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3 - Meeting Minutes_3-12-25 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee City of Miami Beach MEETING MINUTES No. 54 March 12, 2025 Members Present: Members via Zoom (not part of quorum): Karen Rivo, Chair Jason Koslowe Dana Martorella Daniel Veitia Members Absent: Kate Mosley Bruce Halpryn Margalit Edelman Shari Gurkin Non-Voting Members Present: Non-Voting Members Absent: David Sexton Adam Kravitz Jack Benveniste Non-Voting Members via Zoom: Donald Goldberg Isaiah Mosley Staff and Guests Present: Thais Vieira, Liaison Amy Knowles Alberto Latorre Daniel Alzuri Brandi Reddick David Gomez Daniel Ciraldo Elizabeth Estevez David Philips Frank Garcia John Shumaker Heather Shaw Ronnie Issenberg Kristi Bada Ximena Caminos Jani Singer Lauren Firtel Maria Cerna Maria Hernandez Roland Aragunde 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.) 0:18 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed. 2:00 Lauren Firtel (South Beach Neighborhood Affairs Manager) invited the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee (the Committee) to the grand opening of the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park Project. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 2 of 9 5:38 Lauren Firtel also invited the Committee to the groundbreaking of the Flamingo Park Softball Field taking place at 9am on March 28. II. Committee Business • Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 02-13-25 Motion: 06:45 Daniel Veitia made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Dana Martorella seconded the motion. Motion passed. • 2025 Meeting Calendar (Refer to page 2 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 7:55 The proposed meeting dates for the 2025 calendar year were shared. Chair Karen Rivo noted that meetings will now be held on a bi-monthly basis. However, additional special meetings may be scheduled if urgent matters arise. • Motions Log (Refer to page 3-8 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 10:44 Thais Vieira presented the motions log, a record of all motions made by the committee since its inception. The log includes the project number, project name, motion date, motion text, and any follow-up actions. She added that the Mayor and City Commission are kept informed of these motions through Letters to the Commission (LTC). III. Funding Transfers/Swaps Protocols Chart (Refer to pages 9 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 11:44 Thais Vieira explained that the protocol chart, initiated several years ago, outlines procedures for the movement of funds, specifically funding transfers and funding swaps. She clarified that transfers are permanent, while swaps are temporary. She reminded the Committee that the 2018 Bond is divided into three categories, and any transfers or swaps must occur within the same category. She emphasized that the Committee’s recommendation is always sought; however, the City Commission holds the final decision-making authority. In instances where timing does not allow for Committee input before a decision is needed, staff may act administratively and provide an update at the next Committee meeting. 18:28 Thais Vieira noted that every funding swap or transfer is documented with a memo explaining the reason for the action. Each memo references the relevant protocol number for clarity and consistency. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 3 of 9 19:31 Daniel Veitia commended the team for the high level of transparency that has been demonstrated. 2018 G.O. Bonds IV. Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 10-19 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 21:27 Thais Vieira provided an overview of progress since the last update. Of the 46 total projects, 45 are either completed or currently active. To date, just over $100 million of the allocated $178.5 million in GO Bond funds has been spent, with 76% of total funds either spent or encumbered. Since last month, $570,000 was spent from Tranche 1 funds, and $155,000 from Tranche 2. Currently, 64% of Tranche 1 project value is either completed or under construction, while Tranche 2 remains at 97%. 2 projects have moved into the construction phase: Flamingo Park Softball Field and Flamingo Park LED Lighting - Fields. Regarding construction commencements, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Lighting and 23rd St Streetscape Projects have shifted from Q1 to Q2. V. 2018 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 20-28) of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) Marine Patrol Facility 32:05 David Gomez stated that the Project is likely more than 90% complete in terms of construction documents. The documentation has been submitted to all relevant agencies— Miami-Dade County DERM, the Army Corps of Engineers, FDEP, and the City Building Department—for permitting and comments. He reported that the independent cost estimate currently exceeds the available budget, prompting the team to explore options for cost reduction. He added that staff is working to balance functionality with budget constraints, which is particularly challenging given that the facility must accommodate two separate programs: Marine Patrol and Ocean Rescue. Flamingo Park Softball Field 1:06:29 David Gomez informed the Committee that the groundbreaking for the Flamingo Softball Field Project is scheduled for March 28th, with an estimated project duration of eight months. In coordination with this project, installation of LED lighting for both the softball field and the baseball stadium is set to begin in May. Additionally, the final section of the park’s pedestrian lighting—previously not upgraded—will also be completed as part of the overall project. Flamingo Park Butterfly Garden 1:07:28 David Gomez informed the Committee that the Butterfly Garden project, which is currently in the permitting phase, is expected to begin soon. Preliminary discussions have already taken place with a contractor through the Job Order Contracting (JOC) Program. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 4 of 9 Flamingo Park Lodge 1:07:45 David Gomez reported that the Flamingo Park Lodge had encountered disastrous impacts from termites. However, following negotiations with the contractor, a contingency draw has been approved, and they are proceeding after a considerable delay. Flamingo Park Master Plan 1:08:39 Thais Vieira presented the Flamingo Park Master Plan, from the 1999 GO Bond, highlighting completed projects, upcoming initiatives, and additional projects that were not part of the original plan but were added later. She explained that the funds allocated to Flamingo Park through the 2018 GO Bond were intended to support the completion of the original master plan. 23 St. Streetscape Improvement 1:10:41: David Gomez reported that the contract for the 23rd Street Project was awarded in October 2024, and the first Notice to Proceed (NTP 1) has been issued to the contractor. However, issuance of the second Notice to Proceed (NTP 2), which authorizes construction to begin, is being temporarily withheld due to anticipated traffic impacts during spring break. He clarified that although the project is referred to as the 23rd Street Project, approximately 90% of the work will occur on 22nd Street. This shift resulted from initial plans to place pedestrian and bicycle facilities on 23rd Street, which have since been realigned. The scope of work includes new signalization at the 23rd Street and Park Avenue intersection, a raised intersection at 22nd Street and Park Avenue to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and calm traffic, a raised intersection at 23rd Street and Liberty Avenue, a connection to the Beachwalk at the east end, and limited drainage improvements, with the majority of work focused on above-ground infrastructure Ocean Drive Corridor 1:14:54 David Gomez informed the Committee that the preliminary findings from the traffic study are expected to be presented to the City Commission in April. The study analyzed approximately 100 intersections under three different traffic scenarios. By July, the Commission is expected to review potential configuration options for Ocean Drive. He noted that a well-attended public meeting was held on March 6 to present possible design options and gather community input. This effort follows a resolution passed by the City Commission in October 2024, which directed staff to accelerate improvements to Ocean Drive, including upgrades to sidewalks and lighting. The next step involves distributing a community-wide survey to gather additional feedback. Results from the survey will inform a follow-up presentation to the City Commission, where direction will be sought on whether to proceed with sidewalk improvements in advance of the formal Ocean Drive design process. The survey will be advertised to everyone. 1:17:22 Kate Mosley suggested including some color to the buildings presented in the renderings, to better inform what color might work best for the sidewalks. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 5 of 9 Police HQ Facility - Tranche 1 1:17:57 Frank Garcia reported that the new Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) is now fully operational. The adjacent Tech Operations area remains on schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Regarding the remainder of the renovation, the design team previously distributed a program verification document to the Police Department’s unit commanders for review and approval. Feedback was collected during the first two weeks of January, enabling the design team to move forward with redesigning the spaces in alignment with the Police Department administration’s requests. On March 7, revised schematic floor plans—reflecting all submitted feedback—were shared with Police Department command staff for final review and approval. Once these plans are approved and finalized, the consultant will submit a formal additional services request to revise the permit drawings. This request will require City Commission approval. The consultant has indicated that the permit drawing revisions will take approximately three months to complete. During the building department’s review of the revised drawings, the project’s construction manager at risk will prepare the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), which will ultimately be presented to the City Commission for approval. 1:20:49 Daniel Veitia asked if personnel would be relocated during renovation. In response Frank Garcia stated that a lease for a 5,600 sf has been secured. The station is open 24/7 and must remain as such. Units will be relocated strategically. VI. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. 