MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Robert King High
1407 NW 7 St., Suite D
Miami, FL  33125
Phone 305 644 0544
Fax 305 642 1136

For more information, contact us via email at
miamiriver@bellsouth.net

MONDAY
Mar. 5, 2007
12:00 NOON
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)

Ms. Irela Bagué, Chair of the Miami River Commission (MRC), led attendees through the agenda starting at noon , Monday, March 5, 2007 , Robert King High, 1407 NW 7^th Street , Miami , Florida .

• Irela Bagué, Chair of the Miami River Commission

• Philip Everingham, Vice-Chair of the Miami River Commission

• Bruno Barreiro, Chair of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners

• Robert Villar, designee for Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez

• Gary Winston, designee for Miami-Dade State Attorney

• Horacio Stuart-Aguirre, designee for Member-at-Large Eric Buermann

• Megan Kelly, designee for Mr. Barry Johnson , GMCC

• Richard Dubin, President of the Miami River Marine Group

• Captain Beau Payne , designee of Miami River Marine Group

• Dana Nottingham, Downtown Development Authority

• Dr. Ernie Martin , Neighborhood rep., appointed by Miami City Commission

• Sallye Jude, Neighborhood Representative, Appointed by Miami-Dade County

MRC Staff: Brett Bibeau, Managing Director; Ashley Chase, Assistant Managing Director

Others attending interested in the River:  

• Jim Murley, Florida Atlantic University

• Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group

• Lewis Beilman, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

• Robert Weinreb, City of Miami

• Rene de Huebles, FDOT

• Jeff Easley, RS & H

• Alicia Gonzalez, MRG UC

• Mark Bailey, Merrill-Stevens Yachts

• Lubby Navarro, Miami-Dade County

• Sgt. Mike Gonzalez, Miami Marine Patrol

• Patricia Harris

I. MRC Chairperson Report: 
Chair Irela Bagué asked for a motion on the MRC’s February 5, 2007 meeting minutes.  Mr. Robert Villar moved to approve the MRC’s February 5, 2007 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gary Winston , and unanimously adopted.

On behalf of the MRC, Chair Bagué welcomed Mr. Eric Buerman’s newly appointed MRC designee, Horacio Stuart Aguirre .  Horacio is a Miami River homeowner in the historic Durham Park neighborhood, and has attended numerous MRC meetings and events over the years.

Chair Bagué noted WPBT is producing a Miami River documentary, in which she was interviewed for last week.  Chair Bagué stated a second component is an interactive web-site, hosted by the University of Miami , regarding the Miami River .

Chair Bagué stated she was pleased to announce the Dade Community Foundation awarded the MRC a $5,000 grant.  This is the MRC’s second grant award from the Dade Community Foundation, and their continued support is sincerely appreciated.

Chair Bagué invited everyone to the 11^th Annual Miami Riverday, March 24, 11-5, Jose Marti Park , SW 4 ST and SW 4 Ave.  On behalf of the MRC, Chair Bagué thanked all the generous sponsors, which allow Riverday to remain free to the public, including free river boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, marine expo, and much more.   Ms. Sallye Jude noted she had attended the City of Miami Parks Master Plan workshop on Saturday, March 3 at José Martí Park , and suggested that the City utilize one of the free 10 x 10 tents offered during Riverday to showcase current projects and plans. Mr. Robert Weinreb noted he would contact Mr. Ernest Burkeen, City of Miami Parks Director , to discuss that possibility.

II. Review & Discussion of 1^st and Flagler Street Planning, Development & Environmental (PD&E) Phase - Chair Bagué welcomed Mr. Jeff Easley, R S & H, Rene de Huebles, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and Alicia Gonzalez, MRG UC.  Mr. Easley noted FDOT was currently conducting its alternative evaluation process of the PD&E (i.e. obtaining input from the community) in relation to the Flagler and 1^st Street reconstruction options from NW 27 Ave on the west side of the Miami River, crossing over the River to NW 2 Ave, on the east side.  After such input has been collected, Mr. Easley noted FDOT would host a public meeting in May 2007.  Mr. Easley noted the CAC is meeting on Wednesday, March 7, 2007.  Mr. Easley presented typical cross sections for the two alternatives which remain under consideration.  Both of the two evaluated alternatives which remain under consideration maintain on-street parking, and one-way directions, while the “2A” alternative maintains off-street parking and includes bike lanes, while the “5B” alternative excludes bike lanes.  Mr. Easley stated in reply to input provided by MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau, Mr. de Huelbes, FDOT, and he were recommending additional warning lights be provided for the low undercarriage on the west side of the 1^st ST Bridge, and the removal of fences blocking public access for the pedestrian staircase on the Flagler ST Bridge.  Mr. Easley added the FDOT should be able to implement these recommendations under maintenance projects sooner than construction for the Flagler and 1^st ST PD&E project, which isn’t scheduled to break ground until 2011.

