01-15-1985 Regular Meeting1/15/85
REGULAR MEETING
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL
January 15, 1985
The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held
on January 15, 1985, at the Community Center, commencing at 7:30 p.m.,
with the following Council members present:
Mayor Kevin O'Connor
Elspeth Jensen
Robert J. Lodge
Terry Cuson
Absent: Herbert Spahn, Jr.
Also present:
L. R. Forney, Jr., Village Manager
William F. Fann, Jr., Village Attorney
Approximately 250 residents, business owners
and other interested persons.
The meeting was opened with an invocation given by Rev. Molano
of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION - Winners of the Christmas Lighting Contest:
Mayor O'Connor presented Certificates of Appreciation
to the following persons for their outstanding
Christmas lighting effects:
Mr. George Gomez, 973 N. E. 96th Street
Mrs. John Davis, 9701 Biscayne Blvd.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Birch, 170 N. W. 105th St.
Mrs. Helen Aguirre, 620 Grand Concourse
MINUTES. (a) Council meeting of 12/18/84 -approved as written
by motion made by Mr. Cuson, seconded by Mr. .
Lodge and passed unanimously.
Receipt acknowledged:
(b) Country Club Advisory Board 12/4/84.
(c) Fine Arts Commission 12/3/84.
(d) Downtown Revitalization Board 12/3/84, 12/13/84 -
(these minutes were read at the request of Mr.
Jerry Lance, 246 N. E. 102nd St.).
(e) Recreation Advisory Board 12/10/84.
(f) Planning & Zoning Board 1/10/85.
PLANNING BOARD APPROVALS/DENIALS - Meeting 1/10/85, Item #3.
At the meeting of January 10, 1985 the Planning Board
approved the request for two detached signs for the
Miami Shores Lodge, 10450 Biscayne Boulevard, with a
height limitation of 25 ft. Detached signs require
Council approval.
Mr. Lodge moved that the decision of the Planning &
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Zoning Board be upheld. The motion was seconded by Mrs.
Jensen and passed 3/1 with Mr. Cuson dissenting as he
felt the height limit should be less.
RESOLUTION ON MAINSTREET PROGRAM.
In a report to Council Mr. Forney explained that the Main
Street application and the establishment of a permanent
downtown revitalization board are separate but related items.
Approval of the resolution which authorizes participation
in the "Main Street" program also approves the expense of
a fulltime paid project manager. Funds for this person
would come from the moneys set aside for downtown revitaliza-
tion.
Mr. Lodge moved approval of the resolution which was seconded
by Mr. Cuson.
Mrs. Jensen presented additional petitions that were circulated
by members of the community bearing signatures of persons
opposing the use of taxpayers' funds for this purpose.
Mrs. Jensen referred to the City of Miami downdown program
wherein a taxing district was set up and 51% of the property
owners agreed to the program and signed contracts. This
was not done by our board.
Public comment: Mayor O'Connor announced the rules of
discussion with 3 minutes allocated to each
speaker and asked that the comments not be
repetitious.
Mr. Edward Harrigan, 260 N. E. 99th St., yielded his time to
Maj. Bundy who stated that items 3, 4 & 5 (of the agenda) are
related and should be considered as such.
Mr. Lodge felt the ordinance creating the downtown board
should be considered first and moved that the agenda items
be considered in the order 4, 5, & 3. This motion was seconded
by Mr. Cuson and passed unanimously.
(4) ORDINANCE CREATING A PERMANENT DOWNTOWN BOARD.
Mr. Harrigan repeated that he was yielding his time to Maj. Bundy.
Several others in the audience also yielded to Maj. Bundy.
Maj. Edgar C. Bundy, 269 N. E. 100th St., read a prepared statement
(copy on file) claiming that the revitalization report was in
conflict with the Miami Shores Comprehensive Plan. Further he
felt the purpose of the Florida Main Street Program could not be
carried out on 2nd Avenue. His report also included improvements
that should or could be made in the business district.
Mr. Walter Simon, 9022 N. E. 8th Ave., mentioned the cost of adding
more police and other proposals made by.Maj. Bundy.
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Mr. Frank Walker, 9800 N. E. 5th Ave. Rd., felt that Miami
Shores could not support increased business or services and
we would end up with discount stores and added traffic.
Margaret Rente, 9500 N. E. 12th Avenue, was in favor of extending
the revitalization board as well as the Main Street Program.
Mr. Paul Buechele, 99 N. E. 103rd St., asked why have a committee
before you have a program?
Ms. Agnes Conlon, 10290 N. E. 2nd Ave., commended Maj. Bundy on his
statement and added that changes have to be made to 2nd Ave.
Mr. Jerry Lance, 246 N. E. 102nd St., wanted the Council to vote
no on this; stated that their group was working together to give
the Council suggestions as to what will help Miami Shores. He
added that the business district is not maintained properly,
parking lots are not clean, graffiti on walls, etc.
