The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About1987-06-09 Special Meeting56 JUNE 9, A special meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, Hall. The meeting was Richard H. Olsen and the Also present: COUNCIL MINUTES 1987 - SPECIAL MEETING of the Bal Harbour Village Council was 1987 in the Council Chamber in Village called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Mayor roll was called. Those present were: Mayor Richard H. Olsen Asst. Mayor Estelle Stern Councilman James E. Boggess Councilman Sol M. Taplin Louise K. Miller, Village Richard J. Weiss, Village Carole S. Morris, Village Manager Attorney* Clerk As a quorum was present, the meeting was called to order. The purpose of this meeting was to permit interviews of the applicants for the council position vacated by the resignation of John S. Sherman. Each applicant was allotted approximately 10 minutes during which an opening and closing statement as well as questioning by the Council was permitted. Matthew Blank: Mr. Blank, in his opening remarks, spoke of a desire to see a unified Village. He noted his experience as a businessman adding that this background would round out the Council. In reply to an inquiry by Mr. Taplin, Mr. Blank explained his selection to the National Arbitration Association, adding that he felt it a privilege to serve. Mayor Olsen queried Mr. Blank as to the most pressing problem facing the Village. Mr. Blank stated that he felt the most pressing problem facing the Village is the budget. He elaborated on his background, having prepared the budget for the Balmoral Condominium Association and added that expenditures for the Association are currently as provided for in the budget. Mr. Boggess queried as to whether or not Mr. Blank would be able to put the best interests of the Village as a whole ahead of the interests of the Balmoral, noting the potential for a conflict in this area. Mr. Blank indicated that he felt a balance could be achieved, satisfying both sides. In reply to questions by Mrs. Stern, Mr. Blank stated that he is satisfied with the current ocean front zoning and that one should not "fight beauty". Doris Kiick: Mrs. Kiick announced to the Council that she is no longer employed by St. Frances (as reflected on her resume) but has entered into private practice which allows her more time. Mayor Olsen inquired as to what she viewed to be the most pressing problem facing the Village. Mrs. Kiick noted that most *Mr. Weiss arrive following roll call, during interviewing of the applicants. 57 of the issues of the election had been resolved but expressed concern over the growing division in the Village. In reply to an inquiry by Mrs. Stern, Mrs. Kiick stated that problems with the ocean front zoning are being addressed via the Harland Bartholomew study. She stated that she felt the Village requires, currently, no additional beautification projects but should provide dollars for upkeep of existing beautification. In reply to questions from Mayor Olsen, Mrs. Kiick explained that she became interested in serving on the Council following her husband's candidacy and feels she can make a contribution. Regena Rosenfield: In her opening remarks, Mrs. Rosenfield noted that she is a resident of the area and expressed both her enthusiasm for the beach and her interest. Mr. Taplin inquired as to her relationship with Senators Bloom and Margolis and Representative Friedman, each of whom has written to the Council in support of Mrs. Rosenfield. Mrs. Rosenfield stated that Sen. Margolis and Bloom are personal friends. Rep. Friedman taught in her department at Miami Beach High. She also noted that the School Board supports teachers active in politics. In reply to questions by Mr. Taplin, Mrs. Rosenfield explained the internship program and advanced placement courses mentioned in her resume. Mrs. Stern questioned Mrs. Rosenfield regarding the biggest issues facing the Village. Mrs. Rosenfield replied that she felt the biggest issue to be the need to promote the Village, and all of the beach, to other areas of the country. In response to questions from Mayor Olsen, Mrs. Rosenfield indicated that she is not unhappy with current ocean front zoning regulations but would need to review any proposals upcoming. Further, with respect to height allowances, Mrs. Rosenfield indicated that she felt each building should be judged independently. Vincent Santucci: In his opening statement, Mr. Santucci stated that he was interested in serving on the Council to ensure the quality of life in Bal Harbour. He noted both his service with and accomplishments as President of the Bal Harbour Civic Association, and also noted his service on the Village's Beautification and Budget Committees. He suggested that the Village review the possibility of paving the jogging path to reduce maintenance costs. In response to an inquiry by Mayor Olsen regarding his recent resignation as President of the Civic Association and from the Beautification Committee, Mr. Santucci replied that he felt he had done his duty and resigned to make way for others who wished to serve. Mr. Boggess queried Mr. Santucci regarding zoning. Mr. Santucci expressed concern over the height in the residential area - particularly concern over a 2 story home adjacent to a 1 story home. Mr. Santucci stated that he felt the biggest issue facing the Council is the need for input from both segments of the community, i.e. the Civic Association and the Condominium Associations. Jerry Simmons: Mr. Simmons offered no opening statement other than his willingness to serve. In response to questioning by Mayor Olsen, Mr. Simmons indicated that among the most 58 pressing problems faced by the Village is the need for physical improvements to the water and sewer systems. Other important concerns included the zoning ordinances, smoke alarm ordinance, the need to renovate the yacht club - which has become an eyesore, and the need for more young residents. He stated that he had not, as yet, had an opportunity to inspect the jogging path. Mr. Taplin inquired as to his participation with Florida Planning and Zoning Association. Mr. Simmons replied that this Association meets monthly reviewing local topics. In response to further inquiries, Mr. Simmons indicated that he was pleased with the model of the proposed Bal Harbour Park and that he preferred building height to bulk. Mary Thiel Wetterer: Miss Wetterer began by noting that she know most of the Council save Mrs. Stern and congratulated Mrs. Stern on her election. Miss Wetterer explained that she has recently retired, previously having served the Village as Clerk and Finance Director (prior to Mr. Kelly's employment) for some 40 years. She has been a resident of the Village since 1949. She expressed a real interest in the Village and a desire to serve as well as noting her qualifications. In response to an inquiry by Mayor Olsen, Miss Wetterer indicated that she feels the most pressing problem facing the Village to be the need to adopt a governmental budget and adhere to it. She noted particularly the diversion of Tourism funds from their intended use as a hurricane damage reserve to beach maintenance. Miss Wetterer noted that like any 41 year old Village, reserve funds need to be made available for water and sewer system replacement. With respect to beautification she expressed support for a long-term, pre -planned, landscape plan for the Village. In response to questions from Mrs. Stern, Miss Wetterer indicated that she believes the present ocean front zoning code workable. In reply to questions from Mayor Olsen regarding the jogging path, Miss Wetterer noted that she had originally opposed the path but has since changed her mind. She noted the path is being utilized and the reduced maintenance standards may prove workable. Discussion: Mayor Olsen noted that the final applicant, Allen Rawick, is out-of-town, and requested the Council permit Mr. Rawick to be interviewed at their next meeting. There was some question as to the procedure the Council should utilize in making the appointment. Mr. Weiss advised that any fair procedure would be appropriate but that secret ballots are prohibited. Mayor Olsen explained that the purpose of the meeting today was to meet and talk with the applicants. Discussion and an appointment would take place at a later meeting. Bob Maute, 9800 Collins Avenue, inquired as to the fairness of interviewing Mr. Rawick at a later date. Sidney Feldman, 9801 Collins Avenue, read an editorial by Rick Hirsch published in a recent edition of The Neighbors calling on the Council to fill the vacancy with an appointee from District 1. Further, Mr. Feldman requested the Council provide him with direction as to the procedure to amend the code such that it 59 would require an appointment from the district of the vacated seat. Vincent Santucci, 100 Bal Bay Drive, an applicant for the seat, noted that even though members represent a particular district, they are elected at large. Mr. Maute suggested the Council look into changing the present election system. Mr. Weiss indicated that he will present a memorandum regarding this procedure at the next regular Council meeting. As there was no further business to come before the Council, a motion was offered by Mrs. Stern and seconded by Mr. Boggess to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. ATTEST: 064 Village Clerk a�) avor