06-30-1998 Commission Workshop CITY OF AVENTURA
COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
JUNE 30, 1998- 9:00 A.M.
Aventura Government Center
2999 NE 191''t Street Suite 500
Aventura, Florida 33180
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Vice Mayor Ken Cohen. Present
ware Commissioners Arthur Berger, Jay R. Beskin, Harry Holzberg, Jeffrey M.
Perlow, Patricia Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Cohen, Mayor Arthur I. Snyder
(arrived at 9:10 a.m.), City Manager Eric M Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Smith
and City Attorney David M. Wolpin.
1. Municipal Public Transit Study Recommendation: Femando Alonso,
Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, prepared and reviewed the transit study.
Commission expressed concerns as to the length of time of each route.
Consensus of Commission to authorize the City Manager to proceed with
the bus service and continue the process, amending certain routes to
address concerns stated.
FDOT Preliminary Feasibility Study/Lehman Causeway and W. Dixie
Hi,qhway Connector: Representatives from the Florida Department of
Transportation presented the study to the Commission. Commissioners
expressed concerns as to the contradictions in the study as presented and
representations made to the City previously by FDOT staff. Consensus to
defer this matter for further discussion with FDOT and review by the City
engineer.
2. Library Feasibility Study: Mr. Soroka reviewed a feasibility study, as
prepared by Staff, to create a tri-city library. (Commissioner Perlow left
the meeting at this time - 10:30 a.m.) Consensus of Commission to
accept Manager's recommendations and proceed with interlocal
agreement negotiations with participating cities and the County.
Commissioner Berger suggested that increased quality of cultural
programs be added to the recommendations in the Manager's study.
3. Quasi-Judicial Matters (Commissioner Beskin): Commissioner Beskin
discussed his recent memorandum to lobbyists regarding ex-parte
communications. City Attorney requested to draft a policy for
Commission's review to prohibit any statements from Commissioners
regarding quasi-judicial matters prior to the public hearing at which the
matter is heard.
4. Celebrity Pro Am Classic: City Manager authorized to proceed with
City's participation in the Grand Slam Celebrity Pro Am Classic scheduled
for November 1998. Commission requested increased marketing.
5. Youn,q Americans Medals Pro.qram ( Mayor Snyder): Mayor Snyder
discussed this program, as presented to him by Miami-Dade Mayor
Penelas. Consensus that no action be taken.
6. Aventura Chamber of Commerce PRIDE Proposal: Jill Edison,
Executive Director of the Aventura Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the
Commission relative to this proposal which would solicit donations from
individuals and corporations to purchase pavers for Founders Park,
engraved with donor's name. Consensus of Commission to participate to
the extent of pavers only. City Manager to discuss further with Chamber
representatives and place on August Commission meeting agenda.
7. Other Business: Other items discussed include: request for City
approval of construction of an Erev area by residents in the Biscayne
Cove, Lincoln Point and Williams Island area; proposed schedule for
renovation of new fire sub-station at Point East; ribbon-cutting ceremony
for Aventura Boulevard improvements (last week in July in the evening);
Comprehensive Plan public hearing (July 20 at 7 p.m.); banners for
lightpoles (selected use of alternate colored banners).
The meeting adjourned at 12 noon.
Approved by the Commission on July 7, 1998.