Good evening. Let's call to order the November 4th, 20, 2025 commission meeting. And uh roll call, please. >> Mayor Weinberg, >> here. >> Commissioner A >> here. >> Commissioner Blatchman >> here. >> Commissioner Bloom >> here. Commissioner Freedelland >> here,
>> Commissioner Cruz >> here, >> Commissioner Rolinsky >> here, Mr. Big >> here, and Mr. Myers here. >> You have a quorum. >> Thank you and welcome everyone. And to those of you that aren't usually here at for our commission meetings, so you'll see that um we're different than other
cities, truly uh the city that Don Sofer created is very different. We get along. You're not going to see fighting up here. Um, I watch other cities government channels because it's free and it's the best show in town. I'm not going to name names, but it's
unbelievable here. Um, I mean, legitimately, there's three or four people here that I'd like. So, we're we're really we're really really very different. Um, we're we're going to start with the pledge of allegiance. very special tonight because
we're going to recognize the Aces boys flag football team who finished the season 6 and 0, ladies and gentlemen, 6-0. They they won the Independent Athletic League South Division and they advanced
to the IAL League semifinals. So, we will be hanging a banner at the city of Aventura Community Rec Center. We're going to congratulate um all the players. They're going to come up and um
Nate Ladler, you're going to come up with them and you're going to read all of their names and they're going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance tonight. Congratulations team. I need all of you to come up so we can do the pledge of allegiance. Yeah, >> guys. The flag's this way.
Okay, when you're ready, I'm going to count to three and you're going to start. Okay, and then stay up here so Ley can introduce you. One, two, three. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God, indivisibley andice for all. Okay, if you step up to that mic and then push it so you see the green button. Tell us who these fine young
gentlemen are. >> I'm asking permission of my elders. Jonathan Aitball, Leor Aditi, Shiloh Arma, Alex Benolio, Marco Aento,
Jacob Cohen, Wen Cordazar, Jack Fermanski, Lorenzo Jesus, Nael Ladler, Joshua Rosen Bloom,
Nicholas Sarvia, Amit Shai and Stefan Lujinovik. >> Great job, guys. Smile for a picture. >> You're welcome to stay, but I'm sure you all have homework.
Okay, moving on. It is November, which means we have bad news and we have good news. The bad news is the incredible, incredible term as vice mayor for Cindy Rinsky. Amazing accomplishment. Cindy's term as vice mayor has come to an end.
Very, very sorry to hear that, but great job. Good news. Good news. We have a new vice mayor, Amit Bloom. Vice Mayor Bloom, congratulations. We do rotate it every six months. So, everyone who's ever served in the city
has been the vice mayor. So, um, okay, let's let them filter out Mr. Manager, any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> No, mayor. >> Okay.
while they're filtering out any commission reports briefly. You want to mention where you were this past weekend where I was >> with you. >> That's true. >> Yes. >> True. True story. Your husband is right there.
>> Um we were at the conference. We were at the uh charter schools USA conference and um we are as as the commission we are the board for our schools and we were there with what a thousand people
or so >> a thousand teachers administrators principles all from charter schools USA >> a lot of it was about AI which is coming which is part a big part of education we need to be ahead of the curve and a lot of it was sort of um private
conversations about the fact that we are going to have the greatest state-of-the-art Doner High School coming up very very shortly. New construction, gorgeous building and I'm couldn't be happier.
>> Okay. um special presentations. I guess we'll start with um Don Sofur. Um I I would be remiss as mayor if I didn't um recognize the fact we said it
at our last commission meeting, but we really need to make a bigger deal of it because our founder um passed away and uh really none of us would be here if not for him. I personally had probably 20 years uh the
good fortune to know him for 20 years. Um creation I'm going to say I'm going to say a few words. Then I'm going to ask family members to say a few words. Then I'll ask the commissioners if anyone wants to say anything. I imagine
somebody will. And then I have a proclamation that I will read. Um and then I'd love for all the family members. We'll all come down and take a picture as we present the proclamation. But um it's very very much heartfelt. Um
uh creation is a remarkable talent. Whether transforming a canvas into a painting or a part patch of grass into a building, it takes talent and vision. Um Don was a creative genius. He built not
just buildings but destinations. um community wetlands into paradise. Um we've all heard the story that he sketched this city on a napkin. Um the vision was unbelievable. All of us are here because of him. Every student who
walks into our schools in the 30 million a year, is that right Jackie? 30 million a year who come to the mall. It's all the result of uh of his vision. I feel so fortunate to know him. I couldn't. That's my happiest moment. The very
first graduating class of Don Sofur High School. I got to share it with him. We both got to speak. That was an incredible moment for me in my life. I will never forget it. It's such a strange confluence of events, but talking about vision back in the 70s, 50
years ago, he plucked a hot shot architect from Morris Lapis' office and he had him start designing high-rise residential in Aventura. And 50 years later, that relationship still exists with the Sofford family and with that architect. But the weird thing
is many, many years after that relationship started, I moved down here as a young lawyer. I ended up marrying that architect's daughter. And somehow or other, I end up years later as the mayor of the city where Don Sofur founded it
and had my father-in-law design the buildings. At the time I got elected as a commissioner in 2012, we counted 200 buildings standing in our 3.5 square miles designed by Robert Spedro. All thanks to Don Sofur pulling away from Morris Lapidus and he made an entire
career out of this city. So not to mention buildings all over the world, but I'll let him brag about that. Okay, this was just incredible and and Don was so good and such a such a visionary. So, um, what I want to do is ask, um, family
members to to to talk about your dad and your feelings in this city because, um, we want to hear it. Thank you. >> All right, I'll go. >> Do you want me to choose? you want me to to use whatever in here. Okay.
