01-17-08 Workshop
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MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
MEETING
JANUARY 17, 2008 - 9 A.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 9 a.m. Present were Commissioners lev 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. LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM AND PRIORITIES: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka
discussed the proposed document for the next legislative session.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to place on February agenda for
approval.
2. LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT EQUITY STUDY: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka
discussed the recent legislation passed permitting local governments to reclassify
and restructure the rates of Local Business Tax Receipts and the need for an Equity
Study Commission which would be comprised of representatives of the City's
business community working with City administration.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to proceed with study and appoint the
following individuals if each is willing to serve: Tom Oliveri, Northern Trust Bank;
Jeff Levinson, Mellon Bank; Elaine Adler, Aventura Marketing Council; Alan
Rosenthal, Esq.; Robert Sheir, 0.0.; Alan Lipps, CPA; and Fernando Levi-Hara, G &
D Developers.
3. 2008 MEETING SCHEDULE: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka discussed the schedule of
CommissionlWorkshop Meetings for 2008.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to approve.
4. CITY SPONSORSHIP FOR FEDERAL GRANT TO ASSIST POINT EAST
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION WITH SEAWALL RESTORATION: (City Attorney):
Mr. Wolpin provided an update on discussions with Point East and the Federal
Government regarding this matter and recommended the City not serve as a
sponsor. Michael Rodriguez, Esq., Greenspoon Marder, representing Point East
Condominium Associations III and IV addressed the Commission.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Consensus to accept Mr. Wolpin's recommendation
and not proceed further.
5. ANNEXATION UPDATE: (City Manager) Mr. Soroka provided an update on this
study, which he anticipates to be completed by the end of February. Gloria Romero
Roses, President of Sky Lake/Highland Lakes Association, addressed the
Commission.
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: No action necessary at this time.
6. KEY TO THE CITY REQUEST: (Vice Mayor Diamond)
CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: Item withdrawn from agenda.
Commissioner Auerbach requested discussion be added to this agenda relative to
the charter amendment concerning change in city election date. He drafted an
informatory statement for consideration by the Commission to be presented to the
residents. Consensus to proceed with letter, with minor changes as to legal
sufficiency as recommended by the City Attorney, and provide copy of County's
request to the media.
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 10:20 a.m.
Approved by the Commission on February 5, 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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