City Commission - Regular Meeting

Mayor Weinberg? Mayor Weinberg?

I was waiting for that. Here.

Commissioner Aime?

Here.

Commissioner Bloom? Here. Commissioner Blatchman?

Here.

Commissioner Friedland? Here. Commissioner Cruz?

Here.

Commissioner Alinsky? Here. Mr. Begese?

Here.

Mr. Myers?

Here.

You have a quorum.

Thank you very much. I see an old friend here, a little more facial here than last time. Would you gentlemen like to lead us in the pledge? Let's all stand please for pledge of allegiance. Ethan.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Ah, these young kids grow up and go off to college. It's crazy. Happened to my kids as well. Okay, well, this is very important. It looks like we're going to announce a new vice mayor pursuant to resolution number 2022-14. I'm pleased to announce that Clifford Ain will serve as vice mayor for the next six months. Congratulations, Clifford.

Thank you very much.

If anyone objects, please rise now.

Is this is this your first rotation? This is this is my first rotation. And it's an honor to continue to serve the city. And we're so fortunate that our commission is a wonderful commission. And I'm following one of the best vice mayors we've had in recent history, I might add. It's the colleague to my left.

yes yes commissioner bloom the last six months out amazing incredible incredible your reign as vice mayor will go down in history couldn't agree more and and and vice mayor ain't i'm feeling a little under the weather you may have to take over the meeting no problem i'll try to fight through it okay so um mr manager any deletions or additions to the agenda no mayor Okay, any members of the commission have anything they would like to report? Sure, Commissioner Cruz.

Unfortunately, our dear friend and colleague, Commissioner Gustavo Blatchman couldn't be here tonight because he had a health scare, but he is on Zoom and he is recovering, thank God. And Gustavo, Commissioner Blatchman, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we wish you a complete and full and speedy recovery.

Yes, we do. And by the way, if he's half as tough as his son, he'll be fine very quickly. For those of you that don't know, Commissioner Blochman's son just retired, just finished his first career, which was as a professional hockey player. So he is a very tough guy. I'm sure he got that from his dad. OK.

I want to thank everyone for the wishes. I'm here. And I thank you everyone for the messages, the phone calls, especially the city manager that came all the way to where I am today to check on me. Thank you, mayor. Thank you everyone.

Thank you, Mr. Manager for checking up on Gustavo. Um, okay. We have some special presentations, um, this evening and we're going to go through them and then we'll recess and, um, We'll do some other business, and then we will come back. We'll go to the local planning agency, the LPA, and then we'll come back to the commission meeting. But to start off, I'm pleased to introduce Alessandra Zuul, who is the new Miss Aventura, and will be competing in Miss Florida. You're more than welcome to come and say a few words. Let me just say that. I'm not sure what the right term is, if it's your mentor, your advisor, your coach. Another Aventura resident and very good friend of mine, Jenny Patrizia, has been helping you, coaching you. She's a longtime friend of mine, and her mom was actually, Jenny's mom, who's not here tonight, was Miss Venezuela back in the day, and her aunt was also Miss Venezuela back in the day. And they both got third runner up to Miss Universe. You know, Venezuela is very good at those beauty pageants. So Jenny is a wonderful person, a great friend, long time Aventura resident. And Alessandra, the floor is yours.

I'm new to the microphone. Hello, everyone. My name is Alessandra Zuul. And firstly, I want to thank the council for having me at this meeting. And of course, happy birthday to the gentleman in the front. I believe it's 100 years old. So congratulations. I've grown up between Manhattan, Aventura, and Caracas, Venezuela. And I've actually been living in Aventura full time since 2014, when I went to the University of Miami to study computer science. I'll be participating in the Miss Florida USA pageant this July, choosing to compete, obviously, as Miss Aventura. I'm a serial businesswoman myself, and much like many of you, I started my career in computer engineering, and I ended up pivoting to owning a semi truck company that was bringing cold goods all over the United States and amongst other businesses. And now I run and operate an e-commerce consulting company. And I specialize in brands that want to bring their products into big box retail. I also mentor students for the Brown University's program of entrepreneurship, specifically through their accelerator. I'm a passionate supporter of any community that I have the privilege of being involved in and I'm very excited to represent our city at a statewide level and overall just uphold our reputation to be the city of excellence. I look forward to connecting with you all and partnering in any initiatives to push the city further. And I did bring the city council and had I had known that there were gonna be more people in attendance, I would have brought more gift bags. So I definitely owe you guys more at the next meeting. And it has products from some of the businesses I'm involved in. So thank you again. And I hope that maybe we can take a picture together later.

Yes, we're gonna have you come up here for a picture and congratulations and best of luck.

Thank you, and thanks everybody.

And then come up. When the photographer gets here on the Dade County's slowest elevator, we will take a picture. We have the president of the GSA from Dunsilver High School. You want to come on up? We heard from you last month, and this month we wanted to give you a certificate of special recognition. So same thing, when the photographer gets here, we'll have you come up here. I want to present you with this certificate. that says presented to the GSA club in recognition of your achievements at the Don Sofer Aventura High School, the City Commission of the City of Aventura applauds your dedication and service to community presented this fifth day of May, 2026. So you want to say a few words, please. You're now familiar with that microphone. Just make sure it's green.

Okay. I'm just so thankful that my club in this short amount of time was able to get presented with such an honor. I mean, it was founded and its first club meeting was February 2nd. And for it to be presented with such an award, I'm just so thankful that I'm given this opportunity and that I'm proud to announce that GSA will be continuing into the next Don Sofer calendar year.

Terrific. Thank you. We'll have you come up also in a couple of minutes. I'll give you the certificate up here. We'll take a nice picture. So just wait for a moment. Okay, we'll do one more and then we'll take picture. Okay, so for this one, I want to have Commissioner Cruz start off reading this one. This is a real honor. I love when we get to give these type of proclamations. And I wish that everyone in this room one day will receive one of these because it's really to reach a century is really, really amazing accomplishment. Paul, you want to start reading this?

I am very honored today to be able to present this proclamation, this amazing proclamation to a great gentleman, an accomplished, a very accomplished man, a world-class philanthropist, and somebody who I and many people look up to, who has done so much for our community, for our country, and for the world. And amazing that Morris Dechter is sharp as a tack still, and we should all do so well. So it gives me great privilege to start reading this proclamation. Whereas Morris Dechter is a longtime resident of the city of Aventura, who proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, demonstrating courage and dedication and

Whereas his devotion to family is evident through his treasured marriage to his beloved Annette and raising his daughters with values of unwavering commitment to family and community and.

