I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates

Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed the City’s following updated summary:

$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – February 7, 2012

1) B-30651

Geographic Area: City amended the Miami River Greenway area for these Congressional appropriations from NW 5 ST to:

A. Lummus Park - enhancing the existing on-road greenway on North River Drive and installing benches, trash receptacles, trees, signage, etc.

B. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue

C. South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 7 St.
BCC firm is in charge of sections A and C

D. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2011. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.

Awarded Grant Funding Available: $2.6 million, FY ‘11-’12 - July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012; (Areas A, B &C) $1,076,000 million additional for Area D
Design Status: (Area’s a & C) City contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11 and 90% complete was submitted July 7, 2011 to FDOT for LAP
Area B – City signed work order in June 2011 for A & P to design – NTP 7/11 – estimate 60% complete in early September 2011
Area D – City issued PO to Milian, Swain – Surveyed March 2011, complete design Fall 2011
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids (estimated November 15, 2011)
Needed Action Items:

1. 90% design submitted to FDOT for LAP (A&C) in July, 2011
2. Contracted firm designs “B” (estimate 60% complete early September 2011) (Rodriguez to provide MRC)
3. FDOT execute LAP (in process, city submitted to FDOT in July 2011 and answering questions by 1/18/12)
4. Advertise for construction bids estimated February 1, 2012 (all four sections)
5. Execute construction contracts (estimated May 1, 2012 for all four sections A-D)
6. Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated June 1, 2012 - all four sections A-D) *MDC seeking new sanitary sewer line installations?? City indicated MDC not ready due to insufficient funding?? (Rodriguez to Confirm)
7. Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated June 1, 2012 – April 2013 - all four sections A-D)*or 8/15/12 – 6/15/13*MDC seeking new sanitary sewer line installations?? – City indicated MDC not ready due to insufficient funding??

2) B-40686

Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City request for a one year extension)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: construction contract executed - LAP executed 10/8/10
Needed Action Items:

1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – May 30, 2012

3) B-30336

Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012
Design Status: City’s contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee on 3/9/11. Wider (closer to standard) Greenway included in 100% construction engineering documents, was submitted to FDOT to execute the LAP agreement, which is expected to be executed by 9/15/11
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) Worked with Fire Department and avoided substandard / narrow Greenway
2) Finish design (90% complete submitted to FDOT for LAP on 6/24/11
3) FDOT execute LAP (estimated December 15, 2011 and answered questions 1/18/12)
4) Advertise for construction bids (estimated March 15, 2012)
5) Execute construction contract (estimated May 15, 2012)
8) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated June 15, 2012) impossible for NTP date 2/15/12 to be before contract date 4/15/12 ?? *MDC seeking 6 month delay for new sanitary sewer line installations, if granted becomes August 15, 2012 ?? *MDC seeking 6 month delay for new sanitary sewer line installations – City indicated MDC not ready due to insufficient funding??
9) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated July 15, 2012 – May 2013) ?? *MDC seeking new sanitary sewer line installations?? - City indicated MDC not ready due to insufficient funding??

4) B-30130

Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Design Status: 100% complete and submitted to FDOT in December 2010 (provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11)
Construction Status: FDOT executed LAP, therefore City needs to advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) Advertise for construction bids (estimated early July 2011, with bids due 8/9/11)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated January 18, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 2012 – November 2012)

5) B-40643A

Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 2nd extended “Substantial completion” date February 31, 2012, followed by final punch list, stripping and 100% complete by March 28, 2012
Needed Action Items: 1) FINISH - Extended three months now estimated completion March 28, 2012

6) B-30631

Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Need to commence design
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved); City initiated the LAP agreement process with FDOT in late December 2010
Needed Action Items:

1. Attempt to get permission for this section to be a riverwalk along the shoreline, rather than an on-road Greenway along SE 5 ST by June 2011, because design starts July 2011
2. Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design estimate starts Jan. 2012 - complete end of 2012 at the latest
3. Hire company to construct this funded section of the riverwalk construction – construction funding available 7/1/13 and design funding available 7/1/11
4. Construct this section of the riverwalk; City estimates construction will commence in 2013

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau and Ms Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following updates regarding the 6 fully designed and funded County owned sections of the public riverwalk:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue) Ms. Moorey noted paperwork between Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is still ongoing – FDOT submitted deeds to Tallahassee - estimated completion 2/28/12

• Ms. Moorey reported the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a related conveyance agenda item

Permit(s) Update for Site 1:

•  DERM permits– fully executed
•  FDEP permits– fully executed
•  City permits - After the County receives FDOT paperwork (estimated 2/28/12), will submit City permit application
•  Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – No ACOE permit needed for this site

Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover) – Ms Moorey stated MDC lost the $130,000 FIND grant previously awarded to MDC, because the project was yet to permitted.
Permit(s) Update for Site 2:

•  FDEP permits – fully executed
•  DERM permits – fully executed
•  City permits – Approved and contractor will pull
•  Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011, and most recent round of additional information submitted early February 2012 - MDC estimates executed permits maybe by the end of April 2012

Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge)
Permit(s) Update for Site 3:

•  DERM permits– fully executed
•  FDEP permits– fully executed
•  City permits - After the County finalizes FDOT paperwork (estimated 2/28/12), will submit City permit application (with completed boundary survey)
•  Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – N/A

Site 4 (North Shore Metro-Rail)

• Ms Moorey stated per the BCC adopted resolution, the County was in the process of accepting the donated small portions of private riverfront property needed to construct the designed public riverwalk
• Ms. Moorey noted the County is having complications with submerged lands on this property and is therefore preparing an item to present to the BCC for approval (estimated subcommittee in January or February 2012) which would allow the County to build a seawall within the submerged land. Once the resolution is adopted, it will be sent to FDEP for approval (and an FDEP permit will subsequently be issued)
• Mr. Bibeau noted Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) is asking Keyes to repair the previous “M Path” (pedestrian / bicycle pathway) which they damaged / removed while using this area for staging while constructing their adjacent developments (Ivy and Mint) to connect Miami-Dade Public Works’ planned riverwalk beneath Metro Rail’s North Shore to the adjacent Southwest Third Street. Mr. Bibeau explained MDT had located documents (i.e. aerial pictures) depicting the former existence of the M-Path columns and guideway, which were removed by the adjacent developers during construction of the Mint and Ivy; Ms. Moorey stated she had met with MDT and Ms. Garcia-Toledo, whom had indicated she would contact the property owner to address this issue but has yet to do so; Mr. Bibeau suggested bringing up this topic during the county’s next meeting with Ms. Garcia-Toledo and recommended inviting MDT and property owners
• Site 4’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and 2 are owned by Keyes
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item (estimated July 2011?) directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Keyes riverfront land slivers to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new seawall

Permit(s) Update for Site 4:

• DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012)
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and estimates executed permits no later than end of April 2012
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 5 (South Shore Metro-Rail South)

• Site 5’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and the others are owned by Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp.
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp. riverfront land sliver to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new needed seawall. Neo Vertika Attorney stated he had provided some paperwork as requested by the County, and was awaiting receipt of the contact from MDC.

Permit(s) Update for Site 5:

• DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012)
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and estimates executed permits no later than end of April 2012
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)

• MDC finished $79,000 Phase I - drainage improvements

Permit(s) Update for Site 6:

• FDEP permits – fully executed
• DERM permits – fully executed
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and estimates executed permits end of April 2012
• City of Miami Permits – Fully approved and to be pulled by contractor
• Ms Moorey stated as requested by the BCC, MDC PW will present their Miami River Greenway construction timeline, through completion, starting with a BCC subcommittee in February. Ms Moorey stated they estimate that the best case scenario / goal is to advertise for construction bids in on sites 1,2,3 & 6 in June 2012.

Ms Moorey stated the grant application for a $1 million federal cost share for the public Miami River Greenway’s South shore, from NW 12 Ave to west of I-836, is a finalist, and therefore remains under consideration for potential funding. Ms Moorey stated MDC is submitting a $500,000 FIND grant application for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6.

