/
     
3 - Meeting Minutes 2-13-25 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee City of Miami Beach MEETING MINUTES No. 53 February 13, 2025 Members Present: Karen Rivo, Chair Jason Koslowe, Vice-Chair Bruce Halpryn Dana Martorella Daniel Veitia Kate Mosley Margalit Edelman Shari Gurkin Non-Voting Members Present: Members Absent: N/A Non-Voting Members Absent: David Sexton Adam Kravitz Isaiah Mosley Donald Goldberg Jack Benveniste Staff and Guests Present: Thais Vieira, Liaison Commissioner Alex Fernandez Amy Knowles Daniel Alzuri David Gomez Elizabeth Estevez Frank Garcia Giancarlo Pena Jason Greene Jani Singer Krystal Dobbins Kristy Bada Lauren Firtel Maria Cerna Maria Hernandez Roland Aragunde Brandi Reddick David Phillips Susan Gladstone Ximena Caminos Meeting Start Time: 4:00 pm General Notes: These meeting minutes are condensed and seek to capture the overall intent of discussions as interpreted by the meeting coordinator. Each paragraph indicates the time on the audio recording where the discussion commenced during the meeting. For more detail on the discussion, please refer to the audio recording in its entirety. All current and past meeting materials including agendas, handouts, minutes, presentations, and audio recordings are available by visiting: www.GOMBInfo.com/OversightCommittee/Meeting Records. I. Roll Call and Introductions (Refer to the Meeting Audio Recording on the G.O. Bond Website.) 0:41 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 2 of 9 II. Committee Business  New Members 02:38 Chair Karen Rivo introduced the two new members – Margalit Edelman and Daniel Veitia. The new members also gave a brief introduction about themselves.  Selection of Vice Chair 10:01 Jason Koslowe was unanimously elected as the Vice-Chair of the Committee.  2025 Meeting Calendar (Refer to page 3 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 12:13 The proposed meeting dates for the 2025 calendar year was shared. Meeting attendance was encouraged and the need for quorum was emphasized.  Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 12-19-24 Motion: 14:53 Jason Koslowe made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Dana Martorella seconded the motion. Motion passed. Commissioner’s Update 16:03 Commissioner Alex Fernandez reported that the 30% design for the North Beach Community Center was presented to the community the previous day. There was great engagement in person, and about 80 people participating online. Another significant milestone was reached today with the groundbreaking of the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge. The Commissioner emphasized that this project goes beyond just infrastructure; it's a vital connection between people and communities. Currently, two communities are separated by a state highway, with no direct route linking the West Avenue neighborhood to the South of Fifth neighborhood. The new bridge will fill this gap, making it easier for residents and visitors to move freely between these areas. Commissioner Fernandez also expressed his gratitude to Laura Dominguez and the Land Use and Sustainability Committee for their efforts in keeping the project on track and for working closely with the developer to ensure that the project timeline is set at 20 to 24 months. 17:58 Chair Karen Rivo inquired about the “Stop the Pause” Ordinance for G.O. Bond Projects. The Commissioner responded that the first version was for critical infrastructure, and now he is working on the “Stop the Pause 2.0”, for all the other projects, to ensure that they are not started and have the plug pulled on them suddenly after significant funding has been invested. 20:20 Chair Karen Rivo asked if “Stop the Pause 2.0” will apply to the 72nd Street Project. The Commissioner replied yes. 20:26 Daniel Veitia asked whether it would also include non G.O. Bonds projects or if it is exclusive to only G.O Bonds projects. In response, the Commissioner stated that he would need G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 3 of 9 to confirm. He added that several resiliency projects such as flooding and sea level rising are covered by the first version of “Stop the Pause”, which focused more on neighborhood improvements capital projects. The second version will focus on non-infrastructure related capital projects. He added that he is grateful because a lot of this came through recommendations of the Inspector General, part of it from discussions that that this committee had with the Inspector General. 22:11 Chair Karen Rivo invited the Commissioner to return in a future meeting with an update. III. Bond Accrued Interest Transfers (Refer to pages 4 & 5 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 24:06 CFO Jason Greene updated the committee on two transfers from accrued interest needed to keep G.O. bond projects moving forward: 41st Street Corridor $391,278 from the accrued interest on the 2018 G.O. Bond will be transferred to the 41st Street Corridor project, related to the additional scope of work that was approved by the City Commission on December 11, 2024. North Beach Oceanfront Center Once the work associated with the GOB project was underway, it was determined that there was substantially more work than originally anticipated. The total estimated additional cost is $4.5 million. The first phase of the project will incur approximately $750,000 in costs. Of this, $625,000 will be allocated from the accumulated interest in the Arts and Culture Bond, with the remaining $125,000 being sourced from another non-GOB fund. The capital required to cover the remaining shortfall will be addressed in the 2026 capital budget process. 26:57 In response to the question raised at the last meeting regarding the possibility of utilizing accrued interest to pay down the Bond instead of allocating it to projects, he reported that the City’s Bond Counsel has confirmed that this option is not legally permissible; all Bond proceeds must be allocated to capital projects, unless all projects related to the Bond are completed. 