1 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

Liborio Prosperi, House of Commons Lobby (1886)

August 30, 2014
Gary Held
First Assistant City Attorney
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Subject: Revision of Lobbying Code Sorely Needed
Dear Mr. Held:
Thank you for revising the instructions for lobbyists and others, read out at the outset of
meetings, now to include the requirement that persons representing nonprofit associations
such as condominium boards without compensation file letters with the city clerk, as per this
section of the city code:
2-481 Definitions. Lobbyist means all persons employed or retained, whether
paid or not. "lobbyist" specifically excludes the following persons: any person
who only appears as a representative of a any person who only appears as a
representative of a neighborhood association without compensation or
reimbursement; and any person who only appears as a representative of not-
for-profit community based organization for the purpose of requesting a grant
2 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

without special compensation or reimbursement for the appearance. The
persons specifically excluded above from the definition of "lobbyist" shall, prior
to communicating with subject city personnel, disclose in writing to the city
clerk, their name, address, and principal on whose behalf they are
communicating.
Now pardon me for being so bold as to suggest that the code itself be revamped from top to
bottom, as was regularly done with the Roman civil code by the ancient Roman clerks to correct
anomalies, insert new legislation, codify the legal fictions, which dissatisfaction with strict
construction had made necessary, and to render the whole more cogent.
1. The requirement that unpaid representatives for nonprofits file letters with the clerk
should be eliminated unless an efficient means for determining who they are is codified.
For example, take the case of my local activist hero, Frank Del Vecchio Esq. Ret., who has
served as a sort of shadow city attorney for some years now. I inquired into the nature of his
role, in the matter of the ad hoc legislation that spot zoned the property at 321 Ocean Drive for
the exclusive benefit of the developers and owners. He wrote the first draft of the zoning
amendment and lobbied vigorously for its passage. The city planners and lawyers greatly relied
upon his opinion as well as the opinion of the clients lawyers at Greenberg Traurig led by High
Rise Power Lawyer Lucia Dougherty, who disclosed $700 per hour as her compensation.
First of all, I considered whether he was practicing law without a license when lobbying for the
cause. I decided in the negative, for any official who takes a lobbyists words for granted is a
fool deserved by his or her constituents, and, the city is presumably protected from bad legal
advice not only by its own attorneys but by the fact that most legislators are lawyers
themselves.
Secondly, I considered whether or not he should have registered as a lobbyist since he seemed
to walk and talk like a lobbyist. A confidential source close to the matter said that the venerable
city clerk now retired thought he was in fact violating the lobbying ordinance, but a
discretionary decision was made not to prosecute him for not registering.
Thirdly, I considered whether he should have filed a letter with the clerk identifying him as the
president and representative of the condominium association of the property next door to 321
Ocean Enrique Norten. After all, in his July 10, 2011, letter to the mayor and commissioners, he
represented the board of the 301 Ocean Drive Condominium Association, Inc., as its president.
I questioned Mr. Del Vecchio about his representation in general, and he identified himself as
an advocate for the community at large.
3 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

Now you and I know that lawyers dominate society dominantly for the power elite mostly
concerned with its own perspective on law and order, and that their dialectical practice renders
them, whether they are retired or active, experts cavilers; therefore, the profession has a way
of exempting clients and especially itself from the assiduous application of ethical standards
except to curb competition of upstarts among themselves. However that may be, I doubt
whether anyone with jurisdiction would care to assiduously investigate this exemplary esquire
to determine if there is probable cause that he violated the lobbying ordinance, and to
prosecute him if such determination were had.
Lacking some efficient way of resolving anyones claim that s/he is just an individual
representing her own interest or that of the community, perhaps the requirement for
registration with the clerk be dropped, since that has been the informal practice. I see there is
no such requirement under Floridas lobbying code:
Fla. Stat. 11.045 (8) Lobbying before the Legislature; registration and reporting;
exemptions; penalties.
(1) (f) Lobbying firm means any business entity, including an individual contract
lobbyist, which receives or becomes entitled to receive any compensation for
the purpose of lobbying, where any partner, owner, officer, or employee of the
business entity is a lobbyist.
(g) Lobbyist means a person who is employed and receives payment, or who
contracts for economic consideration, for the purpose of lobbying, or a person
who is principally employed for governmental affairs by another person or
governmental entity to lobby on behalf of that other person or governmental
entity.
2. Any lobbyist who fails to register before lobbying should be subject to the same daily fines
imposed on lobbyists who fail to file their annual fee and expense reports.
Take for example, the April 8, 2014, appearance of Michael T. Marrero before the Historic
Preservation Board in the matter of the utter demolition of the structure at 401 Ocean Drive
he swore there was no intention to completely destroy the building; complete demolition was
apparently the objective to begin with (accomplished by approval of the Board on July 8) as can
be seen by Luis Revueltas grand renderings; the demolition proceeded August 28.
Curiously, the Lobbyist Logs of Jul 23 and August 27 do not show Mr. Marrero registered for his
304 Ocean Drive advocacy until July 8, three months after his April 8 appearance before the
board. Now the clerk may find some error in my reading of the log or perhaps a clerical error in
4 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

