02-25-2000 Workshop Agenda2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
AGENDA
Cultural Center Study
Library Subcommittee Report
Office Building Signage
Gun Free Zone
Defibrillators
NE 199th Street Crossing (Commissioner
Cohen)
Board Reports
Next Meeting -
March 17, 2000
Ojus Study (Commissioner Beskin)
Parcels U&V Comprehensive Plan Amendments
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, 305466-8901, not later than two days prior to such proceeding.
Recommendation Report
of the Library Subcommittee
Aventura City Commission
Library Subcommittee
Commissioner Jay R Beskin, Chair
Vice Mayor Arthur Berger
Commissioner Jeffrey M Perlow
Back~round
A Commission Subcommittee was appointed by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder to explore the
various alternatives relative to the current library services provided to the community.
Three Subcommittee meetings were held. A survey was conducted and two Community
Town Meetings were held to obtain feedback and input from the public. Discussions were
held with two library consultants, to obtain input regarding possible renovations to the
facility, privatization of library sexwices, what the "libraay of the future" should provide
for its users and the importance of libraries on creating a sense of community.
Recommendation
Based on the input gained from all sources, the Subcommittee hereby submits the
following recommended course of action to the City Commission to address the library
needs and service levels for the residents of Aventura:
Provide approximately $45,000 to fund the Lease Books Program suggested by
the Miami -Dade Library Department (see attached) to address improvements to
the book collections and business oriented materials. This would be accomplished
via an Interlocal Agreement between both parties which would be for the
exclusive use of patrons of the Northeast branch. The funding should begin with
the 2000-2001 fiscal year and be renewed on an annual basis at the City
Commission's discretion.
Obtain more informed input from residents regarding potential library services by
conducting high quality dialogues with focus groups or citizen juries that would
present more detailed information. Engage the services of a library consultant to
oversee the informed input process and to provide a recommended floor plan and
other necessary redesign for a library to conform to the present and future needs
of the community.
Direct the City Manager to re-open negotiations with Miami -Dade relative to
the City of Aventura funding and operating the existing libra~ facility while still
providing services to the current unincorporated base area.
Submitted February 16, 2000:
Commissioner Jay R. Beskin, Chair
Vice Mayor Arthur Berger
Commissioner Jeffrey M. Peflow
02/01/00 13:25 ~3053755545 ~DPLS
OO2
~ ~J~-~ M E M 0 R A N D U M
TO:
Erick Soroka
City Manager, City of Aventura
DATE:
SUBJECT:
February 1, 2000
Northeast Branch Library
FROM:
Raymond Santiago
Director of Libraries
As a follow-up to our phone conversation I am attaching a copy of proposal prepared
by staff for the City of Aventura. This proposal addresses the issue of increasing the
book collection for use by branch patrons.
I also want to reiterate the fact that if the City makes funds available for building
renovations that the renovations and the expenditure of funds would be based upon
an interlocal agreement between the City and County.
Steve Sprat~
Sr. Special Assistant
County Manager's Office
-- 02/01/00 13:26 ~3053755545 MDPI.S ~003
PROPOSAL FOR THE CITY OF AVENTURA
We look forward to working with the City of Aventura to improve the Library
services at the Northeast Branch. The major concerns appear to be the waiting
time for popular bestselling materials and the need for more business oriented
materials. VV*~h that in mind, we recommend the following:
If the City of Aventura were to donate $45,000 per year, the money would be
used to significantly increase the number of titles of very popular fiction and
nonfiction and for additional investment newsletters, newspapers, and business
services. These items would be for the exclusive use of Northeast patrons.
Lease plan for Bestselling Fiction and Nonfiction - $36,600
The purchase of a lease plan would allow for the immediate establishment
'of a core collection of 2,000 popular fiction and non-fiction titles that form
the basis of a rotating collection. Lease plan books would be for the
exclusive use of patrons of the Northeast Branch. Each month,
multipte copies of bestsellers are ordered for the branch (approximately
200 books per month) and bestsellers that are no longer popular are sent
back, keeping the lease plan collection at 2,000 currently popular items.
The lease plan allows the Library to keep one book for every five returned.
These items would then become part of the Miami-Dade Public Library
System collection at Northeast Branch and would be made available to all
patrons.
The lease plan should significantly reduce the waiting time for
popular titles.
Investment Newsletters and Business Services
The remaining money would be used to purchase investment newsletters
and busineSS services which have been requested at the Northeast
Branch. Items on the next page represent popular titles in this area from
which we could select.
