I. Status of “Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis” - Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, reported the economists recently completed the analysis portion of the contract, and is currently undergoing the 3 peer review process.  Mr. Bibeau stated the economists believe they will make the April 2008 deadline to finish the “Miami River Marine Industrial Economic Analysis”.  Mr. Bibeau added the 11 previous Miami River studies and economic analysis’ which were provided to the economists for review had been returned during the March 14 Urban Infill Working Group meeting.  Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, asked if she could review the river-related studies/plans and MRC staff replied yes.

II. Discussion of Potential Short Sea Shipping Funding Sources - Mr. Bibeau noted the “Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007” has opened the door to new programs promoting short sea shipping through the development and expansion of vessels, ports and marine transportation strategies by state and local governments in order to mitigate landside congestion. Mr. Bibeau noted he attended the “Miami-Dade / Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce DC Fly In” in late February and briefed appropriation staffers from the 7 members the Dade Congressional Delegation on the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan’s recommend to create a short sea shipping operation.  Mr. Bibeau noted the next legislative step is recommending Miami-Dade County include seeking funding in Fiscal Year 2010 for a Miami River short sea shipping operation in the County’s 2009 Federal Legislative Package.  Mr. Bibeau noted one of the Plan’s recommended sites for short sea shipping / consolidated freight forwarding center is the 8 acre County owned parcel currently authorized by the Board of County Commissioners for use in the Miami River maintenance dredging until the project’s completion in April 2009.  Mr. Bibeau reported the County administration is asking the Army Corps of Engineers to release a portion of the site before the dredging project is completed.  Mr. Bibeau added DERM Director Espinosa asked him to contact a Miami-Dade Public Works Department representative to inquire why the request to release a portion of the site is being made before completion of the dredging project, and what the County administration’s proposed use of the site is. 

III. Update of Permitting Status Regarding the Following New or Expanding Recreational Boatyards - Mr. Bibeau noted MRC Chair Eric Buermann suggested placing this item on the EDC agenda to obtain an update of the following three new or expanding marine industrial business permits on the Miami River:  Miami River Yacht & Engine Works, Mirage Yachts, and Campeones Boat Yard. EDC Chair Megan welcomed Mr. Lee Hefty, MD-DERM, whom provided a report on the aforementioned new and expanding recreational boatyards/marinas.

A. Miami Yacht & Engine Works:  Mr. Bibeau referenced the Economic Development & Commerce Subcommittee July 27, 2007 meeting minutes: “Mr. Bibeau reported that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a resolution of 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.” Mr. Hefty confirmed that a modification to the Class I permit to reflect and expansion of an additional 13 power boat slips over the original 11 slips was granted in January 2008, bringing the expanded recreational boatyards total permitted power boat slips to 24.  Mr. Hefty explained that the marine operating permit had also been modified to reflect 24 slips.  Mr. Hefty explained it was an oversight that the permits were not granted sooner after the Board of County Commissioners approved the expansion in July 2007.

B. Mirage Yachts: Mr. Bibeau referenced the Miami River Commission’s February 4, 2008 meeting minutes: “Mr. Hatami noted Mirage Yacht acquired the property for the purpose of yacht building and repair, adding that during the course of the company's due diligence period, previous IW-5 (Industrial Waste 5 permits) and occupational licenses were found to have been issued by DERM and the City of Hialeah for the purpose of automotive repair, ship building and ship repair. Mr. Hatami explained that in October 2007, DERM declined Mirage's application for an IW-5 permit because the property was not connected to a sanitary sewer and refused to grandfather in the previous IW-5 permits… Mr. Espinosa recommended that Mr. Hatami request a review of his current case before DERM's appeal board, which may perhaps grant a variance or an extension of time to make the necessary sanitary system connection at the site.”  Mr. Hefty reported Mirage Yachts is yet to submit an application to obtain a Marine Operating Permit, nor have they requested a review by the appeal board.

