February 1, 2022 Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes •
a
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Aventura Government Center
19200 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Enid
Weisman at 6.12 p.m. The roll was called and the following were present: Mayor Enid
Weisman, Vice Mayor Rachel S. Friedland, Commissioner Denise Landman,
Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks, Commissioner Marc Narotsky, Commissioner Robert
Shelley, City Manager Ronald J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, and City Attorney
Robert Meyers. Commissioner Jonathan Evans was absent. As a quorum was
determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was done at the ACES Governing Board
Meeting.
3. AGENDA: REQUESTS FOR DELETIONS/EMERGENCY ADDITIONS: None.
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
• Employee Service Awards: Mr. Wasson, accompanied by Chief Michael
Bentolila, presented Detective Ricardo Moreno (10 years) with a recognition certificate
and token of appreciation for the completion of milestone years of service with the City.
Detective Moreno was also presented with a Top Forensic Examiner Award, on behalf of
United States Secret Service.
• Certificates of Appointment — Arts & Cultural Center Advisory Board: Mr.
Wasson presented the certificates to the newly appointed Board members of the Arts &
Cultural Advisory Board.
• Aventura City of Excellence School Update: None - the update was
provided by Principal Dr. Anthony Tyrkala at the Governing Board Meeting.
• Don Soffer Aventura High School Update: Principal Dr. Geoff McKee,
accompanied by student, Michelle Ruben, provided a brief report on DSAHS. Ms. Ruben
discussed the difficulty in fundraising efforts for the prom in 2023, for the first group of
graduating seniors, and requested the Commission's assistance.
Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2022
A motion to approve an amount not to exceed $10,000, for the first DSAHS senior prom,
was offered by Vice Mayor Friedland, seconded by Commissioner Dr. Marks, and passed
unanimously by roll call vote.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: There were no requests from the public to address the
Commission.
A motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda was offered by Commissioner
Shelley, seconded by Commissioner Landman, and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The following action was taken:
A. Minutes approved as follows:
• January 4, 2022 City Commission Regular Meeting
• January 20, 2022 Commission Regular Workshop Meeting
B. Resolution No. 2022-12 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND
OTHERWISE ENTER INTO THAT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
AVENTURA AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA,OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
FOR THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA TO REIMBURSE THE
STATE FOR THE COST OF STATE ATTORNEY PROSECUTION OF CERTAIN
CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA CODE; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C. Resolution No. 2022-13 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CITY OF
AVENTURA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE
REMAINDER OF A TWO-YEAR TERM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
D. Motion approved as follows:
MOTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF UP TO $25,000.00 FOR
OFFICE FURNITURE FOR A NEW BUILD OUT FROM THE POLICE FEDERAL
FORFEITURE FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY MANAGER'S
MEMORANDUM.
E. Resolution No. 2022-14 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, IMPLEMENTING A ROTATION SCHEDULE FOR THE SELECTION
OF A VICE MAYOR ON A SEMI-ANNUAL BASIS; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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F. Resolution No. 2022-15 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE SPENDING PLAN PREPARED BY THE CITY
MANAGER FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL
FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA); DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO UTILIZE RECOVERY FUNDS TO RETAIN A PROJECT
CONSULTANT TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ENHANCED
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
G. Resolution No. 2022-16 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, ADOPTING A CONVERSION PLAN TO PHASE IN ON-DEMAND
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF SERVICE TO
ENCOMPASS THE ENTIRE CITY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
PURCHASE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES FROM FREEBEE LLC, THE CURRENT
VENDOR, AS PART OF PHASE ONE OF THE CONVERSION PLAN; PROVIDING
FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6. ZONING HEARINGS/QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mr. Meyers
reviewed the quasi-judicial procedures for Items 6A, 613, and 6C.
Mrs. Horvath administered the oath to all those wishing to offer testimony on Items 6A,
613, and 6C.
RESOLUTIONS:
Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, GRANTING A SIGN VARIANCE FROM SECTION 31-191(J)(7) OF THE
CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDRS) TO PERMIT SEVEN (7)
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS, MEASURING SIX FEET (6') IN HEIGHT AND
SEVENTEEN (17) SQUARE FEET IN SIGN AREA, WHERE THE LDRS PERMIT
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO BE A MAXIMUM OF THREE FEET (3') IN HEIGHT
AND FOUR (4) SQUARE FEET IN SIGN AREA, ON THE AVENTURA HOSPITAL
AND MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS LOCATED AT 20900 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD,
CITY OF AVENTURA; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Resolution was offered by Commissioner Shelley and
seconded by Commissioner Landman.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval of the sign variance request subject to the conditions listed,
and displayed the signs and locations.
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No comments were provided on behalf of the Applicant (Miami Beach Health Care Group
Ltd. dba Aventura Hospital & Medical Center).
