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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Meeting Minutes_05-07-2026 General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee City of Miami Beach MEETING MINUTES No. 60 May 7, 2026 Members Present: Non-Voting Members Present: Karen Rivo, Chair Adam Kravtiz Daniel Veitia Andy Chabassol Jason Koslowe David Sexton Kate Mosley Donald Goldberg Margalit Edelman Jack Benveniste Sean Smith Isaac Kessler Members via Zoom: Bruce Halpryn Members Absent: Dana Martorella Staff Present: Thais Vieira, Liaison Jani Singer Bryan Niedelson Krystal Dobbins Carla Dixon Kristy Bada Daniel Alzuri Kyle Teijeiro David Gomez Lauren Firtel Elizabeth Miro Lindsey Precht Frank Garcia Maria Cerna Heather Shaw Mohsen Abu Shaaban Herman Fung Stephen Anthony 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 & Introductions (Refer to the Meeting Audio Recording on the G.O. Bond Website.) 00:00:02 Chair Karen Rivo called the meeting to order. Roll call was completed. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 2 of 10 II. Committee Business • Adoption of Meeting Minutes from 03-12-26 Not discussed • Remote Meeting Participation 00:00:51 Chair Karen Rivo referenced the updated guidance from the City Attorney’s Office regarding virtual participation, noting that members attending remotely may join the discussion but cannot vote and cannot be counted toward quorum or attendance. 00:01:36 Thais Vieira reiterated that committee members may not miss more than 33% of the six scheduled meetings each year, noting that exceeding this threshold could result in removal from the committee. • July Meeting Date 00:03:29 Karen Rivo requested that staff circulate a doodle poll to identify a July meeting date that ensures a quorum. III. Stop the Pause Ordinance Update 00:07:34 Thais Vieira provided an update on the ordinance, noting that it had been revised following discussion at the Neighborhoods and Resiliency Committee to incorporate additional language related to community engagement. She explained that the committee had not yet reached consensus on the final wording and would reconvene on May 28 for further deliberation. Commissioner Fernandez requested that the committee finalize consensus language prior to the June Commission meeting. 00:08:42 Jason Koslowe raised questions regarding whether the Neighborhood and Resiliency Committee was required to formally recommend the ordinance before Commission consideration. 00:08:45 Thais Vieira clarified that the ordinance was referred to the committee for feedback at first reading, while David Gomez, CIP Director, added that the committee was currently recommending revisions to the language related to community engagement and public input. 00:09:16 Thais Vieira explained that the proposed revisions were intended to clarify the meaning of the 30%, 60%, 90% design submission phases. 00:09:40 David Gomez stated that the definitions had already been included within the ordinance and explained that the committee’s primary concern involved ensuring community members had an opportunity to provide feedback before projects reached advanced design stages. He explained that once a project reaches approximately 30% design completion, significant changes become increasingly difficult. He noted that public engagement is most effective during feasibility studies, master planning and conceptual design phases. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 3 of 10 00:11:03 David Sexton referenced prior discussions regarding interpretation of the word “enhance” within G.O. Bond ballot language and questioned whether demolition of a structure, specifically in relation to the Byron Carlyle property, would still qualify as an enhancement under the bond language. 00:11:53 Daniel Alzuri stated that the City Attorney’s Office had reviewed the matter and determined that demolition was consistent with the approved ballot language and therefore permitted. 2018 G.O. Bonds IV. Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 3-14 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). 00:13:32 Thais Vieira provided an update on the 2018 G.O. Bond Program, noting that the second Declaration of Intent to Issue is now reflected on the dashboard. She reported that Tranche 1 totals approximately $160.7 million and Tranche 2 approximately $101.1 million, with 56% of all funds either spent or encumbered. She noted that roughly $118.7 million has been spent in Tranche 1 and approximately $6 million in Tranche 2. Tranche 2 now includes 15 subprojects, 9 of which are currently active. 00:16:41 Thais Vieira presented the Sub-Projects Summary slide for Tranche 1 and highlighted recent completions: Collins/Washington Avenue Cameras, Flamingo Park Softball Field and Flamingo Park LED Lighting. 