City Commission Recap (3/14/2023)

Ariel Fernandez

Founder & Editor
[email protected]

Below is a copy of the Commission Digest for this Commission meeting with the brief explanations of discussion taken and/or final votes cast by the Commission on March 14th.

Discussion/explanation can be found in blue. If opening on a smartphone, turn your phone horizontally to avoid having to scroll right to see how all members of the Commission voted on each item.

Non-credited quotes in this article are excerpts from the memos presented to the Commission explaining the items.

Public Comments

Crime: Resident Gonzalo Sanabria spoke about numerous crime concerns in his neighborhood, Gables Estates. He explained that he has received no response from staff on these issues. Emails from him to the City Manager, he explained, have gone unanswered. The Mayor had the Chief of Police present crime statistics to the Commission, which refuted resident concerns about a higher rate of crime.

UM Construction Vehicles In Residential Streets: Resident Maria Cruz, brought images of commercial trucks on weekends around the University of Miami. Cruz had been scolded by Lago at the last two Commission meetings for addressing the issues of construction vehicles on residential streets at the University of Miami in violation with their agreement with the City, stating that “no one could tell him what happens at UM.” Lago interrupted her and instructed the Clerk to, “turn her mic off and remove the pictures from the presentation,” so that residents could not hear what her concerns are.

Mayor’s Comments

C-1: Discussion regarding traffic and speed calming on Milan Avenue.

The City Manager stated that he was concerned with the number of traffic calming in the City, because it could affect response times of first responders. The Commission asked for a timeline of what to expect on this matter. A presentation would be made later on item I-1.

C-2: Discussion regarding parking and food delivery scooters.

The issue raised was that delivery scooters are taking up parking spaces and littering on the sidewalk.

C-3: Discussion regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions by JOLT.

The Commission asked staff to present on this topic at the next Commission meeting, with potential options.

C-4: Discussion on tree mitigation on City swales.

The Commission discussed the fines placed on removal of trees. The fine has been raised to $5,000. However, they have not been placing a full fine. The Code requires, if a tree is removed, that the canopy must be replaced. A smaller tree replacing it would not suffice.

C-5: Discussion regarding a banning from downloading TikTok on City phones.

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

Consent Agenda

E-1: A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing a Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement with Actor’s Playhouse Productions, Inc. regarding the City-owned property at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL, commonly known as the Miracle Theater, permitting the portion of the Miracle Theater designated as apartment on the approved Phase III Miracle Theater Renovation Architectural Plans to be used by one Actor ’s Playhouse Productions, Inc. service employee to reside as required in connection with the maintenance, operations and/or service of the Miracle Theater.

“Pursuant to Resolution No. 28739, the City of Coral Gables (the “Landlord”) entered into a Management Agreement, dated April 13, 1995, with Actors’ Playhouse Productions, Inc. (the “Tenant”) for the city-owned premises at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida (the “Miracle Theater”). On September 13, 2011, pursuant to Resolution No. 2011-215, Landlord and Tenant entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement (the “Agreement”), which was further amended on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Resolution No. 2013-18; on January 28, 2015, pursuant to Resolution No. 2015-06; on March 11, 2016, pursuant to Resolution 2015-258; and on March 29, 2021, pursuant to Resolution 2021-41. On December 12, 2022, the Tenant requested that the Landlord amend the Agreement to reflect that in the Phase III Architectural Plans for the Miracle Theater Renovations prepared by Fullerton Diaz Architects Inc., dated September 15, 1997, last revised September 26, 2000, bearing Job No. 9415 (the “Final Architectural Plans”), a portion of the Miracle Theater was designated as an apartment (the “Sleeping Quarters”) for the limited purpose of allowing one (1) Tenant employee responsible for maintenance, operations and/or service of the Miracle Theater (“Service Employee”) to reside in such Sleeping Quarters. The Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement approves the following: 1. Tenant shall be permitted to use the Miracle Theater Sleeping Quarters solely for the limited purpose of allowing one (1) Service Employee to reside in the Sleeping Quarters. 2. Tenant represents that the Service Employee residing in the Sleeping Quarters is required in connection with the business operations of the Miracle Theater. 3. The Service Employee residing in the Sleeping Quarters will be responsible for maintenance, operations and/or service of the Miracle Theater. 4. The Sleeping Quarters shall be for non-profit purposes only, and in no event shall Tenant be permitted to charge rent or impose any payment obligations for the use of the Sleeping Quarters. 5. In the event that any person, other than one (1) Service Employee, resides or sleeps in the Sleeping Quarters, or in the event that Tenant charges rent or receives profit from the use of the Sleeping Quarters, Tenant shall be in default of the Lease.”

