I) Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The Miami River Commission’s 2019 Annual Report has been distributed. I thank all of the players whom helped our team have another successful year improving the revitalized Miami River District.

The free 24th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 4, 2020, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks, and more. Sponsorships are currently available.

In addition, advertisements are currently for sale in the 17th Annual Miami River Map and Guide, which is released at Miami Riverday.

On behalf of MRC Vice Chairman Frank Balzebre, MRC Director Bibeau provided the following update on the Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP):

The Miami River Commission has been actively assisting the efforts of the City, County, State, and private sector to clean up the Miami River District.

The MRC thanks the 12 Hands on Miami Volunteers, whom on December 20 maintained the public Riverwalk’s community vegetable and fruit garden, and picked up garbage along the Miami River’s shoreline here at Robert King High.

I thank the estimated 40 volunteers from “Off the Hook” whom on Saturday, January 11, will be picking up garbage along the shoreline in Sewell Park.

I thank the estimated 40 volunteers from Carrolton School whom on Thursday, January 30, will be picking up garbage along the shoreline along Curtis Park’s public Riverwalk.

II. City of Miami Informational Presentation Regarding Corrective Action Zoning Amendment at 1535, 1545 1583 NW 24 Ave

Sue Trone, City of Miami Planning Department, presented the City of Miami’s application for a corrective action zoning amendment at 1535, 1545, 1583 NW 24 Ave. Ms. Trone distributed the City of Miami Planning Department’s “Analysis for Rezone”. Ms. Trone stated consistent with the current Port Miami River Land Use and court cases, the majority of the site should be zoned D3, Marine Industrial, which the City is correcting and designating at this time. Doing so will allow the processing of permit applications for uses consistent with the Marine Industrial D3 zoning and Port Miami River Land Use.

Andrew Dickman Esq stated he is representing Antillean Marine and the Miami River Marine Group. Mr. Dickman stated they are preparing for a conference call with the City to further review and discuss this issue prior to its consideration by the City Commission at 2nd reading. Mr. Dickman stated they generally have no objections, and want to confirm the item will have no negative impacts on the Port Miami River Category A (more restrictive) land use and consent decrees. Mr. Dickman stated, “The city and the industry are working well together after years of litigation. We don’t disagree with the compromise.”

Mr. Jorge Navarro, Greenberg Traurig, stated the property owner supports the City of Miami’s application for this corrective action zoning amendment.

MRC Chairman Aguirre stated the MRC will issue an updated letter based on this presentation.

III. Informational Update Regarding Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel Services

Ms. Sophie Mastriano distributed and presented a report summarizing the Scavenger Vessel’s accomplishments in 2019 including:
• Removed 9,073 cubic feet / 336 cubic yards / 201 tons of trash
• Decontaminated 1.2 billion gallons of water (600,000 gallons per hour)
• Injected 293 million liters of oxygen into the water, (150,000 liters per hour)

The report noted Water Management Technologies Inc donated 357 hours of services, with a value of $71,400. The services destroy fecal coliform, cyanobacteria, bacteria, neutralizes viruses, balances phosphates and nitrates, reduces turbidity, improves water quality, eliminates odors, destroys algae growth, increases dissolved oxygen, and removes surface debris including some hazards to navigation including dock planks, 55-gallon oil drums, and large tires.

Ms. Mastriano stated the vessels contract renewals will be considered by the City and County in January, and thanked the MRC for their continued support. Mr. Luis Fernandez, DERM, stated he is the County’s contract manager and the County is very pleased with the provided successful services. MRC Managing Director Bibeau thanked Commissioner Higgins, Mayor Gimenez, and Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Miami Commission whom recently approved funding in the County’s and City’s current budgets to renew their respective contracts for the continued Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel services, which are providing significant needed improvements.

IV. Update Regarding Shoreline Cleanups

MRC Director Bibeau stated per the code the individual property owners are legally responsible for the maintenance of their riverfront areas. Director Bibeau noted although the MRC doesn’t own any property, they hire a professional company to pick up garbage, remove invasive plant species, weed whack, trim bushes, paint over graffiti and pressure wash along the Miami River. An average day features 4 workers using 2 pickup trucks. In 2019 this effort resulted in the removal of 196,800 pounds of garbage, and in FY 2019 the Miami River Fund Inc budgeted over $150,000 for this continued effort.

