04-20-2017 Workshop AgendaThe City ®f CityCommission
iventuraA Workshop Meeting
April 20, 2017
Immediately following 9 a.m. Commission Meeting
Executive Conference Room
19200 West Country Club Drive Aventura, FL 33180
AGENDA
1. Voices for Children Presentation*
2. Design Miami (City Manager) *
3. Adjournment
* Back-up Information Exists
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. One or more
members of the City of Aventura Advisory Boards may be in attendance and may participate at the meeting.
Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the Aventura City Commission 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 W. 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.
From: Angie Chirino [mailto:AChirino@voices4.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 8,2017 3:32 PM
To: hweinberg <hweinberg@cityofaventura.com>
Subject: Request to Appear Before City Commission
Dear Commissioner Weinberg,
My name is Angie Chirino and I am the Donor Relations Manager for Voices For Children
Foundation. Voices For Children's support enables the Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL) to
recruit, train, and support volunteers to serve as the "Voice" for the approximately 3000
abused, abandoned, and neglected children in foster care in Miami-Dade County. GAL
advocates for the best interests of children in dependency court proceedings, the only
organization that provides this type of caring and objective voice in court. Guardians ad
Litem make sure children do not get lost in an overburdened legal and social service system
or languish in an inappropriate home or shelter.
Many in our community are unaware of the challenges that children in foster care face
every day. Although Voices For Children has been operating for over 32 years in Miami-
Dade County, there is little awareness of the work that Voices For Children does and its
importance to our community. Please consider granting me 10-15 minutes on the agenda of
one of your city's upcoming commission meetings during 2017 for Voices For Children to
make a brief presentation in order to increase awareness and introduce ourselves to the
community.
I thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Please do not
hesitate to call me with any questions.
Sincerely,
2
a G^V Angie Chirino
Irt Donor Relations Manager
voices for 601 NW 10 Ct., 101h Floor
children
tctmthtkn,Inc. Miami, FL 33136
Office:305-324-5678
Direct: 786-469-3855
Visit our new website at wwwBeAVoice.orq
Facebook.com/VoicesForChildrenFoundafion I iwifter.com/Voices4Children
It you know or suspect a child is being abused, please call 1-800-96-ABUSE.
3
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVE
DESIGN MIAMI: DESIGN AND POLICY STRATEGIES FOR
HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES AS DEVELOPED BY THE MIAMI
CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (MCAD); AND
DIRECTING STAFF TO INCORPORATE STRATEGIES INTO
PLANNING FUNCTIONS AS FEASIBLE
WHEREAS, today's global epidemic of chronic diseases is driven by a range of factors
including the powerful impact of the built environment and to reverse negative health trends, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that communities focus on
supporting healthy eating and active living in a variety of settings; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade is experiencing many common health concerns, including rising
obesity and chronic disease rates, and high rates of depression and other mental health issues;
and
WHEREAS, planners, architects, and public health professionals, working collaboratively,
have an essential role in addressing the rapidly growing epidemics of chronic diseases, especially
in light of mounting scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of environmental design on
physical activity and healthy eating; and
WHEREAS, Active Design is an approach to shaping communities that leverages
evidence-based urban design and architecture solutions to improve public health by influencing
day-to-day behavior that directly impact community wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Health was awarded a grant by the CDC, and the
Florida Department of Health contracted the Miami Center for Architecture & Design (a 501 c3) in
October 2015 to create Active Design strategies for use by Miami-Dade County and cities; and
WHEREAS, after a year-long collaborative, open process which included Miami-Dade
County and 20 local municipalities, Active Design Miami: Design & Policy Strategies for Healthier
Communities was developed and includes strategies suited to Miami-Dade's context and needs;
and
WHEREAS, Active Design Miami provide architects, planners, urban designers and
governments with a manual of strategies for creating healthier buildings, streets, and urban
spaces, based on the latest academic research and best practices in the field; and
WHEREAS, via Resolution {Enter No.), the {Enter CityNillage/Town Name) has
demonstrated its commitment to creating an active city through urban design by adopting XXX (ex:
a plan to implement a "Complete Streets" Program or similar program such as bike and/or
transportation master plans); and
WHEREAS, the {Enter City'sNillage/Town's Name}sustainability plan or CDMP or?
includes strategies and initiatives to decrease our community's lifestyle disease rates through
healthy eating and exercise, as well as increase the number of short walking and biking trips
through safety and other programs; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE {BOARD/COUNCIL} OF {Enter
CityNillage/Town Name}, FLORIDA, that this {Board/Council} supports the implementation of
Active Design Miami: Design and Policy Strategies for Healthier Communities as developed by the
Miami Center for Architecture and Design; and directs staff to incorporate strategies into planning
functions, as feasible.
