01-24-2020 Regular Workshop Agenda The City of City Commission
ilei if ura WorkshopMeeting
MEN% January 24, 2020
_0 9 A.M.
19200 wast Country Club Drive Aventura,FL 33180 Executive Conference Room
AGENDA
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Presentation: Aqua Development Biscayne Boulevard(City Manager)**
3. Presentation: Freebee (City Manager)**
4. Discussion of Establishing an Auditor Selection Committee (City Manager)*
5. Changes to the 2020 City Commission Meeting Schedule (City Manager)*
6. Update: Waterways Tot Lot(Commissioner Dr. Marks)
7. Discussion: Pickle Ball Court(Commissioner Dr. Marks)
8. Discussion: High School Information Letter(Commissioner Dr. Marks)
9. Discussion: Community Services Advisory Board(Commissioner Dr. Marks)*
10. Update: Visitor's Center(Commissioner Mezrahi)
11. Discussion of Resolution Authorizing the City to Join the Florida Hate Crime
Coalition (FHCC) (Commissioner Weinberg)*
Future Action Required: Resolution
12. City Manager Annual Review
13. Adjournment
* Back-up Information Exists
** PowerPoint Presentation
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, or online at cityofaventura.com.Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of any agenda item
should contact the City Clerk at 305-466-8901.
CITY OF AVENTURA
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Commission
FROM: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manager g_____.
BY: Brian K. Raducci, Finance Director
DATE: January 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Establishing an Auditor Selection Committee
January 24, 2020 Commission Workshop Agenda Item 4
Recommendation
In accordance with State Statute 218.391, it is recommended that the City Commission
establish an Auditor Selection Committee to assist the City Commission in selecting an
auditor to conduct the City and School's annual audits.
Background
In accordance with Section 4.11 of the City Charter and various sections of State
Statutes, the City is required to have an annual audit of its accounts and records
performed by an independent Certified Public Accountant. In addition, Section 4.11 of
the City Charter requires that the audit firm be rotated at least every five (5) years. As a
result, the City's current auditor— Caballero Fierman Llerena & Garcia, LLP will conduct
their 5th City and School Audits for the periods, September 30, 2019 and June 30, 2020,
respectively and will be precluded from submitting a proposal.
In accordance with State Statute 218.391, the City shall use auditor selection
procedures when selecting an auditor to conduct the annual financial audit. One of the
new requirements is that the City Commission establish an Auditor Selection Committee
(the "Committee") consisting of at least three (3) members. One (1) member of the
Committee must be a member of the City Commission and will serve as the
Committee's Chair. In addition, staff has recommended two (2) local government
finance professionals to serve on the Committee for your consideration. A brief
biography of each candidate is located at the end of this memorandum.
Although no employees of the City (i.e., chief executive officer, or chief financial officer)
may serve as a member of the Committee, they may serve in an advisory capacity.
1
Attached you will find State Statute 218.391 in its entirety. For your convenience,
excerpts from the statute that outline the responsibilities of the Committee and the City
Commission are listed below to assist you with your consideration.
The primary purpose of the Committee is to assist the Commission in selecting an
auditor to conduct the City and School's annual financial audits.
Committee Responsibilities:
(a) Establish factors in order to evaluate proposals.
(b) Publicly announce requests for proposals.
(c) Provide interested firms with a request for proposal.
(d) Evaluate proposals.
(e) Rank and recommend (in order of preference) at least three (3) firms deemed to
be the most highly qualified proposers.
Commission Responsibilities:
• The Commission shall inquire of qualified firms as to the basis of compensation,
select one (1) of the firms recommended by the Committee and negotiate a
contract.
• Since compensation is one (1) factor that we plan on using in the evaluation of
proposals, the Commission shall select the highest-ranked qualified firm or must
document the reason for not selecting the highest-ranked qualified firm.
• The Commission may select a firm recommended by the Committee and
negotiate a contract with one (1) of the recommended firms using an appropriate
alternative negotiation method for which compensation is not the sole or
predominant factor used to select the firm.
• The Commission may allow a designee to conduct negotiations on its behalf.
• The method used to select a firm recommended by the Committee and to
negotiate a contract with such firm, must ensure that the agreed-upon
compensation reasonably satisfies state statute and the needs of the
Commission.
