Minutes of 1/18/07 General Membership Meeting

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

January 18, 2007
Meeting Room at 20 Island Avenue

Herb Frank called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and introduced the following guests:
Jorge Chartrand, Director of CIP
Captain Louis Fata, head of Miami Beach Police for this area
Lynn Bernstein, Miami Beach Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Frank Kruszewski and Jonah Wolfson candidates for Commissioner
Max Holtzman, Neighborhoods First

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2006 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Josh Fisher made a motion that the Minutes be approved; Barbara Frank seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS
Captain Fata distributed copies of his business card and said that members should feel free to call or e-mail him at any time. He was asked many questions and agreed to look into many various topics including the delay in a traffic signal, loose dogs in Gibbs Park, fishing off the bridges, vagrants in the park and use of decoy police cars. He then introduced Officer's Songdahl and Bellow, who distributed a flyer of private home robbery suspect.

Lynne Bernstein suggested all members go to www.miamibeachfl.gov and sign-up for their newsletter under "On-line Services." She will come back to us answering questions about lights and trash cans in the park construction area and said she is available at 305 673-7000, ext. 6178.

Max Holtzman introduced himself as a neighbor and head of Neighborhoods First, an organization formed 6 months ago when Home Depot was seeking approval for a large store near Publix. Ten neighborhood associations have supported their efforts. Max does not believe that Home Depot will want to build a store in Sunset Harbour now after many objections from the neighbors. If they do he will advise us. He noted that Whole Foods has interest in the space behind the Alton Road gas stations, as they have requested neighborhood input to their designs and wish to be good neighbors. If they make a decision to come into the area there does not seem to be much resident concern. He is always available on his cell phone - 305-992-6328.


Jorge Chartrand described the history of the development of the plans for the park and street, including the neighborhood meetings at which this was discussed and approved by a vast majority of those attending. He noted that the requirement for a "safe haven" of 5 feet between the park and the cars was a County requirement that will be addressed at a meeting to be held shortly with Jeff Cohen, Traffic Engineer for Miami Dade County. He also noted that unforseen problems always arise in projects of this scope and he is willing to address all of them. Among other topics, he reported that he was not sure if the City traffic study that included a study of a one way street for South Island Avenue. It was determined that only North Island Avenue would become one way. He said that if, after the meeting with Miami Dade engineering, there is still a concern he will ask for an additional traffic study to determine if there is a need to make South Island Avenue one way. He also reported that the pumping structures at the western end of the park will be buried underground.
There were various questions posed by many members, including Barbara Gillman and Janet Perkins and the issue of a safe area for pedestrian traffic around the site by Josh Fisher. After much discussion about the pros and cons of turning Island Avenue into a one-way street, Barbara Frank suggested that the issues relating to street construction where separable from the one-way street issue which can be addressed, if needed, after the work is complete.
After long and heated discussion, Jorge agreed to inform Herb tomorrow on what will be done about the 3 primary concerns raised: pedestrian safety during the construction; the meeting with Jeff Cohen; and an inquiry into moving the lighting from the park to the sidewalks.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb introduced the Board members sitting at the head table - Barbara Gillman, Josh Fisher, Renee Savary, Barbara Frank, Sandra Money and Scott Diffenderfer. Howard Farber requested his name be placed on the slate of directors and this motion was accepted. Herb placed the names of the following individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for two year terms::

Scott Diffenderfer (20 Island)
Howard Farber (16 Island)
Josh Fisher (9 Island)
Herb Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Barbara Frank (10 Venetian Way)
Nancy Liebman (9 Island)
Sandra Money (3 Island)

and indicated that the following have one year left in their 2 year terms:

Barbara Gillman (16 Island)
Keith Hark (10 Venetian Way)
Toby Maxwell (9 Island)
Renee Savary (5 Island)
Irene Sperber (11 Island)

Herb made a motion to approve the new Board; Sandy Money seconded. Motion passed unanimously.


PROJECT UPDATES
Herb reported that the traffic light at Purdy Avenue is almost complete, with some striping in the roadway which should be completed next month.

Herb reported that the bridges on the Venetian Causeway will open only on the hour and half hour on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting next month. The $8 million Causeway "Beautification" project will be discussed at a meeting from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Thursday, February 1, 2007, at 1000 Venetian Way. This information is posted on the website. All residents are invited to attend this meeting.

Herb reported that work on the Collins Canal is being tracked by Nancy Liebman, who was too ill to attend tonight's meeting. Her updates will appear on the website.

NEW BUSINESS
Barbara Frank described the plans for the New World Symphony building and parking area behind the Lincoln Theater. This is a $200 million project, requiring $15 million from the City.
Herb noted that the last of the Capri cement pours is to take place from 8 a.m. on January 27 to 10 p.m. on January 28 and those affected should make appropriate plans.

There being no further business Sandy Money made a motion to adjourn; Barbara Frank seconded. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

Prepared by:

Sandra K. Money