I. CHAIRS REPORT:

Mr. Parks introduced himself and welcomed everyone to the February 4, 2002 meeting of the Commission.  He expressed his appreciation for everyone accommodating the Commission with regard to the change in starting time.  The MRC had the opportunity, at Mayor Diaz’ request, to take the Mayor on a boat trip on the Miami River.  Because of the Mayor’s busy schedule, they had an hour and a half window to see as much of the River as possible.  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, State’s Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, Commissioner Barreiro, Ellen Roth, representing Senator Graham and other members of the MRC and government attended.  The City Manager and Assistant City Manager were also present.  It was an educational trip and Mr. Parks thanked those who made presentations to Mayor Diaz.

            Mr. Parks introduced two new MRC members.  The new designee for Mayor Diaz is Javier Fernandez.  Javier has attended an Executive Committee meeting before he was a designee and Mr. Parks believes he will be a great member and make a substantial contribution to the efforts of the MRC.  Mr. Parks welcomed Eduardo Rodriguez, designee for Sara Babun, Member-at-Large, appointed by the Miami-Dade Commission.

Mr. Parks stated that he was going to address agenda item 4 at this time, because no action needed to be taken.  The Miami River Transportation Working Group was placed on the agenda because it was anticipated that a plan was expected from the Coast Guard.  The Coast Guard and staff at Miami-Dade County thought the MRC should coordinate a group to address transportation issues along the river, primarily bridge issues.  The MRC executive committee had concerns about this item, in terms of staff and financing requirements.  Since the MRC has heard nothing further about the plan, Mr. Parks is taking it off the agenda for discussion. 

Mr. Parks asked for approval of the January 7, 2002 minutes.  Janet McAliley made the motion to approve the minutes. Jerry Fernandez seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.   The minutes will be posted on the MRC website, www.miamirivercommission.org. 

II.     Miami Circle Public Access Proposal

            Mr. Miller introduced Mr. Michael Spring, the Director of Miami Dade Cultural Affairs.  Mr. Spring introduced Marie Denis of his staff and said they have been working on a proposal along with Andrew Brian, the Director of the Historical Museum. 

            Mr. Spring stated that he serves on the Miami Circle Planning Group, which is an 18-member committee appointed by Secretary of State Katherine Harris to develop a long-term plan for the Miami Circle.  David Miller and Brenda Marshall are also members of the Planning Group.  The property is owned by the State of Florida.  The state has an agreement with the county for the county to serve as the caretaker of the property and Mr. Spring’s office serves as the lead department for the caretaker responsibilities.  At the last Planning Group meeting, the members voted to incorporate the Miami River Greenways trail into whatever long-term use plan occurred for the site.  Michael said Brett Bibeau made a great presentation before the Group.  It was reported that the Miami Circle property had been submitted by the State for a listing on the national register of historic places.  Also, Mr. Spring made a presentation about an idea the county had been developing for interim site access.  The State’s Planning Group may take a while to develop a long-term use plan and once developed, it will take additional time to appropriate funding resources to implement the plan.  Senator Graham, Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carry Meek last week announced plans for the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to see if the Miami Circle site should be incorporated as part of Biscayne National Park.  This feasibility study could take as long as 18 months to complete. 

            Mr. Spring said he is proposing a plan to allow some public access to the Circle site and a temporary structure to protect the Circle from the damaging effects of the environment.  Basically, there is a need to create some interim solution to protect the Circle, yet leave it uncovered for the public to view.  The Historical Museum developed a proposed tour of the site.  Specifically, visitors would be bussed to the site from the Historical Museum, given a tour of the Circle and then bussed back to the Historical Museum.  The Historical Museum has offered to schedule and do narrated tours as a contribution to the project.  Mr. Spring said they are trying to do this as economically as possible and in a way that is very respectful to the site.  Spring’s proposal involves constructing a paved path from where the entrance to the Circle site is now (along the Brickell Avenue Bridge) out to the Miami Circle and then building over the Circle a temporary wooden structure that would look natural on the site.  It would be a fairly large wooden structure with a thatched roof (3 to 5 year life span) that would rise from ground level to 60 feet high.  This would allow people to get out to the Circle site and view the Circle under the cover of the thatched structure.  In addition, there would be some modest signage done that would inform visitors about the history and heritage of the site.  The county has architects that are drawing up plans and models.  Discussion took place. 