C. Campeones Boat Yard: Mr. Bibeau welcomed Hernandez’ father and son owners of Campeones Boat Yard, a proposed renovated full-service marina for 10 boats with a travel lift and separate boatyard accessible only by land with no boat quantity permit limitations, at 600 NW 7th Avenue, along the east shore of the Seybold Canal.  Mr. Bibeau referenced the Miami River Commission’s December 3, 2007 meeting minutes: “[Mr. Hernandez] purchased the unused boatyard three years ago and has been working towards bringing it into compliance in order for the previous marine industrial boatyard permits to be re-issued… Mr. Hernandez noted per the request of DERM, he is installing a fence to separate the site’s adjacent dry and wet spaces… Dr. Martin asked Mr. Hernandez if he had complied with all of DERM’s standards and requested changes, and Mr. Hernandez replied that he is currently making all of the requested changes.  Mr. Hernandez noted Mr. Lee Hefty and Mr. Luis Otero, DERM, had not stated any objections to the proposed marina. Mr. Hernandez added that he believes DERM is pleased with his progress and will therefore reinstate permits previously allocated at the boatyard site.”

Mr. Hefty noted the current “arduous” restrictions/ongoing enforcement are a result of previous property owners not abiding by DERM’s regulations.  Mr. Hefty added, however, that an opportunity exists for the restrictions to be lifted, thereby allowing the site to operate consistent with its permit application.  Mr. Mario Hernandez Jr. noted he would deliver the site plans recently approved by the City of Miami, to Mr. Hefty the next day.  Mr. Hernandez expressed his concern regarding the required barrier fence dividing the dry and wet slip marina. Mr. Hernandez noted that, per the request of Mr. Otero, DERM, he had submitted plans for a concrete barrier fence.  Mr. Hefty noted he recalled reviewing the aforementioned drawings.  Mr. Hernandez Jr. explained the plans depict an 8-10 foot gap at the center of the concrete barrier fence to allow the operation of the marina’s forklift which does not lift boats.  Mr. Hefty asked for more information regarding the forklift, and Mr. Hernandez replied it is a palette forklift, and agreed to revise the plans to illustrate this distinction.  Mr. Hefty stated the permit for the dock repair is prepped and being reviewed by the supervisor.  Mr. Hefty stated DERM is recommending the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approve a covenant lifting the arduous restrictions and allowing Campeones Boat Yard to pull up to 10 boats in and out of the water.  Mr. Hernandez explained he has been waiting 3 months already for the permits to be placed on an agenda for consideration by the BCC, and during that time lost all the marina tenants.  Mr. Hernandez asked for a timeframe for the item to be presented before the BCC, and Mr. Hefty replied that though his department is short-staffed, he would try to expedite the process as much as possible. Mr. Hefty provided the following process and estimated timeline: 1) DERM to draft covenant 2) County attorney to review covenant and provide to Mr. Hernandez for approval 3) Mr. Hernandez signs off on covenant and returns to DERM 4) DERM drafts memo for BCC (1-2 weeks) 5) to Board of County Commissioners (6-8 weeks). Mr. Lefty noted the total estimated timeline for completion of the entire process is 8-10 weeks from now.

IV. Status of the “Upper River/MIC Associated Development” Planning Process – EDC Chair Kelly asked Mr. Bibeau to obtain an update from Lubby Navarro, Office of Chairman Barreiro.

V. Update on Manatee Review Committee – Mr. Bibeau noted the next Manatee Review Committee meeting/public hearing will be held on April 8, 5:30 pm, University of Miami Rosenstiel School, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway.  Mr. Bibeau noted during the February meeting, the committee had reviewed various letters from the State noting the importance of analyzing and discussing all manatee-related data prior to considering any potential amendments to the 12 year old plan.  Mr. Bibeau noted, however, that the ordinance which created the Manatee Review Committee sunsets the board a month following the expected receipt of the aforementioned data in September 2008.  Mr. Bibeau noted the Committee had discussed the possibility of extending the sunset clause in order to allow enough time to receive and review the data.  Mr. Bibeau stated DERM has gone on record recommending no substantial changes to the current Manatee Protection Plan, in advance of any collected data or consideration by the Board.
Mr. Bibeau stated he had re-read the Manatee Protection Plan, which focuses on four main pillars/ points:

1. Permits, marine facilities
2. Environmental education
3. Environmental improvements
4. Enforcement of idle / no wake zones speed restrictions

