C6C-Report- Neighborhoods-Community Affairs Committee Meeting On December 8 2011MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachA.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Mana2!2er
DATE:
SUBJECT:
January 11 , 2012 -
REPORT OF THE NEIGHBORH ODS/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011.
A meeting of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee was scheduled for Thursday,
December 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm in the City Manager's Large Conference Room, 41h Floor in City Hall.
Commissioners in attendance: Commissioners Jerry Libbin, Deede Weithorn, and Michael
Gongora. Members from the Administration and the public were also in attendance. Please see the
attached sign-in sheet.
THE MEETING OPENED AT 3:20PM
1. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL POLICIES FOR THE NOMINATION/NUMBER OF MEMORIALS
OR COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES. (Referred at February 9, 2011 Commission, Item R7 A), Requested
by Commissioner Tobin) (3:45 PM)
Kevin Smith, Parks and Recreation Department Director, reviewed the history ofthis item and the
options listed in the memo included in the agenda package.
David Coggin spoke.
Commissioner Libbin expressed his concern with sudden proliferation of requests for
monuments/memorials. His preference was to limiting Commissioners and the Mayor to one (1)
request per term of elected office.
Commissioner Gongora stated that while the proposal is logical and correct, the Commission
should just start saying no instead of just going along with recommendations/requests.
Commissioner Weithorn made the motion to recommend limiting Commissioners and the Mayor
to one ( 1) monument/memorial recommendation per term of elected office and that if the request
is coming from a third party, then the cost and maintenance will be their responsibility, and
allowing the Commission, with a 6/7 vote, to waive that financial responsibility requirement.
Commissioner Libbin seconded. Commissioner Gongora voted no.
Commissioner Gongora made a motion to include Commissioner Weithorn's motion and adding
that the individual be in good standing and if convicted/adjudicated of a felony, their name shall be
removed. Commissioner Weithorn also added to the motion to direct the Administration to add
whatever language is necessary for any administrative cleanup.
Hilda Fernandez, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the recommended alternative for streamlining
the process for handling the monuments/memorials as follows:
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Agenda Item C rP C
Date 1-11-/2...
City Commission Memorandum
January 11, 2012
Report of the Neighborhoods /Community Affairs Committee of December 8, 2011
Page 2 of6
• Recommendations for monuments or memorials are referred by the sponsoring
commissioner to the appropriate Commission committee.
• If the committee approves (with the required majority) the placement of a memorial
plaque, that recommendation is forwarded to the full City Commission for the full City
Commission to set a public hearing.
• If the Committee approves a monument or a memorial that is not a plaque (e.g. a site,
bust, sculpture, structure, art work), the recommendation is forwarded to the Art in
Public Places Committee (AiPP) for their review and recommendation as to location,
aesthetic quality, maintenance, and other related issues (in accordance with their
criteria); the AiPP recommendation is subsequently forwarded to the full City
Commission to set a public hearing.
• At the close of the public hearing, the City Commission may approve the
establishment of the monument or memorial, subject to consistency with the criteria
established in the Code.
These recommendations were added to the motion by Commissioner Gongora and seconded by
Commissioner Weithorn. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Fernandez stated that the amendments
to the ordinance will be brought to the Commission.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) moved to
recommend the following to the Commission:
• Limit Commissioners and the Mayor to one ( 1) monument/memorial recommendation
per term of elected office.
• In the event the request comes from a third party, then the cost and maintenance is
the requestor's responsibility.
• Add language to allow for the financial responsibility of the third-party requestor to be
waived with a 6/7 vote of the City Commission.
• Include recommended wording that the individual be in good standing and if
convicted/adjudicated of a felony, their name shall be removed.
• Administration to add whatever language is necessary for administrative cleanup.
• Streamline the process for handling monuments/memorials as recommended.
o Recommendations for monuments or memorials are referred by the
sponsoring commissioner to the appropriate committee
o If the committee approves (with the required majority) the placement of a
memorial plaque, that recommendation is forwarded to the full City
Commission for the full City Commission to set a public hearing
o If the Committee approves a monument ora memorial that is not a plaque (e.g.
a site, bust, sculpture, structure, art work), the recommendation is forwarded to
the Art in Public Places Committee (AiPP) for their review and
recommendation as to location, aesthetic quality, maintenance, and other
related issues (in accordance with their criteria); the AiPP recommendation is
subsequently forwarded to the full City Commission to set a public hearing
o At the close of the public hearing, the City Commission may approve the
establishment of the monument or memorial, subject to consistency with the
criteria established in the Code.
• Monuments/memorials must comply with all established City Policies, procedures,
standards and guidelines.
