11-14-2000 Commission Meeting MINUTES
Biscayne Medical Arts Center
CITY COMMISSION MEETING 21t10 Biscayne Boulevard Suite 101
NOVEMBER 14, 2000 6 PM Aventura, Florida 33180
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by
Mayor Arthur I. Snyder. Present were Commissioners Arthur Berger, Ken Cohen, Harry
Holzberg, Jeffrey M. Perlow, Patricia Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Jay R. Beskin, Mayor
Snyder, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka and City Attorneys
Richard Jay Weiss and Nancy Stroud. As a quorum was determined to be present, the
meeting commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Susan Fried led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2001.
3. ZONING HEARINGS - SPECIALLY SET BY COMMISSION FOR 6 P.M.
Ex-parte communications by Commissioners, if any, were disclosed and filed
with the City Clerk in accordance with Ordinance 96-09. All witnesses giving
testimony in these hearings were sworn in by the City Clerk.
Ms. Streud explained the quasi-judicial process for the zoning hearings.
B. (Taken out of order) Ms. Stroud read the following resolution by title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA GRANTING APPROVAL OF A VARIANCE
FROM SECTION 802.3.2 OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS TO ALLOW A SEVEN (7) FOOT DRIVEWAY
SEPARATION BETWEEN DRIVEWAYS OF MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL PARCELS ON COLLECTOR ROADS WHERE A
DRIVEWAY SEPARATION OF 150 FEET IS REQUIRED FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 20185 EAST COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Brenda Kelley, Community Development Director, explained the request of the applicant
and entered the staff report into the record. Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing.
The following individual(s) addressed the Commission: Alan Rosenthal, Esq., 2875 NE
191st Street, representing the applicant; Joseph P. Averill, Esq., 710 City National Bank
Building, 25 West Flagler Street, Miami, representing the Terraces; Olivero Sanchez,
Bermello Ajamil, traffic consultant for the applicant; Bernard Weinstein, 20191 E.
Country Club Drive; Burton Ginsburg, 20191 E. Country Club Drive; Marian Nesbitt,
20185 E. Country Club Drive; Arnold Schwartzberg, 20191 E. Country Club Drive.
There being no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. A motion to defer this
matter to the January meeting to allow the adjacent property owners and the applicant
to meet and review the issues involved in the application process, including meeting
with Staff and City Engineers was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert, seconded by
Commissioner Cohen and unanimously passed.
F. REPORT ON STATUS OF CHABAD HOUSE OF NORTH DADE
PURSUANT TO APPROVAL GRANTED AT THE JUNE 6, 2000
COMMISSION MEETING
Mr. Rosenthal updated the Commission on the status of the subject matter and noted
that the trailers will be removed by December 31, 2000.
A. Ms. Stroud read the following resolution by title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA DENYING A SIGN VARIANCE FOR AVENTURA
COMMONS ASSOCIATES, LTD., LOCATED AT 21005-21265
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, TO PERMIT A MONUMENT SIGN
MEASURING 75 SQUARE FEET IN AREA WHERE A MAXIMUM OF 46
SQUARE FEET IS PERMITTED BY CODE; APPROVING A SIGN
VARIANCE TO PERMIT A PORTION OF A MONUMENT SIGN TO BE
USED TO DISPLAY THE NAME OF A RETAIL TENANT NOT LOCATED
ON THE SAME PARCEL (OFF-PREMISE SIGN); PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Kelley explained the request of the applicant and entered the staff report into the
record. Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. The following individual(s) addressed
the Commission: Ben Fernandez, Bercow & Radell, 200 S. Biscayne Boulevard,
representing the applicant and Jeffrey Berkowitz, applicant. There being no further
speakers, the public hearing was closed. A motion for approval of the resolution was
offered by Commissioner Cohen, and seconded by Commissioner Rogers-Libert. An
amendment was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert and seconded by
Commissioner Perlow to approve a monument sign measuring 75 sq ft. subject to a
covenant proffered that no sign be placed on 213th Street by Target and no sign be
placed on Tract D. The amendment passed 4-3, with Commissioners Berger, Cohen
and Holzberg voting no. The motion for approval, as amended, passed 4-3, with
Commissioners Berger, Cohen and Holzberg voting no and Resolution No. 2000-66
was adopted.
C. Ms. Stroud read the following resolution by title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA GRANTING AN EXTENSION OF A SIGN
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VARIANCE PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 98-68 PASSED AND
ADOPTED AUGUST 4, 1998; TO PERMIT ONE TEMPORARY
SALES/DESIGN CENTER SIGN FOR COSCAN HOMES, KNOWN AS
"THE POINT AT THE WATERWAYS"; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Kelley explained the request of the applicant and entered the staff report into the
record. Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public
hearing was closed. A motion for approval was offered by Vice Mayor Beskin, and
seconded by Commissioner Rogers-Libert. The motion for approval passed
unanimously and Resolution No. 2000-67 was adopted.