ACTIVE DESIGN MIAMI
INFORMATION SHEET
WHAT IS ACTIVE DESIGN
• Active Design is an approach to shaping communities that leverages evidence-based urban
design,architecture, and policy solutions to improve public health.Active Design recognizes that
our buildings, streets and neighborhoods influence day-to-day behavior, and directly impact
community wellbeing. For example, walkable streets and inviting parks encourage regular
physical activity, while congested corridors and sprawling development patterns discourage
movement on foot and other forms of active transportation.
• The concept of Active Design originated in New York City,where a cross-sector, multi-
disciplinary collaboration resulted in the development of Active Design Guidelines: Promoting
Physical Activity and Health in Design. Published in 2010, the Guidelines translate health
research into design strategies that support a more livable city, where residents can easily
incorporate physical activity and make healthier choices every day.
WHAT IS ACTIVE DESIGN MIAMI
• In October 2015,the Florida Department of Health,funded through a grant from the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control &Prevention (CDC),contracted the Miami Center for Architecture&
Design (MCAD)to develop Active Design Miami (ADM).
• Following New York's successful model,the creation of a collaborative,open process enabled
the Active Design Miami team to develop a set of strategies ideally suited to Miami's context
and needs.The ADM Advisory Council was organized and included representation from multiple
sectors including urban planning, architecture and design professions, public health,
transportation, municipal agencies, universities, consultants,foundations, and local community
organizations.
• During the development phase, the ADM team engaged Miami-Dade County and 20
municipalities representing 94.36%(or 2,541,167)of the total Miami-Dade population.
• ADM was released in October 2016 and includes 68 strategies which are organized into four key
areas of opportunity for enhancing community wellbeing.
o PARKS&OPEN SPACES:Strategies that address parks, public plazas, open and green
spaces,waterways(blueways), and other public spaces.
o DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS:Strategies that focus on land use, community development,
and planning practices.
o TRANSPORTATION&MOBILITY:Strategies that address pedestrian, bicycle,
automobile, and transit infrastructure and services.
o BUILDINGS:Strategies that identify opportunities to enhance health and well-being
within,and immediately surrounding, private and public buildings.
• ADM strategies are not one-size fit all. Recognizing Miami-Dade's diversity in terms of
demographics,development styles, and neighborhood challenges, cities can select the most
appropriate strategies for their needs. Maximizing use of ADM strategies can greatly enhance
the health benefits of a projector initiative as they are based on decades of research and theory
connecting design with mental, physical, and social health outcomes.
HOW TO USE ADM
ADM was created with diverse audiences in mind, recognizing that everyone who influences the design
of communities has the ability to impact health.ADM can be used by a wide range of professionals to:
• Inform specific design projects. Architects, health professionals, planners, urban designers,
landscape architects,engineers, and developers are presented ideas and insights for
incorporating health into upcoming projects.
• Shape local policies and plans. Representatives of government agencies, user groups such as
cyclists,transit advocates, residents, health practitioners and representatives of community
organizations can use ADM strategies to inform policy and the development of
community/neighborhood plans.
• Support thought leaders. Institutions and NGOs such as universities and colleges with public
health, public administration, urban planning and design, architecture and landscape
architecture departments and community or health-related foundations can use Active Design
Miami as a resource for developing thought leadership and programmatic strategies that seek to
improve health through design.
• Inspire community action. Health professionals,advocates,organizations, and students are
encouraged to incorporate active design concepts and strategies into discussions and action
plans.
