City Commission - Regular Meeting

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Mr. Clerk. Yes, sir. Ready to go? Yes, sir. All right. Good morning. Morning. Morning. Everybody's ready in class. I love it. Just sounded like it.

We have a lot of distinguished guests here today. I want to thank everyone for being here as always. I like to see the chambers really full. It brings a smile to my face and to the commission's face. Uh this has been a great week so far. A great week. and we celebrate our commission today as we celebrate our centennial on October 14, 2025 at 9:00 am. This is our commission, our first commission of October. I'd like to remind everyone to please get involved. You can speak at the commission, you can send us an email, you can get involved through Zoom, or you can send us an email. We want your participation. We want your guidance, and we want your input, not only as residents and business owners, but as people who are active in this community. So before we get started, I'd like to uh invite a good friend of mine, Jeff Sullivan, to join us here from uh the pastor from Granada Presbyterian Church and give us an invocation like he always is so grateful to do.

Thank you. It's an honor to be here.

Uh I enjoy the city beautiful whether it's jogging around the golf course or paddling in the waterways or bike rides or just the architecture. Everything here is truly the city beautiful. So that made me think of Psalm 8 to guide us into prayer. Psalm 8 says, "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you're mindful of him and the son of man that you care for him. Yet you've made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You've given him dominion over the works of your hands and have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, all the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the path of the sea. Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Father, we come to you thankful for the beauty you surround us with and then also humble that even in all this beauty, you still recognize and elevate each person here in this community. So Lord, I'm thankful for these groups that are being honored today for their their service to the community. uh for for Miss Adams and her her legacy and her family and how we're honoring that for police officers and our our firefighters and how they serve in many ways. And then Lord, each person is important in this community as they are important in your world. And so Lord, bless each one here today. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Thank you, pastor. As always, thank you so much for being here with us. Please send your congregation our best wishes and we look forward to having you here very soon. Thank you. God bless you, sir. Always a pleasure. Uh, Commissioner Fernandez, will you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Yes.

To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Now it's now I'd like to have our America moment which is one of my favorite if not my most favorite moment of the commission meeting. Thank you for being here with us as always. Great. Thank you.

So as we celebrate the centennial the Merrick House brings to the commission the Merrick moment. Little tidbits that add up to a remarkable story. I'm Joanne Maher, Maric House Dossen and past chair of the board of governors whose members include Mary Beth Burke, Carmen Kase, Alexis Arenha, Christina Onen, Genevieve our and Bonnie Cip. We speak of George Merik as a visionary. He was also a master at marketing and promotion and a workaholic. In the early days, he created the schedule, contacted the newspapers and magazines, and wrote the copy himself. Nothing, no ad copy, promotional brochure, nor essay made it to the present, excuse me, to the press room without his blessing. From 1920 to 1926, Merrick spent $5 million in newspaper advertising alone. That's approximately 90 million in today's dollars. At the time, it was the most expensive real estate advertising campaign in history. Are we able to put up our little Oh, yes. Thank you. We got a little bit of artwork. In the days leading up to the very first land auction of the 75 acre section A in November 1921, full page ads directed readers to watch for the Golden Gallions and follow them. They will point the way to a really fair new land. A place where beauty rests, health abides, and fortune grasps you by the hand. Free bus tours brought responsible parties from Daytona and Atlanta. Train tours carried prospective buyers from New York. There's so much more to this story, but my minute is up. I'll share more marketing marvels in future Merrick moments. And yes, I love alliteration.

Thank you so much. [Applause] So, now we move on to presentations and protocols. Item A1. A1 is an important uh item that we're going to be discussing today and is a resolution of condolence for a dear friend and a family that has given so much uh to the city beautiful and continues to give so much every day. I'd like to read uh I'd like to read to on the record. Whereas the city of Coral Gables has lost one of its most cherished citizens with the passing of Betsy Adams at the age of 96. A woman whose deep love for our community shaped the very landscape we enjoy today. And whereas Betsy Adams was not simply was not simply a resident of Coral Gables, she was one of its greatest champions, dedicating more than six decades of her life to making our city more beautiful, more welcoming, and truer to the vision of its founder, George Merrick. And whereas Bets's extraordinary journey brought her from humble beginnings in North Carolina to our city where in 1951 she married the love of her life, Larry Adams. And together they built a remarkable 73-year marriage filled with love, adventure, and service to others. It's a beautiful photo. And whereas a devoted mother of Larry Jr., Ron and Thaad, Betsy and Larry poured their hearts into their family, their faith, and their community. living what can only be described as a fairy tale life of purpose and meaning. And whereas Betsy joined the Coral Gables Garden Club in 1958 and immediately began leaving her mark, winning countless blue ribbons and best of show awards for her exquisite flower arrangements, combining her natural artistic talents with her love of plants and flowers. And whereas under Bets's visionary leadership as president of the garden club, she transformed what a garden club could achieve, establishing

an innovative public private partnership with the city that raised the money to complete George Merrick's original vision by building three beautiful entranceways to our city as well as creating the George Merrick statue in front of city hall and the Althia Merik statue at the Mer House on Corway. And whereas her 53 years of community leadership earned her our city's highest honor, including having a park named named in her honor, though true to her humble nature, she insisted it be named the Betsy Adams and Coral Gable's Garden Club Park, the George E. America Award of Excellence, the inaugural Coral Gable Citizen of the Year Award, recognition as a golden resident of distinction, and a city proclamation declaring Betsy Adams Day in Coral Gables. And whereas the city of Coral Gables expresses its profound gratitude for Betsy Adams extraordinary contributions to our community. Every time our residents and visitors enter our city through those beautiful entrance ways, every time they p they pause at the barrack statues, every time they enjoy the beauty of our parks and gardens, they are experiencing Bets's lasting gifts to us all. And whereas Betsy made Coral Gables more beautiful, not just through her flowers and her projects, but through the grace and kindness with which she lived her life. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will bloom forever in the city she loves so dearly. Now therefore, be it resolved by the commission of the city of Coral Gables, Florida, that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her bereieve family on the occasion of their great loss. Very briefly, because I'd love to hear from the family, uh Betsy was an amazing woman, as you can obviously see by her resume. Uh she was Coral Gables through and through. I had the privilege through THAAD uh to get to know Betsy and her

involvement in the garden club and she was always willing to not only listen but also provide guidance. She was an amazing woman. She will be remembered for loving Coral Gables and working her entire life to just leave this place a little bit better. her memory uh her work has left an amazing positive mark on this community and I'm honored to be to be giving this proclamation today. I wanted to give this proclamation uh myself uh because uh to me, you know, the few interactions that I had with her, I I I caught her on the end of her life, you know, over the last 10 years, um she always was passionate about the city, but she always took the time to sit down and have a conversation and explain to people like myself who maybe weren't here 73 years ago, you know, why this city is so special, what she's done in this city, and what everyone around here You can see with so many people who are here today the importance of service and we're celebrating service on other proclamations today. But she was emblematic of service. Give back. Give back and give back. That's what makes our city special. That's why we shine above everything above every other city in Miami Day County in the state of Florida. And Betsy is an example why. Dad, will you bring up your family here? I'd like for you to give us a few words. Beautiful family by the way. Brother, start with

Good morning, sir.

Good morning. Uh, thank you all so much for this incredible honor. Um, again, my name is Ron Adams. I'm so proud to say that Betsy Adams was uh my mother, my dear, sweet, amazing mother, and here with my brother Thad, his wife Anna. Also here is my daughter Kelly, my granddaughter Leah, and my ex-wife Laura. Um, Mr. Mayor, you said such did such a beautiful job of describing my mom's, you know, 60-year love affair with the city of Coral Gables. It was so genuine. It was so authentic. Uh she loved the city. She loved raising her family here with our father, Larry Adams. And I think we would be remiss if we didn't mention my dad because if there was ever a partnership, it was Betsy and Larry Adams. Uh they were inseparable and they were both committed to community service. Uh and if you if you added up their community service bios, my dad's and my mom's, it would it would be a small book. Uh they were just amazing people. And of course for us, they were just amazing parents, so loving u in their lives. Uh their faith in God came first and then their family and then their community and serving others. And that was the the model that they left for us as their children. Uh so don't want to repeat all the amazing things she did. You did a wonderful job of of uh describing those. Just would say how deeply appreciative we are that you all would do this, you know, for our mom even after her passing and just recognizing her because uh if she was here every time she ever received an honor, she would always say, you know, uh how surprised she was, how shocked she was. She was so humble and she would always give credit to everybody else, to my dad, to her family, uh to the garden club, of course, who her beloved garden club, um and to all of the city officials and staff members who she

worked so closely with for all of those years in uh in doing all of these amazing projects. Thank you.

So, before we hear from that, I I wanted to mention because you touched on something I think it's important. Um, I put this on the agenda today because I was talking to Martha Panting and she reminded me of, you know, let's let's do a resolution of condolence and that same day I ran into THAAD at the 100redyear celebration of the chamber and we were having a conversation and that brought something to my attention that is amazing and it and it's encompassed in the discussion of the humility of your mother. She was a powerful individual in this community. She was a voice of reason. She was very thoughtful, very kind. When your father passed away, and this is a conversation I was having with dad and he brought this to my attention, so I don't want to steal your story, but I thought it was a beautiful story. Um, they published they published I don't want to say his resume, but his life in the Herald and it was a huge obituary just talking about all his accomplishments, his achievements as a professional, as a leader in this community, philanthropy, family. When your mother passed away, he's you know he started compiling all that data to be able to provide an obituary. Who would have thought that my mother's obituary would be two and three times potentially four times larger than my father's she did it with class. She was humble and she was an amazing woman. That that touched me the other day uh when we had that conver I think it was what on Wednesday or Thursday of last week. That to me was amazing. So I wanted to bring that up because you touched upon it in regards to just their relationship and giving back and it was a beautiful story. That thank you for being here with us my friend.

Yeah. Well, first thank you for taking my Washington DC work for the FBI Washington DC work for the FBI.

She became she was runner up Miss Washington DC. She was 5'8 and stunning. meets my dad on a trip at Miami Beach when he was climbing working for FPL on a pole before he became senior vice president of the entire division. And by the grace of God, my mom wouldn't even look at him. And then for he's he they ended up going out that weekend. We have a picture when they're at the train station. Well, my mom's going back to Washington DC. And she came back a month later and she just said to us, she said, "I just knew this was special." And so they got married three months later, 73 years of marriage. And those 73 years, what an example they had to both of us and our family about not just talking, not trying to get credit for anything, but doing something meaningful just because that's what we are supposed to do. And like like you all said, nobody was more humble than and and and I think I like to take from that. To me, the most powerful people on earth are those that have the power, have the gifts, have the talent, and yet they are humble. And I think we all can learn a great lesson from that. So, thank you all so much. We're we love our mom. We're so happy that she is now in the L in heaven with the Lord and with my dad. So, thank you all very much, Thad. And two things uh before we take a photo. Um first and foremost, you also are very involved in the city on many different fronts, not only in a business sense, but also in philanthropy. You're involved in everything. So, I want to, you know, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. And both of you are examples of learning from your parents. and thank you for your commitment, your consistent commitment to the city beautiful on every single front from philanthropy to the foundation to the chamber to everything you're involved in. Thank you for that. Uh we have a video that we'd like to show the community to ensure that we memorialize

we continue not memorialize, we continue to memorialize uh your your your mother's incredible legacy. So, Mr. Clerk, can we roll the video? I I'm Betsy Adams and uh I've lived in the Gables many years with our family. I'm a North Carolina girl. Came down on vacation and met my husband. I love Coral Gables. Our baby was born here. Our our last baby. We just found our home. This was it. Coral Gables was wonderful. A wonderful city. When I came in as garden club president, we wanted to do a lot of stuff for the city and that got a lot of attention. A lot of people wanted to join us. Garden Club people are wonderful people. They want to make things beautiful and that's what the garden club did. Uh we beautified the city as much as we could. We added the arches in front of Miracle Mile. Garden Clubers did that because we we needed an entrance. We put the fountains on each side of Miracle Mile. We put those there and made a difference. Made a difference in the entrance to Miracle Mile. So, we put two other entrances, 8th Street also, so people would know they were coming into the city. And you know what? You can tell the difference when you come into Coral Gables. The statue of George Merrick in front of city hall was very important. He made Coral Gables in the beginning. The statue of George Merrick had to be put up. So, our garden club did it. We did it because he was important. And it was a full statue of George Merrick in front of city hall. My husband, Larry Adams.

Give it a few seconds. Impressive.

Mr. Clerk, how we doing? By the way, this is the video you're seeing is part of a program that we started here in the city of Coral Gables uh to get individuals in our community from all walks of life who have been involved in the city and we memorialized their life uh throughout this process. We've done how many madam madam ACM Martha how many have we done?