00:21:09 Regarding 2026 construction commencements, Thais Vieira reported no changes from the previous meeting, except for the Log Cabin project, which remains on hold per Commission direction. She explained that the originally anticipated Q4 construction start date is now unlikely to occur. V. 2018 Bonds Projects Update (Refer to pages 15-21 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). Chase Ave/34 St Shared Use Path 00:23:04 Thais Vieira reported that Transportation Department Director Jose Gonzalez was unable to attend the meeting but will provide an update at the next meeting. North Shore Path & Fields 00:26:34 Thais Vieira explained that the North Shore Path & Fields project was originally envisioned as a sub-project associated with the broader North Shore Park Project and was intended to be implemented with Tranche 2 funds. The original scope contemplated removal of the small parking lot adjacent to the existing fields following construction of the 72nd Street project, which was one of the reasons the project had been deferred to a later tranche. 00:27:05 Sean Smith provided additional background stating that the project had historically been discussed through the Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the larger 72nd Street and North Shore Park improvements. He explained that the projects had been viewed collectively because the 72nd Street project was anticipated to add parking and potentially include pedestrian G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 4 of 10 connections to the Civic Center area. He had concerns that the current allocated funding would not be sufficient to complete the amount of work initially envisioned for the project. 00:28:23 Sean Smith recommended revising the scope of work to focus on rehabilitation and enhancement of the existing fields rather than construction of additional fields. He suggested improving lighting, dugouts, batting cages, and related field infrastructure while preserving existing parking. He mentioned that the project should no longer remain dependent upon the timing of the 72nd Street project and suggested focusing on achievable improvements within the available budget. 00:30:47 Daniel Veitia acknowledged the need for additional baseball field space citywide, however, he expressed concern regarding neighborhood impacts and stated that he would not support eliminating parking in the area. He stated that Parks and Recreation staff should explore evaluating alternative locations for additional baseball fields, including Crespi Park and other potential sites citywide. 00:32:48 Sean Smith shared that the city had extensively evaluated available space throughout Miami Beach and noted that North Shore Park remains one of the most active recreational facilities in North Beach. He stated that the existing fields deserved modernization and enhancement, including upgraded dugouts and improved playing conditions. Motion 00:36:33 Sean Smith made a motion to focus on the rehabilitation of the existing fields, including lighting and field improvements, decoupling the project from the 72nd Street Community Complex project, and removal of the two additional baseball fields from the scope. Motion made by: Sean Smith Motion seconded by: Kate Mosley 37:19 Jason Koslowe stated that he did not necessarily oppose the concept of additional baseball fields. He acknowledged that parking conditions at recreational facilities are already difficult and unlikely to improve substantially. He stated that North Shore Park may represent one of the few remaining opportunities for future baseball field expansion and noted the operational challenges associated with scheduling games across multiple facilities throughout the city. He suggested that the City evaluate future property acquisition opportunities near the park to address long-term parking needs. 40:32 Karen Rivo asked John Rebar for his recommendation regarding how the project should proceed. In response, John Rebar stated that he supported immediate rehabilitation of the existing baseball fields, including drainage improvements, turf replacement, fencing, and related upgrades. He mentioned that smaller improvements could significantly improve programming opportunities and noted that a former backstop previously existed at the site and could potentially be restored. John Rebar added that the city may eventually obtain additional field opportunities through future joint-use agreements and schoolyard partnerships. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 5 of 10 43:07 Jason Koslowe suggested structuring the project in phases so that the current phase would focus on rehabilitation of the existing fields while preserving the possibility of future expansion if additional funding became available. He clarified that Phase 1 would include rehabilitation of the existing fields, while a future Phase 2 could potentially include construction of additional baseball fields if funding became available in the future. Amended Motion 44:13 The Committee made a motion to implement a phased approach for the scope of work originally planned for the North Shore Park Fields subproject: Phase 1 will focus on rehabilitating the existing fields and proceed independently of the 72nd Street Community Complex project. Phase 2 will expand the site from two fields to four, subject to the availability of additional funding. Motion made by: Sean Smith Motion seconded by: Katie Mosley Motion passed: 7-0 West Lots 00:45:10 John Rebar reported that the Land Use & Sustainability Committee recommended that the City Commission approve moving forward with a master planning process for the entirety of the West Lots area for Parks and Recreation purposes. Savino and Miller had been identified as the recommended design consultant for the project. He explained that the item was on the April City Commission agenda but was deferred and expected to return to the May Commission agenda for consideration and approval. 