Whereas Morris Dechter built a successful business in South Florida through hard work, determination and entrepreneurial spirit and.

we'd like to share.

Whereas as an outstanding leader and generous supporter of the Jewish community, he is to be commended for his service on the board of the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center and support of the Jewish Federation and the Lion of Judah Foundation and

Whereas Morris Decker is also a contributor to Boys Town of Jerusalem, is recognized with a mezuzah placed in his honor at the William Bloomberg Jerusalem Foundation at the Magen David Adom Station, and founded a new chapter of Magen David Adom at Porta Vida in Aventura and...

Whereas the City of Aventura wishes to recognize the numerous accomplishments of Morris Decker on May 5th, 2026, as he turns 100 years old. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as Mayor, and on behalf of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, do hereby proclaim May 5th, 2026 as Morris Dector Day in the city of Aventura. Congratulations. Now, why don't we all...

thank you Yeah, I got it. That's what I was thinking. Exactly. One, two, three. Stay just like that.

I'm going to take two more.

No, we'll do that up here. Amen. What's wrong? All you need. Thank you. You're welcome.

Okay, but that's not all. I can't believe

that it's already been a year, and we're back again to National Safe Boating Week. It's incredible. So important. And I remember last year, we were just after tragedy on the water. And of course, this year, there was more tragedy. It's so important. This is such an important effort. really respect the Coast Guard. I know I said last year that I'm born and raised in Connecticut where the Coast Guard Academy is located. So we're gonna read this proclamation and then we have representatives to accept it and you're more than welcome to speak and I'm hoping that you will. And then you'll come up here for a picture. We'll start over here.

whereas numerous residents and tourists participate in exercise and recreation in the waterways throughout the city of Aventura and whereas the sport of recreational boating can become dangerous when boaters or passengers fail to practice safe boating techniques and

Whereas approximately 650 people in the United States lose their lives each year and voting related accidents and it is estimated that 75% of those lives could be saved by wearing a life jacket and

Whereas National Safe Boating Week is observed to bring attention to important life-saving tips for recreational boaters to provide a safer, more fun experience out on the water throughout the year and

Whereas the city of Aventura supports efforts to encourage boaters and passengers to wear life jackets and to take a boating safety course to gain the knowledge and skills to reduce human error while operating a boat.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor and on behalf of the city commission of the city of Aventura, to hereby proclaim May 16th through May 22, 2026 as National Safe Boating Week in the City of Aventura. Please.

Thank you, Mayor Weinberg, Commissioners, members of the community. Thank you for this proclamation recognizing National Safe Boating Week. In what you just read, hundreds of people die each year in boating related accidents. Unfortunately, Florida leads those statistics. Here where we have the water in our backyard and great weather 12 months of the year, We enjoy boating as a lifestyle. But with that lifestyle comes a responsibility, a responsibility to make good choices. Choose to check the weather before you go. Choose a lookout. Choose to have the proper amount of life jackets on your vessel and make sure that children are wearing life jackets at all times. choose to make sure that you're well prepared with your safety equipment make sure that you're operating the boat without without having any influence of alcohol and make sure that anybody that's operating the boat has taken a boating safety class anyone born after January 1st of 1988 is required to have had an eight hour boating safety class. This goes for jet skis as well. Thank you very much for recognizing this day and we urge all members of the community to take recreational boating safety seriously. These accidents can be prevented.

Thank you. Come on up for a picture and to accept your proclamation.

Thank you. Actually, I have to read my jacket.

I didn't know what you were doing.

All right. Everybody look over here for me.

One, two, three. Take a second for me.

I'm going to get two more. And one last one.

Between this building . Thank you.

Okay, one more special recognition and very proud of this one because I actually just returned from Savannah, Georgia in a mayor's antisemitism conference. And it was a very important event and it was very meaningful. And now we are at the very beginning of Jewish American Heritage Month. I don't know if any of you saw that the President of the United States just proclaimed that, I believe today, and said that the entire country should have a Shabbat service. Let me start on that end.

Whereas the city of Aventura has been positively influenced by the Jewish immigrants to America who have played a central role in the creation, growth, freedom, prosperity, and strength of the United States of America, and...

Whereas our city of excellence is home to a significant Jewish American population that has helped to define America's character and values, through the infinite value of every human life and the importance of education in the lives of children and

Whereas the State of Israel is now celebrating the 78th anniversary of its modern founding and its emergence over the last few decades as a beacon of freedom and prosperity and a world leader in technology, agriculture, water conservation, medicine, and all manners of innovation and

Whereas the City of Aventura would like to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in support of the efforts to increase awareness of the significant contributions of all Jewish Americans.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Howard Weinberg, as mayor, and on behalf of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. So it's a privilege to present this to both Josh Sales and Steven Chek from the Jewish Community Relations Council. Gentlemen, you're more than welcome to speak if you'd like, and then come up here for a picture and accept your proclamation.

Hi, everybody. Josh Sales with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. It's such a privilege to be standing here in front of you and accepting this proclamation on behalf of the Jewish community. We spend so much time and energy talking about the horrific rise in anti-Semitism, especially since October 7th, 2023. What we don't have the privilege of doing as often is highlighting the tremendous contributions that the Jewish community has made, especially here in Aventura and Miami-Dade County and around the country, to help make this such a special community, not just for the Jewish community, but for everyone who lives and works on vacations here. I wanna especially note this entire city commission who for the last two years has, I think each and every one of you come with us to Tallahassee for Israel Day and Jewish Community Advocacy Day at the Capitol. And it's so special and I can say, without having checked the data that I am 99.9% confident that this is the only city commission in the country where every single member goes to the state capitol to advocate on behalf of its Jewish community. So thank you so much for everything you do.

Thank you. And my name is Stephen Sheck. I'm proud to be the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. And as Josh said, All of you coming to Tallahassee with us for Jewish Advocacy Day reminds me of, in 1965, after the walk in Selma, they asked Rabbi Joshua Abraham Heschel, Abraham Joshua Heschel, did you pray while you were there? And he said, I prayed with my feet. And it became a very famous saying of his and titled many books after that. And the fact that you all came showed that you don't just talk the talk, you walk the walk. And you did pray with your feet by being with us. And there's been such an increase in anti-Semitism, as Josh mentioned. And the figures are actually coming out this week or next week from the ADL. But in 2024, there are nearly 10,000 antisemitic incidents around the United States, which is a 900% increase over a 10-year period. And then in Florida, there's actually 353 incidents. One of the staggering quotes from the Jewish Federations of North America, as well as the ADL, says that around half of Jewish Americans don't feel safe. Um, in Jewish places. And we're thankful the Jewish community of all of maybe that county, but also me who grew up here in Aventura. Um, that that's not the case here in Aventura. The Jews, the Jewish community feels safe here, and it really is a testament to all the work that you guys do on our behalf. So Thank you, and it is our honor to actually accept this proclamation on behalf of the entire Jewish community. I don't know where we put these things, but it is a big honor, so thank you all.

