Minutes of the BHA Board of Directors Meeting
January 20, 1999, Brickell Key I, Brickell Key Dr.

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.
Announcement: The Stallone Property discussion is deferred until the February meeting.

President's Report
Election of Officers. The February BHA Board meeting will be the Annual Meeting with the election of officers. Bruce Cotten will chair the nominating committee. Anyone interested in any office is invited to call Bruce.

Brickell Median Landscaping.
A new contract for the median maintenance, repairs and restoration has been awarded, under the City's department of Public Works, headed by Jim Kay.

Supplemental Waste Fee Refund.
There will be a first reading on February 9th. Hopefully refunds will be made in March.

Airplane Noise Abatement.
The City is getting involved with the County effort and urging adoption of new recommendations about climb patterns, flight patterns, etc. Patrick McCoy, an American Airlines pilot, said that the airline would abide by these changes but the rules must get mandated by FAA, MIA and ATC's.

Fire Rescue Fee.
A hearing is set for March 30th at which the City will ask for dismissal of the class action suit. The litigation is moving slowly. The class action certification is expected following denial of the dismissal request.

Commissioner J.L. Plummer's Report
NET Offices. The City is looking to combine some offices among the 13 and make the remainder stronger. In Commissioner Plummer's district, they are considering going from five to two.

New Fire Equipment from Fire Rescue Fee.
The Commissioner gave a report of all the new equipment purchased with the recently enacted fee, which will be in place "for five years only." The City will be spending this $20 million over the five years on new equipment. One of the new pieces of equipment is an aerial platform that goes up to 174 feet, ideal for BHA highrises.

Stallone Property/Orient Express Hotel.
The matter will be on the March City of Miami Commission agenda as a zoning item.

New NET Coordinator Manny Diaz
The new chief of all the NET offices, Manny Diaz, was introduced. He spoke about measures the city is taking including video surveillance cameras, to combat illegal dumping.

Officer Jeff Giordano
Officer Giordano introduced Carlos Suarez, a new officer in the area.
Jeff reported that on Dec. 31st a resident on a bike in front of 1865 Brickell was fatally hit by a BMW. No charges for a traffic infraction were made. The investigation is ongoing.

There was a strong-arm roberry at S. Miami Ave. and 12th St. near the Publix. A man was punched and robbed. Youth, possibly gang members, are suspected. Jeff is confident they'll be caught.

The Miami Circle
Harry Lewis, VP at the Imperial, reported on his visit to the site.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Next meeting is Febrary 17, 1999, at Cappriccio's Restaurant, 1221 Brickell Ave.