City Commission Digest for August 27, 2024

 August 27, 2024  Leave a comment

Javier Baños

Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider

The Coral Gables City Commission will convene for its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134. See City Agenda here.

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

The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom for those who wish to attend virtually. Public participation is encouraged either in person or through the provided Zoom link. To watch the meeting live on Tuesday, August 27, 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. The meeting can also be watched live on the City’s website or on Channel 77 for Comcast subscribers.

D. Consent Agenda

A Resolution of the City Commission Confirming the Appointments of Ana R. Chaoui, Oscar Arellano, and Michael Levey (Nominated by City Manager Amos Jr. Rojas) to Serve as Members of the Coral Gables Community Rating System – Program for Public Information Committee for a Two-Year Term, Which Will Begin on August 27, 2024, and Continue Through July 31, 2026 – Appointment of new members to the Community Rating System committee.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting a Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Process of the Procurement Code and Purchase the Lifepak15 v4+ Cardiac Monitor as a “Sole Source Procurement,” Pursuant to Section 2-689 of the City’s Procurement Code – The City Commission will consider waiving the competitive bidding process to purchase a critical cardiac monitor, ensuring timely procurement for emergency services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Approving the “Day of the Dead” Event as One of Five Events of the International Cultural Events Program – Approval of the “Day of the Dead” as part of the City’s cultural event series, promoting international cultural awareness and diversity.

A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing the Acceptance and Execution of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) County Grant #C1013 Letter of Understanding and Agreement from the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and the State of Florida Department of Health in the Amount of $3,043.45 – The City will accept a grant to enhance its emergency medical services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Appointing Javier Figueras (Nominated by Commissioner Menendez) to Serve as a Member of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board for the Remainder of an Unexpired Term, Which Began on June 1, 2023, and Continues Through May 31, 2025 – Appointment of a new member to the Senior Citizens Advisory Board.

A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Sewer Connection for Property Located Outside the City’s Sewer District at 4014 SW 14th Street, Miami, Florida, into the City of Coral Gables Wastewater Collection/Transmission System – Approval of a sewer connection agreement for a property outside the City’s sewer district, ensuring compliance with City regulations.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation of the City Manager to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a “Special Procurement/Bid Waiver” with Workspace Technology to Maintain Continuity of Existing Lockers, Pursuant to Section 2-691 of the City’s Procurement Code – The Commission will consider a special procurement bid waiver to maintain continuity of City locker systems.

A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Sewer Connection for Property Located Outside the City’s Sewer District at 4880 Hammock Lake Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, into the City of Coral Gables Wastewater Collection/Transmission System – Approval of another sewer connection agreement for a property outside the City’s sewer district.

A Resolution of the City Commission Approving an Interdepartmental Agreement Between the City of Coral Gables Police Department and the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department for the Use of the Tropical Park Equestrian Center Facilities – Approval of an agreement for the use of Tropical Park Equestrian Center by the City Police Department.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation of the City Manager to Authorize the Purchase of a Lemur 2 Drone from Brinc Drones Inc. as a “Sole Source Procurement,” in an Estimated Amount of $59,997.00 Pursuant to Section 2-689 of the City’s Procurement Code – The City will consider purchasing a drone for law enforcement or emergency services use.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting a Recommendation of the City Manager to Authorize the Award of a Purchase and Service Agreement with Earth Power Solutions, Inc. as a Sole Source Procurement in an Estimated Amount of $121,836, Pursuant to Section 2-689 of the City’s Procurement Code – Approval of a purchase and service agreement for environmental services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for the Continuation of Professional Services with Bricks 4 Kidz for Lego and Robotics Related Programming and Camp Services at the War Memorial Youth Center – Approval of a bid waiver for continued youth programming services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for the Continuation of Professional Services with Furia Flamenca for Dance Related Programming and Camp Services at the War Memorial Youth Center – Approval of a bid waiver for continued dance programming services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for the Continuation of Professional Services with Abrakadoodle for Art Related Programming, Parties, and Camp Services at the War Memorial Youth Center – Approval of a bid waiver for continued art programming services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for the Continuation of Professional Services with Luis F. Mora Molina for Personal Training and Fitness Instruction Services at the Coral Gables Golf & Country Club – Approval of a bid waiver for continued personal training services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for the Implementation of Any Costs or Fees Associated with the Coral Gables Youth Center Soccer Travel Program for the 2024-2025 Soccer Season – Approval of a bid waiver for the youth soccer travel program.

