HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-11 Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES
10 DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 11, 2000
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Mcelyea called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. and advised the public that the
regular meeting was delayed due to the need to conduct two (2) Attorney/Client
Sessions prior to the meeting.
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
* Rev. T. (Vinnie) Lewis, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church
3. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor: C.K. McElyea
Vice-Mayor: John Bertino
Commissioners: Jim Cali
John Etling
Bob Mikes
City Attorney: Tom Ansbro
City Manager: Mike Smith
Deputy City Clerk: Charlene Johnson
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 BSO "Deputy of the Month" award. (Chief Robert Anton)
Deputy Herman Williams was awarded "Deputy of the Month" for June 2000.
4.2 Fire Rescue Department Commendations
Lt. Bruce Caruso, Fire Rescue Department, awarded Jordan and Christine Hansle and
Deputy Craig Calvetta with commendations for their efforts that saved a 7 year old boy
from drowning at the Sheridan Ocean Club apartment complex on June 28, 2000.
Lt. Bruce Caruso presented information on the "File of Life" program through Memorial
Hospital.
5. PROCLAMATIONS -NONE
Items pulled from the Consent Agenda: 6.3, 6.4, 6.8
6. CONSENT AGENDA (INCLUDING EXPENDITURES)
Bills:
6.1 Approval of bills for the month of May, 2000.
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 1 JULY 11, 2000
Minutes:
6.2 Approval of minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 12, 1999.
Resolutions:
6.5 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA
BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE
CONVEYANCE OF LAND BY USE OF A QUIT CLAIM DEED FROM PUBLIX
SUPERMARKETS, INCORPORATED; AUTHORIZING THE RECORDING OF
THE QUIT CLAIM DEED IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF BROWARD COUNTY;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6.6 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY.
AND THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FOR SUMMER FOOD SERVICE AT FROST
PARK, C.W. THOMAS PARK AND P.J. MELI PARK FROM JUNE 19 THROUGH
AUGUST 11, 2000, FOR THE SCOPE OF SERVICES OUTLINED IN THE
AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
6.7 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY. AND THE CITY OF DANIA
BEACH FOR WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION/EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR
CHILDREN UP TO FOURTEEN (14) YEARS OF AGE AT C.W. THOMAS PARK
FOR FY 1999-00; BROWARD COUNTY TO REIMBURSE CITY OF DANIA
BEACH THREE DOLLARS AND TWENTY CENTS ($3.20) PER CHILD PER
• LESSON TO A MAXIMUM OF THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($32,000.00),
FOR THE SCOPE OF SERVICES OUTLINED IN THE AGREEMENT;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Ordinances —Title to be read by city attorney
6.9 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, PERTAINING
' TO CHAPTER 6 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, WHICH CHAPTER IS
ENTITLED "BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION"; AMENDING THE CODE
j OF ORDINANCES TO REVISE PARK AND BEACH HOURS, TO ALLOW A
DESIGNEE OF THE CITY MANAGER TO COMMAND ANY PERSON TO
LEAVE THE GROUNDS OR AREAS OF ANY PUBLIC PARK OR
RECREATIONAL FACILITY, TO PROHIBIT.THE BRINGING OF ANIMALS TO
PARKS, BEACH AREAS AND PARKING AREAS; TO DESIGNATE PERMITTED
ACTIVITIES ON CITY BEACHES; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR THE
TERMS "BOAT' AND "BODY BOARDING", RESPECTIVELY AND TO UPDATE
PARKING RESTRICTIONS; CREATING PROVISIONS GOVERNING
LAUNCHING OF BOATS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERANCE; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (First
Reading)
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 2 JULY 11, 2000
6.10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-089 TO CORRECT A SCRIVENER'S ERROR, BY
CONFIRMING THAT THE PROJECT NAME PERTAINS TO "NORTHWEST"
(NOT "SOUTHWEST") IMPROVEMENTS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE THIRD
AMENDMENT TO THE 24T" YEAR FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FOR NORTHWEST
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE III, UNDER THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $142,460.00; PROVIDING
FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mikes, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bertino,
approving the Consent Agenda with the exception of items 6.3, 6.4 and 6.8.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
Items pulled from the Consent Agenda:
6.3 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL
PLANNING COUNCIL, UNDER THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANT
AWARDED TO THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
• COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, FOR SERVICES RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMS CONSISTENT WITH
THE STATE OF FLORIDA'S EASTWARD HO! INITIATIVE; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
City Manager Smith advised that the Resolution approves a grant agreement from the
South Florida Regional Planning Council in the amount of$10,000.00 as part of the
F Eastward Ho Program to conduct a market feasibility study. The City will be using FAU
to meet the match requirement under the City's consulting partnership.