• If the Commission is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the
recommended firms, the Committee shall recommend additional firms, and
negotiations shall continue until an agreement is reached.
• An engagement letter will be signed and executed by both parties and shall
constitute a written contract.
2
Biographies of Potential Committee Members
for Commission Consideration
Mr. Scott Simpson
Chief Financial Officer
Miami Parking Authority ("MPA")
Mr. Simpson joined MPA in February 2006. He was previously Director of Finance for
the City of Miami. He joined the City in October 1998 as Assistant Finance Director.
Before that, he served as Chief Accountant for the City of Winter Park, Florida. He also
worked as an accounting manager and controller in private industry for a number of
years. Mr. Simpson graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.A. in
Accounting. He is licensed as a CPA in the state of North Carolina and is a member of
the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants as well as the
Government Finance Officers' Association of the United States and Canada.
Ms. Melissa Cruz
Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director
Town of Bay Harbor Islands
Ms. Cruz has nearly two decades of public and private accounting experience. She
began her career as an auditor for Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Los Angeles where she
was ranked in the top 3 of her starting class of 65. She then moved into private
industry, holding positions at Fox Television in Los Angeles, World Travel Holdings in
Boston, and Navarro Pharmacies in Miami. In 2011, she accepted a position as the
Director of Finance with the Travis County Auditor's office in Austin. In 2013, she
returned to South Florida as the Controller for Hallandale Beach where, as a direct
result of her efforts the city received its first clean audit report in six years. During her
tenure she was a key contributor to the city's successful new financial software system
implementation and awarded the "rookie of the year" distinction at the city's GoLive
celebration in 2014. Ms. Cruz joined the Town of Bay Harbor Islands as Finance
Director in 2017 and was promoted to Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director in April
2019. Ms. Cruz graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts, Boston
with a bachelor's degree in accounting.
If you should have any questions related to this memorandum or require any additional
information, please feel free to contact the City Manager.
BKR/bkr
3
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Select Year: 2019 v Go
The 2019 Florida Statutes
Title XIV Chapter 218 View Entire
TAXATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS PERTAINING TO POLITICAL Chapter
FINANCE SUBDIVISIONS
218.391 Auditor selection procedures.—
(1) Each local governmental entity, district school board, charter school, or charter technical career
center, prior to entering into a written contract pursuant to subsection (7), except as provided in
subsection (8), shall use auditor selection procedures when selecting an auditor to conduct the annual
financial audit required in s. 218.39.
(2) The governing body of a county, municipality, special district, district school board, charter
school, or charter technical career center shall establish an auditor selection committee.
(a) The auditor selection committee for a county must, at a minimum, consist of each of the county
officers elected pursuant to the county charter or s. 1(d), Art. VIII of the State Constitution or their
respective designees and one member of the board of county commissioners or its designee.
(b) The auditor selection committee for a municipality, special district, district school board,
charter school, or charter technical career center must consist of at least three members. One member
of the auditor selection committee must be a member of the governing body of an entity specified in
this paragraph, who shall serve as the chair of the committee.
(c) An employee, a chief executive officer, or a chief financial officer of the county, municipality,
special district, district school board, charter school, or charter technical career center may not serve
as a member of an auditor selection committee established under this subsection; however, an
employee, a chief executive officer, or a chief financial officer of the county, municipality, special
district, district school board, charter school, or charter technical career center may serve in an
advisory capacity.
(d) The primary purpose of the auditor selection committee is to assist the governing body in
selecting an auditor to conduct the annual financial audit required in s. 218.39; however, the committee
may serve other audit oversight purposes as determined by the entity's governing body. The public may
not be excluded from the proceedings under this section.
(3) The auditor selection committee shall:
(a) Establish factors to use for the evaluation of audit services to be provided by a certified public
accounting firm duly licensed under chapter 473 and qualified to conduct audits in accordance with
government auditing standards as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Such factors shall
include, but are not limited to, ability of personnel, experience, ability to furnish the required services,
and such other factors as may be determined by the committee to be applicable to its particular
requirements.
(b) Publicly announce requests for proposals. Public announcements must include, at a minimum, a
brief description of the audit and indicate how interested firms can apply for consideration.
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(c) Provide interested firms with a request for proposal. The request for proposal shall include
information on how proposals are to be evaluated and such other information the committee determines
is necessary for the firm to prepare a proposal.
