09-15-2005 Workshop
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MINUTES
COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005-10 A.M.
Aventura Government Center
19200 W. Country Club Drive
Aventura, Florida 33180
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Susan
Gottlieb at 10 a.m. Present were Commissioners Bob Diamond, Harry Holzberg, Billy
Joel, Michael Stern, Luz Urbaez Weinberg (arrived at 10:15 a.m.), Vice Mayor Zev
Auerbach, Mayor Gottlieb, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka,
and City Attorney David M. Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the
meeting commenced.
At her request, Mr. Wolpin noted that Mayor Gottlieb has disclosed that her son is
employed by a law firm doing business for Gulfstream Park and that from time to time
she may be unable to conduct meetings or vote on certain items relative to this matter.
However, it was his opinion that she could conduct today's meeting.
1. GULFSTREAM PARK DRI UPDATE (Citv Manaaer): The city's special counsel,
John Shubin, Esq., provided an update on this project. Planning Director Joanne
Carr reviewed the changes in the new DRI application submitted by Gulfstream.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus that counsel and City Manager proceed
with pursuing binding letter of interpretation, aggregation and east-west roadway
issues.
6. AVENTURA MALL EXPANSION ISSUES (Taken out of order): Jeff Bercow, Esq.,
representing the Aventura Mall, addressed the Commission and requested
amendment to the City's regulations to provide less restrictive landscaped open
space and parking requirements.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus that staff and Mall representatives
discuss amicable amendments to the Code for review and approval by the
Commission at a future meeting.
2. PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING KEYS TO THE CITY: Mr. Wolpin discussed a
proposed resolution, drafted as directed by the Commission, that would set forth
criteria and procedures for award of keys to the City.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed with placement on the next
agenda with amendments to address the concerns expressed by the Commission.
3. MAYOR ON THE MOVE (Mavor Gottlieb): Mayor discussed her desire to make
herself and the Manager available to condominiums/homeowners' organizations
within the City to provide City updates.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed after January 2006, if
requested, but not to be solicited.
4. REQUEST REGARDING COUNTY POLICE FOR HAULOVER PARK: Mayor
discussed a request from the President of South Florida Free Beaches to support
the budgeting of uniformed Miami-Dade County Police Officers in Haulover Park.
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CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus for City Manager to discuss with County
officials and report back to the Commission.
5. SHUTTLE BUS CITY (Commissioner Auerbach): Commissioner Auerbach noted
his participation and that of the Mayor and City Manager, in meetings with other
municipalities regarding traffic and discussed the City's possible participation. He
then suggested the City initiate a program to expand and perfect shuttle bus service,
and heighten its awareness so that it becomes a viable alternative to using personal
vehicles in the City, thereby reducing traffic congestion.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to monitor meetings with other cities and
discuss the City's participation therein, if any, at a future meeting. Concept of
"shuttle bus city" to be discussed at a future Workshop Meeting.
The October Workshop meeting was scheduled for October 11, 2005 immediately
following the regular Commission meeting.
The January regular meeting was scheduled for January 10, 2006 at 6 p.m.
Commissioner Diamond requested and received consent of the Commission to
discuss an additional item. He relayed a phone call he received from a constituent
who witnessed an unpleasant conversation between a member of the City
Commission and the City Clerk. He reminded the Commission that employees
should be treated with professionalism and respect, and that personnel matters
should be discussed in private. The Commission unanimously concurred.
7. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission
at this time, after motion made, seconded and nanimOUSIY. passed, the meeting
adjourned at 12:45. ~.. ('
Approved by the Commission on October 11, 2005.
Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at a 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.
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