Vice-Mayor Bertino clarified for the public that the City is using the grant funds to
conduct a feasibility study on the types of businesses and sectors of economy in the
downtown district to determine the types of businesses that should be target marketed
for economic development in the City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mikes, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bertino, adopting
the resolution.
The motion passed on,the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 3 JULY 11, 2000
6.4 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH AND
FUZION WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION,
FOR NETWORK SERVICES; AUTHORIZING SERVICES WITH FUZION
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS FOR
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $36,000.00; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;
FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Mikes questioned staff on whether there are other cities who may have a
special arrangement for receiving grants or free services from these types of carriers.
City Manager Smith was not aware of any special arrangements on a service per service
basis for Internet access, however, the City would be receiving compensation from some
of these facilities to off-set costs.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mikes, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bertino, adopting
the resolution.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
At this time, Mayor McElyea returned to Item 4.1.
6.8 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, CALLING A
REFERENDUM ELECTION ON THE SEVENTH (7TH) DAY OF NOVEMBER,
2000, ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF
DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, TO PERTAIN TO ELECTIONS OF CITY
COMMISSIONERS, BY REDUCING THE LENGTH OF ALL ELECTED
OFFICIALS' TERMS FROM FOUR (4) YEARS TO TWO (2) YEARS;
ESTABLISHING FOUR (4) INDIVIDUAL COMMISSION SEATS; CHANGING
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR TO A POPULARLY ELECTED POSITION;
CHANGING THE TERMS OF ALL FIVE (5) ELECTED OFFICIALS SO THAT
THEY ARE ALL ELECTED IN THE SAME YEAR AND THAT THEIR TERMS
ARE NOT STAGGERED; PROVIDING FOR A RUNOFF ELECTION IF NO
CANDIDATE FOR ELECTED OFFICE ON THE CITY COMMISSION RECEIVES
MORE THAN FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF THE VOTE; AND, INCREASING THE
NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE TERMS ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE
PERMITTED TO SERVE, FROM TWO (2) TO FOUR (4) TO MAINTAIN AN
EIGHT (8) YEAR TERM LIMIT; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF BALLOT;
DIRECTING THE ADVERTISING OF SUCH ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (First Reading)
Commissioner Etling suggested that the proposed ordinance be directed to the Charter
Review Board and that two public hearings be held because the proposed amendment
would change the major structure of electing officials and terms of office.
•
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 4 JULY 11, 2000
Mayor McElyea mentioned that the meeting is not being aired on television tonight due
® to technical difficulties with Comcast Cable. He agreed with the public hearing aspects of
the ordinance since so many people are not present to speak tonight.
Commissioner Mikes commented on his actions to make changes to the Charter over
the years and clarified that he is not targeting this ordinance towards the present group
of commissioners. He stated that as a general rule, Charter Review Boards reflect the
political make up of the people who appoint them and he mentioned that he is finishing
up 12 years of service on the City Commission and that his intention is to make the City
Commission more accountable and responsive to the public. He mentioned that it
appears most of the present commissioners, based on articles in the newspaper, do not
have a problem with specific seats instead of running at large. Since the City is so
small, he recommended.two-year terms for a more responsive commission and a better
opportunity for new candidates. He pointed out that the change would provide for the
same commissioners to get re-elected as long as they are doing a good job for the City
and have support of the community as new candidates are not going to challenge those
commissioners. Commissioner Mikes encouraged comments from the public on the
proposed ordinance and advised that he is flexible on electing the Mayor.
