Ariel Fernandez
Founder & Editor
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On January 11, 2022, the Coral Gables City Commission will hold its next City Commission meeting. Here are some of the more notable items on 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, January 11th 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.
Mayor’s Comments
D-1: Presentation by Miami Dolphins on the Dolphins Challenge Cancer.
D-2: Discussion regarding Wings for Wishes 2022.
Consent Agenda
E-1: A Resolution of the City Commission approving entering into an agreement with Adwave Signs to design, fabricate, and install signage for public artworks throughout the City; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Adopted Budget to transfer up to $80,000 from the Art in Public Places fund balance and appropriating such funds to cover contract fees and reimbursable expenses.
Fifteen signs are being proposed at a rate of $3,950 per sign, in addition to $600 for permitting and $150 for a review by a FL Certified Engineer, per sign. The total project cost is $70,500.
Click here to see detailed contract.
E-2: A Resolution of the City Commission approving the concept of installing artwork and using a direct selection of an artist as the selection method for future artwork at 427 Biltmore Way.
No memo or details provided.
E-3: A Resolution of the City Commission amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 amended budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from the City Clerk Special Reserve, and to appropriate such funds to put toward an audio/visual enhancement for the Police and Fire Headquarters Community Meeting Room; and providing an effective date.
“The objective of this project is to upgrade the Community Meeting Room (CMR) at the Police and Fire Headquarters building with the necessary audio-visual (AV) and broadcasting technology that will enable the room to host City Commission meetings, as well as other public meetings and events. This solution covers the needs and requirements of all communications, legislative, technical, safety and security stakeholders. Once the project is completed, the new technology will be capable of broadcasting Commission and other public meetings that require sufficient room for large audiences and/or multiple presenters. The technology will enable broadcast capability via cable (TV channel 77), the City’s website via live stream, and Zoom video conferencing. The $230,000 cost of the enhancement will be covered as follows: $ 80,000 from budgeted funds identified in the Police & Fire Headquarters Project; $115,000 from the City Clerk Special Reserve; $ 35,000 from the Capital Project Contingency. A budget amendment is required to recognize as revenue the transfer from the City Clerk Special Reserve, and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the audio/visual enhancement.”
E-4: A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to approve a contract extension to RFP 2016.04.YG External Auditing Services provided by RSM US LLP for annual examinations of the financial statements and records of the City pursuant to Section 2-764(b), approval of change orders and contract modifications of the Procurement Code.
“On August 30, 2016, the City entered into a Professional Service Agreement so RSM US LLP could offer an un-biased opinion of the city’s financial statements and determine whether operations were conducted in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. The current contract is set to expire on August 30, 2022. The Finance Department would like to extend the existing agreement for an additional one (1) year period or until such time it is best to move forward with a new contract. The city is currently undergoing a transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that will integrate all Financial and Human Resource functions. At this time, it is projected that some of the functionality of the new ERP system is expected to be online in late 2022 if not early 2023. It is the desire of the Finance Department not have to a change of auditors during this critical transition period. The current contract is in its’ final extension and will cover the audit for the period of September 30, 2021, which will be underway anywhere from January 2022-March 2022. Accordingly, in order to provide continuity of services, and to avoid any issues with conducting the audit seamlessly, this is a request to extend the contract for an additional year to conduct the September 30, 2022 audit. Likewise, the audit for this period will run into the beginning of the 2023 year (January 2023-March 2023). Section 2-585 of the Procurement Code authorizes the City Manager to delegate authority to the Chief Procurement Officer to administer and make recommendations on City contracts. As such, the contract with The Comprehensive Companies may be extended under Section 2-764(b)of the Procurement Code entitled ‘Approval of Change Orders and Contract Modifications’.”
E-5 to E-7 are items related to appointments of residents to a City Advisory Board.
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: A Resolution of the Historic Preservation Board requesting that the City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing Ad Valorem tax relief for the property located at 800 Coral Way, a Contributing Resource within the Coral Way Historic District, legally described as Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Coral Gables Section “A,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 102 of the public records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. (Historic Preservation Board Meeting of November 17, 2021, Vote: 8-0, one member absent).
“On November 17, 2021, the Historic Preservation Board unanimously (8-0) passed a motion to recommend approval of the application as presented. This application is associated with the related Special Certificate of Appropriateness, COA (SP) 2016-006, which was granted design approval by the Historic Preservation Board on March 17, 2016.”
