Commission Meeting
May 11, 2017
Dear Neighbors,

It's been an interesting couple of weeks, with the announced retirement of our esteemed Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen setting the local political world on fire, the end of a tumultuous legislative session in Tallahassee, the opening of the new Frost Science Museum and the return of several years-old issues.
Those issues include gambling interests (see my editorial at the end of this email for my thoughts on that), the I-395 "signature" bridge and the Flagstone development on Watson Island.

The first two issues will not be on this agenda, but you should know I am paying close attention to how they develop in regards to District 2.

I am bringing a pocket discussion item to this agenda on the status of the Flagstone project. Questions have arisen about whether the project has met all its deadlines and it's important that the issues can be aired in a public forum.

Kind regards,

Ken Russell, Your City Commissioner.
WHAT I'M SPONSORING
FIRST READING  ORDINANCE

FR.1:  This ordinance, co-sponsored by Commissioner Suarez and myself, would strengthen the investigative powers of the Civilian Investigative Panel, which is the City board that reviews complaints of police misconduct. It would also establish the board's annual budget at 0.5% of the Police department's budget. 

FIRST READING ORDINANCE

FR.2:  This ordinance would extend the required notice period for terminating residential tenancies from 15 to 30 days. I'm bringing this legislation in response to a mass eviction crisis in Coconut Grove last year that saw families put out on the street with little notice near the Thanksgiving holiday. This ordinance will require at least 30 days notice, giving tenants more protection.

FIRST READING ORDINANCE

FR.3: This legislation would improve our currently clunky handwritten campaign reports, requiring campaign finance reports to be filed online. This ordinance will bring transparency to our local government, since it will make it easier to search public records on the candidates or contributors.

RESOLUTION

RE.8: This resolution supports the implementation of Active Design Miami, which are a set of policies that integrate principles of public health into infrastructure design. 

SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1: 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. 
RESOLUTIONS
RE.2: This resolution would accept a contract from CAP GOVERNMENT INC. to provide additional plans reviewing for the building department in order to expedite the processing of permits. 
RE.4:  A resolution appointing Manny Gonzalez as Executive Director of the Wynwood BID. Manny did a great job at the Coconut Grove BID and we wish him well. I'm also excited that Tim Schmand was recently appointed interim Executive Director of the Coconut Grove BID. 
RE.5:   This resolution would issue some reforms to the Miami 21 zoning code. 
RE.7: This resolution would ensure that the office of the Independent Auditor General has more control over his employees. 
DISCUSSION ITEMS
DI.2:  Discussion of an unsolicited bid to develop a beach pavilion at Historic Virginia Key Beach. 

Pocket discussion item : A discussion on the status of the Flagstone project. 


PLANNING & ZONING ITEMS

  PZ.1:   An up zoning of the properties known as “Art Plaza” from T6-24-AO to T6-24-BO. The developer has agreed to a covenant that would mandate up to 91 units, or roughly 14% of the project for workforce housing. 

IN MY OPINION...

My stance on gambling in District 2

An effort in Tallahassee to allow more gambling options in various parts of the state has rung alarm bells in both Miami and Miami Beach. The legislation died before the session ended, but we recently learned of a proposal to build a jai-alai fronton and poker room at Biscayne Boulevard and 30th Street. There is no current plan filed with the City, but given all this activity, people have been asking: where do I stand on gambling in District 2. 

Here's where I am right now: While I don't oppose gambling in general, I have significant concerns about the impact of casinos and pari-mutual operations in our already traffic-choked downtown. 

Downtown Miami and surrounding neighborhoods are already struggling with inadequate infrastructure that hasn't kept up with our growth. Transit improvements, parking, water and sewer, affordable housing and schools are some of the big issues we need to address for our downtown residents and businesses.

If and when a specific proposal is brought to the City Commission, I will evaluate it from the perspective of the people who currently live and work in the area. Would the proposal provide a net benefit, offsetting its impact by investing significantly in the needs of the community?

If not, I'll have no trouble saying no.

If you are interested in items not published here, please refer to the full agenda using the following link.

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!
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.
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action).

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"