Mr. Bibeau noted data collection may include boat and manatee populations.  Dr. Bohnsack noted it could be beneficial to revisit wet vs. dry slips, which currently have the same regulations despite the fact that boats in dry stack generally are not launched on a frequent basis.  Mr. Bibeau stated the 12-year old Plan had introduced the preliminary stages of sonar to detect manatees, prop guards and enforcement of the idle / no wake zone law to protect manatees.  Therefore as a member of the Committee appointed by the Honorable Commissioner Rolle, Mr. Bibeau stated he had suggested future agenda items regarding the current status and effectiveness of enforcing the idle / no wake speed restrictions, use of sonar and prop guards.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Review of Economic Analysis of the Miami River Marine Industry”- Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, noted per the request of the Executive Board during its April 7 meeting, the draft “Economic Analysis of the Miami River Marine Industry” was submitted to the EDC Co-chairs for their review prior to distribution to the City Commission, Board of County Commissioners, SFWMD, FIND, Waterfront Advisory Board, etc.  Mr. Bibeau stated EDC Co-Chair Kelly had forwarded MRC staff approximately 6 typo-related non substantive revisions to the analysis, and the revised analysis was made available.

Mr. Bibeau welcomed Mr. Richard Dubin, MRC, and provided a brief summary of the intent of the “Economic Analysis of the Miami River Marine Industry.” Mr. Bibeau stated the report contains a review of 11 previous economic studies and other research documents published since 1990 that are relevant to demonstrating the significance of the Miami River economy. Mr. Bibeau noted the aforementioned studies had been provided to Dr. William Stronge and Ms. Lenore Alpert of Florida Atlantic University, whom reviewed them and created an analysis (pages 1-32).  Mr. Bibeau noted their analysis was then provided to three independent peers, whom conducted their own three independent reviews of the new Analysis, featured at the end of the report (Dr. Phyllis Isley, pages 33-36; Dr. Gary Jackson, pages 37-39; and Dr. Rupert Rhodd, pages 40-42).  Mr. Bibeau stated two of the peer reviews had supported the analysis’ ten percent downward adjustment in economic benefits generated by mega yachts, but added the three peer reviews were positive.  Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Winston, MRC, had recommended that the Analysis’ author, Dr. Stronge, reply in writing to the three peers which reviewed his analysis, and address the MRC.  Mr. Bibeau stated he had forwarded Mr. Winston’s recommendation to EDC Co-Chair Megan Kelly, whom noted it was unnecessary to request that Dr. Stronge reply his position in writing.  An analogy is when a newspaper critiques / reviews a movie or book, the movie director or book author doesn’t reply a letter to the editor in response to the review.  Mr. Bibeau stated EDC Co-Chair Kelly further requested that the report back to the MRC be made under her EDC Chair Report during the MRC’s May 5 meeting, and directed MRC staff to distribute the Final Analysis, with the corrected typos.  Mr. Dubin noted he agreed with EDC Chair Kelly’s directives regarding the Analysis which the EDC has brought to fruition.  Mr. Bibeau added that the goal of the analysis was to generate an unbiased report by a team of independent economists, and the working draft had therefore not been provided to the MRC or its subcommittees for substantive policy related changes.

II. Update of Permitting Status Regarding the Following New or Expanding Recreational Boatyards - Mr. Bibeau noted EDC Chair Kelly requested this item to obtain an update of the following three new or expanding marine industrial business permits on the Miami River:  Miami River Yacht & Engine Works, Mirage Yachts, and Campeones Boat Yard. Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Lee Hefty, MD-DERM, was unable to attend today’s meeting, but had provided MRC staff with a report, via email, on the aforementioned new and expanding recreational boatyards/marinas.

