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06-04-1996 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 4, 1996 The regularly scheduled Village Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, June 4, 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 Mr. Heffernan moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. ITEM #2 PLANNING & ZONING Frank LuBien A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS. Henry Everett 9600-9640 N.E. 2nd Avenue Mr. Couz7o introduced the item, stating that per the Miami Shores Village Code of Ordinances, the Council must approve any renovations involving a building on Second Avenue. Mr. Couz7o stated that Mr. Everett as the owner, Mr. Gene Parry as the property manager, and Mr. Franklin Grau as the architect, were all present. Mr. Boyle stated that his wife currently rents space in the building which is to be renovated and questioned whether the Village Attorney saw any conflict of interest. Mr. Ulmer stated there was no conflict. Mr. Heffernan asked if Mr. Grau had done research regarding the original plans of the building. Mr. Grau stated that the proposed renovations are similar to the original building designs. Mayor Imburgia asked about a time frame for renovation. Mr. Grau stated that the Village would have working drawings on Monday, June 10. Mrs. Ross Agosta asked about a completion date. Mr. Grau did not offer a completion date. Mr. Sastre stated the drawings look beautiful. Mr. Heffernan moved approval of exterior renovations. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. ITEM #3 VILLAGE MANAGER Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR REPRESENTATION SERVICES BEFORE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, ITS COMMITTEES AND STAFF. Mr. Couzzo explained the information provided in the Council back-up, stressing the importance of representation at the State level in order to procure funds for the Village. Mr. Couzzo stated that Public Affairs Consultants had worked diligently during the last legislative session and had been able to obtain funds for the Village. Those funds are currently awaiting the Governor's signature before disbursement. Mrs. Ross Agosta asked if the Village had ever engaged the services of a lobbyist before. After consulting with various staff members and residents in attendance, it was determined that there had not been a lobbyist working for the Village. Mr. Boyle asked where the funds were coming from. Mr. Couzzo stated that money was set aside in the police budget for funding through the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Boyle then confirmed with Mr. Couzzo that further funding would be a budgetary consideration during the budget workshop and hearings. The importance of having a comfortable relationship between the Manager and the lobbyist was discussed. Mr. Couzzo indicated that he has known Jack Cory from Public Affairs Consultants Inc. for approximately 20 years and held him in very high regard. Mr. Sastre indicated that there was interest from Mr. David Caserta in representing the Village at either the State or County level. Discussion regarding the possibility of retaining Mr. Caserta to serve at the County level ensued. Mr. Heffernan stated that there might be a conflict of interest problem with Mr. Caserta as his brother is a Councilman from the City of North Miami, but stated that if not, perhaps Mr. Caserta could assist the Village with annexation issues. Mr. Sastre asked that the Village Manager investigate the feasibility of engaging Mr. Caserta in a manner similar to the agreement with Public Affairs Consultants Inc. Mr. Heffernan and Mrs. Ross Agosta stated that they would feel more comfortable authorizing the engagement of Public Affairs Consultants Inc. after verification that the Village would receive the budgeted funds. Mr. Couzzo stated that the Governor has until midnight Friday, June 7, 1996 to sign the appropriation. Mr. Boyle stated that whether the Village receives the funds or not is really not the issue. Mr. Boyle feels the issue should be one of need; does the Village need a lobbyist to represent its interests? Mr. Heffernan conceded Mr. Boyle's point was well taken and stated that the Village would be well served to retain the services of a lobbyist. Mrs. Ross Agosta stated that Public Affairs Consultants Inc. had shown good faith in representing the Village without a formal agreement and it was her opinion that the Village should move forward. Mayor Imburgia stated that with the number of new municipalities in Dade County alone, the need for representation in Tallahassee is critical. Mr. Boyle moved to authorize the Village Manager to execute an agreement with Public Affairs Consultants Inc. for representation. Mr. Heffernan seconded the motion. Mark Ulmer pointed out an error in the agreement which should be corrected prior to the Manager executing the agreement. The vote was taken and was unanimous in favor. Page 2 ITEM #4 VILLAGE CLERK Barbara Fugazzi A. A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A REVENUE NOTE, SERIES 1996, MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $800,000 FOR PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF RENOVATION OF THE VILLAGE POLICE BUILDING; COVENANTING TO BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE FROM CURRENT REVENUES FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE NOTE; CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE NOTE; AWARDING THE NOTE TO THE PURCHASER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Clerk read the caption of the Resolution. Mrs. Patricia Varney, Finance Director, explained that this resolution is in response to the Council's directive to move forward with obtaining funding for the police building renovations. Mr. Heffernan asked that Mrs. Varney clarify for the record, Section 7 Adjustments to Interest Rate. Mrs. Varney explained that if the law changes in regards to tax-free loans, Barnett Bank would be obligated to increase the rate of interest. Mr. Heffernan stated that the language is standard language for the specific type of loan. Mr. Ulmer stated that he had reviewed the applicable documents and had approved them as to form. Mr. Heffernan moved adoption of Resolution. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. B. AN ORDINANCE OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 9-43 (a)(b) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO WAIVING OF DELINQUENT FEES FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Second and Final Reading The Clerk read the caption of the Ordinance. Mrs. Ross Agosta asked for an explanation from Mr. Couz7o so that the public would be aware of the amendment. Mr. Conz7o stated that in order to accommodate new homeowners who do not receive their garbage billing in a timely manner and accrue late fees, the amendment to the Ordinance allows for the Village Manager to waive the delinquent fees. Mayor Imburgia invited public comment, however no one wished to speak on the issue. Mr. Heffernan moved adoption of the Ordinance. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. C. AN ORDINANCE OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, VACATING THE ALLEY LYING BETWEEN LOT 6 AND LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 16, PLAT OF MIAMI SHORES COMPANY SECTION NO. 1, PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 36, PUBLIC RECORDS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Second and Final Reading. The Clerk read the caption of the Ordinance. Mayor Imburgia invited public comment. No one came forward to speak. Mr. Heffernan moved adoption of the Ordinance. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. Page 3 ITEM #5 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Clerk read the announcements. ITEM #6 PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no public comment. ITEM #7 COUNCIL COMMENTS Mary Ross Agosta was the only Council member to offer a comment. She expressed her condolences to the family of Mayor Steven Clark who passed away earlier in the day. ITEM #8 ADJOURNMENT The Tuesday, June 4, 1996 Council Meeting was adj urned at 8 Barbara A. Fugaz7i, Villa, Louis S. Imburgia, Jr., Mayor Page 4