>> Push that green button and >> Well, it's on. It's lit. >> Okay. Thank you, Jeffrey. >> No, I obviously, you know, I mean, I I'm sure a lot of you I don't know if you came to his memorial service, but >> I'm I'm speaking your hearing aids up.
Uh I um just just to say obviously my father is very proud of the city and what's been accomp what he accomplished here and obviously what's been carried on and uh I remember as a kid coming here obviously with my sisters and you know just driving golf carts around
swamp and uh different areas that were not developed the mall site. I remember when the mall was uh we first when we first came here we we built the country club first and he uh you know we would just hang out there and drive golf carts and sort of you know it was we were in
the middle of nowhere so it was it was definitely it changed. So seeing it as a kid and seeing it today has been completely you know it's a been an unbelievable experience in my life and obviously my father was very proud of what has what has been done here and how
it's been carried on and since 95 when it first became incorporated and you know getting the commissioners you know the commission's gotten better and better through the years we'll have to say that I mean there was times where we were fighting with the commissioners I know when we try to get a cut through on the other side of the remember that
Jackie when we try to get the cut through over the other side and try to try to get that and there was a whole big debate but we really have a we really value our relationship with you guys in the city and uh obviously I speak for myself at the turnberry property which I own Jackie it
represents the mall but we uh you know really do value and really want to keep a sofa legacy here and uh as as I'd say you know he loved this place and you know
we miss him But it's life. But uh you know we also really want to thank you again. Also we were able to bury him here which is means the world to all of us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> So I just want to say something quickly
just thinking about it as Jeff was speaking. Um, so my father had a real, you know, he had a very, he had a large love for building this community and what the community of Aventura and he was very dedicated. George Berlin was very dedicated. Um, I have spoken to you
Howard about George Berlin and the George Berlin Park. I do think that something should be done for George. Um, on the sid track, but um, when Aventura became a city, I think 30 years ago, right, it's a 30-day anniversary. Um, it was a little bit
controversial because the original members of the council and the mayor referred to themselves as the founders and everything was about the founders and they built a park and they called it founders park and there was really an anti-development like you know and there was a way that they treated George and
my father that really wasn't approved. So I haven't been to that many commission meetings here. Um, I've been to some, but my memory of the one I think that Jeff is is, you know, referencing is we came to a commission meeting, we wanted to get something passed. It didn't get passed. He was
very emotional about it. And when we were when we left the commission meeting, he was very upset about this whole founders thing. It was upset about the way the city treated him. And I I'm not going to say the name of the commissioner, but he got into it like a heated.
>> It wasn't the It was the commissioner. I'm pretty I'm pretty sure it was commissioner, but anyways, he um he was upset the way they were that they were treating him. So, he would be very appreciative of this because now obviously we have a great relationship with the city and I know that he felt
that a good relationship with all of you and that you treated him with the respect and that's very much appreciated. But that day it wasn't. and he went outside and they had a confrontation, a verbal confrontation, and he was so upset about the founder thing. And I just remember him saying,
"You guys call yourselves the founders. You know what you found? You found what I built. That's what you found." Like, "My name should be up there, not yours." Which we thought was pretty funny. But anyways, I appreciate you all honoring him and giving him, you know, the deserved recognition because he really
did, you know, he found this founded this city, however you want to phrase it. um and he would appreciate that. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. It's It's funny because just in telling that, you see the humor of your dad. I
mean, he literally everything else aside, he's one of the funniest people I ever met. And he was so engaging and and so entertaining and just so much fun. Um, and what's great for me is personally, even though I know it's not about me, but I like the fact that Carol
I can every Saturday we're at least texting about football, right? and Michelle and I have done the whole pickle ball thing and and Jeff and Jackie and now what I see is the next generation fine young men and women just beautiful men and women who are so
bright and smart and carrying on which is now what one Harry and Don and what fourth generation maybe amazing and and the fact that we get to call you ours as a even though you're all national we know that but it's just a source of pride so whatever happened in the past
which kept you out of this room. I think if we succeeded in one thing tonight, now you know that you're more than welcome and it's actually fun here. So, these are pretty good Tuesday nights. Personally, I usually end up at bourbon after this. So, maybe I can get my first beer free tonight. I don't know. Um, but
seriously, I first let me I I do have a proclamation that that that I think is important, but I want to ask if any commissioners want to say anything because I would be wrong of me not to. um former vice mayor for >> which would be all of our titles, right?
