Okay. Good evening everyone. I want to call the May 6, 2025 city commission regular meeting to order and ask ask for a roll call. Mayor Weinberg here. Commissioner A here.
Commissioner Blatchman here. Commissioner Bloom here. Commissioner Freedelland here. Commissioner Cruz here. Commissioner Oinski here. Mr. Pis here. And Mr. Meyers here. You have a quum. Thank you. We're honored this evening to have members of the United
States Coast Guard. I would ask if they could come forward and lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Please stand if you can. Don't stand. Don't stand. Whenever you're ready. To the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. And thank you for your service. the if you notice that the that Vice
Mayor Freedelland remained seated. It was not a protest. Unfortunately, she she tore her Achilles tendon and she's posts surgery and was offered the opportunity to appear by
Zoom but refused. So, [Applause] bravo. I hate the fact that having said that, your time as vice mayor is [Laughter]
over. We uh we rotate every six months on the vice mayor. And um I'm pleased to announce that um pursuant to resolution number 2022-14, our vice mayor for the next 6
months will be commissioner now vice mayor Cindy Orinsky. Congratulations. Former Vice Mayor Freriedeland, your administration was amazing. Unbelievable the last 6 months. Just incredible. You have big shoes to fill. Although right now you only have one shoe to fill
actually. Sorry, could not resist. Okay. Dad joke. Dad joke. Yes. Um uh item four already. Um any deletions or additions uh Mr. Manager to the
agenda? There are none. Okay. Um, I'm going to ask for any um reports from any of my commissioners, but I do want to say before I forget uh in advance to all the moms out there, happy
Mother's Day, which is May 11th, and thank you to our considerate clerk and mom for providing our moms on the deis with beautiful flowers this evening, which are now, I think, in the back room. But um that was very thoughtful.
Thank you very much. So, who would like I think Commissioner Bloom. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh I'd like to begin by highlighting a recent special event that took place uh here at the
government center hosted by the Aventura Police Department. It was Take Your Child to Work Day. This initiative offered our young visitors a unique behindthescenes look at the exceptional work that our officers do each and every day. The kids were officially sworn in as junior
officer ambassadors and they experienced a series of engaging demonstrations including uh a closeup of the K9 unit, which is my personal favorite, marine patrol operations, an inside view of our 911 dispatch center. The kids also had
the rare opportunity to observe our SWAT team and our bomb squads up close. So, it was very exciting for the little ones. Um, this experience was designed to inspire the next generation and to provide them with a deeper understanding of the meaning of public service, protection, and community dedication.
So, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our officers uh who helped make the day both educational and unforgettable for the kids. Uh, one other thing if I may, uh, please mark your calendars. I am partnering
with the Aventura Police Department, uh, with the Economic Crimes Unit to host a very important town hall on June 4th. So, please save the date, June 4th, uh, right here. We'll be covering fraud and identity theft and how you can safeguard
yourself and your loved ones. We'll be getting insight from two of Aventur's finest uh detectives Celely and Marquez who have over 36 years combined experience and who are also sworn federal task force officers who have
successfully prosecuted numerous complex fraud schemes. It's going to be really informative and eyeopening. So whether you're young or old, if you're on Venmo, if you're on PayPal, if you're on a computer, if you're on your phone, uh this is a meeting that you
don't want to miss. Thank you. Other reports? Many other commissioner. Yes. Go ahead, Vice Mayor. How did that sound? That sounds good. So we hosted as the city our initiative to well, it's myself and
Commissioner Blotchman. Commissioner Blotchman together. We hosted the Golden Connections where the city um sponsored many of our mature audience uh and residences residents to see Brandon
Goldberg at our theater um to get them out and about and enjoy what we have going on in the city. Yes, thank you. It was a I I did not attend that event, but uh I heard that it was magnificent. I was out of
town for our schools and um it's random and we have well over a thousand Aventur residents students on the waiting list. We don't have the capacity. We're a victim of our own success. So, we will build a new school and we will have a
separate elementary middle and high school. We will hire a superintendent and we will have an outstanding even more outstanding than it is now school system. We're going to have graduation in a couple of weeks and
I'm telling you that this is the third graduating class in our high school. It usually takes years to develop a pipeline to the fine universities. Uh the principal will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think about half of our graduating class is either going to
Florida State University or the University of Florida on a full ride, ladies and gentlemen. They've earned it with Bright Scarlet, Bright Futures, and the Florida Prepaid. And these are very difficult schools to get into. We also have representatives of, you know, the
Ivy's also if you're still a fan of the Ivy's. But um we have students that have gotten into places like Yale University and similar universities. So it's only going to get better. It's only going to make people
want to live in Amadura and start their families even more. It's going to raise your property values. There's really no downside whatsoever to having the most outstanding municipal school system in the state of Florida, which is absolutely if we don't have it now, we are well on our way. I guarantee you we
will have it. So, good days, good things ahead. I want to thank both principles that are here tonight for all their hard work and coming to the end of another very, very successful year. Thank you. Okay, so we have some um presentations tonight. We have some
proclamations. Um the first one I want to do is uh this is the reason why we have men and women in uniform here from the Coast Guard. Um can you guys read a couple of these? I'm
going to pass this along so that everyone can read one of the um whereas clauses in this proclamation. Okay. Whereas numerous residents and tourists participate in exercise and recreation in the waterways throughout
the city of Aventura. And whereas the sport of recreational boating can become dangerous when boers or passengers fail to practice safe boating techniques. And whereas approximately 650 people in the
United States lose their lives each year in boating related accidents and it is estimated that 75% of those lives could be saved by wearing a life jacket. And whereas National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to
important life-saving tips for recreational boers to provide a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year. And whereas the city of Aventura supports efforts to encourage Boers and passengers to wear life jackets and to
take a boating safety course to gain the knowledge and skills to reduce human error while operating a boat. Oh, go back. I get the last one. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard
Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Aventura, do hereby proclaim May 17th, 2025 through May 23, 2025 as National Safe Boating Week in the city
of Aventura. I'd like to present that if the Coast Guard wants to come forward, anyone wants to speak. While you're coming up, let me just say I guess we only have to go back as far as I think yesterday to see the Coast Guard rescuing um I think
there were 31 people on a boat that holds 16 if I'm if my math is uh is correct. Fortunately, no lives were lost and nobody was injured. But we had some terrible, terrible tragedies this past year. Um, one of which one of which was
a funeral that I attended. But this is after we had National Safe Boating Week proclamation last year. And in that 12-month period, there were injuries and there were deaths. We have to keep being vigilant. and you men and women
hopefully can keep pushing the issue while you're doing your very brave work. So, I'll I'll turn it over to you and then then I'll ask you to come up here so we can present you this and take a picture, please. May United States and United States
are committed to voting safety. We do that through public education, through program visits, through vessel safety checks, many many other ways that we do that. The National Safe Voting Council does designate the first week prior to
Memorial Day as National Safe Voting Week. They do that around the world around our country. It is the kickoff to the voting season where we have voting season all year. We do it to encourage and to encourage safe practices on the
water. It's a privilege to be here tonight to count as a partational. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. If four of you want to come up, we're going to take a nice photo and I'll present you with the proclamation.
I can't cannot. She didn't say that. Thank you. Thank you. the next proclamation. I'm not going to read through the whole thing because our wonderful clerk doesn't want
me to, but I can tell you that municipal clerks make life so much easier for people who sit in these seats. And um we have the best, the absolute best. I'm not ashamed to tell you that um when I
was a commissioner, how many years ago was it, Alisa? 10 years ago, when I was a younger commissioner, um we stole our clerk from Bal Harbor. I'm very, very proud of that. And it was
a great move. We have the best. So, it just so happens that um municipal clerk's week is upon us. So, let me just read the last part of it. in the city of Aventura. Uh now therefore be it resolved that I Howard Weinberg as mayor
on behalf of the city commission of the city of Aventur do hereby proclaim May 4th through May 10th 2025 as municipal clerk's week in the city of Aventur and further extend appreciation to our municipal clerk
Alisa Horvath MMC and to all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities that they [Applause] represent. I will give you this later to
hang in your office. So, we're almost halfway through Municipal Clerk's Week. You probably noticed the craziness around town, so be careful when you're out there. And we have uh I think we're on an alpha beta shift with the police department. Municipal clerks
week gets very wild. I know. Um next and where is I want to introduce for you. Well, let me also say this to you. Um uh okay, let me introduce to you point
out to you that we have our council general from Israel here, Morris Dinsky. Moore [Applause] He's been council general from Israel for the state of Florida and a couple other states that I never remember cuz I
don't really care. It's you're ours as far as I'm concerned and you choose to live here and we've all become very great friends with you and um I want to this proclamation uh I want you to accept it on behalf of the state
of Israel. So I'll start at the other end this time with my commissioners. Whereas on May 14th, 1948, Israel's first prime minister, David Bengurion, publicly read the declaration of independence of Israel. And every year,
this event is commemorated on Israel's independence day, also known as Yomat. And whereas Yom Hatsmo is also celebrated in the United States with large festivals, events and parties
organized through various communities. And whereas during this celebration, the speaker of the Israeli parliament or Knesset makes remarks on Mount Herzel with a dramatic televised presentation for all citizens of Israel.
