I. Discussion of Recent Permitting Experience Relative to the DERM “Boat Slip Bank” - Ms. Lubby Navarro, designee for the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Chairman Bruno Barreiro, stated since a specific properties on the river may be appearing before the BCC regarding the permitting of slips, Ms. Navarro stated she would only be able to participate in a general discussion regarding this policy issue, and would have to leave the meeting if the discussion became focused on the merits of any particular cases to be considered in the future by the BCC. Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of DERM’s boat slip transfer covenant. The EDC welcomed Mr. Carlos Espinosa, Director for Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM), whom provided a brief history of the County’s Manatee Protection Plan’s effects on permitting boat slips along the Miami River . Mr. Espinosa explained that a “boat slip bank” essentially did not exist. Instead, the transfer of boat slips from one property to another is currently considered by DERM on a case by case basis, using the covenant distributed by Mr. Bibeau.

Ms. Susan Markley, DERM, noted the idea of a “lottery” to distribute available boat slips has also been discussed. Ms. Markley noted the State is currently going through the process of re-evaluating the ST Manatee Protection Plan. Ms. Markley noted the State has requested that they be allowed to complete their re-evaluation process before the County considers any revision to their Manatee Protection Plan. Ms. Markley noted the 2nd draft of the statewide manatee management plan is available on the web, and Florida Fish & Wildlife (FFWC) is accepting public comments until June 14. Mr. Bibeau asked for a timeline for the ST”S completion of their process once the public comments have been received on June 14, and Ms. Markley replied that the FFWC would determine the timeline.

Ms. Lubby Navarro, noted after the FFWC completes their review of the State’s Manatee Protection Plan, Chairman Barreiro has expressed a desire to create a broad based and diverse committee to review and potentially update the County’s 1995 Manatee Protection Plan, considering that the river has significantly changed since the plan’s implementation, and the increase in Manatee population lead FWC to recently lessen the Manatee classification from “endangered” to “threatened”.

Mr. Dubin asked if it was possible to transfer slips between the Miami River and Aventura, and Mr. Espinosa replied transfers will only be approved within areas of similar conditions, therefore slips will only transferred from one location to another on the River, etc. Mr. Espinosa noted similarly DERM recently approved a transfer of boat slips from location to another within Aventura, using the provided approved covenants. The Covenants, which run in perpetuity with the subject properties, note the rights for a specific number of slips to be permanently transferred from one parcel to another.

Mr. Espinosa noted that revising the County’s Manatee Protection Plan is time consuming, and the ST will require an extensive and work intensive parcel by parcel review / inventory / survey of boat slip rights, etc Ms. Markley confirmed that boat surveys may take up to 12 months, and suggested the County would consider hiring a consultant to conduct the work. Ms. Navarro suggested considering a parallel path approach, commencing the estimated year of research now, while the FFWC completes their review of the ST Manatee Protection Plan. Therefore, when the ST review is completed, the County may create the committee to review the Plan and a significant portion of the required analysis for the committee to consider would already be prepared and ready for review. Mr. Espinosa stated he had no objection to this approach.

Mr. Richard Dubin stated he is concerned there is an insufficient quantity of “abandoned” slips available for transfer from one parcel to another on the river via covenant, in order to provide the additional density necessary to create an economically feasible new dry stack storage facility on the River. Mr. Dubin added although dry stack slips clearly have less impact than wet slips; the County’s 1995 Manatee Protection Plan restrictions are the same for wet and dry slips. Therefore, Mr. Dubin suggested when the committee is created to review the plan, they consider recommending the Board of County Commissioners amend the Plan to provide two different levels of restrictions, of which the restrictions for dry-stacks would be less than those for wet slips.

Dr. Markley stated no amendments to the County’s Manatee Protection Plan are necessary to approve a transfer of boat slips on the river via adopting covenants, which are considered on a case by case basis, adding the Lee County Manatee Protection Plan provides the ability to transfer slips as well. Dr. Markley noted upon request, DERM may determine the number of allowable slips at a parcel on the river, and in making that determination will consider any photos of the site showing boats, taken before 1984. Dr. Markley added the ST should also consider approving the transfer of boat slips along the River on a case by case basis. 