(d) Evaluate proposals provided by qualified firms. If compensation is one of the factors established
pursuant to paragraph (a), it shall not be the sole or predominant factor used to evaluate proposals.
(e) Rank and recommend in order of preference no fewer than three firms deemed to be the most
highly qualified to perform the required services after considering the factors established pursuant to
paragraph (a). If fewer than three firms respond to the request for proposal, the committee shall
recommend such firms as it deems to be the most highly qualified.
(4) The governing body shall inquire of qualified firms as to the basis of compensation, select one of
the firms recommended by the auditor selection committee, and negotiate a contract, using one of the
following methods:
(a) If compensation is not one of the factors established pursuant to paragraph (3)(a)and not used
to evaluate firms pursuant to paragraph (3)(e), the governing body shall negotiate a contract with the
firm ranked first. If the governing body is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with that firm,
negotiations with that firm shall be formally terminated, and the governing body shall then undertake
negotiations with the second-ranked firm. Failing accord with the second-ranked firm, negotiations shall
then be terminated with that firm and undertaken with the third-ranked firm. Negotiations with the
other ranked firms shall be undertaken in the same manner. The governing body, in negotiating with
firms, may reopen formal negotiations with any one of the three top-ranked firms, but it may not
negotiate with more than one firm at a time.
(b) If compensation is one of the factors established pursuant to paragraph (3)(a) and used in the
evaluation of proposals pursuant to paragraph (3)(d), the governing body shall select the highest-ranked
qualified firm or must document in its public records the reason for not selecting the highest-ranked
qualified firm.
(c) The governing body may select a firm recommended by the audit committee and negotiate a
contract with one of the recommended firms using an appropriate alternative negotiation method for
which compensation is not the sole or predominant factor used to select the firm.
(d) In negotiations with firms under this section, the governing body may allow a designee to
conduct negotiations on its behalf.
(5) The method used by the governing body to select a firm recommended by the audit committee
and negotiate a contract with such firm must ensure that the agreed-upon compensation is reasonable
to satisfy the requirements of s. 218.39 and the needs of the governing body.
(6) If the governing body is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the recommended
firms, the committee shall recommend additional firms, and negotiations shall continue in accordance
with this section until an agreement is reached.
(7) Every procurement of audit services shall be evidenced by a written contract embodying all
provisions and conditions of the procurement of such services. For purposes of this section, an
engagement letter signed and executed by both parties shall constitute a written contract. The written
contract shall, at a minimum, include the following:
(a) A provision specifying the services to be provided and fees or other compensation for such
services.
(b) A provision requiring that invoices for fees or other compensation be submitted in sufficient
detail to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the contract.
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(c) A provision specifying the contract period, including renewals, and conditions under which the
contract may be terminated or renewed.
(8) Written contracts entered into pursuant to subsection (7) may be renewed. Such renewals may
be done without the use of the auditor selection procedures provided in this section. Renewal of a
contract shall be in writing.
(9) If the entity fails to select the auditor in accordance with the requirements of subsections (3)
-(6), the entity must again perform the auditor selection process in accordance with this section to
select an auditor to conduct audits for subsequent fiscal years.
History.—s.65, ch.2001-266;s. 1,ch.2005-32;s. 15,ch.2019-15.
Copyright®1995-2019 The Florida Legislature • Privacy Statement • Contact Us
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CITY OF AVENTURA
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Commission
FROM: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manage
DATE: January 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Changes to the 2020 City Commission Meeting Schedule (City
Manager)
RECOMMENDATION
The Mayor is requesting the following two modifications to the 2020 Commission
Schedule:
1. (Commission Meeting) Tuesday, March 3rd to Wednesday, March 4th or
Tuesday, March 10th
2. (Workshop Meeting) Thursday, May 21st to Friday, May 22nd or Thursday,
May 14th
Additionally, I am requesting the following modifications:
1. (Commission Meeting) Tuesday, June 2nd to Tuesday, June 9th due to
conflict with ACES graduation ceremony.
2. (Commission Meeting) Wednesday, September 2nd to Wednesday,
September 9th due to Miami-Dade County School Board Budget Hearing.
3. (Second Budget Hearing) Wednesday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m.