ADM IMPLEMENTATION
• ADM's long-term goal is that Miami-Dade County and at least 10 municipalities support the
incorporation of ADM strategies into their planning, land use and/or building guidelines, as
feasible or appropriate.
• Upon a receiving official support,the ADM team will strategize with cities on how best to
incorporate ADM strategies,as deemed appropriate, into planning documents or policy. In
addition,the ADM team will work with staff to create indicators for the health impact of the
strategies.
• Between January and June 2017,the ADM team is working with the Center for Active Design
(NY)to develop a preliminary set of indicators to measure and assess the impacts of several
Active Design strategies.The indicators will be shared with the county and municipalities as an
ongoing support tool.The assessment of health impacts is key to securing future health-related
funding for pertinent projects.
Ail ACTIVE DESIGN MIAMI
PARKS & OPEN SPACES
Objective
Create an easily accessible network of parks and open spaces for all
community members,within a close distance of residences.
Guiding Questions
What is the furthest distance any resident must travel to reach this
park or open space?
Are there barriers that inhibit access even when a public space is in
close proximity to residences?
Does the project encourage physical activity, interaction, and
connection among people of all ages and abilities within parks
and public spaces?
Does the project provide access to recreation and play spaces that
accommodates different ages, interests, and abilities?
Parks & Open Spaces Design Strategies
2.1 Ensure all residents have access to a park and/or green space
within a quarter mile of their home.
2.2 Design activity spaces that meet the needs of people of all ages
and abilities.
2.3 Expand opportunities for physical activity through a range of
affordable, easily accessible recreation facilities.
2.4 Ensure that parks, plazas, and playgrounds are easily accessible
to pedestrians and cyclists.
2.5 Provide amenities—such as trees, lighting,water fountains,
and seating—that enable people to enjoy spaces for longer
periods of time.
2.6 Emphasize natural elements and landscaping, including
street trees.
2.7 Incorporate a variety of surfaces and textures into children's play
spaces, including colorful ground markings and natural elements.
2.8 Design and maintain parks and open space to promote safety.
2.9 Support the development of community gardens.
2.10 Install drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations.
2.11 Activate waterfront spaces within neighborhoods and parks to
support and encourage water activities such as kayaking, paddle
boarding, etc for all.
2.12 Provide amenities to welcome pet owners.
Parks& Open Spaces Policy Strategies
2.13 Partner with organizations to sponsor and maintain green
spaces and gardens.
2.14 Encourage shared use agreements that offer school facilities as
places for play and physical activity outside of school hours.
2.15 Create or amend policies to facilitate the activation of waterfront
spaces within parks and open spaces.
Parks& Open Spaces Programming Strategies
2.16 Offer spaces and activities that respond to unique local and
cultural preferences.
2.17 Facilitate access to healthy food options in parks and open space.
2.18 Program group activities for all ages and abilities that promote
social interaction and engagement.
2.19 Offer free or low-cost fitness programs in parks and public spaces
to encourage physical activity.
2.20 Support open streets initiatives and temporary street closures—
such as play streets and "ciclovia" —for community gatherings
and activities.
••• DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
mosiON
Objective
Ensure connectivity, ease of access,and safe use for residents of all
ages and abilities.
Guiding Questions
Does the project enhance connectivity among communities?
Does the project encourage physical activity and access to shared
spaces within short walking distances(a quarter mile or less)?
Does the project increase the possibility of social and community
interaction?
Does the project leverage nearby facilities such as waterways,
bikeways,and trails?
Development Patterns Design Strategies
3.1 Encourage a diverse mix of land uses at all scales of development.
3.2 Encourage transit-oriented development at appropriate densities
to create vibrant, mixed-use,walkable communities that maximize
the value of public transit.
3.3 Plant trees to provide shade, enhance neighborhoods,and
promote social connectedness.
3.4 Design neighborhoods to prioritize the pedestrian experience.
3.5 Apply context-sensitive design solutions to preserve and reflect the
character of existing historic neighborhoods.
3.6 Display maps and wayfinding for local fresh food options, water
fountains, parks and open spaces, near-shore water features,such
as coral reefs.