II. Status of Merrill-Stevens Proposed Expansion/County Manager Memorandum - Mr. Bibeau distributed a March 5, 2007 Memorandum from Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess to the Honorable Mayor Carlos Alvarez , Chairman Bruno Barreiro and members of the Board of County Commissioners, regarding the “Report of negotiations for the Civic Center and Marine Redevelopment Project at the Civic Center” (MS). In the memo Manager Burgess supports separating the County’s currently combined negotiations for the two separate yet adjacent proposals of the Merrill-Stevens Yachts expansion and the Related Group’s development of affordable housing. Mr. Mark Bailey, Merrill Stevens, stated although he could not speak on behalf of the Related Group project, Merrill-Stevens is supportive of the section in the Memo regarding Merrill-Stevens, which directs the County to move forward with their expansion project negotiations. Mr. Bailey added since the memo was issued in March, Merrill Stevens negotiations with County staff have progressed, and he hopes to have the item presented before the Board of County Commissioners in July. The EDC Chair Megan Kelly endorsed the Memo and expedited negotiations between Miami-Dade County and the Merrill-Stevens Training Institute, Inc. for their “Marine Re-Development project”.

III. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process - Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group continues to coordinate with Mr. Subrata Basu, Interim Director of Miami Dade County Planning & Zoning, regarding the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process. Mr. Bibeau informed Ms. Navarro that Mr. Basu had attended an UIWG meeting several months ago, in which he was provided a summary of the proposed plan. Ms. Kelly explained that the goal of the plan is to create meaningful intermodal connections in the upper river, specifically between the Port of Miami River , MIA, and MIC.

Dr. Bohnsack noted she had recently met with Mr. John Spillman, a Miami-Dade County transit specialist, to discuss the county’s previous commitment to have riverfront public rights-of-way acquired for the Earlington Heights – MIC Metro-rail extension, and the 122 Interconnector, located in an area with industrial zoning, be used for a water-dependant / water related / marine industrial uses after construction is completed. Dr. Bohnsack noted Mr. Spillman indicated that he would draft a memorandum on behalf of his department directing the county to create a resolution within 30 days confirming the aforementioned agreement.

Dr. Bohnsack stated she had recently made a presentation regarding short sea shipping to Mayor Carlos Alvarez ’s staff. Dr. Bohnsack expressed a strong need for a truck depot area along the upper Miami River to relieve traffic congestion, both of which should be components of the recommended “Upper River Plan”. Ms. Navarro stated Team Metro is now prohibiting trucks from parking in the center lane along North River Drive . Mr. Bibeau noted Miami-Dade County owns the large vacant parking immediately east of NW 36 ST, and north of North River Drive , and stated the northern portion of the 8 acre site is immediately available for a truck depot or alternate marine industrial use. Mr. Bibeau asked Ms. Navarro to forward this suggestion to county staff, and Ms. Navarro agreed.

IV. Discussion of City of Miami Ordinance Amending “Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Enterprise Zone Businesses” - Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of a draft City ordinance, amending the law which regulates the Enterprise Zone economic incentives, which are available to new and expanding businesses riverwide. MRC staff indicated they had invited representatives of the City of Miami Economic Development Department to address the potential amendment to their Enterprise Zone ordinance, yet they were unable to attend the meeting. MRC staff noted they would continue to reach out to the City’s Economic Development Department to obtain more information and generate discussion at a future EDC meeting.

V. Status of Marine Industrial Economic Analysis - Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC Executive Board previously approved the scope of services and amount of funding to create a Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis. Mr. Bibeau reported the Empowerment Zone awarded the MRC a $17,130 grant to conduct the analysis, leaving a $5,040 balance to conduct the “peer review” of the analysis. Therefore, Mr. Bibeau recommended the MRC use portions of the current $25,000 balance of a previously awarded Miami-Dade County grant to fund the $5,040 peer review of the Miami River Economic Analysis grant. EDC Chair Kelly authorized the use of the County grant as the funding source for the $5,040 required to complete the Scope of Services and budget previously approved by the Executive Board for the project. Dr. Bohnsack asked for the project timeline, and Mr. Bibeau replied June 15, 2007 - January 15, 2008 . Mr. Bibeau stated the Empowerment Zone will provide a contract for their awarded MRC grant before the end of May.