And whereas the city of Aventurro would like to mark this momentous occasion and to recognize the 77th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf of the city commission of the city of
Aventura, Florida, do hereby proclaim retroactively Thursday, May 1st, 2025 as Israel's Independence Day in the city of Aventura. Mr. Council General, please. It's on,
right? Well, I am also the console general for for Kansas and Missouri. So, the alternatives are Topeka, Kansas and Jefferson City, Missouri, which I love. But Aventura is a home and it's a home first and foremost because of you guys.
you have nothing uh you have been nothing but great uh to me to to my office and of course to the to the state of Israel. H this is uh truly being here in Aventur and in general in South Florida it's been home away from home.
uh we can be here we can be and unfortunately this is not the case in other places in the world including in this country over here we can be proud Jews and proud Israelis and just in the last couple days I've been riding a big
bike in the streets of Aventura and in South Florida carrying a big Israeli flag which is probably a nightmare for my security but uh nonetheless it is a a great source of pride so thank you very much for everything that you have done
uh for me, for us. And on a personal note, so you may know this, this may be my last appearance in front of this uh commission as Israel's council general. Not yet sure, but but maybe. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for
for everything. That's all. Please come up for a photo op and we can present you with this. I do want to say that um later this week we'll be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the signing of our sister city agreement with Modí Israel and the mayor of
Modí Bibbas will be back here to celebrate ma you were instrumental without you that wouldn't have happened that's the city where we donated an ambulance a advanced life support ambulance and it says on it from the
people of Aventura to the people of Isra Israel. It's in Modí. It's in use. And the very first week, you've probably heard me say this a million times, but the very first week of service that ambulance, inside that ambulance, a baby was delivered. A new life was born in
Israel in the ambulance that is from all of us to them. So, it was a really wonderful thing. And I just want to recognize here uh we have um with us Alexis Mosley from uh County Commissioner Mickey Steinberg's office is here
[Applause] tonight. And this next proclamation is something that's um very important to the city of Aventura. I'm going to um pass this along again to be um shared by my
commission, starting with the vice mayor. Jewish American heritage. Whereas the city of Aventura has been positively influenced by the Jewish immigrants of America who have played a central role in the creation, growth,
freedom, prosperity, and strength of the United States of America. And whereas our whereas our city of excellence is home to a significant Jewish American population including the council general
that has helped to def define America's character and values through the infinite value of every human life and the importance of education in the lives of children. And whereas the state of Israel is now celebrating the 77th anniversary of its
modern founding and its emergence over the last few decades as a beacon of freedom and prosperity and a world leader in technology, agriculture, water conservation, medicine and all manners of innovation and
Whereas, the city of Aventura would like to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in support of the efforts to increase awareness of the significant contributions of all Jewish Americans. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf
of the city commission of the city of Aventura, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the city of Aventura. I believe we have
representatives to receive this proclamation. If you're here, come forward or else we will send it to you. come on up from I believe the Jewish Federation and the and the this is a wonderful nice young man
David Lviv who represents our Jewish Community Relations Council and our Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Welcome, David. There we go. Thank you so much, Mr. mayor to the city commission to the city government on behalf of the Jewish community relations council and our
greater Miami Jewish Federation. Thank you for your leadership on recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, your support for the state of Israel and our relationship with the state of Israel and for the Jewish community as a whole. Um, this is an opportunity not only to commemorate the contributions of
American Jews, but to highlight and underscore the vibrancy of the Jewish communities we find here in South Florida, especially here in Evanro. So, thank you so much. Thank you. Come on up for a photo op. And I just want to say that we have two
of these proclamations. The second one will be presenting to the combat anti-semitism movement, CAM. They are responsible for hosting the um mayor's conferences, the mayor summits to combat anti-semitism, which I've attended three of them. Very, very effective, very
wonderful organization. Okay, one more proclamation. This one is uh it's really near and dear to my heart because um most mornings I put on the weight vest and the weight gloves and I walk to Moe's
Bagels to sit outside and drink my decaf. And every morning when I'm there, I see the probably the best son in the world who takes his mom to breakfast every
morning. And it's really a remarkable story. Um, I'm going to let my my I I'm going to read from this uh proclamation because I want you to focus on it. It's really um it's really incredible and we're so lucky to be in the presence of
such a person. So whereas the city of Aventura is proud to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Regina Greenspan, a cherished resident and an extraordinary individual whose life
embodies resilience, courage, dedication to humanity. And whereas Regina Greenspan was born, who's paying attention? 102 years ago today
in the Warsaw district of Praga and during her teens was forced into a labor camp during the Holocaust, a horrific period that she survived with strength and unyielding spirit. And whereas in
1947, seeking freedom and a new beginning, Regina immigrated to Ottawa, Canada, and later to New York, continuing to rebuild her life with grace and generosity and moving to South Florida where she has continued to
inspire all who know her. And whereas Regina has devoted her life to helping others and has made it her mission to educate future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust, ensuring
that history is never forgotten and that its lessons endure. Whereas the city of Aventura recognizes Regina Greenspan on her 102nd birthday. not only for her remarkable longevity,
but for her lifelong service to humanity, her role as a witness to history, and her unwavering commitment to truth and education. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf of the city
commission of the city of Aventura, do hereby proclaim May 6th, 2025 as Regina Greenspan Day in the city of Aventura. [Music]
[Applause] [Music] Please. Uh, Mr. Mayor and the Oh, thank you. Oh, yeah. Mom. No, she's good. Say thank you for my my special day.
I like I like to thank you for this special day. I will never forget and I pray to God never will
happen again what I went through to nobody. Freedom. We need freedom. Let's hope for the best. Just real quick on behalf of my
mom, I want to let you know on one of her longevity secrets and it has to do where we all are. She came to the city of Aventura. She feels safe, natured, loved, happy and that's what Aventura
brings to all of us. So on behalf of us, we want to thank the entire city. Thank you. Thank you. We are Commissioner Cruz. Go ahead. Sorry. I just want to say a few words about this wonderful young lady. Regina,
you're a hero to all of us. You embody what's best, not only about the Jewish people, but humanity. And uh you know I can tell you stories because she comes to MOO every morning and I do a lot of
events in the back room for Israeli and pro-Israel organizations. She's always there. So I always ask her to come to the back and speak and address the audience that I have normally 30 40 50 people and she comes over and she tells
her story and she inspires everybody everybody she she uh touches. So, it's really appropriate that we're celebrating your birthday now as we finish the week between Yum Hashawa, the commemoration of of the Holocaust,
Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yum Hikaron, the Memorial Day in Israel, and Yumat where we're celebrating Israel's 77th birthday. And as we go through the challenges that we face Israel and we as
a Jewish people and people in the western world in general, it's important that we never forget what happened during the Shaw, during the Holocaust, what happened on October 7th. And no one can remind us that better than you. So you should be live to be 120 in good
health. And I also want to say one more thing because my mom was also a survivor uh from Poland. Ibraha from Warsaw. So, I want to quickly say something to you. Also, I want to sing something that's never been done in this commission
before. I'm going to sing to you Happy Birthday in Polish. How's that? Sorry about the voice. [Music] Okay. Come on. Author. Come on. Come on. Come on. [Music]
Girls, girls, you can sit by these. I promise they don't bite. You can sit by the police. You can't sit. You got to sit by police officer. [Applause] What's that? Huh? Oh
gosh. Oh my god. Oh my [Music] Come at the right time. Okay. So, we're going to switch generations here now. And we have some young people here and
we're going to the coaching. Yeah. Yeah. We're going to recognize from our wreck league. Um we just finished our basketball championships. A lot of stuff goes on in Aventura. So is uh is Coach Crumbry
here? [Music] standing up. Come on up, [Applause] coach. We've got um you you want to I don't know the
easiest way to do that. We have certificates for everyone, but um you do you have the names of the kids from each team? Do you want to uh just tell us who the champs are? The the the girls nine and under. Coach Eric, where's Coach Eric? Coach Eric. The girls nine and
under. Hi, Eric. How are you? Um, all good. Howard, do you want to tell us who's here from your team? Yes. Let's recognize them. You guys ready? Stand up one by one. Olivia.
Next is my daughter Ashley. Now stand up everyone. Stand up. Come on. Stay standing. Point guard Cammy Freeland. Yeah. Odell, come up here. Come. We have Asia
[Applause] Valentina. Okay, girls. Congratulations. We'll do a we'll coach give them their certificates and then we're going to once we've named everyone, we'll do a gigantic group picture. Okay, coach, stick around.
Coach Grrey. Um, is Coach Dylan here? He sure is. Come on up, coach. Hey, Heat. Come on up. Hey, you heat. Come on up. Boys eight and under. Coach, you want to tell us who's here? You want to name names? Yes. How's everybody
doing? You guys come on up. Oh, thank you, sir. Okay, so for the eight and under heat champions, we have Where is he at? There you go. Come on
over. We got Yanni. We got Alex, Yuriel, Noah, Maxi, [Applause] and Enzo. All right.
[Applause] All right. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. How about 12 and under? Is uh Yeah, there coach or here. [Music] [Applause]
Okay. So, Coach Ho was with the 12U Knicks, ages 9 to 12. Okay. Let's hear their names. Who's here? Uh, good evening everyone. Knicks, you want to come on up? Speaking of Knicks, did anybody see
that game last night? Great game. Wow. Down 20 in the second half. I'm just saying. I'm not I'm not picking a side. I'm just saying. I grew up halfway between Boston and New York, so I'm neutral. Wow. What a game. Okay, Nick, let's hear
them. We have Ardam. Yeah. Tihon, Matias, Santiago, Maxi, Pascal, Aiden, and [Applause]
Denny. All right, so here here's what's going to happen. We're going to come down there. All the basketball players, we're going to line up all along here. It's going to be a gigantic picture. And I want to say before we do it, um, Kimberly Merchant, Kimberly Merchant,
who who is in charge of making sure that all of our recreational activities are fun and healthy and engaging and a wonderful learning experience. It seems like it worked out pretty well with basketball, right, everyone? All you kids had fun.
