Res No 165-14-14259RESOLUTION NO,165-14-14259
A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with
JosephS.Geller,Esquire,asSpecial Master for the City of South Miami.
WHEREAS,pursuantto Section 2-24and 2-25 oftheCityofSouth Miami Codeof
Ordinances,theCityhasaneedfora Special Master;and
WHEREAS,paymentfora Special MastermaybemadefromaccountNo.001 -1640-
524-3111 CodeEnforcement Professional Services Special Magistrate/Master,witha current
balance of $3,100 for FY 2014,and$4,000hasbeenproposedfor FY 2015;and,
WHEREAS,theuseof Special Masterhasproventobeanexpeditious,cost effective and
fairmeansofadjudicatingissuesrelating to code violations;and,
WHEREAS,basedonJosephS.Geller,Esq's background,experience,andpast
performance,theCity Manager recommendsJoseph S.Geller,Esq.,to fill a term ofoneyearto
provide the Special Masterservices to theCityofSouth Miami;and,
WHEREAS,the MayorandCityCommission accept the above recommendation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA;
Section I.TheCityManagerishereby authorized to negotiate and enter intoa contract
withJosephS.Geller.,to serve as Special MasterfortheCityofSouth Miami at the rate of $150.00
per hour to be charged to account No.001 -1640-524-3 III,Code Enforcement Professional
ServicesSpecial Magistrate/Master.
Section 2.The Special Master'sservices shall remainineffectforaperiodof one-year
or until terminated as provided by the Special Master's contract.
Section 3.JosephS.Geller Esq.,isherebybeauthorizedto conduct hearingsasmaybe
requiredinaccordanceCityOrdinancesandconcerningissues that ariseundertheCity's Code of
Ordinances,Land DevelopmentCode,the Florida Building Codeandthe Miami-Dade CountyCode.
Section 4.If anysection clause,sentence,or phraseofthisresolutionisforanyreason
held invalid or unconstitutionalbya court of competent jurisdiction,the holding shall notaffectthe
validityof the remaining portions ofthis resolution.
Page 1 of2
Res.No.165-14-14259
Section 5.This resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption by vote
of the City Commission.
PASSED ANDADOPTEDthis J_9_dayof August ,2014.
ATTEST:APPROVED:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED
LANGUA^tEGAWTY,/
THEREOF
J/riyvifsH.y
ORM,COMMISSION VOTE:5-0
Mayor Stoddard:Yea
ViceMayor Harris:Yea
Commissioner Leibman:Yea
Commissioner Edmond:Yea
Commissioner Welsh:Yea
Page 2 of2
Payne,Nkenga
From:Pepe,Thomas F.
Sent:Wednesday,November 19,2014 1:55 PM
To:Payne,Nkenga;Menendez,MariaM.;Shari Kamali
Subject:RE:Joseph S.Geller
Itismy understanding theMr.Geller was elected toanoffice recently and,if so,then hewould
be resigning from that office if he entered intoa contract with the City toactastheCity's
special master.Please advise Mr.Geller that nooneelsefromhisfirmis authorized toactas
theCity'sspecial master sincetheCityCommissiononlyapprovedhim,personally,toactasthe
city'sspecial master andonlyheisauthorizedtoconducthearings.The resolution states,in
pertinent part as follows:
Section 1,The City Manager is hereby authorized to negotiate and enter intoa contract
with Joseph S.Geller.,to serve as SpecialMasterfor the Cityof South Miami at the rate of $150.00
per hour tobe charged to account No.001-1640-524-3111,Code Enforcement Professional
Services Special Magistrate/Master.
Section 2.The Special Masters services shall remain in effect for a period of one-
year or until terminated as provided by the Special Master's contract.
Section 3.Joseph S.GellerEsq.,is hereby be authorized to conduct hearings as may be
required in accordance City Ordinances andconcerning issues that arise under the City'sCodeof
Ordinances,Land Development Code,the Florida Building Code and the Miami-Dade County Code.