Thank you. And before you guys come up here, I just want to tell you, it's very relevant what you just said, because at the conference that I was at, actually, you just mentioned Rabbi Heschel, and he prayed with his feet, and he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King. So one of our speakers was his daughter. And there was an effort in this conference to reconnect. It was the Jews that marched during the civil rights movement with the blacks. And that message that someone like mayor Adams, when he was a mayor of New York, he knows that he's of a certain age. He remembers that, that, that kind of, got disconnected. So there was a real effort. There were a lot of, there were about 50 mayors there, many of whom are members of the African American Mayors Association in the United States. And it was an effort to reconnect. We have such a shared history, such a shared struggle. And one of the ironies is that this took place in Savannah, Georgia, a very historic, old southern city, beautiful city. And our host, the mayor of Savannah, is a Brooklyn-born African-American. So it was just really a wonderful thing. And we literally had that quote was a big part of our conference. And the daughter's brilliant, and she was one of the main speakers. you really brought it all home with that. So having said that, come on up to accept this and take a nice picture.

And Mayor, you'll also be happy to know that the Jewish Community Relations Council does work with the NAACP, that once a year we actually bring students of color and Jewish students together for a six-month program. So the week after that you were in Tallahassee, we actually had around 20 kids there advocating on bills that they wanted to advocate to the same legislators that you all were legislating to. So that relationship between the Jewish and the black community is something that we continue to have to work on.

Excellent.

Commissioner Cruz, while they're coming up, please. While you're coming up, I just wanted to say that we all know that things do not happen in a vacuum. It takes tremendous leadership, tremendous strength, tremendous pride. And I'm happy to say I'm also a proud member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council. It is because we have these organizations and institutions why we have the strongest, the most dynamic, the most diverse, and the most Zionistic Jewish community in the diaspora, and not only Jewish but non-Jewish community, that supports Israel, supports our community. It's because of the leadership of these great institutions, as well as very proud in our city, our whole commission, our management team and our police department stands behind us 110%. So we should all be very proud because we are a model to other cities and communities throughout the country of strong leadership and how it's done in pushing back against this vile form of hatred. So thank you very much for all you do.

All right, one, two, three.

Okay. One more special recognition. The week of May 3rd through 9th is Municipal Clerk's Week. And we have a proclamation. We don't need to read it, but we are very blessed that we have the best clerk in the state of Florida. I don't know about the USA, but I would not be surprised. We have Lisa is the best and very humble. Doesn't even want me to read the proclamation. But the bottom line is that we stole her from Bell Harbor and they still have not forgiven me. was with the mayor bell harbor in savannah this past week and they're very pissed off and i don't care because we got the best and so we appreciate you lisa okay um mr manager do you have um employee service awards yes mayor okay

I would like to ask Lisa Hopkins from our finance department if she would come up to the front, please. I just want to introduce Lisa Hopkins. This is her 20th year with the city of Aventura, which is an incredible milestone. We have, as many of you know, for three years in a row, We've received one of the most prestigious awards in our finance department for three years in the GFOA award. Lisa and her team and Melissa, Lisa is an integral part of achieving that award. Day in and day out, she is extremely meticulous with our payroll going through. Nothing gets by her. That's why we're recognized as the city of excellence. And in addition, in this past two years, we've implemented an extremely, extremely laborious task in an ERP solution into our into our finance department not only that but we've also upgraded our payroll system into the digital age this took years in the making lisa was a probably the most important part a piece of this getting this implemented she worked and it's no exaggeration she worked Every single day, extra hours, morning, noon, night, on call on the weekends, having to do payroll, having to implement different solutions to fix things. There was a bunch of issues that came through. She did it. We were, and Melissa knows, she's done this in a couple other places. We were successful in implementing this in record time, and it was really due to her efforts. I'm so proud of the work that she does each and every day she keeps me in line and make sure that everything's above board, so thank you Lisa for 20 years and we're so proud to have you with us and fortunate to have you as part of our team.

Okay. Is Myron here from Fabian's office? Would you like to? Myron Meckelson, representative from our state representative Fabian Bisabi's office. Thank you for your patience. We had a lot of good stuff to do. We start the meeting with good stuff and hopefully you'll continue with some good stuff. Tell us that we're still going to be able to fund our city with property taxes.

Thank you for having me. I'm a local Aventura guy actually right here and just happy for the opportunity to say something from the state. My name is Myron Melikson. I'm here on behalf of State Representative Fabian Basabe. I also live here in Aventura and I've been inspired to get more involved in local government because of the city we're fortunate to call home. It sets a high standard and that's what pushed me to step in and be part of the process, especially through the work being done on behalf of Representative Basabe. This legislative session focused on priorities that directly impact communities like ours. On affordability, the legislature delivered meaningful tax relief so families can keep more of what they earn while also eliminating the business rent tax to support small businesses and strengthen our local economy. On education, while Aventura doesn't have traditional public schools within the city, families here rely heavily on access options and quality across the region. This session continued expanding investment in education, including school choice, so families can make the decisions that best fit their children. The focus is not just funding systems, but delivering outcomes. On public safety and quality of life, the state backed record funding for law enforcement and expanding support for seniors, focusing on independence, health, and dignity, all of which are essential in a community like Aventura. On infrastructure and resilience, over a billion dollars is secured statewide for environmental protection, water quality, flood mitigation, and long-term resiliency. In a coastal community like this, that's not optional, it's critical. We also advanced important condominium reforms aimed at protecting residents and bringing accountability to the insurance market, an issue that continues to impact families across South Florida. And I want to share something specific for Aventura. Representative Basabi was again successful in securing record funding support in this year's budget for key local priorities including the Aventura Jewish Community Center Transforming Chronic Care Program, the Aventura Public Safety Intelligence Center, Northeast 191st Street Roadway Improvements, and Country Club Roadway and Stormwater Resilience Improvements. These projects have secured support and are now moving through the final budget process. With the special session and final approval by the governor still ahead, we are in a strong position and actively working to get these across the finish line. I also want to take a moment to speak to something beyond policy. As you've already heard many times, Aventura is home to a strong and deeply rooted Jewish community, of which I'm a part of the Chabad Waterways community myself and my family. In today's climate, there's a tendency to reduce serious issues to labels and accusations, but your leadership is not about labels, it's about clarity, and we respect that. As Representative Asabi has said, more clarity is not political. It's about recognizing right and wrong, standing firmly against anti-Semitism and against ignorance and hate in all its forms, and refusing to stay silent when it matters. Not when it's convenient, but consistently. And while this legislative session has ended, the work continues. Over the next few weeks, there will be a special session to finalize the state budget. And later this summer, another focused on property tax reform. These are critical because that's where funding for infrastructure resiliency and local priorities is secured. and where long-term affordability is addressed. We are fully engaged to make sure Aventura is represented and continues to deliver results. You'll also be hearing more directly from Representative Basabe in the coming months as these efforts continue to move forward. And if I may, speaking as a resident and voter in this community, I want to say this directly. I've been continuously and continually impressed by the access, the responsiveness, and the results that both Representative Basabe and the commission here have given private local citizens like myself to have a voice and make change that's positive in our community. The hard work that you guys do, we feel it and it's really impacting us. The bottom line is simple. The state is putting forward the tools and resources. What matters is that together we make sure they're delivered and put to work for this community. And that is exactly what Representative Asabi is focused on. And I know that's exactly what you were focused on as well. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Myron. okay with that i'm going to uh ask for a motion to recess so that we can um convene the lpa uh can i have a motion uh made by commissioner cruz seconded by commissioner bloom let's vote commissioner bloom yes commissioner friedland

Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Lenski? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Aime?

Yes.

And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

OK. At 6.53, we are recessed. Let's call to order the commission acting in its capacity as the local planning agency. And let's do a roll call.

Mayor Weinberg?

Here.

Vice Mayor Aime?

Here.

Commissioner Blatchman? Commissioner Bloom. Here. Commissioner Friedland. Here. Commissioner Cruz. Here. Commissioner Olinsky. Here. Mr. Begese. Here. And Mr. Myers. Here. You have a quorum.

Thanks. I need a motion to approve the minutes of April 7th, 2026, Vice Mayor Ayne, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. That was my first time calling you Vice Mayor. How did that feel? You look like a million bucks. Let's vote on that.

Commissioner Friedland. Yes. Commissioner Cruz?

Yes.

Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Aime? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

OK. We're going to invoke quasi-judicial procedures for item 4B, 4C, and 4D. So Mr. City Attorney, can you provide the procedures for that? Also, I guess you'll see if there's any ex-party communications that need to be disclosed.

I'll inquire about that after I read the statement. Please be advised that items 4B, C, and D of the LPA agenda are zoning hearings and are quasi-judicial in nature. As such, the quasi-judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for these items. If you wish to object or comment upon these items, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. Any opportunity for persons to speak on these items may be available after the applicant and staff have made their presentations on the items. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation for these quasi-judicial items. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross-examination. If you refuse to either be cross-examined or be sworn, your testimony will be given as due aid. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the commission ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quasi-judicial procedures may be obtained from the clerk. And as the mayor alluded to, if any of the commissioners with respect to these three items x party communications with any party applicant or the general public you can disclose them now or you can disclose them during the commission meeting or if the item is a second reading ordinance you can disclose it on the second reading of the ordinance okay any commissioner want to disclose yes i would like to disclose that i have met in person with the applicant just to see the architectural plans

Okay, any other? Yes.

Oh, I have had conversations with the applicant. I've never met the applicant in person to discuss the project.

Okay. Anyone else?

I've also met with one of the applicants to see the potential plans.

Okay, I believe that I, I believe it was prior to workshopping this. I met with the applicant to see renderings.

Yes. I also talked with the applicant about the project.

Okay. I have seen renders from the applicant.

Okay. Madam Clerk, can you swear in anyone who's going to offer testimony?

If you will be speaking on item 4B, 4C, or 4D, either as the applicant or as a Member of the public, I need you to stand up, raise your right hand, and be sworn in at this time. Again, that's for items 4B, 4C, and 4D. Do solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Thank you.

Okay. Madam Clerk, if you could read 4A.

an ordinance of the city of aventura florida amending chapter 31 land development regulations of the city code of ordinances to create section 31-144g aventura metropolitan urban center zoning district overlay to provide for a new zoning district overlay and related regulations and standards providing for several ability providing for inclusion in the code and providing for an effective date thank you i believe

Mr. Manager, we're going to defer this to the June 2nd LPA. Is that correct? June 2nd, 2026?

That's correct, Mayor. We would ask to defer this to the June 2nd, 2026 LPA meeting.

Can I have a motion to defer until June 2nd? Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Friedland. Let's vote on that.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ayne?

Yes.