I really cannot hear you. Did you kids have fun? Yeah. All right, Kimberly, will you come up for the picture as well, please? Yeah. Oh, and it seems that one of the players has a mom that's up here, so I think she wants to say something.
I want to welcome all of the Aventura recreation players to the White House of Aventura. [Applause] But you guys are our youth. You are our next generation. and we hope you continue to play sports in Aventura and
make us proud. We love it. Keep it up. You're making your parents proud. You're making the city proud. And you guys are terrific. And thank you to the coaches and especially Coach Cry and and Kimberly Merchant for making this program run so smoothly, so wonderful
for all of our families and our youth. Thank you. Commissioners, we're going to go down for a picture. Uh, director of community services. That's Kimberly Merchant's official title. Let's all take a giant picture. bicep bicep. [Applause]
Hurry up. All right, guys. What we got to do is try to bring it in close. Tighten it up. Okay. Okay. No, it's too wide. Little ones to the front. Johnny, go
front over there. Johnny in the middle. is I think it's too tight, guys. Way too sorry, parents. Y look at him. Look at this. You might have to do it outside. It's too tight cuz I have this in the middle and I can't see even the
little ones here. Okay, I'm gonna take a panoramic. [Music] Oh, no. Rachel's down. All right. Hey, kids. Everyone look at me right here. Yeah.
Champions. Champions. Champions. Woo! Tell the guys Noah. [Music] I'm sorry. Here at the end in the white suit. Madi Matias Mades. Go.
Yep. Hi daddy. Congratulations. Ah, what a good day was here. That's it. The next [Music] [Applause]
year starts in B. Mhm. Yeah. See the center or my center? They're both very good. For sure. Um I want to see if there's other kids
that will still otherwise work out. Yeah. [Music] Oh my god. ES Okay, that's Okay, we're going to keep going, folks. There's always so many people to
thank and to honor and to recognize. Um, is David Ferman here by any chance? Okay, stand right there for a moment. David, yes. Is the Miami Herald, Miami Dade, Monroe
County, spelling B second place finisher, David Ferman. Thank you so much. You tell us what grade you're in and where you go to school. I'm a seventh grader from Aventura City of Excellence
Charter School. Yeah. And I greatly appreciate all the thanks. I would have never expected that. So, so I want you to come up here for a photo opportunity
and and so far in this is my third time I think where we've had a spelling be champion here to recognize and each time they come and they sit here in this seat for a picture because the current mayor is a really really bad speller. So, it
will be it balances things out. you come here, we'll take a nice picture of you in the mayor's seat and then with all of us. So, if you want to say anything else, you can. If you want to spell out a few hard words, you can. Or just come on up for a picture cuz we really appreciate you and thank you for making
our city look great. You know what? I'll take one word. This was like the winning word from 2023. The word is samophile. P S A M M O P H I L
Eile on the meaning. Okay, now if you can use it in a sentence, please. He was a semifile. Touche. Did you um drive yourself here or do you have anyone here that came
with you? Yes. My parents are here and my amazing little sister Natalie is also here. Sister. Okay. So, all of them need to come up here for a picture. All of them need to come on up.
Let me read this certificate. of special recognition presented to David Ferman in recognition of your perseverance and achievement in placing second in the Miami Dade Monroe division of the Miami Herald spelling bee. The city commission of the city of Avatore applauds your
accomplishment presented this 6th day of May 2025 signed by Howard Weinberg mayor. [Applause] [Music] Okay, that was fun. I think um our schools have some teacher recognitions
if I'm not mistaken. So, why don't we start with um ACES and Anna, do you want to come up and um tell us about our great teachers? I'm going to go this way because I don't like to have my back to anybody. Um, I'm
here to honor our wonderful teachers. And so we every year have our staff awards and we recognize four teachers. We only have three today, but that's okay. We do a K5 teacher of the year, a 68 teacher of the
year, a excellence award which goes to a staff member who isn't a teacher but supports our students. And then we also have our rookie teacher of the year who is a teacher who may not necessarily be new to teaching but who is new to ACES.
And so, like I said, I have three of my four here present today and I will call them up and you can cheer loudly for them. So, first and foremost, I have my K5 teacher of the year, Miss Michelle
[Applause] Marquez. I have my rookie teacher of the year, Miss Michelle [Applause] Cannon. And it would be funny if my third teacher's name was also Michelle,
but it's not. Um, my excellence award goes to our guidance counselor, Ailda [Applause] Corsino. And so again, these, you know, our teachers are incredible and it's always so hard to choose who's going to
be honored with these awards. And it is voted on by our staff and so our staff does choose who gets to be recognized. And so we have a lovely group of ladies up here. Thank you guys. Thank you. Will you I have certificates
for all them. Will you bring them up? We'll take a picture with all them along with you, Miss Principal. Is there a reason why the coach is hanging around? That worked out pretty well today. Thank you.
One, two, three. Perfect. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, for the high school, Jeff, Dr. McKe, thank you and appreciate this opportunity to share amazing news about our rookie teacher of the year. But
first, I must say I thank you all from ASUS. We uh get students who love school and they love their teachers. They communicate wonderfully. They're very intelligent and uh they just accomplish great things. So, you make it a lot easier for us to do our job. David and Natalie, we're looking forward to having
you at Sofur High in a few years. Uh you guys seem like amazing young people and your family super supportive. So, that's wonderful. Joseph, come on up. This is Joseph Levy. He is a first year teacher with us. He teaches advanced placement. He teaches advanced placement
statistics and he has made that the most requested math class on campus. He is the most requested teacher. Um and we don't always dress the same. Uh but he's a phenomenal young man and he's a resident of Aventure as well. He went to Crop and then on to Georgia Tech. He
started a company that he's going to sell for it looks like over seven figures and he's still he's in his mid20s. So he's quite amazing how much he's accomplished already. Um, yeah, amazing guy. So, we're so honored and thrilled to have you on our campus and we're counting on a whole bunch of AP
statistics passing scores and credits this year. He sends me these pictures. I'm wondering like does he because he's got this whole background in technology. So, is this AI enhanced, but it'll be like a full gym on a Sunday morning of students taking a mock exam. Um, but they're real. He he just has this
amazing ability to motivate his students and they work so hard and accomplish so much. So, congratulations and thank you for representing our school. I'd I'd also like to uh commend Joseph, which I've known since he was a young a kid. He's grown into a fine young man,
but he also aside from from te being an incredible teacher, he also taught leadership at our JCC's in Aventura and in Davyy. both JCC's. He taught all about leadership to our next generation of future leaders. So, he's a very
well-rounded young guy, and we commend you, Mazletov, and continued success. Come on up. Come on up for a picture. If you want, if you want to say anything, you're more than welcome to. Otherwise, Okay. Come on up. One right here.
That's what Okay, moving on. The CITT, which is the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, has a brief presentation. Javier Bettton Cororp, welcome. CITT executive director.
Second, somehow got advanced here. Right. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Madame Vice Mayor, Commissioners, Javier Bettton Court, executive director of the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, and with me today is our municipal program manager, Mariana Price, who works with your team and all
our other cities in Miami Day County on a regular basis. Uh we both uh prior to this job were working at the city of Coral Gables. Um and so, you know, we we understand municipalities. We we understand all the the good and hard work you do, and so we commend you for that. And by the way, this is now
probably the 30th city we've done this presentation at. But and and I say this sincerely, this has been the warmest uh reception with the best energy of any commission we've been at. So whatever you're drinking here, keep drinking and and keep it up. Apparently whatever soon
what we'll be drinking is non fluoridated water from what I understand. No comments, sir. Um okay. So who are we and and and what do we do? So, if you went to the voting uh booth about 20 plus years ago, uh you were presented with this language and it asked the good residents of Miami Day
County whether they would increase to their sales tax from 6 and a half to 7% to fund a series of transportation projects or or programs called the People's Transportation Plan. If you notice the last line in that sentence, the voters also were asked to create the Citizens Independent Transportation
Trust, our organization, to oversee those funds and make sure they were spent appropriately. So that ballot measure passed. We have been now collecting uh that sir tax for about 22 years. So our mission at the CIT is to uh monitor, audit, review, oversee and
investigate the use of the funds by both the county that receives about 80% and all of our 34 municipalities that receive about 20%. And that is distributed to the cities by the way on a PR rata basis. So larger cities, larger population gets more money,
smaller cities get a little less. Um, so it's it it is important for me to point out we're not the Department of Transportation and Public Works. They are the ones that, you know, build, operate, maintain the transportation uh system and transit. We're not the TPO. We don't do long-range planning. We're
simply a watchdog, if you will, over the funds. So, we are governed by a 15 member board of volunteers that come from all walks of life. One appointed by the mayor, one by the League of Cities, and the other 13 by each of our 13 county commissioners. you are very well pres well well represented on the trust
by um the uh district 4 representative Robert Wolffarth who is uh and has been our chair now for two years so you are very well positioned uh for anyone interested in serving on the trust um we do have three vacancies now and and seats open up from time to
time we would encourage you to visit our website learn more and apply it's very easy you can't be an elected official you can't be running for office and you can't have a conflict of interest with the county. Otherwise, sorry. Uh otherwise, um it's really open to any kind of citizen from any walk of life.
