HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-1120 Regular City Commission Meeting SUMMARY MINUTES
Regular City Commission Meeting
Thursday. November 20, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
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AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Edelcup at 6:00 p.m. with the following officials
present:
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup City Manager Christopher J. Russo
Vice Mayor Isaac Aelion City Attorney Hans Ottinot
Commissioner Jeanette Gatto City Clerk Jane A. Hines, MMC
Commissioner Jennifer Levin Deputy City Manager Stan Morris
Commissioner George "Bud" Scholl Deputy City Attorney Fernando Amuchastegui
President of Student Council Tim Byrd
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / INVOCATION
Action: Mayor Edelcup led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flae, and City Manager Russo
gave the invocation.
Mayor Edelcup gave opening remarks of decorum.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3A. Regular City Commission Meeting — October 16, 2014.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: A revised page 5 was distributed prior to the meeting.] A
revised page 5 was corrected with the correct spelling of Edgardo Defortuna.
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
above mentioned Summary Minutes,as amended. The motion was approved by a voice
vote of 5-0 in favor.
4. ORDER OF BUSINESS (Additions/Deletions/Amendments)
4A. Request to Hear Items; Change Order of Agenda: Hear Item 10P and Item 10Q after
Item SB; Hear Item 10,1 after Item 6B; Hear Item 10K after Item 6D. Assignment of
TDRs; Revisions: Item 3A. Summary Minutes: Additional Information: Item 10A.
"Official" Results of Nov. 4 Election: Withdrawn: Item 10H. Easement to CNMB:
Deferrals: Item 6C. Chabad: Add-On: Item 10P. Accept Donation from J. Milton; Item
IOQ. Accept Last Payment from Raanan Katz for Naming Rights.
Action: Mayor Edelcup noted the above changes to the agenda. Vice Mayor Aelion moved
and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the above changes to the agenda.
The motion was approved by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida
special events permit but he doesn't think it will be applicable to them anyway.
Commissioner Levin said if you did have an event you would have Police Officers there to
direct traffic, etc., and Mr. Finvarb said yes, we would be required to. Commissioner Levin
said she understands on the second level above the restaurant which you plan to put on Collins
Avenue. You have a swimming pool up there for customers at the hotel,and you are going to
have another restaurant and a small bar area_. and Mr. Finvarb said yes for the hotel guests.
Commissioner Levin said she knows that 18 stories seems like a lot but the building itself is
almost 80 feet wide, and so it is quite a narrow building, and so the footprint is actually very
small. The only other use you can possibly put in that would make sense is an office building
which of course would increase the traffic which seems to be the biggest issue to most people
here and it is a problem on Sunny Isles Beach. Then we have the Avila who is concerned with
the traffic in the back, and we have the Pinnacle that is saying we don't want the traffic on
Collins, we want it in the back, and so obviously there is a lot of competing interest here.
With that being said, she thinks she will approve the project as it is a good project, and we
need a hotel like this in Sunny Isles Beach.
Commissioner Scholl said so there are always trade-offs.and a couple of people came up and
talked about their campaign promises, and actually his video is still up on his website. When
he talked about west side development he was pretty clear. He said let's stick with the
Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Regulations for west side development. We
allowed a lot of variances on the east side, and buildings got larger than they might have been
and we deviated from our Comprehensive Plan. It is always a tradeoff between the owner's
property rights and what residents want to see, and it is tough. He said he has been a strong
advocate for owner's property rights, the Temple issue and he felt like we were dealing with a
property rights issue. Developers have a right to build something, and they have a right to
building something that does not involve variances,and doesn't involve exceptions unless we
grant them. In this case, it is a tough one because the alternative use is probably an office
building, and the truth is an office building would be much more intensive of a use on a site.
Recently we had two office buildings come before us and he voted against both of them
because both office buildings wanted variances, and he thought an office building is an
intensive use to begin with and a variance on top of that is too hard to swallow. He lost on
those but nevertheless he did not support them. In this case we have a number of issues going
on. No. 1,he agrees,when we have folks coming to town we send them over to Aventura and
they stay at the Marriott in Aventura because we don't have a property like this in the City and
so it is a use that he believes the City needs. The second thing is and he thinks it was
overlooked here, the staff induced the developers to get the loading and unloading off from
Collins Avenue. How many of us get stuck in the morning when there is a semi-truck
unloading supplies for a particular building. In this case it is not going to happen because they
encased their loading and unloading within the property. But again, consistent with his
campaign promises, he said we are not going to approve variances and exceptions on the west
side of Collins Avenue, in this case the property owner has rights that are vested with the
property. Tonight he thinks that the developer brought in a plan that has no exceptions, it is
100% compliant with the Comprehensive Plan, and it is 100% compliant with our Land
Development Regulations. Commissioner Scholl said with that in mind we could end up with
something worse in the future and we could get sued because if we are arbitrary about turning
these things down, that is what happens. He said he is going to support the project.
Vice Mayor Aelion said the fact that the Comprehensive Plan allows this to be built, there are
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
no variances, the hotel on its own merits is something of an economic add to the City for the
tourism, etc. If the Newport is any indication as a local competitive hotel which is packed
solid and booked year round, this is going to be a similar experience of traffic, occupation of
hotel rooms, etc. When he ran for office he gave an analogy of what we really want for the
City, he gave an example ofTaromina,our Sister City,who are very happy without having an
infrastructure community social life, and tax dollars being applied to parks and schools. We
decided here to build an infrastructure of a social community and it came back to bite us.
While Commissioner Scholl said everything correctly that everything is in line, and freedom
of property rights and rights to build,etc., he thinks that the interest of the public in large has
to be looked a. To that end, even if the project in his view is in line with everything that the
City requires, it will create an impact to the City's traffic. He is against this project.
Commissioner Gatto said she thinks this project surprised a lot of people because the feelings
that we had knocked down hotels on the east side and built beautiful buildings but it never
occurred to us that the west side would be up for grabs for hotels. This is her district and so
she is really sensitive about this issue, the west side is where we navigate the City, take our
kids to school, go shopping,and she thinks that anything that impacts the use of our streets as
an alternative to Collins should really be looked at and scrutinized because we don't have that
much to work with in terms of getting around the City. We can't drive around on the east
side, you can drive around on the west side now and that is our livelihood and she spent a lot
of time in this district going to Walgreens,and trying to get to Publix around the school hours,
etc. She knows that this is in compliance, she knows that the developer has every right to
build it, he is not asking for variances but she is really nervous about the impact that this is
going to have in the area for not only the traffic but she is also concerned about noise and she
knows there are going to be two pools. The mere fact of a hotel brings an entirely different
dynamic to the area,and she thinks that is the reality of it. She thinks that is what Vice Mayor
Aelion was trying to say, instead of perception we took reality. With that said, she is not
going to support this project.
Commissioner Scholl said the fact is, again, we have a balancing act here. It is very easy for
him to sit up here and agree with his colleagues, that emotionally this is a bad thing. But the
fact is that you also have a responsibility as a judiciary in the City, and as ajudiciary in the
City we set ourselves up for exposure on these types of things when folks come in and follow
the rules that we have. If we don't like the rules, then we need to change them because
ultimately, and Miami just went through this and they did a whole revamping of their zoning
code, the fact is, maybe that is something we should look at,because ultimately folks come in
and make substantial investments and they make those investments with the presumption of
rights that the City provides. We have an audience filled with zoning attorneys who are
shaking their heads with me, and again my political reality would be to vote no because it is
what everybody wants to hear. But we have a responsibility to both sides and we have a
responsibility to protect the City as well.
Mayor Edelcup said that he is on the same page as Commissioner Scholl who said it very
eloquently that this is a as of right project, and the City can be sued. Emotionally you can feel
otherwise but when you are elected to be a public official you can't let your emotions
necessarily rule the difference of what is right and what is wrong. If we would have passed a
different Comprehensive Plan or different Land Development Regulations perhaps there
would be an argument but this is a case where the Land Development Regulations have been
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
in effect since the City was created, hotels have been permitted as part of the zoning on the
west side, people have a right to build on their property as long as they are not asking for
variances. It is incumbent upon the Commission to give the weight of evidence in favor of
that project and he believes the City does need additional hotels,the only commerce this City
has is hotels. If Ibis Romero were here tonight representing the Tourist and the Marketing
Council of Sunny Isles Beach she would be in favor of this because it brings more tourism to
Sunny Isles Beach which brings more jobs, it brines more opportunity for people to spend
money in our City and make it the type of City that we have filtered into. He knows that many
of the residents are against this project but remember there was a time when you, due to a
building here that had been recently built and your predecessors also said we don't want to see
additional buildings here, we want to just leave it the way it was. If we would have adopted
that philosophy, Sunny Isles Beach today would still be two-story motels along Collins
Avenue and we wouldn't have the wonderful City that we have here today. Progress
unfortunately to some people creates a situation that it is not like it used to be but that doesn't
mean that the way it used to be was a better way. We have to recognize for a community to be
successful it has to be adaptable. Again if the people of this City wish to change things then
there is a type of forum to do that but what is before us today is based on regulations that are
in effect for the City today. It would be totally unfair to put the City in a case where it would
be sued by the developer because we have refused to give him permission to build what he has
as of right to be able to build. With that he will be in favor of this project.