We will have a hundred obviously for our centennial by the end of the month. So Martha and her team, the manager and his team deserve a lot of credit. These are really beautiful uh beautiful videos that again the commission was you know has a video there but a lot of active members in our community have been engaged in this. It's beautiful just a way to remember what they were involved in the city. Mayor, I'd like to see this video. That's why I'm trying to buy time, so I

I know. Yeah. Let me let me see if I can help you buy by buy some time. I mean, I became a member of the Coal Gables Garden Club. Um, I hadn't been there for as many years. Um, your parents actually beat my husband and I. We got married after, you know, less than a year, but three months. That's impressive. Um, and the the marriage is, you know, you know, when you meet the right person. But what I really want to say is uh she was such a leader that provided an amazing impact and that's the best that we can all of us hope to do is leave an impact in a positive fashion somewhere in our community. Um the Betsy Adams Park a substantial amount of the money that went into that and a lot of people don't know that came from from uh from Betsy. So it's an amazing little park. It preserves a little jewel in our community. Um the amount of work that the garden club does, it shows what a group of very determined individuals can do when you set your mind to it because it, you know, beyond entrances which is amazing impact on our city. You know, they also preserve a a significant amount of green space. U the butterfly gardens, the microforest project that's going on right now, they're part of that. um the Camp Mahachi preservation, they were part of that and you know they weren't the only part of it but they were you know we work together and I think it's an great goal for all of us to have to have an impact on our community. So thank you for all you do. Um I think she lit up when she talked about Coral Gables. Um she would just change. She loved this city so much and I think it lives on through the the two of you and through your family and and the legacy that she leaves to our city of Coral Gables. I had the honor of meeting her a few times. Uh and like the mayor said, tail end of of her life um would have

probably benefited from meeting her earlier uh in life and and just taking some of that passion that she had for this city uh and trying to to move it forward. Uh, but I think it's uh it's our duty now to continue to to push that legacy of Betsy Adams and Larry Adams uh here in the city of Coral Gables and ensure that that vision that that they shared for our city of elevating it u to to what it is today uh and continuing to elevate it uh like she talked about in the videos all the work that was done uh through the garden club. She spearheaded those efforts and um as a member of the garden club, I think it's it's on all of us now to to continue that legacy and continue to work on that. So, I think the video is back.

Mr. Clerk, how we doing? Yep. We're ready to hit play on hit play. Cable TV can go ahead and play the video.

He's he's very bright and he loved the Garden Club, too. He was right there with me everything that we did. So, here's my husband right behind me. And we did we did a lot, but it was fun. My gosh, we enjoyed it. We enjoyed it. I was totally shocked. I I didn't ask for that park. But they did name a park after me. I was there for the dedication. It was just a wonderful thing that they named that after me. I I just was part of loving Carl Gables. But garden club work is wonderful. We have a wonderful time and it's a very nice big group right now. And Mrs. Merrick started it. She was a member of the first garden club in Carl Gables. Mrs. Merrick was It started a long time ago, but we kept it up and we did a lot. We had a lot of projects going, doing everything we could for the city. I don't know if we didn't have the Garden Club, it would be a different place as far as I'm concerned.

Beautiful video. Uh, thank you, Mr. Clerk. I'd like to maybe we can take a picture. Thank you. We use We use up. Item A2, a presentation or a proclamation declaring October 14th, 2025 as Junior League of Miami Day in Coral Gables.

Thank you, Mayor.

So, I'm wearing my red today for Junior League. some another amazing um group that helps a lot of young women learn to lead and is a great stepping stone and some of us join a little later in life like I did uh to be able to work with a group and accomplish some great goals. So uh with that I'll read the proclamation. Um whereas the Junior League of Miami celebrates its centennial anniversary June 2025 through May 2026 marking 100 years of dedicated service to South Florida community. And whereas the Junior League of Miami has proudly maintained its headquarters in the beautiful beautiful city of Coral Gables, contributing to our community's rich fabric of civic engagement and volunteerism. And whereas for a century, the Junior League of Miami has been committed to advancing women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training with a purpose that is exclusively educational and charitable. And whereas the organization's vision is to empower Miami's women, children, and families to conquer tomorrow's challenges and to build a united community. And whereas the Junior League of Miami currently focuses its efforts on reducing food insecurity for women and children at risk, addressing one of the community's most pressing needs. Whereas, the Junior League of Miami welcomes all women who value their mission and is com and uh is committed to the inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities, reaching out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest and commitment to volunteerism. And whereas throughout its remarkable

100-year history, the organization has trained thousands of women in leadership skills, empowering them become civic leaders and active participants in community improvement. And whereas this centennial celebration represents not only a milestone achievement, but is also a testament to the enduring power of women working together to create positive change in our community. And whereas the Junior League of Miami celebrates this historic centennial milestone, their legacy of service exemplifies the spirit of community engagement that makes Coral Gables in greater Miami area a better place to live, work, and raise families. Now therefore, I Vince Lago as the mayor of the city of Coral Gables and on behalf of the city commission do hereby proclaim October 14th, 2025 is Junior League of Miami day in Coral Gables. So, I want to add that um the little uh precious building that's on Builtmore Way that many of us have just driven by and not noticed is a historic building in our city and it is the headquarters for the Junior League and they have done an amazing job of preserving it. Um I I think I was already living in this city for 30 years before I even realized that that's what that building was. So, no further ado,

mayor.

Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor. You know, again, it's a it's a privilege to have the ladies from the Junior League here. I've had the pleasure of serving on the board. Uh, and it was an amazing experience. I served with Mark Trobridge, the late Mark Trobridge, and it was a great experience. You know, we can't thank you enough for what you do for the community. Again, just like the Garden Club, another example of selfless, constant giving by an organization that has really elevated the quality of life here in the city, Coral Gables. And we really can't thank you enough for that. Um, I learned a lot about the Junior League serving on the board, on the advisory board, and it was an amazing experience, and I hope you'll have me back on the board one day. Uh, they do amazing things. You should get to you should get to get a better understanding of what they do on this board, and as a father of two young girls, these are the type of women, these are the type of women that are leading our community. You're setting an amazing example for all of us, not just women. Um, before we hear from the Junior League, I'd like to run the video if possible. [Music] So, my name is Ava Habib and I am originally from Coral Gables. I moved to Coral Gables when I was 3 years old. I got involved with the Junior League of Miami because I wanted an opportunity to volunteer in various parts of Miami um with an organization where I knew I could just show up and be put to work. And since then, I've held a variety of positions. I've served on the board. Um, I currently have the honor of being the 99th president of the Junior League of Miami. Junior League of Miami is an organization of women and our mission is to advance women's leadership through community impact and collaboration. It was founded in 1901 by Mary Haramman. She realized at the turn of the century in New York City that there were a lot of um very poor people in need uh living just blocks from her. a lot of them were immigrants to America. As it grew, it it left the city of New York and it went all over the world now. So, that was the

first Junior League. Uh the Junior League of Miami was originally started in the city of Miami. Um our first ever fundraiser was actually held at the Coral Gables uh country club. Um it was a kind of a ball put on to raise money for a dental clinic for children in 1926. So, we have a very strong connection to the city of Coral Gables as well. So, a lot of our members are Coral Gables residents. There's a few who I think are very prominent Coral Gables residents, so I'll mention them. Um, Arva Moore Parks. I feel like anyone in Coral Gables would know who she was. She was very involved in the restoration efforts with our headquarters building. Another member who I think really most Coral Gables residents would know is Janette Slesnik, who sadly passed away. Some other familiar names are Rhonda Anderson, um, our current uh, city of Coral Gable's commissioner and vice mayor. We also have a lot of members who are just you know citizens of Coral Gables like uh Jill Hornick who um you know one of the owners of J Stewers. Our headquarters building um has led many lives but it's really it doesn't get more Coral Gables than that building. It is a Venetian palace was built from a George Frink design. It was also built in 1925 so right around the same time as the city. Lots going on. Um, our members in the 90s were very involved in renovation and restoration projects. So, that was one of the projects that we did. We we have lovingly restored that building. It's about 100 years old. So, we love it. We're very proud of it. It is uh kind of incredible when we look every month at how many hours we've spent working for a nonprofit and making sure that things um happen behind the scenes. It's pretty um impressive um how much woman power there is behind, you know, um our relatively small nonprofit. I can't imagine what I would have done with my, you know, my life if I hadn't had this.

Thank you. Beautiful. Good morning. Thank you for being here with us.

Good morning. Thank you so much. Um my name is Michelle Vidal and I'm the uh current president for our centennial year for Junior League of Miami. Um, I'm so happy to be here because Coral Gables has played such a huge role in the Junior League of Miami. Uh, like they shared the headquarters was here. Um, I was just told the story of how we chose the location of our headquarters. And it was that our board opened up our membership and opened up a phone book and a map and put on pins of where everybody lived and where everybody could congregate easily and the heart was Coral Gables. Uh we do so much work here and a lot of our members are residents here. Even our uh deputy city attorney over there, Stephanie Thmorton, is a member of Junior League of Miami and as vice mayor Anderson shared, she is as well. Um and one of my closest friends, uh Cecilia Slesnik, um who is a proud Coral Gables uh resident here. Um but thank you so much for all of your support and we are excited to spend another 100 years in Coral Gables and do great work with Miami Day County. So, thank you so much.

My name is Cecilia Slesnik and I'm the proud 90 something president of Junior League. You lose track. Um, but it's been an honor to have so many of you at our events over the years and so many of our, as Michelle mentioned, so many of our members are residents of the city. But I remember coming back to Coral Gables after college and one of the first things that Janette Selig said to me was, "You have to join Junior League." Well, you just have to join Junior League. And um I joined another club by mistake, but then I found my way to Junior League. That's a funny story I'll tell any of you any day. But um I adore the league and the work that we do I find is so impactful in our city and for the greater good. And the fact that I think that Michelle and I have daughters that see the work and the way that we pour back into giving to those who um are not as fortunate as we are, I think is an important message and part of what makes Coral Gables as vibrant and as diverse and as thoughtful as it is. as a community as a whole is because of the work that its residents that do and getting involved in organiza in organizations like Junior League is a true testament to that. So, thank you so much for this honor this morning.

Thank you, Anyone from the commission? Uh I want to thank you again. Uh the work that you're doing is amazing, you know, giving huge dividends here in the city. It's very rewarding uh for everyone who's involved. And again, like I said before, you're setting a huge example for individuals like myself. Uh my two daughters, when they talk about leadership, I always bring up the Junior League as a prime example. This is where you learn. This is where you see women coming together uh in collaboration, in building themselves up in an effort to be tomorrow's leaders. So, I want to congratulate you for for all the work that you're doing, all the different projects that you're involved in. It really makes uh it really makes Coral Gables what it is and especially having you two blocks away from city hall. Again, it's another benefit for the city beautiful. So, thank you. God bless all of you. Let's take a photo. What's that?

Item A3, presentation or proclamation declaring October 15, 2025 as Mner Studio Day in Coral Gables.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, this is one of the first companies uh in the city of Coral Gables and I'm honored to read this proclamation. Uh whereas Mner Studio is celebrating the incredible milestone of a 100red years in business in the city of Coral Gables, having been established in October of 1925 on Biscane Boulevard and having been the first tenants of 321 Miracle Mile. And whereas Mner Studios has seen three generations of small business ownership. First owned by Mr. Harry Murray and Mrs. Flora Murray, later by their son John C. Murray, and currently by Mrs. Mararyannne Murray Hull, Harry and Flora's granddaughter and John's daughter. And whereas Mner Studio was a popular institution for studio photography during World War II in the 1940s when the US military started a base in Miami. And whereas the studio has been covering weddings and specializing in portraits and oil painting since 1965, having photographed former Coral Gables mayors and officials as well as former chiefs of Coral Gable's police, Jackson hospital chiefs of surgery, Dade Bar presidents, socialites, and most notably former President Ronald Reagan and former city commissioner Bill Kurdike senior. And whereas Mrs. Maryanne Hull and her father, Mr. John C. Murray worked together for over 30 years specializing in head shot notably for the first woman president of the Florida Bar, Patricia Sates, and are a prominent portrait photography studio in the city. Now therefore, we the city commission do hereby proclaim October 15, 2025 as Mner Studio Day in Coral Gables. Congratulations. [Applause]

Good morning. Good morning. Thank you for being here. It's a privilege and an honor to have you. 100 years. And by the way, I'm I'm not on that list, but I also had the privilege of taking my photos there. And it's uh again, it's it's beautiful to see a 100red years of business. That really warms my heart. So, welcome to the city and congratulations.

Thank you so much. It's such an honor and a privilege and I am truly humbled to be here. And I stand on the backs of, you know, my my grandfather and my father before me and they this is really for them, you know, to honor them and their the legacy they left. So, and I'm just humbled to be among so many giants today also being honored and this meeting specifically. And um thank you. It's we'll just keep on trucking. They stay. So, if anybody has an opportunity or needs to get a head shot or wants to take a family photo or photo for a special occasion, this is the place to be. Literally two minutes away from city hall, it's amazing. And uh again, it's we want to support your business after 100 years.

