Minutes, February 6, 2008 Annual Meeting

MINUTES of
BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

February 6, 2008
Meeting Room at 20 Island Avenue

Herb Frank called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and called up Commissioner Jerry Libbin. Mr. Libbin introduced the concept of Dr. Morris Sunshine that the City endorse a private venture to establish a mooring field with incentives to lure transient boaters.

Commissioner Ed Tobin noted that he is supporting a stricter state ordinance keeping transient boaters further away from populated areas.
Herb then introduced Lynn Bernstein, (Community Outreach Coordinator for Belle Isle) and the Belle Isle Board Officers at the head table - Keith Hark, Treasurer, Sandy Money, Secretary, and Josh Fisher, Vice President and webmaster.

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2007 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Josh made a motion that the Minutes be approved; Keith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Herb reviewed the achievements of the Association in the four years of its existence, including the Residential parking designation, improvements of the Collins Canal, participation with the Venetian Causeway Association their efforts, and convincing the owners of The Standard to give up their efforts to expand their alcohol hours to 5 a.m.
Board Member Irene Sperber then presented Herb with a Parchment thanking him for his four years as President on behalf of the Board and members.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee Chair Irene Sperber noted that the Board is always interested in additional members and anyone interested in joining the Board should obtain the application from the web site and submit it. She thanked her Committee members Barbara Frank and Scott Diffenderfer and explained that the following Board Members have one year left in their two year terms: Scott Diffenderfer, Josh Fisher, Herb Frank, Barbara Frank, Nancy Liebman and Sandra Money. Those proposed by the Nominating Committee for two-year terms starting this evening are: David Ballard, Keith Hark, Rosemary Ravinal and herself. Keith made a motion to elect those individuals to a two-year term; Sandy seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

BELLE ISLE RENOVATION PROJECT
Herb introduced Carla Dickson and Olivia Almagro-Johnson from the Capital Improvement Projects office and John Oldenburg from the City's Greenspace Management Division. They responded to many questions raised by meeting attendees. They agreed to replace garbage cans which disappeared, install 20 mph speed signs on Island Ave. North, and install SLOW signs where appropriate. Mr. Oldenburg described the watering allowed for the first 30 days after planting is completed and the 30 days thereafter. Ms. Dickson responded to those asking for major changes to the Park by providing the history of the project, the fact that it is due for completion in June or July and noting that no changes are precluded in the future once it is turned over to the City. Lynn noted that she will be the City contact at that time and urged those who want change to better understand the process for making change by attending the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.

Commissioner Deede Weithorn brought greetings and regrets from Mayor Bower, who could not attend the meeting due to a family illness. She noted that she chairs the G.O. Bond Committee meetings on the first Monday of every month. Those meetings provide an opportunity for those wanting changes made to be heard.

NEW BUSINESS

Keith noted that Belle Isle Residents Association was formed four years ago by a group of individuals who have obtained standing in the eyes of the City, but no legal status. As of January 2008 the Association has been incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the state of Florida. As treasurer, he noted that all expenses incurred to-date have been donated by Board Members. Now that the Association is incorporated, the Board members have donated over $400 to cover current and future costs, such as operating the web site. Residents are urged to help support it financially by completing forms available at this meeting and on the web ste.

Resident Barbara Cowan asked about the progress being made in changing the route of the 123 Bus so that it runs on Belle Isle en route to and from Washington Avenue. Josh Fisher, who is a member of the City's Transportation and Parking Committee, reported that they have been trying to make this happen, but it will require a renegotiation of the contract between the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade Transit. He believes that there may be a one-year trial of the new route at some point soon.
There being no further business, Herb adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

Prepared by:
Sandra K. Money