The following questions / comments were addressed:

• Ms. Sallye Jude mentioned that the 1^st ST bridge pedestrian staircases are in disrepair
• Ms. Megan Kelly asked if new traffic signalization would be incorporated as part of the project, and Mr. Easley replied although Miami-Dade County is responsible for coordinating signalization, FDOT would replace 12 obsolete signals and install approximately 6 new pedestrian crossing signals.
• Captain Beau Payne asked if FDOT would address drainage problems causing flooding beneath the west side of both bridges, and Mr. Easley replied FDOT planned to implement a drainage master plan for the entire corridor
• Captain Payne asked if the truck traffic along Flagler Street , eastbound would be affected by the proposed road reconstruction plans, and Mr. Easley stated FDOT would not incorporate any designs that would negatively impact truck traffic
• Ms. Jude asked if two-waying Flagler and 1^st ST were being evaluated and Mr. Easley replied that 2-waying would cause a lot of impacts and require acquisition of additional right of way.
• Mr. Horacio Stuart-Aguirre asked if the main objective of the project focused more on improving traffic flow or beautifying the area, and Mr. Easley replied it focused more on making traffic flow more efficient, and at safer speeds as they interact with pedestrians and bicycles; Mr. Easley added FDOT is expecting more pedestrian and bicycle activity throughout the corridor vs. increased vehicular traffic
• Chairman Barreiro asked if FDOT would consider under grounding utilities, and Mr. Huebles replied that though this was beyond the current project’s scope of services and he would discuss that suggestion with FP & L.  Chairman Barrerio asked if the project would include landscaping and Mr. Easley replied yes, significant new landscaping will be planted adjacent to wider sidewalks.  Mr. Easley added they will replace old landscaping as needed in order to install the storm water drainage improvements.  Chairman Barreiro noted the FDOT should consider coordinating under grounding the utilities during this project, since the expense to dig up the asphalt will be incurred, therefore at least the conduits may be installed now.  
• Mr. Dana Nottingham asked if the public, including businesses along the corridor have been updated on the progress of the project, and Mr. Easley replied FDOT continues to involve the public in its plans, and Citizens Business Advisory Committee was created to consider business access and maintaining on-street parking.  Mr. Easley added the on-street parking remains in both alternatives.
• Mr. Nottingham asked if FDOT would address loading zones and enforcement in its study, and Mr. Easley replied those items were currently being evaluated.
• Mr. Easley stated the subject area has averaged 293 crashes per year over the past four years.
• Mr. Winston stated the as the area becomes more pedestrian friendly, how will it tie into transit, and Mr. Easley replied the project will take all modes of transportation into consideration, including transit.

  Chair Bagué asked Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), to state his findings of the proposed project. Mr. Murley referred to the UIWG’s February 13, 2007 minutes, in which the UIWG recommended the MRC to support the alternative with Bike lanes and on street-parking, “2A”.  In addition the UIWG recommended:

• Removal of the chain link fence blocking access to the pedestrian staircase on the south east side of the Flagler Bridge
• FDOT work with the City of Miami to include the FDOT owned public right of way beneath the Flagler and 1^st ST Bridges to be incorporated into the new on-road greenway which is about to break ground along North River Drive.
• Install advance warning signals at NW 3^rd ST and S. River Drive of the 1^st ST Bridge’s low clearance for tall trucks on S. River Drive
• Replace the broken pedestrian light beneath the 1^st ST Bridge on S. River Dr
• Incorporate solid waste interceptors in the reconstructed storm water system of Flagler and First, in order to keep debris from entering the River

Mr. Easley and Mr. Huebles replied they had suggested FDOT include these recommendations in the PD&E, and attempt to accomplish as many as possible even prior to completing the PD&E and commencing construction.  Mr. Huebles added FDOT has hired to contractor to clean beneath the Flagler and 1^st ST Bridges.

Ms. Sallye Jude made a motion to support the alternative 2A and the additional UIWG recommendations; the motion was seconded by Vice-Chair Philip Everingham and was unanimously adopted.