30:26 Chair Karen Rivo requested that the spreadsheet outlining the various protocols for funding transfers be sent to the committee to remind everyone of some of the actions that need to be voted on. 30:42 Thais Vieira explained that a "Protocols Chart" has been created, outlining the various funding transfer scenarios and indicating whether each requires a motion from the Committee. She offered to review the chart at the next meeting to help familiarize the new members with its contents. 31:34 Chair Karen Rivo added that the goal was to be very clear about the responsibility and who gets to decide what. Ultimately the Commission decides on these transfers. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 4 of 9 31:56 Thais Vieira advised that the City Commission will vote on these 2 transfers as part of the Capital Budget item to be heard at the February 26 meeting. 2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture IV. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 6-12 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 33:45 Thais Vieira reported that there are a total of 21 Tranche 1 projects, of which 19 are active and 1 has been completed. To date, $12 million has been spent, with $3 million of that amount spent since December 2024. Currently, 15.5% of the Tranche 1 funds have either been spent or encumbered. Many of these projects include sub-projects, bringing the total to 47 sub-projects. Of these, 91% (43) are either complete or actively underway. Additionally, 30% of the total value of Tranche 1 projects has been completed or is currently under construction. Between December 19, 2024, and February 13, 2025, 3 sub-projects were completed: the Lighting and Mechanical Improvement projects at the Bass Museum, and the first Artistic Playground at North Shore Park. 2 sub-projects progressed to the construction phase: the Holocaust Memorial and the Technology Improvements at the Bass Museum. Additionally, 2 sub- projects at the North Beachfront Center—the Painting and Doors & Windows Sealing projects— were placed on hold due to structural issues that were uncovered. 36:05 Thais Vieira continued that $12.6 million in projects are expected to begin in 2025. The Holocaust Memorial and the Bass Technology Wi-Fi projects are already underway, while fabrication for Reefline Phase 1 is scheduled to start in the first quarter. In the second quarter, several projects are set to begin, including the North Beach Oceanfront Center (NBOC) Sounds/Acoustics, NBOC Kitchen Expansion, NBOC Furniture, Colony Building Improvements, and Colony Security/Communication projects. Lastly, the Jewish Museum project is anticipated to begin in the third quarter. V. 2022 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 13-19 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) Byron Carlyle Theater 38:45 Daniel Alzuri, Facilities & Fleet Assistant Director, reported that the Consultant (AMS) has developed three (3) different models/scenarios, specifically for the Cultural Center. The first scenario meets all the needs of the anchor organizations that were interviewed but doesn’t go beyond that. The problem with the first scenario is that the programming would be very sequential. It would have one studio theatre of about 250 square feet, several classrooms and event spaces. However, the theatre and event spaces would be structured such that, you would have to load in a performance, perform, and load out before you could load in the next performance. Based on this, it would be difficult to achieve a critical mass of activity with the first scenario. The preliminary cost for scenario 1 is estimated at about $38 million. The second G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 5 of 9 scenario has a cinema, an increased studio theatre to about 350 square feet, classrooms, a recording studio, and an event space, with the back of house increasing in proportion to the activity space (theatre). The second scenario allows for simultaneous events to take place and the preliminary estimated cost is about $46 million. The third scenario has all the must-haves and the nice-to-haves. In scenario 3, the anchor organizations would have to grow into space. However, the price is on the high side at $73 million. Staff debated the options and presented them to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC), which approved staff’s recommendation of scenario 2. 42:15 Regarding the workforce housing component, FERC recommended analyzing the city’s rental market to determine reasonable apartment and studio sizes and rental rates. This will help guide negotiations with the developer to ensure the units are neither too small nor too expensive. The discussion on workforce housing will be addressed at a future meeting. 42:54 Isaiah Mosley noted a trend where projects often start with a certain budget but end up exceeding it. He inquired whether the administration is starting the workforce housing project at a lower price, anticipating that costs will rise. In response, Daniel explained that the project’s cost estimates account for a potential two-year delay, and the anticipated increase in construction costs has already been factored in to some extent. 43:24 Chair Karen Rivo inquired if there will be other sources of funding considering that the project budget is $30 million. In response, Daniel stated that in partnering with a nonprofit organization, there would be a level of philanthropy to cover that gap. And in addition, through negotiations with the selected developer. As the parameters of the Request for Proposals (RFP) are being developed, the finances involved will become clearer. 44:55 Bruce Halpryn mentioned that part of the rationale of workforce housing is to ensure that people are able to live where they work. He then asked how people will be able to afford the housing if pricing will be set at the market rate. In response, Daniel stated that the right pricing needs to be modelled because the administration will be partnering with a private developer. Hence, it needs to be such that it is attractive to the private developer and also help in achieving the goals it was set out to achieve by keeping the rent at a certain level. 