So, that speaks volumes not only about your business, but as the city of Coral Gables that this is the great this is the right place to open a business and stay open for 100 years. That's right. Yes. Yes. It has been um just phenomenal to be uh in Coral Gables for so many years and they were the first tenants in their building on Miracle Mile. So it's like wow Miracle Mile is um less than 100 years old when they made made it official the actual street. But um we're just so so honored to uh to be still still kicking. So thank you so much,

Madam Vice Mayor. So, you know, I had the um I don't I don't know if there's anybody in here that hasn't had their photo taken there, but um I mean, you you all photographed my children when they were still in diapers, passport photos, um head shot now in the commission. Uh just it's just a wonderful place and it shows what a small tiny little business how much impact they can make in our community. So, thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you. Let's take a photo.

Thank you. Thank you. [Music] Mr. manager. Uh with the commission support, I like I was just talking to Martha Panting. I'd like to take an opportunity to highlight this business. Not only highlight the Junior League, I think we should highlight these entities and these nonforprofits and these businesses that are celebrating 100 years and it's a big big deal. Uh think about, you know, being a a mom and pop, a small business, and being open for 100 years. This is not a Fortune 500 company. This is something that's in our backyard and and anything that we can do just to highlight this moment with a picture celebrating the proclamation. 100 years, interview them and put it in maybe our newsletter. Maybe we could do this over the next few months just highlighting. I don't think there's many businesses that have been around 100 years, but you know, the garden club, uh, obviously the the women's, you know, all these all these things are good opportunities to continue highlighting what makes the city special.

Yes, ma'am. Mr. Mr. Mayor, we actually um Martha's team did a great job of creating the uh the markers for the Centennial Homes. Maybe we can create something similar for the Centennial businesses as well that can be displayed at the businesses. I love the idea. Want to make a motion? I'll I'll move it. Second, clerk. All in favor? I I thank you. Um moving on to item A4, presentation or proclamation declaring October 2025 as Kiwani of Little Havana Month in Coral Gables. Mr. Mr. Mayor, just a a point of uh privilege.

Um I'm so very honored and I speak on behalf of the commission to have so many distinguished, jovial, serviceoriented gentlemen uh in our presence today. The Kiwanis are a singular force and they've done so much for the community over so many years. I I myself was president of my key club in Coral Gable Senior High School. So their reach is uh it's long and it is um impactful. So So with that, whereas the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana was founded 50 years ago in November by a group of 30 civic-minded young men committed to improving the lives of others and fostering community spirit. And whereas for the past five decades, the Kanis Club of Little Havana has made a lasting impact on South Florida through programs that provide opportunities, resources, and support to those in need. And whereas since 1999, the Kowanis of Little Havana have organized Carnival on the Mile, one of the city's most vibrant and longunning art and music festivals, transforming Miracle Mile into a pedestrian-friendly cultural experience, featuring hundreds of music performers, artists from around the world, artisan vendors, and small business owners. And whereas Danaval on the Mile boosts local economic activity by drawing over 150,000 attendees who support the city's restaurants, shops, and hotels, which is a part of the larger Gardavan Miami Festival, which contributes an estimated $40 million in annual economic impact across the greater Miami area. And whereas the organization is best known in Coral Gables for hosting Carnival the Mile, the club's work extends far beyond this event. including having awarded more than 500 college scholarships, providing back- to-school supplies and

toys for children in need, hosting a youth basketball league and summer camp among its many projects and events. And whereas many of the 175 Kwani's Club of Little Havana members are proud Coral Gables residents including past presidents Leslie Pantene, Willie Beno, Frank Pedes, Carlos Font, Pedro Menendez, Anis, and current President Thomas Falcon otherwise known as Tommy. Whereas the city of Coral Gables recognizes the Quanis Club of Little Havana's half ccentury of service and its continued dedication to strengthening community bonds and enriching the lives of residents. Now therefore, on behalf of the commission and on behalf of our mayor, we do hereby proclaim October 25 as Kiwanis of Little Havana month in Coral Gables. In observance thereof, I hereby urge all residents, businesses, and community members of the city beautiful to join in recognizing and celebrating the Kwanis Club of Little Havana for their unwavering dedication to service and community betterment. We encourage continued support of their charitable initiatives and community programs and urge our citizens to consider active participation in their volunteer efforts and service projects. May the Kuwanis Club of Little Havana continue to flourish and expand to their positive impact, serving as an inspiration for civic engagement and community spirit that strengthens the bonds within our greater Miami community. [Applause]

Mr. Kirk, can we watch the video? Yes, sir.

Thank you. Carnival NA has actually been in the city for we're going on our 27th year. The Carnival NA was the initially the idea of gentleman by the name of Juang Estee. May you rest in peace Lo Fernandez and Erste. They came up with the idea in 1998. We held an event in Miami Beach. The Kasan Club of Little Havana also is the one that puts together Kyio. So with the experience we had at Kyio, we we had an event on Miami Beach. It didn't work out. And so the beach ended up going with the food and wine festival. And then we ended up in Coral Gables with what initially was Sunday on the Mile. It was a one-day event in 1998. And so Sunday on the Mile began as a an exposition of music, food, and crafts. And then we held Sunday in the Mile up until about 2006. And in 2006, we transformed it to Carnival on the Mile. And at that point, it was a two-day event. And around 2007, we also had another event in Coral Gables, which is called Art in the Park and Pond Circle Park. That was the first Friday in the month from October through March. And basically what that was at that point in time was music and arts and crafts, no food, because we we didn't want to have a problem with with with with the merchants in the restaurants complaining that the people were eating at at the event. So we approached a few of the gallery owners and said, "Hey, can you help us develop this artist component for the event?" So we took what we were doing on those first Fridays and really transformed the event because we now have art, music, crafts, and food. Later on, we were off the mile for a year when they were doing the streetscape and we had it in on on Alhamra. And for us, it was great because it was a wider road. we had more space and we were willing to go back to Alhamra and some of those merchants and and restaurants that had fought us years before were like hey you guys got to come back because it it it's a very big

event for the for the for the city and it's a showcase event and you know it's just wonderful to see the families out there enjoying themselves. There was a gentleman by the name of Carlos Garcia who was very involved in the city of Corables and with the chamber of commerce but was also a member of the Kiwanis club. together we decided to proceed with the artist component with going to two days and you know I just wish he was here to see this and we thought we we had something special with the city of Coral Gables and you know the Kiwanis we always think big so it doesn't surprise us that it is where where it's at today please join [Applause]

so just very briefly So, we've had an amazing morning honoring incredible organizations like the one we're honoring right now, uh, who have truly dedicated themselves to giving back selflessly. Um, I was looking at this book and it's amazing to see the amount of individuals that are that are that are responsible for what the Kiwan exists, how this community has been shaped. uh you know obviously Leslie Willie you know so many people here that have just been engaged as I was skimming through the book but Carlos Garcia was a great man you know an amazing amazing individual uh friend um when I think about him I get emotional because he was just so involved in the city he was one of the first people that that I met I remember I was introduced to him by a dear friend not only a brilliant uh individual in regards to business but just a person who always gave back battled his entire the end of his with horrible disease. Um, but it was always about giving back. Always about giving back. And I think that embodies and is very emblematic of what the Kiwani is all about, just like the Junior League, just like the Garden Club. So today, it's uh, you know, there's been a convergence of entities that have, again, it's all about selfless giving back and they're all tied even if their name says Miami on it. You know, if it's the Junior League of Miami, if it's Kiwanis of Little Havana, at the end of the day, there's a reason why they're in the city of Coral Gables. There's a reason why their headquarters are here. There's a reason why they do events. Uh, and and we're honored, we're blessed, uh, to have the Kiwanis as part of the city of Coral Gables. I wanted to ask you a quick question. I don't know if you have a number, but over the 50 years span, how much has the Kiwanis raised for this community that you think? Because you're involved in you're involved in everything. I mean from schools to uh you know giving back at every philanthropic level. Can you have you ever thought about putting a number to that? How many member look at all the look at all the members that you have here today that are so proud to be part of the Kiwani. Uh is that something that

you guys have ever thought about putting a number on? I know that we have 500 we have given 560 scholarships including 40 at the at this moment that are active and 14 that we awarded this year. So we've put around 6,000 kids through a free summer camp. We've given about 300,000 backpacks at the beginning of school year with supplies to children. Um, and during Christmas time we've given over 150,000 gifts to needy families. That's amazing. It's amazing. Congratulations.

It's an honor and a privilege. And on behalf of the membership, myself and the board of directors, I thank the city for the support throughout the the years. By the way, mayor, your family had something to do with Kijuana Little Havana. when your family owned the uh central many of our meetings were there over the best dyer in Miami.

Thank you my friend. Thank you. Uh again just another example if I may of a Coral Gables resident giving back. Leslie Bontine uh your family and we're also blessed to have uh Miriam Ramos's husband who's here with us our past uh city attorney. Uh there's a litany I wish you could pan over and just show all the Kiwani members who are here very proud. Very proud to spend their Tuesday morning here with us in recognition of 50 years. All of them have to be at work. They have other obligations, but they're here to be recognized for their 50 years of service. Um thank you very much uh for your dedication. We're so proud to have you uh here in the city. Beautiful. Uh this is a celebration of who we are here in Miami in Coral Gable. Celebration of our culture. Uh what Miami is today. Miami today because again it's a melting pot of our community and what you've done again is is incredible for this for the city and for this for this community. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else [Applause]

just briefly is very difficult to add to what everyone has said so far but I think it's important to recognize and mayor you you made this point earlier with respect to the other other organizations that we've uh recognized and we've celebrated today. This organization is made up of some of if almost without exception some of the most successful businessmen and hardworking individuals that you'll ever meet anywhere. And yet through their membership of uh the Kanis of Little Havana, they they they are humble men. They they leave that behind because they are seeking the betterment of those in need on a very large scale. as they said, as as as Tommy said, right? You you dream big when you're in the Kavanis. So, I'm very proud of all of you and we're very honored that you're here to receive this proclamation today and thank you very much for putting this book together. This is [Applause] just to put into context if you ever if you have an opportunity, this is the first time I witnessed this book. Um it's amazing. If you get a chance to take a look at it, I highly recommend that people order and support the Kiwanis if you have it for sale or we're giving it away depending on how you can get this. But it it talks about, you know, who's been involved with the Kiwanis, who has been the president, what organizations have they helped, you know, how has the how has this organization evolved over the years? And it's just beautiful to see like all the kings and queens of the Carnival Miami. It really it really kind of reminds you of how is why is Miami what it is today? And Miami is today again because of our community, because of entities like the Kiwanis who have really dedicated themselves and invested of their time in making sure that we continue to grow in a positive way and we invest in tomorrow's leaders and tomorrow's individuals. So congratulations on putting something like this together is beautiful and thank you for giving it to us.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you. Let's take a photo. [Applause] You want every president? I understand. [Music] 50 years. [Music] Thank you.

Congratulations. [Music]

Place is emptying out. Okay, moving on to item A5, a presentation or proclamation declaring October 2025 as disability acceptance month in Coral Gables. And we're also going to run H1 also, Mr. Clerk. Okay.

Are we going to run H1 or do the Okay. I5, A5, and H. Okay. So, is this on? Good morning, sir. Thank you for being here with us. Thank you for having us. Morning, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners. Um, so today we have two items for you. We're combining them together. It's for the the recognition of the disability um recognition. So, I think there's a proclamation, there's a video we'd like to play, and then I have our two board members that also have some remarks. We'll run the video first. Mr. SK TV have the video readyclamation.

All right, let's read the proclamation. Oh, we have the video. The video is ready.

Thank you. Well, in a nutshell, the the board advises the decision makers of the city who are the commission. Quite a bit is accessibility. That is in fact how the board started years ago back in 1969. How do you get into places if you're in a wheelchair and there's a step? How do you get in and out? And the city of Coral Gables had already enacted a disability ordinance statute back in the 1970s. say and so for 20 years before the ADA came about the city was already doing that technology on the cell phone you can download an app it's called ERA the ERA app is a 247 interpretive service for persons who are blind or have low vision in addition that service is now going to be expanded to deaf or heart of hearing you can use this service in Coral Gables and Coral Gables provides free access the city of Coral Gable's Fourth of July celebration at the boatwarm. There isn't a finer Fourth of July celebration anywhere, I don't think. But you know, not everyone can handle the noise, the crowd. They need a more sensory friendly environment. So here in Coral Gables, we provide sensory friendly events such as Halloween. Miracle Theater does sensory productions. Autism had a big influence on the programs and Crystal Academy is here in Coral Gables and has been for many many many years. I remember David Pike and his wife Mary Pelio Pike told us about the school when autism was still kind of a new word for us and a wonderful example of our police department. there has been developed the wallet card program and it's used by a person with a developmental disability

in dealing with law enforcement and so this communication tool with training has opened up the lines of communication in a most most constructive positive way independence group and Debbie Deets and our police department they've made great strides the leadership of Coral Gables has been invaluable in this disability evolution and that's what I would call it from figuring out what could be done to meet the needs to now moving into enhancing their quality of life. Not only for persons with disabilities and their families, but you know what? Those kinds of things are universal for all of us.

