02-20-2001 Regular Meeting•
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MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at the
Miami Shores Village Hall commencing at 7:30 PM with the following members present:
PRESENT: Mayor Mark Ulmer
Bob Blum
Al Davis
Steve Loffredo
Mary Ross Agosta
ALSO PRESENT: Tom Benton, Village Manager
Barbara Fugazzi, Village Clerk
Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney
CONSIDERATIONS
1) VILLAGE CLERK Barbara A. Fugazzi
A) APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 2001 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES.
Ms. Agosta pointed out a typographical error on page 2 of the Minutes and then moved approval of the
February 6, 2001 Council Meeting Minutes as corrected. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous in favor.
B) AN ORDINANCE OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ZONING
ORDINANCE NO. 270, ARTICLE VI. SPECIAL APPROVALS, ADDING SECTION
610, RELATING TO THE GRANTING OF SPECIAL CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
TO RESTAURANTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF BEER AND WINE ON PREMISES,
DEFINING RESTAURANTS, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SECOND AND
FINAL READING - PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED)
The Clerk read the caption of the ordinance. Mayor Ulmer outlined his thoughts on how to proceed with
the proposed amendments on both items 1A and 1B. He suggested that a motion be made to approve the
ordinance as written, motions be made and voted on for each proposed amendment, and then a fmal vote
on the ordinance as amended. There were no objections voiced regarding this format. Ms. Agosta
moved to adopt the ordinance as written on second reading. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion. Mayor
Ulmer opened the floor for public comment. No one wished to speak on the proposed ordinance. Mr.
Davis moved to amend the ordinance to include language authorizing the Village to charge a permit fee
in an amount not to exceed $250.00. Mr. Loffredo asked for an opinion on whether $250.00 is
reasonable for the permit. Mr. Sarafan and Mr. Berg stated that other municipalities, as well as the
County fees are higher. Ms. Agosta clarified that the $250.00 fee is intended to be an annual fee and
asked that the word "annually" be added to Mr. Davis' amending language. There was no objection to
the addition. Mayor Ulmer again opened the floor for public comment with no one present wishing to
address the proposed ordinance. Mayor Ulmer called for the vote on the annual permit fee not to exceed
$250.00 which was unanimous in favor.
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Mr. Davis moved to amend the proposed ordinance by deleting the words "daily" and "full course" from
the definition of restaurant, substituting "open a minimum of five days". Mr. Blum seconded the motion.
Council members shared their concerns regarding the ordinance language and reiterated the intention to
allow for beer and wine sales with meals, but not to have bars or saloons within the Village. The
Council, by consensus, added the words "per week" following Mr. Davis' substitution of "open a
minimum of five days". Mayor Ulmer asked for public comment but no one offered any comments.
Mayor Ulmer called for a vote on Mr. Davis' amending language referring to the defmition of a
restaurant. The vote was 4 to 1 in favor with Mr. Loffredo dissenting.
Mr. Davis moved to adopt the ordinance as amended. Mr. Blum seconded the motion and the vote was 4
to 1 in favor with Mr. Loffredo dissenting.
C) AN ORDINANCE OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ZONING
ORDINANCE NO. 270, BY DELETING A PORTION OF SECTION IV OF THE
SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS, WHICH REFERENCES OFF-STREET PARKING
SPACES AND OFF-STREET LOADING SPACES, DELETING DIVISION 5,
SECTIONS 520 THROUGH 521.3, PARKING SPACES IN ITS ENTIRETY;
SUBSTITUTING NEW LANGUAGE FOR SECTION 520, PARKING
REQUIREMENTS, ESTABLISHING NEW PARKING REGULATIONS FOR ALL
ZONING USE DISTRICTS, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SECOND AND FINAL READING - PUBLIC HEARING
REQUIRED)
The Clerk read the caption of the ordinance. Mr. Al Berg reviewed the proposed amendments by the
Staff. Ms. Agosta moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading as written. Mr. Davis seconded the
motion. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for public comment and having no one step forward, closed
public comment. Ms. Agosta moved to amend the proposed ordinance as recommended by Village Staff
in relation to the gas station parking spaces. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. Mr. Loffredo verified that
Westar and the Chevron Station have the required number of spaces per the amended language. Mayor
Ulmer opened the floor for public comment. Resident Chuck Medland, reiterated the number of parking
spaces at the Chevron Station. Mayor Ulmer closed public comment and called for the vote on the
amendment which was unanimous in favor.