Very truly yours,
Thomas F.Pepe
City Attorney
City of SouthMiami
1450Madruga Avenue,Ste 202,
Coral Gables,Florida 33146
Tel:(305)667-2564
Fax:(305)341-0584
E-mail:tpepe@southmiamifl.gov
ATTENTION:Thise-mailmaycontainsPRIVILEGEDANDCONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intendedonlyfortheuse of the
addressee namedabove.If youarenottheintendedreceiver,youareherebynotifiedthatanydissemination ofthiscommunicationis
strictlyprohibited.If youhavereceivedthise-mailin error,pleaseimmediatelynotifyusbytelephone,callcollect if outside of your
areacodeanddeletethise-mail.We willreimburseyouforthecost of yourlongdistancecall.Thank you.Pleasealsonote:Alle-
mails toandfromthise-mailsitearekeptasapublicrecord.Youre-mailcommunications,includingyoure-mailaddressmaybe
disclosedtothepublicand media atany time pursuanttoFloridaStatutes,ch.119.
From:Payne,Nkenga
Sent:Tuesday,November 18,2014 12:40 PM
To:Menendez,Maria M.;Shari Kamali
Cc:Pepe,Thomas F.
Subject:RE:Joseph S.Geller
Good Afternoon,
I need tofinalize the Resolution No.165-14-14259 for Joseph S.Geller,Esquirefor Special Master.Please letmeknow
the status of the contract.
Thanks,
Nkenga "Nikki"Payne,CMC
DeputyCityClerk
City of South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami]FL 33143
(305)663-6340 office
(305)663-6348 fax
npavne@southmiamifl.aov
www.southmiamifl.gov
Please note:The state of Florida has avery broad public records law.Written
communications,including emails,are therefore subject to disclosure to the
public and media upon request.
From:Menendez,MariaM.
Sent:Tuesday,October 14,2014 2:48 PM
To:ShariKamali;Payne,Nkenga
Cc:Pepe,Thomas F.
Subject:RE:Joseph S.Geller
Hello Shari,it's been almost a month sincewehavebeenholdingoffonthis approved resolution fora contract that have
not been signed or settled.
Please advise.
Thanks,
Maria
From:Pepe,Thomas F.
Sent:Monday,September 29,2014 12:39 PM
To:ShariKamali;Payne,Nkenga
Cc:Menendez,MariaM.
Subject:RE:Joseph S.Geller
Ialso thought that you picked Mr.Geller andnot just any attorney athisfirm.Maybe you
couldvetthe other attorneys and listthe attorneys athisfirm who can handle a hearing.
However,the city cannot have more than 3 special masters atany one time inany one-year
period.See below.
Qualifications for special master:
(l)Be a retired state judge;or
(2)A member in good standing of the FloridaBar,withat least ten year's experience inzoning,landuse,code
enforcement,or real estate transactions or litigation;
(3)No more than three special masters shallbe appointed for service for any one-year period.
Very truly yours,
Thomas F.Pepe
City Attorney
City of SouthMiami
1450Madruga Avenue,Ste202,
Coral Gables,Florida 33146
Tel:(305)667-2564
Fax:(305)341-0584
E-mail:tpepe@southmiamifl.gov
ATTENTION:Thise-mailmay contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for theuse ofthe
addressee named above.Ifyou are notthe intended receiver,you are hereby notifiedthatany dissemination of this communication is
strictly prohibited.Ifyou have received this e-mail in error,please immediately notifyusby telephone,call collect if outside of your
area codeanddeletethise-mail.Wewill reimburse youforthecost of yourlong distance call.Thankyou.Please alsonote:Alle-
mails toand from thise-mailsite are keptasa public record.Your e-mail communications,including youre-mail address maybe
disclosedtothepublicandmediaatanytimepursuantto Florida Statutes,ch.119.
From:Shari Kamali
Sent:Monday,September 29,2014 11:23 AM
To:Payne,Nkenga;Pepe,Thomas F.
Cc:Menendez,Maria M.
Subject:RE:Joseph S.Geller
I don't knowifany attorney fromhisfirmwouldbe qualify tobeaspecialmastersincewehave min requirement.
From:Payne,Nkenga
Sent:Friday,September 26,2014 1:12 PM
To:Pepe,Thomas F.;ShariKamali
Cc:Menendez,MariaM.
