February 7, 2023 Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes &`?i
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
Following 6 p.m. Local Planning Agency Meeting
Aventura Government Center
19200 W. Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor
Weinberg at 6:46 p.m. The roll was called and the following were present: Mayor Howard
S. Weinberg, Vice Mayor Billy Joel, Commissioner Amit Bloom, Commissioner Rachel S.
Friedland, Commissioner Paul A. Kruss, Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks, Commissioner
Michael Stern, City Manager Ronald J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, and City
Attorney Robert Meyers. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting
commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was done at the Local Planning Agency
Meeting.
3. AGENDA: REQUESTS FOR DELETIONS/EMERGENCY ADDITIONS: Mr.
Wasson added the following motion to Item 12 Other Business:
A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER ENABLING CHARTER SCHOOLS USA TO PAY TRAVEL
RELATED EXPENSES INCURRED BY MAYOR TO TOUR OTHER SCHOOL SITES
LOCATED IN FLORIDA OPERATED BY CHARTER SCHOOLS USA.
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
• Special Recognitions: Chief Michael Bentolila, on behalf of the City
Commission, presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to Yadiel Cebellas for his
heroic actions in helping to save a life. A Certificate of Special Recognition was also noted
for Johns Magloire as he was not in attendance.
Mayor Weinberg, on behalf of the City Commission, presented a proclamation and flowers
to Commissioner Dr. Linda Marks in recognition of her Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
• Employee Service Awards: Mr. Wasson presented Police Department
Records Clerk Mary Smith with a recognition certificate and token of appreciation for the
completion of milestone years (20 years) of service with the City.
• Aventura City of Excellence School Update: Principal Dr. Anthony Tyrkala
provided the school update.
Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2023
• Don Soffer Aventura High School Update: Principal Dr. Geoff McKee
provided the school update accompanied by School Counselor Francie Weinberg and
Silver Knight Nominee Students Jade Stein and Orly Ouaknine.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: There were no requests from the public to address the City
Commission.
A motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda was offered by Commissioner
Stern, seconded by Commissioner Bloom, and passed unanimously by roll call vote. The
following action was taken:
A. Minutes approved as follows:
• December 15, 2022 City Commission Regular Workshop
• January 5, 2023 City Commission Regular Meeting
• January 19, 2023 City Commission Regular Workshop
B. Motion approved as follows:
MOTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF UP TO $10,595.14 FOR KBT
BREACHING TOOL FROM THE POLICE FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY MANAGER'S MEMORANDUM.
C. Resolution No. 2023-07 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT BY THE COMMISSION OF ONE OF ITS
APPOINTEES TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT
PLAN TO FILL A VACANCY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
D. Resolution No. 2023-08 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL
RECOVERY FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY UNDER THE
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT(ARPA)FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FORD T-350 TRANSIT
WAGON; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
E. Resolution No. 2023-09 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL
RECOVERY FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY UNDER THE
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 911 CENTER VIDEO
WALL; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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F. Resolution No. 2023-10 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA
DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY LISTED UNDER THE ASSETS OF THE CITY AS
SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITY; DESCRIBING THE MANNER OF DISPOSAL;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT
THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6. ZONING HEARINGS — QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mr. Meyers
reviewed the quasi-judicial procedures and Mrs. Horvath administered the oath to all
those wishing to offer testimony on the item.
RESOLUTION/PUBLIC HEARING: Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution
title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING A SIGN VARIANCE FROM SECTION 31-191(J)(2)(D) OF THE CITY'S LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO PERMIT A THIRD WALL SIGN ON THE NORTHEAST
ELEVATION, WHERE ONLY TWO WALL SIGNS ARE ALLOWED BY CODE; APPROVING AN
OUTDOOR LIGHTING VARIANCE FROM SECTION 31-234(E) OF THE CITY'S LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR THE ADDITION OF EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON THE
SOUTHWEST AND NORTHEAST ELEVATIONS LOCATED AND MOUNTED AT EIGHTY FEET
ABOVE GRADE, WHERE HEIGHTS NO GREATER THAN THIRTY FEET ARE ALLOWED BY
CODE, ON THE AVENTURA HILTON LOCATED AT 2885 NE 191 STREET; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was offered by Commissioner Bloom and seconded by Commissioner Kruss for
approval of the Resolution with a condition added that the permit for the lighting proposed
on the southwest facade will not be issued prior to: a) Champion Retail Limited offers no
written objection to the lighting proposed for the southwest elevation on or before March
7, 2023 or b) the City Commission approves a Resolution at the March 7, 2023
Commission Meeting removing this condition of approval.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval, and incorporated the testimony provided at the Local
Planning Agency Meeting into the record.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Resolution with the added condition passed unanimously
by roll call vote and Resolution No. 2023-11 was adopted.
