By Harvey Busch, Chairman, City Advisory Committee

The May meeting of the city Advisory Committee was attended by Mayor Norman Edelcup, Commissioners Roslyn Brezin and Gerry Goodman; also attending were Acting City Manager Rick Conner, City Attorney Hans Ottinot and City Clerk Jane Hines.
The various subcommittees made their monthly reports and they were informative and timely.

Bob Mincow, Chairperson of the Planning, Zoning and Beautification Subcommittee, reported that he held a luncheon meeting at the Oceania Club, which was attended by his committee members: Arnold Kushnar, Ron Starkman, Louis Uriarte and John Napolitano. They received guidance from Rick Conner, Acting City Manager as to their function and responsibility.

Clair Lipson, Chairperson of the Tourism and Development Subcommittee, reported that her group is exploring the possibility of hosting an International Festival to be held in Sunny Isles Beach. She also agreed, at the Mayor Edelcup’s request, to have her subcommittee assist the Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association.

Isaac Aelion, Chairperson of the Capital Projects subcommittee requested, that our city staff update the planned and existing developments listing that is located on the city website. Rick Conner said that he will address that issue.

Tony Locastro, Chairperson on the Ethics Subcommittee, received guidance from the City Attorney Hans Ottinot, that any ethics complains received by his group, should be e-mailed to ethicssib@sibfl.net and that the city will process those complaints.

Loretta Mufson, chairperson for the Youth Advocacy Group, reported that there is a planned Beach Bash on June 6, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with free admission for the age groups 13 – 15 and 16 – 18. (postponed to June 20 due to inclement weather) She also brought to the city’s attention the growing challenge of the groups of young people who are hanging around the library and the city hall lobby after school. Mayor Edelcup stated that the city will provide a room to be used as an entertainment/game room providing, that her subcommittee provide volunteer chaperones.

The city advisory committee is still seeking volunteers for its various important subcommittees.