III. MRC Subcommittee Reports

a. Dredging Subcommittee (DSC) –Mr. Brett Bibeau noted he had attended the Miami Dade / GMCC DC Fly-In, February 28 – March 1, in support of the County’s “critical priority” request for the $26 million federal cost share balance due to complete the Miami River maintenance dredging project.  Mr. Bibeau noted everyone he met with remains in support of finishing the 40% complete project, and understands the project’s benefits will only be realized upon completing dredging to the confluence with Biscayne Bay .  Mr. Bibeau added the MRC is working on the following opportunities to secure the remaining federal cost share:

• FY ’07 Continuing Resolution (CR) – Congress provided the ACOE with funding per program rather than project, therefore the project’s supporters are encouraging the ACOE to include as much as possible for the Miami River maintenance dredging project.  The ACOE is scheduled to submit their “Work Plan” to Congress on February 15, 2007, which will outline the funding amount they will provide from each program for the various projects.

• FY ’08 – The President’s FY ’08 budget submittal includes $4.5 million for the project, which is a 33% increase from his FY ’07 budget submittal for the project.  Historically Congress has been able to provide the President’s budgeted amount, plus an additional $3.5 million “Congressional Ad”, therefore a reasonable best case scenario FY ’08 appropriation would be $8 million.  FY ’08 starts October 1, 2007, and we are recommending all project stakeholders write the Energy and Water Committee Chairs and Ranking Members in support of obtaining the federal cost share balance due. 

• FY ’09 – We are recommending all project stakeholders write the ACOE and OMB in early summer to request the federal cost share balance due in the President’s FY ’09 budget, which is the last fiscal year before the project’s contract expires in April 2009.  Since the project’s cost is a flat rate established in 2004 per cubic yard removed, failure to complete the project before the current contract may result in an increased project cost in any new contracts, in addition to time delays for completing the long awaited and widely supported project.

The County has offered “Local Advanced Funding” of the previously appropriated local cost share for the project.  Since the ACOE takes 6-12 months to accept the offered local advanced funding, the Dade Delegation is encouraging the ACOE to expedite execution of the agreement.  

In addition the MRC is supporting the County’s “critical Priority” $13.8 million request from the ST this legislative session, which are sponsored By Senator Alex Diaz de La Portilla and Rep. David Rivera. Mr. Bibeau stated he may travel to Tallahassee in a couple weeks for meetings in support of the County’s appropriation request.

The ACOE announced during our February meeting that they intend to award acceptance sections 7 & 8 this month, therefore dredging will recommence by early summer.  Ms. Jude asked if there are any reports that detail how much business would be lost if the dredging project is not completed, and Mr. Bibeau replied the MRC cites the SFWMD-commissioned Hazen & Sawyer Biscayne Economic Report for data regarding the Miami River marine industries generation of 6,700 jobs which would be jeopardized if the project is not completed.  The Dredging subcommittee’s next regularly scheduled third Wednesday of the month publicly noticed meeting will be held at 1407 NW 7 ST, March 21, 10 am.

b. Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) – Mr. Jim Murley , Chair of the UIWG, noted the City of Miami posted the first complete draft Miami 21 Eastern Quadrant on their website, www.ci.miami.fl.us.  The Planning Advisory Board will host two “ Miami 21 – Eastern Quadrant” meetings in the near future.  The MRC will consider creating their advisory recommendation regarding the draft during the April 2, 2007 meeting.

Mr. Murley stated the UIWG will review the revised draft Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan during their March meeting, and the final draft will be presented during the MRC’s April 2, 2007 meeting.  Mr. Murley added the UIWG again solicits any Transportation recommendations for the ongoing Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan.

C.  Greenways Subcommittee – Dr. Ernie Martin noted Greenway sections remain under construction, and thanked Kevin Brown, the City of Miami and the private sector for their continued assistance.  Dr. Martin stated there are currently greenway connectivity issues for example the riverwalk sections between Latitude on the River and Neo Vertika to the east and SW 2 Ave to the west.  Dr. Martin noted these issues would be improved in the future if the City adopts the amended draft Miami River Greenway Design Standards and Guidelines, which are now awaiting approval of Miami 21, therefore missing several current opportunities where the private sector is constructing sections of the Riverwalk.

Dr. Martin mentioned he had attended the MRC / Kona Kai Gallery hosted Miami River Art Show, sponsored by Garcia’s seafood and Neo Vertika, on February 23.  Dr. Martin stated the event was excellent, and the River paintings were beautiful.

