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03-05-1996 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 5, 1996 The regularly scheduled Village Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, March 5, 1996 at the Village Hall, commencing at 7:30 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 Fugazzi Mark Ulmer CONSIDERATIONS: ITEM #1 CONSENT AGENDA A. MINUTES Mrs. Ross Agosta requested that the 2/20/96 Council Meeting Minutes be amended with the following addition: Page 4, Paragraph 3: Mrs. Ross Agosta questioned why local Codes were not adhered to when making repairs on the homes. Ms. Niarchos stated that Sunrise had been unaware of the local Ordinances regarding permitting. Mrs. Ross Agosta expressed her concerns regarding Sunrise being unfamiliar with the Village's Code of Ordinances and strongly suggested that the organization become knowledgeable on the local Codes. Mr. Boyle moved approval of the February 20, 1996 Council Meeting Minutes as amended. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. ITEM #2 MAYOR IMBURGIA A. UPDATE ON STATUS OF HRS COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL HOMES. Mayor Imburgia stated that he and Mr. Couzzo had met with Ms. Burke on Friday, March 1, 1996, immediately preceding her departure to Tallahassee for the beginning of the Legislative Session. In response to questions raised during the meeting, Ms. Burke has taken steps to support the Village's position. Mayor Imburgia read into the record the letter received from Beryl Roberts -Burke, State Representative (copy attached). Mr. Conz7o stated that the laws pertaining to the care and housing of developmentally disabled individuals are established not only by the State of Florida, but also the United States Government. During the meeting with Representative Burke, Mr. Couzzo and Mayor Imburgia suggested an amendment to the current State Statute which would set a minimum lot size for the Community Residential Homes. They indicated to Ms. Burke that the lot sizes within Miami Shores cannot comfortably accommodate six adult clients plus staff. Ms. Burke is attempting to obtain support in Tallahassee to amend the current Statute, and "piggy -back" it to pending legislation. Mr. Cou77o stated that Ms. Burke believes that the amendment proposed by Mayor Imburgia and himself will be supported. Mayor Imburgia indicated that a number of the Council attended a Board of Directors meeting held by HRS on Friday morning, March 1. Miami Shores resident, Wansley Walters, serves as the Chairperson of the Board. At that time, Mr. Couzzo and the Council were able to share the Village's concerns directly with the Board which oversees the HRS Community Residential Home program. Mayor Imburgia expressed his thoughts that the Council's attendance at the Board meeting was very productive. Mr. Sastre asked about the possibility of amending the current Statute to require a minimum square footage for the homes. He stated that a three or four bedroom, two/three bath home is too small for six adults plus staff. Mr. Couzro reminded the Council and residents that the Village can only recommend amendments. Mr. Heffernan stated that the Council had asked FIRS to reduce the number of clients in the homes. He stated that many of the Board members were unaware of the circumstances surrounding the site selection process, the lack of screening procedures, and staff issues. Mr. Heffernan stated it was an educational meeting and he asked HRS to implement a better "introduction into a community" policy. Mr. Heffernan indicated that it was beneficial to speak with the HRS District Director, Anita Bock, and the HRS Board of Directors at the same time. Mr. Heffernan explained that the State mandates are unfunded as they pertain to the Community Residential Homes and HRS programming. Page 2 Mrs. Ross Agosta expressed her opinion that there were misunderstandings on the part of the HRS Board of Directors regarding the site selection and placement process. The Miami Shores Village Council was able to clarify many issues for the Board. Mrs. Ross Agosta stated that it was her impression that the HRS Board does not believe that group homes are the solution for all developmentally disabled individuals. However, Mrs. Ross Agosta stated the State is considering mandating that all institutions close and all patients be transferred into group home settings. Mr. Heffernan stated that he would be attending the Dade League of Cities meeting on Thursday, March 7, 1996. He will look into what the Dade League's plans are for legislative reform. Mr. Couzzo reported that there will be a neighborhood meeting held on 1 lth Avenue regarding the Community Residential Home located at 10635 N.E. 11th Avenue. The meeting will take place on Thursday, March 7, 1996, beginning at 7:00 P.M. ITEM #3 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Clerk read the announcements. ITEM #4 PUBLIC COMMENT Loretta Olsen Mrs. Olsen spoke about the need for a traffic light at the "5 Corners" intersection. Warren Kaplan Mr. Kaplan spoke regarding the possibility of a guardhouse or guard -gate on 96th Street, east of Biscayne Boulevard. Mr. Kaplan stated that he had spoken to a number of neighbors who share his desire for a gate or guard. Mr. Kaplan believes that too many non-residents use the park area and represent a danger to the area residents. Mr. Kaplan stated that the people east of Biscayne Boulevard pay a higher percentage of the taxes within Miami Shores and should be compensated with extra protection. Mr. Boyle asked Mr. Kaplan how long he had lived in Miami Shores. Mr. Kaplan stated he has lived here for 8 months. Mr. Boyle stated that the idea of a gate is not a new one and suggested that Mr. Kaplan look into some of the shortfalls of the idea. Mrs. Ross Agosta asked Mr. Kaplan if