07-16-1996 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Village Council was held on Tuesday, July 16, 1996 at
the Village Hall, commencing at 7:37 P.M. with the following members present:
PRESENT: Mayor Imburgia
Cesar Sastre
Michael Boyle
William Heffernan
Mary Ross Agosta
ALSO PRESENT: Michael R. Couz7o, Jr.
Barbara A. Fugazzi
Mark S. Ulmer
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Imburgia presented The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the National
Government Finance Officers Association for Fiscal Year 95/96 to Patricia Varney, Finance
Director.
Ms. Donna Bowman, Attorney, addressed the audience regarding her candidacy for Dade Circuit
Court Judge.
CONSIDERATIONS
The Village Clerk advised the Council that there was an emergency item which was to be
considered for addition to the published agenda. The Clerk suggested that if the item were to be
added, it would be numbered as Item #5B, as it relates to the Public Works Department. Mrs.
Ross Agosta moved to add an Agenda Item to be number 5B. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #1 CONSENT AGENDA
A. MINUTES
B. REQUEST TO ALLOCATE $568 FROM THE CONTINGENCY FUND TO
THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET IN ORDER TO
SATISFY FUNDING REQUIREMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE SOFTWARE
PROGRAMMING CHANGES PER THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD.
C. A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL AUTHORIZING
THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE LEASE AGREEMENT AND
RELATED DOCUMENTS WITH RIVERSIDE NATIONAL BANK OF
FLORIDA.
Mr. Heffernan moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #2 MARKETING DEPARTMENT Mildred Ramos-Majoros
A. PRESENTATION OF NEW MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE PROMOTIONAL
BROCHURE.
B. REQUEST APPROVAL TO WAIVE BID PROCEDURE AND AWARD
PRINTING CONTRACT TO VISTA COLOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,812.
Mr. Couz7o reported that Mildred was presently working at the graphic designers, finishing up
on the presentation brochure. He suggested that the items be deferred until her arrival. Mr.
Heffernan moved to defer Item 2. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor.
3. POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Zoovas
A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROPRIATING
$20,169.00 FROM THE $800,000 LOAN TO PAY FOR CHANGE ORDERS IN
REFERENCE TO THE 9990 N.E. SECOND AVENUE BUILDING.
Mr. Ron Barr from Peacock, Courtney Architects was present and explained the agenda item.
Mr. Barr indicated that the majority of change orders are a result of comments made on the plans
by the Dade County Fire Marshall. The comments pertain to the addition of fire rated doors and
partitions, additional means of egress from the second floor and enclosing an area which was to
be open. Mr. Barr suggested that the Council tentatively approve the changes as listed and to
authorize the Village Manager to meet with Pentagon Construction regarding a time extension in
order to finalize the requested change orders. Also, Mr. Barr recommended that due to the
Council's August recess, the Council authorize Mr. Couz7o to authorize up to an additional
$10,000 in change orders. Mrs. Ross Agosta stated that the Council had not received a detailed
listing of the change order items prior to the meeting and asked for clarification regarding a
window change. Mr. Couz7o asked that Mr. Barr explain the additional back-up information.
Mr. Barr clarified the information and the rational for the requested changes.
Mr. Conz7o stated that he was concerned regarding the possibility of a construction time
extension due to the changes. Mayor Imburgia asked if the contract addressed time extensions.
Mr. Barr stated that the contract allows for an extension under general conditions.
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A lengthy discussion ensued between the Council, Mr. Barr and Mr. Couz7o regarding the
change order submittal procedure, the allowed mark-up by the contractor, the choices the Council
has regarding authorization, and how the corresponding dollar figures are formulated. In
response to a question from Mayor Imburgia regarding the impact of not authorizing change
orders, Mr. Barr stated that Pentagon Construction could shut the project down. Mrs. Ross
Agosta stated her concerns regarding being held "hostage" by the contractor. Mrs. Ross Agosta
further asked what is a normal percentage for change orders on a project. Mr. Barr stated that
change orders can run 5% to 10% of a projects cost. He indicated that with an $835,000 project,
change orders could be anywhere from $42,000 to $83,500 but most change orders are submitted
at the front end of a project. Mr. Heffernan stressed the importance of following the signed
contract and specifications. Mr. Boyle asked why the Fire Marshall's comments had not been
incorporated earlier in the project. Mr. Couz7o outlined the bidding and permitting process the
Village followed. Mr. Heffernan stated that the change order requests were incomplete. Mr.
Barr indicated that he has worked with Pentagon regarding the time element contained within the
change order forms, without success. Mr. Ulmer suggested to the Council that they authorize the
Village Manager to negotiate with Pentagon Construction.
Mr. Heffernan moved to appropriate $30,000 for change orders and empower the Village
Manager to execute change orders as he sees fit. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #4 VILLAGE COUNCIL
A. DISCUSSION REGARDING AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE
ALLOWING FOR BOOKSTORES. Mayor Imburgia
The Village Clerk stated that per the Council's request, an amended draft of a proposed
Ordinance to allow bookstores in Miami Shores Village has been placed on the agenda. Mr.