A. Miami Yacht & Engine Works:  Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Alberto LaMadrid, owner, had RSVP’d for today’s meeting, but was not present.  Mr. Bibeau referenced the EDC’s March 17 meeting minutes, “Mr. Hefty confirmed that a modification to the Class I permit to reflect and expansion of an additional 13 power boat slips over the original 11 slips was granted in January 2008, bringing the expanded recreational boatyards total permitted power boat slips to 24.  Mr. Hefty explained that the marine operating permit had also been modified to reflect 24 slips.  Mr. Hefty explained it was an oversight that the permits were not granted sooner after the Board of County Commissioners approved the expansion in July 2007.” Mr. Bibeau read Mr. Hefty’s April 18 report into the record: “As I indicated at the last meeting, we are unaware of any outstanding issues associated with Miami Yacht & Engine Works. The DERM class I permit and Marine Facilities Annual Operating permit have already been modified to reflect the increase in vessel slips authorized by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.” Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Hefty had indicated that Miami Yacht & Engine Works may potentially be awaiting receipt of a state permit.

B. Mirage Yachts: Mr. Bibeau noted Mr. Mike Hatami, owner, had RSVP’d for today’s meeting, but was not present. Mr. Bibeau referenced the EDC’s March 17 meeting minutes, “Mr. Hefty reported Mirage Yachts is yet to submit an application to obtain a Marine Operating Permit, nor have they requested a review by the appeal board.” Mr. Bibeau read Mr. Hefty’s April 18 report into the record: “As stated in previous presentations to the MRC, because the subject property is served by a septic system DERM can not authorize a vessel repair facility in this location unless the property owner is able to obtain a variance from the County Code.  The property owner has not yet applied for a variance.”

C. Campeones Boat Yard: Mr. Bibeau welcomed Hernandez’ father and son owners of Campeones Boat Yard, a proposed renovated full-service marina for 10 boats with a travel lift and separate boatyard accessible only by land with no boat quantity permit limitations, at 600 NW 7th Avenue, along the east shore of the Seybold Canal.  Mr. Bibeau referenced the EDC’s March 17 meeting minutes, “Mr. Hefty noted the current “arduous” restrictions/ongoing enforcement are a result of previous property owners not abiding by DERM’s regulations.  Mr. Hefty added, however, that an opportunity exists for the restrictions to be lifted, thereby allowing the site to operate consistent with its permit application….  Mr. Hernandez asked for a timeframe for the item to be presented before the BCC, and Mr. Hefty replied that though his department is short-staffed, he would try to expedite the process as much as possible.  Mr. Hefty provided the following process and estimated timeline: 1) DERM to draft covenant 2) County attorney to review covenant and provide to Mr. Hernandez for approval 3) Mr. Hernandez signs off on covenant and returns to DERM 4) DERM drafts memo for BCC (1-2 weeks) 5) to Board of County Commissioners (6-8 weeks). Mr. Lefty noted the total estimated timeline for completion of the entire process is 8-10 weeks from now.” Mr. Bibeau read Mr. Hefty’s April 18 report into the record: “DERM has been working with the property owner to seek a modification to the existing property restriction that would allow vessels to be hauled for repair and returned to the water.  DERM has been working with the property owner to obtain acceptable site plans and has recently met with the property owner and provided them with a copy of the proposed revised restrictive covenant.  DERM will prepare an agenda package to schedule this item before the County’s GOE Committee and Board of County Commissioners.”

Mr. Mario Hernandez, Jr. stated he had received the final draft covenant on April 22, signed and returned it to DERM this morning. Mr. Hernandez noted Mr. Hefty had indicated that the covenant would be delivered to the county’s legal department later today for review, and added the item would potentially be presented before the County’s GOE Committee on May 13, followed by the Board of County Commissioners potentially in June.

Mr. Hernandez, Sr. stated the site plans have been amended over 7 times, per the request of DERM, and was looking forward to reaching a consensus with DERM in the near future.  Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC had previously voted in support of the proposed new Campeones Boatyard and Marina, and therefore on behalf of the MRC offered his support and assistance.  Mr. Hernandez, Jr. noted per Mr. Bibeau’s suggestion, he had met with Mr. James Kohnstamm, Beacon Council, regarding potential economic incentives for their proposed new business on the Miami River, which is located within the Enterprise Zone.

III. Discussion of Public Land Availability - Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC’s adopted “Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan” supports the creation of a short sea shipping / consolidated freight forwarding center at the 8-acre county-owned parcel, located across from the Jai Alai and currently authorized by the Board of County Commissioners for use in the Miami River maintenance dredging until the project’s completion in April 2009.   Mr. Bibeau noted this site has potential to receive federal funding from the “Energy Bill”, which opened the door to new programs promoting short sea shipping through the development and expansion of vessels, ports and marine transportation strategies by state and local governments in order to mitigate landside congestion.  Mr. Bibeau added the EDC had previously recommended that Miami-Dade County include requesting federal funding in Fiscal Year 2010 for a Miami River short sea shipping operation in their 2009 Federal Legislative Package. 

