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
May 1, 2006
12:00 NOON
(THIS IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT)

Ms. Sallye Jude convened the Miami River Commission (MRC) meeting at noon , Monday, May 1, 2006 , Robert King High, 1407 NW 7^th Street , New Board Room, Miami , Florida .

• Sallye Jude, Neighborhood Representative, appointed by County Commission   

• Charles “Bud” Morton, Miami River Marine Group

• Steve Wright, Designee for City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez

• Megan Kelly, designee for Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

• Dana Nottingham, Downtown Development Authority

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

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

• Manny Prieguez, Member-at-Large appointed by City Commission

MRC Staff: Brett Bibeau, Managing Director, Ashley Chase, Assistant Managing Director

Others attending interested in the River:  

• Rodrigo Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez’s Office

• Jim Murley, Florida Atlantic University

• Susan Markley, Miami-Dade County Dept. of Env. Resource Management

• Robert Weinreb, City of Miami

• Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group

• Jeffrey Hooper, AME Shipping

• Mark Bailey, Merrill Stevens

• Carmen Polanco, Antillean Marine

• Dan Ricker, The Watchdog Report

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

I. MRC Chairperson Report: 

Ms. Sallye Jude , stated MRC Chair Irela Bagué was ill due to a food allergy, therefore unable to attend the MRC meeting.  Ms. Jude noted as the most senior member present of the MRC’s Executive Committee, she would run the meeting on behalf of Ms. Bagué and MRC Vice-Chair Phil Everingham , who was also unable to attend due to a previous commitment.  Due to a lack of quorum, Ms. Jude deferred a motion related to the May 1, 2006 MRC minutes to the MRC’s June 5, 2006 meeting.

II. Presentation Regarding Proposed “Miami River Place” Residential Development at 710-720 North River Drive - Mr. Mario Garcia-Serra, Greenberg Traurig, representing the proposed residential development at 710-720 NW North River Drive, informed the MRC that, per the request of the MRC’s Urban Infill Working Group on April 12, 2006, the developer and architects of the project had scheduled a meeting with the Spring Garden Civic Association (SGCA) later that evening.  Mr. Garcia-Serra therefore requested the MRC defer hearing a presentation of the proposed development until the June 5, 2006 MRC meeting.  The MRC granted the request, and thanked Mr. Garcia for meeting with the SGCA, since the proposed development is located in the historically designated Spring Garden neighborhood.

III. MRC Subcommittee Reports

a. Dredging Subcommittee

Mr. Brett Bibeau, MRC Managing Director, stated Mr. Eric Buermann , Co-Chair of the MRC’s Dredging subcommittee was out of town, therefore he would provide the subcommittee’s report.  Mr. Bibeau noted during the April MRC meeting, Mr. Everingham suggested the Dredging subcommittee create a potential estimated timeline for completion of the Miami River maintenance dredging project.  Mr. Bibeau stated per Mr. Everingham’s suggestion, MRC staff had e-mailed the potential estimated timeline to the MRC members last month, and passed around printed copies.

Mr. Bibeau pinpointed several sections in the timeline, including the second milestone which notes that the State’s legislative session ends on May 5, 2006 .  Mr. Bibeau stated Senate Bill 2700 appropriated $4 million in line items for the Miami River maintenance dredging project, while House Bill 5001 appropriated $1.3 million, and both figures have proceeded to conference.  Per the suggestion of the MRC’s Tallahassee Intergovernmental Affairs consultant, MRC Executive Board, and the MRC Dredging subcommittee, MRC Chair Bagué had written the Dade Delegation and appropriations chairs supporting the Miami River maintenance dredging project.  In addition, MRC staff was directed to respectfully recommend additional project stakeholders mail similar support letters, and thus far they have been mailed to the Dade Delegation from City Commissioners Sanchez and Winton, Antillean Marine, Merrill-Stevens, three river developers, the Miami River Marine Group, and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.  Mr. Bibeau stated copies of the aforementioned support letters are available upon request.  On behalf of the Dredging subcommittee, Mr. Bibeau expressed his gratitude for everyone’s continued support for securing the remaining cost share balances due to complete this long-awaited project. 

The next timeline milestone, noted Mr. Bibeau, is early this summer, when the Congressional House and Senate budget bills will be released.  Per discussion during the Dredging subcommittee’s April report to the MRC, Mr. Bibeau distributed copies of the bi-partisan Congressional Dade Delegation’s letter to the appropriations chairs, supporting the County’s $24 million Fiscal Year 2007 “critical priority” federal appropriations request, which is the federal cost share balance due to complete the project.  Mr. Bibeau added the MRC had mailed letters in support of the County’s request to the FL Senators and appropriate subcommittee chairs, and continues to encourage all stakeholders to express their support for the County’s appropriation request via mailing similar support letters.  As discussed in previous meetings, the Army Corps of Engineers “Operations and Maintenance” expenditures and ongoing significant costs created by Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and the war continue to impact the ability to secure the federal cost share balance due to complete the project.  Therefore, the MRC and local cost share partners continue to, if necessary, explore the possibility of executing a local advanced funding agreement with the Corps. 

