09-20-16MINMiami Shores Village
Office of the Village Clerk
10050 N.E.2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, Florida 33138
Barbara Estep, MMC
Village Clerk
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
BUDGET HEARING – FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017
The Miami Shores Village Council held their second and final Public Hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year
2016-2017 millage levies and budgets on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The Meeting was held at the Village
Hall and was called to order at 6:30 PM with the following members present:
PRESENT: Alice Burch
Steven Zelkowitz
MacAdam Glinn
Herta Holly
Ivonne Ledesma
ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager
Barbara Estep, Village Clerk
Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, MIAMI SHORES
VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FINAL LEVYING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR MIAMI
SHORES VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Estep read the proposed Resolution into the record. Councilwoman Holly moved approval of the
Resolution as presented. Vice Mayor Zelkowitz seconded the motion. Mayor Burch opened the Public
Hearing and seeing no one come forward to speak, closed the Public Hearing. Councilwoman Ledesma
reviewed the process undertaken by the Council along with the Administration as well as input from the
residents. The resulting vote on the motion was unanimous in favor of the motion.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE,
FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Estep read the proposed Resolutions into the record. Vice Mayor Zelkowitz moved approval of the
proposed Resolution adopting the 2017 final budgets. Councilwoman Ledesma seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Holly spoke of her opposition to the proposed water fountains to be in Bayfront Park and her
intention to vote against the budget if the fountains remain in the capital budget. Council discussion
regarding the proposed fountains ensued, centering on the reasons behind Councilwoman Holly’s objection.
Mayor Burch opened the floor for the Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget Resolution.
Residents Patrice Gillespie-Smith, Darren Patts, Fredrick Kaufman, Victor Bruce and Cheryl Piper spoke in
support of adding funding to the budget for a downtown “MainStreet” coordinator position and program.
Resident Mary Benton spoke of the need for a master plan for the Village’s parks before park expenditures,
such as the proposed water fountains, are made.
Mayor Burch closed the Public Hearing and following brief remarks by the Mayor and Councilman Glinn, the
vote was called which was 4 to 1 in favor of the motion to approve the Resolution. Councilwoman Holly
voted against the motion.
ADJOURNMENT
The September 20, 2016 Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 tax levies and budgets was adjourned
at 6:55 PM.
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Village Council began at 6:54 PM, immediately following the
conclusion of the Budget Hearing, with all members of the Council present.
CONSIDERATIONS
1) VILLAGE CLERK Barbara A. Estep
A) APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 BUDGET HEARING AND COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES.
Councilwoman Holly moved approval of the September 6, 2016 Minutes as submitted. Councilman Glinn
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
B) AWARD OF BID FOR VILLAGE NEWSLETTER DESIGN SUPPORT, PUBLICATION,
PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES TO COMMERCIAL PRINTERS INC.
Ms. Estep explained that in an effort to reduce the costs of the Newsletter production and printing, the Village
had solicited bids to assist in the design, publish, print and mail the monthly publication. Vice Mayor
Zelkowitz moved to award the bid as presented by Staff. Councilwoman Holly seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
C) AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, AMENDING DIVISION
17 LANDSCAPING, SECTION 536 DESIGN STANDARDS, SECTION 537
MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND SECTION 538 LANDSCAPING DESCRIPTIONS
AND DEFINITIONS; OF ZONING APPENDIX A, OF THE VILLAGE’S CODE OF
ORDINANCES BY REPEALING THE CONTENTS OF DIVISION 17 IN ITS ENTIRETY
AND ADOPTING ANEW DIVISION 17 LANDSCAPING, SECTION 537 MAINTENANCE
STANDARDS AND SECTION 538 LANDSCAPING DESCRIPTIONS AND DEFINITIONS;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLCITS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (2nd & Final
Reading)
Ms. Estep read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Councilman Glinn moved approval of the
ordinance on 2nd reading. Vice Mayor Zelkowitz seconded the motion. Ms. Estep advised that subsequent to
discussion with Mr. Sarafan and Mr. Dacquisto, scrivener’s corrections had been made to the text, corrected
copies of which were available at the Clerk’s desk in the Chambers. Mr. Dacquisto clarified sections of the
code for Council Members, specifically the boat storage areas and the provision calling for yards to be kept
“free of weeds”. Council Members suggested a number of additional amendments be made to the text and
Ms. Estep confirmed that consensus was reached relating to each suggested text amendment, which consisted
of the following:
- Adding the word “shrubs” to Sec. 536 (1)(a).