V. MRC Subcommittee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee –

Since the City and County’s adoption of the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, of the planned 10-mile public Miami River Greenway, 6.5 miles are complete. Currently 7 sections of the public Riverwalk are under construction at River Landing, Miami River Walk, Aston Martin, 1 ST Bridge, One River Point, Gramps by the Bay, and Riverside Miami. The MRC thanks the FDOT for awarding $2 million in 2 federal grants to the City of Miami to construct the next section of the public Miami River Greenway. The MRC is pursuing multiple public and private funding sources for the remaining funding needed to construct and help maintain the remaining sections of the public Riverwalk.

B. Stormwater Subcommittee - Chair Sallye Jude

The MRC Stormwater subcommittee’s December 4 public meeting minutes were distributed. The MRC is making progress with agency partners on the MRC’s recommendation to conduct needed maintenance dredging in the Tamiami Canal. More to come in the near future.

VI. New Business

MRC Director Bibeau distributed updated lists of all “new” residential developments (since 2000) along the Miami River, totaling 9,410 residential units completed or under construction, and an additional 6,667 residential units previously approved or undergoing permitting.
In addition, MRC Director Bibeau distributed updated lists of the restaurants along the Miami River Greenway (both Riverwalk and on-road Greenway), totaling 23 open restaurants, 10 restaurants under construction, 8 available restaurants and 13 planned restaurants to be constructed.The meeting adjourned.

I) Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS THE ANNUAL RIVERDAY FESTIVAL WAS POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 3, 2021

The free 24th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 4, 2020, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks, and more. Last call for sponsorships so we may enter final design and printing of marketing materials with all the sponsor logos.

In addition, last call for advertisements which are currently for sale in the 17th Annual Miami River Map and Guide, which is released at Miami Riverday.

We have distributed the upcoming U.S. Coast Guard approved temporary additional Brickell bridge opening restrictions necessary to conduct the needed maintenance of the Bridge. Please note these temporary additional restrictions are in addition to the Federal law’s current Brickell bridge opening restrictions.

In addition, we have distributed the February 9 Miami Marathon Traffic Advisory, which creates temporary closures to both vessels and cars in portions of the Miami River District.

MRC Vice Chairman Frank Balzebre, MRC Director Bibeau provided the following update on the Miami River Voluntary Improvement Plan (VIP):

II. Miami Dade County Public Housing and Community Development Presentation Regarding “River Parc” Development at 1407 NW 7 ST

Miami-Dade County Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) Director Michael Liu and Albert Milo Jr, Related Urban, distributed copies of the “River Parc Master Plan (1.06.2020)”.

PHCD Director Liu stated the proposal will provide needed affordable housing, in partnership with the private sector development partner. Director Liu stated the 1st building is complete and the 2nd building is currently under construction. Mr. Milo stated numerous previous public meetings were held regarding the proposal, which per the distributed plans feature:

1) Public Riverwalk and waterfront building setbacks consistent with the City of Miami Zoning Code Section 3.11 and Appendix B, connecting to the east with NW 13 Ave and to the west under I-836, and featuring security as supported by the residents
2) Art in Public Places
3) Multi-Purpose Room
4) Gym
5) Courtyards
6) Paseos
7) River Plaza (x2)
8) “Triangle Park”
9) “Waterfront Park”
10) “Linear Park
11) Restaurant / Commercial Space (details TBD)

PHCD Director Liu stated PHCD will submit an application in the current grant cycle to the Florida Inland Navigation District for a 50% cost share for the proposed new needed and code required seawall and public Riverwalk.

Mr. Milo and Mr. Kirk Lofgren stated the proposal is consistent with the existing land use, T6-8 zoning and Sections 3.15, 3.11, and Appendix B, and will include art in public places. Mr. Milo stated the project will not include a night club or generate loud noise that would disturb this site’s elderly residents. The applicants stated the site will include 2,500 units, including 900 replacement units, and in the future, they would benefit from the concepts of waterborne transportation and a trolly route at the site. The total estimated phased construction timeline will take 5-7 years.

Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group, noted the City of Miami’s comprehensive plan requires new developments to include a “Working River Disclosure”.

The following email was distributed at the MRC’s Feb. 12 public subcommittee meeting:

“My compliments to the development team! I wanted to make a couple of points regarding the site plan. I make these points not to hinder the process, but to let stakeholders know that the City will ensure that the following items will be independently confirmed phase by phase:

1. Setbacks: all structures are subject to 50’ waterfront setbacks, specifically, there is 50’ open to the air from the mean high water line.

a. Access: Within the setback, a publicly accessible Riverwalk will be included per City of Miami design guidelines.
b. Waiver of setback requirements may be granted by the City Commission via a Planning Department application.

