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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Meeting Minutes_01-22-26 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee City of Miami Beach MEETING MINUTES No. 59 January 22, 2026 Members Present: Members via Zoom (not part of quorum): Karen Rivo, Chair Isaac Kessler Dana Martorella Daniel Veitia Jason Koslowe Kate Mosley Margalit Edelman Non-Voting Members Present: Adam Kravitz Jack Benveniste Donald Goldberg David Sexton Staff Present: Guests Present: Thais Vieira, Liaison Brandi Reddick Anthony Scallo Casey Steadman Bryan Niedelson Cesar Sepulveda Daniel Alzuri David Philips David Gomez Rebecca Stanier Francisco Brignoni Ximena Caminos Frank Garcia Ghassan Choueiry Heather Shaw Jani Singer Jose Gonzalez John Rebar Kristy Bada Mohsen Abu Shaaban Maria Cerna Pilar Caurin Roland Aragunde 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. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 2 of 9 I. Roll Call and Introductions (Refer to the Meeting Audio Recording on the G.O. Bond Website.) 00:30 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed. She highlighted that there was still one open position that is yet to be filled for North Beach. II. Committee Business  Selection of Vice Chair 03:42 Jason Koslowe was unanimously selected as the Vice Chair.  2026 Calendar (Refer to page 2 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 04:17 Draft 2026 Calendar was shared with the Committee. The calendar is subject to change pending the finalization of the Commission Committee calendars, which have not yet been set.  Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 11-20-25 Motion: 08:06 Jason Koslowe made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Daniel Veitia seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. III. “Stop the Pause” Policy 8:29 Chair Karen Rivo introduced the item and reminded the Committee of the two prior motions to extend the “Stop the Pause” Ordinance to G.O. Bond projects. She then introduced Rob Rosenwald from the City Attorney’s Office, along with Commissioner Alex Fernandez’s aide, Kara Petrella, who presented the item. 9:11 Kara stated that the original Ordinance, which was sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez and adopted by the City Commission in September of 2024, was established to safeguard critical infrastructure projects, such as stormwater, water and sewer upgrades, from the costly delays and political shifts that previously stalled vital work in areas like Palm and Hibiscus Islands and West Avenue. By implementing a higher Commission voting threshold required to halt active construction, it aimed to ensure fiscal responsibility and maintain community resiliency against rising costs. The proposed amendment expands this protection to include all projects that are within the City’s 5-year capital plan, which encompasses all General Obligation (G.O.) Bond projects. Commissioner Fernandez has requested the Committee’s feedback and formal support for this Ordinance update. 12:21 Rob Rosenwald clarified that the voting formula remains consistent with the original policy: at 60% plan completion, a 5/7th vote of the city commission is required to pause a project. Once G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 3 of 9 a project reaches 90% completion or permits have been issued, the threshold increases to a 6/7th vote. 13:14 Chair Karen Rivo asked for clarification regarding the unforeseen site conditions clause. In response, it was explained that this refers to unexpected discoveries during the course of a project, such as that could drastically change project costs, and in such cases, the voting threshold would remain a simple majority (4/7th) rather than the supermajority. 14:31 Chair Karen Rivo inquired about the specific project markers used by the city. Thais Vieira stated that the standard deliverables are 30%, 60%, and 90% (permitting stage), with 100% being ready for construction. 15:10 Chair Karen Rivo suggested a chart showing how many projects are in each of these design stages. Discussion continued. 23:23 Rob Rosenwald informed the Committee that the ordinance has two public hearings, and the first is scheduled for February 5, 2026, where it will be open for public comment. Motion: 24:05 The Committee made a motion to support the proposed amendment to the "Stop the Pause" policy as proposed. Motion made by: Daniel Veitia Motion seconded by: Dana Martorella Motion passed 6-0 2018 G.O. Bonds IV. Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 3-13 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 25:20 Thais Vieira provided a general update about the 2018 G.O. Bonds. She reported that the La Gorce Park Playground project has been completed. Currently, 98% of all active tranche projects are either completed or underway. Since the last meeting, about $6 million has been spent, bringing the total expenditure to almost $120 million. 26:33 Regarding sub-projects, Thais Vieira reported that 98% (90 out of 92) of all tranche 1 (T1) subprojects are either complete or active, while 69% of the total value of all T1 Projects are complete or under construction. Currently, 48% of the projects are complete, 21% in construction, 28% in design, 2% in planning and 1% pending. Regarding tranche 2, there has been no change since the last meeting, and progress will remain the same until the Bayshore Traffic Calming Project moves into construction. 