I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:
Frank Balzebre moved to accept the MRC’s previously distributed draft December 3 public meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms Sallye Jude and unanimously adopted by the MRC.
The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the December 8 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer event. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA volunteers whom planted, painted, picked up litter, pulled weeds and spread recycled mulch along the Miami River Greenway’s south shore, from Jose Marti Park to NW 1 ST.

The 2nd annual Miami River Calendar (2013) and the MRC’s Annual Report regarding 2012 accomplishments were distributed.

The following MRC 2013 meeting calendar was distributed: “Miami River Commission meetings generally take place on the first Monday of each month (except August), noon, at the Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street.

January 7
February 4
March 4
April 15 (3rd Monday of the Month)
May 6
June 3
July 1
MRC does not meet in August
September 9 (2nd Monday in September)
October 7
November 4
December 2

Friendly reminder of 2 exciting opportunities, advertising in the 10th Annual Miami River Map and Guide and sponsoring the free 17th Annual Miami Riverday in Lummus Park, on April 6.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) report:

1) I would like to thank the City of Miami which removed significant debris, litter, and invasive species along the north shore, just south of Flagler Bridge.
2) FPL agreed to repair several broken street lights this month, along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to Garcia’s and Casablanca Restaurants.

II. Discussion Regarding The Homeless Along the Miami River - Ms. Hilda Fernandez, Director of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, presented the services The Homeless Trust provides homeless people in Miami-Dade County. Ms Fernandez stated the fluctuating number of available “beds” for the homeless is currently estimated at 200.

Mr. Gloria, Camillus House, provided an overview of the new Camillus House campus and the services they provide the homeless.

Mr. Sergio Torres, Director of the City of Miami’s Department of Homeless Assistance, presented an overview of the services they provide the homeless Citywide. Mr. Torres stated the largest congregation of homeless people in Miami-Dade County is along sections of the Miami River District.

The presenters noted the problem of 45 well intended groups which provide free food on a regular basis to the homeless beneath I-95 on SW 2 ST, attracting more homeless to this portion of the Miami River district. Chairman Aguirre stated volunteers pick up large amounts of plastic and styrofoam plates, human feces, etc. along this section of the Miami River District, which are left behind after the large outdoor homeless feedings etc. In addition, Chairman Aguirre added the leftover food attracts rats. The presenters indicated they have reached out to the groups and invited them to volunteer at the ongoing indoor feedings, which are more humane featuring opportunities to wash hands, use the restroom, eat at a table, etc., instead of eating on the street.

Mr. Sanchez, owner of the nearby Casablanca Seafood (400 NW North River Drive) reported
aggressive panhandling, and crime in the area including thefts of bicycles and cars. The City of
Miami Police Officer Bernat stated he would issue a watch order along North River Drive from
NW 7 Ave to the I-95 overpass. Officer Bernat recommended repairing the area’s broken street
lights and removing overgrowth in the area (please see MRC VIP Chair Report for status of these
ongoing efforts).

Chairman Aguirre asked the professionals to email the MRC five suggestions to improve means
Of addressing homeless needs in the Miami River District. Ms. Fernandez requested a site visit
with all interested parties in February 2013. The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, City of
Miami Department of Homeless Assistance and the Camillus House Directors pledged to
continue working hard with the MRC to address the serious, difficult, and sensitive issue of
unfortunately homeless people along the Miami River.

III. Committee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee – Chair Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following report:
The historic Seybold Carriage House, owned by the City of Miami and located in the City’s Point Park, within the designated historic Spring Garden Neighborhood, is on the City’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board’s January 14 agenda to consider demolition. Dr. Martin stated he and residents from the Miami River’s Spring Garden neighborhood want to salvage the Florida Pine from the existing historic Seybold House for use in construction of a new public Point Park headquarters and historic interpretive center. MRC Members noted the importance of preserving the Miami River’s long and rich history. The Miami River Commission (MRC) adopted a unanimous resolution to provide “moral support” for the Spring Garden Neighborhood’s effort to salvage materials from the existing historic Seybold Canal House and utilize them in the plan developed by Les Beilinson to rebuild on the same Point Park site a park headquarters and historic interpretive center, and recommends the Seybold Canal House remain until a funding strategy is in place for its replacement and salvage.

MRC Director Bibeau noted informational flyers have been distributed for the next Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer events on Saturday, January 19 and January 26. The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST. Therefore the next public meeting is this Wednesday, January 9.

B. Storm Water Subcommittee - Chair Sallye Jude provided the following report – The Storm Water subcommittee met on December 5. Agency representatives presented their respective updates on implementing FDEP’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID, and the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan. Public meeting minutes will be distributed this month. In December, MRC Director Bibeau distributed environmental education materials door to door in the Allapattah Produce market, and took lots of pictures of discarded fruit rotting into the storm drain system. Director Bibeau stated Allapattah Produce Market business owners told him homeless people were breaking into their garbage bins and taking out thrown away produce, which they eat portions of in the streets, and then the leftovers are discarded in the public right of way.

IV) New Business - The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:
The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the January 19 & 26 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer events. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA & University of Miami volunteers whom planted, painted, picked up litter, pulled weeds and spread recycled mulch along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to NW 7 Ave.

As an exciting movie preview of sorts, these are pictures of 2 development sites which represent voting items on our March 4 public MRC meeting, here at noon. I respectfully request your attendance in order for us to achieve quorum and take action on these time sensitive voting items. The preliminary review of the proposals is included in the distributed public meeting minutes of the MRC’s January 23 Urban Infill and Greenways joint subcommittee meeting. The two proposed developments will return for another public meeting of the MRC’s joint subcommittee’s this month, and those draft public meeting minutes will be distributed one week before the items are considered during the full MRC’s March 4 public meeting.

Friendly reminder of 2 exciting opportunities, advertising in the 10th Annual Miami River Map and Guide and sponsoring the free 17th Annual Miami Riverday in Lummus Park, on April 6.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following report:
The following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed:

• 1) In late January FPL commenced repairs to the broken Street lights along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to Lummus Park, Garcia’s and Casablanca Restaurants. MRC Vice Chairman Carmichael thanked Director Bibeau for his persistent efforts.
• 2) After receiving a report from the adjacent business owner, the MRC contacted the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department regarding a strong sewage odor and water coming out of manholes on the Miami River Greenway’s public sidewalk at 417 NW North River Drive. The County quickly responded and discovered the odor was actually coming out of the City’s stormwater system, which was totally clogged and filled over capacity with Styrofoam plates and plastic water bottles. I thank the County for using sanitizers, deodorizers, and inserts on their Sanitary Sewer System, and emailing their recommendation for the City of Miami to place their Storm water system on regular scheduled maintenance using the City’s vacuum trucks etc. I thank the City of Miami, which then quickly responded to the subject area with their truck and vacuumed out the clogged storm drains. These culverts overflowing with rotten garbage full of coliform and viruses, drains into the Miami River, which is regulated as a “Florida Outstanding Water” and part of the “Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve” with numerous often unmet water quality goals known as TMDLs.
• 3) I would like to thank Manny Prieguez and Miami River Lobster and Stone Crab for repairing a dock at one of their 4 commercial fishing sites.
  

II. Informational Item Regarding New Riverfront Restaurant, “Hemingway’s Warehouse”,
412 NW North River Drive – MRC Director Bibeau stated it’s his understanding that the City of Miami permitted an adaptive re-use of an existing riverfront building to become “Hemingway’s Warehouse”, a new riverfront restaurant at 412 NW North River Drive scheduled to open on Miami Riverday, April 6, 2013, immediately next door to Garcia’s Seafood and Casablanca Restaurants and Seafood Market. The improvements to the existing building are currently under construction, and it appears since it is an adaptive re-use, with essentially no waterfront setback, zoned D1, the public riverwalk and waterfront building setbacks are exempt, similar to Garcia’s and Casablanca. MRC Director Bibeau stated the owner, Mr. Carlos Miranda, had RSVP’d for the MRC meeting, yet he wasn’t present.

III. Informational Item Regarding the University of Miami’s “On the Waterfront:
Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade” – Jacob Brillhart, Architect and UM Professor, presented the recently completed and released “On the Waterfront: Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade”, which strongly recommends and supports finishing construction of the 10-mile public Miami River Greenway. MRC Director Bibeau noted the City, County and MRC adopted the Miami River Greenway Action Plan in 2001, which was re-affirmed by the American Institute of Architects Miami River Plan in 2010, and now in 2013 the public riverwalk is being reaffirmed again in UM’s “On the Waterfront: Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade”. Director Bibeau stated the public Miami River Greenway remains under construction, and is nearing completion of 5-miles within the planned 10-mile route.

IV. Committee Reports

A. Greenways – Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following update:
Miami-Dade County public Miami River Greenway construction update:

I would like to thank Miami-Dade County which commenced construction on 4 of their 6 currently 100% funded and designed sections of the public Miami River Greenway. We are supporting the County’s efforts to obtain the final 2 FDEP permits in order to use existing funding and plans to construct the public Miami River Greenway on both shores beneath Metro-Rail as well.