Mayor McElyea opened a public hearing.
Robert Chunn agreed with the ordinance.
Albert Jones, 722 SW 3 Street, agreed with some of the issues outlined in the ordinance,
but disagreed with two-year terms and suggested consideration of creating geographic
. district seats.
Bob Turchin, 110 SE Park Street, supported the proposal and stressed the need for
having a strong city manager under this type of system.
Teddy Bohanan agreed with the ordinance.
Reverend T. Lewis agreed with the ordinance.
Joel Azrikan stressed the need for the City Commission to be more responsive to the
citizens and agreed with the two-year terms.
Sophie Steele, 301 SE 6 Street, supported Commissioner Mikes and the ordinance
proposal.
Kurt Ely opposed the two-year term proposal and mentioned that the City did have two-
year terms a longtime ago and that it didn't work. He also pointed out that there is a
recall provision in the Charter that allows the public to remove any commissioners that
are not doing their job.
Hugo Renda opposed the two-year terms as he did not think it would be enough time for
an elected official to learn the job and be effective.
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 5 JULY 11, 2000
Sophie Steele pointed out that Commissioner Jim Cali did a good job as soon as he was
elected without having gained years of experience and that people should not run for
office if they are not prepared for the job.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor McElyea closed the public hearing.
Mayor McElyea disagreed with the 2-year terms.
Vice-Mayor Bertino mentioned that there is good and bad to every issue and that people
thought term limits was such a good idea until now when 57 to 59 seasoned.legislators
are expected to be removed from the Florida House of Representatives and Senate in
the next election and that politics and public policy in the State of Florida will be
controlled by bureaucrats. He disagreed with two-year terms as there is a lot of work
involved with being a City Commissioner and that it takes time to get acquainted with the
job. He also recommended staggered terms for stability.
Commissioner Mikes mentioned that most elected officials have a public and private
agenda, which involves commercial real estate deals and projects that are not beneficial
to the citizens of the City. Discussion followed with Commissioner Mikes and Kurt Ely in
regards to statements about the expansion of a six-lane highway on SE 5th Avenue.
Merita Mitchell agreed with the idea of two-year terms based on it providing a better
opportunity for the citizens to know the accomplishments of a commissioner and whether
they want to re-elect that person. She also questioned whether term limits are a good
® idea since there are commissioners who are doing a good job.
Ralph Eddy, 150 SE 4 Avenue, disagreed with the two-year terms and thought that the
City Commissioners are doing a good job.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mikes, seconded by Vice-Mayor Bertino,
continuing the first reading of the ordinance to an advertised public hearing.
The motion failed on a 2/3 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-no Commissioner Etling —no
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-no
7, BIDS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS:-NONE
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA IMPOSING A
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON ACCEPTING AND PROCESSING CERTAIN
APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING DEVELOPMENT ORDERS; ESTABLISHING
THE AREA AFFECTED AS ALL PROPERTY IN DANIA BEACH LYING WEST
OF 1-95 WHICH ENJOY A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE
"INDUSTRIAL" DESIGNATION; PROVIDING THAT THE MORATORIUM SHALL
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 6 JULY 11, 2000
i
APPLY TO CERTAIN HEAVY INDUSTRIAL, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, AND
COMMERCIAL TYPES OF USES, WHILE LEAVING UNAFFECTED A WIDE
VARIETY OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER TYPES OF COMMERCIAL
USES AS MORE PARTICULARLY PROVIDED IN THE ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING FINDINGS; PROVIDING DIRECTIONS; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE THEREFORE. (First Reading)
Laurence Leeds, Growth Management Director, advised that the moratorium ordinance
will be expiring August 8th and that this ordinance is a contingency ordinance extending
the moratorium through December 12, 2000, in the event that the proposed package text
changes to the IROM (Industrial Research Office Marine) and IROC (Industrial Research
Office Commercial) zonings are not completed by August 8th. Mr. Leeds welcomed
individual meetings with the City Commissioners to discuss the work that has taken
place over the past six months on the rezoning and advised that three (3) public
hearings have been held with the public and that notices were sent out to the property
owners impacted by the changes. Mr. Leeds explained that the IROM ordinance is
substantially different from what was presented two years ago and that the new
ordinance incorporates concerns from property owners impacted by the zoning change
and meets the City Commissioners' intent of the proposed zoning change.