Please let me know if there are any objections to the new dates.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
RJW/act
Attachment
CCO1855-20
ORDINANCE NO.2005-04
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, AMENDING DIVISION 2 "COMMUNITY
SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD" OF ARTICLE III
"ADVISORY BOARDS" OF . CHAPTER 2
ADMINISTRATION" OF THE CITY CODE BY REVISING
SECTION 2-121 "CREATION, COMPOSITION AND
QUALIFICATIONS," SECTION 2-122 "TERM OF
OFFICE," AND SECTION 2-124 "RULES OF
PROCEDURE"; TO REVISE PROVISIONS CONCERNING
THE COMPOSITION, TERM OF OFFICE AND
PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABIITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE;
PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to alter the composition of the City of
Aventura Community Services Advisory Board from thirteen (13) members to seven (7)
members and to revise the rules of procedure, term of office, quorum and other provisions
concerning the Board.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:'
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. That the above stated recital is hereby adopted and
confirmed.
Section 2. Code Revised. That Division 2 "Community Services Advisory Board"
of Article III "Advisory Boards" of Chapter 2 "Administration" of the City Code is hereby
amended by revising the Sections comprising Division 2 to read, as follows:
Sec.2-121. Creation,composition and qualifications.
(a) There is hereby created and established the City of Aventura Community
Services Advisory Board (the "Board") consisting of la 7 members who
shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the City
V Proposed additions to existing City Code text are shown by underline;proposed deletions of existing City Code
text are shown by suikedifetigth
Ordinance No. 2005-04
Page 2
Commission. Members of the Board shall be appointed in accordance with
procedures established by the City Commission and shall hold office at the
pleasure of the City Commission. Members of the Board shall serve
without compensation and shall not be reimbursed for travel, mileage, or
per diem expenses.
(b) Each member of the Board shall be a qualified elector of the City of
Aventura who has continuously resided within the City for the six-month
period immediately prior to the appointment, and shall not be an employee
of the City. Any member who ceases to reside within the City Limits
during his or her term of office shall be deemed to have resigned as of the
date of his or her change of residence from the City. In the event of the
resignation or removal of any member of the Board, the Mayor shall
appoint a person to fill the vacancy on such Board for the unexpired portion
of the term of the member vacating such office, subject to approval of the
City Commission. In appointing members of the Board, the following
guidelines shall be considered:
(1) Expressed interest and/or experience in landscape design and
architecture, beautification projects, youth and/or senior citizen
programs, recreation activities, culture and the arts.
(2) Evidence of a commitment to serve and act in the best interests of
the citizens of Aventura.
(c) In the event that a member of the Board shall be absent from a duly-called
meeting of the Board for three consecutive meetings or in the event that a
2
Ordinance No. 2005-04
Page 3
member has three unexcused absences in a calendar year, then in that event
such member shall be subject to removal as a member of the Board by vote
of two-thirds of the remaining members of the Board. The City Manager
or his designee shall serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the
Board and provide necessary staff support for the Board.
Sec.2-122. Term of office.
Board Members shall serve for a term of one
year and may be re-appointed. = - .= . _ _- -: : - • . . •.• : - - --._ -
Sec. 2-123. Advisory capacity.
The powers and duties of the Board shall be solely of an advisory nature to the
City Commission and City Manager.
Sec. 2-124. Rules of procedure.
(a) The Board shall adopt rules of procedure not inconsistent with the
ordinances of the City and the laws of the State of Florida and shall utilize Robert's Rules
of Order recently revised 1990 Edition for the rules of procedure for the conduct of
meetings of the Board. The Board may create additional rules for the conduct of its
internal proceedings.
(b) During the first meeting of the Board, the members shall elect one of their
number to act as Chairman and may elect a Vice-Chairman,
(c) Nine Four members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business of the Board. Official action shall be taken by the Board only upon the
3
Ordinance No. 2005-04
Page 4
concurring vote of a majority of the members present at an official meeting of the Board,
except that at least seven four affirmative votes shall be required for official action.
Sec. 2-125. Jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the Board shall be solely advisory. Action of the Board shall
be in the form of a written recommendation of advice to the City Manager and City
Commission. The following matters shall be within the advisory jurisdiction of the
Board:
(1) Stimulate greater public awareness and appreciation of the importance of
beautification,recreation and cultural arts in the City.
