3 - Meeting Minutes_7-8-25 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee
City of Miami Beach
MEETING MINUTES No. 56
July 8, 2025
Members Present: Members via Zoom (not part of quorum):
Karen Rivo, Chair Bruce Halpryn
Daniel Veitia Shari Gurkin
Kate Mosley
Margalit Edelman Members Absent:
Dana Martorella
Jason Koslowe
Non-Voting Members Present: Non-Voting Members Absent:
Donald Goldberg N/A
Isaiah Mosley
Jack Benveniste
Non-Voting Members via Zoom:
David Sexton
Staff and Guests Present:
Thais Vieira, Liaison Cesar Sepulveda
Colette Satchell David Philips
Daniel Alzuri Ximena Caminos
Digna Abello
Elizabeth Estevez
Frank Garcia
Jason Greene
Jani Singer
Kevin Pulido
Krystal Dobbins
Ron Mumaw
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.)
3:20 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed - no quorum.
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II. Committee Business
Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 05-15-25
04:44 Deferred due to lack of quorum.
III. Bond Accrued Interest Transfers
(Refer to pages 2 - 6 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
2018 Bond
05:32 Jason Greene introduced the proposed accrued interest allocations, with detailed
information provided in the memorandums included in the Agenda package. The proposals
include $70,150 from the 2018 Bond Parks Category for the Soundscape Park Storage Facility
(GO#19), and $76,748 from the Infrastructure Category for the 41st Street Corridor
Improvements (GO#40).
07:47 Thais Vieira presented an overview of all accrued interest transfers completed to date
under the 2018 G.O. Bond program, totaling $9,485,596. Of this amount, $6,066,106 was
allocated to the Parks Category, including $4,466,106 for Bayshore Park and $1,600,000 for the
Soundscape Park Sound System.
The Public Safety Category received $1,746,058, all of which was directed to Fire Station 1. The
Infrastructure Category received $1,673,432, with $1,282,154 allocated to 23rd St Streetscape
Improvements and $391,278 to 41st Street Corridor Improvements.
An additional $146,898 in accrued interest allocations is now being proposed: $70,150 for the
Soundscape Park Storage Facility and $76,748 for the 41st Street Corridor Improvements. These
proposed allocations bring the total accrued interest transfers - both completed and pending - to
$9,632,494.
09:48 Jason Greene reminded the Committee that accrued interest dollars may be appropriated
for projects experiencing funding shortfalls. These funds are legally restricted and cannot be used
for any other purpose, including debt service payments. However, once all projects within the
program have been completed, any remaining accrued interest may theoretically be used to pay
down debt service at that time.
14:03 Jason Greene explained that the request for the Soundscape Park Storage project is on the
July City Commission agenda, since that project is under construction and needs funding right
away.
Arts & Culture
16:21 At 16:21, Jason Greene introduced the proposed accrued interest allocations, with full
details provided in the memorandums included in the Agenda package. The proposals include
$400,000 for ACGO #01 Bass Museum and $1,845,789 for ACGO #11 North Beach Oceanfront
Center (NBOC).
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19:09 Margalit Edelman inquired about alternative funding sources that could be used to address
the shortfall if G.O. Bond funds were not allocated. Jason Greene responded that, in such a case,
the City would likely need to defund another project or program to cover the gap. He emphasized
that his approach is to prioritize the use of restricted funds before drawing from more flexible
funding sources.
20:02 Daniel Veitia pointed out that there are multiple competing projects in North Beach and
emphasized the importance of having a comprehensive budget overview including: total project
budget, total GO Bond allocation, total accrued interest allocation and capital budget requests.
20:59 Daniel Veitia inquired about the original GO Bond budget for the Oceanfront Center
project. Thais Vieira reported that the initial budget for the original scope was just over $1 million.
Further discussion ensued.