Development Patterns Policy Strategies
3.7 Plan intergenerational communities to help people of all
ages thrive.
3.8 Update zoning and building codes to maximize land use mix,
support appropriate development densities, and enhance
pedestrian connectivity.
3.9 Preserve housing affordability and encourage inclusive, mixed-
income neighborhoods.
3.10 Promote infill development in urban core communities and deter
expansion beyond the urban development boundary.
3.11 Update codes to reduce the impact of parking requirements.
TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
Objective
Prioritize people over automobiles by creating well-connected,safe,
and easy-to-use use transportation options.
Guiding Questions
Does the project support a safe and vibrant environment for
pedestrians, cyclists,and transit riders?
Does the project provide equitable access and mobility to all users,
including seniors, children,families and residents with disabilities?
Does the project increase the possibility of social and community
interaction?
Does the project encourage greater physical movement of users?
Transportation and Mobility Design Strategies
4.1 Encourage walking by incorporating aesthetic and visually
interesting elements into streets and sidewalks.
4.2 Create new and enhance existing pedestrian plazas.
4.3 Enhance bike mobility by improving bicycle
infrastructure, including ensuring bicycle paths, lanes
and tracks are interconnected.
4.4 Facilitate biking by encouraging ample bicycle parking.
4.5 Provide facilities at or near rail and major transit stations
that assist commuters in finalizing their trip.
4.6 Provide schools with easy access to transit routes.
4.7 Encourage walking by providing ample sidewalk space
and safe crosswalks.
4.8 Enhance safety and walkability by incorporating traffic calming
elements to reduce driving speeds.
4.9 Provide comfortable bus stops with benches and
protective shelters.
4.10 Use maps and wayfinding to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle
access to healthy amenities.
Transportation and Mobility Policy Strategies
4.11 Implement Complete Streets policies.
4.12 Develop community and neighborhood-scale master plans
that prioritize specific community mobility needs.
4.13 Incentivize commuting via public transit.
4.14 Reduce parking requirements for walkable, bikeable,and
transit-accessible sites.
4.15 Expand access to BikeShare.
Transportation and Mobility Programming Strategies
4.16 Encourage and facilitate "walking school buses" and safe routes
to schools programs.
4.17 Incentivize carpool and rideshare programs.
4.18 Promote and use temporary demonstration installations to
evaluate project design.
idBUILDINGS
Objective
Maximize opportunities for physical activity and social connection
within and around buildings.
Guiding Questions
Does the project encourage greater physical movement of users and
visitors within the building site?
Does the project encourage healthier diets?
Does the project encourage greater interaction among building users
and visitors?
Building Design Strategies
5.1 Maximize accessibility and visibility of stairs.
5.2 Create attractive,visually appealing stairs.
5.3 Provide convenient, attractive circulation paths.
5.4 Design sidewalk and façade elements that improve the pedestrian
experience.
5.5 Orient building entrances and circulation pathways to prioritize
active transportation options.
5.6 Provide secure,accessible indoor bicycle storage facilities in both
commercial and residential buildings.
5.7 Allocate space and provide easy access to on-site exercise facilities
and play areas in commercial and residential buildings.
5.8 Provide on-site gardening opportunities.
5.9 Provide healthy vending machines and water fountains and refill
stations with fresh, clean water.
5.10 Provide accessible and well-equipped kitchens and eating spaces
to promote healthy eating.
Building Policy Strategies
5.11 Incentivize the development of visible,attractive stairs.
5.12 Provide incentives and update codes for on-site bike facilities,
such as parking.
5.13 Develop incentives and/or update codes to support
on-site gardening.
5.14 Develop incentives and/or update codes for on-site
recreation space.
Building Programming Strategies
5.15 Post prominent and clear signs that encourage stair use.
5.16 Provide comfortable spaces for lactation support.
5.17 Incorporate spaces for farmers markets and small produce stands.
5.18 Increase access to change rooms or showers for active commuters.
5.19 Select healthy food vendors for on-site restaurants and
vending machines.
5.20 Offer onsite active programming and maintain spaces for
community and health activities, such as fitness classes,walking
clubs, cooking classes, and cultural events.
ACTIVE DESIGN