2-2: A Resolution of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board requesting that the City Commission support Senate Bill 1022 “Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products” and House Bill 6081 “Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products” as introduced in the State Legislature.
“At the December 2, 2021, a motion requesting the City to support Senate Bill 1022, Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products, and House Bill 6081, Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products was made by the Senior Citizen Advisory Board.
SB 1022: Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products GENERAL BILL by Ausley Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products; Repealing provisions relating to preemption of the regulation of tobacco and nicotine products, respectively, etc.
HB 6081: Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products GENERAL BILL by Hunschofsky Preemption of the Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products; Repeals provisions relating to regulation of tobacco and nicotine products.”
2-3: A Resolution of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board requesting that the City Commission support House Bill 105 “Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities” and Senate Bill 224 “Regulation of Smoking in Public Places” as introduced in to the State Legislature.
“At the November 4, 2021, a motion requesting the City to support House Bill 105 Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities and Senate Bill 224 Regulation of Smoking in Public Places as Introduced into the State Legislation was made by the Senior Citizen Advisory Board.
HB 105: Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities GENERAL BILL by Fine; Altman; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Benjamin; Duran; Eskamani; GoffMarcil; Grieco; Killebrew; LaMarca; Morales; Tant Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities; Authorizes counties & municipalities to further restrict smoking within boundaries of public beaches & public parks under certain circumstances.
SB 224: Regulation of Smoking in Public Places GENERAL BILL by Gruters; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Bradley; Farmer; Berman
Regulation of Smoking in Public Places; Authorizing counties and municipalities to further restrict smoking within the boundaries of public beaches and public parks under certain circumstances; prohibiting smoking within the boundaries of a state park, etc.”
Ordinances On Second Reading
F-1: An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for a text amendment to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code by amending Article 1, “General Provisions” Section 1-109, “Construction Rules” to clarify that where the provisions of this Zoning Code vary from the applicable requirements of any law, statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, or code, the most restrictive provisions which shall be deemed to be the higher standard of zoning shall govern, including provisions of zoning within the Miami-Dade County Rapid Transit Zone; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mena) (Sponsored by Commissioner Fors).
“No changes have been made since First Reading. As directed by the City Commission, Staff has prepared a Zoning Code text amendment to clearly state that where the provisions of the Coral Gables Zoning Code vary from an applicable requirement of any law (including statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, or code), the most restrictive or that imposing the higher standard shall govern. Section 6.02 of the Miami-Dade County Charter provides municipalities with the authority to exercise all powers relating to local affairs that are not inconsistent with the County Charter. Under this Charter provision, each municipality may provide for higher standards of zoning, service, and regulation than those provided by Miami-Dade County (“County”), so that municipalities can preserve their individual characters and standards for the benefit of municipal residents. There are many examples of the City of Coral Gables imposing higher standards of zoning, service, and regulation than the County in areas generally regulated by the County. This Zoning Code amendment codifies a basic but important legal principal that the City has applied consistently and successfully countless times in the past. The draft Ordinance of the Zoning Code text amendments is provided as Exhibit A.”
Ordinance On First Reading
F-2: An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 1, “General Provisions”, Section 1-2, “Definitions and Rules and Construction” by designating Juneteenth, June 19th as an official City holiday; Providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date.
“The City Commission of Coral Gables desires to provide a definition for holiday in order to maintain consistency in the City Code. The other applicable sections of the City Code define holiday to include those days recognized as a holiday by the City. June 19th is recognized as Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth has long been an important holiday in the African American community, as a time for celebration rather than mourning and remembrance. Juneteenth has been designated a federal holiday and a Miami-Dade County holiday. The City Commission wishes to designate June 19th as an official city holiday for all employees.”
F-3: An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, Article 4, “Zoning Districts,” Section 2-100, “Residential Districts” and Article 5, “Architecture,” Section 5-200, “Mediterranean Standards;” to remove the Mediterranean Bonus of height for Multi-Family 4 (MF4) properties south of Biltmore Way; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date. (12 08 2021 PZB recommended approval with recommendations, Vote 7-0) (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).
