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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
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The Miami River Commission (MRC) Executive Committee was called to order on March 15, 2004 , 8:00 a.m. , at the Greenstreets Café, 3468 Main Highway , Coconut Grove.

I.       Set Agenda for Miami River Commission ’s April 5, 2004 Meeting

a.   “Terrazas de Miami River” Major Use Special Permit (MUSP) Application - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, provided the MRC Executive Committee with copies of the MRC Urban Infill Working Group’s (UIWG) May 15, 2003 and MRC’s July 7, 2003 minutes, regarding Phase I of the proposed “Terrazas de Miami River” development, located at 1861 NW South River Drive.  The MRC unanimously recommended approval for the presented one building proposal.  The developers have revised their plans to two buildings, partially due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and will be submitting a MUSP application, which requires City Commission consideration.  Bibeau noted the potential developers were notified of the Executive Board’s meeting.  The Executive Board asked for the revised proposal to be presented to the MRC for the first time, after review by the UIWG.  

b.    “Brisas del Rio ” - Mr. Bibeau stated that the proposed residential development, located at 1583 NW 24^th Avenue (“ Florida Yacht Basin ”) was presented to the UIWG on December 16, 2003 .  The UIWG recommended the developers partner with marine industrial companies to have a water related riverfront use.   The developers have not submitted their MUSP application to the City of Miami .  The Executive Committee asked Bibeau to invite a presentation to the MRC after review and recommendation of the revised project design by the UIWG.

c.  New Greenberg Traurig Development – Mr. Bibeau stated Greenberg Traurig informed the MRC offices that they were preparing another presentation for the MRC, and may present a new riverfront project to the UIWG for review on March 16, 2004 .

d.  Isilio Arriaga - Mr. Phil Everingham stated the Miami Herald reported Mr. Isilio Arriaga resigned as President and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.  Therefore, the Executive Board agreed that his presentation to the MRC in that capacity should be cancelled.                                          

II.    Miami River Fund, Inc. (MRFI) Update - Mr. Everingham stated that per the request of Mr. Bob Parks during the February 19, 2004 Executive Committee Meeting, the MRFI drafted a letter to be sent to the Attorney General, seeking his opinion on whether the MRFI is obligated to operate under the sunshine law.  Everingham provided the Executive Board with the draft letter, which encloses the MRFI’s “Campaign for the Miami River ” case statement, By-Laws, Letters of Incorporation and 501(c) 3 certificate.   Everingham stated that the MRFI agreed to require all donors to sign a conflict of interest disclosure, stating they have no items pending before the MRC, City of Miami and Board of County Commissioners.  Mr. Parks recommended that MRC Executive Board member Gary Winston be provided the draft package.  

III.     Miami River Marine Industries Symposium Update – Ms. Megan Kelly, Chair of the MRC’s Economic Development and Commerce Working Group (EDC), provided an update of the “Miami River Marine Industries Symposium”.  The March 9, 2004 EDC minutes were provided, with the attached “Project Initiative”.  Ms. Kelly stated that the total estimated cost of the symposium is $32,000, of which $20,000 have been secured through received sponsorships.  The EDC expects that a pledge will be made from the County and State of Florida .  Ms. Kelly noted that the Miami River Marine Group is considering covering the cost of the closing reception.  A riverboat tour of the Miami River will be offered to attendees.  Mr. Parks recommended that a date for the symposium be issued soon. The month has been set for September 2004.  The Honorable Mayor Diaz will be invited as a guest speaker. Mr. Parks recommended for the EDC to contact Seth Gordon . 

IV.   New Business - Ms. Kelly gave an update on the proposed Miami-Dade County General Obligation Bond (GOB) issue.  Bibeau stated that per the MRC’s submitted recommendation, the Miami River Greenway and Stormwater Retrofitting Projects are now line-items in the proposed GOB.   Mr. Parks requested that a report on the issue be given at the April 5, 2004 MRC meeting.    

Mr. Bibeau stated Carmen Sanchez, City of Miami Department of Economic Development, recently rejected the MRC’s offer to assist the City and their consultants with their “Miami River Economic Study”, which was a recommendation of the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.  The Executive Board directed staff to schedule meetings with Commissioner Winton and Sanchez, to offer the MRC’s assistance for their study.

Mr. Bibeau provided a written report to the Executive Committee, for the authorized trip to Washington D.C.   The Executive Committee directed Bibeau to forward the report to all MRC board members and designees.    The report notes U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s continued strong support and assistance in bringing the long awaited Miami River Dredging project to fruition. Mr. Bunnell stated that the Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to award the Miami River Dredging Project bid by the end of March 2004.  The dredging project is scheduled to commence this summer.

Mr. Bibeau gave an update on the Eighth Annual Miami Riverday, scheduled for April 10, 2004, 11-5 PM, Jose Marti Park (SW 4 ST and SW 4 Ave) and noted that the Honorable Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is scheduled to attend. The Miami Riverday flyers were distributed to the Executive Board Members. Mr. Parks recommended the flyers be sent to the Activity Directors of local Schools.

Meeting adjourned.

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