05-24-2001 Commission Workshop ,~ C'tt¥ O~ MINUTES
Aventura Government Center
~./1~~ COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING 19200 w. country Club Drive
MAY 24, 2001 9 AM Aventura, Florida 33180
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Jeffrey M. Perlow. Present were
Commissioners Arthur Berger, Jay R. Beskin, Harry Holzberg, Patricia Rogers-Libert,
Vice Mayor Ken Cohen, Mayor Perlow, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa
M. Soroka, and City Attorneys David M. Wolpin and Mitchell Bernstein. Commissioner
Manny Grossman was absent. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting
commenced.
1. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2001-2006: Mr. Soroka prepared a
powerpoint presentation of this program, and addressed Commission's concerns.
Major emphasis to include cultural arts center, Waterways Park development,
Millennium Park/Community Center, purchase of property for Charter school,
beautification and drainage.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed with plan as presented and
place on June 5, 2001 agenda for approval.
2. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Mr. Soroka updated Commission on amendments to
charter school legislation pending signature by the Governor that would provide that
municipal sponsored charter schools can limit enrollment to residents. In addition,
he provided summary on his recent meetings with the School Board to develop a
partnership and obtain financial assistance for creation of a charter school and an
update on negotiations for purchase of charter elementary school site on NE 188th
Street.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus of Commission to offer $4,350,000 for
this property and develop a closing date based on current leases on the property,
and in the event offer is not accepted by Friday, June 1st, City Attorney authorized to
proceed with eminent domain process.
6, COMMISSIONER MEETINGS: (Vice Mayor Cohen): (taken out of order)
Commissioners discussed and expressed their concern regarding recent meetings
held by Commissioner Berger against the placement of a Primary Learning Center
near Williams Island. Mayor Perlow requested that Commissioner Berger not
participate in future meetings and remove his name from the notices of such
meetings. Mayor Perlow also requested Commissioner Berger to review Resolution
No. 98-55 concerning actions of Commissioners.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus that Commissioner Berger discontinue
participation in meetings discussed above and that a City-wide public hearing will be
scheduled for entire Commission's participation.
3, ADVISORY BOARDS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT: Commissioner Beskin
summarized the recommendations of the Advisory Boards Sub-Committee meeting.
Mr. Soroka prepared ordinances establishing the boards as recommended by the
Sub-Committee and a resolution establishing procedures. Cultural Arts Center
Foundation to be formed by City Attorney to include 25 members, 14 to be appointed
by Commissioners and remaining members to be appointed through application
process. Ordinances establishing Economic Development and Community Services
Advisory Boards to clearly state the Chairs may serve only one term.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Ordinances and Resolution to be addressed at June
5, 2001 meeting.
5. FOUNDERS BALL: (Taken out of order) Commission discussed changing the
format of Founders Ball.
CITY MANAGER'S SUMMARY: Founders Ball to be eliminated and Founders
Day activities to be expanded in quality and quantity. Consensus that State of the
City address to be delivered in January and not at Founders Day.
4. USE OF MEETING ROOMS: Mr. Soroka requested direction from the Commission
regarding use of meeting rooms in Government Center by outside
individuals/agencies, and other local government representatives
CITY MANAGER'S SUMMARY: Consensus to provide one existing office, not to be
located on the fifth floor, to be shared by local government representatives. No
funds to be expended by City for renovation/furnishing of such office.
7. RECOMMENDED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION: (Taken out of order) Mr.
Soroka noted that Certificates of Appreciation would be presented to members of the
Charter Revision Commission and requested approval to provide Certificates to
employees instrumental in the construction/move to new Government Center.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed with Certificates.
6. CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Commission discussed City Manager's compensation
package. Consensus to increase salary to $145,000 plus $12,500 bonus.
Mayor Perlow advised the Commission that he would like to host a luncheon of the
Miami-Dade County Mayor's forum and requested that Commission attend also.
Next Workshops to be set for June 20, 2001 and July 19, 2001 and no Workshop
scheduled in August.
Consensus to schedule Workshop meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month
beginning in October.
Commission discussed pending litigation involving property at Point East adjacent to
the Fire-Rescue facility. City Manager to provide additional information for
consideration at next meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission et
is time, efter motion mede, seconded end unenimously passed, the meeting edjourned
at 12:50 p.m.
~(~sa M. Sor/o, ka; ~C, Cit~ Clerk
Approved by the Commission on June 5, 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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