Okay, good evening. Let's call the city commission regular meeting June 2nd 2026 to order and we'll have a roll call please. >> Mayor >> Mayor Weinberg
>> here. >> Vice Mayor A >> present. >> Commissioner Bloom >> here. >> Commissioner Bachmann >> here. >> Commissioner Freriedeland >> here. >> Commissioner Cruz >> here. >> Commissioner Oinsky >> here. Mr. Fis >> here. Mr. Meyers >> here. You have a quorum. >> Thank you. If we could rise for the
pledge of allegiance, please. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of American. I mean, there's a protocol. That's what's going to >> Okay, Mr. Manager, any uh deletions or additions to the agenda?
>> No, mayor. >> Okay. Any reports from any commissioners? >> Yes. >> Not really a report, just to save the date. Um October 23rd
we are uh having a golf tournament that is um in support of the Aventura Police Foundation. So if you guys would like to support the Aventura Police Foundation, please go to aventurapolfoundation.org
or follow on social media and the details for the golf tournament will be up shortly. Thank you. Thank you. Any other reports? Okay. Special presentations, Mr. Manager. The uh you have representatives here from the Charter
Revision Commission. >> I do. I think uh the only ones here is Sandra Crumb. She's here. >> Okay. So, we um every how many years? Five. Every six years we form a charter
revision commission. They look at our existing charter and they volunteer their time. These individuals um make recommendations and their recommendations by law. Basically, we don't have a choice here in the commission. They make their recommendations. Those go on the
ballot at our next regularly scheduled election. and the people of Aventura get to vote and decide whether or not the recommendations of that commission should become part of our uh should become part of our charter. So um we
thank the people who served Denise Landman, Michael Davis, Dr. Mark Dorne, Sandra Crumb, and Gary Payatt. And Mr. Manager, >> yeah, I would like to to thank the the uh committee or the commission. They did
a a tremendous job, gave a lot of thought, deep thought and discussion into the uh charter review amendments that they came up with and uh worked very very hard. It was an honor working with them. And I have a certificate for Sandra. If you'd like to come up to the front, we could take a photo. And uh
thank you for your service, Sandra. Continuing on, Mr. Manager, we have uh we want to recognize a couple of very special police officers, detectives. >> Yes. I would uh ask detectives Ken Seely and Sandra Marquez if they would like to
come to the front to be recognized. in here. Use that so they have it on the people at home. We have about two million people watching on average. >> I have three minutes. The detectives Ken Cely and Sandra
Marquez work in our detective bureau and they focus uh primarily on frauds. As you can imagine, frauds are some of the most incredibly complex. They plague our community. Not this not only from the elderly community. There's all kinds of
frauds whether it comes from from phone calls, different phone scams, credit card scams, takeovers. We've had Sanders worked some some incredible cases where people have taken over uh people's deeds of their of their homes, extensive cases.
Both of these detectives, and this is, and I want to give the the the our chief of police kudos for for doing this, they are um sworn in as federal officers as well. And what that allows them to do is a lot of these these crimes that occur here in Aventura, they may use your
credit card here, but they also use it up in New York City or they use it in different places. Our detectives are able to investigate all of those crimes and and any of those that cross jurisdictions, they're able to prosecute them federally. And I can tell you with Ken and Sandra and a lot of their cases,
they're putting people away for decades and decades. in one particular case and what they're being recognized for is one of the largest condo fraud cases here in South Florida was Turnberry on the Green. They worked this case, this goes back how many years is when when I was
chief here, so we're going back. >> Yeah. 2020. Um they've been working this case with F with their federal partners. Extensive case that went into art theft international. Um they were able to put this together recently. They went to
trial on this case. It was all over the media and they achieved a conviction on this case. Sentencing is coming up in August. Um and the individual is is looking up to up towards 20 years in prison, federal prison, uh for his crimes and what he did. So I want to
give kudos and I mean there's not enough praise to give both of these detectives. I can tell you that they work 24/7, 7 days a week on crimes, making sure that that our residents are protected and that these perpetrators are brought to justice. So, thank you so much for
what you do. I can't thank you enough. You guys are incredible. And any commissioner that wants to comment can certainly do so. But I just want to point out that um you know, everyone with a condo board at
some point thinks that their board is stealing from them or taking money under the table. I've never been in a condominium where somebody didn't make that allegation. Right. It's uh a very thankless job. Kind of like being a commissioner. But
um uh you'll hear people say, "Oh, the police can't do anything about it." So in our city, thank you both so much for your for your work. In our city, we tell you take your concerns to the police department. We
have a specialized detective bureau. It's not what you typically think of as um the work of a police officer. These two brilliant detectives follow the money and they work the cases. As you heard, that was a five to sixyear case
and they got the results. I know that in the last year, um, in at least two condominium associations in Aventura, there were people that were led away in handcuffs by our police department
because they followed the money. So when you have concerns, you actually live in a city where the police are able, competent, trained, and willing to do the investigation. And um it's really it's actually incredible. If you
Google that case, it's it's unbelievable, but it all happened. And they literally got the conviction just last month. So once again, we thank both of you detectives. Okay, unless someone wants to say something, I'm we're going to we're
going to um move on and um we want to I think uh is uh Steve Silverman here? We we want to come on up and tell us who you are, but I know um uh you're going to talk about Eli and the good work that all of you people are
doing. And Cindy, you're very involved and feel free to say anything you want. Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Good evening. Um my name is Steve Silverman. I'm here with my son Josh on
behalf of our foundation, Eli's Lasting Impact. Um I wanted to first personally thank city manager Brian McKe and Commissioner Cindy Orinsky for allowing us and paving the way for us to be here.
We have a very strong and determined mission which is to bring EKG screenings to youths um used predominantly in the high school level but of all ages quite honestly. Beginning of this year there was an act
passed in Florida that is now requiring youth athletes to have EKG screenings as part of their physical to play sports. It's all in the spirit and the idea of eliminating sudden cardiac death in
youths. So again, with the efforts of Commissioner Orlinsky and Brian uh city manager Brian McKe, we have planned on July 28th at Donsofur High School.
Potentially a couple of the other charter high schools will be joining us um to conduct 400 nocost EKG screenings. We're taking our mission to other schools, but tonight we're talking about just the city of
Aventura. So, we brought a very, very short video. Um, we encourage you to follow us on Eli's lasting impact.com to show the impact that we're doing to the community and to
ensure that our mission is accomplished and Eli's light shines forever. So, I don't know who would the video. >> I'm going to say just a couple words and then we're going to play the video if that's okay. Is that okay? So, um
Eli, which Steve didn't talk about, was Steve's son and um my son's best friend. So, Eli was one of those people who made everyone around him feel like they mattered. for our
family. He wasn't just a friend. He was part of us. He and my son Carson shared the kind of friendship that you just don't forget. Kind of shape you for life and the kind that stays with you long after someone is gone.
Losing Eli has been one of the hardest things that our family and friends and of course the Silvermans have had to face. As all of us know here tonight, we're not alone in that. The entire
community, it felt like felt the loss of Eli. But because of who Eli was and who the Silvermans are, they have done in Eli's honor, nothing short of something extraordinary. Through Eli's lasting
impact, they are providing free cardiac MRI screenings to children so families get a chance to catch what otherwise might go undetected and prevent the kind of loss that no family should have to
endure. And with that, we present Eli's story and your video. One morning I woke up. >> My mom was screaming. I found my brother in his bed. Nonresponsive. It was hardest day of my
life. There's 250,000 sudden cardiac deaths a year. >> Certainly. Um loss and emptiness. first
um and then purpose about 48 hours um before he passed um we played pickle ball. My son and him were largely uh inseparable. I see you have a Gator thing. He he convinced my son who had gotten a baseball scholarship to
play in Tampa to leave it to go join him in the fun they were having at UF. We had an amazing home life, family, friends, sports, travel sports, football, basketball. Super super um close to my
boys. That's the environment that I grew up in and I was fortunate enough to have the same kind of bond and relationship with him. >> He had a genetic issue that now is completely treatable 100%.
