HomeMy Public PortalAbout2012-03-20 Regular MeetingBAL HARBOUR VILLAGE COUNCIL. MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 20. "2012
The Regular Meeting of the Bal Harbour Village Council was held on Tuesday, March 20,
2012, 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 7:08
• p.m. by Mayor Rosenfield. The following were present:
Mayor Jean Rosenfield
Assistant Mayor Joni D. Blachar
Councilwoman Patricia Cohen
Councilman Martin Packer
Councilman Jaime M. Sanz
Alfred J. Treppeda, Village Manager
Ellisa L. Horvath, MMC, Village Clerk
Richard J. Weiss, Village Attorney
As a quorum was determined to be present, the meeting commenced.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge was previously done at the
General Employees Retirement Board Meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: It was the consensus of the Council for this item to be
taken out of order.
Quasi -Judicial Public Hearings:
Review of the Building Official's Interpretation(s) of the . Zoning
Ordinance, pursuant to Section 21-33 of the Village Code, in Connection with Building Permit
No. BL-1-124664 for a Driveway from the Bal Harbour Shops Property Located at 9700
Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour Village, Florida, to Ball Cross Drive: Mayor Rosenfield read the
parameters for the public hearing. Sheexplained that the review was initiated by a petition
submitted by Anthony Gillam, Fairfield Manor Associates Inc. She noted that the Council
would review the interpretations, pursuant to the Village Code, and would arrive at a
decision to approve, disapprove, or modify the Building Official's interpretation. She
reviewed the responsibility of the Building Official. She explained that the Council would
only consider evidence and argument related to the proper interpretation of the zoning
ordinance and would not consider any discussion relating to the Building Official's role with
respect to the building code, or any matters relating to private disputes over title to roads or
the proper interpretation of language in the recorded subdivision plats. Mayor Rosenfield
discussed the hearing procedures.
Mr. Weiss explained the procedures for the quasi-judicial process.
The following ex-parte communications were disclosed:
Councilman Packer disclosed that he met with Matthew Lazenby, Bal Harbour Shops, and
with Marc Hauser, Fairfield Manor Counsel.
Assistant Mayor Blachar disclosed that she spoke with Village resident Beth Berkowitz on
the phone. She also sent Mr. Gillam (Fairfield Manor President) an email advising him that
he should wait for the meeting until proceeding. She received an email back form Mr.
Gillam. She spoke to Steve Greenberg (Fairfield Manor resident).
Mayor Rosenfield disclosed that she spoke to Village resident Beth Berkowitz.
Councilman Sanz disclosed that he spoke to Village resident Beth Berkowitz and received
phone calls from other Village residents.
Councilwoman Cohen did not provide any disclosures.
Those planning to speak at the hearing were sworn in by Mrs. Horvath.
Mayor Rosenfield explained the hearing procedures.
Bill Spencer, Attorney - Akenr►an Senterfitt, on behalf of the Fairfield Manor (the
Petitioner), addressed the Council and provided a preliminary index of documents, as
exhibits.
John Shubin, Attorney - Shubin & Bass, on behalf of the Bal Harbour Shops (permit
holder), objected to any evidence submitted or any arguments that were not set forth in the
petition or appeal. Mr. Weiss noted the objection for the record.
Mr. Spencer explained that, due to the procedures in the Village Code (21-33), it was his
belief that this was a full review under the Village Council's authority, so evidence and
testimony would be taken. Mr. Weiss agreed.
Mr. Spencer noted that the quasi-judicial procedures directed that the Council take judicial
knowledge of the Code and Comprehensive Plan (including the EAR and 1997
amendments), in the Village published records. He requested that the Council take judicial
knowledge of the items with an asterisk (*) in his documents. He noted that under item 13
an additional item would be 21-77 (designation of the district boundaries) and also Chapter
5.5 of the Code, dealing with Architectural Review.
Mr. Spencer reviewed items 1 through 6. He reported that they believed that the permit,
which allowed an access/egress, from the Shops across Bal Cross Drive running to Collins
Avenue was not permitted by the zoning code. He noted that Cecelia Ward (Planner) would
testify that it was also not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 7, which explained the items that would be removed (privacy
wall and landscaping), for the construction of the curb cut, and discussed pedestrian
access from the Gated Area to Collins Avenue.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 8 and requested that the Council revoke the permit, .because it
was inconsistent with the zoning code, specifically 21-320. He explained that their position
was that the Building. Official made a mistake and issued a permit, which was contrary to
the Village law:. He read Section 21-320(a), which required that a traffic study be provided,
and noted that a permit was issued without meeting the requirements. He also pointed out
that. the same Section required vehicular access to be limited to Collins Avenue and to 96th
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 2
Street, which the permit violated. He clarified that the requirements of the Code were not
complied with, prior to the issuance of the permit.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 19 and read the emails. He didn't think that the Building Official
intentionally violated the Code, but explained that the permit was invalid.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 16 and explained that it wasn't the first time that the Shops had
tried to get a curb cut. He explained that, in 1985, the Village Planner at that time had said
that a permit would violate the Comprehensive Plan and that access could not be allowed
to Bal Cross Drive.
