Good evening. Oh god. So, it's been it's been almost four years. I don't think I've had to remove anyone from the chamber. There's always a first time there's a We seem to have a troublemaker.
I I I want to congratulate Indiana. Um, as much as it pains me, it's always nice to see somebody get one in their life, you know, especially when you root for a team that's had five. But you guys, fair and square, you won. Um,
>> excuse me, ma'am. Should they could not have done this without the Miami player. That's true. We um we I know I told Commissioner Olinsky that um the irony that when we I
went with my son to look at the Indiana campus and the very very fine business school and he chose to go to the University of Florida, I think because his parents wouldn't have to pay any tuition even though we told him do not
consider that. and he said, "Um, well, instead of going to a basketball school, I'll go to a football school." Now, look at the irony. As a Gator, they won the national championship in basketball. The football team wasn't so good. And Indiana wins the national championship
football. I mean, it's so crazy. But, but listen, I would have rooted for them had they played any team but Miami or the Gator. And um it's amazing really what they did. They came from they were the losingest team I have to say losingest team in the history of division one college football right the
most losses >> and they are now the national champions. It really is incredible. We do have to give them their due. And it is a great business school and a great university. Um and I'm happy that I'll be going to Las Vegas next January to watch Miami
this time win the championship. and I will get my tickets in advance so that at four o'clock on the day of the game I don't have to spend $3,500 to sit on the roof. So, I'm not gonna make that mistake again. But anyway, congratulations. A bet's a bet. >> We all have shirts here. It's just a
little too cold for a t-shirt, but we >> we recognize your victory. I think this is uh part of that, too, right? >> It is. Red and white stripes. >> Fair is fair. >> Yeah. >> And you're more than welcome to hang that up on the wall if you want.
Okay. So, let's now call the meeting to order. None of that was recorded, right? None of that is on the record. >> Video. >> No video. We are not live streaming as I understand it.
>> Call uh call the role, please. >> Mayor Weinberg, >> here. >> Vice Mayor Blue >> here. Commissioner Aim >> here, >> Commissioner Bodman here, >> Commissioner Freeland here, Commissioner Cruz here, Commissioner Oinsky >> here, Mr. Pis here, and Mr. Myers here. >> You have a quorum.
>> Thank you. So, we're going to do the Pledge of Allegiance, but it's actually very special tonight. Speaking of the University of Miami and the University of Florida and Indiana University, fine universities, all um we have some of the best and the brightest here of our
students. Um, we've got 20 or so of the ASUS of our ASUS middle school students that are representing tonight. Many more students that are part of the National Junior Honor Society. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you that there's
four pillars that they have to meet in order to become members in National Junior Honor Society. Their GPA must be 3.5 or higher. They have to show leadership skills by being either elected or appointed to leadership positions
um in elementary or middle school either in school or in the community or in work activities such as student council or or a club office or team athletics or patrols. They have to serve the community school sponsored or
independent community service activities. Commissioner Freedelland is very good at leading those with her her organizations. Um they have to show good character. They have to have recommendation letters from staff members. Um they have to um conduct
themselves properly in class and outside of the classroom as well. Um being a member encourages students to value scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. It helps our middle school students develop knowledge
and skills to become well-rounded students, leaders in high school and the overall community and the University of Miami or Florida or Indiana and beyond. Uh, this year's co-sponsor,
Mr. Hammer and Mr. Paracer, did I say that totally wrong? >> Pariser. >> Mr. Pariser and Mr. Hamner. And not only that, ladies and gentlemen, but they know the pledge of allegiance, and
they're more than welcome to come up to that microphone right there, all of you. And you're going to what? >> And you're going to lead us in it. All of you come on up. Get your moment. Come on up. We're all those of us that can,
we're all going to rise. You guys gather around. When you finish, where's heaven? When you finish, we'll come down >> and we're going to take a giant picture of you. Some of you got to be by that microphone. Push the button so it lights up green. >> Why doesn't the president go to the microphone? >> You can pick it up. You can You can pick
the microphone up and hold it. >> The president should go to the microphone. >> Make it green. Make sure it's green. >> Don't leave. Don't leave when you finish. But look, now you have to face this flag right here.
