HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006-12-12 Regular Meeting485
BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — DECEMBER 12, 2006
The Regular Meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Tuesday, December 12,
2006, at the Bal Harbour Village Hall Council Chambers (655 — 96th Street, Bal Harbour,
Florida).
1. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 9:00
a.m. by Mayor Roth. The following were present:
Mayor Seymour "Sy" Roth
Assistant Mayor Howard J. Berlins
Councilman Joel S. Jacobi
Councilman Jean Rosenfield
Councilman Jaime M. Sanz
Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager
Ellisa Horvath, CMC, Village Clerk
Andrea Greenblatt, Admin. Assistant
Richard J. Weiss, Village Attorney
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was led by Lydia Kordalewski
(Village Park, Recreation & Transportation Director).
3. APPROVAL OF MIND ES: A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenfield
and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2006, Remular
Council Meetinz, as submitted. The motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
4. PRESENTATIONS:
Officer of the Month for November 2006: Chief Hunker presented
Detective Paul Eppler with the November 2006 Officer of the Month Plaque, in recognition
of his investigation into a fraud ring.
5. ORDINANCE SECOND READING /PUBLIC HEARING: None.
6. ORDINANCE FIRST READING: The following Ordinance was read by
title, by Mrs. Horvath:
AN ORDINANCE OF BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE
VILLAGE CODE BY AMENDING PARAGRAPH (A) "NUMBER, TERM AND
QUALIFICATION OF MEMBERS" OF SECTION 18 -43 "COMPOSITION;
APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES; COMPENSATION; REMOVAL FROM OFFICE,
ETC." OF DIVISION 2 "RESORT TAX COMMITTEE" OF ARTICLE II "RESORT
1 Assistant Mayor Berlin arrived during Ordinances First Reading and left during the Request for Approval of
Additional Funding for 60th Anniversary Party.
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486
TAX" OF CHAPTER 18 "TAXATION AND FINANCE" OF THE VILLAGE CODE;
PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT OF THAT PARAGRAPH OF THE VILLAGE
CODE TO EXPAND THE COMMITTEE SIZE FROM FIVE (5) TO SEVEN (7)
MEMBERS AND TO MODIFY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF
COMMITTEE MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Weiss explained the proposed ordinance. He reported that the qualification of the
membership was left blank, to allow for Council discussion. He noted that the proposed
ordinance increases the number of the members from five to seven and deletes the lines in
the current ordinance pertaining to qualifications of the members. Mr. Weiss advised that
doing so gives the Council a basis for discussion.
Assistant Mayor Berlin arrived.
A motion was offered by Councilman Sanz and seconded by Mayor Roth to approve.
Mayor Roth opened the public hearing.
Stanley Price, Bilzin Sumberg — representing the Sheraton Bal Harbour Joint Venture
and Bal Harbour Club regarding this Ordinance, noted that he cannot provide any
meaningful comments, without knowing the qualifications of the membership and what
direction the Council is going in. He explained that it was the enabling Legislation's intent to
recognize that people were needed with expertise in the area. He pointed out that no
qualifications or expertise is recommended for the appointments, in the proposed
ordinance. Mr. Price doesn't think that a lay person would have expertise in how to best
spend resort tax money collected, in the most efficient way for the community. He noted
that the current ordinance has been successful for many years and that the Council has the
ability to remove members of the Committee, or to question any conflicts of interest. Mr.
Price requested that the Council explain what the qualifications would be, to allow for public
comment.
Babak Raheb, resident -128 Balfour Drive, thinks that there are enough qualified people
in the Village that are not working at the Shops, which would do a good job. He doesn't see
a problem with citizens being members, since the Council can supersede any decisions. He
doesn't think it makes sense for the Council to be on the Committee. Mr. Raheb thinks that
there should be more public input, without any conflict of interest. He thinks the current
members have a conflict, because they work in Bal Harbour and benefit from the money
that the Committee spends.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops Developer, reviewed the formation of the resort
tax in the State of Florida and Bal Harbour. He explained that the hoteliers wanted a resort
tax in order to create a fund for advertising, which was enabled by the State. He noted that
it wasn't set up as a general fund for the use of the taxpayers, but was set up to be
administered by the people in the field (restaurateurs, hoteliers, etc.). He clarified that the
fund was set up to advertise and promote tourism, with the people in the tourism industry
serving as the advisory committee.
