January 5, 2021 Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes •
a
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Virtual Meeting Via Video Conferencing
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Enid
Weisman at 6.02 p.m. The roll was called and the following were present: Mayor Enid
Weisman, Vice Mayor Robert Shelley, Commissioner Jonathan Evans, Commissioner
Rachel S. Friedland, Commissioner Denise Landman, Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks,
Commissioner Marc Narotsky, 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.
The meeting was held via video conferencing through Zoom, as specified on the meeting
agenda and as a result of the state of emergency due to COVID-19. Members of the
public were given instructions for providing comments.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was led by Mayor Weisman.
3. AGENDA: REQUESTS FOR DELETIONS/EMERGENCY ADDITIONS: None.
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
• Charter School Legislative Update: Ralph Arza, Director of Government
Relations - Florida Charter School Alliance, provided a brief update.
• Aventura City of Excellence School Update from Principal Tyrkala: Principal
Anthony Tyrkala provided a brief report on ACES.
Don Soffer Aventura High School Update from Principal McKnight: Principal David
McKnight and Student Hlib Panfilov both provided brief reports on DSAHS.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: There were no requests from the public to address the
Commission. The following items were removed for discussion: Item B by Commissioner
Narotsky and Items A (November 19, 2020 Commission Workshop Minutes), E, and I by
Commissioner Dr. Marks.
A motion to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda was offered by
Commissioner Narotsky, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Marks, and passed
unanimously by roll call vote. The following action was taken:
Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
January 5, 2021
A. Minutes approved as follows:
• November 5, 2020 City Commission Inauguration Ceremony
• November 10, 2020 City Commission Regular Meeting
• November 19, 2020 City Commission Special Meeting
• December 14, 2020 City Commission Special Meeting
C. Motion approved as follows:
MOTION TO RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER'S APPOINTMENT OF DANIEL
NAIM AS A SPECIAL MASTER FOR THE CITY OF AVENTURA CODE
ENFORCEMENT PROCESS.
D. Resolution No. 2021-02 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THE
NOVEMBER 3, 2020 MUNICIPAL CANDIDATE ELECTION FOR
COMMISSION SEAT 1 AND COMMISSION SEAT 5, AS CERTIFIED BY THE
CANVASSING BOARD AND ATTACHED HERETO; DECLARING THE
QUALIFYING UNOPPOSED CANDIDATE ELECTED TO COMMISSION SEAT
3 WITHOUT NECESSITY FOR FURTHER CONDUCT OF ELECTION
PROCESS FOR THAT SEAT, AS CERTIFIED BY THE CITY CLERK; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
F. Resolution No. 2021-03 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, URGING THE BAHAMIAN GOVERNMENT TO DENY OFFSHORE
OIL DRILLING EXPLORATION LICENSES AND PERMANENTLY BAN
OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING ACTIVITIES IN THE BAHAMAS; PROVIDING
FOR TRANSMITTAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
G. Resolution No. 2021-04 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE DON
SOFFER AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF
DIRECTORS FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
H. Resolution No. 2021-05 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY'S ICMA-RC 457 PLAN, WITH
ALL APPLICABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE PAID SOLELY BY THOSE
ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO PARTICIPATE; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
January 5, 2021
The following items removed from the Consent Agenda were discussed:
Item 5A - Approval of Minutes for November 19, 2020 City Commission
Regular Workshop Meeting: Commissioner Dr. Marks requested that the language be
clarified on page 3 to show a salary "increase" in lieu of "adjustment" and to also clarify
that it was for the 2020 annual performance bonus.
A motion for approval of the minutes as clarified was offered by Commissioner Dr. Marks,
seconded by Vice Mayor Shelley, and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Item 513: Mr. Wolpin read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA ADOPTING THE CITY OF AVENTURA 2021 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
AND PRIORITIES ATTACHED HERETO; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion to approve the Resolution (adopting the items of the Legislative Program,
excluding Item #11) was offered by Commissioner Landman and seconded by
Commissioner Evans.
Mayor Weisman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing
was closed.
The motion for approval of the Resolution (excluding item #11) passed unanimously, by
roll call vote.
Commissioner Narotsky recused himself from voting on Item #11 of the Legislative
Program due to a conflict and left the meeting.'
Mr. Wasson read item #11 .
A motion to approve the Resolution (as to solely the portion adopting Item #11 of the
Legislative Program) was offered by Commissioner Landman and seconded by
Commissioner Evans.
Mayor Weisman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing
was closed.
The motion for approval of the Resolution (Item #11) passed unanimously by roll call vote
and Resolution No. 2021-01 was adopted.
Commissioner Narotsky returned to the meeting.
The Memorandum of Voting Conflict(Form 8B) for Commissioner Narotsky is attached to the minutes as required.
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January 5, 2021
Item 5E: Mr. Wolpin read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA,PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CHARTER AS PROVIDED BY THE CHARTER
REVISION COMMISSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7.06 OF THE CITY
CHARTER; CONSISTING OF PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS CONCERNING
PARAGRAPH (C) "LIMITATIONS ON LENGTHS OF SERVICE" OF SECTION 2.03
"ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE", AND SECTION 7.03 "CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST;ETHICAL STANDARDS",AND SECTION 7.06"CHARTER REVISION"OF
THE CITY CHARTER; PROVIDING REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR
SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORATE; CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION ON THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CHARTER TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
THE 27m DAY OF APRIL 2021; PROVIDING NOTICE OF ELECTION; PROVIDING
FOR MAIL BALLOT ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CHARTER;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion to approve the Resolution was offered by Vice Mayor Shelley and seconded by
Commissioner Dr. Marks.
