April 23, 2020 Commission Regular Workshop MinutesThe City of CITY COMMISSION
A,6e'f fury WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES virtual Meeting
Via Video
APRIL 23, 2020 conferencing
0 Following 9:00 a.m. Commission Meeting
1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Enid
Weisman at 10.36 a.m. The following were present: Mayor Enid Weisman, Vice Mayor
Marc Narotsky, Commissioner Denise Landman, Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks,
Commissioner Gladys Mezrahi, Commissioner Robert Shelley, Commissioner Howard
Weinberg, City Manager Ronald J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, and City
Attorney David M. Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting
commenced.
Mayor Weisman provided a statement regarding the virtual format of the meeting held
via video conferencing through Zoom, as specified on the meeting agenda and enabled
by the Governor's Executive Order 2020-69, as a result of the state of emergency due
to COVID-19. Members of the public were given instructions for providing comments.
2. Discussion: Aareement with Clear Channel (City Manaaer): Mr. Wasson
reviewed the tentative agreement with Clear Channel for their billboards, as outlined in
the agenda, including funds to be paid to the City, an agreement extension of 10 years,
and the replacement of two east facing signs (203 Street and Biscayne Blvd.) with new
LED signs. He additionally reviewed a proposal to replace the southern billboard
(Lehman Causeway and Biscayne Blvd.) with LED signs.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission to
proceed with the required resolutions for the agreement with Clear Channel as outlined
for the billboard at 203 Street and Biscayne Blvd, as well as the southern billboard.
3. Selection of Arts & Cultural Center Advisory Board Members (City
Manager): Mr. Wasson reported that the terms of the current members would expire in
May and recommended that the eligible current members, as provided in his
memorandum, be appointed for another term.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for a
resolution to be placed on the May Commission meeting agenda, to appoint the
following members to the Arts & Cultural Center Advisory Board: Ellen Elias, Judy Scott
Lotwin, Gloria Muroff, Rita Regev, Lisa Robbins, Edna Schenkel, and Lenore Toby -
Simmons.
4. Update: COVID-19 Testing (City Manager): Mr. Wasson reported on the
Banyan testing center located at the Aventura Mall garage and explained their need to
find another location, due to their lease ending in anticipation of the mall opening. He
recommended supporting the location of a testing site in the City.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Wasson to assist Banyan with locating space within the City, as doing so would benefit
the residents. Additionally, Mr. Wasson was directed to remove access to the City's
outdoor benches and tables as a preventative measure against spreading the virus,
while also ensuring that local businesses were doing the same.
Aventura City Commission
Regular Workshop Meeting Minutes — April 23, 2020
5. Updated: Mental Health Hotline (City Manager): Commissioner Dr. Marks
reported on the initiative and implementation of a hot line through Florida Blue, in
response to her request and Commission consensus.
City Manager Summary: No action — this item was provided for information.
The following additional items were discussed:
Mayor Weisman reported on the lack of response to the census in Aventura. The
Commission discussed the importance of the census and various ways to engage the
residents to complete the census.
Members of the Commission discussed several ways they are providing food and items
to those in need, as well as providing thanks to first responders during this time, in
addition to residents giving back to the community.
6. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Commission,
the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:20 a.m.
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on May 5, 2020.
Page 2 of 2