recording registrations on the logs, but please assume for the sake of argument that his
registration was made three months late.
Would he be assessed approximately $4,500 in fines at $50 per day for late filing, as is specified
under the city code for already registered lobbyists who fail to file their fee and expense
reports? Apparently not, if my reading of the ordinance is correct. He would be subject to the
penalties imposed by the county ethics commission, an entity that is notorious for its
prosecutorial indiscretions, erroneous opinions, violations of Sunshine Law while sitting, and
inequitable and prejudicial imposition of penalties. That is not to say that the ethics staff and
the commission member do not have good intentions, which is all that Immanuel Kant required
of anyone to do their duty.
Am I correct in saying that the law now provides only a possible wrist slap, or maybe a little
more from the county ethics commission depending on who is involved, of someone does not
register at all, yet the city imposes $50 a day find for failure to file annual reports after
someone does register? If that is true, is this absurdity intentional legislative legerdemain? If
not, let those who fail to register in time be subject to the same $50 per day fine, and make the
fines mandatory or not to be waived without defined good causes.
3. Subject anyone who fails to provide material information or provides misinformation on
their registration forms to a stiff mandatory fine.
The state provides such a penalty for lobbyists within its jurisdiction:
Fla. Stat. 11.045 (8) Lobbying before the Legislature; registration and reporting;
exemptions; penalties.
(8) Any person required to be registered or to provide information pursuant to
this section or pursuant to rules established in conformity with this section who
knowingly fails to disclose any material fact required by this section or by rules
established in conformity with this section, or who knowingly provides false
information on any report required by this section or by rules established in
conformity with this section, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a
fine not to exceed $5,000. Such penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty
assessed by a house of the Legislature pursuant to subsection (7).
I notice that Mr. Marrero did not reveal the identities of those who control and/or have a
greater than 10% stake in his principal, Sea Spray Development LLC, as required on the
registration form and by law. He has made such disclosures for other principals. I suppose he
might claim that he represents Yair Wolf, who apparently presides over Sea Spray, and not the
LLC. That might not wash with an unsympathetic lawyer.
5 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

I have pointed out to the clerk two other failures to reveal such substantial information, on the
part of a developer and an architect both lobbying for 321 Ocean Enrique NortenMr.
Norten is the unlicensed master designer on the 321 Ocean Drive Project, with Luis Revuelta
covering with his license.
The lobbyists for 321 promised to bring in foreign funds to develop blighted 304 across the
street, which they apparently did, but flipped it at an ostensibly handsome profit to the current
vested interests, whosoever they might be. The managing member of 321, the principal the
lobbyists represented, is a Delaware holding company unregistered in Florida. I imply nothing
illegal here such as secrecy for money laundering activities although that is something publicity
of the required information is intended to curb. Perhaps the reason for the Delaware holding
company involves Delaware law, say, that allows principals to expressly preclude fiduciary
responsibility, or some other legally evasive maneuver.
The importance of knowing who owns and controls developments in our community is
obviously material to its interests, although that knowledge may not be sufficient to curb
nefarious activities. Wherefore stiff fines should be imposed on any failure to do so.
As it is, the clerk has asked the 321 Ocean Enrique Norten developer and the architect to
amend their lobbying registration forms instead of referring the matter to the county ethics
commission as the ordinance seems to require.
4. The city lobbying ordinance should make a correct reference to penalties under the county
ethics code.
I have already taken this matter up with City of Miami Beach Attorney Raul Aguila. And I have
pointed out that a particular section of our code does not seem to require the clerks reference,
of failure of nonprofit lobbyists to file letters with the clerk, to the ethics commission, hence
there is no penalty where there should be one if obedience is wanted.
2-481(d) The city clerk shall notify any lobbyist (or principal) who fails to timely
file the expenditure or fee disclosure reports referenced in sections (a) and (b)
above [fee and expenditure reports]. In addition to any other penalties which
may be imposed as provided in section 2-485.1 [those penalties set forth within
subsections 2-11.1(s) and (z) of the Metropolitan Dade County Code but (z)
does not apply see instead (cc)], a fine of $50.00 per day shall be assessed for
reports filed after the due date. Any lobbyist who fails to file the required
expenditure report by April 30 shall be automatically suspended from lobbying
until all fines are paid, unless the fine has been appealed to the Miami Dade
County Ethics Commission.
6 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

Again, the city code provides for penalties, other than the fines for late filings, by reference to
an apparently inapplicable clause (z) section of the county code, when it should refer to clause
(cc).
2-11.1(s) (cc) Penalty. (1) Proceeding before Ethics Commission. A finding by the
Ethics Commission that a person has violated this section shall subject said
person to an admonition or public reprimand and/or a fine of five hundred
dollars ($500.00) for the first such violation and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)
for each subsequent violation. Where the Ethics Commission finds that a person
has intentionally violated this section and determines that a fine is appropriate,
said person shall be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the
first such violation and two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for each subsequent
violation. Actual costs incurred by the Ethics Commission, in an amount not to
exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violation, may be assessed where the
Ethics Commission has found an intentional violation of this section. The Ethics
Commission may also order the person to pay restitution when the person or a
third party has received a pecuniary benefit as a result of the person's governed
by an administrative order adopted by the County Commission and rules of
procedure promulgated by the Ethics Commission.
5. Lobbyists should be required to file withdrawals when they become inactive in any matter.
I understand from the clerk that lobbyists who do not file the annual fee and expense reports
required by the ordinance, and who have not already voluntarily filed withdrawals, are simply
dropped from the active list.
If officials are not diligent to ascertain whether or not someone before them is actually active,
that person may continue with representation here and there and get away with it absent
watchdogs at every turn such as the taxmen depicted in the musical, Popeye (1980). No doubt
there have been many instances of an absence of the exercise of diligence due. The
requirement to sign logs before seeing someone may be overlooked. Those logs could be made
electronic, and should be published online the next day. The lobbyists at hears should definitely
log in prior to the hearing, and their credentials should be checked.
In any event, lobbyists should be required to notify the city when they become inactive, and
their failure to do so should result in a fine of $500.
6. Code should clearly specify that a separate fee must be paid for each registration.
7 | Suggested Lobbying Ordinance Revisions / David Arthur Walters

That may already be the procedure. Perhaps you may point out where that is clearly specified
in the code. An anonymous inside source has told me that is often not being done, so that
favored attorneys with many cases are not overburdened by fee expenditures.
Now, then, I am sure that your law revision council would propose even more improvements in
the lobbyist ordinance. And perhaps the council would take up revising the Byzantine sidewalk
caf ordinance that results in appearances of impropriety, seemingly discriminatory
enforcement that might have to be defended in federal court. Also the signage code needs to
be overhauled, something I have already commented on to high official in vain.
I apologize in advance for any misstatements I may have inadvertently made, and pray you will
correct them.
Sincerely,
David Arthur Walters