A Resolution of the City Commission Approving an Interlocal Agreement with Miami-Dade County Relating to the Publication of Legal Advertisements and Public Notices on Miami-Dade County’s Publicly Accessible Website – Approval of an agreement to streamline legal advertising and public notice processes.

A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing Acceptance of an Amendment for Grant Agreement No. 4486-098-R, Phase 1 from the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) in the Amount of $144,764, for the Extension of the Expiration Date for the Downtown Coral Gables Drainage and Water Quality Improvements Project to May 31, 2025 – Approval of a grant extension for ongoing drainage and water quality improvements.

A Resolution of the City Commission Approving an Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Coral Gables and the Village of Pinecrest for a Milling and Resurfacing Project Along a Portion of SW 57th Avenue from Bella Vista Avenue to Lugo Avenue – Approval of a joint project for road improvements with the Village of Pinecrest.

A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation to Waive the Competitive Bid Process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver for Blue Digital Corp. to Provide On-Demand Scanning Services – Approval of a bid waiver for document scanning services.

A Resolution of the City Commission Confirming the Appointment of Austin Tellam (Nominated by Board-As-A-Whole) to Serve as a Member of the Library Advisory Board for a Two-Year Term, Which Began on June 1, 2023, and Continues Through May 31, 2025 – Appointment of a new member to the Library Advisory Board.

E. Public Hearings

Ordinances on Second Reading:

  1. An Ordinance of the City Commission Providing for a Text Amendment to Appendix A “Site Specific Zoning Regulations,” Section A-94 “Snapper Creek Lakes” of the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code to Include All Types of Accessory Uses in the Rear Yard Ground Coverage Calculation, to Remove Outdated Section A-94-2, and to Provide Consistency with the Snapper Creek Lakes’ Protective Covenants by Increasing Various Setbacks; Providing for Severability Clause, Repealer Provision, Codification, and Providing for an Effective Date – The Commission will finalize changes to zoning regulations for Snapper Creek Lakes, updating accessory use calculations and setback requirements to align with the community’s protective covenants.

Ordinances on First Reading:

  1. 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 Notice to All Properties Along the Mahi Canal Regardless of Distance for Any New Mixed-use and Multi-family Developments on the Mahi Canal; Providing for Repealer Provision, Severability Clause, Codification, and Providing for an Effective Date – The Commission will consider amending notification requirements for new developments along the Mahi Canal, ensuring all property owners along the canal are informed of proposed mixed-use and multi-family developments.

Time Certain 4:30 PM (Agenda Items E-3, E-4, and E-5 are related):

  1. 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 Mid-Rise Intensity” to “Commercial High-Rise Intensity” for Lots 1 through 9 (130 Almeria Avenue, 152 Almeria Avenue, 160 Almeria Avenue) and from “Single Family High Density” to “Commercial Low-Rise Intensity” for Lots 17 through 21, Block 14, Coral Gables Crafts Section (103 Sevilla Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; Including Required Conditions; Providing for a Repealer Provision, Severability Clause, and Providing for an Effective Date – This ordinance will adjust the Future Land Use Map to allow higher-intensity commercial development on Almeria Avenue and Sevilla Avenue, facilitating a proposed mixed-use project. The Planning and Zoning Board has recommended approval.
  2. 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,” from “Mixed Use 2 District” to “Mixed Use 3 District” for Lots 1 through 9 (130 Almeria Avenue, 152 Almeria Avenue, 160 Almeria Avenue) and from “Single-Family Residential District” to “Mixed Use 1 District” for Lots 17 through 21, Block 14, Coral Gables Crafts Section (103 Sevilla Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; Including Required Conditions; Providing for a Repealer Provision, Severability Clause, and Providing for an Effective Date – The Commission will consider changing zoning district boundaries to accommodate the proposed mixed-use development on Almeria Avenue and Sevilla Avenue.
  3. A Resolution of the City Commission Approving a Mixed-Use Site Plan and Encroachments Pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-203, “Conditional Uses,” for a Proposed Mixed-Use Project Including Live/Work Units Referred to as “130 Almeria” on the Property Legally Described as Lots 1 through 9, 17 through 21, and 39 through 42, Block 14, Coral Gables Crafts Section (130 Almeria Avenue, 152 Almeria Avenue, 160 Almeria Avenue, 2701 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and 103 Sevilla Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; Including Required Conditions; Providing for a Repealer Provision, Severability Clause, and Providing for an Effective Date – This resolution pertains to the approval of the site plan for the proposed mixed-use project at 130 Almeria Avenue, which includes live/work units. The project aims to create a vibrant urban environment in this area of Coral Gables.