We have all professions uh represented on there. So, please visit our website miamiday.gov/citt if you're interested in participating and being a part of the transportation process. and and the trust is uh supported by um
our office the office of the CITT and you know we assist them with project review and analysis and and we do community engagement as we're doing today. We manage the municipal program etc. So one of the core functions of the CITT is our auditing function. Uh it's
not the most popular thing we do but it's one of the most important to ensure that both the county and the cities are using the funds for their intended purpose i.e. transportation and transit. I should have noted too that uh the cities are required to use a minimum of
20% of what they get for transit. They could use the upwards of the other 80% for other transportation like roadway improvements, bicycle, pedestrian improvements, traffic calming, etc. Um and I believe, by the way, the city of Aventura is in the middle of an
audit now. We have never, as far as I know, had any issues with the the city. You do a great job. um and have had nothing but clean audits. So, we certainly expect that to continue. So, enough about us. Let's talk about the money. Uh a half penny doesn't sound
like a lot, but boy, uh it adds up. So, on an annual basis, we're collecting roughly $400 million now. Since its inception, it has generated nearly $5 billion and it is in perpetuity. So, this sales tax is going to go on and on unless the state intervenes. They tried
to do that this year and set a sunset period of 8 years, but that bill did not pass. Uh so as long as we support it, we'll we'll keep collecting and you'll keep getting your share. So 63% of that historically has gone to Miami date transit uh for either either supporting
the existing system or uh expanding transit. As I said, 20% really, it's a little more now because we've had new cities join the county. Uh 21% has gone to the cities. Less than 10% has gone to public works at the county for roadway type of projects. And I'm proud to say
that less than 1% goes to our office for our oversight and administration. Even though we're allowed by law to go up to 5%. We we maintain ourselves at less than one. So the bulk of the funds could be spent on the projects, programs, and services that actually help people move, which is the whole point of this
endeavor. This is the same information just kind of over time. And what you'll note here is that we had a couple of dips in sales tax collection during the Great Recession and then more recently during the pandemic. Other than that, you could generally expect as a city to see your sales tax uh revenue increase
year-over-year at anywhere, you know, between 3 and 5%. And we'll skip this one in the interest of time. Um, if you're really into this stuff and just want to nerd out on the numbers, uh, we're very transparent. Everything is on our website, including our 40-year proform.
It is an eight billion dollar transit program over 40 years and it you you can get information on every penny in every penny out. Okay. So, um it's it's a long document. It's very detailed. I won't go into it, but it is on our website. So, enough about the money.
Now, let's talk about what people really care about. The projects, programs, and services uh that we're paying for. So, a number of promises were made under that people's transportation plan two decades ago. The one people seem to remember is that we were going to expand Metro Rail to every corner of the county, right?
Um, and we still have a ways to go on that clearly. But there were a number of other promises including over 40 major highway and roadway improvements, uh, including fair free metro mover, uh, fair free uh, transit for all seniors regardless of income, what has become
known as the golden passport, uh, the 20% to the cities, uh, and bus service improvements. So those were generally all of the promises made. So how did we do? Well, um let's start with the good news. Uh the municipalities have done a
great job with their 20%. And more and more over time, you have used actually a greater percentage of that 20% for things like transit. In fact, I think the city of Aventura uses nearly 100% of your funds towards that. And actually, I'm stealing her thunder. I'm going to
let Mariana Price come up and just do these two slides on the municipalities uh because this is what she works on. Go ahead. Thank you so much, Javier. And I just want to echo his comments earlier. This has been one of the it is the warmest commission meeting we've been to. It's been so touching to see all the
commemorations and proclamations and it was truly moving. Um so my name is Mariana Price. I'm the municipal program manager. I oversee the 33 cities that participate in the uh sir tax program that we have. Uh Aventura is only one of
four cities that we have that um that offer all three modes of transit. You have fixed route on demand and bicycles. So microobility is a metric that I'm starting to measure this year for the first time and Aventura has that. So um
in quarter 1 alone you had 31,000 uh 48 on demand 34,000 in bikes uh just under300. So that's 66 some thousand in ridership and you're well on your way to exceed the ridership from last fiscal
year. Um, as you can see on the slide, the percentage keeps increasing year-over-year and uh, as Javier mentioned, about 99% of the money spent was on transit. So, great job and uh,
it's a pleasure working with the city. Thank you, Mariana. And uh, I should have given some shout outs earlier on. I apologize. Mr. Manager, you have an amazing team that works with us on a regular basis. Melissa Cruz, Jake Osman, Brent Rogers, and Sarah Simpson are fantastic uh wonderful professionals and
a pleasure to work with. So, kudos to them and and to you for your uh leadership. Okay. Um as I said earlier, there were a number of roadway projects. Those are mostly completed at this point. The ones that are remaining are in the process of being completed or deleted from the program for various
reasons. I will note as these projects are done, we are not we are discouraging the county from adding more roadway projects into the plan because we really want to focus our remaining dollars on transit. That is where we're furthest behind. That is where we can meet the
future needs of our community. Okay. Um that being said, one kind of quote unquote roadway project we are supporting at a very significant uh level is what we call advanced traffic management system technologies. It's a fancy word or fancy term for smart
signals. So, our traffic signals throughout the county are antiquated. They're basically on just, you know, an oldfashioned timer. Um there's no reason why they can't be smarter and adapt to existing conditions. And so, the county is working to implement the last two
phases of this program, which would essentially um allow people to get through intersections faster. And in phase one, which was the pilot project, um it they demonstrated that it saves people anywhere from 10 to 20%. Which is a significant time saving over
time. But as I said earlier, we really want to focus on transit. That's not to say that there haven't been transit investments. We have paid for completely new fleets across the system. So new metro rail, new metro bus, new metro mover. The metro movers are starting to
show their age again. Um, obviously the cities have, you know, uh, invested significant dollars in your municipal shuttles and and and increasingly on demand service. And we've also invested in commuter rail, so try rail to downtown, for instance. And near to you here, the Bright Line Bright Line
stations. We invested dollars in both the Miami Central Station in downtown and of course the Aventura station. I think we put in about 70 to $80 million. Okay. Um we have not really invested as much in enhancing the bus system as uh was
promised quite frankly. However, the county did recently institute what they call the better bus network which is um you know enormous improvement in the in the bus system um to make popular rides more frequent and have less headways. We we know that there have been issues with
this. There are some communities where routes were taken away or where stops were taken away in order to make it more efficient. this, but the county is adapting to feedback. So, if you have had issues, if if you've heard from your constituents that they have had issues with these changes, please contact the
transit department. They are making changes to address those concerns. I'm happy to connect you if you're not already in touch with them. Um, there was one extension of Metroil that was made and that was the extension to the airport. Um so that's wonderful and um you know not every major city in the
country has uh a rapid transit connection to the airport. So we're proud of that. Uh unfortunately that was the only expansion of metro that actually took place of the six or seven that were promised. So but now we're working towards that again. Um enter the smart plan which I'm sure you've heard
of. It's the strategic Miami area rapid transit plan and it promises to expand rapid transit to practically every corner of the county. However, it's not necessarily going to be metro rail. Um, since 2002, there are a lot of new and exciting technologies that, you know,
help to expand rapid transit at a fraction of the cost. So, uh, the six quarters are the south corridor, beach corridor, east west corridor, Kendall corridor, northeast corridor, and north corridor. So, the south corridor is under construction. If you've ever driven down from Delland to Florida
City, so the exact opposite corner of where you are, you'll notice this being built along South Dixie Highway. And the good news is this is slated to open uh sometime this summer, July, August, maybe September. And it is bus rapid
transit. However, it operates very much like a train level platforms, uh prepaid fairs, gate arms that are going to come down so the buses could get through the intersections without having to stop. So, we're very excited about that. The beach corridor is currently slated to be
a metro mover from downtown Miami to Miami Beach along the MacArthur and then also a leg up 27th Avenue towards the design district. This is still in planning, design, and engineering. The east west corridor was going to be BRT along State Road 836. However, the county has taken a step back and is
re-evaluating that. It's looking at the potential of commuter rail on the CSX lines that exist there now or potentially even Metro Mover on Flaggler Street. So that's still also in planning, design, and engineering. The Kendall corridor was also slated to be BRT, bus rapid transit. But again, this
this project has been kind of set aside while they they tried to learn from the BRT systems they are implementing. The one you're probably most excited about is the Northeast Corridor that obviously serves this community. Um, so we all know about Bright Line and it's a great service,
but it's not transit. It's intrastate passenger rail. It's not at an affordable fair that workers can use on a on a regular basis. So the idea is to complement the wonderful Bright Line service with an actual commuter rail service, something more like Tri Rail. Um, and so we've already built those two
stations that will help accommodate that service in the future, Aventura and Miami Central, that will now be joined by three or four additional stations in between. The good news is we have committed our local funding for this. The state has committed funding and the previous administration at the federal
level has also committed funding. It remains to be seen whether the current administration will honor that commitment and whether Congress will ultimately approve it, but we are hopeful. I'll be flying up there with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in two weeks to to advocate for that. We encourage you to also advocate uh to
make sure that the uh federal funding comes through for this project. The north corridor is the one that is slated to be metro rail along 27th Avenue to the Broward County line. Because it's metro rail, it is by far the most expensive, which means it is going to be the hardest to achieve. The
the funding commitment is not there, but that's also in planning, design, and engineering. We've invested in several parking uh parking right facilities. Uh we need more money. Uh sorry to make everyone hungry there. Um we're focused on first last mile solutions. So, it's
great to build out these corridors, but then how do you connect people to them and from the stations to their communities? So, bicycle, pedestrian, mobility, on demand uh services like your freebie, for instance. Enhancing county and municipal connectivity is extremely important. We don't have one