Cc. Raul Aguila, Esq.
Cc. Frank Del Vecchio, Esq.
301 Ocean Drive Condominium Association, Inc.
301 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
July 10, 2011
Mayor and Commissioners, City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
SUBJ: Agenda Item R7G, July 13,2011 City Commission Agenda: Charter Height
Referendum for Nov. 1, 2011 Election
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
In the event you enact the ordinance placing a Charter height referendum requirement on
the November 1, 2011 ballot, we request that May 1, 2012 be the effective date.
A May 1, 2012 date will enable the zoning amendment now in process for our district to
satisfy the city's lengthy notice and public hearing requirements.
The enactment of this zoning is essential for a condominium on the 321 Ocean Drive
vacant lot to be feasible - a great asset for our neighborhood and our community.
For the immediate neighbors in particular, a condo is a much sought after alternative to a
hotel on the site, less than fifteen feet from the 325 Ocean Drive condo, and twenty feet
from our building. A condo would be wholly compatible with our historic residential
district. A hotel would not. A hotel's accessory use restaurants and facilities would have
to be serviced solely from Ocean Drive, since there is no rear alley service access. The
traffic and servicing impacts would be severe for the adjacent properties and adverse to
the entire neighborhood.
Our condo association joins with our neighbors, East Atlantic Gardens Condo at 325
Ocean Drive, and Sholom House Condominium at 260 Ocean Drive, in a request that the
city commission take the actions necessary for the pending zoning of our district to
proceed without the fatal burden of a citywide voter referendum.
VOTED: 301 Ocean Drive Condominium Association Board ofDirectors, July 10,2011
Frank Del Vecchio, President
For the Board
LUDC#19
Lr
MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach Office of the City Clerk
1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach FL 33139
LOBBYISTREGISTRATION FORM
Lobbyist means all persons employed or retained whether paid or not by a principal who seeks to encourage the passage defeat or
modification of any ordinance resolution action or decision of any commissioner any action decision recommendation of the City
Manager or any city board or committee or any action decision or recommendation of any city personnel during the time period of the
entire decision
making
process on such action
decision or recommendation that foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the
city
cmmission or a
city
board or committee
The term specifically includes the principal as well as any employee engaged in
lobbying
activities The term Lobbyists has specific exclusions Please refer to Ordinance 2004 3435
Marrero Michael J
NAME OF LOBBYIST Last First MI
Bercow Radell Fernandez PA 200 South Biscayne Blvd Suite 850 Miami FL 33131
BUSINESS NAME ANDADDRESS Number and Street
City State
Zip Code
305 374 5300 305 377 6222 mmarrero brzoninolaw com
TELEPHONE NUMBER FAX NUMBER EMAIL
Please notify this office if your contact informationchanges address phone or e mail address
I LOBBYISTRETAINED BY
Yair Wolff
NAME OF PRINCIPAUCLIENT
Sea
Spray
Development LLC 3180
Stirling
Road Hollywood Florida 33021
BUSINESS NAME ANDADDRESS Number and Street
City
State
Zip Code
TELEPHONE NUMBER FAXNUMBER Optional EMAIL Optional
Fill out this section if principal is a Corporation Partnership or Trust Section 2 482 c
NAME OF CHIEF OFFICER PARTNER ORBENEFICIARY
IDENTIFYALL PERSONS HOLDING DIRECTLYORINDIRECTLY A5
ORMORE OWNERSHIPINTERESTIN SUCH CORPORATION
PARTNERSHIP ORTRUST
ii SPECIFIC LOBBYISSUE
Development Board Approvals for 304 Ocean Drive Miami Beach Florida
Issue to be lobbied Describe in detail
III CITYAGENCIESINDIVIDUALSTO BE LOBBIED
Pursuant to City Code Section 2 482 a 4 include the commissioner or personnel sought to be lobbied and whether the lobbyist has entered
into
any
contractual
relationship
paid or unpaid with said
city
commissioner or personnel from
12 months preceding such
persons commencement of service with the city to the present date stating the general nature of the subject contractual relationship
Sec 2 482 a 4 Full Name of Individual and Contractual
Relationship
Explain YES NO
title of personto be lobbied
Tanning
Department and
Building
Department Staff None
X
B HPB BOA
City
Commission as
necessary
None
X
Pursuant to City Code Section 2 482 g Every registrant shall be required to state the extent of any business financial familial or professional
relationship or other relationship giving rise to an appearance of an impropriety with any current city commissioner or city personnel who is
sought to be lobbied as identified onthe lobbyist registrationform filed
Sec 2 482 g Any Financial Familial or Professional Relationship
G I t
1
9 cl IP
Nil 101
z
C Users clerhatl AppData Local Microsoft Windows Temporary Internet Files Content 0utlook 83LGQDDH Lobbyist Registration
Formrevised 5 30 2012 doc
IV DISCLOSURE OF TERMS ANDAMOUNTSOF LOBBYISTCOMPENSATION DISCLOSE WHETHERHOURLY FLATRATE OROTHER
A LOBBYISTDISCLOSURE Required
445 00
B PRINCIPAL S DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYIST COMPENSATION
REQUIRED 445 00
The following informationmust be answered
1
Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 488 Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Procurement
Issues
Yes X No Are you lobbying on a present or pending bid for goods equipment or services or ona present or
pe award for aoods eauinment or service
2
Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 490 Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Real Estate
Development Issues
Yes XNo Are you lobbvina ona pending applicationfor a Development Agreement with the City or application
change of zoning map designationor change to the City s Future Land Use Map
3
Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 482 h Any person except those exempt from the definition of lobbyist as set
forth in Section 2 481 above
who only appears as a representative of a not for profit corporation or entity without
special compensation or reimbursement for the appearance whether direct or indirect to express support of or
opposition to any item shall register with the clerk as required by this section but shall not be required to pay any registration
fees
Yes X No Are you representing a not for profit corporationor entity without special compensationor reimbursement
V SIGNATURE UNDEROATH
ON FEBRUARY 28 OF EACH YEAR EACH LOBBYIST SHALL SUBMIT TO THE CITYCLERK ASIGNEDSTATEMENT UNDER
OATH LISTING LOBBYING EXPENDITURES AS WELL AS COMPENSATION RECEIVED IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
ME
THE PRECEDING
EXPENDITURESOR
Sign ure efLobbyist
I do
solemnly
swear that all of the
foregoing
fa re a and correct and that I have read or am familiar with the provisions contained
in Section 2 482 of the Miami B C a
all rep rting requirements
Signature of Lobbyist
Signature of Principal Client
VI LOBBYISTIDENTIFICATION PRINCIPAL IDENTIFICATION
Produced ID
odn 9
Produced ID
Form of Identification Form of Identification
m
c o z
0
oZ
P
g
g
ersonall known Lobbyist
m
K
ZPersonally
o
O
o
T
cto
VII SIGNATURE ANDSTAMPOF NOTARY
3 y
N
i 3 X
m
o
State of Florida
County
of Miami Dade
o a
State of Florida County of Miami Dade
co
Sworn to nd
subscrijjj
L
jj
eore me
o
Sworn d
subscribed
fore me
m
This
y
of 2014
N
is
ay
of 2014
Sign re of blic
Notary
State of Florida Signature f ubli
Notary
State of Florida
Notarizationof Lobbyist s signature Notarizati n of signature
TO BE COMPLET DBYCITYCLERK SSTAFFiON
iy
Annual Registrationfee Yes No Amount Paid MCR
Datq Paid
Lobbyist Registration Form received and verified by
C Users clerhatl AppData Local Microsoft Windows
Temporary
Internet Files Content Outlook 83LGQD H Lobbyist Registration
Formrevised 5 30 2012 doc
F CLE
istrationForm doc
Revised 04 27 2012
AAIAMIBEACH
City
of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach Florida 33139 www miamibeachfl gov
CITY CLERK Office
Rafael E Granado
City
Clerk
CityClerk@miamibeachfl gov
Tel 305 673 7411 Fax 305 673 7254
LOBBYIST NAME Michael J Marrero
I understand that no later than February 28 of each year
I must file the following form
pursuant to Section 2 485 of the Miami Beach
City
Code
with the City Clerk s Office for all
active lobbying issues
1
LOBBYISTEXPENDITURE ANDCOMPENSATION FORM
Failure to file these forms on a timely basis will result in my name being transmitted to the
Miami Dade County Commission on Ethics and for code violationevaluation
In addition once an issue I have registered to
lobby
on has been resolved
or I am no longer
lobbying
on that issue or for that principal
I am required to immediately notify the City Clerk s
Office of lobbyist withdrawal in writing
Pursuant to Section 2 485 d the
City
Clerk shall
notify any
lobbyist or principal who
fails to
timely
file
a Statement and in addition to any other penalties which may be
imposed as provided in Section 2 485 1 a fine of
50 00 a day shall be assessed for all
Statement s filed after the due date The
City
Clerk shall
notify
the Miami Dade
Count Commissionon Ethics and Public Y b c Trust of the failure of a or lobb lobbyist
Y
principal
to file the Statement or pay the assessed fines after notification
Any
lobbyist who fails to file the required Statement
by
April 30th 2012 shall be
automatically
suspended from
lobbying
until all fines are paid
unless the fine has been
appeal d o he Mia ade
County
Commission on Ethics and Public Trust
lc
dl v
Signature
ate
C Users clerhatl AppData Local Microsoft Windows Temporary Internet Files Content Outlook 83LGQDDH Lobbyist Registration
Formrevised 5 30 2012 doc
CV
kAs
till
LU
Nom
cc
lion
O
LL
MIAMI MIRROR TRUE LOBBYING REFLECTIONS