“At the request of the City Commission, Staff has drafted a Zoning Code text amendment to remove the ability to obtain additional building height using the Mediterranean Bonus program for all properties zoned Multi-Family 4 (MF4) District south of Biltmore Way. The MF4 zoning district was recently created as a result of the Zoning Code Update to be consistent with the Multi-Family Residential High Density land use designation of the Comprehensive Plan. As allowed in the land use designation, additional height is secured when complying with the Mediterranean Bonus program to a maximum of 190.5 feet, whereas the permitted building height without the bonus is 150 feet. However, the City Commission has requested to remove the ability to obtain the bonus height for properties south of Biltmore Way when complying with the Mediterranean Bonus program, and only allow additional density and intensity. This was the maximum building height when these properties south of Biltmore Way were in the former zoning district of Multi-Family Special Area (MFSA). The proposed maximum for all MF4 zoned properties south of Biltmore Way is 150 feet. Accordingly, the maximum height with Mediterranean Bonus of 190.5 feet will be removed. Planning & Zoning Board At the December 8, 2021, Planning & Zoning Board meeting, many residents attended and supported the removal of the Mediterranean Bonus in the MF4 district for the south side of Biltmore Way, as well as requested inclusion of the two remaining blocks of the MF4 district in the text amendment. The remaining blocks were zoned MF-2 in the 2007 Zoning Map, which allowed the height bonus to a maximum of 190.5 feet. The Board unanimously recommended approval and included the desire for the City Commission to consider studying the north side of Biltmore Way to also remove the ability to obtain additional height from the Mediterranean Bonus program as suggested by residents.”
F-4: An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for a text amendment to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code by amending Article 3, “Uses,” Section 3-206, “Home Office,” to provide additional requirements and allowances for a Home Office consistent with the requirements of Chapter 2021-202, Laws of Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date. ( 12 08 2021 PZB recommended denial, Vote 7-0).
“A home office has been permitted in single-family residences for the past several years under City Attorney opinions CAO 2013-016, CAO 2013-025, and CAO 2016-086. In 2017, Zoning Code text amendments were adopted related to the conservation of the North Ponce area which included ‘home office’ as a permitted use within the district’s multi-family zoning. The Home Office definition closely resembled the former City Attorney opinions to be consistent with what was currently being allowed in single-family. During the 3-year Zoning Code Update process, relevant City Attorney opinions were incorporated into the Zoning Code. Therefore, the Home Office regulations were expanded to apply to all residential districts. However, during the 2021 legislative session, the State Legislature enacted Chapter 2021-202, which imposes certain requirements and allowances on home-based businesses throughout the state. Therefore, Staff is now proposing to amend Section 3-206 “Home Office” of the Zoning Code to incorporate additional requirements and allowances to a home office in order to comply with the Chapter 2021-202. The additional requirements and allowances that are proposed include: Maximum of 2 staff members; Subject to applicable Business Taxes; Allow office to exceed 25% of the gross floor area of home; Not restrict the type of business, except short-term rentals, boarding houses, hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts; Clarify that commercial signage is not allowed; Prohibit parking in swales; Clarify that the Home Office shall not create a nuisance as stated in Article VI or XI in the City Code; Allow receiving of clients/customers; Clarify the requirement for a no fee Certificate of Use. Planning & Zoning Board At the December 8, 2021, Planning & Zoning Board meeting, the Board members had strong concerns about the impact of the imposed requirements and allowances by the State Legislature to the single family neighborhoods of Coral Gables. As such, the Board unanimously recommended denial of the proposed text amendments.”
F-5: An Ordinance of the City Commission granting approval of proposed amendments to the text of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to expedited state review procedures (S.163.3184, Florida Statutes) and Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments;” to provide for a Property Rights Element with Goals, Objectives, and Policies; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LPA Review) ( 12 08 2021 PZB recommended approval, Vote 7-0).
“This summer, the State of Florida amended the Community Planning Act to require every city and county “to include in its comprehensive plan a property rights element.” FLA. STAT. § 163.3177(6)(i)1. (2021). Each city must adopt this new element “by the earlier of the date of its adoption of its next proposed plan amendment that is initiated after July 1, 2021, or the date of the next scheduled evaluation and appraisal of its comprehensive plan.” FLA. STAT. § 163.3177(6)(i)2. (2021) The City of Coral Gables values open and transparent decision-making. Such process is the best protection for property rights. Therefore, Staff has drafted the proposed text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan based from the model property rights element from ‘1000 Friends of Florida,’ that will memorialize the importance to protect the rights of all people to contribute to local government decision making. The proposed text is an amendment to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. As required by the State, Staff will transmit the proposed amendment after approval at First Reading to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) for review prior to the City Commission’s adoption at Second Reading. The draft Ordinance of the Comprehensive Plan text amendments is provided as Exhibit A.”