So um I wanted to take a few minutes to honor your dad, your grandfather, um and your husband. So I am fortunate enough to know most of the Sofur family for a very long time through my husband,
Scott, who grew up with Jeff and Jackie and Brooke and in in the NMBB area. And I was lucky enough to have kids the same age as some of you that our children grew up together and I got to see a lot of them grow up and older and um quite
amazing to say the least. Um and I then got very lucky during the years to be able to spend um time with Brooke and with Don. And so I was able to take a trip to Las Vegas and um we were working
on the Fountain Blue project. We ended up at uh your dad's condo in f um I don't know what it was called. Turnberry I think. And I get up very early. So, I was out on the balcony in my pajamas in
a robe having coffee and and um he had it all nicely set up with I forget the lady's name that helped us set it all up out there. So, I was sitting on the balcony and out comes Don. So, he sits next to me and we're talking about everything but nothing. And he says,
"So, are you married?" And I said, "Yes." And then he said, "Happily?" And I said, "Yes." And that was it. Brooke was mortified. Do you remember? And Brooke was mortified and I laughed it off. But in
all seriousness, it's been a pleasure. Um, an honor and truly so proud to call this my home and call you all my friends and um, wonderful that we can celebrate him and just celebrate where we live.
So, thank you for coming. I want to say first of all I moved to Aventura the the year the city was inaugurated and um from day one I met the name Sofur and I had the pleasure of
meeting everyone of you present here today from the family and I have to say that I'm so proud to be sitting here to honor what I believe is the founder of the city the true founder of the city And uh it is a real privilege to be part
of this commission and uh to honor Don Sofur and the Sulur family. Thank you, >> Vice Mayor. So admittedly, I didn't really know your father that well, but I did have the
pleasure of meeting him in 1998 when I had just launched uh a brand new fledgling magazine called Aventura Magazine, and your father was so gracious to grant me an interview uh so that I could put him on the cover. When
I walked into the office, I was very intimidated. What I was not expecting was someone so funny that he immediately put me at ease. The interview went really, really well. And to Commissioner
Olinsk's um point, made similar jokes with me, but I think he was very disappointed to hear that I was more interested in meeting Robert Duval than I was with meeting him. But that's okay. We got over it. But I just wanted to say that although I didn't know him well,
his name and his reputation uh it just exceeds and and it was an honor. Thank you. >> Paul uh welcome to all of you the Sofur family. Uh I moved to Aventura before it
was Aventura in 1990 when it was uh just get more getting going. Uh, but my memories of Don are uh since I own Moe's Bagels and Delhi for for many years, having him come in with George Hamilton
and all his other good buddies and and just having a great time. Uh, what I remember most is his tremendous sense of humor. Uh but just as importantly I think seeing him come over to for example he also founded Aventura Turbury
Jewish Center which was really really important and a a really uh important part of our community as well. And uh I remember specifically he always used to come when we had the international holocaust remembrance day uh where we
had all the high school the donor high school kids walk over and we'd have a Holocaust survivor tell their story which was really really special and and and and Don would be there and of course his bill his friend Holocaust survivor Bill Landau as well uh which made it
extremely extremely meaningful to everybody that was there and particularly to the young to the students, the high school students that came and were able to participate in that as well was uh was really uh meaningful. But just as importantly uh as founding the city and everything he
did for the city and the community was his what I take away and and and uh what I love uh about Mr. sofur was his philanthropy, his his generosity uh in the community, particularly I know we know about the the humane society, the
animal uh uh shelter and that he has in North Miami that he set set up in North Miami Beach uh and everything he did also for Israel and for the Jewish community uh is also very noted. But for all of you and the younger generation of uh sofers, I think the most important
thing is we say in our tradition, all of us are Jewish in the commission that there's nothing more important than a shemtove a good name and that is the best legacy that you can have as children and grandchildren and future generations. So uh proudly carry that
legacy forward and we all will be part of that along with you. uh because we we we knew uh Mr. so far pretty well and we are very very proud of his accomplishments and will continue to speak about them and to build on them when all of you. So, thank you very
much. >> Go ahead, >> Rachel. At your dad's memorial, someone said, "Everyone has a Don Sofur story." And I think that's true. We all do have a Don Sofur story.