Mr. Spencer reviewed items 2 and 3 and explained that the Business plat excluded the
streets, including Bal Cross Drive, from its property. He clarified that the streets were
dedicated to the Residential Section. He noted that Collins Avenue and 96th Street were
dedicated to the public. He reviewed the Business plat and explained that the streets
designated as Bal Bay, Bal Cross, and Park were not part of the Business plat.
Mr. Spencer reviewed Code Chapter 5.5, which provided for any permit with significant
change to go before the Architectural Review Board. He clarified that the permit for the
Shops should have gone to the Architectural Review Board.
Mr. Spencer discussed the adverse impact to the Fairfield Manor, the neighbors in the
Residential Section, pedestrians, and the entire community. He discussed problems with
substantial . commercial traffic merging: with traffic from the Fairfield Manor, without
intersection signals, etc.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 12 and noted that the deed to the current Bal Harbour Shops
owner referenced the Business plat, so the Shops didn't have any ownership to the road
(Bal Cross Drive), which was secondary to the Code. and. Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Weiss requested that Mr. Spencer stay away from the title issues.
Mr. Spencer reviewed item 13 and added Section 21-77 designation of boundaries, which
didn't include Bal Cross Drive for the Shops district boundaries. He read Code Section 21-
317 regarding boundary designation for the Business section. He noted that the boundary
and limitations precluded the issuance of the permit, which they were asking to be revoked.
He added that the permit was handled contrary to 320(a)(b), since there wasn't notice, a
traffic study, or review by the Council. Mr. Spencer point out that historically (as shown in
items 17 and 18) the Village had always believed that the residential streets were not
public.
Mr. Spencer provided photos of the area (items 21), which showed the privacy perimeter
wall and the landscaping that historically been there.
Mr. Spencer reported the letter received, dated March 6, 2012, which explained that they
had the right to proceed in this manner.
Mr. Spencer reviewed Cecelia Ward's bio and provided it to Mrs. Horvath.
Cecelia Ward, President - JC Consulting Enterprises, addressed the Council and
reported that it was her opinion that the issuance of the permit was inconsistent with the
Village Comprehensive Plan. She explained that the 1988 Future Land Use Element for
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 3
commercial land use and the 1997 Future Land Use amendment discussed that the access
points to the Shops were on 96th Street and Collins Avenue. She added that neither one
referenced any other access being allowed or considered.
Ms. Ward reviewed the goals and agreed with Village Planner Michael Miller that it was
poor planning to provide a commercial access through a residential right-of-way, which was
used by pedestrians and vehicles. She noted that it was inconsistent with the goal and the
objectives set forth in the Future Land Use Element. She added that vehicular access
should only be through Collins Avenue and 96th Street.
Ms. Ward clarified that the issuance of the permit was inconsistent with the Village Code
and Comprehensive Plan and would provide an unsafe pedestrian access situation.
Ms. Ward summarized that there had been a consistent pattern of how development was
to occur and the permit didn't respond to any of the provisions provided in.1988 or 1997
and was inconsistent with those regulations.
John Shubin - Shubin & Bass, on behalf of the Bal Harbour Shops (Permit Holder),
addressed the Council and questioned Ms. Ward. Ms. Ward clarified that she reached her
conclusions on March 15 and March 20, this was the first time she was communicating her
conclusions to the Village, she never spoke to Mr. Nieda regarding the logic behind issuing
the permit, she reviewed the application and the permit, it appeared to her that the Church,
Bank and Village Hall were in the Business District, and that the Village Hall building had
access directly from Bal • Bay Drive, but not from Collins or 96th Street.
Mr. Spencer questioned Ms. Ward if she had served as an expert witness for Mr. Shubin in
the past. Ms. Ward advised that she had. Mr. Shubin explained that he stipulated to her
qualifications as an expert, but not necessarily to the confidence of the testimony provided.
