On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Coral Gables City Commission will hold its next City Commission meeting. Here is a rundown of the agenda for this upcoming meeting. Click here to see the full agenda.
Non-credited quotes in this article are excerpts from the memos presented to the Commission explaining the items.
Gables Insider comments on specific items can be found in blue.
Watch Meeting
To watch the meeting live on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9:00AM, click here. The meeting will also be available live on the City’s YouTube Channel. You can watch it by clicking here.
Consent Agenda
D.-1. 24-7505 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing entering into a Fifth Amendment to Lease with Patio & Things, Inc. with regard to the City-owned retail premises at 240 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 granting an extension of lease terms for a period of one (1) year (09/01/24-08/31/25).
D.-2. 24-7515 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of A Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention Program Grant in the value amount of $5,000 to be put towards the Keep Coral Gables Beautiful Cigarette Litter; authorizing execution of the grant contract; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Budget to recognize the $3,848 grant as revenue and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the program.
D.-3. 24-7545 A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Alexis Ehrenhaft (Appointed by City Manager Rojas, Jr.) to serve as a member of the Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board, for the remainder of a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2023 and continues through May 31, 2025.
D.-4. 24-7562 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing a Second Amendment to the License Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and Bonjour, LLC granting a thirty (30) day extension of the License Agreement for the operation of the Café space at the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club.
D.-5. 24-7507 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the City Manager to proceed with all necessary steps to accomplish the conversion of the remaining portion of the West Parking Lot at the Biltmore Hotel Complex from Parks and Recreation Use to Historic Monument Use.
Presentation of Boards and/or Committees draft/final minutes requesting action from the City Commission [Note: A vote to accept the minutes does not mean approval of the substance within the minutes]:
2.-1. 24-7569 A Resolution of the South Waterways Homeowners’ Association Advisory Board requesting the City Commission consider changing the board’s name to the Coral Gables Waterfront Communities Homeowners’ Association Board.
2.-2. 24-7570 A Resolution of the South Waterways Homeowners’ Association Advisory Board recommending that the City Commission amend Section 38-11 of the City Code.
Section 38-11 of the City Code requires drivers wishing to enter an area of the City serviced by a guardhouse to roll down their windows between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. upon the request of guardhouse personnel. The South Waterways HOA Advisory Board believes this policy is inadequate to prevent crime in their neighborhoods; thus, they would like the City Commission to amend this Section of the Code to require drivers to roll down their windows at any time of day upon the request of guardhouse personnel.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
(Agenda Items E-1, E-2, E-3, E-5, E-6 and E-7 are related)
E.-1. 23-6704 An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the Future Land Use Map of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments,” and Small Scale amendment procedures (ss. 163.3187, Florida Statutes), from “Commercial Low-Rise Intensity” to “Commercial High-Rise Intensity” for Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section, together with that portion of the 20-foot platted alley lying east of Lots 11 and 19, of said Block 29, (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (LPA review) (12 13 2023 PZB recommended denial, Vote: 3-3) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
At the January 24, 2024 meeting, the Historic Preservation Board discussed the two amendments to the City Plan and the receipt of Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs). The Board recommended approval of the proposed modification of the University Drive curve, but was not in favor of vacating the alley.
The request for the receipt of Transfer of Development Rights and determination of whether the proposal adversely affects historic properties – the “white way” street light – was a central topic of discussion. The Applicant explained to the Board that the existing location of the “white way” street light would be up against the building and near a service provider. A motion was made to deny the request as several Board members believed that the proposal does adversely affect the historic property. The motion failed to achieve majority vote (3 – 2), carrying the request over to the February 21st meeting.
Prior to the February 21, 2024, HPB meeting, the Applicant studied their proposal and found that the current location of the “white way” street light does not conflict with the design of their building. Therefore, the proposed design maintains the location of the light. At the HPB meeting, Board members were content with the updated submittal and agreed that the distance between the building and “white way” street light showcases the historic structure. The item received unanimous approval (vote: 8-0).