Ulmer detailed the changes in the Ordinance, stating that the provisions of the Ordinance are not
severable. As amended, the Ordinance would allow for bookstores as a special exception within
the B1 or B2 zoning districts, providing the bookstore complies with specified requirements, i.e.
lighting, window sizing, etc. Discussion regarding site plan review ensued. It was the consensus
of the Council to place the Ordinance amending Section 270 of the Village Code of Ordinances
on the September 3, 1996 Council Agenda. The Ordinance will be advertised as a second and
final reading and a public hearing will be held.
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B. RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL OPPOSING A
REVENUE SHARING PLAN PROPOSED BY THE DADE COUNTY
COMMISSION. Michael Boyle
As the sponsoring Council member, Mr. Boyle outlined the Dade County Commission's proposal
for a Fair Share Municipal Revenue Sharing Plan. The Plan, as proposed, would give the County
Commission the power to reallocate or reapportion 3 mils of the Village's ad valorem tax
revenues throughout Dade County. Mr. Boyle read portions of the Plan's documentation, which
indicates that municipalities with "very successful community governments like Miami Shores
and Miami Springs, each with an average tax base, have maximized the quality of their
community services by stepping up to the plate and paying for high quality". The documentation
goes on to say that "by contrast, the government of UMSA (Unincorporated Municipal Service
Area) which enjoys a similar per capita tax base makes little tax effort because there is no
political support for giving Metro Dade more money." Mr. Boyle expressed his concerns
regarding the Village being penalized for having a good and responsive government. The Dade
County Plan, in its own documentation, refers to the Plan as "A proposal to fairly share the
burden among the haves, to provide basic municipal government to the have nots". Mr. Boyle
stated that based on the formula provided, the Village would receive additional funds in the first
year of the program. However, he stated that the formula is based solely on population and is
expressly concerned with the impact in subsequent years. Mr. Boyle would like the Council to
adopt a formal Resolution opposing any revenue sharing plan and to use the Village Newsletter
to educate the Village residents regarding this issue.
Mrs. Ross Agosta thanked Mr. Boyle for so articulately expressing his views and the basis of the
Plan. She believes the County is operating under a robin hood mentality which should not go
unchallenged. Mrs. Ross Agosta does not believe the Commission is acting in the best interests
of the County and agrees with Mr. Boyle's concerns.
Mayor Imburgia stated that at a recent Dade League of Cities Meeting, the other Dade
municipalities expressed similar views in opposition to the Plan. Mayor Imburgia stated that we
should align ourselves with the Dade League and the other municipalities in opposition.
Mr. Heffernan stated his concern that if the Plan were to get on the November ballot, it would be
an uphill struggle to defeat the issue. He believes it will be a popular issue for the population of
Unincorporated Dade County. Mr. Heffernan warned the residents to watch who they vote for
during the "strong Mayor" election of Dade County.
Mr. Sastre thanked Mr. Boyle for doing the homework on this issue. Mr. Sastre believes that the
voters need to be educated regarding the impact of a revenue sharing plan. He is concerned that
the Plan punishes efficient government and would like to see Dade County "step up to the plate"
regarding their own efficiency.
Mr. Boyle moved to direct the Village Attorney to draft a strong Resolution voicing opposition
to the Revenue Sharing Plan. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. No vote was taken. Mr.
Heffernan suggested amending the motion to include forwarding the completed Resolution to all
County Commissioners and all Dade municipalities and so moved. Mr. Sastre seconded the
amended motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
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5. PUBLIC WORKS Tom Benton
A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ENGAGING THE
ENGINEERING FIRM OF WILLIAMS, HATFIELD & STONER, INC. TO
PROVIDE STORMWATER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 103RD
STREET DRAINAGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,000.
Mr. Benton explained the agenda item, referring to the Competitive Negotiations Act procedures
which have been followed in regards to this contract. He further stated that due to some contract
modifications and an increase in cost from $18,000 to $19,500, he is recommending that the
Council authorize Mr. Couz7o to execute a contract once a contract has met with the approval of
Mr. Ulmer. Mr. Heffernan moved to authorize the Village Manager to execute an agreement,
not to exceed $19,500 with Williams, Hatfield & Stoner, Inc. upon form approval of the Village
Attorney. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AUTHORIZATION
FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC. TO CONTINUE INTERIM RECYCLING
PICK-UP WHILE VILLAGE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED.
(This item added to the original Agenda by a majority vote of the Council).
Mr. Benton outlined the history of the agenda item, stating that the Village vehicle is not ready to
be returned subsequent to an accident. Mr. Benton indicated that the Village was not at fault in
the accident and the other driver's insurance should reimburse the Village for costs associated
with the damages. Mr. Heffernan moved to authorize the request as stated in Mr. Benton's
memorandum number 7076, dated July 16, 1996. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous in favor.
ITEM #2 MARKETING DEPARTMENT Mildred Ramos-Majoros
A. PRESENTATION OF NEW MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE PROMOTIONAL
BROCHURE.