Ms. Agosta moved to adopt the Staff's recommended language change as it relates to loading spaces.
Mr. Davis seconded the motion. No public comment was offered when Mayor Ulmer opened the floor.
Mayor Ulmer called for a vote on the amendment which was unanimous in favor.
Ms. Agosta moved to adopt the Staff recommendation of amending language regarding temporary
parking not to be allowed on the sidewalk. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion. Council clarified the
intention of the language amendment. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for public comment and hearing
none, called for the vote which was unanimous in favor.
Mr. Loffredo moved to amend the proposed ordinance and allow for gravel driveways, as provided for in
his Council packet attachment. Mr. Blum seconded the motion. Mayor Ulmer opened public comment
and resident, Bill Koch, indicated that gravel was dangerous as it becomes flying debris during a
hurricane. No other public comment was offered and Mayor Ulmer closed public comment.
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Mr. Loffredo indicated that the proposed language is very specific regarding installation and maintenance
parameters. He stated his belief that people should be given the option. Individual Council members
expressed their opinions on whether or not gravel should be allowed. Mayor Ulmer called for the vote on
the amendment which failed 2 to 3 with Mr. Loffredo and Mr. Blum in favor of the motion to allow for
gravel driveways and Mayor Ulmer, Mr. Davis and Ms. Agosta voting against.
Mr. Blum moved to amend to include language changing the trigger mechanism with respect to
residential compliance with the new ordinance and offered language which would institute a 50% rule
(alterations exceeding 50% of the assessed value of the building would be required to meet the new code
provisions). Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for public comment but
hearing none, closed public comment. A lengthy discussion amongst the Council ensued, with the
individual members sharing their views on the proposal. Various scenarios were given as examples in
order to clarify Mr. Blum's intention. Council members discussed the potential impacts of the language
amendments. Mayor Ulmer called for a vote on Mr. Blum's request to have language contained within
Paragraph C - Existing Uses amended to include a 50% improvement rule added. The vote was 2 to 3
with Mr. Blum and Mr. Loffredo in favor of the motion and Mayor Ulmer, Mr. Davis and Ms. Agosta
opposing the motion. The motion failed.
Mayor Ulmer moved to amend the ordinance, adding language to the Single Family Uses section,
addressing garage enclosures. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion. Mr. Ulmer explained the rationale for
his proposed amendment, indicating that if a garage is enclosed, one parking space has been eliminated
and should be replaced. Individual Council members discussed their thoughts on the proposal and
subsequently Mayor Ulmer withdrew his motion.
Mayor Ulmer moved to amend Paragraph A in the General Provisions Section of the ordinance to include
a change to a more intense use to trigger compliance. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion. No public
comment was offered when Mayor Ulmer opened the floor. Mayor Ulmer called for the vote on the
amendment which was unanimous in favor.
Mayor Ulmer moved to amend Paragraph C in the General Provisions Section of the ordinance to include
a provision that property owners be required to obtain approval of a new site plan when changing to a
more intense use of the property. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. No public comment was offered when
Mayor Ulmer opened the floor. Council discussion centered around how owners in the business district
would be able to comply with parking provisions due to the foot prints of the current buildings and the
availability (or lack thereof) of parking. Mayor Ulmer called for a vote which was 4 to 1 in favor with
Mr. Blum dissenting.
Mr. Loffredo moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading as amended. Ms. Agosta seconded the
motion. Mayor Ulmer once again opened the floor to public comment and having no one come forward,
closed the public hearing and called for the vote which was unanimous in favor.
Mayor Ulmer called for a recess at 9:15 PM and reconvened the meeting at 9:28 PM.
2) VILLAGE MANAGER Tom Benton
A) APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURE OF REIMBURSABLE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $24,368 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A FOUNTAIN FOR MEMORIAL PARK.
• Mr. Benton provided background information to the Council regarding the item. Ms. Agosta moved
approval of the expenditure. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. No one from the audience wished to
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comment on the item. Council questions related to the accessory work needed to be done in the Park to
ready the area for the fountain installation. Mayor Ulmer called for a vote which was unanimous in
favor.
B) DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF PURCHASING THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 680 N.E. 97Th STREET.
