07-07-1997 Council Workshop COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
JULY 7, 1997 - 1 P.M.
AVENTURA GOVERNMENT CENTER
2999 NE 191sT STREET SUITE 500
AVENTURA, FLORIDA
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder at I p.m. Present were
Councilmembers Arthur Berger, Jay R. Beskin, Ken Cohen, Harry Holzberg, Patricia
Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Perlow, Mayor Arthur I. Snyder, City Manager Eric M
Soroka, City Attorney David M. Wolpin and City Clerk Teresa M. Smith. The following
items ware discussed:
1. FDOT Created Non-Confom~in,q Uses. Mr. Wolpin explained the need for
developing a policy for dealing with land-use non-conformities that would be created
by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-of-way acquisitions
associated with the improvement of Biscayne Boulevard. Debra Herman,
representing FDOT, addressed Council and explained that approximately 10
parcels would be affected. The following people spoke relative to this matter: Mr.
Rubin, counsel for Loehman's Plaza; George Berlin, Turnberry Associates; Steve
Pappas, Pappas Properties. It was the consensus of Council to proceed on August
5, 1997 with first reading of an ordinance similar to that enacted in Hemando
County to provide a standing upon which governmental entities can apply to Council
for approval of certain non-conformities.
2. Proposed City Charter Amendments. Consensus of Council to proceed with the
following Charter amendments:
Section 2.02: - Amend (a) to provide that the Mayor may, with the consent of
Council, create and appoint sub-committees of the Council consisting of two or
more Councilmembers. Amend (b) to provide that the term of the Vice Mayor shall
be semi-annually.
Section 2.05 (c)(I): Amend to provide that if the Mayor vacates office and 6 months
or less remain in his term, the Vice Mayor will assume that office. If more than 6
months remain, the vacancy shall be filled by a special election. If a vacancy
occurs on the Council and less than 6 months remain, the vacancy is filled by
appointment of Council. If more than 6 months remain, vacancy is filled by a special
election.
Section 3.05: Amend to provide that the City Council may provide by ordinance for
the City Manager to funish a fidelity bond. Eliminate "surety" and "said bond to be
conditioned on the faithful performance of his/her duties.~
Section 3.11: To remain as is.
Section 5.01 To remain as is.
Section 7.03: Add to end "The City Council may adopt additional standards of
conduct and code of ethics requirements that are not inconsistent with Federal,
State, County or other applicable law."
Other amendments: Change "Council" and "Councilmembers" to "Commission" and
"Commissioners".
Amend election date to the 4th Tuesday in October.
City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance providing for a qualifying period of 7-10 days,
the last day of which to be 4 weeks prior to the date of the election.
Ordinance providing for Charter Change election to be placed on an agenda for
Council consideration on or before first Tuesday in March, 1998.
5-minute recess - Mayor left the meeting at this time.
3. Ethics Ordinance. Consensus of Council to re-title Section 3 "Conflict of Interest"
and define "organization." First reading to be held on August 5, 1997 under
Consent Agenda.
4. Proposed Development Moratorium. City Attorney directed to prepare legislation
providing a moratorium for development in the industrial area surrounding Fort
Apache Marina and northwest of the Columbia Aventura Hospital and Medical
Center.
7. Requests for Funding. (Taken out of order). Mr. Soroka explained the requests
received: 1) North Miami Foundation for Senior Citizens Services, Inc.; and 2)
Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary School Botanical Learning Center.
Consensus of Council not to proceed.
5. City Mana,qer Review. Consensus of Council to amend City Manager's contract, by
Resolution, retroactive to June 3, 1997, as follows: increase salary by $4,000;
$6,000 bonus; and increase car allowance to $600 per month.
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6. Study to Establish Fire Department. Vice Mayor Perlow suggested a Charter
amendment to remove Section 7.10 which provides that the City will utilize the
services of the Metro Dade Fire Rescue Department. Consensus of Council not to
proceed.
7. Other Business. Consensus of Council for Chairperson of Advisory Boards to
appear before Council at next Workshop Meeting to provide status of each Board's
actions. Consensus of Council not to schedule shopping activities outside of
Aventura. Council then discussed the Sunshine Law.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by Council on August 5, 1997.
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