Mr. Spencer believed that the Council had the power and the duty to issue the mandate to
revoke the permit. He provided Mr. Weiss with case law. He requested that the permit be
revoked and deemed invalid.
Elizabeth Hernandez, Attorney - Akerman Senterfit4 on behalf of the Bal Harbour
Shops, addressed the Council and requested that Fairfield Manor resident Mr. Walsh
answer some questions.
Paul F. Walsh Jr., 9800 Collins Avenue #203, reported that he did not receive any notice
of the building permit being issued and was not aware that a permit could. be issued for
curb cut on Bal Cross Drive, without a hearing. He discussed the impact on the quality of
life for him and the community, which would be substantial. He also discussed a safety
impact. Mr. Walsh didn't see his property value increasing, if the permit was allowed to
remain.
Mr. Shubin asked Mr. Walsh several questions. Mr. Walsh confirmed that he had owned
property for 27 years in the Village and had never received notice from the Village
regarding a building permit being issued. He addedthat traffic, safety, and aesthetics
would affect his property value. He thought that the issuance of the permit would increase
traffic. Mr. Walsh questioned the need for an additional egress,. if the Shops was not
expanding. He noted that it had been previously reported that there would be up to 50
trucks a day using that egress. He agreed that there wouldn't be additional .trucks
accessing the Shops, but that they would be egressing differently.
Bab Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 4
Mr. Spencer noted that in the February 21, 2012 Council Meeting minutes, Ms. (Amy)
Huber (Subin & Bass) had estimated that between 25-50 trucks would use the egress daily.
He requested that the minutes be added to the information provided.
Mr. Spencer reported that Mr. Hauser would speak on behalf of Anthony Gillman (Fairfield
Manor President, since he was on a cruise. He noted that the Fairfield Manor was an 18
unit co-op.
Marc Hauser, Attorney - Hauser and Hauser PLLC, on behalf of Anthony Gillam
(Fairfield Manor President), addressed the Council and apologized for Mr. Gillam not
being in attendance, since he was on a cruise. He reported that Mr. Gillam signed and filed
the petition. He agreed that Mr. Gillam presented the same evidence and testimony as Mr.
Spencer did for the Fairfield Manor.
Mr. Spencer requested that the letter from Richard Weiss' firm, dated March 6, 2012, be
included as part of the record.
Assistant Mayor Blachar left the meeting.
John Shubin, Attorney - Shubin & Bass, on behalf of Stanley Whitman and the Bal
Harbour Shops (Permit Applicant and Owner of the Property at 9700 Collins Avenue),
addressed the Council.
Assistant Mayor. Blachar retumed to the meeting.
Mr. Shubin noted that only one entity filed an appeal to the permit, Fairfield Manor
Associates Inc. He incorporated all of the arguments they made in the letter sent to Mr.
Weiss, dated March 9, 2012, into the record. He discussed the process of appeals. He
noted that their position was that it would be inappropriate to consider any of the evidence
heard today that went beyond the four comers of the appeal that was filed by the Fairfield
Manor.
Mr. Shubin reported that the Shops voluntarily refrained from proceeding with the permit,
but believed that the permit was properly issued. He reviewed Village Code Section 21-33
and noted that it didn't provide any appeal rights, so it was inappropriate to view this as an
appeal or consider revoking the permit, which would adversely affect the Shops. He
discussed the County Board of Rules & Appeals. Mr. Shubin clarified that nothing was
provided in Section 21-33 that gave the right of a third party to appeal the decision of the
Building Official.
Mr. Shubin requested that the Council limit their consideration of other material, if they
allowed it, and explained that the only relevant material was set forth in the four comers of
the appeal. He discussed case law and noted that the testimony by the Fairfield Manor was
hearsay and could not be considered. He clarified that the Council could only consider
what Mr. Gillam had submitted.
Mr. Shubin clarified that Mr. Miller was not the Building Official and the Village Code
designated the issuance of a permit to Mr. Nieda, not Mr. Miller. He explained that if
someone complained about what Mr. Nieda did, then the standard was whether or not his.
position was reasonable. He noted that case law stated that it had to be clearly erroneous,
but pointed out that there wasn't any evidence of that and what was being heard was
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 5
another interpretation. He clarified that they hadn't demonstrated that Mr. Nieda's
interpretation was clearly erroneous.
Mr. Shubin pointed out that under Mr. Spencers theory' the entire expansion and
renovation of Village Hall, which didn't have a traffic study or public notice, was null and
void. He continued that Village Hall would also be in violation of the interpretation (by Mr.
