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06-15-1965 Regular Meeting REGULAR MEETING MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL June 15, 1965 A regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held at 4:00 o'clock P. M. , June 15, 1965, at the Village Hall, with the following Councilmen present: Mayor Dean R. Claussen Richard M. Lund Ray L. .Clement Elwood Jones James A. Dixon, Jr. (arrived late) Absent: None Mr. Thomas H. Anderson, Village Attorney, was also present. The meeting was opened by Mayor Claussen and the invocation given by Rev. Ben Varner of the Advent Lutheran Church. Minutes of the last meeting were approved as written by motion made by Mr. Clement, seconded by Mr. Jones and passed unanimously. The seventeenth annual report of the Library Board was presented by Mrs. Gerald E. Shingledecker, member of the Board. On behalf of the Village, Mayor Claussen expressed appreciation to the Board and the Library staff for the excellent service they are rendering. A recommendation was made by the Library Board for the appoint- ment of Mrs. Robert Lafferty, Sr. , to fill the vacancy caused by the expira- tion of Mrs. Meador's term. Upon motion made by Mr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Clement, Mrs. Lafferty was unanimously appointed to the Library Board for a five-year term. A group of citizens appeared at this meeting to protest the proposed 6/15/65 1® -2- location of the cultural center on the Village property facing N. E. 2nd Ave. between 93rd and 94th Streets. Mayor Claussen announced to those who wished to discuss this proposed plan that the Council would hold an evening meeting for this purpose at the Country Club in the near future; that the meeting will be generally advertised and everyone notified. Planning Board minutes - At the Planning Board meeting of June 10th a recommendation was made to the Council that 50 ft. of the center parkway on 96th Street be re-installed and beautified. The Village Manager reported that he had surveyed the work that had been done in relation to the exit on the east side of the parking lot and felt that ten feet of the parkway could be re-claimed, although this did not appear to make any difference to the area. The Council agreed to leave the paving as originally planned and not try to re-install ten feet of the parkway. Mr. Lund stated he felt the Council should use the Planning Board for recommendations in these matters. Mr. Dixon felt that perhaps this should have been referred to the Planning Board but that the Council should not adopt any hard and fast rule that all proposed plans of this sort must be presented to them. Mr. Dixon then moved that the Village Manager be instructed to write the Planning Board and advise them of the Council's feeling in this matter. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and passed unanimously. Mr. Lund also thought we should have a beautification program for the Village, with a committee of citizens who might make recommendations for beautification. Mr. Lund added that he would like to see a report from the Village Manager on the beautification program for consideration in the next budget. -3- 6/15/65 Also at the last Planning Board meeting two free-standing pole signs , one roof sign and one sign on the fascia of the building were approved for the Humble Oil Co. , 9020 Biscayne Blvd. After a review of these signs Mr. Clement moved that the Council uphold the action of the Planning Board. Motion was seconded by Mr. Dixon and passed 4/1 with Mr. Lund dissecting as he felt we should get some sort of regulations or an ordinance to try to limit the size and number of signs of this type. Official appointments - terms expiring July 31, 1965 Mr. Jones moved that the same three members of the Planning Board be re-appointed for a two-year term. Motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Lund moved that Mr. Hoefle be appointed for another term. Motion was seconded by Mr. Clement and passed unanimously. Mr. Clement moved that Mr. Mac Moore be appointed to the Zoning Board. Motion was seconded by Mr. Lund but failed to carry on a 2/2 vote with Mr. Dixon abstaining from voting. Mr. Dixon moved that Mr. Arnold be re-appointed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and passed unanimously. Mr. Clement again moved that Mr. Mac Moore be appointed to the Planning Board. Motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Jones moved that Mr. Harris be re-appointed for another two years. Motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Jones moved that the Council hold the remaining vacancy on the Planning Board until the next meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Clement and passed unanimously. Regarding Village Judges - Mr. Dixon moved that the three judges, 6/15/65 -4- W. L. Blackwell, Jr. , William F. Parker and Lee M. Worley, be re-appointed for one year. Motion was seconded by Mr. Lund and passed unanimously. Appointments to the Pension Board - Mr. Lund moved that these appointments be postponed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and passed unanimously. Appointments of Village Attorney, Village Manager, Village Clerk and Chief of Police and Fire - Mr. Clement moved that these be re-appointed for a 2-year period. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. Mr. Lund wanted it noted that although the customary appointment is for two years these people are serving at the will of the Council. The motion was then passed unanimously. The temporary permit for the condominium apartment sign on Biscayne Blvd. at 105th. St. has expired, after the initial authorization for 12 months plus a 6-month extension. Mr. McCall reported that the builder would like another extension. Mr. Lund moved that the Council grant an extension of six months. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and passed unanimously. The Council was reminded of the Dade County League of Municipal- ities annual meeting to be held June 30th at the Miami Shores Country Club. Unfinished Business: (a) Adult recreation center - evening meeting to be held to discuss this. (b). Employee Civil Service proposal - no report. (c) Engineering survey of standing water on 98th St. - copies of the report had previously been sent to the Council. The Village Manager recommended that the Council spend $800. 00 to install a drain as recommended by the engineer. This was approved upon motion made by Mr. Clement, seconded by Mr. Dixon and passed unanimously. (d) Golf Club improvements - no report. 6/15/651 -5- (e) Winter guest play regulations - Mr. Lund stated that the problem of guest play brings into focus the question of fees and asked for a report and recommendations of the Village Manager as to what sort of regulations might be put into effect as far as guest play is con- cerned and a review of the existing daily green fees which might compensate for any restrictions we might see fit to put in with regard to limitations of guest play. Mr. Lund wanted some sort of comparison with other local clubs and what they are charging. Mr. Lund then moved that a report be made by the Village Manager by the 2nd meeting in July. Motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and . passed unanimously. Mr. Dixon stated that since he may not be present at the next meeting, he felt that it is imperative some decision is reached that is acceptable to the majority of the Council no later than the first of September simply because any restrictions put into effect will have an effect on income. (f) Operation of golf practice range - after some discussion Mr. Jones moved that the range be re-opened to woods. Motion was seconded by Mr. Clement and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 P. M. Village Clerk Approved: Village Man r APPROVED: L'l( i Mayor MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE CITIZENS' MEETING ON PROPOSED CULTURAL CENTER June 29, 1965 Notification was sent out to all Villagers announcing a general discussion to be held on June 29, 1965, 8:00 P. M. , at the country Clvb, for the purpose of discussing a proposed cultural.center to be located on N. E. 2nd Avenue between 94th and 93rd Streets, Lots 1 thrqugh 5, Block 22, Miami Shores Subdivision. Mayor Claussen opened the meeting ax.d introduced the Councilmen present: Messrs. Lund, Jones and Clement; also Mr. Harold Petrey, Recreation Director, Mr. Stuart A. Senneff, Chief of Police, Mr. C. Lawton McCall, Village Manager, Mr. McIntyre, Finance Director and Miss Ann Vigneron, Village Clerk. Approximately 375 citizens were in attendance. The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated he was delighted to see so many people attending. He stated that they wanted, to present the history and events leading up to this cultural center. Mr. Claussen stated that it was not a project of his, nor of the Council, but the project of the citizens of this commun- ity. As a Council it is the responsibility to meet the needs of the community. The Councils have worked hard to improve present facilities and add other facilities to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Claussen mentioned the group of tennis players who wanted tennis courts for serious tennis pryers, This met with. oppositign. The facility now exists, does a fine job for the community and no one was hurt by it. About five years ago Mr. Ed Coyner carne to the Council, with a petition to meet the needs of the leisure time of the citizens. To meet this request the Council started planning and studying locations and programs. Then it became known that we needed a small auditorium. The possibility was considered of adding to the library where some cultural programs are being presented. Then the architects in the community were called in and Mr. Shuflin was employed and the whole program and needs were reviewed,. Consideration was given to putting it all under one roof using the Community House area. It was found that this was not practical and might creat more problems, Mr. Claussen stated that from municipal meetings he has attended throughout the State he has been made aware that our city has reached a point of saturation. There is ng more growth. We are standing still. We have reached a plateau and that we have been in a static condition for the last 3 or 4 years. Mr. Claussen felt that this program in part would be the answer to the stimulation of a great future for Miami Shores; that it will generate more interest, more community pride and esprit de corps; that it will add to the beauty, value and interest in Miami Shores. The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Petrey who gave national statistics on the number of people participating or attending entertainment of a cultural aspect. He pointed out that there are approximately 6000 adults in -1- Miami Shores out of an estimated population of 9500, based on the number of regis- tered voters. He stated he has had many requests for an adult recreation center to meet the needs and provide opportunities for creative work. A program could