| | | | | | | |  | Resolutions - C7 B
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM |
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| | | | | | | | TO: | Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission | | FROM: | Alina T. Hudak, City Manager | | DATE: | October 18, 2023 | | |
| SUBJECT: | A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, RETROACTIVELY APPROVING THE REQUEST FOR A WAIVER OF MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER RENTAL FEES FROM MIAMI NEW DRAMA, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $347,754.00, FOR THE USE OF THE SUNSET VISTA SALON FROM SEPTEMBER 21 – OCTOBER 12, 2023. |
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| | | | | | | | RECOMMENDATION
| The Administration recommends the retroactive approval of a Miami Beach Convention Center rental fee waiver for Miami New Drama, Inc. (“Miami New Drama”) in an amount not to exceed $347,754.00 for temporary rehearsal space. |
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| | | | | | | | BACKGROUND/HISTORY
| In November 2018, the City of Miami Beach established Miami Beach Convention Center (“MBCC”) Rental Waiver Guidelines including an application, review and approval process. The waiver is administered by the Administration, with a recommendation to the Mayor and City Commission.
The rental discount/waiver is specific to room and space rental fees only. The event producer/organizer is solely responsible for any and all other associated MBCC fees as assessed for the event including, but not limited to, audio, visual, utilities, furniture rentals, equipment, security, food and beverage, corkage fees, room set-up and cleaning.
Miami New Drama is a Miami Beach Cultural Anchor and not-for-profit 501(c)3 presenting and producing organization that is committed to theatrical excellence and theater-making as a means of social engagement, cultural conversation and human interaction.
Since 2016, under a management agreement with the City, Miami New Drama has been the resident company at the historic Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road. The theater company has since received numerous honors, produced dozens of productions, and promoted the City of Miami Beach as a destination for new plays, musicals and an incubator for new theatrical works that are diverse, multicultural, and multilingual.
The theatrical production company is a Miami Beach treasure and soon the not-for-profit will also occupy the Collins Park Cultural Center at the Collins Park Garage once the build-out is completed through the Arts and Culture General Obligation Bond. This expansion will serve as an educational hub, to allow for more space for rehearsals, allow for consistent programming, workshops and camps for adults and young actors and audiences. |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS
| Miami New Drama has been preparing for Las Avenuras de Juan Planchard, a production written and directed by Moises Kaufman to be performed October 17 – November 12, 2023 at the Colony Theater. On September 15, 2023, while rehearsing for the upcoming production at a non-City owned space, the rehearsal space experienced extensive unforeseeable electrical issues and air conditioning damage. After an exhaustive, abrupt search for an immediate rehearsal venue, the theater company could not locate available space within the timetable to deliver a quality production. Consequently, Miami New Drama requested emergency use of the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Miami New Drama requested the emergency use of the Sunset Vista salons, from September 21 – October 12, 2023, and that the City waive MBCC rental fees in an amount not to exceed $347,754.00. Miami New Drama satisfied the MBCC rental waiver application criteria by providing a resident community impact through its delivery of services to the residents of Miami Beach. As the waiver was requested urgently and subsequent to the September 13, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Administration administered the waiver in anticipation of presenting an item for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission.
MBCC rental waiver application documents and requirements include, but are not limited to proof of not-for-profit status, recent tax returns, and additional sponsors. Additionally, the event must be either a major countywide special event, demonstrate priority 1 room night generation in Miami Beach hotels, be produced by an organization based in Miami Beach or provide most services to the residents of Miami Beach. If ticketed, the event provides free entry or a discounted rate to Miami Beach residents, students and/or seniors and the City receives sponsorship recognition. |
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| | | | | | | | SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
| According to the 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey, approximately 86% of Miami Beach residents polled agree that cultural activities (such as art shows, film festivals, musicals, and live performances) and free or City-sponsored art and cultural activities contribute to the quality of life in Miami Beach. |
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| | | | | | | | FINANCIAL INFORMATION
| The waiver, if approved, is valued at $347,754.00, and reflects a loss of MBCC revenue. |
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| | | | | | | | Amount(s)/Account(s): | $347,754.00 |
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION
| The Administration recommends the retroactive approval and authorization of the MBCC rental fee waiver for Miami New Drama in an amount not to exceed $347,754.00 for emergency rehearsal space. |
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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
| Prosperity - Balance residents' quality of life with tourism and special events. |
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| | | | | | | | Legislative Tracking Economic Development |
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