Jeffrey S. Bass, Shubin & Bass — representing the Bal Harbour Shops, submitted his
Lobbyist Registration to Mrs. Horvath. He requested that the Council not adopt the
Ordinance and to end the process. He discussed the current expertise requirement for the
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48
Committee members, which isn't uncommon, and provides specified resources and
expertise focus to the Council. He doesn't think that's a conflict of interest. He discussed
other boards comprised of people with expertise. Mr. Bass doesn't think the current
Committee has any conflict of interest. He noted that the Ordinance provides a remedy, if
there's a conflict, etc. Mr. Bass urged the Council not to change the current ordinance. He
pointed out that the Committee members serve for one year and that no true conflicts have
been shown. He doesn't think there is anything illegal in the present composition. He
discussed that if the Committee composition is changed, then the entire ordinance will need
to be re- drafted, which he doesn't see a need to do.
Brian Mulheren, resident -10245 Collins Avenue, thinks evening workshops should be
held for this issue. He pointed out that the public doesn't know what is being proposed. He
thinks that the residents have alot of expertise. Mr. Mulheren suggested that the Tourism
Director present information to the Committee, who can then ask questions. He thinks
citizens should have the right to be on the Committee and noted that citizens don't have a
conflict.
Raj Singh, Sea View Hotel General Manager, discussed his prior service on the
Committee and what the Committee has done over the years. He pointed out the positive
contributions of the members through their expertise, contacts, etc. which have made Bal
Harbour well known throughout the world. Mr. Singh clarified that the Committee meetings
are open to the public.
Dina Cellini, resident - 211 Bal Cross Drive, thinks the Committee has done wonderful
things, but suggested increasing the number of members to include residents for public
input. She would like to know if there is a conflict of interest and if the current members
shouldn't be voting. Ms. Cellini suggested that if there isn't a conflict, then the current
Committee could coexist with additional public members. Mayor Roth questioned if there is
a conflict. Mr. Weiss' recommendation is that the composition should be looked at.
Mayor Roth closed the public hearing.
Councilman Jacobi thinks input is needed from the major sources of tourism income
(Shops, Sea View, etc.) and that expanding the Committee may be a good idea, to include
the public. He is not in favor of erasing the existing language. He thinks the language
should remain to include people who live and work in Bal Harbour. Mr. Weiss clarified that
he is not suggesting that language be deleted, but is giving the Council a blank slate.
Assistant Mayor Berlin is not in favor of the proposed ordinance, in its broad sweeping
dimensions, because he doesn't know where it goes (who the members of the Committee
are, etc.). Mr. Weiss explained that this ordinance gives the Council a place to start, since
the Council didn't give direction of qualifications, etc. He agreed that qualifications are
needed and should be discussed by the Council. Assistant Mayor Berlin discussed the
conflict of interest issue and noted that the ordinances that other State political committees
have adopted all have people in their memberships who are involved in the resort industry,
due to their specific expertise. He thinks abandoning that would be moving away from the
vast majority of thinking on the issue across the State. He suggested having more context
and figuring out who the members of the Committee would be. He doesn't know the
wisdom of moving forward, without members of the resort tax industry being involved,
because the County and other communities have that. Mr. Weiss explained that if the
current ordinance is left the way that it is, then the Village could find people to meet the
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006
qualifications, without any conflict. Mr. Weiss noted that there's nothing wrong with the
existing ordinance, but the problem is with the implementation of the ordinance. Assistant
Mayor Berlin suggested looking at the Committee composition in the current ordinance
again.
Councilman Sanz thinks that the Committee has done an excellent job for many years and
doesn't think it should be changed. He thinks that the proposed ordinance is too vague. Mr.
