Loading...
C6B-Report- Neighborhood-Community Affairs Committee Meeting Of July 30 2012MIAMI BEACH City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission FROM' Kathie G. Brooks, Interim City Manager ~,_/A/--, DATE: September 12, 2012 SUBJECT: REPORT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 30,2012. A meeting of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee was scheduled for Monday, July 30, 2012 at 3:00 pm and was held in the City Manager's Large Conference Room, 4th Floor of City Hall. Commissioners in attendance: Commissioners Ed Tobin (arrived at 4:05pm), Jerry Libbin (departed at 6:1Opm), and Jorge Exposito. Members from the Administration and the public were also in attendance. Please see the attached sign-in sheet. 1. DISCUSSION AND UPDATE ON THE CITYWIDE DUNES MAINTENANCE PLAN. (5:48PM) Public Works Director Fred Beckmann explained the results of the inspection of the Ocean Terrace area in June. Trimming was performed and has improved visibility, this facilitating the Police Department's ability to identify illegal activities occurring in this protected habitat. Thirty (30) reflective dune "No Trespassing" signs have been ordered to be installed in hotspot locations. He highlighted that they have applied for a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation where the funds should be available in July of this year and once those funds become available, restoration will begin in the area between 64th through ygth Street. Mr. Beckmann explained the proposal for handling the dune maintenance will still include multiple departments. It is envisioned that citywide routine dune inspections conducted by a designated individual that can address simple maintenance activities would result in a better managed dune system. A key feature in this proposal is tracking the inspections and maintenance in CityWorks. The inspector will be responsible for conducting minor maintenance such as removing graffiti, repairing sand fencing, fixing signage and minor litter removal. In addition, the inspector will serve as an additional set of eyes that can identify areas of larger concern such as homeless activity, missing rope and post, and overgrown vegetation and enter such in the work order system. The Environmental Division will be responsible for managing the dune management and maintenance program and logging all incidents into the database for tracking and reporting. Mr. Beckmann explained the anticipated upfront costs but anticipates that this will save money long-term by eliminating the necessity of conducting future expensive, large-scale removals and will prevent invasive vegetation from re-establishing din restored locations. Commissioner Tobin expressed concern with the costs and whether this is just the easiest methodology to tackle the problem; which is to add another expense. Mr. Beckmann explained that this proposal is trying to address the concern previously expressed by the Neighborhood/ Community Affairs Committee that, with the joint departmental inspections, there is no focal point for who is responsible for this program. He added that the estimated first year cost of $61,000 could be revisited to see if there are other resources within the departments where the first year costs might be eliminated. Agenda Item ~' B 92 Date f-1¢~/.J. City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 2 of 10 Environmental Manager Elizabeth Wheaton explained the current costs and scope of dune maintenance. Commissioner Lib bin stated that he is prepared to spend more money to maintain the dunes all the time rather than just on a 5-year cycle. Mr. Beckmann clarified that this is for a citywide program and that after a year or two, once the program is established, it will level off. Commissioner Libbin left the meeting at 6:10pm. Commissioner Exposito asked how difficult is it to review the dunes and is it something that is very specialized because of some of the conditions that have been indicated. He asked if this is something that can be absorbed by Parks and Recreation. Ms. Wheaton explained the differences between what her division would be looking for as opposed to what the Police Department and the Homeless Outreach would be considering a problem. Mr. Beckmann explained how the current multi-departmental inspections work. Commissioner Tobin asked that this discussion return to the next meeting of the Neighborhood/ Community Affairs Committee with information as to how much money is being spent on the dunes, and how much money it would take to keep all the dunes maintained, while addressing all the problems in the most efficient manner possible. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Tobin and Exposito present) directed the Administration to return to the next meeting of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee with information as to how much money is being spent on the dunes, and how much money it would take to keep all the dunes maintained, while addressing all the problems in the most efficient manner possible. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 82, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROPERTY," BY AMENDING ARTICLE VI, ENTITLED "NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS," BY AMENDING SECTION 82-504, ENTITLED "MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS," BY ADDING CRITERIA TO PROVIDE THAT: A) ONLY THE MAYOR OR A MEMBER OF THE CITY COMMISSION MAY PROPOSE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL; B) THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSIONERS SHALL EACH BE LIMITED TO PROPOSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL PER TERM OF ELECTED OFFICE; C) ANY PERSON TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY AND IF, AFTER THE HONOR IS BESTOWED, THE PERSON IS CONVICTED OR ADJUDICATED GUll TV OF A FELONY, THE NAME OF THE PERSON SHALL BE REMOVED FROM SUCH MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL OR THE MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL ITSELF MAY BE REMOVED, WITHOUT ANY RESULTING LIABILITY TO THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (5:33PM) Gayle Durham spoke. Commissioner Lib bin stated that great care must be used in naming something when public funds are being used as opposed to when substantial private funds are used. Commissioner Exposito asked why this discussion is back to this Committee. Chief Deputy City Attorney Raul Aguila explained the history of this discussion. 93 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 3 of 10 Commissioner Tobin stated that he is agreeable with not naming something after a convicted felon and the removal of a name if the person is convicted after the naming. City Attorney Jose Smith reminded the committee that a concern was raised previously as to the cost of maintenance of the monument or memorial. Commissioner Libbin made the motion that if the Commission agrees that the City should have such a monument, plaque, or memorial, then it should be part of the City's budget to maintain it, regardless of who made the proposal. Motion did not receive a second. Commissioner Tobin asked the Committee if there is a part of this discussion that they would like to see go through at this time. Mr. Aguila asked if the Committee would like him to draft some language for September regarding maintenance. Commissioner Tobin would like something clean and simple as he does not want to see the City being stuck with the cost however he does want the cost to be part of the discussion. Commissioner Libbin clarified that he believes that if the Commission ultimately decides to move forward with honoring someone then it ought to anticipate that the City will pay to maintain it unless it is singled out that the cost is so extraordinary. Interim City Manager Kathie Brooks suggested adding requirements to include identification of the costs. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Tobin, Libbin and Exposito present) directed the Administration to come back to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee in September by consensus, with language regarding maintenance and to include the requirement for the identification of the costs in a proposed monument or memorial. 3. SPECIAL EVENTS. (7:25PM) A. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE, ENTITLED "ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT," BY AMENDING ARTICLE II THEREOF, ENTITLED "SPECIAL EVENTS," BY AMENDING SECTION 12-5, "SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITS" TO PROVIDE CLARIFICATION TO SPECIAL EVENT APPLICANTS UNDER PROVISION (5); BY PROVIDING ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF SECTION 12-5 AS SET FORTH IN PROVISION (9); AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. B. DISCUSSION REGARDING A RESOLUTION REVISING THE "SPECIAL EVENTS REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES," BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS: "APPLICATION PROCEDURE," "WEDDINGS AND CEREMONIES," "PRODUCT PROMOTIONfTEMPORARY SAMPLING", "MINIUMUM REQUREMENTS," "INTERNAL REVIEW PROCEDURE," "EXTERNAL REVIEW PROCEDURE," "VEHICLE ACCESS POLICY," "CONCESSION AGREEMENTS," "USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY," "ENFORCEMENT AND PENAL TIES;" AND FURTHER AMENDING THE SPECIAL EVENT FEE SCHEDULE, AND HEREBY PERMITTING AND RESTRICTING FURTHER USES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. Interim Assistant City Manager Max Sklar explained that this discussion has been to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee several times and was referred back for further discussion by the Commission. 94 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 4 of 10 Commissioner Tobin confirmed that both Interim Assistant City Manager Max Sklar and Film and Print Production Manager Graham Winick had thoroughly read the guidelines as submitted. Mr. Sklar added that it has been taken to the community and the industry several times. ACTION: The committee (Commissioners Tobin and Exposito present) moved to take this item back to the Commission in October. 