F. City Commission Items

  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Expressing the City’s Continued Commitment to the Implementation of the ADA Improvements as Outlined in the Transition Plan Ensuring That Work Is Performed in Compliance with All Applicable Laws and Regulations and That the Transition Plan Is Updated Regularly to Reflect New Data and the Progress Towards ADA Compliance (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will reaffirm its commitment to ADA improvements, ensuring ongoing compliance with federal regulations and regular updates to the City’s ADA Transition Plan.
  2. A Resolution of the City Commission to Denounce Political Violence (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will formally denounce political violence, reinforcing the City’s dedication to peaceful and democratic processes.
  3. A Resolution of the City Commission Directing the City Manager to Undertake All Steps Necessary to Conduct a Full Forensic Audit of All City Transactions (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) – The Commission will instruct the City Manager to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of City transactions to ensure transparency and accountability in City operations.
  4. A Resolution of the City Commission Ending the Annexation Process for Little Gables (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez) – The Commission will decide whether to officially terminate the ongoing annexation process for the Little Gables area.
  5. A Resolution of the City Commission Promoting Fiscal Resilience and Directing the City Manager to Include in the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, Certain Revisions from the Budget Estimate, Including Allocating Certain Funding Toward the Assessment, Drawings, and Plans for Structural Repairs at City Hall (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will consider revisions to the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on allocating funds for structural repairs to City Hall.
  6. Discussion Regarding City Hall Recertification and Repairs (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez; Co-sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will discuss the status of City Hall’s recertification process and the need for repairs to the historic building.
  1. Presentation Regarding Pet Waste in Trash Pits (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – A scheduled presentation to address issues related to the disposal of pet waste in trash pits, exploring potential solutions to improve sanitation in the City.
  2. Discussion Regarding Duplicate Residential Waste Fee Bills Issued and Future Methods for Calculating and Issuing Single Family Residential Waste Fees (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will discuss recent issues with duplicate waste fee bills for residents and consider methods for preventing similar issues in the future.
  3. Discussion Regarding the Vacancy in the Office of the Mayor (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez) – The Commission will address the possible vacancy in the Office of the Mayor and discuss the next steps for filling the position.
  4. Discussion Regarding City Standards for Residential Light Temperature (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) – The Commission will discuss existing standards for residential light temperatures and whether any adjustments are necessary to better align with community needs.
  5. Discussion Regarding Artificial Turf in Front Yard and Ensuring Residents Are Aware of What Is Permitted Under City Regulations (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) – The Commission will discuss the use of artificial turf in front yards and consider measures to ensure that residents are fully informed about what is permitted under City regulations.
  6. Discussion Regarding City Board Member Amenities for Immediate Family Members (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) – The Commission will consider the amenities provided to City board members and their immediate family members, discussing potential adjustments to current policies.
  7. Update on the Clock Installation on Miracle Mile (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez) – The Commission will receive an update on the ongoing project to install a clock on Miracle Mile, discussing progress and any outstanding issues.

G. Boards/Committees Items

  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting a Proposal Concept from Artist Morel Doucet and Approving the Fabrication and Installation of the Sculpture “Secrets That the Wind Carries Away” (Unanimously Recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel, Approval/Denial Vote: 6 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board Approval/Denial Vote: 5 to 0); Authorizing the City Manager or His or Her Designee to Negotiate an Agreement with the Artist; Authorizing an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Amended Budget to Recognize as Revenue a Transfer of $110,000 from the Art in Public Places Reserve, and Appropriating Such Funds to Put Toward the Infrastructure Cost and Related Expenses Regarding the Artwork – The Commission will consider the approval of a new public art project by artist Morel Doucet, which involves the creation and installation of a sculpture titled “Secrets That the Wind Carries Away.” The project is part of the City’s ongoing effort to enhance public spaces through art.

  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting a Donation Through the Coral Gables Garden Club for a Proposed Artwork by Artist Xavier Cortada (Unanimously Recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel, Approval/Denial Vote: 6 to 0, and the Cultural Development Board Approval/Denial Vote: 5 to 0) and Authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coral Gables Garden Club in Order to Effectuate the Donation – The Commission will consider accepting a donation from the Coral Gables Garden Club to fund an artwork by Xavier Cortada, further solidifying the City’s commitment to integrating art into the community.
  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Approving the Concept and Commissioning of a Work of Public Art by Alberto Cavalieri in Conjunction with the JQ Group Development Project at 719 Biltmore Way, in Fulfillment of the Art in Public Places Requirement for Public Art in Private Development (Unanimously Recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel Approval/Denial Vote: 7 to 0; Unanimously Recommended by the Cultural Development Board Approval/Denial Vote: 6 to 0) – The Commission will decide on a public art proposal by Alberto Cavalieri, which is part of a private development project. The art installation is in line with the City’s policy of incorporating public art into new developments.
  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Honoring Artist Janine Antoni and Approving an Application to Art Basel for an Official Event, Further Approving Funding Up to $20,000 from the Art Fund Toward Program and Marketing Materials (Unanimously Recommended by the Cultural Development Board Approval/Denial Vote: 5 to 0); and Authorizing an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget to Recognize the Transfer of Funds from the Art in Public Places Reserve and to Appropriate Such Funds to Put Towards the Cost of the Project – The Commission will honor artist Janine Antoni and approve an application to Art Basel for an official event, including funding for program and marketing materials. This resolution supports the City’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural events and public art.

