The meeting commenced with a significant item on the agenda: the first reading of an ordinance concerning the city’s ad valorem tax operating millage levy rate. Set at 1.7261 mills per $1,000 of taxable assessed property value, this proposed rate represents an 8.70% increase above the rollback rate. Following this, the council adopted the city’s tentative operating and capital budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, a decision based on a prior review conducted on July 18, 2024.

The city manager outlined the budget priorities, emphasizing the need to maintain and expand community services, including events like Founders Day, Veterans Day, and Halloween celebrations, as well as recreational programs. A strong focus was placed on community safety, with plans to increase police presence and upgrade tactical equipment. Infrastructure improvements, particularly around Country Club Drive and stormwater management initiatives, were also highlighted. The proposed budget totals approximately $66.77 million, about $2 million less than the previous year, yet it includes substantial allocations for personnel additions and infrastructure maintenance.

The capital improvement program, allocated $2,672,886, saw an increase attributed to stronger revenue performance. Detailed budget figures included $6.24 million for landscaping services and over $7.75 million for insurance. In total, the millage rate is expected to yield over $22 million in taxable income.

A somber moment during the meeting was the acknowledgment of Commissioner Michael Stern’s passing on July 25. The mayor invited a commissioner to share personal reflections on Stern, describing him as a passionate public servant whose warmth and humor endeared him to the community. This acknowledgment underscored the emotional impact of his loss on the council.

Public safety was a recurring theme, particularly during discussions about the implementation of speed cameras in school zones. The city attorney clarified that a 90-day notice would be provided before activating the cameras to ensure residents are informed. A commissioner highlighted the community’s previous concerns about red light cameras but stressed the life-saving impact of such traffic enforcement measures. Citing a local traffic study, he revealed that 100 daily drivers were exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour in school zones. This data underscored the necessity of the cameras, and the council voted unanimously to approve their installation.

The meeting also addressed a budget amendment for the Aventura City of Excellence School for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The city manager explained that the amendment accounted for higher-than-expected revenues, totaling $3,132,250—$800,000 less than the previous year. Increased funding sources included $741,000 from Esser Grant funding and additional allocations for teacher support. Expenditures were detailed, including stipends for after-school programs, transportation services, and maintenance costs, with $165,000 specifically earmarked for roof repairs.

In a notable legal update, a commissioner discussed a lawsuit filed against the city by the Aventura Marina condominium association regarding the Founders Park South renovation project. The court dismissed the case, deeming it frivolous, and the commissioner stressed the need for board members to exercise caution in their decision-making. He noted the absence of noise complaints since the park’s reopening, countering residents’ previous concerns.

The council also presented several proclamations during the meeting. One honored Robert Sue Pedro, also known as Evan Torres, on his 90th birthday, recognizing his contributions as an architect in Aventura. Another proclamation recognized September as Hunger Action Month, acknowledging the efforts of Feeding South Florida in addressing food insecurity. Additionally, September was proclaimed National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with contributions from the Mystic Force Foundation highlighted.

Towards the end of the meeting, a new deputy chief of police was welcomed, and public comments were opened. Resident Priscilla Rivera expressed her gratitude to the council for their efforts in making Aventura a desirable place to live, sharing her positive experience as a resident and business owner.