2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture VII. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 29-35 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 1:23:30 Thais Vieira reported that approximately $800,000 has been spent since last month, with an additional $2.3 million encumbered. This brings the total spent amount for Tranche 1 (T1) projects to $13 million and total encumbered funds to $6.3 million. Currently, 91% of all T1 projects are either complete or active, and 31% of the total project value is as either complete or under construction. There have been no changes to the anticipated 2025 construction commencements since the last update. Five projects are still expected to begin construction in the second quarter. VIII. 2022 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 36-40 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) Reefline 35:10 Ximena Caminos, Founder and Artistic Director, provided historical background for the project, noting that General Obligation (G.O.) bond funds are currently supporting Phases 1 and 2. Phase 1 features a concrete coral installation by artist Leandro Erlich, consisting of 22 ocean- G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 6 of 9 grade concrete cars arranged in a linear configuration. Coral loks will be incorporated, and resilient corals will be planted as part of the ecological design. The project is being led by a highly skilled and passionate team of experts. Efforts are underway to match the G.O. bond funds and the City's contribution with additional funding to fully realize the project. Key partners include Miami-Dade County, Climate Ready Tech Hub, Harvard University, Northeastern University, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. The team is also collaborating with the United Nations, which invited them to present the Reefline at the United Nations World Conference in Nice, France, following the project's showcase during Miami Art Week. 47:39 Brandi Reddick, Executive Director, provided an overview on the timeline. She reported that the project is currently in the fabrication stage of phase 1. The mold will be made in Canada, while concrete work will be done in Florida. The fabrication work should be completed by mid- August, and the first deployment should be between late August / early September, depending on the Ocean, as 4 straight days of calm waters will be needed. 48:53 Regarding concerns raised about sand sediment, she reported that proper planning and engineered solutions have been put in place to address concerns and ensure stable placement. The sculptures will be placed in an area containing approximately 2 feet of sand sediment—the shallowest depth within the permitted zone. Each sculpture will be mounted on an 18- to 20-inch base, designed to ensure that, even in the event of settling, the platform makes direct contact with the underlying rock bed. In the worst-case scenario, the sculptures will be covered by no more than 3 to 4 inches of sediment. 51:13 Brandi Reddick went on to report on the status of phase 2. The prototypes for the Miami Reef Star has been completed, and engineering is currently in progress. Engineering is also is progress for the Heart of Okeanos. 52:46: An overview of the project budget was provided. The grand total for Phase 1 current budget is $1,539,774 while the grand total for phase 2 current/ revised budget is $2,378,079. 53:17 Ximena Caminos reported that The Reefline will exhibit at the United Nations Oceans Conference taking place in June of 2025. The exhibition will feature 41 stars and a central bench for visitors to sit and reflect. They are partnering with international organizations – including the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) – to make it happen. Being part of a UN initiative is a big deal, and it’s opening up a much-needed global conversation. 54:44 Ximena Caminos reported that the team is also engaging Federal representatives both at the House and Senate levels to diversify its funding both at the State and Federal levels. There is also a future press coming up with the CBC Sunday Morning Show. NBC Nightly News will also be doing a multi-segment program - they will be in town by the third week of April to begin shooting fabrication. 56:19 Margalit Edelman asked how the public will be able to access the Reefline. In response, Brandi Reddick stated that the Reefline will be located approximately 600 ft off the shore. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 7 of 9 Currently, the team is working with a group called Urban Paradise Guild to designate the entire area as Marine Sanctuary Park. This will allow the swim buoys to be pushed out, from 500 ft to 1000 ft. It is likely that the number of Ocean Rescue lifeguards will need to be increased. 58:48 Daniel Veitia asked what is the ocean depth at the proposed location of the reef? Brandi Reddick answered approximately 18 feet. And the cars are 7-8 ft tall, so you’re swimming 10 feet. 59:10 Daniel Veitia asked how the team plans to sustain and maintain marine life once the project is complete. In response, Ximena Caminos stated that there are 4-5 regulatory agencies on the project who are monitoring the projects with tight criteria. The Reef will be monitored through fundraising efforts. Professional divers will go out a couple of times a year to monitor the Reef. Also, because the goal is to ultimately plant a million corals spanning 7 miles, monitoring is a critical part of the project. 