 41st Street Corridor
The Committee made a motion to move forward with the 41st Street Corridor
Improvements Project as presented.
Motion #3 – GOBAC #8 New World Symphony
The Committee made a motion endorsing the New World Symphony's request to
substitute the pergola scope of work for the replacement of the cameras and robotic
system in the Michael Tilson Performance Hall.
Motion #4 – GOBAC #16 Jewish Museum
The Committee made a motion endorsing the Jewish Museum of Florida's request to
delete certain scopes of work to be able to perform a full replacement of the facility's
air conditioning system.
Motion #5 – #7 La Gorce Park and #30 Skate Park
The Committee made a motion in favor of the funding swap for La Gorce Park from
Skate Park.
Meeting Agenda Items
I. Roll Call and Introductions
II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 7-18-24
Changes in Administration – Updated Program ORG Chart
Updated Motions Log
III. GO Bond Funding Update
IV. “Stop the Pause” Ordinance Overview
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
V. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update
VI. 2022 Bonds Projects Update
MC Ballet (D), Fillmore (P), Byron Carlyle (P), N.S. Playground (D),
Bandshell (D), Rotunda (C), Reefline (D)
VII. Public Comment
2018 G.O. Bonds
VIII. Program General Status Update
IX. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
Fire Station #1 (D), 72nd Street (D), Ocean Drive (D), Ped.Bridge (D),
Maurice Gibb Park (C), Police HQ. (D)
X. Community Outreach
Recent Past Public Meetings / Upcoming Events
XI. Public Comment
XII. Adjournment
Meeting #6
Sept 19, 2024
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Motion Made:
The Committee made a motion recommending to the City Commission the creation
of a policy for GO Bond Projects mirroring the “Stop the Pause” Ordinance, as
follows:
(a) A 5/7th vote of the City Commission shall be required before the City
Commission may take any action that has the effect of pausing, delaying, stopping
or materially modifying a GO Bond Project having an estimated construction cost of
$1,000,000 or more that is at least at 60% design.
(b) A 6/7th vote of the City Commission shall be required before the City
Commission may take any action that has the effect of pausing, delaying, stopping
or materially modifying a GO Bond Project having an estimated construction cost of
$1,000,000 or more that has obtained all permits and is shovel-ready.
Meeting Agenda Items
I. Roll Call and Introductions
II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 9-19-24
Committee Appointments
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
III. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update
IV. 2022 Bonds Projects Update
Byron Carlyle Theater (P), Holocaust Memorial (D), Wolfsonian (P)
V. Public Comment
2018 G.O. Bonds
VI. Program General Status Update
VII. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
Fire Station #1 (D), Ped. Bridge (D), Ocean Dr (D), 41st St Corridor (D),
Washington Ave (P)
VIII. 72nd Street Complex Update & Presentation
IX. Community Outreach
• Recent Past Public Meetings / Upcoming Events
X. Public Comment
XI. Adjournment
Meeting Agenda Items
I. Roll Call and Introductions
II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 11-14-24
2025 Meeting Calendar
Committee Members Farewell
III. Bond Accrued Interest Transfers
2018 G.O. Bonds
IV. Program General Status Update
V. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
72nd St Complex (D), Fire Station #1 (D), Bayshore Park (C), 41st St
Corridor (D), Tree Planting (C)
Meeting #7
November 14, 2024
Meeting #8
December 19,
2024
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VI. Public Comment
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
VII. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update
VIII. 2022 Bonds Projects Update
Byron Carlyle Theater (P), Colony Theater (C), Rotunda (C), Bass
Museum Addition (P)
IX. Community Outreach
Recent Past Public Meetings / Upcoming Events
X. Public Comment
XI. Adjournment
Motion Made:
The Committee made a motion in support of the Beachwalk Tree Planting Project
moving forward and on schedule.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
2018 G.O. Bond Program:
The following projects are anticipated to commence construction in 2025:
Pedestrian Bridge (commenced in January)
Tree planting at Beachwalk
Flamingo Park Softball Field
Flamingo Park Butterfly Garden
Street Lighting
The following projects are anticipated to be completed in 2025:
Maurice Gibb Park
Bayshore Park
Flamingo Park Lodge
Collins and Washington Avenue Security Cameras
2022 Arts & Culture G.O. Bond Program:
The following projects are anticipated to commence construction in 2025:
Deployment of first phase of Aquatic Sculpure Park (Reeflne)
Holocaust Memorial
La Gorce Park Artistic Playground
The following projects are anticipated to be completed in 2025:
North Shore Park Artistic Playground
Collins Park Workforce Housing
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The 2018 G.O. Bond Program has completed 11 of its 46 Tranche 1 projects. 49 of the 90 total Tranche 1
subprojects have been completed. The following are current accomplishments:
1. Implementation of Tranche 2 of the Infrastructure Category commenced.
2. GOB Dashboard and reports have been updated to include current Tranche 2 information.
23rd Street Streetscape
Chase Ave Shared Use Path
Marine Patrol Facility
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Park
Lighting
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3. Tranche 1 funding allocation for Sidewalk Improvements and Street Pavement has been fully expended.
4. Construction of the Real Time Intelligence Center, a carve-out of the main Police HQ. Facility Renovation
Project, was completed and turned over. Construction of adjacent spaces continued.
5. Construction of North Shore Park Playground and Soundscape Park Storage Facility commenced.
6. Construction of the seawalls at 29th Street and 48th Street have been completed.
7. Construction of Bayshore Park, Maurice Gibb Park, Flamingo Park Lodge continued.
The Arts & Culture G.O. Bond Program has 20 out of the total of 21 projects being advanced in Tranche
1. 19 are in some form of active status and 1 project has been completed. 45 of the 47 total Tranche 1
subprojects are active and 6 subprojects are complete. The following are current accomplishments:
1. Construction of North Shore Park Artistic Playground commenced.
2. Colony Theater Electrical Improvements and Bass Museum Automatic Shade System completed.
3. Construction of Collins Park Workforce Housing, Collins Park Rotunda, New World Symphony, Colony
Theater Technology Improvements, and various projects at Bass Museum continued.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON:
CITY LIAISON:
MARC CHEVALIER, SENIOR RISK OFFICER
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
0
ACTIVITY:
No meetings were held due to the inability to achieve a quorum, caused by the significant number
of vacancies on the Committee.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Health Facilities Authority Board
CHAIRPERSON:
Arthur Unger
CITY LIAISON:
Javier Collazo
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
None to date
ACTIVITY:
No activity
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Meetings are held on an as needed basis. No meetings are scheduled at this time.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
N/A
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Hispanic Affairs Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Carmen Datorre
CITY LIAISON:
Leonor Hernandez
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
5 meetings and 4 events
ACTIVITY: July 1 – December 31, 20
SIMON BOLIVAR EVENT:
Wreath Laying Ceremony and Event
July 25 4 PM
Country recognized: Ecuador
Very successful and well attended event.
See documentation attached.
PARTICIPATED IN MBFD CHANGE OF COMMAND:
July 31, 2024
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:
Sought nominations for Hispanic Heritage Month awards, selected winners and presented the
awards at the City’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Month VIP Reception at on September 26, 2024 at
Sherry Frontenac Ocean Front Hotel. Very successful and well attended event. See attached
documentation pertaining to this event.
Hosted Miami Beach Salsa Festival on September 28, 2024. Very successful and well attended
free concert.
Collaborated on Desi Arnaz Marker Unveiling at Collins Park on October 15, 2024.
Very successful and well attended event.
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
JOSE MARTI DAY EVENT:
Wreath Laying Ceremony and Event
Scheduled for Monday, 27, 2025, 4 PM
Collins Park
M IAM I BEACH
OFFICE OF TH E CITY CLERK
NO. LTC# 060-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk~
February 8, 2023 /
HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION
Placement of State of Florida Historical Marker in Collins Park Neighborhood in
Honor of Desi Arnaz
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to inform the Mayor and City Commission
of the following Motion passed by the Hispanic Affair Committee at their January 12, 2023
meeting after a presentation made by Ms. Deborah Tackett, Historic Preservation &
Architecture Officer - Planning and Zoning Department reference the Placement of a State of
Florida Historical Marker in the Collins Park Neighborhood in honor of Desi Arnaz. (See
Memorandum attached).
Members present:
Gabriel Paez, Rosary Plana Falero, Liliana Martinez, Carmen Datorre, Gustavo Briand, and
Atiosis Blanco
Members absent:
None
Staff Present:
Leonor Hernandez, Committee Liaison
MOTION:
Motion to recommend in favor of placing the marker within the Collins Park Neighborhood.
Further, that the marker be placed within the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza as the first
preference subject to the final review of the State of Florida, with the second preference being
the northwest corner of Collins Park. The Committee also recommended that text of the
marker be refined to include a more site-specific reference.
Motion made by: Carmen Datorre
Motion seconded by: Rosary Plana Falero
Unanimously approved by all members present.
cc: Marcia Monserrat
Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG/lh
MIAM I BEACH
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Memorandum
TO: Chairperson and Members
Hispanic Affairs Committee
DATE: January 12, 2023
FROM: Deborah Tackett
Historic Preservation & Architecture Officer
SUBJECT: Discussion: Placement of State of Florida Historical Marker in Collins Park
Neighborhood in honor of Desi Arnaz
HISTORY
On September 14, 2022, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the City Commission
referred the discussion item to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee
(Item C4 M). On October 19, 2022, the discussion was deferred to the November 30, 2022
meeting.
At the November 30 PSNQLC meeting, this item was discussed and concluded, and sent to the
full City Commission. The Administration was directed to conduct outreach to the following
organizations, and provide a recommendation to the City Commission on a location for the
proposed historic marker in the Collins Park area:
1. Miami City Ballet
2. Bass Museum
3. Hispanic Affairs Committee
4. Collins Park Neighborhood Association
BACKGROUND
Desi Arnaz was born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha on March 2, 1917, in Santiago, Cuba.
His father was a prominent physician, a wealthy landowner, and a popular senator. Batista's
Cuban Revolution forced Desi and his father to flee to Miami (his mother would arrive later) where
the penniless 17-year-old arrived unable to truly speak, read, or understand English. Remarkably,
despite their reversal of fortune, neither he nor his father gave up hope. For Desi, that meant
cleaning canary cages for 25 cents each, helping his dad lay tile in Miami Beach homes, and
struggling to save money by sleeping on cots shoved in the back of a warehouse on SW Third
Avenue. A family friend and fellow refugee helped Desi enroll at St. Patrick Catholic School. Over
time, he improved his English, learned guitar and the conga drum, and assimilated into his
adopted home.
In 1937, Arnaz met Bobby Kelly, son of entrepreneurial restaurateur 'Mother' Kelly, who was then
opening a 200-seat nightclub as an addition to the Park Avenue Restaurant. Promising Kelly an
orchestra, Desi was hired for a two-week engagement. At the nightclub's December 30, 1937
premiere, the 20-year-old had been so desperate for work he didn't reveal his orchestra was really
just a handful of musicians who couldn't play the Latin rhythms Arnaz had promised.
Remembering his childhood in Santiago where a hypnotic rhythm was played at city-wide parties
H is p a n ic A ff a irs C o m m itt e e
D is c u s s io n : D e s i A rn a z H is to ric a l M a rk e r
Jan u ar y 12, 2 0 2 2 P a g e 2 o f 3
that stretched from dusk to dawn, Arnaz quickly taught the musicians to play a cadence of 'One-
two-three-KICK!' Arnaz beat his conga drum in time, shouted to the audience to follow him and
above this primal rhythm he proceeded to dance everyone around the bar, out the door, around
the block and back into the nightclub. What Arnaz called his 'Dance of Desperation' launched 'The
Conga Craze' in America. Even more significantly, the ensuing publicity raised his profile and led
him first to Broadway and then to Hollywood where he met the love of his life, Lucille Ball with the
two becoming the proud parents of Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., to his own orchestra, the
production and ownership of 'I Love Lucy', and the couples' purchase of RKO Studios.
ANALYSIS
The proposal to introduce a State of Florida Historical Marker was spearheaded by Gary
McKechnie, a resident of Mount Dora, Florida. Mr. McKechnie learned of the incredible
accomplishments of Desi Arnaz and submitted a nomination to the State of Florida for a historical
marker honoring the entertainer. On May 24, 2022, the State of Florida Historical Marker Council
met in Tallahassee and unanimously approved the nomination.
While the location of Mr. Arnaz's performances was initially believed to be at the Park Central
Hotel on Ocean Drive as referenced in Mr. Anaz's memoir, A Book, by Desi Arnaz, after further
research it has been concluded that the actual location of the nightclub was at 339 22° Street
(the former Park Avenue Restaurant), the current site of the Miami City Ballet. A copy of the
original building permit card for 339 22" Street and a Miami Herald advertisement for the La
Conga nightclub are attached, for informational purposes.
Given the documentation identifying the intersection of Park Avenue and 22 Street as the site of
La Conga nightclub, the most appropriate location for the marker would be somewhere in the
Collins Park Neighborhood near the Miami City Ballet building. The Administration has identified
two possible areas for the installation of the plaque, as noted on the attached map, and
summarized hereto:
Option One - Collins Park
Option one would be to introduce the marker within the green space at the northwest corner of
Collins Park adjacent to the south side of 22 Street. This location is closest to the former La
Conga nightclub and installation would not require the removal of any paved areas.
Option Two- Liberty Avenue Plaza
Option two is within the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza adjacent to the north side of 22 Street.
This location will likely have a much higher volume of pedestrian activity, allowing for more public
appreciation. However, it may require the removal or modification of paved areas.
