MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION 
c/o Robert King High
1407 NW 7 St., Suite D
Miami, FL  33125 Phone 305 644 0544
Fax 305 642 1136
Email:
  mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

MONDAY
Apr. 3, 2006
12:00 NOON
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)

Miami River Commission (MRC) Chairperson Irela Bagué convened the MRC meeting at noon , Monday, April 3, 2006 , Robert King High, 1407 NW 7^th Street , New Board Room, Miami, Florida 

• Irela Bagué, Chair of Miami River Commission

• Phil Everingham, President of the Marine Council, MRC Vice-Chair

• Betty Gutierrez, designee for County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro  

• Steve Wright, Designee for Miami City Commissioner Joe Sanchez

• Gary Winston, Designee for State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle

• Eric Buermann, Appointed by Governor Bush

• Barry Johnson, President of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

• Megan Kelly, designee for Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

• Charles “Bud” Morton, Chair of the Miami River Marine Group

• Captain Beau Payne, Designee for Chair of the Miami River Marine Group

• Sara Babun, Appointed by Board of County Commissioner

• Dr. Ernie Martin, Neighborhood Representative, appointed by City Commission

MRC Staff: Brett Bibeau, Managing Director

Others attending interested in the River:  

• Brian Williams, Office of Governor Bush

• Tim McIntosh, Miami-Dade DERM

• Evan Skornick, SFWMD

• Robert Weinreb, City of Miami

• Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group

• Mark Bailey, Merrill Stevens

• Carmen Polanco, Antillean Marine

• Jennie Lopez, Protocole Corp.

• Don Grentile, University of Miami

• Alma Llinas, Keyes Realty

• Dusty Melton

JOIN US!!
For more information, contact us via email at mrc@rsmas.miami.edu

I. MRC Chairperson Report: 

Chair Bagué stated the 10^th Annual free Miami Riverday festival was successfully held on March 25, 11-5 in Jose Marti Park .  Chair Bagué thanked all the generous sponsors, whom were recognized at the Capital Grille reception on March 23, when renowned local artist Xavier Cortada unveiled his Riverday inspired “River Manatee” painting.  Chair Bagué noted any present sponsors whom were unable to receive their framed “River Manatee” painting at the Reception or Riverday, may receive them at the end of the meeting.  Chair Bagué stated thousands attended and enjoyed River boat tours, live music including Suenalo, and other activities.

Gary Winston moved to approve the MRC’s March 6, 2006 meeting minutes.  The motion was seconded by Phil Everingham , and unanimously adopted.

Chair Bagué congratulated MRC member Sallye Jude for being recognized by the FL. Department of State for her leadership on historic preservation efforts.

II.  New MRC Board Member Barry Johnson ,  President of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce - On behalf of the MRC, Chair Bagué welcomed the newest MRC board member Barry Johnson , GMCC President, whom asked to be placed on the  agenda.

Mr. Johnson thanked Chair Bagué and stated the GMCC strongly supports the Miami River Maintenance Dredging Project, and Miami Dade County ’s $18 million State and $24 million Federal Fiscal Year 2007 appropriation requests to complete the project.  Mr. Johnson noted the Miami River is currently experienced a renaissance.  Mr. Johnson noted the GMCC was hosting their Annual Goals Conference on May 19-21 in Doral, when they will welcome Adolfo Enriques as the new Chair.

III.   MRC Subcommittee Reports -         

A.     Dredging –

Mr. Eric Buermann , MRC dredging subcommittee co-chair, stated he was unable to attend the MRC’s March meeting because he was in the Middle East .  Mr. Buermann thanked the dredging subcommittee co-chair Scott Mitchell for making the dredging report during the April MRC meeting.  Mr. Buermann stated Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and the war were using significant Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance funding, therefore making it more difficult to secure the $24 million federal cost share balance due in FY ’07.  Mr. Buermann stated on March 20, 2006 Brett Bibeau and he met with Governor Bush, in support of the County’s $18 million “critical priority” State appropriation request for the Miami River maintenance dredging project.  Mr. Buermann thanked the Governor for his continued strong support of the Miami River maintenance dredging project.

Mr. Buermann stated MRC staff distributed a March 23 letter from Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen to Josh Bolten, President Bush’s Chief of Staff and previous Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), accurately making the case that the Army Corps’ “benefit to cost ratio” calculation omitted the project’s clear mega & super yacht industry, environmental, and economic development benefits.  For example, Merrill Stevens will only move forward with their $40 million expansion, while increasing their employment from 150 to 500 employees, upon completion of the project, yet this clear benefit, amongst others, are omitted from the Corps “benefit to cost ratio”.  Mr. Buermann explained a more accurate “benefit to cost ratio”, which includes all of the project’s true benefits, would make it easier to obtain the federal cost share balance due to complete the project.  Mr. Bibeau noted the MRC’s DC intergovernmental affairs consultant Phil Bangert had scheduled a meeting on March 3 in DC with Mr. Bibeau and

Mike Klausterman, Army Corps, regarding the project, when Mr. Klosterman noted OMB was yet to accept the Corps draft “benefit to cost ratio”.  Therefore Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen’s recent letter may result in OMB requesting the Corps to include the project’s omitted benefits, in order to produce a more realistic “benefit to cost ratio”.

