Loading...
09-01-1998 Regular MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING The regular meeting of the Village Council was held on Tuesday, September 1, 1998 at the Village Hall, commencing at 7:30 PM with the following members present: PRESENT: Mayor Agosta Michael Boyle Louis Imburgia Stephen Loffredo Cesar Sastre ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Interim Village Manager Barbara Fugazzi, Village Clerk Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney PRESENTATION Chief Masten presented Citizen's Awards to Dawn Halliday and Ed Roberts (not present) for their heroic response to an auto accident. • CONSIDERATIONS • 1. CONSENT AGENDA A APPROVAL OF THE JULY 21, 1998 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES. B. AWARD OF BID TO "THE PRINTER" IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,280 FOR THE PRINTING OF THE VILLAGE NEWSLETTER FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998-1999. ($690/MONTH FOR STANDARD NEWSLETTER) Mr. Sastre moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. 2. VILLAGE MANAGER Tom Benton A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING GRANTING A PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE "PORTABLES" TO REMAIN IN USE FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL. Mr. Benton explained the reason for the item being brought before the Council, providing a brief history of the issue. Mr. Loffredo moved to grant the Charter School a five (5) year permit allowing for the portables to remain with the Village. Mr. Imburgia seconded the motion. As Fred Damianos of the Charter School was present, Mr. Loffredo asked him to provide information regarding the status of permanent structures being built. Mr. Damianos indicated that the Board of the Charter School is drawing up a proposal to present to the University regarding building a structure on the existing property. Mr. Sastre inquired as to the last time the Board had • • met and the status of the "Charter" amendment regarding restricting the boundaries. Mr. Damianos stated that the Board had met in both July and August and that there are three "Charter" amendments being reviewed. He further stated that until a final location is agreed upon for the School, the Board did not feel it appropriate to amend the "Charter" and restrict a milage draw. Mr. Sastre stated that he would feel more comfortable granting permission for the portables to remain for two years and to review again at that time. Mr. Imburgia confirmed with Mr. Benton that the portables had been in place for nine years. He is concerned with limiting the School at this point. Mr. Loffredo agreed with Mr. Imburgia and stated his opinion that the granting of a 5 year permit will strengthen the School's position with the University. The vote was called and was as follows: Mayor Agosta - Yea, Vice Mayor Boyle - Yea, Councilman Imburgia - Yea, Councilman Loffredo - Yea, Councilman Sastre - Nay. B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINANCING FOR THE 800 MHZ POLICE RADIO SYSTEM. Mr. Benton outlined the information regarding the radio purchase and stated that Patricia Varney had been able to obtain a better financing package with SunTrust Bank than through the County. Mr. Boyle asked if this was the radio system that had a number of problems. Mr. Benton confirmed that there had been problems but the radios were working to the best of their ability. Mr. Boyle further confirmed that the Village has had the radios for a number of years and had not paid for them while the operating problems were being worked on. Mr. Sastre moved approval of the financing proposal. Mr. Boyle seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. 3. VILLAGE COUNCIL A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PLACING OF A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ISSUE ON THE NOVEMBER, 1998 BALLOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING A NEW AQUATIC FACILITY. - Steve Loffredo B. A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, MIAMI SHORES, FLORIDA, CALLING A REFERENDUM REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT BY MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THREE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND ($3,100,000) DOLLARS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A NEW AQUATIC FACILITY. Steve Loffredo Items A and B were discussed simultaneously. Mr. Loffredo provided a history and background on the pool repair/replacement fund, indicating that a past Council had voted to put aside ad valorem funds each year to allow for the collection of monies towards future repairs or replacement of the pool facility. Mr. Loffredo indicated that last year, the present Council authorized the Village Manager to contract with DeRose & Slopey to develop plans for a new pool complex. Mr. Loffredo introduced Larry DeRose of DeRose & Slopey to present the plan. Page 2 • • • Mr. DeRose outlined the steps which have been taken to ensure community involvement in the planning stages of the design, including meetings with staff; the Recreation Advisory Committee, swim team members and their parents, and residents from N.E. 104th Street. Mr. DeRose stated that from the various meetings, adjustments and revisions have been made to the original design. plan. Mr. DeRose provided information on the various aspects of the proposed design, including landscaping, berms, parking, recreation pool, activity pool, concession building, a pavilion, and equipment building. Mr. DeRose reviewed the different design options developed: 1) Includes an 8 lane competition recreation pool, a spa, and an activity pool with a capacity of 100 children. The cost of this option is forecasted at $3 million. 