LTC 266-2006 Bi-Weekly Update - October 2- November 3, 2006
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MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CllY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 266-2006
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager~ __ ~
November 7, 2006 U 0
BI-WEEKL Y UPDA TE- October 2- November 3, 2006
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The purpose of this LTC is to provide you with an update of issues the AdministraA~n ~
recently been focusing on between October 2, 2006 and November 3, 2006.
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CLEANER AND SAFER
POLICE DEPARTMENT - The Miami Beach Police Department continues to operate and
assess the 63"' Street Flyover mitigation of traffic (MOT) plan, coordinating with the Florida
Department of Transportation as well as making adjustments as necessary.
On Monday, October 23, 2006 Chief Don De Lucca, members of Command Staff, Assistant
City Manager Robert C. Middaugh, and myself attended a community meeting hosted by
North Beach Development Corporation at North Shore Youth Center to address resident
concerns regarding the North Beach substation and Neighborhood Resource Officers.
Residents requested additional information on the necessity of relocating the Internal Affairs
Division of the Police Department into the North Beach substation, the impact to services to
neighborhoods of scheduling changes relative to the Neighborhood Resource Officers and
the general level of police presence within the North Beach area.
Via LTC No. 250-2006, I informed the members of the City Commission of the detachment
of Miami Beach Police Major David Allen to the Town of Surfside Police Department as the
Interim Police Chief. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the
City of Miami Beach and the Town of Surfside, Major Allen assumed the position of interim
Police Chief effective Monday, October 23, 2006. The reassignment will not negatively affect
the level of service or management effectiveness of the Miami Beach Police Department.
Major Allen's duties will be assumed by Captain Brian Sliman, a seasoned Captain of Police.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT RELOCATIONS - As a result of construction related issues at Old
City Hall, several fire safety concerns were raised by our Fire Marshall. The Administration
was notified by the Fire Marshall on Thursday, October 12th to relocate all of the remaining
City personnel from space occupied at Old City Hall. The relocations from Old City Hall will
likely span an 8 to 10 month period.
Internal Affairs Division of the Police Department has relocated into the North Beach
substation, and police officers working in the RDA have been relocated to Terminal Island.
The Information Technology (IT) Division, including approximately 15 staff members and
their computer workstations have been temporarily relocated into the Police Department
Training room until the November election is complete. Once the election period is over, the
IT personnel will relocate into the 1st floor conference room at City Hall for 8-10 months.
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BEAUTIFUL AND VIBRANT. MATURE. STABLE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNllY. URBAN AND HISTORIC
ENVIRONMENT
NEW PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS-The Parks and Recreation Department has new
programs and activities, and following are a few examples:
Arts 4 Learning: The Parks & Recreation Department continues it's commitment to
providing cultural and artistic programming by beginning a series of classes in dancing,
drumming, theater and visual arts taught by instructors from the Arts 4 Learning
organization. Classes will be held at Flamingo Park, Scott Rakow and North Shore Park
Youth Center and will run through the end of the school year in May.
North Shore Park and Youth Center:
Walking Tall Stilts Program: The North Shore Park and Youth Center is happy to
announce it's partnership with the new Carnival Center with the children getting ready to
begin classes in Stilt Walking. Instructors from the Carnival Center will be onsite for the 6-
week course which will culminate as it did last year with the children participating in the
Walking Tall Circus to be held December 16th at the Carnival Center.
Flamingo Park:
Community and Family Nights: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening at the
Flamingo Park Pool Promenade, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, the Parks and Recreation
Department offers an activity for free to the community. Please come out with your family
and friends and enjoy the different events with your neighbors. Some activities include:
. Board Game Night: Check out and play one of your favorite games.
. Arts & Crafts Projects: Complete a different project each week.
. Bingo Night: Win small prizes as you play the world's must popular game.
. Line Dancing: Learn new dances to country music and today's top hits.
. Story Time: A children's story is read in efforts to promote literacy.
For a complete listing of parkS programs, please visit www.miamibeachparks.com.
CULTURAL. ENTERTAINMENT AND TOURISM CAPITAL
CIRQUE/LIvE NATION/AEG LIVE- On September 6, 2006, the City Commission approved
Resolution No. 2006-26320 that formally established a process and guidelines for
submission and receipt for "Best and Final" proposals for the future use and operation of the
Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts (" JGr). The process and guidelines set
September 29, 2006 as the deadline for all three proposers to submit their "Best and Final"
term sheets to the City. "Best and Final" term sheets were shared with the Commission via
LTC No. 243-2006 and 243A-2006.
