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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
Email:
  mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

MONDAY
July 11, 2005
12:00 NOON
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)

Miami River Commission (MRC) Chairperson Irela Bagué convened the MRC meeting at noon , Monday, July 11, 2005 , Robert King High, 1407 NW 7^th Street , New Board Room, Miami , Florida . 

• Chairperson Irela Bagué, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
  Phil Everingham, President of the Marine Council, MRC Vice-Chairperson

• County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro (Arrived during Agenda Item 4)

• Roman Gastesi, designee for Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos Alvarez

• Otto Boudet-Murias, designee for Mayor of the City of Miami

• Steve Wright, designee for Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez

• Ernie Martin, Neighborhood Representative, appointed by City Commission

• Charles Morton, Chair of the Miami River Marine Group         

• Richard Bunnell, designee for Chair of the Miami River Marine Group  

• Eric Buermann, Member-at-Large, appointed by Office of the Governor

• Megan Kelly, designee for the Chair of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

• Eddie Rodriguez, Appointed by Miami -Dade Commission, designee

• Manny Prieguez, Member-at-Large, appointed by Miami City Commission

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

Others attending interested in the River:  

• Evan Skornick, South Florida Water Management District

• Jim Murley, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Cantenese Center

• Laura Billberry, City of Miami

• Judy Marsie-Hazen, City of Miami

• Marlene Avalo, Miami-Dade County

• Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, Executive Director

• Brian Williams, Office of the Governor

• Jodaly Eiriz, Antillean Marine

• Robert Parks

• Charles Pattison, 1000 Friends of Florida

• Jack King, City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board

• David Restainer, Fortune International

• Mario J. Faz, GDER, Inc.

• Diane Waters

• Dan Ricker, Watchdog

I. MRC Chairperson Report:    

Chairperson Irela Bagué entertained a motion to approve the MRC’s June 6, 2005 meeting minutes. Mr. Eddie Rodriguez moved to approve the May 2, 2005 MRC meeting minutes, the motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Phil Everingham, and unanimously adopted.

Chairperson Bagué reminded board members and meeting attendees that the MRC does not meet in August. Chairperson Bagué noted that the MRC’s regularly scheduled, publicly noticed meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. Yet, since the next MRC meeting falls on September 5, 2005, a national holiday, the meeting date has been rescheduled to the following Monday, September 12, 2005, noon, Robert King High, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Chairperson Bagué noted the Miami River Commission’s tentatively scheduled retreat has been rescheduled to a half-day on Friday, October 14, on FT. Lauderdale ’s Riverwalk, followed by a full-day on Friday, October 28, on the Miami River Greenway. The retreat will focus on potential future roles of the MRC, including but not limited to the potential to coordinate maintenance, security and special events for the Miami River Greenway.

On behalf of the Miami River Commission, Chairperson Bagué thanked Miami-Dade County for executing an office lease agreement for MRC staff at the Robert King High riverfront facility, 1407 NW 7 Street. Chairperson Bagué added that MRC staff would be more than happy to provide a tour of the new office space to anyone interested following the MRC meeting.

II.  1,000 Friends of Florida “2005 Better Communities” Award presentation to MRC  

Chairperson Bagué stated she was very pleased to announce that 1000 Friends of Florida, a non-profit organization, is honoring the Miami River Commission with the 2005 “Better Communities Award”, to recognize the creation and implementation of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Chairperson Bagué added the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan is a fantastic document consistently utilized by developers as a planning blueprint for the Miami River . Chairperson Bagué introduced the 1000 Friends of Florida Executive Director, Mr. Charles Pattison, to meeting attendees.