And when you guys start, we will be with you anytime you want. You can count to three silently. >> Don't worry. >> Show leadership. >> You got this. >> I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Let's go down and take a picture. Beautiful. >> At least I didn't say invisible. >> Very well done. Stay there. What do I do with this? >> You put this back. >> It's a little odd with it's
>> Can we Oh, >> I don't think I have ever moved it. I'm still >> Everybody over because this is >> This doesn't go any further. >> Everybody come on this side of the podium. There we go.
>> Make sure you see everybody look at me color. >> Big smiles. >> One, two, three. >> I'm gonna get two more. Stay like that.
>> And one last one. >> Hold on. Parents, you can come up if you want to get a picture. That's You're not getting your >> Thank you. >> Look at your parents. >> Okay. Did you hear the need some help?
>> Thank you. >> Sorry guys. >> Indent right here. >> Maybe lower. There we go. I think that's about right. Thank you.
Congratulations. Okay, Mr. Manager. Um, any additions or deletions? >> No, mayor. >> Okay. Any members of the city commission have a commission report? Um, can you hear me,
Commissioner Bloom? >> Yes, I can. >> Okay, thank you. Um, no, I hear no. Um, Commission reports. Oh, yes. >> Sure. Go ahead, Commissioner Cruz.
So, we were last week at this time. We were in Tallahassee. It was 26°. But we went there as a commission. All of us, you should be very proud as we are that we went. Every single commissioner, the mayor, and the city
manager were there for Israel days representing our community in Tallahassee for the whole state. And we also went to advocate for the uh city uh of Aventura as well as to ask for certain appropriations for for state legislators. But most importantly, we
were there to support Israel and our Jewish community. So, we're all very, very proud of that. Yes, indeed. Uh, the entire elected contingent and almost every single one ended up sick. Um, we woke up to 25°,
not the feels like, the actual temperature. 25° in Tallahassee. I'm sorry I said Commissioner Bloom, I meant Vice Mayor Bloom is still feeling the effects. That's why she's on by Zoom. But everybody is almost better and if we had to do it again, we would. As a
matter of fact, we will next year. Bigger and better next year. Okay. Um, special presentations. Um, Mr. Manager I'd like to recognize our two new parent members for the Donsofur Aventur High
School Advisory Board. And I want to thank you for your commitment and for stepping up to do this. As you know, the Donso Aventur High School is a gem in our community. and both of you coming in and stepping up to make decisions and help improve the school says speaks
volumes and we look forward to the ideas that you have and the contributions that you're going to give in the future and I want to present you with some certificates of recognition and to thank you and and have you begin >> thank you and congratulations and employee service awards.
I want to thank Kenny. Kenny's been with us for 20 years and it it shows a commitment especially our employees employees here are long long-term employees. They stay here. It's a family environment and they work
hard and are well compensated and rewarded for it. But I want to say a couple things about Kenny. Kenny works in our IT department. He started here as a network administrator and through his hard work, he's constantly gone up through the ranks and improved his standing within the IT department to the
point now he's an operations manager. But one of the most important things that he does is cyber security. As you may or may not know, cyber security and integrity is extremely extremely important for local governments. There's been several governments across the
country that have been hacked. Kenny works day in and day out, day in and day out to make sure that all of our infrastructure is safe and that we have not been the victims of any attacks. He goes above and beyond every day doing that. Um his commitment, teamwork,
professionalism are are top-notch. And one significant accomplishment he just recently did was he graduated from the uh Florida State University uh IT management program. And this is something that our IT
department, very few IT departments throughout the country get to go have the certification, but it just shows the professionalism and the level of service that we have. And I want to congratulate him for doing that. And thank you for 20 years and hopefully 20 more. So, thank you, Kenny.
