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.

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.

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.

082617: Ordinance amending SECTIONS 2-8.1.1 AND 10-33.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County relating to bids from related parties to include a prohibition on collusive bidding, requiring that recommended bidders submit an affidavit regarding their relation to other bidders, and expand the prohibitions to include the purchase of goods or services; providing severability, inclusion in the code, and an effective date [See original item under File No. 081986]
            Commissioner Martinez has always advocated honest procurement methods at the County and has insisted on due diligence by every government level.  This item prevents collusion in county contracts.  There are times were larger companies create shell companies that are listed under a different name, but have all the same principles.  With this item in place, this sort of deceptive business practice will come to an end.