06-08-1989 Regular MeetingThe regular
was held on June
called to order
present:.
MIAMI SHORES VITJ;AGE
June 8, 1989
meeting of the Miami. Shores Village Planning & Zoning Board
8, 1989, at the Miami Shores. Village Hall.. The meeting was
at 7:40 P.M. by Chairman,Rossi, with the following members
Robert J. Rossi, Chairman
Terrell F. Chambers, Jr
Richard M. Fernandez
Thomas Laubenthal
Larry T. McClure
Also present: Frank LuBien, Director
of Building & Zoning
1. MINUTES - May 25, 1989
The minutes of the meeting of May 25, 1989 were approved,:as mailed by
the Secretary, by a motion made by Mr. Fernandez, seconded by Mr. Laubenthal,
and passed unanimously.
2. DISCIJSSION - ROOF DISH ANTENNA
Franklin Grau
Mr. Grau:gave a full explanation of the installationof the commercial dish
antenna on.N, E. 2nd.Ave. He outlined the support system and installation
on the center. of the roof. He indicated an extensive study was done on how
to cover the antenna.from.line of. sight, from different angles. (The
approximate cost to installthis satellite dish was $10,,000.). Mr. Grau
described,: in detail, his six page blueprint plans indicating visibility
percentages. In:response to query, Mr. Grau stated, this screening was
only partially anticipated before the installation. •-His idea for screen-
ing is a chain link fence with colored slates interwoven. Other solutions
would cost an exorbitant $8,000, to $10,000., this,is a ridiculous amount
to pay in addition.to the $10,000, for the installation. He was told the
the chain link with slates could not be allowed in Miami Shores.
Mr. Rossi explained that the Planning & Zoning Board decided to allow
Commercial.Dish Antenna, because of Federal regulations. This was a real
dilemma,.many meetings were held before the Public Hearing, submission to
the Village Attorney, and fina.11y.two.readings before the Village Council
before approval. The Code of Ordinance, recently adopted,. very clearly
states, screening is regnired. Mr. Grau.was at several of the meetings
and at the Public Hearing., he is aware of the requirement.. Unfortunately
no screening plan was submitted at the time of permit. Mr. LuBien has
since been directed that all commercialdish antenna installations be
approved.. by the Planning .& Zoning Board. This antenna sets the precedent,
and all details must be correct. The bottom line in this case is that
screening is required, so what kind of screening is proposed.'
There was much discussion, concerning the umbrella type dish antenna, and
the large size of the structure installed. Members were told this was
originally designed for the Pastoral Center on .Biscayne Blvd.. Also the
antenna is higher than necessary, it could have been mounted much lower.
Mr. LuBien replied to query, that no Certificate of Use has been issued.
Also discussed was rooftop landscaping, and if this is a Code Enforcement
issue.
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
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Mr. Rossi indicated discussion has. gone far enough, it is not the re-
sponsibility for Planning & Zoning Board' Members to design screening,
Members have agreed, the Ordinance as written requires screening, the
applicant must come up with a plan.
Mr. Grau suggested the Board revisit the. Ordinance before any action is
taken, and he will investigate the camouflage rooftop umbrella antenna.
His client wants to do whatever is in reason, but to spend another $10,000.
or $20,000. might just as well be spent with an attorney.
Mr. Fernandez moved to decline revisiting the Commercial Dish Antenna
Ordinance at this time, seconded by Mr. Laubenthal, and passed by unanimous
vote.
Mr, Rossi then instructed Mr. Grau that with his architectural skills, he
has every confidence that. Mr. Graucan come back with an acceptable plan
for screening. While he greatly appreciates all the work Mr. Grau put
into the study, after the fact, concerning the view from different angles,
he cannot be too sympathic as Mr. Grau was fully aware of the requirements
and the intent of the Code.
3. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF WOOD FENCE
Norman Salzberg
471 NE 103 St.
Mr. LuBien presented the case, stating he received a complaint about work
being done, in response;to notice sent, Mr. Salzberg contacted Mr. LuBien
and advised him, he is not building a fence but a hedge., the lattice work
is a base for the hedge .which is an intended vine. Mr. LuBien advised him
that it is classified as a fence and as such it istoo high and does not
conform with the South Florida Building Code. It is 21" over height limita-
tion, and the survey provided by Mr. Salzberg indicates location of the
fence to be 131' beyond the property line. According to the survey the
property is 75' X 110' deep': and terminates shy of the wall and before reach-
ing the lake.
Mr. Salzberg.is requesting the variance, he said, to.prevent a drowning in
the lake, His son is 3 years old and can jump the 32" wall. He proposes
to add the trellis to the wall height and then plant.vines over this. He
feels this should be considered in the realm of landscaping, and not a
fence. Mr. Salzberg. showed photographs of what was already built. In reply
to questions, he stated, there is a Mirror Lake Home Owner Association, and
the individual homeowners maintain the property around the lake. He is
under the impression that each homeowner owns a pie shape piece to the
center of the lake, also he incorrectly assumed the fence height on Biscayne
Blvd. is 7'. He further.read a statement from the Constitution which he
feels gives him the right for the structure for his peace of mind and
happiness.
