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07-07-2009 A~ City of rlVentura ~...-'.'.-. ,. .:.:, ~'rf""'ifl.,~.~..i Loca1PbmninKAgency Susan Gottlieb, Mayor City Manager Eric M. Soroka, lCMA-CM Zev Auerbach Bob Diamond T eri Ho1zberg Billly Joel Michael Stern Luz Urbaez Weinberg City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka, MMC City Atto.mev Weiss Serota Hellfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY AGENDA JULY 7,2009 - 6 PM Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Drive Aventura, Florida 33180 1. CALL TO ORDER\ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 5, 2009 4. PUBLIC HEARING: MOTION RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF A VENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF A VENTURA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY AMENDING POLICY 4.19 OF OBJECTIVE 4 OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE CITY OF AVENTURA 2009/10-2013/14 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 5. ADJOURNMENT This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the Office of the City Clerk, 305-466-8901, not later than two days prior to such proceeding. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City of Aventura Local Planning Agency with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Agenda items may be viewed at the Office of the City Clerk, City of Aventura Government Center, 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida, 33180. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of any agenda item should contact the City Clerk at 305-466-8901. One or more members of the City of Aventura Advisory Boards may also be in attendance. A~ e. ...".'" MINUTES LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MEETING MAY 5,20096 PM Government Center 19200 W. Country Club Drive Aventura, Florida 33180 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL .CALL: The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Mayor Susan Gottlieb. Present were Commissioners Zev Auerbach, Bob Diamond, Billy Joel, Michael Stern, Luz Urbaez Weinberg Vice Mayor Teri Holzberg, Mayor Gottlieb, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka, and City Attorney David M. Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Gottlieb 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2009 LPA Hearing was offered by Commissioner Weinberg, seconded by Commissioner Auerbach, and unanimously passed. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: MOTION RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES: Ex-parte communications by Commissioners, if any, were disclosed and filed with the City Clerk in accordance with City Code Section 34. All witnesses giving testimony in these hearings were sworn in by the City Clerk. Mr. Wolpin advised that both ordinances would be addressed in the same hearing but voted on separately, read the quasi-judicial proceedings and the following ordinances by title: A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN BY AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR TWO PARCELS LOCATED ON WEST COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, CONTAINING A TOTAL OF 2.69 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", FROM BUSINESS AND OFFICE TO PARKS AND RECREATION; AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN BY AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR TWO PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED ON WEST COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE CONTAINING A TOTAL OF 2.69 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B" FROM PARKS AND RECREATION TO BUSINESS AND OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE AGENCIES AS REQUIRED UNDER CHAPTER 163, PART II, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA BY AMENDING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FOR TWO PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED ON WEST COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE CONTAINING A TOTAL OF 2.69 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", FROM B2, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT TO ROS, RECREATION OPEN SPACE AND BY AMENDING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FOR TWO PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED ON WEST COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE CONTAINING A TOTAL OF 2.69 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B", FROM ROS, RECREATION OPEN SPACE TO B2, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT; APPROVING THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO THE GOLF COURSE AND COUNTRY CLUB PARCELS; ACCEPTING THE DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIONS CONTAINING THE APPLICANT'S PROFFER OF SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON THE PARCEL DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B"; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Community Development Director Joanne Carr addressed the Commission and entered the staff report into the record. Mayor Gottlieb opened the public hearing. Jeffrey Bercow, Esq., representing the applicant; and Diane Cashen, Turnberry on the Green, addressed the Commission. There being no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. A motion to recommend approval of item 4-A was offered by Commissioner Joel, and seconded by Commissioner Auerbach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. A motion to recommend approval of item 4-B was offered by Commissioner Stern, and seconded by Commissioner Weinberg. The motion passed unanimously 5. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Local Planning Agency, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Teresa M. Soroka, MMC, City Clerk Approved by the LPA on 2 CITY OF AVENTURA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM FROM: Eric M. Soroka, IC City Manager TO: City Commission BY: Joanne Carr, Ale Community Development DATE: June 15, 2009 SUBJECT: Petition of the City of Aventura to Amend the City of Aventura Comprehensive Plan by amending the Capital Improvements Element to adopt by reference the City's 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program (02-CPA-09) July 7,2009 Local Planning Agency Meeting Agenda Item..:!. July 7,2009 City Commission Meeting Agenda Item ~ September 1, 2009 City Commission Meeting Agenda Item _ RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve an amendment to Policy 4.19 of the Capital Improvements Element of the City of Aventura Comprehensive Plan to adopt the 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program by reference as an update to the City's Capital Improvements Element. THE REQUEST City staff is requesting an amendment to Policy 4.19 of the Capital Improvements Element of the City of Aventura Comprehensive Plan to adopt the City's most recent Capital Improvement Program into the Plan. BACKGROUND Section 163.3177(3)(b)1., Florida Statutes, requires that the City annually adopt, by December 1 of each year, its most recently approved Capital Improvements Schedule into the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment adopts by reference the current Capital Improvements Schedule contained within the 2009/10 - 1 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program approved by the City Commission on June 2, 2009 through Resolution No. 2009-31. THE AMENDMENT The proposed amendment is to Policy 4.19 of the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan, as follows 1: "Policy 4.19 The City of Aventura 2008/09 2012/13 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program and the Capital Improvements Schedule included therein, contains a schedule of projects that the City shall implement in order to meet its adopted Level of Service standards and ensure the financial feasibility of this Comprehensive Plan. The 2008/09 2012/13 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program is hereby adopted by reference as part of the Capitallmprovement~ Element." ANALYSIS Section 31-53 of the City's Land Development Regulations provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be amended in accordance with that section and in accordance with the notice and hearing procedures set forth in both the Land Development Regulations and the applicable Florida Statutes. Section 163.3177(3)(b)1. of the Florida Statutes requires that the annual update of the City's Capital Improvement Schedule be adopted into the Comprehensive Plan by ordinance. Section 163.3177(3)(b) 2. provides that adoption of the annual update to the Plan is not subject to review and comment by the State and other agencies before adoption. Notice of the proposed amendment has been properly published. Once adopted by the City Commission, a copy of the ordinance will be provided to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as evidence of the City's compliance with Section 163.3177(3)(b)1. of the Florida Statutes. 1 Underlined text indicates insertions. Stricken-through text indicates deletions. 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2009-31 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING IN PRINCIPLE, SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVISION AND AUTHORIZATION, THE CITY OF AVENTURA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DOCUMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 TO 2013/14 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Capital Improvement Program document for fiscal years 2009/10 to 2013/14, attached hereto was presented and recommended to the City Commission of the City of Aventura by the City Manager as a long term plan of proposed capital expenditures, the means and methods of financing the projects and an action plan for the implementation of the projects; and WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes the need to adopt a Capital Improvement Program to address Beautification and Parks, Transportation, Drainage and Infrastructure Improvements, Public Buildings and Facilities, Information Technology and Capital Equipment Purchase and Replacement which represents a commitment by the community toward achievement and maintenance of a desirable high quality of life for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes the need to formulate a Capital Improvement Program which adopts a sound financing plan; and WHEREAS, the City Commission has reviewed the Capital Improvement Program document at a public meeting of the City Commission and wishes to adopt said document in concept. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, THAT: Section 1. The City Commission hereby accepts and adopts in principle, subject to annual revisions and authorization, the City of Aventura Capital Improvement Program document for fiscal years 2009/10 to 2013/14 attached hereto and incorporated herein as specifically as if set out at length herein. Section 2. The City Manager be and the same is hereby authorized to do all things necessary and expedient in order to carry out the aims of this Resolution. Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. The foregoing resolution was offered by Commissioner Auerbach, who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weinberg, and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Commissioner Zev Auerbach ves Commissioner Bob Diamond ves Commissioner Billy Joel ves Commissioner Michael Stern ves Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg ves Vice Mayor Teri Holzberg ves Mayor Susan Gottlieb ves Resolution No. 2009-~ Page 2 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of June, 2009. APPRb1~~Y CITY A TIORNEY ORDINANCE NO. 2009- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF A VENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF AVENTURA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY AMENDING POLICY 4.19 OF OBJECTIVE 4 OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE CITY OF AVENTURA 2009/10-2013/14 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Section 163.3177(3)(b)1. of the Florida Statutes requires municipalities to annually adopt an updated Capital Improvements Schedule and to amend the Capital Improvements Element in the Comprehensive Plan to include the updated Schedule; and WHEREAS, at a public hearing on September 1, 2009, the City of Aventura Local Planning Agency reviewed the proposed update to the Capital Improvements Element, found the proposed change to be consistent with the City of Aventura Comprehensive Plan and recommended approval of the update to the City Commission. WHEREAS, the City Commission has conducted a first and second reading of the proposed ordinance amending Policy 4.19 of the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan to adopt by reference the current Capital Improvements Schedule contained within the City's 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program at duly noticed public hearings as required by law and finds that based on the City of Aventura Local Planning Agency's recommendation, the recommendation of staff and comments from the public, the proposed amendment to update the Capital Improvements Element will not result in any adverse impacts on any infrastructure system that will exceed established level of service standards and is otherwise consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Aventura; and WHEREAS, the City Commission believes it is in the best interest of the public to amend the Comprehensive Plan to adopt the updated and approved Capital Improvements Schedule contained in the City's 2009/10-2013/14 Capital Improvement Program. Ordinance No. 2009 - Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Findinas. That the foregoing "Whereas" clauses are hereby ratified and incorporated as the legislative intent of this Ordinance. Section 2. Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. That Policy 4.19 of Objective 4 of the Capital Improvements Element of the City of Aventura Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended as follows 1: "Policy 4.19 The City of Aventura 2008/09 2012/132009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program and the Capital Improvements Schedule included therein, contains a schedule of projects that the City shall implement in order to meet its adopted Level of Service standards and ensure the financial feasibility of this Comprehensive Plan. The 2008/09 2012/13 2009/10 - 2013/14 Capital Improvement Program is hereby adopted by reference as part of the Capital Improvements Element." Section 3. Severabilitv. That the provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable and if any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Ordinance but they shall remain in effect, it being the legislative intent that this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any part. Section 4. Inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan. That it is the intention of the City Commission and it is hereby ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and made a part of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Aventura. Section 5. Effective Date. That this Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon passage by the City Commission on second reading, except