11-14-2007 Workshop
A~
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MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MEETING
NOVEMBER 14,2007 - 2 P.M.
Aventura Government Center
19200 W. Country Club Drive
Aventura, Florida 33180
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Susan
Gottlieb at 2 p.m. Present were Commissioners Zev Auerbach, Teri Holzberg, Billy
Joel, Michael Stern, Luz Urbaez Weinberg, Vice Mayor Bob Diamond, Mayor Gottlieb,
City Manager Eric M. Soroka, City Clerk Teresa M. Soroka and City Attorney David M.
Wolpin. As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. Items
discussed in the order as follows:
1. LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka introduced Suzette
Alvarez and Julio Castro, Miami-Dade County Library Services, who provided an
update on the status of the proposed project. Ms. Alvarez advised that demolition
should begin within 3 months. No commitments could be given from the County,
however, as to the finalization of the Agreement.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: No action necessary at this time.
The following item was taken out of order:
4. CITY SPONSORHIP FOR FEDERAL GRANT TO ASSIST POINT EAST
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION WITH SEAWALL RESTORATION: (City Attorney)
Mr. Wolpin explained the request by Point East for assistance by the City in
acquiring federal funds for seawall restoration. He noted that should it be the
consensus of the Commission to proceed with such a letter of sponsorship, it would
be legally appropriate and not detrimental to the City. Michael Rodriguez, Esq.,
representing Point East Three and Point East Four Condominiums, addressed the
Commission.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed as requested.
2. PROPERTY TAX REFORM UPDATE: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka discussed a
summary of the legislation recently enacted.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to provide the City Manager's summary
to the public via the website/newsletter.
3. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: (City Manager): Mr. Soroka noted
that the terms of the Board members have expired and requested the Commission's
input as to the appointment/reappointment of members. Commissioner Weinberg
advised that Ms. Hernandez is not seeking reappointment.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to reappointment all members except
Evie Hernandez and in her place appoint Michael Yavner.
5. IRAN DIVESTMENT ADVOCACY: (Commissioner Auerbach) Commissioner
Auerbach discussed this matter and noted that the City participates in the State Pool
that provides automatic participation in the program prohibiting such investments.
However, he suggested the City adopt a resolution for further strengthening of
support of this ban on investments.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus not to proceed.
6. DISCUSSION ON ELECTION DATE: (City Manager) The City Manager noted that
in an effort to conserve funds, the City Clerk contacted the County Elections
Department as to the cost savings of moving city elections to the County's cycle.
Mrs. Soroka noted that it would be a significant savings to hold City elections on the
first Tuesday of November in even years which coincides with the County's cycle.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed with legislation setting forth a
referendum to change the date of the election to the first Tuesday in November of
even numbered years.
7. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission
at this time, after motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting
adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
Approved by the Commission on January 8, 2008.
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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