Minutes, November 12, 2008 Regular Meeting

MINUTES of

BELLE ISLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (BIRA)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

November 12, 2008

Community Room at 3 Island Avenue

 

Board Members Present

David Ballard

Scott Diffenderfer

Josh Fisher

Barbara Frank

Herb Frank

Keith Hark

Sandra Money

Rosemary Ravinal

Irene Sperber

 

Absent

Barbara Cowen

Nancy Liebman

 

Guests

Bill Hahne, 16 Island

Tom Kachian, 3 Island

 

Scott called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

 

Sandy noted that the Agenda did not include approval of the Minutes of the March 19, 2008 Meeting, so they must be approved at the next meeting.

 

Ongoing Business

Update on the Park

LANDSCAPING

Scott reported that they have been going back and forth about the landscaping all summer.  At one point, Counselor Deede Weithorn assigned her assistant, Ann Swanson, to be the focal point of Park concerns in her office.  Also, Counselor Jerry Libbin reported knowing about 25 trees that were available; Scott convinced him to have them planted in the Park and they were.  However, there is still a need to replace the plantings around the 3 smaller trees.

 

It was suggested that we re-look at all of the dying and poor landscaping before the end of their one-year warrantee.

 

BIKE RACKS

Scott reported that they have been installed, but Josh noted that there is still no rack in front of 9 Island.

 

BENCHES

It was requested that 2 benches be installed in each area of the Dog Park. Scott noted that the benches have not been modified to prevent homeless from sleeping on them.  It was suggested that, since no one has reported homeless use of the benches, they not be changed.  The Board agreed that they still present an opportunity for the homeless in the future and must be modified.

 

DOG PARK

Barbara reported that the doors to the Park need latches.  Although the concern about replacing the Dog Park with one for children seems to have been overcome, there are issues with full trash bins not being emptied and bag dispensers being empty.

 

Barbara offered to provide the contact name and number for the Dog Owners of Miami Beach.  It was suggested that they, or a group of volunteers, take on the responsibility for filling the bag containers on a monthly basis

 

OTHER

It was reported that 4 trash cans have disappeared, including the one to be placed in front of 20 Island.  Herb reported that the lights are on during all hours of the day.

 

Drainage Issues on Venetian Way/Island Avenue

Scott reported that a "flex valve" has been installed to eliminate the flooding at high tide, but it has not proven effective.  After a one-month trial, letters will be issued to residents, but no solution seems in sight.

 

Update for bringing South Beach Local Bus to Belle Isle

Josh reported that this proposal has been lumped with one to bring buses to the Cultural Campus, making it much more expensive.  If it happens at all, it will be a 1 year trial period starring next spring.

 

It was noted that the city is no longer making parking cards available, but is considering an in-car device that will allow parking and the re-use of unused minutes.  They are working on how to install the device on motorcycles.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Artist Proposal for Pump Station Mural

Tom Kachian provided a visual presentation of the buildings at Blue Lagoon Towers (NW 8^th St.) he had covered with a mural.  He then passed around a proposal to do the same for the Park Pump Station and the building next door.  The cost would be between $18,000 and $22,000, with a 10 year guarantee.

 

The Board enthusiastically supported the concept, asked that Tom consider painting the top of the units as well, and asked Scott to determine the procedures required to authorize this work.  It was suggested that, once approved, the Board might seek financial participation of Art in Public Places or other grant funding.

 

Review New Member Procedure and Ongoing Recruitment of New Members

Irene reported that we still need more members, particularly with the resignation of Nancy Liebman. Sandy suggested that Nancy is an important asset to the Board and should not be allowed to resign because of her inability to attend Board meetings.  There was agreement and Sandy agreed to draft a response to Nancy's resignation.

 

Irene suggested that Bill Hahne obtain an application form from the web and send it to her and he agreed to do so.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Scott reported being approached by a person with the suggestion that one week day per week, 6 vendors selling organic fruits and vegetables be allowed to do so from 7 a.m. until noon in the Park.  After consideration, the Board agreed that this would present a serious parking problem and that Herb suggest she attempt this in a Park with greater parking.

 

David described the continued problem with car speed on Island Avenue North.  Scott agreed to pursue the concept that a sign be installed showing both the 20 Mile/Hour limit and the speed of each car as they pass the sign.

 

Treasurer Keith reported that BIRA has a current bank balance of $330.00. $61.60 is required shortly to renew the web site.  Josh offered to provide the funds and the Board agreed it should be continued.  Keith will shortly learn the cost of renewing the Corporate status.  It was suggested that, in addition to Board contributions, a bowl be placed at the Registration Desk at the Annual Meeting for cash contributions from attendees, a very successful method used by other associations.

 

Scott proposed that he invite the Building Managers from all Belle Isle buildings to a lunch he will host, during which they can share ideas about areas of cooperation.

 

It was reported that Andre Balazs no longer owns The Standard, although his company is managing it.  Jason has left and the new Manager is Helena Blat.

 

Plans for Annual Meeting

After discussion, the date for the meeting was selected as January 21, 2009 at 20 Island.

 

Set Time and Day for the Next BIRA Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on December 17, 2008.

 

There being no further business, Josh made a motion that the meeting be adjourned.  Keith seconded.  The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

 

Prepared by:

Sandra K. Money, Secretary