Weiss explained that the existing ordinance is not broken, but that the situation needs to be
fixed. Councilman Rosenfield explained that the purpose of the Committee is to create
world awareness of the Village. She thinks all aspects of the Village need to be represented
on the Committee, including Councilmembers. Councilman Rosenfield doesn't think that
Council involvement on a Committee would intimidate anyone, which was brought up at the
last meeting. She thinks that the Council needs to define who the members of the
Committee will be. Mayor Roth thinks that the majority of the Committee should be from
industry/work in hotel /restaurant, but that there should also be some lay people, with
practical /business experience, and some residents that are not directly involved in the
hotels or Shops.
A motion was offered by Councilman RosenFeld and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to table the
discussion.
Assistant Mayor Berlin questioned if Mayor Roth is suggesting to keep the current language
for the Committee and to add two resident members. Mayor Roth thinks it's a good
balance, along with two resident members that have business experience and common
sense. Mr. Weiss will define the Committee to consist of seven members (two residents
with business or tourism related experience, with the language for the other five members
remaining the same).
Councilman Rosenfield withdrew her motion to table the discussion.
Mr. Weiss clarified that the Council is recommending increasing the membership to seven, with
the followinz Ian ,-uaze• two members will be residents with experience in tourism, marketing or
business activities, at least four ofthe other five members will be persons that work or reside and
have experience in tourism and/or tourism related activities, one of the rive members may not
work or reside in the Villaze if they have experience in tourism and/or tourism related activities,
and one of the seven members shall be a member of the Villake Council).
Mr. Treppeda suggested that a Village Attorney start attending the Committee meetings.
The Council agreed.
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosen field and seconded by Councilman Sanz to amend the
ordinance per Mr. Weiss' comments.
Mayor opened the public hearing.
Babak Raheb, resident -128 Balfour Drive, doesn't think that anybody should be on the
Committee that works within the industry in the Village. He is against the managers of
Village hotels and Shops being on the Committee, since they have a conflict of interest (by
voting on issues to advertise, etc. for their own properties). He thinks that the language
should state that members cannot have a direct conflict. Mr. Weiss noted that the Council
will be appointing a new Committee and reported that if there is a potential conflict with
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006 4
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respect to a member, then Mr. Weiss will discuss it with that member. He explained that the
members will be subject to the State Conflict of Interest Ordinance Provisions (in Chapter
112) and applicable County Ordinances. He thinks that some of the issues being raised
deal with the actual appointments to the Committee, as opposed to the ordinance.
Assistant Mayor Berlin suggested that Mr. Weiss attend the next Committee meeting and
make a presentation on the conflict of interest issue, so that any applicable members could
recuse themselves from participating in a vote that would have any conflict for them. Mr.
Weiss clarified that there may be certain people who are prohibited from serving on the
Committee and some may just be able to recuse themselves on certain votes, because of a
conflict of interest, which would be dealt with on a case bases. He clarified that the problem
is not with the proposed ordinance, but the implementation of it.
Jeffrey Bass, Shubin & Bass — on behalf of Bal Harbour Shops, reserved comments
until second reading. He suggested that the Village prepare a study analysis of what is
being proposed, why it's being proposed, how the Committee works, how other resort tax
committees are comprised, etc. for the public to understand.
Michael Krop, resident - 9601 Collins Avenue, doesn't think that any change will be
meaningful, unless it is changed that a member with a vested interested cannot vote on
issues that benefit them. He suggested that each Councilmember select one Committee
member, for a total of five members. He discussed problems with having seven people
(quorum, agreement, etc.). Dr. Krop doesn't think the members need to have experience in
the field, but just need to be smart and interested.
Brian Mulheren, resident - 10245 Collins Avenue, suggested having workshops. He
pointed out that the Council doesn't need to have experience to be a Councilmember and
he doesn't think that the Committee should be any different.
Mayor Roth is in favor of a workshop meeting before January 16th. He is also in favor of
the composition previously discussed. He agreed that if someone has a conflict, then they
could recuse themselves on that item. He thinks that the Council needs to move forward,
since the Committee hasn't functioned in three to four months. Councilman Jacobi agreed
that an issue of direct impact should be recused. He also thinks that a Village Attorney
should attend the meetings.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops, explained that the tax came about from hoteliers
to get advertising money, so the State created a fund for the tourism industry, not the
public. He noted that's how the State Tourism Bureau, Dade County, etc. are set up (with
people from the hotels, restaurants, etc. on the Boards). Mr. Whitman noted that if there's a
conflict, then all the tourism committees in the State would be in violation of a conflict of
interest, because they are all set up with people in the industry. He explained the expertise
of the people at the Shops, hotels, restaurants, etc. in marketing, etc.