2. Special uses: Additional Special permits specific to individual phases and structure will be required as development progresses, i.e. outdoor dining and affordable housing special benefits.

Hopefully, this assurance and requirements will allow the overall masterplan to proceed and allow the River Commission to focus on the items in their purview without being distracted by details which will be under separate future applications.
Best regards,
Jeremy Calleros Gauger
Deputy Director, Planning Department
City of Miami”

The presenters indicated they would incorporate new native trees, and save several of the existing native trees.
Commissioner Higgins stated she supported the project.

The MRC passed a unanimous resolution supporting the ongoing project “River Parc” project, and continuing to coordinate with all the appropriate agencies.

III. Update Regarding Waterborne Transportation
Irene Hegedus, Miami Dade County and Andrew Schimmel, City of Miami Department of Real Estate and Asset Management, distributed and presented a “Waterborne Transportation - Overview” presentation, County Commission resolution adopted Sept 4, 2019, and draft / pending City Commission resolution to authorize an agreement allowing the Poseidon Vessel to load and unload passengers from the James L Knight Convention Center. Ms. Hegedus and Mr. Schimmel stated Miami-Dade County has spearheaded the effort by reaching out to the City of Miami and City of Miami Beach to create a 2 stop dedicated water transportation route between a location on Miami Beach (TBD) and the City of Miami’s selected location, which is the City owned seawall along the public Riverwalk at the James L Knight Convention Center, which is adjacent to the “Riverwalk” Metro-Mover station and a large public parking lot. The vessel will not require openings of the Brickell Bridge. The County administrations proposed private sector vessel is climate controlled and holds 149 passengers. Mr. Schimmel and Ms. Hegedus stated the vessel will depart every 30 minutes, and will reduce vehicular traffic. Ms. Hegedus and Mr. Schimmel stated there is a potential for future expansions of waterborne transportation. Ms. Hegedus stated the County will market this waterborne transportation route, without using the “Poseidon” name of the private sector vessel. The MRC adopted a unanimous resolution noting their various adopted strategic plans recommend increased waterborne transportation, therefore the MRC acknowledges and suggests approval of the City’s pending draft resolution, which assists in providing waterborne transportation.

IV. Discuss the DDA Letter to USACE Re Their Back Bay Study

The following documents were distributed:

• DDA 11/8/19 Letter to USACE re their Back Bay Study
• USACE Back Bay Study Summary Presentation
• MRC’s 11/4/19 public meeting minutes featuring the USACE Back Bay Study

Commissioner Higgins stated the USACE will present their 1st draft Back Bay Study to Miami-Dade County in the near future, and she wanted to provide the MRC with the distributed DDA letter. Ms. O’Neil asked if there is anything the MRC should consider doing at this time, and Commissioner Higgins replied not at this juncture..

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

I) Chair Report – MRC Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

The free 24th Annual Miami Riverday will be held April 4, 2020, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks, and more. Last call for sponsorships so we may enter final design and printing of marketing materials with all the sponsor logos.

On behalf of the Miami River Commission I extend our warm welcome to recently appointed new MRC volunteer board members Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, his designee and Chief of Staff Alex Barrera, Ms. Megan Kelly whom is Mayor Suarez’ designee, the new Chair of the Dade Delegation Representative Joe Geller, and his designee Representative Anthony Rodriguez. The MRC looks forward to working closely with our new members on continued improvements along the Miami River.

Please note and help distribute the cordial invitations to the free 24th Annual Miami Riverday, which will be held April 4, 2020, featuring free Miami River boat rides, live music, environmental education, historic re-enactors, children activities, food, drinks, and more. I hope everyone will attend and enjoy. Friendly reminder that due to Riverday, the next MRC public meeting will be May 4.

I thank all the advertisers in the 17th Annual Miami River Map and Guide which is at the printers and will be released at Miami Riverday.
I thank the volunteers from Hands on Miami whom on Saturday, February 29 maintained the community vegetable and fruit garden and picked up garbage along the shoreline adjacent the public Riverwalk at County owned Robert Kind High elderly affordable housing, 1407 NW 7 ST

II. City of Miami Administration’s Proposed Draft Amendments to City Code CH.29, Article III “Landfills and Waterfront Improvements” and Appendix B

City of Miami Public Works Director Dodd distributed and presented the City's proposed ordinance to increase seawall elevations in response to sea level rise. Director Dodd noted the administration’s proposed ordinance is based on an ordinance recently adopted in Fort Lauderdale. Director Dodd explained compliance with the new code would be triggered by new construction, flooding or disrepair.