MRC staff distributed a list of the compiled previous Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis’ to be submitted to FAU professors Dr. William B. Stronge and Dr. Lenore Alpert, as detailed in the updated analysis’ scope of services. Mr. Bibeau noted that two separate plans (Washington Economics Group 2003 “A Forecast of Florida International Trade Flows” & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “Miami River Dredging Economic Analysis”) had been incorrectly listed together in the original scope of services, but have since been separated. Mr. Bibeau noted he had located a Miami-Dade County/Beacon Council 1990 “Miami River Study,” and asked if the EDC would consider including the study in the scope of services as well if it did not yield an additional contract cost, and the EDC replied yes. Mr. Bibeau noted MRC staff has included either a print or CD version/copy of each plan on the list, excluding #2: Washington Economics Group 2003 “A Forecast of Florida International Trade Flows,” which has been requested.

Mr. Bibeau distributed two boiler plate draft contracts provided by FAU, with the MRC Executive Board’s previously approved scope of services and budget, for the grand total $22,170 in services to prepare the Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis and conduct the peer review. EDC Chair Kelly authorized execution of the two contracts.

VI. New Business - The following items were addressed/discussed:

Mr. Bibeau noted he had received e-mails from Gwin Tate , U.S. Coast Guard Bridge Branch. whom had expressed concern regarding the President’s request to transfer bridge administration from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation. Mr. Bibeau opened the item up for discussion and/or recommendations. Dr. Bohnsack stated it was helpful to have accessible U.S. Coast Guard Bridge Branch located in Miami when time sensitive Bridge operations arise, and transferring that important responsibility to Washington DC would potentially make quick communication and response more difficult. Dr. Bohnsack asked what the timeline is for Congress to reach a decision on the proposal, and Mr. Bibeau replied it was his understanding from the information provided by Mr. Tate that the proposal is connected to the Federal Fiscal Year 2008 budget, which starts on October 1, 2007 . Since there is sufficient time to further research the issue, EDC Chair directed MRC staff to place this item on the next EDC meeting agenda, and invite appropriate presenters.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Discussion of County –Owned Vacant 8-Acre Lot East of NW 37th Avenue, South of 35 th Street, West of 36 th Avenue & North of 33 rd Street - Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Executive Director of the Miami River Marine Group, noted the Miami-Dade County Public Works Department had informed her that the county-owned vacant 8-acre lot, committed to the Miami River maintenance dredging project until April 2009, located east of NW 37 th Avenue, South of 35 th Street, West of 36 th Avenue & North of 33 rd Street , is being considered for potential future uses including transfer to Miami International Airport (MIA) or potential sale to Miami Jai-Alai. The EDC previously recommend the public sector parcel be utilized for Port related / multi-modal / economic development related purposes. Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed copies of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration “Short Sea Shipping Initiative” and “Short Sea Shipping: part of the solution for downtown traffic congestion caused by truck and tractor-trailer units traveling to and from the Port of Miami.”, drafted by Captain Beau Payne. Dr. Bohnsack stated she and Captain Beau Payne , P & L Towing, had recently met with the Port of Miami Director, port carriers and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez to discuss the possibility of creating a short sea shipping initiative in the Upper River . Dr. Bohnsack noted the Port of Miami Director seemed receptive to the idea, yet had commented that this type of transportation initiative would require a subsidy, and therefore a currently unidentified funding source.

Dr. Bohnsack distributed a June 11, 2007 article featured in the American Shipper magazine noting that Miami was being considered for a federal congestion-relief program. According to the article, Miami had made the preliminary list for a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) program aimed at reducing transportation congestion problems. Dr. Bohnsack noted that Miami was named as one of nine “Preliminary Urban Partners” in DOT's U.S. Congestion Initiative, and five final locations would be selected to receive significant federal funding for congestion reduction projects. Dr. Bohnsack stated it may become a potential source of funding to launch a 6-18 month pilot short sea shipping operation. The EDC noted the Miami River would greatly benefit from DOT's federal congestion-relief program. Chair Kelly noted that during a review of the draft Downtown Development Authority “Downtown Master Plan,” its creator Bernard Zyscovich had commented that truck congestion in Downtown Miami was an issue that needed to be addressed to ensure the success of the plan. Mr. Bibeau noted the Port of Miami – Port of Miami River short sea shipping program is capable of removing an estimated 1,200 trucks daily off of downtown streets. Mr. Bibeau stated he believed the concept of creating a short sea shipping system remains a major element behind the Upper River/Miami Intermodal Center (MIC)-associated development planning process to create an “Upper River Plan.” As previously discussed, the “Upper River Plan” will coordinate multi-modal transportation connections between the dredged Miami River 's federal navigable channel and future land uses adjacent to the MIC. Mr. Bibeau added that short sea shipping is also included in the final draft “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan,” which will be presented for adoption at the MRC September 10, 2007 meeting.

