I. Discussion of MRC Marine Industrial Symposium - Mr. Brett Bibeau , MRC Managing Director, updated the subcommittee on the proposed Marine Industrial Symposium.  Two $5,000 donations towards the estimated $20,000 to conduct the Marine Industrial Summit have been secured from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and MARAD.  The Hyatt Regency Hotel meeting room is $750 and the least expensive continental breakfast with coffee is $12 per person.  The Marine Industrial Summit target date is March 19, 2004 and anticipates 125 attendees.  The proposed program would open with breakfast from 9:00-9:30 AM , followed by a series of speakers.  Box lunches ($12 each) would be served during a Miami River Boat Tour ($450), departing from the Hyatt’s river walk for two hours.  The event would conclude with a wine and cheese reception.

The subcommittee agreed to invite the following potential speakers:

• Introduction / Welcome - Dr. Pam Dana, Governor Bush’s MRC designee and Director of the Office of Tourism and Economic Development
• Shipping – Mr. Kevin Horn author the Army Corps of Engineer’s Miami River Dredging Economic Study
• Recreational Boating – Mr. Tom Murray, author of the MIASF’s Mega-Yacht Economic Impact Study

II. Discussion of Potential Florida Marlins Stadium Sites Located Within the Miami River Urban Infill Corridor - Bibeau stated he believed the MRC should clarify there recommendation on a potential site for the proposed new Florida Marlins Baseball Stadium.  Bibeau reminded the EDC that after a great deal of advocacy, on March 15, 2001 the City Commission adopted Resolution 01-253, selecting the MRC’s recommended stadium site on the River’s north shore, bordered on the west by Metro-Rail and on the east by S. Miami Ave Bridge.  Subsequently, the stadium negations subsided when the previous Marlins owner, Mr. John Henry, sold the team.  Since that time, the MRC has recommended approval of the proposed “ Miami River Village ” development project, planned for the eastern half of the stadium site.  The pending “ Miami River Village ” Major Use Special Permit application still awaits review by the City of Miami ’s Planning Advisory Board, Zoning Board, and City Commission.  The Marlins 2003 World Series victory has brought the return of the Baseball stadium issue.  Bibeau noted that news reports indicate the City of Miami is considering a second site within the Miami River Urban Infill Corridor, adjacent to the Orange Bowl.  Bibeau asked for the EDC’s recommendation regarding clarifying the MRC’s advisory opinion on the stadium site.  Ms. Kelly moved to repeal the MRC’s previous recommendation for the Marlin’s stadium to be located on the Miami River’s north shore, immediately west of the South Miami Ave Bridge, Dr. Bohnsack seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted.  Mr. Everingham directed MRC staff to seek the direction of the MRC’s Executive Board on this issue.

Meeting adjourned.