Mr. Leeds clarified that no business currently existing legally will be forced out of
business and will be allowed to continue indefinitely. The only two reasons that would
stop a business.from operating are as follows: (1) If 75% or more of the building were
destroyed due to calamity; (2) The entire business was abandoned for more than one-
year. Mr. Leeds was not aware of anyone losing financial approval due to a zoning
® change and urged adoption of the new zoning as a way for the city to move forward with
quality development in the City.
Mayor McElyea opened the public hearing.
John Premo, of Ellis, Spencer& Butler, P.A., representing Tigertail Industrial Park,
commended the City for its actions to address zoning concerns for the area and working
with his client.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor McElyea closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Mikes commended Larry Leeds for working with the public and business
community on the new zoning designations.
A motion was made by Commissioner Etling, seconded by Commissioner Mikes,
adopting the ordinance on first reading.
The motion passed on the following 4/1 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-No Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
Item #11.3 was heard at this time.
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 7 JULY 11, 2000
i
® 9. CITIZENS' COMMENTS: -NONE
Addressing the Commission:Comments by Dania Beach citizens or interested parties that are not part of the regular
agenda shall be submitted in writing or communicated verbally to the City Manager or his or her designee prior to 4:00
p.m.on the second(2nd)and fourth(4")Mondays of each month. Comments of any nature shall be responded to by the
office of the City Manager. If,within three days of submission of the comment to the City Manager,the concern remains
unresolved in the sole opinion of the citizen or interested party or the citizen or party desires to direct the comment(s)to
the City Commission,the citizen(s)or party shall be placed on the citizens'comments portion of the Commission agenda
and shall be allowed to address the City Commission during the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.
Emergencies may be submitted to the Mayor,a City Commissioner or the City Manager prior to the beginning of the
meeting. The Mayor or Commissioners may relinquish part or all of their comment time to a citizen's request if they so
desire.
10. COMMISSION COMMENTS
10.1 Commissioner Cali mentioned his concern for the old BCC building on the south
end of Tigertail Lake is unattended and open to possible vandalism since the dredging
project is completed. He suggested that the BCC Water Sports group be allowed to
move back into the building until the new building is completed so that the programs
could be reactivated. City Manager Smith agreed to take the suggestion under
consideration. However, he pointed out that the building is sitting on a temporary piling
and that a ramp and parking lot would need to be constructed, utilities connected and
that a cost analysis would need to be determined.
Commissioner Cali asked when the Code Enforcement Amnesty Program is going to be
brought back to the City Commission. City Manager Smith advised that staff is working
out the details of the program and asked for clarification on whether the City.
Commission desires to apply the program throughout the City, limit the program to
homeowner homesteaded property only or consider rental and commercial properties.
The Commission agreed that the Amnesty Program would only be used for homestead
properties.
Commissioner Cali reported that Broward County Commission signed a five-year lease
for the City Library in the Citibank Building on Dania Beach Boulevard, which includes a
30-day exit clause. The County also committed monies in its five-year capital
improvement program to fund a permanent library structure for the Dania Beach Paul
DeMaio Library. Since the Carousel Antiques building,Dania Beach Hotel, and other
buildings in the City are available for sale, he recommended that the City Manager and
City Attorney be directed to explore property purchases through the assistance of an
appraiser and negotiate with property owners or agents.
