November 9, 2005 Minutes

The minutes of the November 9, 2005 board meeting have been posted.

MINUTES of

BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
November 9, 2005
Community Room, 3 Island Avenue

Board Members Present
Josh Fisher
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Sandra Money

Other Attendees
Edith Gelber, 20 Island
Theodora Skolnick, 11 Island
Helene Barnett, 11 Island
Mervin Aronoff, 3 Island
Janet Perkins, 11 Island

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by President Herb Frank.

Approval of the May11, 2005 Board Minutes
Barbara made a motion to approve the Minutes; Josh seconded. Motion was approved unanimously.

December Art Show at 3 Island Avenue
Mervin Aronoff, who is organizing the event, reported that the notice was not posted in several buildings and the response from artists has been poor. He was given the names of artists known to Board members and guests. Since the deadline for inclusion is next Monday, he will propose to the 3 Island Board of Directors, at their meeting later that week, if the event should go forward as planned or be re-scheduled.

UPDATES
Parking Permit Program
It was agreed that it is working well..

Crosswalk at 17th & Bay
Muhammed Hasan, Miami Dade Engineer, told Herb that there were no plans for the Crosswalk yet, but will contact Herb next Wednesday.

Park Renovation Timing
Herb reported that they plan to start work in January. Edith, Theodora and Helene expressed their concerns about the 5 foot walkway and the difficulty it would provide to those backing out. Herb explained how the cars will be situated. The Board urged the Guests NOT to stop the renovation, which has taken so long to begin.

Moored Boats
The Commission approved new rules, but this has not seemed to effect the situation. Herb will follow-up on this.

Design of Pumping Station
Although we were assured that it would be no more than 12 feet high, it is higher than that already. Herb will follow-up on this.

Collins Canal Area
According to Jordana Rubin, they have begun getting permits and plan to start in January and complete the work in one year.

Standard Hotel
Josh and Sandy reported having a good meeting with their representatives. There is no date set yet for their opening.

Website Activities
Josh is looking into blog software, that would allow Board members to add information to the site themselves. He will report back once he has reached a decision.

NEW BUSINESS
Barbara Gillman was to attend and make a presentation on One Way Traffic on Island Avenue, but she did not attend.

Board Nominations
The one-year terms of Keith, Henry, Toby and Enrique end on January 19, 2006. Nominations for 2 year terms to replace the members who are not active and from buildings not represented at this time, will be sought by December 10, 2005.

General Membershi Meeting Date
A General Membership meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on January 18, 2006. Sandy agreed to draft a letter to the Manager of the Spa outlining what they should and should not include in their presentation to the Membership. Herb will locate a meeting place (hopefully 20 Island).

Clean Dog Park
Janet Perkins presented the concept of dog owners being “responsible parents” and suggested that we develop models that work in other parks. She agreed to sit on a Committee with Josh and Barbara to further develop this concept.

Next BIRA Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place on December 14, 2005, in 3 Island Avenue at 6 PM

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Prepared by:

Sandra K. Money, Secretary