be designed to meet these needs. This center can become the focus and fulfill the civic and cultural needs of this community. The cultural center would become angther symbol of community pride and aspriations. Mr. Claussen then discussed the reasons why this location on N. E. 2nd Avenue was selected. Slides were shown of the other locations considered: near the golf course shop, east of the club tennis courts, north of the Country Club and the Community House property. Mr. Claussen stated that at this location we have ample parking, nearly twice the parking that we need. It is centrally located in the community and easily accessible with streets running in all directions and there would be less congestion in. this area, it will disturb less people because of the area that is around it. Mr. Claussen concluded that he believes it would add to the beauty and aesthetics of the area and that it would be an asset and benefit to the community. Mr. McCall was then called upon to give the 'history of the land from the time it was purchased from Bessemer Properties at history 00 per lot, along with two other owners and deeded for park purposes. He stated that Bessemer Properties had examined this plan and agreed to waive their restrictions in the deed. The proposed building contains 10, 000 sq. ft. and will cost about $200, 000. 00, not including landscaping. It can be financed by a pledge of revenue from the power, franchise revenue at $18, 000 per year for 20 years. Maintenance and operatiQn will cost about $12, 000 per year, or a total opst of about $30, 000 to finance and operate until the principal is paid off. This could cause some increase in taxes Chief Senneff reported that he had made a survey of the parking in and around this proposed area, He stated there �s parking for 254 vehicles without being in front of any residence by using the spaces pn the property, the streets abutting the property and near by, the bank parking lot by permission and the A & P parking lot, as well as the Village owned lot behind the Gulf station. Mr. Claussen stated that he believes that we can afford this building. It might increase taxes but we have other sources of revenue. With the new tax on cigarettes our revenue from this source will more than finance this building. Mr. Claussen then opened the discussion to the floor. Mrs. Mary Cowart, 151 N. E. 93rd Street, owning the property adjacent to this site, stated she would like to yield the floor to Marion Arnold. Mr. M. B. Arnold, 504 N. E. 101st Street, member of the Miami Shores Planning Board, stated he is not opposed to the cultural center but is opposed to the location. Mr. Arnold went into a long history of events and agreements con- cerning the acquisition of this land which took place when he was on the Village Council. Mx : Arnold concluded that we should acquire the five acres north of the Country Club for this center. Mrs. Ilah Secton, 230 N. E. 94th Street, mentioned the parking around her house. She stated that she is not opposed to it, that she only wants the parking not in her driveway. -Z- Mr, Glenn Partin, 149 N. E, 93rd Street, read a telegram from one of his neighbors, Perry Willits, who opposed the center as a zoning violation, because of inadequate parking, night lighting and no real need for such a facility. Mr. Partin stated there are those who believe the business section should be opened up and there are those who believe the residential aspect should be retained. In refer- ence to the proposed center it is ridiculous to put a building of that size on the lot, with only 29 on-site parking spaces. Ile stated the bank is offering parking but there is no guarantee for this in the future. Mr. Partin thought the Village should acquire the property north of the club where there is adequate parking. A place of public assembly devaluates residential values. Mr. Partin cited the deed restric- tions and that any building must adhere to state, county 4nd local zoning. If this money were used to reduce taxes it could result in a reduction of approximately $10. 00 per home per year. Mr. Partin referred to the survey made by the First Research Corporation which indicated little request for this type of facility; that this building is inade*ate and four shuffleboard courts will serve only 16 people. Mr. James Dunaway, 273 N, E. 98th Street, President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the need for an adult center of this kind; that if we wish to keep our property values up we xnust have a growing community and a thriving business section or it will deteriorate as Little River has. There must be progress and changes made in a city to meet the needs of all, citizens. Dr. Charles Magrill, 126 N, E, 93rd Street, stated he had had a real estate appraisor appraise his property with regard to this proposed building and was told he would take a $9, 000 loss in his property value; that all the people on 93rd St. would take a corresponding loss on their property. Mrs. Gail Ryan, music teacher at the Miami Shores, Elementary School,, mentioned the talented children in the Shores and that they deserve better than they are getting, that there is no place for them to give recitals or perform. This building would raise our community not lower it. The cultural advantages will fAr outweigh the disadvantages, Mrs. Lucille Weldon, 10634 N. E. 11th Avenue, stated she was interested in children and this seemed more for the elderly than, for children. Mr. O. P. Bond, 115 N. E. 94th Street, stated he didn't want cars