Vice Mayor Aelion said he did an experiment himself, for two consecutive days during. the
week he sat with his car outside the proposed site on Atlantic Boulevard, and he counted at
least 25 to 30 children walking home from school. Now imagine a situation like the Newport
scenario, with traffic coming in and out, with trucks backing up,etc. and the children walking
home. He is very uncomfortable with it. Mayor Edelcup said you have children walking
behind even' one of Raanan Katz shopping centers that have more traffic going in and out
even' day than what you would have going into this hotel.
City Attorney Ottinot said with the added condition of the special event permit and Police
service if there is an event at the hotel. Mayor Edelcup said he would also like the Marriott to
consider becoming a member of the Sunny Isles Beach Resort and Tourism Association,and
Mr. Finvarb agreed.
Commissioner Scholl moved and Commissioner Levin seconded a motion for approval,
subject to staff conditions. Resolution No. 14-Z-148 was adopted by a roll call vote of 3-
2 (Vice Mayor Aelion and Commissioner Gatto against) in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto no
Commissioner Levin yes
Commissioner Scholl yes
Vice Mayor Aelion no
Mayor Edelcup yes
[City Clerk's Note: The Commission took c1 five-minute break after this item. After the
Commission reconvened, related Item 10J was heard.]
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
6C. Request of Chabad Lubavitch Russian Center,Inc.for Property Located at 488 and 500
Sunny Isles Boulevard for the Following: (Hearing #PZ2014-13)
Summary:
The Applicant is requesting approval of a site plan modification of the approved Sunny Isles
Beach Jewish Community Center, to include a 28-story condominium tower with 22
residential units on a unified site located at 488 and 500 Sunny Isles Blvd. The Applicant is
also seeking approval of a height variance of 325 feet where 290 feet is allowed and a front
setback variance of 22 feet and 6 inches where 25 feet is required.
Requests:
I. Pursuant to Section 265-18 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations,
the Applicant is requesting approval of a site plan modification for a 28-story condominium
tower with 22 residential units which contains a total of 101.831 square feet.
2. Pursuant to Section 265-15 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations.
the Applicant is requesting a variance to permit a tower from pedestal front setback to be 22'-
6", where a minimum of 25'-0" is required in accordance with Section 265-38 (Summary
Chart B) of the Land Development Regulations.
3. Pursuant to Section 265-15 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations,
the Applicant is requesting a height variance to permit a tower height of 325 feet where 290
feet is allowed pursuant to Section 265-37(F)(9)(a)[1] of the Land Development Regulations.
Protests 1 Waivers 0 Ea Parte 0
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Additional action under Item 4A.] Deferred to December 18,
2014 at the request of the Applicant.
[City Clerk's Note: Item 6D was heard after Item 10.I and the remainder of the agenda was
heard in order.]
6D. Request of TNG Holdings LLC for Property Located at 16800 Collins Avenue for the
Following: (Hearing #PZ2014-15 —Project: Comfeld West)
Summary:
The Applicant is requesting approval of a site plan application for a 26-story tower including
a condominium use with 122 residential units and a hotel use with 150 units with a combined
total of 335,000 square feet of Floor Area Ratio ("FAR"). The Applicant is requesting
approval of the purchase of 77.307 square feet of floor area and 28 units from the City's
Transfer of Development Rights Bank("TDR Bank").The Applicant is seeking approval of a
height variance of 289 feet and 2 inches and 26 stories where 170 feet and 15 stories are
allowed. Also the Applicant is requesting a pedestal height variance of 54 feet where 50 feet
are allowed.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
Requests:
1. Pursuant to Section 265-18 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations,
the Applicant is requesting approval of a site plan application for a 26-story tower with a
condominium use with 122 residential units and a hotel use with 150 units which contains a
total of 335,000 square feet of FAR.
2. Pursuant to Section 265-23 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations,
the Applicant is requesting the utilization of public TDRs in the amount of 77,307 square feet
of floor area and 28 dwelling units. An adjustment to be made for a decrease 77,307 square
feet of floor area and 37 dwelling units in the City's TDR Bank.
3. Pursuant to Section 265-15 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations,
the Applicant is requesting a height variance to permit a tower height of 289 feet and 2 inches
and 26 stories where 170 feet and 15 stories are allowed pursuant to Section 265-
37(F)(9)(a)[2] of the Land Development Regulations.
4. Pursuant to Section 265-15 of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations.
the Applicant is requesting a height variance to permit a pedestal height of 54 feet where 50
feet is allowed pursuant to Section 265-37(F)(9)(a)[2] of the Land Development Regulations.
(Hear in Conjunction with Item 10K)
Protests 0 Waivers 0 Ex Parte 6
Action: Mayor Edelcup gave opening remarks on zoning procedures/decorum. City Clerk
Hines read a disclaimer for the Zoning hearing, and administered the oath to witnesses.
Mayor Edelcup asked if there were any Ex Pane declarations, and Commissioner Levin,
Commissioner Scholl, Mayor Edelcup, Vice Mayor Aelion. and Commissioner Gatto said
they individually met with Dr. Comfeld to discuss the Application.
City Planner Claudia Hasbun reported the Applicant is applying for site plan approval for a
26-stop' tower including a condominium use with 122 residential units and a hotel
component use with 150 units with a combined total of 335,000 square feet of Floor Area
Ratio("FAR"). The Applicant is also requesting approval of a height variance of 289 feet and
2 inches and 26 stories where 170 feet and 15 stories are allowed. Also the Applicant is
requesting a pedestal height variance of 54 feet where 50 feet is allowed. This Applicant
received a site plan approval pursuant to Resolution No. 98-Z-10 adopted on May 28, 1998,
for a parking garage with recreational amenities for the Newport Hotel. Since then, multiple
Resolutions have tied the parcel to the Newport Hotel. Currently the parcel is serving as an
off-site parking lot for the Newport Hotel. Therefore a minimum of 98 parking spaces shall
be required to fulfill the Newport Hotel parking needs. The Applicant is also requesting
approval for an increase in floor area ratio of 1.25 for a total floor area ratio of 3.75. There is
no monetary contribution from the bonuses program.
City Planner Hasbun said additionally the Applicant is requesting approval for an increase of
floor area ratio from TDRs of 1.125 for a total floor area ratio of 4.875. The new utilization
of City's TDRs is in the amount of 77,307 square feet of floor area ratio and 28 dwelling
units. However, the reduction from the City's TDRs Bank will reflect a total of 77,307
square feet of floor rea and 37 dwelling units. The effect of the TDRs purchase and approval
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
of the project would•be in increase in FAR and density. If the Application is approved, the
Applicant shall provide the City with a non-refundable deposit in the amount of 10%of the
approved purchase of$3,014,973 for the TDRs. the total amount of the deposit is$301,480.
The Application is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development
Regulations except for the variance that is requested. The variances requested may be
approved or rejected by the City Commission based on the evidence presented to support the
variances.
Public Speakers: Stanley Price, Esq.; Kobi Karp, Architect; Dr. Robert Comfeld;
Stanley Price. Esq. representing Dr. ComfeldlTNG Holdings. LLC., said this property which
is located at the Gateway to the City on the corner of A 1 A and the service road to Sunny Isles
Boulevard. This property is somewhat a unique piece of property. Some of the things that are
very important in regards to this property should be brought to your attention: 1) This is the
largest part of the property on the west side of A 1 A that is not permitted to have an access
driveway to the site, and that is because of its proximity to the service road and the traffic that
merges into this road that eventually merges into Sunny Isles Boulevard; 2)This property is a
pie-shaped property, it is not a regularly shaped rectangular piece of property, which creates
issues relating to setbacks; and, 3) This is the only project in this City that is impacted by the
overpass. The overpass is closest to this property which creates visual and noise issues
relating to this property. They went to Architect Kobi Karp, who has designed many fine
projects here and he said tell us what we can do as a matter of right, and because of the shape
of the property and because of the City's Zoning Code which is bonus intensive, but the
bonuses don't mean anything if you can't actually utilize it on the site. It is in the City's
Ordinances that property owners have the right to apply for these bonuses. And so when Mr.
