The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.

Florence Mazer moved and Jan Jones seconded that the reading of the May minutes be waived and the minutes accepted as published. The motion passed unanimously.

President's Report

Supplement Waste Fee Refunds: The City of Miami reports the checks are ready to be mailed; just awaiting the drafting of a cover memo.

Brickell Area Traffic: The new markings at 15th Road and Brickell were completed.

Brickell Medians - City of Miami Public Works Director Jim Kay conveyed great concern about the lack of improvement on the medians. The leaky pipe irrigation system must be replaced afterall. Tree trimming has been done.

Candidates Forum: The Brickell Area Association would like to join BHA and the Roads groups as a cosponsor for the fall forum which will be held after qualifying deadline (Sept. 18), in October.

Brickell Party: Tuesday, June 29th, at Firehouse Four, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. all are invited for joint BAA/BHA social.

Miami City Commissioner JL Plummer's Report

Franchising Commercial Waste Haulers: 20 companies will be franchised to provide services in the City of Miami. Not exclusive and not by districts. New rules are being implemented where few currently exist.

Charter Reform: The new draft does not address mayoral issues. Many items need to be addressed and receive public input and hearings. Doesn't think it will make the November ballot due to need for input.

Meeting Agendas: Will start to be published on cable channel 9 at a time certain (TBD).

1900 Brickell: City is watching to see that the covenants that granted the plastic surgeon permission to convert the home into an office are being adhered to. So far the tree that was cut down illegally has not been replaced; the number of parking spaces permitted is 5 and there seems to be paving for more. NET Administrator Tony Wagner is on top of the situation.

NET Administrator Tony Wagner

Homeless: An encampment at 1501 S. Miami Avenue property has been identified and referred to the Homeless Assistance Center. Others in Simpson Park and under the bridge have been dealt with.

Lots Needing Cleaning: Those in Brickell area that need clearing have been notified. If the owners don't take action, the City will go in and do the job and charge the owners.

Harris Property: No other permits are pending. The new owners are awaiting National Historical designation.

Police Officer Jeff Giordano

Speed Trailer: Deployed on Brickell today.

Security Seminar: The Police are eager to do a follow-up session; Fall seems to be the best target time. BHA Secretary Mac Seligman will be consulted as the BHA coordinator.

Fatality on Brickell at New Years: No citations were issued after investigation.

Transit Not Tolls Presentation - Commissioner Jimmy Morales

Ron Smith introduced the Transit Not Tolls initiative and COMCA's (Coalition of Miami-Dade Community Associations) support of the concept.

Commission Morales presented an overview of the Peneles plan to add a penny sales tax to generate a dedicated source of funds for transit which would draw down billions of dollars in federal support for transportation improvements in Miami-Dade.

Ron Smith moved and Henry Taylor Jr. seconded the motion:

"The Brickell Homeowners Association endorses and supports the Miami-Dade County Penelas Penny Sales Tax Plan for Transportation and Transit Improvements which provides for eliminating tolls on certain roads and generating new revenue for transportation from a one cent sales tax increase and urges all voters to support the initiative."

It passed unanimously.

Development of the Brickell Bay Village property, 2101-2105 Brickell Avenue

Discussion took place about the proposed 29-story rental apartment building with 421 units and six floors of above-ground parking that would be sandwiched between Bristol Tower and The Atlantis. There is great concern about the density and impact of such a property and both neighboring properties have hired legal representation and are voicing strong opposition to the City of Miami. The matter is to go before the City Commissioners in just a matter of days for a vote on the Major Use Special Permit.

Florence Mazer moved and Harry Thal seconded the motion:

"The Brickell Homeowners Association is opposed to the granting of a Major Use Special Permit for the proposed Brickell Bay Village Apartments Project at 2101-2105 Brickell Avenue as presently designed."

It passed unanimously.

Further, it was suggested by BHA counsel Henry Taylor Jr. that BHA have a "friend of the court" attorney present at the City Commission meeting to demonstrate the BHA's opposition and support of Bristol Tower and The Atlantis. BHA Director Ron Smith, who is an attorney with zoning committee experience, volunteered to represent the BHA on a pro bono basis.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

There will probably not be a July BHA Board meeting.