R9H-Discuss- Reconsider Resolution Re- Shortlist For Phase II Of The MBCC -WeitPage 1 of2
MI/\MIBE
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Ms. Kathie Brooks, Interim City Manager
Mr. Rafael Granado, City Clerk
Commissioner Deede Weithorn
January 9, 2013
Request for Reconsideration at next City Commission Meeting:
"Resolution approving the recommendation of the City Manager to shortlist the top two
(2) teams of Portman CMC and South Beach ACE as the shortlisted Proposers to
continue onto Phase I! of the MBCC RFQ No. 22-11/22; and authorizing the City
Manager to negotiate Letters of Intent (LOl's) with the shortlisted Proposers."
Approved, City Commission Meeting December 12, 2012
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Kathie:
As you know, on December 12, 2012 the Miami Beach City Commission voted in favor of approving your
recommended shortlist consisting of Portman CMC and South Beach ACE as the proposers to continue
on to Phase II of RFQ No. 22-11/12 for the development of the Miami Beach Convention Center District
Like so many others in the community, and throughout Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Deede
Weithorn believes that it is indeed time to proceed with a world class and competitive public-private
mixed-use development to enhance the Miami Beach Convention Center District Without a doubt an
expansion of the facilities is rightfully due as is the development of a Convention Center Hotel.
However, before the Administration proceeds in greater negotiations on a letter of intent with Portman
CMC and South Beach ACE and dwells any further into Phase If of the RFQ process it is important to
remember that this project, so important to our City and County economy, has been encumbered and
nearly completely stalled due to investigations and allegations of bid-rigging, inside deals, and sunshine
violations.
With this in mind, Commissioner Weithorn raised concerns during the December 12, 2012 Commission
Meeting that only two companies were recommended to proceed on to Phase 11 of the RFQ process.
As you know, initially the City received eight qualification packages from Developers interested in bidding
on the development of the MBCC District of which three withdrew their proposals which left only five
teams to be considered by the Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee and the City's consultant
recommended to shortlist the two-top ranked proposers which you subsequently recommended to the City
Commission.
It is understood that your recommendation of only two bidders is based on the idea that when each bidder
has a 50% chance of success that the proposers will likely dedicate greater resources and efforts. You
have also stated that it will be best for the community to focus its attention on only two master plan
proposals. Further, you have established that with two proposers, the Administration and its consultant will
be able to provide a more detailed analysis of their proposals.
The reasons you provide for the selection of only two shortlist proposers are valid when considering
practicality and the ease of conducting business and negotiations with the proposers. However,
Commissioner Weithorn is most concerned, should any one of these two companies decide to retract their
bid, that a false perception of possible impropriety come about which could potentially jeopardize the
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entire project. Foreseeing the very likely possibility of a land lease between the City and the shortlisted
developers, the public's trust will play a fundamental component to the success of this endeavor as any
plan of this nature accepted by this Commission must be subsequently approved through public
referendum.
As such, it is Commissioner Weithorn's request, in keeping with the practices of good government, that
the resolution approving your recommendation to shortlist Portman CMC and South Beach ACE as the
only two short listed proposers to continue to Phase I! of MBCC RFQ No. 22-11112 and authorizing the
Administration to negotiate a letter of intent with the above proposers be reconsidered at the next meeting
of the City Commission.
Please direct any questions regarding this item to Commissioner Weithorn's office.
Th~
Alex J. Fernandez,
Deputy to Commissioner Weithorn
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