25:55 Chair Karen Rivo expressed concern regarding the escalating costs of the North Beach
Oceanfront Center (NBOC) project, noting that the original G.O. Bond budget was about $1
million and it has now grown by $2.4 million. She questioned whether other higher-priority
projects might arise in the near future and asked if any alternative funding sources were available
for the NBOC project. Jason Greene responded that there were none. He explained that if the
project isn’t funded using GO Bond accrued interest, another project would have to be defunded.
He further shared that, while there are various capital funding sources, $25 million was requested
during this capital budget process for Capital Renewal & Replacement (CR&R) projects, but only
$5 million was available, resulting in $20 million in deferred maintenance.
Discussion continued.
33:38 Margalit Edelman asked whether the $400,000 requested for the Bass Museum was meant
to fund the analysis or the actual work. Daniel Alzuri clarified that analysis and part of the
associated work were previously funded from a separate source, and that the proposed $400,000
would cover the remainder of the work identified in the analysis.
IV. Tranche 2 – New Declaration of Intent to Issue
(Refer to pages 7-9 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
36:54 Jason Greene provided a brief background on the prior Declaration of Intent to Issue which
was approved last year. He shared that it is simply a legal IRS tax docket that allows the
appropriation of funds, prior to actually borrowing the funds. At some point in the future (18
months from the first expenditure, but no more than 3 years from when the first project is closed
out), bonds will be issued and the City will reimburse itself. What is being proposed is a new
Declaration of Intent to Issue totalling $73 million. This will be presented before the Finance and
Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) at their next meeting and will go back to the City
Commission for affirmation. This is necessary because a number of projects will soon require
funds beyond what is currently available. He added that bond counsel always recommends a
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Declaration of Intent to Issue for the entire outstanding amount, but the actual amount borrowed
can be less.
43:49 Thais Vieira reviewed the list of projects included in the current Declaration of Intent to
Issue. She clarified that the remaining projects not part of this request are excluded because they
do not require funding in the near term. These excluded projects pertain to above-ground
components tied to underground infrastructure projects that are not yet in the planning or design
phase.
45:46 Chair Karen Rivo inquired about the timeline for presenting the item to FERC. Thais Vieira
responded that it is currently scheduled for the July FERC meeting. If approved, the item will likely
be presented to the City Commission during its September meeting.
46:12 Jason Greene added that though the City Commission has provided direction regarding the
Washington Avenue project, nothing will be able to move forward until the Commission approves
the Declaration of Intent to Issue.
2018 G.O. Bonds
V. Program General Status Update
(Refer to pages 10-19 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
47:02 Thais Vieira informed the Committee that an additional $2.7 million has been spent since
last meeting. To date, the total expenditure stands at approximately $102 million for tranche 1
and $3 million for tranche 2. Out of the 91 subprojects in tranche 1, 89 are either completed or
currently active. One subproject has progressed from the planning and design phase into
construction since the last meeting. Regarding the overall value of tranche 1 projects,
approximately 66% is either completed or under active construction. As for tranche 2, every
subproject is active, and about 97% of their combined value is currently under construction.
Regarding 2025 construction commencements, Chase Ave Shared Use Path, which was initially
scheduled to commence in the 3rd quarter, has been moved to the 4th quarter.
51:12 Chair Karen Rivo expressed interest in seeing a revised version of the construction
commencement chart that reflects delays over time—not just in comparison to the prior
meeting. Thais Vieira offered to develop a version that would potentially track changes dating
back to last year.
Discussion continued.
56:57 The Committee discussed reasons behind delays in commencing the Skate Park project.
Daniel Veitia noted that the pilot program for the skate park has been highly successful. He
emphasized that the Skate Park Project should move forward since It was approved by the voters
as part of the G.O. Bond program.
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57:20 Thais Vieira reported that the Skate Park design had reached the 30% completion stage, at
which point a preliminary cost estimate was developed. The estimated cost came in at
approximately $2.5 million, which is significantly higher than the original $750,000 allocated
through the G.O. Bond. One of the key factors contributing to the increased cost was the
requirement for a new restroom facility, which had not been part of the original project scope.