The Administration's preferred location is Option Two which will afford a greater public benefit. As
the final location is subject to the approval of the State, the Administration would recommend the
Commission also endorse Option One as an alternate location in the event the State does not
approve the marker to be placed within the Liberty Avenue plaza.
Each marker is made of cast aluminum with a black background and white lettering, as well as a
white Florida Heritage emblem. The markers come with a 7-0" concrete post and have a text
area of 30" by 42".
The verbiage previously approved by the State of Florida Historic Marker Council is as follows:
Hispanic Affairs Committee
Discussion: Desi Arnaz Historical Marker
January 12, 2022 Page 3 of 3
Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha was born into wealth and privilege in Santiago, Cuba. After
the Cuban Revolution of 1933 forced his family to flee to Miami, the teenage refugee lived in a
pest-ridden warehouse and earned spare change cleaning birdcages - not knowing he would one
day transform American entertainment. A turning point came at the Park Avenue nightclub in 1937
when the young bandleader realized the Latin music he knew was foreign to his pickup band.
Arnaz saved the show by beating out a tempo on his conga drum. When the band joined in, the
mesmerized audience followed Arnaz as he danced them outside and through these streets. What
Arnaz called his "Dance of Desperation" launched the "Conga Craze" in America. His endless
talent and determination led him first to Broadway and then Hollywood where he met the love of
his life, Lucille Ball. Married in 1940, they would have two children, create Desilu Productions,
achieve stardom with I Love Lucy, and purchase RKO Studios. On a 1954 TV special honoring
the couple, Arnaz reflected "From cleaning canary cages to this night. .. I don't think there's any
other country in the world that can give you that opportunity. I want to say thank you. Thank you,
America."
The proposal also includes the above verbiage translated into Spanish for one side of the marker.
Pursuant to Section 82-504 of the City Code concerning monuments and memorials, the City
Commission is required to hold a public hearing prior to final approval of the commemorative
plaque. The proposal for a commemorative plaque must be transmitted to the City Commission
with an accompanying written analysis prepared by the City Administration.
At the close of the City Commission public hearing, the approval of the proposal requires a 5/7
vote. Unless expressly provided otherwise in the City Commission Resolution approving the
historical marker, the approval shall establish the presumption that the City shall assume the costs
associated with the ongoing maintenance of the approved marker.
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC #LETTER TO CO M M ISSIO N
TO:Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
~tan!City Clerk
FROM:for Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk
DATE:September 11,2024
SUBJECT:2024 HISPANIC HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS AND CEREMONY
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to inform the Mayor and City
Commission of the upcoming 2024 Hispanic Heritage Award Recipients and Ceremony.
Following a competitive vetting of nominations from a cross-section of the community,
the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee is proud to announce that it will honor the
following individuals and businesses at the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony
taking place on Thursday,September 26,2024,6 p.m.at The Sherry Frontenac Ocean
Front Hotel,6565 Collins Avenue,Miami Beach,Florida 33141.(Invitations attached).
Adult Contributing to Success of Youth
•Melissa Andrea Yanes,Miami Beach Parks &Recreation
Artist -Singer
•Maylu Hernandez
Artist -Sculptor and Performance Art
•Daniela Vietti
Business
•Ole Ole Steakhouse &Tapelia Spanish Cuisine
Business Owner
•Eduardo Araoz
Educator
•Karlowa Lopez Rodriguez
Hispanic Community Member
•Maria Monserrat Riani-Smith
Public Safety Personnel
•Lieutenant Giancarlo Garcia,Miami Beach Fire Department
•Lieutenant Claudio Navas,Miami Beach Fire Department
394-2024
Public Servant
•Rafael E.Granado
Social Service Provider Supporting Seniors
•Sixto Antonio Acea
Social Service Provider Supporting Homeless
•Roberto Morales
Trailblazer Award Hispanic Community
•Father Roberto Cid
Honorary Mention Architectural Contribution to the City of Miami Beach
•Touzet Studio
cc:Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG:lh
20 24
AW ARDS CEREM ONY
The C i ty of Mi am i Be a ch and the H is panic Affairs
Committee invites you to attend the
O()())Oe
HISPANIC HERITAGE
AWARDS CEREMONY
eO)())O
Th u rsd a y ,Sep tem ber 26,20 24 ]6 P M
Sherry Frontenac Oceanfront Hotel
6565 Collins Avenue,Miami Beach
Please RSVP by Wednesday,September 1 8 to
Leonorhernandez@miam i beach fl .gov.
MIAMI BEA C H
2024
AWARDS CEREMONY
La Ciudad de Miami Beach y el Comite
de Asuntos Hispanos le invita a la
O)()()o
C E R E M O N IA DE P R EM /O S
A LA H E R E N CIA HISPAN A
O)())ow
Jueves,26 de septiembre de/2024 I 6 PM
Sherry Frontenac Oceanfront Hotel
6565 Collins Avenue,Miami Beach
Confirme su asistencia antes del miercoles 8 de septiembre
con Leonorhernandez@miamibeachfl.gov.
M IAM I BEA C H
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC#441-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Mein::_:1d 7mbers of the City Commission
Ratael E.Granado,ciy cerk /X]
October 2,2024
HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE -UNVEILING OF DESI ARNAZ MARKER
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC)is to notify the Mayor and City Commission
of the following upcoming celebration:
Known for his timeless TV catchphrases like "Lucy,I'm home"and "Lucy,you got some
'splainin'to do,"beloved entertainer Desi Arnaz will be honored by the City of Miami Beach
nearly 90 years after the Cuban immigrant got his big break at a nightclub on Collins Avenue.
The marker will be unveiled on Tuesday,October 15,during a 4 p.m.ceremony in Collins
Park (2200 Liberty Ave.)the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month and the 73°anniversary
of the "I Love Lucy"premiere on October 15,1951.Together with Lucille Ball,his wife of 20
years,the couple won the hearts of America in what became the country's most popular
television show of its time.
The Hispanic Affairs Committee is pleased that this event is taking place.
(L TC attached showing support from the Committee).
cc:Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG/lh
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC#060-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E.Granado,City Cler~
February 8,2023 1
HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION
Placement of State of Florida Historical Marker in Collins Park Neighborhood in
Honor of Desi Arnaz
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to inform the Mayor and City Commission
of the following Motion passed by the Hispanic Affair Committee at their January 12,2023
meeting after a presentation made by Ms.Deborah Tackett,Historic Preservation &
Architecture Officer -Planning and Zoning Department reference the Placement of a State of
Florida Historical Marker in the Collins Park Neighborhood in honor of Desi Arnaz.(See
Memorandum attached).
Members present:
Gabriel Paez,Rosary Plana Falero,Liliana Martinez,Carmen Datorre,Gustavo Briand,and
Atiosis Blanco
Members absent:
None
Staff Present:
Leonor Hernandez,Committee Liaison
MOTION:
Motion to recommend in favor of placing the marker within the Collins Park Neighborhood.
Further,that the marker be placed within the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza as the first
preference subject to the final review of the State of Florida,with the second preference being
the northwest corner of Collins Park.The Committee also recommended that text of the
marker be refined to include a more site-specific reference.
Motion made by:Carmen Datorre
Motion seconded by:Rosary Plana Falero
Unanimously approved by all members present.
cc:Marcia Monserrat
Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG/lh
MIAMI BEACH
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Memorandum
TO:
FROM:
Chairperson and Members
Hispanic Affairs Committee
Deborah Tackett
Historic Preservation &Architecture Officer
DATE January 12,2023
SUBJECT :Discussion:Placement of State of Florida Historical Marker in Collins Park
Neighborhood in honor of Desi Arnaz
HISTORY
On September 14,2022,at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez,the City Commission
referred the discussion item to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee
(Item C4 M).On October 19,2022,the discussion was deferred to the November 30,2022
meeting.
At the November 30 PSNQLC meeting,this item was discussed and concluded,and sent to the
full City Commission.The Administration was directed to conduct outreach to the following
organizations,and provide a recommendation to the City Commission on a location for the
proposed historic marker in the Collins Park area:
1.Miami City Ballet
2.Bass Museum
3.Hispanic Affairs Committee
4.Collins Park Neighborhood Association
BACKGROUND
Desi Arnaz was born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha on March 2,1917,in Santiago,Cuba.
His father was a prominent physician,a wealthy landowner,and a popular senator.Batista's
Cuban Revolution forced Desi and his father to flee to Miami (his mother would arrive later)where
the penniless 17-year-old arrived unable to truly speak,read,or understand English.Remarkably,
despite their reversal of fortune,neither he nor his father gave up hope.For Desi,that meant
cleaning canary cages for 25 cents each,helping his dad lay tile in Miami Beach homes,and
struggling to save money by sleeping on cots shoved in the back of a warehouse on SW Third
Avenue.A family friend and fellow refugee helped Desi enroll at St.Patrick Catholic School.Over
time,he improved his English,learned guitar and the conga drum,and assimilated into his
adopted home.
In 1937,Arnaz met Bobby Kelly,son of entrepreneurial restaurateur 'Mother'Kelly,who was then
opening a 200-seat nightclub as an addition to the Park Avenue Restaurant.Promising Kelly an
orchestra,Desi was hired for a two-week engagement.At the nightclub's December 30,1937
premiere,the 20-year-old had been so desperate for work he didn't reveal his orchestra was really
just a handful of musicians who couldn't play the Latin rhythms Arnaz had promised.
Remembering his childhood in Santiago where a hypnotic rhythm was played at city-wide parties
Hispanic Affairs Committee
Discussion:Desi Arnaz Historical Marker
January 12,2022 Page 2 of3
that stretched from dusk to dawn,Arnaz quickly taught the musicians to play a cadence of 'One-
two-three-KICK!'Arnaz beat his conga drum in time,shouted to the audience to follow him and
above this primal rhythm he proceeded to dance everyone around the bar,out the door,around
the block and back into the nightclub.What Arnaz called his 'Dance of Desperation'launched 'The
Conga Craze'in America.Even more significantly,the ensuing publicity raised his profile and led
him first to Broadway and then to Hollywood where he met the love of his life,Lucille Ball with the
two becoming the proud parents of Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz,Jr.,to his own orchestra,the
production and ownership of 'I Love Lucy',and the couples'purchase of RKO Studios.
ANALYSIS
The proposal to introduce a State of Florida Historical Marker was spearheaded by Gary
McKechnie,a resident of Mount Dora,Florida.Mr.McKechnie learned of the incredible
accomplishments of Desi Arnaz and submitted a nomination to the State of Florida for a historical
marker honoring the entertainer.On May 24,2022,the State of Florida Historical Marker Council
met in Tallahassee and unanimously approved the nomination.
While the location of Mr.Arnaz's performances was initially believed to be at the Park Central
Hotel on Ocean Drive as referenced in Mr.Anaz's memoir,A Book,by Desi Arnaz,after further
research it has been concluded that the actual location of the nightclub was at 339 22 Street
(the former Park Avenue Restaurant),the current site of the Miami City Ballet.A copy of the
original building permit card for 339 22"Street and a Miami Herald advertisement for the La
Conga nightclub are attached,for informational purposes.
Given the documentation identifying the intersection of Park Avenue and 22 Street as the site of
La Conga nightclub,the most appropriate location for the marker would be somewhere in the
Collins Park Neighborhood near the Miami City Ballet building.The Administration has identified
two possible areas for the installation of the plaque,as noted on the attached map,and
summarized hereto:
Option One -Collins Park
Option one would be to introduce the marker within the green space at the northwest corner of
Collins Park adjacent to the south side of 22 Street.This location is closest to the former La
Conga nightclub and installation would not require the removal of any paved areas.
Option Two -Liberty Avenue Plaza
Option two is within the Liberty Avenue pedestrian plaza adjacent to the north side of 22 Street.
This location will likely have a much higher volume of pedestrian activity,allowing for more public
appreciation.However,it may require the removal or modification of paved areas.
The Administration's preferred location is Option Two which will afford a greater public benefit.As
the final location is subject to the approval of the State,the Administration would recommend the
Commission also endorse Option One as an alternate location in the event the State does not
approve the marker to be placed within the Liberty Avenue plaza.
Each marker is made of cast aluminum with a black background and white lettering,as well as a
white Florida Heritage emblem.The markers come with a 7'-0"concrete post and have a text
area of 30"by 42".
The verbiage previously approved by the State of Florida Historic Marker Council is as follows:
Hispanic Affairs Committee
Discussion:Desi Arnaz Historical Marker
January 12,2022 Page 3 of 3
Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha was born into wealth and privilege in Santiago,Cuba.After
the Cuban Revolution of 1933 forced his family to flee to Miami,the teenage refugee lived in a
pest-ridden warehouse and earned spare change cleaning birdcages -not knowing he would one
day transform American entertainment.A turning point came at the Park Avenue nightclub in 1937
when the young bandleader realized the Latin music he knew was foreign to his pickup band.
Arnaz saved the show by beating out a tempo on his conga drum.When the band joined in,the
mesmerized audience followed Arnaz as he danced them outside and through these streets.What
Arnaz called his "Dance of Desperation"launched the "Conga Craze"in America.His endless
talent and determination led him first to Broadway and then Hollywood where he met the love of
his life,Lucille Ball.Married in 1940,they would have two children,create Desilu Productions,
achieve stardom with I Love Lucy,and purchase RKO Studios.On a 1954 TV special honoring
the couple,Arnaz reflected "From cleaning canary cages to this night...I don't think there's any
other country in the world that can give you that opportunity.I want to say thank you.Thank you,
America."
The proposal also includes the above verbiage translated into Spanish for one side of the marker.