Karp did his initial drawing as a matter of right, we comment with the famous birthday cake
effect which he passed around. We have to be set back a certain distance as to not go more
than five (5) stories in the first segment of this property from A1A, and then we have to set
back another distance of approximately 140 feet before we can go to a 10-story type structure,
and then we ultimately set back further to the 170 feet, the 17 stories which is in the Code.
That is a building as a matter of right.
Mr. Price said let's go back and do two things, trace the Zoning law and how it has evolved,
and let's talk about this City on how it has evolved. He said he represents Dr. Comfeld and in
terms of his history to the City and his contribution to the City, the Newport Hotel has been a
very important landmark in the City for many years. He said Mayor Samson's goal here is to
build it high and thin, not wide,and so when you talk about variances, you need to understand
the history of variances. The original Zoning Codes did not permit variances, after 10 — 15
years the courts found that to be unattainable because of unique circumstances related to
properties, and the courts held that you have to have a device, not a remedy to ask for
deviations from a Code. In the last 10— 15 years you have new urbanism which means you
shift things around on a property to make sense. We redesigned the project, there are 27
stories, and what we did as a trade-off, and by the way, in this birthday cake design that has
been circulated here, he can quote all the square footage he put in their application except for
70,000 square feet because that is the bonus he is getting for dedicating the park. So Dr.
Comfeld said let me build a park, 140 feet of depth on this busy corner, let me put some green
space into the study, let me put sculptures into the park, and let me dedicate this area to the
City if the City so desires. He wants to put art galleries in the retail section around this park,
and put in 122 residential units which is allowed by the Code, and 150 hotel units which is
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
allowed by the Code. And so the issue before the Commission tonight is not we will exceed
any floor area ratios or the lot coverage because we can build that birthday cake and come
before you as a matter of right. This is a cold corner right now, it is a ground level parking
lot, it serves the Newport Hotel. And so what Dr. Cornfeld desires to do is to build his
building higher than the Code permits but the trade-off is to give you 140 feet of frontage and
a sculpture garden which he will dedicate to the City. He has also agreed that if you do not
want to maintain or own this park, he will maintain it in perpetuity.
Mr. Price said that the issue tonight is not whether he can build the building as a matter of
right, he can, the question is, is there a trade-off that the City believes is in its best interest.
Would you rather see a taller building set back 140 feet, or would you rather see a birthday
cake with five (5) stories within 25 feet of A l A and wrap around that intersection which is
heavily traveled. He pointed out that since they are the only parcel on the left side of A I A
that FDOT will not permit to have a driveway, they have to bring more traffic in from the
service road to the back of the building. That is how our traffic has to work, and so Kobi
Karp who is one of the most creative architects that he has ever dealt with, was given
instructions by Dr. Comfeld of what he would like to see on this property. We are suggesting
that they are prepared to bring down the height of this building from 27 stories. We believe
that once you see the illustrations and the drawing that the benefit to the City of having this
park in this location far outweighs the fact that the height will be set back from A I A.
Kobi Karp. Architect, presented renderings of the project. He said that Dr. Comfeld had come
to see them and they came up with a scheme which is as of right wedding cake. It goes 50,
100, 170 feet but since everybody knows this site, we assembled land and made a park so you
can see towards the water, and have an opportunity of green space on the west side. Dr.
Comfeld had asked him what he thought he could do there, and Mr. Karp said to him that this
area is a lemon site. It has a lot of issues, you are driving parallel to the site and that does not
exist anywhere in the City. You have a rectangle but then you have %'s of an acre sticking
out on a corner but when you look at it in 3-dimensional because it has green space across, it
is an acre of open space. He had said to Dr. Comfeld, why don't we take this area and make it
into a green space. He hired Mr. Socash, his plans are right here, and we came up with a
scheme that basically takes the building and pushes it back. Dr. Comfeld also said to him that
he wants to make something that is highly efficient, meaning the parking across the street
right now sets on the surface, he wants to hide it. The loading he wants to tuck it in, and he
wants to have a very nice building. Mr. Kobi said to Dr. Cornfeld,why don't we make a park
and this is set back 150 feet going west, you have an opportunity to make it all green.
Pedestrian access all the way back over here with a plaza,a park, and a seating area. This idea
came to us, if you go to Miami Beach on Washington Avenue and 17th Street where they built
the Performing Arts Center,and what they did was make the corner all green and people come
there day and night and they watch movies, etc.
Mr. Karp said that Dr. Comfeld came to him and said what do you think we can do here?
What we did is we created here commercial with a plaza which is the prescription that we
have on Collins Avenue where people can come in and out with broad sidewalks on the south
side all the way around so that the footprint of the building is pushed in a way from the street
and creates public plazas on the park connecting across Collins Avenue. Also people that
want to come in across from the other park on the south side would have a connection. What
is the price? The price means that we took the square footage from where we would have a
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
structure in the building and we put it on top of the building and we shrunk the building here
to create more setbacks and then we brought it on top of that project which basically created
more of this kind of an affect. When you have 150 feet in the park, you have commercial and
potentially restaurants and outdoor seating all the way around so that the side of the site now
opens to the south, opens to the park, and it becomes a place of destination as a proper
gateway to the City should be. Then Dr. Cornfeld said to him, why don't we look at the
building and see how it is that we can make it certified,unique, and we came up with the hotel
rooms and we brought the park in, the green space, into the building itself. We created a
multi-level garden inside the building where the units, and if you have been to the Pan
Museum in downtown Miami, you will walk around the back by the bay and you will see
there is concrete structure but within the concrete structure there is hanging lollipops, if you
will, of vertical landscaping. So we took that as an inspiration and re-implemented it into the
project so when you look at it on the plan, you have a park, you have a huge walkway that
goes all the way around, you have a pool mini-carrier that sits on the roof, and then you have
inside the tower, setback all the way back up against the beautiful Plaza of Americas parking
structure. RK Marshall shopping center to the north, leaving the vistas open. And of course,
as Stanley Price has mentioned, we are the only site that is unique that has the highway ramp
up, you turn around and you are right there next to it. We can clearly see in the rendering that
this is a major effect, this is a divider where Dr. Cornfeld is trying to bring the green space and
continue it. When he met with the Landscape Architect and he came up with this scheme,he
thought it was phenomenal. If you don't approve the height, if you say no variances, no
height no problem, the building works as it does at 170 feet wedding cake and everyone goes
home happy but there is a unique opportunity to create something for the community where
everybody would benefit and in this area it is phenomenal, it is highly visible.
Mr. Karp said this reminds him when FPL had the substation coming in and everyone was
saying what should we do when they had these precast concrete panels,and he said we want to
pretty it up and we tied it to the Intracoastal and then we will put signage in front of it. The
green area where there is the drainage we will make that into a plaza park. People thought we
were crazy, but now when you drive into Sunny Isles Beach, that is what people see, no one
knows that it is a FPL substation there. Here you have an opportunity, everybody who goes
north or leaves the City drives by a beautiful park. Everybody who is going to come on the
highway on the left, when they are going to go up, they are going to see trees coming up. It
would be foolish for us not to take that opportunity, it would be sad not to capitalize on it. It
is a great gesture to the City. He thinks this is a great solution.
Stanley Price said having heard the hearing right before ours, we are also prepared to indicate
that we would lower the tower setback from Collins Avenue to 23 stories under your Code
down from the 27 stories that we had requested,and we would ask that you adopt this plan. If
you decide not to adopt this plan,we would ask you most respectfully to approve the plan as a
matter of right and we will submit it to the City. If there are any issues whether it is a plan for
matter of right or not we will be happy to come right back to you. We think that this is a
wonderful solution for a difficult piece of property. The purposes of variances always have
been to address unique and unusual circumstances. You get a chance for another park and this
City has become famous for its park system.