7. ORDINANCES — FIRST READING/PUBLIC INPUT:
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 1 "GENERAL PROVISIONS," OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA CODE
OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE SECTION 1-20 "ADOPTION OF IHRA DEFINITION,
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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CONSIDERATION OF ANTI-SEMITISM AND HATE CRIMES IN ENFORCING LAWS," TO
FURTHER DEMONSTRATE THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM AND
DIRECTING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO CONSIDER ACTS OF ANTISEMITISM IN THE
EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE IN ENFORCING HATE CRIME LAWS; 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 Kruss and
seconded by Commissioner Bloom.
Commissioner Kruss reviewed the item.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance on first reading passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 31-144
"BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS" OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
TO INCLUDE RESTAURANT, CAFE, OR COFFEE HOUSE WITH A DRIVE-THROUGH AS A
CONDITIONAL USE IN THE COMMUNITY BUSINESS (B2) DISTRICT; 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 Friedland and
seconded by Vice Mayor Joel.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval, and incorporated the comments provided at the Local
Planning Agency Meeting into the record.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance on first reading passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
C. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA AMENDING SECTION 31-233
"ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS" OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO ADOPT A PRIMARY COLOR PALETTE APPLICABLE TO THE
EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ANY MULTI-FAMILY, TOWNHOUSE OR NONRESIDENTIAL
BUILDING; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Vice Mayor Joel and seconded by
Commissioner Kruss.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval, and incorporated the comments provided at the Local
Planning Agency Meeting into the record.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance on first reading passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
Mrs. Horvath read the following Ordinance title:
D. CHAPTER 14 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS" OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA
CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CREATING CODE SECTION 14-3 "ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
OF STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE,"AND AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 14 OF THE
CITY CODE BY CREATING CODE SECTION 14-32"PAINTING AND/OR WATERPROOFING
OF EXTERIOR BUILDING SURFACES REQUIRED;" PROVIDING FOR PENALTY;
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 Stern and seconded
by Commissioner Bloom.
Community Development Director Keven Klopp entered the staff report into the record,
which recommended approval.
The City Commission discussed the item including condominium associations facing
financial impacts due to repairs and insurance renewals.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance on first reading passed unanimously by roll call
vote.
8. ORDINANCES - SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mrs. Horvath read
the following Ordinance title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2
"ADMINISTRATION," ARTICLE IV "FINANCE," DIVISION 3 "PURCHASING," OF THE CITY
OF AVENTURA CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR ENHANCED PURCHASING
AUTHORITY AND REVISE EXEMPTIONS FROM COMPETITIVE BIDDING; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Vice Mayor Joel and seconded by
Commissioner Kruss.
Mr. Wasson reviewed the item.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor
Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval of the Ordinance on second reading passed unanimously by roll
call vote and Ordinance No. 2023-02 was adopted.
9. RESOLUTION/PUBLIC INPUT: None.
10. REPORTS: Reports were provided by members of the City Commission as
follows:
Mayor Weinberg reported on the U.S. Conference of Mayors campaign against
antisemitism and the upcoming Jewish American Heritage Month in May.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following members of the public provided comments:
Marcelle Fischler (3370 NE 190 Street #2707, Aventura), Stacey Levy (1051 NE 93
Street, Miami Shores), Cindy Orlinsky (20051 NE 37 Court, Aventura), Jennifer
Hoberman (3370 NE 190 Street, #904, Aventura), and Ofra Schlesinger (3370 NE 190
Street, #907, Aventura).
12. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Horvath read the following motion:
A MOTION TO GRANT A WAIVER ENABLING CHARTER SCHOOLS USA TO PAY TRAVEL
RELATED EXPENSES INCURRED BY MAYOR TO TOUR OTHER SCHOOL SITES
LOCATED IN FLORIDA OPERATED BY CHARTER SCHOOLS USA.
A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Friedland and seconded by
Commissioner Bloom.
Mayor Weinberg explained the item enabling him to tour other Charter Schools USA
(CSUSA) schools in the Tampa area.
The City Commission discussed the item including the following: using taxpayer dollars
in lieu of CSUSA paying, reviewing the CSUSA contract, and the process to follow for
other Commission members to visit other charter schools as well in the future.
Mr. Meyers noted that other members of the City Commission wanting to do the same
thing would need to be approved individually by the City Commission.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. The following members of the
public provided comments: Bruce Davidson (3047 NE 183rd Lane, Aventura).
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There being no additional comments, Mayor Weinberg closed the item for public input.
The motion for approval passed unanimously by roll call vote.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the
Commission, a motion to adjourn was offered by Vice Mayor Joel, seconded by
Commissioner Kruss, and unanimously approved; thus, adjourning the meeting at 8.02
p.m.
i Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on March 7, 2023.
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