12-17-1996BEAUTIFICATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 17, 1996 -9 A.M.
AVENTURA GOVERNMENT CENTER
2999 NE 191sT STREET SUITE 500
AVENTURA, FLORIDA
1. Call To Order. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Diamond at 9 a.m.
Present were members Bob Diamond, Richard Brooks, Dr. Henry Diamond, Fanny
Fraynd-Singer, Janice Albin, Ruby Steiner, Patricia Robinson, Vice Mayor Arthur
Berger, City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Smith and Community
Services Director Robert M. Sherman.
2. Approval of Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the November 27, 1996
meeting was made by Mr. Steiner, seconded by Ms. Robinson, and unanimously
passed.
Chairman's Report. Mr. Diamond suggested that the Board consider the
placement of sculptures in City parks. The Board discussed the possibility of forming
a not-for-profit foundation to assist in funding such a project. It was the consensus
of the Board to form a sub-committee consisting of three members of the
Beautification Advisory Board and three members of the Recreation and Cultural
Arts Advisory Board to pursue this project further. The Board selected Chairman
Diamond, Dr. Diamond and Ms. Singer to serve on this sub-committee. Ms.
Robinson expressed her interest in pursuing further the formation of a foundation for
funding of this project.
4. Staff Report. Mr. Sherman's report included an update as to the holiday lighting
and Council's approval of the landscape plan. In addition, he advised the Board that
one of the objectives for 1997 was to pursue a Tree City certification for the City of
Aventura. Mr. Sherman then introduced Public Works Superintendent Alan Levine
to the Board.
Mr. Soroka advised the Board that Staff has met with representatives of the Florida
East Coast Railroad to discuss landscaping of the railroad tracks in the southern
end of the City.
Mr. Soroka also provided the Board with an update as to billboards in the City,
noting Council's desire for their elimination and the progress thus far. Ms. Singer
suggested that the Board recommend regulations as to the aesthetics of the
billboards, in the event they cannot be eliminated.
Discussion ensued as to the preposed Flyover to be constructed by the Florida
Department of Transportation, its impact on the City and the Board's role in the
beautification of the Flyover. The Board requested the City Manager to obtain a
drawing or mock-up of the Flyover for further discussion at a future meeting.
Other Business. It was the consensus of the Board to request that the City
Attorney attend the next Board meeting to explain the Form 1 Financial Statement.
Mr. Soroka clarified Board members' questions as to the Sunshine Law. Mr.
Sherman announced that the next meeting of the Board is scheduled for January
21, 1997 at 9 a.m.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Teresa M. Smith, CMC, City Clerk
Appreved on January 21, 1997.
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