And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

4B, please.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, granting conditional use approval pursuant to Section 31-145 of the City Code of Ordinances. One, to permit a hotel. Two, to permit density of 58 dwelling units per acre for a project providing hero housing, where the City Code permits 25. Three, to permit heights up to 23 stories, 266 feet for a residential tower and 13 stories, 157 feet for a hotel where the city code permits four stories, 50 feet. And four, to permit minimum floor areas of 750 square feet for one-bedroom units and 900 square feet for two-bedroom units where the minimum requirement is 900 square feet and 1,050 square feet for one and two bedrooms respectively. for the property located at 2999 Northeast 199th Street, providing for conditions of approval and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Could I have a motion to adopt the resolution? Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Orlinsky. Mr. City Development Director.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, Commissioners. Kevin Klopp, Community Development Director, and For the LPA agenda, this is application CUP 2604-0001, as you've heard from the clerk, for 299 Northeast 191st Street. A month ago, the lp recommended adding hotels, with a minimum of 100 rooms to list of conditional uses that could be approved in this zoning district of TC one. So this is now the application that sparked that request for that to be approved that will be on your agenda and in the city Commission meeting later this evening. For now, this is a conditional use approval, as you heard, for a hotel, for hero housing, 10 units, which would allow a bonus density up to 58 units per acre in this case, height of 23 stories and unit sizes of 750 square feet for one bedrooms and 900 square feet for two bedroom units. this development does satisfy the seven criteria for approval staff has reviewed that and it is in our staff report for the record we support it recommend favorably as it is going to provide an active mixed use for the district and it encourages infill development as i mentioned there will be two 10 hero housing units included in the development There will be a contribution of $1.2 million for development impacts. The hotel will have a shuttle to Brightline and a multi-use path along the Lehman Causeway. Those are some conditions that are in the resolution. I do have to read for the record some revisions to those conditions that have been agreed to since the agenda came out. And when I'm done reading those, Brian Adler representing the applicant and the applicant are here. They have a more thorough presentation, much more visual for you. I did not want to take your time doing that as they would then repeat it. But very quickly, let me just read these. Revised conditions there's a condition on transportation demand management. And the new condition would read a shuttle to and from the bright line station or other equivalent transit options as appropriate shall be maintained by the development. commencement no later than one month after the full certificate of occupancy issuance for the hotel component. In the event, the hotel has not received a certificate of occupancy within 24 months, following the completion of the residential building. The responsibility for providing transportation to and from the Brightline station or equivalent transit option shall be assumed by the multifamily operations. In other words, if they build the apartment complex first, they would not have the shuttle until the hotel comes online. We were hoping that it could start with the apartment building if that goes first, but for financial considerations, we understood the hotel is really the driver for that shuttle. And then the second one with a slight revision is about that multi-use path, which would basically run behind the government center here over to Country Club and then east to this, at least to this development. So the multi-use path, the applicant shall fund the design and construction of a non-vehicular multi-use path from the development to West Country Club Drive within the southernmost portion of the Florida Department of Transportation right-of-way along Lehman Causeway, including the required barriers from the Lehman Causeway and the Aventura Government Center, subject to FDOT approval. That was the change here. They wanted to make sure that if FDOT turns them down, it wouldn't cause their development not to be able to proceed. So with that, I'd turn it over to Brian Adler and Mr. Adler.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the Commission. Brian Adler with Law Offices at Bills and Sundberg, 1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2300. I'm joined this evening by Edward Abbo and Sydney De La Rosa from the Apollo Companies and their affiliate, Aventura City Center, LLC. I'm also joined by Jeff Bass from the Bass firm, the Bass Law Firm. I know you're all familiar with the property. It is due west of here. I think I'm pointing west, I get lost in the circle. And it is where the office building is right now next door. Back very, It is West, right? Back, like most developments at that time when this was built, there was a box and there was one use per box. It was either an office building, a hotel, a residential building, and that's how development was for many years. And so you have a big box defined by a center office building and surface parking. And over time, that is not the best utilization of property. like most developments it was like that and there's a recognition now that this is Town Center and so it's morphed into or being proposed to morph into a more mixed-use development so as Kevin noted item 8b on tonight's agenda is second reading for the allowance of a hotel in Town Center one district hotels are already allowed in Town Center three four and five this would just allow it in town center one so our requests are assuming if town center if that is approved on second reading it was recommended last month then it would be to allow the development to proceed there is an existing approval on the property that approval was for 295 residential units for 26 stories over 311 feet this is bringing it down to 23 stories It is bringing down to about 266 units instead of, I mean, sorry, to 266 feet for the residential, a hotel tower at 157 feet, so much lower in height and related impacts, and a lower profile building. So we've got the TC1 district, we've got lowering the density from 69 units per acre, which is what is approved to 58 dwelling units per acre. It's getting rid of the freestanding parking garage, which is not favored in the city. It's going to be incorporated into the building and it's getting rid of the ground level residential. It's going to be with liner units. The district TC1 does allow lower size units as a conditional use. It's already contemplated. So rather than changing the code to say lower units, it is seeking conditional use for the 750 square feet for the one bedroom and 900 for the two bedroom. There are other districts within town center that have the lower amounts, but this is allowed as a conditional use. So what I'd like to do is we do have a nice presentation. Mr. Abbo is gonna come up He's gonna present that presentation to show you how this gonna morph that the office building is gonna stay within the confines of the development and how he's gonna morph the rest of the site into the vision that he presented slightly and just modified for your viewing for the commission portion.

Can I ask a question? So as Mr. Abbott comes up, is this presentation more or less what we saw two weeks ago at the workshop meeting, the publicly noticed workshop meeting?

Very similar.

Okay. So it may or may not be necessary to replay it. Let me see if members of the public have questions and comments, and let me see if the commission does. We're obviously incorporating into the record everything that was presented at the workshop. So let me ask if any members of the public would like to speak regarding this item, which is 4B, 4B at the LPA. Okay. I don't see any. So I'm opening for public and I'm closing it for public comment. And let me ask the commissioners, is it your pleasure to see the presentation again? Or do you have questions that? Okay. I don't think it's going to be necessary. Again, we're incorporating it to the record. You did a fine job of presenting last time. I think the commissioners understand it. um no one is here to speak uh in favor or opposed to the project as as far as i could tell so um let me ask the commissioners for any comments or questions at this time and you certainly you can reserve your right uh yes commissioner friedman i just want to say that i did see the project and it's beautiful and i think it brings a lot to our city and of course as our residents always worry about traffic and buildings this is something you can build as a right you're

actually building something smaller than what you could as a right and what you're bringing looks like a beautiful wonderful project to bring to our city with that said rather than you do the presentation like attorneys say when you made the point sit down and stop absolutely okay any other comments from the commission if not okay i think we'll we'll we'll do a roll call vote now and with the modified commission

With the modified conditions, and we appreciate the fact that the shuttle to the Bright Line will be to the Bright Line or any other reasonable form that we deem necessary, because unfortunately, Bright Line may or may not survive. And we certainly hope that it does and offers. We want the pedestrian bridge as well. We're working very hard to get it, but it's out of our hands right now. There's a bunch of other entities of which we have no control over. Everybody knows that that bridge has been sitting in the Brightline parking lot for two years now. But what you're doing is helpful, and we appreciate that. Madam Clerk?

Commissioner Walensky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Freeland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor, yes. And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

And I just want to clarify one thing with Kevin. This is a project that you recommend approval of, am I correct? Can you just say it into there? Thank you.

Yes, I recommend it favorably for this project.

And one last question. You prefer, if given your choice, this project over the previously approved viceroy project, is that correct?

Yes, sir.