'02/01/00 13:26 ~'3053755545 MDPLS 0004
Investment Newsletters and Business Services
Cabot Market Letter
CCH Financial and Estate Planning
Chadist Mutual Fund Letter
Dow Theory Letters
Fidelity Monitor
Hulbert Financial Digest Newsletter
Investment Quality Trends
Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street
Medical Technology Stock Letter
Mergent-Moody's OTC Untisted Manual
Momingstar Variable Annuity Performance Report
Mutual Fund Investing
Outlook (S&P)
Retirement Letter
S&P Creditweek
S&P Stock Market Encyclopedia
Systems & Forecasts
Value Line Select
Wall Street Transcript
Weiss Ratings' Guide to Banks & Thrifts
295
829
100
250
116
135
310
50
320
$1,150
125
149
298
89
$1,695
124
225
795
$1,890
438
CITY OF AVENTURA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
BY:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
jB~:r~dn: Kc:llre, Y,~,sC~sfl~ant pl~elopment Director
February 22, 2000
Wall Signs on Office Buildings
Proposal for Amendment to Sign Code
At its workshop meeting of January 21, 2000, City Commission considered a staff
proposal to amend the Sign Code to allow wall signs on office buildings according to
the following formula:
· 1 wall sign permitted on office buildings
· Corner and through locations permitted a secondary sign of 50% of the size of the
primary sign
· Maximum size dictated by location of sign on building
· At 1,2, 3 and 4 stories, maximum wall sign area of 1 square foot for each 1 lineal
foot of frontage
· At 5, 6 and 7 stories, maximum wall sign area of 1.5 square feet for each 1 lineal
foot of frontage
· At 8 and 9 stories, maximum wall sign area of 2 square feet for each 1 lineal foot of
frontage
· At 10 stories and above, maximum wall sign area of 2.25 square feet for each 1
lineal foot of frontage
As requested by City Commission, staff has prepared a detailed report of all existing
wall signs on office buildings in the City. A picture and summary of each building and
sign is attached as Pages 1 to 27 of this memorandum. Based on the findings of the
report, staff would now like to make the following amended proposal to permit wall signs
on office buildings:
· Maximum size and number of signs dictated by location of sign on building
· 1 wall sign permitted on office buildings for sign located 1 to 7 stories high with a
maximum sign area of 1 square foot for each 1 lineal foot of frontage
· Corner and through locations for sign located 1 to 7 stories high permitted a
secondary sign at 50% of the size of the primary sign
· 2 wall signs permitted on office buildings for signs located 8 stories high and above
with a maximum sign area of 1.5 square feet for each 1 lineal foot of frontage
· No wall sign may face an adjacent residentially zoned property
Tables showing the locations that would and would not comply with this proposal are
attached for City Commission's review.
The reason for the change from the original staff proposal is based on the detailed
report, which shows:
· More than 62%, 15 of the 24 office buildings with existing wall signs, will comply with
the new proposal
The majority of the non-complying locations are 1 to 3 story buildings with more than
1 existing wall sign. This is the case for both the original (1/14/00) and amended
(2~22~00) staff proposal
The original staff proposal of 2.25 square feet for each lineal foot of frontage for 10
story buildings created an allowable sign for Washington Mutual Bank on the
Turnberry One building on Biscayne Boulevard at the Lehman Causeway 2.5 times
larger than the existing signs
· Under the amended staff proposal, Eagle National Bank at the Concord Center II
building would be permitted one larger than existing and one additional wall sign
There are only two locations where existing signs are larger than would be permitted.
This is the case for both the original (1/14/00) and amended (2/22/00) staff proposal.
Those locations are:
i)
The existing City National Bank signs on the Turnberry Plaza building on NE 191
Street
The existing Washington Mutual Bank sign on its southern branch on Biscayne
Boulevard
Therefore, it is recommended that City Commission now consider a staff proposal to
amend the Sign Code to allow the following:
· Maximum size and number of signs dictated by location of sign on building
· 1 wall sign permitted on office buildings for sign located 1 to 7 stories high with a
maximum sign area of 1 square foot for each 1 lineal foot of frontage
· Corner and through locations for sign located 1 to 7 stories high permitted a
secondary sign at 50% of the size of the primary sign
· 2 wall signs permitted on office buildings for signs located 8 stories high and above
with a maximum sign area of 1.5 square feet for each 1 lineal foot of frontage
· No wall sign may face an adjacent residentially zoned property
Locations that would comply with 2/22/00 Proposal
Orthopedic Care Center Permitted by variance Existing wall sign would comply
OB 2 story 4/6/99
21000 NE 209 Street
Linda Marx Realty OB Both existing wall signs comply Both existing wail signs would comply
2 story
20895 NE 209 Street
Waterways OB No existing wall signs N/a
2 story
2797 NE 206 Street
Point East Prof. Plaza OB No, wall signs not permitted on Existing wall sign would comply
2 story , office buildings
17971 Biscayne Blvd 1 existing wall sign
HSBC Bank OB No existing wall signs N/a
3 story
2958 Aventura Bird
South Trust Bank OB Both existing wall signs comply Both existing wall signs would comply
3 story
3050 Aventura BIvd
Total Bank OB Existing wall sign complies Existing wall sign would comply
3 story
17701 Biscayne BIvd
Biscayne Medical Arts No, wall signs not permitted on Existing wall sign would comply
Center OB 4 stories office buildings
21110 Biscayne BIvd 1 existing wall sign
Aventura Medical OB No existing wall s~gns N/a
4 stories
21150 Biscayne Bivd
NationsBank OB Both existing wall signs comply Both existing wall signs would comply
4 stories
18305 Biscayne BIvd
Aventura Corporate Centre Existing wall s~gn complies Existing wall sign would comply
(south) 5 stories
20801 Biscayne Blvd
Aventura Corporate Centre Existing wall s~gns comply Existing wall signs would comply
(north) 5 stories
20801 Biscayne Blvd
Courtyard Marriott Hotel Permitted by variance N/a
5 stodes 11/17/98
2825 NE 191 Street
Eagle National Bank OB Existing wall s~gn complies Existing wall sign would comply
10 stories
2999 NE 191 Street
Washington Mutual Bank Permitted by variance Existing wall signs would comply
OB 9/01/98
10 stories
19495 Biscayne Blvd
Locations that would not comply with 2/22/00 Proposal
Mount Sinai North OB No, wall signs not permitted 1 existing wall sign would comply
1 story on office buildings 2 additional wall signs would not
19084 NE 29 Avenue 3 existing signs comply
Dental Care Group OB No, wall signs not permitted 2 of the 4 signs would comply
2 story on office buildings the neon sign and the box sign
2797 NE 206 Street 4 existing signs - 1 is neon would not be permitted
and 1 is a box sign
Mount Sinai OB No, wall signs not permitted 1 existing s~gn would comply
2 story on office buildings 1 additional existing sign would
2845 Aventura Blvd 2 existing signs not be permitted
Aventura Medical Center No, wall signs not permitted 1 wall sign would be permitted -
OB - 2 story on office buildings cannot be on raceways - channel
2956 Aventura Blvd 2 existing signs on or reverse channel letter signs
raceways only
Washington Mutual OB No, existing sign is too No, existing s~gn is too large
2 story large
18301 Biscayne BIvd
Jaffe Office Building 1 existing sign (for bank 1 existing wall sign would comply
2 story use) complies 7 additional signs would not be
18999 Biscayne Blvd Additional 7existing signs permitted
do not comply
First Union Bank OB 1 existing sign complies 1 existing sign would comply
3 story 2 additional signs do not 2 adciitional signs would not be
2925 Aventura Blvd comply permitted
Turnberrry Bank OB Primary sign is larger than Primary sign would be larger than
3 story permitted, 1 secondary sign permitted, 1 secondary sign would
20295 NE 29 Place complies, other secondary comply, other secondary sign
sign is not permitted would not be permitted