4. QUARTERLY REPORTS REGARDING WASHINGTON AVENUE. (6:18PM) Interim Assistant City Manager Max Sklar reviewed the proposed Washington Avenue Enhancement Plan as presented in the agenda covering Safety, Cleanliness, Cultural Corridor, and Marketing & Promotion. Commissioner Tobin requested to hear from the Police Department during the next quarterly report on how they feel the City can best attack repeat and violent crime on Washington Avenue. Economic Development Division Director Kevin Crowder explained the upcoming pilot program scheduled for August to increase lighting levels back to original levels on the 900 and 1100 blocks of Washington Avenue. Commissioner Exposito asked how or if the business types and locations can be controlled. Assistant City Manager Jorge Gomez explained a cooperation of property owners would be necessary and certain uses may be identified to be conditional uses and possibly prevent their concentration as was done with pawn shops. Commissioner Tobin requested to hear from the actual crews that do the pressure cleaning and pick up the litter on Washington Avenue. He would like to set up a meeting with them. Mr. Crowder reviewed the Long-term Enhancement Plan as outlined in the agenda package. Commissioner Exposito would like to see architecture accentuated with up-lighting. He also expressed his concern with the condition of the medians and the options that could increase store front foot traffic. Commissioner Tobin stated that the overall economic viability is the desire and that safety is most important. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the police presence in the area, the sector plan, and their scheduling. Commissioner Exposito asked for some feedback from the cultural institutions as to how they see their role. City Attorney Jose Smith recalled a previous discussion regarding zoning incentives to property owners that have the right mixture of tenants; maybe a height increase or other type of incentive and asked if there were any ideas floating around. Mr. Crowder advised that when they return for the next quarterly report they will include some recommendations as to how to measure how well the plan is progressing. Further discussion continued regarding zoning incentives and how to encourage preferred businesses. 95 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 5 of 10 Commissioner Exposito made the motion to recommend accepting the recommended Enhancement Plan and directed the Administration to move it through the budget process. Motion seconded by Commissioner Tobin. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin and Exposito present) moved to recommend accepting the recommended Enhancement Plan and directed the Administration to move it through the budget process. 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THAT AN APPLICATION FOR A SIDEWALK CAFE PERMIT FOR THE DREXEL AVENUE AND 16TH STREET SIDEWALKS IN FRONT OF THE RETAIL SPACES OF THE PARK@ 420 GARAGE, LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF 16TH STREET & DREXEL AVE. ACTION: Discussion of this item was deferred. 6. DISCUSSION REGARDING WHETHER THE CITY SHOULD ENTER INTO A NEW LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DESIGN MIAMI TO HOLD THE DECEMBER DESIGN MIAMI SHOW IN THE PREFERRED PARKING LOT, FOR SPECIFIC DATES IN 2013,2014,2015, AND 2016. (5:30PM) Interim Assistant City Manager Max Sklar explained that Design Miami is currently in its third and final year of their Lease Agreement with the City and has expressed an interest in renewing their lease. As their current agreement does not have a renewal provision, Mr. Sklar explained that prior to sitting down to negotiate terms with them, the Administration is asking this committee if this is something the committee was interested in. Commissioner Tobin expressed concern if this should involve some type of development. Mr. Sklar explained that the current agreement includes a clause that gives the City an out should the City want to develop the lot and a similar clause would be in a new agreement. Commissioner Exposito made a motion to direct Administration to explore an agreement with Design Miami. Motion seconded by Commissioner Tobin. Ty Bassett spoke. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Tobin, Libbin, and Exposito present) moved to direct the Administration to explore a new agreement with Design Miami. 7. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE MIAMI BEACH CITY CODE ENTITLED "MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES," BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, ENTITLED "PUBLIC PLACES"; BY AMENDING DIVISION II, ENTITLED "BICYCLING, SKATEBOARDING, ROLLER SKATING, IN-LINE SKATING, AND MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION," BY AMENDING SECTION 70-66, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS," BY ADDING A DEFINITION FOR BICYCLE PATH; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 70-67, ENTITLED "PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES," BY AMENDING THE PROHIBITIONS REGARDING MOTORIZED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, INCLUDING ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES (ALSO KNOWN AS SEGWAYS), BY REWORDING THE PROVISIONS THEREIN AND CONFORMING THE LANGUAGE TO STATE LAW; BY RESTRICTING THE SPEED OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES TO SIX (6) MPH ON ALL CITY SIDEWALKS, SIDEWALK AREAS, AND BICYCLE PATHS; AND BY PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES ON INTERIOR PATHWAYS WITHIN SOUTH POINTE PARK AND COLLINS PARK; BY AMENDING SECTION 70-68, ENTITLED "EXEMPTIONS," BY EXEMPTING THE USE OF 96 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 6 of 10 ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES BY CITY POLICE AND CITY CONTRACTED SERVICES FROM THE RESTRICTIONS OF DIVISION II; BY AMENDING SECTION 70-69, ENTITLED "RESPONSIBILITIES OF BICYCLISTS AND SKATERS," BY ADDING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PERSONS OPERATING ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 