III. Private Sector Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr Bibeau indicated he is awaiting the City’s update on implementing their following, “Action Plan - 10/11/11”:
“On August 9-10, the City of Miami Planning Director Garcia, Zoning Administrator Barnaby Min, Public Works Director Zerry, Len Helmers, City Public Works, Code Enforcement Officers, Assistant Building Director Vanessa Acosta, Building Director Mariano Fernandez, MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre, City Bike Coordinator Collin Worth, Department of Capital Improvement Projects, MRC staff and Waterfront Advisory Board Chairman Pruitt inspected the following 10 sites, which were identified with public Riverwalks constructed and or operating inconsistent with City of Miami approvals:

1. Epic: remove obstruction (vacant temporary sales center building), and construct the public riverwalk on the Epic Phase II site – Status: City of Miami 10/13/09 Memo states, “Pursuant to Section 1706, Zoning Ordinance 11000, it is hereby directed that this memorandum modifies the development order for the Dupont (n/k/a Epic) Major Use Special Permit, by approving the final extension of time for the temporary Sale Center and /or construction office until January 2012. The temporary Sale center and / or construction office shall be demolished in accordance with final date of extension time.” Director Garcia stated Epic requested another time extension for required demolition, which City Legal is researching if legally he should consider.
   
2. One Riverview Square: install benches in public riverwalk per City approved plans
   
3. Riverfront East: construct public riverwalk, address code violations on seawall, and address / remove gates which block easy public access – City of Miami’s “Riverfront East Substantial Modification to a Major Use Special Permit Development Order” states, “Re-think the gating of the entrances to some other means of providing security that is not a gated security area…..If the project is to be developed in phases, the applicant shall submit an interim plan, including a landscape plan, which addresses design details for the land occupying future phases of this Project in the event that the future Phases are not developed, said plan shall include a proposed timetable and shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning and Zoning”
   
4. Riverfront West: complete construction of riverwalk; coordinate connection with Miami-Dade County Riverwalk – City of Miami adopted new ordinance in June / July which now allows this riverfront area to receive a riverwalk building permit despite being too small for platting. Owners indicated now that it is therefore feasible, they are willing to submit a permit application and construct the remaining designed seawall and public riverwalk on their needed 2 small riverfront slivers. In addition, Miami-Dade County Commission recently unanimously approved a “Resolution directing the Mayor to engage in negotiations with the owners of four properties located along the Miami River in connection with the Miami River Greenways Project in order to obtain dedications of portions of such properties necessary to provide a continuous linear construction of the seawall and the riverwalk.” The western terminus of the “Riverfront West” riverwalk includes two of the referenced sites.
5. Brickell on the River: create connector pathway on the east side of the property (between the sidewalk and riverwalk); Despite City having been alerted of Brickell on the River’s intentions to install a fence on this side, eliminating public access, the new fence was installed, inconsistent with the City’s original MUSP approval and intent.
6. Day Care: provide waterfront setback and public access, as required by the City of Miami Charter and Class II Special Permit
7. Neo Vertika: nothing much can be done to correct already constructed 8’-3’ wide riverwalk (though the City approved MUSP originally depicted a 25’-16’ wide unobstructed path); address seawall code violations; improvements are needed to connect this public riverwalk section with the M-Path to the east and the public riverwalk at Latitude on the River to the west (these developments should partner to make this connector 16 feet wide, as opposed to the current 3 feet) – Neo Vertika recently distributed a document dated May 12, 2011, entitled, “Neo Vertika Seawall Repair Protocol” prepared by EC Consulting Partnership, which appears to be a design and invitation for construction bids. Miami-Dade County Commission recently unanimously approved a “Resolution directing the Mayor to engage in negotiations with the owners of four properties located along the Miami River in connection with the Miami River Greenways Project in order to obtain dedications of portions of such properties necessary to provide a continuous linear construction of the seawall and the riverwalk.” The eastern terminus of the Neo Vertika Riverwalk and missing seawall is one of the referenced sites, and the Neo Vertika Condominium Association Attorney has expressed in writing and meetings their desire to donate that problematic small riverfront sliver to the County, so that the County may construct their already designed seawall and riverwalk using MDC construction funds from the “Miami River Greenway” line item in the MDC 2003 General Obligation Bond Issue. Willing to cost share wider connection to Latitude.
8. Latitude on the River: Owner met with Miami-Dade County to coordinate construction of their respective connecting riverwalk section: Latitude Owner placed a $75,000 bond to correct the faulty connections between Latitude’s public riverwalk and the Neo Vertika’s public riverwalk to the east and the County owned riverwalk beneath their 2nd Ave Bridge to the west. Plans provided 10/12/11 - wants 1 mob.
9. Terrazas River Park Village: Property Manager emailed permission for the City to install a gate in the Sewell Park fence, to be opened and closed during park hours, which will provide public access from Sewell Park into Terrazas’ completed Riverwalk and restaurant spaces. Director Garcia stated City issuing PO
10. River Oaks Marina & Condominium: During the August 10 inspection, several representatives from River Oaks Marina and Condominium stated they will complete construction of their publicly accessible riverwalk prior to receiving their final CO in the near future.

All ten of the aforementioned projects also still need to comply with former Zoning Code 11,000, which had Miami Riverwalk Design Standards and Guidelines, including requiring the installation of signage indicating a “public riverwalk”, which still need to be installed, as required by the City, at all of the aforementioned 10 public riverwalk sections.”

IV. New Business -
The GSC confirmed the next regularly scheduled, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST, public meeting for March 14, 2012.

The meeting adjourned.

I.  Miami River Greenway Governance –The GSC tha

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed the City’s following updated summary:

$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami
to construct the Miami River Greenway – February 29, 2012

1) B-30651

Geographic Area: City amended the Miami River Greenway area for these Congressional appropriations from NW 5 ST to:
A. Lummus Park - enhancing the existing on-road greenway on North River Drive and installing benches, trash receptacles, trees, signage, etc.
B. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
C. South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 7 ST
* BCC firm is in charge of sections A and C
D. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2011. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.

Awarded Grant Funding Available: $2.6 million, FY ‘11-’12 - July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012; (City need’s time extension) (Areas A, B &C) $1,076,000 million additional for Area D
Design Status: (Area’s a & C) City contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11 and 90% complete was submitted July 7, 2011 to FDOT for LAP
Area B – City signed work order in June 2011 for A & P to design – NTP 7/11 – estimate 60% complete in early September 2011
Area D – City issued PO to Milian, Swain – Surveyed March 2011, complete design Fall 2011
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids (estimated November 15, 2011)
Needed Action Items:

1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12 (90% design submitted to FDOT for LAP (A&C) in July, 2011)
2) Contracted firm designs “B” (estimate 60% complete early September 2011) (Rodriguez to provide MRC)3) Advertise for construction bids estimated March 19, 2012 (all four sections)
4) Execute construction contracts (estimated June 15, 2012 for all four sections A-D)
5) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated July 15, 2012 - all four sections A-D)
6) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated July 15, 2012 – May 2013 - all four sections A-D)

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City request for a one year extension to June 30, 2012, one month after scheduled completion, which might be in jeopardy of being late because the contracted 10 month construction period started significantly late, months after NTP was issued starting the contract’s 10 month construction period etc.)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – May 30, 2012 substantial completion and June 30, 2012 Final Completion

3) B-30336
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (City need’s time extension)
Design Status: City’s contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee on 3/9/11. Wider (closer to standard) Greenway included in 100% construction engineering documents, was submitted to FDOT to execute the LAP agreement, which is expected to be executed by 9/15/11
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertise for construction bids (estimated March 19, 2012)
3) Execute construction contract (estimated June 15, 2012)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated July 15, 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated July 15, 2012 – May 2013) *MDC installing new water lines

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Design Status: 100% complete and submitted to FDOT in December 2010 (provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11)
Construction Status: FDOT executed LAP, therefore City needs to advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) Advertise for construction bids (estimated early July 2011, with bids due 8/9/11)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – November 17, 2012)

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: · Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 2nd extended “Substantial completion” date February 29, 2012, followed by final punch list, stripping and 100% complete by March 28, 2012
Needed Action Items:

1) FINISH - Extended three months, now estimated final completion March 28, 2012
2) City issued liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date
3) Completion Committee being formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Need to commence design
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved); City initiated the LAP agreement process with FDOT in late December 2010
Needed Action Items:

1. Attempt to get permission for this section to be a riverwalk along the shoreline, rather than an on-road Greenway along SE 5 ST by June 2011, because design starts July 2011
2. Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion)

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau and Ms Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following updates regarding the 6 fully designed and funded County owned sections of the public riverwalk:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)

• Ms. Moorey noted paperwork between Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is still ongoing – FDOT is recording deeds - estimated completion end of March 2012
• Ms. Moorey reported the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a related conveyance agenda item

Permit(s) Update for Site 1:

• DERM permits– fully executed
• FDEP permits– fully executed
• City permits - After the County receives FDOT paperwork (estimated end of March 2012), will submit City permit application
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – No ACOE permit needed for this site

Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover) Permit(s) Update for Site 2:

• FDEP permits – fully executed
• DERM permits – fully executed
• City permits – Approved and contractor will pull
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011, and most recent round of additional information submitted early February 2012 - MDC estimates executed permits maybe by the end of April 2012
• Temporary construction easement for staging - being worked on and prepared

Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge) Permit(s) Update for Site 3:

• DERM permits– changes made to plans so previously permitted plans resubmitted to PERA, estimate execution April 15, 2012
• FDEP permits– fully executed
• City permits - After the County finalizes FDOT paperwork (estimated end of March 2012), will submit City permit application (with completed boundary survey)
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – N/A

Site 4 (North Shore Metro-Rail)

• Ms Moorey stated per the BCC adopted resolution, the County was in the process of accepting the donated small portions of private riverfront property needed to construct the designed public riverwalk
• Ms. Moorey noted the County is having complications with submerged lands on this property and is therefore preparing an item to present to the BCC for approval (estimated subcommittee in January or February 2012) which would allow the County to build a seawall within the submerged land. Once the resolution is adopted, it will be sent to FDEP for approval (and an FDEP permit will subsequently be issued)
• Mr. Bibeau noted Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) is asking Keyes to repair the previous “M Path” (pedestrian / bicycle pathway) which they damaged / removed while using this area for staging while constructing their adjacent developments (Ivy and Mint) to connect Miami-Dade Public Works’ planned riverwalk beneath Metro Rail’s North Shore to the adjacent Southwest Third Street. Mr. Bibeau explained MDT had located documents (i.e. aerial pictures) depicting the former existence of the M-Path columns and guideway, which were removed by the adjacent developers during construction of the Mint and Ivy; Ms. Moorey stated she had met with MDT and Ms. Garcia-Toledo, whom had indicated she would contact the property owner to address this issue but has yet to do so; Mr. Bibeau suggested bringing up this topic during the county’s next meeting with Ms. Garcia-Toledo and recommended inviting MDT and property owners
• Site 4’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and 2 are owned by Keyes
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item (estimated July 2011?) directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Keyes riverfront land slivers to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new seawall

Permit(s) Update for Site 4:

• DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012). Ms. Moorey stated MDC Public Works Department, Right of Way Division, has been trying to contact Mr. Ardid, owner of 2 of the aforementioned parcels, yet he has been unresponsive. Mr. Bibeau stated he previously emailed the name and contact info to the County for the new owners of the sites, whom told him the site still wanted to donate the 2 small riverfront portions of land needed for the County to construct the 100% designed and funded publicly accessible riverwalk at “Site 4”. MS Moorey offered to schedule a meeting with the MRC, Right of Way Division, and herself.
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and estimates executed permits no later than end of April 2012
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 5 (South Shore Metro-Rail South)

• Site 5’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and the others are owned by Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp.
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp. riverfront land sliver to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new needed seawall. Neo Vertika Attorney stated he had provided some paperwork as requested by the County, and was awaiting receipt of the contact from MDC.

Permit(s) Update for Site 5:

• DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012)
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012 - MS Moorey offered to schedule a meeting with the MRC, Right of Way Division, and herself) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and late February 2012, estimates executed permits no later than end of April 2012
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)
MDC finished $79,000 Phase I - drainage improvements

Permit(s) Update for Site 6:

• FDEP permits – fully executed
• DERM permits – fully executed
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – fully executed
• City of Miami Permits – Fully approved and to be pulled by contractor
• Temporary construction easement at Lummus Park – working on it and estimated May 2012

Ms. Moorey stated they estimate to advertise for construction bids in on sites 1,2,3 & 6 in July 2012, and estimates on sites 5-6 land transfer in June followed by permits in December.

Ms. Moorey stated MDC will resubmit their grant application for a $1 million federal cost share for the public Miami River Greenway’s South shore, from NW 12 Ave to west of I-836. Ms Moorey stated MDC is submitting a $500,000 FIND grant application for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6.

III. Private Sector Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr Bibeau indicated he is awaiting the City’s update on implementing their following, “Action Plan - 10/11/11”:
“On August 9-10, the City of Miami Planning Director Garcia, Zoning Administrator Barnaby Min, Public Works Director Zerry, Len Helmers, City Public Works, Code Enforcement Officers, Assistant Building Director Vanessa Acosta, Building Director Mariano Fernandez, MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre, City Bike Coordinator Collin Worth, Department of Capital Improvement Projects, MRC staff and Waterfront Advisory Board Chairman Pruitt inspected the following 10 sites, which were identified with public Riverwalks constructed and or operating inconsistent with City of Miami approvals:

1) Epic: remove obstruction (vacant temporary sales center building), and construct the public riverwalk on the Epic Phase II site – Status: City of Miami 10/13/09 Memo states, “Pursuant to Section 1706, Zoning Ordinance 11000, it is hereby directed that this memorandum modifies the development order for the Dupont (n/k/a Epic) Major Use Special Permit, by approving the final extension of time for the temporary Sale Center and /or construction office until January 2012. The temporary Sale center and / or construction office shall be demolished in accordance with final date of extension time.” In March MRC passed resolution supporting City memo’s demolition deadline of January 2012, and will send letter.

2) One Riverview Square: install benches in public riverwalk per City approved plans

3) Riverfront East: construct public riverwalk, address code violations on seawall, and address / remove gates which block easy public access – City of Miami’s “Riverfront East Substantial Modification to a Major Use Special Permit Development Order” states, “Re-think the gating of the entrances to some other means of providing security that is not a gated security area…..If the project is to be developed in phases, the applicant shall submit an interim plan, including a landscape plan, which addresses design details for the land occupying future phases of this Project in the event that the future Phases are not developed, said plan shall include a proposed timetable and shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning and Zoning”

4) Riverfront West: complete construction of riverwalk; coordinate connection with Miami-Dade County Riverwalk – City of Miami adopted new ordinance in June / July which now allows this riverfront area to receive a riverwalk building permit despite being too small for platting. Owners indicated now that it is therefore feasible, they are willing to submit a permit application and construct the remaining designed seawall and public riverwalk on their needed 2 small riverfront slivers. In addition, Miami-Dade County Commission recently unanimously approved a “Resolution directing the Mayor to engage in negotiations with the owners of four properties located along the Miami River in connection with the Miami River Greenways Project in order to obtain dedications of portions of such properties necessary to provide a continuous linear construction of the seawall and the riverwalk.” The western terminus of the “Riverfront West” riverwalk includes two of the referenced sites.

5) Brickell on the River: create connector pathway on the east side of the property (between the sidewalk and riverwalk); Despite City having been alerted of Brickell on the River’s intentions to install a fence on this side, eliminating public access, the new fence was installed, inconsistent with the City’s original MUSP approval and intent.

6) Day Care: provide waterfront setback and public access, as required by the City of Miami Charter and Class II Special Permit

7) Neo Vertika: nothing much can be done to correct already constructed 8’-3’ wide riverwalk (though the City approved MUSP originally depicted a 25’-16’ wide unobstructed path); address seawall code violations; improvements are needed to connect this public riverwalk section with the M-Path to the east and the public All ten of the aforementioned projects also still need to comply with former Zoning Code 11,000, which had Miami Riverwalk Design Standards and Guidelines, including requiring the installation of signage indicating a “public riverwalk”, which still need to be installed, as required by the City, at all of the aforementioned 10 public riverwalk sections.”

IV. New Business -
The GSC confirmed the next regularly scheduled, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST, public meeting for April 11, 2012.

The meeting adjourned.

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Jeovanny Rodriguez had called in the following updates to the summary document entitled, “$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – May 1, 2012”

1) B-30651 – Advertised for construction bids April 30, 2012, bids due May 29 – will provide plans – City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June
2) B-40686 – extending estimated substantial completion and final completions another month, to June 30 and July 30 respectively – City requesting another time extension from FDOT in June
3) B-30336 – extending estimated advertisement for construction bids another month to May 25
- Extending estimated execution of construction contract another month to August 25
- Extending estimated issuance of construction Notice to Proceed another month to September 25
- Extending estimated construction commencement another month to September 25
- Extending estimated construction completion another month to July 25, 2013
- City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June
4) B-30130 – remains under construction, maintaining estimated November 17 completion date – City requesting time extension from FDOT in June
5) B-40643-A – 4th extended estimated substantial completion date May 30, 2012, estimated final completion June 14, 2012 with the exception of FPL installing street lights
6) B-30631 - No changes

Therefore the complete updated City / MRC summary document becomes:
$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – May 15, 2012

1) B-30651

Geographic Area: City amended the Miami River Greenway area for these Congressional appropriations from NW 5 ST to:

A. Lummus Park - enhancing the existing on-road greenway on North River Drive and installing benches, trash receptacles, trees, signage, etc.
B. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
C. South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 7 ST
* BCC firm is in charge of sections A and C
D. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2011. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.