Mr. Benton offered information to the Council regarding the item, indicating that the house and property
across the street from the Community Center had been put on the market for sale and that it represents an
opportunity for the Village to address the parking situation. Mr. Benton further explained that he and
Mr. Sarafan had been negotiating with the Presbyterian Church regarding the Village's use of their
parking lot but had not reached a satisfactory conclusion. Mr. Loffredo asked for some specifics
regarding the negotiations between the Village and the Church and the property located at 680 N.E. 97'
Street. Individual Council members expressed their opinions on the use of the land for parking.
Subsequent to the discussions, Mr. Davis moved to direct the Village Manager to obtain appraisals on the
Church's parking lot. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for public
comment.
Bill Koch
Reverend Koch, who lives across the street from the subject house, stated that he
would not encourage the Village to proceed with purchasing the house with the
intention of turning the lot into parking.
Prospero Herrera Mr. Herrera spoke about the separation of church and State and indicated that the
Village should help maintain the Church property.
John Barbick Mr. Barbick lives next door to the house that is for sale and indicates that he
does not want to look out his side windows in the future and see a parking lot.
Susie Lawson Ms. Lawson is the listing broker for the property and asked that the Council
squash the possibility of taking the house by eminent domain so that she can sell
the property without the overhanging threat of the Village taking the property.
Bekky Leonard Ms. Leonard stated her belief that the congregation of the Church is unaware of
the negotiations with the Village.
Mayor Ulmer closed public comment and called for a vote regarding obtaining appraisals of the church
parking lot. The results of the vote was unanimous in favor.
3) VILLAGE COUNCIL
A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF A
GATE IN THE WROUGHT IRON FENCE AT 104Th STREET. Al Davis
Mr. Davis moved to put a gate in the wrought iron fence installed along the east side of Biscayne
Boulevard. Discussion regarding particulars of the gate were discussed, including general security/safety
issues, the type of locking mechanism, and location. Council members shared their opinions regarding
the proposed gate. Subsequent to these discussions, by consensus of the Council, the wording of Mr.
Davis' motion was changed to include the requirements that the gate contain a combination lock, be
spring-loaded and located at 104th Street. Mayor Ulmer opened the floor for public comment.
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Bekky Leonard
Chuck Medland
Ms. Leonard agreed that a gate is necessary but believes that it should be further
south than 104th Street.
This resident spoke about the wall on the house property that is adjacent to 104th
Street.
Mayor Ulmer closed public comment and called for a vote on the motion. The vote was unanimous in
favor.
B) COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND DEFINING THE TIME FRAME FOR THE TERM
APPOINTMENT. Steve Loffredo
Mr. Loffredo stated his purpose for sponsoring the item and suggested that the Village advertise for the
two appointees and make the appointments just as the other Board/Committee appointments are made.
He further suggested that term limits be instituted. Discussion centered around the parameters of the
appointments and the number of years in the term. Mr. Loffredo moved to change the procedure for
appointment to the Charter School Board, by setting a definite term of 2 years, the first two appointments
to be staggered (one 1 year term and one 2 year term) and to make the appointments within 60 days after
proper advertising. Ms. Agosta seconded the motion. Issues of application criteria were addressed.
Mayor Ulmer called for a vote which was unanimous in favor.
4) ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Clerk read the announcements.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bekky Leonard Ms. Leonard spoke about the Miami Shores Elementary School boundary
committee.
6) COUNCIL COMMENTS
Steve Loffredo Mr. Loffredo spoke about the upcoming Mayor's Task Force event, Evening in
the Tropics.
Mary Ross Agosta Ms. Agosta spoke about the attendance at the pool over the weekend.
Al Davis
Mayor Ulmer
Mr. Davis thanked Ms. Leonard for her work on the ABC committee, thanked
Tom Benton and Richard Sarafan regarding the Community Center parking
issue, and congratulated Al Berg and the Planning & Zoning Board for their
work on the parking ordinance. Mr. Davis also expressed his hope that Jeanne
Blum is feeling better.
Mayor Ulmer also thanked Bekky Leonard for her work on the elementary
school boundary issue. Thanked the Council for their perseverance on getting
through the parking ordinances and spoke about the Evening in the Tropics.
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7) ADJOURNMENT
The February 20, 2001 Council Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM.
Barbara A. Fugaz7i, CMC - Village Clerk
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Mark S. Ulmer