1:02:40 Margalit Edelman asked what the estimated annual operating cost and how will it be funded. In response, Ximena Caminos replied $500,000-$1M. The team is planning to operate like a Cultural Anchor Institution that is operating a City asset. The 10-year master plan of the Reefline should cost $1 to $2 million over the next two years and $40 million to get to the final goal / ten-year mark. 1:04:28 Daniel Veitia asked how the General Obligation (G.O.) bond funds will be managed and dispersed since the Reefline project is not a capital improvement project. In response, Thais Vieira stated that all grants are managed by the Facilities department, specifically by Assistant Director Daniel Alzuri, and a lot of documentation is reviewed before any funds are dispersed. Daniel elaborated that he reviews requests for reimbursements and advances. Backup includes proof of payment, receipts, etc. $500,000 max is allowed per advance, but only the percentage of that has already been reconciled will be given out as an advance at the next request. This keeps the total amount of advance at $500,000 at any given time. Byron Carlyle Theater 1:25:05 Daniel Alzuri reported that he was originally scheduled to return to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) in March to provide an update on the administration’s recommendations for reasonable unit sizes and rental rates for the workforce housing component of the project—a task he noted as particularly challenging. To support this effort, the team has engaged with an advisory organization that specializes in assisting nonprofits and municipalities in maximizing their real estate assets. This organization helps structure RFPs and project deals to ensure long-term alignment with community goals and expectations. Daniel has been in discussions with the advisor for the past two weeks and has requested that the March update be deferred to April, allowing time to present more detailed insights from these conversations and potentially a proposal to formally engage the organization. He emphasized the importance of bringing in expert guidance to help the City fully leverage its assets and ensure the workforce housing component complements the cultural center, which is already well underway. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 8 of 9 1:28:57 Daniel Veitia inquired whether alternative models for the affordable housing component have been considered, noting that developers often prioritize speed and profit. He suggested exploring a model in which the developer builds the project but a housing agency manages its operations. Daniel Alzuri responded that the City is exploring multiple models. One common model under consideration involves developers partnering with or incorporating nonprofit entities into the project structure. Discussion continued. Fillmore (Jackie Gleason Theater) 1:31:36 Daniel Alzuri reported that Live Nation has submitted a revised version of their proposal. Upon review, three items originally included in the GO Bond scope were found to be excluded: the redesign of the driveway, restoration of the mermaid sculpture, and refinishing of the basement. While the basement is considered less critical due to its non-inhabited status, the team is currently evaluating the implications of excluding the driveway redesign and mermaid restoration from the proposal. A meeting with the City Manager is being planned for after spring break to discuss next steps. The goal is to present Live Nation’s proposal and financial terms— detailing both their contribution and what they are requesting from the City—to the Commission for consideration. 1:33:37 Daniel Veitia asked about the status of Live Nation’s Lease. Daniel Alzuri replied that the City is in the process of renewing their last 5-year extension. Holocaust Memorial MB 1:33:55 Daniel Alzuri stated that he expects to receive confirmation within the next 2 days that the roof work has been completed. Once that phase is finalized, external renovations can begin. They have proposals to refinish the Jerusalem stone outside and redo a lot of their landscaping with more security in mind. It is expected that the proposal for these two projects will be approved relatively soon. Art Deco Museum Expansion 1:34:44 Daniel Alzuri stated that the Facilities Department will be executing a small portion of the project, which is the track lighting in the main hall. The goal is to expedite that and deliver it in the second quarter (Q2) or at the beginning of Q3, 2025. It can be broken out because it does not go into the rest of the project that is being executed by the Office of Capital Improvements. 1:35:33 David Gomez stated that a Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued to the design firm RJ Heisenbottle in January. The schematic design was recently received and is currently being reviewed. As usual, a cost estimate will be initiated on the submittal to make sure it is within the budget. IX. Community Outreach (Refer to pages 41-42 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 54 March 12, 2025 Page 9 of 9 1:36:20 Thais Vieira went over the list of upcoming meetings. X. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. XI. Adjournment 1:47:00 Meeting adjourned.