March 7, 2023 Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes &`?i
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 7, 2023
6:00 p.m.
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 6:02 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 led by the Aventura Police
Department Explorers (Post#497).
3. AGENDA: REQUESTS FOR DELETIONS/EMERGENCY ADDITIONS: None.
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
• Proclamation: Mayor Weinberg, accompanied by the City Commissioners,
Mr. Wasson, Mr. Meyers, and Mrs. Horvath, presented Commissioner Michael Stern with
a proclamation designating March 2023 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• Special Recognitions: Chief Michael Bentolila presented plaques to Tint
Haus Customs, Community-Police Relations Foundation, and Strobes-R-Us in
recognition of their work on the new Police Department Slingshot vehicle. He also
recognized members of the Aventura Police Department Explorers (Post #497) in
attendance.
• Certificates of Appointment: Mr. Wasson presented Certificates of
Appointment to the newly appointed members of the Community Services Advisory Board
and the Don Soffer Aventura High School Advisory Board.
• Employee Service Awards: Mr. Wasson presented Police Officer Barbara
Arocha (20 years) and Human Resources Director Gladys Carcamo (10 years) with
recognition certificates and tokens of appreciation for the completion of milestone years
of service with the City.
Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
• Aventura City of Excellence School Update: Principal Dr. Anthony Tyrkala
provided the school update.
• Don Soffer Aventura High School Update: Principal Dr. Geoff McKee
provided the school update, followed by a performance by the theatre students.
• Brightline Update: Brian Kronberg, VP Development — Brightline, provided
an update on the Aventura Brightline station.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: There were no requests from the public to address the City
Commission.
Items 5C and 5D were removed from the Consent Agenda by Mr. Wasson on behalf of
Commissioner Dr. Marks.
A motion to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda was offered by
Commissioner Friedland, seconded by Commissioner Kruss, and passed unanimously
by roll call vote. The following action was taken:
A. Minutes approved as follows:
• February 7, 2023 City Commission Regular Meeting
• February 16, 2023 City Commission Special Workshop
• February 23, 2023 City Commission Regular Workshop
B. Resolution No. 2023-12 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, CO-
DESIGNATING NE 19011 STREET FROM COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE TO THE ENTRANCE OF
THE HIDDEN BAY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY AS"HIDDEN BAY DRIVE"; DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO SUBMIT THIS RESOLUTION TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
C. Removed for discussion as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE MEMBERS TO THE CITY OF AVENTURA
COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD DUE TO VACANCIES ON SAID BOARD FOR
THE REMAINDER OF THE ONE-YEAR TERMS ENDING IN MAY 2023; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
D. Removed for discussion as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO VOTING MEMBERS TO THE DON SOFFER
AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD DUE TO VACANCIES ON SAID BOARD
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TWO-YEAR TERMS ENDING IN NOVEMBER 2023; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
E. Resolution No. 2023-15 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO GARLAND/DBS INCORPORATED FOR THE EXTERIOR
REPAIRS FOR THE AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER FOR THE PRICE
CONTAINED IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION;
PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
F. Resolution No. 2023-16 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 AUDIO-VISUAL
EQUIPMENT TO UPGRADE THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
G. Resolution No. 2023-17 adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR AN EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF
CARRIER BRAND HVAC CHILLER UNITS LOCATED ON THE GOVERNMENT CENTER
ROOFTOP; AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO ACCESS A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
AGREEMENT TO OBTAIN THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICE; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION AND ALLOCATION OF
FUNDS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Item 5C: Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE MEMBERS TO THE CITY OF AVENTURA
COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD DUE TO VACANCIES ON SAID BOARD FOR
THE REMAINDER OF THE ONE-YEAR TERMS ENDING IN MAY 2023; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion to approve the Resolution was offered by Commissioner Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Bloom.
Mr. Wasson provided a brief overview of the item appointing Bruce Davidson, Donna
Mairs, and Jesse Potack to the Community Services Advisory Board.
The City Commission recognized the following new members in attendance: Ms. Mairs
and Mr. Potack.
Mayor Weinberg opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing
was closed.
The motion for approval of the Resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote and
Resolution No. 2023-13 was adopted.
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March 7, 2023
Item 511): Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO VOTING MEMBERS TO THE DON SOFFER
AVENTURA HIGH SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD DUE TO VACANCIES ON SAID BOARD
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TWO-YEAR TERMS ENDING IN NOVEMBER 2023; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion to approve the Resolution was offered by Commissioner Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Bloom.
Mr. Wasson provided a brief overview of the item appointing Clifford B. Ain and Nadine
M. Weltman Laham to the Don Soffer Aventura High School Advisory Board.
The City Commission recognized the following new member in attendance: Ms. Laham.
Mayor Weinberg opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing
was closed.
The motion for approval of the Resolution passed unanimously by roll call vote and
Resolution No. 2023-14 was adopted.
6. ZONING HEARINGS — QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
7. ORDINANCES — FIRST READING/PUBLIC INPUT: None.
8. ORDINANCES - SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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,
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 Friedland.
Commissioner Kruss reviewed the item.
Mayor Weinberg opened the item for public comment. The following members of the
public provided comments: Marcelle Fischler (3370 NE 190 Street #2707, Aventura).
There being no additional comments, Mayor Weinberg closed the item for public input.
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
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The motion for approval of the Ordinance on second reading passed unanimously by roll
call vote and Ordinance No. 2023-03 was adopted.
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 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. 2023-04 was adopted.
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.
A motion for approval of the Ordinance was offered by Commissioner Friedland and
seconded by Commissioner Stern.
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. 2023-05 was adopted.
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;
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Aventura City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
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 Vice Mayor Joel and seconded by
Commissioner Stern.
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. 2023-06 was adopted.
9. RESOLUTION/PUBLIC INPUT: None.
10. REPORTS: No reports were provided.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following members of the public provided comments:
Marcelle Fischler (3370 NE 190 Street #2707, Aventura), Herb Oster (3370 NE 190th
Street #2312, Aventura), Shaun Moss (3330 NE 190th Street #TH17, Aventura), Sue
Sussman (21150 NE 38th Avenue #1705, Aventura), Alicia Bolicini (3029 NE 188th Street,
Aventura), Xiu Wang (3115 NE 184th Street #4301 , Aventura), Julie Bruno (20775 NE
32nd Place, Aventura), Todd Rubin (20281 E. Country Club Drive, Aventura), Jessica
Velasquez (No address provided), Rachel Moss (3330 NE 190th Street#TH17, Aventura),
Debra Lee Kazam (3370 NE 190th Street, Aventura), Jennifer Hoberman (3370 NE 190
Street, #904, Aventura), Alexandra Bohnet-Nunez (Nunez Tennis - 21399 Marina Cove
Circle, Aventura), Richard Kaufman (20936 Bay Court #326, Aventura), Drew Epstein
(3131 NE 188 St #PH1-1205, Aventura), and Margie Oster (3370 NE 190th Street #2312,
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 Bloom, seconded by
Commissioner Kruss, and unanimously approved; thus, adjourning the meeting at 7:58
p.m.
Ellisa L. Horvath, MM City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on April 4, 2023.
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