Subsequently, in order to facilitate public access to this and all related information, staff
created a webpage on the City's website.
In addition, the resolution requested the City Manager to schedule at least one public
meeting to gain community input between September 29th and October 17th in preparation for
the Special Commission Meeting on October 18, 2006.
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The following meetings, open to the public were held:
Cultural Arts Neighborhood District Overlay (CAN DO)
Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee
City Commission Chambers, City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
Thursday, October 12, 2006
10:00 AM
Community Meeting
Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts
1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Monday, October 16, 2006
5:00 PM
Additionally, we held a press briefing on Thursday, October 12, 2006 from noon to 1 :30 p.m.
to provide the reporters covering this story with an opportunity to get full briefings on the
matter.
As you all know, Cirque du Solei I withdrew their proposal before the October 18, 2006
Special Commission Meeting, and consequently, the Commission selected Live Nation as
the number one bidder and AEG Live as the number two. In the coming weeks, the
Administration will negotiate a contract with Live Nation, which will come to Commission for
a vote.
MEP-Several Major Event Planning (MEP) meetings have already been held in preparation
for upcoming holidays and special events including Art Basel, Veterans Day, New Year's
Eve and Super Bowl.
Art Basel will take place during the second week of December. This year Art Basel events
will include approximately 7-9 other smaller art fairs to be held around the beach.
Super Bowl is on February 4, 2007, and as with all special events, the City has already
begun planning meetings to manage the expected crowds and events. Enhanced staffing
will begin Tuesday, January 30, 2007. The Miami Beach Police Department will most likely
operate on Alpha/Bravo deployment starting on Thursday, February 1, 2007 through
Monday, February 5, 2007. The closure of Ocean Drive is contemplated from Thursday,
February 1 st through Monday, February 5th which will allow the community and visitors easier
access to free activities that will take place along this stretch. The Media Center for this
event will be at the Convention Center, and will be operational from Sunday, January 28th
through Monday, February 5, 2007.
Events scheduled around Super Bowl weekend are as follows:
Tuesdav. Januarv 30. 2007
South Florida Media Party (Private Event)
Lummus Park - beach between 7th and 9th Streets
8:00 pm -11 :00 pm
Saturdav. Februarv 3. 2007
Volleypalooza (Public Event)
Lummus Park - beach between 8th and 9th Streets
10:00 am -5:00 pm
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Ocean Drive Magazine VIP Party ~rivate Event)
Lummus Park - beach between 7 and 8th Streets
8:00 pm - Midnight
Thursdav. Februarv 1st throuah Sundav. Februarv 4th 2007
Nikki Beach (Private Event)
1 Ocean Drive
Additionally, there will be a number of television productions taking place throughout the
City. Although most are not confirmed at this time, we anticipate these productions will be
located on the north end of Ocean Drive. Jimmy Kimmel will be filming his late night show
all week from the Jackie Gleason Theater, with a taping of a special Super Bowl show
immediately following the game on Sunday night.
As with all MEPs, community outreach meetings have been held, and notification of the
events will be provided through various channels including CityPage and the City's website.
Items regarding appropriations for Super Bowl and New Years Eve have been placed on the
December 6th Commission Agenda for discussion and action.
CENTERPLA TE/BARTON G FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTRACT-Staff is currently in the process
of negotiating the food and beverage contract for the Convention Center with Centerplate
and Barton G.
FILM AND PRINT-USA Network/Fox are producing a TV pilot in Miami Beach from November
through December.
HBO is preparing a pilot which is set primarily in Miami Beach for February production.
HBO's The Sopranos is scheduled to film portions of its show in Miami Beach in February.
Fox is planning to premiere the locally shot Reno 911: Miami during the South Beach
Comedy Festival in January.
Miami Beach based Rakontur Productions' documentary Cocaine Cowboys began US
distribution on Friday, October 27, 2006 through Magnolia Pictures. The film had its red
carpet premiere at the Colony the week of October 16th.
