|
MIAMIBEACH
Michael Góngora, Commissioner
Diana Fontani Martinez, Aide to Commissioner Góngora
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION
1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7030 / Fax: 305-673-7096 / www.miamibeachfl.gov
Please reach out to Commissioner Góngora if you need assistance with any city matter in Miami Beach. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
June 2010
Dear Friend & Neighbor,
May has been another dynamic month in the City of Miami Beach. Of note, the City of Miami Beach Commission organized a fundraiser for Haiti which ended with the entire Commission singing back-up on the last three songs! While we probably won't win any awards for our singing, it was a great way to come together and have fun while raising funds to benefit a worthy cause.
There were several occasions throughout May where youth got a chance to shine and be heard. On May 21st, Steve Hertz and I had the opportunity to exchange thoughts with Third and Fourth Graders at Treasure Island Elementary. Needless to say they provided a fresh, honest and even humorous perspective on a whole host of topics! Also, the Miami Beach Commission honored students at the top of their class from all schools in the Miami Beach feeder pattern. Other students were recognized as winners of the Law Month Poster and Essay contest at The Miami Beach Bar Association's annual Law Month luncheon. At the lunch, I met 8th grader Juan Vazquez, who wrote me a follow up email. I was so moved by the maturity and intelligence of his essay and follow up email that I wanted to share it with you.
Dear Honorable Michael Gongora,
Today, I have had a truly gratifying experience. Throughout my short
lifetime, I have found the issue of promoting, enforcing, ratifying, and
making laws to be very intriguing. The essay I wrote was a reflection of
what I think about the emerging challenges in the United States. We are
known to be a country of justice, in which laws are enforced with vigor,
and civilians can carry out a safe life. I find your job, along with the
one of lawyers, extremely important. Judges and lawyers make sure that
sanity and organization remain the items that characterize the American
society. I find it deeply honorable that you regard my writing so
highly. This inspires me to look forward toward acquiring more and more
knowledge, and to trust my instincts. Since young, one of my passions
has been the "science" of the law. In my opinion, the studying,
understanding, and attitude this field requires, are more than enough to
qualify it as a science, as life, physical, terrestrial, and chemical
issues are. Once again, thanks not only for mentioning me specially, but
for being part of this event, that nourishes young children's minds to
build a great future, which directly or indirectly helps us all.
Sincerely,
Juan P. Vazquez - 8th Grade
Ruth K Broad / Bay Harbor K-8.
Keep it up Juan, you'll go far and represent your generation well.
Until next month,
Michael
Meetings with Michael
Commissioner Michael Góngora continues to make the needs of the Miami Beach residents his top priority. On May 19, Commissioner Góngora met with the Washington Avenue Neighborhood Association. Some of the issues discussed were the shop banners and the temporary storefront signs. The next Meeting with Michael is tentatively scheduled for June with Mirasol Ocean Towers Condo. To schedule a Meeting with Michael with your homeowners association or a group of concerned citizens, please contact Diana Fontani at (305) 673-7030.
Photo Gallery of Events with Michael
Commissioner Góngora and Diana Fontani at the South Beach Clean Up
Commissioner Góngora at the May Commission Meeting recognizing Dr. Baruch Jacobs for his longstanding community service to Miami Beach
Commissioner Góngora with student winners at the MBBA Annual Law Month Judicial Luncheon
Commissioner Góngora with friends at the 2010 Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
Commissioner Góngora visiting Blackstone Apartments
Commissioner Góngora, Honorable Consul General of Japan, Mr. Yoshiharu Namiki, Deputy Consul General of Mexico Vladimir Hernandez, Nuccio Nobel, Mayor Matti Bower, Linda Nobel, Deputy Consul of Brazil Paulo Amado and the Honorable Consul General of Italy Marco Rocca at the Inaugural Sister Cities Reception
Commissioner Góngora at Treasure Island Elementary for Law Day with Attorney Steve Hertz and the Third and Fourth Grade Gifted Class and their teacher, Ms. Nancy Harrington
Commissioner Góngora, Mayor Matti Bower and Commissioner Weithorn performing at the Rock for Haiti Event (Photo Courtesy of Charlotte Libov)
Community News
May Community News
Land Use Update
As the Chairman of the Land Use Committee, I want to keep you informed of what will be discussed at the next Land Use Committee set for May 27 at 4pm. Please note that the Rooftop Ordinance issue will NOT be discussed on May 27. Please find below the agenda items for the May 27 meeting.
