I. Review of the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force” and the “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership”

Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, distributed a copy of the County Commission Committee’s approved “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force” where 9 appointed members will study and recommend to the County the best ways to restore Biscayne Bay for 220 days, and then deliver a report with their recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners within 180 days. Chairman Everingham noted the MRC had invited DERM to participate in the meeting, but DERM was not present.
Spencer Crowley, Miami Dade County Commissioner to the Florida Inland Navigation District, distributed and presented a “Biscayne Bay Restoration Initiative” PowerPoint, and related draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution. Mr. Crowley cited the successes of the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative”, which is a partnership of funding agencies which has completed 50 projects for $80 million to improve water quality in the Lake Worth Lagoon, including sediment traps, baffle boxes, and removing septic tanks. Mr. Crowley stated his distributed draft resolution to create a similar partnership was created with direct input from Pamela Sweeney DERM, and Federico Fernandez, Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Mr. Crowley distributed resolutions from FIND and the SFWMD, supporting the draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership”.

Attendees noted the Miami River and its tributaries are part of the regulated Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Attendees noted the Miami River has 150 storm water outfalls, which are the Miami River’s leading source of pollution from the densely populated Miami River District. Attendees noted the majority of DERM’s monthly water quality testing at various locations on the Miami River and its tributaries indicate significant violations. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection designated the Miami River an “impaired” waterbody. The Miami River is a contamination source in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Spencer Crowley agreed to amend the draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution after the “now therefore be it resolved” section by adding the words “Aquatic Preserve” after every reference to “Biscayne Bay”, and including the Miami River Commission and the Miami River Marine Group in Section 6. A.’s list of non-governmental organizations.

MRC EDC Chairman Everingham recommended the MRC support the County’s recently adopted “Biscayne Bay Restoration Task Force”, and suggested the new “Task Force” strongly consider recommending the County Commission adopt the revised draft “Biscayne Bay Restoration Partnership” Resolution.

II) Presentation from Luis A. Perez-Codina, Manager International Logistics and Supply Chain

Mr. Luis A. Perez-Codina, Manager International Logistics and Supply Chain presented a 27 page Powerpoint. Mr Carlos Castro, FDOT Freight Coordinator, was unable to attend the meeting and will participate in the next EDC subcommittee meeting. After years of advocacy and studies by the Miami River Commission, the Port of Miami River is now included in FDOT’s Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) which makes it eligible for significant government funding for infrastructure which will improve international shipping along the Port of Miami River.

The meeting adjourned,

I. Informational Presentation Regarding RMK Merrill-Stevens, 881 NW 13 Ave (both shores of the Miami River west of 12 Ave Bridge)

Mr. Don MacRae, Chief Operating Officer, RMK Merrill- Stevens presented an informational PowerPoint. Mr. MacRae noted Merrill Stevens was established in 1885, 135 years ago. Mr. Macrae stated they are conducting a $35 million renovation and modernization of the boat yard, which will double their workforce in the next 12-24 months with lots of different types of skilled jobs such as electricians, engineers, estimators, service writers, quality control, etc. RMK Merrill Stevens is currently hiring and participated in the Miami Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) Summer STEM program. RMK Merrill Stevens is partnering with Miami-Dade County School Board, Broward School Board and MIASF on a apprentice program which is in the works. The modernization includes a new 2,700 ton, 72 meters long, Synchro Lift, capable of removing 235-foot world class mega yachts out of the Miami River for service on the “North Yard”. Therefore, RMK Merrill Stevens will have the largest haul out capability south of Jacksonville Florida, and may fit 3-4 Mega Yachts a time out of the water on the “North Yard”. In addition. the renovations include new seawalls and sheds, removed the top yard of dirt and replaced it with new clean dirt, and features an environmentally sensitive system for catching rain water, wash water, and water treatment. The South Yard has an additional 100 ton lift capable of removing vessels 80-100 feet. The renovations are estimated to be completed by April 2020.
Merrill Stevens Yachts is the exclusive South Florida dealer of Sealine Yachts, and is the Service and Warranty Center for Sealine, Fjord, and Maori Yachts. Arkup manufactured a floating boat house which has the ability to move and uses spuds as anchors. RMK Merrill Stevens sponsors “Fishing to Make a Difference” and the Miami River Commission.

Mr. MacRae stated within a 3-mile radius of RMK Merrill-Stevens there is:
• $8.8 billion in consumer buying power
• 200,000 residents
• $65,000 average annual income

Mr. MacRae stated the recreational boating industry in SE Florida produces $4 billion in annual wages, 136,000 jobs, and $23 million into the economy. Mr. Macrae stated a mega-yacht average stay in the boatyard is 3 months. Mr. MacRae stated the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show generates more than $800 million in economic activity, which is more than the NFL Super Bowl.

II. Informational Presentation Regarding Norseman Ship Building Corp., 437 NW South River Drive
Orin Black provided an informational presentation regarding Norseman Ship Building Corporation. Mr. Black stated Rick Herron sold the Norseman Building to the new owner / manager is Carlos “Marty” Martell, and they have a 20-year lease on the boatyard which is owned by Orin Black. Mr. Martell was out of town, but will join Mr. Black to present this informational item to the full MRC on September 9, 2019. Dr. Fran Bohnsack, MARAD, stated this boatyard received a $225,000 Federal Small Shipyard Grant, and that program’s available funding pool has grown to $7 million. Dr Bohnsack stated over the past 3 years 5 Federal Small Shipyard Grants have been awarded to job generating marine industrial businesses operating along Port Miami River. Dr Bohnsack added the “Port Infrastructure Grants” annual cycle is focused on international trade with Coastal Ports therefore it has less competition and could possibly provide funding for a new needed seawall on the western portion of Antillean Shipping or P&L Towing. The site has been going through improvements such as a new boat lift which is 80 feet long, 28 feet wide, and capable of hauling out 90-foot boats, new paint, new lights, and new decking. Business is good.
Mr. Black stated in 2 weeks a new seawall will commence construction at his adjacent 5TH Street Marina, at the future “Gramps on the River” restaurant portion of the site, followed by construction of the restaurant featuring a section of the public Riverwalk. Mr. Black stated the 5th ST Marina’s 630 linear feet of dockage is currently full, with a waiting list.

II) New Business

The meeting adjourned.

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