Chair Kelly asked Dr. Bohnsack to contact FDOT to obtain more information about the federal congestion-relief program and to prepare an estimated cost break down for the potential short sea shipping operation. Chair Kelly directed MRC staff to begin briefing Mr. Ron Nelson, Senior Staff of Community Affairs for Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff about launching a potential short sea shipping pilot program.

II. Discussion of Alimar River Boatyard's Use of Existing Boat Lift - Mr. Bibeau stated that Mr. Mario Hernandez, owner of Alimar River, was unable to attend today's meeting due to a previous engagement, but had kindly requested to present this item at a future EDC meeting. Dr. Bohnsack noted she had recently informed Mr. Lee Hefty, DERM, that Alimar River has been under new ownership for a couple of years. Dr. Bohnsack stated Mr. Hefty had agreed to meet with the new owners whom are submitting a Permit application. The EDC thanked Dr. Bohnsack for making progress on this issue.

III. Status of “ Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis” - Mr. Bibeau noted the necessary contracts were executed with the Florida Atlantic University , FAU Professor Dr. William B. Stronge, and the Empowerment Trust Grant, to create the Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis. Mr. Bibeau added MRC staff had provided the FAU professors Dr. Stronge and Dr. Lenore Alpert with all previous studies / data, as detailed in the agreement's scope of services.

Mr. Bibeau had previously reported that the Empowerment Zone awarded the MRC a $17,130 grant to conduct the analysis, leaving a $5,040 balance to conduct the “peer review” of the analysis. Therefore, as recommended by the EDC the MRC agreed to use portions of the current $25,000 balance of a previously awarded Miami-Dade County grant to fund the $5,040 peer review of the Miami River Economic Analysis grant. Mr. Bibeau reported after he received one telephone call from Empowerment Zone staff whom noted concern about the Empowerment Trust's ability to honor the contract because of the potential for a change in the nature of their connection to Miami-Dade County, yet not canceling the contract in writing as required, Bibeau asked the contracted consultants to hold commencing work on the analysis. Mr. Bibeau reported he spoke with the Empowerment Zone Director Andre Wallace, whom clarified the contract was not being cancelled at this time, and the $17.130 remains available from either the Empowerment Trust or Miami-Dade County . EDC Chair Kelly directed MRC staff to continue moving forward with the creation of the Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis by asking the contracted consultants to commence work.

IV. New Business - The following items were address/discussed:

Mr. Bibeau reported that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a resolution on July 24, 2007 relating to an application by Miami Yacht & Engine Works, LLC, for modification of an existing Class I Permit to authorize expansion of a marine repair facility to allow mooring or storage of an additional 24 powerboats at 2100 NW North River Drive .

EDC Chair Kelly recommended stronger enforcement of the Miami River's idle / no wake zone restriction, and suggested Dr. Bohnsack and MRC staff suggest at the next Miami River Public Safety and Security meeting the creation of a pilot program for marine patrol to pull over and issue citations to boats traversing the Miami River faster than the required idle / no wake speed.

Mr. Bibeau noted that on July 10, 2007 , the BCC heard first reading of an ordinance to create the Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee and to provide funding to begin collection and compilation of data for the Committee's consideration. Dr. Bohnsack noted the proposed ordinance, which passed at first reading, will be taken up by the “GOE Subcommittee” n September before its second reading by the BCC in October. EDC Chair Kelly recommended the MRC endorse the ordinance creating the Miami-Dade County Manatee Protection Plan Committee.