So, so I'll continue with the proclamation.

Thank you. This one in particular, this one in particular is very close to my heart because it's not something I speak about often, but I spent most of I would say mo a lot of my life over 12 years treating children and young adults with disabilities. Not only that, I was a lot in group homes and advocating and taking them to interviews to improve their quality of life. So my passion for um for this is my passion for humanity is beyond words. So um besides the fact that my daughter was just diagnosed with a disability. Whereas National Disability Employment Awareness Month, originally enacted by Congress in 1945, is recognized in October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America's workplace and economy. And whereas the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month for 2025 is celebrating value and talent. to recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add our workplaces and economy and highlights their achievements both past and present. And whereas the city of Coral Gables embraces the diversity, culture, and contributions of individuals with disabilities in employment and in aspects of city life and strives to continue to improve the lives of people with disabilities by adopting legislation and implementing policies that enhance accessibility, inclusion, and equity. And whereas the city of Coral Gables reaffirms this commitment to become an inclusive, equitable and accessible city and a model for all other inemployment in all aspects of city life. And whereas the city together with the Coral Gables Advisory Board of Disability Affairs urges our residents to join them in the annual nationwide campaign to recognize the needs and rights of all individuals in employment

and in all aspects of city life. Therefore, now Vince Lago as mayor of the city of Coral Gables and on behalf of the city commission and its citizens expand his commitment to raising awareness and acceptance of individuals with disabilities beyond the area of employment to all aspects of city life. Do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 disability awareness month in Coral Gables.

Thank you. [Applause] So each year the city of Coral Gables with the support of disability affairs board selects an individual or an organization that has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of people with disabilities to receive this proclamation declaring October as disability disability uh acceptance months in our city. So this year we'd like to recognize Eddie Martinez to receive our proclamation. Eddie's the ex official of the board and he represents the Chamber of Commerce. Eddie's a Coral Gables business owner and the founder of the summer of success program. So, the summer of success program helps prepare and empower young adults with autism and learning difficulties as they enter the workforce and beyond. This two-week summer of success program offers participants job training skills and uh field trips where they explore businesses and corporations to kind of open their doors and uh expose them to to work and and getting into the the work field. So the city of Coral Gables along with several businesses have participated in the summer program. So there were playing some pictures. These are the pictures when they actually came and and did a trip to the public safety building. So, we've participated in this program. There's several businesses in the community that also participate. So, we want to call up Eddie, have him recognize. He's going to receive the proclamation. I also have our board member Justine um that's going to also make some remarks. So, if you guys could please join me to receive this proclamation. [Applause] Thank you all very much for this. Um, I launched Summer Success in 2023 to help my son Maxwell and other ch kids like him, neurode divergent young adults explore career options. Um, this the incredible support of Dr. Gigi at the Raise Me Up Foundation. She he's Maxwell's former principal and she was incredibly supportive to help us get

this off the ground. Um, many of our tours since then have taken place here in Coral Gables, including Mila Marcus, Artorii, Maave, of course, Bliss Imprints, and Maxwell's favorite, the Coral Gables Police and Fire Rescue Building, where he um explained to Chief Hudach about his police training on Grand Theft Auto. Last year, I was looking uh to expand the program and I reached out to Mark Trobridge uh the with the chamber support, we were able to expand the program. Um, when I shared this with him, he immediately asked me to serve on behalf of the chamber on the Coral Gables Advisory Board in Disability Affairs. I was honestly honored because I understood that he understood what I wanted to do and that I was actually doing this, but I had no idea what the board was. But I said yes because of course it's Mark and he honoring me with this for sure. Um, thanks to him, I'm thrilled to serve along Justine Jose uh Raquel who's no longer on the board, but she was amazing and integral and Marty from Crystal Academy. Um, and it's been a great honor to be there. um uh whether it's through summer success uh the gables initiative um raising funds for the chamber foundation or our newest project art with heart creating art with Chris the students from Crystal Academy to exhibit during art basil my incredible wife Marilyn uh we throw ourselves into everything that we do and um it's not just to be to help the community but to also feel part of it um so thank you all very much for this amazing proclamation and I proudly share it with Marilyn and Maxwell and family. Um, as we're grateful to be part of the city beautiful. Thank you.

I just wanted to say a few words. I was going to introduce Eddie, but Jose did such a fabulous job. So, I'm just going to tell you that I'm thrilled to be here and um as now the chairwoman of the disability affairs board, um we do a lot of really great work on the board and we work really really hard and I want to thank each and every one of you for uh appointing people who truly represent people with disabilities, all aspects of disability, whether it's mobility challenges such as myself, whether it's autism, whether it's someone with vision uh issues which um Commissioner Lada just appointed uh to our our our board and um we're just so grateful for that and we're especially grateful to have Eddie on the board who has such a wonderful voice and is so enthusiastic and we're thrilled to present him with this proclamation uh today and so excited that his beautiful family is here as well. So, thank you all so very much. So I I just want to thank each and every one of you for the energy and effort that you put into this. You have busy lives. You all have businesses you work at. I know you work for you know in a law firm pursuing uh you know the removing barriers. I did that for a number of years as well. Um and you brought Eddie and your family and your business. Bliss uh was it Bliss Prince

uh another Coral Gables business right on on Coral Way. Um I had the opportunity to walk with a lot of individuals through buildings and got to understand you know what they call the barriers to access the limitations on mobility the difficulties. Um my sister had a stroke at a very young age. Dramatic dramatic impact on her life. Never, you know, came back completely. Uh lost a lot of mobility skills, you know, and it goes on, you know, I got two people on my block that have Parkinson's. My husband's disabled now. But the work that you do help make the lives of those individuals so much better. And I learned something from uh one of the individuals I used as an expert witness who also was in a wheelchair. And that is for the abledbodied people to understand. We have what's called tabs. Tabs are temporarily ambulatory bodies. The day will come that we're not able to navigate this world like we used to when we were younger. And I've had this conversation recently with some individuals in our community because it's not what the majority wants always. And I've had this conversation with business owners that I had to um persuade to make a place accessible. We need a the ADA was designed to represent those whose voices were not heard. and thank you all for helping those who voices who were not being heard.

Thank you for listening. Uh Vice Mayor, uh I know that I've come to you with some issues and I work with Disability Independence Group and we've we've had some thoughts about things that were going on and you were always so willing to listen and hear us and and and we truly appreciate that as as all of you are. We're we're we're so grateful. And um on the board, it's really important to have different perspectives. um not just uh parents of autistic children but also people who do use wheelchairs. I used a wheelchair for 10 years as you all know um when I was here before I told my story. Um and uh to bring those different perspectives to the table is so important because as you say we will all deal with this at some point whether it's ourselves, a family member um you know so it it's very important for all of us to um to have this perspective and um and we're so grateful for Eddie's uh input for sure on the board. I I just want to add to that that it is very true that the board has very diverse people and and I didn't know what it was we were getting into I was getting into, but I do have a viewpoint. I'm on Miracle Mile. I see things going on every day and it's just common little things that you wouldn't expect like little flags on carts that are running around. Some people might with vision impairment could bump into them and things like that, too.

So, small minor details that all of us together come up with um to make the whole place a little bit more inclusive for everyone. I can't tell you how many times I've said, "Oh, I didn't even think of that." Right. Okay. you brought that to the t I I didn't even consider that. So, these are important things to to to discuss and to bring to the table for all of us and um only if you've lived it can you truly speak to it. I think so. Um so, I think yeah, I'm so proud of of of the work that we're doing. I I truly am. It's great.

Well, I want to thank you both for your commitment. It's incredible work what you're doing and thank you for your example. people see a business owner like yourself really making this effort with your family and again it sets a standard and as we try to be as inclusive as possible this really began with Craig Lean Craig Lean as you're aware was our city our city attorney for many years and now he's in Washington and he has two children with autism and the work that he did here with the card center and all the other things that he did in regards to really pushing awareness acceptance, embrace, like embracing uh the community, uh has really elevated who we are as a city. And basically, we're the city that through your leadership, through your leadership, through uh Craig's leadership, the and all our staff has really shown other cities, you know, what is the benchmark, what we expect, what we need to do as a city to be to be the best that we can be to make sure that everybody is welcome in the city, not just what there's a new word today. Tabs. Tabs.

Tabs. Yeah, tabs. It's okay. I just learned there, but always learning from the vice mayor, which is a beautiful thing. Let's take a photo. Thank you. Mayor, we do have the resolution. Do you want to vote on that? Yes. So, we have resolution, which is um item H1. It's a resolution of the city commission declaring principles of inclusion for all individuals with disabilities and urging action by national, state, and local governments, businesses, and residential communities consistent with these principles. I'll move it. I'll second I thank you. Perfect. That was H1. Let's take a photo.

I have to stand here. That's yours, buddy. Thank you very much. Moving on to item A6, a presentation or a proclamation declaring October 25 as Italian American Heritage Month in Coral Gables. We have our friends from the Italian consulate here. Please join us. Please come up.

So sweet. I'd like to welcome you and uh you know I'm pretty embarrassed to say this is the first time that we are celebrating this momentous occasion and having you in our background like I've told you before is incredibly important to us as we continue to grow our consulate base. I always brag about having Italy here uh in the city beautiful. Not only did you have your consulate, but you also had a commercial commercial atache. You had a cultural

cultural venue which is amazing. Uh you really invested in the city beautiful to expand on the Italian brand. Not that everybody doesn't know the Italian brand at the end of the day. Uh you have Ferrari, you have the finest clothing, you have the finest wines. Again, Italy sells itself and that's why I love the fact that it's involved with the city beautiful and that you chose the city beautiful out of all the incredible destinations here in South Florida. You wanted to be here. So, I wanted to welcome you very quickly and if I may read this this proclamation, then we'd love to have uh our dear friend the consulate here speak a little bit about about Italian-American Heritage Month.

Thank you. Whereas Italian-American Heritage Month is celebrated across the United States in October and is deeply felt by the thriving Italian-American community in Coral Gables. And whereas the bond that our fellow citizens and Americans of Italian descent maintain with Italy's with Italy demonstrates that attachment to one's roots is a healthy sentiment that enriches our communities and our society and must be preserved and deserves to be passed on to future generations. And whereas Italian-Americans have made innumerable contributions to the cultural, economic, and civic fabric of the United States and the city of Coral Gables. And whereas Italian immigrants and their descendants have enriched our community through their dedication to family, faith, hard work, and entrepreneurship, embodying the embodying the true spirit of America of the American dream. And whereas the legacy of Italian-American achievements span every field of of endeavor including science, art, literature, music, architecture, cuisine, business, education, and public service. And whereas the city of Coral Gable celebrates its diverse heritage and recognize the importance of honoring the traditions, values, and contributions of all ethnic communities that call our city home. And whereas the recognition of Italian-American heritage month holds specific significance for the city city of Coral Gables as we are honored to be home of the consular general of Italy in Miami which serves as a vital bridge between Italy and our community fostering cultural exchange diplomatic relations and strengthening the bond between our nations. And now therefore, I Vince Lago, as the mayor of the city of Coral Gables, along with the members of our city commission, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as Italian American Heritage Month in the city beautiful. [Applause]

My dear friend, floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. Thank you so much for your words and uh thank you to the distinguished members of the city commission. It is truly an honor and a privilege to stand before you because you are giving us today an act of generous consideration and attention to the Italian community and the Italian-American community. So as a foreign government official, I'm deeply aware of the importance of this moment for us like institutions and community. I respect this moment of democracy so much that uh words fail me to describe my gratitude on behalf also of my government. The relationship really between the United States and Italy, between Florida and Italy is one of mutual and respectful enrichment and restitution. As you remarked, this deep relationship must be strengthened further and further because it is founded upon a shared heritage of values and principles that form part of our common identity and that form part of the fabric of our communities. The everlasting values of freedom, equality, individual rights, democracy, economic collaboration and market freedom. These are the values and principles that the relationship between the United States and Italy, between Florida and Italy has offered really as a beacon of hope to so many peoples around the world. This relationship of ours, this friendship of ours, I think it is fundamental also to international peace and security. Starting from living together in the beautiful city of Coral Gables, we know very well aware, we are very well aware

of the fact that Italians have been welcomed in Coral Gables. Italian-American community is an important part of the fabric of the Coral Gable society and we are grateful for that. We think that a better and better future stands ahead and we are so grateful to be able to contribute as a community as a diplomatic institution to the good of this beautiful community to the beautiful city of Corables. Thank you so much Mr. Mayor M. Vice Mayor members of the city commission. It is deeply an honor for us. Thank you. [Applause] Coral Gables. Um Coral Gables. Uh it's my attempt.

Beautiful. Fantastic.