City National Bank OB Existing signs are larger Existing signs would be larger
10 story than permitted than permitted
2875 NE 191 Street
Locations that do not comply with Existing Code
but would comply with 2/22/00 Proposal
Point East Prof. Plaza OB No, wall signs not permitted Existing wall sign would comply
2 story on office buildings
17971 Biscayne Blvd 1 existing wall sign
Biscayne Medical Arts No, wall signs not permitted Existing wall sign Would comply
Center OB 4 stories on office buildings
21110 Biscayne Boulevard 1 existing wall sign
Locations that would be permitted signage under Proposal
where no signage exists to date
Waterways OB No existing wall signs I wall sign would be permitted
2 story
2797 NE 206 Street
Aventura Medical OB No existing wall signs 1 wall sign would be permitted
4 stories
21150 Biscayne Blvd
Eagle National Bank OB 1 existing wall sign I additional wall sign would be
10 stories permitted
2999 NE 191 Street
Mount Sinai North Office Building
One story building
19084 NE 29 Avenue
Estimated Building Frontage 120 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 3 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 1 on north side - 22 square feet
1 on west side - 22 square feet
1 on south side - 22 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 120 square feet
Does existing sign comply with No - wall signs not permitted on office buildings
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with 1 existing wall sign would comply
proposed Sign Code 2 additional signs would not comply
Mount Sinai Aventura Office Building
Two story building
2845 Aventura Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 375 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 2 wall signs
Sign(s) 114 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing I None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 375 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with No - not permitted
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with One of existing signs would comply
proposed Sign Code Second sign would not be permitted
Police Department/Aventura Medical Center Office Building
Two story building
2956 Aventura Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 100 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 54 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 100 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with No - wall signs not permitted on office buildings
current Sign Code Raceways not permitted
Will existing sign comply with No - raceways not permitted
proposed Sign Code Channel or reverse channel letters only permitted
- 4
Point East Plaza Professional Building
Two story building
17971 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 130 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 17 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 130 square feet
Does existing sign comply with No - wall signs not permitted on office buildings
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Existing wall sign would comply
proposed Sign Code
- 5
Washington Mutual Office Building
Two story building
18301 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 145 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 160 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Existing 1 wall sign
Sign Code 145 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 145 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Existing wall sign is larger than permitted
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Existing wall sign would be larger than permitted
proposed Sign Code
6
Jaffe Office Building
Two story building
18999 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 138 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 8 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 2 on south side; 110 square feet & 105 square feet
1 on east side; 64 square feet
1 on north side; 80 square feet
3 on west side; 60 square feet, 64 square feet and
110 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing 1 wall sign (for bank use)
Sign Cede 138 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 138 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with 1 wall sign for bank use complies
current Sign Code other 7 signs are not permitted
Will existing sign comply with 1 existing sign would comply
proposed Sign Code other 7 signs would not be permitted
7
9
Waterways Office Building
Two story building
3575 NE 207 Street
Estimated Building Frontage 120 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall No existing signs
Sign(s)
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Cede
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 120 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with Not applicable
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Not applicable
~roposed Sign Code
10
Dental Care Group Office Building
Two story building
2797 NE 206 Street
Estimated Building Frontage g0 feet (comer location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 4 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 1 on south side, 15.5 square feet
3 on east side, 24 square feet, 22 square feet and
13.5 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 90 square feet
I Secondary sign of 45 square feet
Does existing sign comply with No - wall signs not permitted on office buildings
current Sign Code Neon signs not permitted
Will existing sign comply with 2 of the 4 signs would comply
proposed Sign Code 2 additional signs would not be permitted
Neon signs not permitted
11
Linda Marx Realty Office Building
Two story building
20895 NE 209 Street
Estimated Building Frontage 82 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wafl 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 1 Primary sign of 12 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 7 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Cods 1 Primary sign of 82 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 41 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 82 square feet
I Secondary sign of 41 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Both existing signs comply
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Both existing signs would comply
proposed Sign Code
Orthopedic Care Center Office Building
Two story building
21000 NE 209 Street
Estimated Building Frontage 250 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 90 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign at 250 square feet
1 Secondary sign at 125 square feet
i Does existing sign comply with Existing sign permitted by variance
current Sign Code Resolution 99-16 adopted 04-06-99
Will existing sign comply with Existing sign woutd comply
~roposed Sign Code
13
Turnberry Bank Office Building
Three story building
20299 NE 29 Place
Estimated Building Frontage 160 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 3 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 175 square feet on west side
63 square feet on north and south sides
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 160 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 80 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 160 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 80 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Primary sign is larger than permitted
current Sign Code 1 Secondary sign complies, other secondary sign is
not permitted
Will existing sign comply with Primary sign would be larger than permitted
pmposedSign Code 1 Secondary sign would comply, the other
secondary sign would not be permitted
14
TotalBank OfFice Building
Three story building
17701 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 82 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 46.5 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Existing 1 wall sign
Sign Code 82 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed I wall sign
Sign Code 82 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Existing wall sign complies
current Sign Code
Vl~81 existing sign comply with Existing wail sign would comply
proposed Sign Code
- 15
South Trust Bank Office Building
Three story building
3050 Aventura Boulevard