Mr. Phil Everingham asked if the contractors are obligated to re-mobilize at the request of the Army Corps.  Mr. Buermann stated it was his understanding that their contract allows up to 6 temporary demobilizations.  The project is divided into 15 geographic sections, of which the first 6 of 15 have been completed.  Mr. Buermann stated upon the Army Corps award of future acceptance sections, the contractors would have 60 days to remobilize and recommence dredging.  Mr. Buermann noted the dredgers average one acceptance section per month, therefore there is approximately 9 months of dredging remaining to complete the project.  Ms. Jude asked if the contractors were willing to return if only a few additional acceptance sections were awarded.  Mr. Bibeau replied the dredgers have indicated to the Army Corps, Congress, County, and MRC dredging subcommittee that they only want to remobilize when all the funding is in place, in order to avoid additional temporary demobilizations, and complete the project in less than one year.  Mr. Everingham asked when the contract expires, and Mr. Bibeau replied April 2009.  Mr. Everingham noted if any potential dispute between the Army Corps and contractors regarding when to remobilize may result in a court case, which would possibly take time and jeopardize completing the project prior to the April 2009 contract termination.  Mr. Buermann stated the dredging subcommittee continues to advocate for the County’s State and Federal appropriations, and explore additional potential funding opportunities to complete the project in FY ’07, and Mr. Bibeau, Ms. Chase, the City, County, State, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and Dade Delegation have been marvelous in their efforts in that regard.  Mr. Buermann stated the President’s FY ’07 budget submittal to Congress includes $3.5 million for the Miami River dredging project, and Mr. Bangert believes due to the strong Congressional Dade Delegation support for the project, it may be feasible to double that figure and secure a $7 million appropriation for the project in FY ’07.  Mr. Bibeau stated Bangert and MRC staff is working with Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen on a Dade Delegation letter to express their strong support for the project to the appropriations chairs.  Mr. Buermann stated the project currently has $3.5 million in federal funding available from FY ’06, $1 million in leftover funding, and potentially $4.5 million from the federal Hurricane Wilma funding.  Mr. Everingham requested a timeline for the project, and MRC staff agreed to provide one.  Mr. Everingham asked for 1-2 page monthly report from Mr. Bangert, and Mr. Buermann replied they will request one to accompany the Dredging subcommittee’s monthly minutes, which provide a summary of all dredging related topics.  Chair Bagué stated the Army Corps commenced Miami River maintenance dredging in 2004, have concluded 40% of the project, and must now complete the project as promised to the local community for years.  Mr. Johnson stated a coalition of 20 Chambers of Commerce is willing to support the project.  Ms. Jude suggested the MRC consider a press release on the project’s current status.

Mr. Buermann announced the Dredging Subcommittee’s regularly scheduled publicly noticed meetings continue to be held on the third Wednesday of every month at 10 AM , therefore the next meeting is on March 15.  Mr. Buermann noted the new meeting location is the DERM building, 33 SW 2^nd Ave , 12^th FL.

B.  Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) - Chair Bagué stated consistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan the UIWG is recommending the County & Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) commence a planning process to create the Miami Intermodal Center ’s (MIC) “associated development” guidelines.

C.  Greenways Subcommittee (GSC) - Dr. Ernie Martin , Chair of the GSC, stated sections of the Miami River Greenway remain under construction.  Dr. Martin noted the City of Miami had presented their draft “Miami River Greenway Design Standards and Guidelines” to the MRC over a year ago, yet the City is yet to adopt them.  Dr. Martin stated with several developments breaking ground with publicly accessible riverwalks, the approval and implementation of the drafted Miami River Greenway Design Standards and Guidelines is imperative.  Dr. Martin stated the MRC is awaiting the City of Miami ’s replies to Chair Bagué’s letters, requesting approved cross sections of planned riverwalks and documentation guaranteeing public accessibility.  Chair Bagué asked Commissioner Sanchez’s MRC designee Steve Wright to follow up on the letters.  Mr. Everingham asked what percentage of the Miami River Greenway was either completed or under construction, and Dr. Martin stated he didn’t have a total percentage readily available, yet would look into that breakdown with the Greenways subcommittee.  Dr. Martin noted creation of Greenway systems take a long time, for example the Chattanooga Greenway took 40 years to complete.