Mr. Wolpin explained the process, as well as the Charter Revision Commission
recommendations, and reviewed the proposed Charter amendment questions.
The Commission reviewed the recommendations/ballot questions and proposed the need
for further discussion on sections 7.03 and 7.06 for further input by the Commission and
possible additional review by the Charter Revision Commission.
A motion to table the item for discussion at the January 21, 2021 City Commission
Workshop was offered by Vice Mayor Shelley, seconded by Commissioner Landman, and
passed unanimously, by roll call vote.
Item 51: Mr. Wolpin read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA AWARDING AND LETTING A BID/CONTRACT FOR RFP NO. 20-07-23-3,
CITY OF AVENTURA ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO BEEFREE
LLC D/B/A FREEBEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RFP DOCUMENT;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED
ASSOCIATED CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
NECESSARY AND EXPEDIENT ACTION TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS
RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Commission briefly reviewed the contract and route map.
A motion to table the item for discussion at the January 21, 2021 City Commission
Workshop was offered by Commissioner Dr. Marks, seconded by Commissioner Evans,
and passed unanimously, by voice vote.
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6. ZONING HEARINGS: QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mr. Wolpin
reviewed and entered the quasi-judicial procedures into the record. Mrs. Horvath
administered the oath to all those wishing to offer testimony on the items.
RESOLUTIONS:
Mr. Wolpin read the following Resolution title:
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING A MODIFICATION OF SIGN VARIANCE
APPROVALS GRANTED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NOS. 2004-50 AND
2005-47 FOR MIAMI BEACH HEALTH CARE GROUP LTD.D/B/A AVENTURA
HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER TO PERMIT A SECOND WALL SIGN ON
THE EAST ELEVATION OF THE HOSPITAL BUILDING AND THE
REPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION OF TWO MONUMENT SIGNS,AT 20900
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, CITY OF AVENTURA; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Resolution was offered by Commissioner Narotsky and
seconded by Commissioner Landman.
Community Development Director Joanne Carr entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval, subject to the conditions listed.
The following provided testimony on behalf of the Applicant (Miami Beach Health Care
Ltd.): David Was, Chief Operating Officer - Aventura Hospital & Medical Center (20900
Biscayne Blvd., Aventura).
Mayor Weisman opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weisman closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Resolution passed unanimously, by roll call vote, and
Resolution No. 2021-06 was adopted.
Mr. Wolpin read the following Resolution title-
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL PURSUANT TO
SECTION 31-144(F)(2)D. OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT
RETAIL USES AS PART OF A NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT,
TOTALING 7.85%OF THE TOTAL GROSS INTERIOR SQUARE FOOTAGE OF
THE BUILDING, WHERE THE CITY CODE PERMITS RETAIL USES NOT IN
EXCESS OF 15% OF THE TOTAL GROSS INTERIOR SQUARE FOOTAGE OF
THE BUILDING; FOR THE OFFICE/HOTEL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT
2820 NE 214 STREET, CITY OF AVENTURA; PROVIDING FOR
RECORDATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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A motion for approval of the Resolution was offered by Vice Mayor Shelley and seconded
by Commissioner Landman.
Community Development Director Joanne Carr entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval, subject to the conditions listed.
The following provided testimony on behalf of the Applicant (Shalev Development Group,
LLC): Michael J. Marrero, Esq. - Bercow Radell Fernandez & Larkin (200 S. Biscayne
Blvd. Suite 850, Miami).
Mayor Weisman opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weisman closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Resolution passed unanimously, by roll call vote, and
Resolution No. 2021-07 was adopted.
7. ORDINANCES - FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
8. ORDINANCES - SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mr. Wolpin read the
following Ordinance title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA,AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2019-14 WHICH ORDINANCE ADOPTED A
BUDGET FOR THE 2019/2020 FISCAL YEAR BY REVISING THE 2019/2020 FISCAL
YEAR OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT "A"
ATTACHED HERETO; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS
NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Commissioner Dr. Marks and
seconded by Commissioner Landman.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item, highlighting the changes in expenditures and revenues.
Mayor Weisman opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weisman closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance passed unanimously, by roll call vote, and
Ordinance No. 2021-01 was adopted.
9. RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
10. REPORTS:
Commissioner Dr. Marks encouraged supporting local restaurants and stores and
discussed the importance of following COVID guidelines.
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Mayor Weisman discussed the ratings for Aventura restaurants and reported on the
County campaign for vaccines as well as the Mayors' resolution to Governor DeSantis
regarding vaccines for teachers.
Mr. Wasson will send a letter to the restaurants reminding them to follow the guidelines
and follow up on the Aventura restaurant ratings.
The Commission discussed vaccines and the distribution process.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Wolpin provided information on the process for public
comments. The following members of the public provided comments: Howard Weinberg
(3370 NE 190 Street, Aventura).
12. OTHER BUSINESS: None.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the
Commission, a motion to adjourn was offered by Commissioner Evans, seconded by
Commissioner Narotsky, and unanimously approved; thus, adjourning the meeting at 8.26
p.m.
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on February 2, 2021 .
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