FILE:321OCEANENRIQUENORTEN
August19,2014
To:DavidArthurWalters
Cc:"Aguila,Raul""Prieto,Silvia""Hatfield,Liliam"
Thankyou.WewillreviewandcontactLobbyisttoupdate.
Regards,
MIAMIBEACH
RafaelE.Granado,Esq.,CityClerk
CITYCLERK'SOFFICE
1700ConventionCenterDrive,
MiamiBeach,FL33139

19August2014
RafaelGranado,Clerk
CITYOFMIAMIBEACH
Subject:2011JoshuaBenaimDefectiveLobbyistRegistration
Mr.Granado:
AttachedpleasefindPDFoflobbyistregistrationformnamingJoshuaBenaimaslobbyist.
Bysomestrangecoincidence,hisprincipalhappenstobethesameasMr.Carse's,namely,the
Delawareentity321OceanHoldingLLC.AlthoughithasanaddressonBrickell,itapparentlyhas
nolegalstandinginFloridasinceitisnotlistedonourSecretaryofState'swebsiteasoftoday.
Would you please ask this lobbyist to amend his application to name the persons with
controllingandownershipinterests?Irealizethesameentityisprincipalforbothlobbyists,but
I wish to compare their separate answers with the information I have for consistency before
publication.
Thankyou!
DavidArthurWalters

MIAMI MIRROR TRUE LOBBYING REFLECTIONS

August15,2014
To:DavidArthurWalters
Cc:"Aguila,Raul""Prieto,Silvia""Hatfield,Liliam"
GoodmorningMr.Walters,
Thankyouforbringingthismattertoourattention.
Wewillrequestthelobbyisttoamendhisapplicationtoanswerallquestions.
Regards,

MIAMIBEACH
RafaelE.Granado,Esq.,CityClerk

15August2014
RafaelGranado
CLERK
CityofMiamiBeach
Subject:PRRre9July2012JamesW.CarseLobbyistRegistration
DearMr.Granado:
GoodDay,Sir.
Attached please find the sworn Lobbyist Registration Form executed by lobbyist James W.
Carse, an architect employed by Enrique Nortens New York firm, Ten Arquitectos, and by an
officeroftheprincipal,321OceanHoldingLLC,aDelawareentitythenunregisteredinFlorida,
being the managing member of the owner of the property at 321 Ocean Drive, known by the
projectnameof321OceanEnriqueNorten.Theidentitiesofbothpersonswereverifiedbythe
notarybytheirNewYorkdriverslicenses.
Asyouknow,theMiamiBeachCodeofOrdinances,Sec.2482(c),Registration,mandatesthat,
If the lobbyist represents a corporation, partnership or trust, the chief officer, partner or
beneficiary shall also be identified. Without limiting the foregoing, the lobbyist shall also
identify allpersons holding, directly or indirectly, a five percent or more ownership interest in
suchcorporation,partnership,ortrust.
For all intents of purposes of this clause, a limited liability company is considered as a
corporation or partnership since it is a sort of hybrid of the two types of business entity, and
DelawarelistsLLCsasatypeofcorporation.
MIAMI MIRROR TRUE LOBBYING REFLECTIONS

