Personal Message from Commissioner Michael Góngora

Dear Miami Beach Residents,

September has come and gone too quickly. Time flies when you are busy working for our beloved City! The Commission has been in full swing since returning from our August recess. I’ve spent considerable time listening to residents in anticipation of our Neighborhood and Community Affairs meeting and Commission meeting to adopt the budget. I wanted to share highlights of some outcomes guided by your input.

In response to concerns about the perception of rising crime, I implemented a standing crime prevention discussion item on the Neighborhoods Committee to establish a regular forum where Police may update us on their efforts and we may exchange thoughts. Hence, at the last Neighborhoods and Community Affairs Committee meeting, Assistant Police Chief Paul Acosta presented the reorganization of the Police Department including the newly created Community Affairs Unit. This unit enhances community policing and focuses on neighborhood outreach. The Police Department also briefed us on their new efforts in combating homelessness on Miami Beach. Please click here to see the Miami Beach Police Reorganization Chart –

MBPD Department Organizational Chart 9-24-19

Many have reached out to me regarding affordable housing availability. This year, Miami Beach opened the affordable housing list. Thousands applied for the limited units. Many questioned me regarding why Miami Beach residents receive no preference or priority. I, hence, placed this item for discussion before the Neighborhoods Committee. The Committee agrees that Miami Beach residents should receive priority, and we are acting to ensure that Miami Beach residents, employees and relatives receive preference for Miami Beach affordable housing in the future.

On September 25th, the Commission finalized and adopted the budget. Many residents have expressed you feel the City has grown too much, with too many departments. Last year, I was the lone vote against the budget because I knew we could achieve more savings and trim more fat. We have now reduced the number of Departments. We can do better still. I voted to adopt this budget because the property tax millage rate did not go up. However, to ensure that we do better, I have referred this matter to the Finance Committee for a thorough review of the functions and functioning of ALL City departments to achieve a more effective and streamlined organization. I want to guarantee ALL departments are reviewed timely and aligned well in advance of next year’s budget process.

In closing, I hope to see you at least at one of many upcoming Miami Beach events! I also look forward to seeing you at my next power walk, scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6pm. We are meeting at Collins Ave and 29th Street by the beach walk. Please see details below.

Finally, for all my Jewish friends, L’Shana Tova – Happy New Year!

Your friend,

Haga clic aquí para leer en español

Save the Date for Upcoming Important City Commission Meetings and Other Meetings:

October Commission Meeting- October 16

Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee-October 23

Finance and Citywide Projects Committee Meeting- October 25

October Commission Presentation and Awards Meeting- October 30

Land Use Development Committee- October 30

CLICK TO SEE 16 MORE PHOTOS SHOT ON SITE

Alberto Góngora, Jennifer Lopez and me Celebrating Her 50th Birthday!

Hosting Another Successful Farmshare Event with Seniors in Action In Which We Fed 496 Needy Individuals and Families

Commissioner Michael Góngora and Amar’e Stoudemire at the Launching of FIU Diversity University at the Jewish Museum

PLEASE CLICK TO SEE 16 ADDITIONAL PHOTOS SHOT ON SITE

“If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain.” – George Carlin

CONDO CORNER

By David G. Muller

Q: How much can a condominium association charge to review and approve a lease application received from a proposed annual renter? Can the same fee be charged for a seasonal renter? G.F.

A: Section 718.112(2)(i) of the Condominium Act states that no transfer fee shall be made by an association or its agent (e.g. management company) in connection with the sale, mortgage, lease, sublease, or other transfer of a unit unless the association is required to approve such transfer and a fee for such approval is provided for in the declaration, articles of incorporation, or bylaws. This statute goes on to state that a transfer fee must be preset and may not exceed $100 per applicant and a husband/wife or parent/dependent child is considered one applicant. If the lease is a renewal with the same lessee then the association cannot impose another transfer fee.

Most association governing documents that authorize transfer approval fees make no distinction between annual renters and seasonal renters. If the governing documents do make a distinction between the transfer fees charged to annual renters and seasonal renters then the monetary amounts contained in the governing documents should be followed (as long as the monetary cap referenced above is not exceeded).