Mr. Bibeau stated the dredging subcommittee’s April 19 minutes note that Mr. Rene Perez, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) had affirmed the ACOE continues to plan on remobilizing their dredging contractors during the fourth quarter of FY ’06 (July-September, 2006) using the available $3.5 million Congress appropriated in FY ’06, and then continue dredging with the funding appropriated in FY ’07.  Mr. Perez noted their contractors would have two months to recommence dredging from the time the ACOE awards the next “acceptance section”.  In addition, the April 19 MRC Dredging subcommittee minutes note Mr. Perez confirmed the $4.5 million in assessed damages caused by Hurricane Wilma have been deposited into the project’s account.  Mr. Perez clarified that this Hurricane supplemental funding must be used over the course of the project on any overruns caused by the Hurricane, including any additional dredging in the previously completed acceptance sections 1-6, which may be necessary to restore the channel’s 15 foot depth.  On behalf of the Dredging subcommittee, Mr. Bibeau commended Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, the Congressional Dade Delegation, Commissioner Barreiro, Mayor Alvarez, and the MRC for their successful mutual efforts to secure this supplemental funding.  In addition, Mr. Perez noted there are currently $400,000 in federal and $2.44 in non-federal leftover funds from acceptance sections 1-6, which may be utilized for future dredging.

Mr. Bibeau noted the Dredging Subcommittee’s regularly scheduled publicly noticed meetings continue to be held on the third Wednesday of every month, therefore the next meeting will be held on May 17, 10 AM, in the DERM offices, 33 SW 2^nd Ave, 12 FL conference room. 

Ms. Jude inquired whether federal funding could be re-programmed into the Miami River maintenance dredging project, and Mr. Bibeau replied new rules and regulations make it  less likely for the project to receive re-programmed funding not appropriated specifically for this project.  In addition, Mr. Bibeau noted the Corps has pledged that federal funding will not be re-programmed away from the Miami River maintenance dredging project anymore, as had occurred between 2000-2003.

b. Urban Infill Working Group (UIWG) -

Mr. Jim Murley, Chair of the UIWG, reported on April 26 the MRC and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hosted a successful “brainstorming” session for Transportation agencies and the general public to commence the Miami River Corridor Multi-Modal Transportation Plan.  Representatives attended from the Florida Department of Transportation, Miami Dade Expressway Authority, Miami-Dade Transit, City of Miami , Freight Transportation Advisory Committee, Water Taxi, Miami River Marine Group and the MRC.  Consistent with a Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan implementation step, Mr. Murley stated Chair Bagué wrote the Miami-Dade Planning and Zoning Department, respectfully recommending they commence working with FDOT to launch a process to create development guidelines and review procedures for the MIC’s “associated development” area.  Mr. Murley added the UIWG continues to monitor the progress of the Miami-Dade County Marine Industrial Overlay ordinance. Mr. Murley stated the next regularly scheduled publicly noticed 2^nd Tuesday of the month UIWG meeting falls on May 9, 2 PM, 1407 NW 7 ST.

c. Greenways Subcommittee (GSC)

Dr. Martin noted that Greenway sections remain under construction.  Dr. Martin stated the Greenways subcommittee remains awaiting a complete reply to MRC Chair Bague’s letters to the City of Miami , respectfully requesting the language which ensures public accessibility of the Riverwalk, and all planned cross sections.  Dr. Martin stated he had met with representatives from the Miami Partnership on Friday, April 28 to discuss the proposed beautification, recreational and architectural components within the current Civic Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital area, soon to be renamed the “Health District”.

Dr. Martin stated a representative from the Miami-Dade Capital Improvement Department made a presentation to the Greenways subcommittee, noting the County’s $7.5 million Miami River Greenway line item is scheduled to become available during the 2010 bond series.  Therefore, Dr. Martin recommended the MRC issue a letter to Miami-Dade County , recommending they expedite the $7.5 million Miami River Greenway line item to the bond series scheduled for issuance this summer instead.  Dr. Martin added the Greenways subcommittee recommended the County bond funding be utilized, although not exclusively, on both shores between NW 12 and NW 17 Avenues, noting there are a couple small Greenway gaps remaining to the east of 12 Ave as well.   The MRC agreed with Dr. Martin’s recommendation.