The Lobbyist Registration Form itself does not identify the chief officer, partner or beneficiary
andallpersonsholding,directlyorindirectly,afivepercentormoreownershipinterestinsuch
corporation,partnership,ortrust,eventhoughtheformitselfclearlydemandstheinformation,
and the oath under penalties of perjury assertsfamiliarity of the signatories with the lobbying
code: I do solemnly swear that all of the foregoing facts are true and correct and that I have
readoramfamiliarwiththeprovisionscontainedinSection2482oftheMiamiBeachCityCode
and611reportingrequirements.
It appears to me that an incomplete form absent that information of great public interest is
tantamounttoafailuretoregistereventhoughitwasacceptedandinitialedbyacityclerk.
WhereforethisismyChapter119requestforanyswornLobbyistRegistrationFormthathasall
theinformation,trueatthattime,asrequiredbytheordinanceandtheformitself.
Intheeventthatyouhavenosuchform,andifIamnotmistakenastothelaw,Iwillappreciate
your advice as what action you will take to obtain a properly filledout form post haste, or to
refer the matter to the Miami Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust as per Sec. 2485
Listofexpenditures;feedisclosure;reportingrequirements,(e)Thecityclerkshallnotifythe
MiamiDade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust of the failure of a lobbyist (or
principal) to file either of the reports referenced above [registration and expenditure] and/or
paytheassessedfinesafternotification.
Although I am not required to disclose my identity or intent for making this request, please
knowthatmyinterestissimplythepublicityoftheinformation.Ihadadvocatedthepublication
ofthatkindofinformation,notknowingthatlegislationalreadymandatedit.
BestRegards,
DavidArthurWalters