Dr. Robert Cornfeld said if we have to this is what we have and that is a shame, this is a
corner and my dream, as of right this is what we are looking for. What he is asking for is to
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
give him a chance to take this and put it here and let's make a beautiful park right here,
something we will all be proud of. We are not asking for one extra density,we are not asking
for one extra foot, all we are asking for is five (5) extra stories. Put the five (5) stories here
and we are not asking for any variance at all for density. It is the same density, the same
square footage, the same FAR, to him it is simple. It would be a shame if this is not approved,
a beautiful garden with solar light and sculptures and it will be lit up at night. We would have
galleries along here, we don't have one single gallery in the City, and so let's make it
something great.
Mayor Edelcup opened the public hearing, and closed the public hearing as there were no
speakers. Stanley Price said that they have met with the neighbors and in fact we have a
neighbor here to support the project. We have reached out to the community around the
property.
Commissioner Gatto said on the bottom page can you remove that and continue with the
concept of the open garden area, and keep the project at just those two pieces of the cake?
Kobi Karp said he wishes he could but he cannot because if he does not put this piece then he
loses parking, units, FAR, and he loses a lot of space. This is a very valuable piece of land
that works efficiently for us and that was the first design we did and that is why we said how it
is how can we improve it and that is how we came to put it on top. And so the short answer is
no, if I lose this then I really don't have the project. Stanley Price pointed out that by rolling
the height to what we respectfully suggest to you, we do away with the variance of the parking
garage. We keep it at 50 and based upon that calculation we will still have over 100 parking
spaces in access the matter we serve the Newport which we have an obligation to do but
additional parking for the City in this area. Kobi Karp said just to show how far we went with
this project, basement parking here besides the parking above and so we did not spare any
expense on this project at all.
Commissioner Gatto said you are a pretty talented guy, you can probably do something
beautiful with that,and Kobi Karp said the as of right is going to be beautiful. Commissioner
Gatto said she wishes we were able to see something schematic along the lines of that. Kobi
Karp said it would be something that goes along these lines with another cube that comes in
front of it that steps up and up. And again,the idea is that besides the building he now has the
opportunity to give something back that does not exist. What we thought was if we can get
this land to become a green space that is in a highly visible place, we have then really created
from our lemon, lemonade because instead of taking that space we are giving it and making it
into a public park to become a real asset to the City. Commissioner Gatto said she
understands she is trying to avoid the issue of variances, and one of the issues that she had
was that it would be a mixed use hotel condo, and she just voted against a hotel in the City.
The other question she had was where does the gas station come into play? Kobi Karp said
the gas station is immediately to the north, he has an aerial of it. Commissioner Gatto asked if
that was up against the building, and Kobi Karp said no. Mayor Edelcup said it would be up
in the front section,the white section. Commissioner Gatto asked if he would have that same
problem if he were to work with the as of right schematic, the gas station issue is what she is
saying? Kobi Karp said no, the gas station is not an issue. What would happen is that when
you run up, instead of having a green open space and three (3) canopies, you would have a
structure there you wouldn't have a building, which is fine but it is not great. In his opinion
this is a great solution just because of that element of the piece comes forward.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
Commissioner Gatto said she is concerned about the height, and she is concerned about the
mixed use condo hotel.
Vice Mayor Aelion said as of right has been presented here and it is very welcomed that green
space is being thought of as an alternative. However, with all that is being said here and this
elegant building, and the idea of having a green center also it is very unique and inviting. It
has its own merit for its architecture and attractiveness both as a landmark and an entrance or
exit to the City. Taking into account that the immediate community have been approached
and they have no problems with it. Today it is a parking lot that sits over 100 cars for the
Newport. The increase of the residential/hotel use will inevitably include the traffic in the
area and he is tempted to see this as an impediment based on the prior presentation where the
two of you presented the site plan.
Commissioner Scholl said that Dr. Cornfeld has been a friend to this community like none
other, he donated half the money for the Pier, he wrote a check for over 52 Million and we
have a Pier today because of Dr. Comfeld. He met with Dr. Comfeld today and he told him
that this is unfortunately one that he cannot support because he is coming off from a campaign
where we just said that we are going to limit west side development. Kobi Karp is the most
articulate Architect in Miami and Kobi and I have battled over these things before and we will
battle over them again in the future. But unfortunately, he believes our issue is with our west
side Comp Plan, and our west side Comp Plan is probably too liberal in height and it is
something that we are going to have to deal with in the future but he thinks we have to hold
the line on heights under any circumstances. He has confidence even without the amenities
they are offering that they will come back with something that is commercially acceptable and
appealable within the confines of our Plan and be within the height requirement.
Commissioner Levin said she appreciates all that Dr. Cornfeld has done for the City and she
loves the project, she likes the atrium, she likes the park, she thinks it is beautiful but she also
has an issue with the height and the variance for the height. While we were talking about the
as built here, the part in the front, if we have the park here it is not gated, and we have issues
of homelessness. Kobi Karp said we could gate it, we can secure it, he will talk to Dr.
Comfeld and see what his thoughts are because to give up the park is just too bad and if we
can find a happy medium and keep the park and maybe get rid of the hotel function, maybe
that is something that he could discuss with Dr. Comfeld as well. Commissioner Scholl asked
if that would lower the building, and Kobi Karp said it wouldn't make it as of right but it
would make it 230 feet instead of 270 feet. Dr. Comfeld said we are only asking for five(5)
or six(6)stories and in return for that we are giving the park. \Vhat Kobi is asking for is to go
from 15 stories as of right to 21 stories, and the trade-off is a park there forever. He asked
what the big deal is about height,you don't want to be a concrete jungle, that is what height is
all about, and this project is opposite of being a concrete jungle. To the south of us is nobody,
it is just an overpass, and to the north of us it is just a 2-story shopping mall,and to the east of
us is the Plaza of Americas and they are very low also.
Mayor Edelcup said unfortunately people have made the assumption that the word variance is
a bad word, everyone is associating it. It would have been so much better if that word had
been changed to an enhancement or betterment because everyone in their right minds would
recognize that a park is better than not having a park and taking the 50 feet in the front and
putting it on the back really doesn't change the complexion of that area. Unfortunately we
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20,2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
just had an election where people had made commitments to the word variance and variance
has become a taboo and it is unfortunately coloring the judgment that normally would be
common sense. We are where we are at and people are going to vote the way they are going
to vote.
Commissioner Levin said it occurred to her, the part in the front, what if that were all Blass
and then on the inside of the glass we would have a garden scape so it would still look like a
garden rather than just a concrete structure with a couple of windows. Where would the
parking go in a structure like this, and Kobi Karp said on an as of right what would happen is
that it is going to be a beautiful building and it is going to be a crystalline building but he
thinks what we are saying is, and maybe as the Mayor said the word variance is a bad word in
tonight's hearing but to him a variance that you are getting something back is a trade-off,and
if we can get that trade-off then that is wonderful, and if we can't get that trade-off it is fine as
well. Either way it is going to work whether it is of right or not but Dr. Comfeld is giving us
an opportunity just like he gave us money to do the Pier. He thinks this is a great opportunity
politically to say you know what, we granted a variance but this is what we got back. If he
was offering the City nothing and he was asking for height it would be a different story. If he
was offering you nothing but he was asking for something, that would be a different story.
We are not asking for anything,there is no difference in density, intensity, FAR, parking,etc.
on any of the schemes, the only difference is a park for five stories, no park no five stories.
Commissioner Levin said then that it is still feasible to do it that way it just wouldn't look the
same. Kobi Karp said yes, also it would not be open to the public, it would be a private space
behind a window. Commissioner Levin asked if that rendering was minus the five stories that
he told me that he would take off, and Kobi said this is the study that they did, this is the
height minus, the difference is this is 230 feet with the same FAR and everything, what
happens is that it got shorter but the footprint got bigger and we filled in the courtyard inside
the garden, the vertical garden effect, and we pulled the building down. The original height
submitted is 290 feet, and this is 230 feet, everything else is as of right. With the 230, we get
rid of the interior gardens. Commissioner Levin asked what is permitted is the 170, and Kobi
said yes and then he would get rid of the park. So it is basically a trade-off of green space vs.
height, and the intent of the Code that was written. The intent was tall and skinnier to create
more open green space, and this is exactly what this project proposes to do.
Stanley Price said if this is not approved that he be permitted to make another proffer to the
Commission, and Mayor Edelcup asked if this gets turned down, can they come back with
something else? City Attorney Ottinot said he would suggest if the Commission is not ready
to approve it to defer it to a date certain where Mr. Price and Mr. Karp will revise the plan to
meet some of the concerns that the Commission has. Mayor Edelcup said what would prevent
them from having a vote tonight, and if it got turned down then he can come back. City
Attorney Ottinot said under our Code if a zoning application is denied,you have to wait a year
before you can reapply. Mr. Price asked then in the event that this is denied in the motion that
is provided that you waive the one year period and we come back as a as of right building and
back to a public hearing. City Attorney Ottinot suggested that the Commission and Mr. Price
ask for a deferral for a date certain in order to meet with staff to address the concerns of the
Commission. The Applicant asked for a deferral to December 18, 2014.