(2) Assist in the formulation of special events, recreation activities, senior,
youth and cultural programs.
(3) Provide recommendations on landscaping and beautification projects.
(4) Promote the sponsorship of cultural arts and special events by community
and civic organizations.
(5) Encourage and facilitate opportunities for City residents to participate in
various cultural events and activities.
(6) Act as the City's tree board for the Tree City USA requirements.
(7) Other matters assigned by the City Commission and City Manager.
Section 3. Severability. 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
4
Ordinance No. 2005-04
Page 5
being the legislative intent that this Ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any
part.
Section 4. Inclusion in the Code. 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 Code of the City of Aventura; that the sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or
relettered to accomplish such intentions; and that the word "Ordinance" shall be changed to
"Section"or other appropriate word.
Section 5. Effective Date. That this Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon
adoption on second reading.
The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner Weinberg who moved its
adoption on first reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Joel and upon being put
to a vote,the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Bob Diamond yes
Commissioner Harry Holzberg yes
Commissioner Billy Joel yes
Commissioner Michael Stem yes
Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg yes
Vice Mayor Zev Auerbach yes
Mayor Susan Gottlieb yes
The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Commissioner Joel, who moved its
adoption on second reading. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Weinberg and upon
being put to a vote,the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Bob Diamond yes
Commissioner Harry Holzberg yes
Commissioner Billy Joel yes
Commissioner Michael Stem yes
Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg yes
Vice Mayor Zev Auerbach yes
Mayor Susan Gottlieb yes
PASSED AND ADOPTED on first reading this 5th day of April, 2005.
5
Ordinance No. 2005-04
Page 6
PASSED AND ADOPTED on second reading this 31.4 day of May, 2005.
7C-c-r-'
SAN GOTTLI ,Mayor
A EST:,A.i.
i
SA M. SORA • , CM
TY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
isc."7(
CITY ATTORNEY
6
CITY OF AVENTURA
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Commission
FROM: Ronald J. Wasson, City Manager
DATE: January 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Discussion of Resolution Authorizing the City to Join the Florida
Hate Crime Coalition (FHCC) (Commissioner Weinberg)
RECOMMENDATION
Commissioner Weinberg requested the attached be placed on the Workshop Agenda
for discussion.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
RJW/act
CCO1858-20
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF AVENTURA TO
JOIN THE FLORIDA HATE CRIME COALITION (FHCC); AND
SUPPORTING FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 655 TO ENHANCE FLORIDA
HATE CRIME LAWS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is a leading anti-hate organization,
founded in 1913 to combat an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry; and
WHEREAS, ADL is a global leader in exposing extremism and delivering anti-bias
education, and is a leading organization in training law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, ADL'S ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers
from bias, discrimination, or hate; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Hate Crime Coalition (FHCC) was established in 2016 by
the ADL to advocate for and expand, comprehensive hate crimes laws in Florida; and
WHEREAS, Florida House Bill 655 provides a proposed means to expand the
protections of Florida's existing hate crime laws by broadening the protection which is
currently provided; and
WHEREAS, partnered with numerous organizations, elected officials, and law
enforcement leaders, FHCC's mission is to secure amendments to the Florida hate crime
law that would protect all Floridians; and
WHEREAS, the residents, businesses, and government of Aventura believe that
diversity and respect within our community is a source of strength and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aventura (the "City") Commission is a leader in promoting
tolerance, inclusion, human rights, social justice, respect, and public safety; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission stands together in opposing manifestations of
hate, acts of intolerance, and reaffirms its values of inclusion, respect, and justice; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission believes that joining the FHCC would be in the
best interests of the residents and businesses of the City of Aventura, and supports the
adoption of broadened and more comprehensive hate crimes legislation as proposed in
Florida House Bill 655.
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2020-
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1. The above-stated recitals are incorporated herein by reference and
are hereby adopted and confirmed.
Section 2. The City Commission respectfully directs the City Manager to take
action for the City of Aventura to join the FHCC, and to support the adoption of House Bill
655.
Section 3. All Resolutions or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith, be and
the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 4. If any clause, section or other part of this Resolution shall be held by
any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such unconstitutional
or invalid part shall be construed as eliminated and shall in no way affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this Resolution.