H. City Manager Items

  1. A Resolution of the City Commission Accepting the Recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to Award HG Construction Development & Investment, Inc. as the Sole Responsive and Responsible Bidders for Transit Stop Improvements for Last Mile Pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code Entitled “Contract Award” and Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2024-004) – The City Manager will present a resolution to award a contract for transit stop improvements aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity within Coral Gables.
  2. A Resolution of the City Commission Waiving the Competitive Process of the Procurement Code Pursuant to Section 2-501(D) of the City Code Authorizing a Five-Year License Agreement Between the City of Coral Gables and Bonjour Express Coral Gables, LLC for the Operation of the Le Parc Café at the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club – The City Manager will seek approval for a license agreement with Bonjour Express Coral Gables, LLC to operate Le Parc Café at the Golf and Country Club, allowing for continued service at this popular venue. Term: August 28, 2024 – August 27, 2029 Renewal: One (1) additional, five-year renewal option, at the City’s discretion, requiring City Commission approval. Termination for Convenience: A 120-day termination for convenience available to both Licensor and Licensee by providing notice accordingly. License Fee due to Licensee:  85% of monthly gross revenues, less taxes, less 85% of the cost of the alcoholic beverages purchased by the Licensor and sold by Licensee on the Licensor’s behalf.  100% of the gratuities. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM- 8:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.
  3. A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Budget to Recognize a Transfer from the City Clerk Special Revenues Reserve in the Amount of $250,000 and to Appropriate Such Funds for the Cost to Be Used Towards the Cost of the Roof Replacement at the Passport Office – The City Manager will request approval for a budget amendment to allocate funds for roof replacement at the City’s passport office, ensuring the facility remains in good condition.
  4. A Resolution of the City Commission Authorizing Entering into the Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC with Regard to City-Owned Property Located at 11911 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida – The City entered into a Fifth Amendment to Lease Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a “AT&T Wireless” (“Tenant”) dated January 12, 2021, (the “Lease Agreement”), for the City-owned Tower and Fire Station Property located at 11911 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156 (the “Property”). Tenant is in compliance with the Lease Agreement. Tenant has requested to modify its equipment on the tower. The City’s tower engineering consultant reviewed Tenant’s proposed modification and determined that the proposed modification could be supported by the tower. The City’s outside attorney, Gary Resnick, with input and support of the City staff, prepared the proposed Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement, with the Tenant paying cost recovery to reimburse the City’s costs. Among other terms, the Lease Agreement increases the monthly rent by $250 and with increases of 3% per year. The current rent is $5,970.26/month.
  5. Update on Saturday Downtown Express – On September 30, 2023, the City of Coral Gables launched a pilot program to implement Saturday afternoon and evening (2 p.m. to 10 p.m.) express trolley service from south of US 1 and Kerdyk Park to Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza in Downtown Coral Gables. The pilot program was implemented to analyze ridership potential along southern Ponce De Leon Boulevard and connectivity between the University of Miami and Downtown Coral Gables. The pilot program was originally set to run for 3 months. We currently just completed our tenth month of the pilot program. Total ridership is currently at 1,893 passengers, which is an average of just under 50 passengers each Saturday. As of June 28th, the total cost of the pilot program is roughly $40,000 (includes service hours, maintenance and fuel). This equates to a total cost of $22 per boarding. Due to low ridership and the high cost per boarding, City staff is recommending suspending the Saturday Downtown Express Service with the last Saturday Downtown Express service taking place on August 10th. If approved, passengers will be notified over the next four weeks via signage on the trolleys, messaging on the ETA Spot/Trolley Tracker App, and via E-News. There are additional alternative transportation options currently servicing the corridor along US1 including the Metro-Rail and Miami-Dade Metro-Connect program which both offer connections to the Ponce De Leon and Grand Ave trolley routes at Douglas Station.
Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *