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04-19-1994 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 19, 1994 The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on April 19, 1994, at Miami Shores Elementary School commencing at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Present: Mayor Heffernan Michael Boyle Robert Cook Richard Fernandez Also present: Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Scott W. Davis Barbara A. Fugazzl Absent: PRESENTATIONS Steven J. Johnson Chief Zoovas introduced two new Miami Shores Police Officers, Stephen Brenton and Kerry Turner. Mayor Heffernan presented a Proclamation to Miami Shores Police Detective, Steven Sadowski, In honor of his being named "The Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce 1993 Police Officer of the Year". Miami Shores Elementary School Principal, Della Zaher, welcomed the Mayor, Council members and those persons In attendance. A number of the elementary school students were Invited to ask questions of the Council. ITEM *1 VILLAGE CLERK: Scott W. Davis A. MINUTES Mr. Fernandez requested that the Minutes of the April 5, 1994 Council Meeting be amended as follows: 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. 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. Boyle moved approval of the minutes from the 4/5/94 regular Council meeting as amended by Mr. Fernandez. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Mayor Heffernan acknowledged receipt of the Minutes from the March 14, 1994 Recreation Advisory Committee. B. A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, PROPOSING FINANCIAL REMUNERATION TO MUNICIPALITIES IN ORDER TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF CASINO GAMBLING ON RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES; PROPOSING FINANCIAL REMUNERATION TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO PREVENT AND FIGHT THE SALE OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS. The Village Clerk read the caption of the resolution. Mr. Fernandez stated that he would like to amend the proposed resolution to add a paragraph to read: Whereas, Miami Shores Village residents and neighborhoods may, as a result of a casino located within the municipality, suffer inconvenience and a diminution in property values resulting In a reduction of tax base and revenues to the Village; Mayor Heffernan explained the reason behind the proposed resolution and the way the proposed legislation would affect the Village. He stated that it Is Important to have the resolution In the records of the Village. Mr. Cook reiterated that the Council Is not making a statement either for or against casino gambling, only trying to protect the Interests of the residents. Mr. Fernandez moved to approve the resolution as amended. Mr. Cook seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. C. A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING REPAIR OF PUBLIC BOARDWALK IMPROVEMENTS AND APPLICATION FOR GRANT FROM FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT FOR 50% OF COST THEREOF; AGREEING TO COMPLY WITH GRANT CONDITIONS. The Village Clerk read the caption of the resolution. Mr. Fernandez moved for adoption of the resolution. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. D. Mr. Fernandez moved to place the following Item on the Agenda as an emergency Item. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, OPPOSING DADE COUNTY REFERENDUM TO RESCIND SIX CENT GASOLINE TAX. Mr. Fernandez stated that the Mayor of North Miami Beach, Jeffrey Mishcon, makes good points in his recent correspondence relating to the possible repeal of the gas tax. Mayor Heffernan asked Mr. Couzzo whether funds from the gas tax have been budgeted as revenue. Mr. Couzzo stated that If the gas tax is repealed, it will negatively impact the budget, as the funds will be used to continue work that the Public Works Department has already initiated. Mayor Heffernan advised the Council that Mayor Mishcon has requested a show of support from elected officials at the May 12, 1994 Dade County Commission Meeting. Mr. Boyle moved to adopt the resolution. Mr. Fernandez seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. E. AWARD OF BID FOR 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS. The Village Clerk introduced the Item and stated that the lowest bidder was Zambelli Internationale and that the recommendation was to proceed with alternate B. Mr. Cook questioned whether the specifications for bids were equal to the specifications set forth for prior years fireworks display. Mr. Davis indicated that they were. Mr. Fernandez questioned the difference between Alternate A and Alternate B quotations from Zambelli and how the proposed display would compare to last years display. Mr. Couzzo advised that the difference between Alternate A and Alternate B is the number of shells to be fired and you would receive more "booms" In Alternate B. Mr. Fernandez moved approval to award the bid to Zambelli Internationale, Alternate B In the amount of $5,300. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. ITEM *2 APPOINTMENT TO THE PERSONNEL APPEALS BOARD AND THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE. PERSONNEL APPEALS BOARD Ms. Toni Covely spoke on her own behalf. Mr. Cook moved to appoint Ms. Toni Covely to the Board. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mr. Ron Marrocco and Dr. Jean Cerra spoke on their own behalf. Mr. Boyle stated that he had received calls from numerous residents and Board members on behalf of Mr. Marrocco. Mr. Fernandez stated that the application for appointment of Dr. Jean Cerra from Barry University presents an excellent oppor- tunity for the Village to further the relationship with Barry, to explore the present difficulties In the Recreation Depart- ment's coaches, and to possibly utilize Dr. Cerra's profes- lonal contacts, to the benefit of both Barry University and the Village. Mayor Heffernan stated that It was great to have the luxury of two qualified and enthusiastic candidates from which to choose. The vote was taken by paper ballot and the vote was as follows: Cook - Marrocco Boyle - Marrocco Heffernan - Marrocco Fernandez - Cerra Mr. Marrocco was appointed to the Board. ITEM *3 PRESENTATION BY VILLAGE OF EL PORTAL MAYOR, GEORGE ECKERT. Mayor Heffernan introduced Mayor George Eckert of the Village of El Portal. Mayor Eckert voiced his concerns regarding the future of his municipality with respect to the millage rate approaching the 10% cap, the ability to provide quality services, and generating revenues. He suggested that a Joint study be undertaken to analyze the pros and cons of merging with El Portal. Mr. Cook thanked Mayor Eckert for his presentation and stated that it gave everyone a lot to think about. He Indicated that it was a tough presentation to make and for everyone to remember that Mayor Eckert Is looking for ways to benefit both communities. Mr. Boyle concurred with Mr. Cook's comments and asked whether Mayor Eckert was before the Council as an Individual citizen or as a representative of the Council of El Portal. Mayor Eckert indicated that he was before Council as an individual. He has not yet taken a poll of the El Portal residents to determine their Inclinations; however, he stated that he had received a positive Initial response. Mayor Heffernan stated that one of the reasons for Mayor Eckert's presentation at this time was to dispel rumors and myths. He Indicated that it Is Important to explore possibilities. Mayor Heffernan asked that Mr. Couzzo and Mayor Eckert conduct a Joint study to explore economies of scale. ITEM *4 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read the Announcements. ITEM *5 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jorge Garcia Mr. Garcia addressed the Bay pollution. He thanked Mr. Tom Benton of Public Works for his responsiveness, but Indicated the need for assistance from the Village In contacting Dade County. He provided pictures to document the situation. Cecilia Weidman Ms. Weidman concurred with Mr. Garcia's remarks with respect to the condition of the Bay. Isabel Roman Ms. Roman provided a video tape substantiating the condition of the Bay. Debbie Clifford Ms. Clifford stated that she lives a couple of houses west of the Bay but the stench coming from the Bay is horrendous. Bill Wilmont Ed Harrigan Dom Togno Mr. Wilmont indicated that he is Interested In the Idea of annexation of Bel Mar Estates. He Is In the process of obtaining signatures and re- quests that he be able to address the Council at the May 3, 1994 Council Meeting. Mr. Harrigan stated that annexation is like a virus. He feels that the new Village Manager has not been given much of a chance to get his feet wet before annexation has come before him. He doesn't believe it Is fair to the new Village Manager. Mr. Togno stated that his property borders on a piece of vacant land which Is regularly used for people walking and relieving their dogs. In addition, he reported on Illegal apartments on the street and commercial vehicles being T.F. Chambers parked when and where it Is against the codes. Mr. Chambers commented on the level of talent seen In the applicants for the Recreation Advusiry Committee and asked If the number of members could be Increased to accommodate the applicants. ITEM *6 COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Fernandez expressed his thanks to all those residents who called after the last Council meeting. He advised that his presentation of 4/5 was not broadcast on Wednesday, 4/6 due to technical dlfficulti3s. He has written an article explaining the presentation which will appear In the May Village Newsletter. Mr. Cook apologized to Della Zaher for not being at the " Miami Shores Elementary Della Zaher Wing" dedication ceremonies. He thanked Ms. Zaher for her hospitality in hosting tonight's Council meeting. He also thanked Chief Zoovas for introducing the new Police Officers and hoped that this practice will continue. Mr. Boyle stated that it Is Important for the Council to explore and consider all new Items brought before them. He thanked the Village for their support with Taste of the Shores, In parti- cular, Mr. Couzzo and the Department Heads, for their efforts. Mayor Heffernan expressed his thanks to all those In attendance. He requested information updates from Mr. Couzzo regarding the following items: 103 Street Beautification - Mr. Couzzo Indicated that Tom Benton, Assistant Village Manager/Director of Public Works, would be in a better position to respond to the inquiry. Mr. Benton stated that the Village had Just received the "go ahead" from the Department of Transportation to allow for signage. There will be an "Invitation to Bid" advertised. 96 Street center barrier at the railroad crossing - Mr. Couzzo stated that the Village and Dade County had reached an agreement as to the plan and that work should begin to reduce the size/width of the barriers. Baseball Field (dugout) benches - Mr. Couzzo will look Into the possibility of obtaining benches. Mayor Heffernan requested that anyone Interested In sponsoring a baseball team should contact either Sandy Moredock at Village Hall or the Mayor directly. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. William Mayor By: Scott W. Davis Village Clerk SIGNATURE PAGE FOR MINUTES OF APRIL 19, 1994, VILLAGE COUNCIL MTG.