City of Miami public Miami River Greenway construction update:
I would like to thank the City for Miami which is commencing construction to extend the public Miami River Greenway on the south shore from current terminus at NW 1 ST to the NW 12 Ave Bridge, using 3 awarded federal grants, authored by MRC Director Bibeau. In addition, the City is completing construction on the section of the public Miami River Greenway along the south shore from South Miami Ave Bridge to Metro-Rail.

MRC Vice Chairman cited the Greenways subcommittee’s distributed January 9, 2013 public meeting minutes indicate some of the Federal grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct sections of the public Miami River Greenway will pass deadlines before 100% completion, therefore will require further time extensions. Director Bibeau replied contractors hired by the City using previously awarded federal funds are currently constructing several sections of the public Miami River Greenway, the City is aware of the deadlines, and the MRC continues to advocate for the expedited completion of the public Miami River Greenway.

Volunteers
The next monthly volunteer Miami River beautification event is on Saturday, February 23, featuring an expansion of the community free vegetable and fruit garden on the public riverwalk at 1407 NW 7 ST, in addition to litter pickup along the shorelines.

Vice-Chairman Carmichael asked for an update regarding the remaining developments which are not providing public riverwalks as required by law. Director Bibeau replied the MRC continues to participate in the public televised City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board meetings with this item on the agenda.
The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST. Therefore our next public meeting is next Wednesday, March 13.

B. Storm Water Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude – The Storm Water subcommittee met on December 5. Agency representatives presented their respective updates on implementing FDEP’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID, and the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan. Our next public meeting will he held here, on March 6, 10 AM.

V) New Business – The City of Miami made emergency repairs to riverfront Curtis Park’s public boat ramp, which is now useable and reopened. The City plans on applying for a matching FIND grant to renovate and improve the Curtis Park public boat ramp on the Miami River.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The MRC unanimously adopted the MRC’s previously distributed draft January 7 and February 4 public meeting minutes.

The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the February 23 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer event. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA volunteers whom expanded the community free vegetable and fruit garden and picked up litter along the Miami River Greenway’s south shore, from 13 Ave to I-836. In preparation we hired professional arborists which removed massive overgrown invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, which had taken over the shoreline.

Chairman Aguirre provided a friendly reminder for everyone to attend the free 17th Annual Miami Riverday on April 6, 1-6 PM, in Lummus Park, 250 NW North River Drive. Chairman Aguirre thanked all the generous sponsors and participants.

Jay Carmichael, Chair of the MRC’s Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) addressed the following items:

1) I thank FPL which in February completed repairs to the broken Street lights along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to Lummus Park, Garcia’s and Casablanca Restaurants.
2) I thank the City of Miami which in February reopened the Miami River’s only public boat ramp in Curtis Park.
3) I thank FDOT and the City of Miami’s Homeless Assistance Department which in late February conducted a significant outreach, assistance and cleanup beneath the Brickell and Flagler Bridges in late February.
4) MRC recently reported to the City that their decorative trash cans are overflowing along the public Miami River Greenway between Lummus Park and I-95

II. Review Proposed Mixed-Use Development Plans, 1500 NW North River Drive (Mahi-Shrine Site)
Ms. Vicky Garcia Toledo, Bilzin Sumberg, presented a PowerPoint regarding the proposed “River Landing”, mixed-use development at the current “Mahi-Shrine Temple”, featuring 475,000 square feet of retail, 444 residential units, in 6 floors of retail, 12 floors of residential, above a 12 story parking garage (total 24 stories), height 280 feet where FAA allows up to 310 feet, more parking spots than required by law, LEED certified, temporary recreational boat dockage, disclosure that the project is located on the working Miami River with marine industrial businesses, a 50-foot wide public riverwalk, 2 side yards and middle corridor are all publicly accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, with no waivers, exemptions, exceptions or reductions of the public riverwalk provisions required under City Code, i.e. Miami 21 sections 3.11, and Appendix B. Ms Garcia Toledo added for the first time that the City recently determined the proposed project also requires a zoning amendment from T6-8 to T6-24.

The proposed project was presented to the MRC’s Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittees on January 23, which recommended approval subject to 5 conditions. Revised plans were presented to the MRC subcommittee’s on February 15, which per the distributed public meeting minutes found all 5 conditions were met, therefore MRC Urban Infill Chairman Murley and Greenways Chairman Martin found the revised proposal consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

The MRC unanimously found the presented “River Landing” plans consistent with the adopted Miami River Greenway Action Plan and the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

This project is scheduled before the Miami’s Planning Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) in April, and the City Commission in April or May.

Ms. Vicky Garcia Toledo indicated they would like the County to give the developer the County owned riverfront parcel immediately east of the site, which the developer would improve and maintain as a public greenspace featuring the public riverwalk. Chairman Aguirre and the MRC asked to potentially consider that separate proposed component during the MRC’s April 15 public meeting.

III. Review 5th Draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District”
The subject 5th draft ordinance, list of current allowable uses, and the following memo were distributed:

Memorandum
To: Miami River Commission (MRC) Board Members
From: MRC UIWG Chairman Jim Murley
Date: 4/8/2013
Re: Recommendations for MRC’s March 4, 2013 Agenda Item III

III. Review 5th Draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District” – After the MRC Urban Infill and Greenways subcommittee public meetings in February, the Miami-Dade County Planning Department provided the distributed significantly revised 5th draft new zoning code for the Miami River’s south shore in unincorporated Dade-County. The new 5th draft ordinance was approved at first reading, and is scheduled for a public hearing at the County’s Land Use and Development Committee on March 14.

The MRC’s distributed December 2012 public meeting minutes include the MRC’s required advisory recommendation on the previous 4th draft ordinance. Portions of the new 5th draft ordinance are problematic to implement and lack sufficient standards. Therefore in recommending approval of the revised 5th draft ordinance, I suggest the MRC adopt the following additional conditions:

1) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(2)(iii.) Other water-dependent uses not specifically enumerated in this section or in the IU-1 and IU-2 districts (includes 131 different uses) as determined by the Director.” (handwritten page 13)
2) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(3)(iv.) Other water-dependent uses not specifically enumerated in this section or in the IU-1 and IU-2 districts (includes 131 different uses) as determined by the Director.” (handwritten page 13)
3) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(4)(i.-ii.) The following additional uses shall be permitted…only when the Director determines…” (pages 13-14)

Should a new unknown use which is not specifically enumerated within the 131 different uses be proposed, then it would be considered under existing public processes such as adding the additional missing use to the code, or amending the zoning to the category which includes that proposed use.”

The MRC unanimously recommended approval of the 5th draft Miami-Dade County New Zoning Code “Article XXXIII(S) Palmer Lake Metropolitan Urban Center District, subject to the previously adopted conditions stated in the MRC’s December 3, 2012 public meeting minutes, and the following additional conditions:

1) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(2)(iii.) Other water-dependent uses not specifically enumerated in this section or in the IU-1 and IU-2 districts (includes 131 different uses) as determined by the Director.” (handwritten page 13)
2) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(3)(iv.) Other water-related uses not specifically enumerated in this section or in the IU-1 and IU-2 districts (includes 131 different uses) as determined by the Director.” (handwritten page 13)
3) Delete “33-284.99.59 (B)(4)(i.-ii.) The following additional uses shall be permitted…only when the Director determines…” (pages 13-14)

IV. Committee Reports

A. Greenways – Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following update:

The Greenways subcommittee’s February 13, 2013 public meeting minutes were distributed.

The next monthly volunteer Miami River beautification event is on Saturday, March 23, 9 AM, starting in Lummus Park, 250 NW North River Drive.

The Greenways subcommittee’s next regularly scheduled 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, public meeting will be held Wednesday, March 13, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Vice Chairman Carmichael expressed concern over delays in the City’s completing construction of several sections of the public Miami River Greenway. Director Bibeau stated updated estimated timelines will be provided at the next public meeting.

B. Storm Water Subcommittee – Chair Sallye Jude provided the following report:
The next public Storm Water subcommittee meeting is March 6, 1 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST. environmental regulatory agencies will present their respective updates on implementing FDEP’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID, and the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan.

Vice Chairman Carmichael asked for an update on implementing FDEP’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID, and the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan. Director Bibeau stated an update will be provided at the next public meeting.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:
The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the January 19 & 26 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer events. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA & University of Miami volunteers whom planted, painted, picked up litter, pulled weeds and spread recycled mulch along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to NW 7 Ave.

As an exciting movie preview of sorts, these are pictures of 2 development sites which represent voting items on our March 4 public MRC meeting, here at noon. I respectfully request your attendance in order for us to achieve quorum and take action on these time sensitive voting items. The preliminary review of the proposals is included in the distributed public meeting minutes of the MRC’s January 23 Urban Infill and Greenways joint subcommittee meeting. The two proposed developments will return for another public meeting of the MRC’s joint subcommittee’s this month, and those draft public meeting minutes will be distributed one week before the items are considered during the full MRC’s March 4 public meeting.

