Loading...
04-05-1994 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 5, 1994 The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on April 5, 1994, at Village Hall commencing at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Present: Mayor Heffernan Richard Fernandez Michael Boyle Steven J. Johnson Robert Cook Also present: Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Scott W. Davis Barbara A. Fugazzi PRESENTATIONS Village Clerk, Scott Davis, presented the Mayor and Council with their annual $1.00 checks, along with commemorative plaques depicting the checks. CONSIDERATIONS: ITEM *1 VILLAGE CLERK: Mr. Scott Davis A. MINUTES Mr. Boyle requested that a correction be made on the March 15, 1994 minutes, page 3, paragraph 2, following "set up on Saturday and throughout the day on Sunday. Mr. Boyle. . n This should read "Mr. Fernandez indicated" . . . Mr. Fernandez then requested correction to the same sentence, deleting the word "joint". Mr. Boyle moved to approve the March 15, 1994 minutes with the above changes. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. The Village Clerk presented the minutes from the follow meeting and the Council acknowledged receipt: Planning and Zoning 2/24, 3/10/94 B. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION 18-49 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE; ADDING FORMULA FOR CALCULATING RETIREMENT ANNUITY FOR POLICE OFFICER WHO RETIRES OR TERMINATES EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 1994; PROVIDING EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Cook reiterated the fact that this provision was agreed to during previous contract negotiations between the Village and PBA representatives. He indicated that this was done In good faith and that the Ordinance should be passed. Mr. Johnson moved approval. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. ITEM *2 POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Zoovas Chief Zoovas stated that per Florida State Statutes, 15% of collected forfeiture funds must be donated to charity. He has come before the Council requesting approval for donations to the following: Crimewatch of Dade County $1,000.00 Informed Families of Dade County $2,000.00 All Police Charities $1,000.00 Chief Zoovas gave a brief description of the works of each charitable organization. Mr. Fernandez stated that he sits on the Executive Board of the Crime Watch of Dade County but receives no monetary compensation for doing so. Mr. Fann indicated there was no conflict. Mr. Cook asked If the $4,000 proposed donations equals 15% of the forfeiture fund. Chief Zoovas indicated the $4,000 did not equal 15% and that he would be back before the Council at a later date to request further charitable contribu- tions. Mr. Boyle requested that approval or disapproval be done on an Individual donation basis because approving or disapproving on a "laundry list" becomes difficult. The Council indicated that this would not be a problem and advised Chief Zoovas that effec- tive tonight, his forfeiture requests would be considered on an Individual basis. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the $1,000 donation to Crime Watch of Dade County. Mr. Cook seconded the the motion and the vote was unanimous, In favor. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the $2,000 donation to Informed Families of Dade County. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous, In favor. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the $1,000 donation to All Police Charities. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous, In favor. ITEM *3 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CASINO GAMBLING AT PARIMUTUAL FACILITIES AND CREATION OF FINANCIAL REMUNERATION TO MUNICIPALITIES IMPACTED BY CASINO GAMBLING. Mayor Heffernan stated that this Item was placed on the Agenda for discussion purposes. He Indicated that he Is not necessarily In support of casino gambling but shares the concern of the City of Hallendale that If gambling is Indeed approved In some form, and If the Biscayne Kennel Club Is approved as a location for a type of gambling, Miami Shores ensures that revenues are received to at least cover the costs associated with providing essential services. He further stated that he wished to have all Council members Informed on current developments regarding legislature. Mr. Fernandez stated that he thought it wise to bring this topic to the table at this time; however, he does not feel that as the Village codes are written, the dog track would automatically be able to house casino gambling. Mr. Fernan- dez suggested that the Hallandale resolution be given to Mr. Fann to rewrite the document, deleting references to the support of casino gambling. Mr. Boyle, for the benefit of the public who did not have the document, did a brief overview of the package. Mr. Fernandez stated that there are plusses and minuses with casino gambling. Mayor Heffernan reiterated that, at this point in time, this topic was for discussion and information purposes only. ITEM *4 DISCUSSION OF FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE VILLAGE OF MIAMI SHORES. Mr. Fernandez presented the Item and stated that he had two matters to discuss. Charter reform and expanding the influence of Miami Shores to surrounding unincorporated and Incorporated areas through selling or merger of services, annexation or re -incorporation. Mr. Fernandez stated that he presented these Items as discussion Items only, without opportunity for action at this time. That he presented the matters In this fashion In order to foster further discussion, communicate information he had learned while attending Dade League of Cities meeting; and, comply with the restrictions placed on elected officials by the Sunshine Law. Regarding Charter review, Mr. Fernandez stated that areas that should be looked at are: qualifications for Council members, election