Subject:Joseph S.Geller
Good Afternoon,
Regarding Mr.Geller,the City Commission approveJosephS.Gellerasthespecialmaster.When I gaveMr.Gellerthe
contracttosignhe stated the contract shouldbewithhisfirmnothim individually.Pleaseadvisehowweshouldhandle
this.
I have attached how the item went to the Commission.
Thanks,
Nkenga "Nikki"Payne,CMC
Deputy CityClerk
City of South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami,FL 33143
(305)663-6340 office
(305)663-6348 fax
npavne@southmiamifl.aov
www.southmiamifl.gov
Please note:The state of Florida has a very broad public records law.Written
communications,including emails,are therefore subject to disclosure to the
public and media upon request.
South''Miami
THE CITY OF PLEASANT LIVING
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To:The Honorable Mayor and Members ofthe City Commission
Via:Steven J.Alexander,City Manager
From:ShariKamali,ACM
Date:August 19,2014 Agenda Item #.tf^s
Subject:
Background:
Expense:
Account:
Attachments:
A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
relating to Special Master services;appointing Joseph S.Geller,
Esquire,as Special Master for the City of South Miami at a rate of
$150.00 per hour;authorizing expenses to be charged to Code
Enforcement Professional Services Special Magistrate.
TheCityCommissionamendedand adopted Ordinance No.05-14-2183,
establishingaSpecialMasterinan effort to preside over code enforcement
violationhearings.Theuseofa Special Masterisa cost effective optionof
adjudicatingissuesrelating to codeviolations that hasproven to befairand
expeditious.
Joseph S.Geller,Esq.,Pursuant to the above-referenced ordinance,staff
recommends the appointment ofJosephS.Geller,Esq.;his resume is
attached.
$3,750 (estimated expense through the endof FY 2015)
Funds are budgeted in account number 001 -1640-524-3111 witha balance of
$3,100 for FY 2014,and$4,000hasbeen proposed for FY 2015.
Resolution
ResumeofJosephS.Geller,Esq
Contract withJosephS.Geller,Esq
EDUCATION:
PROFESSIONAL:
COMMUNITY:
PERSONAL:
Office:954-491-1120
Mobile:305-409-4431
joseph.geUer@gmlaw.com
Florida State University Law School,J.D.,1979
Florida State University,B.A.in History,1975
Northwestern University,Evanston,DL
Miami Coral Park Senior High School
Admitted to Florida Bar 1980
Admitted to practice in Federal District Court,Southern District of Florida and
U.S.Court of Appeals,11th Circuit
Partner,Greenspoon Marder,P.A.
Village Attorney,Village of El Portal (1995-1997,2000-Present)
Town Attorney,Town of Miami Lakes (2011-2013)
Town Attorney,Town of Golden Beach (1999-2000)
Interim City Attorney,City ofNorth Bay Village (2003),
City Attorney,City ofNorthBayVillage (2009-2010)
City Attorney,City of Opa-locka (2009-Present)
Acting CityAttorney,City of Opa-Locka (January-July 2008),and
Assistant City Attorney (2005-2008
Pro-Bono Counsel,Democracy Movement (1996-present)
Mayor ofNorth BayVillage (Elected November 2004),and
reelected without opposition (November 2006)
American Jewish Congress,Southeast Region,President (2004-present)
First Vice President (2000-2004),Board of Directors,Member,
National ExecutiveCommittee,GoverningCouncil,and
two-time Resolutions Committee Chair.
DadeCounty Democratic Party,Chair (1989 -2000)
Democratic National Committee,Member (1996-2000),
DNC Site Selection Committee (1993-1996)
Women's Emergency Network,Board of Directors (1994-2007)
Advisory Board (2007-present)
Dade County Fair Campaign Practices Committee,Member (1989-2000)
Kids Voting of Miami-Dade County,Advisory Board (1996-2000)
Builders Association of South Florida,Board of Directors (1993-95)
Temple Beth El ofNorth Bay Village,Board of Directors (1987-1991)
B'nai Bfrith,Zahav Unit,Vice President (1986-1990)
Young Democrats of Florida,President (1978-1979)
Young Democrats,National Committeeman (1981-1989)
Winner of Silver Knight Award in Social Science,(1972)
Married to Betty Pedraza Geller,1 child (Michelle Beatriz).