>> When Eli passed, my son Josh went and got tested. He was maybe six weeks post my son's passing where we were at the University of Miami um with a renowned electrophysiologist for a procedure and when they went in
for the procedure which was to be an ablation to repair an ablation they discovered it was a double ablation after my brother passed away I went in for medical testing and soon found from Dr. Sofur that I had WPW,
which is also known as Wolf Parkinson White syndrome. >> My son's cardiologist, Dr. Sofur, said essentially, and I'll never forget these words, is a ticking time bomb. And through the the loss of my son and
then discovering my older son through medical understanding was potentially compromised truly was like turning our world upside down. The
importance of understanding the resources that we have with the resources that we don't know is beyond. So many of our friends and family during
our grieving said there's just no way you could have known. You can't blame yourself. Um but that's actually not the truth. The day or so after this happened, I asked his uh brother who we also knew was a bit
older uh to come in and uh you know get evaluated. Obviously all the young kids at that age were worried because this was sudden. This is a person who did not have any prior conditions. He was an amazing athlete, multisport athlete. He had participated in athletics for you
know days beforehand. When Josh came in uh to see us and I first looked at his EKG, it all become became, you know, very clear to me that he had a genetic issue that now is completely treatable, 100%
treatable. We don't say that a lot in medicine, but it's a very clear thing. So, we're able to immediately get him uh treated uh cured. That was the one thing that got a lot of us through this difficult time. >> Because I went in for testing and
because of my brother passing away. That story and um that experience potentially saved my life. Shortly after the ambulance told us that he wasn't with us anymore. From that day, I knew that we wanted to create a difference and an
impact and with that you can save lives. And that's what we're going to do with the high school. >> Okay. Any other comments? Any remarks? >> Yeah, I have a question. Uh, thank you so much, Mr. Silverman. Uh, our hearts
go out to you and your family and I think what you're doing is so commendable. I have a quick question and maybe Cindy can answer, Commissioner Orlinsky, and that is, is this something that that you think all kids should take or kids with
with specific uh uh issues or that to have certain signs? >> So, this is something you think should be not only local, but should really go national. Correct? >> Ultimate goal. Yes. It's been made law.
Okay. >> Thank you. >> And that's the goal of the foundation, right? To get everyone tested, >> correct? To early detection so that all at all ages, doesn't matter how young. >> Yeah.
>> So, do you want to say again when the when the event it will be happening here? >> So, at Sofur High, it'll be July 28th held at the school. Um, and they'll also have ACES is going to be participating. I don't know if they'll be attending at
the high school, but they'll also have it um either on campus. And Dr. Beck is here. She's been working closely with um her team to work with the Silvermans to make that happen on campus for them as well.
>> Okay. So on a personal note, I just want to let you know that um whatever we can do here and if there's ever uh an additional need to get the message out here in this chambers, um you don't have
to ask, you just tell us. You're always welcome to come here. Um, I want to tell you that I attended the funeral and it's so clear to me how special your son was to so
many people and to see so many young people speak and each one of them started speaking by saying Eli was my best friend. I never saw someone I never heard of someone with so many best friends. I was
personally very very struck by it. it's very clear and so let's help you to make sure that he has a lasting impact um and that your foundation is very successful. So we're always here for you and I thank you for coming tonight.
Okay, with that I'm going to need a motion. We're going to um we're going to recess the commission meeting so that we can uh start the uh LPA local planning agency meeting. So, who? Uh, Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Vice
Mayor A. Um, let's vote. >> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Rolinsky, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes.
>> Okay. So, we are recessed at 6:25 p.m. Okay, moving on. Now, we're going to act in our capacity as a local planning agency at 6:25 p.m. And uh let's call that meeting, the LPA, to order with a roll
call. >> Mayor Weinberg >> here. >> Vice Mayor A >> here. >> Commissioner Blatchman >> here. >> Commissioner Bloom >> here. >> Commissioner Freeland >> here. Commissioner Cruz >> here. >> Commissioner Oinski >> here. >> Mr. Fese here. >> Mr. Myers >> here. >> You have a quum.
>> Okay. I need a motion to approve the uh minutes of May 5th, 2026. Uh Commissioner Olinsky. Seconded by Commissioner Commissioner Blanchman. Um roll call, please. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. Commissioner Freeland, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Linsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Botchman, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. Yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Uh item four, motion recommending adoption of the following. Um but first,
we're going to uh this is going to be a quasi judicial procedure. So, I'm going to ask uh the city attorney to uh provide those procedures for everyone here. Okay. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh please be advised that item 4B of the LPA uh is a
zoning hearing and quasi judicial nature. As such, the quasi judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for this item. If you wish to object or comment upon this item, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. An opportunity for persons to speak on this item will be made
available after the applicant staff have made their presentations on the item. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation for this item. Additionally, each person who gives testimony be subject to cross-examination. If you refere refuse
either to 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 a commission ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons requesting representing organizations must present
evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quasi additional procedures may be obtained from the clerk. Uh and the other thing I'd like to mention if any members of the commission had any exarty communications with any individual uh
prior to this hearing you can disclose it now. You can disclose it at the commission meeting. >> Okay. And if anyone wants to disclose, let's do that now. anyone.
Okay, go ahead, Commissioner Freeland. >> Yes, I would like to say that I've spoken to the applicant. >> I would also like to disclose that I've spoken to the applicant. >> Anyone else? Go. >> I also had a meeting with the applicant.
>> I also did a while ago before it came to us. Yes. >> Yes. Several I guess several weeks ago, I looked at uh renderings, potential potential renderings uh that were shown to me by the applicant.
>> I had some brief discussions from the applicant >> like Mayor Weinberg. I think about a month ago, I saw some renderings. Okay, madame clerk, would you like to
swear in those offering testimony? >> If you will be offering testimony, providing comments on item 4B, I need you to stand up, raise your right hand, and be sworn in at this time. Do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to help you God. Thank you. Okay, madame clerk, if you could continue by reading uh 4A, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 31, land
development regulations of the city code of ordinances by amending section 31-144 C community business B2 district subsection 2 conditional use to establish hospitals as a conditional use within the district, providing for
survability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date. >> Okay. Can I have a motion recommending adoption? Commissioner Freeland, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. Okay.
>> Okay. I need a motion to recommend adoption. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Okay. Uh, Mr. City Development Director, you want to review this for us? >> Certainly. Good evening, Mayor, members of the commission. Kevin Klopp,
community development director. This first item uh item A uh is a broad uh change to the B2 code. It is not property specific. So, this item
specifically is not quasi judicial. It is a application by Mount Si as you know but it will apply to all of B2. If I could have the screen with the presentation please. Okay. This application as I mentioned is from Mount
Si. It requests hospital to be added into the B2 zoning as a conditional use. Meaning somebody could apply for a hospital in the P2 zoning district, but it would have to come to the city commission for consideration approval.