Awarded Grant Funding Available: $2.6 million, FY ‘11-’12 - July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012; (City need’s time extension) (Areas A, B &C) $1,076,000 million additional for Area D
Design Status: (Area’s A & C) City contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11 and 90% complete was submitted July 7, 2011 to FDOT for LAP
Area B – City signed work order in June 2011 for A & P to design – NTP 7/11 – estimate 60% complete in early September 2011
Area D – City issued PO to Milian, Swain – Surveyed March 2011, complete design Fall 2011
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids (estimated November 15, 2011)
Needed Action Items:
1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12 (90% design submitted to FDOT for LAP (A&C) in July, 2011)
2) Contracted firm designs “B” (estimate 60% complete early September 2011) (Rodriguez to provide MRC)
3) Advertised for construction bids April 30, 2012 (all four sections) with bids due May 29
4) Execute construction contracts (estimated August 1, 2012 for all four sections A-D)
5) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated July 15, 2012 - all four sections A-D)
6) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated July 15, 2012 – May 2013 - all four sections A-D)
7) City will request time extension from FDOT in June

2) B-40686

Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City request for a one year extension to June 30, 2012, one month after scheduled completion, which might be in jeopardy of being late because the contracted 10 month construction period started significantly late, months after NTP was issued starting the contract’s 10 month construction period etc. therefore 2nd extension required)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:
1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – June 30, 2012 substantial completion and July 30, 2012 Final Completion
4) City will request time extension from FDOT in June

3) B-30336

Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (City need’s time extension)
Design Status: City’s contracted firm commenced design, 90% complete provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee on 3/9/11. Wider (closer to standard) Greenway included in 100% construction engineering documents, was submitted to FDOT to execute the LAP agreement, which is expected to be executed by 9/15/11
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:
1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertise for construction bids (estimated May 25, 2012)
3) Execute construction contract (estimated August 25, 2012)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated September 25, 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated September 25, 2012 – July 25, 2013) *MDC installing new water lines
6) City will request time extension from FDOT in June

4) B-30130

Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Design Status: 100% complete and submitted to FDOT in December 2010 (provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11)
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:
1) Advertised for construction bids (estimated early July 2011, with bids due 8/9/11)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issued construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – November 17, 2012)
6) City will request time extension from FDOT in June

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 4th extended “Substantial completion” date May 30, 2012, followed by final punch list, stripping and 100% complete by June 14, 2012 (with the exception of FPL street light installations)
Needed Action Items:
1) FINISH - Extended three months, now estimated final completion March 28, 2012
2) City issued liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date
3) Completion Committee being formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC

6) B-30631

Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Need to commence design
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved); City initiated the LAP agreement process with FDOT in late December 2010
Needed Action Items:
1) Attempt to get permission for this section to be a riverwalk along the shoreline, rather than an on-road Greenway along SE 5 ST by June 2011, because design starts July 2011
2) Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion)

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau and Ms Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following updates regarding the 6 fully designed and funded County owned sections of the public riverwalk:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)

• Ms. Moorey noted paperwork between Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was completed
• Ms. Moorey reported the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a related conveyance agenda item
• Permit(s) Update for Site 1:
  1. DERM permits– fully executed
  2. FDEP permits– fully executed
  3. City permits - After the County received the FDOT paperwork, submitted “Dry Run” City permit application on May 4, and estimated approval June 4 (contractor to subsequently pull actual final permit)
  4. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – No ACOE permit needed for this site

Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover)

Permit(s) Update for Site 2:

1. FDEP permits – fully executed
2. DERM permits – fully executed
3. City permits – Approved and contractor will pull
4. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – fully executed
5. Temporary construction easement for staging – estimated June 15 if needed

Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge)

Permit(s) Update for Site 3:

1. DERM permits– fully executed
2. FDEP permits– fully executed
3. City permits - After the County received the FDOT paperwork, submitted “Dry Run” City permit application on May 4, and estimated approval June 4 (contractor to subsequently pull actual final permit)
4. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – N/A

Site 4 (North Shore Metro-Rail

• Ms Moorey stated per the BCC adopted resolution, the County was in the process of accepting the donated small portions of private riverfront property needed to construct the designed public riverwalk
• Ms. Moorey noted the County is having complications with submerged lands on this property and is therefore preparing an item to present to the BCC for approval (estimated subcommittee in January or February 2012) which would allow the County to build a seawall within the submerged land. Once the resolution is adopted, it will be sent to FDEP for approval (and an FDEP permit will subsequently be issued)
• Mr. Bibeau noted Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) is asking Keyes to repair the previous “M Path” (pedestrian / bicycle pathway) which they damaged / removed while using this area for staging while constructing their adjacent developments (Ivy and Mint) to connect Miami-Dade Public Works’ planned riverwalk beneath Metro Rail’s North Shore to the adjacent Southwest Third Street. Mr. Bibeau explained MDT had located documents (i.e. aerial pictures) depicting the former existence of the M-Path columns and guideway, which were removed by the adjacent developers during construction of the Mint and Ivy; Ms. Moorey stated she had met with MDT and Ms. Garcia-Toledo, whom had indicated she would contact the property owner to address this issue but has yet to do so; Mr. Bibeau suggested bringing up this topic during the county’s next meeting with Ms. Garcia-Toledo and recommended inviting MDT and property owners
• Site 4’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and 2 are owned by Keyes
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item (estimated July 2011?) directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Keyes riverfront land slivers to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new seawall
• Permit(s) Update for Site 4:
  1. out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012). Ms. Moorey stated MDC Public Works Department, Right of Way Division, has been trying to contact Mr. Ardid, owner of 2 of the aforementioned parcels, yet he has been unresponsive. On May 7 MDC PW had a tele-conference with FDEP which indicated they may not be willing to grant easement until MDC claims ownership of the 2 small parcels.
  2. FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
  3. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and – ACOE provided verbal approval thus far
  4. City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 5 (South Shore Metro-Rail South)

• Site 5’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and the others are owned by Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp.
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp. riverfront land sliver to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new needed seawall. Neo Vertika Attorney stated he had provided some paperwork as requested by the County, and was awaiting receipt of the contact from MDC.

Permit(s) Update for Site 5:

1. DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designed small areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012)
2. FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012 - MS Moorey offered to schedule a meeting with the MRC, Right of Way Division, and herself) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
3. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011, revised plans submitted late February 2012, revised plans submitted May 7 and estimates executed permits end of May 2012
4. City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)

Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)

MDC finished $79,000 Phase I - drainage improvements

Permit(s) Update for Site 6:

1. FDEP permits – fully executed
2. DERM permits – fully executed
3. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – fully executed
4. City of Miami Permits – Fully approved and to be pulled by contractor
5. Temporary construction easement at Lummus Park – working on it and estimated June 15, 2012

Ms. Moorey stated MDC estimates to advertise for construction bids on sites 1,2,3 & 6 on May 17, 2012, with a pre-bid conference June 7 and bids open June 20. MDC estimates sites 4-5 land transfer in June followed by permits in December 2012.

Ms. Moorey stated MDC resubmitted their $500,000 FIND grant application for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6.

Mr. Bibeau stated he met with Ms Petry, Wind Property Manager (immediately west of South Miami Ave bridge Tender house), and the Association President, whom kindly offered to provide South Miami Ave Bridge tenders 2 free valet parking spots since current parking beneath the Bridge is being replaced with the public Riverwalk.

III. Private Sector Riverwalk Construction Updates –
Epic: remove obstruction (vacant temporary sales center building), and construct the public riverwalk on the Epic Phase II site – Status: City of Miami 10/13/09 Memo states, “Pursuant to Section 1706, Zoning Ordinance 11000, it is hereby directed that this memorandum modifies the development order for the Dupont (n/k/a Epic) Major Use Special Permit, by approving the final extension of time for the temporary Sale Center and /or construction office until January 2012. The temporary Sale center and / or construction office shall be demolished in accordance with final date of extension time.” In March MRC passed resolution supporting City memo’s demolition deadline of January 2012, and sent distributed letter. During the May 7 public MRC meeting, Mayor Regalado stated he agreed with the MRC’s recommendation to support the City’s 10/13/09 memo, which required the illegal temporary structure, which blocks the existing public riverwalk from continuing in both directions, to be demolished by January 2012.