Mr. Mark Bailey , Merrill-Stevens, thanked the Miami River Commission, the Miami River Marine Group and all marine-related industries and associations for their support of the Merrill-Stevens Yachts proposed expansion project, which was unanimously adopted by the BCC on July 22, 2007 . The EDC thanked Mr. Bailey and Merrill-Stevens for their positive commitment to the Miami River Corridor, and asked how the MRC may continue to help the approved project come to fruition. Mr. Bailey noted Merrill-Stevens has submitted its combined permit application and will continue working with the City of Miami, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority, DERM, Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to obtain all required permits. Mr. Bailey agreed to keep the EDC informed of Merrill-Stevens' progress. Chair Kelly inquired into the project's documented job projections. Mr. Bailey explained that Mr. Tony Villamil, Washington Economics Group, was involved in producing job projections and economic indicators for the Merrill-Stevens project. Mr. Bailey added that Mr. Villamil's analysis is based on numerous site visits to shipyards around the world, dependant on scaled, skilled labor force. Mr. Bailey noted Mr. Villamil's data determined that the proposed marine-redevelopment project would yield approximately 500 full time jobs. Mr. Bailey stated that, as past of its expansion project, Merrill-Stevens will work in unison with feeder organizations, including but not limited to South Florida Work Force One and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, to create a marine training apprentice/outreach program.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Discussion of Implementing the Short Sea Shipping Recommendation from the Adopted Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan & II. Status of the “Upper River / MIC Associated Development” Planning Process - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, briefly explained the general concept behind the short sea shipping recommendation. Mr. Bibeau stated trucks dropping off and picking up cargo containers from the Port of Miami maybe removed from the downtown streets via transferring the containers by barge to a marine industrial upper river site. Mr. Bibeau noted MRC designee Captain Beau Payne, P & L Towing, calculated a pilot program with 300 containers per barge, 4 barges per day, equates to 1,200 containers, therefore removing 1,200 trucks a day from the congested downtown streets. EDC Chair Kelly, noted the implementation of short sea shipping would accomplish two main goals: 1) remove the truck traffic off the street of Downtown Miami until the proposed Port Tunnel is completed; 2) reinforce the cargo and marine uses along the industrial Upper River. Ms. Kelly noted the Miami River Marine Group had originally proposed the idea of short sea shipping along the Miami River, and since then, the concept was included for further study in the recently MRC adopted Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan , and is consistent with the MRC's recommendations for the marine industrial Upper River.

Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, stated she and Captain Payne had met with the Port of Miami Director, port carriers and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez to discuss the possibility of creating a short sea shipping initiative in the Upper River . Dr. Bohnsack noted the Port of Miami Director seemed receptive to the idea, yet had commented that this type of transportation initiative would require a subsidy for the container's second handling. Mr. Bibeau noted he had recently discussed the short sea shipping initiative with Ms. Heidi Webb, Port of Miami Director of Business Development, whom was supportive of further considering the pilot program recommendation.

The EDC noted the far upper river areas either currently owned by Miami-Dade County or planned for eminent domain for the Earlington Heights / Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) Metro-Rail extension, maybe utilized as a consolidated freight forwarding center in conjunction with the recommended short sea shipping operations. The EDC discussed how the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) had co-funded the creation of the recently adopted Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan , which included short sea shipping in its various recommendations, therefore perhaps the MPO would be interested in providing the necessary funding for a more detailed plan to implement short sea shipping as a component of the MRC recommended “Upper River / MIC Associated Development Plan”, including multi-modal connections with cargo at the Miami International Airport. Ms. Navarro asked Mr. Bibeau to send her and Marlene Avalo a summary of the proposal. Dr. Bohnsack suggested discussing the concepts with Assistant County Manager Gisella Loret, whom had to reschedule her river tour. Dr. Bohnsack added that a group of Loret constituents had recently suggested that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) impose additional bridge lockdowns, which would block the Miami River's federal navigable channel to vessels and ships, and the USCG denied the suggestion because the negative impact it would have to navigation along the Port of Miami River, which already has several bridge lock down regulations in order to facilitate vehicular movement.

Dr. Bohnsack noted she had met with Chairman Barreiro and the new owners of “Terminal One” a currently vacant once international shipping terminal west of 27 th Avenue along the river's north shore. Dr. Bohnsack stated the new owners manufacture “Mirage” recreational yachts. Dr. Bohnsack reminded the EDC that the site had formerly been considered for eminent domain by the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), yet is no longer needed for the 112 interconnector. Dr. Bohnsack stated the “Mirage” boat manufacturer contacted DERM to renew the site's former IW 5 (Industrial Waste) permit. Dr. Bohnsack indicated although DERM had issued an IW 5 permit to the site's four previous owners, the DERM has indicated that they had issued the previous permits by mistake, and refused to renew the permit for the new owner. Dr. Bohnsack stated that the Miami-Dade County Comprehensive Plan designated this unincorporated Miami-Dade upper river area as “Marine Industrial,” and therefore could not comprehend DERM's decision.

