01-19-1999 Commission Workshop MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1999 9:00 A.M.
Aventura Government Center
2999 NE 191~ Street Suite 500
Aventura, Florida
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder. Present were
Commissioners Arthur Berger, Jay R. Beskin, Ken Cohen, Jeffrey M. Perlow, Patricia
Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Harry Holzberg, Mayor Snyder, City Manager Edc 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. Point East Shoppinq Center Entrance: Rory Santana, District Traffic
Operations Engineer and Gus Pego, Director of Operations of the Florida
Department of Transportation, addressed the Commission regarding their report
relative to traffic operations at Biscayne Blvd./Point East Plaza Shopping Center.
Michael Snyder, Esq., representing the Shopping Center, also addressed the
Commission. It was the recommendation of Commissioner Rogers-Libert,
supported by Vice Mayor Hoizberg, that the City file legal action against FDOT
relative to this issue. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission
that the City Manager determine and advise the Commission as to the costs of a
traffic engineering study, provide traffic accident statistics and determine the
costs involved in opening this median. The City Attorney to provide a legal
opinion as to the feasibility of filing legal action against FDOT. City Manager to
meet with Jose Abreu in furtherance on this issue.
2. Aventura Blvd. Entrance Features: Landscape Architect William O'Leary
presented several designs for an entrance feature at Aventura Bird/Biscayne
Blvd. Consensus that selection of design be placed on next Commission agenda
and that a reduced landscaping plan for the south side of the Boulevard be
implemented that would provide for expansion in the future. Entrance feature
(signage) to be added at a later date to provide for conformance with other
signage to be placed in the City.
8. Recreation and Cultural Arts Board (Commissioner Rogers-L/bert): (Taken
out of order) Commissioner Rogers-L/bert requested that the role of this Board
be clarified and that the issue of a separate budget be discussed. Don Gust/n,
Vice Chairman, and Lenore Toby Simmons, members of the Recreation and
Cultural Arts Advisory Board addressed the Commission. The members present
were reminded that this Board's function is advisory to the Commission and wore
encouraged to present the Board's recommendations for recreation/cultural
activities and programs to the Commission who would then discuss the feasibility
thereof and consider for implementation.
3. Thunderboat Alley Zonin.q Issues/Community Redevelopment District
Study: Mr. Soroka provided a summary as to possible ways in which to address
the issue of property improvements in the Thunder Alley area including code
compliance sweep; enforcement of regulations in the City's proposed Land
Development Regulations; adoption of an ordinance providing specific
guidelines, amortization periods and fines relative to property maintenance; and
development of a Special Assessment District. Consensus to proceed with
preparation of ordinance as recommended. Regarding redevelopment distdct
study, City Manager to discuss with representatives of the Hospital as to their
present position and to proceed with study as to Thunderboat Alley area.
4. Founders Park Improvements: Mr. Soroka provided cost estimates for
additional equipment/improvements at Founders Park including construction of a
second identification sign; shade structure for tot lot equipment; additional swing
set and construction of a gazebo/band shell for the south portion. Consensus of
Commission not to proceed until determination is made as to the possibility of
funding by the State Legislature.
5. TH-City Library Update: Mr. Soroka provided an update as to the status of this
matter, noting that Sunny Isles Beach has not yet committed their participation in
the project. Action required from Miami-Dade County Commission includes
acceptance of terms of agreement, modification of library taxing district boundary
for tax purposes, and execution of interlocat agreements transferring functions to
the municipalities.
6. Biscayne Boulvard Si.qnaqe (Commissioner Rogers-L/bert): Commissioner
Rogers-L/bert suggested that staff research the issue of conforming the overhead
signage installed by FDOT on Biscayne Boulevard to the City's signage.
7. Additional Fundin,q for Traffic Police (Mayor Snyder): Mayor Snyder
suggested that additional police officers be stationed at Ives Dairy/Biscayne Blvd.
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during the flyover construction project and that funds be allocated therefor.
Commissioner Rogers-Libert suggested that traffic patrol be increased at other
intersections as well including Loehmann's/Biscayne Blvd., Yacht Club/Country
Club Drive and other internal intersections. City Manager and staff to provide a
proposed plan, including a budget amendment to provide for funding thereof, to
be placed on next Commission agenda.
9. Other Business: None.
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m. ,~.} [?/~ ~ ~,~
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by the Commission on February 2, 1999.
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 if made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be
based.
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