C6A-Report- Neighborhood-Community Affairs Committee Meeting Of April 29 2013= '"="" MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera-Bower and Me City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: June 5, 2013
SUBJECT: REPORT OF THE NEIGHBORHO D/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HELD ON
APRIL MONDAY 29, 2013.
A meeting of the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee was held on Monday, April 29,
2013 at 3:00 pm, and was held in the City Manager's Large Conference Room, 41h Floor.
Commissioners in attendance: Commissioners Ed Tobin, Jerry Libbin, Michael Gongora and
Jorge Exposito Members from the Administration and the public were also in attendance. Please
see the attached sign-in sheet.
THE MEETING OPENED AT 3:08 PM.
1. Discussion And Update On The Citywide Dunes Maintenance Plan. (4:19PM)
Elizabeth Wheaton presented the item.
Commissioner Tobin requested a timeframe as to when the item will be presented to the
Commission.
Staff advised that the item will be presented at the July Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Tobin made the motion to get the contractors' maintenance timetable and join
efforts with the Parks Department. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Exposito.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) directed
Administration to get the contractor's maintenance timetable and return the item to Committee in
two (2) months.
2. Discussion Regarding The Log Cabin Property And The Possibility Of A
Collaborative Community Center. (4:28PM)
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) deferred the item.
3. Referral To The Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee A Discussion
Regarding The City Of Miami Beach Centennial, Which Will Occur On March 26,
2015. (3:49PM)
Max Sklar, Tourism and Cultural Development Director, presented the item.
Commissioner Libbin suggested partnering with an organization to have a year-long celebration
for the City's Centennial.
Commissioner Exposito suggested that the Administration seek something similar to Arts Gala,
get ideas from the VCA in terms of parameters of expectations on what we are going to do,
Agenda Item C &, A
Date ... ~ ... 13
City Commission Memorandum
June 5, 2013
Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of April 29, 2013
Page 2 of6
get ideas from the VCA in terms of parameters of expectations on what we are going to do,
determine the length of the celebration, and then seek the necessary funding and assistance.
Jimmy L. Morales suggested reaching out to the Historical Society, as they were very involved
when the City of Miami celebrated its centennial anniversary.
Commissioner Libbin made the motion to direct the Administration to take the lead and return
next month with an outline or concept of what might be done. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Exposito.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
4. Discussion Regarding A Long Term Solution For The Ongoing Rodent Issue On 41st
Street. (3:40PM)
Commissioner Gongora presented the item, indicating that the rodent issue is not limited to 41st
Street, but is a Citywide issue, and wanted to see what can be done to make sure that the rodent
issue doesn't get worse.
Commissioner Tobin made the motion for the Administration to prepare an LTC indicating how
the City is handling the Citywide rodent issue.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
5. Discussion Regarding Beach Erosion And Sand Shifting. (4:36PM)
Commissioner Tobin presented the item.
Commissioner Libbin spoke requesting the Administration look at the area behind the Blue and
Green Diamond buildings on Collins Avenue.
Elizabeth Wheaton provided background on the item.
Mayor Mattie Bower spoke.
Commissioner Tobin made the motion to have an organizational chart and have an internal
person to coordinate the efforts and address the issue behind the Green and Blue Diamond
buildings.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
6. Discussion Regarding Amending Procedures For Appeals To The Special Master
For Certain Frequent Code Enforcement Violations. (4:49PM)
Debora Turner presented the item, stating the recommendations will ensure uniformity among
some of the more recurring City Code violations by providing a specific form that people can use,
which includes basic information.
Commissioner Exposito made to motion to move forward with the recommendation. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Tobin.
City Commission Memorandum
June 5, 2013
Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of April 29, 2013
Page 3 of6
7. Discussion Regarding The Current Policy Against Bullying And Harassment In
Miami-Dade Public Schools And Begin Planning For A Citywide Youth Anti Bullying
Outreach Program. (3:31PM)
Commissioner Gongora presented the item, and suggested a program to be broadcast at the
Soundscape once screened by staff.
Julio Magrisso spoke regarding City's efforts and commitment to anti bullying at the schools and
City programs.
Deborah Mantilla from Miami-Dade Public Schools spoke.
Ellen Vargas spoke.
Commissioner Libbin made the motion to direct the Administration to reach out to Nautilus Middle
School and Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center to implement the program and sign the Anti-Defamation
League's (DOL) resolution of respect; target our ADL anti-bias activity during the month of
October, which is National Bullying Prevention Month; and seek the endorsement of a sports
personality that kids will want to see. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Exposito.
ACTION: The committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
8. Discussion Regarding Criminal Background Checks For Employees Of City
Contractors And Spot Check Updates For Those Background Checks. (4:51PM)
Commissioner Tobin presented the item.
Kathie G. Brooks, Assistant City Manager gave an overview of the item.
Commissioner Tobin discussed the item and felt strong about the criminal aspect of construction
workers.
Jimmy L. Morales suggested adopting the same system as Miami-Dade County.
Cristina Deval stated that Procurement Department currently has some language on file when
children are involved.
Jimmy L. Morales suggested that the Administration return the item to the Committee in July with
a proposal.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) accepted the
suggestion by City Manager Jimmy L. Morales to bring the item back in two (2) months.