Mr. Ben Dorson, 102nd St., stated we do really need a revitalization
board as evidenced here tonight.
Ms. Barbara Hampton 265 N. E. 96th St., stated she would be happy
to have a parking lot next to her home; we need a revitalization program.
Mr. Hugh Silvagni, 77 N.E. 100th St.
asked, do we need to hire a director for $40,000, what
guarantee do we have that anything will be accomplished?
Mr. Joe Charles, 1248 N. E. 99th St., thought some of the people
were dreaming if they thought they could increase business (retail)
on 2nd Avenue with all the malls available where we do our shopping.
Mr. Steve Loffredo, 102 N. E. 103rd St., was in favor of downtown
redevelopment but was against rezoning north of 100th Street and
was opposed to the way they were going about it.
Mr. James Merrill, 141 N. E. 102nd St., stated the "blue book" plan
would spoil the character of Miami Shores; to extend more business
is foolish and he hoped the Council would vote this board out of
existence and its $40,000, which would have full support of the
people who put the Council in office.
Mr. Bob Wiggins, 269 N. E. 99th St., was of the opinion that we
should keep this board.
Mr. Ralph Bowen, 685 Grand Concourse, mentioned the number of
for sale signs in the Shores and stated if the people don't want
signs he would go along with it.
Ms. Karen Kirby, 11 N. W. 97th St., wished we had this kind of
input on other matters. She thought it should be an advisory board.
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Mr. John Lauri, 268 N. E. 102nd St.
on the grounds of its members.
Mr. Rafael Garcia, 1441 N. E. 101st
on 2nd Avenue, wanted to extend the
have time to make a decision before
us.
1/15/85
, was opposed to the ordinance
St., stated he had a business
life of the board so it will
someone tikes the decision for
Mr. Charles Smith, 315 N. E. 98th St., asked about the Planning &
Zoning Board and what is their function.
Mayor O'Connor explained the function of the Planning & Zoning
Board and that they considered this outside the scope of their
work.
Mr. Smith felt the Chamber of Commerce should make these recommenda-
tions, so why do we need a special committee. The Mayor stated
that the Chamber of Commerce requested the Village to establish
an adjunct board exclusively to address itself to the downtown
and the Council voted to create a board for one year.
Mr. Nick Friedman, 100 N. E. 101st St., stated he was in favor of
the board.
Mr. Earl Barber, 335 N. E. 101st St., cited the problems of the 125th
Street program which is failing and N. E. 2nd Avenue will fail also.
This is just adding another layer of bureaucracy.
Ms. Fran Farina, 1250 N. E. 102nd St., stated that the ordinance is
to development a master plan and then to hire a professional to
guide it. She urged the Council to move favorably on Item 4.
the ordinance creating a permanent board.
Ms. Honey Jackson, owner of Mr. J's, mentioned how Little River
went down and wanted to support a permanent board.
Mr. Ken Cutchens, 1235 N. E. 100th St., thought we needed re-
vitalization on N. E. 2nd Ave., but this program would not solve
our problems. Miami Shores is a bedroom neighborhood, extending
business will not benefit the Shores. Crime comes from the business
district. Miami Shores was planned•for a convenience business
district. He mentioned many things that need attention more than
the 2nd Ave. project, and he did not think the taxpayers should be
involved in this.
Ms. P. Evans, 261 N. E. 97th St., was not in favor of a permanent
board, it should be in existence for a limited number of years.
If we don't do something on 2nd Avenue she will put her house
on the market.
Ms. Wu, 9015 N. E. 4th Ave., whose mother owns the Lichee Tree,
thought this was a neighborhood job to do something for 2nd Avenue.
Mr. Michael B. Marcus, 251 N. E. 98th St., would like to see
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new store fronts but is against rentals above the stores.
Why not beautify what we have? Use that $40,000 to help
the stores to beautify and build up.
Ms. Marty Stofik, 29 N. E. 91st St., member of the Revitalization
Board and Chairman of the Historic Preservation Board,
mentioned the Main Street Program and restoration.
N. Barry, 1098 N. E. 96th St., wanted to see some changes made
on 2nd Ave. and wanted to support a board for creative changes.
Mrs. Charles, 1248 N. E. 99th St., didn't think we needed a board
for an icecream shop, that we didn't need a $40,000 man to put in
a small shop.
A recess was called for five minutes.
Council comments:
Mr. Lodge stated that improvement of 2nd Avenue is for the
betterment of Miami Shores and to do that we must establish
some type of revitalization board. He thought the community should
take the lead, spend $40,000 & have a revitalization board put
in motion what alternatives are available.