1) Discussion Regarding the Following Board of Adjustment Related Issues: 1) Consideration of Alteration of Variance Criteria; and 2) Review of Types of Applications which may be heard by the Board (Deferred from April 28, 2010)
2) Short Term Rental of Apartments Units or Townhomes
3) Discussion on the Enforcement of Short Term Rental in Single Family Homes
4) Discussion Regarding Potential Sources of Relief for Residents Living in Close Proximity to Commercial Operations with Late Hour Deliveries and Similar Habitual Sources of Noise
5) Discussion on the Possible Re-Zoning of 1600 Lenox Avenue
Oil Spill from the Deepwater Horizon Explosion Update
The City of Miami Beach Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been monitoring this incident and is working closely with the Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management (MDOEM). The Miami-Dade Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at a Level 3 (Monitoring) for the Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill. At this time, there are daily conference calls with the State EOC and other response agencies where they continue assembling information to develop a local plan to mitigate potential impacts to South Florida. The City receives daily situations reports detailing the scientific analysis, current status and planning efforts related to this incident. The trajectory of the on-going spill depends on wind and currents, which to date kept the spill in the same general area, primarily threatening the coastline of states in the Gulf region. The 72-hour NOAA trajectory continues to show no oil landfall in Florida. NOA A further advises that in the time it would take for oil to travel to the area of the Florida Straits, it is likely any oil would be highly weathered, as well as impacted by the natural process of evaporation and the application of chemical dispersants, all of which would significantly reduce any oil volume. Additionally, NOAA explains that oil in the loop current would require persistent weather conditions (e.g. onshore winds or an eddy on the edge of the loop current) to reach Florida’s shoreline. As importantly, NOAA has also advised that a clockwise eddy in the middle of the gulf might impact the oil so that it may not be carried into the Florida Straits at all. While the County prepares for the possibility of impacts in Miami-Dade, the likelihood of oil migrating to Miami Dade County still remains a possibility and not a certainty. The most current information on the spill and response efforts can be found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm and the link is available on the Miami Dade Department of Emergency Management homepage.
Memorial Day Weekend Update
Memorial Day Weekend is expected, once again, to bring large numbers of visitors to our beautiful city. The City of Miami Beach has been planning diligently to implement a comprehensive and coordinated Major Events Plan (MEP) and will be enhancing staff from Thursday, May 27 through May 31 to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all as well as preserve the quality of life of our year-round residents and businesses. Please note the vital information below:
· Traffic & Parking Restrictions- Washington and Collins avenues will remain two-way traffic. Beginning Friday May 28 at 7pm through Monday May 31 at 7:00am, some access to the east/west (100 and 200 blocks) between Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, 6 to 15 streets, will be restricted. Local residents with the proper zoned decals will be allowed to park.
· Collins Avenue- No street parking will be allowed on Collins Avenue between 8 Street and Espanola Way. As pedestrian flow often exceeds sidewalk capacity on Collins Avenue and creates a public safety concern, the City will be utilizing the parking lanes along the east and west side of Collins Avenue from 8th Street to Espanola Way as an extended pedestrian path. Barricades will be placed along the exterior of the parking lanes. As a result, parking in this area of Collins Avenue will be restricted from Wednesday May 26 to Monday, May 31.
· Ocean Drive- the City will expand the western sidewalk to the centerline of Ocean Drive from 7 to 12 streets and southbound vehicular traffic will be restricted for this portion of Ocean Drive.
· Free Bus Transportation: The South Beach Local- The South Beach Local will operate free of charge from Friday, 6 PM, May 28 through Monday, May 31. The buses will operate from 8:00 am to 1:00 am Friday and Saturday and 10:00am to 1:00am Sunday and Monday. The South Beach Local will feature numerous stops along South Beach with buses running every 10 to 15 minutes.
Florida Legislative Update
Like many previous legislative sessions, this year’s session ended with the passage of one large community association bill that, if it becomes law, will have significant impacts on the operation of community associations. Senate Bill 1196, unless vetoed by the Governor, will become the law on July 1, 2010. The following highlights the major affects of the bill. Keep in mind that this bill is not yet law:
-
Condominium Insurance: eliminates the mandatory unit owner insurance requirements adopted in 2008
-
Condominium Assessment Liability: a foreclosing lender’s “safe harbor” has been increased from 6 to 12 months of unpaid assessments or 1 % of the original loan amount.
-
Remedies For Delinquencies: New remedies would include suspension of common element use rights and suspension of voting rights for condominiums tenant occupying a unit or parcel for which delinquencies exist, and the ability to attach rents, without need for court action, if there is a tenant occupying a unit or parcel for which delinquencies exist.
-
HOA Fines: SB 1196 would restore the ability of a homeowners’ association to file a lien to secure an unpaid fine.
-
Employee Records: personnel records of association employees are not subject to unit owner inspection.
-
Owner Privacy: telephone numbers and email addresses of owners/members are not part of the official records.
-
Fire Sprinklers: buildings required to retrofit fire sprinklers have until 2019 to comply, with some limitations.
-
Rental Amendment Grandfathering Law: grandfathering would only apply to amendments that restrict the minimum rental term, or the number of times a unit can be rented in a given period of time.