E.-2. 23-6705 An Ordinance of the City Commission making zoning district boundary changes pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-212, “Zoning Code Text and Map Amendments,” for Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section from Mixed-Use 1 (MX1) District to Mixed-Use 3 (MX3) District (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga); providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (12 13 2013 PZB no recommendation, Vote: 3-3) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
Planning & Zoning:
“The Applicant voluntarily proffered a covenant to restrict the height of the building and any future development to be part of the Comprehensive Plan. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made to approve the requests for the Comprehensive Plan map and Zoning Code map amendments. The 3-3 vote was deemed a denial for the Comprehensive Plan map amendment as 4 votes are required, and no recommendation for the Zoning Code map amendment as 4 affirmative votes are required for a recommendation. The Board recommended approval of the mixed-use site plan and encroachment request, receipt of TDRs, and the tentative plat with the condition to retain the slip lane as is (vote: 4-2).”
E.-3. 23-6706 An Ordinance of the City Commission approving the vacation of a public alleyway pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-211, “Abandonment and Vacations” and City Code Chapter 62, Article 8, “Vacation, Abandonment and Closure of Streets, Easements and Alleys by Private Owners and the City; Application Process,” providing for the vacation of the twenty (20) foot wide alley which is approximately one hundred and fifty-five (155) feet in length lying between Lots 12 thru 18 and Lots 11 and 19 in Block 29, Crafts Section (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (12 13 2023 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 4-2) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
E.-4. 24-7199 An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code Article 15, “Notices,” Section 15-102, “Notice,” to require door hangers as an additional notification for required public information meetings for multi-family and mixed-use projects; providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (05 08 24 PZB recommended denial, Vote 5-1) (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
As requested by a Commissioner, Staff prepared a Zoning Code text amendment to require an Applicant to provide door hangers as an additional type of notification to surrounding properties within the identified mail notification radius for public information meetings that discuss proposed multi-family and mixed-use projects. Recently adopted, Zoning Code Section 15-102(D) requires Applicants to host two public information meetings for proposed projects on building sites greater than 20,000 square feet – the first to occur prior to preliminary review by the Board of Architects and the second prior to Planning and Zoning Board. Therefore, the proposed amendment requires the doorhangers to be distributed before each public information meeting. In addition, the amendment requires the Applicant’s door hangers to provide the website and QR Code for residents to sign up for all future notices as to the property. All other requirements for the public information meeting would remain.
RESOLUTIONS
(Agenda Items E-1, E-2, E-3, E-5, E-6 and E-7 are related)
E.-5. 23-6707 A Resolution of the City Commission approving receipt of Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-204.6, “Review and approval of use of TDRs on receiver sites,” for the receipt and use of TDRs for a Mixed-Use project referred to as “Ponce Park Residences” on the property legally described as Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section, together with that portion of the 20-foot platted alley lying east of Lots 11 and 19, of said Block 29; (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (12 13 2023 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 4-2) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
E.-6. 23-6708 A Resolution of the City Commission approving Mixed-Use Site Plan and Encroachment review pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process” Section 14-203, “Conditional Uses,” for a proposed Mixed-Use project referred to as “Ponce Park Residences” on the property legally described as Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section, together with that portion of the 20-foot platted alley lying east of Lots 11 and 19, of said Block 29; (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (12 13 2023 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote: (4-2) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
E.-7. 23-6709 A Resolution of the City Commission approving the Tentative Plat entitled “Ponce Park Residences” pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-210, “Platting/Subdivision,” being a re-plat of 42,543 square feet (0.977 acres) into a single tract of land on the property legally described as Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section, together with that portion of the 20-foot platted alley lying east of Lots 11 and 19, of said Block 29, together with a 1,318 square feet portion of University Drive that runs north of the Malaga Avenue right-of-way and west of the Ponce de Leon Boulevard right-of-way and dedication of 1,725 square feet; (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (12 13 2023 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 4-2) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez
F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
(Agenda Item F-1)
F.-1. 24-7534 Presentation by the Coral Gables Art Cinema. (Sponsored by the Mayor Lago)
F.-2. 24-7508 Update regarding options for Inspector General services. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
F.-3. 24-7455 Update on discussion of forensic audit. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
F.-4. 24-7526 Update regarding temporary speed tables. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
F.-5. 24-7527 Update on past, present, and future City Transportation Projects. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
F.-6. 24-7529 Update regarding Alhambra Circle, Blue Road, Pisano Avenue and Venetia Terrace sidewalks. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
F.-7. 24-7538 Update on police vacancies. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
F.-8. 24-7544 Discussion regarding potential legislation to require mailed notice prior to Board of Architects review of Mediterranean Bonus applications. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
F.-9. 24-7565 Discussion regarding the exit interview process. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
F.-10. 24-7563 A Resolution of the City Commission establishing a Historic Building Maintenance and Restoration Capital Project to be funded with an annual minimum amount of $50,000.00. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
Time Certain 10:00am (Agenda Item F-11)
F.-11. 24-7571 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing funding in an amount up to $500,000.00 as matching grant funds to the Coral Gables Museum for completion of certain capital improvements. (Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez) (Co-Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
CGM has notified the City that it intends to apply for a Cultural Facilities Program grant from the Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture in an amount up to $500,000 in order to carry out certain capital improvements at the Property (the “grant”). grant application requires that CGM provide documentation that it has available matching funds and has requested a commitment from the City that it will provide funding in amount up to $500,000 as matching funds if CGM is awarded the grant.
