Res. No. 115-98-10382RESOLUTION NO. 115-98-10382
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, RELATING TO CAPITAL
PROJECTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
ENGAGE THE LAW FIRM OF THOMSON MURARO RAZOOK
& HART, P.A. TO PERFORM LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO
TITLE TO REAL ESTATE TO BE DEVELOPED AS A MlXED-
USE PARKING GARAGE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission of the City of South Miami
accepted a proposal by SPG Phase I to construct and operate a mixed-use parking
garage on real estate that is owned by the city and located at:
S.W. 73 rd Street on the South; S.W. 58 th Avenue on the East; S.W.
58 th Court on the West and an alley on the North; and,
WHEREAS, the city is advised that the deed granting title to the city
contains a restriction on the use of the property "for the purpose of a Public
Parking Area ... "; and,
WHEREAS, the deed restriction creates a doubt whether the property can
be used for a mixed-use parking structure; and,
WHEREAS, the City Attorney recommends that he be authorized to engage
the law firm of Thomson Muraro Razook & Hart, P .A. to perform legal services
related to securing a release of the deed restriction to satisfy the concerns of the
title insurer, lenders and the city; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission accepts the request of the
City Attorney.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA;
Section 1. The City Attorney is authorized to engage the law firm of
Thomson Muraro Razook & Hart, P.A. to perform legal services related to
securing a release of the deed restriction to satisfy the concerns of the title insurer,
lenders and the city, pursuant to the retainer agreement which is annexed and
made a part of this resolution as App.l.
.,
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of April, 1998.
ATTEST:
d~Jr
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM: A I b (b~. Iloe
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Page 2 of2
APPROVED:
~& ' ~kb~j . ,~
MAYOR Y
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Robaina:
Vice Mayor Oliveros:
Comm. Bethel:
Comm. Russell:
Comm . Fe 11 u :
5-0
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yea
"
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Commission
From: Earl G. Ga~ k
Date: April 15, 1998
Re: Parking garage-authorization to
engage special counsel
Subject: A resolution relating to capital projects, authorizing the city attorney to engage the
law firm of Thomson Muraro Razook & Hart, P.A. to perform legal services related to securing a
release of the deed restriction to satisfy the concerns of the title insurer, lenders and the city.
The city accepted the proposal of SPG Phase I, Ltd. to construct and operate a mixed-
use parking garage at the city's parking lot on S.W. 73 rd Street. Upon performing a title
examination, SPG discovered that the deed to the city contains a restriction on the use ofthe
property "for the purpose of a Public Parking Area .... " While we are not particUlarly
concerned that a parking structure is consistent with the deed restriction, we, and the title
insurer, are very concerned that the restriction could preclude the use of the property for a
mixed-use project.
I requested a proposal from the Thomson Muraro, et al. firm to investigate and
determine the identities of all heirs of the grantors and to secure a release of the deed
restriction. The proposed retainer agreement is for all necessary legal services to achieve the
objective, at an hourly rate of$J 75 for attorneys, for an amount not to exceed $10,000. The
limitation does not commit the attorneys to perform all the work that might be necessary to
achieve the objective; it provides a stop-work limitation. We will re-evaluate the effort ifthe
objective is not achieved within that amount. Please call me if you have any questions
regarding the appropriateness of the city paying the legal cost for securing a release of the
restriction, or determining that it will not defeat the project.
The law firm represents the principals of SPG. It is possible that a conflict of interest
between the city and SPG might occur in the future. The agreement contains a waiver of
conflict of interest which provides that the law firm will not be disqualified from
representing, and it can continue to represent, the principals in such an event. I do not
believe that the provision for waiving any future potential conflict of interest will be
detrimental to the city.
A copy of the retainer agreement and the Request for Proposals is attached.
Recommendation: Approve the resolution.
N:\EGallop\CSMMEMOS\Parking garage-attyauth-mem.doc
THOMSON MURAAO RAZOOK & HART, FI.A.
Mr. Earl Gallop
City Attorney
City of South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
ATTOANe..,.S .... T \..AW
ONt SOU"IoOIIIAA'r TMI .. O AVENUE
17"" "1000"
MIAMI. rL.OIIIICA :):)131
April 15, 1996
..... E ... C .....
(308,350'7200
TIE~IlCO"'C"
1305) 374'1005
PJt%VILBQZD &RD CODIDDft'nL
AftOJtQI/CL:tAJ'r UP WPM DQDUC'l'
South Miami, Florida 33143
Dear Mr. Gallop:
This will confirm that the City of Sout.h Miami (the "C1ty")
has retained this firm to represent it w1th regard to the
rest~iction eontained in the warranty Deed from William Se;al and
Sylvia Se9a~, his wife, to the City, recorded in Deed Book 3868,
Page 574, of the Public Records of Miami-Dad" County, Florida,
which restriction limits the use of certain land owned by the City
"for the purpose of a Public Parking Area (the "Deed
Restriction") ."
