01-16-1996 Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JANUARY 16, 1996
A Miami Shores Village Council Workshop was held on Tuesday, January 16, 1996 at the
C.Lawton McCall Community Center, commencing at 6:00 P.M. with the following members
present:
PRESENT:
Mayor Imburgia
Cesar Sastre
Michael Boyle
William Heffernan
Mary Ross Agosta
ALSO PRESENT: Michael R. Couzzo, Jr.
Barbara A. Fugazzi
Mark Ulmer
ITEM #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING FUNDING FOR HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION
GRANTS.
This Item was deleted from the Council Workshop Agenda.
I1'EM #2 PRESENTATION BY VILLAGE MANAGER REGARDING THE PROPOSED
PURCHASE AND RENOVATION OF THE 9990 N.E. SECOND AVENUE
BUILDING FOR A NEW POLICE FACILITY.
Mrs. Ross Agosta declared a possible conflict and stated she would not take part in the
discussion.
Mr. Couzzo stated that presentation booklets were available to the public for their information.
He explained the format of the presentation and stated that the proposed purchase and renovation
of the building would be on the February 6, 1996 Council Meeting Agenda as an action item.
Mr. Couz7o outlined the information contained in the presentation booklet, indicating the booklet
contained a history, operational costs, financing options and recommendations. Mayor Imburgia
stated that as a benchmark, the project costs would be approximately $1,125,000.00.
Mr. Sastre questioned the disposition of the present police facility. Mr. Couzzo stated that this
question was not addressed in the presentation due to the number of variables regarding the
space, i.e. expansion of Village Hall, leasing out of space, etc. Mr. Couzzo further stated that
due to the unknowns, the costs to maintain the present facility were not factored into the
operational costs equation.
Mr. Boyle asked for clarification on what was included in the "Base Bid" submitted by the
contractors. Mr. Conz7o stated that the "Base Bid" included renovations resulting in the shown
plans in the presentation package, not the "Add Alternates" such as patio construction, security
monitoring, specialty carpentry work, 8' masonry wall, etc. Mr. Couzzo stated that his
recommendation would be to accept the "Base Bid" plus "Add Alternate 1".
Mr. Heffernan asked Chief Zoovas to outline the changes in the Department over the years.
Chief Zoovas described some of the changes in the department, both physical plant and
manpower changes which have occurred since the last expansion in 1983. Mr. Heffernan further
asked the Chief to detail the differences between the present building and the proposed new
facility. Chief Zoovas summarized some of the improvements in the new building plans,
including separate locker rooms, a roll -call room, a safe prisoner entrance, and an interview
room. Mr. Sastre asked if the base bid included everything shown on the plans. Chief Zoovas
indicated that Add Alternate 1, the second floor patio, was the only item not included in the base
bid.
Mayor Imburgia asked for the Chiefs opinion regarding increased efficiency with an enlarged
facility, i.e. reducing the need to travel to other facilities to conduct operations. The Chief
indicated that there would be a time savings, as well as more productivity due to increased
morale. Mr. Boyle stated that the present facility is clearly sub -standard in relation to other
comparable size departments. Mr. Boyle further outlined some of the advantages relating to the
Archdiocese building. Mayor Imburgia asked the audience to look at the big picture. Chief
Zoovas introduced members of the police department who were in the audience.
The Council entertained public comment regarding the proposed police facility at this time.
Ron Martin Mr. Martin asked for clarification on Add Alternate 2. Mr. Couz7o stated
that "case work" meant carpentry, not police case work.
Margaret Burch Mrs. Burch stated her opinion that the need to upgrade the facility was
evident, however, she asked about fmancing the project.
Josie Wiener Mrs. Wiener stated that she had been a resident for 34 years and that she
believes the police to be very efficient and courteous. She also wanted to
ensure that the contractors were reliable.
Gloria Morrongiello Mrs. Morrongiello asked about new space for the Mobile Patrol.
Joe I)ugoni Mr. Dugoni stated that a new police facility was a necessity, not a luxury.
Loretta Olson Mrs. Olson stated that when we need the police, they are there for the
residents.
Ed Harrigan Mr. Harrigan asked for clarification regarding financials. He agreed that
the police department needs new facilities.
Frank Hegedus Mr. Hegedus congratulated all the people involved in the planning stages
of the proposed project.
Michael Maguire Mr. Maguire stated that different methods to fund the project should be
researched.
Steve Loffredo Mr. Loffredo stated that the Village should give the police department the
tools and facilities they need to perform their best. He additionally stated
that this is a responsibility the Village should be able to manage
As there were no other residents who wished to speak, the Council workshop was adjourned at
7:50 P.M.
Louis S. Imburgi. r., Mayor
4mAata
Barbara A. Fugazzi, Village Clerk
Presentations, including a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the reading of a Proclamation in honor
of Youth Sports Month took place at the Ed Abdella Field House.
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