Mr. LuBien.provided, for Members, the Plat Book indicating the Mirror Lake
Sub 56-15, Mr. Fernandez noted that.,there seems to be a question of
Riparian Rights. It appears this isnot a natural lake,but is man made,
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
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therefore the riparian rights which.apply to the shore holder,. do not
apply to man made lakes., streams, or ponds. The survey indicates the
property is 75' wide X 110' deep, and the selrettawaterAt for variance isrequest
beyond the property line. There is in the Constitution the right to
own property and have certain rights, however in this case we may not
have the appropriate party requesting the variance. Mr. Fernandez read
from the. Plat Book: "Mirror Lake....,.is dedicated to the joint and
several use ofthe lots facing on said lake. The owners of said lots
shall have the right to boat and fish on the.waters thereof
(The key word is use not ownership). This makes ownership of the lake
questionable. The deed is the determining factor and what it indicates
can be persuasive in determining ownership of land. He further suggested,
it may be appropriate to have a copy of the deed and a lawyers opinion as
to the rightful ownership of the land before considering whether a
variance should be undertaken.
Discussion continued, concerning ownership of the lake, riparian rights,
the deed, tax.roll, opinion as to this being a fence or landscaping, and
if a variance might be granted. Further Mr. LuBien advised Members this
is a Code Enforcement issue and only the Code Enforcement Board can grant
an extension.
Mr. Rossi noted all points are well taken. He then requested Mr. Salzberg
do a little more research, the review of the deed by an attorney with his
opinion, and, the opinion from Mr. Fann, Miami Shores Village. attorney, who
would be invited to attend the meeting at which it is presented.
Mr. Fernandez stated, Members were not aware that Mr. Salzberg had recorded
these proceedings and it should be noted that the official record is that
taken by Mrs. Church.
4. REQUEST FOR GARAGE ENCLOSURE
Joseph F Petit -Frere
174 NW 98 St.
Mr.. LuBien showed Members the complete set of plans. In response to query
Mr. Petit -Frere indicated the room will be a family room. with a closet in
the rear.
Mr. Rossi explained the enclosure may be permitted with certain restrictions,
so that Miami Shores Village can be maintained as a single family residential
community,
There was discussion regarding access, harmony, driveway cut back, windows,
and appropriate landscaping. The owner was present, and indicated he'd
have no.problem with closing up the outside door, continue the brick wall
across the front, and cut back the driveway approach.
Mr, Fernandez. moved to approve the request with the following..modifications:
the side door must be closed permanently, the wall extended across the front,
the driveway ribbons be cut back 5 feet, and grass planted.. The motion was
seconded by. Mr. McClure and passed unanimously.
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
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5. Mr. Rossi announced that because of .an appeal to the Village Council
by Mr. Wendelin for a skate board ramp, Village. Council has made a
request that the Planning & Zoning Board address the request, since the
code does not address playgournd equipment, (swing sets, slides, jungle
gym, basketball hoops, etc.).
Mr. Fernandez moved to add to the agenda Discussion -Playground Equipment,
seconded by Mr. Chambers. After discussion, concerning the fact, this
issue is very complicated and Members are not preparedtodiscuss the issue,
Mr. Fernandez withdrew his motion, and Mr. Chambers withdrew the second.
Mr. Rossi suggested, the Board think about it the next two weeks, and come
to the next meeting prepared for formal discussion, as an agenda item.
It was further suggested that other municipalities be contacted for any-
thing they may have in their code regarding playground equipment, also
Dade County Product approval be checked.
Mr. Wendelin was present at the meeting, and indicated he will return for
the formal discussion.
6. DISCUSSION - STATUS OF LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
Mr. Fernandez moved to add this to the agenda, seconded by Mr. McClure,
and passed unanimously.
There was some discussion about this Ordinance being complicated, and the
need for some guidance to the Village Attorney. Mr. Laubenthal stated
he plans to meet very soon with Mr. Fenn to give him some guidance as to
Planning & Zoning intent,
Mr. McClure praised Mr. Laubenthal for his efforts on this Ordinance.
Every Member of the Board took part in discussion and made suggestions, he
suggested the Village Attorney be invited to the Planning & Zoning Board
meeting to give an update, after he talks with Mr. Laubenthal.
Mr. McClure moved for Mr. Fann to be invited to the Planning & Zoning
meeting to give an update on the Landscape Ordinance, after. he meets with
Mr. Laubenthal, seconded by Mr. Fernandez, and passed unanimously.
7. DISCUSSION - MR. ROSSI RESIGNATION
Mr. Rossi explained that he has sold his home in Miami Shores, and has
rented a house outside the area until they decide what they'll do.
Nothing goes on forever, and as a non resident of Miami Shores he must
submit his resignation. Mr. Rossi went on to state,this:was not an easy
decision, much thought went into it, he has served on the Planning &
Zoning Board for seven years.
All Members of the Board and the Staff were saddened by the announcement.
Questions were raised and suggestions offered.
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Mr. Rossi gave the Secretary a letter to;.give to Mr. Johnson, Village
Manager in the morning. His resignation is effective June 23. Mr. Rossi
further requested the election of a new chairman be_placed on the next
agenda, so that, he may have a part in the process.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
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