Born in the Bronx,New York,New York.
rjoseph.geller@gmlaw.com
BIOGRAPHY
of
JOSEPH S.GELLER
21228 Harbor Way,#252,Aventura,FL 33180
305-409-4431 Mobile
JosephS.Gellerisapartnerinthelawfirm of GreenspoonMarder,P.A.Gellerspecializesin
civillitigation,governmentalrelations,landuse,municipallaw,administrativeandappellate
practice.GellerhasbeenadmittedtopracticeintheSupremeCourt of theState of Florida,the
UnitedStatesDistrictCourt,SouthernDistrict of Florida,andtheUnitedStatesCourt of Appeals
forthe Eleventh Circuit.Hehasextensivelitigationexperiencein both the Florida andFederal
Courts.Gelleris Village Attorney fortheVillage of El Portal,former Town Attorney forthe
Town of Miami Lakes,aswellas former Town Attorney forthe Town of Golden Beach,andthe
City of North Bay Village,and isthe current City Attorney,and served as Acting City Attorney
from January until July 2008,fortheCity of Opa-Locka.
Joseph S.Geller was elected as Mayor of theCity of North Bay Village,Florida,in November,
2004,and reelected without opposition in November,2006.Hedid not seek relection in2008.
A resident of North Bay Village for24years,Geller emphasized managed growth,a re-energized
planning process,public safety,and openness in government.He had previously served North
Bay Village asan interim City Attorney in 2003.
j»\
r
From thevery beginning of his professional career,Geller has demonstrated a concern for
community byhis active involvement in numerous organizations.He served as Chair of the
Dade County Democratic Party from1989until December 2000.Assuch,his early work on
behalf of theClinton campaign inSouthFloridawasinvaluableinsecuring Florida's votesfor
Clinton,earlyinthe primary process.Hewasalsoan attorney fortheGore Campaign during the
recount litigation,and represented former Attorney General Janet Renoin regard tothe
Gubernatorial primary in 2002,and the John Kerry Campaign in 2004.Geller was lead
Democratic Counsel for Miami-Dade County in 2006,and co-lead counsel for Miami-Dade in
the 2008 General Election.He was co-lead counsel for Voter Protection for President Obama in
Miami-Dade County in 2012.Geller is currently the President of the American Jewish Congress
(Southeast Region)and serves on the National Executive Committee and Governing Council of
American Jewish Congress.He has served as pro-bono Counsel forthe Democracy Movement
since 1996,and was one of three lead counsel inthe anti-corruption City of Miami Vote Fraud
case in 1997-1998.He is on the Advisory Board of the Women's Emergency Network (and was
a board member from 1994-2007),and previously served asa member of the Dade County Fair
Campaign Practices Committee,onthe Board of Kids Voting,andasa member of the board of
directors of the Builders Association of South Florida.He also served as a member of the
Democratic National Committee from 1996-2000,and as a member of the DNC Site Selection
Committee from 1993-1996.Early inhiscareer,Gellerwas president of the Young Democrats
of Florida,vice president of B?nai B'rith (Zahav Unit)anda national committeeman of the Young
Democrats.
Born inthe Bronx,New York,and raised in Florida,Geller graduated from Miami Coral Park
joseph.geller@gmlaw.com
High School.He attended Northwestern University,in Evanston,Illinois,and transferred to
Florida State University,fromwhich,in1975,hereceiveda Bachelor of Artsinhistory.Geller
received his Juris Doctorate fromthe Florida State University Law School in 1979,andwas
admittedtotheFloridaBarin1980.HeismarriedtoBettyPedrazaGellerandhasadaughter,
Michelle Beatriz Geller.