transit system in Miami Day County. We have 35. We have Miami Day Transit, we have Bright Line, we have Tri Rail, and then we have 30 plus cities doing their own thing. So, we're really kind of stepping in and trying to get everyone to connect better physically and via technology. Proving the customer
experience is important. You can build whatever you want, but if you don't maintain it, uh if it's not clean, if it's not safe, if it doesn't perform well, people aren't going to use it. So, really improving the customer experience is important. And finally, community engagement. The reason I'm here today and have traveled throughout this county
giving this presentation is people deserve to know what's happened with their half penny sales tax. Um the good, the bad, and the ugly, right? information is power. So, um, as part of that, we did launch a CITT ambassador program. We also want to hear from the writers of the system what they're
experiencing to make sure that the investments we've been making on their behalf are being wellmaintained. So, we're we're looking for regular writers of the system to sign up to be ambassadors. They provide their feedback via an app. They get points every time they submit that feedback and they can
exchange those points for rewards. Free Uber, free Lift, discounted transit, etc. So, if you're interested in serving as an ambassador, please visit our website uh and apply. We're at 200 ambassadors now. We want to get to 300. And last slide. Um I also launched a
podcast a couple years ago. Um and I've had all sorts of elected officials and and trans transportation agency officials and members of the writing public and community leaders on there to talk about transportation and inter and issues that intersect with transportation, land use, economic
development, housing, you name it. So, I would invite you um as officials of the city of Aventura uh to be a guest on my podcast. It's called Mobility Matters. It's uh filmed live out of South Miami every other Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30. So, uh please, Mr. Mayor, or or any of
you, if you'd like to be on, I I welcome you. With that, I'll end my very long presentation. I apologize. And uh would be happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you very much, Javier. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Excellent presentation, but you had me at warmest city. So, I should have stopped there. Um, so a couple questions. Yes. First of all, I'm glad you mentioned what to me is most important. Two things to me that are the most important. One is um call it Tri
Rail East or whatever, but we got to put a commuter line on the Bright Rail Bright Line tracks and the sooner the better. We our uh mall and hospital employees obviously can't afford a monthly Bright Line pass,
but on a commuter, we're going to be keeping a lot of cars out of our city. And you know, God willing, by the end of Q4, maybe Q3, we should have the pedestrian bridge to the mall. So, it's a no-brainer to take a commuter line and
walk across Biscane Boulevard right into work. Um, so hopefully that can happen. I remember there was some problem with testing cars that didn't fit in the uh stations. Is that that was technically the trial extension to downtown. Uh,
that's different than this and that's been resolved. Okay, great news. The second thing is um the smart lights, the traffic signaling. I've heard nothing but frustration. I was in Israel. I was
demoed a an amazing product. At least from what I saw, it was incredible. They said they want to work with Miami Date County. They were in touch with Miami date county. That was two years ago. And it's phenomenal what it does. I mean, it really knows when um there's a backup,
when things are going smooth, when to change the lights. Everything is monitored automatically. I'm sure you know the system, but um they're here, they're represented, they got lobbyists, they're pushing. I don't know. I'm sure there's more than one vendor. I'm I'm not stupid. Um although I've been called
that. Um but where are we with that? Why aren't we I mean our lights quite frankly were probably got two or three of the worst single intersections. Miami Gardens being one of them. Um our lights, our signaling on Biscane Boulevard, you know, quite frankly
sucks. Can I use that word? Sucks. So where are we with that in reality? So phase one was completed which demonstrated the effectiveness of it. Unfortunately when they went to phase two as part of that uh bidding process they ended up with a contractor. They had nothing but issues with that
particular contractor. A lot of time was wasted. They finally let that contractor go I think sometime last last year I want to say and um they hired the number two uh vendor uh you know as part of that RP process. And now they're they're moving forward. Uh I can't tell you
necessarily what the time frame is. Uh but they're confident that this vendor is capable of uh implementing the project. I can certainly put you in touch if the city isn't already in touch with the Department of Transportation and Public Works to learn more and to coordinate. Ultimately, it's their signals, but it's in your city. So, who
knows more about what's happening in your city than you do? So, if you're not already talking to DTPW about that project, I I would love to connect you. And just so I'm clear, was it the the product itself, the software that or was it the GC that was supposed
to install all this? What was it that wasn't out? I suppose it depends on who you ask. Suffice it to say, there were issues. It wasn't moving forward and and they made a change. I couldn't tell you the specifics. Okay. Um, any commission comments or questions? I just want to
know if you still think we're the warmest city. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes. Anyone? Go ahead. So, you mentioned that you've been asking for that you're going up to Washington to ask for federal funding. Have you done that in the past for this specifically the
Northeast Corridor? So, yes, over time we I mean I go every year. I know other members of the commission and the county and other groups go up every year and and advocate for that. Um, what I would say is different this time is we have a new administration. And so while we thought
we had those funds locked up under the previous administration, you know, there there are lots of changes. And so we want to make sure that this administration continues to honor that. We don't have any indications that they're not, but you know, it's not a done deal. Um so we just need to keep up the pressure, meet with our
congressional delegation, meet with the administration, the FTA to reinforce how important this project is to your community. But how much funding do you need in order to get these tracks and and drive rails running from this area? I I believe that 400 million plus or minus number is the right number. I
could get you an exact number. I I don't know what the latest is. It changes from time to time, but it's roughly 400 million. And you expect that to get that in one year from the administration or is that like a cumulative that you've been asking for over years? No, that's that's a one it's a capital, right? So, this is an ongoing operations and
maintenance. So, that is it's a grant on one grant. Okay. Okay. So then the follow-up question is if you were to get that funding, what's the timeline that we might look at to get trains running a commuter trail? So this project because we have existing
tracks and we already have two stations in place could actually done be done fairly quickly. The the issue is the rolling stock. So there's a huge backlog on purchasing rolling stock for commuter rail. Tri rail is even having an issue trying to add trains to its existing
system. So I I don't know what what that time frame is, but that is the primary issue at this point. The stations could be built fairly rapidly, believe it or not. And again, the hardest part is the tracks are there. I mean, a tour. Well, two of your stations are there. We need to build another three or four in
between. Um, so it would be several years. I I I don't have the exact number. I apologize. I could also follow up with that. Do you have a positive feeling on getting this federal funding? I do. I do. Uh, the project makes a ton of sense. you know, everybody wants it. The numbers are there to support it in terms of writership and the return on
investment. And it's a public private partnership, right? And so, particularly in a more conservative Congress, uh, in a more conservative administration, they look for, you know, strong business participation and you have it here with Bright Line and with the surrounding property owners. Well, I'm uh looking
forward to that. So, if there's anything we can do to help you, please reach out. Okay, we'll do. Thank you. Yes. I just wanted to say I'm sure you'll be very successful, but I think we're very lucky in South Florida, Miami date in particular, that we have some some very good uh Congress people that I
think are very accessible and and responsive to our needs and uh I'm sure you have them all behind you and I'm sure you'll you you'll get the job done. So, good luck. Thank you, sir. The more voices, the better. So, please join us. Okay. Anybody
else? Okay. Thanks so much. It wasn't too long. It was just right. It was very nice and uh informative. Thank you for coming. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks for having us. Have a good evening. Thank you. Okay. At this time, I need a motion cuz what I think we'll do is we'll recess
this uh commission meeting and we'll move into the LPA. There's been uh uh applicants waiting for 1 hour and 42 minutes. Um can I have a motion to recess to go to the LPA? Commissioner Bloom. Seconded by
Commissioner Cruz. Um, let's vote on that. Commissioner Aim, yes. Commissioner Blan, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freriedeland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Vice Mayor Erlin, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes.
Motion passes. Okay, then we're going to recess this meeting at 7:42. Good evening, everyone. Uh, first of all, does anyone need five minutes? If not, we're going to keep moving forward. Okay, I didn't look that
way. Okay. Um, let's call the LPA on May the May 6, 2025 LPA to order with a roll call. Mayor Weinberg here, Vice Mayor Olinsky here, Commissioner A here, Commissioner Blan here, Commissioner Bloom here, Commissioner Freedelland
here, Commissioner Cruz here, Mr. Pigis here, and Mr. Myers. You have a quorum. Thank you. I need a motion to approve the April 8th, 2025 minutes. Commissioner A, seconded by Vice Mayor Orlinsky. Uh, let's vote on that.
Commissioner Blanchman, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freriedeland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner A, yes. Vice Mayor Oinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay, we have public
hearings um uh 4 A, 4 C, and 4 D. We will be um invoking quasi judicial procedures. I'll ask the city attorney to uh explain that. Okay. Thank you, mayor. Uh please be advised that items 4, A, C, and D of the LPA agenda or
zoning hearings are quasi judicial nature. Such the quasi judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for these items. If you wish to object or comment upon these items, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. An opportunity for persons to speak on these items will be made available after the applicant staff
have made their presentations on the items. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence will be made under oath or affirmation for these quas judicial items. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross-examination. If you refuse either be cross-examined or be sworn, your testimony will be given its
due date weight. The general public will not be permitted across the gamma witnesses, but the public may request the commission to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the
quasi judicial procedures may be obtained from the clerk. I'd also like to add that if any of the members of the commission had exarty communications with any of the parties with respect to these three items now would be a time to disclose them or you could disclose them at the commission meeting or you can
even disclose them at the next commission meeting for those items that will be on second reading. So now now would be a time to disclose any ex party communications. Okay. And um I'm going to ask the clerk to swear in anyone offering testimony.