Mine goes back to when I was first running in my campaign. And actually, he met me. And then I called Jackie and I said, "Jackie, your dad said he's endorsing me and your dad said he's giving money to my campaign." And Jackie says, "I don't know you, but are you blonde?" And she was right. Um, but from the
moment I met your dad, I fell in love with him as a person and a warm-hearted human being. And I was so thankful that my son Alec and Jamie Goldstein from Turberry's son just got to graduate from the Donsto for Aventura High School and
they both doing incredibly well in college and have had the most incredible four years of high school than they ever could have had. We also were there as as Paul mentioned every time we did our Holocaust remembrance. And my last year that I walked through um with your dad through
the memorial wing, I was with Michelle and your dad and he looked up at all the names on the walls and he said, "Rabbi Burkin, come over here. I got to tell you something. Rabbi, come over here." Said, "You see all these names on the walls? I don't want my name up there anytime soon."
And then he looked at me and he said, "You're cute." He said, "You want to be my fifth neck ex-wife, too?" But Jeff, you weren't at our last Turnberry members party, but your dad was there. And he wanted to make sure everybody knew that this party was
because of you bringing us Turnberry. And he also wanted to make sure that you knew that you were spending a lot of money and making a lot of silly jokes about you and how this wonderful place was so special because it was kind of all about family. So I just want to say you said your
father was insulted or you all felt that the first commission didn't recognize him as the founder. They were the founders. Well, we are a new commission and we will always be a different commission. Your father left a special place in our hearts and we recognize he
truly was the founder of this city which we will never forget. And I hope we will work with you and make his recognition memorialized tonight. but maybe a very big visual memorial that we can work on recognizing him in the city going
forward. That's important to me and I can't speak on behalf of my entire commission yet because we haven't had that, but it is something I would like to put forward in our city to always recognize him and recognize him publicly for everyone. So, thank you for being
with us tonight. >> Thank you. Okay. Now, um I'm going to ask the new vice mayor to read. We're going to present this proclamation. Now, I want to read it to the family first. First, just do the first two paragraphs.
Me, then you'll do the second two paragraphs. >> Whereas the city of Aventura honors visionary leaders whose work has shaped our community identity, growth, and quality of life. And whereas Don Sofur was a pioneering developer and
philanthropist whose vision and leadership were instrumental in transforming the Aventura area into a vibrant city known for its neighborhoods, parks, schools, cultural amenities, and thriving commercial centers. And
whereas Mr. Sofur's efforts supported landmark projects and long-term investments that created jobs, expanded economic opportunity, enhanced civic pride, and elevated Aventur's regional and national profile. And whereas his
legacy continues through educational initiatives, public private partnerships, and ongoing community improvements that reflect a deep commitment to excellence and to the well-being of Aventur residents. And whereas
the city of Avatore wishes to recognize and celebrate the life, vision, and enduring contributions of Don Sover with a day in his honor. Now therefore be resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Aventura,
Florida, do hereby proclaim November 4th, 2025 as Don Sofur Remembrance Day. We'll present this to the family. We'll the commission will come down there. We'll meet the family here and we'll
take a nice picture. Thank you. Everybody shift a few steps this way. Okay. Good. Can I tell me? When did I see you guys? >> Yeah. Good thing we take a picture of Jamie.
I'll see you later. I know Carol, I'll see you soon. Be good. That was Fore Okay. Okay.
Okay, moving on. We're still in special presentations. Um, Nefame Candler, uh, Nefame from the Israel Destiny Foundation, you want to come on up? Come on up.
tell us your name and um whatever else you want to let us know. >> I'm from the Islamic Foundation and this is um Tom B which is a battalion commander in
the Israel army. He was wounded a year and a half ago. Um we came here to North America with delegation of three special soldiers. One went to San Diego, one went to New York and you have the
pleasure of meeting the commander Tom. Um so tell you like a very short message what important message there is coming out of Israel which is relevant also to the city of
for you. So, Toml. >> So, good evening everybody. My name is Tom B. I'm a reservist in the Israeli army. Um, 46 years old. Um, I was a CEO of a cyber security company uh on the
6th of October. Uh, raising money from someplace near Florida of a family office. Supposed to get the money on the 10th of October. That didn't happen. But then again on 7th of October I left my
wife and seven children back home and we have a phrase that in Israel when something happened we are running to the fire to help everybody and to save people. So I'm a reservist. My wife
stood in front of the door telling me I'm crazy, telling me I have obligation to my children. And I told her I have 600 soldiers above underneath underneath me that
needs me right now to command them. And I went to fight after finding in the Gaza envelope. I was wounded a couple of months afterwards in uh Janine on a refugee camp. I was badly wounded from a
sniper that shot my leg. And my message uh to be very short and direct, we are country of values. And I think for the mayor also and for everybody, this is the most important thing in life to have
values of honor of uh loving uh people in general and unity in general and we are caring for each other cuz we don't have any choices in Israel because everybody in in the area are against us
in general. So we need to stick together and we need to work with our people to make Israel big and great as much as we can. And also for this city, amazing city that I
visit for two days, I can say the same. Education is very important. Our youth is very important. Our values is very important and we should keep it in top priority. So, thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to all of you.