Mr. Pattison stated that 1000 Friends of Florida, created in 1986 to recognize national groups for their exemplary accomplishments in growth management, was honoring the Miami River Commission with the 2005 “Better Communities Award” for the continued success of its Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Mr. Pattison added that 1000 Friends of Florida was very pleased to learn of the Plan’s two-year public hearing process, dredging commencement, and balance of mixed-use projects, parks and greenways along the Miami River . Mr. Pattison invited Chairperson Bagué, former Chairperson Mr. Robert Parks and Jim Murley to accept the award.  Chairperson Bagué thanked Mr. Parks for nominating the MRC for the award, and invited the MRC board to participate in a group photo in honor of the occasion. 

III. Presentation of RFLI for 236 NW South River Drive-                 Chairperson Bagué invited Ms. Judy Marsie-Hazen, City of Miami Department of Economic Development, to present the item. Mr. Manny Prieguez, MRC, mentioned his family had submitted a response to the City’s RFLI (Request for Letters of Interest), and noted he would recuse himself from the voting process in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Chairperson Bagué acknowledged his decision.

Ms. Marsie-Hazen stated on April 22, 2005 the City of Miami issued a “Request For Letters of Interest,” RFLI, for 236 NW South River Drive, currently known as “Garcia’s Seafood Market”, to solicit proposers interested in the property on an as-is basis. The .7-acre subject property, noted Ms. Marsie-Hazen, is located adjacent to the I-95 underpass on the Miami River’s north shore, and consists of 264 plus linear feet of frontage. The property would be leased out on a month-to-month basis (with a revocable license agreement) as the City concludes its zoning code revamp known as “ Miami 21.” Ms. Marsie-Hazen added that the subject property is located within the first of four quadrants under the “ Miami 21” plan. According to Ms. Marsie-Hazen, Quadrant 1 of “ Miami 21” is scheduled for review within the next six months.  Ms. Marsie-Hazen stated she did not anticipate any formal action from the City of Miami related to “ Miami 21” until 12 months from now.  Ms. Marsie-Hazen noted the deadline for the City to receive responses to the “RFLI” was Friday, May 13, 2005 , 3 pm . Soon after, noted Ms. Marsie-Hazen, an Evaluation Committee, composed of 2 private individuals and one member of the public sector, was chosen to review the four submitted responses to the “RFLI.” The four responses were submitted by local City of Miami businesses, including Casablanca Seafood, Miami River Lobster, Emirrell Yacht & Shipping, and Garcia Brothers Wholesale, Inc, the current occupant of the subject property.  Ms. Marsie-Hazen stated the Evaluation Committee had submitted its unanimous recommendation of Garcia’s Brothers Wholesale, Inc. as the most successful bidder to City Manager Joe Arriola, who approved the unanimous recommendation. Ms. Marsie-Hazen noted that Garcia Brothers Wholesale, Inc., a seafood business with over 30 years of operational experience, had proposed to maintain the current use of the property as a retail/wholesale venue for seafood. The tenants, added Ms. Marsie-Hazen, had also agreed to incorporate a dockage facility and a Fisherman’s Wharf, and would pay the City of Miami $5,000 in monthly rental fees.

Chairperson Bagué asked Mr. Murley, Chair of the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG), for their input regarding the item. Mr. Murley stated that Ms. Marsie-Hazen and Mr. Peter Kendrick, City of Miami Economic Development, had clarified the RFLI process during the June 14, 2005 Urban Infill Working Group meeting. Mr. Murley added that the UIWG determined the Evaluation Committee and Mr. Arriola’s selected Garcia’s Seafood Market use of the subject property was consistent with both the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.

Dr. Ernie Martin, Chair of the Greenways Subcommittee, asked if the City’s plans for a “Fisherman’s Wharf” in the general area could provide an infrastructure permitting low-scale seafood operations similar to its current use. Dr. Martin added the proposed Miami River “Fisherman’s Wharf” would provide a good job opportunity for businesses relocating from Watson Island . Ms. Laura Billberry, City of Miami , noted the City’s current study of the area from I-95 to the Fifth Street Bridge includes small restaurant/small seafood business components. Ms. Billberry noted the area’s limited parking around Lummus Landing, which she added is currently under construction, might create an issue. Ms. Billberry stated the City was working towards the future uses of the Lummus Landing area to be the “Fisherman’s Wharf” concept.  Ms. Billberry stated she would mention these issues to Miami 21 planners to ensure that any future goals within the area remain consistent with the City’s plans.