WELL-IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS-The Capital Improvement Projects Office is working
diligently to complete a series of construction projects around the City. Following are some
highlights of on-going projects:
The Belle Isle and Belle Isle Park Improvement Project includes the installation of a new
water main and storm water pump station, drainage, streetscape improvement and the
renovation of Belle Isle Park. A temporary fence has been erected around the park for
safety, and approximately 34 temporary parking spaces are being provided for those
residents whose spaces are displaced during the construction period. This area will be
restored to greenspace upon the completion of the project. Approximately 85% of the
drainage structures and lines have been installed.
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The Colony Theater Project entails renovations to improve theater operations and
performance functions, as well as provide renovations to comply with ADA Title III
requirements. All major construction work is now complete, and all Building Department
approvals have been obtained. Substantial completion was reached and a temporary
certificate of occupancy is in place.
The Maurice Gibb Memorial Park consists of a signature structure made of granite,
engraved with the lettering Maurice Gibb Park. Additionally, the project contemplates a
bronze plaque embedded in mosaic flooring made of three different colors (blue, red and
yellow). This project has been completed, and a ceremony is expected late in 2007, as two
previously set dates have been postponed at the Gibb family's request. Currently, the CIP
Office is coordinating with the Gibb family in order to set a date. No additional work is
expected.
The Oceanfront Neighborhood Right-of-Way Improvements Phase 1 includes improvements
on the street ends located between the boardwalk and Collins Avenue and inclusive of all
segments from 23"' Street to 43rd Street. The project entails selective demolition,
hardscape, landscape, paving and drainage. A pre-construction meeting between the City,
the contractor and the project management firm took place on October 4th to discuss
construction plans and phasing. Notice to Proceed (NTP) #1 was issued to the contractor
requesting submittal of pending permits, bonding capacity letter and construction schedule.
NTP #2 to start work on 24th, 25th, 31St, 36th and 42nd streets will be issued immediately once
the contractor has completely satisfied contract requirements per NTP #1. Mobilization will
start immediately after the NTP #2.
Currently, there are two neighborhood right-of-way (ROW) projects in the Flamingo Park
Neighborhood that straddle Flamingo Park- BP-10A which is bounded by 5th to 11th Streets
and Washington Ave. & Alton Road, and BP-1 OC, which is bounded by 11th to 17th Streets
and Washington Ave & Alton Road. Work in these areas will commence once the Lummus
Neighborhood Improvement Project (BP-10B), which incorporates the area from 16th Street
to 5th Street East of Washington Avenue is completed. BP-1 OB is still in design phase and
construction is not expected to commence until mid-2007. It is anticipated that the
streetscape projects in the Flamingo Park neighborhood will go into construction in the 4th
Quarter of 2008. Over $30-Million have been earmarked for right-of-way improvements in
the area.
The Normandy Shores Neighborhood Improvements are an area-wide street improvement
which may include: street resurfacing; swale restoration; repair of sidewalks; street lighting
upgrades to correct deficiencies and provide pedestrian lighting; enhanced landscaping
within the street right-of-way; traffic calming measures and entryway features. This project
includes both the single family home area, the multifamily area on the east side and is also
integrated with waterline replacements throughout both Phase I and Phase II areas, and with
drainage improvements to Basin 131 and Basis 139 per Stormwater Master Plan. This
project is currently in the design phase.
On November 3, 2006, members of the City Commission attended the ribbon cutting for Fire
Station 4. This construction project included a new 3-bay fire station with living quarters as
well as the repair of the existing seawall.
For more information on active CIP projects, please refer to LTC No. 258-2006 (CIP Bi-
weekly Construction Project Update, October 20, 2006) or visit www.cmbproiects.com.
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SUPPORTING OUTCOMES TO SUSTAINABILllY OF VISION
NIGP INNOVATIONS AWARD-The City of Miami Beach has been selected as the winner of
the Innovation Noble Element Award for the Miami Beach WiFi Project at the 2006 National
Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) Innovations in Public Procurement Awards.
NIGP recognized the City's WiFi Initiative and presented the award "for its demonstrated
leadership in the area of innovative practices related to technology, communication and
community outreach, while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the expenditure
of public funds."
Through this award, I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts made by our Chief
Financial Officer, Patricia Walker; IT Director, Gladys Acosta; Telecommunications
Manager, Ariel Sosa; Systems Support Manager, Nelson Martinez; and Procurement
Director, Gus Lopez.
The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP) is a national, membership-
based non-profit organization providing support to professionals in the public sector
purchasing profession.
