HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999-06-09 Workshop MeetingCOUNCIL MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING - JUNE 9, 1999
A Workshop Meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Wednesday, June 9,
1999, in the Council Chambers of Bay Harbor Islands Town Hall (9665 Bay Harbor
Terrace). The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. by Mayor Hirschl. Those present
were:
Also present:
Mayor Andrew Hirschl
Assistant Mayor Daniel Tantleff
Councilman James Boggess
Councilman Peg E. Gorson
Councilman Seymour "Sy" Roth
Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager
Jeanette Horton, Village Clerk
Steven Zelkowitz, Village Attorney
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. Presentation of Single Path Conceptual Plan for
Proposed Beach Master Plan - Harvey Sasso (Coastal Systems
International) and Bob GM (Bradshaw, GM & Associates): Mayor
Hirschl explained the workshop is to discuss the presentation of the conceptual plans for
the proposed Beach Master Plan. Mr. Treppeda explained at the last meeting, the Council
approved $35,000.00 to pay for them to do a one -path alternate, which they will be
presenting today. Mayor Hirschl stated the Council and the public have the opportunity to
talk about the number of paths wanted.
Bob Gill, Bradshaw, Gill & Associates, addressed the Council and reviewed the plans
for a one -walkway scheme from Baker's Haulover to 96th Street. Mr. Gill explained most
of it hugs the seaward side of the existing tree areas and is in the area that the scavola is,
which will be removed. They've taken a meandering approach and pushed it up against
the rear of the buildings. The existing jogging path is not shown on the plan, but will be
moved to the West. Mr. Gill explained the plan has paver plazas with groupings of palms
and benches to match the ones on Collins Avenue. The enhancement that was done to
the beach to the south will enable the jogging path to be pulled out farther toward the
location it was previously before it was washed out. The new sand will allow them to justify
bringing the path out. A walkway is shown that can be crushed shell or pavers. They are
showing it as crushed shell and are breaking it up with small sitting areas, which are
pavers, with some benches under coconut palms. There is also a paver plaza at the north
end (Baker's Haulover area). They've repeated the paver pattern that's on Collins Avenue.
The main material will be pavers, not concrete, because pavers are more acceptable to the
State on the beach.
Maryann Dunbar, 10155 Collins Avenue, questioned if they are the same pavers as
behind the Sheraton. Mr. Gill responded it will blend into it, but isn't sure it will be the
same. Ms. Dunbar stated the weeds seem to come through the pavers. Mr. Gill stated it's
a matter of controlling them. Ms. Dunbar stated there's also a problem with vehicles riding
on them because she's seen the damage it has done to the Sheraton's pavers. Mr. Gill
doesn't know what the damage was caused from, but that shouldn't occur if they're
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installed properly because that's what they're made for.
Mr. Gill stated they've taken all the areas that were washed out previously after the
Hurricane, etc. and pulled them back landward. There's a sand area, so there's no longer
a straight airstrip view, that meanders and is there because they can't landscape
everything and it keeps the cost down. Mayor Hirsch) stated in effect by doing that it gives
two paths, which is desirable and is nice. Mayor Hirschl thinks the Council's desire was
not to encourage vehicular activity back there. Councilman Boggess questioned if it would
accommodate an emergency vehicle. Mr. Gill responded they feel that it can.
Sheryl Goldberg, 10185 Collins Avenue, questioned the difference between this
rendering and the one done previously and why the Village had to pay $35,000.00 for
basically the same thing because it appears to be two meandering paths. Mr. Treppeda
responded the $35,000.00 was also for other items that they did. Mr. Gill explained
originally they were asked to provide two walkways. One was the existing jogging path,
which was either in the same location or moved back in the washed out areas. The second
path would be used mainly for people walking and access for emergency vehicles. This
plan only has one walkway.
Ms. Dunbar questioned where the jogging path would be relocated. Mr. Gill responded it
would be moved back just seaward of existing vegetation, where existing scavola will be
taken out. The existing jogging path would be replanted in the sea oats and occasional
palms. Mr. Gill displayed where the new jogging path would be. Ms. Dunbar questioned
about the existing vegetation that was planted to protect the buildings. Mr. Gill responded
it was planted to hold the sand. Councilman Boggess stated the tourists are paying for
this, so this enhancement of the beach is to attract tourists. Councilman Boggess stated
the new vegetation will protect the sandin place of the old vegetation. Mayor Hirsch)
stated there will be more vegetation than what was there previously. Mayor Hirschl
explained the path is being moved west to preserve it. The Council wants to protect the
beach and protect the path from destruction at an early age. Ms. Goldberg questioned
when the path was originally put in. Mayor Hirsch) responded approximately in 1986.
Councilman Boggess responded in 1985/1986. Mayor Hirsch) stated the path has been
repaired yearly at a dear cost. The vegetation that will be east of the path will protect it and
the beach will not be smaller.
Ms. Goldberg expressed her concern about the pavers and the "park -like' atmosphere. Mr.
Gill stated the paver areas are a few hundred feet apart and for seating areas under shade
for people to look out at the ocean. Ms. Goldberg discussed the condition of the pavers
at the Sheraton (dips, grass in between, slippery, etc.). Mr. Gill stated it wasn't installed
properly and it has to be maintained properly. Ms. Goldberg stated pavers are unnatural.
Mr. Gill stated the paver park areas break up the long winding path and are very simple.
Mayor Hirschl expressed to Ms. Goldberg that the Council is not married to any material
at this point. Councilman Boggess stated the Sheraton's pavers were allowed so long as
they were compatible to the Village's plans and can be removed at their expense if the
Council decides they need to be. Mayor Hirschl stated if the Village determines a better
material then they will have to comply and remove them, which is in the Village's
agreement with them.
