miamirivermeet1

Dredging Working Group - Dick Bunnell reported that the County Commission approved a resolution authorizing the use of a parcel of land for the dredged sediment temporary storage site. There is a section of the resolution that includes the following condition: “…before the Board of County Commissioners approves a Project Cooperation Agreement it will conduct a Public Hearing at which the Board will plan consider details to be submitted by the County Manager and others pertaining to traffic, odor, a mitigation plan for the neighborhood, employment of community residents, the ultimate location for disposition of project material and other appropriate issues”. This public hearing will take place when the Corps gets all the information from the County and completes the project design. The County also has to obtain property on the river for unloading and transporting the sediments from a barge on the river to the temporary storage site. The river site is about 150 – 200 yards distance from the temporary storage site and the dredged material will most likely be pumped to the temporary storage site. The lease for obtaining the river site is still under negotiation. It is hoped that the County Manager will approve a lease agreement soon. Once the County has the land package together, this information can then be formally relayed to the Army Corps and the Corps can then complete the application for the Water Quality Certification to the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection (FDEP). It is hoped that 6 months from now FDEP will approve the water quality certification and actual dredging can occur in 9-12 months from now.
Phil Everingham stated that the Tax Increment Financing Investigation Committee would be meeting in the near future. David Miller reported that a meeting is set for December 1, 2000 at 10 am at the Rosenstiel School.

PUBLIC SAFETY - Cdr Mike Miles, US Coast Guard, stated that the Public Safety Group had their meeting on October 24^th. The Public Safety Working Group convened and there were no new attendees. The attendees from the Enforcement Group remained for the Public Safety meeting. By agreement, they adopted the reports from the Enforcement Group meeting into the Public Safety Working Group proceeding. There was a proposal placed before the Public Safety Working Group that they not meet again as a Group until the issue of consolidation of the Public Safety Working Group and the Miami River QAT can be resolved. Everyone agreed to that. There was no vote taken.
Gary Winston provided a letter recommending the Public Safety Group merge into the Miami River Quality Action Team. Gary said the proposal is very simple and the new combined group will be called the Miami River Quality Action Team. The rationale for this merger is that it will reduce duplication of effort and insure the best allocation of scarce resources. Gary Winston made the motion to merge the two groups, which was seconded by Janet McAliley. After discussion, it was not clear if the members of the Miami River Quality Action Team have fully discussed this issue. Cdr. Miles stated that the Quality Action Team meets in a couple weeks and will formally address the issue. Based on the above, the motion was tabled until a future date.

Quality of Life - Mr. James Murley stated that the City of Miami Commissioners passed a land use change for a property at 1951 NW South River Drive from “marine industrial” to “residential high density”. The City Commissioners passed the resolution by a 4 to 1 vote and this was after hearing the recommendation of the MRC, which was to to not change the land use designation until completion of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Mr. Murley stated it is all about communication and getting involved early in the planning process. With reference to the grant application to the state for funding an urban infill plan, Jim stated there is a meeting in Tallahassee next week and we should hear soon about the urban infill grant application. On November 15^th there is a workshop regarding the Flagler Street Bridge. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for repairs. Mr. Murley will have a meeting on November 29 to take up the infill plan and the design center grant.

Greenways - Ernie Martin advised the MRC that Chuck Flink was in town and conducting some public hearings concerning the greenway plan. Ernie stated that Chuck did not receive any comments from the MRC and is proceeding forward with the plan as described at our last MRC meeting.

Stormwater - David Miller said they are still working on the Upper Wagner Creek Water Quality report. A draft has gone through committee and more information has been requested from the different agencies. The report is progressing forward.

Economic Impact Study - David Miller reported that they are continuing work on the Economic Impact Study. They have additional information that is being incorporated into the draft report. It is hoped the Study will be completed by the December meeting.

Grant Investigation/Review Committee - Ernie Martin stated that they are monitoring 28 different grants. They have applied for 8 grants and received 7. The application for Federal 319 program was rejected. This grant was for stormwater improvement and the applicant was the City of Miami. The City has not been successful in getting that source of funding into their work program. There are 4 grants currently pending, three for the Greenway and one for the Urban Infill Plan. They have identified five opportunities that will occur in the next month. The Trust for Public Land is an applicant on some of the grants and one was awarded from the Knight Foundation for $50,000 for the Urban Design Center planning and to continue the Greenway planning. Ernie advised that many grants require the applicant to be a municipality and in that case the MRC assists the municipality. Some grants are available to non-profit organizations and in those cases the MRC can apply directly. Dusty Melton suggested that when the MRC applies for a grant the information about the grant and specifically who makes the decision for grant approval be forwarded to all MRC members.
David Miller advised that the MRC receives operational funding through a formal agreement with FDEP and the project officer for FDEP is Mr. Mike Self. Mike advised David that the City of Miami has several grants for improving the riverfront near Lummus Park that total about half a million dollars. Mike warned David that one of the City grants for riverfront improvement has been dormant for some time and the Governor made a decision that all funds that have not been used in the last two years must be returned to the State. Apparently, due to the lack of action by the City of Miami, the City will lose $180,000 for riverfront improvement. This loss of funds to improve the River is something that the MRC should make sure does not happen again and encourage the City and whatever Department that manages that grant to take prompt action. There is a possibility that the City may lose the remaining $300,000 for riverfront improvements near Lummus Park.