Flood Mitigation Saves Residents Money
Over 48,000 Miami Beach policyholders have saved approximately $3.5 million annually in flood insurance due to credit points awarded to communities that have a Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). Miami Beach’s participation in the LMS improves its standing and classification in the Community Rating System (CRS), making flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program more affordable. The CRS is a points-based system that reduces flood insurance premiums for the members of participating communities. In the CRS program, flood insurance premiums are adjusted to reflect community activities that reduce National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) protection level, help insurance agents obtain flood data and help people obtain flood insurance. There are 10 CRS classes: Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the greatest premium reduction. Class 10 receives no reduction. Currently, Miami Beach is a Clas s 7 community, and as such, the City’s residents have been receiving a 15 percent discount off their flood insurance premium. For more information, contact the Building Department Compliance Section at (305) 673-7000 Extension 6165.
Help Greater Miami and the Beaches
Greater Miami and the Beaches has been selected as one of 18 finalist cities in contention for the USA’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ soccer championship. Each bid city has been challenged to reach 50,000 signatures to help the overall effort. Our goal is to be the first city to reach 50,000 signatures. Currently, Miami is #3 in petition signatures out of the 18 cities in the running for a place on the USA’s bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.(See list below) We want to be #1! Please visit www.GoUSABid.com today to sign the petition. Thank you for helping us bring this world-class sporting event to Miami!
1. Seattle – 26,928
2. Philadelphia – 19,240
3. Miami – 18,354
4. Indianapolis – 15,054
5. Atlanta – 14,880
6. Houston – 14,555
7. Washington, D.C. – 13,161
8. Tampa Bay – 13,393
9. Denver – 12,635
10. Kansas City – 12,34
Wolfsonian’s Upcoming Teen Workshop
The Digital Wolf Lab at The Wolfsonian will be offering Comic Kraze, a two-week summer workshop for teens aged 14-17 on the art of comics and graphic novels. The course will take place June 21–July 2, 2010 from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; and will be taught by the well-known comic artists Jessica Abel and Caiphus Moore at The Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information or to receive an application, please email Claudia Caro Sullivan at comickraze@thewolf.fiu.edu or call 305.535.2684.
Important City Meetings in June
June 3- Finance and Citywide Projects- 1pm
June 9- Commission Meeting
June 21- Land Use and Development Committee- 4pm
June 29 - Neighborhood and Community Affairs Committee-2:30pm
Business of the Month
Happy Kids
Happy Kids Child Care & Preschool, a licensed full service learning center for infants to children 12 years old, became the First Green School in Miami Beach, by obtaining certification from the National Green School Coalition, a national third party green school certification and audit program. Happy Kids’ commitment includes educating staff, children, teachers, parents and the local community about air quality, recycling, and the conservation of natural resources. As the most important part of the Green initiative, Happy Kids has been addressing Preschool Environmental Health by removing all sanitizing sprays containing carcinogens, aerosols, toxic chemicals, toxins and plug in oils from it’s premises, therefore improving indoor air quality. The school also is educating staff and families on the dangers of plastic bottles and sippie cups used for infants and children, many containing hazardous toxic chemicals. Parents at Happy Kids have volunteered their time to create a Recycling Program, Monthly Green Events and a bi-monthly newsletter. In addition,Happy Kids is examining ways to conserve energy and reduce waste by using biodegradable products and low energy light fixtures. Happy Kids is located at 7118 Byron Ave, Miami Beach. The center was founded in 1985 and educates children in developing social skills, arts, drama and music.
Resident of the Month
Elsa Urquiza
Elsa is a Miami Beach pioneer. She came from her native Cuba in 1961, and settled in Miami Beach. She is the mother of three: Victor, Edward and Chris, and the grandmother of Catherine, Nickolas and Alexander. For 35 years, until her retirement in 2006, she worked for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Elsa has served on many Miami Beach community boards such as Ayuda, Miami Beach Community Development Corporation (MBCDC) and Seniors Are First. She continues to serve as Chair of the Miami Beach Personnel Board, and the Board of Rain Parents, and Rain Drops. For approximately thirty (30) years Elsa has owned and managed several commercial properties in Miami Beach. She maintains very close ties with small local business owners, and for a number of years she presided over the King Richard Condominium Board. Elsa continues to volunteer and participate i n many community activities such as Veterans Day, Senior activities at Rebecca, Council North, Council South, Stella Maris, Blackstone, Edward’s, JCC and many others. Recently, Mayor Matti Herrera-Bower named Elsa the Coordinator of the 2010 Census Effort. She immediately took the task to heart and reached out to hundreds of residents by conducting events, visiting sites, participating in fairs, etc. to make sure that the residents of Miami Beach understood the importance of being counted.
Invitation
Join me in welcoming the Alliance to Promote International Trade
Commissioner Gongora would like to personally invite you to the following event below where he will be welcoming the “Alliance to Promote International Trade,” to Miami Beach. The Multi-Chamber Networking Reception is being hosted by the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce. Please see event details below.
I look forward to seeing you on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin
  
|