Miller and Mr. Spencer), since it didn't access directly onto 96th Street, but accessed onto
Bal Bay Drive. He thought that it was unfair to adopt an interpretation that was contrary to
Mr. •Nieda's interpretation, or holding the Shops to a standard that the Village didn't hold
itself to.
Mr. Shubin reviewed Village Code Section 21-77. He read the business section and noted
that the district boundary directed back to the original plat, not some redone plat. He
reviewed Section 21-317, regarding boundary designation.
Mr. Spencer objected to the March 9, 2012 letter from Mr. Shubin. to Mr. Weiss, since it
was not in evidence. Mr. Shubin requested that any correspondence that related to the
matter be incorporated into the record, as part of the evidence. Mr. Spencer objected to
any unidentified documents that they didn't have a right to cross-examine or. discuss.
Mr. Shubin read the correspondence from Richard Weiss • to Mayor Rosenfield, dated
March 6, 2012, and provided Mr. Spencer with a copy of the letter. He explained that the
letter reported that Mr. Nieda determined that the boundary of the business district was the
center line of Bal Cross Drive and vehicles exiting the Shops onto Bal Cross Drive
remained within the business district. Mr. Shubin believed that as long as Mr. Nieda made
a reasonable interpretation of the Code the Council must uphold that. He explained that
Section 21-320 didn't apply, since it was a curb cut not an expansion or an alteration of a
building or structure, so the provisions that they cited were inapplicable.
Mr. Shubin added Florida State Statute 95-361 into the record. He reported that
established Bal Cross as a public road, as a matter of the statute.
Mr. Shubin added that by law the Council should respect the property owners rights under
the Code and interpret it in a way that furthered their right. He clarified that he wasn't
suggesting that a third party rights be ignored, but explained that the law required that a tie
go to them. He thought that it was overwhelming that the Fairfield Manor (the Petitioner)
had not met their burden.
Mr. Spencer read the last sentence of Mr. Weiss' letter that advised any affected party
could initiate such review by filing a written request with the Village Clerk. Mr. Shubin noted
that his point was that wasn't in the Village Code.
Mr. Spencer questioned if Mr. Shubin sent a letter. to Mr. Weiss, in response to the March
6, 2012 letter, requesting .for a quasi-judicial hearing. Mr. Shubin didn't think that it was
appropriate to cross-examine attorneys, in a quasi-judicial matter.
Mr. Spencer requested that the record reflect that the March 7, 2012 letter from Mr. Shubin
be placed into evidence, which requested a quasi-judicial proceeding.
Ms. Hemandez noted that the Council had the right to revoke the decision. She clarified
that building code issues would appear before the County Board of Rules and Appeals, but
this was a zoning code issue. She added that the appeal was appropriately before the
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 6
Council. She reviewed Code Section 21-54 and noted that the Fairfield Manor had
standing. She added that the Council had the authority to revoke the permit. Ms.
Hernandez reported that the same issue was discussed at a 1985 Council meeting and
was denied. She requested that the permit be revoked.
Mayor Rosenfield opened the public hearing. .
Beth Berkowitz, 10160 Collins Avenue, discussed Section 21-77 of the Code and voiced
her opinion that Tract D, Church by the Sea, was considered residential. She reported that
the issue of the curb cut had come before the prior Councils and had always been denied.
She noted that the lastrequest was on November 26, 1985, which was denied
unanimously. She requested that the Council consider that prior Councils denied the curb
cut.
Anamarie Kelly Stoppa, 77 Camden Drive, was unclear on Mr. Shubin's position that the
appeal was inappropriate before the Council. She noted that the November 26, 1985
Council Meeting minutes established a quasi-judicial hearing, which was requested by the
Bal Harbour Shops. Ms. Stoppa read the last paragraph of the 1985 November Council
Meeting minutes, which showed that an appeal hadbeen filed by the Shops at that time, so
it was appropriate for the residents to file an appeal at this time. She clarified that the
streets were not owned, but were dedicated for use and enjoyment, so the center line only
determined the_center of the street.
Arthur Gellman, 9801 Collins. Avenue #7D, didn't think that anyone thought that Mr.
Nieda's decision was reasonable. He questioned if a traffic study was done and voiced
concem with traffic tuming left, from Bal Cross Drive onto Collins Avenue, which would
cause traffic jams. He asked if a noise study was done and discussed the trucks at the
Shops that would egress early in the moming. Healso voiced concem regarding the
pollution. Mr. Gellman felt that it would be a major interruption to the Village and he didn't
see how the Council could support that the permit was reasonable. He urged the Council to
do what was right.
