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01-18-1994 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1994 The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on January 18, 1994, at the Miami Shores Village Hall commencing at 7:35 p.m. The Village Clerk took the roll and the following members were present: Present: Mayor Heffernan Richard Fernandez Michael Boyle Steven J. Johnson Robert Cook Also present: Michael R. Couzzo Jr. Scott W. Davis PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Heffernan presented a Proclamation for the Eldest Miami Shores Village Resident Flora Curtis, 104 years old. Lela Jacobson and Mayor Heffernan presented Mobile Patrol awards. Ms. Delta Zaher reported that Miami Shores Elementary received $335,000 from two grants that they had applied for. She stated that the school will be a state of the art school In technology. Mr. Fernandez moved to move item *5 after the announcements and prior to public comments. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. CONSIDERATIONS: ITEM *1 VILLAGE CLERK: MINUTES Mr. Boyle moved approval of the minutes from the Regular Council Meeting of 1/4/94. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. Mr. Boyle moved approval of the minutes from the Council Workshop Meeting of 1/4/94. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mayor Heffernan acknowledged receipt of the minutes from the following meetings: Code Enforcement Board 12/2/93 Fine Arts Commission 12/14/93 Recreation Advisory Committee 12/13/93 Pension Board 8/12/93, 11/12/93 Planning and Zoning Board 11/10/93 ITEM *2 BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Mr. Frank Lubien a. Request for a variance to permit flat roof addition Mr. David Mount Mr. Lubien reviewed the item. Mr. Fernandez asked about the existing structure and the allowable limit for a flat roof addition. Mr. Lubien responded. Mr. Fann stated that there is no basis for a hardship variance and the request cannot be granted. Mr. Johnson stated that he was concerned with setting dangerous precedents. Mr. Cook stated that it does not meet the guidelines for a variance. Mr. Fernandez moved to deny the variance request and ask that the Village waive the fee upon resubmittal. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. ITEM *3 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING MATCHING GRANT FOR MIAMI SHORES PERFORMING ARTS THEATER. Mr. Couzzo reviewed the background and stated that the request is for $8,000. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the grant to SPATS In the amount of $8,000. Mr. Fernandez seconded the motion. Mr. Couzzo stated that $5,000 was brought forward from last year and that $3,000 must be appropriated from contingency. Mr. Cook reviewed the uses of the contingency fund. He stated that the theater has done alot in the past three years and that he supports the expenditure at this time. Mr. Boyle stated that the theater has come a long way since 1991 and that the Village has donated over $35,000 and that with this donation it will be in the $40's. Mr. Fernandez stated that he concurs with Mr. Boyle's concerns. He stated that the money Is well spent and that it is a small and modest amount. Mayor Heffernan stated that he supports the theater and that it Is hard to pass up a dollar for dollar matching grant; however, he stated that he would like to see a financial report from the theater because the Village needs to be better Informed. Mr. Johnson spoke about how the theater is now, compared to what it was three years ago. He stated that the theater Is coming off of one of its best years ever. Mr. Boyle stated that he applauded the progress that was made at the theater. Mr. Cook asked the Village Manager to follow up on the Grant Completion Form to show the public how the funds were spent. Mr. Johnson amended his motion to authorize the Village Manager to appropriate the additional funds from contingency up to $3,000 to fund the grant. The vote was as follows: Fernandez Johnson Cook Heffernan Boyle The motion carried. Yes Yes Yes Yes No ITEM *4 FINANCE DEPARTMENT: Ms. Patricia Varney Discussion and possible action regarding Occupational License Tax Amendments. Mr. Cook asked the Village Attorney if he, Mr. Cook, has a conflict of interest due to the fact that he has an occupational license In Miami Shores. Mr. Fann replied that all Council members can vote on the Issue. Mr. Couzzo reviewed the background. Mr. Fann recommended that the Council proceed with the committee and let them do the study. Mr. Johnson suggested that the Council direct the Village Manager to investigate specifics of the committee and return with suggestions for candidates to serve on the Committee. Mr. Boyle stated that he concurs with Mr. Johnson's suggestion. The consensus of the Council was to have the Village Manager return with suggestions for candidates for the Committee. REPORTS ITEM *6 REPORT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FIRE STATION. Mr. Couzzo delivered his