As the City Attorney, you are awa~e that we represent Beverly
Elias, Gwynn "Sabe" Elias, Albert Elias and entities related to
these persons (collectively, the "Elias Interests") in many various
matters, including the proposed construction by SPG Phase One, Ltd.
of the mult1-use parking garage development in the City. Several
of the matters in which we represent the Elias Interests involve
the City either directly or indirectly. There is no litigation-
between the Elias Interests and the City at this time.
We are unaware of any conflict of interest pet ween the Elias
Interests and the City. However, as you understand and 8S we have
explained. to you, the potential fot conflict between the City and
the !11a$ Interests does exist. It at any point our concurrent
representation of both the Elias Interests and the City results in
a material risk that such representation will compromisl! our
independence of professional judgment, we will withdraw from our
representation of the City, and the City he~eby agrees to such
withdrawal. In the event of our withdrawal from representation of
the City on these terms, the City hereby waives any eonflict, and
aqrees we may continue our representation of the Elias Interest~ in
any and all matters, including matters involvin9 litigation against
P.Ol.
l&Iuu~
-------_. -,J "'1:::1' ............... r""lam, 305 663 6345
0:0&118/88 WE» 11:35 FAX 305 314' 1005' TH01(S9N lIURAItO
Mr. Earl Gallop
April lS, 1998
Page 2
THOMSON MURAAO RAZOOK e. HART, P.A.
the City. The City agrees it will not use our legal representation
of it in the Deed Restriction matter as the ba~is tor asserting any
conflict ot interest, or for attempting to disqualify this firm as
counsel to the Elias Interests in any matter,
We have notified you of the possibla conflicts and of our
responsibilities under the Rules ot Professional Conduct with
respect to our representation of the City. We understand the City
wishes to retain us on the terms explained herein. and by executing
this retainer letter hereby expressly waive any such conflict.
We have agreed to handle this matter at a reduced hourly rate
ot S175 per hour.
We will advance normal costs and expenses incurred on the
City'a behalf, and aeek reimbursement as part of our monthly fee
statements. Normal costs and expenses include long distance
telephone charqes, postage, photocopying, docketing, word
processing, delivery and similar charges. We customarily refer
individual costs and expense items in excess of $500, and
extraordinary expenses such as out-of-state travel and lodging or
the retaining of out~ide consultants. for direct client payment.
Of course, it is aqreed that we may withdraw as the City's
counsel in this matter at any time, just as the City may terminate
our representation. In the event our representation of the City is
termin4lted by us, we will complete sueh matters as we deem
appropriate and will cooperate with new counsel as may be necessary
or appropriate under the circumstances.
On account statements will be rendered monthly as the matter
progresses, and are payable promptly after receipt. It is aqreed
that we will not proceed eny furthe~ 9n this matter once the sum of
,10,000 in 1ega1 fees. excluding costs and expenses, has been
reached. At such point. we shall advise you that this limit has
been reac'bed and we shall await your written instructions before
proceeding.
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THOMSOfll MURAIitO RotUOOK a H""T, P.A.
Mr. Ea:r:l Gallop
April 15, 1998
Page 3
Please confirm the City's agreement with the foregoing by
signing and returning the enclosed copy of thi:s letter in the
envelope provided.
Sincerely,
SWD!gw
E:nclosures
Accepted and agreed to:
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
By: ________________ --__________ __
Title: ____________________ --______ _
Dated! ____________________ _
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305 ")63 6345
City of South Miami
Request for ProposallPublic Notice
for design, construction, leasing and management of
mixed-use development project.
Deadline for submissionr
July 10, 1997
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City of South Miami
INVITA nON TO BIDIPUBLIC NOTICE
The City of South Miami is inviting interested parties to submit sealed proposals for planning,
design, construction, leasing and management of an infiU, mixed-use development project on
approximately.70 acres of City-owned property located within the Hometown District and
bounded by S.W. 73rd st. on the South, S. W. 58th Avenue on the ~ and S. W. 58 Ct., on the
West. The property is currently being used as a municipal parking lot.
All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the Request for Proposal docwnent. This
document contains detailed and specific infonnation regarding the property being offered for
infill development and the type of redevelopment that would meet the City's goals with respect
to the development objectives and downtown and more specifically of the Hometown District.
All proposals must be delivered to the office of the City Clerk, 6130 Sunset Dr., South Miami,
Florida on or before July 10, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. Immediately after, all sealed proposals received
will be publicly opened and acknowledged. All proposals shall accompany a non-refundable
cashier's check for $2,500 to cover cost incurred or to be incurred by the City in preparing,
issuing and evaluating these proposals.
The City of South Miami reserves the right to accept any proposaJ deemed to be in the best
interest of the City, to waive any irregularities in any proposals, or to reject any and/or a1l
proposals and to re-advertise for new proposals. Any proposals deemed by the City to be non-
responsive or to not meet the goals of the Request for Proposal shall be rejected prior to the
project evaluation process. In making such determination, the considerations to be used by the
City shall be, but not limited to, developer's experience and qualifications, capability ofthe
development team, developer's financial qualifications and strength. financial return for the City
and the overall design concept.