F.-12. 24-7572 A Resolution of the City Commission establishing a “Tree of the Year” Program. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
H.-1. 24-7423 End-of-session legislative update from the City’s lobbying team and appearance by Senator Ileana Garcia.
H.-2. 24-7523 Update on interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
H.-3. 24-7531 Update on the Coral Way and Granada Boulevard Traffic Signal Project.
H.-4. 24-7392 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to the provision of fire protection services, facilities and programs in the City of Coral Gables, Florida; establishing the estimated assessment rate for fire protection assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024; directing the preparation of an assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice thereof; and providing an effective date.
H.-5. 24-7393 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to the collection and disposal of solid waste in the City of Coral Gables, Florida; determining the solid waste cost and the solid waste service assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024; directing the preparation of an assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice thereof; and providing an effective date.
The rates for Fiscal Year 2024-25 are proposed to be:
Early Payment General Residential – From $804 to $838 – ($34 Increase)
Early Payment Auxiliary Units – From $402 to $419 – ($17 Increase)
Early Payment Duplexes – From $1,608 to $1,676- ($68 Increase)
Regular Payment General Residential – From $938 to $976 – ($38 Increase)
Regular Payment Auxiliary Units – From $469 to $488 – ($19 Increase)
Regular Payment Duplexes – From $1,876 to $1,952 – ($76 Increase)
H.-6. 24-7530 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the application for a matching grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Local Agency Program for the DeSoto Fountain Improvement Project and authorizing the execution of contracts for same.
An initial amount of $350,000 is being requested for this upcoming fiscal year to cover the cost of public outreach and initial design. The application will be for $1,055,000. The City would be responsible for the matching funds of $1,055,000 if approved for the next five-year work program cycle.
H.-7. 24-7532 A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and Miami-Dade County for the maintenance of decorative pavers and irrigation conduits installed by Miami-Dade County under an intersection improvement project located at the intersection of Coral Way and Anderson Road.
Installation cost for irrigation and landscaping will be approximately $100,000 plus an additional $600 per month in landscape maintenance. The cost of paver maintenance over the next five (5) years is expected to be negligible.
H.-8. 24-7394 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Sunrise Harbour security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-9. 24-7395 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Snapper Creek Lakes security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-10. 24-7396 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Pine Bay Estates security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-11. 24-7397 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Old Cutler Bay security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-12. 24-7398 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Kings Bay amended security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-13. 24-7399 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Hammock Oaks Harbor security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-14. 24-7400 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Hammock Lake Banyan security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-15. 24-7401 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Banyan Drive security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-16. 24-7402 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Hammock Lakes security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-17. 24-7403 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Cocoplum Phase I security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-18. 24-7404 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to the provision of street lighting services, facilities, and programs within the Cocoplum Phase I street lighting special taxing district; estimating the cost of street lighting services, facilities, and programs to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare or direct the preparation of an updated street lighting assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
H.-19. 24-7405 A Resolution of the City Commission relating to security services assessments within the Gables by the Sea-Coral Gables security guard special taxing district; estimating the cost of the security services to be assessed for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2024; directing the Finance Director to prepare an updated security services assessment roll; establishing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice in connection thereof; providing for severability; and providing an effective date.
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
I.-1. 24-7520 Update regarding Charter Review.
CITY CLERK ITEMS
J.-1. 24-7535 A Resolution of the City Commission urging Miami-Dade County to expedite the designation of a publicly accessible website to host legal advertisements and public notices pursuant to Section 50.311 of the Florida Statutes.