OK, thank you. Sorry to put you on the spot, but thank you for answering. OK, Madam Clerk, 4C.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida granting variances from the city's land development regulations section 31-171 to permit 356 parking spaces where 448 parking spaces are required. Section 31-144F4D3 to permit a minimum landscaped open space of 24.5% where 33% is required and a lot coverage of 55.24% where a maximum of 40% is permitted for the property located at 21291 Northeast 28th Avenue, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Could I have a motion to adopt? Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Kevin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, this is application CUP 2604-0002 for the conditional use and VAR 2604-0001 for variances. This is for a project now called Vitalis by medical offices at Uptown Aventura, address 21291 Northeast 28th Avenue. The conditional use is to allow up to a seven-story building an FAR of 1.85 and retail uses, The variances are for parking to be based on the net floor area, rather than gross floor area for less open space than required by the zoning district and a larger lot coverage. In essence, it's a little bit more dense than the zoning envision for medical office but staff very much supports the plan, particularly as this is a project that started and stalled. and we'd really like to see it finished. So our recommendation is in favor that the project does meet the criteria for approval. There will be a certified green building built there in this place. As I mentioned, it completes a stalled project. It furthers the medical office intent of the zoning district. And there is a commitment by the developer to provide some parking for city use related to some school events. Limited, but they are making that offer. There is one revision to a condition that i again want to read into the record and ask as you make the motion to include that if you could and then attorney brian adler representing the applicant is here to present if necessary so that one condition that's going to be adjusted hopefully is to provide the city a performance bond or other security approved by the city manager and city attorney the amount as determined by the city manager in accordance with section 14-115 to guarantee attainment of gold or platinum green building certification the code allows that amount of the bond to be between one and five percent of the construction cost we have put five percent in the condition uh typically but with the cost of construction being so high It was requested that that be allowed for the city manager to determine between 1% and 5% as the code allows.

Thank you.

Mr. Adler.

Mr. Mayor, I think the clerk should read 4D, the title for 4D, since the presentation covered 4C and D. Sure. Madam Clerk, 4D.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida amending conditional one of resolution number 2015-69 to replace the approved 11-story site plan with a new 7-story site plan and modifying the previously granted conditional use approval pursuant to Section 31-144 of the City Code of Ordinances to allow floor area ratio of 1.85 for a project attaining gold or platinum certification under the city's green building program, where 1.06 is permitted, and granting a new conditional use approval pursuant to section 31-144F2D to allow retail uses not to exceed 15% of the total gross interior square footage of the building for the property located at 21291 Northeast 28th Avenue, providing for conditions of approval and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Kevin, I don't think you need to add anything with the 4D being said. Okay. So applicant, once again, and I'll say to you, let me ask if there's any members of the public that are here to speak on these items, 4C and 4D. Anyone here to speak in favor or opposed? Okay. I see none. Take that as you will. I don't think you need, you're more than welcome to, but I don't think you're gonna need to do an entire presentation. I think we're very familiar with this. I have a very important question, is who named it Vitalis? And does anybody remember what Vitalis was? You have to be of a certain age, but does anyone know what Vitalis was? You know. Yeah, okay. I think they would've said, you're using dry control by Vitalis. You can't see it, but you know it. You can't feel it, but you know it's there. You're using dry, it was hair grease to slip your hair up. The Pat Riley look. That used to be Vitalis, yeah. So I don't know how it got that name. Brian, do you remember what I'm talking about, Vitalis? I'm giving him a chance to not age himself. Anyway, tell us. Brylcreem was a competitor.

I'm going to claim ignorance on that one, but I will put on the record Brian Adler, a law office at 1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2300. Bernardo Reber did get stuck in a closing downtown, so I did want to express his apologies for not being here. But Noel Epelbaum is here. Epelbaum is here from Vitalis, but actually from medical offices at Uptown Aventura. Taking the cues from those last statements, I'm going to bow out of a presentation, but I am here for any questions.

Okay. You're reserving, please. Once again, I'm officially opening for public comment. You want to talk about Vitalis, the hair gel, or the building? OK. I'm going to close it for public comment. And I'm going to ask if any commissioners have any comments or questions. Seeing none, we're ready to vote.

And just to clarify that the motion is for both items 4C and 4D.

And that's OK to do, Madam, Mr. City Attorney?

I think I would do them separately just because one's for variance and one's for conditions. Let's do 4C first.

OK. So I have a motion on the floor for item 4C. A roll call vote is Commissioner Bloom.

Say yes or no.

Yes. Commissioner Friedland. Yes. Commissioner Cruz. Yes. Commissioner Alinsky. Yes. Commissioner Blatchman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Hain? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

I need a motion to approve 4D. Commissioner Walensky seconded by Commissioner Friedland.

With the revised conditions, please. I'm sorry? With the revised conditions as written.

With the revised conditions as mentioned by the director. That is OK. The motion makers understand it's with the revised conditions. Yes? OK. Let's go.

Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Orlinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ayn? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg?

Yes.

Motion passes.

OK. Thank you very much. Thank you. I need a motion to adjourn. The LPA, Vice Mayor Ains, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. All those in favor say aye. Any opposed? Okay, the LPA is closed, is adjourned. Let's go back. The next order of business, we're going to return to the commission meeting and take up the remainder of the agenda. It is 7.19 p.m. Let's call the roll.

Mayor Weinberg.

Here.

Vice Mayor Ains.

Here.

Commissioner Blatchman. Here. Commissioner Bloom? Here. Commissioner Friedland? Here. Commissioner Cruz? Here. Commissioner Walensky? Here. Mr. Biggis? Here. And Mr. Myers? Here. You have a quorum.

Great. Any member of the commission or the manager need to remove an item from the consent agenda?

No, Mayor.

Okay. Then I need a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Walensky, seconded by Vice Mayor Ayne. Let's vote on that.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Walensky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ain? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg?

Yes.

Motion passes.

OK. 8C, 8D, and 8E will be quasi-judicial. Would you like to once again remind everyone what that means, Mr. City Attorney?

Yes, Mayor. Please be advised that items HC, D, and E on the commission agenda are zoning hearings that are quasi-judicial in nature. As such, the quasi-judicial procedures of the city shall be invoked for these items. If you wish to object or comment upon these items, please inform the mayor when public comments are requested. Any opportunity for persons to speak on these items will be made available after the applicant and staff have made their presentations on the items. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation. for these quasi-judicial items. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross-examination. You refuse either to be cross-examined or to be sworn, your testimony will be given its due weight. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the commission ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. Further details of the quasi-judicial procedures may be obtained from the clerk. We had some ex-party communications at the LPA meeting. Are there any additional ex-party communications for the commission meeting on these items?

Not from me. Anyone else? No, sir. Okay.

First, Madam Clerk, why don't you swear in anyone that's gonna offer testimony on 8C, D, and E. If you will be speaking on items 8C, 8D, or 8E, I need you to stand up, raise your right hand, and be sworn in at this time. This is for members of the public as well as the applicant. Do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Thank you.

Okay, let's, why don't you read 8A?

An ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida amending the official zoning map by applying the Aventura core sub-district overlay and UC1 to an approximate 122-acre tract of land currently zoned Community Business District B2, generally located east of Biscayne Boulevard to West Country Club Drive and south of Aventura Boulevard to the William Lehman Causeway, providing for several ability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.