Chairperson Bagué stated the City’s goals to create a “Fisherman’s Wharf” for Lummus Landing is consistent with the objectives of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, as it will enhance the River’s overall character through encouraging people to walk and congregate along the water’s edge. Dr. Martin confirmed Chairperson Bagué’s viewpoint, adding that the City’s construction of Lummus Landing will help activate the Miami River Greenway, increasing public access to the river while contributing to the revitalization of downtown’s urban core.

Mr. Otto Boudet-Murias, MRC, noted the City of Miami had hired ERA as a consultant for “ Miami 21.” The City of Miami ’s Downtown Development Authority, noted Mr. Boudet-Murias, has also obtained ERA’s services to compose the “Downtown Master Plan.”  Mr. Boudet-Murias stated he has had many conversations with ERA regarding the Flagler Street marketplace, a project that would connect the Miami River to Biscayne Bay .

Chairperson Bagué asked if the MRC board had any further questions for city staff regarding the RFLI, and Mr. Charles Morton, MRC, inquired about the city’s lease agreement with Garcia Brothers Wholesale, Inc. Ms. Billberry responded that the city would evaluate the uses of the site and determine an appropriate lease agreement following the completion of Miami 21.

Mr. Boudet-Murias made a motion to accept the city’s selection for Garcia’s to continue renting City owned property located at 236 NW North River Drive .  The motion was seconded by Dr. Martin, and unanimously adopted by the MRC.

IV.    Committee Reports

A. Dredging Working Group – MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau stated that the new sediment processing equipment is installed and operating. Mr. Bibeau noted that the Florida Legislature included $3 million for the Miami River Maintenance Dredging Project in their approved Fiscal Year 2006 Budget, which was recently signed by Governor Jeb Bush. On behalf of the Miami River Commission, Mr. Bibeau stated he would once again like to thank the Dade Delegation and Governor Bush for their continued strong support for the project, and everyone who wrote letters in support of the appropriations. Mr. Bibeau stated that the City and County liaisons to the MRC’s Dredging Subcommittee have stated the committed local cost shares for the project are secured through “acceptance section” (AS) 9 of 15. Mr. Bibeau recognized that the County’s $17.7 million Federal Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations request for the project is a considerably large request in an austere budget year, especially with an overdue incomplete Economic Analysis barring the Army Corps from budgeting for the project. Mr. Bibeau, on behalf of the Miami River Commission, thanked Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and the Dade Delegation for doing everything in their power to support the extremely difficult FY ’06 budget request. Mr. Bibeau noted the Senate Appropriations Committee has a $3.5 million Miami River Dredging line item in their budget, and the MRC is encouraging everyone to reach out to Senators Nelson and Martinez in support of the $17.7 million appropriation request in conference, which is the amount the dredgers have indicated is necessary to avoid a temporary demobilization.  Bibeau added that the Dade Delegation, State, City, County and MRC officials are respectfully requesting the Corps reprogram $12.4 million from the previously appropriated $27.85 million in federal cost share back to the intended Miami River maintenance dredging project, in order to avoid a temporary demobilization before the September 30, 2005 end of FY ’05.  The requested $12.4 million in reprogramming would be sufficient to award dredging within acceptance sections 4-6 of 15, which would be completed prior to the September 30 end of FY ’05.  Mr. Evan Skornick, SFWMD, stated the Board of County Commissioners recently approved an agreement with the District, to accept a portion of the Florida Inland Navigation District’s approved cost share.

B. Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan- Mr. Murley stated that the draft Scope of Services for the MRC recommended “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Study” is scheduled for consideration in the near future. 

