CONTACT US!
For more information, contact us via email at mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

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

This site
prepared and designed by
Mark Sell Communications, Inc. Public Relations

The Miami River Commission Executive Committee was called to order at 8:00 AM at Greenstreets Café located at 3468 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.

The first item discussed was the GMCC Goals Conference.  David reported that that this year’s conference was very successful for the river.  Bob Parks made a presentation to the New World Center Group and the goal of “ Support the Miami River’s continued restoration and enhancement projects” was passed with overwhelming support.  Additionally, the Environmental Group supported the river dredging project and committed to a summit on storm water management issues.  Walter Revell, Chairman of the Environmental Group also made some strong comments about river improvements in the “Miami Today” articles that covered the Goals Conference.  Bill Cullom, President of the GMCC also expressed great support for the river in his statements and speeches.  Bob Parks added that Susan Cummings wants to get involved with the MRC, as she is involved with funding and tree planting for South Florida and Bob feels she would be an excellent addition to the Greenways committee. 

The next item discussed concerned Commissioner Teele’s proposal for a new Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for the river to help fund the baseball stadium.  This proposal parallels the MRC initiative to develop a Miami River Urban Infill Plan and discussion was held as to how we should approach the issue with Commissioner Teele and/or the city.  Ernie Martin provided information about the TIF Committee and that we need to be ready to provide TIF funding projects if Commissioner Teele and other Commissioners proceed on a fast track.  Bob Parks suggested that the MRC send a letter to Commissioner Teele and others concerning the work that the MRC is doing in conjunction with the city and county on the Miami River Corridor Plan.  Discussion ensued.  Dusty Melton suggested that Mr. Parks should meet with Commissioner Teele and Bob concurred.  End result was that a meeting will be scheduled and letters sent to advise and update City Commissioners about the Miami River Corridor Plan for urban infill and redevelopment.  Additionally, it was determined that Jim Murley should meet with Mr. Guillmero Olmedillo and Bob Parks would meet with Mr. Dick Judy concerning the CRA for the Miami River.

Sallye Jude discussed the quality of buildings being built on or near the river and wanted to provide some sort of awards for good design.  Discussion ensued.  Bob Parks said he would meet with Liz Plater-Zyberg and seek her input on this issue.  Bob requested that Jim Murley and Ernie Martin provide comments and necessary details to him for this meeting.

Dusty Melton suggested that the MRC should request that the empowerment zone advise the MRC whenever there is a request for funding for a project on the river, so we can work in partnership with the empowerment zone.  A letter will be sent to the empowerment zone requesting they notify us as aforementioned.

Jim Murley reported that the scope of work for the Miami River Corridor Plan was reviewed and approved by the Urban Infill Committee and suggested that the contract could be signed with the condition that the contract will only be implemented after the state grant funds are transferred to the MRC from the city.  The MOU between the city and the MRC is delayed due to legal review. 

David provided copies of the agreements between Customs, Miami-Dade County and Atlantic Gamefish Foundation, Inc. concerning the transfer of three Custom’s seized vessels.  David will provide a copy to Phil Everingham, who (at the last executive committee meeting) volunteered to have an admiralty attorney review the documents and make a recommendation to the MRC, should the MRC desire to get involved with our 501 (c) (3) corporation.  David also reported that on approximately July 23, 2001 these three vessels would be sunk offshore.  There will be a large media event and Customs, Governor’s office, and others will be involved.  Bob Parks stated that the MRC should be part of this event. 

 The next item discussed was the art auction.  Fran Bohnsack (not in attendance) previously provided draft letters and brochures that will be mailed to the public concerning the auction.  The “Host Team” drafted these letters and brochures for review and approval by the MRC.  Bob Parks required the information to be reviewed by Tom Parker.  Bob Parks said once Tom Parker reviews the proposed drafts and finds them acceptable, then the “Host Team” can go forward with printing and mailings. 

Under new business, Ernie Martin discussed problems with the city and the purchase of the Seybold Canal House.  Apparently the city has postponed the closing three separate times and the owner is not willing to extend the closing any further.  Mr. Parks will write a letter to the City Commissioners and Manager requesting that they promptly review this issue, because the city will lose over $500,000 of grant funding if they fail to execute this purchase.  This property purchase and expansion of the Point Park is also part of the Knight Foundation grant.

Bob Parks wants to have a short presentation on what the MRC should be doing   on storm water at the July 9, 2001 meeting of the MRC.  Additionally, Bob Parks wants to place the staff request for raises on the agenda for the MRC and for David to include that information in the mail out packages to MRC members.

David Miller passed on the suggestion from Doug Bruce that letters of appreciation be sent to members of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation for their great support for the dredging project and Miami River revitalization.  It was decided that letters from the MRC would be sent to delegation members and others that supported the Miami River dredging project.

The Executive Committee meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.   

 HOME   |     CALENDARS    |   ABOUT THE RIVER      |    ABOUT THE COMMISSION     |    DREDGING   |   GREENWAYS     
URBAN INFILL PLANS      |     STORMWATER RETROFITTING     |       MINUTES OF MEETINGS   |    LINKS