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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-26412 Reso RESOLUTION NO. 2006-26412 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT OF CITY CODE COMPLIANCE FINES IN THE AMOUNT OF $518,268 PLUS INTEREST IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,070.66, OWED BY BRILOR, LLC, D/B/AI AMIKA; SAID SETTLEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $138,414.40. WHEREAS, Brilor, LLC, d/b/a Amika, a business located at 1532 Washington Avenue, has incurred Code Compliance fines relating to illegal placement of flyers and signs, in the amount $518,268.00, plus interest in the amount of $9,070.66; and WHEREAS, the City Administration has met with the authorized representatives of Brilor, LLC and would recommend settlement of the afore stated fines, in the amount of $138,414,40; and WHEREAS, the owners of the business have executed a contract for sale of the business that is expected to close within thirty (30) days following approval of the proposed settlement; and WHEREAS, the proceeds of the sale of the business will be used to pay the City settlement amount, which amount will be paid to the City at closing in exchange for release of the aforestated fine(s); and WHEREAS, the City's proposed settlement would also establish conditions for the business's repayment of other outstanding City fines, bills and taxes. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission approve the settlement of City Code Compliance fines in the amount of $138,414.40. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th ,2006. ATTEST: ~! rQ;t~ CITY CLERK Robert Parcher APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE a FOR EXECUTION ak~~ COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY Condensed Title: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT OF CITY FINES OWED BY BRILOR, LLC D/B/A AMIKA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $518,268 PLUS INTEREST OF $9,070.66, BE SETTLED FOR THE AMOUNT OF $138,414.40. Ke Intended Outcome Su orted: Ensure compliance with code within a reasonable time frame. Issue: Shall the City Commission approve a mitigated settlement payment for certain code fines for Brilor, LLC d/b/a Amika relatin to handbills? Item SummarY/Recommendation: Since 2004, Amika has received multiple violations under the City's existing sign and handbill ordinances. At present, nineteen code violations for handbills/signs remain either open pending appeal, or have been closed and fines are owed to the City. The eleven violations under appeal (CE05005757, CE0600239, CE0600279, CE06001409, CE06001613, CE06001759, CE06002038, CE06003159, CE06003400, CE06003843, and CE06005058) have a fine value of $197,872. While this is the fine value for these violations, mitigation of these fines typically occurs at the Special Master hearing. In the past, the special masters have used their discretion in setting fine levels, with the City recouping a wide range of the fine amounts due The appeal period for the balance of these violations has been exhausted and a bill has been issued for the fines due (CE05003113, CE05003123, CE05000617, CE05005602, CE06000727, CE06004416, CE06005435, and CE06005407). A total of $329,466.66 is owed from these violations. City staff has worked with this business entity to reach a satisfactory conclusion on this matter, negotiating a mitigation payment of $ 138,414.40 (approximately 26% of total fines due). Staff believes this mitigated settlement is fair and equitable, given the nature of the violations (not life/safety). This mitigation payment is incorporated into an agreement relating to other monies owed to the City by this business. All monies due shall be paid to the City upon closing of the sale of the business, to occur no later than 45 days after Commission approval of the mitigation on certain Code fines. The City can and will utilize all available legal remedies to collect on the payment of monies owed, should the business not meet its obligations under the neaotiated aareemenl. Advisory Board Recommendation: IN/A Financial Information: Source of Amount Account Approved Funds: 1 I I 2 OSPI Total Financial Impact Summary: City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking: I Si n-Offs: Department Director Assistant City Manager HM '(Iju,-'o)\,.:}{5) )<fl, City Manager ~ ...... MIAMIBEACH AGENDA ITEM ~ DATE 1.;1-{, -pc, lD MIAMI BEACH City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager J ____ ~ December 6, 2006 U DATE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT OF CITY FINES OWED BY BRILOR, LLC D/B/A AMIKA, IN THE AMOUNT OF $518,268 PLUS INTEREST OF $9,070.66, BE SETTLED FOR THE AMOUNT OF $138,414.40. ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION SUBJECT: Adopt the Resolution. ANALYSIS Brilor, LLC d/b/a Amika is the operator of a nightclub, located at 1532 Washington Avenue. They are not the property owners. The business is currently under contract for sale and the location is undergoing renovations to reopen as a nightclub under the new ownership. Since 2004, Amika has received multiple violations under the City's existing sign and handbill ordinances. At present, nineteen code violations for handbills/signs remain either open pending appeal, or have been closed and fines are owed to the City. The eleven code violations for handbillslflyers under appeal (CE05005757, CE0600239, CE0600279, CE06001409, CE06001613, CE06001759, CE06002038, CE06003159, CE06003400, CE06003843, and CE06005058) have a fine value of $197,872. While this is the fine value for these violations, mitigation of these fines typically occurs at the Special Master hearing. In the past, the special