The Commission discussed the item
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. 2022-17 was adopted.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF VARIANCES FROM SECTION 31-147 OF
THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS(LDRS)TO PERMIT A REAR
SETBACK OF SIX FEET AND ONE INCH (6'1") AND A FRONT SETBACK OF
TWENTY-THREE FEET AND TWO INCHES(23'2'),WHERE THE LDRS REQUIRE
A TEN FOOT (10') REAR SETBACK AND A TWENTY-FIVE FOOT (25') FRONT
SETBACK, TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A GUARDHOUSE AND
ENCLOSED PATIO AREA LOCATED AT 19275 MYSTIC POINT DRIVE, CITY OF
AVENTURA; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Resolution was offered by Vice Mayor Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Dr. Marks.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval of the front and rear setback variance requests, subject to
the conditions listed.
The following provided comments on behalf of the Applicant (Alan Rosenthal on behalf of
owners Beit Yaacov, Inc. dba Beit Jacob Safra Synagogue): Alan Rosenthal, Esq. —
Rosenthal Rosenthal Rasco LLC (20900 N.E. 30th Aventura, #600, Aventura) and Joseph
Kaller, Architect - Kaller Architecture (2417 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood).
The Commission discussed the item.
Police Chief Michael Bentolila provided positive comments.
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. 2022-18 was adopted.
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Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
C. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL TO ALLOW THE SALE
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION AT AN
INDOOR COCKTAIL BARILOUNGE AREA WITHIN MISTER 01 PIZZA
RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 2980 NE 207 STREET, SUITE 109, IN THE 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 Shelley.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval of the conditional use application to allow the sale of
alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption, subject to the conditions listed.
The following provided comments on behalf of the Applicant (Aventura 305 LLC dba
Mister 01 Pizza Restaurant): Ben Fernandez, Esq. — Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin &
Tapanes PLLC (200 S. Biscayne Blvd. Suite 300, Miami).
The Commission discussed the item.
Mayor Weisman opened the item for public comment. The following members of the
public provided comments: Paul Kruss (2600 Island Blvd. #702, Aventura).
There being no additional 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. 2022-19 was adopted.
7. ORDINANCES - FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
8. ORDINANCES - SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING
ARTICLE II "LOCAL BUSINESS TAXES" OF CHAPTER 18 "BUSINESS
REGULATIONS, TAXES AND PERMITS" OF THE CITY CODE, BY AMENDING
SECTION 18-42"TAX SCHEDULE";BY PROVIDING AN INCREASE OF FIVE(5%)
PERCENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Vice Mayor Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Shelley.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item and recommended approval.
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Community Development Director Keven Klopp reviewed the fee list from other
municipalities as provided in the agenda.
The Commission discussed the item.
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 (5-1), by roll call vote, and Ordinance
No. 2022-03 was adopted.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING
ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL" OF CHAPTER 2 "ADMINISTRATION" OF THE CITY
CODE, BY CREATING CITY CODE SECTION 2-3 "CRIMINAL HISTORY
RECORDS CHECKS FOR NEW SPECIFIED CITY EMPLOYEES"; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE;PROVIDING
FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Vice Mayor Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Narotsky.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item, discussed the current process, and recommended
approval.
Police Chief Michael Bentolila provided comments on the current process.
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. 2022-04 was adopted.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
C. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, REPEALING AND
REPLACING ARTICLE IV, "FLOODS," OF CHAPTER 30, "ENVIRONMENT," OF
THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO FLOODPLAIN
MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD RESISTANT DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Commissioner Shelley and
seconded by Commissioner Landman.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item to allow the City to participate in the insurance reduction
program and recommended approval.
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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. 2022-05 was adopted.
9. RESOLUTION/PUBLIC INPUT: Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA,
FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 476 AND HOUSE BILL 297
WHICH WOULD PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR AGGRESSIVE CARELESS DRIVING
RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR DEATH AND PROPERTY DAMAGE;
URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS TO
SUPPORT AND APPROVE THE LEGISLATION; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval of the Resolution was offered by Commissioner Landman and
seconded by Vice Mayor Friedland.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item and recommended approval.
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
Ordinance No. 2022-20 was adopted.
10. REPORTS:
Commissioner Landman encouraged resident participation at the following upcoming City
events: Share the Road Bike Event and Movie Night.
Commissioner Dr. Marks reported on her attendance at the Youth Advisory Board
Meeting for discussion and presentation of the Aventura Strong project.
Mayor Weisman reported on the recent recognition of the City for being proactive in the
adoption of Ordinances requiring certain regulations following the Champlain Towers
incident in Surfside. She additionally reported on the $600,000 awarded to the City for a
public works project for seawalls.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following members of the public provided comments:
Frank Hernandez (20301 W. Country Club Drive, PH#24, Aventura) and Laura Defina
(3600 Mystic Pointe Drive #1708, Aventura).
12. OTHER BUSINESS: None.
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13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the
Commission, a motion to adjourn was offered by Commissioner Shelley, seconded by
Vice Mayor Friedland, and unanimously approved; thus, adjourning the meeting at 7.09
p.m.
Ellisa L. Horvath, M City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on March 1, 2022.
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