Um I had the uh privilege of visiting your country uh earlier this year. uh and you never want to come back. Uh even though we live in the best city of the here in the United States, uh you you have a beautiful country and there's so much of Coral Gables uh that I can see in Italy uh and the influence that your Mediterranean region has had in our city beautiful. Uh we are honored to have uh your consulate here in our city beautiful uh and so many Italian-Americans. We are the we have the only Catholic parish in South Florida that offers a an Italian mass at the Church of the Little Flower. Uh which started when Father David uh moved over from Italy. Uh and he's serving here at our parish. Um so it is an honor to have you here. Um we are true partners. If there's anything we can ever do to help you or anybody from your country that's here visiting, uh we're here for you.

Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you, my friend. Let's take a photo together, please.

Yes. A7. Congratulations to Detective Casey Rivera, recipient of the City of Coral Gables Detective of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2025. Chief, good morning. Thank you for being here with us.

Morning, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners, uh, mayor, with your permission, I'll I'll award all three of them and then we can do one group. Beautiful afterwards. Thank you.

Good morning. Today it is my pleasure to present to you the detective of the quarter of the second quarter. Uh nominated was Detective Casey Rivera from our youth resource unit. On April 14th, 2025 uh in the afternoon, five juveniles entered a construction site here in Coral Gables in the zero in the 100 block of San Lorenzo Avenue. Uh while in the construction site, they took a forklift and another truck, began to joy ride in both uh and then left the area at approximately 08:00 at night or so. They left the forklift in the middle of the street and the car uh running and eastbound as the van approached the area. They decided to leave on foot. Uh a description was given out and Detective Rivera was able to identify the individuals as students that she had dealt with before at Pon Middle School. She was obtained a um she identified the individuals through her knowledge and work with the students. Subsequently, she arrested the five of the individuals and obtained a full confession from three of those individuals of their criminal activity or joy ride in this case, which is a felony in the state of Florida since it was a construction site. It was because of detective relent detective aa's relentless search for justice and compassion demonstrated for these juvenile offenders clearly demonstrated the delicate balance of handling juvenile offenders in the hopes of turning their future in the right direction. It was for this work and others that she had done that she was awarded the detective of the quarter for the second quarter of 2025. Uh good morning everybody. It's such an honor to receive this award today. I want to sincerely thank our chief for our leadership and our support to our mayor and our commissioners and for the award selection committee for recognizing the dedication behind our

work. To my unit, this award truly belongs to all of us. The impact we make in our schools, the relationships we build with students and staff, and the positive influence we strive for every day. That's what this represents. I'm proud to be part of a team that leads with heart and commitment, making a real difference in the lives of our youth and our community. Thank you for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to serve with pride and purpose. Thank you, [Applause] Mr. Mayor. With your permission, I'd like to bring forward Officer Melanie Elate. Sir,

on April 8th, 2025, the Miami Dade Schools Police contacted the City of Coral Gables Police Department to assist in locating a student with autism that ran away from Gables High and could not be located. The information that was received was that the juvenile student was non-verbal and could be in danger if left unsupervised. uh heavy rains at that time actually started the and the work which made the work search area very difficult making visibility uh even more difficult for the officers on the road due to the juvenile's condition it became coordinated effort among several police agencies many officers joining in the search used great intuition and headed to the direction of the juvenile's home which was located in the city of Miami's jurisdiction and she made as she made contact with the schoolboard police department as well as other members of the city of Miami Police Department. While she was driving toward about a block away from the residence, officer Alzate did make contact with the juvenile individual and stopped him from leaving the area. It was discovered that the student had walked from school to his residence in the heavy rain. The juvenile's mother advised that it was very surprising because he had a fear of the rain and does not normally do well in those situations. Because of her quick, intuitive action, the juvenile was able to safely be located, safely be returned to his family. And because of this, she was our officer of the month for April 2025. [Applause] Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, and commissioners. I appreciate you having me here today. I'd like to thank the youth resource unit for nominating me for officer of the month. I'm truly honored. On the day the juvenile was successfully located, Miami date schools police department, our CI, Why are you CST, and patrol units assisted?

Incidents like these are always a team effort. So, thank you. [Applause] And mayor, if I would, I'd have officer or detective Dashel Garcia come forward, please.

Morning.

On May 23rd, 2025, at approximately 11:55 at night, we were notified of a fatality crash at Madruga and US1. Detective, excuse me, Detective Garcia along with the rest of his team from the traffic homicide unit responded at that time. It was because of Detective Garcia's unbelievable coordination and thorough investigation and measured the photography of the scene that goes along with the written statements of the witnesses and been able to collect key evidence, including the broken parts of the subject vehicle. He also was able to retrieve video footage from the Shake Shack restaurant and was able to identify the in the car that was that was that had hit the motorcyclist. Uh after further investigation a few days later uh and with the help of the Miami Dade traffic homicide unit and the use of the ALPR system, the vehicle was located in the 2600 block of Northwest 27th Avenue. Through further investigation and interview techniques between himself and the rest of units on his team, uh, an individual was identified as the person who had reported his car stolen, which we knew was not true, and was able to put him at the scene. His interviewing techniques with the individual later on proved invaluable as the individual post Miranda confessed to being the individual that was involved and held accountable for this crime of the traffic fatality or responsibility. It was because of his actions in this case and many other actions that he was awarded officer of the month for May 2025. [Applause]

Good morning all. Um it is an honor to be nominated for this award. As a traffic homicide investigator, one of the most difficult things that we do is uh knocking on somebody's door in the middle of the night to notify them that their family member passed away. Um, so I'm just glad that um me as well as my unit as my unit uh we were able to put bring closure to the family. Um I want to thank my sergeant for nominating nominating me from for the award. I want to thank the chief and the and the rest of the command staff for being present and thank you all. [Applause]

Uh thank you chief and to the command staff for being here. I'd like to recognize the three of you for your hard work. Chief, if I may ask you, how many years have they been on on the uh on the beat or working for the city of Coral Gable? Collectively? Well, each one. Well, collectively, they still haven't been here as long as I have. So, I was going to get a point, but you

I was going to get a shot. Uh, Officer Dashelle eight of five. Like I said, not even close. So, the reason why I bring that up and uh obviously the chief steals my thunder, which is okay, is because this is the future of the department and you're seeing that your hard work is paying off. Uh we are incredibly grateful for your hard work and I want you to know that the commission stands behind you 110%. We stand by behind the police and the fire, but your hard work is what keeps us safe at night. It's why we can go to bed and not have to worry. We live in a community that backs the blue and at the end of the day believes in law and order and we will never under any circumstances. We will not compromise. We will give you the resources that you need to make sure you can do your job. We respect you and your family. We know the hard work that you do. We understand what your family goes through every night when you're working, when you're dealing with issues, for example, like you said, with a homicide or excuse me, a a catastrophic death or accident that happens when you're dealing with students. uh many of them are not from Coral Gables. Uh there's situations that happen. Uh but at the end of the day, uh your hard work is what what really sets the bar in regards to quality of life here in the city. Beautiful. And I want to thank you for that. And I want you to always remember that this commission stands with you. No matter what you hear, no matter what people say, this commission is unequivocally stands with its officers. Thank you for your service. Welld deserved. Very welld deserved. This is this is the least that we can do. So, thank you for your hard work. Thank you.

Thank you, mayor. Anyone else would like to take a picture? Take a picture. Thank you,

officer. We're going to fire. Welcome. Thank you.

[Music] I'm not the guy in front of the game. I don't want to miss this game. All right. Got to work on that scheduling, right? Approval of minutes B1. May I have a motion? Move it. Second. Second, Mr. Clerk. All in favor? I I. B2, regular commission meeting of September 10th. May I have a motion? Move it. Second, Mr. Clerk. All in favor? I.

B3. Second budget hearing of September 25th, 2025. I'll move it. I'll second. Mr. Clerk. All in favor? I. Thank you. Perfect. Uh public comment. Do we How many How many public comments do we have? Uh right now, Mr. Mayor, we have five. Okay. You know what? Let's take a Let's take a five minute break. Is that okay? Just we can use the bathroom really quickly. Thank you very much. Excellent idea. Thank you break for me.

All right, let's get back to work. All right, Mr. Clerk, public comment.

Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh, first speaker this morning, Mrs. Maria Cruz. Good morning. Mrs. Maria Cruz, 1447 Miller Road. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Watching yesterday's developments in the other side of the world. Seeing people that wouldn't even speak to each other come together and agree to do what it took to end the war made me think. Our city is not a big one. Our problems are certainly not as big. And yet we continue on a path that is not good for us. Some of you may be thinking wondering where I'm going with this. Some may be uh saying that the pot is calling the kettle back black. I propose that we all should put us our egos on the back burners. Stop talking about I, me. Let's make it we and us. We do not have to be friends, but we have to agree to disagree. Let's mean what we say. Tell the truth. Stop the innuendos and the rumors. Stop attacking each other. No more bullying. No more bringing back the past. put politics aside. Let's agree that we are all can be better, that we all want and should wish to work together and do what is best for our city. After all, our children are watching. Let's teach him by our actions, not by our words.

I really think the time is now, and I really think that we are able to do it if we wish to do it. and let's do it. Mr. Clerk, Michael Chennowith.

Good morning, sir. Thank you for being here with us. Mayor, commissioners, good morning. Thank you for an opportunity to speak to you this morning. Um, I'm here on to speak on items E3 and E4 regarding the uh multif family property that's at uh on Anastasia Avenue by the church. Um, my wife and I own uh 704 Camilo Avenue, 724 Camilllo Avenue, and 701 Alto Avenue, and those are all within just several blocks of of that property. Um, as far as the actual thing that is being requested, I don't have really a problem with it because it they're sensible kind of changes that have to be made in order to do something with the property. However, I would like the commission, please be aware as this process proceeds and we get into the design of this area that this the neighborhood there is characterized by houses with nice yards in the front and and the whole character of the area is dependent upon having significant setbacks from the street. Um, I I've looked at the buildings that are east of Siggoia on Anastasia and they're right up to the street and if that happens and starts moving west of Segoia, it could profoundly change the whole character of the area. The you all probably know that that little area is called the Golden Triangle. It's a very very nice area for residences and it's because of the way that the setbacks are

and the kind of green space that there is. If they move the buildings to the front of the lots, I suspect that those buildings would be much larger than than the existing apartments. And so the potential is that you lose the green space and put put the access from the back and that really changes the whole character of things. I just ask you to be aware of that as as you move forward in this whole process. Thank you very much. Thank you sir for being with us.

Mr. Tom Wells. I am Tom Wells and live at 1310 Corway. I spoken to you about false promises made by Lago Anderson and Lara L including to cut taxes in the mill rate. No. Have an independent search committee to find and negotiate the salary of the city manager. That lie is costing us about $150,000 per year. Resource civility to the commission? Not yet. Comply with the laws in our charter. Nope. That's why LAL's pack is actively distracting residents of past grievances and new lies. The pack sent an email on September 25th about Mayor Largo's commitment to ethics. Another false promise. Let me explain. If you could put that first page up. This is section 2-307 of our city code which provides that a political consultant means any person or entity that receives economic consideration in exchange for political consulting services to a candidate for elected office in the city. And D, a political consultant shall be prohibited from contracting with the city for a period commencing from the swearing in of such a newly elected official and shall end 24 months thereafter. This law was sponsored by Mayor Lago in 2021 and passed unanimously with Vice Mayor Anderson's vote to set an example of ethics and transparency in government. 2021 was also the year that commissioner moved back to Coral Gables after living in Westchester for the prior 18 years. Can you put up the next page? Nope. The other page. Go forward. That one. Perfect. Um, so here's the money that uh paid by Larara's campaign to Cabrera Consulting

Service LLC. Almost $16,000. Cabrera Consulting, aka Nicholas Cabrera, is a political consultant that cannot have a contract with the city during the 2-year period following Lara's swearing in. Next page. And here's a contract that Cabrera has with the city for the Heralda Plaza Rison market. It references a contract three times in that document. The city promotes the market so Cabrera can make even more money from the vendors. The city discounted Cabrera's fee by $2,500. The permit says he's going to have at least 500 people per event. However, they charge that wouldn't exceed $500 per event. Um, if you take that down, what is our city attorney doing about this? Our chief ethics officer, nothing. This is not about the market. This is about the city breaking the law on ethics and transparency to enrich a political consultant. You should be pursuing information as to how much money Cabra is making from these vendors. I am sure that the Miami date county commission on ethics and public trust will be concerned about the illegal and unethical conduct. I'll be filing a complaint this afternoon. You can do a lot better. Thank you. Madam Madam city attorney, um will you please clarify um what this gentleman falsely represented here today?

So, mayor, I'm not familiar with that particular those particular documents, but generally that prohibition applies to um doing business with the city. And what I believe what he showed was a special events permit application. So, the prohibition was not intended to apply to prohibit a campaign consultant from applying for a permit with the city such as a special event permit. So that's my general understanding of what he was discussing.

