| | | | | | | | | TO: | Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee Members |
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| FROM:
| Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
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| | DATE: | March 7, 2022
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| | SUBJECT: | DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION ON $25,000 DONATION THAT WAS GIVEN TO THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH IN 2013. |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| | At the City Commission meeting on October 13, 2021, the Mayor and City Commission referred this discussion to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee. The item was sponsored by Commissioner Michael Gongora and Commissioner David Richardson offered to sponsor the item going forward. On December 8, 2021, Commissioner Samuelian referred a similar item to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee. |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS
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Monument Island is one of several spoil islands within Miami-Dade County. In 2013, the Prentice Foundation donated $25,000 to the City with the direction to use the funding for the restoration and conservancy of Monument Island and Flagler Memorial. This was outlined in resolution 2013-28183 (Attachment A). In late 2021, it was discovered that the donation was never used.
The Island currently serves as a recreational opportunity for residents and visitors. Parallel discussions have been held within the Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Advisory Board regarding the future use of the Island, which include Marine Patrol’s public safety concerns with large boat gatherings. Marine Patrol encourages regulatory signage and rip rap.
Moreover, a discussion was held at the resident Sustainability Committee on ways to utilize the donation. The motions were transmitted via Letter to Commission (Attachment B) and outlined recommendations to use the funding for projects that will stop motorized vessels from beaching on the island while enhancing the island’s ecological features. This includes establishing:
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Swim-only buffer zones marked by swimming buoys;
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Mooring buoys that would allow a limited number of motorized vehicles for short time mooring, while reducing impacts to seagrass; and
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Enhancing habitat for native flora and fauna including osprey nesting.
These recommendations will most likely require additional funding that surpass the $25,000 donation but will provide the opportunity to enhance and protect the natural and cultural values that Monument Island provides to the community. Based on feedback from City Commission, a project scope and budget would be developed.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
The Administration concurs with the Sustainability Committee’s recommendations that would improve the environmental resources of the Island. The following is presented to the members of the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee for further direction.
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| | | | | | | | Applicable Area
| | South Beach |
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | No | | No | |
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| | | | | | | | Strategic Connection
| | Environment & Infrastructure - Work regionally and nationally to protect Biscayne Bay water quality and to maintain a healthy dune and beach system. |
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