June 13, 2024 Aventura City Commission Regular Workshop Minutes AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR WORKSHOP MINUTES
JUNE 13, 2024
9:00 a.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
9:49 a.m. The following were present: Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Vice Mayor Dr. Linda
Marks, Commissioner Amit Bloom, Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland', Commissioner
Billy Joel, Commissioner Michael Stern, City Manager Ronald J. Wasson, City Clerk Ellisa
L. Horvath, and City Attorney Robert Meyers. Commissioner Paul A. Kruss was absent.
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge was done at the Aventura Governing Board
Meeting.
3. Discussion: Changing the October 1, 2024, City Commission Meeting to
October 8t" (Mayor Weinberg): Mayor Weinberg requested that the date of the October
Commission Meeting be changed due to the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
The City Commission discussed the item.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission to change
the City Commission Regular Meeting to October 8, 2024.
4. Discussion: Hate Speech (City Attorney): Mr. Meyers distributed and reviewed
information regarding hate speech and the options for the Commission's consideration to
strengthen the City's Resolution regarding rules of decorum at Commission Meetings.
The City Commission discussed the item and provided positive feedback on amending
the current rules of decorum resolution. Mr. Wasson also provided a recommendation to
do so.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission to amend
the current Resolution for rules of decorum by providing further guidance to the meaning
of disruptive conduct, by citing additional examples of speech during a Commission
meeting which is not protected by the First Amendment, including comments
characterized as hate speech.
'Participated via virtual communications media technology.
Aventura City Commission
Regular Workshop Minutes—June 13, 2024
The following additional item was discussed:
Form 6 Update: Mr. Meyers provided an update on the success of the litigation
regarding Form 6 (Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests), including the granting
of an injunction statewide that the form could not be imposed, and the appeals process.
As such, Commission members must file a Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interests) in
lieu of Form 6 by July 1 , 2024.
The City Commission provided comments.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission for Mr.
Meyers to provide a training session regarding the changes for Form 1 , prior to the July
1 st deadline.
5. Discussion: Deputy City Manager's Contract (City Manager): Commissioner
Joel reviewed the contract negotiated with Bryan Pegues to be appointed as the next City
Manager.
Bryan Pegues, Deputy City Manager, agreed to the terms as outlined and thanked the
Commission for the opportunity to serve as City Manager.
The City Commission provided positive comments regarding Mr. Pegues and their
confidence in him stepping into the role as City Manager.
City Manager Summary: It was the consensus of the City Commission to place
the item on the July City Commission Meeting Agenda.
6. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the City
Commission, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:17 a.m.
•
Ellisa L. Horvath, M , City Clerk
Approved by the City Commission on July 2, 2024.
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