Yeah, absolutely. Thank you, Kenny. Any member of the commission or the manager need to remove an item from consent agenda? Okay. Seeing none,
I need a motion to approve a consent agenda. Commissioner Oinsky, seconded by Commissioner A. Uh, let's vote on that. >> Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Blan, >> yes. Commissioner Freedelland, >> yes. >> Commissioner Cruz,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Oinski, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom, >> yes. >> And Mayor Weinberg, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Um, Madame Clerk, if you could read the ordinance for item 8. An ordinance of
the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 31, land development regulations of the city code of ordinances to create section 31-144G Aventura Metropolitan Urban Center zoning district overlay to provide for a
new zoning district overlay and related regulations and standards. Providing for severability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date. >> Motion to approve. Commissioner Cruz, second by
Commissioner Commissioner Blan. Mr. Manager. >> Thank you, Mayor. This item is a request to initiate an amendment to the city's land development regulations to create a new Aventura Metropolitan Urban Center or MUC. The purpose of this amendment is
to align the city's zoning regulations with the MUC designation already shown in the future land use map and to guide higher intensity mixeduse development in appropriate areas of the city. The proposed overlay would apply within the existing business zoning districts and establish clear standards for
development in areas centered around multimmoal transit facilities and regional shopping centers particularly along Biscane Boulevard and near the Aventura station. And with that, I would like to recognize uh community development director Kevin Klopp and he could expand on the item.
>> Good evening. This ordinance uh as has been read by the clerk and explained by the managers for the Metropolitan Urban Center regulations. This will promote transit oriented development. Sorry about that. Uh this will promote
transit oriented development in Aventura. Um as was discussed at workshop, there are three main factors that have led up to this. Uh first was the adoption of the county's smart plan which has a northeast corridor along
Viscane Boulevard and the FEC tracks extending from downtown Miami into Aventura and there's much plans for beyond north into Broward and Palm Beach County. The city designated a metropolitan urban center in its
comprehensive plan in 2014. We're going to look at that in just a moment. and the opening of the Bright Line station right here at our doorstep. Uh all these things lead to the need for transit oriented development in Aventura and this is to put some regulations in place
for that to occur. So in 2014, the city recognized this need and uh indicated in its comprehensive plan that the metropolitan urban center designation as described and adopted in Miami date county's
comprehensive plan may be applied as an overlay within the city's business and office land use category. And that's exactly what we're doing now 12 years later. So we're doing it in three sections of
the code. One section creating each of the listed districts you see here. MUC1 is the core, the most intense. MUC2 is the center of the district and then MUC3
is the edge. Uh and all of these have a scale scaling down from the core and core center and edge is as prescribed by the Miami date county comprehensive plan. I want to mention some very important
things about the proposed regulations. You have them in your packet. They're obviously many pages long. A lot of zoning code in there. Um, but these are some real highlights that you need to be aware of. First of all, the MUC overlay
will allow residential use in addition to the commercial use that is currently allowed in the areas where we eventually put this on the map. Second, all development adds to the floor area ratio. This is
unlike the town centers. The town centers that we have has a FAR limit of 2.0 in most cases but allows residential density on top of that F. It doesn't
count residential density against F in the MUC following the county comprehensive plan. All development adds to the F. uh the F proposed is higher because of this and the incentive is and
we'll get into this in another slide but the uh MUC allows for sharing of F and density. So there's even though it counts towards F there's a lot of other incentives that make this a good thing.