masters have used their discretion in setting fine levels, with the City recouping an inconsistent percentage of the fine amounts due. The appeal period for the balance of the code violations for handbillslflyers has been exhausted and a bill has been issued for the fines due (CE05003113, CE05003123, CE05000617, CE05005602, CE06000727, CE06004416, CE06005435, and CE06005407). A total of $329,466.66 is owed from these violations. In May of this year, Amika and the City agreed to a repayment plan for outstanding Resort Taxes, as well as negotiated a mitigated payment for the handbill/sign code violations under appeal. At that time, Amika also agreed to pay the City 100% of all amounts due for other violations (fire violations and other code violations) where the cases were "closed." The payment of total amounts due, including the mitigated payment, was contingent on the sale of the business within a specified period oftime, in the early summer. Although Amika made payment to the City in the amount of $110,000 against their resort taxes due, a closing on the sale of the business did not occur and payment of the balance of the monies due was not made. A lien has been filed against the principals for the outstanding resort taxes, as well as for the outstanding code and fire fines. Amika approached the City again in the late summer with an interest in negotiating a new agreement to resolve all of the outstanding monies owed. Attached, please find an agreement that stipulates payment of 100% of all resort taxes (and interest) due to the City up to the end of the fiscal year (approximately $59,142.20, pending filing of remaining resort taxes); payment of 100% of Code and fire violations issued prior to May, 2006 ($34,047.69); and a mitigated payment for the handbill/sign violations under appeal, as well as three handbill/flyer violations that occurred/were billed subsequent to May 2006. The mitigated amount for these code fines, as previously referenced, is $138,414.40. This mitigated fine amount represents 26% of the total fines, and includes Brilor, LLC, d/b/a Amika's agreement to withdraw any pending appeals. In total, Amika will pay the City approximately $231 ,604.29 to resolve all outstanding debts (final amounts pending the filing of resort taxes for the period of July through September). Such payment will be required within seven (7) days after closing of the business sale, and such sale of the business must occur no later than forty-five days following Commission approval of the mitigated Code fines, as provided in the agreement between Amika and the City, attached for your reference. CONCLUSION City staff has worked with this business entity to reach a satisfactory conclusion on this matter. The mitigation payment of $ 138,414.40 is fair and equitable, given the nature of the violations (not life/safety). The City can and will utilize all available legal remedies to collect on the payment of monies owed, should the business not meet its obligations under the negotiated agreement. It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission approve the settlement of those certain city fines owed by Brilor, LLC d/b/a Amika, as previously defined, in the mitigated amount of 138,414.40. Attachments JMG/HMF T:\AGENDA\2006\dec0606\consent\1532_Wash_Ave_Settlement_mem1.doc SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT This Settlement Agreement and Release ("Agreement") is made and entered into this _ day of December, 2006 by and between the CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, a municipal corporation (hereinafter "MIAMI BEACH") and BRILOR, LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation d/b/a AMIKA d/b/a AMIKA LOFT LOUNGE AND DISCOTHEQUE (hereinafter "AMIKA"), collectively referred to as "THE PARTIES." RECITALS A. As of December 6, 2006, Brilor, LLC d/b/a Amika d/b/a Amika Loft Lounge and Discotheque owes MIAMI BEACH the sum of $595,077.13, plus 100% of the additional amounts due for delinquent Resort Tax returns that are to be filed for July, August, September, October, and November, 2006 is the total amount due and owing MIAMI BEACH in delinquent Resort Taxes, interest and fines, Code Enforcement, Building, Sanitation and other municipal fines, fees and/or liens, including fire code violations, for the operation of its business located at 1532 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. B. AMIKA may review the final. accounting of all monies owed to MIAMI BEACH and submit any errors in calculation to MIAMI BEACH, which, in its sole discretion, may change the amount due and owing. C. MIAMI BEACH and AMIKA have reached an understanding that AMIKA is unable to pay the amounts owed in full, and that both parties will benefit by this agreement by allowing MIAMI BEACH to recover some of the debt it is owed. D. AMIKA currently has an agreement for the sale of its assets, a copy of which is attached hereto. The closing of said sale shall generate the funds from which AMIKA will pay off its debt to MIAMI BEACH as herein agreed. AMIKA and the Buyer of its assets intend to close the sale ofthe assets within thirty (30) days of approval of this agreement by the City of Miami Beach City Commission. If for an unforeseeable reason the closing of said transaction needs to be extended for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) additional days, AMIKA and the Buyer shall submit to MIAMI BEACH, three (3) days prior to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, an affidavit outlining why the closing needed to be extended, and reaffirming that when said issues are resolved the closing will occur. E. AMIKA and MIAMI BEACH agree that AMIKA shall pay 100% of its debt for Utility