Commissioner Levin moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to defer this
hearing to December 18,2014. The motion was approved by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
7. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
7A. An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,Amending
Chapter 212-4 "Property Maintenance" of the City Code to Prohibit the Accumulation
of Stagnant Water in Commercial Parking Lots and Other Commercial Paved Surface
Areas; Providing for Severability; Providing for Repeal of Conflicting Provisions; Providing
for Enforcement; Providing for Inclusion in the Code; and Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and City Attorney Ottinot reported noting that this
Ordinance was requested by Mayor Edelcup. This addresses a recurring issue of stagnant
water in commercial parking lots. The purpose of this Ordinance is to require commercial
property owners to remove stagnant water in excess of two(2)inches for a period exceeding
24 hours after the most recent rainfall. If the property owner fails to remove the rainwater
the City will impose a first time violation resulting in a civil penalty in the amount of$500,a
penalty in the amount of S 1,000 for a second violation,and each additional violation shall be
assessed a penalty in the amount of 51,500. This Ordinance does not apply to residential
property, there is another section in the City Code that deals with that.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion said then that it is the opinion of staff that a 24-hour period is sufficient
for whatever the amount of water there is and whatever rate of flow of incoming rain
unpredictably is. Deputy City Manager Morris said we always try to apply a reasonable
amount of time to comply with the Code. If we are in some sort of serious weather event we
my to use a reasonable standard in enforcing the Code and work with the residents. Vice
Mayor Aelion asked if there is an allowance for a tropical storm event. City Attorney Ottinot
said the law allows staff to give reasonable discretion. We have seen pictures of commercial
property letting standing water sit for several days.
Commissioner Scholl said it is a function of enforcement, we can put the Ordinance on the
books but if you don't hold people to it, and there is one property owner in particular that we
are talking about; and Mayor Edelcup noted there are two property owners, the other one is
Mr. Dezer where it floods at Epicure worse than the other one.
Commissioner Levin said these fines and penalties are basically a slap on the wrist, it is
going to cost them more money to clean the valves or drill deep wells as we were discussing
in the Workshop. So why wouldn't they just say no they are not going to do it, and just pay
the fine? Deputy City Manager Morris noted these fines are per day,it accumulates,and then
it would become a lien. Commissioner Levin said she did not see that in the Ordinance,and
City Attorney Ottinot said he would correct that on second reading.
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
proposed Ordinance on first reading,as amended. The motion was approved by a roll
call vote of 5-0 in favor. Second reading, public hearing will be held on Thursday,
December 18, 2014, at 6:30 p.m.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto yes
Commissioner Levin yes
Commissioner Scholl yes
Vice Mayor Aelion yes
Mayor Edelcup yes
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Other than Ordinances for Second Reading)
None
9. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING (Public Hearings)
9A. An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Amending
Ordinance No. 2014-436; Amending the City's Budget No. BA1415-01 for the 2014-2015
Fiscal Year to Adjust the General Fund for Parks Capital Outlay Requests; Authorizing the
City Manager to Do All Things Necessary to Implement the Terms and Conditions of this
Ordinance; and Providing for an Effective Date.
(First Reading 10/16/14)
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Finance Director Audra Curts-Whann reported.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
Ordinance on second reading. Ordinance No.2014-438 was adopted by a roll call vote
of 5-0 in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto yes
Commissioner Levin yes
Commissioner Scholl yes
Vice Mayor Aelion yes
Mayor Edelcup yes
Sitting in as the Local Planning Agency and the City Commission, to Consider the
Following Ordinance Amending the Land Development Regulations (LDRs):
9B. A Resolution of the Local Planning Agency of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,
Recommending to the City Commission of Sunny Isles Beach, the Ordinance Amending
Chapter 265 "Zoning" Section 265-38(4)of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Sunny Isles
Beach to Correct a Scrivener's Error and to Clarify the Buffer Zone Between Properties in the
Business Overlay District and Properties in the Residential District, Attached Hereto as
Exhibit "A"; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Item 9B was heard with Item 913.1.] City Clerk Hines read the
title. and City Attorney Ottinot reported.
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. LPA Resolution No. 2014-83 was adopted by a vote of 5-0 in favor.
9B.1 An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Amending
Chapter 265-38(4) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Sunny Isles Beach to Correct a
Scrivener's Error and to Clarify the Buffer Zone Between Properties in the Business
Overlay District and Properties in the Residential District; Providing for Repealer;
Providing for Severability; Providing for Inclusion in the Code; Providing for an Effective
Date.
(First Reading 10/16/14)
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20,2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and City Attorney Ottinot.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
Ordinance on second reading. Ordinance No. 2014-439 was adopted by a roll call vote
of 5-0 in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto yes
Commissioner Levin ves
Commissioner Scholl yes
Vice Mayor Aelion ves
Mayor Edelcup yes
Sitting in as the Local Planning Agency and the City Commission, to Consider the
Following Ordinance Amending the Land Development Regulations (LDRs):
9C. A Resolution of the Local Planning Agency of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,
Recommending to the City Commission of Sunny Isles Beach. the Ordinance Amending
Chapter 265 "Zoning" Section 265-18 to Require Submission of Costs of Construction of
Development Projects and Appraised Value of Artwork Designated for Development Projects
in the Site Plan Application Process, Attached Hereto as Exhibit "A"; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Item 9C was heard with Item 9C.I.] City Clerk Hines read the
title, and City Attorney Ottinot reported.
Vice Mayor Aelion moved, and Commissioner Scholl and Commissioner Gatto seconded a
motion to approve the resolution. LPA Resolution No. 2014-84 was adopted by a vote of
5-0 in favor.
9C.1 An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Amending
Chapter 265 "Zoning" Section 265-18 of the City Code to Require Submission of Costs of
Construction of Development Projects and Appraised Value of Artwork Designated for
Development Projects in the Site Plan Application Process; Providing for Severability;
Providing for Repeal of Conflicting Provisions; Providing for Inclusion in the Code; and
Providing for an Effective Date.
(First Reading 10/16/14)
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title,and Zoning Administrator/Planning Manager Claudia
Hasbun reported.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
Ordinance on second reading. Ordinance No.2014-440 was adopted by a roll call vote
of 5-0 in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto yes
Commissioner Levin yes
Commissioner Scholl yes
Vice Mayor Aelion yes
Mayor Edelcup yes
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
10. RESOLUTIONS
10A. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach; Florida; Accepting
the Results of the General Election Which Was Held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014,
Declaring George "Bud" Scholl to be Elected as Mayor; Declaring Isaac Aelion to be
Elected as Commissioner, Seat 4; Declaring Jeanette Gatto as Commissioner, Seat 2,
Who was Automatically Elected Having No Opponents; Discharging the Canvassing
Board for Run-Off Election; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: The "Official-Results were distributed prior to the meeting.]