I Estimated Building Frontage 100 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of E~ti~g Wall , 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) I Primary sign of 85.5 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 39 square feet
Signs allowed ~;;de,- Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Coda 1 primary sign at 100 square feet in area
1 secondary sign at 50 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 primary sign at 100 square feet in area
1 secondary sign at 50 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with Both signs comply
current Sign Code
Will ~;;ng sign comply with Both signs will comply
proposed Sign Code
16
HSBC Bank Office Building
Three story building
2958 Aventura Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 67 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall No existing wall signs
Sign(s)
Signs allowed under Existing 1 wall sign
Sign Code 67 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 67 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with Not applicable - no existing signs
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Not applicable - no existing signs
proposed Sign Code
17
First Union Bank Office Building
Three story building
2925 Aventura Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage ! 10 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 3 existing wall signs
Sign(s) I on south side, 1 on west side, 1 on east side
47.5 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing I wall sign
Sign Code 110 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 110 square feet
Does existing sign comply with 1 existing s~gn complies
current Sign Code second and third signs are not permitted
Will existing sign comply with 1 existing sign would comply
proposed Sign Cods second and third signs would not be permitted
18
Aventura Medical Building Office
Four story building
21150 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 180 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall No existing wall sign
Sign(s)
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 180 square feet
Does existing sign comply with No existing wall sign
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with No existing wall sign
proposed Sign Code
19
Biscayne Medical Arts Center Office Building
Four story building
21110 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 180 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wall 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 27 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code '180 square feet in area
Does existing sign comply with No - wall signs not permitted on office buildings
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Existing wall sign would comply
r~roposed Sign Code
- 20
NationsBank Office Building
Four story building
18305 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 158 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 1 Primary sign of 80 square feet
I Secondary sign of 35 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 158 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 79 square feet
Signs allowed under ~-~o~osed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign of 158 square feet
1 Secondary sign of 79 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Both existing signs comply
current Sign Code
Wifl existing sign comply with Both existing signs would comply
proposed Sign Code
21
Courtyard Marriott Hotel Building
Five story building
2825 NE t9t Street
Estimated Building Frontage 130 feet
Number and Size of Existing Wa// 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 71 square feet on south side
53 square feet on east side
Signs allowed under Existing None
Sign Code
Signs allowed under Proposed 1 wall sign
Sign Code 130 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Signs permitted by variance approved by
current Sign Code Resolution 98-87 adopted 11-17-98
Will existing sign comply with ! Not applicable - existing s gns permitted by
proposed Sign Code variance
22
Aventura Corporate Center Office Building (North Building)
Five story building
20802 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 180 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wa// 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 63 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign at 180 square feet
1 Secondary sign at 90 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign at 180 square feet
I Secondary sign at 90 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Existing signs comply
current Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Existing signs would comply
proposed Sign Code
23
Aventura Corporate Center Office Building (South Building)
Five story building
20801 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 180 feet (comer location)
Number and Size of Existing Well 1 existing wall sign
Sign(s) 65 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign at 180 square feet
1 Second sign at 90 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code I Primary sign at 180 square feet
1 Secondary sign at 90 square feet
Does existing sign comply with Existing sign complies
CutTent Sign Code
Will existing sign comply with Existing sign would comply
proposed Sign Code
24
Eagle National Bank Office Building
Ten story building
2999 NE 19t Street
Estimated Building Frontage 160 feet
, Number and Size of Existing Wall 1. existing wall sign
Sign(s) 160 square feet
Signs allowed under Existing 1 wall sign
Sign Cede 160 square feet in area
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 240 square feet each
Does existing sign comply with Existing sign complies; location 50% above roofline
current Sign Cede approved by Resolution 99-23 adopted 01-06-99
Will existing sign comply with Existing wall sign would comply
~roposed Sign Code
25
City National Bank Office Building
Ten story building
2875 NE 191 Street
Estimated Building Frontage 160 feet (through location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 656 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Cede 1 Primary sign at 160 square feet
1 Secondary sign at 80 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 240 square feet each
Does existing sign comply with Existing signs are larger than permitted
current Sign Code Location above roofline is not permitted
Will existing sign comply with Existing signs would be larger than permitted
proposed Sign Code Location above roofline would not be permitted
26
Washington Mutual Bank Office Building
Ten story building
19495 Biscayne Boulevard
Estimated Building Frontage 416 feet (corner location)
Number and Size of Existing Wall 2 existing wall signs
Sign(s) 372 square feet each
Signs allowed under Existing 2 wall signs
Sign Code 1 Primary sign at 416 square feet
1 Secondary sign at 208 square feet
Signs allowed under Proposed 2 wall signs
Sign Code 824 square feet each
Does existing sign comply with Existing signs approved by variance
current Sign Code Resolution 98-76 adopted 09-01-98
Will existing sign comply with Existing signs would comply
proposed Sign Code
27
RESOLUTION NO. 99-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, CONCERNING
FIREARM RELATED VIOLENCE; PROVIDING FOR
VIOLENCE MITIGATION PROGRAM CONSISTING OF
GUN BUYBACKS; ENCOURAGEMENT OF OWNERS OF
BUSINESS PREMISES TO CONSIDER RESTRICTING
ACCESS OF PERSONS WITH FIREARMS; DECLARING
"GUN FREE ZONE;" PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Aventura finds that violence related to
firearms disturbs the public peace and impairs the safety and security of citizens, businesses
and tourists within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is necessary to develop effective
municipal programs for the mitigation of firearm related violence; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission f'mds that the development and implementation of
the violence mitigation program described below will serve to protect the health, safety and
welfare of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY CO1VEVIISSION
OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. That the above recitals are hereby confirmed and
adopted herein.
