090795 Ordinance amending Section 33-19 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida to provide for permanent donation collection bins on improved property owned by a charity and providing for buffering, set backs and permit requirements; providing severability, inclusion in the code, and an effective date
                This item allows, under certain circumstances, permanent collection bins for the purposes of collecting donations for charities.  Commissioner Martinez believes it is important to make this exception, when the requirements are met, in order to make these types of collections easier.  By doing this, we will be able to get the collected materials to those in need in a faster, more efficient manner.  This item was approved on first reading at the April 7, 2009 Board of County Commissioners meeting and will go to committee in May.
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090795&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009

090661: Resolution directing the Mayor or Mayor's Designee to report on the feasibility of establishing a public/private partnership Affordable Housing Program between Miami-Dade County and private, for profit entities to develop and construct affordable housing for the residents of Miami-Dade County; Requiring a report from the Mayor or Mayor's Designee
                It is no secret that the building industry has fallen on hard times.  It is also no secret that Miami-Dade County continues to strive through many programs to build affordable housing.  Finally, it is no secret that people are in need of affordable housing more than ever.  Using this line of thinking, Commissioner Martinez came up with a plan to partner with private companies to build affordable housing.  The first step in implementation is to be certain that this is something which can be successful.  His feasibility study will come before the Board for final approval on May 5, 2009.  He hopes to have the full Commission's support in making his vision for the future of affordable housing a reality-and by doing so, stimulating the economy.
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090661&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009

090768: Resolution adding the Gran Via Apartments Affordable Housing Development for seniors located in District 11 to the list of Economic Stimulus Projects pursuant to the County's Economic Stimulus Plan
                Commissioner Martinez continues to work hard build his elderly affordable housing project.  By adding this project to the County's economic stimulus plan, it will be expeditiously processed and built as soon as possible.  Gran Via has met a few hurdles, but it continues to be one of Commissioner Martinez's most important projects.  It will come before the Board for final approval on May 5, 2009.
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090768&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009

083424: Resolution approving allocation of $10,592,307 from Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program Project Number 249-''Preservation of affordable housing units and expansion of home ownership'' to fund development of affordable housing units at Gran Via Complex in District 11
            This item specifically sets aside dollars for the purpose of building affordable housing in District 11.  Commissioner Martinez continues to receive updates on the status of Gran Via and hopes to break ground sometime before 2010.

090717: Resolution urging the Florida Legislature to fund the Florida International University Medical School in the amount of $10.9 million for Fiscal Year 2009-10
Once again, Commissioner Martinez is fighting to maintain the state allocation of funding for the Florida International University (F.I.U.) Medical School.  Not only does this directly impact District 11, with all the jobs that will be created by building the school, it will affect our entire community.
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090717&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009

090519: Resolution supporting the Miami-Dade County Public Schools' State Legislative Package; urging the Florida Legislature to hold school districts harmless from the effects of property tax relief and state budget shortfalls by providing per student funding at a level no lower than the Fiscal Year 2008-09 Level; further urging the Legislature to restore the Local Discretionary Capital Outlay Levy to 2-Mills And not pass legislation that reduces the number of in-service hours required of teachers providing instruction to English As A Second Language Learners
                The news continues to be bad for our public schools.  In an effort to be supportive of the plight of the School Board, Commissioner Martinez was the prime sponsor on this legislation that requests that schools be maintained at their current levels.  While cuts must be made to balance the budget, we cannot and should not take away from our children's education.  This item was adopted on March 17, 2009 and was co-sponsored by 6 other commissioners.
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=090519&file=true&yearFolder=Y2009

090172: Resolution Urging the U.S. Congress and the Florida Legislature proactively to address the next possible mortgage crisis by requiring banks that receive federal bailout funds to restructure option adjustable rate mortgages and other unconventional mortgages that were used during the recent real estate boom
            This item is to urge the Federal and State governments to create a plan now to address what could be coming in the future.  Banks have used unconventional mortgages in an effort to get more people into houses.  However, these types of mortgages could be a problem when the introductory interest rate changes and the mortgagee cannot make their monthly payments.  Thankfully, some of the issues have been addressed in the Financial Stability Act as proposed by President Obama.

090185: Resolution urging the U.S. Congress and the Florida Legislature to require banks receiving bailout funds to pay homeowners' association dues where applicable on foreclosed homes
            This item is to address what has become quite common not only in Miami-Dade County, but around the nation.  Homeowners' associations are losing money when homes under their jurisdiction are foreclosed on and they are no longer receiving dues.  As a result, HOA's are increasing their dues or issuing special assessments to supplement the loss.  Commissioner Martinez wants the banks to be responsible for the dues, especially those that are receiving bailout funds.  Commissioner Sosa has a companion item that addresses the issue for condominium associations.

082853: Resolution authorizing the County Mayor or Mayor's designee to negotiate and execute memoranda of understanding with partners for the provision of services at the County's Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (''CVAC''); and authorizing the execution of leases, in substantially the same form as attached with the identified partners that will provide services on site at the CVAC
            The Coordinated Victims Assistance Center finally opened its doors and is currently assisting victims of domestic violence.  These Memoranda of Understanding make it possible for organizations already performing certain services to participate in the efforts at the CVAC.  It is now truly a one-stop shop for victims to get the help they so desperately need.