That's what conditional use is. Uh we have reviewed the application uh against the five criteria in the land development regulations. We find it meets those criteria and staff is supportive of the request. I do not have a detailed uh presentation, but the
applicant is here and has a detailed presentation of what Mount Si is considering. But again, this application is not about their project, but is about a broad change proposed to the B2 zoning district. Happy to take any questions.
>> Any questions for the development director? >> Seeing none, let me open for public comment. Anyone wishing to speak on this item? Oh, I'm okay. Well,
>> the attorney can speak if you'd like. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners. It's Mickey Morero from Burka, Rodolf, Fernandez, Larkin, and Tapenus here on behalf of Mount Si. We went through a pretty detailed presentation at the March workshop. Um, and I will tell you if this goes forward today, we will
hopefully be before you next month with second reading and the conditional use that would allow this project to be entitled. So, probably makes more sense to do the full presentation then. But, if you all want to see it now, it's available and I'm happy to do it. But just to be brief, and again, we went a lot over a lot of this at that workshop
that I barely made it to because of traffic down south, but we made it just in time. Uh the m the existing Mount Sinai facility right off of Biscane was a legally non-conforming use that was approved when this was Miami date county. The zoning there today B2 doesn't even allow the use that's there.
So, not only does Mount Sinai have a non-conforming illegally non-conforming use, they could never expand or improve on that project because of the zoning restrictions. So what this does is it makes it it'll allow it to become a conforming use and it will allow us with the protections provided for in the ordinance and Kevin's review to not only
keep that use but expand to be really a a a hospital that can serve this community. I think you all saw those drawings. It's it's a phenomenal project that we believe is going to be huge asset to this neighborhood. Angel Pen, the vice president of development operations for Mount Si and Rob Brown,
our architect from Ber Architects are also here. So again, this is first reading. We'll be back next month with second reading and the project specific cup request. But if you have any questions, you know, we're here to answer those questions and I can do that presentation now if you like. But again,
it probably makes more sense next time when that is actually before you. >> I think so. Um, okay. It I'll I'll let any commissioner ask any questions. I do want to first say it because it's open
now. Any member of the public wish to speak on this issue? Okay, seeing none, I'm closing it for public comment. Any commission questions of the director or the applicant's attorney? Okay. Any comments at all by the commission? Okay. So then, um, let's
vote. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Um 4B please madam clerk
>> a resolution of the city commission of the city of Aventura Florida granting conditional use approval pursuant to section 31-145E4 of the city code of ordinances. One to permit a density of 69 dwelling units per acre for a project providing hero
housing units where the city code permits 25. Two to permit heights up to 32 stories 367 ft where the city code permits 10 stories 100 ft. and three to permit 1556 parking spaces where 255
spaces are required by the city code for the property located at 20801-20807 Biscane Boulevard providing for conditions of approval and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you. Could I have a motion to recommend adoption of the resolution?
Commissioner Orinsky, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Uh Kevin, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor. Kevin Klopp, community development director. This is a revised uh proposal. A conditional use approval was previously approved for
this site. Uh so it'll be a new approval, but I wanted to mention uh just briefly what the changes are. And first we'll start by uh identifying the site. On the bottom part of the photo you see on the screen is Biscane Boulevard and the project sits between
207th Street 209th Street facing Biscane Boulevard which you see in this picture here. The applicant has much more uh renderings and presentation to provide in a few minutes. The revisions are that the project is actually adding open space to what is
already a nice plan with a park uh that will be open to the public. So, they're increasing that open space. Uh they'll be increasing the public contributions to uh infrastructure and other city needs. Um there's a completely new design which you've seen at workshop
which you'll see tonight. uh changes the massing and the facade uh the look of the building completely. It does add 56 feet of height to what was previously approved and 45 units to what was previously approved. And uh they're increasing the shared parking uh
percentage uh meaning that they will have less parking than was approved with the previous uh proposal. Uh the staff recommendation is that we believe this provides mixed uses that are essential for town center
designation which is appropriate to support transit near Biscane Boulevard such as the Bright Line station. It does provide density within walking distance to existing retail uses and transit and it provides hero housing.
Uh I do have a few uh supplemental wording changes to read into the record for you uh from the conditions that are included in your packet in in the agenda. Item 3B,
just a clarification that the first contribution of 2.5 million would be due at issuance of the first vertical construction permit for the first residential building. The wording right now just says the first permit. We wanted to be clear that it's the first
permit permit for vertical construction. Item five, we want to add in a little clarity. Uh we've worked further on the hero housing and it will be with a mix of 15 two-bedroom and five one-bedroom units. No more than two of those units
per floor, nonadjacent units, and they'll be in the rental building. uh and all of this is unless otherwise determined during the site plan approval process with specific units to be identified at that time. Additionally, the location and or mix of units may be
changed from time to time based upon the need or demand by a mutual agreement between the applicant and the city manager or his designate. and the applicant um I believe will uh come up and acknowledge they agree with the changes to the conditions and then uh
we'll be adding a condition 10 if ever necessary to resolve a chronic backup of cars on Biscane Boulevard due to the cars stopping at the entrance to the south residential building. The project will post a security guard at the location for the specific purpose of ensuring that cars do not stop or queue
at this point, but instead proceed around the corner, either to the right to park or to the left to use valet or drop off pickup passengers. In the event that the project does not provide the security guard determined necessary by the city or otherwise implement a resolution, the s city will provide one
and recoup the cost for the project. This was a condition that we had worked out when we were still concerned about some of the valley and the traffic. They've made amendments that satisfied us that we're not concerned about the valley and the traffic anymore, but they
agreed that this condition can still be placed in the approval because they're confident there will be no problem and also if there is a problem they would want to solve it just as well. So with those uh three changes to the condition,
I do want to say we reviewed the application, the proposal against the seven criteria in the land development regulations and staff is supportive of the project. And with that, I will bring up the applicant's presentation and turn it over back to you, Mr. Mayor.
should be >> long time no see. Good evening again. Mickey Morero 200 South Biscane Boulevard Fernandez Lurin and Tapinus here on behalf of the Aventur Corporate Center team and FL with me today is Jeffrey Davis as well as many folks on our project team which I won't introduce
individually because I know you're on a short time here but uh this one you guys saw at the workshop I think three and a half weeks ago so it should be fresh. Um, as Kevin pointed out, and I will tell you what what you don't get to see is the lab labor that Kevin has put into this, working with him, with our traffic
consultants, with the city's traffic consultants, and our applicant to get here. Because when when Jeffrey's partners at FLO came into the project, their biggest push was to try and make this more open, more bring more open space, more lush, really make it a center for the community. And that
shifted a lot of the structures. It created a lot more open space which which you can see in these renderings. If I kind of go through them, you can see here the everything that's green, everything that's lush has been expanded. That did create some concerns with Kevin on how traffic would be impacted. So, we spent months working
with them to get that right and we we're very confident now and the city's team is confident that we got it right and we're very excited with this version of the project. One thing that we wanted to make sure was addressed before we came to you was traffic and the conditions that Kevin has put in which we have of
course agreed with are protections in case there was ever a problem. We all agree us city all the engineers there won't be a problem but the conditions there as a fallback protection essentially while there are 45 more units the way it's distributed and the way this was re redesigned there really
is not going to be a the impact on traffic is negligible at most and probably zero. Um while there are 44 45 more units, our traffic engineers and again this has been reviewed by the city's traffic engineers as well. There's no net no increase zero in the
AM peak hour trips and only an increase of 10 trips in the evening peak. That is what traffic engineers consider dimminimous and something you wouldn't even notice. The the increase in traffic with this additional density is less than 1%. Which is again in traffic terms
nothing. Um in addition, we're making it more open. We're we're we're we're making it work better. But most importantly, I think something to you all because of the changes, we are also increasing the amount and the expediency of the profits that we're making to the city which will go help uh the
construction of the school and and other things. So, we think the overall package for the city is is a net plus. So, we're here to answer questions if you have anything. You know, our team is here. Um, I hope you I think we we got comments from you that generally everybody loved this new design and we're thrilled with it and I think we've
been before you all probably more times than I've been on any other project and hopefully at this point we'll get this thing started and deliver this amazing project for you in the next couple years. So again, we're here answer any questions you need and uh we hope you get your support. Thank you.