Neil Alter, 9801 Collins Avenue #11U, reported that his building's (the Balmoral) entry
would be located directly opposite the future egress that was contemplated. He discussed
concern with pedestrian safety and reported a recent incident, in Surfside, involving an 18
wheeler hitting a boy. He noted that many pedestrians used the gate on Bal Cross Drive,
from the gated section. Mr. Alter thought that the issue was the interest of the community
versus special interests. He requested that the Council pursue •the welfare of the
community.
Steve Greenberg, 9800 Collins Avenue — Fairfield Manor, reported that Fairfield Manor
Vice President Shirley Greenberg was present to speak on behalf of Anthony Gillam,
Fairfield Manor President. He thought that Mr. Shubin lost his argument when he said that
Mr. Nieda didn't have to be 100 percent right.
Mr. Holder was sworn in by Mrs. Horvath.
Dan Holder, 24 Bal Bay Drive,spoke against the permit and in favor of the opportunity
that the Council had to do something. He discussed his concerns regarding safety,
aesthetic, noise, and smell, which would affect everyone. He urged the Council to stand up
for the rights of the community and revoke the permit.
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 7
Brian Mulheren, 10245 Collins Avenue #12G, didn't agree that nobody had authority
over the Building Official. He discussed the Village Planner, Michael Miller, who had been
the Planner for many years and knew the Comprehensive Plan and the Village very well.
He urged the Council to follow Mr. Miller's opinion. He read an email between the Florida
Department of Transportation and the Shops Traffic Engineer advising that the egress was
only temporary, as aninterim solution, which would eventually be an ingress/egress. He
voiced concem with pedestrians, traffic, public safety, etc. Mr. Mulheren noted that the
street (Bal Cross Drive) was not part of the business plat and was a private residential
street. He noted that the Council had the responsibility to the people that they represented
to keep the Village as a village. He requested that the Council deny the permit.
Larry Jaffe, 10175 Collins Avenue #902, reported that the real issue was a review of
what was done by the Building Official. He clarified that the codes and theregulations of
the Village were violated, because it required a transportation evaluation and review by the
Council.
There being no additional comments, Mayor Rosenfieldclosed the public hearing.
Mr. Weissclarified that the Architectural Review Board did not have jurisdiction in the
Business District, since that District was exempt from the entire Appearance .Code. He
noted that the Council's job was to provide an interpretation of the Code. He added that if
the Council agreed with the Building Official's interpretation of the Code, then a motion to
confirm his interpretationshould be made and, if not, then a motion to disapprove with the
Building Official's interpretation should be made.
Mayor Rosenfield explained that the Council needed to hear adequate information, before
a decision was made.
Assistant Mayor Blachar noted that she highly respected Building Official Daniel Nieda,
who had done a fine job for the Village.
Assistant Mayor Blachar reported that after reviewing all of the information, she considered
that the Business District zoning ended at the property line and that the zoning ordinance
provided that Bal Cross Drive was not zoned.
A .motion was offered by Assistant Mayor Blachar and seconded by Councilman Packer to
disapprove the Building Official's decision, because the driveway approved in the building permit
didn't comply with Section 21-320(a) of the Code. which limited vehicular access to and from the
Business District to Collins Avenue and 96th Street.
Councilwoman Cohen asked Mr. Shubin for the real reason that the Shops needed the
curb cut. Mr. Shubin reported that it was needed to increase vehicular circulation, by
providing an: additional egress point. He clarified that it would be available as an egress
option, but would not be a requirement for the trucks to use it. Councilwoman Cohen asked
if a hardship existed. Mr. Shubin explained. that it was in the best interest of the Shops to
have the additional egress. Mr. Weiss clarified that the issue wasn't whether or not they
needed it, but was looking at the Code and making an interpretation of it. Councilwoman
Cohen felt that there was conflicting information. Mr. Shubin pointed out that part of the
decision was made after numerous conversations with the Village Police Chief, regarding
the need for it.
Mr. Spencer objected to the last comment by Mr. Shubin and requested that it be stricken
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 8
from the record.
The motion carried (5-0), with the roll call vote as follows: Assistant Mayor Blachar ves;
Councilwoman Cohen yes; Councilman Packer yes; Councilman Sanz yes; Mayor Rosenfield yes.
The meeting was temporarily adjoumed at 9:39 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:44 p.m. All Councilmembers were in attendance.
3. AGENDA: REQUEST FOR DELETIONS/ADDITIONS: None.
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
Discussion of Facts about Candy Flavored Tobacco Products not
Covered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Tobacco Free
Workgroup: The Group was not in attendance for the presentation.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: Approvalwas requested for the following items:
Dina Cellinl, 211 Bal Cross Drive, requested that Tab B be removed.
Mr. Treppeda requested that Tab C be removed.
Tab A: . February 21, 2012 Regular Council Meeting Minutes;
Tab D: Up to $15,000.00 from the General Fund for actuarial studies needed for
collective bargaining with the Dade County PBA, on behalf of the Village
Police Officers;
Tab E: Tree Injections by Spray Pro, for Whitefly treatment, as follows:
$8,645.00 in Gated Residential Section Funds for Coconut Palms — approval
is contingent upon approval by the Gated Residential Advisory Committee
(the cost of aerial spraying would be reduced by $5,188.80)
$38,640..00 in Resort Tax Funds for Coconut Palms (on 96th Street and on
the beach) and Date Palms (on Collins Avenue and on the beach) (the cost
of aerial. spraying would be reduced by $7,783.20); and
Tab F: $6,250.00 in Resort Tax Funds for The Billy Goat to replace a damaged
hazardous Date Palm tree, at 10178 Collins Avenue.
A motion was offered by Assistant Mayor Blachar and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve
the items on the Consent Agenda, except for Tabs B and C. The motion carried (5-0).
TAB B - MOTION APPROVING EXPENDITURE .OF POLICE
FORFEITURE FUNDS: The request was for approval of Police Forfeiture Funds as
follows:
Federal: Up to $12,613.00 for a mobile modular trailer, to be used as a Police training
room (cost includes 24-month lease, delivery cost, and retum cost);
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 9
State: $3,500.00 donation to Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, to support
community based. drug/crime preventionprogram; and
$10,000.00 for the Crime Watch Prevention Program, for expenses and
supplies.
Dina. Celllnl, 211 Bal Cross Drive, asked where the trailer would be placed, since the
prior trailer was an eyesore in the alley (next to Village Hall). Chief Hunker reported that it
would be placed north of the . Maintenance building, next to the Recreation Center. Mr.
Treppeda clarified that it would be between the Recreation Center and the Public Works
building, with a hedge to block it from the public. He assured that it wouldn't block anything
and would not stick out into the parking lot.
A motion was offered by Assistant Mayor Blachar and seconded by Councilman Sanz to approve
Tab B. The motion carried (5-0).
TAB C - MOTION APPROVING EXPENDITURE OF GATED
RESIDENTIAL SECTION FUNDS: The request was for approval of Gated
Residential Section Funds, as follows:
Recommended by the Gated Residential Section Advisory Committee (RAC):
Up to $112,000.00 for landscape improvements along Park Drive, each entrance, and
surrounding the Guardhouse;
Up to $15,000.00 for Landscape Architect Fees for O'Leary/Richards Design, to handle
procurement and installation services, of the proposed landscaping improvements;
Amend Section 6-42 of the Village Code, to expand the uses of the .5% additional permit
fee, to as broad a definition as possible (the Code limits the uses to security
enhancements);
Amend Section 2-74 of the Village Code, to allow the Gated Residential Section Advisory
Committee to make recommendations to the Council, on any issues affecting the Gated
Area (the Code limits the recommendations to landscaping and security issues);
Oppose any plan that would result in moving the entry/exit gate on Bal Bay Drive, from its
current location; and
Not Reviewed by the Gated Residential Section Advisory Committee (RAC) vet:.
Up to$4,000.00 to replace the trees in the median, on Camden Court, which are full of
termites, withsomething adequate as determined by Mr. O'Leary.
Mr. Treppeda explained that he removed Tab C in order to review the Code amendments
that the Committee had requested. •Councilwoman Cohen questioned why the, entry/exit
gate had been discussed at the RAC meeting. Mr. Treppeda explained that a future Shops
expansion plan may suggest that the gate be moved. He added that it was suggested by
the Committee as a precaution.
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 10
Assistant Mayor Blachar noted that if the. items were approved, then the Attorney would
need to be directed to prepare an ordinance to amend the Code.
A motion was offered by Councilman Packer and seconded by Councilman Sanz to. approve Tab
C. The motion carried (5-0).
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Ouasi-judicial Public Hearings: None.
Zoning Hearings/Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings: None.
Ordinances Second Reading%Public Hearings: None.
Ordinances First Reading/Public Hearings: None.
Resolutions/Public Hearings: None.
7. ORDINANCES FIRST READING/PUBLIC INPUT: None.
8. RESOLUTIONS: Mrs. Horvath read the following Resolution title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE,
FLORIDA (rHl "VILLAGE") APPROVING A LAND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
(THE "AGREEMENT) GOVERNING THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY
OWNED BY THE VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR REAL PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 BAL BAY DRIVE AND OWNED BY FLAMINGO WAY ENTERPRISES;
LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. ("FLAMINGO"), AND
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER AND VILLAGE ATTORNEY TO TAKE
ALL ACTION AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ENTER INTO
THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was offered by Assistant Mayor Blachar and seconded by Councilman Packer to
approve the Resolution. .
Anamarie Kelly, 77 Camden Drive, objected to giving the Village Manager and Village
Attorney the authority to take all action and execute all documents, but didn't object to the
swap of the property. She spoke in favor of the document coming back to the Council once
it was executed.
Carter. McDowell, Attorney - Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP, addressed
the Council.
Assistant Mayor Blachar requested that it be stipulated that the Village would maintain the
trees, grass, etc. Mr. Treppeda assured that it would be clear that the Village would do that.
Assistant Mayor Blachar thanked Mr. lmbesi for the swap.
The motion carried (5-0): thus becominz Resolution No. 2012-754.
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 11
9. REPORTS:
A. VILLAGE MANAGER:
Mr. Treppeda requested that Mr. Nieda provide a statement regarding revoking the building
permit, for the Shops curb cut.
Dan Nieda, Village Building Official, advised that he would proceed with the Council's
request to revoke the permit, which would be done the next day. Mayor Rosenfield thanked
Mr. Nieda.
Mr. Spencer clarified that the permit would be revoked on March 21, 2012. Mr. Nieda
agreed.
Mayor Rosenfield reported on the St. Regis Grand Opening event, which was held on
March 17, 2012.
B. VILLAGE CLERK:
Lobbyist Registration Report: As of March 20, 2012:
Mrs. Horvath reported that an updated list of lobbyists registered with the Village was
provided at the beginning of the meeting, since there were three new registrants the day of
the meeting.
C. VILLAGE ATTORNEY: No items.
D. MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
Discussion of Repaving of the Streets in the Gated Area —
Assistant Mayor Blachar: Assistant Mayor Blachar requested that Mr. Treppeda report
on • the item.
Mr. Treppeda reported that he would try to obtain prices from the paving company, by the
next RAC meeting. Assistant Mayor Blachar also requested Mr. Treppeda to find out
whether or not it would be necessary to change the curbs and gutters, at the same time
that the paving was done.
Peter Kunen, Craig A. Smith & Associates - Village Engineer, reported that the curbs
needed to be replaced, as well as the asphalt paving. He explained that if the pavement
was done without the curbs, then. it could create future drainage issues. Mr. Kunen will
meet with several paving companies, for them to provide an evaluation and estimated
costs. Assistant Mayor Blachar questioned if there would be a charge , for the
evaluation/cost estimate. Mr. Kunen advised that there wouldn't be a charge for that.
Mr. Kunen discussed the Village project to be done in the Gated Area, for the construction
of new water mains. He reported that the new mains would be installed through directional
drilling, to minimize the impact to the pavement. He estimated the project to begin in June
2012 and to be completed by October 2012.
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 12
Assistant Mayor Blachar questioned when the repaving project should be started. ° Mr.
Kunen will provide Mr. Treppeda with a critical path chart. Assistant Mayor Blachar
explained that it would be needed, so the RAC would know when to assess the residents
for the project.
Dan Holder, 24 Bal Bay Drive, questioned if there were any projects that could be
combined, to reduce the cost of the paving. Mr. Kunen will look into that.
Assistant Mayor Blachar pointed out that, if the Village paid to repave the portion of the
roads that it was working on, then maybe the Gated Area would pay less for those areas,
which would result in a lower assessment. She requested that Mr.Kunen provide a
percentage analysis for that.
Dan Holder, 24 Bal Bay Drive, asked if the Village would pay for the gutters and noted
that the Village used those roads for its vehicles as well.
Councilwoman Cohen discussed the small section of Bal Cross Drive, outside the Gated
Area, and asked who would pay to repave that area. Mr. Treppeda didn't know, but pointed
out that it didn't belong to the Village. Councilwoman Cohen distributed pictures and noted
that section of the street was the most visible and needed to be repaved more than any of
the other streets. Mr. Kunen reported that no projects were planned for that section of the
street. Mayor Rosenfield noted that would have to be looked into.
Lenore Riso, 139 Bal Bay. Drive, suggested that landscaping removed by some of the
new homes be used in the. Gated Area, instead of being thrown away.
Councilwoman Cohen explained that the cost to replant landscaping would be more than
buying new landscaping. She added that the landscaping also didn't always transplant well.
Discussion of Zoning of West Side Low -Rise Buildings —
Councilman Sanz: Councilman Sanz requested that Mr. Miller discuss the issue.
Michael Miller, Village Planner, clarified that hotels were not permitted in the RM-5
District, but apartment hotels were permitted. He reported that one such apartment hotel,
the Quarzo, .presently existed. He explained that it was a local land use decision. He
discussed residents versus transient people and resort tax revenue that was derived from a
hotel:
Councilman Sanz spoke in favor of the RM-5 District being strictly residential. He reported
that it was his District and he wanted to protect the residents. He requested that the issue
be worked on. Councilman Packer clarified that the Master Plan allowed someone to buy
an apartment building and convert it into a hotel, similar to the Quarzo. Mr. Miller agreed.
Councilman Packer thought that it might be wise to initiate a study, to amend the Master
Plan, to prevent any hotels in that area. Mr. Weiss explained that the documents would
have to be revised, to delete apartment hotels as a permitted use, with the Quarzo
remaining. Mr. Treppeda clarified that an amendment would take two public hearings. Mr.
Weiss agreed. Mayor Rosenfield was not for or against the issue, but pointed out that the
Quarzo brought in resort tax revenue. Councilman Packer noted that Councilman Sanz
didn't want the buildings to be converted. Councilman Sanz pointed out that the St. Regis
. wouldbe bringing in resort tax money and the additional resort tax revenue was not
needed. He requested that the Village Code be looked at and voiced that he would prefer
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 13
that the District be limited to residential. Councilwoman Cohen pointed out that the Quarzo
was a high -end property. She didn't want the Council rushing into anything, without looking
into the options and having some control over it. Councilman Sanz requested that it be
discussed and noted that the residents didn't want more hotels on the west side. Mayor
Rosenfield requested additional information on the issue.
Beth Berkowitz, 10160 Collins Avenue, reported that three buildings on the west side
had been approached by investors, with the intention of converting them into hotel rooms,
without any renovations. She voiced concern that the buildings with financial difficultymay
be targeted.
Mayor Rosenfield suggested that the Council be provided with some proposals, on how the
issue could be rectified.
Mr. Miller reported that it would be a simple Village Code amendment, if the Council
wanted it changed.
A motion was offered by Councilman Sanz and seconded by Councilman Packer to request that
the Vie Attorney prepare an Ordinance for ivy reading next month. The motion carried (5-0).
Dina Cellini, 211 Bal Cross Drive, spoke in favor of amending the Code. She noted that
the Quarzo was situated perfectly where it was (at the end), but that she would view it
differently if the Quarzo was in the, middle of the block, with residents on either side.
Brian Mulheren, 10245 Collins Avenue, commended the Council for taking action. He
noted that it wasn't just transients, but also additional cars, which .would greatlyaffect
everyone.
Assistant Mayor Blachar thanked Councilman Sanz for bringing the issue to the Council.
Discussion of Bus Shelters — Councilman Sanz:
Councilman Sanz requested that the item be deferred, until the April Council Meeting.
1 O. OTHER BUSINESS:
Public Comment:
Dan Holder, 24 Bal Bay Drive, agreed that it was good that the Council was acting quickly
(on the zoning of the west side low-rise buildings).
Dina Cellini, 211 Bal Cross Drive, asked what the Council was doing to assist the three
employees that would be let go, as a result of outsourcing the solid waste services. Mr.
Treppeda reported that the employees had already . been interviewed by Choice
Environmental (the company providing the solid waste services) and recommendation
letters would also be prepared. He added that the Village would do whatever it could to
assist them.
Penny Sepler, 10275 Collins Avenue, suggested that the apartment buildings on the west
side be looked at on a case by cases basis, instead of categorically saying that they should
all be kept the way that they were. Councilwoman Cohen agreed and spoke in favor of
receiving input from other residents. Mr. Weiss reported that there would be two public.
Bat Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 14
hearings, for the proposed ordinance, which would allow input from the public.
11. ADJOURN: There being no further business, a motion was offered by
Assistant Mayor Blachar and seconded by Councilman Sanz to adjourn. The motion curried (5-0)
and the meetinr was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Attest:
Ellisa L. Horvath, Millage Clerk
Bal Harbour Village Regular Council Meeting Minutes 03/20/2012 15