008-2001 LTC
CITY OF
MIAMI
BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA 33139
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER TELEPHONE: (305) 673-7010
FAX: (305) 673-n82
L.T.C. No. fJ - ZQO/
FROM:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and DATE:
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez j ,./
City Manager ~ (j
Sunset Harbour Con ( ominium Update
January 9,2001
TO:
SUBJECT:
City staff has been working with residents of the Sunset Harbour North Tower, South
Tower, and Townhouse condominium complex to identify and resolve a range of City
service issues and concerns. At a meeting held with condominium residents on October
31, 2000, a number of specific problems were identified and subsequently referred to
appropriate departments for resolution. Specific issues and the status of their resolution
are detailed below by Department.
Public Works Deoartment
Issue: Severe flooding was experienced on Sunset Harbour Drive during the heavy
October rains. In addition, there has been repeated flooding from salt water tidal
intrusion in the storm water drainage system. Plans for storm water drainage
improvements to address both issues were reported to be 90% complete and were
scheduled to be forwarded to DERM for review in the month of November. Construction
was scheduled to begin in February 2001 and be completed in 90-120 days.
Status: Storm water drainage plans are still being finalized and are now scheduled to be
forwarded to DERM for review in the second week of January. Construction is now
scheduled for March.
Issue: The swale at the southeast comer of 20th Street and Sunset Harbour Drive is
constantly being run over by vehicles which damage the landscaping and leave deep ruts.
Modifying the swale would require that the existing curb be demolished and rebuilt to
significantly narrow the swale and increase the paved area for turning vehicles.
Status: Mike Alvarez from the Public Works Department reports that the work to
narrow the swale will be completed by the end of January.
Issue: Residents complained that transit buses are again running along Sunset Harbour
Drive.
.
Status: In response to inquires from the Public Works Department, Miami-Dade Transit
stated that they are not running a bus line along Sunset Harbour Drive.
ParkslLandscane Maintenance Denartment
Issue: Grass and shrubs in the median and swales have died due to saltwater flooding
from high tides.
Status: Landscaping will be replaced after storm water improvements are completed.
Issue: In response to citizens' concerns about noise and possible illegal uses, signage has
been placed at the boat ramp stating hours and rules. Consistent enforcement of the
regulations is required to effectively address the problem. If the problem cannot be
controlled through enforcement, an access control arm will be needed at the ramp.
Status: The signage appears to be working as no complaints have been received since
the signs were installed. Parking regulations are being consistently enforced by the
Parking and Police Departments.
Planninl!: Denartment
Issue: Residents complained about multiple violations at Sunset Harbor Marina of the
restrictions on persons living on boats. Residents were told that the Planning Board
would address the "live aboard" issue at their November 28, 2000 meeting. Residents
requested that the item be heard at 5 :00 p.m.
Status: The Planning Board discussed the issue at their November 28 meeting. After
extensive discussion, the item was continued for 90 days to allow the applicant to meet
with the Sunset Harbour residents to identify and address their concerns. The applicant's
attorney subsequently submitted a report to the Planning Department on December 19
which stated that two meetings had been held with residents' representatives to date. The
applicant's attorney asked that he be given an additional 30 days to enable him to meet
with representatives from additional condo associations for the South Tower and the
Townhouses that are in the process of being formed. The attorney for the residents
supported this request for a 30 day extension and the Planning Department granted the
request. The Planning Board hearing on the matter is now scheduled for March 27, 200 I.
Issue: Residents are concerned about traffic and noise from the Purdy Lounge. The
Planning Department was asked to research any conditional use restrictions on the
establishment that need to be enforced.
Status: The Planning Department reports that there aren't any conditional use
restrictions on Purdy Lounge to be enforced.
~
Fire Department
Issue: Residents of the North Tower expressed a range of building and fire safety
concerns. Fire Division Chief Russell White told residents that no TCO (temporary
certificate of occupancy) would be issued for the North Tower Annex until all fire safety
requirements have been met.
Status: According to Fire Division Chief Russell White, the North Tower Annex fire
alarm problems have been resolved and a TCO has been applied for.
Issue: Sunset Harbour North Property Manager Sam Janowitz offered to prepare a list of
fire safety issues and submit the list to Fire Division Chief Russell White for review.
Status: Mr. Janowitz submitted letters on several issues to Chief White. Issues related
to an FPL vault and the building code which governed the building at the time of its
construction were resolved. Issues related to the smoke evacuation system and balconies
require Fire Department consultation with the Building Department, which cannot take
place until pending litigation on the case is resolved.
Code Compliance Department
Issue: Purdy Lounge operates with a license that allows them to stay open until 5:00 a.m.
Residents have complained about noise before and after 5:00 a.m. The Code Compliance
Department agreed to monitor the property.
Status: Code Compliance has periodically inspected the location during the last several
months and determined that the establishment had operated beyond 5:00 a.m. on several
occasions. Violation notices were issued and the operators were ordered to observe the
5:00 a.m. closing requirement. No additional closing time violations have occurred since
the notices were issued. The location has also been inspected for noise violations in
response to several complaints made by Sunset Harbour residents. No noise violations
have been discovered but the location will continue to be monitored by the Police and
Code Compliance Departments.
Issue: Residents have complained about jet skis being launched from the boat ramps.
Status: The Legal Department has advised the Code Compliance Department that City
Code does not prohibit a business from launching jet skis or any other type of watercraft
from the boat ramp. The jet ski operators are not permitted to conduct business at the
boat ramp but are not prevented from using it for access to the water.
Issue: Complaints were made regarding trash at 1849 Sunset Harbour Drive. The Special
Master found the property owner guilty on October 26, 2000 and fined them $100 for
having excessive trash and debris.
Status: The location continues to be monitored to ensure compliance with the Special
Master order.
Issue: A complaint was made that the property at 1413 Sunset Harbour Drive, Unit 119
has an underground gas tank
Status: The Sunset Harbour Townhouse management office reported on 01/04/00 that
the tank has been removed.
Issue: Publix deliveries are not being confined to the loading area and shopping carts
are being abandoned around the property. Residents requested that Publix representatives
be invited to the next community meeting.
Status: Publix has been notified about shopping carts left in the neighborhood by
shoppers and has agreed to patrol the area daily to retrieve unattended carts. Publix
representatives will be invited to the next community meeting.
Environmental Resources Deoartment
Issue: Residents voiced questions about the City's sea wall restoration program.
Status: Bruce Henderson, Environmental Specialist for the City of Miami Beach, will
attend the next community meeting to answer questions.
City staff will continue to provide services and information to the Sunset Harbour
Associations to resolve any outstanding issues.
{.]Jl 1)Jlf<y
JMG~S/LWB/dps ~
C:\My Documents\Service Delivery\sunsetharbor.doc
cc: Mayra Diaz-Buttacavoli, Assistant City Manager
Christina M. Cuervo, Assistant City Manager
Matthew D. Schwartz, Assistant City Manager
Lynn W. Bernstein, Service Delivery Manager