70-70, ENTITLED "PENAL TIES," TO PROVIDE FOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUSINESSES PROVIDING RENTALS AND TOURS OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES; BY CREATING SECTION 70-71, TO BE ENTITLED "PENAL TIES" TO PROVIDE CIVIL PENAL TIES IN ADDITION TO EXISTING NON-CRIMINAL INFRACTION PENAL TIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN CHAPTER 70, ARTICLE II, DIVISION II; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER; SEVERABILITY; CODIFICATION; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (3:55PM) Josh Squire joined the meeting via conference call. Public Works Director Fred Beckmann explained that this item was passed on First Reading at the Commission's May 9, 2012 meeting. At the June 6, 2012 Commission meeting, the Administration requested that this item be opened and continued in order to allow City staff and Segway business owners and other stakeholders the opportunity to address outstanding concerns raised by Segway rental and tour companies. Mr. Beckmann explained that the Administration does not agree with the following three (3) proposed changes from Segway businesses: • Segway speeds should be set at 8-10 MPH (rather than the 6mph speed limit in the Ordinance) • Establishing designated lanes on the Beachwalk and other pathways to separate pedestrians from Segways, trikes, electric bikes, and other motorized modes of transportation • Establishing "slow zones" along the Beachwalk from 51h Street to 21st Street and other heavily congested pedestrian pathways'; and installing signage indicating such zones for the safety of all motorized devices and pedestrians using the pathways. • Proposed regulations should not be exclusive to Segways, but should also apply to other modes of motorized/electric transportation such as electric bicycles, trikes, and electric scooters. Jeff Bechdel spoke. Josh Squire spoke. (Participated by phone) John Sansac spoke. Ben Berry spoke. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding limiting the speed of the Segways and the impact on the life of the Segway motor. Commissioner Exposito asked if insurance company that covers the commercial general liability policy require a certain level of training be given to their renters. Mr. Squire stated that they do. Commissioner Tobin arrived at 4:05pm. Mr. Beckmann explained the recommendation was originally 6 mph because that was a pre-set speed and while the operators are asking for 8-10 mph speed limit he would recommend the lower of 8 mph. 97 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 7 of 10 Adam Shedroff spoke. Dr. Morris Sunshine spoke. David Kelsey spoke. City Attorney Jose Smith stated that speed is an important issue; that reckless driving is the biggest problem out there particularly in congested areas. He would like the Committee to consider banning in certain congested areas. Adam Shedroff spoke again, Commissioner Libbin would like to see something from the manufacturer that details that limiting the speed to 6 mph is bad for the motor, but would be comfortable with 8mph as a speed limit. Commissioner Tobin stated that he believes that at some point, the City may have to put a limit on the number of these vehicles that are out there and would like the Administration to consider that for sometime in the future. He continued that he is agreeable with the following: • A speed limit of 8 mph as long as the documentation from the manufacturer substantiates the claim that the motors will burn out at 6mph • Administration to look at the insurance requirements to ensure that the company is Best Key rated of B+VI or better to ensure coverage, and that there is a medical pay on the policies, in the event that someone is hurt • Visible identification on each Segway listing the name of the company • Accident reporting requirements that are consistent with motor vehicles • Limiting use to certain areas • Prior to renting, the company is to sign an affidavit that states that the renter has been trained and the company believes the driver is competent to be on the street He added that while he is not comfortable with all of the penalties; there should be some penalties but does not want them to be the cost of doing business. Commissioner Tobin stated that he would like the Administration to bring this back to the Commission for a vote. Commissioner Exposito added that he would like other types of vehicles to be included. He agrees that signage is important for identification of the rental company, and that safety requirements should be posted on the window of the businesses, and the renters should have to sign-off and be given a copy of the City's safety requirements. Commissioner Lib bin is agreeable for the company to be penalized for what they may have done wrong, such as renting to an under-aged driver, but they should not be held responsible for the driver being reckless. Dr. Sunshine asked that a list of what entity would be responsible for the enforcement of the rules that are established; whether it is Code Compliance or the Police Department. Commissioner Tobin asked for a concurrence from the departments. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Tobin, Libbin and Exposito present) directed the Administration to bring this to the City Commission having considered the following: • A speed limit of 8 mph as long as the documentation from the manufacturer substantiates the claim that the motors will burn out at 6mph • Administration to look at the insurance requirements to ensure the company is Best Key rated of B+VI or better, to ensure coverage and that there is a medical pay on the policies in the event that someone is hurt • Visible identification on each Segway listing the name of the company • Accident reporting requirements that are consistent with motor vehicles 98 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 8 of 10 • Limiting use to certain areas • Prior to renting, the company is to sign an affidavit that states that the renter has been trained and the company believes the driver is competent to be on the street • Review the penalties • Include other vehicles; not limit to Segways • Safety requirements should be posted on the window of the businesses and the renters should have to sign-off and be given a copy of the City's safety requirements. • Detail which department is responsible for enforcement of rules 8. DISCUSSION REGARDING AN AGREEMENT WITH MARRIOTT SEVILLE, FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE 29TH STREET END AND TRAFFIC CIRCLE AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PORTION OF THE BEACHWALK. (7:13PM) Public Works Director Fred Beckmann reviewed the Marriott Seville Development project. This project is a hotel/condominium development and one of the requirements by the Historic Preservation Board was to redo the 29th Street e,ntrance. The owner has proposed an exchange of easements with the City. Mr. Beckmann explained that the proposal has been endorsed by the Administration and the Land Use and Development Committee. He highlighted that the owner will replace the boardwalk with a beachwalk from 29th Street to 30th Street. Assistant City Manager Jorge Gomez reviewed the design in greater detail. Further discussion ensued regarding deliveries, bus access and parking. Commissioner Tobin expressed his concern that the exit lanes at the traffic light must be two lanes and asked that if it is not two lanes he wants this discussion to come back to the Committee. Commissioner Exposito made a motion to accept the design as recommended. Motion seconded by Commissioner Tobin. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Tobin and Exposito present) moved to accept the design as recommended. 9. DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE FLAMINGO PARK NEIGHBORHOOD BECOMING FLORIDA'S MOST PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD. ACTION: Discussion of this item was deferred, 10. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ISSUE OF THE CORRECT POLICY FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS. (5:11 PM) Assistant Police Chief Overton explained that he had reviewed the City's Internal Affairs Policy and there are some things that he did not agree with and not what he believes is a best practice. Currently investigators are substantiating allegations and in his opinion they should just be "finders of facts". The Department is moving to make that change. He also believes there should be a committee made of command staff that would make recommendation whether to substantiate and provide some disciplinary recommendation that would go to the Chief who ultimately has the final say. With regard to the investigation of a complaint regarding command staff or even the Chief; industry-wide this is traditionally handled by the City Manager who can either direct Human Resources to investigate or may reach out to the State Attorney's Office or FDLE in the case of a 99 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 9 of 10 criminal complaint. City Attorney Jose Smith explained that his office often works with police experts in court cases and wonders if their input should be sought on best practices for Internal Affairs investigations. Commissioner Tobin stated that he wants the best in the business to help the Police Department develop the best practices. Mr. Smith stated that his office will work with the Chief to come up with the best practices and provide the Commission whatever options are appropriate. Interim City Manager Kathie Brooks explained that recent budget discussions included some lA items and that these will come up for further discussion in August. Commissioner Tobin stated that he will not vote for additional brass in the Police Department, only additional officers. Mr. Smith requested of Assistant Chief Overton to see what best practices are submitted. ACTION: The Committee made no motion. 11. DISCUSSION REGARDING COLLINS CANAL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. {3:43PM) Interim Assistant City Manager Max Sklar explained that a group from the area has started an effort to celebrate the centennial of the Collins Canal. They have some ideas for a full day of festivities to include a number of venues along the canal including the Botanical Garden, the Holocaust Memorial, the Little Stage Theater, having some festivities at the boat ramp at Sunset Harbor with a kayak launch, have some food trucks over by the SOBE Arts area or Washington Court and ending the day with an activity; potentially with some sort of light event (fireworks) or music. Commissioner Exposito stated that the action being sought is whether the City sees this as something it wants to be involved in and to what extent. Commissioner