~i
~)
10805503 vl
CONTRACT BETWEEN CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
ANDJOEGELLER,ESQUIRE
This contract is made and entered into this day of 2014 between the City of
SouthMiami (City),aFlorida municipal corporation,located at6130SunsetDrive,South
Miami,Florida 33143 Joe Geller,Esq.(Special Master),individually,located at3850Bird
Rd,Miami,FL 33146 (305)789-2700
WITNESSTH:
WHEREAS,theCitydesiresto engage andretainthe services of the Special Master
to perform Special Master services as described inthis contract andthe Special Master
desirestoaccepttheengagement;and,
NOW THEREFORE,inconsideration of thesumTendollars($10.00),themutual
promisesandcovenantscontainedinthiscontract,andforothergoodandvaluable
consideration,thereceiptandlegal sufficiency ofwhichis acknowledged bybothparties,the
parties agree as follows,
1.RECITALS
1.1.Theaboverecitalsareincorporatedandmadeapart of thiscontract.
2.SCOPE OF WORK
/^2.1.Thescope of workforthisprojectshallbeasprovidedwithintheCity'sCode of
^Ordinances,section 2-24 and 2-25 and as set forth in the Special Master's agenda issued by
theCity.Workshall commence upontheissuance of anagendabytheCity.
3.COMMENCEMENT DATE AND TERM
3.1.Thetermshall commence upondate of the execution of this contract,butnot earlier than
and expires on .
3.2.Workshall commence upontheissuance of anagendabytheCity.Workshall proceed in
substantial compliance withtheschedule of services contained inthescope of workandas
provided inthe agenda issued bytheCity.
4.PAYMENT
4.1.TheCityshallpaytheSpecialMasteronehundredfiftydollars($150.00)perhouras
provided in 2-24(h)of the City's code of ordinances.
4.2.TheCityshallnotbeliabletopay,andshallnotpay,chargesforextrawork,delay
charges,oradditionalwork,unlesstheCityManagerspecificallyauthorizestheextraor
additional work,ina written order before the commencement of the work.In no event shall
thetotalamountpaidunderthiscontractexceedtheannualbudgetedamount of twothousand
jfi*N sevenhundreddollars ($2,700.00)unlessapprovedbyresolution of thecommission.
Page 1 of 5
City
Thnmac F Pen*»R-7-ld.<ln<VMn1 Master
5.TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT
5.1.None of the work or services under this contract shall be subcontracted unless the
Special Master obtains prior written consent from the City.Approved subcontractors shall be /*m%\
subjecttoeach provision ofhis contract andthe Special Mastershallbe responsible and
indemnify theCityforall subcontractors1 acts,errorsoromissions.
5.2.TheSpecialMastershallnot assign,transferorpledgeanyinterestinthis contract,
however,claims for money bythe Special Master from theCity under this contract may be
assigned,transferredorpledgetoabank,trust company,orother financial institution without
the City's approval.Written notice ofany assignment,transfer or pledge of funds shallbe
furnished bythe Special Master tothe City within ten days ofthe assignment,transfer or
pledge..
6.TERMINATION
6.1.Either party may terminate this contract prior to the expiration of the initial term or any
subsequent renewal termbygiving30daysof advanced written noticeoftheintentto
terminatethisAgreement.
6.2.Inthe event thatthe Special Master is unable to complete the services identified in
Paragraph 2.1 due to causes beyond the Special Master's control,the Special Master may
terminate this contract prior to the expiration of the initial term or any subsequent renewal
term upon notlessthan ten-days prior written notice tothe City.
6.3.The City shall have no liability to the Special Master for future profits or losses in the ^
event oftermination or otherwise.
6.4.The rights and remedies ofthe City provided in this Agreement shall notbe exclusive
and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this contract.
7.TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE
7.1.The City may terminate this contract for convenience at any time by giving ten day
notice in writing to the Special Master.The Special Master will be permitted to complete
hearings and shall be paid for all satisfactory work completed.The City shall not be liable for
futureprofitsorlosses.
7.2.IntheeventthattheCity improperly terminates the contract for cause,the termination
shall be deemed a termination for convenience under this paragraph.
8.INTEREST PAYMENTS DUE TO LATE PAYMENT
8.1.The City shall make payment to the Special Master within thirty (30)days of receipt of
the original written invoice.Interest shall accrue on unpaid invoices as provided by Florida
Statute.
