3 - Meeting Minutes_9-18-25 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee
City of Miami Beach
MEETING MINUTES No. 57
September 18, 2025 Members Present: Members via Zoom (not part of quorum):
Karen Rivo, Chair Kate Mosley
Bruce Halpryn Margalit Edelman
Dana Martorella
Daniel Veitia Members Absent:
Jason Koslowe Shari Gurkin
Isaac Kessler
Non-Voting Members Present: Non-Voting Members Absent:
Adam Kravitz
Donald Goldberg N/A
David Sexton
Jack Benveniste Non-Voting Members via Zoom: Isaiah Mosley Staff and Guests Present:
Thais Vieira, Liaison Brandi Reddick Colette Satchell David Philips
Daniel Alzuri Juan Jose Escalante
David Gomez Ximena Caminos
Heather Shaw
Jason Greene
Jani Singer
Kristy Bada
Maria Cerna
Nicholas Levy
Raymond Diaz
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.)
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3:48 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order and roll call was completed. She announced
that Shari Gurkin, a committee member representing North Beach, has officially resigned. The
position is expected to be filled in the coming months. Committee members are encouraged
to nominate individuals from North Beach who are interested and well-suited to serve on the
committee.
II. Committee Business
• New Member
5:10 Chair Karen Rivo introduced Isaac Kessler, who joined the Committee representing Mid
Beach.
• Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 05-15-25 and 7-08-25
Motion:
08:14 Daniel Veitia made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Jason Koslowe
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
9:03 Chair Karen Rivo reminded members that a quorum is required for the Committee to take
official action, and that virtual attendance does not count toward meeting quorum requirements.
III. Funding Charts
(Refer to pages 3 - 6 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
10:05 Thais Vieira presented the 2018 GOB Program “Total Project Funding” chart, which offers
a comprehensive overview of funding allocations for each project. The chart includes details such
as pre-referendum funding, savings and accrued interest transfers, funding swaps, grants, and
additional funding approved from non-GOB sources.
15:18 Thais Vieira reviewed the “List of Projects with Funding Shortfalls” under the 2018 GOB
Program. She noted that most of these projects were submitted through the FY26 capital budget
process. Some have been recommended for funding in the FY26 Budget, while others will be
reconsidered during the FY27 cycle.
22:55 Thais Vieira presented the same charts for the Arts and Culture G.O. Bond Program.
2018 G.O. Bonds
IV. Program General Status Update
(Refer to pages 7-22 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
26:08 Thais Vieira updated the committee on the 2018 G.O. Bonds. She stated that 98% of all
active Tranche Projects are Complete or Active (45 out of 46) and 78% of all active Tranche Funds
are Spent or Encumbered ($141.5M out of $180.5M). 84% of all T1 Funds are Spent or
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Encumbered ($134.9M out of $160.7M), while 34% of all T2 Funds are Spent or Encumbered
($6.7M out of $19.8M).
27:00 In terms of the sub-projects, 98% of all T1 Subprojects are Complete or Active (90 out of
92) while 69% of the value of all T1 Projects are Complete or Under Construction. All five (5) of
the tranche 2 sub-projects are active. The only sub-project that remains in the design phase is
Bayshore Traffic Calming.
28:03 Since the last meeting, the Soundscape Park Sound project has been initiated and
completed, increasing the total number of sub-projects from 91 to 92. Additionally, three more
projects have entered the construction phase during this period.
29:12 Thais Vieira presented an updated version of the “2025 Construction Commencements
Chart,” which now includes variances from the originally projected commencement dates, with
data extending back to 2024.
33.50 Bruce Halpryn inquired whether the chart could show when the projects are expected to
be completed.
36:40 Daniel Veitia requested that the Bayshore Traffic Calming and the Normandy Aisle Traffic
Calming should be brought back to the next meeting for a complete update from Transportation.
37:08: Chair Karen Rivo asked the Committee whether estimated end dates should be added to
the chart. Following discussion, the Committee reached consensus that including estimated end
dates would be helpful, with the understanding that these dates remain tentative until
construction contracts are finalized.