>> Okay, thanks. Any um questions or comments from the commission? Okay, I have a couple of uh I have a few comments. Um, I want to just address the um this this
this is often the case because um as I've said from this seat many times, the people that own property in Aventura have development rights that predate the
incorporation of our city. The rights come from the county more than 30 years ago. We're only in our 31st year. So when a project comes before us, I often hear um just say no or enough is enough
or we don't need it. So I would venture to say that if that was the uh a real possibility, um probably everyone up here would say we'd rather not see that site redeveloped. We're not in favor of it.
The problem is it's not a responsible position to take to just say no because we can't just say no. If a developer builds what they're allowed to build as of right as a matter of fact it doesn't
even come before this commission. That's the way it works in Aventura. It's all done administratively. Many projects we never even see. We never vote on. So if the developer wants to make some changes, it comes before us. That's when we have an opportunity
to work with the developer, hopefully a responsible developer to make the project better for the city. But one option we don't have is to say no, we don't want you to build anything. It doesn't work that way. That would actually end up costing us um tens of
millions of dollars of your tax dollars because it would be considered as taking uh by a court of law. So, they have rights. And when someone buys over 10 acres of land, they're not buying it because they want us to tell them there's nothing you can do with it.
They're buying it because they know what they can do. Now, unfortunately for us and for all of you, um Tallahassee is in a mood lately, the last several years, to eat away at what we call home rule, to take away our
rights as a local municipality to make decisions about zoning. So, there's what we consider to be a terrible law called live local and um we don't want to be victimized by it,
but you should be aware that it's a very pro-developer law. Obviously, they had lobbyists in Tallahassee. They had people carrying their water and with Live Local, if you Google um Bal Harbor and you see the situation they're
in right now, spending millions of dollars on litigation because Bal Harbor Shops wants to build a high-rise right in the middle of the shops and a hotel and have hundreds of um
affordable housing units in the middle of the mall. Now, they don't really want to do that, but the law allows them to, and the cities are not allowed to say no. So, that's when they work with them and try to get a better project. So, in this case,
just I want everyone to be aware of what this developer could do under live local. They could build 62 units an acre. They could build 300 ft. They could have almost 1 million
square feet of commercial space. We can't say no to any of this. They would have 40% of their units as affordable housing, workforce housing, which in Aventura with our 3.5 square miles, nobody wants. That doesn't help your property values.
So, they could do that and give us nothing and we're not even allowed to say no. Instead, the responsible developer worked with us. We have a much better project. Instead of affordable housing, they're
going to give us 20 units of hero housing, which is only for our teachers and our police, not anyone from outside our city. And it's not workforce, it's luxury. It's the you just heard, it's the same
units, the same granite countertops, the same sub-zero appliances, or whatever they're going to put in. So, we've got a much better product, a much better project by working with them. But again,
one thing we can't do is say no. We also got them to agree, correct me, I need to be corrected if I'm wrong, to give us $5 million towards the new high school we're building. Because we're not raising taxes to build the high school, and we're not charging tuition for our high school, but we have to get it
built. If they do live local, they don't have to give us a dime. If I'm not mistaken, they're also going to have a fleet of automobiles available for people who live there because we don't want them to bring cars to our city. We want live, work, and play. They don't
have to do that. But there'll be cars there, electric vehicles for people who need a car once in a while instead of bringing cars to our city. They'll also have ride share drop offs, freebie drop off points, and pickup points. Uber and Lift pickup points. They're also going
to have a shuttle to the Bright Line running all the time. They don't have to do any of that if they just say those magic words that we hate. Live local. Bless you. That's the reality. And I
want our community services director to tell me if I've said anything that's inaccurate and our city attorney to tell me if I've said anything that's inaccurate. We can't say we don't want you to build a project. We can only try to get the
best project for the people of Aventura. And we never want to live local project in our city. Never. As far as I'm concerned, it would be the worst thing that could happen to us. This is what Tallahassee does to us, folks. Do you know that for years we couldn't say no
smoking in our parks? Our kids are playing soccer and we can't tell people they can't smoke cigarettes because of the erosion of home rule. The state told us you can't do that. They finally changed the law. But guess what?
They exempted cigars. It's called a cigar lobby. Believe me, there is one. I can't stop someone from smoking a cigar while our kids are playing soccer. Okay, this is what happens. I can't tell this developer, we don't want you to build in our city. So,
having said that, I just want you to know the reality of the situation. And again, I don't want you to just take my word for it. This is what Kevin does professionally. I want you to take the microphone and tell me where I'm wrong. If I'm wrong, you're nodding your head that there's nothing I said that's
inaccurate, okay? Because I want this to be on the record. Mr. City Attorney, same thing. If I said anything that's wrong, I want you to tell me. By the way, Bal Harbor, in my opinion, as an attorney, has a shot. They have a shot
to win because, as I understand it, in their case, in their lawsuit against the owners of uh Bal Harbor Shops, there was a preexisting development agreement with the owner of the shops with the Whitman family because, as you
know, the Bal Harbor Shops expanded recently. So they might be able to hang their hat on the fact that they have an existing development agreement. So maybe the live local rights were waved by the developer. I don't know. But they may have a shot. But this is bad and we go
every year to Tallahassee to try to get them to reverse this. This is not a good thing for us. However, having said that, this is a good project. And to Kevin's credit, he made sure that all the traffic will be on site and we don't have street parking. We don't have
meters in Aventura. The idea is for people who are going to buy there or rent there that they don't have cars. We don't need more cars in our city. We all know that. Anyway, I think you get the point. Yes. Uh I would like to add to your comments, Mr. Mayor, that
the fact that we can interject um made this project what it is today. I have seen renderings in the past that gave me some acid reflux. and to the I want to commend Kevin for making this
project the way it looks and to the developer for listening and to allow us to bring this comments because now you have a project that is magnificent to the to to my in my opinion. So also it's with green areas and and a lot of uh
nature and it's a combination of everything that I think it makes this city what it is the city of excellence. Thank you. >> Thank you. And again, it's easy. I I could say no and then I can go tell everyone that I voted no because th it
it's not the right thing to do for the people of Aventura. That's just grandstanding because if be careful what you ask. I say no and he says live local. We lose. Um anyone else comments and then I'll open it to um Okay. Sure.
>> Just a quick silly comment. We're talking a lot about the open green spaces. I just want to throw it out there to the architects, developers, everybody, please, no park benches. Thank you. Okay, members of the public, anyone that wants to speak on this particular issue,
um, step up. No. Okay. I will close it then for public. Uh, no other commission comment. In which case, um, we'll vote. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Linsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. I need a motion to adjourn the uh LPA. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by
Commissioner Freedelland. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? We're adjourned. Okay, we're going to return to the commission meeting and um
it is 6:54. Uh let's call the role. Make sure we're all still here. >> Mayor Weinberg >> still here. >> Vice Mayor A >> present. >> Commissioner Blotchman >> here. >> Commissioner Bloom >> here. Commissioner Freeland >> here. >> Commissioner Cruz >> here. >> Commissioner Linsky >> here.