8.2.The Special Master shall notbe entitled to any carrying charges or finance feeduetolate
payment bytheCity.
Page 2 of5
City
ThomasF Peoe 8-7-14 Snecial Master
^
9.LIENS
9.1.The Special Master is prohibited from placing a lien on City's property.
10.INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
10.1.The Special Master is furnishing his services asan independent contractor and nothing
in this contract shall create any employer-employee relationships,association,partnership or
joint venturebetweenparties..
10.2.Asan Independent contractor Special Master agrees and acknowledges thatheisnotan
employee oftheCityof South Miami and therefore not entitled to participate inor benefit
from City of SouthMiami Pension Planor insurance plan.
11.INDEMNIFICATION
11.1.The Special Mastershall defend,indemnify andholdtheCity harmless from anyandall
claims,liability,losses,expenses,andcauseof action arising outanyofanactor omission by
theSpecialMasterwhethernegligentorintentional.
12.JURISDICTION AND VENUE
12.1.Forthe purpose of thiscontract,Floridalawshallgoverntheterms of thiscontract.
Venueshallbein Miami DadeCounty,Florida.
13.SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY AND NON-JURY TRIAL
13.1.TheCitydoesnotwaivesovereignimmunityforanyclaimorforanaward of
prejudgment interest.
13.2.TrialbyJury.The parties waive their righttoa jury trialastoany matters thatariseout
of this agreement
14.NOTICES
14.1.All notices givenor required underthis contract shallbedeemed sufficient ifsentby
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,totheaddresses of theSpecialMasterandtotheCity
specifiedinthiscontract,unlesseitherpartyshallprovidenoticeinwritingtotheotherparty
of adifferentaddressforthegiving of thenotices.
14.2.Forthepurposes of thiscontract,theaddresses of thepartiesforallnoticesareas
follows:
Page 3 of 5
City
Thomas F Peoe 8-7-14 Soecial Master
TotheCity:City of South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami,FL 33143
Attention:City Manager /*^
TotheSpecialMaster:JoeGeller,Esq.
3850 Bird Rd,Miami,FL 33146
(305)789-2700
Attn:JoeGeller,Esq
15.EXAMINATION AND RETENTION OF CONTRACTOR'S RECORD
15.1.TheCity,orany of itsdulyauthorizedrepresentative,shall,until3yearsafterfinal
paymentunderthiscontract,haveaccesstoandtherighttoexamineany of theSpecial
Master's books,ledgers,documents,papers,orotherrecordsinvolvingtransactionsrelatedto
thiscontractforthepurpose of making,examination,excerpts,andcopies..
OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
All documents,reports,orother records,including electronic records,resulting from the
services rendered bythe Special Master under this contract shall be deemed the property of
theCityandtheCityshallhaveall rights incident tothis ownership.The Special Master
acknowledges thatall documents prepared under this contract shallbe public records,and
shall be subject to public inspection and copying,as provided bythe Florida Statutes
Chapter-119.Upon conclusion ofthis contract,all documents shall be delivered bythe
Special Master tothe City.The Special Master shall have therightto retain copies ofthe ""N
documentsattheSpecialMaster'sexpense.•
16.SEVERABILITY
16.1.Shouldany paragraph oranypartofany paragraph ofthiscontractbe determined tobe
void,invalid or unenforceable byany court of competent jurisdiction,forany reason,that
determination shall not render void,invalid or unenforceable any other section orpartof any
section of this contract.
17.ENTIRE CONTRACT
17.1.The contract,when signed byallofthe parties,constitutes the full and complete
understanding ofallpartiesandshallnotbeinany manner interpreted in contradiction ofthe
express termsofthe contract.This contract andthe incorporated attachments,if any,
constitute theentire understandings,oralor written,between the parties.