F-6: An Ordinance of the City Commission granting approval of proposed amendments to the text and maps of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to expedited state review procedures (S.163.3184, Florida Statutes) and Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments;” to provide updates and clarifications to the Recreation and Open Space Element, Capital Improvements Element, and all corresponding map series; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LPA Review) ( 12 08 2021 PZB recommended approval, Vote 6-0).
“The City Commission adopted the Community Recreation Master Plan in September of 2021 to provide a 15-year framework to guide future development, preservation, and capital investment in the City’s parks and recreation facilities. A policy action item that resulted from the Master Plan is to “integrate Park System Master Plan recommendations into the City Comprehensive Plan.” As such, text and map amendments to the Comprehensive Plan Recreation and Open Space Element are proposed to reflect the recommendations of the Master Plan. These changes are summarized below:
• Level of Service Map is updated with new parks that have been purchased or developed in the last few years and adjusted the LOS radii to reflect the City’s Strategic Plan to be accessible without crossing a major roadway to access a park within the half-mile walk
• Recreational facilities requirements of providing facilities per resident is removed
• District/Regional park type is combined with all non-city parks
• 2021 Community Recreation Master Plan and 2021 War Memorial Master Plan are attached as appendices and guiding principles from plans are added
• Department titles, existing procedures and programs, and other minor changes are updated to reflect current organizations and processes.”
F-7: An Ordinance of the City Commission granting approval of proposed amendments to the Mixed-Use Overlay District Map of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to expedited state review procedures (S.163.3184, Florida Statutes) and Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments;” to update the Mixed-Use Overlay District Map (FLU-2) to be consistent with the Future Land Use Map; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (12 08 2021 PZB recommended approval, Vote 7-0).
“The City is in the process of updating the city’s website to be more accessible, therefore the goal is to have the Comprehensive Plan and corresponding map series hosted on a code publishing platform, such as MuniCode or Gridics. There are currently 2 maps in the Future Land Use element: the FLU-1 Future Land Use Map (which contains the designated land uses and the overlay districts), and the FLU-2 Mixed-Use Overlay District Map (which contains only the mixed-use overlay districts). The current Mixed-Use Overlay District map (FLU-2) has become outdated with recent adopted Comprehensive Plan changes to only the Future Land Use Map. The current map FLU-2 only illustrates the former north and south industrial districts, which has been replaced/rebranded with the Design & Innovation District in the FLU-1 Future Land Use Map. Therefore, the map will need to be updated to reflect the 2017 adopted North Ponce Mixed-Use Overlay District (Ordinance No. 2017-17) and the Design & Innovation Overlay District (Ordinance No. 2020-30). The proposed updates to the Mixed-Use Overlay District map are to reflect the recently-adopted overlay districts of the Future Land Use map.”
F-8 (RELATED TO F-9): An Ordinance of the City Commission granting approval of proposed amendments to the text of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to expedited state review procedures (S.163.3184, Florida Statutes) and Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments;” to provide that the maximum number of floors in the Comprehensive Plan shall not apply to any Planned Area Development (PAD) upon City Commission approval, and to allow an additional height bonus in return for limiting density for qualifying PADs within the Central Business District (CBD); providing for a severability clause, repealer provision, and providing for an effective date. (On 12 08 2021, PZB deferred this item to January’s meeting.) (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson) (Sponsored by Mayor Lago).
F-9 (RELATED TO F-8): An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, Article 2, “Zoning Districts” Section 2-500 “Planned Area Development,” (PAD) to provide that upon City Commission approval, the maximum number of stories in any PAD shall not apply; and to create a “Height Bonus to PAD Minimum Development Standards in the Central Business District (CBD)” providing additional height with a limit of density for qualifying properties upon City Commission approval; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson) (Sponsored by Mayor Lago).
Resolutions
F-10: A Resolution of the City Commission extending through May 31, 2022 the authority granted to the City Manager to relax current standards for outdoor/open-air dining and signage in order to provide for expanded outdoor seating opportunities at restaurants and suspending all applicable fees. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).