Dina Cellini, resident - 211 Bal Cross Drive, agreed that it's not the composition of the
Committee, but the voting on the issues, which can be resolved by recusing. She thinks the
proposed qualifications of residents should be abolished and is unfair. She doesn't see the
necessity of a Councilmember serving on the Committee, since all recommendations come
to the Council, and thinks that a Councilmember serving could create an intimidation factor.
Ms. Cellini thinks three of the seven members or two of the five members should be
residents at large and the other four /five should be appointed from the tourism industry.
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006 5
Steve Sorensen, Vice President Hotel Division WCI Communities, thinks balance is
important and that expertise is fundamental. He discussed the expertise of the Regent
General Manager, who he thinks should be given the opportunity to serve the community.
Guenter Richter, The Regent Bal Harbour General Manager, thinks the Committee
should be a balance of people with different backgrounds and talents. He discussed the
taxing and marketing contributions that the Regent will be making. He thinks that everyone
should work as a team, to serve the Village better.
Mayor Roth closed the public hearing.
Councilman Jacobi requested that the qualifications for the two resident members be
deleted.
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenfeld and seconded by Councilman Sanz to amend the
proposed amendment, in order to delete the qualifications required for the two new additional
resident members. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0).
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenfeld and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve
the amended ordinance. The motion carried with the vote as follows: Mayor Roth aye, Assistant
Mayor Berlin aye, Councilman Jacobi aye; Councilman Rosenfeld aye, Councilman Sanz ave.
Mayor Roth doesn't think that a workshop is needed, since the ordinance was passed on
first reading.
7. RESOLUTIONS /PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
S. RESOLUTION: The following Resolution was read by title, by Mrs. Horvath:
RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE,
FLORIDA, APPROVING LEASE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BAL HARBOUR
VILLAGE AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
( "FDOT ") ALLOWING VILLAGE TO UTILIZE FDOT RIGHT -OF -WAY AT
STATE ROAD A -1 -A FOR PARKING AND PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS (AS TO THE
SOUTH LOT) AND FOR TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL PURPOSES PENDING
COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY (AS TO THE
NORTH PARKING LOT); PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Roth opened the meeting for public comment. There being none, the meeting
continued.
Mr. Treppeda explained that approval would give the Village Manager authorization to enter
into the agreements. He reported that the monthly fee collected from WCI, for use of the
north lot, will be remitted to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the south lot
will be open for public parking, without a fee.
A motion was offered by Assistant Mayor Berlin and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to approve
the resolution. The motion carried unanimously (5-0); thus becoming Resolution No. 693.
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9. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
Mayor Roth reported on the 60th Anniversary event and thanked Village staff for their work
(1,103 people attended).
Jordan Cohen, resident - Balmoral, thought it was a fantastic party and commended Mr.
Treppeda.
Councilman Rosenfield, Councilman Jacobi, and Councilman Sanz discussed the success
of the party and thanked the Village staff for their work. Mayor Roth requested that Mr.
Treppeda send a thank you letter to Craig Stevens, Channel 7, who did a great job as
emcee.
Brian Mulheren, resident -10245 Collins Avenue, commended Randy Mathews, Public
Works Director, and the public works department staff.
B. VILLAGE ATTORNEY:
Request for Ratification of the Collective Bargaining
Agreement with the Police Benevolent Association on behalf of Bal Harbour
Police Officers: Mr. Treppeda reported that the new contract was approved by the Police
Officers, with a vote of 19 -0 in favor of it.
A motion was offered by Councilman Sanz and seconded by Mayor Roth to approve. The motion
carried unanimously (5 -0).
Mr. Weiss thanked Village Attorney James Baker for his work on the contract. Chief Hunker
thanked James Baker, Sergeant Paul Deitado, Detective Paul Eppler, Sergeant Mike
Daddario, PBA Attorney Mike Braverman, Village Manager Alfred Treppeda, and Captain
Jay Smith.