Section 2. Violence Mitigation Program. A violence mitigation program (the
"Program") is hereby adopted to consist of the following:
1. Provisions for the buyback of guns from residents of the City;
2. Encouragement of the owners of business premises to consider
precluding persons possessing firearms from private property;
3. The declaration of a "Gun Free Zone" for the City.
Section 3. Gun Buvbacks. The City Manager, in consultation with the Cf-fief of
Police, shall develop and present to the City Commission for approval a gun buyback program
by which the City will periodically acquire, with lawfully appropriated City funds, firearms
possessed by residents of the City, so as to reduce the proliferation of firearms within the City.
Section 4. Encouragement To Private Business Property Owners. The City
Manager, in consultation with the Chief of Police, shall develop and present to the City
Commission for approval a community relations program which encourages (but does not
require) the owners of business premises to consider precluding the entry of persons possessing
firearms upon private property.
Section 5. Gun Free Zone. That in accordance with this Resolution, a "Gun Free
Zone" is hereby declared for the City. This shall serve to express the City's strong
commitment to the reduction of violence associated with firearms.
Section 6. Statement of Intent. Nothing within this Resolution shall be construed in
any manner as providing for any restriction or regulation which is precluded by Section
790.33, Fla. Stat. Accordingly, this Resolu~tion shall not authorize any action to be taken by
the City or its officers, agents or employees which is prohibited by or in conflict with Section
790.33, Fla. Stat.
Section 7. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its adoption.
2
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner
moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Harry Holzberg
Commissioner Jeffrey M. Perlow
Commissioner Jay R. Beskin
Commissioner Ken Cohen
Commissioner Patricia Rogers-Libert
Vice Mayor Arthur Berger
Mayor Arthur I. Snyder
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
day of
,2000.
, who
, and
ATTEST:
ARTHUR I. SNYDER, MAYOR
TERESA M. SOROKA, CMC/AAE
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY
CITY ATTORNEY
3
WEISS $ E1ROTA HELFMAN
1D_~STOI~tIZ~_ ~ 0UEDES, ]D.A.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
SOUTH BAYSHORE DRIVE
SUITE 4~0
December 28, 1999
The Honorable Mayor and Commissioners
City of Aventura
2999 N.E. 191st Street
Suite 500
Aventura, Florida 33180
Re: Effort of City To Reduce Firearm Related Violence
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
I. REQUEST FOR LEGAL OPINION
The City Commission has recently requested our legal opinion concerning the authority of
the City of Aventura (the "City") to participate in certain activities intended to reduce violence
attributable to firearms. Specifically, the Commission has asked us to determine whether the City
Commission has the authority to develop a violence mitigation program (the "Program") providing
for:
II.
OPINION
The buyback of firearms from residents of the City;
Encouraging private business owners to consider precluding persons possessing
firearms from their business premises;
Declaring the City a "Gun Free Zone."
For the reasons explained below, it is our opinion that the City Commission has the lawful
authority to adopt the Program outlined above.
III. DISCUSSION
A. PREEMPTION
RECEIVED
OFFICE OF THE
CiTY MANAGER
Honorable Ma~,or and Commissioners
December 28, 1999
Page 2
Pursuant to Section 790.33, Fla. Stat., the Florida Legislature has preempted the authority
of the City to regulate firearms. Section 790.33(1) and (3), Fla. Stat. provide as follows:
790.33 Field of regulation of firearms and aramunition
preempted.--
(1) PREEMPTION.--Except as expressly provided by general
law, the Legislature hereby declares that it is occupying the whole
field of regulation of firearms and ammunition, including the
purchase, sale, transfer, taxation, manufacture, ownership,
possession, and transportation thereof, to the exclusion of all
existing and future county, city, town, or municipal ordinances or
regulations relating thereto. Any such existing ordinances are
hereby declared null and void ....
(3) POLICY AND INTENT.--
(a) It is the intent of this section to provide uniform fzrearms
laws in the state; to declare all ordinances and regulations null and
void which have been enacted by any jurisdictions other than state
and federal, which regulate firearms, ammunition, or components
thereof; to prohibit the enactment of any future ordinances or
regulations relating to firearms, ammunition, or components thereof
unless specifically authorized by this section or general law; and to
require local jurisdictions to enforce state firearms laws.
Accordingly, the City does not have the authority to adopt ordinances or regulations controlling
firearms. However, it is our opinion that ~e City is not preempted from implementing the
methodology of the Program, since nothing in the Program seeks to establish an ordinance or
regulation controlling firearms or to attach penal sanctions to matters concerning firearms. None
of the elements of the Program would appear to encroach into the preempted territory which has
been marked off by the Florida Legislature.
B. THE PROGRAM
(1) Gun Buyback. Program. The City Commission may establish a gun buyback
program by which available City funds are utilized for the purpose of acquiring firearms from
residents of the City, upon finding that such acquisition will serve a public purpose by facilitating
the reduction of violent crime. Gun buybacks serve to remove a quantity of firearms from
circulation and thereby lessen the proliferation of firearms. Similar gun buybacks have been
utilized in other communities.