2) Includes reducing the competition recreation pool to 6 lanes and reducing the size/capacity of the activity pool to 65 children. The cost of this option is forecasted at $2.69 million. 3) Includes utilization of the existing pool for recreation and adding an activity pool on the five acre parcel. The cost of this option is forecasted at $2.5 million. Mr. DeRose stated that Mr. Benton would speak about the anticipated costs and revenues associated with the facility. Council's questions and comments pertained to the pros and cons of each option, the need for a facility for small children, design changes and alternatives, and demographics and participation levels. These issues were addressed by staff and Mr. DeRose. With regards to the construction costs, Mr. Benton indicated that it is recommended that the Village finance the project through a General Obligation Bond which needs voter approval. In reviewing all of the financing options, the Finance Director has recommended the General Obligation Bond. Mr. Benton stated that the current pool facility operates at a $146,000 deficit each year and is budgeted accordingly. The propoped facility (Option 1) will generate an extra $70,780 deficit. By working with Patricia Varney and Jerry Estep on a variety of fee increases, including admittance fee to the pool of $3.00, increasing the swim team fees, increasing the field trips to the pool during the summer camp program, and increasing the after-school and camp fees, the additional deficit is reduced to $53,580. Mr. Benton stated his belief that it is his obligation to advise the Council of his concerns regarding the operating short -falls, which cannot be funded through the General Obligation Bond. Mr. Benton offered alternatives to the presented plan, including eliminating the activity pool from the plans. Mr. Benton stated that if the activity pool is included in the design, he and staffhave been able to ultimately reduce the additional deficit to $42,000. To reach this figure, the previously mentioned increases would need to be implemented, as well as the following restrictions: Close the activity pool for the winter months, be open on weekends only for the months of April, May, September and October, and be fully operational for June, July and August. Page 3 • Mr. Benton reminded everyone that the proposed facility will be closed to the general public, unlike similar facilities which function as regional parks, or serve municipalities with populations of 50,000 or more. Mr. Benton further stated that a pool complex such as the one proposed, may siphon individuals from other recreational programs whose revenue is used in the General Fund. Mr. Benton stated that the condition of the existing pool has not been exaggerated, and the cost to build a new facility is not really as much a concern to him as the operating costs (including staffing) which need to be budgeted following construction. Discussion regarding the Administration's feelings on what the Village can afford ensued, with alternative plans and designs being discussed. Mr. Benton indicated that the funds in the existing repair fund have not been calculated into any of the quoted figures or the cost analysis. Mr. Benton stated that if the Council, and subsequently the voters, choose to fund a new aquatic facility, the funds (approximately $294,000) could be used to offset the yearly operating deficit. Mr. Loffredo outlined the time -table for a ballot question to be offered at the November 3, 1998 General Election. He further stated the options available to the Village if the Bond issue fails during the referendum. Mr. Loffredo moved to adopt the Resolution calling for a bond referendum to be held. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion. Mr. Imburgia clarified the Bond question to be asked of the voters, and Mr. Boyle confirmed that • monies from the Bond issue cannot be used for operating expenses. Mayor Agosta asked for public comment on the aquatic center/referendum issue. Javier Reynaldos Believes that the question is premature, with no decided upon complex design. He is not in favor of putting a ballot question in the November election. Ken Ubals Stated that he had worked for Coral Springs who built a similar complex and after a few years, could not afford to continue to operate the facility. Expressed his concerns that it could happen here. C.F. Chambers Stated that the community needs a facility for small children and that a complex such as the one proposed will increase property values. Ellen Willis Stated that it is difficult to swim in the current pool due to the swim team, and the number of people attempting to use the pool. Stated that the Villaged efinitely needs a new facility. Page 4 • Susie Lawson "If you build it, they will come". Ms. Lawson stated that 33 of the last 50 homes she has sold are to people who either have small children or are planning to have a family. She stated her belief that there is not enough programming for small children. At this point in time, Mr. Boyle asked for clarification as to whether the proposed pools are heated. Mr. DeRose stated that the activity pool would not be heated but the recreation