January - The legislation was originally constructed from a template that was used to build a center for the Providence Christian Fellowship on West 12th street. That legislation cited many factors relating to the poor quality of the neighborhood and actually seemed to justify the use of public funds for the construction of the center in that neighborhood. Contrast that to the area surrounding Biscayne Boulevard (view pictures here).

Feb 7 – Legislation is circulated in the Office of General Counsel that states that the $1.1 million will be derived like this: $600,000 in City bond money and $500,000 “from an account to be provided”. At this point, they didn’t know where the other $500,000 was coming from yet, only that it was anticipated to come from somewhere in the city coffers. Also of note, is that the $500,000 in bond money will require a waiver of requirements associated with the bond money, as follows, “Waiving requirements that bond funds be used on City property”.

Mar 2 – Legislation amended as follows: “an account to be provided” is changed to “Northwest Quadrant Trust Fund Cash Account” by the Finance Committee of the City Council. They have now found another funding source…but it will require another waiver. This time they will have to put in the following waiver, “Waiving guidelines for the use of the Northwest Quardrant Trust Fund Cash Account”.

Mar 8 - In regards to public access, the current legislation (sent from Peggy Sidman to Bill Crowe) reads, “…and the Premises shall at all regularly scheduled times be and remain open to the public.”

Mar 10 – Public access restricted — At the request of Pat Locket-Felder, via a floor amendment, a change was made restricting public access to the facility: “The public shall have access to the gymnasium a minimum of 50 hours per week, the hours between 12am and 6am shall not be included towards the minimum hour requirement, however the Parks, Recreation, Entertainment and Conservation Department shall be permitted to used the gynasium to operate organzied activites/programs, such [PREC] hours shall be counted towards the minimum hour requirements.

Mar 13 – Pat Locket-Felder sends an email to Dana Farris, requesting that her amendment/bill be discharged by the Finance Committee. Dana Farris then sends an email to Daniel Davis, Finance Committee Chairman, “Do you want this bill to be discharged from Finance or do you want the bill to stay in committee? Please advise so I add the bill to the agenda if needed.” That same day, Peggy Sidman writes Dana Farris and tells her, “I believe that the Council Member is going to try to get [the bill] dishcarged.”

March 14, 2006 – A talking points memo is created and emailed from Peggy Sidman. See the attached scanned document. Council passes the legislation. The Mayor and City Council President sign off on the legislation.

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