“In order to provide for expanded economic opportunities to establishments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while complying with social distancing measures, on May 26, 2020, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2020-119 which authorized the City Manager to provide expanded outdoor seating opportunities in the right-of-way, on private property, and on city-owned properties by relaxing the requirements in Appendix E, Section E.1(B)(4)1 and 3-3152 of the Zoning Code relating to outdoor dining/open-air dining requirements; to waive all fees applicable to outdoor dining/open-air dining permits; to provide for expedited permitting; to temporarily close streets, subject to County approval, if required, to provide restaurants with additional outdoor dining opportunities; and to relax applicable standards relating to signage. The City Manager was granted such authority through January 15, 2021, which was further extended through June 15, 2021 by Resolution 2020-266 and to January 15, 2022 by Resolution No. 2021-76. The City Commission acknowledges that the expansion of such authority has been a successful measure to allow establishments to maximize their ability to serve patrons outdoors and that the expanded opportunities have been well-received in the community. As such, the City Commission wishes to extend the deadline set forth in Resolution No. 2021-76 through May 31, 2022.”
City Commission Items
G-1: Discussion regarding “CodeMania I” a high school coding competition hosted by the City of Coral Gables in partnership with the University of Miami. (Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez).
G-2: Discussion regarding existing signage on privately owned public surface parking lots. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mena).
G-3: Discussion regarding the Coral Gables Merrick House. (Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez).
G-4: Discussion regarding metal roofs in Coral Gables. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago).
G:5 (RELATED TO I-1): Discussion regarding expanding traffic calming funding sources. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).
G-6: Discussion regarding the 2021-2022 January 8th Kick-off of the Coral Gables Garden Club/Keep Coral Gables Beautiful Red Mangrove Propagation Project. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).
G-7: Discussion regarding enforcement of Downtown clean-up and Code Enforcement. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson) (Sponsored by Mayor Lago).
G-8: A Resolution of the City Commission supporting the concept of Youth Zones and directing the City Manager to take appropriate action to implement the concept. (Sponsored by Commissioner Fors, Jr.).
“Despite recently lowering speed limits on neighborhood streets from 35 MPH to 25 MPH, residents continue to express concerns about vehicle speed, particularly around areas that experience high youth activity, such as parks and playgrounds. The Youth Zone concept, as outlined in the attached memorandum, creates a toolkit of solutions that City Staff can use to increase safety in areas with high youth activity, including strict enforcement of posted speed limits and special signage. The program will begin by targeting three specified locations within the City and, if successful, will expand from there. City staff will undertake an educational campaign to educate the community about Youth Zones.”
Click here to see staff’s memo.
Boards/Committees Items
H-1: A Resolution of the City Commission approving the development of public art opportunities at the new Mobility Hub, approving minimum funding of 1.5% of the building project budget per code toward the artist and artwork selection process, public art acquisition and installation, education, and outreach. (unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0).
Click here to see Gensler’s memo.
H-2: A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing development of a public art project of artistically designed storefront window coverings for use by businesses within Coral Gables in partnership with the Business Improvement District; allowing for staff to draft and execute a call for artists to develop proposed designs; and allowing use of Art in Public Places funds up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) toward artist fees associated with the project. (Unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0).
City Manager Items
I-1 (RELATED TO G-5 AND TIME CERTAIN FOR 10:00AM): Discussion regarding the Parks Master Plan Bond referendum.
Click here to see the presentation.
I-2: Update and discussion on the status of the City’s plans on underground utilities.
Click here to see the presentation.
I-3: Keep Coral Gables Beautiful Program Update.
I-4: A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing temporary encroachments into the public right-of-way relating to the Mobility Hub project consisting of the installation of two (2) FPL vault rooms to be located at the alley next to 245 Andalusia Avenue, described as Coral Gables Craft Section, Lot 43, BLK 2 PB 10-40, vacated with Ordinance No. 516, subject to requirements of the Public Works Department.