            The paved walk way and structure are considered temporary.  As soon as the permanent solution for the site occurs, the temporary structure will be removed.  This entire proposal including materials, labor, permits will run roughly $386,000.00.  Mr. Parks asked if there would be a fee to use it or a donation requested?  Mr. Spring said they are discussing that very issue with the Historical Museum, but do not have a final decision at this time.  If there is a fee it will be minimal.  The important issue is that they are trying to avoid building permanent structures, but make the Miami Circle available for public access.  What would occur when they did all of this would be access to the site with limited tours that would be arranged through the Historical Museum.  They do not have a revenue source identified for the $386,000.00 yet.  They are looking internally at county government.  If the Board of County Commissioners approves the funding, it will take about four months to complete. 

            Mr. Spring would like the MRC to support this initiative.  He will submit written materials as soon as they are available and will forward them to David.  Sallye Jude made the motion for the MRC to support the temporary structure and public access to the Miami Circle via the Historical Museum.  Phil Everingham seconded the motion. Mr. Parks wanted to make sure that they took into consideration the River in regard to the design.  During discussion, the motion was amended by Janet McAliley to approve the structure and access “in concept only” until more detailed information is available.  Mr. Spring said that he would provide the detailed information as soon as it was available.  The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.

            Mr. Spring stated that the county took out a loan to complete the acquisition of the property and the original amount of the loan was $8.7 million.  They re-financed the loan courtesy of the Trust for Public Land in November 2001.  The Trust for Public Land has agreed to re-finance the loan for an additional two years at a low interest rate and the county has paid off part of the principal leaving a balance of $4.7 million on the loan.  They are still looking for money for the balance of payment of the loan.  

III.   Discussion of proposed Bridge Crossings of the Upper Miami River

            Megan Kelly reported that this was discussed at the last Economic Development and Commerce (EDC) Committee meeting.  They have a resolution that would enumerate all of their concerns that pertain to the number of River crossings that are contemplated in connection with the construction of Miami Intermodal Center (MIC).  Megan Kelly made that following motion - In that the MIC’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is out-dated, and does not consider the Miami River dredging project nor the cumulative impact on the “Working River” of multiple river-crossings presently contemplated to connect transportation modes to the MIC, the EDC Committee unanimously recommends that the MRC request a supplemental MIC EIS be prepared.  Phil Everingham seconded the motion.   Discussion took place.  David Miller said that during the last MRC meeting, he was asked to find out from FDOT District 4, Rick Chesser, owner of the railroad corridor and track, what their plans were for the railway corridor.  David was also asked to find out what Amtrak, Bullet train, etc. might be planning for that area.  Mr. Miller said after talking with everyone, he learned that they do not have any plans and more importantly they do not have any funding for any projects now.  However, they would like to reserve that corridor for future development, but at this time they do not have anything to present to the MRC. 

            There are guidelines that necessitate doing a supplemental EIS.  Mr. Parks said that the Commission is taking a position that before anything is done, a supplemental EIS should be completed.  Mr. Parks asked Megan’s group to investigate what needs to be done to effectuate a supplemental EIS and advise the MRC.

            Stanley Price advised that members of the Miami River Marine Group met with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project manager for the dredging project.  The project manager asked that a letter be sent to him about this issue.  He is very concerned and did not have any information about proposed river bridge crossings, which may compromise a section of the dredging project.  If this Resolution passes, Stanley will be communicating with the USACE and they will help institute the supplemental EIS.  Mr. Parks feels that the MRC is making a policy statement in that they don’t want them to go forward.  He doesn’t know if the MRC can bring it about.  Commander Nancy Goodridge, USCG, stated that based on her experience with large engineering projects, each one requires an environmental impact statement normally in the process of gaining a certificate or permit.  It seems to her that there are a number projects that are now associated with the River, so there will be a need for several environmental impact statements.  The USACE may require a current EIS in order to issue the necessary permits and someone will be responsible for paying for it.  Mr. Parks wants the MRC to be involved and to review anything that comes up before decisions are made on the situation.  A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. 

            Mr. Parks said that the Resolution will be put in writing and sent to the appropriate people.  Mr. Parks thanked Megan and her working group for tackling this difficult subject.

IV.  Tax Deductible Charitable Donations to MRC

            Mr. Parks explained that the MRC could not use state appropriated funds to hire a lobbyist at the state level.  Mr. Parks stated that the MRC needs a lobbyist in Tallahassee.  They have had the good offices of Doug Bruce assisting the MRC and Doug has done a terrific job in Tallahassee to keep the MRC initiatives in place.  The MRC has an outstanding bill from Mr. Bruce for services rendered.  The Executive Committee has looked everywhere for funds that could be used to pay Doug Bruce, so he can continue his great work in Tallahassee.  The Executive Committee did determine that it is possible for the corporation that the MRC created, the Miami River Fund, Inc. (which is an IRS designated 501 (c)(3) corporation) to receive donations from private sources.  This could be a fund-raising opportunity for the MRC, which meets all legal requirements.  To that end, Mr. Parks will appoint a committee to go ahead and study this issue and provide a recommendation for fund raising initiatives.