City Clerk Hines read the title and reported noting that the newly elected officials will be
sworn in at the Special City Commission Meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 beginning
at 6:30 p.m.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Gatto seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2331 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10B. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.Authorizing
the City Manager to Expend up to 577,100.00 with Bonnie Bennett Creative to Provide
Graphic Design Services to the City for Fiscal Year 2014/2015; Authorizing the City
Manager to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Cultural and Community Services Director
Susan Simpson reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2332 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10C. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,Authorizing
the City Manager to Expend up to 587,500.00 with Franklin Dodd Communications to
Provide Printing Services for the City in Fiscal Year 2014/2015; Authorizing the City
Manager to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Cultural and Community Services Director
Susan Simpson reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Gatto moved and Commissioner Levin seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2333 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
10D. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida. Providing.an
In-Kind Donation to Chabad Russian Center of South Florida for Use of Samson
Oceanfront Park and City Support Personnel for a Community Event, in an Estimated
Amount of $5,090.00; Authorizing the City Manager to Do All Things Necessary to
Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title. and Cultural and Community Services Director
Susan Simpson reported noting_that this annual event will take place on December 21,2014.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl moved and Commissioner Gatto seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2334 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10E. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.Approving a
Parking License Agreement between the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, and M
Resort Residences Condominium Association, Inc. d/b/a Marenas Resort for Use of a
Portion of the Parking Lot Under the William Lehman Causeway. Attached Hereto as
Exhibit"A"; Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement;Authorizing the City
Attorney and the City Manager to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Agreement;
Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Deputy City Manager Stan Morris reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2335 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10F. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida.Approving a
Letter Agreement with Jay Carroll of Carroll Electric,Vendor#1873,Authorizing the
Spending Authority to Provide Electrical Consulting Services, in an Amount Not to
Exceed 550.000.00. Attached Hereto as Exhibit "A"; Authorizing_ the City Manager to Do
All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Public Works Director Bill Evans reported.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Levin seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2336 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
I OG. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Florida,Approving
the Second Amendment to the Agreement with L & L Truck Repairs for Fleet Bus and
Heavy Duty Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services, in an Amount Not to Exceed
$60,000.00; Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Said Agreement; Authorizing the City
Manager to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Public Works Director Bill Evans reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl moved and Commissioner Gatto seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2337 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10H. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Granting
an Easement Agreement to the City of North Miami Beach to Use Certain Roof-Top
Space at the Heritage Park Parking Garage and the Government Center to Install and
Maintain Fixed Network Collector Antennas and Equipment,Attached Hereto as Exhibit
"A"; Providing the City Manager with the Authority to Negotiate with the City of North
Miami Beach; Providing the City Manager and the City Attorney with the Authority to Do
All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: See additional action under Item 4A.] Withdrawn, to be heard
at a future date.
101. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Granting
an Underground Easement to Florida Power and Light for Gateway Park, Attached
Hereto as Exhibit"A"; Providing the City Manager and the City Attorney with the Authority
to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Public Works Director Bill Evans reported.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Gatto seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2338 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
[City Clerk's Note: Item 10J was heard after related Item 6B.]
104. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Florida.Authorizing
the Transfer of Development Rights ("TDRs") in the Amount of 13,766 Square Feet of
Floor Area (FAR) and 0 Dwelling Units to 17700 Collins Avenue Owner, LLC for the
Property Located at 17700 Collins Avenue from the City's TDR Bank Account;
Directing the Zoning.Administrator or Designee to Transfer the TDRs From the City's Bank
Account in Accordance with Zoning Resolution No. 14-Z-148; Authorizing for the
Adjustment and Modification of the City's TDR Bank; Providing the City Manager and City
Attorney with the Authority To Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution;
Providing for an Effective Date.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Heard after related Item 6B.] City Clerk Hines read the title,
and Zoning Administrator/Planning Manager Claudia Hasbun reported that the purchase
price was $591,938 for the TDRs and a deposit of$59,195 shall be made within three (3)
days of approval.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2339 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
[City Clerk's Note: Item 6D was heard after Item IOJ, and the remainder of the agenda was
heard in order.]
10K. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,Authorizing
the Transfer of Development Rights ("TDRs") in the Amount of 77,307 Square Feet of
Floor Area (FAR) and 28 Dwelling Units to TNG Holdings LLC for the Property
Located at 16800 Collins Avenue from the City's TDR Bank Account; Directing the
Zoning Administrator or Designee to Transfer the TDRs From the City's Bank Account in
Accordance with Zoning Resolution No. ; Authorizing for the Adjustment and
Modification of the City's TDR Bank; Providing the City Manager and City Attorney with
the Authority To Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: See additional action under related Item 6D.] Deferred to
December 18, 2014.
10L. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Approving
a Request Submitted by Dezer Bluegrass, LLC. to Naive the Landscaping and Front
Setback Requirements and Permit Murals and Graphics for the Construction Fence at
the Bluegrass Beach Club Located at 18325 Collins Avenue; Establishing Conditions for
the Relocation of the Construction Fence; Providing the City Manager and the City Attorney
with the Authority To Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for
an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Zoning Administrator/Planning Manager
Claudia Hasbun reported.
Public Speakers: Warren Stamm
Warren Stamm, Esq. representing Dezer Group, said the graphics and materials are in
compliance, the only thing they are asking for is a slight increase in the height of the sign
structure, and to move it forward so that it is contiguous to the street so we don't have the
landscaping setbacks to avoid the issue of anybody falling or having any type of material,
debris in the area. This is for the Sales Center at the Bluegrass property. This is going to be
another jewel in the crown of Sunny Isles Beach.
Commissioner Scholl moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2340 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
107. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida,Confirming
the Balance of Transfer of Development Rights ("TDRs") Currently Held in the TDR
Bank Accounts by the City of Sunny Isles Beach and Private Owners,Attached Hereto
as Exhibit "A"; Requiring Yearly Updates for TDRs Bank Accounts; Providing. the City
Manager with the Authority to Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution;
Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Zoning Administrator/Plannine Manager
Claudia Hasbun reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Scholl asked if we have an estoppel from the private owners that agrees with
our reconciliation because we are opining the private and the public bank? City Attorney
Ottinot said no but we deduct all the TDRs from the private banks, we then get a transfer, a
resolution for the Commission to approve to confirm the transfer. Also we have them sign
the Agreement, and so the TDR Resolution is basically an estoppel. Commissioner Scholl
said then that we have a clean mechanism for making sure that it is right. City Attorney
Ottinot said yes, noting they will be cleaning up the Temple to close out that donation from
the private bank from when we did the Tumberry Project.
Mayor Edelcup said over the years since TDRs were invented by us, we have accumulated
some 2,200,000 square feet of TDRs of which we have sold to developers, approximately
half of those, 1.1 million, for about $58 Million which went a lone way to building the Parks
and the green space in our City. We still have potentially another 1.1 Million to sell,and the
current market value on the Oceanside is $125 or more for a square foot. The City can
probably put a value on it of over S125 Million of potential future sales that can take place
given today's price levels if they were sold on the east side. The use of TDRs has been an
economic boom to the City and has helped financing.much of the infrastructure that we have
put into our City. He has always asked that we do this on an annual basis to make sure the
Commission, now and the future, reviews them and are cognizant of what is still available.
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2341 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
ION. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Approving
the First Amendment to the Agreement with Bell David Planning Group, Inc. for
Planning and Zoning Review Services, in an Amount Not to Exceed$45,000.00,Attached
Hereto as Exhibit "A"; Authorizing_ the Mayor to Execute Said Agreement; Providing_ the
City Manager and the City Attorney with the Authority to Do All Things Necessary to
Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Zoning Administrator/Planning Manager
Claudia Hasbun reported.
Public Speakers: None
Commissioner Gatto moved and Vice Mayor Aelion seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2342 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
28
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
100. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Ratifying a
Settlement Agreement Between the City of Sunny Isles Beach and Henan Garcia and
Maria A. Garcia ("Unit Owners")of the Plaza of the Americas Condominium,Attached
Hereto as Exhibit"A"; Providing the City Manager and the City Attorney with the Authority
To Do All Things Necessary to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and City Attorney Ottinot reported noting. that we
have closed on the property with Plaza of the Americas and consequently we will have a
bridge that will connect Gateway Park to the north side of North Bay Road on SR826 west.
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2343 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
[City Clerk's Note: Documents were distributed prior to the meeting. Item LOP was heard
after Item SB.]
IOP. Add-On:
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida,Accepting a
Donation of a Bronze Statue of Jose Milton to be Located Adjacent to the Butterfly
Garden at Gateway Park; Providing the City Manager and the City Attorney with the
Authority to Do All Things Necessary, to Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an
Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Documents were distributed prior to the meeting, and heard
after Item 5B.] City Clerk Hines read the title, and Mayor Edelcup called up Joe Milton.
Mr. Milton said for the last 20 years of his father's life, who passed away last summer. Sunny
Isles Beach was his home away from home. This is the only place where he would go to the
beach, the only place where he had a residence besides his own home, and he just loved
Sunny Isles Beach and he wants to continue his legacy here by leaving a part of him here;and
he showed a rendering of the memorial.
Public Speakers: Joe Milton; Eduardo Castineira, Architect
Eduardo Castineira, Architect President/CEO of Axioma3Architects,handed out a rendering
of the proposed Memorial to the Commission. He said Jose Milton was also an architect,
and he had a grand vision early on in this City and many other pans of Miami-Dade County.
His vision was also part of his investment and this dedication that he had to building and
constructing. They wanted to do a memorial to Jose Milton in a very classic way which is a
similar type of memorial that have been done for other great leaders. He showed the
rendering of the memorial nestled in the Butterfly Garden of Gateway Park in between the
stage and the St. Tropez Project. The materials are a solid granite slab/stone. with a bronze
bust and with an inscription that the family will put together and capture a moment of this
man's contributions to Sunny Isles Beach and his work.