18.CONTINGENCY FEE AND CODE OF ETHICS WARRANTY
18.1.The Special Master warrants that neither he,norany principal,employee,agent,
representative orfamilymemberofhim,promisedtopay,andtheSpecialMaster has not,
andwillnot,payafeethatis contingent upontheCity awarding this contract tothe Special
Master.^
Page 4 of 5
City
Thomas FPene 8-7-14 Snecial Master
18.2.The Special Master warrants that neither he nor any of his principals,employees,
agents,representatives or family member has procured,or attempted to procure,this contract
in violation of any ofthe provisions ofthe Miami-Dade County orthe City of South Miami
conflict of interest code or ethics ordinances.
18.3.A violation ofthis section shall result inthe termination of the contract and forfeiture of
fundspaid,ortobepaid,totheSpecial Master.
19.MISCELLANEOUS
19.1.Intheeventacourtmust interpret any word or provision ofthis agreement,thewordor
provision shallnotbe construed against thepartywho drafted this agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties hereto,acting individually or through their duly
authorized officers,have executed this contract on or before the date first above written.
Special Master
By:
Joe Geller,Esq.
ATTESTED:CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
By:By:
Maria Menendez Steven Alexander
CityClerk CityManager
ReadandApprovedastoForm,Language,
Legality and Execution Thereof:
By:
City Attorney
Page 5 of5
City
ThnmjK F Pene 8-7-14 Snerial Master
Ordinance No.05-14-2183
An Ordinance amending section2-24,including subsections (b),(c)(10)and
(11),(e)(3)and (h)of the City of South Miami's code of ordinances.
Whereas,theSection2-24 of theCity of SouthMiami ("City")code of ordinances
providesfor settlement of liensbytheCity Attorney andbythespecialmaster;and
Whereas,theCityCharterhasmandatedthatthe responsible forthe administrative
services oftheCityisvestedsolelyintheCityManager;and
Whereas,thehead of theCity'sCode Enforcement Departmenthas historically
prosecuted all actions beforethe special master whenthe alleged violator wasnot represented by
legal counsel;and
Whereas,theMayorandCity Commission desires to restrict the qualifications of the
special master to those individuals who have been orare currently licensed to practice lawinthe
state of Florida;and
Whereas,theCity desires to attract more candidates forthe position of special master by
increasing the special master's compensation from $100 per hour to $150 per hour.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA THAT:
Section 1.Section 2-24 oftheCityofSouth Miami Code of Ordinances ishereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec.2-24.-Special master.
***
(b)All procedure and conduct of hearings shallbeas provided in section 2-
25ofthiscode.Thecity attorney shallserveas counsel tothecityinthe defense
of appeals toand enforcement actions before the special master if the accused
violator is represented by legal counsel otherwise the head of the Code
EnforcementDivision,orhisorher designee,shallpresenttheCity'scaseinall
actions before the special master.Thecity attorney shall havethe power,upon
approval bythecity commission,to initiate civil actions for declaratory and
injunctiverelief,andorderstocompel,andtocommenceanyotheractionto
enforcecivilfines,correctionordersandorders of thespecial master.^andtoThe
CityManagershallhavethepowerto compromise andsettle fines and penalties.
(c)Thespecialmastershallhavethepowersto:
***
£4-0)Compromiseandsettlefinesandpenalties.S^^^K
Pg.2 of Ord.No.05-14-2183
((1+0)Take any action that is necessary to effectuate the powers ofthe special
master consistent with the intent of sections 2-24 and 2-25
(11)compromise andsettlefinesandpenalties,concurrent withtheCity
Manager.
***
(e)Qualifications for special master:
(1)Be a retired state judge;or
(2)A member ingoodstanding of the Florida Bar,withatleast ten year's
experience in zoning,land use,code enforcement,orreal estate transactions or
litigation;
(3)A state licensed real estate broker in good standing,licensed for at least
five years;
(43)Nomore than threespecial masters shallbe appointed for service for
any one-year period.
***
(h)Compensation.A special master shall be compensated ata rate not to exceed
$1050.00perhourforattendanceathearingsandpreparation of orders of thespecial
master.
Section 2.Codification.The provisions of this ordinance shall become and be made
part of the Code of Ordinances of the City of South Miami as amended;that the sections of this
ordinance maybe renumbered or re-lettered to accomplish such intention;andthattheword
"ordinance"may be changed to"section"orother appropriate word.
