March 23, 2017 Commission Meeting

Dear Neighbors and Friends, From strengthening our tree ordinance to deciding about online short term rentals, there are lots of exciting issues on tomorrow's Commission Agenda.  Thanks for staying informed and involved. If you have any questions or suggestions about the upcoming meeting, you may reply to this message or contact my office via phone at (305) 250-5333 .  If you are interested in speaking on any of the items, please register with the city clerk on the day of the Commission meeting. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Thanks for being involved! Sunny Regards, Ken Russell  District 2 Commissioner

HERE IS WHAT WE ARE SPONSORING

RESOLUTION RE.9: Sponsored by Commissioner Russell, with this resolution the city of Miami would upgrade and relocate the fire college, and create an RFP to develop affordable housing on the existing site in West Coconut Grove. Full legislative summary here. FIRS READING ORDINANCE FR.1: Sponsored by Commissioner Russell, this ordinance would change all masculine and feminine language to gender neutral pronouns in the City code.  Full legislative summary here.

SECOND READING ORDINANCE SR.1: Sponsored by Commissioner Russell, this ordinance will promote the integrity of the tree canopy throughout the City. The purpose of these changes are to modernize the tree ordinance so it comes in line with international arborist standards and to strengthen protection against illegal tree cutting or pruning. Full legislative summary here.

RESOLUTIONS

RE.1: This legislation, if passed, would allow the City Manager to apply for a F.I.N.D (Florida Inland Navigation District) grant that would fund the design and construction of a seawall, dock, and Kayak Launch at the Virginia Key Nature Center.  Full legislative summary here.  RE.2: This resolution would accept the bid from MAGGOLC Inc. to provide construction services for the Bird Avenue construction project in District 2.  Full legislative summary here.

RE.5:  This legislation would authorize the City Manager to create an office of transparency to manage public records requests.  Additionally, it would  direct the City Manager to develop or procure an electronic platform that publishes planning and zoning decisions and notices.  Full legislative summary here. RE.7:   With this resolution the City of Miami will be up-fronting the money to kick start the underline project.   Full legislative summary here.

RE.3: This resolution would affirm the City's zoning regulations for short-term rental properties.  Full legislative summary here.  RE.12:  This legislation would recommend for the City to join the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact and would endorse the Mayor’s climate action pledge.  Full legislative summary here.

FIRST READING ORDINANCES

FR.4: This ordinance would allow for candidates running for City Commission or Mayor to qualify through a petition process in lieu of having to pay a qualifying fee.  Full legislative summary here. FR.5: This ordinance would establish a 240 day temporary moratorium on new applications for Special Area Plans (SAP’s) that encompass properties zoned as "civic space" within 500 feet of Biscayne Bay.  Full legislative summary here.

FR.6: This ordinance would increase our City's contribution to the pension plan for certain employees during this fiscal year.  Full legislative summary here.

PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS

PZ.13: This resolution would vacate, abandon, and discontinue for public use a portion of a public alley, located at 348 NE 20th Terrace.  Full legislative summary here.  PZ.17: This ordinance would create a distance separation requirement for public storage facilities. Full legislative summary here.

PZ.15:  This ordinance adds a definition for "attainable workforce housing" within the City code and would also increase incentives for the development of workforce housing projects. Full legislative summary here. PZ.16: This ordinance would allow “crew quarters” to be permitted by warrant in areas zoned marine industrial. Full legislative summary here.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

DI.2: Discussion regarding the City pursuing a general obligation bond (GOB). Full legislative summary here.

FUTURE LEGISLATION

FL.1: An amendment to the Miami 21 zoning code that would facilitate a restaurant's ability to serve  alcoholic beverages with food. Full legislative summary here.

Your input matters. If you have any suggestions on how we could improve this newsletter, you can reply to this message or write directly to nvanegas@miamigov.com.

3500 Pan American Dr., Miami, FL 33133 Copyright © 2016 Ken Russell Vice Chairman of the Miami Commission, All rights reserved.