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: 305-361-4711 e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu	MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION GENERAL COMMITTEE MINUTES: Minutes of meeting	MONDAY, NOV. 6, 2000 12:00 NOON (THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)
	Phil Everingham, Vice Chairperson, called the Miami River Commission meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2000, at the Downtown Development Authority, First Union National Bank Building, Suite 1818, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.
	Miami River Commission Policy Committee members and/or Designees attending were:
	Phil Everingham, Vice Chairperson, Chair of the Marine Council Jim Murley, Governor of the State of Florida, Designee Sandy O'Neil, Mayor Miami-Dade County, Designee Ernie Martin, Neighborhood Rep. appointed by City of Miami Commission Janet McAliley, Rep. of Civic or Environmental Org., appointed by the Governor Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro, Miami Dade County Commissioner Alfredo Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Designee Richard Bunnell, Chair of MRMG, Designee Sallye Jude, Neighborhood Rep., appointed by the Miami-Dade Commission Jerry Fernandez, Chair of the Governing Board of SFWMD, Designee Gary Winston, Miami-Dade State Attorney, Designee Tom Parker, Member at Large, appointed by Miami-Dade Commission, Designee Eileen Damaso, City of Miami Commissioner, Designee Cleve Jones, III, Member at Large, appointed by City of Miami Commission Christina Bahamoude, Mayor City of Miami, Designee Frank López, Executive Director Downtown Development Authority, Designee Ex Officio (non-voting) members: Cdr. Mike Miles, USCG, MSO Miami Miami River Commission Staff: David Miller, Managing Director, Brett Bibeau, Assistant Managing Director Others attending interested in the River: Carlos Espinosa, Miami-Dade DERM Lavinia Freeman, TPL Jacque Huttoe, Arvida Realty Fran Bohnsack, MRMG Dusty Melton
I. CHAIRS REPORT	Approval of Minutes
	Phil Everingham opened the meeting and stated that a quorum is present. Mr. Everingham asked for the approval of the minutes of the October meeting. Sandy O’Neil moved approval, which was seconded by Gary Winston. There being no objection, the October minutes were approved.
CHAIRS REMARKS	Mr. Everingham gave an update on the letter to the State Ethics Commission. He said that Mr. Parks is in the process of getting input from several different sources on the content of the letter to ensure the subject is covered properly and the questions are properly articulated. The letter has not been sent at this time and the issue still pends.
II. Downtown Transportation Issues	Introduction of Mr. Dusty Melton - Jose Padilla, Chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Downtown Transportation Committee is out of town and his presentation will be placed on next month’s agenda. Mr. Everingham introduced Dusty Melton, who has volunteered to be a pro bono political advisor for the Miami River Commission (MRC) with regards to the county and city. Dusty advised the MRC about his qualifications and his background. Next, he gave a presentation concerning his recommendations concerning MRC activities and opportunities to improve local politicians understanding of the Miami River and the various improvement programs initiated by the MRC. Dusty feels that it is important for the MRC to identify and start cultivating political resources. Mr. Melton went over the available resources and the less obvious resources. He felt that all political members must know what the MRC needs and that the MRC’s goals be established in a simple, understandable format and in writing. Mr. Melton suggested that all the MRC members need to do a little better job of looking for opportunities to make the MRC’s agenda part of the political dialogue. Mr. Melton is happy to be a part of the MRC and working with everyone. The MRC members applauded Dusty’s presentation and welcomed him as part of the MRC team. Discussion was held regarding Mr. Melton’s comments. Mr. Bunnell said that the MRC might need to dovetail, as Mr. Melton said, the help that he can give the MRC in Miami with perhaps someone in Tallahassee. It was mentioned that the calendar for the Dade Delegation meetings in Miami should be out soon and everyone should be in attendance or a representative to discuss the issues of the MRC. Sandy O’Neil stated that November 21^st everyone is going to be sworn in and will start their committee meetings. Mr. Bunnell stated that he feels the MRC needs a lobbyist in Tallahassee. Mr. Miller reminded everyone to keep the MRC staff advised of the various issues and meetings, so there will be no confusion and everyone is working together.
III. RIVER REAL ESTATE OVERVIEW	Phil Everingham stated that there is a lot of real estate activity going on up and down the River. He introduced Jackie Huttoe and Ed Boen from Arvida Realty Services. Ed Boen started the presentation and stated that Arvida has been active in real estate for over 20 years. A handout was provided that included properties for sale and recently sold in the Miami River corridor. On the south side of the river there is a lot of land accumulation occurring and many real estate deals pending. Ed then introduced Jackie Huttoe, also from Arvida. Jackie provided more detailed information about each property listed in the handout and some general information about the projects planned for the downtown area of the river. All of the currently planned downtown developments along the River are mixed use, with retail on the lower floors and offices and apartments on the upper floors. Ernie Martin gave some background on the incentives that are available for development along the River. Three of the properties listed by Jackie have just recently been identified for