Section 3.Severability.If any section,clause,sentence,or phrase of this ordinance is
foranyreasonheld invalid or unconstitutional byacourt of competent jurisdiction,thisholding
shallnotaffectthe validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 4.Ordinances in Conflict.All ordinances or parts of ordinances andall
sectionsandparts of sections of ordinancesindirectconflictherewithareherebyrepealed.
However,itisnotthe intent of thissectiontorepealentire ordinances,orparts of ordinances,
thatgivethe appearance of beingin conflict whenthetwo ordinances canbeharmonizedor
whenonlya portion of the ordinance inconflictneedstobe repealed to harmonize the
ordinances.If theordinanceinconflictcanbeharmonizedbyamendingitsterms,itishereby
amended to harmonize thetwoordinances.Therefore,onlythat portion thatneedstoberepealed
to harmonize thetwo ordinances shallberepealed.
Pg.3 of Ord.No.05-14-2183
Section 5.Effective Date.This ordinanceshall become effective upon enactment.
PASSED AND ENACTED this Is!day of &Pril 2014.
ATTEST:APPROVED:
CITY CLE
1stReading-3/18/14
2ndReading-4/1/14
READ AND
LANGUA
EXEC
'(JyubuvJby
VEDASTOFORM:COMMISSION VOTE:5-0
MayorStoddard:yea
Vice Mayor Harris:Yea
Commissioner Edmond:Yea
Commissioner Liebman:Yea
Commissioner Welsh:Yea
/^Hd.
/^"*\
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(>
')
^
MIAMI DAILY BUSINESS REVIEW
Published Daily exceptSaturday.Sundayand
LegalHolidays
Miami,Miami-DadeCounty,Florida
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF MIAMI-DADE:
Before the undersigned authority personally appeared
MARIA MESA,whoonoathsaysthatheorsheisthe
LEGAL CLERK,Legal Notices ofthe Miami Dally Business
Review f/k/a Miami Review,a daily (except Saturday,Sunday
andLegal Hofidays)newspaper,publishedat Miami in Miami-Dade
County,Florida;thattheattachedcopyof advertisement,
beingaLegalAdvertisementofNoticeinthematterof
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
PUBLIC HEARING 4/1/2014
inthe XXXX Court,
waspublishedinsaidnewspaperintheissuesof
03/21/2014
Afffant further says that thesaidMiami Daily Business
Review isa newspaper published at Miami insaid Miami-Dade
County,Florida and that thesaidnewspaper has
.heretofore been continuously published in said Miami-Dade County,
Florida,each day (except Saturday,Sunday and Legal Holidays)
andhas been entered as second class mail matter atthe post
office in Miami insaid Miami-Dade County,Florida,for a
period ofoneyear next preceding the first publication ofthe
attached copy ofadvertisement;and affiant further saysthat heor
shehas neither paid nor promised any person,firm orcorporation
any discount,reJ>aterCo7nmissior>pr refund for the purpose
of secujiog^h^a^r^csement for Publication in the said
spaper.
4^%\MERCEDES ZALDIVAR
[•(;fe );}MY COMMISSION #FF029736
^0"^EXPIRES June 20.2017
(407)398-0153 FloridaNotaryServlce.com
""*S
&ty ofSaidA Miami
August 28,2014
Joe Geller,Esq.
3850 Bird Rd
Miami,FL 33146
Dear Mr.Geller:
On August 19,2014 theCity Commission approved Resolution No.165-14-14259 authorizing
theCity Manager to execute a contract withyouasSpecial Master fortheCity.Assuch,
enclosed please findtwocontracts.Pleaseinitialeachpageand execute both contracts and
forward them back tomesothatIcangetthem executed onthisend.Oncethe contracts are
folly executedIwillforwardoneoriginalbacktoyou.
Thanksforyourattentiontothismatter.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsplease don't hesitatetogive
me a call.
Sincerely,
Nkenga A.Payne,CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Enclosures
South Miami
All-America Ctty
2001
6130SunsetDriveSouthMiami,Florida 33143-5093 •Tel:(305)663-6340•Fax:(305)663-6348
www.southmiarnifl.gov