Commissioner Cali urged the City Commission to consider purchasing the Dania Beach
Hotel property since the property could potentially qualify for some sort of grant funding
from the State of Florida Historical Preservation Program. He pointed out that the City of
St. Augustine gets most of the money from the State Preservation Historic Trust Fund
and he believed that funding is available for property acquisition on significant historic
properties. It was his opinion that the Dania Beach Hotel is a significant historic property
as the architecture of the building dates back to the beginning of the City. He stated that
the building could be used as a cultural center or library and he cautioned that the
property could also be destroyed as it is not protected by any national or state historical
designation. He urged the City Manager to research grant funding from State, Federal
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 8 JULY 11, 2000
and County sources or joint funding from the County for renovations or purchases of
• properties towards the goal of finding a permanent building for the Paul DeMaio Library.
Mayor McElyea urged the City Commission to consider purchasing the Jean Cook
property located behind City Hall and proposed the idea of using the building on her
property for the Building Department and the land for a library, city facility, day care or
parking garage. Mayor McElyea pointed out that the City does not receive much tax
revenue from the vacant lot and that it is very expensive to renovate old buildings.
Vice-Mayor Bertino mentioned his interest in Jean Cook's land at the time the City
discussed the recent bond issue and the possibility of moving into a public or private
partnership to bring positive buildings into the downtown area. Vice-Mayor Bertino was
not in disagreement with Commissioner Cali's idea of the Dania Beach Hotel but pointed
out the expensive venture required in retrofitting old buildings for fiber optics. He
recommended that the City research the land on 13th street for a library as it could also
service the City of Hollywood. He mentioned his intentions of discussing the possibility
of a sinking fund being set up for the purchase of property for a library site in the
upcoming budget workshop.
10.2 Commissioner Etling mentioned that he was at the County Commission meeting
today when action was taken to place Dania Beach on the five-year plan for a
permanent library site. He thought that the purchase price for the Dania Beach Hotel is
too high and that the structure may not be strong enough to hold the weight of books.
He recommended that property to the south and east of City Hall be pursued in an effort
to tie all of the areas together with Fire Station #1 and the Nyberg/Swanson House
within the next four years in time for the City's Centennial.
10.3 Commissioner Mikes agreed that the Jean Cook property to the south of City Hall
- should be pursued and that the City should find out if she would consider a donation of
the property since she was a past City official for many years.
Commissioner Mikes requested that staff and BSO address the problem in the
- Melaleuca Gardens neighborhood where some teenagers are opening a fence located
between a culvert and the waterways near 6th Avenue.
10.4 Vice-Mayor Bertino agreed that the Jean Cook land should be pursued for the
governmental campus concept which has been discussed for years and advised that he
mentioned the 13th Street property for the library because of the closeness to Hollywood.
Vice-Mayor Bertino inquired as to the status of implementing the Ordinance requiring
occupational licenses for rentals. City Manager Smith advised that some applications for
the license have been received.
Laurence Leeds, Growth Management Director, explained that staff cannot always
clearly identify properties that are rentals and that it is difficult to determine whether an
owner is living in part of a duplex and that staff is currently dealing with Code
Enforcement issues.
•
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 9 JULY 11, 2000
• Vice-Mayor Bertino understood that it would be a monumental task to implement the
ordinance and that additional staff is needed. City Attorney Ansbro advised that
Lauderhill started its rental ordinance a few years ago and that they hired a lot staff to
get the program going.
Commissioner Cali clarified with Laurence Leeds that all condominiums are exempt from
the rental ordinance.
Vice-Mayor Bertino brought up the problem with the sabal palms getting blight on them
along SW 4th Avenue. City Manager Smith advised that Public Works is working with a
specialist and that it is a difficult problem.