Mayor Edelcup said that Jose was a great friend of the City and a great friend of his. His
vision was something special for our City and Mayor Edelcup is very pleased that we are able
29
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
to honor him with the statue in the Park. It would be great to get this done in time for his
birthday this coming March, and Joe Milton said they will try to do it by then. Mayor
Edelcup said he knows Jose would be very proud of the way the City has turned out and how
well you and your brothers have taken over after he passed. We look forward to seeing
Gateway Park and seeing your father's statue in the Park. Vice Mayor Aelion added that
Jose was truly a pillar of our community, and the public/private partnerships that this City
has seen and grown together with.
Commissioner Gatto moved and Commissioner Scholl seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2345 was adopted by a voice vote of 5-0 in favor.
10Q. Add-On:
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Accepting
the Final Payment of S75,000.00 for Naming the Gymnasium Located at the Pelican
Community Park the "Raanan and Phyllis Katz Sports Center" in Perpetuity; Providing
the City Manager and the City Attorney with the Authority to Do All Things Necessary to
Effectuate this Resolution; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: [City Clerk's Note: Documents were distributed prior to the meeting.] City Clerk
Hines read the title,and Mayor Edelcup reported that in 2009 the City received an offer from
Raanan Katz to name the Gymnasium located at Pelican Community Park as the "Raanan
and Phyllis Katz Sports Center". Raanan and the City subsequently entered into an
Agreement for the Gymnasium naming rights wherein Raanan Katz agreed to pay the sum of
S525,000 to the City over a seven (7) year period of time with annual payments of S75,000.
Raanan wishes to make the final payment of S75,000 here tonight to name the Gymnasium
located at the Park as the "Raanan and Phyllis Katz Sports Center" in perpetuity. Directing
the City Attorney to file a Restrictive Covenant with Miami-Dade County to reflect the
approval of this Resolution and the conditions of his naming rights.
Public Speakers: Raanan Katz
Raanan Katz said he will give a check to the City as final payment and he thanked the
Commission for the approval. He said he is the only one who ever paid money for a naming
but he did it with pleasure. He wished the Mayor much success in his retirement.
Commissioner Gatto thanked Mr. Katz for his contribution,however,she got stuck on the"in
perpetuity"word because typically these kind of things are done on an annual basis and they
are offered to the incumbent and of course you have right for first refusal. She asked that it
be opened up for discussion. Commissioner Scholl asked what the original deal was and
Mayor Edelcup said $525,000 for seven (7) years, and Commissioner Scholl asked if that
was for perpetuity, and City Attorney Ottinot said the original contract basically provides for
payment for seven (7) years, and after seven (7) years it didn't address clearly what would
take place but he and the City Manager met with Mr. Katz recently and he indicated that he
wants some finality to our Agreement which this Resolution was provided for.
Commissioner Scholl said in as much as we appreciate the payment he has a fundamental
issue with naming something in perpetuity. He does remember the original deal and in his
mind it was that the naming rights were there on an annual basis against each annual
30
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida
payment, and so while he appreciates the fact that at the end they would like to convert to
perpetuity, he will not support it.
Raanan Katz said there are many naming rights here, streets, schools, etc. and nobody ever
paid for any naming rights. He is the only one that paid, and he paid faithfully for seven (7)
years. He showed what he had to do and after his payment today and to ask for more time,he
declines. He does it to be a good citizen and he appreciates the support. Commissioner
Scholl said he is not a big fan of naming rights, you will notice no streets are named after
him, he actually would not accept it because he feels that naming rights does not set well
with the public. He just went through a campaign, and he heard a lot of things from the
public and they don't like naming rights. Again, in the original deal that you paid,that was a
deal that we made and he is willing to stand by that deal but he thinks what is proposed
tonight is a modification of that deal and he is not in support of the modification. He said
from his perspective it is not a function of money but it is more of a function of the notion of
naming rights, it is more philosophical.
Commissioner Gatto said her comment is more of a function of money because there are
operating costs to the building that really don't apply to the street naming and the beach
accesses example. She agrees it should be done on an annual basis and obviously, as the
incumbent, giving you the right of first refusal. She said this is a modification of the original
Agreement. Mayor Edelcup said the original Agreement never specified, it just said for
seven (7) years we will collect the $7 ,000. At some point all of the parties to the original
Agreement realized that there would be a final date and it was never specified that it would
take place at the end of this payment, it left the door open. There was never an Agreement
that we continue$75,000 per year forever, it was for seven(7)years we were getting 575,000
towards whatever funding we wanted to put that to. In exchange for that, Raanan and
Phillis's names were on there and the .Agreement was silent as to whether or not this would
go on forever or it would come to an end and the names would stay there.
Vice Mayor Aelion said Raanan Katz is a pillar of this community in his own right like
Michael Dezer, Joe Milton, etc. and he thinks that the behavior of this Commission has
always been to recognize those standout actions and achievements with a public/private
partnership that has occurred between these people and the City. To emphasize the point
more strongly is that recently the name of Intracoastal Park was named after the Dezer
Family of which he paid a certain amount of money and that is a permanent structure in
perpetuity. The argument could be made for the maintenance of the Park,the need of funds
then we would have voted that action with the same approach that if monies were needed to
address the maintenance of a certain, in this case a Park, then we wouldn't have agreed to
allow Dezer to have a permanent name in the permanent structure. To that end,the argument
by Commissioner Gatto doesn't hold,and with that$525,000 is a sufficient amount of money
and he will support the resolution.
Commissioner Scholl asked if there are any other contingencies associated with the naming
perpetuity, is there any other contingencies associated with the Agreement with Mr. Katz.
Are there any other obligations by the City or for that structure on Mr. Katz' behalf? City
Attorney Ottinot said no,the obligations that were agreed to were the payments for the seven
(7) year period and he met those obligations, there are no other obligations based on the
Agreement that we entered into.
31
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
Commissioner Levin said the original Agreement with Mr. Katz was that he would pay a
total sum of $525,000. $75,000 a year for seven years. According to what the Mayor's
understanding of the Agreement is, it doesn't say whether it is in perpetuity, or whether it is
supposed to stop. How is this $525,000 with the naming rights any different than any of the
other naming rights we have given in the City for less money like Dezer? She understands
those two,are there any others? Mayor Edelcup noted the naming rights when we bought the
parks from Koffowsky and Steiger where an area of each of those parks named for their
family, and that was part of the purchase price. Other than that, and other than streets that
have been named or for other Commissioners. Commissioner Levin said then that they don't
make any payments in perpetuity,and Mayor Edelcup said no. Commissioner Levin said the
money is used for operating costs, and Mayor Edelcup said it goes in the General Fund.
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Levin seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2346 was adopted by a roll call vote of 3-2
Commissioner Gatto and Commissioner Scholl againstj in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto no
Commissioner Levin yes
Commissioner Scholl no
Vice Mayor Aelion yes
Mayor Edelcup yes
[City Clerk's Note: Item 6A was heard after Item 1OQ.J
11. MOTIONS
None
12. DISCUSSION ITEMS
I2A. Appointment of Dana Goldman. Esq. to Temporarily Fill Vacant Commissioner Seat 3.
Action: Mayor Edelcup said due to the fact that Commissioner Scholl is resigning his seat
effective November 21, 2014, his seat will be a vacant seat that will need to be filled for its
duration. There is a Special Election scheduled on February 17, 2015 for that but in the
interim on December 2, 2014 he will be recommending to the Commission that Dana
Goldman, who is here in the audience and is Chairperson of our City Advisory Committee,
should fill that vacancy until the Election. She has an opportunity to run in that Election
along with anyone else who lives in that same district but until the Election, she will fill that
vacancy. He just wanted to bring that to everyone's attention and look forward to having
Dana inducted on December 2 as well.
12B. Comments by Mayor Norman S. Edelcup.
Action: Mayor Edelcup said today marks another milestone in the history of Sunny Isles
Beach, it is the first retirement of a Mayor from office. Naturally it is with mixed emotions
32
Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting November 20.2014 City of Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
that he bid goodbye to this elective office. He thanked the resident voters of Sunny Isles
Beach for first electing him to the Commission on that fateful day of September 11, 2001
when our World Trade Center in New York was destroyed which was a bittersweet day. He
has proudly served as the Mayor for the last eleven (11) years since the death of Mayor
Samson in October of 2003.