V. Program General Status Update
72 ST Community Complex
39:47 David Gomez stated that 60% of the Construction documents have been received. A
directive was received from the City Commission to look at the feasibility of adding a Gallo Mural
to the project. The results of the feasibility studies will be discussed with the Land Use and
Sustainability Committee. He added that there is also an Art in Public Spaces component to the
project which will need to be presented to the Design Review Board (DRB) for approval in early
2026.
41:33 Chair Karen Rivo inquired about the estimated construction commencement date. In
response, David Gomez explained that a portion of the work - referred to as the "early work
package" - involves relocating large underground utilities. He noted that this phase may begin
ahead of the main construction project.
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42:24 Daniel Veitia reminded staff of the community’s concerns regarding parking once the lot is
taken offline. David Gomez emphasized that this issue is a key factor in the decision-making
process for proceeding with the early work package. He noted that the project includes plans for
temporary parking in the West Lots, along with shuttle service during construction.
Fire Station 1
45:40 David Gomez, CIP Director, stated that the team was prepared to present to the Design
Review Board (DRB) and had begun circulating the renderings. However, a directive from the
Commission halted all work at the Flamingo Park site and instructed the team to explore
alternative locations - explicitly excluding both Flamingo Park and the South Shore Community
sites. As a result, the team has been tasked with compiling a list of potential sites, including
private properties where owners may be interested in entering a joint venture with the City.
48:24 Committee members expressed disappointment about the directive and how it sets the
project back, as the project was ready to sail. The previous relevant motion was reviewed, and
the OIG report was also reviewed.
Motion
56:28 Based on the recommendation from the Inspector General G.O. Bond Quarterly Report
(OIG Report No. 25-15), the Committee made a motion strongly urging the City Commission to:
1. Establish a policy for G.O. Bond Projects that mirrors the “Stop the Pause” Ordinance; and
2. Make a final determination on the location of Fire Station 1 at the first City Commission
meeting following the elections.
Motion made by: Jason Koslowe
Motion seconded by: Daniel Veitia
Motion passed: 6-0
41 St Corridor Improvements
1:00:11 Colette Satchell, CIP Division Director, reported that the project is progressing steadily
toward completion of the 90% construction documents, while concurrently advancing the
permitting process. The project has been under FDOT review for nearly a year due to existing
conditions that do not comply with current code requirements. However, progress has been
made in negotiating acceptable design solutions. FDOT has agreed to grant design variations, and
the team is now undertaking the legal process of documenting each non-compliant location along
the corridor—currently totaling over 30 sites. Comprehensive documentation is being prepared
to support the issuance of these design variations. The 90% construction documents are expected
to be finalized by the end of December. This milestone will also include the formalization of all
required design variations, waivers, and legal documentation necessary for FDOT approval. Once
complete, the documents will be submitted for permitting. Construction is anticipated to begin
in the third quarter of 2026.
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1:01:51 Jason Koslowe inquired whether the pilot project is considered part of the overall design.
In response, Colette Satchell clarified that it has not resulted in any changes to the design, but
the team believes there is sufficient space within the existing conditions to accommodate the
pilot project if it becomes permanent.
Log Cabin
1:02:45 Colette Satchell reported that the project has reached the 30% design milestone. A few
weeks ago, the design was presented to the community during a virtual meeting. The team is
scheduled to present the project to the Design Review Board (DRB) on September 20, 2025.
1:04:14 Jason Koslowe inquired about the annual cost of storing the log cabin materials. In
response, David Gomez explained that while there was an initial cost, the City ultimately
purchased containers, which proved more cost-effective. As a result, there is currently no
ongoing storage cost.
West Lots – Tranche 1
1:04:54 Parks & Recreation Department Director, John Rebar, reported that there was a referral
to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee directing the Parks Department to explore
potential recreational uses in collaboration with the community. The most recent directive was
to return to the Committee with recommendations based on community survey results. As such,
the upcoming presentation will include a conceptual expansion of the Skate Park. Additional
ideas under consideration include converting one of the lots into a space for activations such as
farmers markets, and installing padel or pickleball courts at the north end of the lots - or a
combination of both. If both lots are combined, there is also potential to add one or two micro-
soccer fields. All concepts are still in the early stages.