E-2: A Resolution of the City Commission approving the annual review required by the City of Coral Gables and University of Miami Development Agreement and Section 163.3235 of the Florida Statutes, for the period from September 28, 2021 through September 27, 2022.

“The City of Coral Gables and University of Miami Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, requires the University to submit an Annual Report to the City. The Agreement provides that the City Manager or his designee shall review the Annual Report and prepare an Annual Review to be reviewed and approved by the City Commission.”

E-3: A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of grant funds in the amount of $187,615 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) resilient Florida Program Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection for an updated Citywide Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan; authorizing execution of the grant contract; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Budget to recognize the $187,615 grant as revenue and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the program.

“The City of Coral Gables was awarded a grant for the purpose to update the vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan. The previous vulnerability assessment plan was completed in 2018. The purpose of this plan is to identify flood vulnerabilities by conducting exposure and sensitive analyses citywide that will include reports, maps and tables presenting results in a standardized form to align with the requirements of S.3803093, F.S. Resilient Florida Grant Program. An amendment to the FY 2022-2023 annual budget is required to recognize the $187,615 grant as revenue, and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the project. There are no matching funds required for this grant. The City of Coral Gables will implement the grant funded initiative in accordance will all requirements provided by the state of Florida Department Of Environmental Protection (Fdep) Resilient Florida Program.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

Appeal

F-1: An Appeal to the Coral Gables City Commission from the decision of the Historic Preservation Board on January 18, 2023, regarding a request for historic designation for the property located at 110 Phoenetia Avenue (“The Garden of Our Lord”), legally described as Lots 1 to 10 inclusive, Block 21, Coral Gables Douglas Section, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 25, at page 69, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

“On July 21, 2021, a Historic Significance Request was submitted to the Preservation Office for a determination on whether the site at 110 Phoenetia Avenue was historically significant. On August 9, 2021, Historic Preservation Staff responded that, after careful research and study of City records and the information presented by the applicant, the property did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for designation as a local historic landmark. The property was purchased by the current owner on approximately November 24, 2021. On January 28, 2022, the property owner appeared before the Development Review Committee for review of a proposed new development of the site comprising a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment, Zoning Code Map Amendment, Planned Area Development (PAD), Mixed-Use Site Plan, and Transfer of Development Rights Receiving Site Plan. On August 19, 2022, Bonnie D. Bolton submitted a Historic Designation application for the site to the Historic Preservation Office. The applicant and the property owner agreed to allow Staff sufficient time to review the submittal. On November 29, 2022, it was determined by the Historic Preservation Office that after careful research and study of City records along with information provided with the application, the property did not qualify as presented for listing as a Local Historic Landmark. Ms. Bolton was informed that the application and request should be presented to the Historic Preservation Board at the meeting of December 21, 2022. On December 2, 2022, Ms. Bolton requested 30 days to submit an amended report as permitted by Section 8-104 A.1 of the Code. The request was granted, and a final designation report was submitted to the Preservation Office on December 29, 2022. On January 18, 2023, the Historical Preservation Board approved a motion to deny the application for local historic designation of the property as it does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for designation as a Local Historic Landmark. The motion passed 6-2. On February 13, 2023, the Applicant submitted the completed appeals package to the City Clerk with a request to defer the item to the March 14 City Commission meeting.”