Pursuant to Section 82-504 of the City Code concerning monuments and memorials,the City
Commission is required to hold a public hearing prior to final approval of the commemorative
plaque.The proposal for a commemorative plaque must be transmitted to the City Commission
with an accompanying written analysis prepared by the City Administration.
At the close of the City Commission public hearing,the approval of the proposal requires a 5/7
vote.Unless expressly provided otherwise in the City Commission Resolution approving the
historical marker,the approval shall establish the presumption that the City shall assume the costs
associated with the ongoing maintenance of the approved marker.
You're invited to the
DESI ARNAZ
HISTORIC MARKER UNVEILING CEREMONY
Tuesday,October 15
4-5pm
COLLINS PARK
2200 Liberty Avenue,Miami Beach
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MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC#495-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM:
DATE:
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk ~
November 8,2024
SUBJECT:HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC)is to inform the Mayor and City
Commission of the following Motion passed by the Hispanic Affairs Committee at their
August 8,2024 meeting:
Members present:
Carmen Datorre,Elba Machado,Rosary Plana Falero,Gustavo Briand,and Natasha
Fernandez
Members absent:Julian Linares
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,Commission Liaison
MOTION:
Motion to support the acceptance of the donation of a bust of Don Jose de San Martin,
liberator of Argentina,Chile and Peru,to be placed at Collins Park among the other
busts at that location and to be placed on a pedestal similar to the one from Benito
Juarez,or in the alternative,to be placed at a strategic location in North Beach such as
the plaza of the Normandy Fountain or other location in North Beach where the City
Administration and City Commission agree to.(See attached L TC021-2024 previously
sent on this request).
Motion made by Gustavo Briand
Motion seconded by Carmen Datorre
Motion unanimously approved by all members present
REG/lh
Don Jose de San Martin Fact Sheet
•Regarded as a national hero of Argentina,Chile,and Peru.
•Birth:February 25,1778,Yapeya,Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata
(modern-day Argentina)
•Death:August 17,1850,Boulogne-sur-Mer,France
•Nationality:Argentine
•Significant Contributions to Argentina:
1.Military Leadership:San Martin was a skilled military
commander and strategist.He played a pivotal role in the
Argentine War of Independence and was one of the principal
leaders in the fight for liberation from Spanish colonial rule.
2.Army of the North:San Martin organized and led the Army of
the North,which fought against Spanish forces in the northern
regions of Argentina.The most notable victory was the Battle
of San Lorenzo in 1813,a significant step towards Argentine
independence.
3.Respect for Civilian Rule:San Martin was a staunch supporter
of civilian rule and constitutional government.After securing
independence in Argentina and other South American nations,
he willingly resigned his command and withdrew from direct
involvement in politics and governance,setting an important
precedent for democratic transition.
4.Legacy:San Martin's legacy is celebrated in Argentina,where
he is considered one of the nation's founding fathers and is
often referred to as "The Liberator."His contributions to
Argentina's independence continue to be an integral part of
the country's history and identity.
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO.LTC #
021-2024
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk ~
January 19,2024
SUBJECT:HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTIONS
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to inform the Mayor and City Commission of
the following Motions passed by the Hispanic Affair Committee during the July 13,2023 and
December 12,2023 meetings:
July_13,2023 Meeting:
Communications -QR Codes
Motion:
The Hispanic Affairs Committee,in light of the continued growth of the monuments of historical
Hispanic figures at Collins Park,would like to urge the Commission to consider and recommend
the addition of QR codes on the monuments that would provide information on each historic
figure/bust and their respective significance.The link should provide information as to each
figure,the provenance of the creation of the bust,and the historical background of the artist.
Motion made by Elba Machado
Motion Seconded by Gustavo Briand
The motion was unanimously approved by all members present.
Members Present:Rosary Plana Falero,Carmen Datorre,Gustavo Briand,Elba Machado,
Atiosis Blanco
Members Absent:Liliana Martinez,Julian Linares
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,City Liaison
December 12,2023 Meeting:
Adult Education
Motion made at the request of School Board Member Lucia Baez and discussion among the
committee members,to recommend to the City Commission to explore ways to expand existing
program for adult education at Fienberg Fisher Elementary School,in that school or any other
location or any other public school within the City of Miami Beach having availability.
Expanding programs for adult education offered in our City will help our residents to improve job
market opportunities.
Motion made by Elba Machado and Atiosis Blanco
Unanimously approved by all members present.
Members Present:Rosary Plana Falero,Carmen Datorre,Gustavo Briand,Elba Machado,
Liliana Martinez,Atiosis Blanco,Julian Linares
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,City Liaison
Private Parking Lot Signage
Motion to recommend to the City Commission to address private parking lots'current signage to
clearly differentiate from City public parking (including but not limited to color,font size,
messaging,etc.).Also,specify in the sign that Citywide and a disabled parking permit are not
honored and require payment.Especially,because the current signage has impacted the most
vulnerable members of our community,our elderly residents,and residents with disabilities.
Motion made by Julian Linares and seconded by Gustavo Briand.
Unanimously approved by all members present.
Members Present:Rosary Plana Falero,Carmen Datorre,Gustavo Briand,Elba Machado,
Liliana Martinez,Atiosis Blanco,Julian Linares
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,City Liaison
Don Jose de San Martin Bust
To recommend to the City Commission,that in order to honor City residents representing the
communities of Argentina,Chile,and Peru,install a bust of General Don Jose de San Martin at
Collins Park.
Motion made by Gustavo Briand and Seconded by Elba Machado.
Unanimously approved by all members present.
Members Present:Rosary Plana Falero,Carmen Datorre,Gustavo Briand,Elba Machado,
Liliana Martinez,Atiosis Blanco,Julian Linares
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,City Liaison
CC:Marcia Monserrat,Chief of Staff
Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG/lh
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANUAL REPORT FORM - HPB
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME: HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
CHAIRPERSON: JOHN STUART
CITY LIAISON: DEBORAH TACKETT
DATE OF REPORT: JUL 2024 – DEC 2024
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD: 5
Meeting
Date
Agenda
Items Approved Denied Discussed Continued Withdrawn No Action Moved Other
JUL 6 3 1 1 1 1
AUG NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM
SEP 6 6
OCT 8 6 1 1
NOV 6 4 1 1
DEC 6 5 1
TOTAL 32 24 1 3 3 - - - 2
NM: No Meeting
Note: Some totals may not match due to some items being removed from the agenda at the last minute, items that are partially
approved and also continued.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Human Rights Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Amanda Knapp
CITY LIAISON:
Muriel Thomas
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
ACTIVITY:
On-Going Partnerships:
Community Coalition Human Trafficking
• Miami Beach Human Trafficking Detective Unit
• Miami Beach Homeless Outreach Services
• Miami Beach Code Compliance
• Miami-Dade State Attorney
• Commissioners Dominguez and Fernandez
• DHS Blue Campaign
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Letters to the Commission (LTC)
Disabled Permit Parking Policy
Social Issue Committee Term Limits
Code Compliance Human Trafficking Training
On going training
2nd Quarter - Homelessness Issue
Continue investigation on arrests and human rights
3rd Quarter – Immigration
Assess options for individuals who reside in Miami Beach
Provide awareness and information to the community
4th Quarter – UN Human Rights Day
Hold an informative event for UN Human Rights Day
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Human Rights Awareness Panels & Workshops
A Forum on Our Unhoused Community – July 13, 2024
Code Compliance Human Trafficking Training
All code compliance officers have received human trafficking 101 training
Events:
• World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Event - Red Sand Event (July 27, 2024) –
Pride Park
• National Human Trafficking Prevention Month - Red Sand Event (January 18, 2025) –
Lummus Park
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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LGBTQIA+ Committee Meeting Dec.Docx Page 1
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
LGBTQIA+ Committee meeting
CHAIRPERSON:
Steve Adkins
CITY LIAISON:
Monica Matteo-Salinas
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
3
ACTIVITY:
òή ф ļΟħļЎ 13 city com m ission m eeting will be the tim e for a LGBTQIA proclamation at
5p m .
FAR for unisex bathrooms. Helpful for T ransgender community. Passed 1st reading.
SAV E and Pridelines assisting with marketing for the City.
Carol Combes introduced Rick Karlin that wrote a book about 1 000 L GBT QI A bars and
places in South Florida - Palm beach to Key West - from 1 930s to present. Book came
out Oct 5.
Rick went through Stonewall archives. Is willing to share data collected with the
committee.
Book is available on Amazon. Was #1 travel book for one day. Includes interviews from
an array of local personalities.
Research included Google image searches.
Will be hosting a book signing event is tentatively at TWIST nightclub on Nov 22.
Steve Adkins expressed that the city needs this – so as to ensure ongoing tourism.
VCA grants were cut.
Edy suggested infusing historic background to each video story.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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LGBTQIA+ Committee Meeting Dec.Docx Page 2
I n Sydney, Australia, parades included placards during their Pride Parade. T his can be
emulated.
December 1 9 is the MDGLCC’ s Holigay event at the LGBTQIA visitor center in MB. Toys
go to MB police department for their toy drive.
MB Police Department
• A hate-crim es training was completed. F eedback is being received. Department
hopes to host more regularly.
• $1 52, 000 grant was received to address hate crimes. A consultant will be hired.
2 -year grant.
• Funding was received for safety consulting.
• $54,000 was earm arked for LGBTQIA outreach/work.
• Safeplace program is to be re -launched. Publicizing will begin soon.
Steve Adkins discussed a $1 , 000 project for a roadmap to be positioned to be proactive
during uncertain political arena – so that MD county remains a safe zone. T he report
will be shared. I t should take 1 0 months.
Fridge Art Fair to be at the MB visitors center during Art Basel.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Pride in April, Pride event on L incoln Rd in June.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Passed the FAR Unisex Bathroom initiative on first reading. First ever Pride event
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hosted in partnership with L incoln Rd and City of Miami PD and Fire in June.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Marine & Waterfront Protection Authority Board
CHAIRPERSON:
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Ben Mostkoff
John Gardiner
CITY LIAISON:
Shanique Pinnock
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
(January 2024 to December 2024)
10
August (summer recess) October (weather cancellation)
ACTIVITY: Implement the provisions and responsibilities of Section 2-190.46 of the Code of the
City of Miami Beach which created and established the City’s Marine and Waterfront Protection
Authority, as set forth below: In addition, the Marine & Waterfront Protection Authority Board
engaged in activities resulting in “Accomplishments” as provided in the narrative below.
Sec. 2-190.46. - Created.
The city's marine and waterfront protection authority is hereby created and established. Powers,
duties, composition and attendance requirements of the authority are set out specifically in this
division.
(Code 1964, § 7-17; Ord. No. 97-3086, § 3(7-17), 7-2-97; Ord. No. 2014-3841, § 1.10, 2-12-14)
Sec. 2-190.47. - Established; purpose.
(a) There is hereby established the marine and waterfront protection authority, whose purposes,
power and duties, composition, membership qualification and general governing regulations are as
set forth in this section and section 2-190.49.
(b) The supporting department of the authority is the code enforcement department.
(Ord. No. 97-3086, §§ 2.15.1, 2.15.2, 7-2-97; Ord. No. 2014-3841, § 1.10, 2-12-14)
Sec. 2-190.48. - Membership.
(a) Composition. The authority shall consist of 14 voting members, with the mayor and city
commissioners each having two direct appointments.
(b) Knowledge and experience. Appointments to the authority shall consist of a combination of
individuals who have had previous experience in the:
1. Operation or inspection of marine facilities, including experience in various types of marine
vessels and boating activities, and/or
2. Who have an interest in preservation of the city's beaches and waterfronts.
The members of the authority shall have the right and duty to consult with any member of the city
administration for technical or other information pertaining to the matters before them.
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(Ord. No. 97-3086, §§ 2.15.4, 2.15.5, 7-2-97; Ord. No. 2000-3245, § 1, 5-24-00, Ord. No. 2014-
3841, § 1.10, 2-12-14)
Sec. 2-190.49. - Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of the authority are to:
(1) Make periodic reports and advisory non-binding recommendations to the city manager or the
city commission for the improvement of standards for the city in marine-related matters to promote
and maintain a safe clean and healthy marine environment to be enjoyed by the city's residents and
visitors. This shall include working in cooperation with federal, state and local agencies interested
in marine standards and clean and clear waterways; and to publicizing the importance of adequate
standards; and holding and conducting public hearings, discussions, forums and institutes to
arrange programs for the presentation of information by experts in related fields.
(2) Foster and maintain a clean, litter-free marine environment by exploring the availability of
enforcement techniques, new ordinances, and the active promotion of voluntary cleanups.
(3) Make recommendations regarding any ongoing and future waterside activities including the
permitting and policing of water-related and beach concessions, water-oriented and marine-related
special events, and marine and waterfront environmental issues.
(4) Make recommendations to the city manager and the city commission regarding potential
suspension or revocation of business tax receipts for commercial charter operators that engage in
nuisance or habitual unlawful activities. The city manager shall respond to any recommendations
made pursuant to this subsection within 30 days.
(5) The investigation, development, and carrying out of plans for the preservation and
renourishment of the beaches in the city, including, but not limited to, erosion control.
(6) To foster and maintain a clean, safe, and litter-free beach environment by exploring the
availability of enforcement techniques, programs, or new legislation to accomplish these goals.
(7) The encouragement of a desire in the citizenry and visitors to the city to maintain and preserve
the city's beaches.
(8) The recommendation of plans to the city manager, city commission, as well as to other local,
state, and federal governmental agencies, for the preservation and nourishment of the city's
beaches.
(9) The authority's power of review and recommendation set forth hereinabove shall apply as well
to such matters concerning maintenance of city boardwalks, beachwalks, cutwalk and baywalks.