Bills, $9,188.09; Fire Violations, $1,500.00; City Bills, CB65930, CB65931 ,CB00250, CB85866, CB0000658, CB0000962, CBOOOI030, CB00001660, CB00002925, and CB00002952, totaling $23,359.60; and delinquent Resort Tax through July, 2006 in the amount COMB / AMKA Settlement Agreement 12/1/06 Page 2 of$27,205.93, plus 100% of the additional amounts due for July, August, September, October, and November, 2006, said amount to be determined when AMIKA files its delinquent Resort Tax Return on Monday, December 4, 2006. AMIKA and MIAMI BEACH agree that AMIKA shall be responsible for paying 30% of the debt owed on City Bills CB00003332, CB00003434, and CB00003729, totaling $98,840.00; and 20% for Code Compliance Cases, CE05005757, CE06000239, CE06000279, CE06001409, CE06001613, CE06001759, CE06002035, CE06003159, CE06003400, CE06003843, CE06005058, totaling $39,574.40. This brings the agreed total due and owing MIAMI BEACH, pursuant to the other terms of this agreement, to $199,668.02, plus 100% of the additional Resort Tax as recited herein. F. AMIKA specifically waives any right to appeal or otherwise contest the taxes, fines, and fees, including the Code Compliance cases listed in paragraph "E" herein, incurred as of the date of this Agreement or the right of MIAMI BEACH in the event ofa default ofthis Agreement by AMIKA to immediately close the business located at 1532 Washington Avenue, in forum, whether administrative or judicial. However, while AMIKA may be subject to a suspension of its business license due by the Fire Department, MIAMI BEACH warrants that it will not seek such additional enforcement at this time against AMIKA or the purchaser of the business at any time, unless there is a default of any provision herein. G. AMIKA specifically represents that its counsel, Louis J. Terminello, Esq. of the law offices of Terminello & Terminello, P.A., has fully authority to enter into this Agreement on its behalf. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: I. RECITALS I. The foregoing Recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference. II. PAYMENT 2. AMIKA and MIAMI BEACH hereby agree that as and for full payment of the monies owed as recited herein, MIAMI BEACH shall accept and AMIKA shall cause to be paid to MIAMI BEACH, the sum of $199,668.02, plus 100% of the C:\Documents and Senings\cmgrferh\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKBB\SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT 11 2606 (2).doc COMB 1 AMKA Settlement Agreement 12/1/06 Page 3 additional Resort Tax as recited herein. Said payment shall be made within the seven days of the date of closing on the sale of the subject business, payable by cashier's check or check from an attorney's trust account and delivered to the City Attorney's Office. III. SUBMITTALS 3. AMIKA has provided to MIAMI BEACH a fully executed, notarized or otherwise legally sufficient copy of the purchase contract for the business located at 1532 Washington Avenue. Said contract specifies a closing date no later than 45 days from the date of the execution of said contract. IV. DEFAULT 4. A default or failure to fulfill any obligation listed herein by AMIKA will subject the business located at 1532 Washington Avenue to immediate closure by MIAMI BEACH as well as the imposition of any applicable civil or criminal penalties. In addition, if the sale of the business does not occur within 45 days from the date of the Commission approval of this Agreement, as referenced in paragraph D infra, this Settlement Agreement is deemed null and void, and MIAMI BEACH may demand full payment for all monies owed and avail itself of all legal remedies for collection thereof. V. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS 5. The PARTIES agree to cooperate fully and execute any and all supplementary documents and take all additional actions which may be necessary or appropriate to give full force and effect to the basis and intent of this Settlement Agreement. VI. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST 6. This Settlement Agreement contains the entire Agreement between the parties. This Agreement replaces any prior or contemporaneous written or oral representation or understanding about the settlement. This Agreement may not be changed except in writing signed by the Parties, or their respective attorneys. This Agreement shall be binding on all and shall inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns, if any, of each party. C:\Documents and Senings\cmgrferh\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKBB\SETTlEMENT AGREEMENT 11 2606 (2).doc COMB / AMKA Settlement Agreement 12/1/06 Page 4 VII. GOVERNING LAW 7. This Settlement Agreement is being consummated in the State of Florida and the performance by the Parties hereto is in the State of Florida. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. The venue for any legal proceeding of any nature brought by either party against the other to enforce any right or obligation under this Agreement, or rising out of any matter pertaining to this Agreement shall be in Miami-Dade County, Florida. 8. The Parties warrant to each other that they have read this Settlement Agreement and that each has been represented by counsel before signing this Settlement Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have set their hands and seals on the day and date first written above. BRILOR, LLC d/b/a AMIKA LOFT LOUNGE Larissa C. Percy, Its Manager Attest: CITY OF MIAMI BEACH ROBERT PARCHER City Clerk JORGE M. GONZALEZ City Manager C:\Documents and Settings\cmgrferh\Local Senings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKBB\SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT 11 2606 (2).doc