Background:

Click here to read item recap: https://gablesinsider.com/garden-of-our-lord-historic-designation-appeal-will-head-to-court/

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded
RECUSED

Ordinances On Second Reading

F-2: An Ordinance of the City Commission combining the Human Resources Department and the Labor Relations and Risk Management Department in accordance with Section 17 of the City Charter and amending FY 2023 Budget to reflect that change.

“The City of Coral Gables’ Human Resources Department provides internal support to all City Departments and the City’s full-time and part-time employee population. The City’s Labor Relations and Risk Management department works to promote positive and effective relationships between labor and management and to provide a safe environment for City employees and the public they serve. Given the natural intersection of the two departments, the City Manager wishes to combine the employees, functions, duties, and budgets of the two departments under the Human Resources Department and the Human Resources Department Director. A budget amendment with a zero dollar change is required to combine the two department budgets and is set forth in this Ordinance. This item was adopted on first reading on February 28, 2023. There have been no changes since first reading.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

F-3: An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code by amending Article 6, “Landscape,” Section 6-103, “Landscape general requirements,” and Article 16, “Definitions,” providing a definition, requirements, and review processes to utilize artificial turf within athletic fields in the Special Use (S) Zoning district; providing conditional use review and approval when such artificial turf athletic field are visible from the street; clarifying minimal usage and requirements of artificial turf; and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. ( 02 08 23 PZB Meeting – Board recommended approval; Vote; 6-0).

“No changes have been made since First Reading. Staff has prepared Zoning Code text amendments for landscape regulations and general requirements to allow the installment of artificial turf for athletic fields and grassed areas actively used for sports when not seen from a street. Otherwise, the use of artificial turf on athletic fields will require Conditional Use approval. Conditional use review requires review by the Development Review Committee (DRC), preliminary approval by the Board of Architects, Planning & Zoning Board recommendation, and final approval from the City Commission. Planning & Zoning Board:
At the February 8th, 2023, Planning & Zoning Board meeting, this proposed text amendment was well received by the Board due to artificial turf’s advancement in technology and installment in the last 5 years. The Board is interested in seeing artificial turf installed beyond athletic fields.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

F-4: An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, Article 16, “Definitions”, by amending the definition of carport; and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and an effective date. (02 08 23 PZB Meeting – Board recommended approval; Vote; 6-0).

“No changes have been made since First Reading. Staff has prepared a Zoning Code text amendment to update the definition of a carport. The Zoning Code initially defined CARPORT in 1983 as “a roofed structure not more than seventy-five (75%) enclosed by walls and attached to the main building for the purpose of providing shelter for one or more motor vehicles.” In 2018, the single-family residential (SFR) district section in the Zoning Code was amended substantially to both clarify regulations and encourage certain features in single-family residences. One of the desired outcomes was to reduce the massing of homes by encouraging detached accessory structures. This was intended to be accomplished by excluding “detached one- and two-story structures less than or equal to four-hundred (400) square feet where the ground floor level is a carport or garage” from the building’s maximum square footage. However, the definition of carport still requires that it be attached to the main building. Therefore, to fulfill the original intent of encouraging the smaller building bulk and massing, Staff is proposing to update the definition of carport to be consistent with the single-family residential regulations and allow detached carports.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

Ordinances On First Reading

F-5: An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 54 – “Solid Waste” to prohibit placing clean yard waste in trash bags and depositing trash bags in trash piles before 6:00 p.m.; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago).

“The City of Coral Gables wishes to improve the general cleanliness of the City and to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. As an environmental leader among local governments in the State of Florida, a goal of the City is to facilitate the proper disposal of clean yard waste and appropriate recycling of materials such as cardboard. The City Commission desires to eliminate the placement of clean yard waste into trash bags, which is not only aesthetically unpleasing but poses a safety risk to the City’s sanitation works, and to reduce the proliferation of trash bags throughout trash piles in the City.”