Thank you very much. >> Thank you for being here and thank you for your service. It >> just to be very clear, I'm sure you've heard it in your last two days here, but Aventura stands with Israel. >> We always have and we always will. And
that's a unanimous opinion of this commission and that's the way our city feels. You probably know that we we sent an ambulance to Israel after October 7th to Modí. In two weeks, I'll be there to see that ambulance, but this is the way Aventura feels about what you're doing, and we appreciate you.
>> Amazing. Thank you very much. >> Amen. If I may, I just want to say uh echo what uh Mayor Mayor Weinberg said that as a city we do what we do not only because as you were talking about to our values because these are our values
because we speak in unison with great moral clarity. We're not confused about who's right and who's wrong. And we do it because not only is it important to us as a community, but we want to be a model to others, other municipalities, other country, other counties, other
states and other countries to do the same thing. So, uh, if you come up here, I want to give you a little momento from us, from all of us to you, so you know that you're never alone and that we all stand together. >> Wow. Amazing.
>> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. So you can take it back and understand that we'll always be with you. >> Thank you. Thank you foring I would love to hang up. >> Thank you very
much. WhatsApp. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Yeah. >> Thank you very much. >> Here, hold on. One more. >> Thank you for inviting us. >> Thank you very much. >> Thanks. >> No, it's okay.
>> Thank you. >> And we'll get the word out there. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. It is >> Epilepsy Awareness Month. Is Lena here? Oh, come on up. Lena Mendez,
Epilepsy Alliance Florida, community resource specialist. We have actually a proclamation to present to you, but do you want to say a few words? You're more than welcome to. >> Sure. Um, first of all, I want to thank you guys so much for the recognition for epilepsy awareness month. This is a very important cause. Um, epilepsy is one of
the most common neurological disorders. Yes, there's so much stigma and misinformation about it. And this proclamation is really helping us and the 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy, many here in the city of Aventura. And this is really shining a light on the importance of awareness and
education and advocacy. So, we really want to thank you for this um recognition. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I want to read this proclamation and then we'll have you come up here and we'll take a picture with you. But while you're there, we'll
read it to you. Whereas epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked issues that can affect anyone at any age, any time. And >> oh, I get the long paragraph.
>> Yeah. Whereas as the fourth most common neurological disorder affecting millions in the United States, including approximately 426 Flidians, with 88,000 of these being children, people with
epilepsy need access to affordable, comprehensive, physician directed, and person centered health care, as well as greater education and improved access to care in schools. And this paragraph. Okay.
Whereas while protections exist in the Americans with Disabilities Act and related civil rights laws, people with epilepsy still encounter discrimination in areas including employment, education, and housing. And
>> whereas epilepsy awareness month is a nationwide effort in November of the epilepsy found uh foundation and epilepsy alliance Florida to raise awareness about the changes the convers and changes the conversation around epilepsy seizures and side effects as
well as to improve and save lives through care advocacy research and new therapies and public health and educ education. And whereas the city of Aventura recognizes the impact that this spectrum disease has on members of our community and the
importance of increased public knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first aid. 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 November
2025 as epilepsy awareness month in the city of Aventura. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Who was that guy with the camera? Thank you. >> My what a big lens. >> Thank you.
Okay. Uh, does anyone need to take anything off of the consent agenda? No. Okay. So, I need a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Freeland, seconded
by Commissioner Cruz. >> Can we have a roll call vote, please? >> Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman. >> Yes. Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Rolinsky, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes.
>> Motion passes. >> Okay. Uh eight. Uh second reading of ordinances. Mr. Manager, you're going to ask for 8 A, B, and C to be deferred to January. >> Yes, Mayor.