Dina Cellini, resident — 211 Bal Cross Drive, questioned the status of the report on the
Sheraton sign issue. Mr. Weiss reported that is still being reviewed.
C. VILLAGE CLERK:
Lobbyist Registration Report: As of December 8, 2006: Mrs.
Horvath reviewed the list of Lobbyists currently registered with the Village. She noted that
the following two lobbyists have registered since last month: Michael Katz and Jeffrey Bass,
both for the Bal Harbour Shops.
D. VILLAGE MANAGER:
FIU Biscayne Bay Society Request for Contribution: Mr.
Treppeda explained that in 2004 and 2005 the Village made $5,000.00 contributions to the
Biscayne Bay Society.
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Stanley Greenstein, Biscayne Bay Society Chair, discussed the Biscayne Bay Society,
which provides educational, cultural, and entertainment events for adults at the FIU
campus, in North Miami. He noted that Bal Harbour Resident Sandra Lansing is a Co -Chair
of the Society. He requested a $5,000 contribution.
Councilman Jacobi noted that he attended two wonderful events last year.
Babak Raheb, resident -128 Balfour Drive, discussed his prior request to donate money
for the Sunami Relief. He is not in favor of approving this, since it will not benefit him.
Mayor Roth pointed out that the Village contributed $10,000 to the Red Cross, after
Hurricane Wilma. He noted that the Village also supports the children programs at Bay
Harbor and thinks the adults also need something. He is in favor of the contribution.
Jordan Cohen, resident - Balmoral, advised that he attends the Society events monthly
and thinks that the programs are educational and fantastic. He thinks that everyone who
attends the events gets a tremendous benefit. He is in favor of the Village's participation.
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenfield and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve a
$5,000 contribution. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0).
Request for Approval of Additional Funding for 60th
Anniversary Party: Mr. Treppeda requested approval of $21,684.00 for the 601h
Anniversary Party. Mayor Roth suggested that amount be taken from resort tax funds.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops Developer, commended the Village on a
wonderful party and thanked the Village for the Visionary Award that he was presented
with. He doesn't think it's appropriate to spend resort tax funds for a Village party, since it
wasn't a tourism event.
Assistant Mayor Berlin left the meeting.
Babak Raheb, resident — 128 Balfour Drive, is in favor of using resort tax funds.
Brian Mulheren, resident -10245 Collins Avenue, thinks the party was the best tourism
money that was spent.
A motion was offered by Councilman Jacobi and seconded by Mayor Roth to approve the
expenditure of resort tax funds. The motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Request for Approval of Funds for Concrete Slab for Storage
Containers: Mr. Treppeda requested approval of $18,750.00 for Vila & Son (the low
bidder) to provide a concrete slab, for storage containers at the sewer pump station, near
the trash transfer station.
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenfield and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to approve.
The motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Request to Expend Police Forfeiture Funds: Mr. Treppeda
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explained that Chief Hunker is requesting approval to expend police forfeiture funds, for the
following item:
Purchase of Surveillance Equipment $3,249.00
A motion was offered by Councilman Jacobi and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve. The
motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Request for Approval to Expend Police Budgeted Funds: Mr.
Treppeda requested approval of $10,341.52 to purchase four handheld police radios from
Cooper - General Corporation, per Chief Hunker.
A motion was offered by Councilman Sanz and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to approve. The
motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Request for Approval of General Employees Performance
Bonuses for 2006: Mr. Treppeda requested approval of $73,410.72 for the 2006 General
Employee Performance Bonuses.
A motion was offered by Councilman Rosenrield and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to approve.
The motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Consideration of Annual Performance Bonuses for Village
Manager and Village Clerk: Mr. Treppeda and Mrs. Horvath left the meeting.
Councilman Jacobi thinks that Mrs. Horvath has done a great job as Village Clerk.
A motion was offered by Councilman Sanz and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to approve a 5%
bonus for both the Village Manager and Village Clerk. The motion carried unanimously (4 -0).
Mr. Treppeda and Mrs. Horvath returned to the meeting.