(Ord. No. 97-3086, § 2.15.3, 7-2-97; Ord. No. 2014-3841, § 1.10, 2-12-14; Ord. No. 2024-4612, §
1, 4-3-24)
[NOTE: Modification to Powers and duties incorporated on 4/3/2024 highlighted in yellow.]
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Meetings will continue to include the following ongoing discussions and agenda items:
• Monthly report by Police Department with focus on beach/boardwalk related crime,
enforcement, special events (such as Spring Break) and manpower/patrol issues.
• Monthly report by Marine Patrol with focus on boating congestion issues, crime and noise
enforcement, Monument Island attractive nuisance issues, jet ski operations, boating safety,
derelict vessel inventory/funding and manpower/patrol issues.
• Monthly report by Park Rangers with focus on beach/boardwalk related crime, enforcement,
special events, Government Cut fishing pier / Maurice Gibb Park boat ramp and
manpower/patrol issues.
• Monthly beach report by Marcella Paz Cohen aka “M” (volunteer citizen advisor to Board) on
all things happening on the beach and boardwalk including feedback on special events and
cleanup thereafter, public safety issues, e-bike / e-scooter conflicts, illegal vendor sightings,
and Ocean Rescue operations/equipment needs.
• Continued oversight and input on Miami Beach Marina, as operated under a current lease
agreement with Suntex Marinas, with a focus on advocating for fewer commercial charter
boats and the implantation of best management practices at the Maina.
• Reports by Environment & Sustainability staff on GOB projects such as living seawalls, canal
dredging, algae blooms, the mooring field, Monument Island also: stormwater discharge,
water quality, beach renourishment, enforcement signage, seagrass mitigation and artificial
reefs.
• Utilize expanded MWPA authority for review of applications seeking BTR approval for one
or more charter boat vessels. The Board requests that applicants provide information on
environmental awareness and best management practices, vessel operational speed,
proposed vessel routes, music/noise awareness, vessel dockage location(s) and past or
pending code enforcement violations.
• Implementation and prioritization of the City of Miami Beach Blueways Master Plan,
(https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Blueways-Master-Plan.pdf)
as adopted in November 2014, and as paid for with a grant from the Florida Island Navigation
District, FIND. Creating additional public access to Biscayne Bay supports Plan’s intended
purpose of “increasing the interaction of residents and tourists with the Waterways in and
around Miami Beach”
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• Contribute to the City’s process for participation in the grant funding made available by the
Florida Inland Navigation District’s (District) Waterways Assistance Program,
(https://www.aicw.org/grant_and_assistance_programs/index.php). The Program is a grant
initiative established by the Florida Legislature in partnership with the District. Authorized
under Section 374.976 of the Florida Statutes and governed by Chapter 66B-2 of the Florida
Administrative Code, the program serves local governmental agencies, including
municipalities, counties, port authorities, and special taxing districts across the twelve
counties in the District. Its aim is to enhance public access to the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway and related waterways within the District.
• Address the factors contributing to the degradation of Biscayne Bay water quality, impacts
on public health and safety, resulting loss of seagrass and marine habitat and proposed
methods to make improvements. Spotlight on efforts the City must make to address the
existing 23 storm water pump stations that are not currently equipped with gravity or injection
wells, which are contributing to the pollution of Biscayne Bay and the waterways contiguous
to Miami Beach.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• The Marine & Waterfront Protection Authority Board (MWPA) addressed the negative
environmental impact of ballons on the marine environment and supported the passage of
Ordinance No. 2024-4590 – 1/31/24 as set forth in Section 82-73 – Ballons prohibited at
public marinas, marine facilities, parks, and beaches.
• The MWPA now holds expanded authority over charter boat Business Tax Receipts (BTRs)
as outlined by Ordinance No. 2024-4612 – 1,4/3/24. This ordinance enables the MWPA to
recommend BTR suspension or revocation for operators engaging in unlawful or nuisance
activities. Compliance oversight involves collecting "Event" data from code enforcement,
marine patrols, law enforcement, and citizen complaints, which are assessed using a points
system. Significant violations trigger MWPA review, where the accumulated data is
presented at monthly meetings for detailed analysis. If the MWPA decides to proceed with a
formal review, BTR holders are invited to defend their position. The MWPA evaluates all
evidence, considers operator responses, and votes on whether to recommend suspension
or revocation to the City Manager or Commission. These measures aim to enhance
accountability and ensure compliance with city regulations.
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• In support of the MWPA expanded authority and annual BTR renewal process, (as described
above), the MWPA is exploring, with the City’s Finance
Department and City Attorney, the feasibility of creating
a decal for display on charter vessels which would be
required to be placed in a visible location on port side of
the navigation area of the charter vessel so that they can
be identified more easily by MBPD marine patrol and
code. A concept rendering of such a decal, as illustrated
here, would include the issuance and expiration dates of
the charter vessel’s BTR as required by the City of Miami
Beach. .
• The MWPA unanimously approved a resolution recommending the installation of “Quiet
Zone” signage to address noise pollution from boats near residential areas in Miami Beach.
This recommendation was intended to compliment Ordinance 46-152, which governs noise
form marine vessels, and to support the proactive enforcement efforts by the MBPD Marine
Patrol. The resolution proposes strategic placement of signage on city-owned waterfront
properties, privately-owned residential properties (upon request by resident-owners), and
other appropriate locations. Additionally, it includes coordination with the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for waterway
markers and permitting as needed.
• As furtherance of the MWPA LTC recommending that the City enact an ordinance to ban
fireworks displays over Biscayne Bay, due to their inherent negative impacts on the marine
environment, the Mayor and the City Commission held the first reading of an ordinance
amending Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Miami Beach, Florida, entitled “Fire
Prevention and Protection” by amending section 50-10 thereof, entitled “Other Permits and
Reviews” by prohibiting the issuance of fireworks permits for the display, use, or discharge
or fireworks in Biscayne Bay or any residential area in the City. The first reading of the
Ordinance was approved by the Commission.
• The MWPA extended an invitation to the Miami Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation’s Blue
Water Task Force for a presentation on their weekly marine water quality monitoring program
and resulting data. The results of their annual and weekly testing of marine water sampling
at locations along the oceanfront shoreline of Miami Beach, as well as, at locations within
the waterways of Miami Beach, is published weekly, at no charge, on the Surfrider
Foundation website, (https://miami.surfrider.org/programs/blue-water-task-force). As
Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force provides a valuable public service which supports the
City’s Environmental Department’s monthly marine water quality monitoring Program, the
MWPA became aware of, and has advocated on behalf of, Surfrider’s request to the City for
a location to establish their laboratory facility within an existing City building.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Mayor’s 41st Street Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Yechiel Ciment
CITY LIAISON:
Diana Fontani Martinez
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
2
ACTIVITY:
September 12 , 2024 Meeting
o April/June Minutes – Member Crabtree made a motion to approve the April and June minutes,
and Member Jacobs seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
o Biannual Report- Member Hankin motioned to approve the Biannual Report, and Member
Jacobs seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
o City Updates
Transportation And Mobility Update- Otniel Rodriguez gave an update on transportation issues
in the 41st Street community. Otniel shared that the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) project, that consists of installing a double right turn lane off Indian Creek Drive onto
41st Street, will commerce August and will conclude in August 2026. Otniel gave an update on
construction work done on the bridge near Pinetree Drive and 41st Street, sharing that the work
is complete and on schedule. Otniel shared that the 41 Street Re-Circulation Pilot Program will
begin within the week. The Committee asked Otniel to notify nearby schools, that may be
impacted by the pilot program. Otniel will be on site for the first week of the program to measure
the traffic flow. Committee members are concerned that the pilot program is going to divert traffic
into the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Otniel stated that the Miami Beach Transportation
team will monitor and analyze the traffic flow. Otniel stated that the City is working with Waze,
Google, and Apple navigation applications to notify the drivers of the pilot program.
41st Street Business Improvement District (41st St. BID) Update- Amy Mehu shared the latest
initiatives for the BID. Regarding new openings and closings on 41st Street: Bagel Time Café
and UPS Store are currently under construction; and La Provence closed due to raising rent
costs. The Chair shared that the Bagel Boss opened and appears to be thriving. The Committee
asked about the status of the Giller Building. Amy stated that the project had cleared Historic
Preservation Board (HPB) review, but has not obtained permits. The Committee inquired about
the status of The Forge restaurant space, and whether space would open in first quarter of 2025.
Diana Fontani added that in the Committee package of documents, the Committee has a list of
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BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) that were opened and closed on 41st Street, in the past three
(3) months.
Business Incubator/Accelerator/Business Survey- Diana gave an update on an initiative, sharing
that the Economic Development Department is soliciting business feedback via a 10-minute
survey that is geared towards understanding the needs of the business community. Diana stated
that the rational for doing the survey now is to acquire data and information for an overall vision
plan for a business incubator and/or accelerator. The Economic Development team is currently
working with a consultant in a feasibility study to determine if an, and what type of, incubator/and
or accelerator is needed in Miami Beach. The feasibility study includes several tasks such as:
Task 1 - Review and analyze the existing business ecosystem, including Miami Beach’s
demographics, socioeconomic information, labor force statistics, sales tax revenue and other
key economic indicators.
Task 2 - Prepare key economic and real estate trends analysis. Provide forecasts, social and
economic factors, and key financial indicators that could attract, retain and grow small
businesses.
Task 3 - Conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges analysis of Miami
Beach and the Miami Beach business climate.
Task 4 - Identify and verify attributes that make Miami Beach a unique business community,
potential for developing customized, locally based economic strategies and the areas of
specialization for which accelerator/incubator programs could provide long-term viability for
Miami Beach businesses.
Task 5 - Assess and identify existing Miami Beach entrepreneurial and local/ regional business
resources by industry.
Task 6 - Recommend objectives, visions, design, and performance measures that could
advance Miami Beach business development policies, programs and planning activities and
provide a benchmark to create and implement accelerator and/or incubator programs.
Task 7 - Develop roadmap report, with high-level recommendations for program strategy(ies)
and that identifies potential funding and financing models necessary to implement short and
long-term programs.
One the tasks involves the completion of the survey. Diana urged the Committee to please send
the business survey to as many businesses as possible. The Committee was excited to hear
about the initiative, and hopes once the survey is complete, it should receive great press. Diana
mentioned the difference between incubators and accelerators and the number of incubators
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and accelerators globally, national and locally. Lastly, Diana explained that the strategic plan
would be a simultaneous two phrase program for the incubator and accelerator. Currently she
is finalizing an agreement with FIU to offer technical assistance programs to small businesses
and offer a pitch competition for start-ups and existing businesses. To compete in the pitch
competition, a business has to go thru the technical assistance program.
o Chair Update – The Chair had no comments. Eric Hankin mentioned that he had a question
about what the status of the marketing of the Business Improvement District. He mentioned that
he heard that the 41st Street has been referred to as the Downtown of Miami Beach. Eric asked
how the BID branding and marketing efforts were proceeding. Amy stated that the BID is
currently looking for a branding and marketing firm. Members asked Amy about the status of
making the parking garage on Sheridan Avenue a Whole Foods or Fresh Market. Members
expressed concern about the loss of an existing and heavily used parking garage to a grocery
store when there are vacant parking lots nearby by. The Committee decided delay making a
motion regarding the subject until more information was attained.
November 14, 2024
o Police Department Update – The Miami Beach Police Department announced that they are
primarily focusing on two key initiatives: enhancing traffic enforcement and increasing the
presence of police officers in the area. For some time now, resources have been redirected to
address rising traffic issues and crime in other problematic areas. Currently, officers have been
temporarily assigned to ATV beach patrols, with two officers monitoring locations north and
south of 41st Street. A permanent ATV squad is expected to be reinstated in January, following
the graduation of new recruits in December. To boost police visibility, officers have increased
their presence in complaint-prone areas such as Flamingo, the 41st Street parking lot, and the
Beachwalk. Shift sergeants are now conducting roll calls in these locations to emphasize
visibility and proactive measures. Members raised concerns about a perceived lack of
engagement from police officers, which will be forwarded to area sergeants for discussion during
roll calls. Additionally, members expressed concerns about electric scooters on the Beachwalk,
noting that their high speeds could pose safety risks. They also discussed injuries related to
uneven sidewalks, with Member Robin Jacobs sharing feedback from residents on 41st Street
who are calling for faster sidewalk repairs instead of waiting for the GO Bond project. Mr. Lys
Desir, the City of Miami Beach Infrastructure Division Director, explained that sourcing matching
bricks for repairs is challenging, so concrete is currently being used as a temporary solution.
However, Ms. Jacobs pointed out that the uneven concrete patches are raising further safety
concerns. Furthermore, members mentioned that overgrown trees were obstructing stop signs
and highlighted the presence of many downed electrical lines. It was clarified that while property
owners are responsible for regular tree maintenance, the City must address hazards affecting
public safety, and the Public Works team oversees inspecting downed lines.
o Economic Development Update – Ms. Heather Shaw, Assistant Director of the City of Miami
Beach Economic Development Department, informed members that a 41st Street Master Plan
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is available for their reference if they would like to review it. She mentioned that City of Miami
Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez would discuss potential partnerships for the
future use of the Roosevelt Theater building at an upcoming Commission meeting. Additionally,
Ms. Shaw noted that City Manager Eric Carpenter would be attending the Committee meeting
on December 12th, and she invited the members to join the 40th Street Overlay Meeting
scheduled for November.
o 41st St. BIDDistrict Update – Ms. Amy Mehu, Executive Director of the 41st St. BIDDistrict,
provided the members with an update on the 41st Street redevelopment initiatives, highlighting
that IT is drafting an overlay to support the City’s efforts in revitalizing properties in need of
repair. This initiative aligns with goals for workforce housing, public-private partnerships (P3),
and mixed-use developments. Specific properties discussed included the Roosevelt Theater,
which focuses on redevelopment using back blocks, and the Jefferson lot, which involves similar
efforts but with a private rear lot instead of a City-owned one. The overlay plan aims to revitalize
the 41st Street area by enhancing parking support and promoting mixed-use developments.