She noted that the funding shortfall has not been addressed through the capital budget process.
57:55 Daniel Veitia expressed his view that there is likely no political support for the Skate Park
project, suggesting that if such support existed, the project would have already moved forward.
However, he reiterated that the Skate Park was a project that had been voted on and therefore
should proceed.
1:02:13 Chair Karen Rivo noted that, due to the absence of a quorum, no formal motion could be
made regarding the Skate Park project. She recommended that the project be placed on the
agenda for the next meeting, where the Parks Department would provide a full presentation
outlining the progress made to date, along with potential recommendations or options for
advancing the project.
VI. 2018 Bonds Projects Update
(Refer to pages 20-24 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
Washington Ave Corridor
1:03:13 Thais Vieira reported that during the June meeting, the Washington Avenue Business
Improvement District (BID) presented several ideas for the G.O. Bond Project to the Public Safety
Neighborhood Committee (PSNQLC). Among the proposals, PSNQLC endorsed moving forward
with the installation of Monument Letters in front of the Feinberg Fisher School. The design will
require approval from the Historic Preservation Board before implementation.
Additionally, PSNQLC recommended hiring an urban design firm to develop a cohesive plan for
the overall project. This recommendation was formally approved by the City Commission during
their June session. To proceed with the resolution, Tranche 2 funding will be necessary.
1:05:00 Isaiah Mosley noted that Washington Ave is a business district. He is concerned that
placing the artistic monument letters in front of Feinberg Fisher School will invite a lot of people
to just one spot in the district.
1:05:30 Thais Vieira added that, on a parallel path, the City Commission has adopted a resolution
endorsing a recommendation from FERC to replace the existing sidewalks along Washington
Avenue - from Lincoln Road to 15th Street - with brick pavers.
Fire Station 1
1:07:37 Colette Satchell reported that preliminary concept designs for the project have been
finalized, and based on initial cost estimates, the project remains within budget. The next major
milestone will be a presentation to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB), anticipated before the
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end of the year. In the meantime, traffic studies will be conducted at the intersections of 11th
and 12th Streets, and public engagement efforts are planned to gather input from the
community.
01:08:20 Isaiah Mosley inquired whether the old Field House slated for demolition was a historic
structure. Satchell clarified that it is not designated as historic; however, because it was originally
constructed with donated funds, it will be reconstructed. The new facility is planned for the
southeast corner of the football field and is intended to serve as an inviting entrance from the
adjacent parking lot.
Discussion continued.
01:11:58 Chair Karen Rivo requested that the project be brought back in September for an
update.
41st Street Corridor Improvements
1:12:50 Colette Satchell reported that 41st Street corridor improvements Project is moving very
slowly through negotiations with FDOT. However, the team is hopeful that the time will be
recouped once the design is past the 90% mark. There are existing conditions that do not meet
code requirements and will never meet code unless the whole street is raised. So the team is
negotiating how to solve that with FDOT. It is anticipated that construction will commence by the
Fall of 2026.
Baywalk
1:13:44 Colette Satchell informed the Committee that during the Special City Commission
meeting held on June 27, the Commission approved a development agreement with the
developer for the Bay Garden Manor property. As part of the agreement, in exchange for a height
increase and additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the developer will assume responsibility for
constructing the missing segments of the baywalk.
Bayshore Park
1:15:26 Colette Satchell stated that the project is moving along really well and they are on
schedule for completion in the Fall.
VII. Public Comment
No one from the public requested to speak.
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
VIII. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update
(Refer to pages 25-31 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
1:17:45 Thais Vieira reported that about $1.4 million has been spent since the last meeting, with
a total of $15.2 million spent to date. The subproject status remains the same as reported in May,
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with 10 subprojects complete, 9 under construction, 19 in design, 5 in Planning, and 4 in a
pending status. In terms of 2025 construction commencements, the Colony Theater
Security/Communications subproject, which was supposed to commence in 2nd quarter has
been moved to the third quarter.