>> Mr. Fis here. >> Mr. Meyers >> here. >> You have a quorum. >> Okay. Um, anything any item need to be removed for discussion of from the consent agenda? >> Seeing none, I'll have I'm asking for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Vice Mayor A. How does that sound, Vice Mayor? You like that? Um, uh, let's vote on the, uh, consent agenda. >> Commissioner Linsky, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Um,
item seven. Uh, this is quasi judicial. Uh, Mr. City Attorney, will you repeat yourself? >> I wish I didn't have to, but but the law requires me to repeat myself. Um, please be advised that item 7B on the commission agenda is a zoning hearing
and it quasi judicial nature. As such, the gu quas judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for this item. If you wish to object or comment upon this item, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. An opportunity for persons to speak on this item will be made available after the
applicant staff have made their presentation on the item. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will meet under oath or affirmation for this quasic item. Additionally, each person who gives testimony be subject cross-examination. If you refuse either to be cross-examined or be sworn, your
testimony will be given its due weight. 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 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. And I should also mention that if you had ex-party communications which weren't disclosed at uh during the LPA meeting, you can disclose them now if there are any additional exarty communications that you uh didn't mention at the at the
prior meeting. Okay. Thank you. Now I'll ask the clerk to swear clerk to swear in anyone that may be giving testimony. If you'll be speaking on item 7B, I need you to stand up, raise your right hand,
and be sworn in at this time. This is for item 7B. Do you slemly swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, help you God. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh 7A, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura,
Florida, amending chapter 31, land development regulations of the city code of ordinances by amending section 31-144 C community business B2 district subsection 2 conditional use to establish hospitals as a conditional use
within the district providing for servability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you. Could I have a motion do uh recommending adoption? Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Vice Mayor A. Uh
Kevin. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would like to ask if the presentation from the LPA meeting uh could be brought into this. The LPA did recommend favorably for this change to the code and I'm available for any questions as is the applicant.
>> Thank you. Everything from the LPA is on the record here now. >> Um, same thing with the uh applicant. Okay. Anyone from the public wishing to speak on this item 7A? Seeing none, I'll
close it for public comment and ask if the commission has any questions or comments. Seeing none, we'll vote. >> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. Commissioner Cruz, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> 7B, >> a resolution of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, granting conditional use approval pursuant to
section 31-145E4 of the city code of ordinances. One, to permit a density of 69 dwelling units per acre for a project providing hero housing units where the city code permits 25. Two, to permit heights up to 32 stories, 367 ft, where the city code
permits 10 stories, 100 ft. and three to permit 1556 parking spaces where 255 spaces are required by the city code for the property located at 20801-20807 Biscane Boulevard providing for
conditions of approval and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you. Motion to approve adoption of the ordinance, Commissioner Linsky, seconded by Commissioner Blanchman. Um Kevin, >> thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh again would like
to bring forward my presentation all the information from the LPA hearing earlier. I would ask if the commission uh would recognize that the approval or recommendation from the LPA was with the changes to the conditions as you see on
the screen. If that could be acknowledged, uh I'd be happy to answer any other questions. Thank you. Yes, those changes are noted and part of the record and part of any approval. Um, any questions? Any member of the public want
to speak on this item 7A uh 7B? I'll close it for public comment. Yes. Did you want the applicant have a comment? >> Good evening again Mickey Morero Burwood Fernandez Larkin. not to take victory from the jaws of defeat here, but um defeat from the jaws of victory, but
just wanted to clarify one thing to to to echo your point. Uh it's not that there's no parking. There's going to be plenty of parking, slight reduction. And the reason for it, as Mr. Mayor pointed out, is a lot of these mobility things when the when the city became a city, it adopted the county code. And back at
that time, everybody drove, everybody had two, three cars. Garages were popping up everywhere. That world is changing. We all have cars, but we're all using Bright Line. We're all using Uber. We're all using freebies. So, that's changing. So, there will be less parking that's required in your code. And one thing that Kevin and I have
spoken about in the, you know, recent few months, you may be seeing in the future some reductions in your parking when applicants do take on those measures because we see in our world, the more and more mobility becomes uh the way of the future, the less garages
we need taking up space. So, that this project is kind of a leader in that. And I just want to clarify that for the record with that. We again appreciate your support and again any questions you have, we're here. Thank you. >> Understood. I'd like to see people move to our city without cars. That would be
wonderful. Um okay. Uh again, any member of the public wish to speak on this item? Yes, I I have one. Come on up. name and address.
>> My name is Mar Marjorie Rosenblad. I live at 1933 West Country Club Drive, Aventura. I have a question about this. No cars. >> Can you answer that? >> You you com Sorry. Sorry.
>> Comment to us. I'm not asking questions of the >> I was sitting back there trying to figure out with all the housing, how do you tell people they can't have a car? >> Okay. You want >> I'll answer it. >> Thank you. Are you done? >> I am. >> Okay. Thank you. And I'll ask if he
wants to answer it for you. >> Yeah. Just I think it's it's not that there's no And again, Mickey for the record. It's not that there's no cars. There will be cars. There's like over 1500 parking spaces. It's just that because we're providing all these other mobility measures, we're asking for a reduction in what would have been the
required parking, but our parking study and our traffic study confirms that with the mobility measures that the mayor spoke about that we've all agreed to, not as many cars will be needed. There'll still be more than 1500 spaces. There will be cars, just less than would have been required had this project come
in like 10 or 15 years ago before Uber, before the Bright Line in those days. And to your question, Marge, if somebody is interested in purchasing a condominium there, and they're they say, "Where is my parking space?" and they say, "You don't have a parking space,"
then that person is probably not the right fit to purchase a condominium there. And that's the idea. Someone who doesn't own a car, doesn't feel they need a car. For example, my children don't have cars. They live in an urban area. They don't they don't own an automobile. It's a tremendous relief to
them that they don't need a car. They use ride share or public transportation. So someone who says where do I park my car? Where is my space? And they say you that unit doesn't come with a car doesn't come with a parking
space. That's not a good purchaser, right? They're not going to buy there. That's the idea. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other member of the public? Okay, then I'll close it for public comment. Any commission comment on 7B?
>> Yes, Commissioner. >> Um, in this day and age and after COVID, a lot of young professionals that move to new condominiums like this one with a lot of amenities leave and work from the site. So, the
requirement of transportation happens but less frequent. And to the best of my knowledge, they're providing transportation to the Bright Line. So if you have they have to go to a meeting in Briel, they take the train and go back and forth. They also are to the best of
my knowledge providing some ride sharing options uh for those who choose not to have a car and and still need to go and we still have the freebie in the city of Aventur and we also have the option of Ubers. So that is why this seems to be a
next century type of project where you have all the amenities that the city provides and all the technologies that are coming these days that are available to all of us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So while I'm trying to keep silent um I
do have to agree with the resident that spoke up. I think that it is 949 spaces less than what is required under our code and I do have a lot of issues with the project. However,
I did listen very carefully and I'm very unfortunately familiar with live local and that makes a lot of my decision. But I'm not going to tell you that this is necessarily the perfect project for our city. It just may better be better than some other options. So I do hear our
residents and their concerns. And I just want to put that on the record, too. >> Any other comments by the commission? >> Okay. If not, let's vote. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Eight. Madam clerk, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura,
Florida, amending section 14-62, registration of chapter 14 of the city's code of ordinances to eliminate the requirement that contractor registration be done in person, providing for several ability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.