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City Commission Memorandum
January 11, 2012
Report of the Neighborhoods /Community Affairs Committee of December 8, 2011
Page 3 of6
2. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION AND REQUEST FOR DIRECTION CONCERNING THE
CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION OF THE DOG OFF-LEASH PILOT PROGRAM
APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION IN SOUTH POINTE PARK. (Originally referred at
January 28, 2009, Commission, Item C41), returning from February 3, 2011 NCAC meeting. Originally
requested by City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez) (3:20 PM)
Kevin Smith, Parks and Recreation Department Director, reviewed the history of the dog off-leash
area in South Pointe Park. He requested direction from the Committee as to whether the pilot
program should be continued, not continued, or made permanent. Additionally, he asked that if
the pilot program is continued or made permanent, where the off-leash area should be located.
Commissioner Libbin stated that he would like the program to be continued and that he would like
to include a low, green hedge placed to enclose the area.
Commissioner Weithorn stated that she is happy with the peer pressure that has been managing
the dogs in the park and the limited hours that help create a sense of community. She added
that she is okay with a visual barrier however she wants to make sure that the hedge selected not
be a delicate plant as people and dogs will most likely be walking over it.
David Coggin spoke.
Maryann Marcous spoke.
Larry Wyman spoke.
Brian Harris spoke.
Jeff Atlas spoke.
Ulrich Lachler spoke.
Renata Mariani spoke.
Thomas Butler spoke.
Assistant City Manager Hilda M. Fernandez stated she will need to confer with the City Attorney's
Office regarding the concept of a hedge, as she believes the placement of the hedge, although
low, would make this an enclosed dog park. In addition, she added for the record that the
proposal of a hedge would need to go before the Design Review Board (ORB) for approval.
Commissioner Libbin added that if it is the desire of the commission to place a hedge around the
off-leash area, it is essential for the public to attend the ORB meetings to voice their opinions.
Ms. Fernandez explained that a few things will need to happen concurrently, including working
through the ORB process and identification of funding sources, which would happen after
estimates are received for the hedge.
CommissionerWeithorn made the motion to extend of the current program and in the meantime
work on the hedge and the permanent location. Commissioner Gongora agreed and in response
to requests made by residents at the meeting, recommended adding an hour to the morning and
evening off-leash hours. CommissionerWeithorn agreed with the adding of the hour prior to the
permanent decision on continuing the program, to allow for possible adjustments if there is a
problem. Commissioner Gongora seconded the motion. Commissioner Libbin clarified the
motion to extend the pilot program for six months, add one hour to the morning and evening off-
leash hours, ask the Administration to come up with an estimate for the proposed hedge and
recommend to the Commission a referral to the ORB regarding the proposed hedge.
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City Commission Memorandum
January 11, 2012
Report of the Neighborhoods /Community Affairs Committee of December 8, 2011
Page 4 of6
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) unanimously
recommended the Administration be directed to:
• Extend the South Pointe Dog Off-leash Pilot Program for a six (6) month period in its current
location, with an extension of one hour in both the morning and the evening sessions;
• Prepare a site plan of the South Pointe off-leash area in its present location, which is
approximately 18,000 SF in the green space just to the east of the Washington Avenue Plaza,
bordered by the Cut Walk to the south and the sidewalk to the north, with a cost estimate to
install a hedge of the appropriate species and height, to enclose the area;
• Take the steps necessary to have the site plan presented to the ORB for review and approval;
• Return to the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee for final review and action;
• Based on the direction of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee prepare the
appropriate commission action to implement the directions; and
• Return to the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee in five (5) months (if need be) to
extend the existing program again, if the final version and plan is not completed.
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD PARK/STREET-ENDS BUS BENCH ISSUE.
(Referred during the July 28, 2011 Finance & Citywide Projects meeting; see September 14, 2011
Commission Item C6E) (4:02PM)
Fernando Vazquez, Capital Improvement Projects Office Director, explained that this item was
brought up at the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee meeting in July.
After some discussion, Commissioner Weithorn made a motion to recommend removing benches
at street-ends from inclusion in Basis of Design Reports (BOOR) unless there is greater general
community consensus. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gongora.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) unanimously
moved to recommend removing benches at street-ends from inclusion in Basis of Design Reports
(BOOR) unless there is greater general community consensus.
4. DISCUSSION ON THE VIABILITY OF STORING CITY DIRECTED TOWED VEHICLES ON
TERMINAL ISLAND. (Referred at June 1, 2011 Commission, Item R9F, Requested by Commissioner
Tobin) (4:00 PM)
The Committee recommended tabling the discussion of this item (defer indefinitely) until it is
specifically requested again.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) unanimously
recommended tabling the discussion of this item until it is specifically requested again.
5. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS DOCKING ON CITY OWNED
PROPERTY, SPECIFICALLY SEAWALLS. (Referred at October 19, 2011 Commission, Item R9D,
Requested by Commissioner Weithom) (4:05PM)
Commissioner Weithorn explained her concern with boaters docking on seawalls in single-family
neighborhoods.
David Coggin spoke.
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City Commission Memorandum
January 11, 2012
Report of the Neighborhoods /Community Affairs Committee of December 8, 2011
Page 5 of 6
After some discussion, CommissionerWeithorn moved to recommend the proposed ordinance to
the Commission. Motion seconded by Commissioner Gongora.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) unanimously
moved to recommend the proposed ordinance to the City Commission.
6. DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER LEAVING THE ALTOS DEL MAR LOCATION AS PASSIVE
GREENSPACE. (Referred at October 19, 2011 Commission Item C4E; requested by Commissioner
Exposito) (4:11 PM)
Commissioner Libbin advised that since nothing is happening with the Altos Del Mar location at
this time, the Committee will not discuss the subject at this time. It will be dealt with if and when
anything comes up.
ACTION: No discussion was held. Commissioner Libbin advised that since nothing is happening
with the Altos del Mar location at this time, the Committee will not discuss the subject at this time.
It will be dealt with if and when anything comes up.
7. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSAL FOR A DONATION OF ART PIECES TO BE
DISPLAYED ON LINCOLN ROAD. (Referred at October 19, 2011, Commission Item C4G; requested
by Commissioner Libbin) (4:12PM)
Commissioner Libbin explained that the artist making this proposal was unable to attend the
meeting today. The artist's idea was not to get credit for this but to make the area look nicer.
Max Sklar, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Director, commented that if it is desired to
do a project on the balls on Lincoln Road then perhaps a Call to Artists can be done to get
different proposals to be reviewed by the Art in Public Places Committee for a recommendation to
bring to the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee for a decision. Certainly this artist can
make a proposal along with others.
Commissioner Libbin expressed his concern regarding the poor conditions of Lincoln Road that
need addressing. He asked the Administration to reach out to the manager of the Meat Market to
address some of his concerns with the condition of Lincoln Road.
David Coggin spoke.
Commissioner Gongora made a motion to refer a discussion to the Art in Public Places committee
as to what can be done with a Call to Artists for Lincoln Road and bring back as soon as possible
to the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Weithorn.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin, Weithorn, and Gongora present) unanimously
moved to recommend a referral for discussion to the Art in Public Places committee as to what
can be done with a Call to Artists for Lincoln Road and bring back as soon as possible to the
Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee.
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City Commission Memorandum
January 11, 2012
Report of the Neighborhoods /Community Affairs Committee of December 8, 2011
Page 6 of6
8. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ONGOING STORE FRONT DAMAGES AND GRAFFITI
ISSUES ON WASHINGTON AVENUE. (Referred at October 19, 2011, Commission Item C4H;
requested by Commissioner Gongora) (4:20 PM)
Commissioner Gongora spoke of his concerns about the condition of Washington Avenue.
Commissioner Libbin suggested scheduling a public workshop to discuss this.
Police Captain Mark Causey explained the Police Department's improved efforts on Washington
Avenue that began in November.
• Washington Avenue is now being patrolled by a beat detail including two officers daily
from 11 :OOam -9:00pm
• RDA has mandated a foot-patrol on the 1600 block of Washington Avenue
• New bike squads are also patrolling Washington Avenue
Commissioner Gongora stated that he would like to receive regular reports from the Police
Department regarding what is happening on Washington Avenue.
Code Compliance Division Director Robert Santos-Aiborna detailed improvements made through
efforts made by Code, Police, and the Homeless Outreach Office to address concerns impacting
the condition of Washington Avenue from the residents of Oceanview, an Adult Living Facility
located at gth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Commissioner Weithorn stated that a comprehensive effort must be made to improve Washington
Avenue.
David Coggin spoke.
The committee recommendation is for the Administration to hold a public workshop regarding
improvements to Washington Avenue and for the Police Department to provide a quarterly report
on Washington Avenue to be included in their current quarterly crime report to the
Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee.
ACTION: The Committee recommended that the Administration schedule a public workshop
regarding improvements to Washington Avenue and for the Police Department to provide a
quarterly report on Washington Avenue to be included in their current quarterly crime report to the
Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee.
THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:35PM.
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