If you will be providing comments for items 4, A, C, or D, I need you to be sworn in at this time. That's items 4, A, C, or D. Or if you're going to be providing public comment, do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
So help you God. Thank [Music] you. Mr. Chair. Okay. Can you, Madam Clerk, can you read the resolution for 4 A? A resolution of the city commission of the city of
Aventura, Florida, granting a variance from section 31-171B2A.1 of the city's land development regulations to permit 680 parking spaces where 739 are required for the existing development located at
19101 Biscane Boulevard, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Uh, can I have a motion to adopt this resolution? Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Vice Mayor
Orlinski. Um, Kevin, develop city uh development director. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good evening. Kevin Kop, community development director. Uh, this item, as you heard the city clerk read, is a request for a variance. Um, it is on Biscane Boulevard at an existing
shopping center. Uh this is a picture of the building that uh results in the request for the variance. By way of explanation, this project where the shopping center is was approved prior to the city of Aventura,
so by Miami Dade County, and it did not have sufficient parking to meet the city's code. So it's what we call a nonconforming allowed use. Um this building uh is vacant, has been for
years uh and has nonconforming aspects to it itself. In order to redevelop it, uh would require that nonconformity not exist. So the request is for you to grant a variance for the parking situation that was approved by Miami
Date County. In reality, the proposed development will add nine parking spaces, but it is still a request for variance because they still will not have as many parking spaces as the city code would require. Uh this is a uh site
plan uh showing the proposed new building at the forefront of the property and um our recommendation is approval uh for this variance as the revisions will result in nine additional
parking spaces. It will eliminate the uh nonconforming entrance on Biscane Boulevard and result in a new uh building that will be occupied for retail uses. The applicant is here is has a presentation full presentation to
make. You as uh the city commission did already see that presentation at a workshop. They're happy to do it again or I can answer questions or they can if you'd prefer not to have their presentation with that. Thank you.
Okay. I don't know that we need to see the I think it's kind of self-explanatory, but is there any uh first of all, if the applicant wants to comment, by all means, then I'll open it for public comment. Yes, Mr. Mayor, uh members of the
commission. For the record, my name is Alan Krisher with the law firm of Holland Knight. Office is at 701 Bickl Avenue, appearing on behalf of the applicant. Um your uh staff has done an excellent job of presenting the application. They're recommending approval. We agree with that recommendation. Uh we do have a
presentation and our team is here to answer any questions. So um unless you'd like us to go through the presentation again, we can just answer the questions that you have. Does any member of the public want to comment on this
item? Item four A. Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. I see that Commissioner Freeland has question or comment. I believe when they did the presentation, somebody brought up the question of were you guys
considering a drive-thru add-on there? A drive-thru is not allowed by city code. So they have not asked. Okay, then the applicant doesn't need to come up. Sorry to make you step up. Sorry about that. Yes, Kevin answered the question. Thank you. I don't think
we had discuss that followup. Thank you. Other questions or comments? Okay, I'll close it and we'll vote. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freedelland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes.
Commissioner A, yes. Commissioner Blan, yes. Vice Mayor Olinski. Yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay. 4B. Madam court, an ordinance to the city of Aventura, Florida, amending
chapter 31, land development regulations of the city code of ordinances by amending section 31-145E town center office park mixeduse TC4 district to allow multifamily residential densities with a maximum of
70 dwelling units per acre for developments that provide residential units to the city's hero housing program. subject to conditional use approval, providing for severalability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date. Okay. Could I have a motion to
approve? Commissioner Bloom and a second. Vice Mayor Oinski. Kevin, thank you very much. Uh this is a uh request for a change in the
code. Uh the code currently allows a density of 50 units per acre in the TC4 district. A proposed redevelopment uh is requesting 70 units per acre with the
hero housing uh addition. Um in this particular location along Biscane Boulevard, we know it as the Aventur Corporate Center. Um and uh there are other districts where 70 units per acre is allowed when uh hero housing is
provided. Staff believes this is an appropriate uh density in this location. And um here is a picture of the proposed development at the Aventur Corporate Center. This is not on the agenda specifically. What is on the agenda is
simply the code change that would allow this request to come forward. Um if it's approved, the conditional use uh approval will come at the next meeting. Our recommendation is a favorable recommendation. Uh mixed uses
via the town center designation is are appropriate along Biscane Boulevard. You heard about the transit opportunities in the previous presentation. Uh it's within walking distance of the current Bright Line station and the future uh Northeast Corridor station and they be
providing the affordable uh I'm sorry the hero housing. Uh so staff recommends favorably for this code change. Uh again the applicant is here willing to make a presentation. It is a presentation you've heard at workshop. Uh so we can just answer questions if that's what
you'd prefer. Thank you. Okay. Let me see if there's anyone from the public who would like to speak on this. This is 4B. Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. I unless the commission
so chooses, I don't think we need another presentation. Any commission comment or questions? Seeing none, I'll close it. Funny, I thought all those people earlier were here for this item.
I guess I I can't read my crowd. Um, let's uh let's close it and let's vote. Commissioner Freedelland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner A, yes. Commissioner Blan, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Vice Mayor
Rolinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay. Item 4 C. Madame clerk, an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, approving a smallcale amendment to the future land use map of the city
of Aventura comprehensive plan pursuant to section 163.3187, Florida statutes to redesate an approximate 3.01 01 acre tract of land on the southwest corner of Northeast 187 Street and Northeast 28
Court identified by folio numbers 28-223-43-0010 and 28-2203-33-0010 from business and office to town center providing for conflicts providing for severability providing for inclusion in the comprehensive plan and providing for an effective eight.
Thank you. Um I think I've been told I think Commissioner Cruz, did you want to comment? Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh just going to say items 4 C and 4 D that are before us are the local planning agency
agenda involve property that's owned by the same individual who own who also owns uh the Mos bagel site. Uh moreover, the two items under consideration by the commission, one to change the designation of the property and two to approve the reszoning of the land is
located at 187th Street and Northeast 28th Court and adjacent to Moe's. Although it is speculative as to whether these ch changes will have a financial impact on my business, I'm announcing that I have a voting conflict regarding these two items. In other words, I don't
think I have a a conflict of interest, but perhaps a an appearance of a conflict of interest. So therefore, I'm announcing that I have a voting conflict regarding these two items. Instead, since I am declaring a voting conflict, I am required by law to absent myself from the proceedings. Abstain from
voting and file a memorandum of voting conflict with a city clerk. Uh in addition, later this evening we will have excuse me uh we will have be voting on items 7B and C uh when they will be heard as part of the commission agenda.
I will reiterate that I have a voting conflict and will request that this disclosure be incorporated into the record. Okay. Thank you. See you later. Um, I just I do want to say for the record on both
4 B and now 4C, um, I did see conceptuals. I'm telling the city attorney for the record, I did see conceptual drawings, which I assume would constitute exartic communications. Now, subsequent to
that, that was prior to the same things being presented to us in the workshop uh in a properly noticed meeting, but I did um agree to view the conceptual drawings for the both 4B and 4C prior to the
workshop and then I saw them again at the workshop. Um, yes. Um, I need to disclose as well that I also saw the uh I agreed to see the drawings for items B and C um prior
to tonight's meeting as well. Okay. Yes. I also would like to state on the record that I have seen the conceptual drawings before voting on this. And let me just add one thing and I guess what you should say at the end and you know what you saw did not influence
your decision one way or the other that you're you evaluated this objectively based on the evidence that was presented before you. So I will add what I saw did not influence my decision one way or the other. And for the record uh what I saw
did not influence my decision one way or another as well. It was simply to educate. Did not influence me in either way. And then it was exactly what I saw at the workshop uh subsequently. Um so this is 4C madam clerk.
Correct. And we need a motion for this for discussion. Okay. You read the uh you read the resolution. Correct. Uh the ordinance the ordinance. Commissioner Cruz um recused himself. Uh I need a motion to approve. Commissioner A, seconded by Commissioner
Freedelland. Uh 4C Kevin. So, as you heard from the city clerk, this is a request for a comprehensive plan amendment and currently the comprehensive plan for this parcel uh
which you're familiar with is shown in this picture. Um if we could get the presentation. Yes, thank you. um shown in the center of the picture um is business and office. In order to
uh proceed with a project that is proposed uh which would be a mixeduse project meaning uh residential as well as business. uh they would require a different designation in the comprehensive plan which would be uh
mixeduse town center. Uh we believe that uh this is an appropriate change uh and also uh it would be followed by a reszoning from business to town center. Uh if approved, the applicant would then
come forward with a conditional use request at a future meeting for this project and it would include variances as well. Uh similar to the previous item, we support this because mixed use uh via town center designation is appropriate to support transit near
Biscane Boulevard. Uh the density is within walking distance to both the retail uses in the existing town center including the grocery store Publix uh but is also within walking distance to the Bright Line station and future uh Northeast Corridor transit station and
this project as well would provide hero housing units. So we are in favor of the project. The applicant is here has a more detailed presentation similar to what uh you uh received at a workshop
meeting. Uh they have revised the um facade, the look of the proposed building. That is not on the agenda tonight. So I was not uh going to present it. Um but the applicant is here to talk about the project and present
that if necessary. Uh if not, I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Okay. Anyone from the public wishing to speak? Yes, sir. Come on up. Name and address, please. Uh, good afternoon uh or good evening.