he or the neighbors call the police when there are problems at the park. Mr. Kaplan stated that they do call the police who are quick to respond, but that the police are not there all the time to deter problems. Mr. Kaplan cited Keystone and other gated communities with lower crime rates. Mrs. Ross Agosta told him that the barricades also serve to lower crime. Mrs. Ross Agosta stated that the gated community examples that Mr. Kaplan gave were entire communities, not portions of an existing municipality. Mrs. Ross Agosta expressed her concern about dividing the community and raised the issue of resident stickers. Page 3 Mr. Heffernan stated that a proven deterrent to problems was the neighborhood crime watch program. He urged the area residents to start the program if they were not already involved. Mr. Boyle stated his opinion that due to the existing barricades, the area east of Biscayne Boulevard is a very protected area, with only one way in and one way out (96th Street). He stated that Miami Shores Village's name is due to being on the shore of Biscayne Bay. Mr. Kaplan is suggesting the Village deny access to the landmark for which it was named. Mr. Boyle echoed Mrs. Ross Agosta's concerns of segregating the community. Mr. Couz7o outlined a number of legal and tax issues associated with closing 96th Street to general traffic. Mrs. Ross Agosta suggested that the Village Manager look into alternatives for the residents of the park area, including changing the hours of park openings, increased police patrols, resident stickers, increased lighting, etc. Mr. Couzzo stated that he would meet with staff to discuss the available options and conduct a neighborhood meeting. Lucy Walker Mrs. Walker also spoke as a bay area resident, confirming the problems with the park. Teresa Brasac Mrs. Brasac conveyed some of the situations which have taken place in the neighborhood. Mr. Heffernan suggested the possibility of rotating the park ranger to cover the park in addition to the recreation fields. Mr. Boyle asked about the police department's bike patrol. Mr. Couzzo reiterated his intent to meet with staff and area residents regarding alternatives to a gate or guard. Charlie Smith Mr. Smith reminded the Council and audience that the park was there for everyone's use and enjoyment. He suggested the possibility of video monitoring as a possible solution. Additionally, Mr. Smith thanked the Council for their decision regarding the 969 N.E. 92nd Street property which is scheduled for demolition on March 6, 1996. Leon Newman Mr. Newman spoke about new evening hours for the mobile patrol and stated that the program needs more volunteers that can cover the evening hours. Cindy Farris Mrs. Farris spoke of the ongoing problems with the Community Residential Home located at 10635 N.E. 1 lth Avenue. Page 4 ITEM #5 COUNCIL COMMENT Mary Ross Agosta No Comment Cesar Sastre Asked the Village Attorney to draft an Ordinance changing Bayfront Park hours of operation to reflect dawn to dusk. William Heffernan Mr. Heffernan spoke about the Council Workshop which took place on Saturday, March 2, 1996. He commended the Council for the work accomplished at the Workshop. Additionally, Mr. Heffernan commended Mayor Imburgia for the hours he has spent, together with Mr. Couzzo, working with representatives from HRS, Sunrise Community, Inc. and the Florida Legislative representatives. Mr. Heffernan thanked Mr. Boyle for spearheading the police building issue. Michael Boyle Mr. Boyle thanked the members of the community for attending the meeting, noting that there were new faces in the crowd. Mayor Imburgia Mayor Imburgia spoke about the Council Workshop, thanking the Village Manager, the Planning & Zoning Board Members, and the Village staff for their dedication and commitment. ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT The March 5, 1996 Village Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. ,ecm.,6An G. Barbara A. Fugazzi, Vill g Ct rk Page 5 Louis S. Imburg''. Mayor FToricla House of Representatives &34o NE 2ndAvenue Suite 272 Awa FL 33x38 305.32.-.3086 Beeper 30.•306-IS49 Lou Imburgia, Mayor Village of Miami Shores 10050 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33138 BERYL ROBERTS-BURKE REPRESENTATIVE. DISTRICT 108 March 5, 1996 eat The Capitol T J FL J2.-13oo 904.488-4233 Dear Mayor Imburgia: I want to commend you on the outstanding leadership and service which you are providing to the Village of Miami Shores. Your dedication is indeed an inspiration for all of us to strive to enhance our community. Please know that it is a pleasure to represent the Miami Shores residents in the Florida House of Representatives. Our meeting last Friday was very interesting and productive, and I appreciate having the opportunity to discuss the present .problem. As a result, I have -contacted the attorney of:the Majority Office in *reference to the HISS/Group home concerns and therefore,.the issue is being researched to determine what solutions exist. In addition, I communicated with the Legislative Director of HRS regarding our discussion to access various avenues to obtain a resolution for the residents of Miami Shores. It is my belief that the solution we discussed in our meeting is viable one and I should have further .de£ails in a few days. CC`rl yiffn EF.,• Apptop n/G ua17uetice, Clmir • Conumree • 7nd«a • EJB & Elections • Lunen: & Gni 1. in< In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for contacting me regarding this very important issue. Clearly, I appreciate your confidence in my ability to serve you and the residents of the Village of Miami Shores. Please know that I always work diligently on matters brought to my attention and I look forward to your continued support. Your Public Servant, Ai Beryl Robert -Burke BRB/sh cc. Mike Couzzo, Village Manager