Dr. Martin noted he was scheduling a meeting with Dana Nottingham , Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), to follow up on DDA’s potential roles in providing maintenance, security and special events along the Miami River Greenway, as preliminarily discussed during the MRC’s Greenways Retreat.

d. Stormwater Subcommittee (SSC)

Ms. Jude stated as Chair of the SSC, she had asked the agency representatives from the City of Miami, DERM, South Florida Water Management District, Water and Sewer Department, etc. to rotate running the monthly meetings, which has proved to be quite successful.  Ms. Jude noted the SSC’s May 3 agenda includes a presentation from the Miami-Dade County Capital Improvement Department, regarding the possibility of using funding from the County’s approved General Obligation Bond issue for Miami River basin storm water and sanitary sewer system improvement projects.  Mr. Bibeau added the Stormwater Subcommittee’s April 5 minutes note the City of Miami is considering issuing a RFLI for dredging within Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal .  On behalf of the SSC, Mr. Bibeau thanked the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department for their positive reply to the MRC’s recommendations included in Chair Bagué’s letter, which are summarized in the SSC’s April 5 minutes.  Mr. Bibeau noted the location presented to the MRC for the proposed new sewage pump station has been moved further away from the Miami River , to SW 11 ST and I-95.  The next regularly scheduled first Wednesday of the month publicly noticed SSC meeting is scheduled for May 3, 10 AM , in the Miami River Inn, 118 South River Drive .

e. Economic Development & Commerce (EDC)

EDC Co-Chair Megan Kelly thanked 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, and the INLUC subcommittee has deferred it to their June 13 meeting.  Ms. Kelly noted the Miami-Dade Planning and Zoning Department is hosting an informational meeting on the ordinance at 1407 NW 7 ST on May 10 at 3 PM , and have invited all property owners within ½ mile of the subject area via mail.  Mr. Manny Prieguez , MRC, asked about the signage allowed under the proposed ordinance, and Mr. Bibeau replied it is his understanding that the signage provisions are the same under the area’s existing Industrial zoning.  Mr. Jeffrey Hooper , AME Shipping, noted per his request, the landscaping requirements included in the existing Industrial zoning has been removed from the proposed marine industrial zoning ordinance.  Ms. Jude encouraged everyone to attend the May 10 meeting, where all inquiries can be addressed effectively by the Miami-Dade County Planning Department at their public hearing.

Mr. Bibeau stated the EDC’s April 20, 2006 minutes reflect the presentation from Mr. Lee Hefty, DERM, regarding the “Boat Slip Bank” concept recommended by the MRC.  Mr. Hefty provided the EDC subcommittee with the boilerplate covenant, which would run in perpetuity with the land, noting the transfer of allowable power boat slips / dockage, including both dry dock and wet slips, from one specific parcel to another only on the Miami River .  This approved policy change was actively pursued by the MRC and Miami River Marine Group for several years.  On behalf of the EDC, Mr. Bibeau expressed his gratitude to the County, specifically Commissioner Barreiro, Manager Burgess, and DERM, for bringing this Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan “Implementation Step” to fruition. Per the request of Vice-Chair Phil Everingham at the EDC meeting, Mr. Bibeau noted that copies of the State’s Working Waterfront Legislation are available.  The EDC’s next regularly scheduled third Monday of the month, 3 PM meeting will be held on May 15, at 1407 NW 7 ST, in the New Board Room.                                                                                                        

f.  Miami River Safety / Security Committee
Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Executive Director of the Miami River Marine Group, stated the next regularly scheduled 2^nd Tuesday of the month Miami River Safety/Security Committee meeting will be held on May 9, 2 pm, in the United States Coast Guard facility located at 100 McArthur Causeway.

IV. New Business – Dr. Bohnsack asked for a clarification of the MRC’s advisory recommendation on the proposed City of Miami Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments to the “ Port of Miami River ” Sub-Element.  Ms. Ashley Chase, MRC Assistant Managing Director, noted the MRC had made two motions at its March 2006 meeting: 1) recommend the City of Miami defer the proposed amendments to the “ Port of Miami River ” sub-element to the

Comprehensive Plan until the completion of Miami 21; 2) if the item is not deferred, the MRC maintained its December 6, 2004 unanimously approved advisory recommendation formed while reviewing the City of Miami’s EAR, concurring with U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Watson and Maes’ recommendations to delete the “Port of Miami River” sub-element’s inaccurate footnote, and any additional amendments to the “Port of Miami River” sub-element, were found to be inconsistent with the Miami River Corridor Urban Infill Plan.

Dr. Bohnsack asked if the MRC could request a “time certain” for the aforementioned item, which is scheduled for hearing at City Commission on Thursday, May 25.  Mr. Steve Wright , Commissioner Sanchez’s MRC designee, offered to look into the suggestion.

Dr. Bohnsack and Mr. Hooper recommended that MRC board members attend the May 25 City Commission hearing to express their strong opposition to the item, and show their support of the river’s marine industries.  Mr. Bibeau stated per standard operating procedure, Ms. Chase would be available to present the MRC’s advisory recommendation to the City Commission, and the MRC’s volunteer board members continued participation in any and all Miami River related items are always appreciated.

IV. Adjournment 

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

_____________________________Recording Secretary

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