10.5 Mayor McElyea expressed concern that the pump at Meadowbrook
Condominium does not work and that there is potential for drainage impact to the area if
there is a heavy rain. City Manager Smith advised that the City Commission approved
the purchase of a new pump in June and that Bud Palm, Utilities Director, is requesting
to lease a pump for two-months for$11,000.00 until the new pump is received. He
suggested that the pump be taken apart to see if it could be repaired. City Manager
Smith agreed to administratively take care of the lease for the pump this week.
Discussion followed on the need to notify people living within close proximity to the pump
house when the pump is cranked up.
Item #11.2 was heard after Commission Comments.
11. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
11.1 Reconsideration of request for abatement of CEB99-0362 Code Enforcement lien
by John and Angela Magazzu for property located at 4430 SW 32"d Avenue, Dania
Beach. (Staff)
Diane Magazzu presented a location map of her family's property and assured the City
Commission that her family did not neglect to address the code enforcement issues cited
against 4430 SW 32 Avenue. She explained that a single family rental home sits on a
one-acre lot at 4430 SW 32 Avenue and that a marina is located on the north. Mrs.
Magazzu mentioned her family history on the property over the past 20 years and
explained that the City sent a fetter dated September 9, 1999, advising of two code
violations at 4430 for the following: (1) non-registered vehicle; (2) uncut grass.
She stated that no one from her family received the City's September 9th letter and that
she changed tenants in October, 1999. She clarified that the tenant whose red Cadillac
was cited by the Code Enforcement Board for not being properly licensed and registered
was sold to the new tenant and that the new tenant legally registered the red Cadillac.
However, it was her opinion that Code Enforcement continued to think that the vehicle
was unregistered and owned by the previous tenant.
Ms. Magazzu stated that she can provide records from a professional lawn service
proving that there have been regular lawn cuttings since June 1999, and that the
property at 4432 SW 32 Avenue was in compliance without having received formal
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 10 JULY 11, 2000
notification of any violations from the City at the time the tenant was evicted. She
explained that Betty Baresh, a family friend, has been managing her family's properties
for a number of years and that Ms. Baresh was in constant communication with Code
Enforcement regarding the condition of the properties. By a letter dated December 2,
1999, the City notified the family to appear at a hearing on December 13 concerning the
two violations mentioned in the September 9th letter. Ms. Magazzu explained that her
family was not aware that the properties were still in violation, and on December 13tn
Betty Baresh received confirmation from Mr. Dubinsky, Code Enforcement Officer, by
phone that the Magazzu properties were in compliance and that an appearance at the
Code Enforcement Board Meeting was not necessary.
Ms. Magazzu admitted that her father disregarded continued correspondence from the
City because he thought that the property was in compliance. She stated that only one
letter was actually signed for by her mother and that the other letters from the City were
signed by an unknown person at the trailer park clubhouse. On April 1, 2000, Mr.
Magazzu received a Supplemental Order Claim of Lien for 4430 SW 32 Avenue and
Betty Baresh arranged a meeting with Mr. Dubinsky on April 17th at the 4430 location.
She stated that at that meeting, Mr. Dubinsky advised them that they were being cited
for dead leaves on a small palm tree and weeds growing under the tree. The palm tree
was cut down the next day and Mr. Dubinsky was called and he agreed to take Betty's
word about the tree's removal over the phone. On April 24, a letter was sent to the City
requesting an abatement of the fine and a hearing was granted with Code Enforcement
on June 5. Ms. Magazzu explained she was not made aware by the City of the hearing
before the City Commission on June 13th, which is why she had to request permission to
be heard tonight.
• Ms. Magazzu read statements from minutes of the December 13, 1999, Code
Enforcement Board meeting relating to property violations for landscaping and debris,
abandoned vehicles on the property, and comments about BSO red tagging 50 to 60
vehicles in the last six month on the vacant lot at 32"d and Griffin Road. Ms. Magazzu
stated that she was shocked to hear the statements that were being made against her
family's property and clarified that the property at 32"d and Griffin was not owned by her
family. She mentioned that an individual at 44th Street has placed vehicles for sale at
32"d and Griffin and that the person owns two tow trucks and that her previous tenant did
fix vehicles for that person. She mentioned that Mr. Dubinsky has maintained that he
never said the property was in compliance and that there may have been
misunderstandings. She stated that her family did not intentionally violate any code
requirements and requested that the City Commission abate all of the liens against the
property.