LABOR RELATIONS- LABOR RELA TIONS- The City has ratified an agreement for the 2006-
2009 collective bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the
Government Supervisors Association of Florida (GSAF), and the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). In July, the FOP ratified the contract
with 87.7% of the vote in favor of the tentative agreement. In August, the GSA ratified the
contract with 86.7% of the vote in favor of the agreement, and the AFSCME ratified the
contract with 75% of the vote in favor of the agreement. The negotiations with these
bargaining units were completed in record time and prior to the current contract expiration
dates. The FOP, GSAF and AFSCME contracts were ratified by the Commission at the
September 6, 2006 Commission Meeting.
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has begun negotiations for the next
contract term, and the City hopes to begin negotiations with the Communication Workers of
America (CWA) for a successor agreement in the near future.
In addition, the Office of Labor Relations with support from Union Leaders from both the
AFSCME and the GSA trained supervisory employees in just cause and performance
appraisals with the goal of improving the understanding of how to properly and effectively
motivate and manage employees that report to them. Labor Relations also continues to train
the management team on a quarterly basis to update them on general Labor Matters.
Also, Linda Gonzalez, Labor Relations Director, along with attaining current mediator
certification from the Florida Supreme Court, recently received certification from the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for possessing all requirements and coursework
necessary for arbitrator certification. This certification enhances the City's ability to focus on
successful arbitration practices, scheduling and pre-hearing procedures, conduct and issues
framing the arbitration hearing, witnesses, evidence and records preparation, and the ethics
of arbitral law.
EMPLOYEE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION - Linda Gonzalez, Labor Relations Director, along
with attaining current mediator certification from the Florida Supreme Court, recently
received certification from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for
possessing all requirements and coursework necessary for arbitrator certification. This
certification enhances the City's ability to focus on successful arbitration
practices, scheduling and pre-hearing procedures, conduct and issues framing the
arbitration hearing, witnesses, evidence and records preparation, and the ethics of arbitral
law.
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Congratulations to Lt. Robert Hundevadt (Class President and top of the class), Lt. Kelly
Reid, and Lt. Mark Causey for successfully completing the Southern Police Institute's
rigorous ten-week Command Officers Development course.
The Southern Police Institute is a division of the Department of Justice Administration,
College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville. It is an advanced education and
training institute whose mission is to enhance the professional development of law
enforcement practitioners. The Southern Police Institute consistently is ranked among the
top law enforcement educational and training schools in the nation.
The Command Officers Development Course is a ten week course designed to provide
participants with a group of effective management tools and a comprehensive overview of
management practices. Topics included Strategic Management, Leadership in Police
Organizations, Directing Focused Policing Strategies, Communications, the Effective Use of
Financial Resources, Law Enforcement Operations and Administrative Law.
Lieutenant Hundevadt is a twenty-six year veteran of the Miami Beach Police Department
and currently is assigned to the Patrol Division's afternoon shift. Lt. Reid is a twenty year
veteran of the Miami Beach Police Department and currently is in charge of the Training
Unit. Lt. Causey is a twelve year veteran of the Miami Beach Police Department and is
currently assigned to the Patrol Division's midnight shift.
Captain Brian Sliman graduated from FBI Academy Class Number 225. The FBI National
Academy is an intensive three month course that is conducted at the FBI's National Training
Center in Quantico, Virginia, and is one of the most prestigious law enforcement
management schools in the world.
Captain Sliman is a seventeen year veteran of t he Miami Beach Police Department and is
currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. He is the Commander of the
Criminal Investigations Unit as well.
RESULTS-ORIENTED GOVERNMENT: "MY ESSENTIAL PIECE" PRESENTATIONS-- In our
continuing effort to communicate the Strategic Plan throughout the organization, the Office
of Budget and Performance Improvement has been scheduling presentations with every City
department in order to train employees on the priorities identified through the Community
Satisfaction survey, the Strategic Plan as well as their department's role and supporting
workplan in achieving these goals.
These presentations are tailored to each department and center on the concept of how each
employee and each department is an "essential piece" in the achieving the goals as laid out
in the City's Strategic Plan.
Currently, a total of 1,810 employees in our workforce have participated in this results-
oriented government training.
COMMUNICATION WITH SPECIAL NEEDS RESIDENTS-- The City of Miami Beach currently
has 172 registered residents that require special needs during an emergency. Special
needs residents are those who on a daily basis require skilled nursing care, assistance
with daily living, or have life-saving medical equipment dependent on electricity.