potential brownfields funding by the City of Miami. They all have some evidence of pollution. The area that the City of Miami is focusing on for the brownfield program is from the mouth of the River up to the Fifth Street Bridge. Discussion took place. Dr. Martin stated that some areas are within the Empowerment Zone and private financing can be made available at more attractive rates to encourage redevelopment. Discussion ensued. Jackie felt that if the baseball stadium were built on the river site near the metro rail, this would be a tremendous boon for the river and the surrounding areas. The development of the vacant property on the north side of the mouth of the river called “Miami One” was discussed. Their plans do not include a 50 feet setback from the water. Mr. Miller stated that he reviewed the current plans on file with the City of Miami and “Miami One” does have a 20-foot right-of-way for the River walk, but the buildings planned locations do not meet the requirement for a 50-foot setback from the riverside bulkhead. The current plans do meet the River walk criteria of a 20-foot River walk and that’s what they show on the plan. Janet McAliley felt the River walk is was very important for the MRC to champion. Miami River Map Project- David Miller stated that MRC staff is in the process of putting together a proposal to put out a new Miami River map. The MRC can place on the map whatever the MRC wants to highlight such as historical locations, greenway, parks, etc. Also, there will be room to provide a description of the MRC and pictures and commentary on the greenway, dredging, shipping industry, urban infill initiatives, etc. David solicited input from the members on what they would like to see on the map. Sallye Jude suggested a space to advertise the MRC and allow other people to call and volunteer to help the MRC mission. At the Executive Committee meeting it was discussed that we could sell advertising and use those profits to help pay our Tallahassee lobbyist, as these funds would be unencumbered funds. A motion was made by Sandy O’Neil to approve the MRC producing and printing a Miami River map with MRC information included and selling advertising. Jim Murley seconded. Discussion ensued. Phil Everingham discussed other options that were discussed by the Executive Committee to raise funds and one idea was to send out a solicitation letter. Gary Winston was tasked by the Executive Committee to research the legality of the solicitation letter. Gary Winston stated that there is no statutory prohibition for a group to solicit money. Mr. Miller stated that he felt the MRC has a pending financial obligation to Doug Bruce. Doug understands the financial position of the MRC with regard to funding of a Tallahassee lobbyist and he still wants to continue working with the Commission. Mr. Miller went over what he felt was the MRC’s commitment to Mr. Bruce. Doug was paid $5,000 last year and that was only for the period before the legislative session started. Doug committed to continue working for the MRC after the legislative session started with the hopes that the MRC would eventually obtain unrestricted funds to pay him. No firm obligation was entered and Doug continued his solid work with the end result that $3 million was appropriated for the dredging project, $150,000 for operation of the MRC and the passage of the Miami River Improvement Act. Doug requests $8,000 for his work conducted after the legislative session and to start this year. Phil Everingham stated that the money from the maps should be used for the advertising. Sandy O’Neil amended her motion that the money raised from the sale of advertising for the Miami River map be used to pay Doug Bruce for his work in Tallahassee. The motion was seconded by Jim Murley and passed unanimously.
IV COMMITTEE REPORTS	Dredging Working Group - Dick Bunnell reported that the County Commission approved a resolution authorizing the use of a parcel of land for the dredged sediment temporary storage site. There is a section of the resolution that includes the following condition: “…before the Board of County Commissioners approves a Project Cooperation Agreement it will conduct a Public Hearing at which the Board will plan consider details to be submitted by the County Manager and others pertaining to traffic, odor, a mitigation plan for the neighborhood, employment of community residents, the ultimate location for disposition of project material and other appropriate issues”. This public hearing will take place when the Corps gets all the information from the County and completes the project design. The County also has to obtain property on the river for unloading and transporting the sediments from a barge on the river to the temporary storage site. The river site is about 150 – 200 yards distance from the temporary storage site and the dredged material will most likely be pumped to the temporary storage site. The lease for obtaining the river site is still under negotiation. It is hoped that the County Manager will approve a lease agreement soon. Once the County has the land package together, this information can then be formally relayed to the Army Corps and the Corps can then complete the application for the Water Quality Certification to the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection (FDEP). It is hoped that 6 months from now FDEP will approve the water quality certification and actual dredging can occur in 9-12 months from now. Phil Everingham stated that the Tax Increment Financing Investigation Committee would be meeting in the near future. David Miller reported that a meeting is set for December 1, 2000 at 10 am at the Rosenstiel School. PUBLIC SAFETY - Cdr Mike Miles, US Coast Guard, stated that the Public Safety Group had their meeting on October 24^th. The Public Safety Working Group convened and there were