in front of his house; that the community house need$ new facilities and working over. He added that the.money should be put into the swimming pool and the community center. Mrs. Georgeen Spragg, President of the Miami Shores Woman's Club, spoke of the work that had been done by the Woman's Club in sponsoring an adult recreation center and the need for this type building. Mrs. Nan Tillman, 161 N E. 108th Street, mentioned the cultural series at Barry College this past winter and she said she didn't see many people from Miami Shores there. -3- Mrs. Debbie Hoffman, 800 N. E. 97th Street, stated that when a straw vote is taken it should be, do we want a center and do we want it in this location. Mrs. Hoffman thought an auditorium could do a great deal for the Shores, and is saying Yes to a cultural art center. Mr. Calvin Bryant, 47 N. W. 94th Street, stated he was thrilled to hear there was going to be an auditorium and would like to go on record as being for this center. Mr. David Larson, 10920 N. Miami Avenue, stated that the Council is committed to the original deal. He stated an appraisor told him it would devaluate the houses by approximately 25°16 in a two and a half to a three block radius. He thought the cost of the project would be substantially more than the estimate of $30, 000. Coupled with the increase in Metro taxes it would be quite a load. Money could be used to increase facilities or lower taxes. He stated the Barry College cultural series do not draw many from the Shores area, Mrs.. Gail Ryan stated that this would be a place for our children to put on programs, giving concerts singing and playing, not to bring in outside talent. There is no place where they can perform or give recitals. Slides were shown of the aerial view of the city hall and library }clocks indicating no depreciation of property. Mr. Arthur Moreno, 246 N. E. 92nd Street, stated he was a new Shores property owner, that the cultural center aqunds nice but it should be looked at twice. He stated we have an adequate business section. The problem of Little River is over-extension of the business area. This might lead to further extension of the business property along N. E. 2nd Ave. Once they change the zoning one time they can always change it again. Mr. Allen Herbert, 1207 N. E. 92nd Street, stated he has lived here approximately 8 months, His children like to go to the playground at the Community House but it is completely inadequate, He is tired of having his children play on broken swings and other facilities. He doesn't think they should attempt a project as large as this until, they can get the playground area in shape. Mrs. Mary Jane Bryant, 47 N. W. 94th Street, stated she just found out that this is a park, What has kept it from being made into a park? Mrs. June Weinrich, 57 N. E. 93rd Street, stated the adults should have something, somewhere to play shuffleboard, etc. Let the senior adults have this cultural center, Mrs. Farrow, 9301 N. E. 2nd Avenue, stated she lives right across the street from this location and would like to see this but, she added, the Community House should be put in better condition than it is now. She felt that we need a cultural center but thinks it will need a place for expansion. Mr. Jim Harwood, 10001 N. E. 1st Avenue, stated he had compassion for the people who will be near and around this building, he thinks we owe a vote -4- to those people who will be affected. Mr. Harry Hoffman, 800 N. E. 97th Street, stated he would like to commend the Mayor and Councilmen for the way they have conducted this meeting and giving everyone an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Hoffman felt we need more recreation for the children but this is just as important to us as any other facility. He stated the question is not what will happen to property values in the immediate area but what vi.11 happen to property values in all of Miami Shores if we do not meet the needs of all the people. We need something like this cultural center to offer the people. Mr. Tillman, 161 N. E. 108th Street, stated that we need this building but we need it in the right place. Let's have a good swimming pool, more shuffle- board courts; let's do something for everybody in this community. Mr, M. B. Arnold advised those present of a coming zoning hearing for a change on N. E. 2nd Avenue property. Mr. Dudley Cawthon, 60 N. E. 104th Street, mentioned the many homes that are for sale in the Village. He asked what is going to guarantee the property values remain if we don't have progress in the community, Mr. J. O. Dickson, 301 Grand Concourse, congratulated the Council on looking in the future. Mr. Dickson thought we needed a community center and that we should give our support to the city fathers to build our community into one of the greatest residential communities in Dade County. Betty Phoenix, 361 N. E. 101 st Street, (in real estate) stated they are able to sell homes in Miami Shores and being near the library or churches is a selling point. Mrs. John Simmons, 501 Grand Concourse, argued that according to parliamentary procedure it would not be correct to take a vote on the issue at this time. Mayor Claussen stated, however, they merely wanted a concensus of opinion and asked first of those present if they were in favor of this project, which was approved by a great majority. The proposed location for this project was opposed by about the same majority that approved the project in general. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Village Clerk -5-