MIAMIBEACH
City of Miami Beach Office of the City Clerk
1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach FL 33139
LOBBYIST REGISTRATION FORM
Lobbyist means all persons employed or retained whether paid or not by a principal who seeks to encourage the passage defeat or
modification of any ordinance resolution action or decision of any commissioner any action decision recommendation of the City
Manager or any city board or committee or any action decision or recommendation of any city personnel during the time period of the
entire decision making process on such action decision or recommendation that foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the city
commission or a city board or committee The term specifically includes the principal as well as any employee engaged in lobbying
activities The term Lobbyists has specific exclusions Please refer to Ordinance 20043435
NAMEOF LOBBYIST
Last First MI
Oc G 81 f1
8
kiLaei
Ma i 33 3
BUSINESS NAMEAND ADDRESS umber and
Street City State Zip Code
@C5
I
C36
NefV
f
ch Oaidl o
r
TELEPHONENUMBER FAXNUMBER EMAIL t
Please notify this office if your contact information changes address phone or email address
I LOBBYIST RETAINED BY
cl C02
NAMEOF PRINCIPAUCLIENT
BUSINESS NAMEAND ADDRESS
Number
and
Street City State Zip Code
TELEPHONENUMBER FAXNUMBER
Optional EMAIL Optional
Fill out this section if principal is a Corporation Partnership or Trust Section 2482 c
NAMEOF CHIEF OFFICER PARTNER ORBENEFICIARY
c ry
IDENTIFYALL PERSONS HOLDING DIRECTLYOR
INDIRECTLYA5ORMOREOWNERSHIP INTEREST IN SUC
CORPORA9N
PARTNERSHIP ORTRUST
rri
nSPECIFICLOBBYISSUE
d
t
t
o
3
2
J
C ov A
Issue to be lobbied
Describe
in de y
T
nl CITYAGENCIESINDIVIDUALSTO BELOBBIED
r
c
Pursuant to City Code Section 2482 a4include the commissioner or personnel sought to be lobbied and whether the 1bbb91t has entered
into any contractual relationship paid or unpaid with said city commissioner or personnel from 12 months preceding such person s
commencement of service with the city to the present date stating the general nature of the subject contractual relationship
Sec 2
482 a4
Full Name of Individual and Contractual
Relationship Explain YES NO
title of person to be lobbied
OA
L
t
by
Ien
X
Pursuant to C
ty
Code Section 2
482 gEvery regist
t shall be required to state the extent of any business financial familial or professional
relationship
r other relationship giving rise to an a pearance of an impropriety with any current city commissioner or city personnel who is
sought to be lobbied as identified on the lobbyist registration form filed
Sec 2482 gAny Financial Familial or Professional Relationship
A
IV
DISCLOSUREOF TERMSAND AMOUNTSOF LOBBYISTCOMPENSATIONDISCLOSEWHETHERHOURLYFLATRATEOR
OTHER
A
LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE
Required k
f
t
estn
4
tI
i
B PRINCIPAL SDISCLOSUREOF LOBBYISTCOMPENSATION
Rquired 1
C C
utitdam
The
following
information must be answered
UV
1 Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2488Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Procurement
Issues
Yes l No Are you lobbying on a present or pending bid for goods equipment or services or on a present or pending
award for goods equipment or service
2 Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code 2490 Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Real Estate
Dev opment Issues
Yes No
Are you lobbying on a pending application for a Development Agreement with the City or application for
change of zoning map designation or change to the City sFuture Land Use Map
3
Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code 2484 h Any person except those exempt from the definition of lobbyist as set forth in
Section 2481 above who only appears as a representative of a not for profit corporation or entity without special
comp
sation or reimbursement for the appearance whether direct or indirect to express support of or opposition to any
item shall register with the clerk as required by this section but shall not be required to pay any registration fees
Yes
No Are you representing a notforprofit corporation or entity without special compensation or reimbursement
V SIGNATUREUNDEROATH
ON FEBRUARY28th OF EACHYEAR EACHLOBBYISTSHALL SUBMITTO THECITYCLERK ASIGNED STATEMENT UNDER
OATHLISTING LOBBYING EXPENDITURES AS WELL AS COMPENSATION RECEIVED IN THE CITYOF MIAMI BEACHFOR
THEPRECEDING CALENDARYEAR ASTATEMENT LL BE ILED N IF THERE HAVEBEEN NO EXPENDITURES OR
COMPENSATION DURING THEREPORTING PERIOD
oe
r
Sign
ure o
obbyist
I do
solemnly
swear that of the
foregoing
facts are true
Id c rect and that I have read or am familiar with the provisions contained
o in Section 2482 of the Mm Beach Cit
e and all reporting requirements
Signature of Lobbyist
Signature of Principal Clien
io
VI LOBBYISTIDENTIFICA ON
PRINCIPAL IDENTIFICATION
ElID Y61
I
Q
CA
D0
aProduced IDSDI
Form of Identification
Form of Identification
i
etllltiiiii
Personally
known
Lobbyist
ptttiltttiiiiel
Personally
known
Principal
GOMMiSSIpN
VII SIGNATUREAND STAMP OF
NOT SSio 4
j
c
a
1I d z
State of
Florida County
of Miami Dade
a
State of Florida Count of Miami ga
DD
83236
Sworn to and subscribed before me r
Sworn and subscribed before me
This
9Io
mro
t5
day
of 201
z DD832367
ti This
j day
of 2011OGa
ub
9iit ll e
Si nature of Public
Notary
St a Florida iAUQ ub
41 CSTATE
Signatur
of ublic
Notary
State of lorida
Notarization of Lobbyists
signature
16 gi91ti110 Notarization of Principal ssignature
TO BECOMPLET D BYCITYCLERK SSTAFF ON Y
Annual
Registration
fee
Yes
No Amount Paid 1VICR P ir Date Paid
Lobbyist Registration
Form received and verified
by
1
F
CLERALLaFORMS LOBBYISTFORMS
Lobbyist Annual
Registration Form doc Revise 1
1
11
CA
MIAMJBEACH BEACH
City of Miami Beach 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach Florida 33139 www miamibeachfl gov
CITYCLERK Office
CityClerk@miamibeachfl gov
Tel 305 673 7411 Fax 305 673 7254
LOBBYIST NAME P
1
1
understand that no later than February 28th of each year I must file the following
form pursuant to Section 2485 of the Miami Beach City Code with the City Clerk s
Office for all active lobbying issues
1
Lobbyist Expenditure and Compensation Form
Failure to file these forms
on a timely basis will result in my name being transmitted to the
Miami Dade County Commission on Ethics and for code violation evaluation
In
addition
once an issue I have
registered
to
lobby on has been resolved I am required
to immediately notify the City Clerk sOffice of lobbyist withdrawal in writing
ers i
gna
ure
D te
MIA IBEACH
City of Miami Beach Office of the City Clerk
1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach FL 33139
LOBBYISTREGISTRATIONFORM
Lobbyist means all persons employed or retained whether paid or not by a principal who seeks to encourage the passage defeat or
modification of any ordinance resolution action or decision of any commissioner any action decision recommendation of the City
Manager or any city board or committee or any action decision or recommendation of any city personnel during the time period of the
entire decision making process on such action decision or recommendation that foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the city
commission or a city board or committee The term specifically includes the principal as well as any employee engaged in lobbying
activities The term Lobbyists has specific exclusions Please refer to Ordinance 2004 3435
NAME OF LOBBYIST Last First M1
T0V AVZ Jx05 ll5
54
A4e ti1EW Ok
NV 106103
BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS Number and Street
City
State
Zip Code
Zliz
6ZO oix4y
J
S ca t
TELEPHONE NUMBER FAXNUMBER EMAIL
Please notify this office if your contact informationchanges address phone or e mail address
I LOBBYISTRETAINED BY
321 CtAIU
NAME OF PRINCIPAUCLIENT
y3
Q1a I G
7O0
BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS Number and Street
At
City
State
Zip Code
305 534 1 6
TELEPHONE NUMBER FAX NUMBER Optional EMAIL Optional
Fill out this section If principal is a Corporation Partnership or Trust Section 2 482 c
NAME OF CHIEF OFFICER PARTNER ORBENEFICIARY
IDENTIFYALL PERSONSHOLDING DIRECTLYORINDIRECTLY A5 ORMORE OWNERSHIP INTERESTINSUCH CORPORATION
PARTNERSHIP ORTRUST
ii SPECIFIC LOBBYISSUE
3Z 1
yel V E
np JF rf
Issue to be lobbied Describe in detail
ui CITYAGENCIEVINDIVIDUALSTO BE LOBBIED
Pursuant to City Code Section 2 482 a 4 include the commissioner or personnel sought to be lobbied and whether the lobbyist has entered
into any contractual relationship paid or unpaid with said city commissioner or personnel from 12 months preceding such persons
commencement of service with the city to the present date stating the eneral nature of the subject contractual relationship
Sec 2 482 a 4 Full Name of Individual and Contractual
Relationship
Explain YES NO
L
title of person to be lobbied
M00
x
Pursuant to City Code Section 2 482 g Every registrant shall be required to state the extent of any business financial familial or professional
relationship or other relationship giving rise to an appearance of an impropriety with any current city commissioner or city personnel who is
sought to be lobbied as identified onthe lobbyist registrationform filed
1
Sec 2 482
Any
Financial Familial or Professional
Relationship JA 111
I
loll
0 9
F CLER ALL a FORMS LOBBYIST FORMSLobbyist Registration Form doc
J
IV D19CLOSUVE OF TERMSAND AMOUNTSOF LOBBYISTCOMPENSATION DISCLOSEWHETHERHOURLY FLATRATE OR OTHER
A LOBBYISTDISCLOSURE Required
i4r T L
12L
B PRINCIPAL S DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYIST COMPENSATON
REQUIRED UO
MV r
L Pt l tt1JT
The following informationmust be answered
1 Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 488 Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Procurement
Issues
YesiNo Are you lobbying on a present or pending bid for goods equipment or services or on a present or pending
award for goods equipment or service
2 Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 490 Entitled Prohibited Campaign Contributions By Lobbyists On Real Estate
Development Issues
Yes tNo Are you lobbying on a pending application for a Development Agreement with the City or applicationfor
change of zoning map designation or change to the City s Future Land Use Map
3 Pursuant to Miami Beach City Code Section 2 482 h Any person except those exempt from the definition of lobbyist as set
forth in Section 2 481 above who only appears as a representative of a not for profit corporation or entity without special
compensation or reimbursement for the appearance whether direct or indirect to express support of or opposition to any
item shall register with the clerk as required by this section but shall not be required to pay any registration fees
Ye4No Are you representing a not for profit corporation or entity without special compensation or reimbursement
V SIGNATURE UNDEROATH
ON FEBRUARY28 OF EACH YEAR EACH LOBBYIST SHALL SUBMITTO THE CITYCLERK ASIGNED STATEMENT UNDER
OATH LISTING LOBBYING EXPENDITURES ASWELL AS COMPENSATION RECEIVED IN THE CITYOF MIAMI BEACH FOR
THE PRECEDINGCALENDARYEAR ASTATEMENT SHALL BE FILED EVEN IF THERE HAVE BEEN NO EXPENDITURES OR
COMPENSATION DURINGTHE REPORTINGPERIOD
Signature of Lobbyist
I do solemnly swear that all of the foregoing facts are true and correct and that I have read or am familiar with the provisions contained
in Section 2 482 of the Miami Beach City Code and 611 reporting requirements
Signature of Lobbyist
Signature of Principal Client
VI LOBBYISTIDENTIFICATION PRINCIPAL IDENTIFICATION
l
1
Produced ID
AeuJ
YP 4 Lic roduced ID d e w 2K
Lic
Form of Identification Form o Identification
Personally
known Lobbyist o
T
Personally
known Principal
g
QR4 U O MJ
VII SIGNATURE ANDSTAMP OF NOTARY
q
u
Q
State of Florida
County
of Miami Dade a
State of Florida County
of Miami Dade
Wiz
Sworn to and subscribed befgre me wD Sworn and subscribed bQfore me
This 2012 Thi D
day
o 2012 a
Signature f Public St a of Florida r
e
Signature Public Nota State of Floridan
Notariza on of Lobbyist s s nature Notarization of Principal s signature
TO BE COMPLETED BYCITYCLERK S STA F O Y
Annual Registrationfee
v
yes No Amount Paid W 9
i
MCR Date Paid
Lobbyist Registration Form received and verified by
F CLER ALL aFORMS LOBBYISTFORMS Lobbyist Annual Registration Form doc ReviS d 04 27 2012
F CLER ALL a FORMS LOBBYISTFORMSLobbyist Registration Form doc
MIANAIBEACH
City of Miami Beach 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach Florida 33139 www miamibeochfl gov
CITY CLERK Office
Rafael E Granado
City
Clerk CityClerkCmiamibeachfl gov
Tel 305 673 741 1 Fax 305 673 7254
LOBBYISTNAME
I understand that no later than February 28 of each year I must file the following form
pursuant to Section 2 485 of the Miami Beach City Code with the City Clerk s Office for
all active lobbying issues
1 LOBBYISTEXPENDITUREANDCOMPENSATIONFORM
Failure to file these forms on a timely basis will result in my name being transmitted to
the Miami Dade County Commissionon Ethics and for code violationevaluation
In addition once an issue I have registered to lobby on has been resolved or I am no
longer lobbying on that issue or for that principal I am required to immediately notify
the City Clerk s Office of lobbyist withdrawal in writing
Pursuant to Section 2 485 d
the City Clerk shall notify any lobbyist or principal who
fails to timely file a Statement and in addition to any other penalties which may be
imposed as provided in Section 2 485 1 a fine of
50 00 a day shall be assessed for all
Statement s filed after the due date
The City Clerk shall notify the Miami Dade
County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust of the failure of a lobbyist or principal
to file the Statement or pay the assessed fines after notification
Any
lobbyist who fails to file the required Statement
by
April 30th 2012 shall be
automatically suspended from lobbying until all fines are paid unless the fine has been
appealed to the Miami Dade County Commissionon Ethics and Public Trust
20l2
Signature Date
CADocuments and Settings clermarm Local Settings
Temporary
Internet Files OLK11 Lobbyist Registration Formrevised 5 30 2012 doc
MIAMI MIRROR TRUE REFLECTIONS