We want to defer 8A, Mr. Manager.

Yes, Mayor. I'd ask to defer the item to the June 2nd City Commission meeting.

Motion to defer till June 2nd. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Let's vote.

Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman? Yes. Vice Mayor Ayn? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg?

Yes.

Motion passes.

OK, 8B.

An ordinance of the city of Aventura, Florida, amending chapter 31, land development regulations of the city code of ordinances, by amending section 31-145B, town center TC1 district, subsection 3, conditional use as permitted, to allow hotels and mixed use structures within the district, providing for several ability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.

Motion to adopt the ordinance. Commissioner Friedland, second by Commissioner Orlinsky. Kevin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As mentioned earlier this evening at the LPA meeting, this is a change to the TC1 zoning regulations to allow hotels, sparked by the application known as Aventura City Center, which you heard earlier as well. It was adopted first reading last month. If there's any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

Any member of the public wish to speak on 8B? Seeing none, I'll close for public comment. Any commission comment? Seeing none, I will ask for a vote.

Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Blachman?

Yes.

Vice Marion. Yes. Mayor Weinberg. Yes. Motion passes. HC resolution of the city commission of the state of Aventura, Florida granting conditional use approval pursuant to section 31 dash 145 B three. At the city code of ordinances one to permit a hotel to to permit density of 58 dwelling units per acre for a project, providing hero housing. For the city code permits 253 to permit heights up to 23 stories 266 feet for residential tower and 13 stories 157 feet for a hotel. where the city code permits four stories, 50 feet, and four to permit minimum floor areas of 750 square feet for one-bedroom units and 900 square feet for two-bedroom units, where the minimum requirement is 900 square feet and 1,050 square feet for one and two bedrooms, respectively, for the property located at 2999 Northeast 199th Street, providing for conditions of approval and providing for an effective date.

Motion to adopt. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Kevin, are you incorporating the LPA?

Yes, please incorporate the presentation. And if the motion to adopt is with the conditions as amended by the LPA earlier this evening.

Yes, that's my understanding also. Any member of the public wish to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'll close for public comment. Does the applicant's attorney have a comment?

Thank you for the record. Brian Adler, Law Offices at Bills and Slumberg, 1450 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2300. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the Commission. I would also like to incorporate my presentation from the LPA into the record. So done.

Any, now I'll give one more opportunity for members of the public. Do not rush the microphone. There's plenty of time for everyone. Okay, I will close it for public comment. Any commissioners with a comment? Nope. Okay, let's vote.

Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ayn? Yes. Mayor Weinberg?

Yes.

Motion passes.

8D.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, granting variances from the city's land development regulations, Section 31-171 to permit 356 parking spaces where 448 parking spaces are required. Section 31-144F4D3 to permit a minimum landscaped open space of 24.5% where 33% is required and a lot coverage of 55.24% where a maximum of 40% is permitted for the property located at 21291 Northeast 28th Avenue, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date.

Motion to adopt. Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Linskey. Kevin.

This variance request meets the criteria of the code. We recommend favorably. I'd like to include my presentation from earlier this evening as part of the record. Thank you.

Thank you. Any member of the public wish to speak on 8D? Seeing none, I'll ask if the applicant's attorney wants to comment.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the Commission. I would also like Brian Adler, Law Offices of Bills and Sundberg 1450, Brooklyn Avenue, Suite 2300. I would also like to incorporate my LPA presentation into the record, or lack thereof. Thank you.

So done. Questions, Commissioners? Nope, let's vote.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Alinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman? Vice Mayor, yes. And Mayor Weinberg. Yes. Motion passes. 8E. A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, amending Condition 1 of Resolution Number 2015-69 to replace the approved 11-story site plan with a new 7-story site plan and modifying the previously granted conditional use approval pursuant to Section 31-144 of the City Code of Ordinances to allow floor area ratio of 1.85 for a project attaining gold or platinum certification under the City's Green Building Program. where 1.06 is permitted, and granting a new conditional use approval pursuant to section 31-144F2D to allow retail uses not to exceed 15% of the total gross interior square footage of the building for the property located at 21291 Northeast 28th Avenue, providing for conditions of approval and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Motion to approve adoption. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Vice Mayor Ayn. Kevin.

With the proviso that this would be as amended in the conditions by the LPA earlier this evening, staff recommends approval. Thank you.

Thank you. 8E, any member of the public which should speak on 8E? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. Applicant's attorney, do you want to incorporate your presentation into this?

Thank you. And just to record my presence, Brian Adler, bills in summary 1450, book 11. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

So done. Any commission questions, comments? Okay, let's vote.

Commissioner Lenski. yes commissioner bloom yes commissioner friedland yes commissioner cruz yes commissioner blatchman yes vice mayor ayne and mayor weinberg yes motion passes 9a thank you all for your time this evening thank you An ordinance of the City of Aventura, Florida, amending Chapter 31, Land Development Regulations of the City Code of Ordinances to create Section 31-144G, Aventura Metropolitan Urban Center Zoning District Overlay, to provide for a new zoning district overlay and related regulations and standards, providing for sub-ability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.

Are we going to defer this, Mr. Manager?

Yes, Mayor. I'd ask to defer this to the June 2nd City Commission meeting.

Motion to defer 9A to the June 2nd Commission meeting. Commissioner Bloom is seconded by Commissioner Olinsky. Let's vote on that.

Commissioner Bloom. Yes. Commissioner Friedland. Yes. Commissioner Cruz. Yes. Commissioner Alinsky. Yes. Commissioner Blatchman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ane. Yes. And Mayor Weinberg.

Yes.

Motion passes.

9B.

An ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, amending ordinance number 2025-17, which ordinance adopted a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by revising the 2025-2026 fiscal year operating capital budget as outlined in Exhibit A attached here too, authorizing the city manager to do all things necessary to carry out the aims of this ordinance and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Could I have a motion to approve the ordinance? Vice Mayor Ng, seconded by Commissioner Cruz. Mr. Manager?