As we mentioned, sharing of F density and open space are all allowed within each of the three districts MU1, MU2 and MUC3. New administrative regulations are still needed will be needed for sharing of
these densities. That's a very technical process, a very legal process. All this is doing is setting up that the commission is allowing that to happen. There's more rules that need to go in place as to how that will happen between
property owners within these districts. The density of 62 units per acre is added as of right to all of any properties given the MUC overlay. Now,
that sounds a little scary at first, but then when you see the next two things, any project over 50,000 uh gross floor area requires a conditional use. So, it still has to come back to you. The density may be of as right, but the projects won't be
unless they're very small projects. And as uh requested by the commission, parcels less than 35,000 acres will also require conditional use approval. So, it sets a minimum lot size >> less than sorry, square feet. You said
acres. >> Oh, you're right. Yes, that's a large parcel. >> That would be very large. 35,000 square ft requires conditional use approval. That's about 3/4 of an inch. >> Thank you for testing that. We're listening. I know what you're doing, Kevin. >> Yeah, I'm glad. Very good. Okay. Uh M
MU1. Now, these things are specific to the different districts. Um what I just read to you is overall for MU1, the density is up to 100 units per acre with conditional use. The floor area ratio is
up to 4.0 again with conditional use. The height as of right is 25 stories and can be up to 30 stories with conditional use. And finally, in MUC1, parking can be shared between properties in MC MUC1
as well as from MUC1 to MUC2 and vice versa. In MUC2, the only difference is that the conditional use is for density up to 95 units per acre instead of 100. And the F
goes up to 3.5 instead of four. An MUC3 which is the edge conditional uses up to 90 units per acre. 3.0 F a height of 20 stories instead of 25. If
they want up to 25 that's conditional use and parking can be shared amongst MU3 properties but not with MU 1 and two. Now, in order to obtain conditional use approval, they have to provide something
to the city. And those things could be from this list. Enhanced connections to transit, open space above the minimum, a park dedication, contribution to public art, micro micromobility measures, hero housing if it's still needed at the
time, and other needs as the commission may procedurally determine. Now, the next steps are for this to return to you in March. Also, the local planning agency, which is also you, has to have a public hearing on these
things. You're initiating it tonight to go to the LPA. Uh, and a first reading of the ordinance to put the core on the map. We're still working on the details of putting these things on the map. We're going to take it in phases. in April be adoption of
the first two ordinances, the one creating the MUC and the one putting the core on the map and uh we would start the center and edge process in April. And then we'd conclude in May by adopting the center and the edge
overlays on the map. With that, I'm open to any questions. Okay, let me I just want to get something on the record because down the road when this comes back to us and um when there's actually even further down
the road development um I'm anticipating that people will come in and object and say you know why did you allow this why you doing this and all that so I wanted to be clear that um this is not happening in a vacuum and you've worked very hard with the stakeholders.
But again, I ask you as usual, correct me if I'm wrong. Um, there is an alternative methodology by which the land owners being an MU can get to where they want to be where we're sort of cut out of the equation. Correct.
>> That's correct. Because it is under the county comprehensive plan, these land owners could go directly to the county and ask for this to be implemented. Basically the county said we will res usurp your zoning rights if the cities don't put this in place.
>> So we basically would have our hands tied and they would deal directly with the county and the finished product would probably be not to the liking of Aventura >> very possibly. So what we try to do is work with the developers and fortunately
we mostly have stakeholders that are local and that care about our community and they're willing to work with you and ultimately with the commission and our administration and we usually end up with a better end result. Would you agree with that? >> I would agree wholeheartedly.
>> Okay. And a lot of that is your efforts. And when we look at, you just gave a list of things, concessions they would make and things they would do, including helping to fund our high school, including housing for our teachers and our police and things like that. Um some
kind of traffic mitigation. These are things that they're accepting of, willing to work with us, and this is how we end up with um cooperation and a better end result. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, I just wanted that to be on the record. Um, if there's any member of
the public that would like to speak and then we'll, of course, the commission can ask any questions or any comments. But, let me see if anyone from the public might have questions or comments. Um, I see one gentleman standing. Come on up. Name, please.