report on the Fire Station. He stated that ground breaking should begin In March and that the County has gone out to bid for a contractor. Mayor Heffernan called for a 5 minute recess at 8:40 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:47 p.m. ITEM *5 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE MARKETING OF MIAMI SHORES. Mr. Fernandez stated that he was Interested in focusing on goals and not programs. He stated that he Is looking for goals that can be measured. Mayor Heffernan reviewed 10 goals from information that Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Couzzo had provided at previous meetings. He Inquired If the Village should do Internal or external marketing for the Village. Mr. Fernandez stated that the Council should apply volunteer efforts to internal marketing and apply funds to external marketing. Mr. Cook stated that a quantifiable measuring stick will be property values. He stated that the Council must set goals and have staff come back with a proposal. Mayor Heffernan stated that there is some opportunity for growth and some of the budget should be spent towards promoting growth related projects. Mr. Boyle stated that he would like to select 4 goals to pursue. Three were from Mr. Fernandez's proposal and 1 from Mr. Couzzo. Mr. Johnson stated that the Village has lacked a focus In the past to ensure that volunteer efforts are directed. Mr. Cook stated that if property values go up it will be a closed loop with the taxpayers. Mr. Fernandez stated that If the Village raises property values and services remain the same millage will go down. He stated that the Village Manager must investigated additional revenue sources but as a separate issue. Mr. Cook stated that he would like to know when there will be a return on the Village's marketing investment and how will it be measured. Mr. Cook suggested price per square foot in the sale of homes as a measure of marketing success. Mayor Heffernan stated that the marketing director should develop a measuring device. The consensus of Council was to adopt the following as their marketing goals: 1. Increase awareness of the Village of Miami Shores as a quality urban community in which to live work and raise a family. 2. Promote a sense of community spirit and pride. 3. Raise property values in the Village. 4. Create marketing packages around community strengths. 5. Achieve a detailed development strategy for the Miami Shores business districts. 6. Explore new sources of revenue. Ms. Betty Lasch: Mr. T.F. Chambers: Mr. Ed Harrigan: Mr. Prospero Herrera: Spoke about assessments in Coral Gables vs. the Shores. Stated that Miami Shores is a Village of services and that demand can be created for the Village. Spoke about occupational licenses and marketing. Suggested that the Council change the name of the proposal to Marketing and Community Development. Mr. Fernandez moved pursuant to the direction of resolution 908-93 that the Council adopts the goals as set forth at this meeting. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. Mr. Boyle spoke about hiring a Marketing Director for $30,000 - $40,000 and the remainder to be used for the marketing program. The vote was unanimous in favor. Mr. Fann stated that funds need to be budgeted for the salary of a Marketing Director. Mr. Couzzo explained that the consulting fee being paid for the current consultant Is a total figure with no cost for benefits. Mr. Couzzo also asked Council when they expect him to return with a program. He stated that he would be prepared to present a program at the first meeting in March. The consensus of the Council was that the Village Manager should return with a plan as soon as possible; however, the first meeting In March was agreeable. ITEM *7 ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Village Clerk read the announcements. ITEM *8 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Loretta Olsen: Spoke about TOT Lot renovations and that there are not enough senior trips. Mayor Heffernan and Mr. Boyle suggested that Ms. Olsen should bring such matters to the attention of the Council at budget time. Mr. Cook asked the Village Manager to have Mr. Varney look at the budget to rent a bus for more senior trips. Mr. Mike Maguire: Mr. Ed Harrigan: Spoke about marketing, barricades and golf clubs. Spoke about the theater and accounting of funds. ITEM *9 COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Fernandez spoke about marketing and gave accolades to the Village Manager for his efforts. Mr. Cook spoke about the earthquake in LA and Instructed the Village Manager to see what Is needed out there and to see what Miaml Shores could do. Mr. Boyle spoke about his past lack of support for marketing but that he is now pitching in to do what he can to make it succeed. Mayor Heffernan spoke about the process Involved In marketing. He also spoke about unity day. ITEM *10 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m. WI l I lam J. H'effe Mayor By: Scott W. Davis Village Clerk