27:25 Regarding 2026 construction commencements, Thais Vieira reported no changes from the last meeting. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 4 of 9 2018 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 14-25 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) Fire Station 1 28:48 David Gomez reported that, at the December meeting, the Commission approved construction of the fire station at the South Shore Community Center site. Amended contracts for the Design Consultant and the Construction Manager at Risk firm are currently being prepared and will be presented to the City Commission for approval at the February 25 meeting. In parallel, staff will seek approval from the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) in February, as the previous approval was rescinded when the project site was relocated to Flamingo Park. Bayshore Park 38:28 Chair Karen Rivo thanked the City for sending the notice to the community regarding the work that is in progress. 40:20 David Gomez reported that the project is substantially complete, though some items remain pending and a few issues need to be addressed. The crosswalks on Prairie Avenue and 28th Street have been marked in advance of the Bayshore Traffic Calming Project. Work continues on the crosswalk near the high school, which presents challenges due to the swale that must be crossed without impeding drainage. Most of the equipment for the lake ozone and circulation system has been installed, with the final section expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Additionally, a new walkway has been designed to improve access between the playground and the path near the banyan tree. The team is working to ensure the design meets all ADA requirements so it can be implemented promptly. 42:03 John Rebar provided an update on operational matters. He noted that signage is being installed in strategic locations throughout the park to help visitors navigate and identify parking areas, particularly since Google has not yet updated the address and recent changes. New maintenance contracts are being finalized to preserve the park’s design and ensure continuity. In addition, a designated rental zone has been established for event bookings. A separate proposal to add pickleball courts is being sponsored by a Commissioner and will be explored at Committee. Discussion continued. 49:10 Jason Koslowe recommended that the City consider adopting a conservancy model to manage this unique park asset, providing consistent governance and securing long-term capital funding. In response, John Rebar noted that the concept has been discussed previously and is currently under consideration. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 5 of 9 51:42 Donald Goldberg expressed concern about adding pickeball courts to this park, since it was envisioned to be a passive park. West Lot - Tranche 1 / Log Cabin 52:18 John Rebar reported there isn’t much to report since his last update on this item. There is a pending item at the Land Use & Sustainable Committee (LUSC). Since then, another Commissioner has submitted a nearly identical referral to develop the lots into city parks, meaning two separate recreational proposals will eventually be considered. 53:13 Regarding Log Cabin, there is a separate referral to discuss moving the Log Cabin to the original location within the West Lots, which could significantly impact the proposed recreational designs. 53:42 Thais Vieira reminded the Committee that a while back, the LUSC directed the administration to conduct community surveys, community picnic, and report back on the findings. 54:20 John Rebar further explained that since the lots are too small for regulation soccer or baseball fields, the City is exploring options like padel courts, pickleball courts, micro-soccer fields, and community gardens. 54:41 Daniel Veitia shared that during the recent community picnic, he observed many attendees who were not Miami Beach residents and were advocating for soccer uses. He emphasized that while community input is important, the City must also rely on the Parks Department’s expertise in understanding program demand, such as which activities are sold out or have long waiting lists. John Rebar confirmed that final proposals will not be based solely on community feedback but will also consider the practical ability to adjust programs across locations to meet overall demand. Tree Planting - Tranche 1 56:23 Amy Knowles reported on a new campaign that was launched on January 12, called “Let Us Throw You Some Shade”, which aims to proactively gather resident input on tree planting locations through March 31. The goal is to plant approximately 250 trees during the summer and early fall rainy season. A GIS dashboard is being used to track requests in real-time, with 25 submissions already received as of the meeting date. 59:57 Chair Karen Rivo asked whether the proposed tree plantings would occur on public or private property. Amy Knowles clarified that the trees are being planted on the public swale area in front of homes, though residents are required to maintain them. 1:00:41 Adam Kravitz raised concerns about mature, non-native species, that are currently damaging sidewalks and interfering with overhead wires, asking about the city's position on replacing them with native species. In response, the staff stated that the City generally attempts to maintain mature trees as long as they are healthy, only removing them if they become hazardous. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 6 of 9 Pedestrian Bridge 1:07:00 David Gomez reported that the Pedestrian Bridge project experienced a significant delay after the developer’s contractor struck an unidentified FPL duct bank while performing test piles for the foundation. In response to questions about the cause, it was clarified that although the lines had been previously located, the actual infrastructure was found to be approximately nine feet north of the marked position. If a foundation redesign becomes necessary, it could result in a six-month delay for design and permitting before construction can resume. Any major design changes would likely require the project to go through the entire permitting process again. Despite these challenges, staff affirmed that the project remains feasible, as the bridge can be constructed over the existing utilities once the plans are adjusted. 41st Street Corridor Improvement 1:09:33 David Gomez reported that the 41st Street project is currently addressing FDOT comments following the 90% plan submittal, which included several design variances to accommodate non-compliant existing conditions. The City anticipates receiving the permit within 30 days and plans to advertise the project for bidding in February, with a contract award expected three to four months thereafter. In response to a question about narrow sidewalks, Gomez explained that the project will improve pedestrian comfort by adjusting the placement of trees and signage; however, most sidewalk widths will remain unchanged due to roadway constraints. Flamingo Park 1:16:42 Bryan Niedelson provided an update on active projects within Flamingo Park:  Lodge: construction is nearly complete. The team is closing out permits and preparing to turn the building over.  Baseball Stadium: CIP is working with procurement to issue an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to secure a contractor, while a separate solicitation is being prepared for the design of the Baseball Field.  Softball Field: construction is nearing completion, with Substantial Completion expected in approximately six weeks, followed by about a month of punch list work.  Butterfly Garden: the design is being revised again to integrate it with the temporary daycare facility, which has returned to the site after previously being removed. V. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 7 of 9 2018 G.O. Bonds for Arts &Culture VI. Arts & Culture General Status Update (Refer to pages 26-32 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) 1:21:36 Thais Vieira reported that the total number of sub-projects has decreased from 48 to 43. This change is due to the Miami City Ballet sub-projects, which were originally planned to be executed by the City, being consolidated into a single grant to Miami City Ballet, which will now oversee the project’s execution. She also reported that approximately $3.3 million has been spent since the last update. Additionally, the commencement of construction for the sub-projects at the North Beach Oceanfront Center (NBOC) has been rescheduled to Q2 2026 to allow for better coordination with the facility’s programming. 1:23:17 Daniel Veitia asked whether the funding challenges due to the structural unforeseen repairs have been resolved. Thais Vieira reported that the first phase of the structural repairs has been funded. The second phase will be funded through the capital budget process for next fiscal year. 1:23:49 Daniel Veitia inquired about the timeline for removing scaffolding. Daniel Alzuri responded that it is difficult to provide a definitive date at this stage. As structural repairs progress, additional issues are expected to be uncovered, which will likely require relocating the scaffolding to different sections as work continues. VII. 2022 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 33-40 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website.) Byron Carlyle Theater 1:24:49 Daniel Alzuri reported that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design team has been issued. Responses are expected in February. It was announced that a Town Hall meeting hosted by Commissioner Suarez is scheduled for January 27 at 7 pm (both in-person and online) to discuss the project's history and objectives. The Wolfsonian 1:29:22 Daniel Alzuri reported that the preliminary designs for The Wolfsonian have been completed and underwent a round of review with FIU’s design committee. It was mentioned that a value engineering process is currently underway, though it was clarified that the project's core functionality and ability to host events should remain intact. The team expects to submit the package to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) by March or April, with a hearing anticipated in June or July. Thais Vieira reminded the committee that this is a