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MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Rosenstiel School
4600 Rickenbacker Cswy,
Miami, Fl. 33149
305-361-4850
Fax: 305-361-4711
  e-mail: mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

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The Miami River Commission Executive Committee was called to order at 8:07 AM at Greenstreets Café located at 3468 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.

Jerry Fernandez opened the meeting and the group discussed the first agenda item concerning funding requirements to hire a governmental affairs representative in Tallahassee.  The principle issue is that the MRC must obtain or raise funds, other than state appropriated funds, that can be used to hire a Tallahassee governmental affairs representative.   Brett Bibeau reported that he investigated grant opportunities and there were none available that could be used for this purpose.  Dusty Melton reminded the group about the restrictions concerning the hiring of a governmental affairs specialist with public funds.  Dusty suggested that the MRC piggyback with the County and City lobbyists and get the MRC’s specific legislative requests on their agenda.  Phil Everingham asked about the previous recommendation to look into a fundraiser.  Discussion ensued and Fran Bohnsack advised the group that she has conducted several fundraisers and would recommend against the idea because they are very difficult and take a considerable amount of time and the proceeds are limited.  The fundraiser idea was not totally abandoned, but put at the bottom of the list of funding opportunities.  Discussion ensued about sending an open letter soliciting donations under the MRC’s non-profit designation.  This suggestion remains open and Gary Winston will research this issue to determine if this solicitation is proper and legal.  Fran noted that if a donation letter is to be used it must occur soon, as donors would like to receive tax benefits this year.  Although an extensive discussion occurred concerning a fundraiser, solicitation letter and other funding opportunities a definitive action plan was not determined. 
     The next item discussed was the letter to the State Ethics Commission.  David Miller reported that the letter was not sent and Bob Parks was reviewing the letter.  Phil Everingham tabled the discussion until Bob was available to provide his input.
     The next item was a discussion concerning the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Investigation.  Brett provided a short overview of the TIF issues and David advised the group that he had investigated the funding needs of the River corridor including funds for dredging, greenways project, stormwater improvements, assistance in bringing the baseball stadium to a river site, etc.   The TIF district would require approval of both the City and County.  Discussion ensued with the recommendation that the TIF Investigating Committee meet and review the funding requirements and make a recommendation to the MRC.  
     The next item discussed was the agenda for the November MRC meeting.  Jerry Fernandez suggested that Dusty Melton provide a short presentation to the MRC concerning his volunteering of “pro bono” services to the MRC and any recommendations that he may have for the MRC.  The other presentation will be Ms. Jackie Huttoe and Ed Boen from Arvida Realty Services and they will discuss real estate transactions on the river and their thoughts on river real estate. 
     The next item discussed was the MRC sponsoring the development and printing of a Miami River Map and utilizing the remaining space to promote river issues such as dredging, greenways, park development, etc.   David reported that the MRC would have to purchase the copyright from the owner and the owner would digitize the map and then the MRC could utilize it and add whatever information we felt appropriate onto the map.  The executive committee thought this is a good idea.  Discussion ensued about the potential for selling advertising and then having unencumbered funds for hiring a governmental affairs specialist in Tallahassee.  This was the recommendation of the executive committee.   This issue will be discussed at the MRC meeting on November 6, 2000.         
      Fran Bohnsack stated she was disheartened by the action of the City Commission when they approved the land use change of a property from marine industrial to high density residential.  Fran believes the MRC members and the City Commissioners need to be provided more information concerning the value of the river marine industry, so we do not continue to lose valuable marine industrial waterfront property to low income high rise housing projects.  This particular land use change was adverse to Consolidated Yacht Corporation, as they operate a commercial marine repair and service yard on the adjacent property that employs over 60 personnel.  History has proven that having residential property next to commercial marine industrial will generate complaints.  David stated that the MRC staff would now monitor all planning and zoning agendas and attend meetings that specifically involve river related properties.  Also, the staff will meet with Commissioners to keep them current on river issues.
      The Executive Committee meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.  

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