12-02-1996 Council Workshop COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 1996 9 A.M.
AVENTURA GOVERNMENT CENTER
2999 NE 191sT STREET SUITE 500
AVENTURA, FLORIDA
The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Arthur Berger at 9 a.m. Present were
Councilmembers Jay R. Beskin, Ken Cohen, Harry Holzberg, Jeffrey M. Pedow, Patricia
Rogers-Libert, Vice Mayor Arthur Berger, City Manager Eric M. Somka, City Attorney
David Wolpin and City Clerk Teresa M. Smith. Mayor Snyder was absent due to illness.
The following items were discussed:
1. Proposed Legislative Program & Priorities for 1997. Mr. Soreka provided
Council with proposed Legislative Programs and Priorities for 1997. Council
concurred with the program with an amendment to include item #201.4 of the Florida
League of Cities' program requesting legislation granting cities and counties the
authority to legally challenge under-assessments of properties within their respective
jurisdictions. It was further the consensus of Council not to pursue funding/grants
for design and construction of multi-purpose bus terminal and study of use of FEC
railroad for railbus service.
2. Proposed Newsrack Regulation Ordinance. Gerald Budney, Esq., counsel for
the Miami Herald in attendance. Concern was expressed regarding safety and the
placement of newsracks. Concensus of Council to defer second reading of this
Ordinance to December 17, 1996 with additional amendments to be made thereto.
3. Planning Board Legislation. Council discussed amending the proposed ordinance
to provide that each official action of this Board would require at least 4 votes of its
members, amend Section 4.A.1. and 4.A.2 to insert "provide recommendations" in
place of "To assist in the preparation" and "To assist in the creation." Consensus to
proceed with second reading on Dec/ember 17, 1996. Appointments to be made no
later than the first meeting in February 1997.
4. Proposed City Charter Amendments. In order to clarify certain provisions in the
City Charter, proposed amendments were discussed, including, but not limited to
eliminating the provision for run-off elections, elections to be held in November,
clarification in the qualifications of candidates for office (to be done by Ordinance),
clarification in the provision for vacancies, forfeiture of office and filling of vacancies,
discussion as to term limits deferred. City Attorney requested to research length of
campaigns and limiting funds spent on campaigns.
5. Recognition of Incorporation Committee. Consensus of Council to recognize
these individuals and the Charter Commission at the first meeting in February 1997.
6. International Sister Cities Program. Deferred by City Manager.
7. Other Business/Reports/Council Meeting Agenda Questions. Discussion
included land acquisition, government center, police station. City Manager directed
to obtain a needs assessment for City facilities. Further discussion included code
enforcement; ethics legislation, formation of a Chamber of Commerce;
establishment of architectural standards; participation by the Marketing Council in
the Arts festival; legislation requiring dog owners to clean up waste and leash
requirements; and the Library.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Approved by Council on December 17, 1996.