Ms. Ramos presented a mock-up of the new promotional brochure and associated materials for
Council review.
B. REQUEST APPROVAL TO WAIVE BID PROCEDURE AND AWARD
PRINTING CONTRACT TO VISTA COLOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,812.
Ms. Ramos outlined the written quotes received from printers. She stated that Vista Color was
not only the lowest bidder, but was the printing firm recommended by the graphic designer. Ms.
Ramos stated that Vista Color has state-of-the-art printing equipment which reduces printing
costs and allows for a quick turn -around on printing. Mr. Heffernan stated that Vista Color is a
customer of TotalBank and asked Mr. Ulmer if there was a conflict. Mr. Ulmer stated there
would be no conflict as long as Mr. Heffernan did not gain monetarily from voting on the issue.
Mrs. Ross Agosta moved to waive the bid procedure and award the printing contract to Vista
Color in the amount of $8,812.00. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous
in favor.
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ITEM #6 VILLAGE MANAGER Michael R. Couzzo, Jr.
A. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A STANDARD
GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR
1) $50,000 GRANT FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE SHORES
PERFORMING ARTS THEATER.
2) $150,000 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUVENILE FACILITIES AT
THE 9990 N.E. SECOND AVENUE BUILDING.
Mr. Couz7o stated that because the Village has never received grant funds from the State
previously, certain paperwork needs to be completed prior to receiving the monies. Mr. Boyle
asked if this item was a "housekeeping" issue. Mr. Couz7o stated that in his opinion it was. Mr.
Sastre asked if we had received the actual agreements. Mr. Couzzo stated that we were awaiting
them from the appropriate State departments. Mr. Heffernan clarified that this requirement is a
standard State procedure. Mrs. Ross Agosta ensured that Mr. Ulmer would review the
agreements prior to execution. Mr. Heffernan moved approval for the Village Manager to
execute grant agreements on the two pending grants. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and
the vote was unanimous in favor.
B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ENTERING INTO A
CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH THE PLANNING & ECONOMICS
GROUP.
Mr. Couz7o explained the agenda item, stating that pursuant to the Council's directive to proceed
with moving forward in annexation procedures regarding Bel Mar, he was recommending the
Council approve $6,058 from contingency. These funds would be utilized by the Planning &
Economics Group to initiate the process of annexing Bel Mar. Mr. Couzzo introduced Julian
Perez from the Planning & Economics Group to outline the proposal.
Mr. Perez outlined the procedures contained within their proposal and the "tasks" which will be
performed by the Planning & Economics Group. All members of the Council voiced their
opinion that educating both the residents of Miami Shores Village and the citizens of the Bel Mar
subdivision is essential to successfully moving forward with an annexation plan. Additionally,
the need for effective communication is important. Discussion regarding the possibility of not
moving forward after initial public hearings are held ensued. Following these discussions, Mr.
Boyle moved to approve appropriating $6,058 from the Contingency Fund for the Village
Manager to enter into an agreement with the Planning & Economics Group with the proviso that
the Village may opt out of the agreement if appropriate. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous in favor.
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ITEM #7 VILLAGE CLERK Barbara Fugazzi
A. AN ORDINANCE OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING
SECTION 14-33 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF MIAMI SHORES
VILLAGE, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO LICENSE TAXES; ESTABLISHING
NEW CATEGORIES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND/OR OTHER MEDICAL
MACHINES; COPIER MACHINES; PHARMACIES, PHOTOFINISHING,
AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS
OPERATING WITHIN A RETAIL STORE, DRY CLEANING
ESTABLISHMENTS; TELEPHONE AND UTILITY COMPANIES;
INCREASING LICENSE TAXES; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES;
PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Clerk read the caption of the Ordinance, outlining the background and indicating the
necessity to adopt the Ordinance on an emergency basis. Mr. Heffernan moved to adopt the
Ordinance on an emergency basis. Mrs. Ross Agosta seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous in favor.
ITEM #8 ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Clerk read the announcements.
ITEM #9 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ed Harrigan Mr. Harrigan spoke of the revenue sharing plan and the millage rate for
Bel Mar.
Ed Chambers Mr. Chambers spoke of the new promotional brochure.
Michael Maguire Mr. Maguire spoke about police department services.
ITEM #10 COUNCIL COMMENTS
William Heffernan No Comment
Cesar Sastre
Mr. Sastre thanked the residents in attendance. He spoke of the
annexation procedure and urged everyone to get involved in the process.
Additionally, he spoke of the need for education regarding the revenue
sharing plan.
Mary Ross Agosta Mrs. Ross Agosta reminded everyone that there were to be no Council
meetings in August and advised of the dates for the Budget Hearings. She
also congratulated the staff on the July 4th celebration activities.
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Michael Boyle Michael Boyle spoke of the revenue sharing plan and of the upcoming
budget/tax hearings.
Mayor Imburgia Good Night!
ITEM #11 ADJOURNMENT
The July 16, 1996 Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 P.M.
eadaV ;i2(
Barbara A. Fugazzi, Vil�Clerk
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Louis S. Imburgia, Jr.,