>> Motion to approve Commissioner Freedelland as seconded by Commissioner Blanchman. Uh Mr. Manager, >> thank you, Mayor. Again, this is second reading of an ordinance to amend chapter 14 of our code. And this is to eliminate the requirement for contractors to come
in physically in person to our building department to register. This allows them to register online and it's in line with our efforts to modernize our building department. And I can tell you that this has um this item has been very well received and uh the public and the
contractors are are very much looking forward to this. Okay. Um, any member of the public wish to comment on item eight? Seeing none, I'll close with public public comment. Any member of the commission have a question or comment on
this? Yes, Vice Mayor. I'd like to point out that when you can do online registrations, that will require less people driving to city hall in order to spend their time registering, which is another example of traffic being decreased. And uh I can
also say that the county and the city are looking at trying to modernize the lights using different vehicles of AI, etc. And I think that as we go forward with this project and other stuff, there's a concerted effort to be doing that. Also,
I just wanted to bring up that on the other side of Biscane Boulevard with all the development and understand that because of Bright Line, certain things can happen to developers that allow them to put up more units. And so, as everybody has echoed, we do our best to
try to mitigate and do the best that we can what we think's in the best interest of the city long term and short term. >> Thank you. Any other comment? Okay, let's vote. Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, yes.
>> Commissioner Rolinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Item nine, madam clerk, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending section 14-91
fees for permits, inspections, certificates, and related services to authorize such fees to be adjusted annually by administrative policy, providing for subability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.
>> Motion to approve. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Freedelland, Mr. manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. During the 2026 legislative session, the state of Florida adopted House Bill 803, which will become effective into law on July
1st, 2026. This new law places additional requirements and restrictions on how municipalities may calculate collecting permit related fees. In particular, inspection fees must now be based on actual costs and may no longer be based on a project's total value. The
law also requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, including reductions of at least 25% when inspections are used and at least 50% when both private plan and inspections are used. This proposed ordinance amends our city code to allow building permit fees to be established
by the city manager's administrative policy in accordance with Florida law and adjusted no more than once per fiscal year. If an additional adjustment is is needed within the same fiscal year, city commission approval by resolution would be required. This approach provides a city with
flexibility necessary to remain compliant with the new state law while continue to maintain high quality building safety plan review and inspection services. >> Thank you. Any member of the public wish to speak on item nine? Seeing none, I'll close for public
comment. Any commission comments? Seeing none, I'll ask for a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Linsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A, >> yes. >> Mayor Weinberg,
>> yes. >> Motion passes. Item 10, Madame Clerk, >> a resolution of the city commission of the city of Amaturura, Florida, providing for the submission to the electors of proposed amendments to the city charter as provided by the charter revision commission in accordance with
section 7.06 of the city charter consisting of proposed charter amendments concerning section 2.06 06 compensation reimbursement for expenses and section 4.11 independent audit of the city charter providing requisite ballot language for submission to the
electorate calling a special election on the proposed amendments to the city charter to be held on Tuesday the 3rd day of November 2026 in conjunction with the city scheduled general election providing for notice of special election providing for inclusion in the charter and providing for seability and
providing for an effective Eight. >> Thank you. Could I have a motion to approve? Commissioner Orinsky, seconded by Vice Mayor A. >> Um, Mr. City Attorney, are you going to review this? >> I think the clerk had some things to say
first. Uh, >> Madam Clerk, >> thank you, mayor. In accordance with the city charter, five members, as you know, were appointed to serve on the charter revision commission at the March City Commission meeting. me members of the charter revision commission met four times to review the city's charter and provided opportunity for members of the
public to also provide comments. The charter revision commission identified two proposed amendments to the city's charter as indicated in their final report which was provided to you. The Miami Day County Supervisor of Elections had tenatively approved the date of the special election to be held in
conjunction with our general election schedule for November 3rd. Uh, I just wanted to make it clear that the city charter dictates that after receipt of the submission of the proposed amendments from this provision commission, the commission shall submit them to the electors of the city at the
next general election. Um, the two ballot questions um are the first one is an amendment of city elected officials annual salary. Um, the city charter provides that the mayor receives an annual salary of $10,000 and
commissioners receive an annual salary of $7500. The current salaries have been in effect since 2001. The charter revision commission has proposed that the charter be amended to increase the mayor's annual salary to 20,000 and each commissioner's annual salary to 15,000.
The second question is an amend amendment to independent auditor rotation requirement. The city charter requires that an independent audit of all city counts be conducted by a certified public accountant or firm and that the accountant or firm shall be
rotated at least every 5 years. The charter revision commission proposed that the charter be amended to require that the accountant or firm shall be rotated at least every seven years. And I I believe the city attorney may have some additional comments.
>> Thank you, madame clerk. So, a few things and the mayor alluded to this earlier. Uh the uh the the city commission has no discretion in this matter. Uh you're performing a ministerial function unless there was something legally defective about the title. Uh uh you uh you have no choice
but to approve it. And since I was part of the charter uh revision commission, I I sat there as their attorney. I I can tell you that the question is the questions are not legally defective. Uh so the only way you can get this on the ballot is for the city commission to pass a resolution. So you're acting like
I say in a ministerial capacity. Uh the other thing that we made clear in the question by the way the question can only be 75 words. So we're limited by that. Uh and uh it's clear in the question uh that this uh this proposal is coming from the charter revision
commission not from the city commission. Um the the other thing I would add uh it's really I don't know if this is something up uh for the city manager to to dis uh to consider but you you have the right uh to uh
you know I guess educate the public about the ballot questions uh as long as those the education is purely factual uh you can offer an opinion you can't advocate for against but factual information can be included in any sort of materials that you released to the
public. Uh similarly, the question that the questions that are in front of the voters, everything in there is purely factual. The question cannot contain anything that advocates, you know, for the adoption of the of the ballot questions. So, if you read it carefully,
as the clerk did, you'll see everything that that that charter revision commission came up with uh that's drafted is factual. Uh any any questions about the process? um just something doesn't seem to make
sense to me. Um I guess as an attorney, so the this commission here, the elected body has no discretion if the because the charter revision committee uh chose two two items to put on the
charter uh to revise the charter to put on the ballot. >> But so we can't say no, we don't want those on there. Correct. That's correct. >> But at the same time, we have to vote to adopt a resolution to put those on the ballot. >> That's the only way the supervisor of
elections will put it on the ballot. >> Okay. So, we can't vote no. >> You You can't vote You cannot vote no. I would advise you against voting no. >> Okay. >> But let me let me >> I wanted to make sure I'm not crazy. We have to vote yes. >> You have to vote yes. But let me let me
let me add something, Mr. Mayor. uh Aventura and many other cities uh give the city commission no authority with respect to the charter revision process when a charter uh review committee is created you know every six years every 5
years some cities just give the charter review commission uh they they can recommend but they don't approve but in Aventur's charter uh it's required that you approve what the charter revision commission uh presents if you could you could change the charter that to stop
that. Uh but in fact, there's a battle in one of the cities in Miami Day County over that. What does that language say? Well, in Aventura, it's very clear that the commission just can perform a ministerial act. Must approve it. And if you were to vote no, I would say that your vote is invalid. You cannot vote
no. >> Okay. So, just so the record is clear, no one here is asking for a raise, but it's going to be on the ballot and we can't say no. Don't put it on the ballot. >> That's correct. Fascinating. Although I do want to point out there's been no raise for 25 years, which it's pretty
reasonable >> and the question uh says that and that is factual. So we could put that as part of the question. >> Got it. Okay. Just so everyone understands, we're not asking for anything, but we can't say no. Yes, Vice Mayor. >> I I have a question for you. As you know, um we're up for order selection
this year. Right now, we're in the middle of it. And um I think the language is going to say that those auditors that do get selected would be part of the extension of the pro process to seven. >> That that's correct. Yes.