Resident Maria Cruz addressed the Commission and asked that they reconsider the prohibition of trash bags for yard waste, as due to high winds in the CIty it can create a mess of leaves throughout the neighborhood if they are not contained. She recommended the Commission consider the use of clear bags, to ensure the content is yard waste. Lago interrupted her, “I wrote the Legislation. The Legislation moves forward as it is. And it stays the way it is. We will not be adopting clear bags.” Cruz asked the other Members of the Commission consider the change. Lago was the last to vote on the item, and said “that makes 5, Vince Lago.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

F-6: An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 74 – Traffic and Vehicles, Article I – In General, Section 74-1 “Definition” and 74-2 “Prohibiting Skateboard Use Generally” in order to prohibit the use of other wheeled conveyances where posted; providing for repealer provision, codification, severabilty clause, and providing for an effective date; (Sponsored by Commissioner Cason).

“Section 74-2 of the City Code currently prohibits the use of skateboards on sidewalks where posted. Various other code provisions address the use of motorized scooters, mopeds, bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices. Pedestrian safety, especially in congested downtown sidewalks is and has been a priority of the City Commission and the City wishes to amend the code to anticipate technological advances and potential safety concerns. With this ordinance the City Commission wishes to update the City Code so that other new innovative conveyances are treated similarly as skateboards in the City Code.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

F-7: An Ordinance of the City Commission authorizing the City to enter into a Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement for the property commonly known as the Village of Merrick Park, with Merrick Park, LLC, f /k/a Rouse Coral Gables, LLC, amending Section 3.1 relating to parking to clarify that the License Agreement may require consent of additional parties; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (Lobbyist: N/A).

“The City of Coral Gables (the “Landlord”) and Merrick Park LLC, f/k/a Rouse Coral Gables, LLC (the “Developer/Tenant”) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) for the property commonly known as the Merrick Shops dated July 10, 1997, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement dated June 4, 2003, and that certain Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement dated January 19, 2023 (collectively, the “Lease”). In the January 19, 2023- Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement provided that if a request was made by a Licensee for exclusive use of parking spaces, the Developer/Tenant would, in good faith, seek the approval of the anchor tenants under the COREA should exclusivity of certain parking spaces be requested. However, the Developer/Tenant wishes to further amend the Lease to reflect the Developer/Tenant will also make good-faith requests and seek the approval of each Subtenant whose consent may be required under its Sublease for their consents to such exclusive use and, if such consents are obtained, the License Agreement will include such provisions.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
SecondedMotioned

City Commission Items

G-1: Discussion on accessibility of information used for Historical Significance Determinations. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).

Staff is working on smoothing out the process to ensure better accessibility to information.

G-2: A recap of Codemania I. (Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez).

G-3: Discussion regarding Electronic Speed Warning Signs. (Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson).

Powered Speed Feedback Signs cost approximately $5,300 plus connectivity costs. They attach to the current speed limit signs and display your speed as you approach.

G-4: Discussion regarding Biltmore Way, Andalusia Avenue, and Valencia Avenue Bike Lanes. (Sponsored Commissioner Anderson).

The City is currently paying over $180,000 to Dover Kohl and Partners to consider bike lanes on these roadways. The addition was just over $31,000.

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

G-5: A Resolution of the City Commission expressing its support for public safety responses to declared states of emergency. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mena).

“From time to time, the State of Florida experiences mass destruction from weather-related natural disasters, as well as from other incidents that require a public safety response that exceeds the capability of the affected jurisdiction. The State of Florida has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan initiated and executed through the Florida Division of Emergency Management when needed to respond anywhere in the State. The Governor of the State can declare a “State of Emergency” statewide or locally to activate many different agencies through the Florida Division of Emergency Management to respond prior to and well after the said emergency occurs. The City of Coral Gables historically has been part of these responses both locally and nationally through its Police Department, Fire Department, and other resources to assist in the recovery and continuity of public safety in those affected communities throughout the State and nation. The proposed resolution supports this ongoing participation and partnership of mutual aid throughout Florida and other states and directs the City Manager to exercise his authority to consult with the Fire and Police Chiefs, and any other City resources, to evaluate appropriate requests for assistance and to respond as the City Manager deems appropriate.”

This would give the City Manager the authority to decide on emergency responses at the local, state and federal level, in consultation with the Chiefs, to send resources.

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

Boards/Committees Items

H-1: A Resolution of the City Commission approving amended Cultural Grant guidelines and process.

“|The Cultural Development Board annually assesses the cultural grant guidelines, application, and process from the previous year with the purpose of recommending updates that are then incorporated into the next grant cycle. This year, the Cultural Development Board thoroughly reviewed the program and did not propose significant updates. Prior to implementing this year’s cultural grant process, Vice-Chair Burgos was nominated to speak to the City Commission on the Board’s behalf to receive guidelines for staff, the Cultural Development Board, and applicants. The Commission responded with direction to encourage greater participation by Coral Gables’ organizations and residents, including added requirements to ensure fiscal responsibility. Following the City Commission meeting, staff met individually with the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and Commissioners to gain further insight regarding proposed updates. Staff worked with the City Attorney’s office and drafted revised guidelines to present to the Commission as a whole. The cultural grant guidelines and application reflect these updates and were presented to the Cultural Development Board on Wednesday, March 8th .”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
MotionedSeconded

City Manager Items

I-1: Discussion on the impact of traffic calming on Police and Fire response times.

The Manager is seeking to reduce the number of traffic calming measures placed by the City. He used a poorly made presentation of two police cars attempting to respond to a call. However, the Commission questioned the measures and they were told some are not there or planned. The vehicle on the traffic calming side can be seen to be driving slower even prior to reaching traffic calming measures.

I-2: A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the exchange of the Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2018A (Coral Gables program) and Capital Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2018B (Coral Gables Program); approving the form of and authorizing the execution and delivery of an agreement relating to paying and registrar agency; approving the form of and authorizing the execution and delivery of a continuing disclosure certificate; delegating certain authority to the City Manager and Finance Director; authorizing the execution and delivery of other documents in connection therewith; and providing an effective date.

“The Board of Directors of the Sunshine State Governmental Financing Commission is dissolving the Commission, effective April 5, 2023. Pursuant to the terms of the documents authorizing the same, the Commission’s obligations with respect to its Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2018A (Coral Gables Program) and Capital Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2018B (Coral Gables Program), are to be assumed by the City of Coral Gables. This resolution allows for the transfer of the current paying and registrar agency agreement to the City of Coral Gables in order to maintain continuity of service and payment to the bond holders. This resolution also authorizes the required Continuing Disclosure Certificate language and allows City staff the general authority to execute required documents in this process.”

Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Jim Cason
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
SecondedMotioned
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11 thoughts on “City Commission Recap (3/14/2023)

  1. The new construction on Ponce, Lowes hotel for one has turned the street into an embarrassing road. Who is going to foot the bill to repave one of our most important roads, or does the city plan to ignore it and fill in pot holes as they develop ?