IV. New Business –
Director Bibeau thanked all the volunteers whom on Saturday, May 12, planted 167 new plants, painted, picked up weeds and litter along the Miami River Greenway’s south shore from Jose Marti Park to SW 2 Ave Bridge.

Director Bibeau stated the next volunteer Miami River Greenway beautification event is Saturday, June 9, 9-11 along the public Miami River Greenway’s north shore from the “Riverwalk” Metro-Mover station / Fort Dallas Park to the Brickell Bridge.

On May 12, the recently MRC endorsed “Gallery Walk on the River”, featuring artwork coordinated by Nina Torres, held the first monthly event (2nd Saturday of every month) along the public Riverwalk at the Hyatt Regency and James L Knight Convention Center. The June “Gallery Walk on the River” will be held at “Wind” (north shore just west of South Miami Ave Bridge).

The GSC confirmed the next regularly scheduled, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST, public meeting for June 13, 2012.

The meeting adjourned.

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Jeovanny Rodriguez had called in the following updates to the summary document entitled, “$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – June 12, 2012”

1) B-30651
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: FY ’11 – ’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to Contract successful bidder
Needed Action Items:

1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on April 30, 2012, bids due May 29, 2012
3) Execute construction contracts estimated October 1, 2012 (City Commission September 13, Agenda Package August 7)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated November 1, 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated September 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June
7) City will provide plans to MRC

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City request for a one year extension to June 30, 2012, one month after scheduled completion, which maybe in jeopardy of being late because the contracted 10 month construction period started significantly late, months after NTP was issued starting the contract’s 10 month construction period etc. therefore 2nd extension required)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – July 30, 2012 substantial completion and August 30, 2012 Final Completion
4) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June

3) B-30336
Geographic Area:
A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
B) NW North River Drive from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (City need’s time extension)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on June 11, 2012
3) Execute construction contract (estimated October 2012 – City Commission September 13 – Agenda Package August 7)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated October 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated November 2012 – August 2013) *MDC installing new water lines
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (needs time extension)
Design Status: 100% complete and submitted to FDOT in December 2010 (provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11)
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Advertised for construction bids (estimated early July 2011, with bids due 8/9/11)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issued construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – November 17, 2012)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 5th extended 100% complete date June 30, 2012
Needed Action Items:

1) FINISH - Extended six months, now estimated final completion June 30, 2012
2) City issued liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date?
3) Completion Committee formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC – Next Meeting 6/14/12, Greenfield Garden, 6 PM

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Commenced design – estimated design completion February 2013
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved)
Needed Action Items:

1) Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion by June 30, 2014)

7) B-30643
Geographic Area:

A. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
B. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2012. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.

Design Status: 60% complete
Needed Action Items:

1- Advertise Construction RFP (estimated September 2012)
2- Execute Construction Contracts (estimated January 2013)
3- Issue NTP (estimated January 2013)
4- Construction (estimated February – November 2013)

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau and Ms Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following updates regarding the 6 fully designed and funded County owned sections of the public riverwalk:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)

• Ms. Moorey noted paperwork between Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was completed
• Ms. Moorey reported the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a related conveyance agenda item
  Permit(s) Update for Site 1:
• DERM permits– fully executed
• FDEP permits– fully executed
• City permits - After the County received the FDOT paperwork, submitted “Dry Run” City permit application on May 4, which the City approved (contractor to subsequently pull actual final permit
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – No ACOE permit needed for this site
  

Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover) Permit(s) Update for Site 2

• FDEP permits – fully executed
• DERM permits – fully executed
• City permits – Approved and contractor will pull
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – fully execute
  

Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge) Permit(s) Update for Site 3:

• DERM permits– fully executed
• FDEP permits– fully executed
• City permits - After the County received the FDOT paperwork, submitted “Dry Run” City permit application on May 4, which the City approved (contractor to subsequently pull actual final permit)
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – N/A

Site 4 (North Shore Metro-Rail)

• Ms Moorey stated per the BCC adopted resolution, the County was in the process of accepting the donated small portions of private riverfront property needed to construct the designed public riverwalk
• Ms. Moorey noted the County is having complications with submerged lands on this property therefore the BCC approved and item which would allow the County to build a seawall within the submerged land.
• Site 4’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and 2 are owned by Keyes
• The Board of County Commissioners approved an item (estimated July 2011?) directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Keyes riverfront land slivers to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new seawall
  Permit(s) Update for Site 4:
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011 and – ACOE provided verbal approval thus far
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)
  

Site 5 (South Shore Metro-Rail South)
Site 5’s completed construction engineering documents include the three parcels needed for the small planned riverwalk connector between the existing public riverwalks to the east and west. One of the three planned parcels is owned by MDC, and the others are owned by Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp.
The Board of County Commissioners approved an item directing the administration to negotiate the donation of the needed Neo Vertika and Benzol Properties Corp. riverfront land sliver to the County to construct the County’s designed and funded public riverwalk, including a new needed seawall. Neo Vertika Attorney stated he has requested removal of the reverter clause from the contract to transfer the ownership to the County, and the County indicated they will remove the reverter clause after the site seems more likely to be permitted.

Permit(s) Update for Site 5:

• DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall DERM is required to go before BCC for approval for a brand new seawall; issues need to be worked out with FDEP in regards to submerged land; and with needed and designedsmall areas of adjacent private owned sites, which the BCC recently directed the proffered donations be accepted by the County; MDC can’t obtain permits until after ownership is transferred, (estimated June 2012). Currently owned County land approved by BCC in February 2012, and remaining areas will be permitted after ownership transferred (estimated June 2012)
• FDEP – Will issue remaining permit after land ownership transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012 - MS Moorey offered to schedule a meeting with the MRC, Right of Way Division, and herself) - submerged land easement was approved by BCC in February 2012
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – MDC submitted revised plans in June 2011, revised plans submitted late February 2012, revised plans submitted May 7 and estimates executed permits end of May 2012
• City of Miami Permits – MDC will submit permit application after all land ownership is transferred to MDC (estimated June 2012)
  

Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)
MDC finished $79,000 Phase I - drainage improvements

• Permit(s) Update for Site 6:
• FDEP permits – fully executed
• DERM permits – fully executed
• Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits – fully executed
• City of Miami Permits – Fully approved and to be pulled by contractor
• Temporary construction easement at Lummus Park – working on it and estimated June 15, 2012
  

Ms. Moorey stated MDC advertised for construction bids on sites 1,2,3 & 6 on May 17, 2012, with a pre-bid conference June 7, bids open June 2, contract award July 25, pre-construction meeting October 17, construction commencement November 5, construction completion August 2013. Ms. Moorey stated MDC resubmitted their $500,000 FIND grant application for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6, and she will be presenting the application in June.

New Business – Director Bibeau thanked all the volunteers whom on Saturday, June 9, 9-11 AM, painted and removed litter along the Miami River Greenways North shore from Brickell Bridge to the “Riverwalk” metro-mover station. The next monthly volunteer Miami River beautification event is Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9-11 AM, South Shore from Jose Marti Park to NW 1 ST, including plantings, painting, pulling weeds and picking up litter.

The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, here. Therefore our next public meeting is Wednesday, July 11, at 1407 NW 7 ST.
The meeting adjourned.

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Jeovanny Rodriguez had called in the following updates to the summary document entitled,

“$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – September 12, 2012

1) B-30651
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: FY ’11 – ’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to Contract successful bidder
Needed Action Items:

1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on April 30, 2012, bids due May 29, 2012
3) Execute construction contracts estimated October 1, 2012 (City Commission September 13, Agenda Package August 7)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated October 1, 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated November 1, 2012 – August 30, 2013)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June 2012 and 2013
7) City will provide plans to MRC

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City request for a one year extension to June 30, 2012, one month after scheduled completion, which maybe in jeopardy of being late because the contracted 10 month construction period started significantly late, months after NTP was issued starting the contract’s 10 month construction period etc. therefore 2nd extension required)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – July 30, 2012 substantial completion and August 30, 2012 Final Completion
4) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June

3) B-30336
Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (City need’s time extension)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to finish design and then advertise for construction bids
Needed Action Items:

1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on June 11, 2012
3) Execute construction contract (estimated October 2012 – City Commission September 13 – Agenda Package August 7)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated October 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated November 2012 – August 2013) *MDC installing new water lines
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June 2012 and 2013

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (needs time extension)
Design Status: 100% complete and submitted to FDOT in December 2010 (provided to MRC Greenways subcommittee 3/9/11)
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Advertised for construction bids (estimated early July 2011, with bids due 8/9/11)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issued construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – November 17, 2012)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 6th extended 100% complete date September 30, 2012
Needed Action Items:

1) FINISH - Extended six months, now estimated final completion September 30, 2012
2) City may issue liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date
3) Completion Committee formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC – some of remaining items include repairs to Greenfield Garden, removal of old wood utility poles, installation of benches, informational kiosks, decorative trash cans, etc.