>> Okay. Um at this time I guess well I um I'll ask the uh I will ask the public if they have any comments on this. Seeing none, I'll close it. I see a member of the commission there. Um, the charter
revision commission I'm referring to. Um, okay. So, the commission has no comments, no questions. Let's vote on that. >> Commissioner Linsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bloom, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland
>> gave me no choice. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor A. >> Yes. and mayor Wineberg. >> Upon advice of council, I'm voting yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. >> Um, any staff reports, manager, clerk,
attorney? >> Seeing none, I will ask at this time if any member of the public would like to speak on an on item that's not on the agenda tonight for three minutes. Once again, I will ask that you can come forward. You could tell us we're great.
You could tell us we suck. Um, if you want to come forward, don't all come up at once. Anyone? Okay. So, now come on up. But now I'm going to have the city attorney read the rules while you're coming up. >> Mayor, you sort of explained it, but uh
at this point in time, you have the uh speaker can come up and speak for three minutes on matters that were not otherwise handled uh earlier on the agenda. It's not a back and forth uh between the speaker and the commission. It's just the time to make comments about whatever item you think is within
the jurisdiction of the city that hasn't been addressed so far. >> Thank Thank you so much. I'll do my best to do it in three minutes. Um I'm going to read >> your your name and address please first. >> My name is Iris Adivi. We we live in
Aventur Alex. Would you like the address? The correct one? >> It's okay. >> Okay. So, um, thank you. Um, trying to read. Okay. So, good evening, commissioners. Um, my name is
Iris. Um, I'm a parent and a caring resident of Aventura. Basically, I'm here for something very important, the safety of Aventura residents, especially for kids and
parents. Um, we have a problem here. Um, there's a growing safety concern in Aventura with the high-powered electric motorcycle like Suron and Razer MX 350 being operated by miners on our streets,
sidewalks, uh, bike paths and within gated communities. on the way here on uh 207 and 34 on the making right coming to this there was I think I would say an 11 year old or a 12year-old on something
that looks like a motorcycle riding on a sidewalk about to cross very scary like going on the right side and all of a sudden you see like a a 12year-old on a motorcycle right there
in front of you Um these vehicles have no pedals. They weigh over could be like 100 pound and they reach speed of some of them like between like 47 to 80 miles per hour. Yet they can be
purchased online and delivered to minors without driver license training or instructions. We have a tala here, which you're probably all familiar with, reports an increased in injury calls involving young riders on those
vehicles. Other cities are already responding. Orange County change laws after a 13-year-old fatility. Western began stricter enforcement only after a tragic pedestrian incident. I
think it was a 14year-old boy uh that crashed into a 81y old man pedestrian and killed him basically. Um I'm request I'm I'm respectfully
asking a vetera to act uh uh with this uh there is in my understanding there is audience gap. I reviewed the ordinance number uh 20 26 uh-04 that was passed uh with commissioner
Gustavo Blan to a neighbor of mine. >> Done. >> Go ahead. Finish up, but go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I appreciate the commission taking action on ebikes and scooters. Thank you
for that. Uh after reading this section of 48-51, I see a gap in audience uh defines electric bikes must have pedals seats motor under uh 750
watts capped at 28 miles per hour. Uh micromobility devices 50 lb or less and no more than 208 miles per hour. I want to say Suran and the Razer MX 350 have
no pedals. They exceed 50 uh pound and they exceed the 28 uh miles per hour um per hour on definition. They don't appear covered by audience 20 26-04.
I've submitted I want to submit I have like something I want to submit with photos uh for the record showing vehicles in Aventura that falls outside those definitions. This leaves uncertainty for Aventura police for
parents and for gated communities trying to keep residents safe. Respectfully um requesting audience 2026-04 is a strong foundation. And I'm asking the commission to consider an amendment
clarifying that vehicles without pedals over 50 pounds of capacity of speed over 28 mph are treated as motorcycles under this the Florida status 31.2123 2123
um specifically restricted to sell to sell to individuals under the age of I would say maybe 18 uh restricts use on street sidewalks uh bike paths parks and within gated community the less restricted and
ensured per state law also require motorcycle license for riders 16 and plus uh and establish lish a clear uh pent penalties including citation and uh empoundment with parental responsibility
under Florida status 31 6.2 20658 and also most importantly I would say maybe education to inform the parents which are not knowledgeable about the law um because it's a new vehicle
um of the new laws and share safety information with schools and provide guidelines guidance uh to gated communities uh so HO can enforce the con the consistency.
Um, I think that's pretty much it. >> Okay. What's your name? >> My name is Iris Advi. >> Hi. So, thank you for coming. >> I want you to know me to speak. >> I want you to know that um, everyone up
here shares your concern. That's why we have a new ordinance. I probably call the manager three times a week on this specific issue. Today I just sent him the Sunny Isles ordinance that just started on June 1. I'm a walker. It's a
huge problem. It's a very dangerous problem. Um there was a head-on collision on the Queensboro Bridge in New York two days ago where an ebike and a bicyclist in the bike lane had a head-on collision. They were both killed. Um it's my worst nightmare. And
I am actually in the middle of writing the script for a video that I'm going to do uh for our social media and I'm actually admonishing the parents that would allow their children on these vehicles. They I I I can't even comprehend how with no helmets. So
again, part of it is and that's why we're monitoring Sunny Isles. Part of it is again Tallahassee, the Department of Motor Vehicles, what a definition is of a motorcycle, what the age limits are. We don't know for sure what we can or
can't outlaw. It'll clearly Sunny Isles. I believe their ordinance will be tested in court. I'd rather heir on the side of saving lives and be stronger. But just so you know, I don't know the number, but we have impounded many of these. We
are taking them off the streets. Obviously, it's hard to get them all. We're taking them off the streets. It costs hundreds of dollars for parents to get them back. We are We did a whole education program because it's the mornings to the high school where you they're all going. We
did a whole education program with the high school. We'll do it again before the kids come back. I pretty sure we'll be amending and strengthening our ordinance, but we agree with you 100%. It is a huge problem. And again, we're
faced with a situation. When they're on the sidewalk, they're a danger to pedestrians, to the elderly, to someone walking their dog, to someone pushing a stroller. When they're on the street, they're a danger to themselves. Do you want them on the street in between cars? So, it's a rock in a hard place. Is the
answer to outlaw them entirely? Well, I don't know. Maybe. But clearly someone that's younger than 16 and riding on something with the power to kill is not a good recipe.
