10-24-1994 Workshop MeetingMiami Shores Village
Council Workshop Meeting
October 24, 1994
The Workshop meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was
held on October 24, 1994 at the Village Hall, commencing at
7:02 p.m. with the following members present:
Present:
Also Present:
Absent:
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Heffernan
Michael Boyle
Richard Fernandez
Steven Johnson
Robert Cook
Michael R. Couzzo, Jr.
Scott W. Davis
William F. Fann
ITEM *1 DISCUSSION CONCERNING COMMUNITY PROMOTION AND
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT. Mr. Fernandez outlined the background
and stated that there are two prongs to promote the Village.
1. Residential
2. Business sector
He stated that passive promotion is part of the mix; however,
the Village needs to increase Its active promotion. Mr.
Johnson stated that no matter how much the Village markets
2nd Avenue business district the people come but that they
are not Impressed. He stated that the properties are private
property and the Village needs to get building owners to up
grade the buildings. Mr. Johnson stated that the current
property owners have expressed a lack of desire to up grade
their properties. Mayor Heffernan stated that the Village
has limited resources to attack the problem. He stated that
the Village needs a developer with vision to come into Miami
Shores. Mayor Heffernan stated that he had a radical Idea to
forget downtown and make it a residential area and to narrow
2nd Avenue to restrict travel. He also suggested 9 story
buildings with multiple uses. Mr. Cook stated that the
Village needs to find out what is special about the location
of the Village and promote that. Mr. Boyle spoke about
limited casinos and that they will impact the Village If they
are allowed. He stated that the landlords downtown have
decided that it is the role of the Village to improve the
properties downtown. Mr. Fernandez stated that the buildings
downtown will eventually change regarding who controls them.
He spoke about sewers in Miami Shores. Mr. Boyle stated that
the Village has an inferior product and It is the owners
responsibility to Improve the district. Mr. Fernandez
suggested tax rebates on the increased values due to
renovations. Mayor Heffernan spoke about the anchor
businesses in the buildings downtown. He reviewed the
history of the redevelopment of Lincoln Road. Mr. Boyle
stated that the Village government has lead the charge to
improve the Village. Mr. Couzzo suggested a personnel
Invitation to the downtown property owners to come to a
forum to discuss the matter.
Mr. Charlie Kiuck: Spoke about tenants expanding
and looking for more space. He
asked that the trees be trimmed,
the sidewalks be cleaned and the
trash bins be emptied more often
in the downtown area.
Mr. Couzzo spoke to Mr. Kluck's comments.
Mr. Charlie Smith: Spoke about Lincoln road and
stated that there is no grant
funds available for Miami
Shores, although there is low
Interest loans available to
business owners.
Mr. Ed Harrigan: Spoke about sewers and hook up
charges.
Mr. George Bennett: Stated that he supports
marketing of the Shores with a
professional firm.
Mr. Boyle asked Mr. Bennett who would the Village market to
and what would they market. Mr. Bennett replied that the
Village should market to out of towners, outside of Miami
Shores and outside of Dade County. Mayor Heffernan stated
that he was In favor of public relations for the Village.
Mr. Bennett stated that his philosophy Is to not let the sun
set on a problem. Mr. Fernandez stated that If the Council
were in private business they would be a failure in the
marketing area. Mr. Kluck stated that the Counct'l has been
speaking of the decline of 2nd Avenue for 25 years. Mr.
Fernandez stated that the homeowners adjacent to 2nd Avenue
are affected by what happens on 2nd Avenue. Mayor Heffernan
suggested using the public relations portion of the
professional marketing plan that was developed for the
Shores. Mr. Fernandez stated that the Village should go from
passive to active promotion. He stated that the Village
needs someone to carry through and keep the protects on
track. Mr. Fernandez stated that the Council should leave It
to Mr. Couzzo to return to Council with recommendations.
Mayor Heffernan stated that he agrees that a P.R. coordinator
is necessary. Mr. Fernandez stated that paid staff as a
volunteer coordinator is essential. Mayor Heffernan restated
that he is looking for recommendations from the Village
Manager for public relations for the Village with an external
and Internal plan. He stated that the consensus of Council
was for the Village Manager to return to Council with a plan
that Includes a coordinator and with external and Internal
public relations. Mr. Couzzo stated that there is $80,000
in the marketing budget. Mr. Boyle suggested a person on a
1/2 time basis. He stated that there is a tremendous amount
of talent in the Shores.
Mr. Joe Dugoni suggested a public relations coordinator to do
marketing and that that position would be responsible to the
Village Manager. Mr. Fernandez suggested an executive
relocation brochure for the Village.
ITEM *2 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
SIGNATURE PAGE FOR THE OCTOBER 24 COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
Attest:
Scott W, Davis
Village Clerk
za,44
William
Mayor