I'm a fairly new uh resident of Ventura. My name is Joshua Bash BSH. I live at Venture East 18800 Northeast 29th Avenue. And I do go to Moe's. I see Paul is gone, but uh when
they pass by that property, there's so much traffic on 187th Street, it it's not sufficient for people to make a right turn onto Biscane Boulevard. You mentioned earlier, Mr. Mayor, about the Miami Gardens crossing
where the railroad tracks is that you can get stuck there for an hour trying to come over from Dixie Highway or Miami Gardens Drive. Uh I saw a picture of the project that was presented just now which I had never seen before but I see it's quite a large building and while I
support you know heroes housing and housing for people that are you know of service to the community I don't think this corner is really capable of supporting that sort of development. I think that you should look again at this
town center idea, which honestly I'd never heard of before tonight or before I saw the sign on the property, but uh I know it allows a greater density of uh of residency per acre than what's currently allowed on the property. And
uh I would just ask the uh commission to consider how bad the traffic is. If you ever come down 29th Avenue past Publix and make a right turn onto uh 187th Street, I don't think it could support this kind of development. Just want to
put in my two cents worth. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Um I see the applic coming up. Kevin, what um what can be built as of right on this site? Yeah, currently it is zoned for business and uh the the development is
not uh built to the uh maximum use that B2 allows. Uh it could be a multi-story office building that would generate much more traffic than uh a residential project. So our can you give me a uh idea of it could be an office building
correct? How how how tall? Um I approximately it it could be uh 12 stories. Um they'd have to be able to meet the parking requirements, etc. Um but yes, it could be Okay. So, let me
just I just want to say something. If you move to the side for a second, I want to make eye contact with Mr. Bash. So, it's okay. It's not we're not having conversation, but I just wanted to tell you I I I try to say this to residents as often as possible because many times
they don't understand. You may very well, but um so when we incorporated 30 years ago, we took this community subject to the existing zoning from Miami date county
and whoever owns property in our city has certain building rights. So, uh, although, as you say, if this building goes up, it'll generate more traffic tomorrow, the owner of that property can come to city hall and pull
a permit as of right. In other words, we can't say no. And he can build an office building there across the street from Venture where you live. And office buildings generate much more traffic than a residential building. That's a
fact. So when you do the traffic studies, if it's office, if it's a lawyer, a pla a a plastic surgeon, a doctor, a dermatologist, whatever it is, people coming and going and coming and going and coming and going, there's many more trips. And tomorrow, if he so
decides he can build an office tower, we can't say no. So what we try to do is get the best use for a particular site. This according to our expert, our our building department, our our community
development official Kevin is a better use for this site. So when what we would like to be able to do and what you would like us to be able to do is to say enough is enough. We can't support anymore. But we can't say that. They have the right to build that. If we told
them no, we'd end up writing a check for millions of dollars because they have the right to build. So we always work within those parameters. We don't get to just say ventures up there. That's enough for that neighborhood. We're done. So, I just want you to understand what we have to base our decisions on.
So, you you're right. There'll be more traffic than there is now with Addison House and Eye Salon and whatever else is there. I walk there every morning, but we can't just say no. Nothing goes there. So, I just want you to know that.
Uh yes, sir. I assume you're here to represent the developer. Yes, sir. Briefly. Okay. Sorry. Let me get his application. And if you could ask your your client,
we would prefer that he deed that to the city and we and that become a park. So that's our number one pre preference. Please ask him. If he won't, he won't. But there's no no harm in asking. Give us that land. We'll ask, but I don't
think that that's going to happen. Okay. Mr. Mayor, commissioners Jeff Burkhow, 200 South Biscane Boulevard on behalf of the applicant. Uh, the applicant is Miami Offcenter Associates LLP. Jack Azud is the principal. And I'm not
really going to go into a lot of detail because I think uh Kevin uh handled and presented what's at issue tonight, the comprehensive plan, redesation, and the resoning. He handled that perfectly. But
I do want to respond to Mr. Bash and uh his concerns. As you mentioned, Mr. Mayor, today as of right the applicant could build a 12story office building
with groundf flooror retail um 122,000 square ft 123,000 square ft of office and about 24,000 square ft of retail. uh the the impact the trip
generation from the maximum permitted development far outweighs uh the development uh potential and the I'm sorry the trip generation from the proposed project. And I'd also point out
that the proposed project only generates 20 PM peak hour trips more than the existing development. Do you have any uh comparative numbers as to what the traffic study showed on the um
we do have the numbers and we have the trip generation numbers and they've been provided to staff. Yeah. I just wanted Mr. Bash to hear it if you have it. But you say it's greatly reduced by doing residential the uh let me see find the numbers
the okay the the proposed development program under the TC1 zoning designation generates 510 fewer daily trips and 152 fewer AM peak hour
trips. 192 fewer PM peak hour trips than the maximum potential buildout of this project. 192 fewer peak hour trips. Correct. Okay. Thank you. It's to me it's one of the most significant factors
as what you can do as of right and what it is you're choosing to do. Correct. We This is a mixeduse project as has been pointed out. We need mixed use. We need it near Biscane Boulevard. We need the density near Biscane Boulevard in order
to make rapid transit zoning work. And that's what we heard from Javier Bettincourt uh of the uh the CIT. And there's also a real need amongst young people in Aventura and workers for attainable
rental housing and this is going to fulfill that need. Okay. Anything else? I'll ask I would just point out that um this uh proposed project with its uh height is compatible with the venture
across the street which is the project that Mr. Bash lives in. There's also a number of other uh higher and taller buildings in the immediate area. So I believe this project is going to be compatible with the city. We do have uh
conditional uses coming up next month and at that time you'll hear about our profer of uh a million dollars for uh the city schools. Okay. But number one, I'd like it to be a park. So if you could uh make that
request, I will speak to Mr. Razud about that. He may surprise us. Okay. Any commissioner have comments or question? I I'm I think I closed it for public comment. Any but I will now if I didn't any commission comment.
Okay, then let's close it and let's vote. Commissioner A, no. Commissioner Blashman, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freedelland, yes. Commissioner Cruz is absent due to recusal. Vice Mayor Oinski, yes. and
Mayor Weinberg. Yes. Motion passes. Okay, let's move on to 4 D. I need a motion to approve. Commissioner Commissioner Blushman, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mayor, if I can read the title at this
time. So, first, thank you, Madam Clerk. If you can read the ordinance. An ordinance to the city of Aventuro, Florida, amending the official zoning map by changing the zoning designation of an approximate 3.01 01 acre tract of land on the southwest corner of
Northeast 187 Street and Northeast 28 Court identified by folio numbers 28-2203-43-0010 and 28-2203- 033-0010 from community business district B2 to town center district TC1
providing for severalability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date. Thank you. Now, let me start over. I need a motion to approve. Commissioner Blanchman, seconded, Commissioner Bloom. Kevin.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is the same uh parcel, the same project. This is now the zoning. The first item was the comprehensive plan, which allows the concept, and then the zoning allows the specific uses. Uh staff is in favor for
the same reasons. Uh if you'd like, I can go into more of a presentation. I don't think it's necessary. Any public comment on this item? Seeing none, I'll close to the public and ask any
commissioners any comment. Seeing none, I'll close and and we'll vote. Commissioner Blatchman, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freedelland, yes. Commissioner A, no. Commissioner Cruz,
absent due to recusal. Vice Mayor Oinski, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. The motion passes. Okay. I need a motion to adjourn the LPA. Commissioner Blanchman, seconded by
Commissioner Freedelland. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? were adjourned. Now, let's go back to the regular commission meeting.
Mr. Mayor, uh just mentioned that Commissioner Cruz can return. Uh so, somebody needs I think there's a Netflix movie on in there. He may not come. Someone could tell him to come in. I heard it's uh it's 8:14 and we are
um back to the regular commission meeting. Okay, let's move on to the consent agenda. Does anyone need to remove an item from the consent agenda? Mr. Manager? No. Okay, then let me get a motion, please, to approve the consent
agenda. Commissioner Aayne, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Let's vote on the consent agenda. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner Aay, yes. Commissioner Blatchman, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freeland, yes. Vice Mayor
Erlinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay. Quasi Judicial 7 A 7 C 7D. Mr. Attorney, you want to repeat what you said earlier in the LPA? I wish I didn't have to. Uh, please be advised
that items 7 A, C, and D on the commission agenda, zoning hearings are quasi judicial nature as such. The quasi judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for these items. If you wish to object or comment upon these items, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. An opportunity for persons to speak on these items will
be made available after the applicant staff have made their presentations on the items. All testimony including public testimony and o and evidence will be made under oath or affirmation for these quasi additional items. Additionally, each person who gives sworn who gives testimony may subject to cross-examination. If you refuse either
be cross-examined or be sworn, your testimony will be given its due date. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the commission to ask questions of staff or witnesses on the behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of
their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quasi judicial procedures may be obtained from the clerk. And let me just mention again, I know there were some disclosures during the LPA. If anyone else has any exarty disclosures to make, you could make them now if you so
choose. Thank you, Madame Clerk. 7 A. If you will be providing comments or testimony on items 7 A, C, or D, I need you to be sworn in at this time. This is for items 7 A, C, and D on the
commission meeting agenda. Do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God. Thank you. [Music] A resolution of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, granting
a variance from section 31-171B2A.1 of the city's land development regulations to permit 680 parking spaces where 739 are required for the existing development located at 19101 Biscane Boulevard, providing for implementation and providing for an
effective date. Thank you. Motion to approve. Commission uh Vice Mayor Linsky, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. And um Kevin, you want to uh review this item? I think we've heard it all before.