- Adding the phrase “ or decorative landscaping stone” to Sec. 536 (4) following the words
Use of mulch . . . . and prior to “as ground cover” . . .
- Deleting the provision set forth in Sec. 537 (5) in its entirety and renumbering subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
- Amending the text in Sec. 537 (6) as follows: All yards must be kept free of weeds with a
healthy appearance and must be maintained to limit ponding of water, and the total of all non-
growth areas must not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the front yard nor twenty-five (25)
percent of the combined area of the side and rear yards.
- Adding the definition of Decorative Landscaping Stone to mirror the information contained
in Sec. 536 (1)(a)(1) and (1)(a)(2).
Mayor Burch opened the Public Hearing. Resident Gwen Burzycki indicated that she was generally
supportive of the proposed ordinance and was glad to hear that the provision “including but not limited to”
was included in Sec. 536 (1)(a). Resident Bob Swan expressed his concern regarding the amendments,
believing that repealing the current code provisions would jeopardize the appearance of Shore’s properties.
Mayor Burch closed the Public Hearing. Councilman Glinn moved adoption of the Ordinance as amended on
the floor. Councilwoman Ledesma seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
D) AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, AMENDING SECTION
518 “FENCES, WALLS & HEDGES” CONTAINED IN THE ZONING APPENDIX OF THE
VILLAGE’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING THE CONTENTS OF THE
SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 518 “FENCES, WALLS
& HEDGES”, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (2nd & Final Reading)
Ms. Estep read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Vice Mayor Zelkowitz moved adoption of the
ordinance. Councilwoman Holly seconded the motion. Mayor Burch opened the Public Hearing. Resident
Bob Swan expressed concern regarding the proposed hedge height amendment as it relates to crime
prevention. Resident Giselle Kovacs spoke in favor of the amendment, citing an instance when the shorter
hedge height would not have been an advantage in capturing a criminal. Mayor Burch closed the Public
Hearing and called for the vote on the motion which was unanimous in favor of the motion.
2) FINANCE DEPARTMENT Holly Hugdahl
A) PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2015 COMPREHENSIVE
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2015.
Mr. Andrew Fierman with the auditing firm of Alberni, Caballero & Company provided highlights from the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ending September 30, 2015, stating that the
Village is in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. Following the report, Vice Mayor
Zelkowitz moved to accept the 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Councilwoman Holly
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
3) VILLAGE MANAGER Tom Benton
A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RMA’S PROPOSAL TO
CONDUCT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
FOR A FEE OF $22,800.00.
Mr. Benton provided information regarding RMA’s proposal and introduced Mr. Kevin Crowder from the
firm to speak to the Council and answer any questions they may have. Mr. Crowder reviewed the key issues
involved in a P3 and the components that would be included in RMA’s analysis. Mr. Crowder responded to
questions posed by the Council with respect to RMA’s experience with P3s and timing of the analysis.
Councilwoman Ledesma moved to approve the proposal as submitted. Councilman Glinn seconded the
motion. Mayor Burch opened the floor for public comment. Resident Gwen Burzycki asked about the
process and the ability for public input to ensure that the result of the P3 is something the public is interested
in. Mayor Burch closed public comment and called for the vote which was unanimous in favor of the motion.
B) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING COSTS ASSOCIATED
WITH A DOG PARK.
Mr. Benton reviewed the background and status of the dog park project, including discussions and meetings
with resident Steve Shulman, a member of the community’s dog park committee. Mr. Benton reported the
committee’s concerns regarding road noise from Biscayne Boulevard and their request for a sound barrier.
Mr. Benton provided the Council with the option of a landscaped barrier which would add approximately
$5,000 to the project cost. If a fabricated barrier were to be selected, the cost would increase by
approximately $70,000 and design engineering required which would delay the start of park renovations.