WEISS SEROTA HELFM2~N
PASTOI~IZA ~3c GUEDES, P.A.
Honorable M~yor and Commissioners
December 28, 1999
Page 3
(2) Encouragement of Business Owners. Generally, the owners of business premises
may voluntarily determine to exclude persons possessing firearms from entry upon their privately
controlled property.~ Likewise, the City may encourage owners of business premises to consider
precluding individuals possessing firearms from entering private business premises, so long as the
City does not require private property owners to do so. This element of the Program would be
implemented upon a voluntary basis at the sole discretion of the individual business owner.
(3) Gun Free Zone. The City Commission may, by resolution, declare the City to be a
"Gun Free Zone." No penalty or other sanction would be imposed upon anyone as a result of the
City's declaration of a "Gun Free Zone." Instead, the declaration would serve as a strong
statement that the City advocates the reduction of firearm related violence. However, we do not
recommend that signage be posted reflecting the "Gun Free Zone" message, since such signage
may trigger liability claims if characterized as a representation that there are no guns in the City.
IV. CONCLUSION
For the reasons indicated above, it is our opinion that the City Commission has the lawful
authority to adopt the Program. We have drafted a proposed resolution for City Commission
consideration in accordance with this opinion.
Respectfully, ~
David M. Wolpin
DMW/cmb
Enclosure
328001
cc: Mr. Eric M. Soroka, City Manager
Richard Jay Weiss, Esq.
~ In Pelt v. State D.O.T., 664 So. 2d 320 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995), the First District Court of Appeal upheld the
discipline of an employee for possessing a firearm at work, despite his possession of a State concealed weapon
permit. The Court observed that Section 790.33 "is directed toward local governments' regulation of the conduct
of its citizens, not to an employer's regulation of the conduct of its employees". By analogy, the statute is not
directed at a business owners dealings with his or her patrons.
WEISS SEI~OTA HELFI~I~kN
PASTORIZ~ ~C GUEDES, P.A.
02/14/2080 87:16 954453116~ CL%°ID5 C~OICE ~65 ~2
Aventura City Commission
Fax: 30e~466-8919
Anthony and Terra Arnold
1~41 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33160
Febru·ry 14, 2000
To The Commissioners:
In regard to the proposal to establish 'gnn free zoning' in Aventura, I must
question the rationality of your thinking in this matter. What u waste of
toxlmyers' (my) money it is to ponder such obviously polRieally motivated -
wrong-sided log/slalion.
Do you really believe that posting 'gun free zone' signs throughout the City
will stop as Commissioner Jay Beskin stated 'crimes of pmmion and murder?'
Do you really believe that the man who shot his wife's loveF in the anti or the
deranged [mtlo·t who murdered his doctor would be deteFred by a sign?
What about the woman who was strangled in the mall parking lot by a drifter
who wanted her car? Could it be possible that if she were armed, she could
hove defended berself and be alive today to raise her two children?
What would such a sign mean to the law-abiding licensed eoneealod weapons
caFFier? Leave your gun/your personal protection at home. Disarm and be
vuineraMe to Hy dirtbag predator who decides to choose you as a victim:
Yet the signs wouM be a beacon to some. To the armed robber, the sips says
'this b u· area thut is safe for me'. The chances of confronting an armed
eitizeu with the ralmbility to defend his/herself are greatly lessened. Who b
this legislation ping to benefit? In effect, you ·re legblatinf against law-
abiding citizens who wish (and are legally entitled) to carry · eoneeMed
wupon sacb as myself, my wife, and my duughter.
As au example, my wife worked as · therapist at Dude Correctional Institution
and was returning home from work one early evening several years ago.
While stopped for a red light, she was approached by a smiling young man
wearing a baseball cap. He motioned her to roll down her window. Sensing
danger, my wife refused. He the· produced a gun nad fired point ldnnk at
02/14/2088 87;16 9544531168 CUPIDS CHOICE P~GE u3
her. Simultaneously, my wife lowered heF head and slammed down on thc gas
pedal. Drivin8 blindly at top speed into in intersection, her ear was hit by an
oncoming pieimp truck. MiraculonsJy she
and the occupants of the tFuck survived.
At the Emer~eaey Room, it was found that a bullet had entered her hand.
After her recuperation, she and I vowed that our family would never qsin be
placed in such a vulneraMe situation. We each took Gun Familiarity and
Safety Courses ned practiced at the range to perfect our skills. We an possess
concealed weapons permits. I for one am serure in the knowledfe that my
family has chceou to tab personal responsibility for our own safety.
Certainly you must be aware that law enfoFcemeut personnel cannot
guarantce- n0F are they responsible for - our safety.
As for the proposed L, Un buyback program, noted as being 'very successful' by
Commissioner JCen Cohen, once aSnin yon are askiu$ the law-abJdinl citizen
to turn in hb Eun or ~UnL HOW about requestinl all the armed repons out
there to turn in their Buns? Do you think you would get much o! a response?
In effect, how in load conscience can you ask my wife to leave bet protection
at home when she visits the Aventura Mall?
I would rather she risk her day in couFt challen~inf your Inundation than
allowing her to be vulnerable to robbery or assault.
Assuredly, the vast majority of concealed weapons carriers pace ua threat to
anyone other than someone who means them harm. They have passed the
required backLrround checks and sun safety courses ami are k~mJ citizens.
This type of legislation is typical of foveFemental interference attempfinf to
take the place of personal responsibility. It is happouin~ much tm) often to the
worseninE of our society. In ciosinE, ! reopectfulty request this Je~isiation be
reconsidered and suspended.