Libbin stated that he thinks it is great to celebrate this centennial and he reminded the committee that the City's centennial is coming up in 2015. Plans should begin soon for that celebration. He expressed that he is willing to support it; however, he does not believe that the City has any resources to provide. Carolyn Klepser spoke. Commissioner Exposito stated this is a great idea and that the City can provide Administrative assistance however would not be able to dedicate staff for this project. Mr. Sklar suggested the City can offer advertising in possibly MB magazine, emails, and MBTV-77. Commissioner Exposito stated that the Commission could issue a Proclamation and asked whether the City could provide a plaque or historical marker honoring the centennial as requested by the group organizing the celebration. Commissioner Libbin agreed the City would provide a Proclamation and a cake. Chief Deputy City Attorney Raul Aguila stated there is no process for an historical marker and Assistant City Manager Jorge Gomez agreed adding that it should go before the Historic Preservation Board. Commissioner Libbin expressed support for getting the process started for the historical marker. Commissioner Exposito asked if there are any fees that can be waived for the special event permit. Mr. Sklar explained that as a non-profit they are potentially eligible for waivers of the application fee and/or the permit fee. The City would still require a deposit and insurance. 100 City Commission Memorandum September 12, 2012 Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of July 30, 2012 Page 10 of 10 Commissioner Libbin moved that subject to the community organization coming forth with a proposal for a Special Event that they would promote, the Committee encourages the Administration to waive whatever fees they can and to support it to the extent of publicity and a cake and then work together to provide an historical marker and refer it to Historic Preservation Board for their review and location. Commissioner Exposito seconded the motion. Assistant City Manager Jorge Gomez added that these things do cost money and perhaps the Planning staff will do some preliminary work, discuss that with the Historic Preservation Board and report back to the Commission. ACTION: The Committee (Commissioners Libbin and Exposito present) directed the Administration to assist in promoting the event throughout the City's various communication tools. The Committee also encouraged the Administration to waive Special Event fees consistent with established policies and to provide a cake for the event. The design of a historical marker should be referred to the Historic Preservation Board for their review and location. 12. QUARTERLY CRIME STATISTICS. (4:38PM) (Item added during the meeting, not part of the original agenda) Commissioner Tobin asked Assistant Police Chief Overton, for future reports to provide the crime statistics crime by crime and how they compare to the same period the previous year. Assistant Chief Overton stated that he has the information with him now. He reviewed the statistics for the period covering January-June 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011: • Significant reduction in petty thefts and larcenies • Robberies are up 14% (trends are indicating these are occurring in the entertainment district) • Rapes are down 27% • Homicides are up from two (2) to three (3) • Aggravated assaults are down • Burglaries are down almost 2% • Larcenies are down Assistant Chief Overton explained the process involved that would prevent statistics from being reported artificially low. He elaborated what is being done to address the homeless criminal problem. Commissioner Libbin confirmed with Assistant Chief Overton that the statistics are being measured, based on the same criteria from year to year, to be sure an accurate comparison is being provided. Commission Libbin mentioned New York City's homeless relocation program and asked if the City has a similar program. Staff responded that the City has had a similar program for years and would provide him with a summary of the program. ACTION: Commission Libbin requested a report on the payments the City has offered and made to individuals to relocate the homeless. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:28 PM. KGB/MAS/SS/KT /BH/rfm T:\AGENDA\2012\9-12-12\NCAC REPORT JULY 30-2012 (DRAFT).doc 101 w w ~ :::!: :::!: 0 0 ~ ~ C( u. u. t- <CN w ~~ w 1 :::t z " en a. I ::l~ z w J ::i~ "T c :::!: :s z ...... 0.., (!) z ' - .! 0 en " -I 0 ~ J 0 ~ 1 I 0 ->1 0 ,i ; ~ i :::1: z w .! 0:: ' 0 <C J. J I m ~ ., ' :::1: ' i ~ 0 ""' I jjj .p I z ,;,! I I .., u 1 ).. j <( ' ....a '. ~ LJ..J ~ !! ., .. ' co m i 4 ( ·i - ' ~ ....a i ' .... " 4 <( ~ I 1 - c " ,J ~ It ' I j _a I 1 I eD ~ S: 4 ., r2 i Lti I J 'l ~ ~ A I I ' ' (/ I I ~ :: 102 ~ 0 CN .--------~!'!'!!!!11....--------------------~""-" ··~· ~ MtAMiBEACH ol< ... .l""'.! PLEASE PRINT LEG/BL Y NAME ~ctn~ K.ftM'#-U ::lcAAtJ L Cov )ZA.E/V C-4/ZDE,Jo s~~ NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE July 30,2012 SIGN-IN SHEET ORGANIZATION I DEPT. EMAIL ' './1 ~-·'t' "t/_ W{.ll < C~ta"'-'fl tx"'"~ \At-......_ ....... --: ....... ..J-__ ....,J; __ --U---.J-J:-...__.,.;-....... ...J ,._I_~-., .a-. .... 11 •• .t. ... f~.-··-..J~ .... -..l -1-. :---. .:L..--....._ .... :---1 1..:-...-....: .... .-.---..-:.a."