Coral Gables City Commission Meeting Digest for October 22, 2024

Javier Baños

Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider

The City of Coral Gables will hold its Regular Commission Meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, located at 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134. This meeting is open to the public, and participation is available both in person and virtually. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key agenda items.

How to Participate:

Zoom: Join via this link. Meeting ID: 3054466800.
Phone: Dial (305) 461-6769. Meeting ID: 3054466800.
YouTube Live Stream: Watch live here or on Comcast Channel 77.
Submit Comments: Comments can be made during the meeting by raising your hand on Zoom, pressing *9 by phone, or submitting comments in advance via e-comment or by emailing [email protected] before the meeting.

D. Consent Agenda

D.-1. OpenGov and ESRI Procurement:
The City Commission will review a proposal for two major technology purchases by the Innovation and Technology Department:

OpenGov Enterprise Services: This platform will be acquired to enhance financial transparency and asset management for the City, providing better insights and management capabilities for financial operations.
ESRI GIS Enterprise License Agreement: The City will renew its enterprise agreement with ESRI, the vendor for the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) software, to continue utilizing mapping and spatial analysis tools that support various City operations.

These purchases are aimed at improving operational efficiency and transparency in city governance.

E. Public Hearings

Ordinances on Second Reading:

E.-1. Pension Amendments: The Commission will consider final approval of amendments to Chapter 46 of the City Code that govern the City’s pension system. These amendments are part of the 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local Union 769 and include several significant changes:

Employee Contributions: The percentage of employee contributions to the retirement system will increase to 10% of their compensation.
Retirement Benefit Limits: The current maximum benefit cap of $67,500 will be removed, though the limit of 75% of average final compensation remains in place.
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): The maximum period of participation in DROP will be extended from five years to eight years (96 months).
Rejoining the Retirement System: A limited opportunity will be opened for employees who opted for the City’s Defined Contribution Plan to rejoin the Retirement System. Employees will be able to purchase credited service for their prior full-time work with the City at the full actuarial cost.

This ordinance will update key sections of the pension code, ensuring compliance with the new collective bargaining agreement and enhancing the benefits available to long-term employees.

E.-2. Expansion of City Board Member Benefits: This ordinance expands the recreational benefits offered to City board members and their families. Currently, board members receive free or reduced-cost access to certain City facilities like the Venetian Pool and Tennis Center. The proposed amendment would extend this benefit to:

Spouses or domestic partners of board members.
Immediate family members under the age of 17 registered as part of the board member’s household.

This expansion of benefits aims to attract more individuals to serve on City boards by offering more inclusive recreational opportunities for their families.

Ordinances on First Reading:

E.-3. Animal Feces Ordinance: A new ordinance aimed at addressing a growing sanitation issue in Coral Gables will be considered. The ordinance proposes amendments to Chapter 10, Section 10-4, of the City Code to provide enforcement tools against the illegal dumping of animal waste bags in residential trash pits.

Code Enforcement Empowerment: This ordinance will give Code Enforcement the authority to issue citations or fines for those caught improperly disposing of animal waste bags, particularly in swales and other public areas.
Public Health and Cleanliness: The purpose of this ordinance is to improve cleanliness in neighborhoods and reduce the health risks associated with improperly disposed waste.

F. City Commission Items

Time Certain: 10:30 AM
Sponsor: Commissioner Kirk Menendez

F.-1. Reimbursement Resolution for City Infrastructure: A resolution will be presented to establish the City’s intent to reimburse certain project costs incurred for capital improvement projects using future tax-exempt financing. The proposed projects include:

Restoration of City Hall.
Restoration of the Venetian facility.
Other city-wide infrastructure improvements.

The resolution will authorize the City to issue up to $59 million in bonds to cover these expenses, ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability for these key projects.

F.-2. Florida Museum of Black History: The Commission will consider a resolution urging the Florida Legislature to designate the City of Opa Locka as the site for the new Florida Museum of Black History. This resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Opa Locka and its relevance as the ideal location for a state museum dedicated to Black history. The resolution is sponsored by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson.

F.-3. Waste-to-Energy Facility at Opa-Locka West Airport: The Commission will vote on a resolution encouraging Miami-Dade County to delay its decision on the construction of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility at the Opa-Locka West Airport site. After a fire destroyed the Resources Recovery Facility (RRF) in Doral in 2023, the County has been evaluating options for a new WTE plant. This resolution calls for:

A comprehensive cost analysis.
An exploration of alternative options.
The development of an updated Solid Waste Management Master Plan that considers long-term environmental impacts, particularly the protection of wetlands near the proposed site.