Dr. Martin stated MRC staff forwarded the MRC approved Miami River Greenway Historical Marker contract to the selected bidder, Baron Signs Manufacturing and the primary funder, Villagers, Inc, for execution.  The Greenways subcommittee’s March 8 minutes list the following 6 selected historic markers, which will be installed under this first phase contract:

1.      Alligator Joe’s – At the entrance of Point Park

2.      Sewell Park

3.      Jose Marti Park

4.      Fort Dallas – adjacent to the Fort in Lummus Park

5.      Wagner Homestead – adjacent to the homestead in Lummus Park

6.      Flagler Workers House – adjacent to the House in Fort Dallas Park

Dr. Martin announced the next regularly scheduled 2^nd Wednesday of every month publicly noticed Greenways Subcommittee meeting will be held on April 12, 2 pm, at 1407 NW 7 ST, New Board Room.  The agenda includes a presentation from Miami-Dade County ’s CIP Department, regarding the $7.5 million Miami River Greenway line item in their recently approved General Obligation Bond issue.   In addition, Dr. Martin announced the Urban Environment League is hosting a dinner panel discussion regarding the Miami River on April 18 in the Miami River Inn.

D. Stormwater Subcommittee (SSC) - Ms. Sallye Jude, Chair of the MRC’s Stormwater Subcommittee, stated she had good news from the City and County.  The City is moving towards issuing a Request for Proposals to dredge the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal , and executed a $1.9 million canal cleaning contract.  Mr. Everingham cited the SSC’s March minutes, and asked if the Florida Inland Navigation District is a potentially eligible fudging source for the Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal dredging project.  Mr. Bibeau replied the City’s able grants director, Robert Ruano, was exploring the possibility, and noted the dredging would improve navigation to access existing boatyards on the tributary.  Ms. Jude thanked the County for working towards executing a $100,000 contract for Scavenger 2000 de-pollution vessel services on the Miami River .

Ms. Jude announced the next Stormwater Subcommittee’s regularly scheduled first Wednesday of the month publicly noticed meeting is scheduled for April 5, 10 AM , in the Miami River Inn, 118 South River Drive .  The agenda includes a presentation from the Miami-Dade County Capital Improvement Department, regarding the possibility of using a portion of the $15 million in the County’s approved General Obligation Bond issue for continued Miami River basin storm water and sanitary sewer system improvement projects.

E.  Economic Development & Commerce Working Group (EDC) - EDC Co-Chair Megan Kelly thanked EDC Co-Chair Commissioner Barreiro for sponsoring the MRC recommended new Miami Dade County Marine Industrial Zoning Ordinance, which was drafted by the Miami-Dade County Planning and Zoning Department.  The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the ordinance at first reading on February 21, the INLUC subcommittee will hear it in May, followed by second reading in June.  Ms. Gutierrez stated there was a property owner, currently zoned Industrial, in the proposed Marine Industrial Zoning area, whom expressed surprise at the proposal, therefore the item has been deferred for two consecutive months to provide time for several additional public meetings on the proposed ordinance before it is considered by the subcommittee.  Ms. Gutierrez noted if the ordinance is deferred for a third time, it would revert to first reading.  Dr. Bohnsack thanked Mr. Bibeau for clarifying the issue and answering the property owners questions.

The MRC welcomed Dusty Melton , whom had provided local in-kind governmental services for the MRC from 2000-2002.  Mr. Gary Winston , Chair Bagué, and Mr. Everingham thanked Mr. Melton for attending the meeting, and Mr. Bibeau for reaching out to him.  Mr. Melton stated he would like to recommence his in-kind advisory relationship with the MRC.      

Ms. Kelly announced the EDC’s next meeting is April 20, 3 PM , 1407 NW 7 ST.

F.  Miami River Safety / Security  - The Miami River Safety and Security Chair Gary Winston deferred the report to Dr. Bohnsack.  Dr. Bohnsack stated United States Coast Guard Captain (USCG) Captain Maes and she made a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners about the Miami River ’s 25 USCG certified international shipping terminals being compliant with the Homeland Security requirements mandated

in the Federal Maritime Security Act.  Ms. Gutierrez commended Captain Maes and Dr. Bohnsack on an excellent presentation.  Dr. Bohnsack stated the Port of Miami River successfully conducted its Security Training Exercise Program, known as Port STEP.  In addition, Dr. Bohnsack reported the USCG’s Navigation Working Group is creating a new Navigational Charter for the Miami River .

IV. New Business – Chair Bagué asked for all present Riverday sponsors to pick up their framed Xavier Cortada painted “River Manatee”, and thanked all MRC board members whom attended Riverday, including but not limited to Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Barreiro, Mr. Everingham, Dr. Martin, Captain Payne, Ms. Kelly, Ms. Jude, etc.  Chair Bagué noted Ms. Chase was unable to attend the meeting due to being sick, so she asked Mr. Bibeau to forward her thanks for Ms. Chase’s good work on coordinating the 10^th Annual Miami Riverday, and stated she is a valuable part of the MRC.

IV. Adjournment 

There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting adjourned.

_____________________________Recording Secretary

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