Page1of2

23August2014
NelsonBellido,Esq.,Chairman
MIAMIDADECOUNTYCOMMISSIONONETHICSANDPUBLICTRUST
RE:UncoordinatedMiamiBeach&MiamiDadeCountyLobbyingcodes
HonorableChairman:
Preliminary to spotchecking the records of the clerk of the City of Miami Beach for violations of the
citys lobbying ordinance in respect to failures to register, failures to withdraw, and failures to submit
annualstatements,Iencounteredwhatseems to beafailureofthecity codetoreferto aprovisionin
the countycodethatwouldprovidecounty penaltiesforethicsviolations.My August11inquiryto the
cityattorneyonthematterhasnotbeenacknowledgedtodate.
The Miami Beach Code of Ordinances, besides specifying fines for failure to file disclosure and
expenditurestatements,providesforpenaltiesasfollows:
Sec.2485.1.Penalties.(a)AfindingbytheMiamiDadeCountyCommissiononEthicsandPublicTrust
that a person has violated this division shall subject said person to those penalties set forth within
subsections 211.1(s) and (z) of the Metropolitan Dade County Code, said penalties including
admonition,publicreprimand,fines,aswellasprohibitionsfromregisteringasalobbyistorengagingin
lobbyingactivitiesbeforethecity.
Subsection 211.1(s) (Lobbying) of Section 211.1. (Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance),
providesforthefollowingunder211.1(s)(9):
(9) The Ethics Commission shall investigate any person engaged in lobbying activities who may be in
violationofthissubsection(s).IntheeventthataviolationisfoundtohavebeencommittedtheEthics
Commission may, in addition to the penalties set forth in subsection (z), prohibit such person from
lobbying before the County Commission or any committee, board or personnel of the County as
providedherein.
However,Subsection211.1(z)isnotrelevanttopenalties,readingasfollows:
(z)Prohibitiononparticipationinsettlementnegotiations.NeithertheMayor,aCountyCommissioner
noranymemberoftheirstaffshallparticipateinsettlementnegotiationsofclaimsorlawsuits,including
but not limited to contract scope or compensation adjustments involving the County without prior
approvaloftheBoardofCountyCommissioners.
Since(z)asreferredtointheordinanceisirrelevanttopenaltiesinthecountyordinance,itappearsthat
thereisinfactnoconsequenceforviolationsotherthanthefinesspecifiedinthemunicipalordinance.
Thecountycode,under211.1(cc)(1)reads:
MIAMI MIRROR TRUE REFLECTIONS