46:35 Shari Gurkin asked if there is a way to build affordable houses and also ensure that people get government subsidies. In response Daniel stated that there are government subsidies for affordable housing, and it all depends on the distribution – about 40% of the units have to be below 60% Average Median Income (AMI) to qualify for affordable housing credits, and 40% have to be below 120 AMI. Usually, the developer will come to the table with a plan, saying, “This is what I can deliver within these terms and for this budget.” However, the complexity increases when additional requirements are added, such as the expectation of including a cultural center in the development, along with the workforce housing. The combination of these elements makes the finances more complicated, and it becomes a balancing act between asserting the project’s priorities and giving the developer enough flexibility to make the project viable. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 6 of 9 48:25 Isaiah Mosley asked if it is too early to consider green designs such as solar or green roofs? In response, Daniel stated they have not reached that point in the process yet, but that it can be incorporated into the RFP scope. 48:50 Daniel Veitia asked for clarification on the role of AMS. Daniel Alzuri replied that they are one of the top cultural center and theater planners in the country. 49:12 Daniel Veitia asked if the P3 model is modeled after the Collins Park Workforce Housing Project, and if a decision has been made to go forward with the P3 model. Daniel Alzuri replied that the term "P3 model" is quite broad, and every P3 project is unique. Essentially, it's a model that allows a municipality to leverage both public and private funds to achieve larger goals. However, introducing a private partner adds another layer of complexity to the process. 49:51 Daniel Veitia advised that the CRA has restricted funds that must go towards affordable and workforce housing. As for the affordability, it is highly regulated, based on the median income. Discussion continued. Fillmore 50:29 Daniel Alzuri reported that Live Nation presented the administration with a proposal for a limited renovation of the facility, estimated at approximately $40 million. This renovation would bring all production facilities up to current standards, enhance the backstage area to make it more attractive, hospitable, and welcoming, and revitalize the public spaces. The proposal covers all necessary improvements and is significantly more cost-effective compared to previous proposals. The administration has requested an itemized scope of work to ensure that all items funded by the General Obligation (G.O.) bond are included. Reefline 56:27 Daniel Alzuri reported that the third grant advance has been awarded, putting the total amount spent to over $1 million. Phase 1 (Concrete Corals) fabrication should start in a few weeks and should be ready for deployment by summer. Phase 2 design is underway, and phase 3 will be developed in conjunction with city staff. 58:15 Isaiah Mosley asked whether any funding would be allocated towards maintenance. Daniel Alzuri responded that while the current grant does not include funding for maintenance, discussions are ongoing on this matter. 58:47 Bruce Halpryn stated that this is one of the projects he is most excited about. He asked the total length of the proposed reefline. Daniel Alzuri replied that the grantee are currently working on a 10-year plan. He asked Brandi Reddick, from the Reefline team, to elaborate. 1:00:00 Brandy reported that her office is working with the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), who are the master planners, to develop the master plan. The plan is about 98% finished and the projection is to go seven miles up the coast of Miami Beach within a 10-year period. She G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 7 of 9 added that the United Nations saw the Miami Reef Star installation during the Art Week and invited them to present the Miami Reef Star as the highlight of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June. North Beach Oceanfront Center 01:01:56 Daniel Alzuri reported that some cracks were found in the stucco while preparing the exterior of the building for the painting and windows/doors re-sealing. The cracks were significant enough to put a pause on these 2 subprojects. However, other items such as the new catering kitchen, community room furniture, acoustical finishes and the new sound system will proceed as planned. VI. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. 2018 G.O. Bonds VII. Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 20-29 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 1:06:38 Thais Vieira reported that there are a total of 57 projects under this program, with 46 in the first tranche. Of these, 11 have been completed, 34 are active and 1 is pending. So far, 75% of the appropriated funds have either been spent or encumbered. To date, $100 million has been spent, with $2.2 million spent since the last meeting in December. The Flamingo Park Softball Field, which was originally part of the Flamingo Park Master Plan Project, has been added as a sub project. It was broken out as a sub project due to the upcoming commencement of construction. 1:17:00 Thais Vieira highlighted that $28.2 million worth of projects is anticipated to commence year 2025. The Pedestrian Bridge already started, with four (4) more projects to start in the first quarter, 1 in the second quarter, 3 in the third quarter and 1 in the fourth quarter. VIII. 2018 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 30-34 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 72nd Street Complex 1:20:00 David Gomez, CIP Director, shared images from the presentation given to the community on February 12. He updated the committee, explaining that the administration had revised the design based on feedback from the commission during the December 11 meeting. The updated design includes an additional parking level, adding approximately 100 more spaces, bringing the total to around 600 spaces. The top level of the parking garage is now designated as a multipurpose space, featuring pickleball courts. He also reported receiving a lot of great feedback from the community. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 8 of 9 01:22:42 Chair Karen Rivo reported that she attended the community meeting in person and was pleasantly surprised by the response. Only 1-2 people were opposed to the project, while the majority offered suggestions, many of which were quite valid. 01:23:30 David Gomez informed the Committee that the next step for the project is to present the community feedback to the City Commission, currently planned for March/April. 01:23:40 Daniel Veitia asked if the administration is at the stage where Commission has given enough approval that they can start designing the project based on the renderings presented. David Gomez responded that they need final authorization from the City Commission before moving on to the Design Review Board (DRB) process. 01:24:12 Daniel Veitia asked if the staff felt confident in delivering the project within the allocated budget. David Gomez responded affirmatively, explaining that although the cost estimate for the 30% submittal was over budget, value engineering and cost savings in other areas have made them confident that the project can be completed within the available funding. Fire Station #1 1:25:35 David Gomez reported that the City Commission directed the administration to proceed with developing the new Fire Station #1 at the far west end of the Flamingo Park without impacting the use of the field or track. The design team has already started the redesign process, holding meetings with the Fire Department and other city departments. The schematic design should be completed by April and 30% project submittal should be achieved by October. It is estimated that the construction will commence in June of 2027. Ocean Drive Corridor 1:28:30 David Gomez reported that progress on the project has been slow but steady. The approved Vision Plan outlines three options for the redevelopment of Ocean Drive: maintaining two-way traffic, converting to one-way traffic, or full pedestrianization. To determine the best option for the City, a traffic study is necessary. The challenge lies in considering the entire region, not just Ocean Drive. The consultant team has been tasked with conducting a traffic study and modeling over 100 intersections in the area. There was a delay in the process as Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) could not agree on the traffic model, which took almost a year to resolve. However, both agencies have now agreed to accept the outcomes of the study and modeling. Data has been collected, and the consultants are finalizing their modeling programs. Preliminary findings from the traffic study are expected to be available for presentation to the City Commission within the next 60 to 90 days. Once the study is complete, the consultant will begin discussions with the County and FDOT to determine what the City can permit before making a formal recommendation to the City Commission. 01:30:27 Adam Kravitz asked about the status of the ongoing court case. David Gomez clarified that the case is unrelated to this project, as it pertains to an existing issue involving one of the hotels on Ocean Drive. The hotel has claimed that it was impacted by the City's actions related G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 53 February 13, 2025 Page 9 of 9 to the promenade project. Currently, the court's decision has been stayed, so the City has a reprieve for now on determining what will have to be done in the interim. The G.O. Bond project will go through the permitting process and wherever the court case lands is independent of that. Discussion continued. 01:33:34 David Gomez reported that in October, the City Commission adopted a Resolution directing the administration to begin the implementation of some of the improvements now. There will be a sunshine meeting scheduled for March to discuss the matter. Lummus Park 1:38:10 David Gomez reported that the consultant responsible for the traffic study on Ocean Drive is also handling the master plan for Lummus Park. Due to limited funding, only the master plan will be developed at this stage. Once completed, the master plan will be presented to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) for approval. On a parallel path, the Parks Department will utilize some of the G.O. bond funding to enhance lighting, landscaping, and irrigation. Thais Vieira added that this directive was issued by the Commission during the February 3rd meeting. Washington Avenue 1:40:23 Jay Fink, Public Works Deputy Director, reported there have been ongoing discussions at the Finance and Resiliency Committee (FERC) regarding sidewalks and lighting. FERC has asked the administration to return to the March meeting with 5 different options of sidewalk materials. The goal of the administration is to keep it simple and easy to maintain. Staff is also working with the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) on what their vision is for the entire corridor. They will be meeting with the elected officials in the coming weeks to unveil some of their vision as it relates to the G.O. Bond Project. With respect to the lighting, the decision to be made will be whether the heads will be switched out while keeping the existing infrastructure, or if all the lighting will be completely replaced. IX. Community Outreach (Refer to pages 35-36 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). 1:43:15 Thais Vieira went over the list of upcoming meetings including the North Shore Park Artistic Playground Opening Ceremony on the 21st of February and West Lots Public Meeting / Community Picnic Event on the 23rd of February. There is also Maurice Gibb Park Grand Opening Ceremony, Flamingo Park Softball field and the 23rd Street groundbreaking coming up soon. X. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. XI. Adjournment 1:54:00 Meeting adjourned.