Minutes of 11/7/06 Meeting

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
November 7, 2006
Community Room at 3 Island Avenue

Board Members Present
Josh Fisher
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Barbara Gillman
Nancy Liebman
Sandra Money
Renee Savary
Irene Sperber

Herb called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

Approval of Minutes of May 11, 2006 Board Meeting
Nancy Liebman made a motion to approve the Minutes of the May 11, 2006 Board meeting. Josh Fisher seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Inviting Speakers to Board and General Membership Meetings
After discussion it was agreed that Politicians may be invited to speak at both Board and General Membership meetings, but all other speakers must be addressing an issue that affects the quality of life for those living on Belle Island.

It was assumed that there will be a run-off in the race for Miami Beach Commissioner, since it is unlikely that any of the six candidates on the ballot will obtain over 50%. It was agreed that Nancy and Josh will contact the two who will be in the run-off on November 21 and invite them to speak to and answer questions from the residents of Belle Isle. The time would be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. If one or both agree to appear, Herb will arrange for the meeting to take place at 20 Island Avenue. They will be asked to make a 10 minute presentation and then answer questions from the membership. Herb will moderate the discussion.

By-Law Changes
Herb distributed a new Article IX and addition to Article V of the By-Laws and asked for feedback from the Board before a vote at the next meeting.



Transportation Issues

Josh distributed (and later took back, as requested) his letter to the Transportation Office and the result. They have changed the hours of the A bus that crosses the Venetian Causeway, such that it will run until 11:45 p.m. daily OR 2 hours after the end of any event at the Carnival Center, whichever is later. They have prepared a brochure describing this service and including a map of the A bus route, which will be provided to restaurants on Lincoln Road, as well as to BIRA for distribution to members in their buildings.

In addition Josh and others have requested that the Miami Beach Local bus include a stop at Purdy Ave. and Dade Blvd. making it closer for Belle Isle Residents to get on the bus.

Schedule General Membership Meeting
After discussion of various building meeting schedules, it was agreed that the General Membership Meeting will be scheduled for January 18, 2007 at 7 p.m. at 20 Island Avenue.
Herb will contact 20 Island for use of meeting room.

Slate of 2007 Officers and Board
All Board members present with terms expiring in January, 2007 agreed to run for another 2 years on the Board. Herb will contact the three members not present to determine their interest in running again. Herb will contact anyone, suggested by a Board member, who lives in the Vistas as it is not currently represented on the Board.
After discussion, it was agreed that all Officers are willing to retain their positions for one more year.

On Going Business

Park/Street Renovations
Herb reported that, according to George Chartrand’s office, the cement structures that are being built on the site will be buried and become part of the controls for the run-off water system. It was noted that the street lights do not work, that there are un-marked and un-lit bump outs on the roadway and that the dumpster across from 9 Island is over-full and has not been emptied. After discussion it was agreed that Herb will send a letter to George Chartrand pointing out these problems and noting that there are 1200 individuals who are living on this Island while the work, which is scheduled for completion in the winter of 2008, is being carried out.

Pumping Station and Plant Sizes
Herb will, again, request the size of the plants to cover the outside of the Pumping Station.

Surface of Dog Park
Herb reported that his suggestion for the surface was turned down and it will be a grass surface. It was suggested that Herb request that the Dog Park contain a double-gated big and small dog separation.

Causeway Bridges
After discussion, the Board unanimously agreed that Herb should send a letter to the Coast Guard on behalf of the Association supporting the change of bridge openings to hour and half hour week days. All members of the Board were urged to do so as well.



Big Boxes in Sunset Harbour
Nancy reported that it appears that the Planning Board will hear from the developers at 5 p.m. on December 12. They may have dropped the concept of a Home Depot and Natural Foods and have hired an organization to perform a Traffic Study. It will be determine if that Study will be available sufficiently in advance for the hearing to take place on December 12th. Nancy will keep us posted.

Neighborhoods First has hired a lawyer and an expert to analyze the findings of the Traffic Study. Neighborhoods First will require more funding if they are to battle the developers, should they be turned down on December 12 and appeal that decision.

Traffic Light and Crosswalk at Purdy
Everyone on the Board was pleased at the progress made to-date, but Herb was asked to contact the City to determine the date that the new lights will be workable.

New Business
There was no new business.

Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting
It was agreed that the next Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 in the 3 Island Avenue Community Room.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Prepared by:

Sandra K. Money, Secretary