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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Rosenstiel School
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy,
Miami, Fl. 33149
305-361-4850
Fax: 305-361-4755
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

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The Miami River Commission Executive Committee was called to order on January 12, 2004 , at 8:00 AM in the Green Streets Café, located at 3468 Main Highway , Coconut Grove.

I. Set Agenda for MRC’s February 2, 2004 Meeting Noon, United Way Ansin Building, 3250 SW 3^rd Ave.

a. Dupont Plaza Presentation – Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated the project was presented to the Miami River Commission ’s Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) on November 18, 2003 .  The UIWG found the proposed high-density mixed-use project to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan’s recommendations for downtown, yet was inconsistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan in providing an 11-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian path when a minimum of 16 feet is recommended, and a 20-foot building setback, when 41 feet is required by the City Charter.  Bibeau stated that the projects attorneys have indicated the unobstructed clear path has been increased to the recommended 16 feet, yet the building setback remained at 20 feet, requiring a waiver from the City Commission.  The Executive board agreed to hear the Dupont Plaza presentation during the February 2, 2004 meeting, if desired by the potential developer.

b. “Finnegan’s on the River” Presentation – Bibeau reported the proposed restaurant was presented to the (UIWG) on November 18, 2003 .  The subcommittee found the indoor/outdoor restaurant, immediately adjacent to the Greenway, at the old “Atlantic Boatyard” located on the River’s South shore immediately east of I-95, to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan recommendations for the lower river, and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.  The UIWG noted that further clarification from the City of Miami , regarding whether the proposed project requires zoning and land use amendments and an on-site parking waiver, are necessary prior to being presented to the MRC.  The Executive Committee agreed to hear the presentation when that additional information is available.

c. Hurricane Cove – Bibeau reminded the Executive Board that on September 8, 2003 the MRC voted 8 to 7 to recommend denial of the proposed “Hurricane Cove” project as presented.  Bibeau stated the potential developer’s attorneys have indicated that the originally 4 building development has been re-designed to 3 buildings.  The Executive Board agreed to offer the potential developer the opportunity to present the new “Hurricane Cove” project design to the MRC on February 2, 2004 .

Mr. Parks noted Mr. Isilio Arriaga, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President, and Mr. Joe Arriola, City Manager, are invited to address the MRC at the February 2, 2004 meeting.

II. MRFI Update.

The Executive Board discussed the Miami River Fund, Inc.’s (MRFI) fundraising campaign.  The MRFI’s “Campaign for the Miami River ” case statement was distributed and discussed during the MRC’s January 7, 2004 meeting.  Mr. Gary Winston, designee for State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, stated his opinions are solely his alone, and should not be considered an advisory opinion from the State Attorney’s Office.  Following a lengthy discussion, the Executive Board suggested the MRFI consider adopting the following in soliciting and accepting donations:

• Seek an opinion from the Florida Attorney General, and or the Miami-Dade
  County Ethics Commission, as to whether the separate non-profit MRFI corporation is required to operate under the sunshine law

• Do not solicit nor accept donations from entities, which have Miami River related items pending before the MRC, City commission or board of County commissioner
• Require a form to be signed, stating the donor has no Miami River related items pending before the MRC, City commissioners or board of County commissioners

Mr. Everingham stated he would relay the recommendations to the MRFI during their publicly noticed January 15, 2004 meeting at 8 am , 118 South River Drive .

III. Discuss Replacing the Monthly Public Safety Working Group Verbal Report with a Permanently Scheduled Report from the Miami River Safety Committee (MRSC). 

Mr. Winston, co-chair of the Miami River Public Safety & Security Working Group, suggested monthly updates of the MRSC during the MRC’s monthly meetings.  The Executive Board unanimously agreed, and directed staff to make the necessary revisions to the MRC’s agenda.   

IV. Discuss Establishing a Regular Meeting Date.

Mr. Bibeau noted the 8 member Executive Board has had difficulty meeting the 5 board member quorum requirement, and suggested a regular meeting date or reducing the quorum to 4 members.  After discussion by the Executive Board, Mr. Phil Everingham made a motion to reduce the quorum to four members.  Mr. Bunnell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.  Parks directed MRC staff to include the Executive Board’s motion under the “Chair Report” item on the February 2, 2004 MRC agenda.

V. New Business

Mr. Dick Bunnell stated the Army Corps of Engineers had extended the review of the bids on the Miami River Dredging Request for Proposals, from January 12, 2004 to February 12, 2004 . 

Mr. Bibeau reported that the Greenway Subcommittee (GSC) directed him to seek an extension for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant awarded to the MRC.     

The Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources had written the MRC in 2002 about their plans to replace the Miami Circle sites deteriorating seawall, which is required prior to developing the riverwalk, yet the seawall reconstruction has not commenced. 

The Executive board directed MRC staff to distribute the MRC’s 2003 report to the Dade-Delegation, and the City and County commissions. 

The meeting adjourned.

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