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Commenced design – estimated design completion February 2013
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved)
Needed Action Items:

1) Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion by June 30, 2014)

7) B-30643
Geographic Area:
A. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
B. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2012. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.
Design Status: 60% complete
Needed Action Items:

1- Advertise Construction RFP (estimated September 2012)
2- Execute Construction Contracts (estimated January 2013)
3- Issue NTP (estimated January 2013)
4- Construction (estimated February – November 2013)

8) “JOC” with no Federal funds
Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status:
Needed Action Items:

The City of Miami is resubmitting last year’s “Health District Riverwalk” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the north shore from NW 12 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “The District has included the below comments for the enhancement projects that were proposed but not selected in order to increase the likelihood of successful resubmittal in future enhancement cycles. The ‘Health District Riverwalk’ was not recommended for funding due to several Miami River Greenway projects that have prior year commitments which have not been spent or advanced. ” Thankfully 2 of the Miami River Greenway construction contracts are scheduled for City Commission approval on September 13, and construction will commence prior to the application’s November deadline. Therefore that written “comment” in last year’s funding denial has been resolved. In addition, FDOT’s denial letter states part of the subject riverfront is owned by Miami-Dade County, therefore the letter recommended resubmitting the application (in the November cycle) and include “concurrence” from Miami-Dade County. Director Bibeau stated he has reached out to the County seeking this recommended “concurrence” for this already publicly accessible public right-of-way, which he hopes to receive because this County owned shoreline needs stabilization, which this City grant application for Federal funds would pay for if awarded.

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau stated Ms Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following update. Miami Dade County has contracted the construction of the following 100% designed and funded sections of the public Riverwalk, on County owned riverfront sites:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)
Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover)
Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge)
Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)

The pre-construction meeting is October 17, construction commences November 5, construction completion scheduled August 2013.

Ms. Moorey emailed that Miami-Dade County met with FDEP regarding pending permit applications for Sites 5 & 6, located on both shores beneath Metro-Rail. Then on August 24, Miami-Dade County submitted additional written information as requested by FDEP, which is yet to reply. Director Bibeau stated he had forwarded these emails to Spencer Crowley, FIND, and Armando Vilaboy, SFWMD, seeking support for the County’s pending FDEP permit application for the public Miami Riverwalk.

MDC resubmitted their $500,000 FIND grant application for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6, and awards will be announced this month.

Miami-Dade County is resubmitting last year’s “Health District Riverwalk” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the south shore from NW 12 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “Miami River Greenway (at Robert King High Towers) This project was not recommended for funding due to its lack of connectivity with other Greenway projects, as well as the need to obtain permits and possibly an archeological survey.” Thankfully the 2 Miami River Greenway construction contracts scheduled for City Commission approval on September 13, with construction commencing prior to the application’s November deadline, will connect to the geographic area of the subject application. In addition, like all sections of the 5 miles of Miami River Greenway constructed to date, if awarded of course the city would obtain permits and an archeological survey as required by law. Therefore the “explanation” noted in last year’s funding denial has been resolved.

New Business – MRC Greenways subcommittee Chairman Ernie Martin agreed with MRC Urban Infill subcommittee Chairman Jim Murley’s following recommendation as stated in the August 9, 2012 MRC Urban Infill subcommittee’s public meeting minutes, “Attendee’s reviewed the distributed 2nd draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code, “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District”. MRC Managing Director Bibeau stated at the last Palmer Lake Steering Committee meeting, Miami-Dade County staff estimated the distributed draft ordinance will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners this calendar year, first to create the proposed new zoning district. Miami-Dade County Planning staff estimated 2 months later the Board of County Commissioners will consider deleting the existing zoning for every parcel in the Palmer Lake Study Area, and replacing it with this new, proposed zoning district. Later in the Palmer Lake Steering Committee meeting, Miami-Dade County Planning staff stated parcels could opt- out of the new zoning by requesting so in writing, and they would then maintain their existing zoning. Director Bibeau indicated Miami-Dade County Planning staff requested his written comments on the 2nd Draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District” by August 13. UIWG Chairman Murley suggested the MRC recommend approval of the 2nd Draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code, “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District”, subject to the following conditions:

1) Amendments are needed to become consistent with Miami-Dade County’s adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan, the voter approved waterfront building setback, Miami River Greenway Design Standards and Guidelines, and the 5 miles of Miami River Greenway constructed to date. For example:

A. Pg. 9, minimum sidewalk width for the on-road Miami River Greenway portion of the “C-D” Street (along NW South River Drive from Tamiami Canal to NW 25 ST) and along the on-road Miami River Greenway portion of a “B” street (NW 25 ST from NW South River Drive to NW 37 Ave) should become “8 feet wide and mesa beige color”

B. Pg. 10, (1) (d), insert “non-waterfront” in front of “rear setbacks shall be zero”

C. Pg. 13, (4) (b), beginning of 1st sentence insert “Restaurant, entertainment,” and consistent with the route established in Miami-Dade County’s adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan, replace “the Miami River, Tamiami Canal, and or Palmer Lake” with “the route established in the adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan, all parcels and public right of way along NW South River Drive from Tamiami Canal to NW 25 ST, and all parcels and public right of way along NW 25 ST from NW South River Drive to NW 37 Ave,”

D. Pg. 13, (4) (b), replace “waterfront setback of 20 feet” with “waterfront setback of 50 feet unless the parcel is less than 200 feet wide (from shoreline to street property line) then the waterfront building setback becomes 25% of the property width.”

E. Pg. 13, (4) (b), “This setback area shall be furnished with walkways, seating areas…” include / insert “decorative trash cans, way-finding signage as appropriate,”

F. Pg. 13, (4) (b) delete entire sentence which starts with “For properties adjoining Palmer Lake docks or boardwalks…:

G. Provide details of public riverwalk cross-section with unobstructed walkway minimum 16-feet wide, plus additional areas for landscaping zone, benches, lights, etc.

H. provide details of public on-road greenway cross-section, featuring unobstructed 8 foot wide mesa beige sidewalk (on upland side of NW South River Drive), pull in on-street parking on riverside of street, landscaping, benches, decorative lights, decorative trash cans, and way-finding signage.

I. Pg. 16, (6), for on-road Miami River Greenway portion of street types “C-D” (NW South River Dr from Tamiami Canal to NW 25 ST) and the on-road Miami River Greenway portion of street type “B” (NW 25 ST from NW South River Drive to NW 37 Ave) do not allow trees to be in the sidewalk. The sidewalk width should be unobstructed, and the separate landscape area with trees and plants should be located in-between the street and unobstructed sidewalk areas.

J. Create one new street type for “on-road Miami River Greenway”, which would only apply to the route per County’s adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan (NW South River Drive from Tamiami Canal to NW 25 ST, and NW 25 ST from NW South River Drive to NW 37 Ave). The cross section should be consistent with the 5-miles of on-road Miami River Greenway constructed to date within 50 foot wide public right of way), and within this area of on-road Miami River Greenway, where the current public right of way is 70 feet side, use the extra 20 feet of public right of way to maximize the existing on-street parking for businesses operating in these narrow riverfront lots.

2. Pg. 1, (D), replace “The Miami River” with “Navigable Waters”

Director Bibeau thanked all the volunteers whom on Saturday, September 8, 9-11 AM, planted, painted, pulled weeds, removed litter, and spread recycled mulch, along the Miami River Greenway’s South shore, from Jose Marti Park to NW 1 ST. The next monthly volunteer public Miami River Greenway beautification event is Saturday, September 22, 2012, 11-1 PM, North Shore from I-95 to NW 8 Ave, including plantings, mulching, painting, pulling weeds and picking up litter.

The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, here. Therefore our next public meeting is Wednesday, October 10, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.
The meeting adjourned.