In an effort to provide reassurance and a sense of security for Miami Beach special needs
residents, the City recently initiated a Telephone Reassurance Program. Special needs
individuals are paired with a City of Miami Beach Answer Center "buddy" who is responsible
for calling that individual monthly to check on their safety and well-being. The 'buddy" is also
that person's contact if they need assistance between calls.
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The "special needs" resident and the "buddy" set a date and time each month that is
convenient for both and ensures contact is made. If the "buddy" is unable to reach the
special needs or elderly person by telephone, the "buddy" will contact emergency medical
services and/or a person designated by the elderly or special needs person. Additionally, if
necessary, the City's "buddy" will make the appropriate referrals to the City's Office of
Community Services.
If you know of a resident that requires special needs, please have them register with the
Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) at 305.468.5900.
For more information on the Telephone Reassurance Program, please call305-604-CITY or
www.miamibeachfl.gov.
CHILDREN'S TRUST FUNDING FOR MB YOUTH PROGRAMS-- The Children's Trust has awarded
the City a one year contract renewal in the amount of $525, 000 to continue enhancements
implemented in the Parks and Recreation Department's After School and Summer
Programs. This funding is combined with City dollars to fund 325 participants, between the
ages of 5 and 13 from low-moderate income households. One third of Trust funds will go
directly to scholarships, and the balance of funding will be used for the following: social
skills development, salaries, transportation, program supplies (including books), after school
snacks, uniforms and field trips. Additional program activities include literacy, family
involvement/outreach, educational events, physical activitylfitness and water safety. The
program, which is currently held in North Shore Park and Youth Center, will supplement over
$1 million in City funding already dedicated to this program.
The Children's Trust also awarded the City a one year contract renewal in the amount of
$205,520 for the City's Truancy Prevention Program, administered by the Neighborhood
Services Department. The program provides after-school tutoring during the school week
(Monday through Thursday), and Saturday enrichment programming for 40 students, grades
3-4 from low-moderate income homes, enrolled in Miami Beach feeder pattern schools. All
children must be at-risk for academic failure and truancy to be in the program. The program
is held at Feinberg Fisher Elementary School and Biscayne Elementary School.
FLORIDA CITY OF EXCELLENCE AWARD- The City of Miami Beach has been selected as a
finalist in the Florida League of Cities' annual Florida City of Excellence Award.
The Florida City of Excellence Award was created in 2004 to focus public attention on the
countless good things cities do to improve the quality of life in Florida and overall excellence
in city governance/administration, leadership, citizen outreach and involvement, technology,
innovative programs and services and fiscal management.
Other finalists for this award are Coral Gables, Deland, Oldsmar and Pembroke Pines.
The awards will be presented at the Florida League of Cities' Awards Banquet on Friday,
November 17, 2006 from 6 pm to 10 pm in Orlando, Florida. I plan to attend the event to
represent the City and would like to invite each of you to attend as well.
CITY'S BOND RATING- Moody's Investor Service has upgraded the City's General Obligation
Rating from A1 to Aa3. According to Moody's, the Aa3 rating is based on the City's
substantial tax base with an established national and international tourism and
entertainment-based economy as well as a solid financial position, sound budgeting
practices and average debt burden. Moody's noted the City's healthy financial position with
stable reserve levels and sound budgeting practices. Based on preliminary results for
FY2006, the City expects to add at least one million dollars to total General Fund balance in
addition to maintaining 11 % contingency reserve.
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COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY-On October 23,2006, Executive Staff had a Planning
conference call with the Hay Group in preparation for the upcoming Community Satisfaction
Survey. The 2006-07 survey will be the City's 2nd Community Satisfaction Survey, and it is
scheduled to commence in January 2007.
In preparation for administering the survey, the Hay Group will be meeting with members of
the City Commission individually in late November in order to discuss methodology, timing of
the survey, as well as content. These briefings will be scheduled directly with each of your
offices.
E-GOVERNMENT- The City's Parks and Recreations Department launched its new and
improved website.
In an effort to provide a higher level of customer service, the new site allows users to book a
tee time, find information on park facilities rentals, find a tot lot or playground near them as
well as many other features.
You can visit the new site at http://www.miamibeachparks.com.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.
JMG/DM
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