grant-funded project supported by G.O. Bond funds and county grants, but it also requires significant fundraising. In response to a committee G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 8 of 9 member's question about the fundraising timeline, it was stated that the process will likely take about a year and will begin once HPB approval is secured. Casey Steadman, representing the Wolfsonian, clarified that the specific fundraising goal is $4.5 million, which will run concurrently with the development of final drawings. Holocaust Memorial MB 1:32:23 Daniel Alzuri reported that work on the Holocaust Memorial is currently being finalized and is anticipated to reach completion in February. Reopening is expected in March. The grant funding will remain active for approximately three to four months following the reopening to allow for the reconciliation of project costs. Colony Theater 1:33:16 Daniel Alzuri reported that the Colony Theater project is progressing in two distinct phases. The first phase involves a technology improvement grant for production systems, which experienced a significant delay due to a critical network failure in the production backbone. To address this setback, the team re-sequenced the work to restore the local network first. The project is now expected to be completed by June or July, with the grant closing out in August. Several City-controlled subprojects (CR&R) have already been completed, including electrical work, FF&E, painting, and awning installation. The installation of front-facing windows is currently in progress and is expected to be finished within the next few weeks. Staff confirmed that this work is being carefully coordinated with performance schedules to minimize any disruption. In addition, preparations for “Tranche 2” of the CR&R work - which will encompass a more comprehensive interior renovation - are now underway. Miami Beach Botanical Garden 1:35:39 Mohsen Abu Shaaban reported that, following meetings with staff and board members to clarify operational requirements, a master plan was developed to enhance the site’s functionality. Due to budget constraints, the team prioritized specific items that could be accommodated within the available funds. Conceptual designs for these short-term improvements have now been completed. A significant portion of the budget must be dedicated to a mandatory water management system to meet code requirements. A new canopy will be installed at the main entrance to increase visibility, as visitors often fail to notice the garden. The scope of work also includes renovation of the Banyan Rooms, with the installation of acoustic separators to sub-divide the space for smaller groups; restrooms renovation; kitchen renovation; expanding pathways; and upgrading signage. Collins Park Rotunda 1:39:32 David Gomez reported that the restoration of the concrete artistic panels is now complete. The process involved removing panels with significant spalling and deteriorated G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 59 January 22, 2026 Page 9 of 9 connectors, restoring them with new corrosion-resistant anchors, and re-waterproofing the building structure. He added that the contractor was able to successfully preserve all original pieces during the removal process. Overall project substantial completion is expected within 30- 60 days. VIII. Community Outreach (Refer to pages 41-42 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). 1:40:52 Thais Vieira reported that while the La Gorce Park Artistic Playground was completed in November, the date for the official grand opening is yet to be determined. 1:41:58 In response to a question from Daniel Veitia, David Gomez reported that the Bandshell project remains in the design phase, with current plans encompassing a scope larger than the current budget allows. It was clarified that the city is designing the entire project but has split it into two phases to ensure work can begin on Phase 1. The design and permitting process will likely take eight to nine months, with a submittal to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB), expected later this year. Maria Cerna added that a capital budget request for approximately $1.9 million is being submitted to cover the funding gap; if approved, the city would be able to proceed with both phases simultaneously. Daniel Alzuri noted that proceeding with a phased design now prevents a loss of construction momentum while waiting for a final answer on the additional funding. IX. Public Comment 1:44:25 Ximena Caminos reported that the Reefline project has established a partnership with Divers Paradise to provide three to four boat trips per week for snorkeling and diving. In response to safety concerns regarding residents swimming to the site from the shore, it was clarified that anyone choosing to do so should use a dive flag for visibility and safety. Brandi Reddick reported that they have received the first Ecological Impact Study by the University of Miami, which shows the fish population at the site has grown by the hundreds. It was further mentioned that the first set of test corals are currently thriving, with an additional 12 corals scheduled to be planted during the first week of February 2026. X. Adjournment 1:50:36 Meeting adjourned.