D. Ms. Stroud read the following resolution by title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA MODIFYING THE APPROVALS GRANTED
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 98-88 PASSED AND ADOPTED
NOVEMBER 17, 1998; TO DELETE THE PARKING SPACE
VARIANCE; TO GRANT A NEW SETBACK VARIANCE TO PERMIT A 5
FOOT SETBACK AT THE INTERIOR SIDEYARD ABUTTING A
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY, WHERE 15 FEET IS
REQUIRED; TO MODIFY THE LANDSCAPING VARIANCE FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 18851 NE 29 AVENUE, AVENTURA;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Kelley explained the request of the applicant and entered the staff report into the
record. Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. The following individuals addressed
the Commission: Stanley Price, Esq., 2500 1st Union Financial Center, and Tony
Sanchez, of Arquitectonica, 550 Brickell Avenue, representing the applicant. There
being no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. A motion for approval was
offered by Commissioner Berger, and seconded by Commissioner Perlow. An
amendment was offered by Vice Mayor Beskin, seconded by Commissioner Rogers-
Libert and unanimously passed to amend the resolution to provide a condition that the
property owner shall execute an Agreement with the City whereby use of the parking
garage will be available to the general public, after monitoring parking within the parking
garage, as needed on nights and weekends and that such Agreement shall be recorded
no later then 180 days following issuance of the building Certificate of Occupancy. The
motion for approval, as amended, passed unanimously and Resolution No. 2000-68
was adopted.
E. Ms. Stroud read the following resolution by title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA GRANTING APPROVAL OF A VARIANCE
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FROM SECTION 703.4.3(g) OF THE CITY'S LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS TO ALLOW ONE 15-FOOT BUILDING SEPARATION
AND ONE 16-FOOT BUILDING SEPARATION WHERE A MINIMUM
BUILDING SEPARATION OF 30 FEET IS REQUIRED FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 21395 AND 21396 MARINA COVE CIRCLE; PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Kelley explained the request of the applicant and entered the staff report into the
record. Commissioner Rogers-Libert left the room at this time. Mayor Snyder opened
the public hearing. The following individual addressed the Commission: Joseph Kaller,
2417 Hollywood Boulevard, architect for the applicant. There being no further speakers,
the public hearing was closed. A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner
Cohen, and seconded by Commissioner Holzberg. The motion for approval passed
unanimously and Resolution No. 2000-69 was adopted.
Commissioner Rogers-Libert returned to the meeting.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion to approve the minutes of the October 3,
2000 Commission Meeting, October 24, 2000 Commission Meeting, October 24,
2000 Workshop Meeting and November 8, 2000 Workshop Meeting was offered by
Commissioner Rogers-Libert, seconded by Commissioner Perlow and unanimously
passed.
5. AGENDA: REQUESTS FOR DELETIONS/EMERGENCY ADDITIONS: None.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None.
7. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Berger requested removal of item 7E and
Commissioner Perlow requested removal of item 7F from the Consent Agenda. A
motion to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda was offered by
Commissioner Rogers-Libert, seconded by Commissioner Perlow, unanimously
approved and the following action was taken:
A. Resolution No. 2000-70 was adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE ATTACHED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BY AND
BETVVEEN CO-PERMITTEES IN NPDES PERMIT NO. FLS000003
PROVIDING FOR CONTROL OF POLLUTANT DISCHARGES
BETWEEN SEPARATE MUNICIPAL STORM SEWER SYSTEMS;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS
NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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B. The following motion was approved:
MOTION TO APPOINT THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE ON
THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1,
2000: COMMISSIONER HARRY HOLZBERG, BURTON YOUNG, ESQ.,
LEONARD BRENNER, MICHAEL ABRAMS, AND GINGER
GROSSMAN
C. Resolution No. 2000-71 was adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY LISTED
UNDER THE ASSETS OF THE CITY AS SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF
THE CITY; DESCRIBING THE MANNER OF DISPOSAL; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY
OUT THE AIMS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
D. Resolution No. 2000-72 was adopted as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE ATTACHED WORK AUTHORIZATION NO. 15414.72
FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE NE 30TM AVENUE
STORM WATER AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT BY
AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVENTURA AND KEITH AND
SCHNARS, P.A.; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda and addressed
separately:
E. Mr. Weiss read the following motion:
MOTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF UP TO $14,200
FOR FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND CRIME PREVENTION
PROGRAMS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM THE POLICE
FORFEITURE FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH CITY MANAGER'S
MEMORANDUM.
A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert,
seconded by Commissioner Holzberg and unanimously passed.
