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NBCRA Committee Minutes 5.13.25 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.miamibeachfl.gov/northbeachcra MEETING MINUTES NORTH BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Normandy Shores Golf Club, 2401 Biarritz Drive Members in Attendance • Ronnie Issenberg, Chair • Tom Richerson, Vice Chair • Omar Jimenez • Sam Latone • Romina Orozco-Encio • Manning Salazar • David Sexton, ex officio 1. Call to Order & Attendance Committee Chair Ronnie Issenberg called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. Committee Business 2. Approval of April 2025 Meeting Minutes Committee member Sam Latone moved to approve the April 8, 2025, meeting minutes. Committee member Omar Jimenez provided commentary rescinding his support for the committee’s April 8, 2025, motion recommending approval of the proposed Deauville Hotel redevelopment project, prompting brief discussion among the members. The minutes were approved by acclamation. 3. Legislative Update • Presenter: Farosha Andasheva, Office of the City Attorney Ms. Andasheva, Senior Assistant City Attorney, provided a legislative update on Florida House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 1242, proposed legislation with significant implications for community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) across the state. Notably, the proposed legislation would restrict CRA boundaries and the hosting of cultural events.) The bill is not expected to advance this session; however, it may be reintroduced in the future. Ms. Andasheva also provided updates on the committee’s previously approved motions: North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2025 Page 2 of 6 • Biscayne Beach Elementary Schoolyard Project On April 23, 2025, North Beach CRA Board Resolution No. 028-2025 and City Commission Resolution No. 2025-33641 approved funding, pursuant to the Committee’s recommendation at its April 8, 2025 meeting, of up to $1.5 million to support the design, development, and construction of the project, which will include, to the extent feasible, a regulation-size soccer field and four-lane running track. • Altos Del Mar Park Electrical Service On April 23, 2025, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2025-33640, directing the City Administration to evaluate the costs and planning requirements necessary to enhance permanent electrical service to Altos del Mar Park. On May 21, 2025, the City Commission will consider allocating CRA funds to cover the cost of expanding electrical service to the park, estimated at up to $82,000. The committee inquired into the cost of the proposed project and David Gomez, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Director, clarified that the cost associated involves installation of complex electrical infrastructure including multiple power sources to accommodate the enhanced level of programming production envisioned by the City Commission. • 72nd Street Community Complex Conceptual redesign of the General Obligation (G.O.) Bond project, which received committee support via a January 14, 2025, motion, was conceptually approved by the City Commission on April 23, 2025, and is scheduled for advisory review by the Design Review Board (DRB) on May 15, 2025. • Implementation Status of the North Beach Master Plan Sponsor Commissioner Tanya Bhatt’s ongoing discussion item regarding implementation of the North Beach Master Plan, and any current, past, and potential future projects related to implementation of the Master Plan and its vision, was last discussed by the Land Use and Development Committee (LUSC) on February 20, 2025. The LUSC did not reach the item during its May 8, 2025, meeting and the item will appear on the June 10, 2025, LUSC agenda. • North Shore Park Tennis Center Capital Improvement Project Committee member Sam Latone inquired about this item, which received a favorable committee recommendation via an April 8, 2025, motion. Heather Shaw, Economic Development Interim Director, explained that the committee’s April 8, 2025, motions were transmitted to the City Commission via Letter to Commission (LTC) No.167-2025 dated April 18, 2025; however, the item has not yet picked up by a City Commissioner to sponsor a request for additional funding. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Committee members discussed the importance of Commissioner sponsorship in advancing committee recommendations and a suggestion was made to follow up with elected officials with legislative advocacy. Old Business 4. North Shore Park Tennis Center Capital Improvement Project • Presenter: David Gomez, Office of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Mr. David Gomez, CIP Director, provided a project status update, reporting that the Tennis Center improvement project is progressing along after experiencing delays that arose due to design changes. Mr. Gomez shared that the city is awaiting updated pricing to move forward and responded to questioning about accuracy of project pricing indicated in construction project signage onsite. Mr. Gomez offered to review and clarify the project budgeting. 5. Normandy Fountain Shade Structure Proposal • Presenter: David Gomez, Office of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Mr. Gomez explained that engineering review confirmed the existing poles onsite are structurally sound to support a proposed shade structure and the next step forward is permitting and identifying funding. Motion: Normandy Fountain Shade Structure Proposal The Committee recommends that the North Beach CRA allocate up to $100,000 toward a Normandy Fountain Shade structure project, and that an effort to expedite the installation before the end of summer 2025. Motion made by: Tom Richerson Seconded by: Romina Orozco-Encio Vote: Passed unanimously (6 – 0) 6. Strategic Redevelopment Goals and Five-Year Strategic Plan • Presenter: Heather Shaw, Economic Development Department Ms. Heather Shaw, Interim Director of the Economic Development Department, introduced a proposal to engage a qualified consultant from the department’s approved vendor pool to support development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the North Beach CRA. Ms. Shaw responded to inquiries from the committee members regarding the rationale and selection process and the committee offered its support for the initiative to plan and coordinate near term strategic planning. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2025 Page 4 of 6 Motion: Engagement of a consultant to develop a Five Year Strategic Plan for the NBCRA The Committee recommends that the North Beach CRA engage a consultant to assist in the development of a five-year strategic plan. Motion made by: Sam Latone Seconded by: Manning Salazar Vote: Passed unanimously (6 – 0) 7. Review of Committee Action Items Tracker Updates Provided: • Recycling Program Fish-shaped artistic recycling receptacles were installed at Altos del Mar Park. Under a pilot program funded for approximately six months, an outside vendor manages periodic pickup and processing of refuse. • North Shore Park Signage Installation of enhanced signage is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Additional clarification is needed on signage within the open space area. • Beachfront Renourishment The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading this effort in partnership with Miami-Dade County. While the City has submitted concerns to the County, the Corps is currently evaluating sand loss and potential funding. In the interim, the County is exploring sand relocation from adjacent areas. Awaiting updates from the County’s Environmental Director. • Public Access and Beach Concession Enforcement Committee members expressed concerns regarding enforcement of beach concession regulations and access rules. Ms. Andasheva will follow up on enforcement protocols and legal authority. • 71st Street Bridge Enhancement Ideas to improve aesthetics and lighting were discussed. • Collins Avenue Restaurant Crawl Activation The committee discussed launching a fall event modeled after Normandy Fountain programming (e.g., Taste of Normandy event), and potentially culminating at the Miami Beach Bandshell. While North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2025 Page 5 of 6 industry best practices discourage sponsorship of partner events unrelated directly to CRA activities, the North Beach CRA potentially may offer support to participating businesses through grants. Commissioner Alex Fernandez sponsored a referral item to discuss the activation which is anticipated for discussion by the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) at its June 11, 2025, meeting. • North Beach CRA Marketing Suggestions included promotional flyers, e-blasts, and other public engagement initiatives to promote CRA activities. • North Shore Park Tennis Center Improvement Project The current build-out plan consists of a basic shell with no interior improvements. Key concerns include the lack of a required in-ground grease trap to support a potential restaurant activation and inadequate funding for tenant improvements (TI). The committee discussed options for incentivizing build-out and attractive potential vendors. • Committee Member Seat Vacancy Mr. David Cohen, a Miami Beach attorney and resident, expressed interest in joining the committee. He shared his background in real estate law and lending. The committee discussed whether he qualifies for the legal or real estate seat and it was agreed clarification would be sought based on the appointment criteria. • Collins Avenue Right-of-Way and Sidewalk Maintenance The original agenda item was deferred due to the inability of a Public Works Department representative to attend today’s meeting. The committee discussed long-standing confusion over sidewalk maintenance responsibilities between the City and FDOT in light of a 1993 resolution assigning responsibility to the City. The item will be placed on next month’s agenda. New Business 8. Committee Member Comments Committee member Omar Jimenez reiterated his interest in exploring the inclusion of Parkview Island within the North Beach CRA boundaries. A discussion ensued regarding past resident opposition to such inclusion. Mr. Jimenez also extended an invitation for all to attend Operation Clean Water, a community cleanup, garden tour, and tree planting scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at Parkview Island. North Beach CRA Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – May 13, 2025 Page 6 of 6 David Sexton, ex-officio committee member, and other committee members suggested proposed including an update and discussion about the Byron Carlyle redevelopment project at the next meeting, particularly in the context of workforce housing opportunities. 9. Public Comment Former committee member Daniel Veitia raised concerns about delays in permit processing, particularly for expedited reviews and repeated requests for revised drawings. He noted that many delays stem from incomplete submissions by consultants or clients, leading to repeated review cycles. He also inquired about modifying guidelines to allow property owners with multiple folios to be eligible for multiple façade grants. Motion: Amend the North Beach CRA Commercial Façade Improvement Program The Committee recommends that the North Beach CRA amend North Beach CRA Commercial Façade Improvement Program guidelines to allow property owners, of multiple folios, to be eligible to apply to receive the benefits of the program; and find ways to accelerate the permitting process. Motion made by: Tom Richerson Seconded by: Sam Latone Vote: Passed unanimously (6 – 0) Adam Ganuza, Executive Director of the Rhythm Foundation, requested consideration for reusing "Days at the Beach / Nights at the Shell" light pole banners funded by the CRA last year, which he believed to be in storage with the installation vendor. The committee supported investigating the matter for programming reuse. Heather Shaw invited the committee to attend the City’s Collins Park Workforce Housing Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be followed by site tours. This project development model may inform future North Beach housing projects. 10. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was approved, and the meeting concluded. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. – Normandy Shores Golf Club