00:46:30 In response to Sean Smith asking if the project was anticipated to involve a public-private partnership arrangement with an outside entity managing recreational programming, John Rebar responded that the City was currently only focused on beginning the planning process. Log Cabin 00:47:07 Thais Vieira reported that, following City Commission direction, the design process for the Log Cabin project had been paused to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating or relocating the Log Cabin to the West Lots site. She stated that the project has reached 90% design stage prior to being paused. 00:48:39 Sean Smith inquired regarding the amount of funding that had already been expended on the project. David Gomez responded that approximately $200,000 has been spent on the project to date. 00:49:28 Sean Smith inquired whether discussions were still taking place regarding potential uses for the site, including a community center school, pre-kindergarten facility, or other public programming concepts. 00:49:42 David Gomez explained that the current proposed programming for the Log Cabin focuses on its use as an information and community-oriented space. He noted that four separate items related to Log Cabin programming remain under Committee discussion. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 6 of 10 Fire Station 00:50:38 David Gomez reported that the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the temporary daycare facility at Flamingo Park would be presented to the City Commission for approval at the May meeting. He explained that the daycare operations must be relocated before construction can begin at the South Shore site. He added that the GMP item for the actual Fire Station project would be presented in October. 72 St Community Complex 00:51:40 Herman Fung, Senior Project Manager for the 72nd Street project, reported that during the April Design Review Board (DRB) meeting, staff was asked to re-examine the relationship between the northeast corner retail space and the rest of the park. David Gomez added that several board members saw an opportunity to introduce a café-style seating area and asked staff to explore how such a feature could be incorporated into the design. 00:53:15 Daniel Veitia reported that a petition had been circulating throughout North Beach regarding concerns that the 72nd Street project would negatively impact use of the Sandbowl recreational area. He explained that community members were concerned about potential effects on recreational programming and activities at the site. 00:54:26 n response to Daniel Veitia’s concern, John Rebar emphasized that the project would not compete with or displace those existing recreational uses. Pedestrian Bridge 00:56:02 David Gomez reported that during excavation work for the bridge foundation, the developer encountered an underground FPL utility line approximately 30 feet below ground that supplies power to much of South Beach. He stated that the discovery created concerns regarding potential impacts to the utility infrastructure and delayed progress while the exact location of the line was evaluated. FPL purchased specialized equipment to more accurately identify the line’s location and has since provided updated survey information to the developer and design team for further evaluation of the bridge foundations. The design team is reevaluating where foundations can be placed and assessing how the utility conflict may affect the project. He added that staff had recently met with the developer, who indicated they were continuing to work through the issue but could not yet determine the full impact on the project timeline. 00:58:45 Kate Mosley asked whether the Baywalk connection was part of the project. David Gomez confirmed that the pedestrian bridge is connected to the baywalk system. 00:59:12 Donald Goldberg asked whether there may come a point at which the project is no longer feasible. David Gomez responded that, while that is a possibility, staff is actively exploring alternative approaches. He referenced a Commission item sponsored by Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas that examines an alternative concept involving an over-water baywalk connection beneath the MacArthur Causeway rather than an elevated crossing. He noted, however, that this option presents significant challenges, including the minimum headroom required to drive piles and install the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 7 of 10 structure - conditions that would necessitate extending the bridge far out into the water. He further emphasized that permitting for over-water construction is challenging. Bayshore Park 1:01:15 Bryan Niedelson reported that the contractor continues to address remaining landscaping and punch list items. He added that several items require redesign and re-permitting, including civil work, drainage improvements, a new pathway into the playground area, parking, and ADA-related items. He explained that the revised plans had to be resubmitted for permitting before work could proceed. 