Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 6, 2009ZONING MINUTES -MAY 6 12009 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS ZONING MINUTES MAY 6, 2009 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The City of Miami Gardens City Council sitting as the Zoning Board, met in regular session on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW 167tH Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Barbara Watson and Council members Aaron Campbell Jr., Andre Williams, Oliver G. Gilbert III. Councilman Melvin L. Bratton arrived at 7:15 p.m. Councilwoman Sharon Pritchett was in Chicago, Illinois, attending a Children's Trust Forum. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. 2. INVOCATION: Invocation was given by Councilman Gilbert. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Recited in unison. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 4-A) Zoning Meeting Minutes -April 1, 2009 Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Campbell to approve the minutes, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. 5. AGENDA ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS) BUSINESS ([terns sha~~ be putted from the Consent Agenda at this time): Motion offered by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to approve the official agenda, with no changes. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice cote. 6. PRESENTATION(S) None Staff read into the record the process and procedure used for this Quasi-Judicial Proceeding. Zoning Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 1 of 5 ZONING MINUTES -MAY 6 ~ 2009 The City Clerk swore in all parties participating in this Quasi-Judicial Proceeding. 7. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION N0.2009-83-1028 7-A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF A FINAL PLAT FOR "CALDER RACE COURSE" FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NORTHWEST ~~H- 210th STREET AND NORTHWEST 27TH AVENUE, MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Motion made offered by Councilman Williams, second by Councilman Bratton, to approve the consent agenda. Councilman Bratton raised concern with the address being used in the Resolution more particularly, NW 21St" Street as being the location of Calder Race Course. He said the El Palacio hotel is located on the southeast corner of 21St" street and 27th avenue. Manager Crew responded that the resolution is indicating a general location and not the actual location. Councilman Bratton asked what is the address of Calder? Cyril Saiphoo replied 2101 NW 27th Avenue. He concurred with Manager Crew that they just used a general location in the Resolution. Also the Plat approval is tied to the legal description and not the general location. Motion made by Councilman Gilbert, second by Vice Mayor Watson, to amend the general location on the Resolution to northwest 210th Street and northwest 27t" Avenue. There being no further discussion the motion to amend passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. There being no more discussion the consent agenda passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. 8. FIRST READING (ORDINANCE)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None 9. ORDINANCE(S) SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) Zoning Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 2 of 5 ZONING MINUTES -MAY 6 12009 RESOLUTION N0.2009-84-1029-Z-86 10-A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY CALDER RACE COURSE, INC., FOR NON-USE VARIANCES OF THE SIGN CODE ON PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NORTHWEST 27TH AVENUE AND NORTHWEST 243a'- 210tH STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR A CONDITION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Alan Krischer of Holland & Knight LLP appeared before the City Council representing the applicant. He stated the applicant is before the City Council requesting approval of the signage package that was included in the agenda. He furthered that staff has reviewed the signage package and has recommended approval for the requested sign variances. He agrees both with the recommendation of staff and the one condition that ties them to the site plan. He recalled that the Council approved a zoning application that would allow the modification of the existing facility to permit an expansion of the facility to allow slot machine gaming, which was approved by voters thru a referendum. The applicant continues to work vigorously with the permit process, which staff has been very helpful and professional with. Attorney Krischer did a PowerPoint presentation with regard to the proposed signage in connection with the race track and casino. He stated the purpose of this request is to update and modernize the signage of the entire facility. The applicant's intent is to have a sign package for both the new and the existing structure so that they can have a more harmonious aesthetic for the entire site and an updated name/logo for the entire Calder Community. He continued to go over the slide show which highlighted an aerial view of the property, with proposed sign locations and types of signage planned throughout the property. These signs consisted of monument signs, one wall sign, and logos over the entrance ways of the facility. Lastly, Mr. Krischer acknowledged that all of the variances that are listed in the staff report are all needed to accommodate the sign package being proposed tonight. He believes that those variances are appropriate given the exceptionally large size of this property, 230 acres, for a single user. Because Calder Race Course is such a unique and prominent property within the City and a destination for visitors, he believes by having an effective sign package Calder can continue to serve as a land mark and a point of reference for the City. Mayor Gibson openned the floor for public comment; there being no public comment she closed the floor. Motion to approve was offered by Councilman Gilbert and second by Vice Mayor Watson. Councilman Williams asked what is going to drive their market because he felt the proposed signage was rather conservative and not a glitzy as the signage of Gulf Stream. Zoning Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 3 of 5 ZONING MINUTES -MAY 6 ~ 2009 Tom O'Donnell, President of Calder Race Course, appeared before the City Council in response to Councilman Williams' question. He stated one of the key factors in competing is to differentiate yourself from the competition. He conveyed belief that based on their location within the City it is their goal to be much more suttle and respectful to the neighborhood as well; and to proceed with a much different track than local and regional competitors; due to the access that they have. Councilman Williams asked if Calder plans were still to be up and running by the 2010 Super Bowl. Mr. O'Donnell responded that they anticipate an opening prior to the 2010 Pro Bowl, which is prior to the Super Bowl. He reiterated that staff has been very helpful during the permitting process, which will allow them to be open prior to the Super Bowl. Councilman Campbell commented, by Calder taking a suttle approach to their signage adds class to what they are doing. He then questioned the placement of the directional signs that are proposed in the agenda packet. Mr. Krischer in response to Councilman Campbell's question said all of the directional signs will be within the property. Councilman Bratton asked what is the plan for the wall located on the Westside of NW 27tH Avenue, on the residential side? Manager Crew made it know that the wall is private property, owned by each adjacent homeowner. This makes it hard for the City to get anything done to that wall. Nonetheless staff is continuing to work on improving the wall. Vice Mayor Watson questioned whether the signage on the eastern portion of the property (215tH Street) near the stable will clearly state stable entry on it; so that it is not confusing to those who plan on visiting the property. Mr. Krischer made clear that the entrance near the stable does provide access to the balance of the property; it is a multipurpose entrance that services the stable, administrative building and the main building. Vice Mayor asked if that is also true for the entrance near the El Palacio hotel. She asked whether both entrances will lead to the general parking. Mr. Krischer in response to Vice Mayor Watson's question replied, "Yes." Councilman Bratton asked if they will have free parking and valet paking. Mr. Krischer replied yes. Zoning Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 4 of 5 ZONING MINUTES -MAY 6 ~ 2009 There being no further discussion the motion to approve passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes Vice Mayor announced that Saturday May 9, 2009 the Junior Council will have the "Taking Back the Streets" rally, at Brentwood Park from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. She invited everyone to some out for this event. 11. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Manager Crew informed the Council that on the next regular Council Meeting there will be a zoning item on the agenda in regards to a text change to the City Downtown Center Zoning Code. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made and seconded the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. ~ ~~~-z,~ Shirle ib n, Mayor Attest: ----- i Ronetta Taylor, MMC! rty Clerk Zoning Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 5 of 5