We all agree and we take all the suggestions we can and our police department is well aware of it. And I would say in the private communities behind your gates, you guys make all the rules you want. Go ahead and outlaw them. You can set any rules you want in
your own associations. Okay, we don't >> it is hard. It's hard because uh the laws are not uh clear on that and that's the reason why parents actually purchase those things. Let me tell you something. In our community, we have the small
rooms and pe people with like a fouryear-old, 5year-old, 6 years old ride those things. So again, in your gated communities, your condominium or homeowners association can make your own rules with regard to that >> without without the support of you, it's
hard to go and even >> But I'm just telling you I'm just telling you that legally you can do it. Okay? You can make rules that are more restrictive than we might be able to in your private community with your association, Mr. Attorney. >> No, I mean that's absolutely right. and
state law limits, you know, the jurisdiction that the city has over roadways and and streets and sidewalks. >> Your streets are your streets inside your community. Okay. Anyway, outside of that, we continue to work on it. I am so frustrated when I walk and
they come up behind me. I can't hear them. >> Very dangerous. >> And I feel the breeze where if they hit me, we're both going to get hurt. Okay? and they're young enough to not make good decisions. We all agree with you. Any other commissioner who wants to comment, you're more than welcome.
>> Yeah, I live in Williams Island and the whole island has been addressing it big time. We're we're all over it as well and it's a problem. So, we've been addressing it in our community. >> I I just want to add I live in the point and I'm very familiar with Aventur Lakes
and I have four kids and they all want to ride on their friends motor scooters with electric bikes. Um, but the mayor's correct within the Aventur Lakes community, your HOA can make their own restrictive laws in the point. We have a speed limit that's 15
mph. That's not the same as the speed limit outside the community and they just put up signs. They are fining people for going above the speed limit. They have their own speed cameras in our community. So, I would highly encourage
Avantor Lakes and any other communities to ban or outlaw these electric bicycles, motorcycles, whatever you want to define them as. And maybe if the children and parents know that they have to walk them out of the community,
it'll, you know, reduce the number that are purchased and bought and used. I think that's a powerful message we all of us living in different communities should kind of encourage them to consider that might help reduce the number of them that we're seeing there.
But it's a first step that Avantor Lakes and any of the other communities can take because we are completely behind you. We are scared for all of the children and we don't want to see any of these fatalities. >> Thank you so much. I wanted to ask if uh in the power of the city because there's
no legislation exact for that you have the power to maybe ban sales in Aventura for like miners they can come with their pocket money and go buy a Suron and come back home with a powerful vehicle >> but I'm not familiar with any Aventur
location actually selling these in our even if you just buy them on Amazon they're buying them >> they also buy them in location. I wish I could show you pictures. There's like little kids at the age of five and six riding those things.
Uh, may I say one thing? I'm a board member in Aventra Lake. Unfortunately, our HOA dogs are very restrictive when it comes to the fines and we have to sometimes refer to the Floria statue which it's a little bit more aggressive than our HOA dogs. Our fines are $25 and
they don't care. >> Exactly. >> Parents don't care. The kids don't care. They ride at night without lights and there's very little we can do. We cannot enforce it. They don't seem to pay attention and we cannot we don't have the police capacity of impounding an a
vehicle. We just can't. Um but we're working diligently in improving our HO documents. It requires 75% vote of every homeowner which is almost impossible to achieve when you want to do something. So, I mean, we're all working as a
commission. We're all concerned. That's why I sent to to Jennifer the the resolution and that's why you're here. We heard you. Actually, our mayor today sent us all of us some requirements to make it 16 the legal age for use, which
we hope we can. I don't know that we can, but I hope that we can. And we are going to we're working with our city attorneys saying you see u some of our members in the commission are attorneys. I am not one of them. They know the law better than I'm and and even they know the law. We
have an attorney in the city that tells us what we can or cannot work with the he he drafts the resolutions. But as a HOA board member and as a city commissioner, this is one of my biggest concerns because people get hurt. I I
walk on Shabbat and um at night it becomes dangerous in the circle. It becomes dangerous in 34. It becomes dangerous in 213. There's no lights. There's not enough lights and kids come flying uh with those scooters. So we we
hear you. We are aware. We know and we're working on it. And we have an education campaign going in the schools. The police is there. We demanded helmets to be used and we want to do everything within our power and more and even if we
have to go to Tahas and advocate for new legislation, we will. So that's all. >> Thank you. I have a question to um the city attorney if I may. >> You ask ask me and then I'll ask him. >> Okay. Um, is it in the power of the city
because there's no clear uh legislation regarding this um to overpower basically something that does not exist in the law. >> Uh it it would have to you'd have to tell me what you you'd have to tell him
specifically what you're referring to. >> Like you if there is no law or maybe there is some I don't know if you you know the law. I mean like the majority of the problem is that parents don't know the law. And even in the western case, um the policeman that stopped that
kid, it was a 14year-old, he told the mother, "I don't know what's the law, but it looks to me that this is dangerous. Please advised your son not to uh ride it." And um a few months later, he basically crashed into a
80-year-old man. So I don't know. It's very hard because when we go to the HOA and even just to regular parents, I'm telling you as a parent that my my spouse went to buy a vehicle like that. And now when I tell him it doesn't look
safe to me, he says there's nothing in the law and I'm like standing with no nobody to protect my children and myself with that. >> Mayor, may I say something? >> Sure. If I know she she has a lot of questions
and and there's a lot of details. I'd be more than happy myself or the the police chief after the meeting. We can address a lot of these specific questions. >> Meet with the manager. He and their police chief, one or the other. They are on this. We know this is a huge issue. So, however they can educate you and
then you can educate the others. And when you see my video, please spread it on social media because it's really at the end of the day, it's on the parents. We can have all the laws we want. They're going to give these things to their kids. Those kids are going to jump on them. They're not looking at the
ordinance. They're looking at how to get to their friend's house or how to get to Lman's Plaza. By the way, I just put our manager with the owners of Lman's Plaza this week so they can work out a way to make it. You go over there and they're
all there and there's little kids on that uh little soccer field near the pizza place and these kids are flying by on these um uh ebikes and I call them electric motorcycles. That's what they are. So, we want to work with the
private land owners to get rid of that issue, but talk to them after the meeting and thank you for coming. >> Mr. Mayor, can I just add one thing that I mean part of this if there are gaps in the law, what I would recommend because this is state law that you know these people meet with their state
representatives and state senators to see if they can improve the legislation in Tallahassee to cover those some of these circumstances that are such concerned in gy communities and elsewhere in the cities. >> Agreed. Again, Tallahassee, we've been saying it all night. They need to do
their job and and make it better. the Department of Motor Vehicles, they should be classified as motorcycles, which means you have to have a license, which means you have to be 16. Period. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much for everyone. It's It is a city of excellence. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Any other member of the public wishing to speak? Yes, sir. Come on up. >> Hi everyone. My name is Myron Melikson. I live at 20250 Northeast 34th Court. I just wanted to update you a little bit
on the business center in uh North Miami that is now going to be opening in a few weeks for women entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs. Um we really want to have one here in Aventura. I would love to build one. I'm hoping a few of you can come and see the programs that we're
building for um amazing women, minorities, um young people, uh students from Donser High School that are not ready to go to college yet. Uh we really want to build new businesses here in Aventura. So, I'm hoping a few of you uh especially women want to come and and
mentor and coach and help uh new businesses rise here in Aventura. Come and visit. uh if you want to learn more, we'll be pushing some information out soon, but uh we'd love to build something here with your support and I've been working really closely with city manager uh Brian Piggies and a few
commissioners here as well. Um hope to see you soon. Thank you. >> Terrific. Thank you very much. We're all we're all for empowering women, so send the emails to us so we know what's happening. Thank you very much. Any other member of the public?
Okay. Then um if there's no other business, I'm going to entertain a motion to adjurnn. Vice Mayor A, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you
everyone.