02-27-2001 Commission Workshop MINUTES Aventura Government Center
COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING 2999 NE 191~ Street #500
FEBRUARY 27, 2001 9 AM Aventura, Florida 33180
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder. Present were
Commissioners Arthur Berger, Ken Cohen, Harry Holzberg, Patricia Rogers-Libert,
Jeffrey M. Perlow, Vice Mayor Jay R. Beskin, Mayor Snyder, 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.
1. BOARD REPORTS: Janet Laine, Chair of Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory
Board, updated Commission on progress of the Board.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: No action necessary.
2. 199th STREET RR CROSSING UPDATE: Mr. Soroka provided an update, as well
as statistics concerning vehicular accidents at major intersections on Biscayne
Boulevard. George Berlin and Lisa Berkson, Turnberry & Associates and Ken
Jackson, Kimley Horn, addressed the Commission and requested their continued
support for the permanent opening of this intersection.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Turnberry & Associates consultants to provide to
City Manager within 30 days document executed by FDOT and/or Miami-Dade
County stating that they will abide by the terms of Resolution 2000-75.
3. GOVERNMENT CENTER ROTATING ART PROGRAM: Lucy Keshavarz, Art &
Culture Group, Inc., addressed the Commission and briefly explained the processes
involved.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: No action necessary.
6. SENIOR COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAM UPDATE: Mr. Soroka advised the
Commission that the School Board will not provide transportation.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: City to provide free bus service for residents from
Government Center for a ten period session, as previously discussed.
5. GOVERNMENT CENTER SCULPTURE UPDATE: Mr. Soroka advised the
Commission that the building's architects reviewed the sculpture proposed by Robert
Diamond and suggested a bronze finish. They also agreed that the ground level or
lobby would be more appropriate than the plaza level.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Mr. Soroka to advise Mr. Diamond of the architects'
suggestions and follow-up.
8. CULTURAL CENTER UPDATE: Final presentation made by RJ Heinsenbottle
Architects.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: To be discussed further at next Workshop with
submittal of consultant's final report. City Attorney and City Manager directed to
formulate foundation for public/private fundraising, etc. and the establishment of an
oversight Committee.
4. FOUNDERS PARK SOUTH UPDATE: Brenda Kelley, Community Development
Director, updated the Commission on the status of code compliance at the south
side of Founders Park.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: City Manager to have sign posted at the park
outlining the misuse and advising that if misuse continues, City Commission will re-
address the use of the south side of Founders Park by dogs. In addition, signs to be
placed on walking path that all pets should be on leash.
7. STREET SOLICITORS ORDINANCE: (Commissioner Perlow) Commissioner
Perlow expressed his concern regarding this ordinance, the need to strengthen the
City's position against challenge and suggested an amendment to allow solicitation
on 207th and 213th Streets.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus not to amend at this time. City Attorney
to further discuss safety issues with Police Chief and report back at next Workshop
meeting.
Consensus of Commission that 2 plaques be prepared for new Government Center.
One without date listing Mayor Snyder and all current Commissioners. Second
showing date of dedication and no names.
Mayor Snyder suggested that in the future, no Commissioners attend Advisory
Board meetings. After discussion, City Attorney directed to research feasibility of
enacting rule/legislation concerning attendance and input of Commissioners at
Advisory Board meetings.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission at
this time, after motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting
adjourned at 12:15 p.m. ~ f' ' ~;
Teres~'M. Soroka; CgC, city'Oerk
Approved by the Commission on March 13, 2001.
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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