Regarding The Forge, there have been no significant updates or activities since the last meeting.
The anticipated opening remains scheduled for Q1, with further updates expected during the
December annual meeting. In terms of BID membership, it was noted that membership is tied
to property ownership and remains stable unless properties are sold. One ownership transfer
was reported, resulting in the loss of a member due to a property sale. Discussion regarding
supermarkets revealed that Fresh Market is exploring options to establish a location while
addressing parking needs. While specific sites are under consideration, discussions remain in
the preliminary stages. Member Eric Hankin inquired about the specifics of the Roosevelt and
Jefferson initiative, particularly if the plan considers all the City-owned lots. He also asked Ms.
Mehu about the BID’s approach to the overlay plan. Ms. Mehu responded that the plan indeed
takes into account the City-owned rear lots as well as those adjacent to the buildings fronting
41st Street on both the north and south sides. She noted that the current discussions regarding
the overlay process focus on avoiding undesirable developments nearby. Ms. Mehu
emphasized the BID’s desire for mixed-use residential options in the area to encourage
continuous activity throughout the day and night. She highlighted that the City-owned rear lots
are well-suited to support workforce housing. She expressed hope that the buildings facing 41st
Street would collaborate with the City to develop these rear lots effectively. The plan aims to
assist smaller parcels facing redevelopment challenges due to spatial constraints, ensuring that
property owners can maximize their development potential without needing to downsize.
Overall, the overlay plan is designed to help these parcels make the most of their redevelopment
opportunities while adhering to existing height limits. During the discussion, members asked
about the progress on the proposed marketing and advertising initiatives for the neighborhood,
referencing their suggestion from the previous meeting and the status of hiring a PR firm. Ms.
Mehu replied that the BID is supportive of these initiatives but is currently waiting for full
collections to allocate funds for them. In the meantime, the focus remains on projects that do
not require significant upfront investment. The members also inquired about how they could
access information regarding collection funds, which is a matter of public record. Ms. Mehu
mentioned ongoing efforts, including outreach and certified mailings, aimed at assisting in the
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collection of outstanding payments from larger corporations like CVS and Burger King. The
discussion transitioned to updates on the GO Bond expenditure and lighting decisions for 41st
Street, which is still pending.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
o Work with the 41st St BID Committee to implement newly formed vision plan to promote the
betterment of 41st Street;
o Attract an anchor store on 41st Street (grocery, et. al.), that has high potential to entice
resident, tourist and local foot traffic and small retailers to the business corridor;
o Continue the “Love 41st Street” educational awareness campaign for 41st Street;
o Collaborate with the city on the 41st Street Mixed-Use Development on City-Owned
Property RFLI, as needed;
o Continue to collaborate with the City to address and mitigate traffic congestion, sanitation,
and safety/security issues; and
o Collaborate with City to discuss, share and implement the 41st Street Corridor
Revitalization Project.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
o Provided valuable input on the City’s 41st Street Corridor Streetscape Project regarding
lighting and locations of curb outs, signage, and bus stops;
o Spearheaded solutions to mitigate traffic congestion such as providing input for pilot
flashing traffic lights program on 40th Street and Prairie Avenue/40th Street and Royal
Palm Avenue;
o Advocated for solutions to mitigate traffic congestion such as providing input for potential
pilot program which would consist of a one-way conversion of Sheridan Avenue and Royal
Palm Avenue from 37 Street to 44 Street and the restriction of turning movements,
particularly left turns, onto 41 Street (e.g. allowing north-south travel only during weekday
afternoon peak periods);
o Assisted in the implementation of the newly formed 41st St BID;
o “Love 41st Street” campaign that encourages business owners and their patrons to be
more proactive in cleaning their storefront, reporting issues and appreciating their
commercial corridor. Businesses are putting the flyers in their store windows and social
media to inspire and in solidarity to make 41st Street more attractive;
Advocated to extend the waiver of concession fees, in the North Beach area and within the
Collins Park overlay, beyond the September 30, 2024, expiration; and include the 41st St
BID District in the fee waiver program to stimulate economic revitalization.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Neighborhood Resilience Projects Advisory Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Clare McCord, Chair
CITY LIAISON:
Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
4
ACTIVITY:
This Committee was officially established as a standing committee by City Commission’s approval of
Ordinance 2024-4587 on January 31, 2024.
Purpose:
The Neighborhood Resilience Projects Advisory Committee shall act as an advisory board to the City
Commission and City Manager on neighborhood infrastructure programs and private property matters
related to the City’s climate resilience projects to help build awareness within the community and to
incorporate resident ideas and feedback. The purpose is not to advise on former projects, but to
provide helpful ideas going forward to improve planning and delivery of future projects. The
Committee will not advise on specific projects and items that are already reviewed by the City
Commission and by existing Committees and Boards and will not result in fiscal impacts or delays.
The Neighborhood Resiliency Projects Advisory Committee shall have the following powers and
duties:
1. Provide advisory recommendations and feedback on best approaches to enhance resident
education and resident engagement.
2. Provide advisory recommendations and feedback regarding process improvements for flood
mitigation.
3. Share input and evaluate general neighborhood aesthetics and utility and infrastructure
improvements, such as location decision criteria for pump stations or other improvements.
4. Provide a forum for the Committee to share best practices and lessons learned from completed
projects and/or ongoing projects, for potential incorporation as part of future projects.
The Committee held four meetings (monthly) from July 2024 through December 2024.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Future topics to be established at the first meeting of the year.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The Committee engaged with other Board and Committee members and provided feedback on
community communications strategies to City staff from the Public Works Department, Capital
Improvement Projects, and the Communications Department.
The Committee has gathered information and held robust discussions regarding:
• Incorporation of Green and Blue Solutions for Future Infrastructure Projects
• Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan Updates
• Committee Website Changes
• Blue Green Stormwater Infrastructure Solutions Next Steps
• Ongoing assessment/monitoring of stormwater projects and flooding
areas
• Beachwalk Reforestation Project
• King Tide Impacts, Observations, and Mitigation Effort
• 9/18/24 Motion: The Neighborhood Resilience Projects Advisory Committee was presented the
City’s Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment report and Adaptation Plan. The Committee
enthusiastically supports this work and the continued development of an Adaptation Plan
focused on changing conditions, which is a more flexible and innovative approach than traditional
planning
• 10/24/24 Motion to implement a policy requiring all stormwater infrastructure, Neighborhood
Improvement, and parks projects to provide a formal deliverable that presents design alternatives
that include the implementation of blue green stormwater infrastructure strategies.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Normandy Shores Gov. Neighborhood Improvement
CHAIRPERSON:
Laura Taylor
CITY LIAISON:
Tameka Otto Stewart
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
0
ACTIVITY:
*There were no meetings held July-December 2024*
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Continued communication with the City regarding issues that may arise
Board to get approval from Homeowners Association for their FY 2026 Operating Budget
Adopt FY 2026 Operating Budget and Millage Rate
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The following was reviewed and discussed during 2024:
Preparation for FY 2025 Budget
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE
NORTH BEACH
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON RONNIE ISSENBERG
CITY LIAISON RICKELLE WILLIAMS
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD 4
ACTIVITY
Purpose
The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Committee was
established to provide advisory recommendations to the City Administration and the City
Commission, from a macro perspective, regarding the North Beach CRA.
Powers and Duties
The primary duty of the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee is to provide advisory
recommendations regarding the implementation of the North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan
and public projects to be funded by the North Beach CRA, including recommendations relative
to the overall timing, cost efficiencies, and prioritization of proposed North Beach CRA-funded
projects. The Committee is also tasked with providing advisory recommendations regarding the
Interlocal Agreement, as amended. Additionally, the Committee may provide supplemental
recommendations regarding matters that are not strictly within the established boundaries.
Meeting 1
July 16, 2024
Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive
Committee Member Participants: Chair Jose Smith, Vice Chair
Ronnie Issenberg, Manning Salazar, and David Sexton (ex-officio)
1. Welcome and Attendance
2. Approval of the May 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes
3. Approval of January – June 2024 Biannual Report
4. Legislative Update: NBCRA Resolution No. 016-2024, Request
for Qualifications (RFQ) for Economic Development Consultant
Services, NBCRA Resolution No. 017-2024, NBCRA Resolution
No. 018-2024, and NBCRA Committee Composition
• Farosha Andasheva, Senior Assistant City Attorney
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 2
5. Update: FY 2025 Proposed Budget
• Luis Wong, Interim Assistant Director, Economic
Development
6. Update: North Beach CRA Branding & Marketing
• Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager
7. Greenspace Maintenance & Restoration – Collins Ave./71 Street
• Rodney Knowles, Assistant Director, Public Works
8. North Beach Restricted Residential Parking Permit Program
• Albert Ventura, Assistant Director, Parking
9. Committee Member and Public Comments, including Ms. Lori
Neider representing the Miami Beach Tennis Center
August 2024 No August Committee meeting
Meeting 2
September 10, 2024
Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive
Committee Member Participants: Vice Chair Ronnie Issenberg,
Romina Orozco-Encio, and Tom Richerson
1. Welcome and Attendance
2. Approval of the May 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes
3. Approval of the July 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
4. Approval of January – June 2024 Biannual Report
5. FY 2025 Proposed Budget Recommendation
• Luis Wong, Administrative Services Manager, Economic
Development
6. Update: 72nd Street Community Center
• David Gomez, Interim Director, Capital Improvement
Projects
7. Miami Beach Business Survey and Business
Accelerator/Incubator Program
• Diana Fontani-Martinez, Redevelopment Specialist,
Economic Development
8. Committee Member and Public Comments, including Jessica
Fried, representing Sybarite Productions, Inc.
October 2024
No October Committee meeting
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 3
Meeting 3
November 12, 2024
Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive
Committee Member Participants: Chair Ronnie Issenberg, Vice Chair
Tom Richerson, Omar Jimenez, Sam Latone, Romina Orozco-Encio,
Manning Salazar, David Sexton (ex-officio)
1. Welcome and Attendance
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes from May 14, 2024, July 16, 2024,
and September 10, 2024
3. Approval of Biannual Report from January – June 2024
4. Altos Del Mar Park Artistic/Cultural Enhancement
• Tanya K. Bhatt, City Commissioner
5. Legislative Update: Proposed Expansion of NBCRA and
Convention Center Hotel/North Beach CRA Interlocal Agreement
• Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager
6. Update: North Beach Restricted Residential Parking Program
• Albert Ventura, Assistant Director, Parking Department
7. North Beach Tree and Shade Canopy
• Michael Atkin, Urban Forester, Environment and
Sustainability Department
8. Appointment of Committee Chair & Vice Chair
9. Committee Member and Public Comments
Motion: In recognition of the North Beach CRA Redevelopment
Plan’s goal of strengthening the cultural arts, the
Committee recommends that the North Beach CRA Board
explore use of North Beach CRA funds for cultural art
exhibitions in Altos del Mar Park.
Made by Tom Richerson, Seconded by Romina Orozco-
Encio. Passed by acclamation
Motion: Recommend that the North Beach CRA Board pursue an
artistic recycling program that accentuates the signature
style of North Beach.
Made by Tom Richerson, Seconded by Sam Latone.
Passed by acclamation
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Motion: To elect Ronnie Issenberg as Chair of the Advisory
Committee.
Made by David Sexton, Seconded by Tom Richerson.
Passed by acclamation
Motion: To elect Tom Richerson as Vice Chair of the Advisory
Committee.
Made by Manning Salazar, Seconded by Romina Orozco-
Encio. Passed by acclamation
North Beach /
Collins Avenue
Walkthrough with
Commissioner
Tanya Bhatt
Part One:
November 25, 2024
North Beach / Collins Avenue Walkthrough with
Commissioner Tanya Bhatt – Part One
Committee & Public Official Participants
• Tanya Bhatt, City Commissioner
• Sara Murillo Tejada, Commission Aide
• Ronnie Issenberg, Committee Chair
• Tom Richerson, Committee Vice Chair
• David Sexton, ex officio Committee Member
• Elizabeth Latone, Planning Board Member
City Staff Participants
• Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager
• Farosha Andasheva, Senior Assistant City Attorney
• Jose Gonzalez, Director, and Otniel Rodriguez, Assistant
Director, Transportation & Mobility Department
• Brad Kaine, Director, and Jay Fink, Deputy Director, Public
Works Department
• Hernan Cardero, Director, and Tom Curitore, Assistant Director,
Code Compliance
• Lieutenant Scott Flanagan and Officer Julio Blanco, Miami
Beach Police Department
• Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager
Route: Collins Avenue (East), from 65th Street – 75th Street
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 5
1. General Issues
• Clarify sidewalk repair responsibility on Collins Avenue.
• Explore domed trash receptacles to deter vagrants.
• Activate Bandshell Park’s domino structure with a vendor to
leverage foot traffic.
2. Sidewalks Conditions and Maintenance Needs
• Consolidate trip hazards and deteriorating panels for FDOT
repairs.
• Remove outdated spray paint markings near 65th Street.
3. Graffiti Removal
• Clean graffiti at 67th and 69th Street intersections.
4. Storm Drain Maintenance
• Schedule recurring cleaning for specific problem areas.
5. Greenspace/Tree Landscaping
• Enhance tree wells and greenspaces.
6. Trash Receptacle Refurbishment
• Refurbish or replace trash bins.