F. Mr. Weiss read the following resolution by title:
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THAT
CERTAIN LAWSUIT ENTITLED "RUTH PRESENT, TRUSTEE AND
MARION MUTCHNIK VS. SNYDER, ET AL, CASE NO. 99-3084-CIV-
SEITZ" AND RELATED CLAIM UNDER SECTION 70.001, FLORIDA
STATUTES, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $650,000;
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
AS PART OF THE SETTLEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATE
CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS AND TAKE ALL
ACTION NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE SETTLEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Soroka provided a revised resolution to the Commission. A motion for
approval was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert and seconded by
Commissioner Cohen. An amendment to include general releases for all
parties to the lawsuit was offered by Commissioner Berger, seconded by
Commissioner Rogers-Libert and unanimously passed. An amendment
was offered by Vice Mayor Beskin, seconded by Commissioner Rogers-
Libert and unanimously passed to strike the last sentence of section 2. An
amendment was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert, seconded by
Commissioner Holzberg and unanimously passed to provide in Section 1
(D) the wording "a Warranty Deed from Marian Mutchnik and a Trustee's
Deed from Ruth Present, Trustee." The motion for approval, as amended,
passed unanimously and Resolution No. 2000-73 was adopted.
8. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCES - FIRST READING:
A. Mr. Weiss read the following ordinance by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AMENDING
THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA BY CREATING
SECTION 48-20 "PROHIBITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY VENDORS AND
SOLICITORS ON CERTAIN ROADS" OF ARTICLE II "USE OF RIGHT-
OF-WAY; PARKING; OTHER REGULATIONS" OF CHAPTER 48
"VEHICLES; USE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY; PARKING; AND OTHER
REGULATIONS;" PROHIBITING RIGHT-OF-WAY VENDORS AND
SOLICITORS ON CERTAIN STREETS IN THE CITY; CREATING A
DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "RIGHT-OF-WAY VENDOR AND
SOLICITOR;" PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Perlow and seconded
by Commissioner Rogers-Libert. Mayor Snyder opened the public
hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The
motion for approval passed 6-1, by roll call vote, with Vice Mayor Beskin
voting no.
B. Mr. Weiss read the following ordinance by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR EXCHANGE OF PARCELS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF AVENTURA AND CONCORDE CENTRE II
ASSOCIATES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FINALIZE
AND EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert and
seconded by Commissioner Berger. Mayor Snyder opened the public
hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The
motion for approval passed unanimously by roll call vote.
10. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCES - SECOND READING: Mr. Weiss read the
following ordinance by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $6,750,000 IN AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY TO FINANCE THE
ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC PARKS,
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY CENTERS AND THE ACQUISITION,
CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING AND INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS
RELATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TO PAY COSTS AND
EXPENSES OF ISSUING SUCH OBLIGATIONS; PROVIDING FOR A
COVENANT TO BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE LEGALLY AVAILABLE NON-
AD VALOREM FUNDS EACH YEAR TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF,
REDEMPTION PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON THE OBLIGATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF SUCH OBLIGATIONS;
PROVIDING SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert and seconded
by Commissioner Cohen. Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. There being
no speakers, the public hearing was closed. The motion for approval passed
unanimously by roll call vote and Ordinance No. 2000-27 was enacted.
11. RESOLUTIONS: Mr. Weiss read the following resolution by title:
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA
ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. TO PROVIDE
THE CITY WITH A LOAN IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
$6,555,000 TO FUND THE COSTS OF VARIOUS CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS
AND IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY CENTERS WITHIN THE CITY; APPROVING THE FORM OF,
AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF, A LOAN
AGREEMENT INCLUDING A REVENUE NOTE ATTACHED THERETO WITH
SAID BANK IN ORDER TO EVIDENCE SAID LOAN; AUTHORIZING THE
REPAYMENT OF THE NOTE UNDER THE LOAN AGREEMENT ONLY FROM
NON-AD VALOREM FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR SUCH PURPOSE;
DELEGATING CERTAIN AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY
CLERK; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF OTHER
DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion for approval was offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert and seconded
by Commissioner Perlow. Harry Kilgore, Director of Finance Support Services,
advised the Commission that the interest rate will be 5.04%. An amendment was
offered by Commissioner Rogers-Libert, seconded by Vice Mayor Beskin and
unanimously passed to amend the resolution to include the interest rate of
5.04%. The motion for approval, as amended, unanimously passed and
Resolution No. 2000-74 was adopted.
12.OTHER BUSINESS: None.
13.PUBLIC COMMENTS: Art Grossman, Country Club Drive.
14. REPORTS: As presented.
15. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission
at this time, after motion made, seconded and unanimously passed/~!he meeting
adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
,//
Ter(J&a M. So[oka, ~MCt C~ty Clerk
Approved by the Commission on January 2, 2001.
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 is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be
based,
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