no new attendees. The attendees from the Enforcement Group remained for the Public Safety meeting. By agreement, they adopted the reports from the Enforcement Group meeting into the Public Safety Working Group proceeding. There was a proposal placed before the Public Safety Working Group that they not meet again as a Group until the issue of consolidation of the Public Safety Working Group and the Miami River QAT can be resolved. Everyone agreed to that. There was no vote taken. Gary Winston provided a letter recommending the Public Safety Group merge into the Miami River Quality Action Team. Gary said the proposal is very simple and the new combined group will be called the Miami River Quality Action Team. The rationale for this merger is that it will reduce duplication of effort and insure the best allocation of scarce resources. Gary Winston made the motion to merge the two groups, which was seconded by Janet McAliley. After discussion, it was not clear if the members of the Miami River Quality Action Team have fully discussed this issue. Cdr. Miles stated that the Quality Action Team meets in a couple weeks and will formally address the issue. Based on the above, the motion was tabled until a future date. Quality of Life - Mr. James Murley stated that the City of Miami Commissioners passed a land use change for a property at 1951 NW South River Drive from “marine industrial” to “residential high density”. The City Commissioners passed the resolution by a 4 to 1 vote and this was after hearing the recommendation of the MRC, which was to to not change the land use designation until completion of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan. Mr. Murley stated it is all about communication and getting involved early in the planning process. With reference to the grant application to the state for funding an urban infill plan, Jim stated there is a meeting in Tallahassee next week and we should hear soon about the urban infill grant application. On November 15^th there is a workshop regarding the Flagler Street Bridge. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for repairs. Mr. Murley will have a meeting on November 29 to take up the infill plan and the design center grant. Greenways - Ernie Martin advised the MRC that Chuck Flink was in town and conducting some public hearings concerning the greenway plan. Ernie stated that Chuck did not receive any comments from the MRC and is proceeding forward with the plan as described at our last MRC meeting. Stormwater - David Miller said they are still working on the Upper Wagner Creek Water Quality report. A draft has gone through committee and more information has been requested from the different agencies. The report is progressing forward. Economic Impact Study - David Miller reported that they are continuing work on the Economic Impact Study. They have additional information that is being incorporated into the draft report. It is hoped the Study will be completed by the December meeting. Grant Investigation/Review Committee - Ernie Martin stated that they are monitoring 28 different grants. They have applied for 8 grants and received 7. The application for Federal 319 program was rejected. This grant was for stormwater improvement and the applicant was the City of Miami. The City has not been successful in getting that source of funding into their work program. There are 4 grants currently pending, three for the Greenway and one for the Urban Infill Plan. They have identified five opportunities that will occur in the next month. The Trust for Public Land is an applicant on some of the grants and one was awarded from the Knight Foundation for $50,000 for the Urban Design Center planning and to continue the Greenway planning. Ernie advised that many grants require the applicant to be a municipality and in that case the MRC assists the municipality. Some grants are available to non-profit organizations and in those cases the MRC can apply directly. Dusty Melton suggested that when the MRC applies for a grant the information about the grant and specifically who makes the decision for grant approval be forwarded to all MRC members. David Miller advised that the MRC receives operational funding through a formal agreement with FDEP and the project officer for FDEP is Mr. Mike Self. Mike advised David that the City of Miami has several grants for improving the riverfront near Lummus Park that total about half a million dollars. Mike warned David that one of the City grants for riverfront improvement has been dormant for some time and the Governor made a decision that all funds that have not been used in the last two years must be returned to the State. Apparently, due to the lack of action by the City of Miami, the City will lose $180,000 for riverfront improvement. This loss of funds to improve the River is something that the MRC should make sure does not happen again and encourage the City and whatever Department that manages that grant to take prompt action. There is a possibility that the City may lose the remaining $300,000 for riverfront improvements near Lummus Park.
V. NEW BUSINESS	Dusty Melton advised the MRC that the people who “wrote the book” on waterfront development are reviewing design criteria for Bicentennial Park. Commissioner Winton is conducting hearings on Bicentennial Park development and this may be something that MRC members should attend. These waterfront development experts will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 13^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is an official public hearing to hear their presentation and ask questions and importantly, get their thoughts on waterfront development in Miami.
	There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. _______________________________Recording Secretary
IV. Adjournment
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