7. North Beach CRA-specific Requests
• Explore CRA funding for holiday lighting (65th–75th Streets)
and permanent tree well ground lighting.
• Pursue façade improvement opportunities along 7400 block.
8. Private Property and Business Compliance Issues
• Address maintenance and compliance issues at properties.
• Investigate sewage drainage concerns at 75th Street.
9. Next Steps
• Submit sidewalk and ROW issues to FDOT for repairs and
implement spray paint inspection protocol.
• Follow up with property owners on compliance and
beautification.
• Explore CRA funding for lighting and beautification projects.
• Discuss Bandshell Park activation with Advisory Committee.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
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Meeting 4
December 10, 2024
Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive
Committee Member Participants: Chair Ronnie Issenberg, Vice
Chair Tom Richerson, Omar Jimenez, Sam Latone, Romina Orozco-
Encio, Manning Salazar, David Sexton (ex-officio)
1. Welcome and Attendance
2. Approval of November 12, 2024 Meeting Minutes
3. 2025 Committee Meeting Dates Discussion
4. Legislative Update (November 2024 Miami-Dade County BCC
Meeting)
• Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager
5. Report: NBCRA Walkthrough with Vice Mayor Tanya K. Bhatt
• Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager
6. Status Update: 72nd Street Community Complex Project
• David Gomez, Interim Director, Office of Capital
Improvement Projects (CIP)
7. Proposed Deauville Hotel Redevelopment Project
• David Martin, CEO, Terra Group
8. Proposed North Shore Park Entrance Improvements
• Cindy Casanova, Assistant Director, Parks & Recreation
and Lori Nieder, Miami Beach Tennis Academy
9. Normandy Fountain Shade Enhancement
• David Gomez, Interim Director, Office of Capital
Improvement Projects (CIP)
10. Committee Member and Public Comments
Motion: The North Beach CRA Advisory Committee is in support of
building a world-class 72nd Street Community Center and
opposes termination of the project. The Committee does not
endorse the value-engineered version of the project currently
presented. The Committee recommends the City
Commission secure the funding necessary to deliver the
world-class caliber community center project the North Beach
community deserves and was offered in the G.O. Bond.
Made by Tom Richerson, Seconded by Omar Jimenez.
Passed by acclamation.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 7
Motion: The North Beach CRA Advisory Committee recommends the
North Beach CRA Board and City Commission approve the
installation of new entrance signage, and supporting directional
signage, at North Shore Park. The Committee supports the
allocation of North Beach CRA funds to enhance entrance
signage, recognizing its importance to improving park
accessibility and wayfinding.
Made by Tom Richerson, Seconded by Romina Orozco-
Encio and Manning Salazar.
Passed by acclamation.
North Beach /
Collins Avenue
Walkthrough with
Commissioner
Tanya Bhatt
Part Two:
December 18, 2024
North Beach / Collins Avenue Walkthrough with
Commissioner Tanya Bhatt – Part Two
Public Official and Resident Participants
• Tanya Bhatt, City Commissioner
• Sara Murillo Tejada, Commission Aide
• Larry Meser, North Beach resident
• RJ, North Beach resident
City Staff
• Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager
• Farosha Andasheva, Senior Assistant City Attorney
• David Gomez, Director, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
• Jose Gonzalez, Director, Transportation & Mobility Department
• Otniel Rodriguez, Assistant Director, Transportation & Mobility
• Tom Curitore, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation
• Lieutenant Scott Flanagan and Officer Julio Blanco, Miami Beach
Police Department
• Brad Kaine, Director, Public Works Department
• George Ruiz, Sanitation Assistant Director, Public Works
• Reuben Bazil, Sanitation Operations Supervisor, Public Works
• Rianne Thomas, Acting Assistant Director, Code Compliance
• Vijma Maharaj. Code Compliance Officer
• Alex Alvarez, Right-of-Way Manager, Public Works Department
• Luis Wong, Administrative Services Manager, Economic
Development Department
• Justin Karr, Economic Development Manager
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 8
• Route: Collins Avenue (West), from 69th Street to 75th Street
1. Sidewalks Conditions and Right-of-Way Maintenance Needs
• Repairs Needed: Various sidewalk issues, including uneven
panels, cracking, and trip hazards.
• Spray Paint Residue: Ensure use of biodegradable paint,
• Non-functioning streetlights near North Beach Youth Center.
• Target properties under common ownership for compliant
sidewalk coloring and improved storefront maintenance.
2. Graffiti Removal and Pressure Cleaning
3. Greenspace/Tree Landscaping Conditions
• Improve grass swales and greenspace, and address trip
hazards.
• Enhance landscaping at 72nd Street Parking Lot by adding
trees, installing mulch, and evaluating costs for mature
Seagrape trees along Collins Avenue.
4. Economic Development / Business Assistance Programs
• Promote participation in storefront and façade improvement
programs for vacant properties and follow up on leasing
progress with properties already participating in programs.
5. Private Property and Business Compliance Issues
• Address maintenance and compliance concerns at specific
properties.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES
• Provide input on and advocate for the North Beach CRA’s legislative priorities
• Explore short and long-term opportunities for economic development in North Beach
• Discuss public and private projects and growth opportunities in North Beach
• Investigate funding opportunities for various projects
• Highlight important issues relevant to Redevelopment Plan goals
• Raise community awareness and encourage public participation
• Advocate for projects, initiatives, and activations within the North Beach CRA district
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
Page 9
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Expanded Membership & Leadership: Welcomed two additional committee members
and an ex officio member, while successfully electing a new Chair and Vice Chair.
• Budget Recommendations: Provided input on funding priorities for the North Beach
CRA Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, highlighting the need for increased resources for
beautification initiatives, including the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.
• Cultural Arts Initiatives: Recommended that the North Beach CRA Board explore
cultural arts activations at Altos del Mar Park, funded by the North Beach CRA.
• Artistic Recycling Program: Supported the Board’s pursuit of an artistic recycling
program that aligns with North Beach’s unique identity, in tandem with City-led shading
efforts to enhance the area’s aesthetics and comfort.
• Neighborhood Walkthroughs: Participated in district walkthroughs alongside Vice
Mayor Tanya Bhatt and City Administration to identify service improvement opportunities
for the Collins Avenue commercial corridor and enhance resident quality of life.
• Parking Policy Feedback: Offered feedback on the City Commission’s pilot Restricted
Residential Parking Permit zones in North Beach, addressing concerns from residents
and businesses.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board
CHAIRPERSON:
Sean Smith
CITY LIAISON:
Vianca Peron-Sellan
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
7
(February 1, 2024, March 5, 2024, April 9, 2024, June 4,
2024, September 18, 2024, October 8, 2024, and November
19, 2024)
ACTIVITY:
The Parks and Recreational Facilities Board addressed several different issues and areas of
concern during the past six months:
• Fire Station at Flamingo Park
• Pickleball Court Project at Flamingo Park
• Parks G.O. Bond Projects
• Wodapalooza moving to Miami Beach
• Pilot Program at Neighborhood Tennis Courts and Clarification on Tennis Center Fees
• Miami Beach Fitness Health and Wellness Weekend held on September 7th
• Presentation on Ronald W. Shane Center
• Discussion on the Future Programming for West Lots
• Installation of playground equipment for children in Pride Park
• Discuss Installing Temporary Paddle/Pickleball Courts in Pride Park
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board will continue to discuss the following topics:
• Any Referrals from City Commission or Commission Committees
• Parks & Recreation Capital Projects
• Parks & Recreation Budget
• General Obligation Bond Projects
The Board will also be involved in providing their input in future park plans as well as setting
expectations and areas of interests to focus on in the future.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The following list are motions that the Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board made in the
past 6 months based on their activity:
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board unanimously opposes the location of
the Fire Station within Flamingo Park. The park should be only for active park use.
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board motions to recommend that the 8 lots,
known as the West Lots, be designated as parks, specifically for active uses.
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board motions to support the construction of
a simplified playground on the western side of Pride Park for the community that will be there
on a permanent basis.
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board supports Pride Park being used on a
temporary basis, for Padel/Pickleball as well as other similar active programming/activities.
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board motions to make the pilot
neighborhood tennis program permanent at the current locations, and to expand it to other
City neighborhood parks with tennis courts.
• The Parks and Recreational Facilities Advisory Board motions recommend that the North
Beach Restricted Residential Parking Permit Pilot Program be terminated from 72nd Street
north through 87th Street, as the parking is primarily used for our City’s parks and other
uses.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANUAL REPORT FORM - PB
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME: PLANNING BOARD
CHAIRPERSON: BRIAN ELIAS
CITY LIAISON: MICHAEL BELUSH
DATE OF REPORT: JUL 2024 – DEC 2024
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD: 6
MEETING AGENDA
DATE ITEMS APPROVED DENIED DISCUSSED CONTINUED WITHDRAWN NO ACTION MOVED OTHER
JUL 18 9 1 5 3
AUG NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM
SEPT 17 5 1 11
OCT 15 5 7 3
NOV 19 8 8 2 1
DEC NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM
TOTAL 69 27 1 1 31 2 6 1 0
NM: No Meeting
Note: Some totals may not match due to some items being removed from the agenda at the last minute, or items that are partially
approved and also continued.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
June - December 2024 1
BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Production Industry Council - PIC
CHAIRPERSON:
Barbara Goicoechea
CITY LIAISON:
Shama Johnson
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
Four meetings held. Second Thursday of every month.
ACTIVITY: To understand, evaluate and advance the benefits of film, special event, photography and music production
and entertainment as it relates to residents, business, tourism, and overall commerce for the City of Miami Beach.
Specific areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
• Helping to establish the strong link between a film incentive program and a robust Florida economy with
growing tourism and enhancing the “Miami Beach” brand.
• To attend, observe and develop relationships with attendees of National Association of Television Producers
and Executives (“NATPE”), Film Florida, American Black Film Festival (“ABFF”), MIPCOM and other industry
organizations.
• To establish connections with industry icons and facilitate access to our city’s film incentives for productions
of all sizes.
• Educate the industry and the residents and stakeholders on the Film, Television, and Photography industry
in Miami Beach, as it relates to economic impact, brand awareness and the permitting process.
• Liaise with the City’s Tourism and Culture Department to provide support when and where necessary to
increase availability and access to film incentives.
• Discussion of successes of large-scale City-Wide Special Event activations such as Swim Week, Art Week/Art
Basel, as well as ongoing productions in support of film, TV, and photography.
• Provided legislative support to Film Florida and industry during Legislative session.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
June - December 2024 2
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
• PIC members have previously discussed the importance of having film festivals and film screenings in the City.
Staff provided an updated on a Commission proposal to allocate $145,000 for audiovisual equipment
upgrades FIU Wolfsonian to support enhanced public screenings and programming. Programming would be
expanded from 18 to 36 screenings annually, with a mix of Friday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday matinees.
PIC will monitor this item for developments.
• PIC will continue to discuss and provide feedback for sports activations. Members will receive updates on
Wodapalooza (January 2025) and Hyrox (Spring Break 2026).
• PIC members will continue reviewing applications for Film Incentive Grants and receive updates on grants
already awarded.
• PIC members will receive an update on the City’s new Film Incentive Grant marketing campaign.
• To attend, observe and develop relationships with attendees of National Association of Television Producers
and Executives (“NATPE”), Film Florida, American Black Film Festival (“ABFF”), MIPCOM and other industry
organizations.
• Strengthened Miami Beach’s position as a filmmaking and cultural hub. Ensuring robust beach and event
management practices.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• At the September meeting, PIC members voted to approve $25,000 in funding for White Elephant Group
WEG Films under the Film Incentive Grant Program. The funding will support the production of four short
films focused on Miami Beach-centric themes. The films included community programs in collaboration with
local spaces and culminated in public screenings with panel discussions.
• At the October meeting, PIC members approved a $21,000 Film Incentive Marketing Proposal to promote
Miami Beach as a destination for filmmakers. The focus was on film festivals, banners, sizzle reels, and digital
marketing for January 2025 events.
• Also at the October meeting, PIC members took part in a presentation by Carlos Quevedo Miami-Dade
County Beach Maintenance about Hurricane Recovery. The presentation highlighted post-Hurricane Milton
beach recovery efforts, including improved sand sifting technologies to remove hazardous materials.
Emphasis was placed on stricter post-event cleanup protocols for event producers.
• At the November meeting, PIC members approved a motion to allocate $15,000 for the production of one
low-budget feature film. FilmGate Miami Co-founder Lillian Alexander presented a proposal to establish
Miami Beach as a premier indie film hub. The council also agreed to revisit and consider additional funding
for a second feature film in early 2025.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEE BI-ANNUAL REPORT
June - December 2024 3
• The City’s ENERGOV permitting system has processed over 388 applications, streamlining the approval
process. PIC members have previously provided input into the permitting system.
• The Film Division permitted a major Paramount Pictures series in May, which was renewed for its second
season to be filmed in Miami Beach. The series had an international social media premiere launch, which
partnered with the Miami Beach Communications Department to announce the premiere of Dexter Origins.
• For 2024, a total of 531 permits were issued with a production budget of $545,454,221. There were 5,433
local hires and 11,125 room nights for the county.
• Film Florida is a regular participant in PIC meetings. They have engaged with new legislators to build
support for the film industry ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Upcoming Film Florida events included
workshops on film grants and networking opportunities.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Program for Public Information Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Melissa Berthier, Director of Marketing and
Communications
CITY LIAISON:
Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
1
ACTIVITY:
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The mission of the Program for Public Information (PPI) Committee is to create and monitor a Program for
Public Information to assist the community to reduce flood risk and ultimately reduce the cost of flood
insurance. The PPI is an activity of the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System
(CRS) that compliments the City’s approach to economic resilience and public participation.