Dr. Martin noted the Greenways subcommittee remains providing the public and private sector with options to provide for the long term Greenways maintenance, security and special events and look forward to their selecting which option will provide these services, which are critical to the Greenways success. Dr. Martin stated at the February Greenways meeting the subcommittee reviewed several locations in need of maintenance, which collectively identify that there are currently problems with providing this necessary service.  Dr. Martin noted MRC board member and City of Miami Grants Administrator Robert Ruano suggested contacting 3-1-1 to report the identified specific locations where Greenway maintenance is needed, which Dr. Martin directed staff to do, although he believes in addition a regular maintenance system should be implemented.  Chair Bagué noted that the City’s providing an action plan of the methods and funding to provide regular maintenance along the Greenway is required, because only responding to concerns reported to 311 is unacceptable, and recommended that she and Dr. Martin meet with City of Miami Manager Pete Hernandez to identify the plan to provide the regular maintenance, security and special events needed for the Greenway to reach its full potential.  Chair Bagué suggested that Dr. Martin develop a list of top greenway priorities with MRC staff prior to the meeting.

Dr. Martin stated the Greenways subcommittee is awaiting receipt of the remaining approved Greenway cross sections, which were requested in writing by MRC Chair Bague over a year ago.

Dr. Martin mentioned for the second year in a row, the Greenways subcommittee is asking the City to place the bi-lingual posters for the free 11^th Annual Miami Riverday festival, to be held March 24, 2007, in the new Greenway informational kiosks, which to date remain empty.

Dr. Martin noted the Greenways subcommittee recommended the City of Miami apply for an FDEP Recreational Trails Program grant to provide additional funding to build a riverwalk in the riverfront section of Lummus Park , the City of Miami ’s oldest park. Dr. Martin noted the Greenways Subcommittee continues its attempts to receive updates regarding Lummus Landing, which broke ground in 2003, yet the project was suspended and the area remains an eyesore in the community.  Vice-Chair Philip Everingham noted he would place the status of Lummus Landing on the April City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board agenda for discussion.

Dr. Martin asked for an update regarding the Related Group’s mixed –use development project and Merrill-Steven’s expansion plans.  Chairman Barreiro noted the County has been working on the issue day to day and has been negotiating with Merrill-Stevens, yet negotiations have slowed with the Related Group, partially due to the adjacent Justice Department becoming involved.  Chairman Barreiro stated he is going to ask to meet with the Judges and State Attorney to reach a conclusion.  Dr. Martin noted the Merrill-Stevens expansion would include creation of a publicly accessible riverwalk from the 12 Ave Bridge to the west side beneath I-836, therefore allowing the County’s bond issue line item to be utilized for a section of the greenway without any potential private sector funding sources.

The next regularly scheduled second Wednesday of the month Greenways subcommittee’s publicly noticed meeting will take place on March 14, here at 2 pm.

D. Storm water Subcommittee – Mr. Bibeau reported that The City of Miami received three responses to their Wagner Creek Phases 3-6 and Seybold Canal dredging Request for Letters of Interest, and subsequent Request for Information.  The City Commission is scheduled to consider the administration’s recommended firm this month.  The Storm water Subcommittee’s next regularly scheduled first Wednesday of the month meeting will be held this Wednesday, March 7, 10 am, Miami River Inn, 118 S. River Drive.

E.  Economic Development & Commerce (EDC) Subcommittee –Ms. Megan Kelly noted the EDC is seeking $22,170 to contract two FAU Professors to conduct a “Miami River Economic Analysis”, as authorized by the Executive Board.  Ms. Kelly reported the EDC mailed letters to potential funding sources and is considering a variety of grant opportunities. Ms. Kelly added the EDC thanks Chairman Barreiro for his assistance in identifying potential funding sources.

F.  Public Safety – Chair Bagué welcomed Sergeant Mike Gonzalez, Miami Marine Patrol.  Officer Gonzalez stated the River has been quiet and without incidents. Dr. Bohnsack stated the Miami River Security Committee continues to meet monthly at the Coast Guard base.  Dr. Bohnsack added the Port of Miami River will participate in the upcoming “mass migration drill”.  Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, reported the Miami River Security Committee’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2 pm, Gator’s Den.

IV. New Business –The following items were addressed/discussed:

• ·Chair Bagué noted the MRC’s Executive Board had unanimously accepted the Fiscal Year 2006 Audit

• Chair Bagué thanked those who had attended Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz’s riverboat tour on Friday, March 1.

• Chairman Barreiro noted Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers continues to be well-informed regarding the importance of funding and successfully completing the Miami River Maintenance Dredging project, and commended Mr. Bibeau and the MRC for their good work on the project.  Chairman Barreiro added Lubby Navarro will serve as his new MRC designee.

IV. Adjournment 

There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting adjourned.

_____________________________Recording Secretary

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