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

The meeting started with Phil Everingham requesting that the Search Committee (Phil Everingham, Ernie Martin and Janet McAliley) be allowed to discuss the search for a new Managing Director with the Executive Committee members.  Since the discussion would include the potential of promoting Brett Bibeau, Assistant Managing Director to the position, he was asked to leave the meeting, which he did.  Phil Everingham advised the group that during a discussion with David Miller that David had provided a strong recommendation for Brett Bibeau to be promoted as the Managing Director.  Phil then consulted with Janet McAliley and she concurred with that recommendation.  Phil did not have a chance to discuss the recommendation with Ernie Martin so Bob Parks asked to hear from each Search Committee member.  Janet McAliley stated that she wanted to seriously consider Brett Bibeau based on David’s recommendation.  Ernie Martin stated that Brett may need guidance with intergovernmental relationships, but he had talked with David and concurred that Brett was improving in this area.  Bob Parks advised that when David talked with him about his resignation that David had provided a recommendation for promotion of Brett.  Bob specifically did not mention this in order to not taint the Search Committee.  Bob asked for David to give his comments.  David stated that when asked by Phil and Ernie about Brett that he strongly recommended Brett.  David stated Brett is one of the hardest workers he has met, dedicated to the mission of the Commission, and intelligent.  David concurred that Brett has had some issues with interpersonal skills, but that he is steadily improving in that area.  David said that Brett has been on the job for over three years and is knowledgeable and well received at Tallahassee and Miami-Dade County and fully understands the job and the goals of the Commission.  David stressed that Brett’s positive attitude is a wonderful attribute and his passionate approach to improve the river is known to all.  David stated that although Brett is somewhat less experienced than some, he has great potential and with appropriate guidance from Commission members he will mature into an excellent Director.  Sallye Jude asked David how he felt Brett would handle the fund raising campaign?  David replied that Brett is a bright young man who is articulate and enthusiastic and would work well with Mr. Lione and others in seeking donations.  Gary Winston is eager to support Brett; however, he feels it is appropriate to conduct a diligent search for a Director that would include Brett and if the search takes more time then Brett could become the interim Director.  Fran Bohnsack stated that initially she butted heads with Brett, but has come to see that he will do a very good job for the Commission and he does understand the needs of the river including the marine industry.  Dick Bunnell stated that when a person is second in command you might be more aggressive than when you are in charge and the person where the “buck stops”.  Dick feels Brett will do a very good job and will naturally “mellow out” if promoted and given more responsibility.  Ernie Martin stated that David’s recommendation has swayed him to give Brett the opportunity.

Discussion ensued about whether to promote Brett as an interim Director or whether he should be promoted directly to the position.  Janet was also concerned about the Commission’s financial situation and as a practical matter felt this may limit the success of recruiting an applicant that could possibly be better than Brett.  (Sallye Jude had to depart and reported that she had talked with George Knox about becoming a Board member of the Miami River Fund, Inc. (MRFI).  George was very much interested; however, he did have a conflict as he was working with another group that would be in competition with some of the MRFI’s fund raising goals.  It was decided that George would have to be committed to the MRFI’s goals without exception.  Sallye will advise George of the decision.)  Janet asked Sallye her thoughts about promoting Brett.  Sallye stated she likes Brett, but felt he was not ready for the position. 

Bob asked, “What is the committee’s pleasure?”  Phil stated that Brett has matured and improved over the years and he would support Brett as Managing Director.  Janet McAliley also supported Brett.  Gary Winston was of the opinion that a full fledge search should be conducted.  Ernie Martin was initially of the same opinion of as Gary , but respected David’s recommendation as he worked closely with Brett over the last three years.  Dick Bunnell feels Brett is the right choice, but asked if there is anything that requires the Commission to conduct a search.  Bob stated he did not believe there was any legal requirement.  Bob felt that the Commission is on the cusp of completing some major goals and it would not be appropriate to have Brett as an interim Director.  Bob would vote to promote Brett as the permanent Director.  As the Search Committee was unanimously in favor of Brett, Dick Bunnell made a motion of the Executive Committee to promote Brett Bibeau to Managing Director.  Phil Everingham seconded.  Discussion ensued.  A vote was taken and passed 3-0-1 with Gary Winston abstaining.  Gary then made a motion to conduct a full search for Managing Director and it died due to a lack of a second.  Gary then amended his previous abstention to a vote for promoting Brett and the final vote was unanimous 4 to 0 to hire Brett as Managing Director.  Phil asked Bob if this motion of the Executive Committee was final and Bob stated yes.  Bob directed the Search Committee to develop a compensation package and present it to Brett and if he accepts to bring it before the next meeting of the Miami River Commission .  Discussion ensued. 

Brett returned and Bob advised him of the decision. 

Discussion ensued concerning the Hurricane Cove motion at the last Miami River Commission .  The primary issue discussed was the lack of specificity of the motion concerning the reduction of density of the development.  Was a reduction of one residence satisfactory or was it 100 residences?   Bob directed David Miller to invite them back to the MRC October meeting to determine the exact scope if any of their reduction of residences and then the MRC position can be clarified. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am .

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