Aventura: Aventura Meeting
Summary. The City of Aventura Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on January 14th, featuring several special presentations and routine business. The meeting opened with recognition of the Aventura FC girls soccer team, who were honored as team of the year in their conference. The commission then held a moving memorial tribute to Captain Andy Smith, a 37-year law enforcement veteran who recently passed away, declaring January 13, 2026 as Captain Andy Smith Remembrance Day. The commission also recognized Carlos Pennant and CAP Government Inc. for 30 years of dedicated building department services to the city. Employee service awards were presented to Frank (facilities management) and Caitrinia Ado (records department supervisor). The commission approved four second-reading ordinances, including a year-end budget amendment, dissolution and recreation of arts advisory boards, and new regulations for electric bicycles and micromobility devices. The meeting concluded with legislative updates from Representative Basabe's office and expressions of support for Iranian freedom protesters.
Agenda Items
Special Presentations. Recognition of Aventura FC Girls Soccer Team
Recognition of U10-2015 girls soccer team selected as team of the year in EDP conference
- Team represents best team in Florida
- Aventura FC has grown from 30 to 400 players since 2018
- Individual player recognitions presented
Special Presentations. Captain Andy Smith Memorial Proclamation
Proclamation declaring January 13, 2026 as Captain Andy Smith Remembrance Day
- 37-year law enforcement career spanning Highway Patrol and Aventura PD
- Served as canine handler, traffic officer, detective sergeant
- Recognized for extraordinary bravery and decisive actions
Special Presentations. CAP Government 30-Year Service Recognition
Recognition of Carlos Pennant and CAP Government Inc. for 30 years of building department services
- Contractual relationship spanning entire 30-year history of city
- Services include building inspections and permitting
- Recognition of integrity, consistency, and professionalism
Employee Recognition. Employee Service Awards
Recognition of Frank (facilities) and Caitrinia Ado (records supervisor)
- Frank maintains city facilities and utilities
- Caitrinia manages public records requests single-handedly
- Both recognized for dedication and customer service
9A. Year-End Budget Amendment FY 2024-25
Second reading of ordinance amending fiscal year budget
- Net increase of $1,670,000 in general fund
- Higher revenues from FEMA reimbursements and fees
- $3.2M allocation for high school land purchase
- Various departmental adjustments
9B. Repeal Arts and Cultural Center Advisory Board
Ordinance repealing existing arts advisory board
- Board established in 2008 to support Arts and Cultural Center
- Will be replaced by new Arts in Aventura Board
9C. Create Arts in Aventura Board
Ordinance establishing new arts advisory board
- Broader approach to arts programming citywide
- Support public art projects and community partnerships
- Board member applications to be announced this week
9D. Electric Bicycles and Micromobility Device Regulations
Ordinance establishing safety regulations for e-bikes and scooters
- 10 MPH speed limit on sidewalks
- Helmet requirement for operators under 16
- Front and rear lights required during evening hours
- $100 civil infraction fine
- Public education campaign planned
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve consent agenda
Moved by Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Aine
Passed 7-0
Motion to approve year-end budget amendment ordinance
Moved by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Hain
Passed 7-0
Motion to approve ordinance repealing Arts and Cultural Center Advisory Board
Moved by Commissioner Ayn, seconded by Commissioner Blochman
Passed 7-0
Motion to approve ordinance creating Arts in Aventura Board
Moved by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Hain
Passed 7-0
Motion to approve electric bicycles and micromobility devices ordinance
Moved by Vice Mayor Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Orlinski
Passed 7-0
Motion to adjourn
Moved by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Blomkman
Passed by voice vote
Action Items
Announce Arts in Aventura Board member applications
Assigned to City Manager · Due End of this week
Submit Arts in Aventura Board member names to commission
Assigned to City Manager · Due February workshop
Conduct public education campaign for e-bike regulations
Assigned to City Manager and Aventura Police Department
Distribute helmets to children through police and school resource officers
Assigned to Aventura Police Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City of Aventura Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on January 14th, featuring several special presentations and routine business. The meeting opened with recognition of the Aventura FC girls soccer team, who were honored as team of the year in their conference. The commission then held a moving memorial tribute to Captain Andy Smith, a 37-year law enforcement veteran who recently passed away, declaring January 13, 2026 as Captain Andy Smith Remembrance Day. The commission also recognized Carlos Pennant and CAP Government Inc. for 30 years of dedicated building department services to the city. Employee service awards were presented to Frank (facilities management) and Caitrinia Ado (records department supervisor). The commission approved four second-reading ordinances, including a year-end budget amendment, dissolution and recreation of arts advisory boards, and new regulations for electric bicycles and micromobility devices. The meeting concluded with legislative updates from Representative Basabe's office and expressions of support for Iranian freedom protesters.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Recognition of Aventura FC Girls Soccer Team; Captain Andy Smith Memorial Proclamation; CAP Government 30-Year Service Recognition; Employee Service Awards; Year-End Budget Amendment FY 2024-25; Repeal Arts and Cultural Center Advisory Board; Create Arts in Aventura Board; Electric Bicycles and Micromobility Device Regulations.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
9 members were recorded as present: Mayor Weinberg, Vice Mayor Bloom, Commissioner Blatchman, Commissioner Freeland, Commissioner Cruz, Commissioner Olinsky, City Manager, City Attorney Myers, City Clerk.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Aventura in?
Aventura is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Browse other Miami-Dade County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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