>> Okay. Do we need to read those ordinances, Mr. Attorney? >> Yes. The clerk should read all three of them, but you can vote for them as a package. You don't have to vote for them separately. >> Okay. Can we do that after she reads all three of them? >> Yes. >> Okay. If you could read 8 A, B, and C,
Madame Clerk. >> Okay. Item 88, 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 163.3187 Florida statutes to redesate an
approximate 13.93 acre tract of land extending from northeast 214 street north to countyline road and from Biscane Boulevard west to the sea highway from business and office to town center providing for conflicts providing for severability providing ing for inclusion in the comprehensive plan and
providing for an effective date. Item 8B, 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. Subsection 1, purpose, subsection 2, uses permitted, subsection 3, accessory uses permitted. Subsection four, conditional uses permitted. and subsection six site development standards to allow for more diverse
projects and uses within the district providing for severability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date. Item 8 C, an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending the official zoning map by changing the zoning designation of an approximate 13.93 acre tract of
land extending from northeast 214 street north to countyline road and from Biscane Boulevard west to Dixie Highway from Community Business District B2 and medical office district M to Town Center Mixeduse District TC4. providing for
severalability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date. >> Okay, I'm sorry. Repeat that, please. >> Could I have a um motion to defer 8A, B, and C to the January 2026 commission
meeting of Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded by Comm Commissioner Blan. Uh let us vote on that. >> Commissioner Blan Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. Yes. >> Commissioner Cruz. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Linsky. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Nine. First reading. Madam Clerk. 9A. >> 9A. 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 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. >> Okay. Um, can I have a motion to approve 9A? Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner A. Mr. Manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. This ordinance amends
the city of Aventura's fiscal year 2425 budget to reflect adjustments made at year end for revenues, expenditures, and fund transfers across several city departments and funds. The general fund shows a net increase of 1.67 67 million primarily from higher than anticipated
revenues including FEMA reimbursements, public safety, detail billing, recreation program fees and interest earnings. These funds are being used to offset the additional expenditures in police community services, public works and other departments. Just some key adjustments show in the police
department overtime and event coverage, technology upgrades and crisis intervention training. Um, most of these were offset by savings in salaries and benefits, community services, higher program enrollments and summer and recreational programs, additional maintenance at city parks and minor facility repairs, public works,
landscaping, irrigation costs, vehicle leases and staff transitions and arts and cultural center replacement of the air conditioning chiller and increased maintenance costs and most importantly non-departmental. This amendment includes the allocation of $3.2 $2 million for the purchase of
additional land for the new high school. And I'm happy to say that this purchase was fully funded not from reserves, but from surplus funds, including interest earnings. Um, and I want to thank Melissa, her team, um, for for doing
such an incredible job with the budget. Thank you. Any member of the public wish to speak on this item 9A? Seeing none, I will close it for public comment. Any commissioner have questions or comments?
Seeing none, I'll ask for a vote. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner A, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes.
9B. Madam Clerk, >> an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending the city code of ordinances at chapter 2, administration, article 3, advisory boards, by repealing division 5, arts and cultural center advisory board, providing for conflict, severability, cotification, and an
effective date. >> Okay. Motion to approve. >> Commissioner uh Orinsky, seconded by Commissioner Freedelland. Uh, Mr. Manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. It's recommended that the city commission approve this
ordinance to repeal the Arts and Cultural Center Advisory Board, which will be replaced by the Arts in Aventura Board via a separate ordinance. The city established the Arts and Cultural Center Advisory Board in 2008 with a primary focus on supporting the operation of the arts and cultural center by providing
input on pro programming options and rec recommending fundraising and sponsorship opportunities. While the board has served a useful purpose, the city wishes to pursue a broader approach to the arts and programming and will create a new arts and adventurer board.
>> Okay. Thank you. Any member of the public wish to speak on 9B? Seeing none, I'll close it and um ask if there's any commission comment
or question. Seeing none, well, let's vote. Commissioner Cruz, yes. >> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Commissioner A, >> yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman, yes. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> 9C. Madam Clerk,
>> an ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, creating division 5, arts and aventura board of article 3 advisory boards of chapter 2, administration of the city code by creating section 2-191, creation, composition, and qualifications. Section 2-192
process for appointment of board members. Section 2-193 jurisdiction duties and me meetings. Section 2-194 rules of procedure quorum and section 2-195 standards of conduct for members providing for severability providing for
inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date. >> Thank you. Motion to approve. Commissioner Ains second by Vice Mayor Bloom. Mr. Manager. Thank you, mayor. This ordinance establishes a new arts and aventura board to promote a broader
range of creative and cultural activities throughout the city. The new board will expand upon the work of the former arts and cultural center advisory board by supporting public art projects, showcasing local and emerging artists, and collaborating with community partners to enhance arts programming and
funding opportunities for the city. >> Thank you. Any member of the public wish to comment on 9C? Seeing none, close it for public comment and um ask if any commissioners have a comment question. If not, let's vote.
>> Commissioner Oinski, >> yes. Commissioner A, >> yes. >> Commissioner Bashman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> 9D. Madam clerk,
>> an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 48, vehicles, use of rideway, parking, and other regulations by creating in a new article 5 electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and micromobility devices relating to the
operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and micromobility devices in the city providing for submobility codification and an effective date. >> Okay. I need a motion to approve. Commissioner, Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded
by Commissioner A. Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mayor. This new ordinance establishes local regulations for the safe operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other micromobility devices within the city of Aventura.