Friendly reminder of 2 exciting opportunities, advertising in the 10th Annual Miami River Map and Guide and sponsoring the free 17th Annual Miami Riverday in Lummus Park, on April 6.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following report:
The following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed:

• In late January FPL commenced repairs to the broken Street lights along the Miami River Greenway’s north shore, from I-95 to Lummus Park, Garcia’s and Casablanca Restaurants. MRC Vice Chairman Carmichael thanked Director Bibeau for his persistent efforts.
• After receiving a report from the adjacent business owner, the MRC contacted the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department regarding a strong sewage odor and water coming out of manholes on the Miami River Greenway’s public sidewalk at 417 NW North River Drive. The County quickly responded and discovered the odor was actually coming out of the City’s stormwater system, which was totally clogged and filled over capacity with Styrofoam plates and plastic water bottles. I thank the County for using sanitizers, deodorizers, and inserts on their Sanitary Sewer System, and emailing their recommendation for the City of Miami to place their Storm water system on regular scheduled maintenance using the City’s vacuum trucks etc. I thank the City of Miami, which then quickly responded to the subject area with their truck and vacuumed out the clogged storm drains. These culverts overflowing with rotten garbage full of coliform and viruses, drains into the Miami River, which is regulated as a “Florida Outstanding Water” and part of the “Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve” with numerous often unmet water quality goals known as TMDLs.
• I would like to thank Manny Prieguez and Miami River Lobster and Stone Crab for repairing a dock at one of their 4 commercial fishing sites.
  

II. Informational Item Regarding New Riverfront Restaurant, “Hemingway’s Warehouse”,
412 NW North River Drive – MRC Director Bibeau stated it’s his understanding that the City of Miami permitted an adaptive re-use of an existing riverfront building to become “Hemingway’s Warehouse”, a new riverfront restaurant at 412 NW North River Drive scheduled to open on Miami Riverday, April 6, 2013, immediately next door to Garcia’s Seafood and Casablanca Restaurants and Seafood Market. The improvements to the existing building are currently under construction, and it appears since it is an adaptive re-use, with essentially no waterfront setback, zoned D1, the public riverwalk and waterfront building setbacks are exempt, similar to Garcia’s and Casablanca. MRC Director Bibeau stated the owner, Mr. Carlos Miranda, had RSVP’d for the MRC meeting, yet he wasn’t present.

III. Informational Item Regarding the University of Miami’s “On the Waterfront:
Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade” – Jacob Brillhart, Architect and UM Professor, presented the recently completed and released “On the Waterfront: Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade”, which strongly recommends and supports finishing construction of the 10-mile public Miami River Greenway. MRC Director Bibeau noted the City, County and MRC adopted the Miami River Greenway Action Plan in 2001, which was re-affirmed by the American Institute of Architects Miami River Plan in 2010, and now in 2013 the public riverwalk is being reaffirmed again in UM’s “On the Waterfront: Miami’s Fifteen Mile Promenade”. Director Bibeau stated the public Miami River Greenway remains under construction, and is nearing completion of 5-miles within the planned 10-mile route.

IV. Committee Reports

A. Greenways – Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following update:
Miami-Dade County public Miami River Greenway construction update:

I would like to thank Miami-Dade County which commenced construction on 4 of their 6 currently 100% funded and designed sections of the public Miami River Greenway. We are supporting the County’s efforts to obtain the final 2 FDEP permits in order to use existing funding and plans to construct the public Miami River Greenway on both shores beneath Metro-Rail as well.

City of Miami public Miami River Greenway construction update:
I would like to thank the City for Miami which is commencing construction to extend the public Miami River Greenway on the south shore from current terminus at NW 1 ST to the NW 12 Ave Bridge, using 3 awarded federal grants, authored by MRC Director Bibeau. In addition, the City is completing construction on the section of the public Miami River Greenway along the south shore from South Miami Ave Bridge to Metro-Rail.

MRC Vice Chairman cited the Greenways subcommittee’s distributed January 9, 2013 public meeting minutes indicate some of the Federal grants awarded to the City of Miami to construct sections of the public Miami River Greenway will pass deadlines before 100% completion, therefore will require further time extensions. Director Bibeau replied contractors hired by the City using previously awarded federal funds are currently constructing several sections of the public Miami River Greenway, the City is aware of the deadlines, and the MRC continues to advocate for the expedited completion of the public Miami River Greenway.

Volunteers
The next monthly volunteer Miami River beautification event is on Saturday, February 23, featuring an expansion of the community free vegetable and fruit garden on the public riverwalk at 1407 NW 7 ST, in addition to litter pickup along the shorelines.

Vice-Chairman Carmichael asked for an update regarding the remaining developments which are not providing public riverwalks as required by law. Director Bibeau replied the MRC continues to participate in the public televised City of Miami Waterfront Advisory Board meetings with this item on the agenda.
The Greenways subcommittee’s regular monthly public meeting schedule remains the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST. Therefore our next public meeting is next Wednesday, March 13.

B. Storm Water Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude – The Storm Water subcommittee met on December 5. Agency representatives presented their respective updates on implementing FDEP’s Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID, and the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan. Our next public meeting will he held here, on March 6, 10 AM.

V) New Business – The City of Miami made emergency repairs to riverfront Curtis Park’s public boat ramp, which is now useable and reopened. The City plans on applying for a matching FIND grant to renovate and improve the Curtis Park public boat ramp on the Miami River.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The MRC unanimously adopted the previously distributed draft March 4 and April 15 public meeting minutes.

The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the MRC’s April 20 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer event. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA volunteers whom planted 220 plants, picked up litter, painted over graffiti, and painted an additional artistic mural along the Miami River Greenway’s south shore, from Jose Marti Park to SW 2 Ave Bridge.

MRC Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael stated the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed since the MRC’s April 15 public meeting:

1) A derelict vessel which the MRC reported has been declared as such by the City and County, whom are working with the boat and property owners to have them remove the derelict. If the owners don’t do so, then the government will remove it. There are dozens of declared derelict vessels Countywide, and this one on the Miami River is not in the channel or leaking fuels, so it is not a priority for removal with limited available funds. Vice-Chairman Carmichael commended MRC Director Bibeau.

2) Consistent with an email from a River resident, FPL has restored power to bollard lights along the public riverwalk beneath and adjacent to the 2 Ave Bridge, so now the City of Miami has conducting an assessment followed by repairs.

II. Review Phased “Flagler on the River” Mixed Use Development, located at 340 W. Flagler (Phase I) & 40 SW North River Drive (Phase II) – Mr Monserrat, Melo Group Architect, presented Phase I of the proposed “Flagler on the River” mixed use development. The presentation was consistent with the following memo distributed a week prior to the public MRC meeting:

“The “Melo” development company purchased and plans to develop “Flagler on the River” a mixed-use project on currently vacant land. Phase I (upland side of SW North River Drive) features 32 stories, 250 rental residential units, 50 offices, and retail space. The site is located “within ½ mile radius of TOD, or ¼ mile radius of a transit corridor” (Government Center Metro-Rail and Metro-Mover stations), therefore the zoning code allows for an administrative waiver of up to a 30% reduction in parking spaces. “Flagler on the River” is seeking a waiver from the 487 required parking spaces (est.), to be reduced by 104 parking spaces (est.), in order to provide the proposed 383 parking spaces. Mr. Carlos Melo told MRC Managing Director Brett Bibeau that they he had communicated with the Miami Parking Authority, which agreed to lease to the Melo’s all of the closed parking lot on the opposite side of Flagler, beneath and adjacent to I-95 (currently only being used for 3 large garbage dumpsters) and half of the lot immediately adjacent to “Flagler on the River” (beneath I-95), which equates to 70 (est.) parking spaces not included in the aforementioned parking space quantities & calculations. In addition, “Flagler on the River” upland Phase I is receiving a transfer of development rights from 40, 121 and 123 SW North River Drive, in order to develop 20 (est.) of the resid2ential units within Phase I (Phase I site allows 230 units (est.) + 20 units (est.) from transfer of development units from the lots across the street = 250 total residential units in Phase I).

Mr. Carlos Melo told MRC Director Bibeau that once they find a tenant, they will move forward with the riverfront Phase II of “Flagler on the River”, featuring a 2-3 story restaurant. Mr. Melo indicated at this time they plan on providing 100% of the public riverwalk, waterfront building setbacks and side-yards, and is not seeking any reductions, waivers, exemptions, exceptions or reductions to the public riverwalk and waterfront building setbacks, which are required by law.

I respectfully recommend the MRC support the proposed “Flagler on the River” Phase I mixed-use development, and that the Melo’s present at a future public MRC meeting the specific plans (when created) for the riverfront Phase II.”

Mr Monserrat confirmed the memo is accurate. One week prior to the meeting, MRC Director Bibeau emailed the distributed 2 project renditions, 2 large data sheets (one provided by the City of Miami and one provided by the developer) listing square footage of residential, office, retail, parking, etc., City of Miami parking waiver summary, and “Covenant in Lieu of Unity of Title” which provides for the transfer of residential unit rights to the subject Phase I. Mr. Monserrat submitted a printed binder of “Flagler on the River” Plans, which are consistent with the previously distributed materials. Chairman Aguirre noted the “Covenant” indicates the parcels which sold away their residential development rights have the right in to ask the City to release them from the covenant, and regain these residential development rights, in 30 years. Attendees noted this portion of the Miami River has several vacant parcels, and three bridges (Flagler, 1 ST and I-95) and has homeless issues. Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group, asked for the developers to acknowledge marine industrial businesses along the Miami River which operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and Mr. Monserrat replied the Melo Group’s acknowledgement of marine industrial businesses along the Miami River.

