By Harvey Busch, Chairman City Advisory Committee

The February meeting of the City Advisory Committee was attended by Vice-Mayor Lewis Thaler, Commissioners Roslyn Brezin, Gerry Goodman and Bud Scholl.  Also attending was City Manager Rick Conner, Events Coordinator Stephanie DeThomas and Assistant City Clerk Mauricio Betancur. Each Sub-Committee Chairperson made interesting and informative reports.

Bob Mincow, Chairman of Planning, Beautification and Technical Matters Subcommittee presented his report on a symposium hosted by the City of Aventura regarding “Green Initiatives” and he will provide the information regarding this project to the condominium presidents and building managers at their next scheduled meeting.

Tony LoCastro, Chairman of the condominiums Subcommittee, detailed his February successful meeting that he hosted and was attended by Senator Dan Gelber, State Representative Richard Steinberg, Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman and our Mayor, Norman Edelcup.  The primary topic was how to deal with delinquencies, foreclosures and collections.

Isaac Aelion, Chairman of the Capital Projects Subcommittee discussed the potential use of solar panels to power the lamp posts throughout the city.  City Manager Rick Conner stated that he has already begun discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation to implement this technology.

Ann Kaul, Chairwoman of the Senior Citizens Welfare Subcommittee reported that Sunny Isles Beach now has a designated person to help and assist Senior Citizens with any government related issue.

Loretta Mufson, Chairwoman of the Youth Advocacy Subcommittee, reported on the progress her group is making to improve social activities and events for teenagers in our City.

Steve Trattner, Chairman of the Traffic and Safety Subcommittee reported that the city is putting the Red Light Camera program on hold until the Florida State Legislature passes a law regarding these cameras.  City Manager Rick Conner reiterated that the City would no longer be issuing Red Camera violations.

Bob Welsh, Chairman of the Long Range Planning and Zoning Subcommittee, reported that the Weather Bug Program is delayed because of lack of funding, but he is working with Miami-Dade County for help in developing this program.  During this discussion, Rick Conner reported that the temporarily closed City Pier would undergo construction with planned completion by the summer of 2011.

Claire Lipson, Chairwoman of the Tourism and Development Subcommittee, announced that her group is working with our city staff to create and promote a unique fashion show event.

Bob Caplan, Chairman of the new Cultural Fine Arts and enrichment Subcommittee, reported that his group is dedicated to creating a museum for fine arts in our city.  He is actively seeking volunteers for this new committee.

Isaac Feldman, newly appointed Chairman of a Subcommittee involved in film, entertainment and international business development, requested volunteers to serve with him on this endeavor.