At this time, it was divulged that Ms. Magazzu had been in contact with City
Commissioners regarding the Code Enforcement issues prior to this meeting.
William Johnson, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, advised that all of Ms. Magazzu's
arguments have been heard at the Code Enforcement level and that the board
recommended to abate the fine by 50% from $20,100.00 to $10,050.00. He pointed out
that the City Commission reimposed the full amount of$20,100.00 on June 13thwhen
the petitioner was not presented and that the only way to appeal the decision of the
Code Enforcement Board is through the Circuit Court. He clarified that the City
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 11 JULY 11, 2000
Commission should only hear the request for abatement and not consider the
• circumstances relating to the property.
City Attorney Ansbro stated that petitioners have 30 days to appeal the Code Board's
Order at the Circuit Court level and that it is too late to challenge the order. City Attorney
Ansbro clarified that the City Commission has the right to hear mitigating factors and to
abate the lien to zero if they so choose.
Mayor McElyea mentioned that he is aware of the problems in the area and that he
personally knows that Mr. Magazzu had problems with a gypsy car dealer who was
dumping junk on his property and that BSO has a hard time catching these individuals.
Mayor McElyea suggested that if the City Commission decides to impose a lien that the
amount of the lien be put back into the property by improving the seawall.
Commissioner Mikes pointed out that the property is water front property and very
valuable and that the property owners in the area want.the City to clean up the
neighborhood. He suggested that Mr. Magazzu could do a better job of screening
tenants and that there should be an assurance that the violations will not continue on the
property if the City Commission decides to waive the fines.
Discussion followed on comments in the Code Board minutes that BSO had red tagged
some 50-60 vehicles in the area. Mr. Johnson advised that many cars have been red
tagged for being put up for sale at 32"d and Griffin Road and some of the license tags
were found to be owned by a tenant living at the Magazzu property. Mr. Johnson
pointed out that all of the cars do not get red tagged and that the people move them.
• Mayor McElyea advised that this has been an ongoing problem and that the VIN number
has to be checked and that the dealer does not always transfer every tag.
Commissioner Etling mentioned his conversations with Ms. Magazzu regarding her
intentions of demolishing a building, repairing the seawall and renovating the property at
4430. He agreed that the City Commission should require the amount of the lien to be
invested back into the property within a certain time frame or the full amount of the line
would be reimposed. He thought that this would improve the property, which is the true
intention of Code Enforcement. City Attorney Ansbro advised that the City could
structure some sort of Code Enforcement Order, with the consent of the property
owners, including stipulations for improving the property within a certain time frame and
that the order could be recorded against the property.
Discussion followed on the boat business at SW 441h and 32"d being grand fathered in as
a non-conforming use at the time of annexation into the City and that the house to the
east is expected to be cited soon.
Mr. Magazzu stated that his property has been maintained and that the cars at the
corner property have nothing to do with his property nor anything to do with his tenants.
Laurence Leeds stated his concern that the seawall repair may exceed the lien amount
and inquired with City Attorney Ansbro on what the City's recourse would be on
enforcing the seawall repair if it is not completed within the 18 month period as
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 12 JULY 11, 2000
discussed. City Attorney Ansbro explained what recourse the City would have if this
situation arose.
A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Cali, to require
that the $20,100.00 lien amount be applied towards constructing a 150' seawall and that
the seawall be completed within 18 months; that a legal caveat be added, with the
owner's permission, that the full amount of the lien would come due if there are any
violations resulting in a Code Board order on the property located at 4430 SW 32
Avenue within a five year probationary period; and that the administrative cost of
$500.00 be deducted from the $20,100.00 and paid within 30 days.