that the effective date of the Plan Amendment approved by this Ordinance shall be the date a final order is issued by the Florida Department of Community Affairs or Administration Commission finding that the Plan Amendment in compliance in accordance with Section 163.3184, Florida Statutes, whichever occurs earlier. The Florida Department of Community Affairs' notice of intent to find the Plan Amendment in compliance shall Ordinance No. 2009 - Page 3 be deemed to be a final order if no timely petition challenging the Plan Amendment is filed pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner who moved its adoption on first reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Commissioner Zev Auerbach Commissioner Bob Diamond Commissioner Michael Stern Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg Vice Mayor T eri Holzberg Mayor Susan Gottlieb The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner who moved its adoption on second reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Commissioner Zev Auerbach Commissioner Bob Diamond Commissioner Michael Stern Commissioner Billy Joel Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg Vice Mayor Teri Holzberg Mayor Susan Gottlieb PASSED on first reading this ih day of July, 2009. Ordinance No. 2009 - Page 4 PASSED AND ADOPTED on second reading this 1st day of September, 2009. Susan Gottlieb, Mayor ATTEST: TERESA M. SOROKA, MMC CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: CITY ATTORNEY ~ :t: ::;) .... :i z - Cl W ..... ~ ~ u. c 0 0 ~ ;: U (3 lD 0 lD C 0 ~ Q,) lI) 0> C E ..: ltl 0 ltl lI) a. :;::l z Ul C c. C 'E .Q 'C lI) t5 () .~ > Ul U "C Q) lI) 4: en Cl ..... ..... Cl Cl CD CD ..... ..... Cl C") C") c:i ~ 110 110 It) It) ..... C") C") >< 110 110 N 1XI ..: lI) .0 E ..: ::s Q,) Q) Z .0 C. E c ~ 0 ::s 'E ... z lI) Q,) 0 ~ Ul N (5 ..!: en () a JQ --- e ~ ~*: . .... ~ . .... i1 ~ ..c W '0 0. l( "' '" .. ~ '" I: "' .5 .. o .- i! ~ ~ .. > 't: "' " .! .. l! u '0 I: 1: e ~ o > .,; .. .. u :;; .5 & .. Q. " I: .. .! .. " .. = I: o :9 l! .. :I: E .. j .. .c: I- .5 " mE 0& o:t ("11I11 -"' ......= ..... .. ~= COg 0-3 1 "' CD'; "'-5 co I: c~ .. 1:" o~ -- e .... Q. CO.!! u<< -- :; - .. .Qi9 ::::::JW o..~ IIIIIIWIIIID IIIJljl~JIII!I'~~II~,I'" ~OA A,;.:, 1 OA , DmIIIID 111!ljl!IJIIIII'I'I~III~1111 ~~t lOA I WEDNESDAY, JUNE24,2009 Al 7: .! I: o U '" I: .. .. .. o ~ ~ Q. l! 5 AFGHANISTAN WORLD MiamiHerald.com I THE MIAMI HERALD u.s. denies having role in Afghan election , The u.s. national security .dvtsot dismissed concerns that the country is meddling In Afghanis.tan's upcoming presidential race. IV FISIIK ABRASHI Associated Press KABUL - President Bar- ad:: Obama's national security advisor insisted Tuesday that the United States is staying out of Afghanistan's upcoro- ing presidential race - a common refrain among offi- cials seeking to allay suspi- cions that Wa-shington con- trols Afghan politics. But an Afghan presidential spokesman warned that the U.S. does not have the right to consult with candidates about: their politic:al. platforms. "If these meetings are to express views on the candi. date's platform, or confirm the platform of some candi- . PUBLIC NOTICE AIJ16!fItiBg oItheWue Mjuslment80ard (the"VAll1 wi bel1etd on ......." .. 1, ~ NIl P.rIL, CDllfRtce Room, Commssion CIm1lMn, Second Level, $tephefl F! aartl Center, 111 H.W. 1st Strtet, MiIImi,1oconslderltlel~: I. RevlewilgIheSlj)jectmaltef'COOOIInedlnOlGreport#09-02dled ./tnI3, 2009. I. OetIrmilI'lg1henalJr8ofanyacfonlobetakenasa-*oIthe miewdescrtlediJPiIfiIgraph 1 above. II. SUch other buSiness as may properly t;r:me beIore ttle ao.d. Aper$OIlvmodecld8stoappsalanydacisionmHebyanyborfd, agency or conmlsslon. respectlO any malteroonsidered iltbmeelingorhearlng wllneedarecon:laltheproceedlngs. SUchJ*SOllmayneedloemanlhlt: a verbaIin Rlcoo:l oIltle procedlg$ is made, idudng thetesti:nony IIJj ll'I'idenceupoowtidlthean-lislObeb8sed. ....... WIlt.......... AcI" 1_ Anyonewillallsablilyneedingaspecill~top;ltlcipale in these proceemgsshc:Ud call (305)375-5641. lDD IrsetS may cortact us via" Fbida _ ServIclI1Il1-800-95!).8771. Hate: SV1 q.age ilierpnlIer!M!l"Vice$mustbefElQuesteG I1l8asl:fve (S)days prIo(to an appoiltmeItdate. TrwpcntlonlslllproviildbytheClelt'soflce.. HARVEY RUVIN. ClERK . CITY Of AVENTURA N011CE Of HEAIIIN6 Of LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY AHO NOTICE Of AMENDMENT Of COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Notice is hereby given that 1he Aventln. CIty Conmssion. slttlng.....Cityof AvenlvalocalPlannlng Pqfrcofwll! __"' a public -..gcn _....,.7. 2009 81: 6:00 p.m. 10 review and reoornmend adoption of ... 10_ Qroinance "'... City Coo1mission: AN ORDINANCE OF 1HE CRY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING 1HE CRY OF AVEIfTUIlA COMPREHalSIVE PLAN BY AMENOtNGPOUCV 4.19OF0BJECl1VE4OF lHE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT TO ADOPr BY REFERENCE 1HE CRY OF AVEIfTUIlA 2OO8I100Zl13114 CAPITAl. IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; _ FOR SEVERAmL1F'l\ __ FOR INCLUSION INlHECOMPREHENSlVEPLAH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFI'ECl1VE DATE. Invnodlately following ... local PIannlng Pqfrcof ~. "e City Commlsslcn of... City of A_ as the governing body, will CCIlSider on first reading at a public hearing the Amendment to the Corrlpfehensive Plan by Ordllwlce describec::l above and will again ~ ... above _bed ClrdiIwlce for _ _seoond """"ng 00_ ~ 1. 