1:08:35 Daniel Veitia reminded the Committee that the City previously hired a nationally
recognized urban planner, Dover Cole, which led a robust community engagement process. That
process resulted in a plan that addressed the needs of the entire North Beach community. He
acknowledged the Parks Department’s progress in developing new concepts for green and
programming space but expressed concern over the long-standing nature of the West
Lots discussion, which has been ongoing since the 1990s.
1:11:12 Chair Karen Rivo asked what the outlook is for the project over the next year. John
Rebar responded that while he cannot predict the future, this is the first meaningful progress the
City has seen on the West Lots in several years.
Skate Park
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1:11:45 John Rebar reported that the Skate Park was originally proposed as a G.O. Bond project
with an estimated cost of $2.3 – 2.5 million, not including public restrooms. During the pre-
referendum process, the number was reduced to $750,000. The current design has a funding gap
of approximately $2.3 million, leading to the project being put on hold. He explained that during
each capital budget cycle, staff conducts a prioritization exercise, but they have not been able to
justify recommending the allocation of $2.3 million for a skate park expansion—especially when
other needs, such as existing playgrounds and the Flamingo Park football field turf, require more
immediate attention.
1:15:30 Isaiah Mosley asked via chat whether the Skate Park could be relocated adjacent to an
area that already has existing restroom facilities, in order to eliminate the associated
construction cost. In response, John Rebar explained that the proposed location was designated
back in 2018 and offers synergy with the existing skate park.
1:16:33 Daniel Veitia expressed concern about allocating $3.3 million (including restrooms) to
the Skate Park without having a comprehensive plan for the entirety of the West Lots. He
concluded by stating that if restrooms are to be constructed for the Skate Park, the broader West
Lots plan should be considered to maximize the utility of the restrooms, allowing other future
facilities to benefit from them as well.
V. Public Comment
1:20:35 Chair Karen Rivo asked for public participation.
1:20:45 David Phillips (from New World Symphony) expressed his appreciation to the Committee
and City staff for their support of the Audio Upgrade at Soundscape Park, funded through
the 2018 G.O. Bond Program. He shared that the work is nearly complete and that testing has
yielded excellent results. He also extended an invitation to all Committee members to attend
the first Wallcast of the season on October 4th.
2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture
VI. Program General Status Update
(Refer to pages 23-32 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
1:22:00 Thais Vieira reported that about $3.4 million has been spent since the last meeting. 100%
(20) of all Tranche 1 Projects are Complete or Active, while 22% of all Tranche 1 Funds are Spent
or Encumbered ($23.4 out of $104.7M). 91% (43 out of 47) of all T1 Subprojects are Complete or
Active, while 32% of the value of all T1 Projects are Complete or Under Construction. Since the
last meeting, one sub-project at the Bass Museum has been completed, and the La Gorce Artistic
Playground and two subprojects at the Colony Theater have entered the construction phase.
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1:23:23 Thais Vieira reported that the construction commencement of the Jewish Museum and
North Beach Oceanfront Center (NBOC) Kitchen, Furniture and Sound/Acoustics, has been
postponed to the first quarter of 2026.
Filmore
1:24:39 Daniel Alzuri, Facilities Department Assistant Director, reported that over the past 18
months, the team explored several options - including constructing a new building, a full
renovation, and a targeted renovation focused on items identified in the facilities assessment
report. Ultimately, the decision was made to pursue a limited, focused renovation. A plan was
developed to address all critical needs and some key priorities identified by Live Nation, resulting
in a funding gap of $5.3 million. In response, the City Commission directed the team to engage
with Live Nation to explore how they might contribute to closing that gap. As a result, the team
has been actively working with Live Nation. Their proposal is scheduled to be presented at
the September 26 Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) meeting, and so far, it
appears to offer a viable path forward.
1:26:00 Daniel Veitia asked when Live Nation’s contract ends. Daniel Alzuri answered that the
second contract extension of 5 years will commence in January 2026. They will be requesting a
new management agreement as part of their proposal.
1:27:05 Margalit Edelman inquired whether the Fillmore would be closed during renovations.
Daniel Alzuri stated reported that they are anticipating a 18-month closure.