Section 5. This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner , who moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner , and upon being put to
a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Denise Landman
Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks
Commissioner Gladys Mezrahi
Commissioner Robert Shelley
Commissioner Howard Weinberg
Vice Mayor Marc Narotsky
Mayor Enid Weisman
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 24th day of January, 2020.
Page 2 of 3
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2020-_
ENID WEISMAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ELLISA L. HORVATH, MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 3 of 3
11:„
1110
Help Protect All Floridians From Hate Crimes
By Urging The Florida House's Criminal
Justice Subcommittee To Hear House Bill 655
Although Florida already has a hate crime law, it does not protect all Floridians. House Bill 655
(HB 655)would make the hate crime law comprehensive by fixing critical gaps in the statute.
Background on the Bill:
In Florida, a hate crime cannot be charged if a victim is targeted because of a physical disability
such as blindness, or because of a victim's gender or gender identity.The law also does not
cover"association with" hate crimes where,for example, a person is victimized for being at a
bar or restaurant with African-American, Hispanic, Muslim, or Jewish friends. It also does not
cover"mixed motive" hate crimes. So, for instance, if a perpetrator involved in a fender-bender
assaults the other driver while yelling racial epithets and angry remarks about the accident at
the victim, a hate crime cannot be charged.
This is the first time that our bill has secured bipartisan sponsorship, across party lines.
Representative Joseph Geller(D—Miami-Dade)filed HB 655 with Representative Rick Stark(D—
Weston) as the Co-Prime Sponsor and Representative Jackie Toledo (R—Tampa) as the First Co-
Sponsor on the bill. Senator Kevin Rader(D— Broward) filed SB 940 in the Florida Senate once
again.
Formed by the ADL,the Florida Hate Crime Coalition (FHCC)and it's 224 members, is leading
the advocacy on HB 655. A Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) document is available that
provides more information about this legislation.
Please Take Action Now:
1) Call, Email,Tweet, or reach out via Facebook to Representative James Grant, Chair of
the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, and urge him to schedule HB 655 for a hearing as
soon as possible (contact information and sample language included below).
2) Call, Email,Tweet, or reach out via Facebook to ask the other members of the Criminal
Justice Subcommittee to urge Representative Grant to schedule HB 655 for a hearing as
soon as possible (contact information and sample language included below).
3) Share this information with any of your friends,family, or colleagues who care as much
as you do about creating a #HateFreeFL.
Sample Language for Calls/Emails to Representative Grant (Chair):
Representative Grant,
I urge you to schedule HB 655 for a hearing before the Criminal Justice Subcommittee,
because all Floridians deserve the protection of our hate crime law. Enacted in 1989,
Florida's hate crime law has a number of longstanding gaps, which HB 655 would fix.
Currently, a hate crime cannot be charged if a victim is targeted because of a physical
disability such as blindness, or because of a victim's gender or gender identity. So for
example, a gender-based hate crime could not have been charged against the
perpetrator of the 2018 Tallahassee yoga studio attack, had he survived. The law also
does not cover "association with"hate crimes where,for example, a person is victimized
for being at a bar or restaurant with African American, Hispanic, Muslim, or Jewish
friends. It also does not cover "mixed motive"hate crimes. For instance, if a perpetrator
involved in a fender-bender assaults the other driver while yelling racial epithets and
angry remarks about the accident at the victim, a hate crime cannot be charged.
Strong, inclusive hate crime laws are an essential component in deterring and preventing
these types of crimes. Now is the time for our State to move forward with a
comprehensive hate crime law. I encourage you to ensure that all Floridians have the
same benefit of coverage under our State's hate crime law.
(To use this for the other members of the committee, simply change the name at the top
and change the first sentence to "Please urge Rep.James Grant to schedule HB 655...".)
Sample Social Media Posts (formatted for Twitter):
Join us in urging Rep. James Grant @JamesGrantFL to schedule HB655 for a hearing in
the Criminal Justice Subcommittee --> (850) 717-5064.All Floridians deserve to be
protected under#Florida's#HateCrime law.Together we can create a#HateFreeFL!
#Florida's#HateCrime law is lacking several key protections, we must do better.Join me
in urging Rep.James Grant @JamesGrantFL to schedule HB655 for a hearing in the
Criminal Justice Committee as soon as possible-->james.grant@myfloridahouse.gov.
We all deserve a #HateFreeFL.
