MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
November 20, 2007
Community Room at 3 Island Avenue
Board Members Present
Scott Diffenderfer
Josh Fisher
Barbara Frank
Herb Frank
Barbara Gillman
Keith Harke
Sandra Money
Guests: David Ballard, 6 Farrey Lane & Rosemary Ravinal-Ferrara, 11 Island Ave.
Herb called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. and introduced the guests to the Board Members.
Approval of Minutes of September 20, 2007 Board Meeting
Keith made a motion to approve the Minutes as distributed. Sandy seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.
Ongoing Business
Park/Street Renovations
It was noted that the landscaping across from the park is terrible and the lack of signage is a problem. C I P stated they wish to have a meeting with residents in early December. After discussion, it was agreed that Herb will ask for a meeting with CIP at 7 p.m. on either December 11or 12. These topics, the dog park and others will be discussed.
Venetian Causeway
Barbara Gillman noted that the opening of the bridge nearest Belle Isle is not on the hour/half hour schedule on week days. She agreed to contact the person in charge on behalf of BIRA.
Renovation along Collins Canal
Everyone was positive about the renovation, but concerned about the street markings. Josh noted that the fact that the bike path and west-bound merge are not working and has been brought to the attention of the City Engineer, who is pressing Miami- Dade county for appropriate changes. Josh will continue working on this.
Review of Candidates for Mayor/Commissioner Meetings
Those attending felt that both were excellent meetings. Sandy thanked Scott for organizing the space, Irene and Rosemary for preparing the signage and Marilyn Freundlich as co-sponsor and for obtaining Charles Perez as Moderator. It was agreed that Sandy will thank both Moderators in writing.
Notices for Residents about Joining the Board
In Irene’s absence, Barbara Frank reported that David and Rosemary had both completed applications for the Board and had been approved by the Nominating Committee for election to the Board at the annual meeting.
We are sill seeking representatives from the Vistas and 5 Island.
David will check on someone from the Vistas and Herb will ask the Managers, especially the one at 5 Island, to re-post the Notice about joining the Board.
Review of the Standard Hotel Activities
Herb thanked all who worked to convince the Standard to withdraw its request for a 5 a.m. liquor license.
Incorporation of BIRA
It was noted that there is a lack of legal standing and protection for Board Members without incorporation and that it will cost $100 and the annual fee is $60.00. Keith made a motion that we incorporate in the state of Florida. Josh seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Josh agreed to check that the name Belle Isle Residents Association, Inc. is available and will complete the paperwork available online without the need for legal counsel. Sandy volunteered to be named Manager, using her 1521 Alton Road address – the UPS store, where all mail is accepted and her box is checked daily during the winter and weekly during the summer. Herb will send a note to all Board Members asking for a $25 contribution – or more or less, depending on their comfort level – to be sent to Keith. Keith will open a bank account for the corporate entity at Wachovia. Sandy advised the bank will allow this for a month prior to actual incorporation. It was agreed that there is no need for Directors and Officers Liability Insurance at this point in time. It was agreed to give Josh $60. for the annual website expense from the Board contributions.
Disturbing Noises on Belle Isle
Herb noted that the pumping station noises had been resolved.
No one believes that The Standard has been creating disturbing noises.
20 Island – Scott noted that they are getting a new chiller, which should significantly reduce the noises heard by some residents at the Grand Venetian.
Barbara Gillman reported that every Sunday the Flamingo Hotel has parties from noon until evening that are heard at buildings on Belle Isle. It was agreed that she would research the name of the person in the City concerned with noise levels and contact him/her.
New Business
2008 General Membership Meeting Date and Plans
After discussion, it was agreed that the meeting should be held after the annual meetings of the Belle Isle buildings. The Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on February 6, 2008 at 20 Island. Scott was asked to book the room for the meeting.
2008 Slate and Nominations to the Board
It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next Board meeting.
Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting
It was agreed that the next Board Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on December 19, 2007.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Prepared by:
Sandra K. Money, Secretary