11-18-1996 Council Workshop COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 1996 - 9 A.M.
AVENTURA GOVERNMENT CENTER
2999 NE 191sT STREET SUITE 500
AVENTURA, FLORIDA
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arthur I. Snyder at 9 a.m. Present were
Councilmembers, Jay R. Beskin, Ken Cohen, Harry Holzberg, Jeffrey M. Perlow,
Patricia Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Arthur Berger, Mayor Arthur I. Snyder, City Manager
Eric M. Soroka, City Attorney Richard Jay Weiss and City Clerk Teresa M. Smith. The
following items were discussed:
1. Request of Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, Inc. Mary Summerville,
Director of the Miami Dade Public Library System, spoke relative to a request to the
City for a donation for the Northeast Dade branch of the Library. Consensus of
Council to provide an in-kind grant, through an Interlocal Agreement with Dade
County, for landscaping, maintenance and signs. City Manager directed to proceed
and bring back to Council for approval.
2. Review of $10,000,000 Bank Loan/Line of Credit. John Stokes, representative of
Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., explained the process to authorize the issuance of
$10,000,000 debt obligation. Michael Abrams, representative of City's financial
advisor in attendance. Council accepted feasibility report from City Manager and
Director of Finance Support Services regarding availability of revenue to support
debt payments. Consensus to proceed.
3. Review of Median Landscape Concepts. Presentation by City Landscape
Architect William O'Leary. Plans include landscape, lighting and sign
improvements. Consensus of Council to proceed with plans for landscaping of
Aventura Boulevard, medians at north entrance to the City, expedite plans for
landscaping around railroad tracks in the south end of the City and discuss with
adjacent property owners possible contribution for landscaping on 190th Street. As
part of a 5-year plan, include Williams Island Boulevard and 213th Street.
4. Hanging Flower Baskets. Proposal not recommended by City's Landscape
Architect.
5. Solid Waste Survey. City Manager provided results of survey. Consensus of
Council not to take action at this time. This matter to be addressed in the summer of
1997 prior to termination of the solid waste franchise fee ordinance.
6. Comprehensive Plan/Economic Development. City Manager provided a
recommendation for process to prepare Comprehensive Plan which was accepted
and agreed to by Council. As a part of this process, discussion ensued as to the
possibility of restructuring the Planning and Zoning Board prior to second reading of
the ordinance establishing the Board. No action taken.
7. Recreation/Cultural Programs Update. Robert Sherman, Community Services
Director provided an update on future activities. Discussion as to planning and
scheduling of future City activities, in coordination with various condominium
associations. Consensus that Council approval be given to any future activities
prior to in-depth staff or individual Councilmember involvement.
Government Structure & Boards/Committees. City Manager prepared and
presented to Council organization chart and review of local government structure,
including duties of Councilmember, relationship of City Council to City Boards, and
Advisory Committee guidelines. Charter review, powers of Mayor and term of Vice
Mayor were discussed. Council to submit suggested Charter revisions to City
Manager by November 27, 1996 for his review and that of the City Attorney and
addressed at the next earliest workshop when all Councilmembers in attendance.
9. Biscayne Boulevard Petition (Vice Mayor Berger). Vice Mayor Berger presented
petitions by residents regarding safety on Biscayne Boulevard. City Manager to
direct concerns to Florida Department of Transportation.
10. Other BusinesslReportslProclamationslCorrespondence. City Attorney
reported on his research to date relative to eminent domain. Directed to proceed
further. Proclamation requests deferred to Council meeting of November 19, 1996.
Councilmember Cohen requested a Resolution be prepared relative to the
Telecommunications Act.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by Council on December 3, 1996.
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