During the last Committee meeting on October 28, 2024, the following topics were discussed:
• Welcome
o Agenda overview and introductions
o Public comment
o Adopting minutes from last meeting
• CRS Audit Preparation Updates Items
o CRS audit update
o Update about FIRM maps
• Annual Evaluation Report Review
o Projects Summary
o Review and discussion of effectiveness for the following items:
Activity 320 (Map Communication Service),
Activity 330 (Outreach Projects),
Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure, Real Estate),
Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information),
Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance),
Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion),
Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation),
Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance)
o Progress made toward desired outcomes
o Changes/ Recommendations
Private Property Adaptation Program
MB Infrastructure Projects
Stormwater Modeling and Master Plan Update Adopted
Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan
o Approval to move report and renewal of the Committee to the December City
Commission meeting
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• Fact Sheet Updates and Flood Disclosure
o All fact sheets were updated this year
• Discussion on County Flood Disclosure Ordinance and FHB 2024-215Communications Update
o Updated Flood Awareness Page
o “Flood Awareness and Safety Tips” Brochure
• General Committee Discussion/ Updates
o Climate Summit Updates
o Mayor’s Flood Insurance Forum
October 28, 2024
6 PM – 7:30 PM
• Next Steps:
o Annual Report to the City Commission- Dec
o 2025 Committee Appointments, Select Chair and Vice-Chair
After the Committee approved the PPI Evaluation Report for 2024, the report was submitted for review by the
City Commission. On December 11, 2024 the Commission reviewed and adopted the report and re-
established the ad hoc advisory committee for 2025 as part of item C7 E.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
In 2022, the Committee and staff created a new Program for Public Information, which is required by
FEMA CRS program to be updated every five years. This document tracks the status of PPI outreach
activities and provides recommendations for improvement. The City will continue completing outreach
activities as specified by this report.
An audit for the CRS program will be conducted by FEMA to evaluate Miami Beach’s CRS activities and
rating for the years 2021 through 2024. This audit is expected to take place in 2025. The full CRS
program is led by the Building Department Floodplain Manager.
The City will conduct its Annual PPI Plan Update and Evaluation Report for 2025.
The City will continue to improve flood insurance and flood awareness information, such as considering
processes for instituting flood disclosures.
The Committee will meet twice again in 2025 to review the progress on outreach activities and to review
opportunities for improvement to deliver on the PPI Plan’s goals and desired outcomes.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
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Miami Beach pursued an aggressive goal to improve its FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) ranking
from a Class 6 to a Class 5 and was officially awarded the new score in 2019. In April 2022, the City received
official notice from FEMA verifying that Miami Beach has been certified to retain its Class 5 CRS rating. This
allows for the community to continue to receive 25% savings on flood insurance premiums.
The Committee submitted the PPI Annual Update for review by the City Commission and it was approved
at the Miami Beach City Commission meeting on December 11, 2024 as part of item C7 E.
The City held a public virtual flood insurance forum hosted by the Mayor on October 28, 2024. This
webinar communicated important flood insurance information and was recorded for future viewing.
Key messages developed by this Committee continue to be used by the Communications team when
advising and alerting residents about real-time flooding and actions to take. This communication is delivered
electronically via social media (Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor) and email. In addition, the Committee has
helped create flood awareness fact sheets that are mailed directly to relevant audiences, in addition to being
provided electronically on the website. This information is incorporated in the flood awareness page and
flood awareness brochures developed by the Communications Department following the June rainstorm
event.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Senior Affairs Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Debi Quade
CITY LIAISON:
Alba Tarre
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
3 (July 2024-December 2024)
ACTIVITY:
July Meeting: Committee meeting canceled.
August Meeting: Committee meeting canceled.
September Meeting:
• Presentation on the new collaboration between the Fire Department and the Office of
Housing and Community Services by Captain David Sola and Julian Bernal.
October Meeting: Presentation by Jewish Community-Miriam Singer.
November Meeting:
• Presentation by The Sanitation Department.
December Meeting: Committee meeting canceled
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
• Fill Committee vacancies
• Schedule elections briefings
• The Committee will continue to actively participate in the AARP-Age-Friendly Communities,
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providing feedback and ideas for Miami Beach’s plan.
• Continue the mission of the Committee to address needs presented by Miami Beach seniors
• The Committee will continue to advocate for transportation needs of seniors.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Collaboration between the Fire Department and Housing and Community Services
Department.
• Promoted City events designed for seniors.
• Provided information on monthly senior activities.
• Promoted the City’s food distribution program.
• Presentation by the Jewish Community.
• Informed Seniors of the Free Tax Services offered to the community by the Housing &
Community Services Department.
• Presentation by the Sanitation Department.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Sustainability Committee
CHAIRPERSON:
Isaiah Mosley
CITY LIAISON:
Juanita Ballesteros
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
5
ACTIVITY:
Identify and promote policies and practices with the City of Miami Beach aimed at achieving a
sustainable environment, as well as to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits to the
environment.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
Identify opportunities to reduce single-use plastics in Miami Beach. Continue to brainstorm
strategies to improve compliance with plastic straw ordinance.
Support continued efforts to monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the city’s waterways.
Identify opportunities to increase installation of renewable energy.
Continue to discuss and support the urban forest/greenspace projects and programs.
Identify opportunities for incorporating green infrastructure, reducing stormwater impacts, and
improving water quality citywide.
Identify opportunities for the energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives throughout the city.
Support initiatives and policies to mitigate for the city’s transportation carbon footprint and reduce
GHG emissions, such as bike pathways, EV stations, public transportation (non-diesel), water
transportation and other alternative modes of transportation.
Continue to support initiatives to reduce city-wide energy consumption.
Continue to support grants for sustainability initiatives.
Support the development of programs that enhance the city’s natural resources.
Continue to support the reduction of fertilizer/pesticide use.
Support the incorporation of projects, programming, and education to promote pollinator habitats.
Identify opportunities for green procurement for local businesses.
Support blue/green infrastructure.
Support the implementation of strategies to reduce littering and increase recycling.
Support the continued effort by city staff to engage and educate the community.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Encouraged attaching a fine schedule to the Sea Turtle Protection Ordinance amendment.
Recommended adopting a policy requiring retail businesses to keep their doors closed when their
air conditioning is on, to help reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
Supported the Beachwalk reforestation project to encourage shading, dune fortification, and
biodiversity for this major pedestrian thoroughfare.
Opposed the dredging of Biscayne Point unless the City moves forward with restoring impacted
seagrasses rather than only preserving existing shoals.
Encouraged exploring and implementing additional strategies to reduce paper waste and for the
Mayor and City Commission to solely receive agendas electronically.
Urged passing a resolution similar to the resolution passed by the City of Miami Climate Resilience
Committee urging Miami Dade County to postpone the decision on the location of the new waste-
to-energy incinerator, to allow more time for public engagement and solutions.
Discussed strategies for further reduction of single-use plastic in businesses and provided
suggestions to explore.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
TRANSPORTATION, PARKING & BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON:
EVA DIAS
CITY LIAISON:
JOSE R. GONZALEZ
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
FIVE (5): JUL – DEC 2024
ACTIVITY:
July 8, 2024:
o Discussion w/Special Guest: Comm. Joe Magazine.
o Continuing conversation of Modal Hierarchy as well as Julia Tuttle and MacArthur
projects at the LUSC meeting on July 9, 2024.
o Mitigating congestion as a result of Ride-Share, Increase visibility of crosswalks in
school zones, Micro-Mobility, and Co-Naming streets in July PSNQLC meeting.
o Approval of 2 more co-naming of streets and findings of analysis of bus shelters on
July 24, 2024 Commission meeting.
o Reinstitution of Residential Parking Permit decals; approved at June Commission
Meeting.
o NOBE Residential Parking Permit Zones: Community Meetings being held in each
area that will be affected this and next week. Second Reading taking place at the
July 24, 2024 Commission Meeting.
o Continued Discussion on purpose & how to effectively conduct TPBPFC meetings to
maximize efficiency.
o Follow up on Vision Zero Action Plan: Community Outreach Bicycle Ride
o Specifics regarding Freebee service routes and scheduling.
o Makin shuttle services available during high-impact events
o Adding a toll for non-residents to MacArthur and Tuttle Causeways.
No Meeting (Summer Recess) – August 2024
September 9, 2024:
o Discussion w/Special Guest: Comm. Laura Dominguez.
o Accept recommendation from PSNQLC to proceed w/Beachwalk Safety Signage.
o Accept recommendation from FERC to terminate agreement w/Poseidon Ferry Water
Taxi.
o Accept recommendation to increase visibility of crosswalks in school zones.
o Accept recommendation to identify and designate ride-share pick up/drop off zones.
o Resolution to develop a Parking policy during High Impact periods such as Spring
Break & Art Basel.
o Update to the Commission of the NOBE Parking Permit pilot program.
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September 9, 2024 (Continued):
o Discussion w/ MBPD RE: Rules & Enforcement of Motor-Scooters.
o Miami Beach Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan Review.
o Public meeting regarding NOBE Trolley Route and Mt. Sinai Express Service.
o Public Notification of Traffic Changes on 41st St from Royal Palm to Sheridan Ave’s.
October 14, 2024:
o Discussion w/Special Guest: Comm. Tanya Bhatt.
o Separate Paths on Beachwalk for Micro-mobility Users and Pedestrians.
o Special Guest: CMB Neighborhood Affairs/Communications.
o Update on Bus Shelter Contract
o Ordinance that extends enforceable metered hours to 11:00pm.
o “No Left Turn” on Sheridan & Royal Palm
o North Beach Restricted Residential Parking Permit.
o Bicycle Lane on 17th Street.
o Uniform General Parking and SEPARATE Uniform Event Parking Regulation for Miami
Beach Non-Profits.
o Implementation of 115 Bus Route replacement.
o Suspension of parking rate increase for FY 2025.
o Electric Fleet Vehicle Info.
o Data on Bicycle Parking locations
November 18, 2024:
o Special Guest: Commissioner Bhatt
o Mid-Beach & Collins Ave. Sabbath Trolley.
o Notification to Residents: Illegally Parked Vehicles.
o Speed Study in School Zones.
o Removing Delineators from Sunset Harbor Towers.
o Ordinance to extend enforceable parking hours in NOBE.
o Ordinance to install signs at Private Parking Lots stating the facility is not a Municipal
location
o Reinstitution of Residential Parking Decals
o Consideration for certain properties outside of the RRPP Zone in NOBE, that meet
specific criteria, to be included in the RRPP.
o Electric Fleet Vehicle Info.
o Data on Bicycle Parking locations.
o Ocean Dr. Pedestrian Promenade.
o Art Basel 2024 Traffic Plan.
o Update on LTC for Separate Pedestrian Path on Beachwalk.
o Transportation Dept. website and suggestions on how to improve the site.
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December 9, 2024:
o Discussion with CMB City Attorney’s Office – Sunshine Law & Committee Code of
Ethics
o 2025 TPBPFC Schedule
o 2025 Chair/Co-Chair Nominations.
o Referral to Committee: Convert one of the surface parking lots by Lincoln Ln. into padel
court.
o NOBE Parking increase of metered hours.
o Private Parking Facility Signage indicating it is not a city facility.
o Expanding City Bike for Special Events.
o Orchard Park Traffic Calming on 47th St Water Taxi Meeting taking place on June 11,
2024
FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
PARKING:
Parking Master Plan.
North Beach Civic Complex / 72nd Street Garage.
Updates on license plate recognition in garages.
Finalize negotiations and execute an agreement with FPL for the installation of Level 3
Electric Vehicle fast-charging stations in municipal parking lots and garages.
Install additional Level 2 Electric Vehicle charging stations.
Engage owners of private parking lots and garages to explore public/private partnerships to
increase parking inventory, particularly in North Beach.
Deploy automated parking management and enforcement solutions in municipal parking lots
and garages to streamline enforcement, increase detection of violations, and better allocate
staff resources.
Explore curb management optimization technologies and strategies to efficiently manage
and effectively enforce the high demand for the City’s limited curb space in commercial
areas.
Establish partnerships with freight purveyors to evaluate and create additional freight loading
zones in the City that meet the needs of the industry while addressing neighborhood quality
of life.
Purchase additional mobile License Plante Recognition (LPR) devices to improve the
efficiency of parking enforcement operations.
TRANSPORTATION:
**PENDING**
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
October 14, 2024:
Separate Paths on Beachwalk for Micro-mobility Users and Pedestrians
TPBPFC unanimously passed a motion to draft an LTC recommending the City experiment
with the installation of alternative temporary paths (blue mats) from 15th-36th Street & Ocean
Terrace, specifically for pedestrians, to test out whether a permanent path, like Bal Harbor’s,
would improve foot and bicycle/e-mobility traffic. (LTC #470-2024)
October 14, 2024:
Bicycle Lane on 17th Street
TPBPFC passed a motion to draft an LTC urging the Commission to use careful
consideration regarding the 17th St. Right-of-Way Project to include protected and safe
bicycle lanes from the Venetian Causeway to the Beachwalk. (LTC #469-2024)
November 18, 2024:
Reopening Ocean Dr. Pedestrian Promenade to Vehicular Traffic
TPBPFC passed a motion to draft an LTC recommending that the Commission consider
immediately reopening the temporary promenade on Ocean Dr. from 13th St.-14th Pl. while
the permitting is being considered with the County and have it remain open until an event
that requires the closure comes up. (LTC #535-2024)
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority
CHAIRPERSON:
Margaret (Peggy) Benua
CITY LIAISON:
Grisette Roque Marcos
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
5
ACTIVITY:
July 17, 2024:
The May 21, 2024 meeting minutes were approved. Motion by Mr. Neary to approve the May 21,
2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Koka. Motion passes unanimously.