So what you've seen once again is an effort again this will be on a blog tomorrow or some effort like that to conflate the issue. I guess Mr. Walls will be launching his campaign for mayor for commissioner pretty soon. Uh but at the end of the day um our city attorney has been very clear that this is completely allowed. I wrote this legislation. I know very fondly what is allowed and what's not allowed. No one has broken the law. Uh but if I may, I just want to answer um Mr. Wells, who's a lawyer with his wife, represented a contractor that has a direct contract here with the city and openly lobbyed me and then Peter Gllesius, who was the manager in a in an office in Mr. Peter Gles's office for his client. Um, I don't know if he registered as a lobbyist or not, but at the end of the day, he was being paid as a as a lawyer or it was his wife being paid as a lawyer. Um but one form or another I was in that meeting discussing that vendor uh which has a contract with the city which was given a if I'm correct Mr. Manager a no bid contract. Is there a no bid contract that was given?

It was a a uh there was no TI payment. It was $1.3 million in TI that wasn't paid. It was $35. Yeah. So at the end of the day, you know, we have to be very careful the things that we say here. Uh you're talking about an individual who's not here. You're you're trying to tarnish his reputation. And at the end of the day, as the city attorney has just said very clearly, the law hasn't been broken. I wrote that legislation. So, Commissioner Lada, would you like to say a few words?

Yeah, I just want to say that several times, uh, Mr. Wells and others like Political Cortito and whatnot, they keep getting the acronym wrong. If they're going to refer L just isn't catchy, right? I think it was AL. I've heard it for a long time. So, it's all like, you know, all for one, that kind of thing. That's all I had to say about what he had to say. Moving on, Mr. Clerk. Uh, Pamela Pierce.

Good morning.

Good morning. It's still morning. Um, this is a very exciting day and I I'm um my family has been here since the 40s at 724 Camilo Avenue and I'm the spouse of Michael Chanow who uh uh you just met earlier. Um I'm I want to uh congratulate the um commission on uh several um new green space issues that have come up. one being the pocket park. Okay, very important. Snap up those empty lots. It turns out that um I was brought home say mucho anosad many years ago to uh 724 Camilo Avenue and and uh the family um we're the family of Pierce Park. Okay, which um is a the ultimate green space to be preserved for all these years over time. And so, um, the nearby pocket park to the Anastasia properties is Catalonia and Anderson. Okay. Um, I want to uh emphasize the importance of green space and we're concerned about the design. Um, yes, that's not what you're voting for and my husband explained it. what you're voting for today is reasonable, but the design of that looming same density but not the same um ambiance or anything is a just a few feet really from the sidewalk and to the west single family homes. Kitty corner single family homes. Even the pastor's house is a

single family home which is part of the um church um um block. They have the whole block there. Siggoia, Riviera, Cardina and then Anastasia.

Um so I'd like to bring that to um the attention of the board. The other thing is even the change to very beautiful town homes and the difference of the availability of student housing. We have the University of Miami nearby. They're always looking for, you know, something reasonable and and um in any of the additional city Miami, West Miami, it's um that would be lost. What's there um is undoubtedly reasonable. Yes, it has little air conditioner stuck in the wall, whatever, but we're going to something completely different. And that's also the um entrance, one of the major entrances to the um the gateway to our historic Builtmore Hotel. Okay. Um there are other um uh streets that lead there, but that's the official one off Leon Road. There's a Coral Gable sign there with a with a um um an arrow Builtmore Hotel. And then um over time

if you don't mind if we were running out of time if you don't mind please the um I like the duplex buffer along Siggoia and now we're going to a completely different Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you so much. Okay. Um before before we move on to the next I'd like to compliment uh this this nice lady who just came up. Uh I didn't catch her name. What was her name? Mr. Clerk. her name. Pamela Pierce. Pamela Pierce.

Pamela Miss Pearson. Uh your comments in regards to the green space. I think we should echo those sentiments over and over again. We've expanded our parks portfolio over the last 12 years immensely. Uh as you can see, and we're going to be bringing a few special a few special acquisitions in the next month that I think are going to be very uh very surprising to the community. And I know that people don't want me to use the word I. Uh but I've been working on this for over 10 years. and it's something that it's going to be the largest park to the city's history uh in the last probably 50 years that we've been able to acquire. Uh we're in the process of finalizing that now. We've been working on it for a long long long time. Uh and there's other opportunities. But the reason why I bring that up and I'm speaking about it is because I want to use this moment here. Hopefully people are listening. Um to welcome people like yourself who have real estate in the community. If you ever decide to sell any of your property, I'm not saying it's these properties in the future, and they're in a location that makes sense for the city because we're missing a park. We want to have a park within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance of the neighborhood, please consider calling the city and say, not talking about you. I'm sorry, anybody, anybody you know, uh because we're looking and it's very tough in the city. And I'll tell you why. Because when individuals sell their properties, people come in and snap them up really quickly. and the city gets themselves into like a bidding war and we want to try to find as areas as our director of parks will show you on where we're missing certain green spaces and we want to continue to acquire that in your neighborhood we already have a park but in other areas we don't. So it's just putting out the message out there that if you know that you're missing a park in your neighborhood and you're you know selling a property, you have excess property you want to sell, consider consider offering to the city first. We'll make you a fair and reasonable offer.

Yeah. Uh that's uh maybe we can put it on the ENUS. Yeah. You know, maybe that can be something that we can add if you're interested in selling your property. The the city is always considering spaces for for new green space. Not say we're buying because we may have a park in that area already, but for example, if you own a park next to a park, you own a property next to a park, maybe we can expand the park. Uh that's just two quick points. So, thank you for that. The mayor, real quick,

and just to add, there is an item on the agenda today. Yes. regarding environmental tdrs to preserve existing um tree canopied areas that exist in our city. I I so sad when I see something where we failed to get it in time to save it and this is an effort to try to save some some gems in our city uh before it gets to that stage. And one of these gems is in my neighborhood and we've been trying to get this property for a few years is a little over an acre and it has Pine Rockland and I'm very happy that the vice mayor has profered this legislation. It's a great idea. Mr. Clerk, Marlene Abbert. Good morning, Miss Ebert.

Good morning everyone. Uh my name is Marilyn Ever. I live at 6510 San Picanti Street. Um, I've been a resident of Coral Gables. I figured out this morning, sitting there for just about half my life. I'm surprised. Um, as you can see, I'm dressed all in white today uh for a purpose. Uh, I find that as um our days are getting shorter and daylight savings time is due to come to an end, I would like to start a campaign, wear white at night. Um, I am out often in the evenings. You know that I'm very active in downtown Coral Gables and at the cinema. And honestly, I think that everybody just has decided to wear black hoodies and black pants at night. And they're very, very hard to see. Uh, especially along North and South Greenway. Um, and I'm going slowly, but when I'm going down Lune to go home and I'm driving 30, 35 miles an hour and somebody's on a bike with no lights in black, you know, it puts the fear of God into me. So, I I've talked to the chief of police just briefly about um maybe we can somehow in uh the e-news or something just start a campaign just to people to wear white at night. And I would hope that when we have the farmers market this winter, we can actively hand out reflectors. Um because we're something bad is some bad things have happened already, but something terrible is going to happen. So

through the mayor. Yes, sir. So Marlin, I think that's a wonderful idea. It's a campaign that's worth backing. I know that during the uh farmers market uh period uh Coral Gable's crime watch uh does give out um very helpful reflectors for you know bikes. I I'd like to see maybe some reflective tape also be given out because people might prefer to put that on their walking shoes at night because um you know the anything to enhance the visibility at night is is certainly warranted and certainly the worst option is just to wear black. It's the same as just putting on an invisibility suit, you know, at night

and in for in the morning too. You know, I walked with a group for years in the morning and we had we had lights that we you know, hanging on our clothes. Um, so anyway, uh, I just think it's a good idea. I, you know, at the farmers market, you have to go up to Crime Watch and up to that table. I'd like to see people handing things out in the market. So, okay. Thank you very much for having me. I love it. Thank you for that idea, Mr. Clerk. That's it, Mr. Mayor. So, one last comment on that.

Is it good? not only at night but during the day being your stroy bikes during the day I've noticed that you're much more visible during the day to cars if you're at least have a white shirt on I have flashing lights in addition to but an effort to come back not injured I'll bring up the suggestions at the next crime watch meeting right FDOT also has a um a program where they're handing them out so we could have another source and a lot of the the content that we give way from crime watch comes from either the county or FDOT. So we can start looking into that. Okay. Uh consent agenda

before the vote adopting the consent agenda is taken. Is there anyone who wishes additional discussion or review of any item on the consent agenda? We'll make have a motion. I'll move it. I'll second. All in favor? I.

Thank you. Moving on to items E3 and E4 which are time certain 11 o'clock. Wow, we're on time. E3 is an ordinance of the city commission amending the future land use map of the city of Coral Gable's comprehensive plan pursuant to zoning code article 14 process section 14-213 comprehensive plan text and map amendments and small scale amendment procedures from religious or institutional to multif family low density for lots 15 161 17 and 18 block 33 Coral Gables built more section coral gables Florida providing for repealer provision severability clause and providing for an effective date E4 is an orance 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 special uses to multif family 3 for lots 15 16 17 and 18 block 33 coral gables but more section coral gables Florida including required conditions providing for a provision severability clause and providing for an effective date um mayor we would consolidate E3 and E4 for purposes of public hearing and this is a quasi judicial item so individuals who will be testifying should be sworn in

yes all those who will be testifying on this item please stand and raise your right hand do Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you'll provide today will be the truth and nothing but the truth? Thank you,

sir. Good morning.

Morning, Mr. Mayor, members of the commission. Joe Himenez, JMZ Group, addressed at 2020 Saledo Street here in Corables. Um, if I can ask TV to please put up the presentation. Thank you. The project that we're talking about this morning is what Miss Pierce and Mr. Chennowith came to speak to you about the the request. It's platted. This is four lots along Anastasia across from the Baptist church. In 1983, the properties were MF3 and they were reszoned once the church purchased them to to their current special use and and religious zone. Oddly enough, and I still haven't been able to figure out why, three of the lots were reszone. One of them is actually still MF3. So what we're asking for is to simply now that the church has sold the property to get rid of the designation that usually comes from that type of entity owning that property and revert it to MF3 and reflum it accordingly property highlighted here in red. the other property, the other purple property on that side is also owned by the church, but otherwise this entire block and the six corresponding blocks approaching Lun if you count that one building um are all MF3. As we all know from the city of Corables, there are pockets of multifamily surrounded by Yes.

So, if I may, I'm sorry to interrupt you. I'd like to understand that by the diagram that you're giving us is very clear very clear that obviously you have six blocks that are would you say 95% if not 100 almost 100% with the exception of the two properties that were at one point or currently owned by the church. Yes. And I apologize my eyesight is not that good. MF3 correct? Yes. Okay. Why do you think, and I know you I'm not asking you to have a crystal ball, but like why do you think those two properties were purple instead of orange? Because they were owned by the church and that's the only reason why.

So, let me ask you a question. Why why do you think there wasn't a unanimous vote on on the planning and zoning board? I actually did think about that. Um, this is the things I want to understand because the person who voted against this is an architect and it's a person who is a seasoned professional and understands that if you have seven blocks that are all MF3 and the only reason why the two properties that are excluded from that MF3 designation are because they're owned by the church and obviously when this area was zoned they took into consideration all the church's property. Why would they why would they vote against it?

I I can't speak to why my my partner actually realized something after the hearing when we were looking at old plat maps and before the youth center was there. Anastasia was actually a block south.

It was under where the church is now. when Riviera was created and un when new streets were created, I don't know if the city city um commission really liked the name Anastasia, but Anastasia as it was got eliminated and then they moved it because I had a I had a bear of a time actually finding it on a new it didn't make any sense to me with blocks and so I realized that after I can't speak to to what his reasons were, but given what he was saying that it used to be zoned single family, I'm assuming that that is the problem. This has never been single family since 1949, which is when these were built. And these are the properties that these are 1949 buildings. They're not historic. We have historic determination letters from the city. They are four unit buildings, two of them taking up four platted lots along Anastasia. They're like Miss Pierce said, they're those those windows are actually incredibly rusted. The air conditioning is the old style that just leaks down, you know, the old efficiency units that we've all seen and had at one point probably. Um, they take up the corner there and this is what's being proposed. This is not a site plan review. This is an given the size of the lot and everything else is an administrative site plan. But to show you what would be going on there, it's eight units replacing eight units. The and this is what I feel is important. Like I was saying before, if you I actually used to live right off the Granada Circle in the multifamily district across from Venetian Pool. The city was designed with multifamily pockets throughout surrounded by single family neighborhoods. They're not skyscraper zoning. It's MF3. So these are two and threetory town homes roughly the same size as what's there now. a few

feet more or less, but it's not a unique neighborhood with that respect because there's multifamily pockets throughout the single family neighborhoods in this city. As a matter of fact, immediately to the north is a row of town homes that was built I think it was about eight years ago. The product that has you see up here just off Lune all over all over the area and along Bill Morway. So, while I appreciate um I always appreciate Miss Jenn, Miss Pierce, they've come to every meeting. Um we've also sent out 2193 notices. Um and we've gotten support from the community. The only issue that we've had, I know there's an issue with the community and the school that's there. That's got nothing to do with us. This has absolutely no bearing on that. Um, and we've spoken to the association, to the head of the association, to the neighbors. We've had a town hall. We've had we went we were the very first project to ever go through conceptual review of planning and zoning. Um, and we've also had the planning and zoning board meeting. So, this is my fourth time um at at either a podium or hosting people in my office. We've haven't heard anything negative about the resoning and the refle. In fact, Mr. Chennowith said exactly what he said in this room at the planning board meeting. what they're asking for I got no problem with. That's fine. That's totally the right thing to do. His issue was site plan review, which I appreciate. That's just not where we are today. Um, and the massings, it's okay now that I can see it from the city's presentation. So, of all the things that's being asked here, the important highlights are reverting to MF3. We are not reszoning. It's the change of ownership. dictates a change of a change of zoning back to when it was owned privately. The density

asked for is exactly what's there today. It's 8 for eight. And the neighborhood completely is in line with what we're asking for if it were not for the other church property. 100% of the seven adjacent blocks would be the exact same zoning and the exact same form.

