I.  Status of Working Waterfront Legislation - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated that Florida House Bill 0955, known as the “Working Waterfront” legislation, was adopted by the Florida Legislature during the May 2005 Legislative Session. The EDC noted they needed a clarification on the definition of “tax deferral” as stated in Section 197.303, “Ad valorem tax deferral for recreational and commercial working waterfront properties”.  The EDC noted the approved State legislation states:

“(1) The board of county commissioners of any county or the governing authority of any municipality may adopt an ordinance to allow for ad valorem tax deferrals for recreational and commercial working waterfront properties if the owners are engaging in the operation, rehabilitation, or renovation of such properties in accordance with guidelines established in this section.”

The EDC directed Mr. Bibeau to brief County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro on the working waterfront legislation adopted by the Florida Legislature.

II. Status of the Marine Industrial Zoning Overlay Ordinance- Mr. Bibeau informed EDC meeting attendees that the draft Miami-Dade County “Marine Industrial District (IU-M)” would only apply to sections of unincorporated Dade County west of the 27^th Avenue Bridge. Mr. Bibeau noted that certain language in the ordinance needed to be re-examined, such as:

• Section 33-278.6, pages 3-4: “Office uses, as are permitted in the RU-5 and BU-1 districts, and IU-1 manufacturing uses, where they are not permitted as a principal or accessory use in the IU-M district, shall be permitted only upon approval after public hearing. The special exception, if granted, must find that the use, as proposed, is either water dependant, water related or primarily related to those waterfront activities for which the district is reserved, and reasonably requires location within the district.”
• Section 33-278.8 Uses confined to building: “A chain link fence, no more than eight (8) feet in height, may be substituted for the masonry wall, provided that (i) the storage within such fences is limited to vehicles, equipment, new materials and goods-in transit…within this eight (8) foot height, three strands of barbed wire may be placed on top of said fence provided that the fence is at least six (6) feet in height; and said barbed wire (i) is placed on an angle extension of not more than sixteen (16) inches and (ii) does not extend over official rights-of-way or over property under different ownership.” Mr. Bibeau reasoned that the height requirements needed to be consistent with the rules and regulations of the FMSA, which is a seven (7) foot tall fence. 
• Mr. Bibeau noted that Mr. Jeffrey Hooper, AME Shipping, requested that “of shipyards, dry docks, boat slips, and like uses (Section 33-278.8) be revised to read “any marine industrial use.”
•  Reintroduce Section 33-278.8b: “Should the provisions of this section conflict in any way with State or Federal safety regulations, such State or Federal regulations shall supercede the provisions of this section.”

Mr. Bibeau noted that Section 33-278.9 “Minimum landscaped open space, greenbelts, trees, and maintenance” had been removed. The EDC thanked Mr. Bibeau for all his hard work on the draft ordinance.

III. Status of the “Boat Slip Bank” Resolution

Mr. Bibeau stated he would meet with DERM and Miami-Dade County representatives in the summer to further discuss the “Boat Slip Bank” resolution.  Dr. Fran Bohnsack asked if boat slips lost during construction along the Miami River would have the potential to be relocated, and Mr. Bibeau replied that her concern would be examined during future discussions with DERM.

IV. Discussion of Centralized Freight Forwarding Center- Mr. Bibeau suggested the possibility of creating a Centralized Freight Forwarding Center beneath bridges/public rights-of-way within the Upper River , as mentioned in the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Dr. Bohnsack agreed with the recommendation, noting the Centralized Freight Forwarding Center could become a potential site for “short sea shipping”, thereby removing traffic congestion to the Port of Miami . Furthermore, reasoned Dr. Bohnsack, trucks delivering goods to marine facilities along North River Drive would have a place to await appointments.  Mr. Bibeau asked Dr. Bohnsack to draft a one-page summary/explanation of the Centralized Freight Forwarding Center to be presented to the MRC board on September 12, 2005 .

V.  New Business - Mr. Adam Lukin, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), provided the EDC Subcommittee with a brief list of concerns/ideas expected to be addressed during “ Miami 21,” and the DDA Mater Plan Update:

• Preservation of marine industries along the Miami River
• T1-T6 zoning, as pertaining to Smart Growth principles
• Building density, height and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods

Mr. Lukin informed meeting attendees that “Miami 21” consultants, planners and City of Miami representatives are hosting a series a public workshops during July in order to obtain input for the plan and address any concerns.

Ms. Kelly asked Mr. Lukin to discuss the boundaries pertaining to the Miami River in the Downtown Miami Master Plan.  Mr. Lukin noted that ERA, the same hired economic consultants for “ Miami 21,” are conducting the DDA Master Plan Update. Mr. Lukin added that Ms. Kelly currently serves as a Miami River representative for the DDA’s Urban Design and Transportation Working Group.  

The EDC noted topics for consideration during the DDA Master Plan Update include but are not limited to: ( North Shore from One Miami to East Coast Fisheries)

• Charging boats for “hook ups” along Miami River . Money collected could go towards Miami River Greenway maintenance, similar to Fort Lauderdale .
• Asking FP& L to façade the outside of their facility
• Creation of a Fisherman’s Wharf area at Lummus Landing
• Applying a tourist aspect to the working waterfront
• Extending the two-way conversion of the Flagler Streetscape to North River Drive
• Beautification beneath bridges
• Ask FDOT to remove fence beneath the Flagler Street Bridge to promote a consistent greenway path.
• Extending the City of Miami Streetcar to the Historic Downtown District
• Providing marine preservation incentives
• Waive bells on all bridges to decrease noise at night

Topics of discussion for the South Shore included:

• Beautification beneath the Brickell Bridge
• Providing pedestrian access to Brickell Park
• Extending hours of operation for Metro-rail and Metro Mover.
• Tunnel feasibility studies

Mr. Lukin stated the DDA will attempt to address most of these issues/ideas as part of the “Downtown Miami Master Plan,” but beautification would be addressed during the plan’s second phase. Mr. Lukin added he would speak to the Coast Guard and FDOT, who serves on the plan’s technical advisory panel, about waiving bells on the draw bridges. Mr. Lukin also explained that implementing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) or creating a special district or Business Improvement District (BID) along the Miami River Corridor would help finance Miami River Greenway Maintenance. Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC was currently examining those options.

The meeting adjourned.