This ordinance defines terms such as electric bicycles, including class one, two, and three motorized scooters and micro mobility devices. authorizes operation of these devices on designated streets, sidewalks, and multi-use paths except on Biscane Boulevard in
accordance with state law and sets safety rules including a maximum speed of 10 mph on sidewalks. A requirement to yield to pedestrians and use audible signals when passing. Helmet use is required for operators under 16 years of age. Ebikes and scooters are required to
have front and rear lights when operating during evening hours. and ebikes must be under pedal power when operating on sidewalks and pathways. Requires that ebikes and microo micromobility devices obey all applicable Florida statutes including
traffic regulations and safety requirements when operating within the city. This also allows the city manager to adopt administrative rules, signage standards and procedures for enforcement and impoundment for violations. It authorizes the Aventur Police Department with vi to to enforce this with
violations punishable as civil infractions carrying a $100 fine and officers may issue warnings for first offenses. And I just wanted to add that we will be conducting a robust public awareness campaign after first reading uh to get this out with our communications team also in the schools
in conjunction with our SRO and police department uh to inform all of our residents and uh and students within the city. So, um, we'll be working on that this week. >> Great. Thank you. Um, any member of the public
wish to comment on this item 9D? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. >> Mr. Mayor, say something about this ordinance, please. Uh, this is an incredibly difficult ordinance to to draft because there are at least three state statutes that sort of cover the
same topic. So, you have to sort of try to figure out how you do this and be consistent with state law. Then you got the county code and uh we we try to fine-tune what other uh municipalities have done within the state of Florida. And you know, with sort of your comments
and the manager's vision, I think we've come up with really the best possible ordinance in this area. It's it's it's really an impossible ordinance to get right because there are so many conflicting you know issues with with you know regulating these kind of devices. So I want to give you know sort
of credit to the manager for coming up with ideas that others never considered and then your input it made it a lot easier for us. So I appreciate your efforts and the manager's effect that he was our police chief I think was helpful also on the
force for 20 years or so >> and 20 almost 25 years >> almost 25 years like I said and um and um also all the input from the commissioners we all recognize just from walking we all see the problem
ourselves and also we all get input from residents. Um people are worried and and people are actually scared. So it's such a balancing act to protect the safety of pedestrians while at the same time um being mindful of the fact that the
people that are riding these vehicles, we want to protect them as well. So it's quite a balancing act and I think we're we're striking the right balance and of course we'll see it in action and and as uh Chief Pentila knows that really the key is enforcement, right? No matter
what the ordinance is, it's about enforcement and people getting the word out, especially to the schools that, you know, this is what this is. This is the law. Um, any comments? Yes. >> I definitely think that this is a step on the right direction, a much needed
step on the right direction. I want to thank you, Howard, for pushing this through and and the city manager and the city attorney for drafting this uh ordinance. Um, it is something that is much needed. Thank
you. >> Okay. Uh, yes. You want to say something? >> No, I have a question. I mean, is it open to being amended if we see that there's some changes? I I was actually very in favor of this, and I don't necessarily want to go here on public record, but I've been noticing the
ebikes and the e scooters on a road on a sidewalk like around the golf course path. I understand while we're putting this in that they have to be manually used, but there are some roadways that where we're taking away the ability to
make them electric and make those people have to be on the streets. I think we may be going a little too far. I'm just going to use an example of 213 Street. We're now pushing these um bicycles and scooters onto the street if we're not
letting them be electric. And there's really no reason. there's not that many passer buyers that they're coming in conflict with. Same thing might be on a street like Williams Island Boulevard. There's other places where it's not one little sidewalk where there's many
people walking. And I think this restriction that we've now taken away to use on them electric may not may be a little over broad. So I think we should look at it and see how it's working. >> Yeah. Well, let me from a legal standpoint, uh, you can always amend between first and second reading. As
long as you're not going to make any significant changes, it would affect the title because if we change the title, then we have to readvertise it. But just based on the comments you're making, I don't think we would have to amend the title if we were consider some of the changes and the commission decided to
pass an amended ordinance. >> Okay. Thank you. Um to your point, I had asked the city manager to address with our Miami date county commissioner the possibility of building a dedicated um bike lane uh because I'm also very
concerned about pushing the kids into the streets. So that is something that the city manager is going to be working on and we can probably talk about that at a workshop. >> Okay. Uh seeing no other comment, let's vote. Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blatchman,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz, >> yes. >> Commissioner Oinsky, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Um
any any staff reports? Any Mr. Manager or M Mr. City Attorney or Madame Clerk? Anything to report? Just one quick item, mayor. I just wanted to add um on the consent agenda, we ended we ended up we approved the PBA
contract for the next three years between the police department and the city. Um I just want to thank everybody involved in that process. Um it was it was lengthy, but we were able to to resolve and get a a very good contract for our police officers, which will continue the high standards that that
the city expects and requires. Just wanted to add one thing that was put in there that we were the first city to do it and this is an added layer of protection for the city is um we were able to negotiate an automatic reopener. I know there's a lot of uncertainty coming up in the next year or two about
property tax reform. Um we were able to include in this agreement that if there's any significant change to our advorum tax rate or property tax reform, it triggers an automatic reopening of negotiations for this contract. So I just wanted to add that we were the first city to do it. I'm sure I'm sure many other cities will be following uh
that path, but that's an added layer of protection in this agreement. >> Thank you. >> Uh Mr. Mayor, there's something I'd like to report on, too. And I think I I sent a an email to all the commissioners and the the the manager and I have talked about this extensively. There's a bill.