The MRC passed a resolution (8-3) supporting the proposed “Flagler on the River” Phase I mixed-use development, and that the Melo’s present at a future public MRC meeting the specific plans (when created) for the riverfront Phase II.

IV. Committee Reports

A. Greenways – Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following update:

The Greenway’s subcommittee’s April public meeting minutes have been distributed. I thank the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and private sectors, all of which are currently constructing new sections of the public riverwalk.

The next monthly volunteer Miami River beautification event is this Saturday, May 11, 9-11 AM, Sewell Park, where volunteers will be picking up litter and removing invasive species. MRC Director Bibeau thanked the Miami Marlins and the Miami River Marine Group for donating 40 tickets to the Marlins Major League Baseball Game on Sunday, May 19, which are being provided to the MIRA USA volunteers whom worked during several recent monthly Miami River Greenway beautification events. Mark Baily, Miami River Marine Group, stated the Miami Marlins have designated the May 19 game as “Miami River Marine Industry Appreciation Day”, and are happy to provide this token of appreciation for these hard working Miami River volunteers.

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 this Wednesday, May 8, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

B. Storm Water Subcommittee – The Stormwater subcommittee’s March public meeting minutes have been distributed. The Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID contains 54 implementation / action items, of which 34 have been successfully completed. The next public meeting is June 5, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

IV. New Business – MRC Chairman Aguirre noted the MRC’s January 7, 2013 public meeting was dedicated to the problem of homelessness along the Miami River. MRC Chairman Aguirre commended the City of Miami for recently voting unanimously to seek a new interpretation of the “Pottinger” decision.

Director Bibeau thanked the Honorable Commissioner Barreiro for sponsoring the majority of the MRC recommended amendments to the County’s draft new Zoning code for the Miami River’s south shore in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, known as the “Palmer Lake” Zoning Code. Commissioner Barreiro’s MRC designee, Marlene Avalo, stated in addition, consistent with the main remaining MRC recommendation, in the “Riverside” district the County will be reducing the maximum potential number of hotel units per acre by 50%, from the current draft’s 375 units per acre to 187 units per acre. The MRC expressed appreciation for this reduction, and maintained their previously recommendation for the County to maintain the current code’s maximum hotel density which is 75 hotel units per acre. Attendees noted the final (2nd reading) Board of County Commissioner’s vote on the draft ordinance is May 7, 9:30 AM, Miami-Dade County Hall, 111 NW 1 ST.

MRC Vice Chairman Jay Carmichael asked for an update regarding the City’s revised request for the U.S. Coast Guard to temporarily modify the Miami River drawbridge regulation: 33CFR117.305 (c) and (d); which regulates the opening schedule of the following bridges: Miami Avenue, SW 2nd Ave, and Brickell Ave., to extend the evening rush hour bridge lock down an additional 30 minutes to become 4:35 PM - 6:30 PM, from April 2013 - December 2013. The U.S. Coast Guard Bridge Branch cc’d the MRC on their denial of this revised (2nd) City proposal.

Richard, Becker Poliakoff, stated the Florida Legislature did not provide any funding for the City of Miami’s $8 million request for the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project. Richard offered to present at a future MRC meeting a process for the City of Miami to seek their State funding request for this City project in the State’s 2014 Legislative Session.

MRC Chairman Aguirre recognized Mr. Finlay Matheson, whom recently purchased a major marine industrial site on the south shore of the Miami River’s south fork, formerly known as Consolidated Boatyard / Allied Marine (immediately west of River Oaks Marina and Tower).

MRC Director Bibeau stated a couple years ago senior citizen residents from Miami-Dade County’s riverfront Robert King High affordable housing joined their district City and County Commissioners, both of whom are also MRC members, on an MRC sponsored educational Miami River Boat Tour. The senior citizen riverfront affordable housing residents (estimated 100) have been asking for another educational Miami River Boat Tour, which is scheduled and now publicly noticed with MRC members the Honorable Commissioners Frank Carollo, Bruno Barreiro, Mayor Regalado on May 31, departing from Bayside at 9:30 and returning at 11:45.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The MRC unanimously adopted the previously distributed draft May 6 public meeting minutes.

The rotating PowerPoint presentation features pictures from the MRC’s May 11 Miami River Greenway beautification volunteer event. On behalf of the MRC, I thank all of the MIRA USA and Miami Kayak Club volunteers whom picked up litter and removed invasive species in Sewell Park. Sewell Park is a large beautiful riverfront park, which I encourage everyone to visit.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael addressed the following recent Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items:

1) I thank the boat and property owner which raised the derelict boat we discussed last month, at the confluence of the Miami River’s south shore and the south fork tributary.

2) In late May the MRC emailed the City of Miami asking for an estimate of when the broken lights will be repaired along the public riverwalk’s north shore, beneath and adjacent to the 2 Ave Bridge.

3) After a river business owner contacted the MRC in May, reporting graffiti along the public Miami River Greenway’s south shore east of I-95, beneath Flagler and 1 ST Bridges, the MRC painted over the graffiti.

4) Last month the MRC conducted site visits with City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team, Public Works, Solid Waste, Police, DDA, Miami-Dade County Public Works, and Homeless Assistance Department representatives, along the public Riverwalk’s north shore from NW 5 ST to Metro-Rail and south shore from Flagler Bridge to Jose Marti Park.

II. Review Proposed Office Development Plans, 528 NW 7 Ave – The following memo was redistributed:

“To: Miami River Commission (MRC) Board Members
From: MRC UIWG Chairman Jim Murley
Date: 6/11/2013
Re: Recommendation for MRC’s June 3, 2013 Agenda Item II
II) Review Proposed Office Development Plans, 528 NW 7 Ave – During the MRC Urban Infill & Greenways subcommittee’s February 15, 2013 and January 23, 2013 public meetings, Ms Iris Escarra, Greenberg Traurig, and Mr. Juan Calvo, Oppenheim Architecture and Design, presented draft plans for the Grandi Lavori Fincosit (GLF) office building, 528 NW 7 Ave, at the confluence of the Miami River and Seybold Canal’s NE shoreline (please see attached public meeting minutes). Although this job generating Marine Industrial business desires to load and off load barges on this site, which is zoned “D1” industrial, the site’s recent sea-wall DERM permit has a condition that no docking is allowed on this site, because Seybold Canal is to shallow. Therefore the City of Miami is currently processing the pending office building permit as an “Office”, which is also an allowable use under the existing D1 zoning and “Port of Miami River” sub-element of the Comprehensive Plan. Under the existing D1 zoning, and Miami zoning code section 3.11, a new office building is required to have a 20 foot waterfront setback, where the 20 foot wide “public” riverwalk is located, yet no public side yards are required to access the “public” riverwalk. Currently the neighboring properties are operating marine industrial businesses with no public riverwalks. The attached revised and improved office building design appears to be consistent with the City of Miami Zoning Code under the current scenario (1), because the office building is setback 20 feet from the waterfront, and features the riverwalk, which at this time is not publicly accessible. GLF supports the City of Miami’s permitted and partially funded Seybold Canal and Wagner Creek Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project, and upon its completion intends to seek removal of the DERM seawall permit condition which prohibits dockage. Under the potential future scenario (2) that DERM reverses their current condition by allowing dockage to load and offload barges, then this D1 site’s use would become an operating “Marine Industrial Establishment”, in which the City of Miami’s zoning code does not require a public riverwalk. Under the potential future scenario that DERM does not reverse their current condition, and continues to prohibit docking, and a neighboring parcel constructs a connecting “public” riverwalk, then the City code requires the GLF site’s proposed Riverwalk to be publicly accessible, and the public would access GLF’s riverwalk from the neighboring public riverwalk. I respectfully recommend the MRC recommend approval of the proposed GLF Office Building (528 NW 7 AVE) because it is consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.”

Mr. Juan Calvo, Oppenheim Architects, presented a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed development. Mr. Fabio Silvestri, GLF, noted their moral support for the City of Miami’s Seybold Canal and Wagner Creek Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project.

The MRC passed a unanimous resolution recommending approval of the proposed GLF Office Building (528 NW 7 AVE) as it is consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan and the Miami River Greenway Action Plan.

Dr. Ernie Martin stated perhaps the City of Miami could use the Parks Impact Fee generated by this proposed development for the reconstruction of the City’s historic Seybold Canal House located in the City’s Point Park, which is on the opposite side of Seybold Canal from the proposed new development, and in the same Commission District.

III. Committee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee – MRC Greenways subcommittee Chairman Dr. Ernie Martin provided the following report:

The Greenway’s subcommittee’s May 8 public meeting minutes have been distributed.