IX. 2022 Bonds Projects Update
(Refer to pages 32-35 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
Collins Park Rotunda
1:18:45 Colette Satchell reported that construction is progressing well. The contractor has
managed to remove all artistic panels without any damage, and reinstallation should start next
week. The first half of the building has been waterproofed and tested successfully. The
waterproofing of the second half is expected to start next week as well. Every other part of the
project is progressing smoothly and is expected to be substantially completed by October and
final completion is anticipated by December.
Bryon Carlye Theatre
1:20:06 Daniel Alzuri reported that the CRA Committee, at its June 17 meeting, issued a
recommendation to fund the consultant’s proposal for the Workforce Housing Analysis using the
CRA Workforce Housing Fund. While discussions are underway with the consultant (AMS) to
begin the analysis in late August or early September, the team has also engaged architect Roberto
Espejo - who previously completed a massing concept study for Friends of the Byron on a pro
bono basis - to begin visualizing the updated concept and building program. This includes
exploring potential designs for the workforce housing component, whether adjacent to or
integrated above the proposed structure, and identifying the associated challenges. In parallel,
the team is also reaching out to local builders to get an idea for what the real cost could be locally
for such a cultural center. While awaiting final coordination with AMS, the team continues to
consult individuals who have been involved in this or similar initiatives to gather insights and
ensure the project remains on track. The CRA Committee’s funding recommendation is scheduled
to be presented to the City Commission in July.
Holocaust Memorial MB
1:23:37 Daniel Alzuri reported that the roof work is complete. The old section of the building has
been completely gutted, and they are starting to rebuild the electrical, plumbing and other
interior aspects of the building. The renovations for the guard house and the classrooms have
also been laid out. A new vendor has also been engaged for the Jerusalem stone. Security bollards
will be added as well.
1:24:20 Kate Mosley asked if site visits are allowed. Daniel Alzuri responded yes and offered to
assist with coordinating those visits.
Aquatic Sculpture Park – Phase 1
1:25:05 Daniel Alzuri reported that the project team has started casting the first prototype mold
of the cars which should be completed this week. They anticipate the completion of all 22 cars
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by the end of August, after which they will be shipped and deployed by the second half of
September or early October. Currently, they are in the process of negotiating the terms with the
firm that will deploy the cars. While the cost of moving the cars has increased from what was
budgeted, it is still within the planned contingency.
1:26:30 Ximena Caminos shared that Reefline’s participation in the United Nations Ocean
Conference in Nice, France, was a great success. Prince Albert of Monaco extended an invitation
for the Reef Star installation to be deployed in Monaco. Media coverage continues, with features
on NBC’s “The Today Show” and CBS’s “The Sunday Morning Show” highlighting the progress.
1:28:30 Margalit Edelman inquired whether the deployment is the initiation of the opening of
the park or is it just one more step in the process. Ximena Caminos answered that it is the first
phase of the Reefline.
01:29:12 Ximena Caminos reported that coral planting has begun in the coral labs in preparation
for integration into the sculptural structures. As this work advances, the project’s coral scientist
is actively collaborating with state authorities to secure all required permits. Once the car
structures are deployed, they will be allowed to settle for approximately 3 months before the
corals are transplanted, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and sustainability. She extended
an invitation to the Committee to visit the lab.
01:30:52 Isaiah Mosley asked if the buoys will be moved out in advance of the deployment. Daniel
Alzuri replied that this is a process that is running in parallel with this project. That process is
expected to take years.
Discussion continued.
1:33:58 Isaiah Mosley inquired whether the team was considering the addition of gypsum to the
concrete mixture. In response, Ximena Caminos clarified that the concrete being used complies
with the requirements and approvals set by DERM. She emphasized that it is a marine-grade,
eco-friendly mixture.
X. Community Outreach
(Refer to pages 36-37 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website).
1:37:19 Thais Vieira went over the list of upcoming meetings.
XI. Public Comment
No one from the public requested to speak.
XII. Adjournment
1:43:55 Meeting adjourned.