pool would have a heating system. Nancy Dowson Warned the Village to not be short-sighted as the number of young families is growing. Bekky Leonard Mrs. Leonard stated that the Village needs to promote the referendum so that people become aware that this will be an item on the ballot. Carmen Rennick Ms Rennick stated that the Bond issue would mean roughly $6/month per each household for a home assessed at $100,000. John Wyatt Mr. Wyatt stated that the current pool is inadequate and would like the Council to consider more than 8 lanes for the recreation pool and scaling down the activity pool. . Ed Harrigan Mr. Harrigan spoke of the fiscal responsibility of the Council. Doreen Lasch Ms. Lasch spoke about the referendum question. Mayor Agosta closed public comment on the issue. Councilman Boyle reminded the people in attendance and also for the benefit of the public, that the Council was to vote only on whether or not to have a referendum on the bond issue. Mayor Agosta called for a vote which was unanimous in favor of adopting the Resolution calling for a bond referendum. C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE SHORES PERFORMING ARTS THEATER. Steve Loffredo Mr. Loffredo stated that he would like the Village to consider whether there is any assistance that can be offered to the Theater, as the budget has not yet been adopted. Mayor Agosta asked if Mr. Loffredo would like to make a motion so that discussion can take place or if he was looking for a consensus from the Council on the issue of assisting the Theater. Mr. Loffredo made a motion which was seconded and was subsequently amended. Mr. Christopher Bishop was present • Page 5 • • • for the Theater and indicated that he had provided information to Mr. Benton regarding the monthly operating costs of the Theater. He further stated that any assistance the Village can provide would be appreciated and helpful to them. Referring to a list provided by the Theater and contained within Mr. Benton's back-up information provided to the Council, Mayor Agosta asked about the legalities involved with the items listed, i.e, free garbage pick up. Mr. Sarafan indicated that the Village cannot provide free garbage pick-up per the Ordinances. Mr. Bishop indicated that a copy machine has been donated to the Theater since the list was provided to Mr. Benton. Mr. Loffredo amended his original motion, moving to direct the Village Manager to meet with the Theater people to discuss and see if there are any services that the Village can provide which are nominal or amount to a small cost to the Village. Mr. Sastre seconded the amended motion and the vote was unanimous in favor. D. A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, MIAMI SHORES, FLORIDA, CALLING A REFERENDUM PROHIBITING THE ERECTION OR ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY GUARD -GATE WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE BOUNDARIES OF MIANII SHORES VILLAGE WHICH WOULD SEPARATE ONE GROUP OF VILLAGERS FROM ANOTHER, AND TO PRECLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT FOR THAT PURPOSE. Michael Boyle Mr. Boyle offered a brief history of the guardgate issue and stated that he was bringing this item before the Council now due to his desire to place an additional item on the November ballot. He stated that in his opinion, a vote of all of the residents would settle the guardgate issue, as a guardgate will impact everyone in the Village. Mr. Boyle moved to adopt item 3D. Mr. Imburgia, stating that for discussion purposes, he would second the motion. Mr. Loffredo asked that Mr. Boyle reconsider his request and specifically asked that the guardgate issue not be placed on the November ballot. Mr. Loffredo indicated that he thought a Charter Amendment may be more appropriate for the issue, expressing his concern for the binding effect of a Referendum. Additionally, Mr. Loffredo stated that the guardgate issue may obscure the general obligation bond question if both issues are raised. Mr. Boyle stated that Mr. Loffredo had made a valid observation and that it was not his intent to jeopardize a critical issue like to the pool_ He also stated that perhaps a Charter Amendment in April would me an appropriate course of action. Mr. Boyle stated that he would withdraw the item if Mr. Loffredo would not take any action on the guardgate issue prior to April. Mr. Loff-edo indicated that he was in agreement with Mr. Boyle and Mr. Boyle withdrew the item from the Agenda. 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk made the announcements. Page 6 • • • 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS Bekky Leonard Mrs. Leonard announced that the Property Owner's Association would hold their general meeting on Monday, September 21' at 6:45 PM at the Community Center, Candy Rengstl Mrs. Rengstl spoke of the upcoming Theater events. Dion Sena Mr. Sena spoke about the pool facility. 6. COUNCIL COMMENTS Stephen Loffredo Mr. Loffredo thanked everyone for the opportunity to bring the issue of a new aquatic facility to the voters. Cesar Sastre No Comment. Michael Boyle Mr. Boyle spoke about the aquatic facility. Mayor Agosta Mayor Agosta indicated she would not be available for the Property Owner's Meeting and the spoke about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 7. ADJOURNMENT The regular Council Meeting of' September 1, 1998 was adjourned at 10:02 PM. Barbara A. Fugazzi, CMC Village Clerk Page 7 Mary Ross Agosta, Mayor