I thank the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and private sectors, all of which are currently constructing new sections of the public riverwalk. We Are working on an aerial exhibit depicting the 8 City public Riverwalk sections, and 6 County public Riverwalk sections which are currently under construction. The draft will be reviewed during our June public Greenways subcommittee meeting, and presented to the MRC under the Greenways subcommittee’s July 1 public meeting. The Greenways subcommittee’s regularly scheduled monthly public meetings remain the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 2 PM, here. Therefore our next public meeting is Wednesday, June 12, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

A. Stormwater Subcommittee – Subcommittee Chair Sallye Jude provided the following report:

The Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal Walk the WBID contains 54 implementation / action items, of which 34 were successfully completed as of last quarter. The next public meeting is June 5, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST, when agencies will be presenting their next quarterly implementation progress reports.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The MRC unanimously adopted the previously distributed draft June 3 public meeting minutes.

The rotating PowerPoint presentation featured pictures from the MRC’s June Miami River Greenway beautification efforts.

The MRC’s “Presentation Standard Operating Procedures” were distributed.

A sample MRC new member handbook was presented, featuring MRC enabling legislation, recent Annual Report, Miami River Map and Guide, MRC Subcommittee Structure and Presentation Standard Operating Procedures, and a CD with MRC’s adopted Strategic Plans, ie the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan, Miami River Water Basin Water Quality Improvement Plan, Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, etc.

Similar to other City and County agencies, the MRC will not hold a public meeting in August, therefore the next public MRC meeting is September 9, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael stated the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed last month:

1) After a river business owner contacted the MRC in June, the MRC painted over graffiti and picked up litter along sections of the public riverwalk
2) After receiving a report from the MRC, the City’s Solid Waste Department agreed to start emptying the City’s new decorative garbage cans which were recently installed by City CIP contractors which are completing a new section of the City owned public Miami River Greenway, on the south shore between Metro-Rail and South Miami Ave Bridge.
3) After receiving a report from the MRC, City of Miami Public Works Department agreed to remove invasive species which have taken over the City owned south shore of the Miami River from NW 27 Ave to NW 20 ST. The work is estimated to be complete by the end of this week.
4) After receiving a complaint from a River resident, the City of Miami has designed and funded the repair of 15 broken bollard lights located along the City’s public Riverwalk’s north shore, adjacent to and beneath the 2 Ave Bridge. The work is estimated to be completed this summer,

II) Review City of Miami’s “Lummus Landing Square Park Pavilion Complex” (B-30886)

Mr. Jose Caldeira, Marcel Douge, City of Miami Capital Improvement Projects, and architect Armando Rizo, presented a PowerPoint and printed copies of 30% complete (schematic) plans for the following new project, B-30886, “Lummus Landing Square Park Pavilion Complex”. The previously distributed plan includes a 1,453 square foot “Pavilion A” and a 1,721 square foot “Pavilion B”, featuring “concession, assembly, toilets” etc. When closed, the pavilions have transparent folding iron gates. Under 20% (7.4%) of the Lummus Landing (250 NW North River Drive) greenspace is proposed for this public park amenity, which features “Bahamian Vernacular” design elements. The “concession” area will not be equipped, which will be the responsibility of the potential to be determined concession operator. The proposed new project is directly adjacent to the 100% designed and funded public dock, riverwalk, decorative lights, landscaping etc. under a separate City project, B-30643.

The distributed Greenway’s subcommittee’s June 12 public meeting minutes, including this item, were distributed and state in part, “Mr. Mario Hernandez stated he and a private investor presented a PowerPoint of their plans for a similar “Fisherman’s Wharf” concept in Lummus Landing, which they previously provided the City of Miami, which would be privately funded in this potential private-public partnership. Mr. Hernandez stated if the site’s business plan is to be open 7 days per week, he recommended the pavilions be 500 square feet larger, because the current size is not sufficient for a viable business model, unless the operational plan is only occasional special events, etc.

MRC Director Bibeau noted across the street (NW 7 ST) from the public Riverwalk’s south shore, the public sector constructed a row of unequipped restaurant and retail spaces on the first floor of the Miami Marlins Ballpark’s Parking Garage, before operators were secured. After constructing the spaces, the government hired a firm to market and lease the vacant spaces. Two baseball seasons later, all of the spaces remain vacant, and no operator leases have been executed.

Greenways Chairman Martin found both the City of Miami and Mr. Hernandez’s schematic plans for the long awaited “Fisherman’s Wharf” in Lummus Landing (contained in City’s Comprehensive Plan, etc) consistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, and recommended the City of Miami also consider public-private partnerships where the private sector operator would pay for the construction, in addition to keeping the development a City funded project, as presented by the City.”

Manny Prieguez asked the estimated cost for the presented 30% designed concession buildings in Lummus Park, and Mr Caldiera replied $700,000.

Mr Prieguez asked about the projected use of the potential buildings, and Mr. Caldiera replied no user has been identified. The concept is to be open to support cultural activities, weekends or more frequent.

Mr Caldiera stated the potential buildings will be considered during the City of Miami’s Waterfront Advisory Board’s public meeting, on the 2nd Tuesday of September, and once the design is completed, the construction contract would be considered by the City Commission. Chairman Aguirre stated the adjacent but separate 100% designed and funded public riverwalk and dock in Lummus Park is co-funded (50/50) by The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), and Spencer Crowley, FIND, emailed the MRC recommending a deferral of this separate, yet adjacent buildings Lummus Park.

Ernie Martin moved to defer consideration of the proposed concession buildings in Lummus Park to the MRC’s next public meeting, September 9, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST. The motion was seconded by Sandy Batchelor and unanimously adopted by the MRC.

III. Committee Reports

Greenways Subcommittee

MRC Greenways subcommittee Chairman Ernie Martin stated the Greenways subcommittee’s June public meeting minutes have been distributed.

Dr. Martin thanked the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and private sectors, all of which are currently constructing new sections of the public riverwalk. Dr. Martin presented a new aerial exhibit depicting the 8 City public Riverwalk sections, and 6 County public Riverwalk sections which are currently in various stages of construction.

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, July 10, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Stormwater Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude

The Stormwater subcommittee’s June 5, public meeting minutes have been distributed. Of the total 54 “Action Items” in the Plan, 44 have been successfully “completed” (10 successfully completed during this quarter). There have been no water quality violations on the Miami River in over a year.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report: The rotating PowerPoint presentation featured pictures from the MRC’s Miami River Greenway beautification efforts in July and August.

As you recall, since the Governor and FL Legislature required the South Florida Water Management District to drastically cut their budget a couple years ago, they have been forced to phase out their funding for the Miami River Fund Inc. Therefore the MRFI is seeking new funding sources, including but not limited to $150,000 from the State of Florida, which created the Miami River Commission yet hasn’t provided any funding since then, $120,000 from the County’s reoccurring Storm Water Utility Fee, $50,000 from a NOAA grant, and a few smaller private sector grants.

Patty Harris suggested creating a list of all the great work MRC does.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following report:
The following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed in July and August:

1) After a river resident contacted the MRC in June, the MRC painted over graffiti and picked up litter along sections of the public riverwalk in July and August

2) After receiving a report from the MRC, we thank the City of Miami Public Works and Solid Waste Departments which removed invasive species and massive illegal dumping which have taken over the City owned south shore of the Miami River from NW 27 Ave to NW 20 ST. This effort was part of a larger multi-jurisdictional raid on the Paradise Trailer Park, where they also found numerous toilets flushing directly into the River’s North Shore tributary, therefore DERM issued a cease and desist order and several of the lines have been capped, so this effort is ongoing.

3) After receiving a complaint from a River resident, the City of Miami has designed and funded the repair of 15 broken bollard lights located along the City’s public Riverwalk’s north shore, adjacent to and beneath the 2 Ave Bridge. The work is estimated to be completed this month.

4) After receiving a compliant from the River Park Hotel, the City of Miami has agreed to remove several structures in Fort Dallas Park which have roofs collapsing onto the public riverwalk.

5) Director Bibeau asked for a meeting with the City of Miami Police Department Environmental Crimes Division SGT Tapanes. SGT Tapanes indicated they had a role in the Paradise Trailer Park Raid, are currently working on sources of water pollution in the Allapattah Produce Market which is a well-documented source of storm water pollution draining into the Miami River, and agreed to continue working along several additional stretches of the river.

6) I thank Miami-Dade County’s Transit Department which filled a sink hole next to a bench on the public riverwalk beneath the “Riverwalk” Metro-Mover Station, after it was reported to them by the MRC.

7) After receiving a complaint from a resident, the MRC asked FDOT to repair broken lights along the public riverwalk beneath the 1 ST and Brickell Bridges.

8) MRC reported an overflowing sanitary sewer manhole, which was being caused by storm water entering the system via an adjacent missing sanitary manhole cover. I thank Miami-Dade County for replacing the missing sanitary sewer manhole cover, which kept the system from overflowing in subsequent rain events

III. Committee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee - Chair Dr. Ernie Martin

I thank the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and private sectors, all of which are currently constructing new sections of the public riverwalk. We continue to encourage permitting agencies to execute permits for additional riverwalk sections before September 30, in order to secure recently awarded FIND grants.