IV. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

Ms. Kelly stated the purpose of today’s planning/”brainstorming” session was to obtain input from, and work in unison with, Miami River stakeholders to develop action items and/or a future strategy for the Upper River. Ms. Kelly stated she viewed the planning session as a forum for public discourse regarding river-related issues and a venue to express any updates or concerns. Ms. Kelly then opened up the meeting to attendees, which included: Mr. Mark Bailey, Merrill-Stevens, Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) Director Carlos Espinosa, Mr. Lee Hefty, DERM, Mr. Mike Hatami, Mirage Yacht, and Mr. Jeffrey Hooper, Miami River business owner. The following items were discussed/addressed by the planning session group:

• Support of Amendment 6/Working Waterfront Legislation
  The City of Miami recently adopted a resolution in support of this constitutional amendment, which if adopted on November 4, could provide the local marine industry a tax break and raise the potential value of waterfront property; The EDC discussed a need to increase public awareness on this item. Ms. Kelly stated support of the amendment is consistent with the goals and initiatives generated by the MRC’s Marine Industrial Summit; Dr. Bohnsack stated she would reach out to Miami-Dade County Commissioner and EDC Co-chair Bruno Barreiro to see if the county can adopt a resolution in support of this amendment; Mr. Bailey stated he would forward Ms. Chase a fact sheet in regards to the amendment, which she agreed to distribute to the MRC email database.
• Preservation of Boatyards and Marinas
  Working in cooperation with DERM to develop ways to create and encourage sustainable marine-related businesses (i.e. boatyards, marinas, etc.); Mr. Espinosa reported that the cause of the disappearing marine industry is a direct result of the fledgling market, not DERM regulations. Mr. Espinosa stated DERM is open to the idea of increasing communication and providing as much assistance as possible; establishing a user-friendly DERM permitting process
• The benefits of Dry Stack Storage along the Miami River, and the need for DERM/ the Manatee Protection Plan to consider this opportunity
• The underutilization of boat slips along the Miami River
  Mr. Hefty stated DERM allows property owners to transfer boat slips from one riverfront parcel to another riverfront parcel, as long as there is no negative impacts to manatees
• Establishing consistency in regards to enforcement of federal laws and regulations
  Merrill Stevens will address ongoing issues with Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Border Protection, Customs and State Department; increasing awareness of yachting industry and Merrill Stevens expansion project
• Implementation of Short Sea Shipping along the Miami River
  Using waterways to alleviate traffic/congestion on roads; collection of properties on west end of Miami River could serve as distribution centers/truck depots; load barges and move approximately over 1,000 containers per day along the Miami River; The EDC had previously recommended that Miami-Dade County include requesting federal funding in Fiscal Year 2010 for a Miami River short sea shipping operation in its Federal Legislative Package; federal funding potentially available in FY 2010 Energy and Water Bill; identify parcels to serve as free trade zones; target commodities that are not time-sensitive, and create grace periods/delay infusion of products to particular destinations; possibility of incorporating railway to increase efficiency
• Dr. Bohnsack stated she would contact Ms. Marianne Winfield and MARAD to discuss the possibility of establishing a short sea shipping pilot program and funding strategy; The EDC discussed the possibility of hiring an intermodal consultant to create a “concrete plan” and determine actual costs associated with this project
• Reporting progress of Miami Intermodal Center and associated properties/parcels
• Recreational boating as a profitable river business
  The MRC is supportive of all marine‑related opportunities, such as: marinas, boatyards, commercial fishing, industrial businesses, shipping, tug operations, etc.

The meeting adjourned.