An update on the 2023/2024 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
A grant in the amount of $90,000 was awarded for the Miami Vice 40th Anniversary Reunion. Motion
by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $45,000 to the Miami Vice 40th Anniversary Reunion event. Seconded by
Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
The No Vacancy, Miami Beach Curatorial Advisory Committee Members/Volunteers were selected.
MBVCA members who volunteered included Adrian Gonzalez and Mohan Koka.
The 2024/2025 Forbes Travel Guide Hospitality Training proposal was reviewed and approved.
Motion by Mr. Haas to approve the 2024/2025 Forbes Travel Guide proposal in the amount of
$11,200. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion Passes unanimously.
The Tourism Advancement Program additional changes for 2024/2025 were reviewed and
approved. Motion by Mr. Haas to adopt the new language and the grant category changes.
Seconded by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
The 2024/2025 Budget was reviewed and approved. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to approve the
proposed FY 2024/2025 budget as presented. Seconded by Mr. Haas. Motion passes unanimously.
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September 18, 2024:
The July 17, 2024 meeting minutes were approved. Motion by Mr. Haas to approve the July 17,
2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
An update on the 2023/2024 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
The grant application for Open House Miami was reviewed due to a reduction in budget. Motion by
Mr. Neary to maintain funding as awarded at $90,000 for Open House Miami 2024. Seconded by
Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the Miami Grit Classic. Motion by Ms. Rice to
grant $30,000 for the Miami Grit Classic. Seconded by Mr. Koka. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $36,000 was awarded for the 2024 Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival.
Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $36,000 to the 2024 Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival. Seconded
by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $31,500 was awarded for the Life Time Marathon and Half. Motion by Mr.
Neary to grant $31,500 for the Life Time Marathon and Half. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion
passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon.
Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $45,000 for the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon. Seconded
by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $36,000 was awarded for SCOPE Miami Beach 2024. Motion by Ms. Rice
to grant $36,000 for SCOPE Miami Beach 2024. Seconded by Mr. Neary Motion passes
unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $27,000 was awarded for the South Beach Seafood Festival. Motion by
Mr. Gonzalez to grant $27,000 for the South Beach Seafood Festival. Seconded by Ms. Rice.
Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Festival of Lights. Motion by
Mr. Neary to grant $95,000 for the Miami Beach Festival of Lights. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez.
Motion passes unanimously.
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A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the Capital One Orange Bowl Game Marketing
Campaign and Ancillary Events. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $95,000 for the Capital One
Orange Bowl Game Marketing Campaign and Ancillary Events. Seconded by Mr. Koka. Motion
passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $10,000 was awarded for the WW2 Boot Camp in Paradise project. Motion
by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $10,000 for the WW2 Boot Camp in Paradise project. Seconded by Mr.
Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $100,000 was awarded for No Vacancy. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to grant
$100,000 for No Vacancy. Seconded by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the LGBTQ Visitor Center. Motion by Mr.
Gonzalez to grant $30,000 for the LGBTQ Visitor Center. Seconded by Ms. Rice. Mr. Neary
abstained. Motion passes.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Visitor Center. Motion by Mr.
Neary to grant $30,000 for the Miami Beach Visitor Center. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion
passes unanimously.
The MBVCA’s Agency of Record, Private Label Marketing, LLC, presented a new campaign to the
Board, “Art of Miami Beach”. Motion by Ms. Rice to approve up to $75,000 for the “Art of Miami
Beach” campaign. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
October 23, 2024:
The September 18, 2024 meeting minutes were approved by the Board. Motion by Mr. Neary to
approve the September 18, 2024, meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Koka. Motion passes
unanimously.
An update on the 2023/2024 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
The grant application for the North Beach Music Festival was reviewed due to a reduction in budget
Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to maintain the grant as awarded at $32,000. Seconded by Ms. Rice.
Motion passes unanimously.
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The grant application for Aspen Ideas: Climate was reviewed due to a reduction in budget. Motion
by Mr. Gonzalez to maintain the grant as awarded at $68,000. Seconded by Ms. Rice. Motion
passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $90,000 was awarded to Open House Miami. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to
grant $90,000 to Open House Miami. Seconded by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
November 22, 2024:
The October 23, 2024 meeting minutes were approved. Motion by Mr. Neary to approve the
October 23, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
An update on the 2023/2024 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
A grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded for HYROX-Miami Beach. Motion by Ms. Rice to
grant $50,000 for HYROX-Miami Beach. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded for TYR Wodapalooza Miami Beach 2024. Motion
by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $50,000 for TYR Wodapalooza Miami Beach 2024. Seconded by Mr.
Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $31,500 was awarded for the 2025 Winter Party Festival. Motion by Mr.
Neary to grant $31,500 for the 2025 Winter Party Festival. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion
passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $37,000 was awarded for GroundUP Miami Beach. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez
to grant $37,000 to GroundUP Miami Beach. Seconded by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for the Miami Billfish Tournament of Champions.
Motion by Ms. Rice to grant $45,000 for the Miami Billfish Tournament of Champions. Seconded by
Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for Model Volleyball. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to
grant $45,000 to Model Volleyball. Seconded by Mr. Neary. Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $76,000 was awarded for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food
Festival. Motion by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $76,000 for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food
Festival. Seconded by Mr. Koka. Motion passes unanimously.
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A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the National Salute to America’s Heroes. Motion
by Mr. Gonzalez to grant $95,000 for National Salute to America’s Heroes. Seconded by Mr. Neary.
Motion passes unanimously.
A grant in the amount of $57,000 was awarded for Paraiso Miami Beach/Swim Week Miami. Motion
by Mr. Neary to grant $57,000 for Paraiso Maimi Beach/Swim Week Miami. Seconded by Ms.
Benua. Motion passes unanimously.
December 12, 2024
The November 22, 2024 meeting minutes were approved. Motion by Mr. Haas to approve the
November 22, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
An update on the 2024/2025 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
The PR contract with Private Label Marketing, LLC for FY 2024/2025 was reviewed and approved.
Motion by Ms. Rice to approve the 2024/2025 PR contract with Private Label Marketing, LLC for a
period of one year. Seconded by Mr. Gonzalez. Motion passes unanimously.
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
The next MBVCA Board meeting will take place Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30 am.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
July 17, 2024:
The May 21, 2024 meeting minutes were approved.
A grant in the amount of $90,000 was awarded for the Miami Vice 40th Anniversary Reunion.
The No Vacancy, Miami Beach Curatorial Advisory Committee Members/Volunteers were selected.
MBVCA members who volunteered included Adrian Gonzalez and Mohan Koka.
The 2024/2025 Forbes Travel Guide Hospitality Training proposal was reviewed and approved.
The Tourism Advancement Program additional changes for 2024/2025 were reviewed and
approved.
The 2024/2025 Budget was reviewed and approved.
September 18, 2024:
The July 17, 2024 meeting minutes were approved.
The grant application for Open House Miami was reviewed due to a reduction in budget.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the Miami Grit Classic.
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A grant in the amount of $36,000 was awarded for the 2024 Urge Miami Thanksgiving Festival.
A grant in the amount of $31,500 was awarded for the Life Time Marathon and Half.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon.
A grant in the amount of $36,000 for awarded for SCOPE Miami Beach 2024.
A grant in the amount of $27,000 was awarded for the South Beach Seafood Festival.
A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Festival of Lights.
A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the Capital One Orange Bowl Game Marketing
Campaign and Ancillary Events.
A grant in the amount of $10,000 was awarded for the WW2 Boot Camp in Paradise project.
A grant in the amount of $100,000 was awarded for No Vacancy.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the LGBTQ Visitor Center.
A grant in the amount of $30,000 was awarded for the Miami Beach Visitor Center.
The “Art of Miami Beach” PR campaign was approved by the Board.
October 23, 2024:
The September 18, 2024 meeting minutes were approved by the Board.
The grant application for the North Beach Music Festival was reviewed due to a reduction in budget.
The grant was maintained as originally awarded.
The grant application for Aspen Ideas: Climate was reviewed due to a reduction in budget. The
grant was maintained as originally awarded.
A grant in the amount of $90,000 was awarded to Open House Miami.
November 22, 2024:
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The October 23, 2024 meeting minutes were approved.
A grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded for HYROX-Miami Beach.
A grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded for TYR Wodapalooza Miami Beach 2024.
A grant in the amount of $31,500 was awarded for the 2025 Winter Party Festival.
A grant in the amount of $37,000 was awarded for GroundUP Miami Beach.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for the Miami Billfish Tournament of Champions.
A grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded for Model Volleyball.
A grant in the amount of $76,000 was awarded for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food
Festival.
A grant in the amount of $95,000 was awarded for the National Salute to America’s Heroes.
A grant in the amount of $57,000 was awarded for Paraiso Miami Beach/Swim Week Miami.
December 12, 2024
The November 22, 2024 meeting minutes were approved.
An update on the 2024/2025 budget was provided to the Board.
A list of upcoming grant applicants was provided to the Board.
The PR contract with Private Label Marketing, LLC for FY 2024/2025 was reviewed and approved.
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BOARD OR COMMITTEE NAME:
Youth Commission
CHAIRPERSON:
Aubrey Rosenhaus
CITY LIAISON:
Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld
NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD:
4
ACTIVITY:
Meeting of August 27, 2024
Members present: Penelope Heller, Emme Basner, Alexander Kravitz, and Aubrey Rosenhaus
City of Miami Beach Liaison: Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld
Welcome & Introductions 4:00 PM
Review and approved May 2024 minutes
Discussed:
• Sunshine Rules – MB Attorney Farosha Andasheva
• Review recruiting for Youth Commission/Roles
• Method Learning – College Readiness Program 2024-2025
• 2024 Youth Council Summit - Saturday, October 12, 2024 in DeLand, FL
• Reminder: Amendment to Ordinance 2016-4017 passed at the Commission
(Please ensure you’ve completed all forms for City Clerks Office)
• Park Signage
• (Penelope) Composting Program
• Miami Beach Sr. High School Locations
o Prom
o Homecoming
o Graduations
Meeting of September 24, 2024
Members present: Penelope Heller, Emme Basner, Alexander Kravitz, Fiona Niemeyer, and Aubrey
Rosenhaus
Members: absent: Magglio Salinas, and Abigail Silverstone
City of Miami Beach Liaison: Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld
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Welcome & Introductions 4:00 PM
Review and approve August 27, 2024 minutes
Discussed:
• Review recruiting for Youth Commission/Roles
• Method Learning – College Readiness Program 2024-2025
• 2024 Youth Council Summit - Saturday, October 12, 2024 in DeLand, FL
• Reminder: Amendment to Ordinance 2016-4017 passed at the Commission
(Please ensure you’ve completed all forms for City Clerks Office)
• Park Signage
• (Penelope) Composting Program
• Miami Beach Sr. High School Locations
o Prom
o Homecoming
o Graduations
Meeting of October 15, 2024
Members present: Penelope Heller, Alexander Kravitz, Fiona Niemeyer, and Aubrey Rosenhaus
Members absent: Emme Basner, Magglio Salinas and Abigail Silverstone
Welcome & Introductions 4:00 PM
Review and approved September 24, 2024 minutes
Discussed:
• Review recruiting for Youth Commission/Roles
• Method Learning – College Readiness Program 2024-2025
• 2024 Youth Council Summit - Saturday, October 12, 2024 in DeLand, FL
• Reminder: Amendment to Ordinance 2016-4017 passed at the Commission
(Please ensure you’ve completed all forms for City Clerks Office)
• Park Signage
• Miami Beach Sr. High School Locations
o Prom
o Homecoming
o Graduations
• 2025 Youth Artist and Authors Showcase for Sister Cities International
• Social Media/Instagram Discussion (MB Communications Department joining
January meeting)
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• Environment and Sustainability Presented
(Composting Initiatives, Motion made)
Meeting of November 19, 2024
Members present: Penelope Heller, Emme Basner, Alexander Kravitz, Fiona Niemeyer, Aubrey
Rosenhaus, Magglio Salinas, and Abigail Silverstone
Welcome & Introductions 4:00 PM
Review and approved September 24, 2024 minutes
Discussed:
• Review recruiting for Youth Commission/Roles
• Method Learning – College Readiness Program 2024-2025
• 2024 Youth Council Summit - Saturday, October 12, 2024 in DeLand, FL
• Reminder: Amendment to Ordinance 2016-4017 passed at the Commission
(Please ensure you’ve completed all forms for City Clerks Office)
• Park Signage
• Miami Beach Sr. High School Locations
o Prom
o Homecoming
o Graduations
• 2025 Youth Artist and Authors Showcase for Sister Cities International
• Social Media/Instagram Discussion (MB Communications Department joining
January meeting)
• SAFE Space LGBTQ+ Resource
• Environment and Sustainability (Composting Initiatives, Motion made on October
15, 2024)
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FUTURE ACTIVITIES:
The Youth Commission is in recess until January 21, 2025. Meetings are currently held in person.
1/21/2025
2/25/2025
3/18/2025
4/22/2025
5/20/2025
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Park Signage (underway) – Create positive affirmations and mental health signage path along the
jogging trail/butterfly trail at Bayshore Park to coincide with the park opening in Fall 2025
Amend Ordinance 2016-4017 - Update Ordinance 2016-4017 to allow for Youth Commission
members to service up to three years
Composting Initiative – The Youth Commission is working with the department of environment and
Sustainability to Incentivize local Miami Beach businesses to participate in composting services.