The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.

Herbert Bailey moved and Jan Jones seconded that the reading of the March minutes be waived and the minutes accepted as published. The motion passed unanimously.

President's Report

Welcome: Fortune House and Two Tequesta Point were welcomed as their membership status changed from associate to regular members. Brickell Palms, a planned 379-unit tower on Brickell Bay Drive between 12th and 14th, was welcomed as the newest Associate Member.

Brickell Area Traffic: In response to concerns voiced at the last BHA Board meeting, FDOT has sent a team out to Brickell. Steps they will take to address speeding on Brickell include new and additional speeding signs from the Rickenbacher Causeway to the Brickell Bridge, and road markings and reflectors at the 15th Road and Brickell intersection.

The City of Miami Police Dept. will install a radar speed reader on Brickell to tell people how fast they are going. The machine also accumulates data on speed rates (not specific cars), which will be analyzed for deployment of enforcement.

Lissette Armis, aide to Commissioner Sanchez was welcomed.

BHA Dues: Invoices for dues went out March 15, 1999, at the same rate as the previous several years, $5 per unit annually.

Franchising Commercial Waste Haulers: This recent idea by the City Commission proposes to franchise the commercial waste haulers by district with the net effect being that condominium associations would be told who they must use for waste collection. BHA directors have noted that this would be turning a private service into a regulated utility which is contrary to current trends to privatize and encourage competition.

Miami City Commissioner JL Plummer's Report

Repeal of the Supplemental Waste Fee: It may take more than 30 days for condos that paid this to get their refund checks.

Franchising Commercial Waste Haulers: This idea is in the exploration stage now, the Commissioner said. Waste is going to become a major problem with what cost $6 per ton to haul 10 years ago now costing $50 per ton. Illegal dumping accounts for 66,000 tons a year. More than one vendor, perhaps 3 or 4, could be selected by district. A workshop is planned for the following week. The Commissioner said he doesn't anticipate there will be a decision for three or four months.

Lot Clearing: Twenty-seven new code inspectors have been hired to combat the illegal dumping and code violations in abandoned buildings and lots.

Aircraft Noise Abatement: Working on getting a date for public hearing to address the problems with the FAA when our congressional representatives will be here.

Aircraft Noise Abatement

Captain Pat McCoy and Capt. Wehby of American Airlines, who have voluntarily headed up the Noise Abatement Task Force Chief Pilot Subcommittee and led the efforts to encourage pilot compliance with recommendations for noise abatement, explained what they've been trying to accomplish. Key points they explained:

Accelerated Climb: The idea here is to "Get the airplane away from the ground as quickly as possible." The captains reported they think 87% are complying so far since the voluntary compliance was urged starting March 1st.

Flight Track Management: The idea here is to follow the highways' paths, moving noise through contour lines. This initiative has been more difficult to get voluntary compliance on. MIA officials hold that the FAA must analyze this, however, the captains hold otherwise.

Why Voluntary? If these steps were to be mandated, a lengthy environmental study would be required. The subcommittee decided on recommending these changes on a voluntary basis at least for a test period.

Communications Problems: The pilots are under the direction of the Air Traffic Controllers when flying and they have had problems getting the controllers to put the information on the Automated Terminal Info System (ATIS) which would inform the pilots.

Old Planes: As a subcommittee, the captains say they will continue to talk to these folks.

Ron Smith moved and Mel Frankel seconded that:

"The BHA go full force now with our congressional representatives and senators to put the pressure on the FAA to take action."

The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

The next meeting is April 21st at the Villa Regina.