06-06-1995 Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
JUNE 6, 1995
A Council Workshop Meeting was held on Tuesday, June 6, 1995 commencing at 6:05 P.M. at
the Village Hall, with the following members present:
PRESENT:
Mayor Imburgia
Cesar Sastre
Michael Boyle
William Heffernan
Mary Ross Agosta
ALSO PRESENT: Michael R. CoI wwo, Jr.
William Fann
Barbara Fugazzi
ITEM #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING RETAINING NEW VILLAGE ATTORNEY FOR
PLANNING & ZONING/CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARDS AND GENERAL
COUNSEL.
Mr. Couzzo outlined the item, and confirmed that all Council members had received copies of
the information submitted from interested attorneys. Mr. Couzzo indicated that as stated in his
cover memo, one possibility for narrowing the field of applicants would be to have a selection
committee formed.
Mr. Sastre stated that he had reviewed all the information provided by the submitting attorneys.
He further stated that he would feel more comfortable choosing general counsel representation,
then determining whether separate counsel is required for representation with the Planning &
Zoning/Code Enforcement Boards. Mr. Sastre voiced his support of the idea of a selection
committee to include the present Village Attorney, William Fann.
Mr. Boyle stated he was overwhelmed with the response from interested attorneys and felt it was
a tribute to Mr. Fann. Mr. Boyle spoke of instituting an hourly fee to a new attorney, rather than
a flat fee for work throughout the year. He further stated that he was in favor of a selection
committee, and asked if there was a specific number of fmalists who would be considered by the
Council. Mr. Couzzo stated that he would rather not limit the possible number of finalists at this
point in time, but indicated that the final number would probably be five or less.
Ms. Ross Agosta expressed her concern regarding a possible conflict having two attorneys, one
as general counsel and another one for Planning & Zoning.
Mr. Sastre outlined criteria which he would expect the selection committee to consider when
narrowing the field, i.e. accessibility, local firm, experience, interest in community, land use
experience.
Mr. Boyle agreed with Mr. Sastre's thoughts and expressed his concerns regarding large firms
which expressed interest in representing the Village. Mr. Boyle stated that continuity is
important and stressed the need for the same attorney to be present at the Council meetings, not a
different attorney from the same firm.
Mayor Imburgia stated that he felt comfortable with the individuals who will be a part of the
selection committee: Henry Courtney, Steve Johnson, Kevin O'Connor, Bill Fann and Michael
Couzzo. He further stated that three members are ex -mayors of Miami Shores.
It was the consensus of the Council to have the suggested selection committee narrow the field of
applicants.
ITEM #2 DISCUSSION REGARDING RESULTS OF SIDEWALK SURVEY
Mr. Coiizzo explained the item and gave background regarding survey.
Ms. Ross Agosta relayed a personal experience regarding the sidewalk issue and applicable
responsibility.
Mr. Couzzo stated that there has been some misrepresentation and misunderstanding regarding
the responsibility of maintaining the sidewalks. He further stated that currently, the Code
Enforcement Board is pending all sidewalk cases until such time as the Council determines an
appropriate course of action.
Mr. Benton, Assistant Village Manager/Public Works Director, outlined the extensive procedures
followed in conducting the survey, indicating that if a flag was damaged in any way, it was
counted as a "failed" flag, and listed for replacement.
Mr. Boyle stated that the sidewalks are an important amenity and contribute to the Village
aesthetics and general atmosphere.
The consensus of the Council was to have the Planning & Zoning Board address the implications
of the existing Codes and to report back to the Council.
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ITEM #3 DISCUSSION REGARDING CONTINUED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE
ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE 9990 N.E.
SECOND AVENUE BUILDING.
Mr. Comm advised the Council that he had met with Father Hennessey and Archbishop
Favalora regarding the asking price for the 9990 building. The Archdiocese has lowered their
price from $260,000 to $230,000. Discussion regarding necessary improvements ensued,
specifically the condition of the roof.
Councilman Bill Heffernan arrived at this time.
Mr. Heffernan reiterated the discussions and directions of the March 21, 1995 Regular Council
Meeting. At that time, the Council directed Mr. Couzzo to negotiate a contract with an extended
inspection period with the Archdiocese. Once a contract is in place, the Council will determine
the extent of studies to be performed on the building. The consensus of the Council was to have
Mr. Couz7o and the Village Attorney, William Fann, draw up a purchase contract.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Margaret Burch Spoke of the importance of having a local attorney replace Mr. Fann. She
also spoke on the sidewalk issue.
Ed Harrigan Spoke about the attorney position and the 9990 building.
Michael Maguire Spoke about barricades, the country club and the attorney position.
ITEM #4 ADJOURNMENT
The Council Workshop meeting was adjourned at 7:05 P.M.
Barbara Fugazzi, Vill ge e
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Louis Imbur l Jr., Mayor