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN
PASTORIZA & OUEDES, P.A,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
E665 SOUTH BAYSHORe DRIVe
SUITe 4EO
December 28, 1999
T£L£COPlER (954) 764-7770
The Honorable Mayor and Commissioners
City of Aventura
2999 N.E. 191st Street
Suite 500
Aventura, Florida 33180
Re: Effort of City To Reduce Firearm Related Violence
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
I. REQUEST FOR LEGAL OPINION
The City Commission has recently requested our legal opinion concerning the authority of
the City of Aventura (the "City") to participate in certain activities intended to reduce violence
attributable to firearms. Specifically, the Commission has asked us to determine whether the City
Commission has the authority to develop a violence mitigation program (the "Program") providing
for:
The buyback of firearms from residents of the City;
Encouraging private business owners to consider precluding persons possessing
firearms from their business premises;
C. Declaring the City a "Gun Free Zone."
II. OPINION
For the reasons explained below, it is our opinion that the City Commission has the lawful
authority to adopt the Program outlined above.
III.
DISCUSSION
A. PREEMPTION
RECEIVED
OFFICE OF THE
CITY MANAGER
Honorable Ma3'or and Commissioners
December 28, 1999
Page 2
Pursuant to Section 790.33, Fla. Stat., the Florida Legislature has preempted the authority
of the City to regulate firearms. Section 790.33(1) and (3), Fla. Stat. provide as follows:
790.33 Field of regulation of firearms and ammunition
preempted.--
(1) PREEMPTION.--Except as expressly provided by general
law, the Legislature hereby declares that it is occupying the whole
field of regulation of firearms and ammunition, including the
purchase, sale, transfer, taxation, manufacture, ownership,
possession, and transportation thereof, to the exclusion of all
existing and future county, city, town, or municipal ordinances or
regulations relating thereto. Any such existing ordinances are
hereby declared null and void ....
(3) POLICY AND INTENT.--
(a) It is the intent of this section to provide uniform firearms
laws in the state; to declare all ordinances and regulations null and
void which have been enacted by any jurisdictions other than state
and federal, which regulate firearms, ammunition, or components
thereof; to prohibit the enactment of any future ordinances or
regulations relating to firearms, ammunition, or components thereof
unless specifically authorized by this section or general law; and to
require local jurisdictions to enforce state firearms laws.
Accordingly, the City does not have the authority to adopt ordinances or regulations controlling
firearms. However, it is our opinion that tl3e City is not preempted from implementing the
methodology of the Program, since nothing in the Program seeks to establish an ordinance or
regulation controlling firearms or to attach penal sanctions to matters concerning firearms. None
of the elements of the Program would appear to encroach into the preempted territory which has
been marked off by the Florida Legislature.
B. THE PROGRAM
(1) Gun Buyback Program. The City Commission may establish a gun buyback
program by which available City funds are utilized for the purpose of acquiring firearms from
residents of the City, upon finding that such acquisition will serve a public purpose by facilitating
the reduction of violent crime. Gun buybacks serve to remove a quantity of firearms from
circulation and thereby lessen the proliferation of firearms. Similar gun buybacks have been
utilized in other communities.
WEISS SEROT~ I-IELFM3_N
PASTOIIlZA ~c GUEDES,
Honorable Mayor and Commissioners
December 28. 1999
Page 3
(2) Encouragement of Business Owners. Generally, the owners of business premises
may voluntarily determine to exclude persons possessing firearms from entry upon their privately
controlled property.~ Likewise, the City may encourage owners of business premises to consider
precluding individuals possessing firearms from entering private business premises, so long as the
City does ngt reouire private property owners to do so. This element of the Program would be
implemented upon a voluntary basis at the sole discretion of the individual business owner.
(3) Gun Free Zone. The City Commission may, by resolution, declare the City to be a
"Gun Free Zone." No penalty or other sanction would be imposed upon anyone as a result of the
City's declaration of a "Gun Free Zone." Instead, the declaration would serve as a strong
statement that the City advocates the reduction of firearm related violence. However, we do not
recommend that signage be posted reflecting the "Gun Free Zone" message, since such signage
may trigger liability claims if characterized as a representation that there are no guns in the City.
IV. CONCLUSION
For the reasons indicated above, it is our opinion that the City Commission has the lawful
authority to adopt the Program. We have drafted a proposed resolution for City Commission
consideration in accordance with this opinion.
Respectfully,
David M. Wolpin
DMW/cmb
Enclosure
328001
cc: Mr. Eric M. Soroka, City Manager
Richard Jay Weiss, Esq.
~ In Pelt v, State__~,.Q:T., 664 So. 2d 320 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995), the First District Court of Appeal upheld the
discipline of an employee for possessing a firearm at work, despite his possession of a State concealed weapon
permit. The Court observed that Section 790.33 "is directed toward local governments' regulation of the conduct
of its citizens, not to an employer's regulation of the conduct of its employees". By analogy, the statute is not
directed at a business owners dealings with his or her patrons.
WEISS SEROTA. HELFl~IAlV
PiSTOI~IZA & GUEDES, P.A.
RESOLUTION NO. 99-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, CONCERNING
FIREARM RELATED VIOLENCE; PROVIDING FOR
VIOLENCE MITIGATION PROGRAM CONSISTING OF
GUN BUYBACKS; ENCOURAGEMENT OF OWNERS OF
BUSINESS PREMISES TO CONSIDER RESTRICTING
ACCESS OF PERSONS WITH FIREARMS; DECLARING
"GUN FREE ZONE;" PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Aventura finds that violence related to
firearms disturbs the public peace and impairs the safety and security of citizens, businesses
and tourists within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is necessary to develop effective
municipal programs for the mitigation of firearm related violence; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission f'mds that the development and implementation of
the violence mitigation program described below will serve to protect the health, safety and
welfare of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF AVENTLrRA, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. That the above recitals are hereby confirmed and
adopted herein.