I) Creation of Advanced Multi-Modal Forms of Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, Customs Clearance, Free Trade Zone, Light Assembly, Cargo Handling and Transportation along the Upper River

1. Dedicating necessary real estate/parcels
2. Federal funding available for short sea shipping projects (ex: Fiscal Year 2010 Energy & Water Bill)
3. Potentially including a $5 million request for this initiative in County’s Fed. legislative package
4. Focus on including Miami River in the State’s Strategic Intermodal System, thereby making it eligible to receive ST multi-modal transportation funding
5. Examine ability to link cargo modes of transportation including adjacent rail, airport, Port of Miami River and Port of Miami
6. Freight forwarding/cargo handling/custom clearance center in Upper River
7. Based on conversations with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, MARAD and shippers along the Miami River, this initiative is feasible; showed tremendous support
8. Need to draft a business plan to further examine feasibility
9. Connecting Port of Miami River with airport, MIC, vacant county-owned eight acres in upper river near Jai Alai and railway
10. Chairman Barreiro expressed concern regarding the initiative potentially undercutting county plans for a tunnel; Ms. Kelly reasoned that initiatives are not mutually exclusive; they could compliment one another by working sequentially to remove truck congestion, building support in turn for the tunnel and for a multimodal facility in upper river; Mr. Bibeau noted the proposed timeline to initiate short sea shipping is one year vs. the six-year timeframe to construct the tunnel
11. Mr. Bibeau distributed excerpts from the MRC-adopted Miami River Multi-Modal Transportation Plan regarding river-based, multimodal cargo facility and short sea shipping

II) Miami-Dade County Working Waterfront Legislation

• Mr. Bibeau distributed a Memo from County Manager George Burgess to Board of County Commissioners regarding offering economic incentives to new and expanding businesses; Mr. Bibeau noted the legislation needed a sponsor in order for it to be adopted by the county and benefit river-related businesses. Chairman Barreiro noted he would consider sponsoring the legislation

III) Manatee Protection Plan and IV) Improving Cooperation with DERM to Develop Ways to Encourage Sustainable Marine-Related Businesses along the Miami River

• The benefits of Dry Stack Storage along the Miami River, and the need for DERM/ the Manatee Protection Plan to consider this opportunity
• The underutilization of boat slips along the Miami River
• Chairman Barreiro suggested that Miami River businesses unite to become the changing force behind revising the rules and regulations of the Manatee Protection Plan (i.e. collecting different proposals/ideas)
• Mr. Bibeau, a member of the Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee, noted that-per his resolution the committee had unanimously recommended the Board of County Commissioners to include in its ST legislative package a request to significantly increase fines for violators of no wake/idle speed zones, especially along the Miami River
• Mr. Bibeau noted he recently met with a Millennium Partners representative to discuss proposed plans for a mixed-use project at the currently vacant parcel on the south side of the river between the MetroMover station and the South Miami Avenue Bridge, which would include a publicly accessible riverwalk and a dry stack storage facility

Additional Topics for Staff

• CBO: MRC is pending $20,400 reimbursement of Miami River Boat Tours from Miami-Dade County DERM; Ms. Navarro agreed to follow-up

1. Riverday: MRC is pending $8,000 reimbursement for Riverday from Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs’Tourist Development Council (TDC);  Mr. Navarro noted she would follow-up
2. Empowerment Trust: MRC pending $17,800 reimbursement for the completed Miami River marine Industry Economic Analysis from the Miami-Dade County Empowerment Zone Trust, which was completely shut down in 2007. Miami-Dade County Department Community & Economic Development is in the process of monitoring and auditing all the files of the organization to determine submission of reimbursement packages. Mr. Navarro noted she would follow-up

• Scavenger Contract: Mr. Bibeau noted he had received a draft contract from Scavenger Decontamination Vessel Services, Inc. for de-pollution services along the Miami River; Mr. Bibeau distributed a September 18, 2008 Memo from County Manager George Burgess to the Honorable Chairman Bruno Barreiro and the Board of County Commissioners regarding the Fiscal Year 2008-2008 Budget, which included $100,000 from the countywide general fund to the Miami River Commission to support the annual costs of a scavenger boat for litter and debris removal on the Miami River.  Mr. Bibeau stated he was awaiting receipt of the contract from the County for the $100,000, and added the City of Miami has already included $200,000 to renew scavenger services citywide in its FY ’09 budget.

The meeting adjourned.