Mr. Bud Morton asked if the River will be considered as a “Special District, within Miami 21’s T1-T6 form based code.  Mr. Murley added areas such as port facilities are generally considered “Special Districts” within form based codes, therefore Mr. Murley recommended the Miami River Corridor be considered as a “Special District” within Miami 21.  Mr. Otto Boudet-Murias stated on July 9, the City of Miami hosted a public Miami 21 workshop, attended by over 250 individuals.  The workshop featured break out sessions regarding Economic Development, Transportation and Parks.  Mr. Boudet-Murias requested the MRC participate in the upcoming Miami 21 public hearings, which will focus on the first “East Quadrant”, including the River’s north shore from Biscayne Bay to I-836, and the south shore from Biscayne Bay to I-95.  Mr. Murley noted the Miami River has long been considered a boundary between different districts, and should rather be planned holistically as one continuous “special district” corridor.  Mr. Boudet-Murias acknowledged Mr. Murley’s point was logical, and it would make sense to designate the Miami River as a “Special District”. 

Furthermore, Mr. Boudet-Murias offered for the City’s Miami 21 consultants to make a presentation before the UIWG and MRC.  Mr. Boudet-Murias asked Mr. Bibeau to call him to schedule the presentations, and Mr. Bibeau thanked Mr. Boudet-Murias.  Ms. Ashley Chase stated she represented the MRC during the July 7 Miami 21 hearing, and stated so far she found the direction of the “East Quadrant” planning to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  Mr. Morton asked Ms. Chase how the Miami River ’s Marine Industry was being addressed in Miami 21, and Chase replied since there are limited marine industrial zoned sites within the “eastern quadrant”, there was limited discussion on the topic during the July 7 workshop.

c. Greenways subcommittee – Mr. Bibeau thanked TPL and everyone who responded to their “Action Alert” by expressing support to the Dade Delegation for Miami River Greenway funding to be included in the pending Congressional Transportation bill.

d.   Stormwater Subcommittee – Ms. Jude deferred the report.

e.   Economic Development and Commerce (EDC) Subcommittee –Ms. Megan Kelly, EDC Chair, stated the EDC in a June 10 Miami River Boat tour for over 100 members of the Miami-Dade County Industrial Association.  Dr. Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, stated the attendees were fascinated when they were able to witness the dredging operation, and marine industrial “upper river area”.  Ms. Kelly announced the next EDC meeting is scheduled for July 19, in the DDA office, and directed MRC staff to include the “Fisherman’s Wharf” recommendation on the agenda. 

Ms. Bagué noted the MRC recently hosted a publicly noticed Miami River boat tour for the SFWMD and various elected officials, which was warmly received and resulted in a positive Sun Post article.

f.  Miami River Safety Committee – Dr. Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, stated the Miami River’s national security level (MARSEC) was briefly elevated to 2, yet has returned to MARSEC level 1.

VI.  New Business – Ms. Bagué congratulated Mr. Otto Boudet-Murias on his recent promotion to Assistant City Manager.  Ms. Bagué stated Mr. Boudet-Murias, whom has served as Mayor Diaz’ MRC designee for the past several years, was a valued MRC member.  Mr. Boudet-Murias thanked Ms. Bagué, and stated he plans on remaining Mayor Diaz’ MRC designee.

Mr. Everingham stated Hazen and Sawyer will presen their Biscayne Bay Economic Analysis, which covers the Miami River as well, to the City of Miami ’s Waterfront Advisory Board on July 12. 2005, and suggested the presentation be made to the MRC.  Ms. Bagué directed staff to schedule the presentation on the next available MRC agenda.

Mr. Mario Faz stated he represented a full service engineering company, whom is speaking with the City of Miami about Wagner Creek.

The meeting adjourned.

IV. Adjournment 

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

_____________________________Recording Secretary

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