City Attorney Ansbro advised that an order will be created from this motion for the Code
Enforcement Board.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
After Item 11.1, the Commission addressed Item 10.
Item 11.2 was heard after Commission Comments.
11.2 Discussion of general rental property leases in the City. (Commissioner Mikes)
• Commissioner Mikes mentioned that there are many eviction problems with people
involved in criminal activity and that the City may want to consider drawing up a model
lease for landlords as a better way to deal with criminal activity and code problems and
that the leases be made available at the Chamber of Commerce.
City Attorney Ansbro agreed to bring back information on a Marvin Gardens Lease
Addendum that has been used by the Nuisance Abatement Board of Fort Lauderdale.
He advised that the City's Nuisance Abatement Board is expected to meet soon and that
BSO has been doing a fine job of dealing with nuisance properties.
Commissioner Mikes mentioned that people have skipped out on water bills on rental
properties because the City did not have a way to access the owners of properties or
cross check properties. He expected that additional personnel will need to be hired to
implement the Occupational License Ordinance.
City Manager Smith advised that the City is participating in a cooperative venture with
the Broward County Property Appraisers Office and that once the GIS (Geographic
Information System) Base Map is operating, hopefully by the end of the year, staff will
have instant access to necessary property records. Commissioner Mikes advised that a
lot of street criminal activity in the City can be traced back to the rental properties and
that there is need to encourage landlords to work better with the City to clean up areas.
Item #12 Appointments was heard after Item 11.2
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 13 JULY 11, 2000
• Item 11.3 was heard after Item 8.1
11.3 Reconsideration of Variance (VA-24-00) by Tom Naylor, owner, property located
at 400 South Federal Highway, a/k/a "The Frost Property". (Mayor McElyea)
Mayor McElyea mentioned that he was on the prevailing side of the variance issue that
failed on June 13th and that he would like to see the item reconsidered at the next
meeting.
A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Etling,
reconsidering VA-24-00.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
Item #11.1 was heard after Item 11.3
12.. APPOINTMENTS
12.1 Appointment of 3 members to the Airport Advisory Board.
12.2- Appointment of 2 members to Human Relations Board.
12.3 Appointment of 1 members to the Marine Advisory Board.
12.4 Appointment of 2 members to the Occupational License Review Advisory Board.
• 12.5 Appointment of 4 member to Parks, Recreation and Community Affairs Advisory
Board.
12.6 Appointment by Commission of one (1) Alternate for citizen member to the Civil
Service Board.
City Attorney Ansbro advised that the City Commission needs to address the
replacement of Chickee Brandimarte on the Nuisance Abatement Board who has
resigned from the Alternate position.
Commissioner Cali nominated Bob Adams.
A motion was made by Commissioner Cali, seconded by Commissioner Etling, to adopt
a resolution appointing Bob Adams as Alternate on the Nuisance Abatement Board.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Cali-Yes Commissioner Etling —Yes
Commissioner Mikes —Yes Vice-Mayor Bertino-Yes
Mayor McElyea-Yes
13. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13.1 City Manager— Reminder—July 14, 2000, 9:00 a.m. —Budget Workshop
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CITY OF DAN/A BEACH 14 JULY 11, 2000
City Manager Smith advised that General Employee, Gail Fondo, is retiring after 27
• years of service. He thanked her for her dedication to the City and extended his best
wishes for success in her retirement.
13.2 City Attorney Ansbro reported that the Pier Restaurant lease has been sent to
the Restaurant People Inc. and that their attorney is on vacation until Monday. He
expected to hold a meeting soon and work out a good deal for all parties concerned.
14. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
AYOR-COMMbIONER
ACTING CITY CLERk
Respectfully submitted
by Charlene Johnson
Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY CITY COMMISSION: AUGUST 8, 2000
•
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CITY OF DANIA BEACH 15 JULY 11, 2000