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Jeovanny Rodriguez had called in the following updates to the summary document entitled, “$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – October 10, 2012

1) B-30651
Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: FY ’11 – ’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one-year extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to Commence Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on April 30, 2012
3) Executed construction contracts (estimated October 1, 2012 - City Commission approved on September 13)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated October 1, 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated November 1, 2012 – August 30, 2013)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June 2013
7) City will provide plans to MRC

2) B-40686
Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City requests for 2 one year extensions to June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – November 28, 2012

3) B-30336
Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one year time extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to commence construction
Needed Action Items:

1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on June 11, 2012
3) Execute construction contract (estimate October 2012 – City Commission approved September 13)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated October 2012)
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated November 2012 – August 2013)
6) City requesting a time extension from FDOT in June 2013

4) B-30130
Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one year time extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:

1) Advertised for construction bids (July 2011)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issued construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – November 17, 2012)

5) B-40643A
Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 6th extended 100% complete date September 30, 2012
Needed Action Items:

1) FINISH (install benches, trash cans, informational kiosks, restore Greenfield Garden, remove old wood light poles etc.)- Extended six months, now estimated final completion ???
2) City issued liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date???
3) Completion Committee formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC – Next Meeting 6/14/12, Greenfield Garden, 6 PM

6) B-30631
Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Commenced design – estimated design completion February 2013
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved)
Needed Action Items:

1) Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion by June 30, 2014)

7) B-30643
Geographic Area:
A. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
B. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2012. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items:

1- Resolve navigational issues with ACOE, i.e. boats dock parallel or pull in?
2- Advertise Construction RFP (estimated October 2012)
3- Execute Construction Contracts (estimated February 2013)
4- Issue NTP (estimated February 2013)
5- Construction (estimated February – November 2013)
6- City will request time extension in June 2013

8) “JOC” with no Federal funds
Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status:
Needed Action Items: 
The City of Miami is resubmitting last year’s “Health District Riverwalk” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the north shore from NW 12 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “The District has included the below comments for the enhancement projects that were proposed but not selected in order to increase the likelihood of successful resubmittal in future enhancement cycles. The ‘Health District Riverwalk’ was not recommended for funding due to several Miami River Greenway projects that have prior year commitments which have not been spent or advanced. ” Thankfully 2 of the Miami River Greenway construction contracts were unanimously approved by the City on September 13, and construction will commence prior to the application’s November deadline. Therefore that written “comment” in last year’s funding denial has been resolved. In addition, FDOT’s denial letter states part of the subject riverfront is owned by Miami-Dade County, therefore the letter recommended resubmitting the application (in the November cycle) and include “concurrence” from Miami-Dade County. Director Bibeau thanked the Miami-Dade County District Commissioner Barreiro for providing a letter of support / “concurrence” on behalf of the County owned portion of the subject federal grant application, which needs shoreline stabilization, decorative lights, landscaping, etc. Mr. Bibeau added he is working with MDX to get a similar letter for their portion of the subject area, directly beneath I-836.

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Bibeau stated Ms. Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following update. Miami Dade County has contracted the construction of the following 100% designed and funded sections of the public Riverwalk, on County owned riverfront sites:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)
Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover)
Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge)
Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)

The pre-construction meeting is week of October 29, construction commences November 5, construction completion scheduled August 2013.

Ms. Moorey emailed that Miami-Dade County met with FDEP regarding pending permit applications for Sites 5 & 6, located on both shores beneath Metro-Rail. Then on August 24, Miami-Dade County submitted additional written information as requested by FDEP. On September 28 Ms. Jennifer Smith, FDEP, emailed MDC, “We discussed this project last week with staff in Tallahassee and we came up with a few potential options that we are exploring with our legal staff to see how we may be able to most quickly come to a resolution. I will check in with everyone and give you an update as soon as possible.”
FIND thankfully awarded MDC a $500,000 grant for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6. Therefore the remaining balance of MDC’s $7.5 million “Miami River Greenway” line item in the voter approved bond issue maybe used to design and construct additional County owned site’s needing the public Riverwalk, including but not limited to Robert King High, 1401-1407 NW 7 ST, along County owned NW South River Drive and NW 25 ST to access the Miami Intermodal Center.

Miami-Dade County is resubmitting last year’s “Health District Riverwalk” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the south shore from NW 12 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “Miami River Greenway (at Robert King High Towers) - This project was not recommended for funding due to its lack of connectivity with other Greenway projects, as well as the need to obtain permits and possibly an archeological survey.” Thankfully the 2 Miami River Greenway construction contracts were unanimously approved by the City Commission on September 13, with construction commencing prior to the application’s November deadline, will connect to the geographic area of the subject application. In addition, like all sections of the 5 miles of Miami River Greenway constructed to date, if awarded of course the County would obtain permits and an archeological survey as required by law. Therefore the “explanation” noted in last year’s funding denial has been resolved.

New Business – Director Bibeau thanked all the volunteers whom on Saturday, October 6, planted, painted, pulled weeds, removed litter, and spread recycled mulch, along the Miami River Greenway’s North shore, NW 1 ST Bridge to Lummus Park. The next monthly volunteer public Miami River Greenway beautification event is Sunday, October 14, 2012, 11-1 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST, where an estimated 50 UM volunteers will replant the free community vegetable and fruit garden, and picking up along the public Riverwalk’s south shore.

Chairman Martin distributed flyers regarding Ms. Nina Torres’ “Miami River Art Fair” the week of Art Basel, December 4-9, on the Riverwalk at the James L. Knight Convention Center, 400 SE 2 Ave.

Miami River Greenway volunteer Lisa Morales distributed flyers regarding the 1st monthly “Flagler Nights / Noches de Flagler” on Saturday, October 12, 7 PM – 11:30 PM, including free family activities such as loive music, pony rides, mural painting, etc., on the public Miami River Greenway’s south shore, beneath and adjacent to the Flagler Bridge.

The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, here. Therefore the next public meeting is Wednesday, November 14, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

I. City of Miami Riverwalk Construction Updates – Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated earlier in the day he met with Jeovanny Rodriguez, City of Miami, Assistant Director, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Department, whom provided the following updates to the summary document entitled, “$7.6 Million in Federal / FDOT / MPO / Grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct the Miami River Greenway – November 14, 2012”

1) B-30651

Geographic Area: South River Drive / NW 7 ST from 10-12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: FY ’11 – ’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one-year extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to Commence Construction
Needed Action Items:
1) LAP EXECUTED 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on April 30, 2012
3) Executed construction contracts (City Commission approved on September 13)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated December 1, 2012)
5) Estimated 7.5 month construction period (estimated December 1, 2012 – July 15, 2013)
6) City will provide plans to MRC
7) If project not completed by June 30, City would need to request time extension

2) B-40686

Geographic Area: South River Drive from NW 1 ST to NW 5 ST Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY’ ’10-’11, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 (includes previously FDOT approved City requests for 2 one year extensions to June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% Complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:
1) Addendum #4 issued making minor revision to design to incorporate existing riverfront public pocket parks owned by AT&T (NW 1 ST) via JOC in June 2013 – City will try to address NW 2 ST existing riverfront pocket park (owned by WASD) by including a bench and trash can on the City owned right of way facing the waterfront, but maybe difficult as located on a curve in the road
2) Issued construction Notice to Proceed late July 2011
3) Estimated construction period August 20, 2011 – December 6, 2012
4) FPL work needed

3) B-30336

Geographic Area: A) South River Drive from NW 5 ST Bridge to NW 10 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one year time extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Need to commence construction
Needed Action Items:
1) FDOT executed LAP 2/28/12
2) Advertised for construction bids on June 11, 2012
3) Executed construction contract (City Commission approved September 13)
4) Issue construction Notice to Proceed (estimated December 1, 2012)
5) Estimated 7.5 month construction period (estimated December 1, 2012 – July 15, 2013)
6) If not 100% complete by June 30, 2013, City would need to request a time extension from FDOT in June 2013

4) B-30130

Geographic Area: South Shore Metro-Rail to South Miami Ave Bridge
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million, FY ’11-’12, July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 (FDOT granted City one year time extension, June 30, 2013)
Design Status: 100% complete
Construction Status: Under Construction
Needed Action Items:
1) Advertised for construction bids (July 2011)
2) executed construction contract October 15, 2011
3) Issued construction Notice to Proceed (estimated February 17, 2012)
4) Field Change / updated plans to move trees on eastern end to not obstruct planned public walkway parallel to bridge connecting to public riverwalk at planned Big Fish restaurant
5) Estimated 10 month construction period (estimated February 17, 2012 – December 17, 2012)