F.-4. Freebee Expansion: A presentation will be made on the possible expansion of Freebee, a free and sustainable ride-sharing service that operates in Coral Gables. Commissioner Melissa Castro is sponsoring the discussion, and the City is considering expanding the service to enhance local mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

F.-5. Chicken and Rooster Nuisance: The City will address ongoing community complaints regarding chicken and rooster nuisances in certain neighborhoods. Commissioner Castro has brought forward this issue, and the Commission will explore possible solutions to mitigate noise and disturbances caused by free-ranging fowl.

F.-6. Cease-and-Desist Letters: Commissioner Kirk Menendez will lead a discussion on the procedure for issuing cease-and-desist letters by the City of Coral Gables. The goal is to streamline the issuance of these legal notices, ensuring that the City can more efficiently address violations of municipal codes and other regulatory issues.

F.-7. Street Detours and Closures: The City will discuss methods for better informing the public of detours and street closures due to ongoing construction and public works projects. Commissioner Menendez will propose options for improved communication strategies, such as real-time updates and notifications, to reduce disruption for residents and businesses.

F.-8. Florida League of Cities Policy Committee Meetings Update
Sponsor: Commissioner Melissa Castro
Commissioner Castro will provide an update on the recent meetings of the Florida League of Cities Policy Committee and any relevant decisions or initiatives that could impact Coral Gables.

F.-9. Permit/Construction Bond Refunds
Sponsor: Commissioner Ariel Fernandez
The Commission will discuss the procedures surrounding permit and construction bond refunds, reviewing the current process and considering any necessary changes to improve efficiency.

F.-10. Ponce de Leon Boulevard Crosswalk
Sponsor: Commissioner Melissa Castro
The Commission will discuss concerns about the crosswalk at Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Stanford Drive, considering possible improvements to pedestrian safety at this busy intersection.

F.-11. Alhambra Circle Sidewalk
Sponsor: Commissioner Melissa Castro
The discussion will focus on sidewalk conditions along Alhambra Circle and potential actions to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

F.-12. Hurricane Preparedness
Sponsor: Commissioner Ariel Fernandez
The City will review its hurricane preparedness procedures, discussing recent lessons learned and any adjustments needed to improve response to future storms.

F.-13. Red Road Sidewalks
Sponsor: Commissioner Ariel Fernandez
The City will discuss potential improvements to sidewalks along Red Road, focusing on pedestrian safety and accessibility in that area.

F.-14. Giralda Avenue Improvements
Sponsor: Commissioner Melissa Castro
This discussion will address possible improvements to Giralda Avenue, including upgrades to pedestrian amenities and street design.

G. Boards/Committees Items

G.-1. Public Art at Regency Parc: The City will vote on the approval of a public art installation by American artist Lynda Benglis. The proposed piece, titled “Power Tower,” is an eight-foot tall bronze sculpture representing organic growth and movement. This installation will be part of the Regency Parc development at 2601 Salzedo Street, fulfilling the Art in Public Places requirement for public art in private developments. The project is expected to enhance the public aesthetic of the area and become a recognizable landmark in Coral Gables.

G.-2. Mural by Eduardo Kobra: A proposed mural by world-renowned artist Eduardo Kobra will be considered for approval. The mural will be installed on private property at The Plaza, located at 2950 Coconut Grove Drive. The mural is expected to become an iconic art piece for the area, reflecting the vibrant culture of Coral Gables.

H. City Manager Items

H.-1. Coral Gables Community of Excellence 2026: The City Manager will present the Coral Gables Community of Excellence 2026 program. This initiative outlines the City’s strategic goals leading up to its centennial in 2026, including community improvements, civic engagement, and infrastructure projects.

H.-2. Centennial Celebration Plans: An update will be provided on the City’s plans for the Centennial Celebration in 2026. The update will cover the proposed events, restoration projects, and other activities planned to commemorate Coral Gables’ 100th anniversary.

H.-3. City Hall Renovation Update: The City Manager will provide a status update on the ongoing City Hall construction and renovation project. This update will include the current progress of the project, timelines for completion, and any budget considerations related to the project.