MRC has three major volunteer Miami River Greenway Beautification events on October 9, 12, and 19, picking up litter, planting, removing invasive plant species, painting, etc.

The Greenways subcommittee’s next monthly public meeting is Wednesday, September 18, here.

Stormwater Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude

The Stormwater subcommittee conducted a public meeting last Wednesday, and the draft minutes will be distributed later this month. The agencies are very pleased with the yearlong trend of improved water quality along the Miami River Of the total 54 “Action Items” in the Plan, 44 have been successfully “completed” and there have been no water quality violations on the Miami River in over a year.

Robert Weinreb, City of Miami, stated the City of Miami will be contracting for the Wagner Creek / Seybold Canal Maintenance Dredging and Environmental Cleanup Project soon. Mr. Weinreb indicated the project is being accelerated by City of Miami Assistant Manager Alice Bravo. Thus far the fully designed and permitted estimated $20 million project has $2.7 million in appropriated City funds, matched by $2.7 million in awarded FIND grants, for a total of $5.4 million. Mr Weinreb stated a small portion of the City of Miami’s annual reoccurring Storm Water Utility Fee would be used as a source to pay back a potential loan for the remaining balance due ($14.6 million) over a long term.

Urban Infill Subcommittee, Chair Jim Murley

The Urban Infill subcommittee’s next public meeting is September 18, 3:30, here. The agenda includes DERM’s 1st draft revisions to the Manatee Protection Plan, and a Warrant Application for the 5 ST Marina to have an accessory Fitness Center in their existing renovated warehouse building which has no waterfront setback. Ms Lisa Morales stated the Audobon Society was hosting a public meeting on September 9, 7 PM, regarding DERM’s 1st draft amendments to the adopted Manatee Protection Plan. Chairman Aguirre noted the MRC’s October 7, public meeting agenda will feature these important voting items, therefore encouraged all MRC board members to participate.

New Business: The MRC recognized and thanked their excellent long standing subcommittee Chairs Sallye Jude, Ernie Martin, and Managing Director, Brett Bibeau.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The MRC unanimously adopted the previously distributed draft July 1 and Sept. 9 public meeting minutes.

• The free 18th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 5, 2014, 1-6 PM, Lummus Park, and sponsorships are available.
  
• The 11th Annual Miami River Map and Guide will be released at Riverday, and advertisements are available.
• The 3rd Annual Miami River Calendar sold out for the third consecutive year, and will be released in December. I thank all of the River’s mixed use advertisers.

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following report:
The following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed:

1) After receiving notice from the Miami River Marine Group about a derelict recreational vessel
in the narrow upper river, MRC sent numerous emails to various Federal, State and local
governmental agencies which play various roles in removal of derelict vessels. Last weekend the
derelict vessel removal was removed by a private sector entity.

2) After receiving a complaint from a River resident, I thank the City of Miami which in
September repaired 15 bollard lights located along the City’s public Riverwalk’s north
shore, adjacent to and beneath the 2 Ave Bridge.

3) After receiving a compliant from the River Park Hotel, I thank the City of Miami for
agreeing to remove several open air pavilion structure’s in Fort Dallas Park this month,
which have roofs collapsing onto the public riverwalk.

4) Director Bibeau met with City of Miami Police Department Downtown Neighborhood
Resource Office James Bernat and Commander Ferro regarding patrolling the public
riverwalk.

II) Review Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources Draft
Proposed Revisions to Miami-Dade County’s Adopted Manatee Protection Plan

The following were distributed, reviewed and discussed:

1) Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources Draft Proposed
Revisions to Miami-Dade County’s Adopted Manatee Protection Plan

2) Miami-Dade County’s Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee’s 23 recommended
amendments

3) April 19, 2011 letter from FIND Commissioner Spencer Crowley to then DERM Director
Carlos Espinosa stating in part, “I would urge you to develop revisions to the Manatee
Protection Plan that are indicative of, and consistent with, the (Manatee Protection Plan
Review) Committee’s recommendations. Those revisions would then be proffered to
FWCC and interested stakeholders will have the ability to contact FWCC Commissioners
and deliberate the issues in an appropriate setting with the FWCC. After an official
recommendation from the FWCC Commissioners, DERM should then proceed with
amendment of the Plan. I believe this will ensure that the Manatee Protection Plan is
amended in a manner that fosters protection of the manatee without sacrificing public
access and enjoyment of Biscayne Bay.”

4) The Miami River Commission’s (MRC) Urban Infill Subcommittee’s September 18,
2013 public meeting minutes.

5) The following Data and Analysis:

• “The Miami River is the slowest possible “idle / no wake speed” restricted zone – Manatee Protection Plan page 53
  
• “The animals (manatee) will generally dive or otherwise move out of the path of oncoming vessels, and have been observed by DERM biologists at two locations, moving out of the way of vessels entering manatee occupied waters.” – Manatee Protection Plan page 47. Jay Gorzelany, Mote Marine Laboratory, contracted by DERM to conduct the “Recreational Boating Activity In Miami-Dade County” testified to the Committee on June 3, 2009, that boats traveling “slow speed still safe for manatee”.
  
• The Miami River has frequent and consistent Marine Patrol coverage via Miami-Dade Marine Patrol 1-2 officers, 7 days per week, 40 hours per week in addition to the City of Miami Marine Patrol, 2 officers, 11 hours per day, minimum 5 days per week. – videotaped Miami-Dade / City of Miami Marine Patrol testimony to the Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee
  
• Board of County Commissioners Resolution R-536-05, adopted May 3, 2005, “The County Manager is hereby directed to prepare a policy which shall create procedures whereby owners of property along the Miami River can request an official determination by DERM of the number of existing legal boat slips authorized for that property and to maintain a record of those determinations, and that allows for the relocation of such slips to other properties on the Miami River”. The adopted resolution had a limitation / restriction that slips may only be relocated from one location to another on the Miami River, and boat slips may not be transferred into the Miami River from locations outside of the Miami River.
  
• In 2007 the Miami River’s recently maintenance dredged 15 foot deep federal Navigable Channel and its tributaries had slightly over 1,200 permitted boat slips, and in 2008 the permitted boat slips quantity reduced to 1,100. – DERM 5/8/09 Powerpoint
  
• DERM’s contracted “Recreational Boating Activity in Miami-Dade County” by MOTE Marine Laboratory, dated April 28, 2009, indicates on page 53 (enclosed) that of the 6 observation points, the Miami River has the 2nd least operating boats, and 4 of six other sites had more operating boats than the Miami River, with only one site having less operating boats than the Miami River.
  
• In 2007, July was the month with the greatest quantity of boat launches. From 1996 – 2007, the month of July had amongst the fewest watercraft caused Manatee Deaths with 1 manatee death by watercraft in the month of July from 1996-2007. In 2007, June was the month with the second greatest quantity of boat launches. From 1996 – 2007, the month of June had amongst the fewest watercraft caused Manatee Deaths with 1 Manatee death by watercraft in the month of June from 1996-2007. – DERM’s “7/16/08 MPP Review Committee Meeting” PowerPoint presentation.
• DERM’s “Miami-Dade County Manatee Mortalities, Human Related: Watercraft” and DERM’s 7/16/08 Powerpoint indicates over the past 13 years of collected data (1995-2008) there were 114 manatee deaths by all causes, of which 4 carcasses were recovered on the Miami River and defined as “Human Related: Watercraft”, which is 3.5% of the total manatee deaths.
• “A team of scientists counted an all-time-high number of manatees during the annual manatee synoptic survey conducted the week of Jan 19, 2009. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) reported a preliminary count of 3,807 manatees statewide. A team of 21 observers from 9 organizations counted 2,153 manatees on Florida’s East Coast and 1,654 on the West Coast of the State. This year’s count exceeded the previous high count from 2001 by more than 500 animals. In both years, survey conditions were favorable for aerial observations.” - myfwc.com

Brett Bibeau noted DERM’s recommended amendments are different from the County’s Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee, which conducted years of public hearings and reviewed expensive data and analysis.