Page2of2

(cc) Penalty. (1) Proceeding before Ethics Commission. A finding by the Ethics Commission that a
personhasviolatedthissectionshallsubjectsaidpersontoanadmonitionorpublicreprimandand/ora
fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first such violation and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)
for each subsequent violation. Where the Ethics Commission finds that a person has intentionally
violated this section and determines that a fine is appropriate, said person shall be subject to a fine of
one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the first such violation and two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for
eachsubsequentviolation.
However,thecitycodedoesnotreferto(cc).Again,ifthecitycodefailstogibewiththecountycode,
and respective codes are strictly read, there appears to be no county penalty under the city code
becausethelatterreferstoacountysectionthatdoesnotsoprovide.
Please advise if my understanding of relationship between the city and county codes are correct. If so,
MiamiBeachcomplainantsshouldbeadvisedbythemediathattheEthicsCommissionhasnostatutory
remedyintheformofpenalties.
And I have a related question: The city ordinance excludes from the definition of lobbyist unpaid
representatives of neighborhood associations, but they must, prior to communicating with subject city
personnel,discloseinwritingtothecityclerk,theirname,address,andprincipalonwhosebehalfthey
are communicating. What is the penalty for the willful failure of a representative of a neighborhood
associationtomakesuchadisclosure?Wouldthatanissuefortheethicscommissionconsider?
Verytrulyyours,
DavidArthurWalters
IndependentJournalist

Cc:
Rhonda Victor Sibilia, Community Outreach Coordinator

MIAMI MIRROR TRUE REFLECTIONS

11August2014
RaulAguila,CityAttorney
CITYOFMIAMIBEACH
RE:MiamiBeachLobbyingOrdinanceandMiamiDadeCountypenaltiesforviolationsthereof
DearMr.Aguila:
Preliminarytospotcheckingtherecordsofthecityclerkforviolationsofourcityslobbyingordinancein
respect to failures to register, failures to withdraw, and failures to submit annual statements, I
encounteredwhatmaybeananomalyormistakeinourcitycode.Imustbemistaken,soIhopeyouwill
correctme.
Accordingtomyreading,theMiamiBeachCodeofOrdinances,besidesspecifyingfinesforfailuretofile
disclosureandexpenditurestatements,providesforpenaltiesasfollows:
Sec.2485.1.Penalties.(a)AfindingbytheMiamiDadeCountyCommissiononEthicsandPublicTrust
that a person has violated this division shall subject said person to those penalties set forth within
subsections 211.1(s) and (z) of the Metropolitan Dade County Code, said penalties including
admonition,publicreprimand,fines,aswellasprohibitionsfromregisteringasalobbyistorengagingin
lobbyingactivitiesbeforethecity.
Subsection 211.1(s) (Lobbying) of Section 211.1. (Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance),
providesforthefollowingunder211.1(s)(9):
(9) The Ethics Commission shall investigate any person engaged in lobbying activities who may be in
violationofthissubsection(s).IntheeventthataviolationisfoundtohavebeencommittedtheEthics
Commission may, in addition to the penalties set forth in subsection (z), prohibit such person from
lobbying before the County Commission or any committee, board or personnel of the County as
providedherein.
However,Subsection211.1(z)isnotrelevanttopenalties,readingasfollows:
(z)Prohibitiononparticipationinsettlementnegotiations.NeithertheMayor,aCountyCommissioner
noranymemberoftheirstaffshallparticipateinsettlementnegotiationsofclaimsorlawsuits,including
but not limited to contract scope or compensation adjustments involving the County without prior
approvaloftheBoardofCountyCommissioners.
Does this mean that, since (z) as referred to in ourordinance is not relevant to penalties in the county
ordinance,thereisinfactnoconsequenceforviolations,otherthanthefinesspecifiedinthemunicipal
ordinance?
Inoticethatthecounty,under211.1(cc)(1)reads:
MIAMI MIRROR TRUE REFLECTIONS

(cc) Penalty. (1) Proceeding before Ethics Commission. A finding by the Ethics Commission that a
personhasviolatedthissectionshallsubjectsaidpersontoanadmonitionorpublicreprimandand/ora
fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first such violation and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00)
for each subsequent violation. Where the Ethics Commission finds that a person has intentionally
violated this section and determines that a fine is appropriate, said person shall be subject to a fine of
one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the first such violation and two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for
eachsubsequentviolation.
Ifthereissomeerrorinamendingthecitycodetogibewiththecountycode,shouldthecodesberead
strictly, so that, again, there is no county penalty under our code since our code refers to a county
sectionthatdoesnotsoprovide?
Onemorequestion(thankyouinadvanceforyourpatience).
The ordinance excludes from the definition of lobbyist unpaid representatives of neighborhood
associations, but they must, prior to communicating with subject city personnel, disclose in writing to
thecityclerk,theirname,address,andprincipalonwhosebehalftheyarecommunicating.
Whatisthepenaltyforthewillfulfailureofarepresentativeofaneighborhoodassociationtomakesuch
adisclosure?Isthatanissuefortheethicscommission?
Verytrulyyours,
DavidArthurWalters