III. Status of “ Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis” – Mr. Bibeau stated that FAU professors Dr. William B. Stronge and Dr. Lenore Alpert have received all previous studies and data - as detailed in the agreement's scope of services - and are currently conducting their analysis. Mr. Bibeau noted FAU had recently submitted the first $7,500 invoice. Mr. Bibeau noted that during the EDC's July meeting, he reported that the Empowerment Zone had expressed their fully executed contract with the MRC to fund the creation of the “Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis” will be paid out either from the Trust or Miami-Dade County, because of the potential for a change in the nature of the Empowerment Trust's relationship with Miami-Dade County. Mr. Bibeau explained he had spoken to Empowerment Zone Director Andre Wallace, whom clarified the contract was not being cancelled at this time, and the $17,130 remained available from either the Empowerment Trust or Miami-Dade County, and added that the Empowerment Zone contract is reimbursable. Therefore, the EDC requested that the MRC's contracted consultants move forward with their work and Mr. Bibeau process payment of the invoices to create the Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis.

Mr. Richard Dubin, Ameriship and President of the Miami River Marine Group, stated smaller non-union liner services are leaving Port Everglades, and considering the Miami River maintenance dredging project and Upper River plans and initiatives, those viable international shipping businesses should be interested in relocating to the Port of Miami River .

IV. Status of the Creation of a Manatee Review Committee - Ms. Navarro noted on October 2 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the ordinance sponsored by Chairman Barreiro to create the Miami-Dade County Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee. Ms. Navarro added the Chairman has issued a memo asking the County Commissioners to appoint their members for the 14 member Review Committee, as set forth in the aforementioned ordinance, within 30 days, and hopes they will be appointed by late November/early December. Ms. Navarro noted Chairman Barreiro would like the Review Committee to conclude their work within 18 months.

Dr. Bohnsack reported although in July 2007 the Board of County Commissioners approved Mr. Alberto La Madrids', Miami Yacht & Engine Works, appeal for modification of an existing Class I Permit to allow additional boats on the upland service area at 2100 NW North River Drive, the necessary permits are yet to be issued. Dr. Bohnsack added although regulations allow the use of historic pictures to demonstrate the number of vessels on a site, DERM is not considering pictures as evidence.

Ms. Navarro stated she would discuss these issues with Chairman Barreiro, including the possibility of conducting a public meeting with DERM and river stakeholders on this topic. Ms. Kelly suggested inviting the County Manager to a publicly noticed EDC meeting to present him with different case studies, thereby illustrating the magnitude of this ongoing issue which is resulting in local marine industrial businesses being lost to North Carolina , etc.

V. Discussion of Alimar River Boatyard's Use of Existing Boat Lift - The EDC welcomed Mr. Mario Hernandez, owner of Alimar on the River for the past three years, a proposed full-service marina - equipped for 10 boats and a travel lift - at 600 NW 7 th Avenue, along the east shore of the Seybold Canal, immediately south of the “humpback” Bridge. Mr. Hernandez stated he had asked DERM for their standards and guidelines for rebuilding and replacing his marina's damaged docks, yet was informed DERM has no such formal marina standards and guidelines. Mr. Hernandez noted that DERM finally agreed to reinstate the marina's former permit for a 10 boat marina, with a condition that the site's adjacent full service boatyard be separated from the upland marina area with a fence. Mr. Hernandez noted Mr. Hefty had indicated that no more than 10 boats could be at the upland marina, which is equipped with a travel lift, at any given time, although Mr. Hefty is aware additional boats will be serviced on the site's adjacent boatyard, on the opposite side of the proposed fence, which will be transported to and from the boatyard via trailer, after being taken out of and launched into the water from public boat ramps, perhaps including the one in Curtis Park on the Miami River. Mr. Hernandez stated although they had offered to install Manatee prop guards on the boats using the marina and boatyard, DERM had denied the offered condition.

EDC Chair Kelly, Ms. Navarro and Mr. Dubin stated they found the proposed commercial full service marina “Alimar on the River” consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan .

VI. New Business- The following items were address/discussed:

The meeting adjourned.