Mayor Edelcup said since the first days of our City's incorporation,what we have achieved is
really remarkable. We took a community that was in decline and decay and transformed it
into a sophisticated shining City on the sea that is now known worldwide as a favorite
destination to our visitors and permanent residents. That transformation did not happen by
accident but was the result of a lot of hard work, not only by this Commission but by the
preceding Commission and all the City officials and employees that have worked diligently
to make this a wonderful City. Good planning, fiscal soundness, and smart growth coupled
with the perfect oceanfront location spells success. In the 17 years we have taken this one
square mile community from a tax base of just over a Billion Dollars to today's nearly Eight
Billion Dollars. We have lower tax rates, and we have built ten (10) parks and over twenty
(20)beach accesses. We have partnered with the County to build a K-8 public school which
he is honored to have named after him. Additionally we have developed one of the best
cultural activities programs for our residents and visitors. We restored the last remaining
Pier in Miami-Dade County, and protected our people with the finest Police Force in the
nation.
Mayor Edelcup said he leaves public office now knowing that the City will continue to grow
and prosper under a new City Commission and Mayor, and he is sure he will lead the City to
greater heights. It is his wish that the sun, moon, and stars will always shine on our great
City of Sunny Isles Beach. He thanked everyone for the wonderful opportunity of serving
this community. He will now continue in the community as an active citizen and a member
of the newly created Sunny Isles Beach Foundation formed to provide enhanced cultural and
educational programs and events in our City. Again,thanks for giving him the opportunity of
being your Mayor and he will always cherish this moment of his life.
13. CITIZENS' FORUM: REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
None
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Edelcup adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
Respectfu16, submitted&b)r:, ' Approved •y the C y Commission on Dec. 18, 2014
ems
Jane A. Hines. Mi\4C;=Citydlefk George H. oll. Mayor
•
33
12/12/2014 Item Coversheet
J &NY Is-4e
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City of Sunny Isles Beach
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n 18070 Collins Avenue
" ; Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
ti• a, /a1' . (305)947-0606 City Hall
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MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commission
VIA: Christopher J. Russo, City Manager
FROM: Jane A. Hines, MMC, City Clerk
DATE: 12/18/2014
RE: Summary Minutes for the November 20, 2014 City
Commission Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
Attached for your consideration are the Summary Minutes for the
November 20, 2014 Regular City Commission Meeting.
REASONS:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Summary Minutes
Item Number: 3.A.
htt pl/survryisles.rxovusagenda.com/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemID=1514 1/1
SUMMARY MINUTES
Special City Commission Meeting
Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
ATTENTION ALL LOBBYISTS: CITY LA\V REQUIRES YOUR REGISTRATION PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN
LOBBYING ACTIVITIES BEFORE CITY STAFF. BOARDS.COMMITTEES OR THE CITY COMMISSION.
PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY CLERK FOR FOR2IS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
The meetine was called to order by Mayor Edelcup at 6:30 p.m. with the following officials
present:
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup City Manager Christopher J. Russo
Vice Mayor Isaac Aelion City Attorney Hans Ottinot
Commissioner Jeanette Gatto City Clerk Jane A. Hines, IONIC
Commissioner Jennifer Levin Deputy City Manager Stan Morris
Deputy City Attorney Fernando Amuchasteeui
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / INVOCATION
Action: Jack Cohen led the Pledee of Allegiance to the flag, and City Manager Russo gave
the invocation.
Mayor Edelcup gave opening remarks noting that tonight we will make sure that the
transition into the new Commission takes place. He said we appreciate everybody coming
out, it is nice to see a full house to welcome in the new Commission.
3. RESOLUTIONS
3A. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Approving
Dana Goldman to Fill the Vacancy for City Commissioner Seat 03; Providine for
Approval by the City Commission; Providing for an Effective Date.
Action: City Clerk Hines read the title, and Mayor Edelcup reported that when
Commissioner Scholl left his seat to run for Mayor, we had a vacancy that had to be filled.
Dana Goldman who has been on our City Advisory Committee for the last three(3)years or
so has done such a wonderful job of chairing that Committee that we thought she would
make an excellent addition to the Commission. He nominated Dana Goldman and asked the
Commission for the approval for her to replace Commissioner Scholl in the open seat until
the next regularly scheduled Election for that particular seat [February 17, 2015].
Public Speakers: None
Vice Mayor Aelion moved and Commissioner Gatto seconded a motion to approve the
resolution. Resolution No. 2014-2344 was adopted by a roll-call vote of 4-0 in favor.
Vote: Commissioner Gatto yes
Commissioner Levin yes
Vice Mayor Aelion yes
Mayor Edelcup yes
Summary Minutes:Special City Commission Meeting December 2.2014 Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
4. SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
4A. Installation of Officers: City Clerk to Administer the Oath of Office to the Following
Officials: Dana Goldman as City Commissioner Seat 03; Jeanette Gatto as City
Commissioner Seat 02; Isaac Aelion as City Commissioner Seat 04; and George "Bud"
Scholl as Mayor.
Action: City Clerk Hines installed the newly elected officials. Commissioner Goldman
begins immediately, and Mayor Scholl, Vice Mayor Aelion. and Commissioner Gatto
officially begins their term on December 4; 2015 [30 days after the Election].
Mayor Edelcup passed the gavel to newly elected Mayor George"Bud" Scholl who thanked
the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach. He gave a special thank you to his wife of 28 years. Dione
Del Monico;her uncompromising and often relentless personal standards motivate him to be
the best he can be even' day. He said now it is time to put the politics of the campaign
behind us and start pulling together as a community, and as a Commission. To continue
down the path of improving our quality of life for the current and future generations of Sunny
Isles Beach residents. He looks forward to working with his colleagues and the excellent
group of City staff members to accomplish these goals. As your newly elected Mayor this
will be his top priority.
Vice Mayor Aelion congratulated Mayor Scholl and the Commission members.
Commissioner Gatto congratulated Commissioner Goldman who is going to be a great
addition to the Commission in her area of expertise. She also congratulated newly elected
Mayor Scholl. and Vice Mayor Aelion on his re-election. She said when you get elected to
the Commission you kind of know what to expect. She had a business background and she
was lucky enough to feel that she can translate some of those skills into what we do as
Commissioners. Of course there are other things that you learn such as construction. She
also noted that a lot of things that they vote on as the Commission really have to do with
things that have happened in the past, and Mayor Edelcup has always been yen' generous
with sitting down when we discuss these things at the Workshops and giving us an historical
perspective. She cannot tell you how valuable it is to have that historical perspective on
things that just help the learning curve grow faster, and she thanked Mayor Edelcup for that
and wished him the best of luck in the future.
Commissioner Goldman thanked Mayor Edelcup for his great support and guidance,and his
foundation and encouragement over the years. It is really a testament to his support that she
is standing here before you. She thanked everyone and the Commission for their support and
encouragement and collegial atmosphere that she feels already. She also acknowledged the
City Advisory Committee, Howard Gordon and Ari Steiger who are in the audience right
now and hopefully they will continue the good works of the CAC and she hopes to continue
along those lines as a Commissioner. Condominium Advocacy first and foremost,advocacy
for all the residents and the unit owners who live in condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach.
Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Analysis Review is at the top of her list of things to
explore as a Commissioner. Most importantly, it is all about quality of life for her family,
her daughter Julia who is in the audience, and it is all about quality of life ultimately and that
is what she hopes to support as Commissioner.
Summary Minutes:Special City Commission Meeting December 2.2014 Sunny Isles Beach.Florida
Mayor Edelcup announced that everyone is invited to have cake and coffee in the I' Floor
Meeting. Room.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Edelcup adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
Vt 'TV C.
• ,° Respectfullv.submitted by: Approv-t by the ity Commission on Dec. 18, 2014
f
'Jane A.`Hinesl•N1MC. City Clerk George H. 7choll, Mayor
•
s, •i 4: 7>
i
12/12/2014 Item Coversheet
s �
a City of Sunny Isles Beach
E ) n 18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160•4 � ' FL°.40'4 (305)949-3113 Hall
Fax
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MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commission
VIA: Christopher J. Russo, City Manager
FROM: Jane A. Hines, MMC, City Clerk
DATE: 12/18/2014
RE: Summary Minutes for the December 2, 2014 City
Commission Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
Attached for your consideration are the Summary Minutes for the
December 2, 2014 Special City Commission Meeting.
REASONS:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS: •
Description
Summary Minutes
Item Number: 3.B.
http://surnyisles.nonsagenda.com/CoverSheetaspOltemID=1515 1/1