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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
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4600 Rickenbacker Cswy,
Miami, Fl. 33149
305-361-4850
Fax: 305-361-4755
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

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The Miami River Commission Executive Committee was called to order at 8:09 AM at Greenstreets Café located at 3468 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.

Phil Everingham opened discussion with funding issues in Tallahassee and that the MRC should work with the Biscayne Bay Group for both Miami-Dade County’s $1.5 million for dredging and the $200,000 request of the MRC for operational funding. David stated that Rep. Gus Barreiro and Senator Alex Villalobos are the sponsors for the MRC $200,000 appropriation request. David also reported that Doug Bruce believes that the MRC should have a presence in Tallahassee for “Dade Days”, which is scheduled for February 27 and 28.  The executive committee concurred that we could work together with TPL, as there is a lot of River information that needs to be disseminated about dredging, greenways and urban infill redevelopment plans.  Staff will work on the details for Dade Days.  David also reported that he confirmed with the accountants that donations to the Miami River Fund, Inc. (a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation) are tax-deductible donations.  These donations can then be used as deemed appropriate by the MRC and are not restrictive use funds (see attached Memo to Executive Committee dated December 28, 2001.)   Bob Parks wanted this issue to be placed on the February MRC agenda.

            A short discussion ensued about Mayor Penelas’ Economic Summit II scheduled for Friday January 25, 2002.  David and Brett are scheduled to attend and Gary Winston indicated he would also attend.

Discussion ensued about the possibility of the MRC forming a new Working Group called the Miami River Intermodal Transportation Group.  Basically the group would coordinate all the various transportation projects that impact the River and bring together and work with all the various transportation agencies to help coordinate the process.  The Coast Guard has promised to provide a draft proposal to Sandy O’Neil about how this group would be formed and the mission.  Discussion ensued about staffing, funding and the structure of the group.  The general consensus was to take a proactive approach on these transportation issues and have this item placed on the MRC agenda for additional discussion and, hopefully, by February 4, the Coast Guard will have the draft proposal available. 

The next item discussed was setting the agenda for the February 4, 2002 MRC meeting.  Mr. Michael Spring, Director of MDC Cultural Affairs, will provide a presentation concerning construction of temporary structures and a pathway to the Miami Circle for the purpose of opening the Circle to limited public access.  Mr. Spring’s proposal along with a funding request will go before the Board of County Commissioners in February.   In addition to the above-mentioned agenda items, an item on the various proposals for bridge crossings of the upper river needs to on the agenda to finalize the MRC position on the various bridge proposals.  David reported he talked with representatives of FDOT District IV (the owners of the rail corridor), Tri-rail and Amtrak about providing a presentation to the MRC.  Basically, the above entities have no plans or funding to build any new railroad bridges or lock down the existing movable railroad bridge.  Amtrak officials stated they would like to preserve that corridor for potential future use, but at this time they have no funds or plans to build a second rail line.   David will provide the MRC and update of these transportation groups.

The MRC has sponsored a river tour for Mayor Diaz, City Commissioners, and the City Manager on February 4, 2002 at 9:45 am at the docks behind the Hyatt Regency on the vessel Island Lady.  The Mayor has requested an informative river tour so he can see and hear first-hand the projects and issues along the river.  Bob Parks encourages all MRC members to attend and we will also invite TPL, Coast Guard, Customs, Liz Plater-Zyberk and local U.S. Congressional Members/senior staff.  The boat boarding time is 9:45 am and it will depart promptly at 10:00 am and return at 11:30 to meet the Mayor’s schedule.  The MRC meeting that day will start at 12:30 verses 12 noon, to allow MRC members time to get to the meeting.

David reported that the Fish & Wildlife Service would be issuing the Coordination Act Report by the end of January.  The lack of this report has been holding up the dredging project.  The Fish & Wildlife Service did receive inquiries from both Senator Graham, and Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, which were generated by the MRC’s letters to help move the dredging project forward.

Brett Bibeau provided an overview of River Day plans.  This year River day will be held at Jose Marti Park on Saturday April 20^th from 12 – 6 pm.  Organizational groups involved in this year’s River Day include: DERM, City of Miami Net Office for East Little Havana, Citizens for a Better South Florida, Miami River Marine Group and the MRC.   In conjuntion with River Day, Citizens will be doing the annual Earth Day event.  This day is also is DERM’s Baynanza Event and River Day will be Baynanza’s post event party.  River Day will also incorporate the Miami River Inn and include a street festival along NW South River Drive between Jose Marti Park and Flagler Street Bridge.  

David reported that U.S. Senator Bob Graham along with Secretary of State Katherine Harris, U.S. Representatives Carrie Meek and Illeana Ros-Lehtinen would hold a press conference at 2 pm, Monday January 28, 2002 at the Miami Circle. The purpose is to announce the bipartisan introduction of a Congressional Bill to authorize a feasibility study regarding incorporation of the Miami Circle as an interpretative, urban component of Biscayne National Park. 

The last item discussed was the Downtown Development Authority’s Charter School construction at 305 NW 3^rd Avenue (near Lummus Park).  This is a 6 million dollar project that will enroll 600 students from kindergarten through 5^th grade.

The Executive Committee meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

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