The Miami River Commission passed a unanimous resolution with the following recommendations:

1) Request deferral to a date certain in 90 days to meet with stakeholders
2) Request the Board of County Commissioner’s to formally submit their Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee’s 23 proposed amendments to the FWCC, seeking official comments from the FWCC’s Governing Board
3) Proposed Amendments to DERM’s draft tracked changed Manatee Protection Plan amendments, based on data and analysis

a. Page 3, when amending the definition of “existing Marine Facility”, delete the following draft new text “and types…AND TYPES…types of vessel uses” (sailboats also use engine propellors while on the Miami River)

b. Page 3, when amending the definition of “existing Marine Facility”, delete the following draft new text “and is currently producing boat traffic, or has recently produced boat traffic that is still affecting manatees.” (If an existing Marine Facility facility is legal, if necessary the owner has the right to temporarily cease boat traffic. It is difficult to judge if a legal existing Marine Facility has “recently produced boat traffic that is still affecting manatees”. The overwhelming majority of boat traffic doesn’t affect manatees. What is the definition of “recently”?)

c. Page 3, leave the current adopted Manatee Protection Plan’s following language, which the draft amendment proposes to delete, “in use on October 28, 1984 or later, and if constructed after 1980, must have appropriate DERM permits. Facilities that have not been in use at any time since October 28, 1984, will not be considered existing and will be considered a new facility. An existing Marine Facility may be reconstructed with at least the maximum number of slips that were in use at one time since October 28, 1984. ALL EXISTING MARINE FACILITIES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITH THE EXISTING USE, AND MAY RENOVATE (according to permitting guidelines) as long as there is no change in facility size, including no increase in the number of wet or dry slips (unless the facility meets the expansion criteria addressed below).” And delete the amendment inserting following new replacement text, “If facilities are vacated as a result of unforeseen circumstances (such as hurricanes, fires, etc) they could be considered ‘existing’ for a period not to exceed five years prior to the application for a permit*. Facilities that have not been in use at any time for five years prior to the application , or where vessels uses are not substantially the same as those that occurred previously, will; not be considered existing and will be subject to manatee protection criteria for new or expanded facilities.” (which are essentially not allowed on the Miami River).

d. Pg. 8, expand the “Limited Special Use Docks (max 1 Dock every 500 feet – used by Waterborne Transportation ie Water Bus, Water Taxi, etc.)” zone to include the entire Miami River

e. Pg. 13, 2nd para adding new areas for transitory docks, insert, “and the Miami River 1:500”

f. Pg 15, “Limited Special Use” (Waterborne Transportation ie Water Bus, Water Taxi, etc.)” delete following amendment which inserts following new text, “in Downtown Area…in a portion of the downtown area…to the NW 5 ST Bridge…if such proposals are for facilities that are publicly owned and operated not-for-profit (revenue neutral)”

g. Pg. 22, #4, consistent with previously approved Board of County Commissioners Reso., allow transfer of slips from one site on the Miami River to another site on the 5.5 mile long Miami River, and delete following portion of proposed amendment new text, “slips may be transferred downstream”

h. Include the Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee’s “Motion #9” regarding transitory docks and creating “specific guidelines for operation of water taxis”

i. Include the Manatee Protection Plan Review Committee’s “Motion #22”, creating a “Manatee Protection Fund”

j. Pg. 13 keep the existing word “major” in front of “renovation” and extend the exemption area an additional 700 linear feet located from 2974 NW North River Drive to 3001 NW South River Drive (The existing fendering exemption area has resulted in no reported manatee deaths or adverse impact on the species. Extending the exemption area 700 feet will resolve a choke point in the Federal Navigable Channel, which is currently impeding navigation.)

II) Review Ancillary Fitness Center Proposed in Existing Warehouse Building at the Renovated 5th ST Marina, 341 NW South River Drive – The following were distributed, reviewed and discussed:

• 8/26/13 letter from 5th Street Marina to City Planning Director Garcia, “Subject: Response to MCNP Analysis – Fitness Center at the 5th Street Marina”
• Current Marine Operating Permits
• Proposed Plan Renditions
• Pictures taken before and after existing warehouse was recently renovated
• Letter from “Ferrino Sports –Wellness Club on the River” stating in part, “The location on the River gives us an opportunity to really differentiate ourselves by providing some unique water oriented programs. Some of the ideas include paddleboard trips, kayaking races, rowing”
• Letter from Lambert Advisory stating in part, “Amenities such as fitness centers are increasingly central to the success of marinas”
• Examples of several marinas featuring secondary, ancillary Fitness Centers
  

Attendees noted the site has been an active marine industrial facility owned by the same family since the 1940’s, and the proposed ancillary “Fitness Center” use would be located in an existing vacant and renovated warehouse building which has no waterfront setback, therefore no opportunity for a public riverwalk.

The MRC passed a unanimous resolution finding the 5 ST Marina’s proposed small, secondary, ancillary Fitness Center in the existing renovated warehouse to be consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

III. Committee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee - Chair Dr. Ernie Martin

I thank the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and private sectors, all of which are currently constructing new sections of the public riverwalk. I Thanks all of the permitting agencies for executing their permits for additional riverwalk sections before the September 30 deadline, in order for the County to secure recently awarded $500,000 FIND grants to construct the public riverwalk on both shores beneath Metro-Rail, and $500,000 to the City for the public riverwalk and dock in Lummus Park.

We have three major volunteer Miami River Greenway Beautification volunteers on October 9, 12, and 19. During the events with volunteers from MIRA, UM & Blue Cross Blue Shield, over 800 new plants will be planted, 3 murals will be painted, litter and weeds will be removed, etc.

The largest source of funding for the public Miami River Greenway is the “annual” competitive federal TEP / TAP grant program. The funding is passed down through the FDOT, and administered by the MPO. The overwhelming majority of the time over the past 14 plus years, FDOT has accepted the MPO’s application rankings which are based on a scoring system withinvolvement from all MPO citizen advisory committees, and 10 MPO staffers. In the 2012 cycle, the MPO ranked the City of Miami’s Riverwalk application #3, and the County’s Riverwalk application #4. Since FDOT had sufficient federal funds to award grant money to the top 4 applications, these 2 riverwalk applications should receive funding. Unfortunately FDOT’s rankings and grant award letter are across the board inconsistent with the MPO’s rankings, and the FDOT letter’s attached scorecard is inconsistent with FDOT’s scoring criteria. This has resulted in the 2 riverwalk applications not receiving funding, while projects the MPO ranked in the bottom half of the applications, did receive funding.

Therefore I respectfully move for the MRC to recommend the MPO advocate for the FDOT to honor the MPO’s 2012 TEP project rankings. In addition the City and County resubmitted their riverwalk applications in the 2013 cycle, therefore I move for the MRC to recommend the MPO include their scores for these applications in the MPO’s 2013 project ranking list.

B. Stormwater Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude –

The Stormwater subcommittee’s September 4 public meeting minutes were distributed. The environmental regulatory agencies are very pleased with the yearlong trend of improved water quality along the Miami River Of the total 55 “Action Items” in the Plan, 44 have been successfully “completed” and there have been no water quality violations on the Miami River in over a year.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The rotating powerpoint features pictures from the MRC’s three major funded and coordinated volunteer Miami River Greenway Beautification projects in the month of October. Over 500 volunteers from the University of Miami, Blue Cross Blue Shield (which also donated $1,500), the United Way, and MIRA USA planted nearly 1,000 new plants, painted 20 gallons including a new artistic mural, picked up litter, replanted the free community vegetable and fruit garden, removed weeds and invasive plant species, along various sections of the public Miami River Greenway. Many thanks to Seaquarium for donating 40 free passes to our most frequent volunteers.

The MRC adopted their revised distributed draft Oct. 7 public meeting minutes.

The free 18th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 5, 2014, 1-6 Lummus Park, and sponsorships are available.

The 11th Annual Miami River Map and Guide will be released at Riverday, and advertisements are available.

The 3rd Annual Miami River Calendar sold out for the third consecutive year, and will be distributed in December. I thank all of the River’s mixed use advertisers.

I attended a court hearing and the Honorable Federal Judge Moreno granted the request for an evidentiary hearing in the request to amend and clarify the Pottinger Settlement Agreement. MRC Director Bibeau replied to essentially a public records request from the City / DDA team, and forwarded numerous recent emails the MRC and elected officials have received from riverfront residents and businesses regarding various crimes being committed by the homeless along a 2 block section of the public riverwalk’s north shore, from South Miami Ave Bridge to Brickell Bridge. In addition, Director Bibeau provided nearly 50 pictures of massive illegal outdoor homeless feedings along the Miami River, tragically depicting massive amounts of garbage, feces, urinating in public, etc. In addition, I attended a Homeless Trust meeting where they agreed the conditions in the pictures were a problem, and agreed not to recommence sanctioned outdoor feedings of the homeless on the Miami River under I-95, as they did in the early 2000’s. Frequent unsanitary outdoor feedings for the homeless in this area still continues today, despite the support services stopping many years ago, including waste removal, porto johns, homeless outreach, etc. Instead the Homeless Trust agreed to do what’s in the best interest of the homeless they serve and the community’s environment and economy, bring all feeding of the homeless indoors, where the homeless may wash their hands, have air conditioning, use the restroom, receive outreach, and eat sitting at a table, not on the dirty street.

The MRC submitted a $25,000 FDEP TMDL grant application for removing contaminated debris from storm drains and adjacent shorelines along the Miami River, Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal, in an effort to achieve the State’s designated water quality goals. Although the MRC has applied for and been denied this grant several times in the past, Director Bibeau communicated with various FDEP officials to strengthen this year’s application.
The MRC’s following 2014 public meeting schedule was distributed:

Miami River Commission 2014 Meeting Schedule
Miami River Commission meetings generally take place on the first Monday of each month (except August), noon, at the Robert King High New Board Room, 1407 NW 7 Street. Should the first Monday fall on or adjacent to a holiday, the MRC meeting will be held on the second Monday of that month.

