08-24-1998 Commission Workshop MINUTES
CITY OF AVENTURA
COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
AUGUST 24, 1998 - 9:30 a.m.
Aventura Government Center
2999 NE 191st Street Suite 500
Aventura, Florida 33180
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder. Present
were Commissioners Arthur Berger, Jay R. Beskin, Harry Holzberg, Jeffrey M.
Perlow, Patricia Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Ken Cohen, Mayor Arthur I. Snyder,
City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Smith and City Attorney
David M. Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting
commenced.
1. Lehman Causeway/Hiqhway Connector: Randy Fox, Florida
Department of Transportation, and Peter Halliburton, Kittelson &
Associates, discussed the Lehman Connector Feasibility Study. City
Manager to obtain a report on the proposed improvements to West Dixie
Highway.
2. Hospital/Medical Office District: David Carbone, CEO of Aventura
Hospital and Medical Center, Clifford Schulman, Esq., attorney for the
Hospital, and representatives from Hospital Architect Gresham Smith and
Partners, presented a proposed master plan for the hospital district for the
Commission's consideration in the Comprehensive Plan process, and
suggested a partnership with the City for purpose of creating an
opportunity to redevelop the subject area. Gary Dickens, Ivey, Harris &
Walls, responded to this presentation and addressed questions of the
Commission. Consensus of Commission that the City Manager meet with
hospital representatives to discuss coordination and funding of a feasibility
study relative to a redevelopment district for the hospital area.
3. Founders Day 98 Activities: Community Services Director Robert
Sherman presented the slate of activities proposed for Founders Day and
Founders Park dedication. Consensus of the Commission that staff
review other alternatives concerning the softball game.
4. Huber Tract Purchase: Mr. Soroka updated the Commission on
negotiations for purchase of the Huber tract and recommended that the
City offer a maximum price of $2.4 million. Consensus of Commission
that the City Manager proceed as he recommended.
5. City Clerk Performance Review: Consensus of Commission to increase
the salary of the City Clerk to $60,000, which includes any cost of living
increase to be given to other employees in October 1998 and in the future,
the performance evaluation will be recommended to the Commission by
the City Manager, with the final determination to be made by the
Commission.
6. Leaque of Cities (Commissioner RoRers-Libert): Ms. Rogers-Libert
requested and received Commission's consent to discuss with other
municipalities the NLC Advisory Council Focus on Building Communities.
She then discussed certain issues pertinent to the City as a part of the
1998 Legislative Session. Consensus to schedule a workshop to discuss
legislative priorities with City Lobbyist.
7. Other Business: Other items discussed include: police department;
Commissioner Berger to proceed with discussions with Judge Leonard
regarding her invitation relative to the federal judicial process;
correspondence received relative to traffic at Point East and Biscayne
Boulevard; proposed tri-city library; proposed school site; billboard
acquisition; scheduling of Commission regular meetings and workshop
meetings. Consensus of Commission to schedule one Commission
meeting and two workshop meetings (one in the morning and one in the
afternoon) per month; senior match-up program; police protection for
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center.
The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by the Commission on September 1, 1998.