VII. Tranche 2 – New Declaration of Intent to Issue
(Refer to page 2 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.)
1:28:00 Chair Karen Rivo informed the Committee that this item was discussed at the last G.O.
Bond Oversight Committee meeting, but due to lack of quorum, a motion could not be made.
1:28:33 Thais Vieira added that the item was originally scheduled to be heard at the July FERC
meeting, but it was not reached on the agenda. It is now set to be heard at the September 26th
meeting.
1:28:50 Jason Greene reported that the Committee has already endorsed, and the City
Commission has already approved a Declaration of Intent to Issue for around $20 million of
tranche 2. Tranche 2 is now at a stage where a few other major infrastructure projects are ready
to start. He shared that Bond Counsel recommended doing the declaration up to the maximum
amount of the available G.O. Bond amount. And what happens is, that doesn’t mean we will
actually go ahead and borrow that amount when it’s time to issue those bonds, in let’s say 3
years, but it gives staff the ability to engage in contracts, and the City Commission will still need
to approve the actual bond amount. While it does not mean that the amount would be borrowed,
it gives the staff the ability to engage in contracts when it is time for the CFO to issue those bonds.
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Motion:
1:31:46 Daniel Veitia made a motion to approve the recommendation for the new Declaration of
Intent to Issue. Jason Koslowe seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Further discussion ensued.
1:38:11 Jason Koslowe expressed interest in understanding how much interest revenue is
available that could potentially be transferred to the Bayshore Traffic Calming Project. In
response, Jason Greene explained that G.O. Bond accrued interest is one of several funding tools
available. The Budget Department will evaluate all potential funding sources when
the implementing department submits a request for additional funding.
Byron Carlyle Theater
1:40:30 Daniel Alzuri reported that at the July 23rd City Commission meeting, the administration
was directed to engage local developers to gather data for modeling the project’s scope and
financial feasibility. Since then, the team has developed preliminary models, however, those
figures still need to be validated to ensure the correct formulas and assumptions are being
applied. He added that the administration has consulted with architect Roberto Espejo to
determine the placement of workforce housing within the project. Next week, the team will meet
with the Atlantic Pacific Group, a developer with experience in similar projects in Miami, to help
assess the economic viability of the proposed model. Once the administration is comfortable
with the numbers that the model is generating, the administration will engage the consultants
who helped with the original G.O. Bond to explore how the debt service could be structured.
Further discussion ensued.
Collins Park Cultural Center
1:49:25 David Gomez explained that the ground floor of the Collins Park Garage was intentionally
reserved for a future tenant, and the City reached an agreement for Miami New Drama to occupy
the space. Under the original lease, Miami New Drama was responsible for the design, while
the City would handle construction. Recently, a grant was approved for Miami New Drama,
shifting full responsibility for both design and construction to them, with the City providing
oversight. Daniel Alzuri added that the grant agreement is modeled after other Arts & Culture
G.O. Bond grant agreements.
VIII. Community Outreach
(Refer to pages 33-35 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website).
1:53:57 Thais Vieira went over the list of upcoming meetings.
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1:55:05 Chair Karen Rivo acknowledged and appreciated the people online, most of whom are
representing some of the Arts community, including the Jewish Museum, The Ballet, the New
World Symphony and Reefline.
1:55:25 Daniel Veitia emphasized the importance of the Bandshell to North Beach, noting that it
generates an estimated $10 million in annual economic impact and remains an active cultural
venue. He highlighted the recent nine-year lease renewal, which he described as a strong show
of support from the City Commission. He acknowledged the current $3.7 million budget and
asked the administration for a preliminary cost estimate based on the project scope. In
response, David Gomez explained that the original G.O. Bond project scope was underfunded.
He noted that the City and the Bandshell team have explored multiple layout options to meet
project needs. While a final cost estimate is not yet available, the preliminary funding shortfall is
currently estimated at $1.5 to $2 million.
1:59:30 Chair Karen Rivo suggested that the Bandshell and the North Beach Oceanfront Center
should be added to the agenda of the next meeting because of time constraints.
IX. Public Comment
No one from the public requested to speak.
X. Adjournment
2:01:55 Meeting adjourned.