Nearly 225 organizations, elected officials, and law enforcement agencies can't be
wrong. @RepJamesGrant, now is the time to close the loopholes in#Florida's
#HateCrime law. Help us create a#HateFreeFL by scheduling HB655 for a hearing today!
Are you currently protected by#Florida's#HateCrime law?You might be surprised by
the answer. Click here to learn more, and then urge Rep.James Grant @JamesGrantFL
(850-717-5064) to schedule HB655 for a hearing. #HateFreeFL
https://florida.adl.org/hate-crimes/faq-hate-crimes-and-florida-legislation/
Many don't think about#HateCrimes until they are directly impacted.Too many in
#Florida are not currently protected. The#Florida#HateCrime Coalition is working hard
to get HB655 and SB940 passed, so we can all have the benefit of protection under this
law.#HateFreeFL
Rep. @JamesGrantFL, please schedule HB655 for a hearing in the Criminal Justice
Subcommittee ASAP. All Floridians deserve to be protected by our#HateCrime law. Your
constituents are counting on you to help create a#HateFreeFL!
Representative (insert twitter handle from list below), please urge Rep.James Grant to
schedule HB655 for a hearing in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee ASAP. All Floridians
deserve to be protected by our#HateCrime law. Your constituents are counting on you
to help create a#HateFreeFL!
(For those who are on Twitter, their handles are listed below.)
Contact Information for Members of the House Criminal Justice
Subcommittee:
• Rep.James Grant—Chair, Criminal Justice Subcommittee
o Email: james.grant@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
patrick.steele@mvfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5064/ District Phone: (813) 265-6272
o Twitter: @JamesGrantFL
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Stan McClain—Vice Chair, Criminal Justice Subcommittee
o Email: stan.mcclain@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
thomas.barber@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5023/District Phone: (325) 732-1313
o Twitter: @RepMcClain
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Michael Grieco—Democratic Ranking Member
o Email: Michael.greieco@myfloridahouse.gov with CC to
gabriela.navarro@mvfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5113/ District Phone: (305) 993-1905
o Twitter: @Mike_Grieco
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Ramon Alexander
o Email: ramon.alexander@mvfloridahouse.gov with cc to
chicarla.williamspye@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5008/District Phone: N/A
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Robert "Alex"Andrade
o Email: alex.andrade@myfloridahouse.gov with cc to
katie.doughtv@mvfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5022/ District Phone: (850) 595-0467
o Twitter: @RAlexAndradeFL
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Dr.James Bush Ill
o Email: james.bush@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to rubin.young@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5109/District Phone: (305) 953-3086
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Cord Byrd
o Email: cord.byrd@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
Katherine.woodbv@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5011/ District Phone: (904) 242-3495
o Twitter: @CordByrd
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Byron Donalds
o Email: Byron.donalds@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
Sheila.iackson@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5080/ District Phone: (239) 417-6270
o Twitter: @ByronDonalds
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Dane Eagle
o Email: dane.eagle@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
paige.leboutillier@mvfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5077/District Phone: (239) 772-1291
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep.Juan Fernandez-Barquin
o Email: ivanf.barquin@myfloridahouse.gov with CC to
iaylin.martir@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5119/ District Phone: (305) 222-4119
o Twitter: @RepJuanFBarquin
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Michael Gottlieb
o Email: Michael.gottlieb@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
linda.segall@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5098/District Phone: (954) 424-6812
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Spencer Roach
o Email: spencer.roach@myfloridahouse.gov with CC to
priscilla.skupny@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5079/District Phone: (239) 656-7790
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep. William Robinson,Jr.
o Email: will.robinson@myfloridahouse.gov with CC to
Meagan.hebel@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5071/District Phone: (941) 708-4968
o Twitter: N/A
o Facebook: here
• Rep. Anthony Sabatini
o Email: Anthonv.sabatini@mvfloridahouse.gov with CC to
jason.carter@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5032/District Phone: (352) 989-9100
o Twitter: @AnthonySabatini
o Facebook: here
• Rep.Jennifer Webb
o Email:jennifer.webb@myfloridahouse.gov with CC to neisha-
rose.hines@myfloridahouse.gov
o Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5069/ District Phone: (727) 341-7385
o Twitter: @Jenniferwebbfl
o Facebook: here