V.  Committee Reports

Dredging

Mr. Bunnell stated that the USACE is moving forward with preparing their bid documents for the dredging project.  The USCAE feels that if everything goes well with the Draft EIS report, they will be able to put the bid documents out in early May 2002.  Mr. Bunnell asked Roman Gastesi if he could fill everyone in on how it is going with the county and the USACE regarding the Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA).  Roman said that the negotiations are improving from a poor start; however, there is still a long way to go before the county and the USACE are ready to sign the PCA.  The PCA is a very complex agreement.  As an example, there are some manmade structures that are located in the navigation channel.  The USACE is saying that the county should take the responsibility for removing those structures and the county disagrees.  Mr. Parks wanted the county to know that the MRC would be glad to assist them in getting this accomplished.

            Mr. Parks asked Ellen Roth to express to Senator Graham, the MRC’s appreciation for his support and assistance with helping encourage the Fish and Wildlife Commission to complete the required Coordination Act Report for the dredging project.

Public Safety

            Gary Winston reported there was nothing new to report.

Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan

            Jim Murley stated they hoped to have a first draft in March.  He feels that transportation should be a large part of the Plan.  He is working with the city and the Urban Land Institute to put together workshop panels to review the plan. They would like a boat trip up the River after the workshop in April.  Mr. Parks felt this could be done.  The MRC would be the official sponsor.  Mr. Parks asked if the inclusion of the University of Miami School of Architecture would be appropriate to participate?  Mr. Murley will include them.  Dianne Johnson commented that as they enter into this last round of visioning workshops, they would like everyone’s comments and suggestions on the Urban Infill Plan.  It is a large subject and many important issues will be covered.  Mr. Parks asked for everyone’s input.  

Greenways & Grant Investigation

Dr. Martin reported that Chuck Flink would be in town for a Joint Committee meeting on the Miami River Greenway.  This meeting is very important and will eventually lead to an MRC recommendation as to how the Miami River Greenway will be governed; how the decisions will be made; funding sources, whether it is a private, public or a combination of private/public governance, etc.  They hope to put these issues into a framework and be ready for the MRC March meeting. 

            Dr. Martin said there is a new funding opportunity from the empowerment zone in the Allapattah Civic Center Area.  They are talking about doing a plan for that area and one of the recommended components is a Greenway connector into the Allapattah Civic Center Area following the route of Wagner Creek.  It would be an important part of the stormwater cleanup effort of Wagner Creek.  It would create more open space in that area.  The University of Miami is willing to contribute some of the property they are currently using for parking at Jackson Memorial Hospital.  There is also some existing greenway work that David Miller and the Allapatah NET has been working on around the 20^th Street crossing and further south.  The empowerment zone application is due by the end of the month.  Dr. Martin would like to get a resolution of support for the extension of the Greenway sponsorship for the Trust for Public Land or the Trust for Public Land and the University of Miami.  Dr. Martin made the motion for the MRC to participate in and support a grant application to the Allapattah Empowerment Zone to plan and partially implement a greenway along Wagner Creek.  The motion was seconded by Phil Everingham and passed unanimously after discussion. 

            Dr. Martin said the Greenway is monitoring five of the six publicly owned projects.  Five of them are where the City is the principle entity working with them and the sixth is the Miami Circle.  Dr. Martin made the motion to support the City of Miami Commission Resolution to accept and implement two Greenway Grants.  Sallye Jude seconded the motion.  Discussion took place and motion passed unanimously.

Stormwater Subcommittee

Sallye Jude said the 55-page Draft Stormwater Report was mailed to each MRC member. Ms. Jude feels that the quality of water must be improved and the big goal is to increase funding for stormwater improvements.  Ms. Jude made the motion that the MRC accept the Miami River Basin Water Quality Improvement Report submitted by the Stormwater Subcommittee.  Sandy O’Neil seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mr. Parks asked Sallye to take a look into getting an idea as to what the MRC needs to do to get additional stormwater funds.  Mr. Parks asked Ellen Roth to see if Senator Graham’s office could assist in obtaining additional stormwater funding.  Jim Murley advised that the River is the connection between the Everglades and Biscayne Bay and therefore should (somehow) receive funds from those two large projects to help improve the water quality of the River.

            V.  New Business

            Roman Gastesi said that concerning the dredging project there should be another Utilities Coordination meeting.  There are 30 entities having utilities going under the River and the County is coordinating with the entities that need to relocate utilities to comply with USACE requirements.  The next utility meeting is on the 4^th of March at 10:00 am, probably on the 18^th floor of the Stephen P. Clark County Building.