Pat Tumpson, 10185 Collins Avenue, thinks the older people will enjoy the seating areas.
Raj Singh, The Sea View Hotel — 9909 Collins Avenue, explained the concerns of the
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hotel. The Sea View presently has views to the ocean and doesn't want that obstructed.
Mr. Gill's intention is not to block anybody's view of the ocean. Their planting will frame,
not block, the view. Mr. Singh stated he received a notice from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers reporting that Sunny Isles had been granted permission to put in something to
protect their beach from erosion. Mayor Hirschl stated he went to the Coastal Mayors'
meeting and the Army Corps has granted Miami Beach a breakers system at 32nd Street.
Mr. Sasso stated they've received pretty good feedback from the Corp, but it hasn't been
approved yet. Mayor Hirsch) thinks they are going to approve it. Mr. Sasso thinks Sunny
Isles' permission was part of the Sunny Isles beach renourishment project. Mr. Singh
questioned the time frame for permitting from Tallahassee for the beach plan. Mr. Sasso
responded depending on the complexity, it will take six (6) to twelve (12) months. Mr.
Singh would like the project to be done in the summer months rather than in the winter
when the residents and tourists are here.
Stanley Whitman, Developer of the Bal Harbour Shops — 9700 Collins Avenue, stated
the Shops will be paying for approximately 20% of the cost of the plan through resort tax.
Mr. Whitman questioned if Mr. Gill recommends one or two paths. Mr. Gill responded he
recommends going with the one path scheme because it's simple. Mr. Whitman
questioned the location of the pavers. Mr. Gill explained the pavers on the displayed plans.
Mr. Whitman stated the Village wants an attractive beach, but doesn't want to invite all of
Dade County to use the beach. Mr. Whitman doesn't understand the pavers and stated
the Resort Tax Committee and the Council in the past have rejected pavers.
Mayor Hirsch) questioned if the Council were to approve the walking/jogging path concept
as presented today, what the next steps would be. Mr. Sasso responded in November
1998, they submitted a proposal that included both alternatives of approving the jogging
path, revising the location somewhat, and taking that through the processing and design
phase. Or alternatively, the more significant paver block pathway. That essentially outlines
the full scope of services and the activities that would happen to get through to ultimately
construct the selected plan. The next step would be to finalize the plan, get the
endorsement of the Council, make any modifications, and then take the concept to the
improved level of design. They would do the cross sections, take the survey and blend that
with the details of the path, put some geometry on it, put in some distances from the
coastal construction control line seaward, etc. Basically, put a package together with all
the information that fully defines the project so that can be presented to Tallahassee. That
design can be done in four (4) to eight (8) weeks.
Assistant Mayor Tantleff questioned if they can take these drawings to get the ball rolling
on permitting and if the pavers have to be decided on now. Mr. Sasso stated they can take
these to Tallahassee and have a pre -application meeting with them. They can discuss it
with them in concept and get some preliminary feedback that what is being proposed is
feasible. Councilman Boggess thinks if the pavers are being considered they should be
put in the plans for consideration of approval and decided on later.
Councilman Boggess questioned Mr. Gill about his thoughts on the Sheraton's pavers. Mr.
Gill stated the Sheraton has spent a considerable amount of money and done a nice job.
He feels it can be blended in with what the Village is doing and doesn't detract from the
plan.
Assistant Mayor Tantleff questioned if the sand area can be used for walking. Mr. Gill
responded yes.
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124 Councilman Roth stated the pavers can always be removed if the Council decides against
them. Mr. Gill stated the pavers were put in to give it a more elegant look. Councilman
Boggess thinks the pavers are a good idea because the sand is too soft leading to the
jogging path.
Mr. Zelkowitz stated any decisions made today need to be ratified at a regular Council
meeting. This is not a binding decision on the Village right now.
A motion was offered by Councilman Boggess and seconded by Councilman Gorson to approve
the conceptual walking/logging path plan as described today and the fees attached to it on Table
One through permitting. The motion carried at the workshop level with the vote as follows:
Mayor Hirschl aye; Assistant Mayor Tantleff aye; Councilman Boggess aye; Councilman Gorson
aye; Councilman Roth ave.
Assistant Mayor Tantleff stated this has to be approved at the regular Council meeting
(June 15, 1999) and questioned what the timetable will be. Mr. Sasso suggested taking
it to Tallahassee for a pre -application meeting. Mr. Gill should start working as soon as
possible to get the drawings to the next level of detail, which would take approximately four
(4) to eight (8) weeks (August). In the meantime, Mr. Sasso would go to Tallahassee, have
a meeting, and present this to them. In eight (8) weeks, they would be in a position to file
an application (mid to late August). After that, it would be approximately six (6) months to
go through the approval process (end of February).
Mayor Hirschl questioned if money should be appropriated to "fix" the jogging path for the
next nine months. Robert Wheldon, Public Works Director, stated there's money to roll,
maintain, and fix it if necessary. Mayor Hirschl stated the Village will maintain the path as
best it can until construction on the new path starts.
Mr. Treppeda recapped that Table One was approved and stated the total design figures
will be brought before the Council at the regular meeting on June 15, 1999, for final
approval.
3. Ad ourn: There being no further business to come before the Council,
a motion was offered by Councilman Boggess and seconded by Councilman Gorson to adjourn.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0), and the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Andrew R. Hirschl
Attest:
Janette Horton,, CMC/AAE/CLO
illage Clerk
/e lw
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