1:03:13 David Gomez discussed concerns regarding a sidewalk connection near Prairie Avenue, explaining that drainage swales and right-of-way conditions had previously prevented completion of the connection. He stated that staff evaluated multiple potential solutions and believes a feasible option has been identified using in-house Public Works resources to create a culvert connection and install a crosswalk to connect pedestrians to the west side of Prairie Avenue. 1:03:49 Jason Koslowe raised the possibility that extending a bike path along Prairie Avenue could face less public opposition while also improving connectivity between the school, convention center, and surrounding bike network. He suggested that future drainage and infrastructure improvements could potentially be coordinated with the project. 1:04:48 David Gomez responded that the primary concern with that option remained the swale area, explaining that significant drainage and utility considerations would need to be addressed, which would make the project substantially larger and more complex. VI. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. 2022 G.O. Bonds for Arts & Culture VII. Arts & Culture Program General Status Update (Refer to pages 22-29 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). 01:07:12 Thais Vieira reported that the total number of completed projects has increased to three with the recent completion of the Collins Park Rotunda. She noted that approximately $1 million has been spent since the last Committee meeting. Of the 43 subprojects, 16 have been completed and 9 are currently under construction. She also highlighted that 44% of the total value of all Tranche 1 projects is either complete or underway. VIII. 2022 Bonds Project Update (Refer to pages 30-34 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). Bandshell 1:11:16 Carla Dixon, Project Manager from the Office of Capital Improvements, reported that the Bandshell project received approval from the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) in March. She stated G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 8 of 10 that the project is now advancing into the 60% milestone, which is expected to be completed in June. She explained that the project is being phased due to a funding shortfall. Maria Cerna added that the city is applying for a Cultural Facilities Grant and a funding request has been submitted as part of the FY27 capital budget process. 1:12:22 In response to Karen Rivo asking about the funding gap, Carla Dixon reported that the current estimated shortfall is approximately $1.9 million. 1:13:53 Margalit Edelman asked for clarification on the rationale behind the proposed project phasing and which improvements would be prioritized first. Carla Dixon explained that the initial phase focuses on renovating the main back-of-house area and associated additions, while certain standalone components—such as food storage, coolers, ticketing areas, and stage-covering enhancements—may be advanced separately in subsequent phases. 1:14:42 Margalit Edelman also inquired whether the work would require temporary or full closure of the Bandshell facility. David Gomez explained that most of the work involves back-of-house areas, allowing much of the facility to remain operational. He stated that staff would coordinate closely with the Bandshell and Rhythm Foundation schedules to minimize disruptions and work around ongoing programming and events. The Bass Museum Addition 1:16:10 Mohsen Abu Shaaban reported 30% documents have been recently completed. The design will be presented to the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) meeting in July. 01:17:15 David Gomez clarified that the Bass Museum is funding and managing the design process (with City oversight), and noted the team is moving forward very quickly. Art Deco Museum 1:18:46 Bryan Niedelson reported that the project had been paused after the initial construction estimates came in significantly over budget. He stated that the team subsequently redesigned the project with a smaller footprint and revised configuration while coordinating with the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL). He further explained that the project was temporarily delayed while MDPL leadership issues and lease renewal discussions with the City were being resolved. Staff has since resumed coordination with the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL). They are supportive of the design, and the construction budget has been reworked to better align with project goals and available funding. 1:20:13 Karen Rivo asked about the project budget. Thais explained that the project includes approximately $1.2 million from the Arts & Culture G.O. Bond program and an additional $2.0 million from the 2018 G.O. Bond. 1:20:26 Sean Smith asked for clarification regarding the scope of the expansion. David Gomez explained that the revised concept focuses on expanding museum exhibit and meeting space rather than the previously discussed rooftop expansion, which proved financially infeasible. He added that the proposal now consists of a smaller addition to the south side of the museum. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 9 of 10 Byron Carlyle Theater 1:22:13 Daniel Alzuri reported that the selection committee would reconvene the following day to break a three-way tie among consultant proposals and rank the finalists. He explained that the selected recommendation was expected to move forward to the May 20 Commission meeting for approval, after which negotiations with the selected team would begin. He added that the project remains consistent with the ballot language and noted that the City Attorney had confirmed the demolition component aligned with voter authorization. 1:22:46 In response to Daniel Veitia asking to clarify the role and responsibilities of the consultant team being hired for the project, Daniel Alzuri explained that the consultant team would include a design team and a financial advisor with experience with the development of workforce housing. He stated that the purpose of the team is to develop both a conceptual and financial model for the overall project. 1:23:54 Sean Smith asked whether the parking lot remained part of the project discussion. Daniel Alzuri responded that all options remain under consideration. 1:24:43 Daniel Veitia asked whether the consultant would be given approximately three to six months to return with a study and recommendations for the Commission. Daniel Alzuri responded that the process would likely take longer because contract negotiations and consultant onboarding must occur before substantive design work begins. 1:25:04 In response to Daniel Veitia’s question on who currently maintains the Byron Carlyle building, Daniel Alzuri responded that maintenance responsibilities presently fall under the City of Miami Beach Facilities Department. Miami City Ballet 1:25:22 Daniel Alzuri reported that Miami City Ballet had recently made significant progress with renovations. They’ve essentially gutted the third floor, which is where their administrative and marketing offices are located. Phase 1 focuses on the third floor and is expected to continue through August. As Phase 1 nears completion, the project will transition into Phases 2 and 3, which include improvements to the studios and lower floors. The overall project is currently anticipated to be completed by approximately March 2027. IX. Community Outreach (Refer to pages 35-37 of the Agenda & Handouts Packet on the G.O. Bond website). Normandy Traffic Calming 1:26:50 David Sexton requested that the Normandy Isle Traffic Calming Project be brought back for discussion at the next meeting. He explained that the Transportation Department had previously presented a revised traffic calming plan intended to reduce parking loss within surrounding neighborhoods area. He requested an updated presentation showing where the project currently stands. G.O. Bond Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes No. 61 May 7, 2026 Page 10 of 10 1:27:06 Maria Cerna stated that staff was in the process of issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) related to the redesign effort. 1:27:18 David Sexton asked to view the finalized plans because prior presentations raised significant community concerns regarding parking reductions. David Gomez confirmed that the updated plans would be shared. Tree Planting 1:28:14 Jason Koslowe requested that the Tree Planting Project be brought back for discussion at the next meeting. He stated that he wanted additional information regarding how the “Let Us Throw You Some Shade” initiative had been received. 1:29:00 Andy Chabbasol reported that the Sustainability Committee recently received an update on the program. He noted that the program initially included approximately 120 trees available for planting, and the placement for roughly 90 has been identified. • Communications Update: 1:30:20 Thais Vieira explained that website adjustments were being made to implement total G.O. Bond budget information directly within individual project pages. She stated that previously, project pages only displayed the current tranche budget, which could create confusion because users would not immediately see the full project funding amount unless they reviewed the detailed scope of work information. She further reported that updated website features had recently been implemented with assistance from the Information Technology (IT) Department and noted that additional refinements were still being made. She is also discussing with IT the possibility of additional website links directing users to the Neighborhood Affairs Division (NAD) website, which contains more detailed project and budget information. She further discussed the possibility of creating a quarterly newsletter that would summarize completed projects and highlight projects currently under construction or in progress. She noted that preliminary discussions had already begun with the communications department. 1:36:27 Margalit Edelman suggested evaluating how the City’s cultural partners are promoting or communicating G.O. Bond projects to the public through their websites and other outreach materials. • Recent Public Meetings / Upcoming Events: 1:37:58 Thais Veira reviewed upcoming meetings and noted that the softball field grand opening was scheduled for the following week. X. Public Comment No one from the public requested to speak. XI. Adjournment 01:39:11 Chair Karen Rivo adjourned the meeting.