Section 2. Violence Mitigation Program. A violence mitigation program (the
"Program") is hereby adopted to consist of the following:
1. Provisions for the buyback of guns from residents of the City;
2. Encouragement of the owners of business premises to consider
precluding persons possessing firearms from private property;
3. The declaration of a "Gun Free Zone" for the City.
Section 3. Gun Buvbacks. The City Manager, in consultation with the Chief of
Police, shall develop and present to the City Commission for approval a gun buyback program
by which the City will periodically acquire, with lawfully appropriated City funds, firearms
possessed by residents of the City, so as to reduce the proliferation of firearms within the City.
Section 4. Encouragement To Private Business Property Owners. The City
Manager, in consultation with the Chief of Police, shall develop and present to the City
Commission for approval a community relations program which encourages (but does not
require) the owners of business premises to consider precluding the entry of persons possessing
firearms upon private property.
Section 5. Gun Free Zone. That in accordance with this Resolution, a "Gun Free
Zone" is hereby declared for the City. This shall serve to express the City's strong
commitment to the reduction of violence associated with firearms.
Section 6. Statement of Intent. Nothing within this Resolution shall be construed in
any manner as providing for any restriction or regulation which is precluded by Section
790.33, Fla. Stat. Accordingly, this Resolution shall not authorize any action to be taken by
the City or its officers, agents or employees which is prohibited by or in conflict with Section
790.33, Fla. Stat.
Section 7. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner
moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Harry Holzberg
Commissioner Jeffrey M. Perlow
Commissioner Jay R. Beskin
Commissioner Ken Cohen
Commissioner Patricia Rogers-Libert
Vice Mayor Arthur Berger
Mayor Arthur I. Snyder
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
day of
, 2000.
ATTEST:
ARTHUR I. SNYDER, MAYOR
TERESA M. SOROKA, CMC/AAE
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY
CITY ATTORNEY
92/14/2000 87:16 9544531160 CUPIDS CHOICE P~GE 82
Aventura City Commission
Fax: 30S-466-8919
Anthony and Terri Arnold
18041 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventnra, FL 33160
February 14, 2000
To The Commissioners:
In regard to the proposal to establish 'gan free zoning' in Aventura, I must
question the rationality ofyour tbinidng in this matter. What a waste of
taxpayers' (my) money it is to pander such obviously politically mo~vnted -
wrong-sided logislotion.
Do you really believe that posting 'gun free zone' signs throughout the City
will stop as Commbsioner Jay BeskJn stated 'crimes of passion and murder?'
Do you really believe that the man who shot his wife's lover in the mall or the
deranged patient who murdered his doctor wouM be detoFred by a sign?
What about the woman who was strangled in the mall parking lot by n drifter
who wanted her car? Could it be possible that if she were armed, she could
have defended hersalf and be alive tods~ to raise her two children?
What would sueb a sign mcan to the law-abiding licensed eoncaaled wcapons
carrier? Leave your gun/~our personal protection at home! Disarm and be
vuinernMe to any dirtbag predator who decides to ehooas you as n vJetim!
Ye~ the signs wouM be a beacon to some. To the armed robber, the sign sn~s
'this b an ares first is safe for me'. The chancrs of confronting an armed
citizen with the capability to defend his/herself are greatly lemened. Who is
this legislation going to benefit? In effect, you nrc legislating qtinst law-
abiding eitizans who wish (and are legally entitled) m ca~ry a concealed
wcapon such as myself, my wife, and my daughter.
As an example, my wife worked as a therapist at Dade Correctional Institution
and was returning home from work one early evening several ycars ago.
While stopped for n red light, she was approached by a smiling young man
wcarlng a baseball cop. He motioned her to roll down her window. Sensing
danger, my wife refused. He then produeed a gun and fired point blank at
8£/14/2808 87:16 9544531168 CUPIDS CHOICE PAGE
her. $imulmneously, my wife lowered her head and slammed do~n on the gas
pedal. Driving blindly at top Sl~l into nn interneefion, her ear was hit by an
ouoolning piekup trnek. Miraculously she
and the oceupants of the truck survived.
At the Emergency Room, it was fonnd that a bullet had entered her hand.
After her reeulperafloa, she and ! vowed that our family would never again he
placed in such a vulaeraMe situation. We each took Gun Familiarity and
Safety Courses and practiced at the range to perfect our skills. We an possess
concealed weapons PeFmite. I for one am seeure in the knowledge that my
family has chosen to tab personal responsibility for our own safety.
Certainly you must be aware that law enforcement personnel cauuot
guarantee - nor afc they responsible for * our safety.
As for the proposed gun buyback program, noted os being 'very sue__~e~_ gui' by
Commissioner Ken Cohen, once again you are asking the law-abiding citizen
to turn in bis gun or guns. How about requesting all the armed relous out
there to turn in their guns? Do you think you would get much or a response?
In effeet, how in good conscience can you ask my wife to leave her protection
at home when she visits the Aventura Mall?
I would Father she risk her day in COUrt challenging your legislation than
allowing her to be vulnerable to robbery or assault.
Assuredly, the vast majority of concealed weapons carriers pose un threat to
anyone other than someone who means them harm. They have passed the
required hckground cheeks and gun safety courses and are good citizens.
This type of leplation is typical of governmental interference attemptin~ to
take the place of personal responsibility. It is hppeninf mneh too often to the
worsening of our society. In closing, I respectfully request this legislation be
reconsidered and suspended.