Miami Beach, FL 33139
To enhance the quality of life for the residents of Belle Isle. The Association is concerned with safety, security, traffic control, ease of parking, noise control, park beautification, cleanliness, open spaces, planning, development, licensing, permitting, and all issues that may affect the residents and their quality of life on Belle Isle. The Association will strive to facilitate communications among the residents and between the residents and the Government.
Board member Renee Savary kindly took a set of photos of the current status of the park--now those away from Belle Isle can share, at least virtually, the torture us full-timers are living with. (Ugh!!!).
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
Approval of Minutes of the February 13, 2007 Board Meeting
Nancy made a motion to approve the Minutes of the February 13, 2007 Board meeting as distributed. Keith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Ongoing Business
Park/Street Renovations
Herb repeated information transmitted to the Board in an e-mail, that Jorge Chartrand has changed the 5 foot ADA-mandated walkway from outside the park to a walk path in the park and only a 1 foot space with tire stops in the street. This will NOT cause a significant delay in completion of the project. Jorge was thanked on the website and in a letter to the Mayor.
Venetian Causeway
Herb reported that Howard is the official BIRA representative to the Venetian Causeway Association. A meeting of Police and other causeway agencies from the community was held to address emergency situations on the Causeway, such as the closure of either of the bridges. A plan was developed spelling out a procedure to be followed. This includes a call list. The BIRA Association representatives will be advised if and when there is a need. Howard would be notified for BIRA and he can contact each Board member. When he is gone for the summer, Toby will do so.
Renovation along Dade Blvd./Canal
Herb reported that the County will not take down the fence and do the plantings until the renovation of the sea wall is completed. All of this work should be finished in the near future. Josh noted that the striping of the street will be re-considered at a meeting tomorrow.
New Business
Candidates for Mayor/Commissioner....Presentation
After discussion it was agreed that we will have two separate public meetings – one with the mayoral candidates (on October 15th) and the other with those running for Commissioner (on October 22nd). Nancy agreed to contact Juan at Sunset Harbour to see if they would like to co-sponsor the meetings, holding one on their property and one at 20 Island. Nancy and Josh will contact the candidates to put the dates on their calendars. Sandy agreed to coordinate the distribution of announcements with Herb and Juan. Scott said he would make the arrangements with 20 Island for their meeting room.
Boat Show/Sunset Harbour Ramp
After discussion, it was agreed that Nancy will ask Juan, (Sunset Harbour) if they plan to do anything about problems that arose from the use of the ramp this year. We agreed to support an effort by Sunset Harbour if they take a position opposed to continuing this practice.
Other – Parking
Josh reported that, as a member of the city’s Parking Committee, they were not consulted when new areas, such as the lot on Michigan Avenue or the one behind the SunTrust Building (which may result in the LOSS of 29 parking spots in the street) were approved. Nancy noted that the Michigan Avenue lot is on public land and should provide normal parking space but it seems that monthly and corporate accounts have taken all or most of the parking.
Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting
It was agreed that the next Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 in the 3 Island Avenue Community Room at 6 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
Prepared by:
Sandra K. Money, Secretary