Mr. Lodge then moved that the Council pass on first reading the
ordinance for establishment of a permanent downtown board.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Cuson for discussion.
according to Maj. Bundy (whose allotted time had
Mrs. Jensen stated that/Mrs. Stofik had distorted the Main Street elapsed)
Program as to its application on 2nd Avenue. Mrs. Jensen was
opposed to a permanent board and that members should not be
allowed on a board who are already serving on another board,
that non-residents should not be on the board, and objected to
its powers and duties. She concluded that it should be an advisory
board on a year to year basis.
Mr. Cuson stated that this is an advisory board and reviewed
its membership. He stated that the salary for the person
employed is to be $22,000 and he will not be an employee of the
Village. He stated that the "blue book" has no legal standing,
that zoning changes must go through the Planning & Zoning Board.
Mrs. Jensen didn't think the people on the board who are'not"pro-
fessionals should review plans.
Mayor O'Connor stated there are many people here who are not quite
clear on the Main Street Program and the downtown committee. He
reviewed the background of the downtown project which was turned
over to the Village at the suggestion of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Mayor voiced appreciation to the citizens who participated on
the Revitalization Board which will always be an advisory board
with no difference from the establishment of all other boards,
that the Council is concerned about the accountability of the
boards.
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A roll call vote was taken on the motion to pass the ordinance
on first reading with the following votes cast:
Mr. Lodge Yes
Mrs. Jensen Opposed
Mr. Cuson Yes
Mayor O'Connor Yes
Mr. Spahn was absent:
Mayor O'Connor announced that the first reading on the ordinance
creating a permanent downtown board was passed on a 3/1 vote with
Mrs. Jensen dissenting.
RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE PRESENT DOWNTOWN BOARD.
Following a reading of the resolution Mr. Lodge moved that it be
approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cuson and passed 3:/1
with Mrs. Jensen dissenting, said resolution being:
RESOLUTION NO. 780-85
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 779-84
TO FURTHER EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION BOARD.
RESOLUTION ON THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM.
A resolution authorizing participation in the "Main Street"
program was read. Mr. Lodge moved that it be adopted. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Cuson and passed 3/1 with Mrs. Jensen
dissenting, said resolution is entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 781-85
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN
THE "MAIN STREET" PROGRAM.
Mrs. Jensen reported that 600-700 signatures had been collected
in opposition to this issue.
Another five minute recess was called.
AWARD BID ON POOL DECK.
Mr. Forney reported that we had received two sealed bids on
refinishing the deck at the swimming pool. The low bid is from
Dura Bond, Inc. for $8,100.00 which is under the budgeted figure.
He recommended approval of the bid. Mr. Lodge moved that the bid
of Dura Bond be accepted as per the Manager's recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mrs. Jensen and passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNTRY CLUB ADVISORY BOARD.
The following persons volunteered for this service:
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Mr. Peter W. Bellows
Mr. Charles Leeds
Mr. Frank Woodruff
Mr. James H. Meyer
Mr. Jack Rengstl
652 N. E. 105th St.
1177 N. E. 104th St.
66 N. E. 107th St.
1100 N. E. 84th St.
665 Grand Concourse
The first nomination failed to secure a majority vote. Mr. Lodge
then moved to table for a full Council. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Cuson and passed 3/1 with Mrs. Jensen dissenting.
AWARD BID FOR EXECUTIVE RELOCATION BROCHURE.
In a report to Council, based on a request by Ms. Marty Stofik,
Mr. Forney recommended acceptance of the low bid of Haff -Daugherty
Graphics for $6,467.00 for printing the Executive Relocation
brochure, and that the sealed bid procedures be waived in the
best interest of the Village.
Mr. Lodge moved to waive the bid procedure and award the bid to
the low bidder as recommended by the Village Manager. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Jensen and passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE ON DISH ANTENNAS - first reading.
An amendment to the Zoning Ordinance was proposed by the Planning &
Zoning Board to establish standards for the installation of
satellite dish antennas which had not been covered in the ordinance.
Mr. Cuson moved that it be passed on first reading. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Lodge and passed unanimously.
VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT.
(a) Membership report - Country Club.
(b) Financial reports - Country Club
(c) Investment. report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
(a) 1/24/85 - Public Hearing at the Community Center on beer & wine
license for Barry University.
(b) 1/26/85 - Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the Country Club.
(c) 2/10/85 - M. S. Fine Arts auction at the Country Club.
COUNCIL COMMENTS.
Mr. Cuson stated that this was a great meeting and he enjoyed it.
Mrs. Jensen stated that Miami Avenue needs paving calling attention
to the condition from 110th Street to 119th Street.
A meeting or open forum was announced to be held by County
Commissioner Sherman Winn on March 20th in the Village Hall,
5-7 p.m.
Mayor O'Connor expressed appreciation to the community for
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their concern when he was ill, as well as coming out tonight
to speak on issues before the Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS. None.
ADJOURNMENT. 11:10 p.m.
APPROV:D:
Kevin O'Connor