Thank you, Mayor. This item is our mid-year budget amendment for fiscal year 25-26, which adjusts the budget to account for items that were not included in the original adoption and to align revenues and expenditures based on actual activity. Overall, the general fund reflects a net increase of approximately $1.49 million, driven primarily by higher-than-anticipated revenues, both in our building department and our community recreation department. Also, this is offset by or been increased by grants that we received, federal and state grants. And just some of note are a CREST training grant that we received for the police department to fund several years of training for them. Also, two grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District to fund our brand new police boat and also our brand new boat lift that we have And just something else of note, we were recently awarded on the federal grant by Federico Wilson's office $500,000 for our real-time crime center. And that also ties in with another federal grant that we received of the Safe Streets for All, which will also tie into that and help fund our drone program as well for our real-time crime center. So really exciting. I know the chief is excited about that, and design plans are underway for that project. And then one other item of note is we amended the budget by just over $900,000 for the funding for the new construction of the Don Sofer High School. And that's for the design, construction management, and project management costs associated with the new school. So this amendment ensures the city's budget accurately reflects current revenues, supports ongoing operations, and advances our key capital and public safety initiatives. And I recommend approval of the ordinance.

Thank you, Mr. Manager. And congratulations on this. This is great, great news. And congratulations to your staff as well. and to everyone that lives in Aventura. It's such a well-run city, and from a financial standpoint, so responsibly run. This is why our tax rate has never gone up. Any member of the public wish to comment on 9b? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. Any commissioners? Okay, let's vote.

Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Orlinsky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ng? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

Item 10.

An ordinance of the City of Aventura, Florida amending section 14-62 registration of Chapter 14 of the City's Code of Ordinances to eliminate the requirement that contractor registration be done in person, providing for servability, providing for inclusion in the code, and providing for an effective date.

Thank you. Mr. Manager?

Thank you, Mayor. We recommend that the City Commission approve a revision to our city code to eliminate the requirement for contractors to register in person as part of the building permit process. As the city transitions to a fully digital permitting system, the current in person registration requirement has become outdated and inefficient. Removing this requirement will streamline operations, improve customer convenience, and allow the city to fully realize the benefits of digital permitting system, while also reducing unnecessary administrative tasks for our staff. So I recommend approval of this ordinance.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Any member of the public wish to comment on item 10? Seeing none, I'll close it for public comment. Commissioners, any comment, questions? Okay, let's vote. Item 10.

Mayor, I believe I need a motion on the floor for this item.

Did I not get a motion? I'm sorry. I'm slipping. Motion approved. Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Friedland.

Commissioner Cruz? Yes. Commissioner Walensky? Yes. Commissioner Bloom? Yes. Commissioner Friedland? Yes. Commissioner Blatchman?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ayn? Yes. And Mayor Weinberg? Yes. Motion passes.

Item 11.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, approving an interlocal agreement between Miami-Dade County and the City of Aventura for the provision of on-demand services, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date.

Motion to approve the resolution. Commissioner Freeland, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mayor. This is for me to execute and actually renew our interlocal agreement with Miami-Dade County to ensure continued funding for our city's on-demand transit service. The city currently provides on-demand transportation services to residents with a significant portion of its operating costs funded by the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, the CITT. Miami-Dade County requires the execution of this interlocal agreement as a condition of continued eligibility for these funds.

and approval of this agreement is essential to maintain the uh the funding and the current um number of freebie cards that we have in our system thank you very much mr manager any member of the public wish to comment on item 11. seeing none i'll close it for public comment any commission comments seeing none let's vote commissioner olenski

Yes. Commissioner Bloom. Yes. Commissioner Friedland. Yes. Commissioner Cruz. Yes. Commissioner Blatchman.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Ayn. Yes. And Mayor Weinberg. Yes. Motion passes.

11B.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Aventura, Florida, amending resolution number 96-39, which adopted a fee schedule for engineering and public works inspection permit and review services, amended by resolutions number 2006-22, 2011-14, and 2026-16, authorizing the city manager to do all things necessary to carry out the aims of this resolution, providing for implementation and providing for an effective date.

Motion to approve the resolution. Vice Mayor Haynes, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. Mr. Manager.

Thank you again, Mayor. I recommend that the City Commission approve this resolution, and this amends our Public Works Department permit fee schedule to establish a temporary right-of-way closure fee. Construction, as you know, construction activity in the city has increased significantly, resulting in more frequent requests to temporarily close sidewalks, parking lanes and travel lanes. While current permit fees recover administrative and inspection fees, they do not account for the loss of public access to the operational impacts and operational impacts to residents, pedestrians and traffic flow in our city. this proposed amendment introduces a fee structure consistent with regional practices ensuring the city is compensated for the temporary use of public space while encouraging efficient construction staging so i would recommend adoption of this resolution and to implement this fee structure in our permit in our public works fee schedule thank you any member of the public wish to comment on 11b

seeing none i'll close it for public comment any commission comment seeing none i'll ask for a vote commissioner bloom yes commissioner friedland yes commissioner cruz commissioner orlinsky yes commissioner blatchman yes vice mayor ayne yes and mayor weinberg yes motion passes uh any staff reports mr manager mr attorney madam clerk no mayor report okay uh public comment any member of the public wish to take up to three minutes and tell us we're great or we suck you have the right to do either okay seeing none i will yes sir which one do you want to tell us no i'm come please just uh wait one second i want the um

city attorney to explain the process and then but you can come stand here as the mayor said you have up to three minutes to uh offer comments about items that weren't previously addressed uh on the agenda um it's not back and forth you make your comments and the commission you know is not likely to respond you know at the meeting um

well it's not actually a comment name and address first please oh sorry i'm sorry my name is jose pacheco um it actually is a little bit of guidance that i would ask from from from the mayor and vice mayor and the commissioners and thank you for having me um my name is jose pacheco i'm the co-founder of a company called urban sports equipment and i've been trying to contact the offices uh of the city and um i'm having a little bit of a hard time so i decided to come over here and meet you all in person to see if this would be the appropriate way to go Basically, what we do is we install, maintain and offer our services for free for the cities. We install modern workout and wellness equipment in public spaces. We currently have 14 of these workout stations installed throughout Miami Beach and we're expanding through multiple cities. We're having conversations with the city of Miami, Key Biscayne and Fort Lauderdale and I'd love to have the opportunity to present this to the city of of Aventura. Again, it's zero cost of the city. It's all sponsorship based. And it brings a benefit to the community. We have a very, you know, we're super well accepted in all the cities that we go in and appreciate the opportunity for this.

You will definitely have an opportunity because before you leave, you'll get with the manager and he'll schedule a meeting with him. And you'll pitch what it is the I'd like to know cost part of it.

That's zero cost. And we maintain we do everything for free.

Okay, so just the manager, we're more than happy to meet with you. Appreciate it. Right, Mr. Manager? Sure, thank you. Any other member of the public wish to speak? Okay, if not, I'll close it for public comment. Any other business commissioners? Okay, then I'm going to ask for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Orlinsky, seconded by Commissioner Bloom. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? We are adjourned. at 742. That is amazing. I said 743.