And if I may, I just want to highlight something I think should be critically important. It doesn't really matter. I think you mentioned it very well, Commissioner, uh before. it'll hit the blogs anyways. Um, but there's a there's some big text right there. It's called preliminary massings. This is not the design, the final design for the project. This has to go before BOA approval. This has to go before other, you know, this will be reviewed extensively to ensure that it complies with our standards here in the city. I don't people will call me did you see the did you see the project that again this is not a design review that we're doing today. This is just very preliminary.

Yeah. This to just give you an understanding of the scale of what would go there. Um the required setbacks. This would go through BOA and it would go through DRC. Y

um through through an exhaustive procedure even if it's administrative, but it's always it it's the same procedure as everything else. So yes, I appreciate Madame Vice Mayor. So, um I just want to touch upon a couple things because it's, you know, not far from where I live, walk and so forth. Um the existing conditions as those buildings were occupied as you had cars lined up on the swale. And so instead of green space there, you had a row of cars that you were looking at, which would now be uh brought into the back of the building as town homes are required to do. And um there's only one tree in the way which I understand you know you've talked to staff and you're and the developer is uh going to be moving that into the swale where there's some sickly trees. So actually the point of my comment here is the green space will improve. the green space will improve and these lots are for for the day are incredibly underdeveloped in in terms of what you can do and for what land costs and um and what you would normally put on there. As Mr. Chenn has said and I think Miss M Pierce said it as well, the reason it's up to the front, the town home product is because the town home product that has the parking in the front is not as attractive to the city and the city requires it in the back. So, it's not that the building is bigger because as you can see where the garages are and the driveway, that's all on private property. That's not an alley.

Um, as some can be because they have the benefit of an alley. This does not. That's the private property line. So, the grass and the parking that's there as well. Now, the grass isn't going to grow there anyway because you have some great mature trees that cast a lot of shade. So, I know there's talk of doing a beautifification of that street for parallel and something that is much a much nicer pedestrian experience than it is today because I've personally gone a couple times when it's raining and it's muddy. So, um sometimes asphalt actually improves the pedestrian experience, not the opposite. So, yes, there's only one tree up here on the northwest corner. It's not shown there because it blocks the driveway. We have an arburish report that says it is a good candidate for relocation and especially since the area to relocate it has been identified about 20 ft to the south where there is a sickly uh black olive. So that that specimen tree the goal is and everything indicates that it can be done is to simply move it. It's the there's an X you can see the X there in the northwest corner. It would just move to the south.

Okay. And obviously we're here to answer any questions. Look forward to staff's record. Thank you. Madam director, good morning.

Morning planning zone director. I could have the powerpoint please. Thank you. So, as you know, these are two map amendments. One to the comprehensive plan future land use map and the other one to our zoning map. As we know, the location is Anastasia and Cardenna on that south uh west corner of the block. This is an aerial showing the area. As was stated before, this area is mixed with multif family as well as single family. single family as you see in the next map mostly starts along the west side of Cardenna and the south side of Riviera Drive. The request is to change the religious institutional land use to be multifamily low density to be consistent with the remaining block and the multifamily um uses that are in the area and also the existing uh zoning is special use or S zoning and that would change to MF3 which would be again be consistent with the rest of the block as well as through the multif family um in this area. So, as he said, uh he was our guinea pig for our conceptual planning and zoning board review in August. Um the plan zoning board did review the the proposed uh land use and zoning changes uh last month and we're here for first reading. Um the applicant did mail out notices within 1500 ft of the property boundaries and that occurred four times for both the conceptual and the plans were meeting as well as neighborhood meeting and for today's meeting. um two times the property was posted, three times the website was posted as well as one newspaper advertisement. So staff has determined that this is consistent with the comprehensive plan goals, objective, and policies. It is

consistent with the area as far as land use of reverting it back to what it was before since before 1983, I believe. And that does recommend approval. It complies with the finance of fact, which is listed in your stock report. Um and the standards for approval um are satisfied. Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh, Mr. Clerk, do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right, we'll close the comment. I'll move it. So, we have two items. So, that would be on E3. The first item, um, amending the future land use map, right?

Yep. I have a couple of questions. Okay. Um, Mr. Um, we're talking about the lots north of where the church is currently located. We're not doing this is not change the current property where the church or the school are. Correct. All right. Uh, just to clarify that um I saw the notices were were sent out four different times. Has there been any community meeting uh to present this to residents? I just wanted to

the actually the notice was sent out five times because what's not there is not a notice for a hearing here. There was also a meeting in my office. Um I don't have the date handy, but they there were about five people to show up, including the the two leaders of that neighborhood association that is currently they're the ones leading the the issues with the church. So with the school. So yes, they came to the conceptual and they came to my office. They did not come to planning and they're not here today, but we have discussed it with them and I've emailed back and forth. Okay. Um, I guess the last thing this reverse to MF3. What is the maximum height you can build with MF3 at this location?

Okay. Just wanted Just wanted to get that on the record. All right. Thank you. Anything else? Yeah. Through the mayor. Yes. I I believe it's 45 ft, right? Yes. 45 ft and three stories. Can you tell me the exact difference of reverting if if it stays in the So, the big difference here is the use. So right now with the religious institutional land use, you can't have residential on the property, right? So it's reverting the land use back. So it's no longer be used for residential for the church purposes, but actual individuals can live there on the property. But what about in height? Is there any difference at all? No special use is 45 ft. So it's very similar height. Thank you. By the way, just a quick quick point. I drove by. What is it being used for right now?

Residential. Okay, good point. Thank you for that. Mr. Mayor, real quickly, commissioner. So 45 ft. Question to either of you. This plan is for a three-story building as proposed, right? Yes. Okay. So, well, I mean, and yes, that is the absolute intent. I the that's what'll be coming to DRC and the board of architects. We don't we were getting close to finishing and then somebody looked at it with a lot of power in the project and said I want to change it but from an architectural standpoint not from a massing standpoint or a layout standpoint which is why we couldn't run the tracks parallel which I usually like to do but we're still waiting on the finalized architectural plans for BOA. Thank you.

Mr. Clerk, we have a motion and a second. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. Who do we still second it? You did. I think. Commissioner Laura. Thank you. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Mayor Lago? Yes. Um, I'll have a motion on E4. I'll move it. I'll second. Mr. Cler, do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right. We'll close the public comment. May I have May I have a vote, please? Commissioner Castro, yes. Commissioner Fernandez, yes. Commissioner Lada, yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes, Mayor Log. Yes. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Moving on to E5. E5 is a norance of the city commission amending article 16 definition city of Corable's official zoning code by amending the definition of freeboard to modify minimum and maximum freeboard requirements within special flood hazard areas amending section 2-101 single family residential district subsection B height to incorporate required freeboard and flood plane management standards for residences and flood hazard areas and adding garage floor elevation standards that align with flood resistant construction requirements providing for repeated provision severability clause codification and providing for an effective date.

So, um, as you may know, Dr. Garcia, applian director, um, we do have a blanket allowance for freeboard. Freeboard is that space between the, um, finish, sorry, not finished floor, the the base flood elevation of a property, your grade, and where your first floor can start. So, we allow three feet maximum throughout the entire city, whether you're on Mahi Canal or whether you're along Kiscane, um, is the same. So what's proposed for you today is that if you are in a AE and ve flood zone which are the more vulnerable parts of our city for FEMA um you are allowed to have 5T maximum and that's mostly there's a map um contained in the the staff report that's mostly contained east of color

and that's it. That's it through through the mayor. Yes. Uh uh mayor commissioners the AE and B flood zones are are wave are wave zones. So what happens is you have a splash component when the wave hits it hits the wall. And so that's what the freeboard uh is there to to uh contain so it doesn't get to the to the finished floor. What this adds is an AE in V uh an AE zone and an additional 2 ft for for for building without encroaching on the overall height of the structure to to further protect uh these homes in that in that wave zone. Excellent. Um, Mr. Do you have any public comment?

No, Mr. Mayor. I entertain a motion. I'll move it. Second. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Mayor Logo? Yes. Thank you. Moving on to E6. E6 is an ordinance of the city commission providing for checks amendments to the city of Coral Gable's official zoning code article 5 architecture section 5-510 trust rafters to provide requirements for metal trustes providing for a repeater provision severability clause codification enforcability and effective date good morning again back day for you

um so right now um in our zoning code since I believe 1930 original building code our our city has required that any trusts throughout the entire city be 2x6. Now in 1930 they probably meant wood trusses. So right now we're clarifying it. So if you're a wood truss obviously you'd still had a 2x6 requirement. If you're doing a metal truss then we required to be hot rolled steel. So it's kind of just a clarification and um dividing up between wood and metal in our zoning code through through the mayor. Yes sir.

Uh mayor normally when you have a designation 2x 6, 2x4, 2x8 and so forth it refers to wood. It's under it's understood that that's a nominal wood size uh and uh and and it refers to to a wood product and so this further clarifies that I don't I don't see a an issue with the way it is now but this just further further clarifies that a 2x6 is a wood member as is a standard in the construction industry. Okay. Anything else? Um Mr. Cler, do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right. I entertain a motion. I'll move it. Second. Commissioner Lada. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez?

Yes. Mayor Lago? Yes. Coming back to E2. Mayor, can we just note for the record that E1 was deferred to the October 28th commission meeting? Thank you. for purposes of notice. Um, E E2 is an orance to the city commission amending city code chapter 2 administration article 3 boards commission committee section 2-83 citizen input addressing the city commission to add additional rules of decorum for public meetings providing for severability clause repealer provision codification and providing for an effective date.

Good morning mayor, vice mayor, commissioner Stephanie Throck Martin, deputy city attorney. There has been one small change as requested by the commission since first reading. um the addition of the following prohibition and a rule of decorum that the smoking of cigarettes or cigars and the use of nicotine dispensing devices as defined in Florida statutes or vapor generating electronic devices as defined in Florida statutes is prohibited in commission chambers or meeting rooms. Um there's also been the direction given regarding the cameras that was discussed at the last meeting which is included as well in the ordinance. Um, just for the record, I know it came up last time, the uh provisions and rules of decorum have existed in uh some form or another in our city code since 2006 is my understanding.

Yes. Um, just so my my colleagues are aware because I don't want them to be taken off guard on the next commission meeting, I've asked the manager um and I hope you'll support it that media should be located adjacent to the city attorney. Uh there's a desk, some chairs there available. It's been there before. I just want to avoid uh the constant chatter in the back in the back uh in the back of the room. Um, and I think it's important to keep the decorum here as much as possible within the commission chambers. Um, so that's something that I hope that you will will support. I think it makes sense. It provides a necessary infrastructure, table, chair, outlet um for for media and they can sit here adjacent to the commission just like multiple uh other municipalities have it in the same fashion.

I think it's a welcome change. I think uh in the past when when I was a Gable's insider, I tried to use that area for to to to sit and I was told it was closed off to the media. Uh but I think it definitely is a lot easier. Uh you have the access to the Wi-Fi, it's easier to connect. Um and it's probably a better location to to sit and watch the meeting.

And since you brought that up, I want to just give credit where credit is due. Um, I talked about bringing bringing the media forward and having them sit uh where our zoning director is sitting or adjacent where our legal team is right there in the front row. The manager brought it to my attention and I completely forgotten an oversight that that barrier was available and that we could use that area for media. And then we're going to put a sign there, a formal sign, something like this that says media, and they can sit there. We'll have two or three chairs. There's more than enough room for two or three people to sit there and I think it's a great opportunity. Commissioner Lada. Well, no, no. I think that both of you are making great points. And in fact, I recall that there are times when you actually have a more formal media appearance where they have cameras, where they have a boom mic and so forth. And it's kind of chaotic if you don't have a segregated already ascertained location. So, I think that that just makes sense for efficiency and and for the the better quality of whatever the media is trying to capture. Uh, I agree on on all those points.

