07-15-1999 Special Meeting•
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MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
A special meeting of the Village Council took place on Thursday, July 15, 1999 at the Village
Hall commencing at 5:00 PM with the following members present:
PRESENT:
Mayor Ulmer
Robert Blum
Al Davis
Steve Loffredo
Mary Ross Agosta
ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager
Barbara Fugazzi, Village Clerk
The Village Clerk announced that although the tape recording device had been in for repairs, the
system is currently malfunctioning and will not be available for use.
CONSIDERATIONS
. 1. VILLAGE CLERK Barbara Fugazzi
A. A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, NIIANII
SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ENDORSING COUNTY MAYOR ALEX
PENELAS' REQUEST FOR A ONE CENT SALES TAX INCREASE FOR
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, TO FUND THE TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
The Village Clerk read the Caption of the Resolution. Mayor Ulmer passed the gavel to Vice
Mayor Blum and asked that the Clerk read the entire Resolution. Upon completion of the reading
of the Resolution, Mayor Ulmer moved to adopt the Resolution. Mr. Loffredo seconded the
motion. Mayor Ulmer offered background information regarding the one cent sales tax increase
and proceeded to outline the monies and benefits which the Village would receive if the increase
is passed on July 29th.
Mr. Loffredo agreed with the Mayor regarding his support of the increase, citing the lack of
affordable transportation options for many individuals. Mr. Loffredo expressed his concern
regarding the future plan to provide passenger rail service on the FEC rail line. Mr. Ulmer
clarified that his motion is to adopt the Resolution endorsing the sales tax increase, not any
specific transportation component.
• Mr. Davis inquired if the County would rescind its offer to provide funding for N.E. 2"t Avenue if
the Council does not support the tax increase. Mr. Benton indicated that he was not in a position
to respond but suggested that the outlook would be bleak for future funding. Mr. Davis indicated
that he would like to do what is best for the Village.
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Ms. Agosta indicated that she would support the Resolution as she appreciates what Mayor
Penelas is attempting to accomplish "in his own backyard", and that the Village should think
locally.
Mr. Blum expressed his appreciation with regard to the other's views, but stated that he does not
see any new items or monies which would assist the Village. He stated that proposed funding
which would benefit the Village has previously been taken away from the Village. He stated that
the one cent increase represents a 15.4% jump in the sales tax which he believes is out of line.
Mr. Blum suggested that the County raise its own millage rate, which is among the lowest, to
fund the transportation plans.
Further discussion regarding the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the sales tax increase
ensued. Vice Mayor Blum opened the floor for public comment on this issue.
Alice Burch
Javier Reynaldos
Ms. Burch expressed her opinion that the increase will not cure the
gridlock traffic situation in the County and that even if the increase passes,
the Federal dollars are not guaranteed.
Mr. Reynaldos indicated that he is in favor of the increase due to the
number of Broward County individuals who work in Dade and spend
money in Dade. Additionally, Mr. Reynaldos spoke about the increase in
revenues due to the tourist dollars which are spent. He pointed out that
many of these individuals are not effected by any roadway tolls.
Vice Mayor Blum closed public comment and following further discussion amongst the Council
regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed increase, the vote was taken which
passed on a 4 - 1 vote with Mr. Blum opposed.
2. VILLAGE COUNCIL/VILLAGE MANAGER
A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REAFFIRMATION
OF THE AQUATIC FACILITY SITE PLAN. Mayor Mark Ulmer
Mr. Ulmer provided background information regarding the aquatic facility site plan and his
alternative of moving the proposed berm out to the property lines. He stated that he had met with
any interested residents along N.E. 104' Street and that they had requested that a wall be erected
and an alleyway formed between the properties, rather than the utilization of a berm. Extensive
discussion regarding the request for a wall (it's height, location, and landscaping), area drainage
issues, lighting questions, and the suggestion of input from the Planning & Zoning Board ensued.
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A motion was made and seconded and subsequently amended and seconded with no vote being
taken. Mr. Davis then restated his motion for approval of a conceptual design plan to include a
six foot high wall to be erected on the Village's property line and landscaped on the Village side
of the wall, conditional upon the Planning & Zoning Boards's normal site plan review process
when construction drawings are complete. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion.
Mayor Ulmer moved to table the item until the conclusion of the Budget Workshop. Mr. Davis
seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
B. APPROVAL OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE AQUATIC FACILITY
SELECTION COMMITTEE'S RANKING OF SUBMITTING
CONSTRUCTION FIRMS. Tom Benton
Mr. Al Davis reiterated from the previous meeting that he has a conflict of interest and will not be
taking part in the discussion nor the voting on this issue. Mr. Benton explained the process the
Administration is using - "Construction Manager at Risk" to the Council and members of the
audience. Mr. Benton highlighted the benefits of using this method for construction projects. Mr.
Benton indicated the results of the Selection Committee Meeting and that the unanimously top
ranked firm is Stobs Bros. Construction, the second firm is Pavarini, and the third ranked firm is
Hewett -Kier. Mr. Blum moved to approve the ranking of the Aquatic Facility Selection
Committee with the top ranked firm as Stobs Bros. Construction. Ms. Agosta seconded the
motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
Mayor Ulmer recessed the Special Council meeting at 6:20 PM. The Special Council Meeting
was reconvened and called to order at 10:32 PM.
Mr. Loffredo moved to continue discussions regarding Item lA from the Special Council Meeting
Agenda. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
The Clerk read the pending Motion. Mr. Loffredo indicated that he thought Mr. Davis' motion
represented a good compromise. Further Council discussions centered on the intentions of the
residents and various alternatives for the placement of the wall. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor
for public comment.
Bekky Leonard Ms. Leonard clarified the number of residents who met with Mayor Ulmer
and their property locations.
Bob Stobs Mr. Stobs spoke about the options available to the Council.
Mayor Ulmer closed public comment and called for the vote on Mr. Davis' motion. The results
of the vote were 3 - 2 in favor with Mayor Ulmer and Ms. Agosta opposing.
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3. ADJOURNMENT
The Special Council Meeting of July 15, 1999 adjourned at 10:55 PM.
Barbara A. Fugaz7i, CMC - Village Clerk
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Mark S. Ulmer, Mayor