It's either SB 105 or HB 105. And it it's about basically any decision that a local government makes is subject to review if somebody files you know a request for review within uh and that the response has to be given within 30
days and if it's not given within 30 days they can go into court and they could collect attorney's fees. So uh it turn we're tracking the bill. I talked to the manager about it. I think the lo you know your lobbyists are going to you know be involved in lobbying against this bill. It's been assigned to a
committee. I don't think that's a big deal because it's obviously session hasn't even started yet. This is if you think live local is bad. This this basically puts code enforcement out of business among other things. And the definition it's supposed to be tied to
an enforcement action that you can only review enforcement actions or request review of enforcement actions. But the uh the definition of an enforcement action includes things like interpretations. That's not an action, you know. So, uh, this is a horrible bill. Uh, and, uh, I I just want, you
know, you individually and hopefully, you know, the legislative delegation, leagues of cities, will fight this thing if it, if it goes anywhere, cuz like I say, it it's just worse than live local. It's worse than um the the bill that, you know, our law firm filed a lawsuit
against. It it like it eviscerates, you know, local government being able to make decisions. >> It's a constant struggle, a constant battle. Thank you for being on top of it. Yes, Commissioner Ray, I just wanted to let our residents also know in the
consent agenda there were three items affecting our police and I want everyone to know how committed the city is to the safety of our residents. Uh we approved an expenditure to start and establish an aggressive driving enforcement unit.
Bentley will be purchasing two Ford F-150 special assignment vehicles. We also are purchasing um a new marine patrol vessel. And finally, um in the vehicles
right now that the police have, we have incar videos. They're going to be replaced. The city's entering into a contract to have officers. It's an offers. It's an officer safety plan bundle that's going to have bodywn cameras and interview room cameras and
all sorts of other items. And I think it's a testament to us as a city that we want to stay up to date. As we know, Aventura Mall has 30 million plus visitors and we are committed as a commission to and our mayor to uphold
the police department in every way we can. Thank you very much. Um, yes, Commissioner Cruz. So, first of all, I'd like to thank uh our city manager for the dedication and the hard work and and
we we don't take it for granted that uh you were a police chief for many years and and sometimes these negotiations can be uh tricky and uh so we we congratulate you and thank you for doing such a great job and always looking out for the best interest of the city and of
our police department because of course everybody knows that we love our men and women in blue. So, thank you for doing that. The second comment I had was for our uh city manager, Mr. Meyers. If you can prepare uh Mr. City attorney, I'm sorry. Uh if you can prepare for us an
email uh listing the items before we go to Tallahassee in in the beginning of December of the items that you think are important for us to discuss at the uh when we lobby our >> comments. I would I guess I would u talk to the manager about it and maybe we can
come up with a joint list of items that we think are the most important. >> I think well you you adopted your legislative priorities. Uh but that doesn't necessarily match what is uh what what bills are actually before the legislature. So we'll we'll get together
before you go up there and provide what we think are are bills that you need to you should focus on. But I would definitely say this 105 if this goes anywhere uh we got to be on top of it. >> Definitely. Thank you. >> Okay. And I wanted to uh back up to what
the manager said. I think that's significant. The reopener on the collective bargain agreement with the police department. Uh once again, we're leading. Others will follow. But I appreciate the fact that we are in that position. that is uh a testament to
you and um our legal team when it comes to those negotiations. I think that's very important because right now nobody knows what the future holds with property tax with advorum. Um I wanted to mention that Thursday which is what
the 6th of November at 8:00 a.m. here in this commission chambers will be the annual state of the city address. Um, and it will be um a recap of the year we had in Aventura and uh a little bit of a
look ahead to what's coming up in the next 12 months. So, it's worthwhile to attend. After that, it will be posted on all of the city's social media. Um, but it's open to the public at 8:00 a.m. Is that correct?
>> 8 a.m. right here in this room. Plenty of seats. Um, and then somebody was probably going to mention the Founders Day, which is the 8th. >> Yes. >> From 5:00 p.m. until 900 p.m.
Correct. And that is at the Aventura portion of Gulfream where same place it was last year. >> Correct. >> What? And coming up on November 11th, my earpiece
isn't working. Coming up on November 11th, Veterans Day here in this commission chambers at 10 >> 10:00 a.m. >> At 10:00 a.m. Always a really, really meaningful, powerful uh we try to get as many vets as possible to attend and show
them that we do appreciate their service. 10 a.m. November 11th, Veterans Day. So, having said that, um, let's open this up. Line up one at a time. No fighting. Everyone gets three minutes. So, if you want to speak, members of the
public, come on up. Okay. I don't see anyone. Am I missing something? I don't see anyone. Everyone is super happy. You're all doing a great job up here. Once again, second month in a row. No one wants to tell us we suck.
That is so great. Um, seeing no one, I will close public comment and if there's no other business, um, I'm going to ask for a motion to adjourn.
Vice Mayor Bloom, second by Commissioner A. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We don't suck.