• January 13 (2nd Monday due to Holidays)
• February 3
• March 3
• April 14 (2nd Monday due to Miami Riverday)
• May 5
• June 2
• July 7
• The MRC does not meet in August
• September 8 (2nd Monday due to Labor Day)
• October 6
• November 3
  
• December 1

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael stated the following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed in October:
1) After receiving a compliant from the River Park Hotel, I thank the City of Miami for agreeing to remove several open air pavilion structures in Fort Dallas Park, which have roofs collapsing onto the public riverwalk. The City has extended their estimated completion date from October to November.
2) As you recall, in early August a large multi-jurisdictional raid occurred on the Paradise Trailer Park located along South River Drive, west of 27 Ave Bridge. In part, DERM issued a “Cease and Desist” order for sanitary sewer pipes from estimated 13-15 trailers flushing directly into the River’s North Shore tributary, and leaking into the ground. Since then DERM has had a few inspections and concluded the estimated 13-15 trailers which had sanitary sewer pipes draining directly into the River’s North Fork tributary have been either demolished or capped. Several of the remaining sanitary sewer lines continue leaking into the ground, which also violates the Cease and Desist order. Therefore DERM is planning to send another letter to the owner next week, as they are soon going to be exceeding the required deadline to complete the legally required repairs. If the deadline is missed, the County may pursue a temporary injunction in order to require compliance.
3) I thank FDOT for issuing a permit to Allyn Alford for “What Up Bridge”, a new technology which will now be installed on the Brickell Bridge for a 2 week trial period, designed to provide electronic notifications of Miami River draw bridge openings, in order for drivers to avoid getting stuck in temporary traffic. I appreciate the support the concept received from the City of Miami, DDA, and MRC. Hopefully this will be helpful in keeping the difficult balance between the needs of the vessels, which need to navigate through the Miami River’s Federal Navigable Channel, and the vehicles driving over its numerous drawbridges. Neither of which want to be temporarily delayed by bridge openings and bridge lockdowns. If the new technology works well and is helpful, hopefully FDOT and Miami-Dade County will also approve the pending application to permit and install it on all FDOT and County owned Miami River drawbridges.

III. Committee Reports Greenways subcommittee’s Chairman Martin provided the following report:

The Greenways subcommittee’s October public meeting minutes have been distributed.

An updated public riverwalk aerial powerpoint has been distributed, which now includes the status of several private sector sections of the public Miami River Greenway. Please note after the County emailed reaffirming their previous estimated construction completion of 4 County owned public riverwalk sections by November 10, 2013 as stated in the designed and printed materials, the County subsequently notified the MRC of their 2nd time extension to current estimated December 17.

The next regularly scheduled public MRC Greenways subcommittee meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month will be December 11, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Stormwater Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude – MRC Director Bibeau provided the following brief report: The Stormwater subcommittee’s next public meeting will be December 4, 10 AM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

Urban Infill Subcommittee, Chair Jim Murley – MRC Director Bibeau provided the following brief report: An update on repairs and or replacement of the Railroad Bridge over the Miami River, just east of the salinity dam and west of the new metro-rail bridge, will be presented at the MRC’s December 2 public meeting, noon, 1407 NW 7 ST.

The meeting adjourned.

I. Chair Report – Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre provided the following report:

The rotating PowerPoint features pictures from the MRC’s November 16, 2013 public Miami River Greenway Beautification volunteer event.  The MRC pressure cleaned the riverwalk in Curtis Park, and then an estimated 30 volunteers from MIRA USA picked up litter in the rip rap boulders next to the riverwalk. As you recall, only a few months ago the MRC hired South Florida Maintenance services, which removed all the garbage (including voodoo / Santeria sacrificed animals, Styrofoam and plastics from daily illegal feedings of the homeless along sections of the Miami River, etc) along the public Riverwalk in Curtis Park.  Therefore it was sad to see the large quantity of rapidly re-occurring garbage in this State owned submerged land, located adjacent to the City’s public riverwalk in Curtis Park.  Clearly further evidence of the desperate need for the State to renew their cost-share funding for continued services along the Miami River, including removing contamination from state owned submerged land which the state doesn’t currently maintain.         

While pressure cleaning the public riverwalk in Curtis Park prior to the volunteer event, on the 1st of 2 days MRC Director Bibeau witnessed several people openly smoking marijuana and he picked up over a dozen very small empty zip lock baggies.  That afternoon Director Bibeau met with the City of Miami Police, Curtis Park Director and Allapattah NET Director, provided the evidence and asked for increased police presence along the public riverwalk, including but not limited to undercover officers.  While finishing the pressure cleaning the following day, a City of Miami undercover police officer made 4 arrests on the Curtis Park Riverwalk.    

The 3rd Annual Miami River Calendar has been distributed.  I thank all of the River’s mixed use advertisers.  With the MRC’s loss of significant funding from the South Florida Water Management District, due to ST required budget cuts, our income from the Annual Miami River Calendar, Map and Riverday are more important than ever to continue our successful efforts improving the Miami River Corridor. 

The free 18th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 5, 2014, 1-6 Lummus Park, and sponsorships are available.

The 11th Annual Miami River Map and Guide will be released at Riverday, and advertisements are available.

I would like to thank Ms. Nina Torres for hosting the wonderful 2nd Annual Miami River Art Fair along the public Riverwalk, and inside the James L Knight Convention December 5-8.  Similar to last year’s incredible event, artwork will be featured from international artists.  

Vice-Chairman Jay Carmichael provided the following report: The following Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP) items were addressed in November:

1. After receiving a compliant from the River Park Hotel, I thank the City of Miami for commencing work to remove several open air pavilion structures in Fort Dallas Park, which had roofs collapsing onto the public riverwalk.  The City has extended their estimated completion date from November to December.

1. After being contacted by a resident from the Riverfront “Ivy”, Claudia Sebastiani joined Director Bibeau to remove litter from adjacent State owned submerged land along the Miami River’s north shore, beneath and adjacent to Metro-Rail.  This site is another example of the need for the State to provide maintenance of State owned submerged land along the Miami River, via appropriating annual cost share funding for the MRC’s continued work, including removing reoccurring polluted garbage from State owned submerged land.  Please join me in thanking Ms Sebastiani not only for taking the time to contact the MRC to report the pollution and attend today’s meeting, but also for being a part of the solution by joining us in actually picking up and throwing away the garbage along the shoreline.

1. After being contacted by 3 residents from the adjacent Riverfront Wind, Ivy and Mint condominiums, on November 20 the MRC coordinated and participated in working daily with City of Miami’s Homeless Assistance and NET Department’s to provide services on the public riverwalk section owned and recently completed by Miami-Dade County, adjacent to and beneath the South Miami Ave Bridge.  In only a few days of service before the Thanksgiving break, 9 homeless accepted shelters, and the garbage cans were emptied.  We continue to encourage the site’s owner, Miami-Dade County, to implement its maintenance program for the new County owned riverwalk sites, because the City has agreed to only temporarily help on this County site.  

1. After Epic Marina reported a hazard to navigation, a 30 foot long heavy wooden utility pole floating in the mouth of the Miami River, the MRC contacted the Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel and Bunnell Foundation.  The MRC’s previous funding contract with the South Florida Water Management District contract included funding for the Scavenger Services with the State’s C-6 Canal, and the Scavenger’s City contract was scheduled for renewal later in November.  I would like to thank the Scavenger’s owners, Sophie and Marc Mastriano, Water Management Technologies, whom donated towing the large and heavy utility pole to Bunnell Foundation, where Dick Bunnell donated its removal from the Miami River using a crane.  In addition, I thank the City of Miami Commission for subsequently approving renewal of a three year contract for continued Scavenger Vessel Services.

The MRC’s requested State appropriation would fund additional needed hours of Scavenger services along the Miami River, and the ability to quickly respond in emergency situations to hazards to navigation, which no other public sector agency has been able to do in these types of cases.

II) “Miami River – Miami Intermodal Center Capacity Improvement (MR-MICCI) Project (potential new railroad bridge over the Miami River)”

The following were distributed and presented:

1. MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee’s December 9, 2010 public meeting minutes with this item on pages 1-3

1. October 28, 2013 MRC Urban Infill Subcommittee public meeting minutes

1. South Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) “Miami River – Miami Intermodal Center Capacity Improvement (MR-MICCI) Project” PowerPoint

Greg Kyle, Kimley Horn and Associates, reviewed the various alternatives under consideration, including renovating existing bascule rail road bridge located in the “upper” river, building new bascule bridge, building new fixed bridge with vertical clearance of 8 feet, where 75’ is required, (adjacent new fixed Metro Rail Bridge is 40’ vertical clearance, and considering 1-3 tracks, but recommending 2 tracks, where one exists today.  Mr. Kyle stated Mirage Yachts, which was the only marine industrial business amongst the 4 parcels between the Rail Road Bridge and salinity dam, just relocated to near 22 Ave Bridge, which is east of the railroad bridge.

The item was deferred to a future MRC meeting.

III. Committee Reports

Greenways Subcommittee - Chair Dr. Ernie Martin - The Greenways subcommittee’s November 13 public meeting minutes have been distributed. 

I thank the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County for continued construction of various sections of the public riverwalk.

Stormwater Subcommittee, Chair Sallye Jude – The Stormwater subcommittee’s next public meeting will be this Wednesday, December 4, here, at 10 AM.

The meeting adjourned.