The Miami River Commission unanimously recommended approval of the City's proposed ordinance to increase seawall elevations in response to sea level rise, with the following conditions:

1) Work on addressing the required financing
2) Include both private and public sector seawalls
3) Consider any differences which may be needed in D1 and D3 zoning, in order to avoid any unintentional impacts
4) In response to a code violation, amend the compliance deadline to 5-6 years to provide time needed to secure funding
5) No code enforcement violations if flooding in severe storms

III. Miami-Dade County Public Works Presentation of Plans to Reconstruct County Owned NW South River Drive from the Tamiami Swing Bridge to NW 36 ST

Miami-Dade County Public Works distributed and presented almost 30% complete plans for a funded and needed $9.85 million reconstruction of NW 36 ST, which is currently in disrepair and does not have sidewalks. All area properties will always have vehicular access to their properties for the duration of the construction project, with the exception of 1 particular day when their individual driveway is replaced. Miami-Dade County held a public meeting regarding this project on February 27, 6 PM, in Lummus Park. Parallel Parking was widened from 7’ to 14’ wide to accommodate trucks.

Lina Monacandilos, Bernuth Marine Shipping, made recommendations on behalf of the marine industrial business owners along NW South River Drive

Frank Balzebre, MRC designee for Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, stated he wants the Miami-Dade Public Works Department to listen to the businesses and include their comments, even if additional funding is needed.

MRC Director Bibeau thanked the numerous adjacent marine industrial business owners, Miami-Dade County Public Works Department, consultants and Frank Balzebre for joining him on individual back to back 1-hour site visits scheduled all day on Friday, March 13.

The Miami River Commission unanimously recommended Miami-Dade County continue working on the plans with input from the area’s property owners, and seek consistency with the area’s Palmer Lake District Zoning, for example using the County owned vacant large site in NW 37 Ave for truck parking, amend the contract if needed, and bring revised plans back to the MRC at 60% complete.

IV. Miami River Commission Subcommittee Reports

A. Greenways Subcommittee

Since the City and County’s adoption of the Miami River Greenway Action Plan, of the planned 10-mile public Miami River Greenway, 6.5 miles are complete. Currently 7 sections of the public Riverwalk are under construction at River Landing, Miami River Walk, Aston Martin, 1 ST Bridge, One River Point, Gramps by the Bay, and Riverside Miami. The MRC thanks the FDOT for awarding $2 million in 2 federal grants to the City of Miami to construct the next section of the public Miami River Greenway. The MRC is pursuing multiple public and private funding sources for the remaining funding needed to construct and help maintain the remaining sections of the public Riverwalk.

B. Stormwater Subcommittee

The MRC thanked Miami-Dade County Commissioner Higgins, Mayor Gimenez, and the entire Board of County Commissioners for renewing the annual contract for the Scavenger Water Decontamination Vessel services in the Miami River.

V. New Business

The meeting adjourned.

October 5th Virtual MRC Commission Meeting

Notice of Virtual Public Meeting of Miami River Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at Noon

To participate interested parties may log into ZOOM or Call in live: 

1. Register in advance online for the Zoom meeting, which can be accessed at:https://miamidade.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pHYfs0pXQQ2fDO2Zh4Z0hA  

2. Or Call in live to listen to the meeting at 1 - (888) 788-0099 (Toll Free)
or 1 - (877) 853-5247 (Toll Free); Webinar ID: 958 1255 7040

I. Chair Report - Chairman Horacio Stuart Aguirre

1. Adoption of MRC's March 2, 2020 Public Meeting Minutes

II. Update Regarding of Removal of Derelict Vessels

1. Miami River Corridor Infill Plan page 72
2. Photo of derelict vessel
3. Proposed amendment to Sec 50 503 Procedure for removal or relocation

III. Committee Reports

1. Urban Infill and Greenways Subcommittees
   
2. Stormwater Subcommittee
   
3. Economic Development and Commerce Subcommittee
   

IV. New Business

--- COMBINED PDF OF SUPPORT DOC

cc: Todd Hannon, City of Miami (for public notice per the law)
Harvey Ruvin, Miami-Dade County (for public notice per the law)