Minutes of 5/11/06 Meeting

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
May 11, 2006
Community Room at 3 Island Avenue

Board Members Present
Josh Fisher
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Nancy Liebman
Toby Maxwell
Sandra Money
Irene Sperber

Guests Present
Renee Savary
Gail Thompson, President, Grand Venetian

Herb Frank called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of March 29, 2006 Board Meeting
Josh Fisher made a motion to approve the Minutes of the March 29, 2006 Board Meeting. Barbara Frank seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business
New Board Members
Josh introduced Renee Savary, who now lives at 5 Island Avenue, having spent the last 12 years on Belle Island. After discussion, Josh made a motion to approve Renee as a Board Member. Sandy Money seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

A Line Bus Service
Sandy reported the suggestion of a neighbor that the A Line Bus from Miami across the Venetian Causeway have its hours extended once the Performance Center is open, so that residents can use it to go to and from performances. The concept was greeted with agreement from all present and it was suggested that Sandy make this request, as well as the suggestion that the A line service be improved, of Barbara Bisno, as her organization represents others on the Causeway.

Standard Spa
Herb reported that there is a Happy Hour, with a disc jockey, at the Spa every Thursday night from 6 p.m. to midnight, starting a week ago. Concern was expressed about where the music will be played and the crowds that this may bring to the Spa. After discussion, it was agreed that Herb and Barbara will check it out tonight to determine where the music is being played and will check with the City to determine if this type of event requires a permit. Once these factors are known, he will take the appropriate action.

On Going Business
Park Plans
Herb has sent an e-mail requesting an update on the timing, but received no response. Renee agreed to follow-up on this over the summer.

Pumping Station and Plant Sizes
Herb reported that the men working on the Station were pulled off to work elsewhere and he believes it will be another 4 to 5 months before they return. Nancy Liebman agreed to keep contacting the City about this.

Surface for Dog Park
Herb reported learning about a crushed granite surface that dogs find appealing and which allows owners to easily see what must be cleaned up. Renee agreed to suggest this when in communication with the City about the Park.

Island Avenue Traffic Calming Devices
Herb has been in touch with the City and was told that they have a Traffic Calming Manual under development.

Bridges on Venetian Causeway
Sandy reported that the weekday opening of the bridges on the hour and half-hour is working. Nancy noted that boat owners will probably complain about this experiment to the Coast Guard, so it is important that we, as individuals, report our satisfaction with it. Herb agreed to send the Coast Guard address for such letters to all members of the Board.

Big Boxes in Sunset Harbour
Nancy reported that we have won a couple of battles, but the war is not over. The City passed an ordinance that any building over 50,000 square feet must go to the Planning Board before the Design Review Board. Those behind the Sunset Harbour development filed early and went before the Design Review Board, which told them there were problems and to come back in May. Their proposal will not be approved until it goes to the Planning Board, which Nancy believes will take place in September. Those behind the project have threatened to sue if their proposal is not approved.

There is also a meeting of the Planning Board to discuss ramifications of the Industrial Area on May 23 at 1:30 p.m. Board Members are urged to attend and listen to their discussion.

Phone Numbers for Code Enforcement
Josh agreed to check to see if the numbers are on the web site and Herb agreed to re-send him (and the rest of the Board) all of the appropriate numbers.

Traffic Light and Crosswalk at Purdy
Herb has had no word on when the installation work will begin.

Forwarding Information other than Belle Isle
Herb questioned whether or not he should forward to the Board and interested members, information that does not specifically relate to Belle Isle. After discussion, it was agreed that he should not.

Set Time and Day for the next BIRA Board Meeting
It was agreed that the next Board meeting will take place at the beginning of November, but that the Board will be in touch with each other over the summer by e-mail.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.