10. OTHER BUSINESS:
Babak Raheb, resident -128 Balfour Drive, commended Lydia Kordalewski, the Police,
and the Bal Harbour Club on the 60th Anniversary party.
Mr. Raheb expressed concern that Mr. Weiss' firm also represents the Town of Surfside,
which he thinks will raise alot of conflicts. He suggested that if Mr. Weiss' firm wants to
remain with Surfside, then the Village should find another attorney. Mr. Weiss reported that
he spoke with the Village Councilmembers, before taking the position in Surfside. He noted
that there have been very few issues between Bal Harbour and Surfside over the years. Mr.
Weiss clarified that he has been with the Village for over 20 years and that if there's an
issue, then an outside firm can be brought in. He explained that if the Village needs legal
advice on any Surfside issues, then outside counsel can be brought in. He will not
represent either city against the other. Mr. Raheb doesn't want his Village Counsel
representing another entity that is violating the law. Mr. Weiss noted that there is no conflict
in representing the two cities and that it is not uncommon to do so. Mr. Raheb thinks that
the Town of Surfside is hiding behind the fact that they have the same attorney as the
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006 9
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Village.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops, thinks that Abbot Avenue is a policy problem, not
a legal one. He discussed meetings held with the neighboring communities, Attorney Cliff
Schulman, and Miami -Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman regarding the traffic issues and
the closing of Abbot Avenue. He reported that the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) has presented alternate plans to alleviate the traffic, by reopening Abbot Avenue,
which everyone has endorsed except for Surfside. Mr. Whitman advised that Surfside is
reporting recommendations to make Collins and Harding Avenue two way streets, putting in
a round -a -bout at 96th and Harding, etc. He discussed the new Surfside Commission,
which he thinks the Village should work with. Mr. Whitman doesn't see any conflict with the
Village Attorney. He doesn't think it's a legal matter, unless the Village is going to sue.
Mr. Raheb reported that the County has determined that it's a legal matter and has
threatened to sue, if Surfside doesn't open the streets, and are moving forward with it. He
explained that FDOT has the right to determine what signs can be used and they are
removing the signs /barriers that Surfside is putting up. He reported that the County will take
legal action, so the Village won't have to. Mr. Raheb explained that his concern is that
sometimes the Village may need to talk to Surfside, but can't, because the Village has the
same attorney.
Dina Cellini, resident - 211 Bal Cross Drive, thanked Mayor Roth and Councilman Sanz
for their support in ensuring that Bal Harbour didn't fall victim to the wave of political
correctness. She requested that Channel 77 note that Village Hall is closed on December
25th, specifically for Christmas Day. She explained that the Village Clerk had placed notice
on that Channel that Village Hall was closed on December 25th, for the holidays. Ms. Cellini
provided copies of documents showing that Christmas Day is a paid national holiday.
Stanley Whitman, Bal Harbour Shops, requested that the Council direct the Village
Manager to have Lobbyist Ron Book do whatever is necessary to rectify the County water
restriction ordinance, regarding the operation of outdoor fountains. Mayor Roth will discuss
that with Mr. Treppeda. Mr. Whitman discussed problems with the Haulover Bridge, which
he thinks should be widened to six lanes. He requested that the Council direct the Village
Manager to have Lobbyist Ron Book look into having that issue being placed on the MPO
(Metropolitan Planning Organization) Agenda, or whatever it takes to get that done.
Mr. Whitman announced the establishment of the Whitman Family Foundation, for the
benefit of Bal Harbour Village. He is endowing it with a seed contribution of $1 million and
advised that it is open to anyone wishing to participate in it. Mayor Roth thanked Mr.
Whitman for his efforts, good work, contributions, etc. to the Village.
Brian Mulheren, resident -10245 Collins Avenue, commended the Village Manager for
having the beach cleaned by a company and thinks that should continue.
11. ADJOURN: There being no further business, a motion was offered byMayor
Roth and seconded by Councilman Jacobi to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (4 -0), and
the meeting adiourned at 10:57 a.m.
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006 10
49
ayor Seymour oth
Attest:
5� -
Ellisa Horvath, CMC
Village Clerk
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12/12/2006 11