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Mayor, commissioners, and Commissioner Freedelland. I'll be brief. Jeff Burkow, 200 South Biscane Boulevard. I'm here representing Turnberry Associates and the Aventurum Mall. We're here in support of this ordinance which implements the
Metropolitan Urban Center designation on your future land use map as you heard from Mr. CLOP by guiding higher inensity mixeduse development where the public has invested in multimodal transit facilities like the Bright Line station,
the inevitable bridge to the station and the malls bus depot. The MUC overlay is designed to encourage high quality urban design in a mixeduse pedestrianoriented district directly connecting to two
modes of transit. The regulations will promote appropriate transitions between the subd districts, encourage reinvestment, reduce reliance on the automobile, and strengthening of the city's tax base consistent with the
city's comprehensive plan goals, objectives, and policies. We we would like to reserve our rights to propose small changes to the ordinance as we review the subdists and the distinctions
between the subdists, but we urge you to vote in favor of this ordinance this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. And let me ask if any other members of the public wish to speak. Um okay, seeing none, I'll close it for
public comment. I'll ask if any commissioner has any comments or questions. >> Yes, Commissioner Cruz. >> I just wanted to say reiterate what uh Mayor Weinberg said. Um we're at a time where it seems like everybody's encroaching on local rule and
municipalities being able to make their own decisions as much as possible. We see this uh not only at the county level, which we're discussing here, but at the state level. And it's really important that our community, our city maintains as much of its authority and
uh leadership as it can. So that's why I'm I'm supporting this uh this uh proposal and hope everybody will. Okay. Any other commission comments? Seeing none, I will ask for a roll call
vote. >> Commissioner Blatchman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Freeland, >> yes. Yes. Commissioner Cruz. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Linsky. >> Yes. >> Commissioner A. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Bloom. >> Uh, Mayor Weinberg. >> Yes. >> The motion passes.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. By the way, I'm I I'm looking at the live feed and I know our ratings are through the roof. So, for people who tuned in late, this this Indiana t-shirt
behind me is a result of a football bet. Um, you didn't have to zoom in on it, but it's okay. Um, so, uh, I do want to indicate that I was in Israel with the mayor of LEC, Texas in November. And you
may be aware that with NIL name, image and likeness, um certain teams, certain universities with a lot of money like oil money in Texas are all of a sudden very very competitive where they can you're allowed to pay your players. So Texas Tech, the Red Raiders made it to
the playoffs this year. I just want to indicate for the record. I have a standing bet with the mayor of Leach, Texas. If they face each other in the playoffs, um the bet is Stone Crab against barbecue. So, God willing, we will crush them and I will have some
nice barbecue. Um just want to let that be known so he can't back out. Um okay, public comment. Anybody want to speak to the commission again? You can tell us we're great or that we suck. You have three minutes to
do it. Um, oh, I see. Come on up, young lady. >> Hi. >> Name, please. >> Stacy Levy. >> Stacy Levy. So, it's that time of year again. Um, I'm the CEO and founder of Ellie's Army
Foundation, and we are getting ready for our Dirty Socks 5K run and walkathon. Um the Ellie's what Ellie's Army was named for my daughter Ellie and Ellie had
cystic fibrosis. Um she passed away about 11 years ago now, which I can't believe it's been that long. But um at the end of her life, she had two double lung transplants and her doctors told her that if she wanted to get well, she
would have to walk. and her surgeon asked her for dirty socks cuz that would prove that she had been walking. So Ellie gave him her her socks and we decided to name this event the Dirty Socks 5K run and walk because all
children wear medical socks and sometimes they can't even take a few steps. So on February 22nd, we're going to be walking for them and we're going to be walking for Ellie. It's a great morning. We have uh DJ food trucks.
The city has been so supportive of our efforts. This is our eighth year. Um I want to thank you for that. It it's been a pleasure to work with you and we really appreciate all of your support. It makes a big difference. Ellie's Army
uh supports children and young adults that have life-threatening illnesses. we help their families financially. So, the money that's raised will goes directly to these families and um your support really makes a big difference. I hope
that the community comes out. We've had a lot of community support in the past and I hope that you could all make it. I know that a couple of you can't. We'll miss you, but I hope that everybody um you know comes out. It's a great
morning. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> It's a great event. I know I'll be there and other commission and elected officials will as well. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh item, we were on item eight earlier. We voted on it, Mr. Attorney. And uh I
understand that uh in a technical issue, Vice Mayor Bloom is under the weather. She got kicked off Zoom. Can I allow her to register her vote? >> Yes, you can. >> Okay. Uh, you want to call the role with Vice Mayor Bloom? >> Vice Mayor Bloom, how do you vote on item eight?
>> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other members of the public wish to speak? Seeing none, I'll close it for public hearing for public
comment. I'm sorry. Any other um business? >> I >> Yes. So, I just want to say a few words about Ellie's Army and the Dirty Socks race. And I hope that uh the community
knows and the rest of the commission definitely knows how important it is not just to our community as an event, a family event, but to me. So, thank you all for coming and always supporting and
thank you to the community for always being there for us. And it's Stacy Ley's birthday today. >> Happy birthday, Stacy. >> Okay. Any other comments? If not, I'm going to need a
motion to adjurnn. Commissioner Blanchman, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? We are adjourned. 6:40 p.m. >> Happy birthday