21109. The above described Pubfic Heerings wiN all be held in ... ClOy ~ ~.. CIIy of A_ __.191!OO_CaunlryClub Dr1we, A-.ra, _ 33180. Thefll'lPOSl'dQroinancemey be",_ by'" publ" at"'omoe of... City Cieo1< at the aOOve address. InteIested parties may appear at the PubRc Hearings and be heard wittllespect to '!he proposed Onllnance. In IlCOOfdanoe with the Americans wtIh Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who ae disabled and who need special axommodatk:ns to participate In 1his proceeding because of that disability shoUtd contact the omoe of ... City Clerk, (305) _1. oot _ 1han two business days _'" weIl_. If a person decides to appeal 8"i decisIoo made by the CItyConmssionwilh _"'arry_~ at a meeting or hearing, that person wiD need a recon:I of ... _ and. for well pwpose. mey need to ensure that a verbatim record of the pnx:eedlngs is made. which recon:t ilcIudes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal: Is to be bBSled. Teresa M. Soroka, MMe, CIty Clerk dates, tbat would be a clear violation of national soverR eignty and we see that as an interference," Humayun HaJnidzada told reporters at a Tuesday press conference. Gen. Jim Jones said the United States is not support- ing my of the candidates for Mgbanistan's top office in the Aug. 20 vote. He first vu.ited President Hamid Karzai at the presidenR tial palace and later held talks with three top opposition candidates: Abdullah Abdul. lab, a (ormer foreign minister; Asbraf Ghani, a former fmance minister; and Mirwais Vasini, a former deputy speaker of parliament. Jones said the election is a milestone for Afghanistan's S.year-old democracy and Y' called on the government to create conditions for a (ree and fair vote.. TbouSAnds of newly 1IIIKlU1IllUIlMMClADlAP deployed U.S. and NATO NEAR GHAZNt U.s. troops and Afghan police officers inspect the site where a suicide troops will belpprovide secu. car bomber attacked a convoy of international troops, killing two civilians, rity (or the election, which Karzai is favored to win. Afghan officials are studying how to carry out voting in at least JO rural districts where the government bas no con- trol. Jones is in Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss tbe Obama administration's revamped strategy for the volatile region. He will also stop in India. In the latest violence Tues- day, a suicide car bomber attacked a convoy of interna- tional troops in central Ghazni province, ramming into them on a highway about 25 miles west ofGhazni city, Jowzjan province. Their vehi- cle hit the bomb while they were beading to a project site, said Nader Farhad, a spokes- man {or tbe U.N. refugee agency. wbich was working with the group, called Devel- opment and Humanitarian Services for Afgbanistan. "We are of course con. cerned and saddened and shocked by the incident, and we of course share sympathy with the families," Farbad said. Civilian deaths bave become an increasingly con- tentious issue in Afghanistan as worsening violence has turned more villagers and passers-by into victims_ A roadside bomb also killed three employees of .an Afgban nonprofit group working with the U.N. to deliver assistance in northern FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP The Original CD Locator and Financial Servio: Co. Coral Gables 305-728-1304 - _III ,. ~~~:.~.. .~~, AskAl>oat Our IRA Specials & RoIIoYen 1 to the 1 ==:.=:=~==:.~c::.= I Airport I 1 $49~1 ...._<~ ...~ 19~..!!:.! 8001 I _"".'::=:f::Suo.r..II I .. f!!4-.!.25~!!I .. While much of the debate has focused on airstOkes by inter~ national troops, the majority of deaths bave been attrib- uted to the Taliban and other militants. The United Nations bas said more than 2,100 civil- ians died in the Mghan war last year. International and Afghan forces killed about 40 percent of them. In other fighting Tuesday, three German soldiers were killed in a fueJight with insur- gents in Kunduz province, said German Defense Minis- try spokesman Thomas Raabe. Three police officers were also killed in Xandahar province when tbeir patrol vehicle bit a roadside bomb, according to Kandahar Police Chief Matiullab Khan. NATO forces said they bad successfully taken control of a Taliban stronghold through a major air operation in southern Helmand province. More than 500 troops were involved in tbe offensive, whicb started on June 19 and continued through Monday. NATO forces said in a statement that the goal of the strike bad been to secure a number of canal and river crossings to establish a per- mment NATO presence in the area and make it possible for residents to vote in August elections. +-- WRAP UP YOUR MORNING HUNGER. .. EGGS CHEESE ~.. :::~.UP SAVE A LATTE . .~" ~:2~~:OT ~I'l>V"'KIH' \...