9. Discussion Regarding Placing An Informal Plaque At The Base Of The Sculpture Of
Jackie Gleason. (4:57PM)
Max Sklar presented the item, stating that there is no plaque at the base of the sculpture, and
after research, no information could be found on the plaque. After further review, it was
determined a rehabilitation of the sculpture is required, and a new plaque will be installed.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the item forward with the necessary steps.
City Commission Memorandum
June 5, 2013
Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of April 29, 2013
Page 4 of6
10. Discussion Regarding The City Of Miami Beach Fire Prevention Fines And Citations
Related To Nightclubs And Other Assemblies. (3:08PM)
Javier Otero, Fire Department Chief, presented the item indicating that the current fees have
not been increased since 1997. The current fines do not lead to compliance and the majority
of the clubs that have violations are repeat offenders.
Sonia Machen presented the current fine schedule which she feels does not give enough
incentive to some club owners to comply.
Commissioner Tobin asked if the Administration has a recommendation on this item.
Sonia Machen presented the Administration's recommendation (attached on page #113)
(NCAC agenda).
Commissioner Libbin stated that he feels that the issue deals more with enforcement, rather
than increasing the fines, and that the effort should concentrate more on enforcement.
Harold Rosen spoke
Stephen Pulisar spoke
Commissioner Tobin spoke and thanked the Nightlife Task Force for its efforts on this issue.
Commissioner Exposito asked what can be done to address the side walk congestion in
areas such as night clubs. (long lines of patrons waiting to enter clubs).
Robert Santos-Aiborna, Code Compliance Director, spoke stating that the Code Compliance
Division has been working with the Police Department to address this issue.
Commissioner Libbin made the motion to take Fire Department's recommendation of
increasing the fine schedule. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tobin.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the recommendation by the Fire Department.
11. Discussion Regarding Possible Amendments To Chapter 70 Article Ill (Section 70-
122-129), "Graffiti Ordinance." (3:40PM)
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) deferred the
item.
12. Discussion Regarding Considering Hosting A Biannual Art Camp Held In Miami
Beach In Cooperation With UNESCO. (3:41PM)
Commissioner Libbin presented the item, and highlighted the amazing opportunities this
biannual event can bring to our City.
Max Sklar spoke regarding cost (Host City).
Commissioner Libbin discussed funding for this event stating that there are several ways to
be fund it. Similar to Art Basel which has a major sponsor, we believe we can find the
resources to cover the event.
City Commission Memorandum
June 5, 2013
Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of April 29, 2013
Page 5 of 6
Commissioner Exposito suggested that the Cultural Arts Council establish criteria for cost,
find other sponsorships they could apply for and return to the Committee.
Commissioner Libbin made the motion to take it to the Cultural Arts Council. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Exposito.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
13. Discussion Regarding Unexpected Board Vacancies Requiring Commission Vote.
(3:59PM)
Commissioner Deede Weithorn presented the item.
Ralph Granado gave the background on the item.
Mayor Bower suggested that a Public Notice should be published at the beginning of the year
and every time there is an open seat.
Commissioner Exposito made a motion for the City Attorney to draft proposed legislation for
unscheduled vacancies, and notification when there is a vacancy with a Public Notice, for all
at-large boards with notification with a minimum of 30 days prior to be considered. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Libbin.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
14. Discussion Regarding Providing Reserved Parking For Monthly Permit Holders On
Lower Floors In Our Garages To Alleviate Inconvenience Experienced By Permit
Holders During Major Events Such As The Boat Show. (4:58PM)
Commissioner Libbin presented the item and expressed his concerns regarding lack of
parking for regular users.
Commissioner Libbin made the motion to give priority to regular users at the 42nd Street
parking garage. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Exposito.
ACTION: The committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion
Mayor Matti Herrera-Bower wanted to know why the P-lot next to City Hall couldn't be used to
allow people that come to work, park for free or a reduced fee.
Saul Francis, Parking Department Director stated that the matter will be looked into and see
what can be done.
15. Discussion Regarding The Continuation Of The Adopt A Beach Pilot Program.
(4:00PM)
Commissioner Libbin presented the item, and suggested that Environmental Coalition of
Miami and the Beaches (ECOMB) administer the program instead of the City.
City Commission Memorandum
June 5, 2013
Report of the Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee of April 29, 2013
Page 6 of 6
Luiz Rodriguez, Executive Director of ECOMB spoke.
Deborah Ruggeiro Spoke.
Commissioner Tobin spoke regarding the Adopt the Beach program, emphasizing that the
goal it is to bring awareness to the health of the beach and bring awareness to cleanliness of
the beach.
Commissioner Exposito made a motion to have ECOMB meet with the board and bring back
criteria and plan of action and for ECOMB to work with the City Attorney to ensure all other
organizations are under the liability insurance that the City carries. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Tobin.
ACTION: The Committee (Commissioner Tobin, Exposito and Libbin present) unanimously
moved the motion.
16. Discussion Regarding Miami Beach Mass Transit Loop And Transit Enhancements
For North Beach. (5:10PM)
Kathie G. Brooks presented the item.
Commissioner Exposito spoke, in reference to the Corradino Group study. Back in 2008-2009
a study was done utilizing specifically the three (3) loops system, North, South and A 1A Alton,
and suggested that administration should look into that study to see if it is still viable, and
what we can utilize to help, instead of spending more money. He said we should explore what
could be implemented from that study and return the next meeting and advise the Committee
as to options.
Deborah Ruggeiro spoke.
Commissioner Exposito made a motion to take a look at all studies done regarding this
subject. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tobin.
THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:32 PM.
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