For further information, please call or mite:
City Manager's Office
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami, FL 33143
(305)663-6338
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2. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECf OVERVIEW:
A. Site Location: The proposed infill development project is located in the City's Hometown
District. and is generally bounded by S.W. 73 rd St. on the South, S.W. 58 1h Avenue on the
East, and S.W. SSIh Ct. on the West. Please see attached location plan aerial, etc. (Exhibit 1).
B. Physical Description: 'The project area consists of approximately .75 acres of land and
includes 142.5 feet offtontage on S.W. 73rd St. and 150 feet of frontage along S.W. 58 th
Avenue. The subject property is currently paved and is used as a municipal metered parking
lot.
C. Project Overview: In November of 1992, members of the community gathered for a public
·'Cbarrette" or a design workshop on the future of the downtown area. The design workshop
included several days of around-the-clock design sessions and discussions. This public
process brought together people from all segments of the community, professionals from all
levels of governments and a diverse group of consultants to develop a common vision for the
downtown. This common vision is called the Hometown Plan which later was codified in
the Hometown District. The plan is based on the concept that like a traditional, small-town
downtown. South Miami downtown oUght to be a neighborhood where a full range of uses
exist and are juxtaposed to create a synergy that brings life and vitality to downtown. The
plan is based on the concept that the streets belong to peopJe and the awareness of how
individual buildings relate to each other and how users collectively interact with the sidewalk
and the street will detennine the success of creating people friendly streets and public
squares. The plan identified a series of "Initial Projects" to act as catalyst for re-
development.
l. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Unified Development: The City is soliciting proposals from private developers or
individuals who can provide the City with an integrated improvement package including but
not limited to planning, design, construction, leasing and management for the City-owned
property cWTently occupied by the muniCipal metered parking lot
a. Commitment of Funds: The City shall provide no direct or indirect financing to the
development. The City will enter into a long-term property lease agreement with the
successful developer for an annual rent payment which may be comprised of a minimum
guaranteed rent and a percentage rent based on gross revenues. The terms and conditions of
the property lease agreement shall be negotiated to complement the financing strategy and/or
the depreciation schedule.
The successful developer is required to provide all the necessary financing for all aspects of the
proposed development.
C. Proposal Development Considerations: All proposals must consider and adhere to the
following factors in developing the project proposal.
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1. Development Objectives: The primary objective is to design.l people-oriented mixed-usc
development to provide active building edges along S.W. 73 Street and S.W. 58 Avenue,
and an adequate supply of off-street parking. The amount of parking provided shall not only
replace the existing parking and meet the requirements of the project, but also provide
additional short-term parking for the area merchants. The project is envisioned to be three-
story to four-stories in height and to act as a demonstration project for infill development.
The retail components are expected to cater to the smaller tenants to.create pedestrian
friendly and diverse strorefronts. The project design shall be supportive of and in keeping
with the proposed Comprehensive Master Plan for the City and comply with all the related
Hometown overlay ordinances.
2. Lease Tenns and Annual Lease Payment: The tenns and conditions of the Lease Agreement
between the City and the successful developers. including length of agreement and annual
payment shaU be negotiated to complement the fInancing strategy andlor depreciation
schedule; however, all proposals submitted should define these tenns as part of the lease
agreement terms.
3. Site Improvements: The existing improvement shall be cleared by the developer and all site
improvements must comply with all applicable code requirements, and the successful
developer shal1 be responsible for acquiring all required permits and do the necessary impact
studies.
4. Proposal Format: Proposals submitted in response to this invitation must include the
following information:
A. Credentials:
Development Team
QualificationlExperience
Financial capacity to undertake project
References
B. Project Proposals:
Development Plan
Illustrative Plans
Proposed Lease Tenn and Rent Schedule
Operating pro.formas of anticipated lease term
Implementation schedule
Operational Management Plan
c. Additional Requirements:
Financial Statement
Letters from Financial Institutions
Letter indicating Developer's ability to obtain necessary bonds and insurance
D. Evaluation Criteria:
Citizen Panel
EvaluationiQualification
Financial Ability
Financial Return
Overall Design
25%
2S%
2S%
25%
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E. Performance and Payment Bond:
F. Compliance with Federal. State and Local Laws:
G. Proposal Submission: Sealed proposals must be marked "Infill Development Project," and
submitted to:
City Clerk
City of South Miami
6130 SUDset Drive
Soutb Miami. FL 33143
H. Tentative Schedule:
Issuance of Request for Proposal .... -~ -.. -.. June 20,1997
Proposal Submission Deadline -.... -.. ~. JU L Y 10, 1997
For additional infonnation, contact or write:
City Manager
City of South Miami
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 663-6338
r. Enclosures:
a. Existing Aerials
b. Maps of the proposed re-development site and surrounding areas.
c. Hometown Plan documents (includes zoning map)
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