“The proposed temporary encroachments consist of the installation of two (2) FPL vault rooms to be located at the alley next to 245 Andalusia Avenue, described as Coral Gables Craft Section, Lot 43, BLK 2 PB 10-40, vacated via Ordinance No. 516, subject to requirements of the Public Works Department. These temporary vault rooms are required to maintain electrical service for the duration of the Mobility Hub project. Upon project completion, the vaults will be demolished. The Public Works Department does not object to the request to temporarily encroach into the public right-of-way at the aforementioned location, subject to the following conditions of the Public Works Department:
a. That the applicant shall submit a complete set of engineering drawings in accordance with the Public Works standards for review, and obtain approval of the Development Services Department, including the Electrical and Structural Divisions;
b. That the City of Coral Gables reserves the right to remove, add, maintain, or have the Applicant remove any of the improvements within the right-of-way, at the Applicant’s expense;
c. That the Applicant maintain the proposed temporary encroachments in good condition at all times at the Applicant’s expense;
d. That the Applicant meet with the City Attorney for the purpose of providing all information necessary for preparation of a maintenance agreement to be executed by the Applicant, which states, in addition to the aforementioned requirements, Applicant will provide Public Liability Insurance coverage for the encroachment in the minimum limits required by the City, and naming the City as an additional insured under the policy, and the Applicant will prepare a General Encroachment and Restrictive Covenant Agreement which shall be recorded;
e. Copies of the maintenance agreement, when fully executed and filed, together with the required certificate of insurance, shall be provided by the Applicant to the Public Works Department; and permits thereafter shall be obtained from that Department;
f. That thee proposed encroachments shall be constructed in accordance with City of Coral Gables Public Works’ Standards and all other pertinent Codes, to include and not limited to structural and electrical reviews by the Development Services Department, as necessary;
g. That in the event that the Public Works Department must issue a permit for a utility cut in the future within the area in which the encroachments are approved, the Applicant shall replace the proposed encroachments cut by the utility at the Applicant’s expense; and
h. That the proposed encroachment shall be maintained in accordance with the City Zoning Code, Section 10-106, requiring that all visual obstructions be kept within a maximum height of thirty inches (30”) within the visibility triangle.”
I-5: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, authorizing City staff to negotiate and execute a month-to-month extension on the contract with Freebee to continue the current on-demand public transportation services.
“On January 8, 2019, pursuant to Resolution No. 2019-15, the City Commission authorized City staff to negotiate and execute a contract with Freebee to provide on-demand public transportation services for one (1) year with two (2) one year options, at an amount not to exceed $483,625 annually. Accordingly, the City entered into a Master Services Agreement with Beefree, LLC on February 1, 2019 with an effective date of January 1, 2019 (the “Agreement”). The City exercised its options to extend the Agreement for two one-year terms and the most recent term expired on December 31, 2022. The proposed resolution would allow the City to continue the current Freebee service under the Agreement on a month-to-month basis while City staff evaluates potential options to continue the Freebee service as an ongoing free, “last mile” public transportation service within the Downtown area.”
City Attorney Items
J-1: Attorney-Client Executive/Shade session closed to the public for the purpose of discussing the litigation styled Gables Accountability Project, Inc ., et al. v. City of Coral Gables, et al., Case No. 2021-001892-CA-01. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at City Hall, located at 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134. This session may be attended by the following individuals: Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Michael Mena, Commissioner Jorge Fors, Jr., Commissioner Rhonda Anderson, Commissioner Kirk Menendez, City Manager Peter Iglesias, City Attorney Miriam Soler Ramos, Deputy City Attorney Cristina M. Suarez, Special Counsel Annie Gamez, and Frances de la Guardia. A certified court reporter will be present to ensure that the session is fully transcribed, and the transcript will be made available to the public upon the conclusion of the above-styled litigation. At the conclusion of the attorney-client session, the public meeting will be reopened, and termination of the attorney-client session will be announced.
Read: Judge: City Attorney’s Actions “Blatantly Illegal,” Denies Motion To Dismiss Wawa Suit
City Clerk Items
K-1: A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the nomination of Christopher Challenger, who ran unopposed to the City of Coral Gables Retirement Board, At-Large participating Regular Full-Time Employee Representative Seat and Joshua Nunez, who ran unopposed for the Police Officer Representative Seat, both for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2022 through December 21, 2023.
K-2: A Resolution of the City Commission amending Resolution No. 2021-359, and in accordance with Section 2-30 of the City Code, entitled “Regular Meetings, Special Meetings” setting forth the revised meeting dates for 2022; more specifically, changing the February 8, 2022 City Commission Meeting.
