May Minutes - Last Meeting Until Fall

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

May 8, 2007
Community Room at 3 Island Avenue

Guests:
Andre Balasz, the Standard
Jason Harler, The Standard
Alfredo J. Gonzalez, Greenberg Traurig

Herb called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.

New Business

Since the two representatives of the Standard and their lawyer were present, it was agreed to discuss his matter first. After discussion of the importance of extending their alcohol hours until 2 a.m. from the current limit of midnight and the neighborhood concerns about the potential noise problems that evening events will create, it was agreed that Mr. Gonzalez would draft a Covenant between the Standard and the Belle Island Residents Association for review and comment by the Board of Directors and discussion at a meeting of members. He promised the draft by early next week, as they are scheduled to meet with the Miami Beach Board of Adjustment on June 8. They then left and the Board agreed to have the documents they present reviewed by legal counsel as well as Board members. Herb stated that it would be hard to come to an agreement and have a general meeting with the residents by June 8 but we would work toward this goal.

Approval of Minutes of the March 14, 2007 Board Meeting
Josh made a motion to approve the Minutes of the March 14, 2007 Board meeting as distributed. Renee seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Ongoing Business

Park/Street Renovations
Herb noted that thee work is ongoing with nothing new to report..

Venetian Causeway
Toby agreed to attend the May 14 meeting on the Venetian Causeway representing the Association. He will report their activities to the Board.
Renovation along Dade Blvd./Canal

Josh reported that Jeff Cohen of the county will report to the Parking Committee on the striping of the roadway in 3 months.

Notices for Residents about Joining the Board
Irene presented a notice to be sent to all members. Suggested modifications included the need for potential members to download the application and send it to the
Nominating Committee by e-mail.

Candidates for Mayor/Commissioner ....Presentation

It was noted that representatives of the other co-sponsoring Associations did not attend this meeting. Sandy reported having sent letters to all known candidates. She has had replies from only 3 and Herb has heard from Matti Bower. It was agreed that Sandy will send follow-up letters to all of the others, expressing the Association’s surprise at hearing nothing from them. It was also agreed that the details would be worked out over the summer by e-mail, but the concept of a moderator for each session was a good idea and the need to have at least one question that all of the candidates must answer would prolong the evening. Individuals will be asked to develop questions for specific candidates that may be answered by one or more of them.

Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting

It was agreed that the next Board Meeting will be held in September in advance of the October sessions with the Candidates..

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Prepared by:
Sandra K. Money, Secretary