  2. Those of you who would like to see how the Commission Meetings have changed, as far as I am concerned for the worst, should go on line and watch the videos of those meetings. There was a time when time limits where adhered to for everyone, but then under a new set of elected officials, that was made more flexible. We were told civility and transparency would be the norm. Respect, following the Gables way became a constant reminder. Except when the elected were involved! Lobbyists, developer attorneys, Chamber of Commerce representatives, were given more leeway, sometimes even allowed to claim points of personal privilege to speak without having to sign up to do so. After years of complaints of the disrespect shown from the dais, the new powerful elected officials have shown they can also dish it out. Does anyone remember how the man representing the firemen was treated when he spoke about the annexation proposal? This past meeting could be a perfect example. Asking for an option for residents to be able to use clear plastic bags to keep loose leaves from blowing around was a major issue! Screaming was taken to the max! How could anyone challenge the one who “wrote the legislation”? Bringing up the lack of plans for construction vehicles provoked a major outcry! Who dared to complain about extra benefits granted the beloved institution that is allowed to continue building during hours that the residents are not! Anything wrong with major construction 24 hours of the day, weekends included? As to the incident with the turning off of the microphone, during the same meeting, Mr Sanabria who
    would not stop talking when asked several times because lunch time was being affected, and even when he was offered to meet in private with officials, did NOT stop, the microphone stayed on. Two different standards almost back to back! Could it have been that he was a man? Someone who agreed to support the candidate chosen by the powers at be? Is this the Coral Gables that we constantly brag about? Please take the time to watch the videos, attend the meeting in person or by zoom Become involved! Vote for those who would not allow the behavior that now has become the norm. Enough is enough; the residents of the City Beautiful deserve better.

  3. The Garden of Our Lord must be preserved.

    If only in part as a green space element within the design of the building that Mayor Vince Lago and the Commissioners are determined to force upon us in yet another collaboration with developers.

    This would at least be a gesture of good will toward residents of Coral Gables and founders of this once beautiful city however the interests of residents and preservation of Coral Gables are clearly not the priorities of these public servants.

    Instead as everyone watches they continue serving the interests of developers leaving tax paying residents with powerful incentives to finally begin organizing for (a) recalls and (b) referendums such as residents accomplished last year in Miami Beach.

  4. Let’s be fair, Maria Cruz was cut off because she exceeded her time limit. For years, she has dominated commission and community meetings with no time limits. What’s interesting is that Vince Lago is no longer encouraging or allowing her to dominate which begs the question, why?

    Who is telling Vince Lago what to do now because I don’t believe he makes a single decision on his own. I have the emails that suggest that much. He has handlers.

  5. More on the Mayor’s comments:

    I found it shocking that Vince Lago denounced the attacks on city staff when HE led the effort leading up to his Mayoral election. He STILL goes after existing and past staff behind closed doors.

    Why did Vince Lago blind copy Ariel Fernandez, JC Padron and Maria Cruz on his email correspondence so frequently (may have been all of the time but I did not request ALL of Vince Lago’s emails)? During those years, they were thick as thieves taking shot after shot at city staff. Why is Lago so combative to them now? Lago is clearly worried about Ariel sharing the dais with him.

  6. I had read in one of the previous posts regarding the Phoenetia Avenue future mixed-use development, that the proposed 9 story development was taller and larger than allowed by zoning. Can you provide more details on that? Where can we get more information? Who is approving these oversized projects in Coral Gables?

  7. Jessica, you seem to be very much in the know, regarding C-3, doesn’t the City have procurement rules? I mean, this is one of the reasons people get perp walked out of City Halls.

  8. C-5: Discussion regarding a banning from downloading TikTok on City phones.

    Why aren’t only approved apps allowed on the City phones? Why is anyone downloading messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal? Why are they communicating by any other means than text messaging and emails that the city can capture for public records. It’s easy to identify who has these apps on their phones. Why do they have them?

  9. Regarding the Garden – how much you want to bet that L’Ego tries to be the savior while screwing over the garden and benefiting the developer.

  10. C-3: Discussion regarding Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions by JOLT. – Lago often puts staff in a position to use his “preferred” vendor for various initiatives. He wants to move quickly. Be first. City staff has historically been very thoughtful as it relates to advancing innovation efforts. If staff did not advise against immediate LED conversion, city tax payers would have paid more than $1 million to convert, never paying off the investment before the lights needed replacement. There were also no choices related to color at the time. Check the records.

    He is using this tactic with super chargers. City staff is clearly being thoughtful and making sure they recommend the best product that makes the most financial sense for tax payers.

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