Uh this will solve a nonconformity to allow uh a redevelopment that we're in support of. Thank you. Any public comment? Seeing none, congratulations, Alan. Thank you. No one knows what I'm talking
about, but you were just confirmed on consent agenda. I mean, up here we do as one of our special masters. So, [Applause] congratulations. So, um there was I'll close it for the to
the public and um ask if any commissioner has any questions. I see none. I'll close it and we'll vote. This is 7A. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freeland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner Blotchman, yes.
Vice Mayor Olinski, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. The motion passes. 7B. I need to Oh, did you did Commissioner A vote? Oh, Commissioner A. I'm sorry. That's okay. I wanted to make sure you were still awake. I understand
that. Okay, good. Is that um How do you know? is aware of it. Commissioner A, I'll go along with this one. Yes, the motion passes now. Now it formally passes. Okay. Um 7B. Is that correct? We're up to 7B.
That is correct. Okay. An ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 31, land development regulations of the city code of ordinances by amending section 31-145E town center office park mixeduse TC4 district to allow multifamily
residential densities with a maximum of 70 dwelling units per acre for developments that provide residential units to the city's HeroA housing program subject to conditional use approval pro providing for severability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date.
Thank you. I need a motion to approve. Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Commissioner A. Kevin, you don't have much to say. The only thing I have to say is this is the only time I've been able to keep Jeffrey Davis from saying anything. Thank you. Um, that was
because I told him otherwise I was going to go to sleep. Uh any comments, questions from the public? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. I'll ask if there's any questions or comments from the
commission. I do not see any, so I will close it and we will vote on 7B. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner Freeland, yes. Commissioner A, yes. Commissioner Glachman, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Vice Mayor Erlinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes.
7C. Madam clerk, an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, approving a small-scale amendment to the future land use map of the city of Aventura comprehensive plan pursuant to section 163187, Florida statutes to redesate an
approximate 3.01 01 acre tract of land on the southwest corner of Northeast 187 Street and Northeast 2A Court identified by folio numbers 28-2203-43-0010 and 28-2203-33-0010 from business and office to town center providing for conflicts
providing for severability providing for inclusion in the comprehensive plan and providing for an effective date. I think Commissioner Cruz had indicated earlier on this item. Correct. I just want to reiterate what I said before and that is I don't think I have a conflict of
interest but uh maybe an appearance of a conflict so I'll recuse myself from this vote from the next two votes C and D. Thank you mayor. Okay. I need a motion to approve. Commissioner Bloom seconded by Commissioner
Blanchman six. Um, Kevin, no additional comments. Okay. Uh, anyone from the public? Don't be shy. Just line up. Who's first? Okay. I'll close it from a public comment. Any commission comment?
Seeing nothing, I'll close it and vote. Commissioner Freeland, yes. Commissioner A, no. Commissioner Blan, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Cruz is absent due to recusal. Vice Mayor Olinski. Yes. And Mayor Weinberg,
yes. Motion passes. Okay. 7D. An ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending the official zoning map by changing the zoning designation of an approximate 3.01 01 acre tract of land on the southwest corner of Northeast 187 Street and
Northeast 28 Court identified by folio numbers 28-2203-43-0010 and 28-2203-33-0010 from community business district B2 to town center district TC1 providing for saleability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date.
Motion to approve. Commissioner Blanchman, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Kevin, I want to thank Alisa for always presenting so well that I don't have to say a thing.
[Music] Okay. And um anyone from the public want to comment on this 7D? Seeing none, I'll close it and ask my commissioners any comments. Seeing none, I'll close it in and we'll we will vote 7D.
Commissioner A, no. Commissioner Blan, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freriedeland, yes. Commissioner Cruz is absent due to recusal. Vice Mayor Oinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes.
Item eight. Uh, these are first reading ordinances. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh once again, Commissioner Cruz can return to the meeting. All those $1,000 an hour.
Okay. Item eight, ordinance first readings. An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending ordinance number 2024-18, which ordinance adopted a budget for the 2024 2025 fiscal year by
revising the 2024 2025 fiscal year operating and capital budget as outlined in exhibit A attached here too, authorizing the city manager to do all things necessary to carry out the aims of this ordinance and providing for an effective date.
Motion to approve. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner A. Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mayor. The mid-year budget amendment for fiscal year 2425 addresses several unanticipated items and funding needs
not included in the initially adopted budget. These amendments are necessary to ensure continued progress on city priorities, compliance, and service delivery. And grants and interest earnings covered the majority of these increases. And a couple of key highlights from the general fund was the final payment to for the ambulance to
Magand Devita Dome is included in this. Some emergency and hurricane related supplies, AED and flood damage repairs that we had to do around the city for the uh the flood that we had. Park improvements to the basketball courts, additional lighting and fencing over on
the pickle ball courts, and then also some government center improvements, roofing repairs, and new city welcome signs that'll be coming soon. And two other items that are in there is $925,000 for the repaving of Country Club Drive. And as Mr. Bettton Court was
here, we're going to be using C CITT funding to offset that. And then in addition, we have an engineering study that's going to be covered by a grant. And this is a vision zero grant. Uh this goes along with our storm water master plan improvement. and uh we're hoping to
get an additional reduction in our CRS rating for residents in their flood insurance policies through that. So with that, I recommend approval of the uh taxed ordinance to amend the fiscal 2425 budget and authorize the necessary funding adjust adjustments and I'm happy to answer any questions.
Okay. Any member of the public have a question comment regarding this budget amendment? Close it. Any commissioners? Close it and vote. Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. Not closing it. Commissioner A, I just want to say uh
with my background, I was reviewing all the details and I want to commend our finance department for being up on everything and doing an excellent job and uh I don't think we really realize how fortunate we are in having such competent people back
us. Thank you and thank you for bringing your expertise to the commission. Any other commission comment? Seeing none, I'll close it and we will vote on item eight. Commissioner
Blanin, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freeland, yes. Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner A, yes. Vice Mayor Oinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Second reading. Uh, item nine, the
second reading ordinances. Madam clerk, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending section 48-46 of the city's code of ordinances to authorized the placement, installation, and operation of speed detection systems at the Turnberry
Jewish Center and Tabber Academy School Zone providing for conflict servability codification at an effective date. Thank you. Motion to [Music] approve. Commissioner A, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mayor. I
respectfully recommend that the second reading of this attach ordinance be approved. And this ordinance amends section 48-46 of the city's code of ordinances to authorize the placement, installation, and operation of speed detection system within the school zone of the Turnberry Jewish Center and
Tabbermies. This amendment enhances pedestrian and student safety by allowing the city to deploy automated enforcement tools in designated school zones consistent with state law and the city's ongoing traffic safety initiatives. Thank you. Any public comment on this?
Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment and I will ask my commission any comments, questions from the commission. Seeing none, we'll close it and we will vote. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freeland, yes.
Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner A, yes. Commissioner Blan, yes. Vice Mayor Olinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay. Item 12, public comments. Any one of you out there, I'm counting about
four or 500 people by my estimate. Um, item 10. What? Mayor, we have item 10. I'm sorry, I'm skipping ahead. Number 10. This is uh resolutions um regarding
public input. Madam clerk, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, relating to the provision of a storm water management system within the city, declaring the imposition of a storm water utility fee, establishing the method by which the proposed storm water utility fee shall
be calculated, designating the lands upon which the storm water utility fee shall be levied, stating the estimated cost of providing and maintaining the storm water utility, the initial rate and the maximum rate for the provision of the storm water management. system. Directing the preparation of our
preliminary assessment rule, establishing a public hearing to consider imposition of the proposed storm water utility fee and the rates to be imposed and the method of their collection and directing the provision of notice thereof providing for severability and an effective date.
Motion to approve. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mr. Manager, thank you, Mayor. recommend approval of the attach resolution establishing the city's storm water utility fee and authorizing its collection through the Miami Day County Tax Collector's Office
using the uniform method of collection. Currently, both Miami Day County Water and Sewer and North Miami Beach Water Departments charge significantly higher rates to to collect storm water fees on behalf of the city. Transitioning to collection via the tax collector's office will streamline the process and
result in substantial cost savings estimated at over $100,000 annually. This change ensures greater efficiency and fiscal responsibility while maintaining the city's ability to fund vital storm water management services. Okay. Any member of the
public want to speak, want to comment on this issue? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. Ask my commissioners. Yes, Commissioner. Uh, I just want to make it clear for the record that if this resolution passes that our millage rate will not be
changed at all by this change in the property tax bills for our residents and it will end up being a separate line item for storm water, which everyone may ultimately see on their tax bill. And uh I also think it makes the collection process easier so that uh it'll be in
everyone's tax bill. Enforcement for us is easier, collection is easier, budgets are easier instead of having to individually start adding it to everybody's bill or a se separate item. So, this for us is is really excellent. And there's a an additional savings as
the city manager and I discussed we did a quick calculation to estimate what that savings would be for the residents, which we guess was over aund thou th,000. Thank you. Other commission comment. Okay, then let's close it and vote.
Commissioner Cruz, yes. Commissioner Aayne, yes. Commissioner Blan, yes. Commissioner Bloom, yes. Commissioner Freedelland, yes. Vice Mayor Erlinsky, yes. And Mayor Weinberg, yes. Motion passes. Okay. Now, reports
we already did. Now is the time for public comment. Now, I look out at the full house and say, anyone that would like to comment, you have three minutes. Just line up. Don't fight. Just take your time. Okay. Seeing none, close it
for public comment. Any other business by any commissioner, city attorney, city manager, city clerk? Seeing none, going to ask for a motion to adjurnn. Commissioner A, seconded by Commissioner
Bloom. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? We are adjourned at 8:33.