03-13-1997 Workshop Meeting COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
MARCH 13, 1997 9:00 A.M.
AVENTURA GOVERNMENT CENTER
2999 NE 191sT STREET SUITE 500
AVENTURA, FLORIDA
The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Arthur Berger at 9:00 a.m. Present
were Councilmembers Jay R. Beskin, Ken Cohen, Harry Holzberg, Jeffrey M.
Perlow, Patricia Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Arthur Berger, City Manager Eric M.
Soroka, City Attorney David Wolpin and City Clerk Teresa M. Smith. Mayor Snyder
arrived at 10:30 a.m. The following items were discussed:
1. Sign Ordinance. Mr. Soroka noted that staff held a workshop regarding the
proposed sign ordinance on Monday, March 10, 1997 with members of the business
community. The following individuals addressed Council: Elaine Adler, Aventura
Marketing Council; Alan Krischer, Esq., 1221 Brickell Avenue; Steve Pappas;
Jeffrey Bercowitz, developer of Aventura Commons; Chet Diefendorfer; Stefano De
Luca, Sports Authority; Ray Leightman, Northern Trust Bank; Jim Pappas,
Biscayne Boulevard property owner; Cliff Schulman, Esq.; Rick Mars, 207th Street;
Marvin Miller, Ross Stores; Milt Clumpus, Point East Plaza; Fern Kantor, Tumberry
Isle Resort; Leonard Brenner; and George Berlin, Turnberry & Associates. Jaye
Epstein, Community Development Director, explained the process used in preparing
the proposed sign code. After extensive discussion, consensus of Council to direct
City staff to organize a workshop with members of the business community,
residents, and representatives of the Planning Advisory Board and report back to
Council at the April 7, 1997 Workshop Meeting. In addition, it was the consensus of
Council to separate the billboard regulations from the sign code ordinance and
proceed as soon as possible with passage of an ordinance regarding billboards.
2. FDOT Non-Conforming Uses Policy. Mr. Soroka explained that FDOT has
requested the City's policy regarding non-conforming uses as a result of their
"taking" land and relocating signs as a part of the Biscayne Boulevard widening
project. Council requested the City Manager provide them a listing of all affected
properties. This matter will be brought back for discussion at a future workshop.
3. American Cancer Society Request. Mr. Soroka brought to Council's attention the
request of the American Cancer Society for a fundraising event, "Canines
Conquering Cance¢' to be held in the City. Consensus of Council that approval be
granted for this event.
4. Arbor Day Program. Robert Sherman, Community Services Director, explained the
proposed program for Aventura's Inaugural Arbor Day Ceremony tentatively
planned for April 29, 1997. Consensus of Council to proceed.
5. Information Report - Road Restriping. Council was provided a schedule for re-
striping of City streets and repair of asphalt which is scheduled to begin March 24,
1997.
6. Mid Year Staff Revisions. Council was advised of the need for mid-year staff
revisions. Consensus to proceed.
7. Other Business. Mr. Soroka noted the Presidential visit scheduled for today at
Turnberry Resort. He also updated Council on negotiations for property adjacent to
Government Center and requested and received Council's direction to proceed with
condemnation proceedings and City Attorney's office directed to provide cost
estimates involved. Lola Thomas, 77 North Hibiscus Drive, property owner,
addressed Council.
Other items discussed included: status of the conversion of Williams Island
Boulevard; the agenda for the Town Hall meeting scheduled to discuss Aventura
Founder's Park; FPL franchise fee tax (to be addressed at the March 18, 1997
Council meeting); the new Sunny Isles city; and establishment of a City Historical
Society (Councilmembers Rogers-Libert, Holzberg and Vice Mayer Berger to
discuss and report back to Council.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12 noon.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by Council on March 18, 1997.
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