Council Members spoke of the project; its costs, location issues and parking spots. Following the Council
discussions, Councilman Glinn moved to approve moving forward with building and establishing the dog
park at the aquatic center facility for a cost not to exceed $190,000, and to include a landscape hedge barrier.
Vice Mayor Zelkowitz seconded the motion. Mayor Burch opened the floor for public comment.
John Sasco Mr. Sasco applauded the efforts and progress made in establishing the dog park but is
disappointed with the location. Asked about hours of operation.
Bob Swan Mr. Swan expressed his concern with spending $200,000 on a dog park where there are
other needs, questioning the number of dog owners who will use the park and stating that the park will not
end up to be just a Shores dog park, regardless of the entry system instituted.
Gwen Burzycki Ms. Burzycki stated that the location is better than not having a park at all but believes the
park’s size will be a constraint.
Miryam Rojas Ms. Rojas spoke of location not being optimal and the cost of the proposed fencing.
Walter Michot Mr. Michot suggested that the cost is too high and suggested the item be tabled until further
input is received, suggested perhaps renting space from Barry for better space.
Steve Shulman Mr. Shulman expressed his appreciation to everyone who has worked to make the dog park a
reality, indicating it is time to move forward.
Sylvia Peraza Ms. Peraza applauded everyone’s work on the project and indicated that lots of residents had
expressed their desire for the dog park.
Giselle Kovacs Ms. Kovacs commended everyone for their hard work, indicating that she would like to have
a great dog park and her concern that due to the location, the park will not be a great dog park. Believe that
the Village should take another look at the proposed location.
Dennis Leyva Mr. Leyva stated that the location is not a good spot but suggested that the Village move
forward and if people use the park – then great!
Nancy Cigno Ms. Cigno indicated that the location doesn’t work and it’s the wrong place for a dog park.
Noel Torres Mr. Torres thanked people for their hard work and stated his belief that some things should
be revisited regarding the park and its location.
Mayor Burch closed public comment. A brief discussion amongst the Council Members ensued and
Councilman Glinn amended his motion to increase the maximum cost to $200,000. Vice Mayor Zelkowitz
accepted the amendment and the vote on the motion was unanimous in favor of the motion. The projected
timeline for the project is approximately four months.
C) REQUEST COUNCIL APPROVAL OF SELECTION COMMITTEE’S RANKINGS
REGARDING THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY CENTER SCHEMATIC DESIGN.
Vice Mayor Zelkowitz moved to approve the Selection Committee’s rankings of firms for the proposed
Community Center schematic design project. Councilwoman Holly seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous in favor of the motion.
4) VILLAGE COUNCIL
A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGING THE DATE FOR THE
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING IN OCTOBER. Mac Glinn
Councilman Glinn moved to change the meeting date of the next scheduled Council meeting due to the Rosh
Hashana holiday ending on the evening of Tuesday, October 4th from October 4th to Wednesday, October 5th.
Vice Mayor Zelkowitz seconded the motion. A brief discussion regarding whether the meeting should be
cancelled versus scheduled for October 5th ensued. As the time approaches, Ms. Estep will advise whether
there are items scheduled for consideration. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
5) ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Estep read the announcements.
6) PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 Minute Time Limit Per Speaker)
None.
7) COUNCIL COMMENTS
Herta Holly Councilwoman Holly congratulated the staff on the completion of the audit.
Steven Zelkowitz Vice Mayor Zelkowitz thanked his colleagues and the many residents with moving
initiatives forward. Wished the Jewish residents Happy New Year.
MacAdam Glinn Councilman Glinn thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and echoed the
Vice Mayor’s Happy New Year wishes to the Jewish residents.
Ivonne Ledesma Councilwoman Ledesma wished a Happy New Year to the Jewish residents and
thanked those that attended the meeting.
Alice Burch Mayor Burch spoke of the 20th annual Walk/Bike to School event on October 5th.
8) ADJOURNMENT
The Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM.
_________________________
__________________________ Alice Burch, Mayor
Barbara A. Estep, MMC
Village Clerk