December Meeting Minutes
MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
December 14, 2005
Community Room, 3 Island Avenue
Board Members Present
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Keith Hark
Nancy Liebman
Toby Maxwell
Sandra Money
Other Attendees
Dianne Gilbert
Barbara Gillman
Irene Sperber
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. by President Herb Frank.
Approval of the May11, 2005 and November 11, 3005 Minutes
Sandy made a motion to approve the Minutes; Nancy seconded. Motion was approved unanimously.
UPDATES
Crosswalk at 17th & Purdy
Herb reported that they willl begin work in January or February. It was asked if the crosswalk light will be timed or on pedestrian demand. Herb agreed to find out and to post the plans on the website.
Park Renovation Timing
Herb reported that they plan to start work in January or February. He read a letter sent to the Commissioners by the Board of 11 Island, asking that the walkway plans be discontinued or the Avenue made one way. Nancy made a motion that the Board meet with Tim Hemstreet, supporting their starting work as soon as possible, considering removing the cement tire bumpers from the plan, and investigating the concept of making Island Avenue one-way driving. The motion was seconded by Sandy. Two were in favor, three opposed and the motion failed.
Nancy then made a motion that the Board meet with Tim Hemstreet, supporting their starting work as soon as possible, considering removing the cement bumpers, and investigating other solutions to potential traffic problems. The motion was approved unanimously.
Moored Boats
Herb reported that the City has hired someone to enforce the existing laws. Nancy reported that a moored boat damaged the 9 Island dock during Hurricane Wilma and the boat owner was uninsured. It was stressed that people seeing boats moored in the same spot for more than 7 days must call and complain. Herb will provide the phone number to be called and stress this at the membership meeting in January.
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 reported that the new generator on top will not be noisy, as it will only run when there is a power outage. It was suggested that, at the meeting with Tim Hemstreet, the need to camouflage the building be stressed.
Collins Canal Area
Herb reported that this two year project will start soon. First will be the new sea wall and then beautification.
Noise Ordinance
At the most recent Commission meeting, the hotel group lobbied for no controls over pool noise. There is currently a 4:3 group in favor of no fines until an entity is served with 6 violations. Nancy suggested contacting Simone to urge that 3 violations be the criteria for organizations in residential areas. The second reading will take place on January 11, 2006
Standard Hotel
Sandy reported that they will have the first hotel guests on December 16, but don’t believe they will open the restaurant, bar and spa until the end of January. Nancy reported cars without stickers parked in the evening around the circle. It was agreed that Herb will provide the telephone number to call for noise and parking violations on the website and at the January meeting of members.
Clean Dog Park
Janet Perkins assumed responsibility for drafting procedures to insure a clean dog park and has not yet done so.
Board Nominations
Nancy made a motion that the following be proposed for two year terms on the Board of Directors: Toby Maxwell, Keith Hark, Dianne Gilbert, Barbara Gillman, Irene Sperber and Michael Walrath. Sandy seconded. The motion was approved unanimously. This means that Henry Mesri and Luis Marcelin will leave the Board and the others remaining will have one more year in their term of office.
Website Activities
Josh has changed the site to a blog and will explain how to use it at a future meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
General Membership Meeting Date
The General Membership meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on January 18, 2006 at 20 Island Avenue. Sandy agreed to find out who from the Spa will be attending. Herb will give a brief overview of the year’s activities and invite knowledgeable speakers on certain items.
Venetian Causeway Tollbooths
Sandy reported concern expressed by 3 Island Shareholders about the fact that those with passes must wait on long line of those paying cash – the lines should be reversed. It was suggested that she contact Michael Bauman.
Venetian Causeway Bridges
Herb reported that, based on a consultant’s report received by the county, they are trying to fund $30 million in repairs. However, Nancy reported that they will wait until after the Causeway Streetscape Plan is approved in January, so that funding will not be taken from that project.
Next BIRA Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place on February 16, 2006 at 3 Island Avenue.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Prepared by:
Sandra K. Money, Secretary