5) B-40643A

Geographic Area: North River Drive from NW 7 Ave to NW 12 Ave
Awarded Grant Funding Available: $1 million now
Design Status: 100% Complete and permitted
Construction Status: Under Construction - 10 month construction period (2/11 – 12/11) 7th extended 100% complete date November 30, 2012
Needed Action Items:
1) FINISH (install informational kiosks, restore Greenfield Garden, remove old wood light poles by FPL, drainage at NW 12 Ave Bridge on FDOT ROW? etc.)
2) City issued liquidation damages ($500 per calendar day) on contractor for exceeding extended contractual substantial completion date???
3) Completion Committee formulated with representatives from City CIP, contractor, residents, and MRC – Next Meeting 6/14/12, Greenfield Garden, 6 PM

6) B-30631

Geographic Area: South Shore from Miami Circle to South Miami Ave
Awarded Grant Funding: $1 million (majority for construction, portion for design)
Grant Funding Available: FY 2013-2014 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) (possibly earlier, $140,000 in design funding becomes available in FY 2012, which starts July 1, 2011)
Design Status: Commenced design – estimated design completion February 2013
Construction Status: Need to design before construction; FDOT Executed LAP agreement (City Commission approved)
Needed Action Items:
1) Hired Engineer to make construction documents – design commenced Feb. 2012 - complete Feb. 2013 at the latest (last 2 LAP agreements between City and FDOT took 8 months for approval - would be October 2013, plus 3 months for City to then advertise for bids and contract, plus NTP, takes timeline into 2014 and if construction period is 10 months again this project would exceed grant invoice and reimburse entire project deadline of June 30, 2014 – Therefore need to start expediting this project to meet grant deadline of completion by June 30, 2014)

7) B-30643

Geographic Area:

A. North River Drive small gap between the existing Greenway sections at the 5th Street Bridge and 6th Avenue
B. Lummus Landing (riverfront portion of Lummus Park)- City issued Purchase Order for Milian, Swain and Associates to update their previous design for this site; survey phase completed in March, and estimated design completed by Fall 2012. City intends to utilize original Milian, Swain plan/schematics for Lummus Landing, including the placement of boat slips, riverwalk, and decorative lighting. City provided additional $1,076,000 saved from another Miami River Greenway project, to finish the riverwalk in Lummus Landing, $661,007 of which was approved on City Commission’s January 27 agenda item RE. 3, and $414,993 approved at 2/24/11 City Commission meeting.
Design Status: 100% complete
Needed Action Items:
1- Resolve navigational issues with ACOE
2- Transition into MDC’s adjacent designed riverwalk
3- Advertise for Construction Bids (estimated January 2013)
4- City Commission (estimated March 2013)
5- Execute Construction Contracts (estimated April 2013)
6- Issue NTP (estimated May 2013)
7- Construction (estimated May 1, 2013– December 15, 2013)
8- City will request time extension in June 2013

8) “JOC” with no Federal funds

Geographic Area: NW North River Drive, from NW 2 ST to NW 3 ST
Design Status: 90% complete
Needed Action Items:
1) FPL
2) Advertise for Construction Bids (estimated January 2013)
3) City Commission (estimated March 2013)
4) Execute Construction Contracts (estimated April 2013)
5) Issue NTP (estimated May 2013)
6) Construction (estimated May 1, 2013– December 15, 2013)

9) Health District Riverwalk / 82-70587 ($961,000 in City funds, FY ’12 – ‘13 $200,000 for design, followed by FY ’13 – ’14 $761,000 for construction)

Geographic Area: North shore, NW 12 Ave to Mahi Shrine
Design Status: Need to contract engineer
Needed Action Items:
1) Contract engineer
2) Apply for permits
3) execute paperwork with property owners Miami-Dade County and MDX”

Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Rush, City of Miami CIP, indicated to Director Bibeau that they would remind the City Public Works Department to start emptying the new decorative trash cans installed in the recently constructed section of the Miami River Greenway along NW North River Drive from NW 12 Ave to NW 7 Ave.

The City of Miami is submitting a “Health District Riverwalk Phase II” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the north shore from NW 17 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “The District has included the below comments for the enhancement projects that were proposed but not selected in order to increase the likelihood of successful resubmittal in future enhancement cycles. The ‘Health District Riverwalk’ was not recommended for funding due to several Miami River Greenway projects that have prior year commitments which have not been spent or advanced. ” Thankfully 2 of the Miami River Greenway construction contracts were unanimously approved by the City on September 13, and construction will commence prior to the application’s November deadline. Therefore that written “comment” in last year’s funding denial has been resolved.

The Greenways subcommittee thanked the City of Miami and TEP grant program.

II. Miami-Dade County Riverwalk Construction Updates – Ms. Lana Moorey, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, provided the following update: Miami Dade County has contracted the construction of the following 100% designed and funded sections of the public Riverwalk, on County owned riverfront sites:

Site 1 (South Shore 2nd Avenue)
Site 2 (South Shore Metro-Mover)
Site 3 (North Shore South Miami Avenue Bridge)
Site 6 (North Shore Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department)

Ms. Moorey stated the pre-construction meeting is November 27, 2012, and construction estimated to commence in December 2012 and be completed in August 2013.

Ms. Moorey indicated on August 24, Miami-Dade County submitted additional written information as requested by FDEP regarding the pending FDEP permit applications for the County’s fully funded and designed County owned public Miami Riverwalk sites 4 & 5, located on unimproved public right of way beneath Metro-Rail on the Miami River’s North and South Shores. On September 28, Ms. Jennifer Smith, FDEP, emailed MDC, “We discussed this project last week with staff in Tallahassee and we came up with a few potential options that we are exploring with our legal staff to see how we may be able to most quickly come to a resolution. I will check in with everyone and give you an update as soon as possible.”

FIND thankfully awarded MDC a $500,000 grant for a cost share in sites 1,2,3 and 6. Therefore the remaining balance of MDC’s $7.5 million “Miami River Greenway” line item in the voter approved bond issue maybe used to design and construct additional County owned site’s needing the public Riverwalk, including but not limited to Robert King High, 1401-1407 NW 7 ST, along County owned NW South River Drive and NW 25 ST to access the Miami Intermodal Center.

Ms. Moorey stated Miami-Dade County resubmitted an improved version of last year’s “Robert King High Riverwalk” grant application for $1 million in federal funds from the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to design and construct the public Miami River Greenway on the south shore from NW 12 Ave to just west of I-836. A February 24, 2012 letter from the FDOT stated, “Miami River Greenway (at Robert King High Towers) - This project was not recommended for funding due to its lack of connectivity with other Greenway projects, as well as the need to obtain permits and possibly an archeological survey.” Thankfully the 2 Miami River Greenway construction contracts were unanimously approved by the City Commission on September 13, with construction along NW South River Drive from current terminus at NW 5 ST Bridge to the NW 12 Ave Bridge will break ground prior to the application’s November deadline, and connect to the eastern terminus of the geographic area in the subject application (NW 12 Ave to I-836). In addition, like all sections of the 5 miles of Miami River Greenway constructed to date, if awarded of course the County would obtain permits and an archeological survey as required by law. Therefore the “explanations” noted in last year’s funding denial have been resolved.

The Greenway’s subcommittee thanked Miami-Dade County.

New Business – MRC Director Bibeau thanked the estimated 30 volunteers whom on Saturday, November 10, 2012, 9 – 11 AM, planted, painted, pulled weeds, removed litter and exotic species, and spread recycled mulch, along the Miami River Greenway’s South Shore, from Jose Marti Park to NW 2 Ave Bridge. MRC Director Bibeau stated the next Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer event will be on Saturday, December 8, 2012, 9-11 AM, planting, painting, pulling weeds, removing litter and exotic species, and spreading recycled mulch, along the Miami River Greenway’s South Shore, from Jose Marti Park to NW 1 ST.

Chairman Martin distributed flyers regarding Ms. Nina Torres’ “Miami River Art Fair” the week of Art Basel, December 4-9, on the Riverwalk at the James L. Knight Convention Center, 400 SE 2 Ave.

Miami River Greenway volunteer Lisa Morales distributed flyers regarding the 2nd monthly “Flagler Nights / Noches de Flagler” which was held on Friday, November 9, and featured free family activities such as live music, etc., on the public Miami River Greenway’s south shore, beneath and adjacent to the Flagler Bridge. In addition Ms Morales stated the Miami High School “Art Tech” program is creating a documentary regarding the past, present and future of Flagler ST, and is seeking historic pictures.

The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM. Therefore the next public meeting is Wednesday, December 12, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.