The City Commission has requested that the PSNQLC consider a resolution re-establishing the Nightlife Industry Taskforce ("NITE"). The purpose of the NITE, as originally established in 2001 and as proposed in the new resolution, is to advise the City Manger on nightlife issues and facilitate communication between the nightlife industry, the City Commission and the Administration. As proposed, the Ad-Hoc NITE would be established for a period of one (1) year (subject to earlier or later sunset by the City Commission) to advise the Administration and City Commission on nightlife issues, and to provide a forum to address quality of life issues affecting residents and nightlife business owners, and prescribing the purpose, composition, powers and duties of the Committee.
The proposed composition of the NITE is described in detail within Exhibit A of the referred resolution (attached) and summarized below.
B. Membership Composition
1.The Task Force shall be composed of fifteen (15) members, with seven (7) direct appointments made by individual City Commissioners and the Mayor, and eight (8) at-large appointments, all of whom shall be appointed to serve for a term of no more than one (1) year at a time, and two (2) nonvoting ex officio members, as follows:
A. Fifteen (15) representatives from nightclubs, restaurant and entertainment establishments, hotel industry, counsel to the nightlife industry, Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association and the South Beach Hotel and Restaurant Association;
B. One (1) ex-officio City Commission liaison designated by the City Commission who shall report to the City Commission actions of the Committee;
C. One (1) ex-officio member of City staff liaison designated by the City Manager who shall report the Committee's actions to the City Manager.
2. Membership criteria for the NITE: individuals must be residents of the city for a minimum of two (2) years, or demonstrate ownership/interest in, or employment relationship with, a business established in the city for a minimum of two (2) years. Exceptions to the foregoing may be approved, by a majority vote of the City Commission for individuals with specific knowledge or expertise relative to the nightlife Industry.
The NITE’s charge and scope of work as proposed is as follows:
The NITE will endeavor to continue and enhance communication and cooperation between the nightlife industry and the Administration. The purpose of NITE is to provide more specific details regarding trends impacting the industry and creating a mechanism to quickly and proactively address issues in an effort to keep the public updated on event planning.
2. The NITE's charge and scope of work should include, but not be limited to:
a. To serve in an advisory capacity to the City Manager with respect to matters pertaining to the nightlife industries and businesses in the City, and its impact on the quality of life of our City.
b. To advise the City of nightlife industry trends and events that may require an increase or adjustment in the level of City services.
c. To make recommendations as to the needs and concerns of the public and the nightlife industries and businesses in the City, including how those needs can best be met.
d. To advise on methods of promoting the safe growth and stability of nightlife industries and businesses in the City.
e. To focus on and make recommendations regarding targeted marketing initiatives.
f. To participate with the City and the nightlife industry in projects approved by the City Commission, which may be established to better the community and improve the quality of life in the City.
g. Review and make recommendations regarding the City's MEP. Review and make recommendations regarding the laws affecting the nightlife industry.
The Administration supports the re-emergence of the NITE as a means for the City to have a comprehensive understanding of the activities, needs, and opportunities for improvement faced by local businesses at night and the impacts on the quality of life for the residents of the City of Miami Beach.