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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1996-09-05 Workshop Meeting238 COUNCIL MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING - SEPTEMBER 5, 1996 The workshop meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Thursday, September 5, 1996, in the Council Chamber at Bal Harbour Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Mayor Spiegel. The roll was called and those present were: Mayor Estelle Spiegel Assistant Mayor Matthew B. Blank Councilman James. E. Boggess Councilman Andrew R. Hirschl Councilman Sol M. Taplin Also present: Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager Jeanette Horton, Village Clerk Dan Nieda, Building Official Stephen Helfman, Village Attorney As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced. Mayor Spiegel explained the purpose of this meeting is strictly a discussion concerning only the Ocean Front property of the Bal Harbour Club. Mr. Helfman stated this is a workshop meeting, not a zoning hearing. No final decisions will be made with respect to any aspect to the zoning on this property. This workshop meeting is for the developer to present what his plans are for the Ocean Front property. He continued to explain that anything said by this Council is without prejudice, and it would not be used in any legal proceeding, which may follow, from any zoning hearings, should a hearing be conducted in the future. Dina Cellini, 211 Bal Cross Drive, addressed the Council and stated in her opinion, this workshop is entirely inappropriate, since no zoning application has been filed. She further stated if the Council allows this workshop to continue it implies the Council's agreement to the rezoning. She then stated that this developer is not a resident or taxpayer of the Village, and it is her opinion no other municipality in Dade County would permit a workshop as is being permitted here today. She then proceeded to ask the Council to move again as to whether this workshop is appropriate, as well as how each of the Council stands on the issue of the propriety of this workshop. Councilman Taplin stated the mistake that the Council has made is by calling this a workshop meeting. This is a presentation by the developer to show the Council what they propose to build on this property. He then proceeded to ask the Village Attorney if this is a workshop meeting in order to work out issues with the developer. Workshop Meeting 09/05/96 1 not Mr. Helfman replied no this is not a negotiation meeting. Mayor Spiegel stated the Council is going to listen and make no comments. She further stated the developer is here only to make a presentation. This Council only wants what is best for Ba1 Harbour. Councilman Hirschl asked Mr. Helfman to comment on the issues that Ms. Cellini raised. Mr. Helfman replied the conducting of this workshop is totally within the Council's discretion. He further stated this is not a zoning hearing, and if the Council wishes to make comments, the statements would be protected. Ms. Cellini stated for the record, in her opinion, this is a zoning hearing in disguise. She further stated the developer should follow the same procedures as the developer of the Palace and Majestic. A motion was offered by Councilman Hirschl to deny holding this workshop today. There was no second to the motion. The following residents stated they would like to hear from the developer: Sidney Huberman, a resident of Ba1 Harbour Anthony Lang, 156 Park Drive The following residents asked for clarification if the property has been purchased: Denis McGeary, Ba1 Harbour Manor Abel Holz, Bal Harbour Tower Mr. Shulman, Attorney of the firm Greenberg Taurig, explained that the Ava Group has a contract to purchase the property, and if the purchase is not finalized, they hold a 21 year option. He then proceeded to introduce Charles Seger, Jose Suarez, and Bill Eagle, the Architects. They then showed a rendering of the proposed building, which is proposed for 39 stories. Mr. Seger compared the proposed building to that of the Portifino on South Beach. Mr. Shulman then proceeded to introduce Clay Dickerson, who conducted a study on the feasibility of building a hotel on the property. Mr.Dickerson explained it would not be economically feasible to build a hotel on this property. Mr. Shulman then proceeded to introduce the Libfeld Brothers, of the Ava Group. Sheldon Libfeld addressed the Council and further explained the project. Anthony Lang, 156 Park Drive, Vice President of the Bal Harbour Club, explained the membership has ratified the contract. Therefore, the Ava Group must close on the purchase. Also, no further lawsuits are pending. Workshop Meeting 09/05/96 2 240 The following residents asked if the Ocean and Yacht Property are tied to the other: Sean Clancy, 211 Bal Cross Drive Nina Rudolph, 212 Bal Bay Drive Mr. Shulman replied part of the contract calls for the renovation of the Yacht Club. Sean Clancy, 211 Bal Cross Drive, read from the notice sent to the residents. He would like another vote on holding this workshop. The following residents objected to compare Bal Harbour with South Beach, and the safety issue: Douglas Rudolph, 212 Bal Bay Drive Rosely Meyers, The Plaza Charles Ilvento, 10205 Collins Avenue M. Lettie, 32 Camden Drive Edward Needle, 73 Bal Bay Drive Cheryl Goldbery, The Plaza In the opinion of the following residents, construction should be frozen: Charles Ilvento, 10205 collins Cheryl Goldberg, The Plaza Joseph Lansing, 160 Biscay Drive, stated in his opinion, it is not feasible to pay $34 million for the property, and spend 2 million on renovation of the Yacht Club property. A motion was offered by Councilman Boggess and seconded by Councilman Taplin to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0), and the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Mayer Estelle Spiegel Attest: eanette Horton, CMC/AAE Village Clerk Workshop Meeting 09/05/96 3