05-22-2025 City Commission Special Meeting AgendaCITY OF AVENTURA
Aventura Government Center
19200 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180
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CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
May 22, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Aventura Government Center
5th Floor Executive Conference Room
City Commission
Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Esq.
Vice Mayor Cindy Orlinsky
Commissioner Clifford B. Ain
Commissioner Gustavo Blachman
Commissioner Amit Bloom
Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland, Esq.
Commissioner Paul A. Kruss
City Manager Bryan Pegues
City Clerk Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC
City Attorneys Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman
Aventura City Commission Special Meeting Agenda
May 22, 2025
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CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC INPUT:
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A MATCHING FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $877,316 TO EXPAND THE
CITY'S ON -DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A MATCHING FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $145,000 TO SUPPORT A ONE-
YEAR AUTONOMOUS SHUTTLE PILOT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are
disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact
the Office of the City Clerk, (305) 466-8901 or cityclerk@cityofaventura.com, not later than two days prior to such
proceedings. One or more members of the City of Aventura Advisory Boards may participate in the meeting. Anyone
wishing to appeal any decision made by the Aventura City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such
meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim
record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be
based. Agenda items are available online at cityofaventura.com for viewing and printing, or may be requested through
the Office of the City Clerk at (305) 466-8901 or cityclerkC&,cityofaventura.com.
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CITY OF AVENTURA
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Commission
FROM: Bryan Pegues, City Manager / J
DATE: May 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Apply for a Matching Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Public Transit Service Development Program Grant in the Amount of
$877,316
May 22, 2025 City Commission Special Meeting Agenda
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to apply for
funding through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Public Transit Service
Development Program Grant to support the expansion of the City's on -demand transit
service.
BACKGROUND
The City of Aventura currently operates an on -demand transit service consisting of ten
(10) electric vehicles, with an estimated annual cost of $1,169,754. For the State Fiscal
Year 2026, the City has secured a grant of $877,316 to expand its fleet from 10 to 15
vehicles. This application seeks funding for a second year (State Fiscal Year 2027),
requesting an additional $877,316 to support a 50% cost -share for all 15 vehicles.
CITY OF AVENTURA RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
APPLY FOR A MATCHING FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $877,316 TO
EXPAND THE CITY'S ON -DEMAND TRANSIT SERVICE; PROVIDING
FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Aventura ("City") currently operates a mobile application -
based on -demand transportation service through BeeFree, LLC d/b/a FreeBee (the
"Service"); and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to expand the existing Service and integrate it into the
Miami -Dade County ("County") Smart Demonstration Program; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT") created the Public
Transit Service Development Program Grant (the "Grant") in order to provide local
communities with matching grant funds for the implementation of transit projects aimed
at providing alternative and innovative transportation solutions; and
WHEREAS, in order to expand the Service and integrate it into the County Smart
Demonstration Program, the City desires to authorize the City Manager to apply for a
Grant in the amount of $877,316, which the City will match using Citizens' Independent
Transportation Trust ("CITT") funds; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that this Resolution is in the best interest
and welfare of the residents of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Recitals. That each of the above -stated recitals are hereby adopted,
confirmed, and incorporated herein.
Section 2. Authorization. That the City Commission hereby authorizes the City
Manager to apply for a matching Grant in the amount of $877,316 with the FDOT.
Section 3. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its adoption.
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2025-
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner , who moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to
a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Clifford B. Ain
Commissioner Gustavo Blachman
Commissioner Amit Bloom
Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland
Commissioner Paul A. Kruss
Vice Mayor Cindy Orlinsky
Mayor Howard S. Weinberg
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of May, 2025.
HOWARD S. WEINBERG, ESQ.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ELLISA L. HORVATH, MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
ROBERT MEYERS
CITY ATTORNEY
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN, P.L.
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CITY OF AVENTURA
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Commission
FROM: Bryan Pegues, City Manager '.-
DATE: May 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Apply for a Matching Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Public Transit Service Development Program Grant in the Amount of
$145,000
May 22, 2025 City Commission Special Meeting Agenda
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to pursue
funding in the amount of $145,000 for the creation of a one-year pilot program utilizing
autonomous shuttle technology to enhance the City's transit offerings. The program will
be funded through a 50/50 cost -sharing arrangement, with the City's 50% contribution
($145,000) covered by advertising revenues and CITT funds.
BACKGROUND
The City of Aventura has made significant strides in expanding sustainable and innovative
transit solutions, including its successful on -demand electric vehicle service. As part of
continued efforts to improve mobility, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, the
introduction of an autonomous shuttle pilot program would provide valuable insights into
the feasibility and effectiveness of such technology within the City's transit network.
The proposed pilot program would operate for one year, offering service along designated
routes to assess operational performance, rider experience, and potential long-term
viability. The total estimated cost for the pilot program is $290,000, which will cover
vehicle acquisition, operational expenses, and necessary infrastructure enhancements.
Funding will be structured through a 50/50 cost -sharing model, with the City's 50% portion
funded by advertising revenues and CITT funds, ensuring fiscal responsibility and
minimizing direct budget impact.
CITY OF AVENTURA RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
APPLY FOR A MATCHING FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $145,000 TO
SUPPORT A ONE-YEAR AUTONOMOUS SHUTTLE PILOT PROGRAM;
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Aventura ("City") continues to enhance its transit offerings
through sustainable and innovative mobility solutions; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to establish a one-year autonomous shuttle pilot
program to evaluate operational feasibility, rider experience, and long-term
implementation potential; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT") created the Public
Transit Service Development Program Grant (the "Grant") in order to provide local
communities with matching grant funds for the implementation of transit projects aimed
at providing alternative and innovative transportation solutions; and
WHEREAS, the total estimated cost of the pilot program is $290,000, with funding
structured as a 50/50 cost -sharing arrangement, wherein the City's 50% share will be
covered by advertising revenues and Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust ("CITT")
funds; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that this Resolution is in the best interest
and welfare of the residents of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Recitals. That each of the above -stated recitals are hereby adopted,
confirmed, and incorporated herein.
Section 2. Authorization. That the City Commission hereby authorizes the City
Manager to apply for a matching Grant in the amount of $145,000 with the FDOT.
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2025-
Section 3. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner , who moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner and upon being put to
a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Clifford B. Ain
Commissioner Gustavo Blachman
Commissioner Amit Bloom
Commissioner Rachel S. Friedland
Commissioner Paul A. Kruss
Vice Mayor Cindy Orlinsky
Mayor Howard S. Weinberg
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of May, 2025.
HOWARD S. WEINBERG, ESQ.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ELLISA L. HORVATH, MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
ROBERT MEYERS
CITY ATTORNEY
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN, P.L.
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