July 18, 2019 Aventura City Commission Regular Workshop Meeting Minutes The City of CITY COMMISSION
Aventura WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Aventura Government Center
JULY 18, 2019 19200 W.Country Club Drive
Aventura, Florida 33180
Following 9:00 a.m. Commission Meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor
Weisman at 10:29 a.m. The following were present: Mayor Enid Weisman, Vice Mayor
Denise Landman, Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks, Commissioner Gladys Mezrahi,
Commissioner Marc Narotsky, Commissioner Howard Weinberg, City Manager Ronald
J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, and City Attorney David M. Wolpin.
Commissioner Robert Shelley was absent. As a quorum was determined to be present,
the meeting commenced.
2. DISCUSSION TO BAN PLASTIC STRAWS AND BAGS (Commissioner
Mezrahi): Commissioner Mezrahi requested that the Commission consider
implementing a regulation banning plastic straws and plastic bags. Mr. Wolpin provided
an update on the legal issues with such an ordinance and recommended that the
Commission wait for the outcome of an appeal filed with regards to a similar ordinance
adopted by the City of Coral Gables. Following a discussion of encouraging the
business community to address the issue of single-use plastics and the fiscal impacts
associated with doing so, the Commission discussed the need to have a better
understanding on the issues in Aventura including what the businesses and residents
would want, the possibility of offering incentives, and a community outreach program
detailing options for recycling.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to reach out to the larger businesses within the City to gain input from them on
their views regarding the issue and to contact Aventura resident Alan Frent, an
Environmental Sustainability Consultant, for information on possible solutions. Mr.
Wasson will report back to the Commission with the information obtained for further
discussion.
3. PROPOSED CREATION OF A VISITOR CENTER (Commissioner Mezrahi):
Commissioner Mezrahi suggested that the Commission consider establishing a Visitor
Center in Aventura. The Commission discussed possible funding through business
sponsorships, grants, and the GMCVB (Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau).
Mr. Wolpin provided information on the state legislation regarding the 1967 Municipal
Resort Tax, which only applies in Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside, and on the
County Tourist Development Tax, by which the County receives a tax from the hotels in
Aventura. The Commission discussed applying to the County to receive some of those
funds, as well as possibly adding an item to next year's Legislative Program and
Priorities to change the current legislation on Municipal Resort Tax; thereby, allowing
the City to receive the resort tax just as it is received by Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and
Surfside.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to research the format of visitor centers in other municipalities, as well as
possible grants and other funding opportunities available. Mr. Wasson will report back to
the Commission with the information obtained for further discussion.
Aventura City Commission
Regular Workshop Meeting Minutes—July 18, 2019
4. DISCUSSION OF REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP FROM THE
PELICAN HARBOR SEABIRD STATION (City Manager): Mr. Wasson explained the
request from the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station for the City to become a community
partner.
Christopher Boykin, Executive Director — Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, provided a
PowerPoint detailing the work of the non-profit native wildlife rehabilitation facility in
Miami-Dade County. He reported on the 56 admissions of wildlife from within the City of
Aventura. Mr. Boykin outlined the opportunities available to the City from providing a
sponsorship including educational opportunities at the City's schools as well as City
events.
Mr. Wolpin reviewed the restrictions in Section 7.05 of City's Charter regarding
charitable contributions and Commissioner Weinberg reported that historically the City
did not provide donations.
The Commission discussed possibly allocating funds to be disbursed to non-profits as
determined by the Commission and in compliance with the Charter.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to review the language regarding charitable contributions in the Charter and to
provide a general non-profit entity donation policy for the Commission's consideration at
the next Commission Workshop.
5. Discussion of Commuter Train Stop (Commissioner Weinberg):
Commissioner Weinberg discussed the article provided in the agenda regarding the
creation of additional train stops and the benefits to municipalities having them. The
crossings that affect Aventura were discussed, without the benefit of a stop. He urged
for Aventura to be a part of the discussions, as the stations are developed, even if a
stop is not on city property or within the City.
The Commission discussed the possible locations for a train station including private
property in the Aventura Medical District or in the County's jurisdiction.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to keep an ongoing dialogue on the issue, to ascertain any benefits for the City.
6. COMMISSION LIAISON UPDATE ON DON SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH
SCHOOL (Commissioner Dr. Marks): Commissioner Dr. Marks provided an update
from the June 27, 2019 Commission Liaison Meeting and reported that the following
applicants, for the Don Soffer Aventura High School Advisory Board, would be
interviewed by the Commission on September 10, 2019: Zeynep Beykant, Patrick
Brown, Jorge Garcia, Dana Newman Marin, and Annette Weissman.
Principal David McKnight reported on the enrollment of 208 students and no Aventura
residents on the wait list.
In response to Commission discussion, Mr. Wasson and Mr. McKnight addressed
concerns regarding the selection available for the school uniforms.
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Aventura City Commission
Regular Workshop Meeting Minutes—July 18, 2019
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to work with Mr. McKnight and the vendor to add navy pants as a uniform color
option, which will also be relayed to the students and their parents. Additionally, Mr.
Wasson will send a letter to neighbors of the school notifying them of the school
opening date, anticipated traffic during certain times, and asking for their understanding
as the school and City work to resolve any issues.
The following additional items were discussed:
Mr. Wasson responded to comments regarding the lack of notification regarding the
Waterways Park closing.
Commissioner Landman reported on her attendance at the NALEO Conference held in
June, which highlighted the upcoming census and the importance of the involvement of
municipalities.
Commissioner Narotsky noted that Aventura resident Frida Lapidot had moved out of
state and commented that her involvement in the community would be missed.
7. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the
Commission, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:57 a.m.M* _
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Ellisa L. Horvath, ar, City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on September 10, 2019.
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