of Mayor, terms of office, method for recall and referendum, compensation of Council, roll of the Village Attorney and Village Manager, and other areas. Mr. Cook reviewed the current term limitations of Council and stated that it is a maximum of 8 years. Mr. Boyle stated term limitations were declared unconstitutional by case law, In another State. Mr. Fernandez suggested that the Issue should be brought back at a later meeting to appoint a committee to review the Charter and make recommendations to Council. Mr. Fann stated that the Charter does not have to be amended for some of the Issues that Mr. Fernandez discussed. He stated that the Council can enact ordinances to make changes In areas otherthan the form of government. Mr. Johnson stated that the Council should take a closer look at the Charter. Mr. Fann stated that the last time it was reviewed was In 1974. Mr. Cook suggested having staff look at' the Charter to deal with the obvious housekeeping Items that need to be changed; however, an In depth look at the Charter Is not necessary at this time. Mr. Boyle spoke about the fact that the Charter does not address residency requirements of Council memebers. Mayor Heffernan reviewed the Charter review process. Mr. Fann stated that Items that cannot be changed by ordinance must be changed through the Charter review process and go before the residents In the form of a referendum. Mr. Fernandez Introduced the second portion of this Item. He proposed for discussion, expanding the Influence of Miami Shores to the unincorporated and Incorporated areas surrounding Miami Shores Village. It was suggested by Mr. Fernandez, that Miami Shores should renew exploration of ideas under prior Councils, and responsibly explore the Issues of selling services to the surrounding Incorporated and unincorporated areas, that is, police, garbage and trash, and code enforcement; as well as consider the possibilities of merger of services, annexation and reincorporation. He stated that the County Is unable to provide a high level of service to the local areas. He described the limits of Miami Shores and described how the Village Is surrounded by County property. Mr. Fernandez stated that In the future, If changes in County government were to come about as proposed by Maurice Ferre and others, that Miami Shores Village could well be told what their future boundaries will be, or, be competing with better prepared communities for the same preferable properties. That Miami Shores Village and the surrounding communities should consider and begin discussing what Is best for their future and mutual interests. Mr. Johnson stated that the only prudent course of action is to look at future expansion of the Shores. Mayor Heffernan stated that new source of revenue is significant through expansion. He stated that the Village must be very careful of how the Issue is presented to other communities. Mr. Boyle stated that the identity of Miami Shores will be forever changed and that there will be plusses and minuses. He stated that the level of annexed areas will not come up to the level of Miami Shores and that there will be a levelling effect. He also stated that he will work very strongly to put the marketing plan on hold If the Council pursues totally changing Miami Shores. He stated that there are long range ramifications and the Council must be very select and maintain an Image of the community. Mr. Fernandez stated that the plan Is not a land grab and will take place over a long period of time. Mr. Boyle stated that it could be done; however, he asked should It be done. ITEM *5 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE APRIL 19TH REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TO MIAMI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Mr. Fernandez Introduced the item and stated that it would be an opportunity to use TCI and their camera to "show case" some to the tremendous changes that they have at the school. Mr. Fernandez moved that the Council has its next meeting on April 19th at Miami Shores Elementary School at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous, In favor. ITEM *6 ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Village Clerk read the announcements. ITEM *7 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Carl Commisisong: Spoke about code enforcement In his area and violations that are not being corrected. Mr. Couzzo responded to questions about code enforcement on the west side of the Village. Mr. Ed WoJack: Spoke about gambling in the Shores and uses of the Dog Track. Ms. Courtney Heffernan: Spoke about her concerns with the environment and trash In the Village. Ms. Christina Imbergla: Also spoke about her concern with the environment and outsiders ruining the environment In the Shores. Mr. Joe Dougoni: Spoke about Crime Watch and suggested funding a Coordinator. Mr. Ed Harrigan: Spoke about putting the marketing plan on hold. He read a real estate ad that was put In the paper by Charles Smith. Mr. Michael Maguire: Spoke about schools In Miami Shores and annexation of Davis Harbour. Mr. Bill Herrera: Concerned with code enforcement In the NW section of the Shores. He stated that the code should be given to new residents. Ms. Susan Sutherland: Spoke about parking on her property near the tot lot. Requested new signs. ITEM *8 COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Boyle spoke about the Taste of the Shores and attendance at Village meetings. Mayor Heffernan spoke about Barry University HUD Grant and their request for a letter of support. The consensus of Council was to not provide a setter of support for the grant. He also spoke about the marketing plan being discussed at the first meeting In May. ITEM *9 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m. By: Scott W. Davis Village Clerk Zaasz Wi l I iam J. e f - "nan Mayor SIGNATURE PAGE FOR MINUTES OF APRIL 5, 1994, VILLAGE COUNCIL MTG.