Right. And u one of the biggest challenges for the mayor um was access to electricity. So this solves that problem too. Done. Uh Mr. I'm sorry. Did I you want to add something? Commissioner No, no. I think I Yeah, I think we're done on E2, right? Um Mr. Any public comment? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Okay. Uh Mr. Rip Holmes, thank you. Okay. So, um I didn't rehearse anything because um Sir, I I can you give your name?

My name is Jackson Rip Holmes. I live at 35 Sedonia Avenue here in Coral Gables. Um you're going to be voting on whether we have a dictatorship uh by the chair uh in Coral Gables. And I think it's oriented towards trying to uh rig the election uh in April which become a dictate to to make which is an effort to make uh a dictatorship of developers enshrined in the government of Coral Gables. Uh dictatorship should be in Cuba not in Coral Gables. And what is the dictatorship? It's the ability of the chair to take sides to break the law when they want to or to enforce the law when they want to depending on whether someone's pro-development or anti-development. To the extent that if someone is speaking and they fail to end their comments within three minutes and are then directed by the chair who is totally pro-development to cease speaking and fail to do so for whatever the reason uh then this becomes an arrestable offense. So we're criminalizing people who oppose excessive development. It's a dictatorship.

Thank you, sir. That's it, Mr. Mayor. All right, we'll close the public comment. Can I have a motion? Move it. Second it, Mr. Clerk. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Mayor Lago? Yes. E7 E7 is an ordinance to the city commission amending the code of the city of Coral Gables, Florida, chapter 26, fire prevention and protection to add a new section 26-7 to require electronic reporting of fire protection system reports providing for severability clause repeated provision codification and providing for an effective date.

Good morning, mayor, vice mayor, city commissioners, Cliff Freriedman, assistant city attorney. As the city attorney just stated, this ordinance is pretty simple. It would require that all reports uh regarding fire protection system inspection, testing, and maintenance be submitted electronically through a system that the fire department is currently in the process of procuring. Okay, I'll move any further comment from the commission. All right, Mr. Clerk, do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right. Well, I entertain a motion. Move it. Second. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson. Yes. Mayor Lago.

Yes. Thank you to our city attorney's office. Uh moving on to item E8. E8 is a norance of the city commission providing for text amendments to the city of Coral Gables official zoning code. Article 5 architecture section 5-309 trellises section 5-310 wood decks and section 5-311 papers and walkways to incorporate composite recycled materials as an approved material for trelluses, decks, and walkways providing for repeater provision severability clause codification and providing for an effective date. Garcia, PL director. Just a little intro and then I'll hand it off to you. Yeah.

Um so currently the zoning code um limits the type of materials you can have. Um elements are next to the waterway. So trelluses for example are only limited to wood u metal as well as composite and then decks which decks lead up to a dock. So they're right next to usually typically a waterway. Um they're limited to solid wood. And furthermore, zoning code requires that those elements be painted or stained to match or to be harmonious with the main structure. Um the issue with that is that it's there's many studies that prove that um paint has um micro plastic shedding that can happen that can affect the quality of our water in our waterways and um having the zoning code basically limit to those kinds of materials is an issue. Um so what is proposed for you for now today um is to allow uh recycled composite materials to be used for trelluses um decks again which are right next to the waterway as well as pavers and or sorry pave um pave walkways on site which also would lead to the waterway as well. Um so what we're requiring today is that the the recycled material content would be 60% recycled. Um and again for the trelluses, the decks as well as the walkways. So, I I have to confess that a very passionate resident did a lot of the research behind this and brought this to my attention. It didn't seem intuitive to me that that the um composite materials would shed less microplastics than the paints are used on the wood decks. So, that was that was eye opening. So, we worked on you know language and was very instrumental in this as well to make sure that requiring the best materials that were going to last uh going forward and that our staff can also you know oversee the strength of the materials and so forth and and guide appropriately. Uh there's more

than one manufacturer that produces the material. So that's you know it's not like we're directing the business in any particular way but I think this is a great opportunity. I mean I I love my rocking chairs in front of my house. out of composite material and no termite um embeds themselves in it. So it's it's a great opportunity. So with that, I'd like to move it. I'll second. Any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Madam Director. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Mayor Log,

yes. Moving on to item E9. E9 is an ordinance of the city commission amending city code chapter 2 administration article 3 boards commission committees section 2-79 order of business to amend the city code to add a financial cap for items placed on the consent agenda and further clarify what items may be placed on the consent agenda providing for severability clause repealed provision codification and providing for an effective date

hello again mayor vice mayor commissioner Stephanie Throck Martin deputy city attorney so as you all know and have seen in our agendas from uh time in memorial we have always had a consent agenda consistent with um practice as used in Robert's rules of order etc. The consent agenda is generally used um for items that are routine in nature that are non-controversial and those items can be pulled by the any commissioner, the city manager, city attorney, city clerk or at the request of a member of the public if approved by the chairperson and then those are voted on separately. So that's the way our code reads now. Some of you may recall that in 2017, this body approved a resolution that set forth a cap of $250,000 for items that should be placed on the consent agenda. Um, this ordinance adds that prohibition or that cap, I should say, into the code and it raises it to $350,000. That's consistent with um inflation and I think generally with um with the types of items that are coming before you all routinely given um increases in prices recently. And then notwithstanding that limitation of $350,000, any item that's accepting a grant or revenue of any amount can be included on the consent agenda. I know the manager will tell you that um we take very seriously the direction in the code to not put controversial items on the consent agenda. And of course, those and any item that we think merits individual discussion would always be included separately, and you all retain the ability to pull those items as needed. So really this item just um takes that resolution of $250,000 cap, puts it in the code, increases it to 350 and clarifies that acceptance of um amounts in it of acceptance of money in any amount may be included on the consent agenda.

I want to be very clear also um if I may so my colleagues remember um the current level that the manager can approve of any item is how much? I think it's up to it depends on the item. It depends on the type of item. There's some items where it's 25,000, some that it's 50, some that it's 100,000. Yes. But but in in most cases, I don't think any more than 100,000 unless an emergency situation brought you all. I lowered that amount years ago and I think that's perfectly fine and should stay at that level. Um but I think that this is just again a way to expedite things and do things like in line with other cities. Uh so I have no issues with this unless my colleagues would like to refine it or add something additional to the legislation.

Yes, sir. I mean, to be honest, um, I ask I'm pro probably asking this all the time when I see items on the agenda, and can't we just put this on consent? This is a no-brainer, and it's always because of the limitations. Um, I'm okay with raising it. I mean, I'd be okay to raising it to 500,000 because it would clear up a lot of the issues that are just blocking us on the agenda. Um, and we still have the ability, and any member of the public has the ability to pull the item uh if there is a need for discussion. So, I I have no issues with it. I think if it helps streamline the process for us of our commission meetings that can sometimes be 12 hours long, I I have no problem. And I don't want to speak for the sponsor, but I think that was part of the intent was to expedite um the meetings.

I'll move it. Madam Vice Mayor, you want to take his friendly amendment? 500,000. I don't have an issue with it. I'm fine with it. Yeah. You're happy with 500,000 then consensus. Again, at the end of the day, you move it. Can I second? I'll move it. You second.

Again, this is coming before the commission. It can it's going to it can always be pulled by any member of the commission and if it's not pulled by, you know, it's as transparent as it gets. It's just about expediting the process and be able to move forward as quickly as possible to address things that are important and spend real time drilling down on issues that again should carry the significance. Not saying not saying items that are 250, 300,000 are not important, but sometimes they're just prefuntery. They're very there they're there issues that again like seizure stuff, you know, there's some things that should just be approved.

And I think for the most part, Mr. Mayor, a lot of these items that would fall under this category, items that were just going through the motions of taking an extra vote, uh it's not items that are going to be controversial. In fact, there have been items on the consent agenda that have been pulled before just because we've had questions or questions from the public that that have wanted to pull them. So, correct. And and the public is always welcome to speak during the public comment period or request if approved by the chair or pulled by a commissioner to have a separate discussion. Exactly. Uh Mr. Clerk, do we have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right. We have a motion and a second. Sorry. Commissioner L. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Mayor Log, yes. Thank you. We'll bring it back on second reading with that amended language.

Thank you. E10. E10 is an ordinance of the city commission providing for text amendments to the city of Coral Gable's official zoning code amending section 14-204 transfer of development rights and article 16 definitions of the city's zoning code to establish a conservation TDR program and appraisal framework providing for definitions procedures appraisal standards and conservation easement requirements providing for repeated provisions of ability clause codification and providing for an effective date and zoning director um so we are familiar with development sorry transfer development rights for historic properties. We also have them for open space to create new parks for the city to be conveyed land to the city. I think it was sponsored um a few years ago by the mayor. Um this is a proposal to um allow that transfer for conservation of of natural habitat, natural land, not made for a park for recreational purposes, but I guess a park to kind of enjoy just a natural habitat. Um, and it's a little bit different in that it wouldn't be based off of the allowed development square footage that a property that zoning would allow that that property to have. For example, if it's zone single family, you would have a limited amount of square footage based on our, you know, sliding scale of of development rights you can have for single family. This would be based on the value um by an average of appraisals for that one property that applicant is willing to go through the process for and then we would divide that number by the running rate of an average of the price per TDR and that would be the amount of TDRs the tent development rights they would issue then to that applicant. Do

you want to further explain? So yeah, I'll go through it and I'll I'll share with you all that this has been in the pipeline for about a month and it's taken, you know, that amount of effort to whittle it down and and as I refer to it is go where no man has gone before to try to save some precious pieces of property where people after the fact will say, "Oh my god, why didn't the city buy that? Why didn't the city get this?" This is a tool to help us help the city acquire these these lands that are just amazing. You know, they're they're rare gems and if we don't capture them now, um we'll be regretting it later. Uh there's that one parcel off of Santa Maro. It's Rock Pineland. There's another parcel down south um that is also uh sensitive land. And it would be a shame it's adjacent to the uh in part of the Girl Scout camp. Uh it'd be a shame if that has to be sold off for development rights, which it, you know, could very well uh happen to it. Um and I have to thank staff for the number of meetings we've had on this brainstorming how to get it done. It wasn't easy. It wasn't easy at all. So the rubber really meets the road and it's paragraph D. You'll see all the underlined language and the evaluation process is different than other land that we have uh acquired because it's not going to be a soccer field. So it doesn't go through parks and recreation. you know, this is something that we're going to preserve um and have uh for forever, you know, in our in our portfolio of things that we can be proud of that the city of Coral Gables has saved. Uh we had lots of rock pinland here in the

city of Coral Gables before. So the few precious pieces that are left, it would be nice to show them also from a historical standpoint what Coral Gables was like back when Coral Gables was uh before it got developed. Um so with that, I'd like to make a motion. I'll second.

If I may, I'd like to just add a few comments. Uh first and foremost, I think everyone's pretty aware how how much pride I take in writing certain legislation and and some of the things that we've been able to uh put forward over the last 12 years to the extent they say should be more we instead of I. But I'm very proud of the legislation. I have envy over this legislation. I wish I would have thought this legislation. This is one of the best pieces of legislation I've seen in a long time. And I'll tell you why. because the Pine Rockland piece that she's talking about is adjacent to my home. It's probably two blocks away. I grew up in that pine rock land. If you drive in front of this piece of property right now, the little the little like it's kind of like a townhouse, very small lawn. I think it's 5,000 ft. That was my my parents second home in Coral Gables. First it was on Minorca, which they end up giving to my grandparents and then they moved to Santa. That's how I ended up falling in love with that neighborhood. I grew up in that piece of property. Like my grandfather would take me out every day after school and we'd run in that pine rockland and all those beautiful Florida pine trees.

Slash pines.

Slash pines. Amazing. Amazing. We used to come home like full of cuts and we used to fall on the rocks and it was amazing. It was just like one of the best experiences. And then you used to be able to run into the arburitum and in the arburitum they had like all the exposed coral and a lot I think it was a lot of it was man-made. I think they made but it's just an amazing experience. I grew up in that neighborhood. We've tried and the the city manager will tell you we've tried over years um to deal with the owner of that property in an effort to conserve that property. Uh I think this is a a very good vehicle for us to be able to once again reach out like we've done in the past on many many occasions and I don't I don't want to rehash that history because it was out before my time or before anyone's time here. Um, but I'd like to see with the commission's approval, I'd like for us to have staff reach out to that owner once again. I know that the owner passed away and I know now it's in the family's hands, but that is a property that should be conserved, conserved forever because of just again, it's one of the few pieces of Pine Rockland that are left in South Florida. And we can use this vehicle. uh we can get other stakeholders that are in the neighborhood to potentially engage in one form or another. But this is a great piece of legislation. Uh the other one also is Camp Mahachi, which uh the vice mayor and I have been have invested a lot of time and money, personal money, uh in making sure that we bring back we take all the invasive species and we bring that that beautiful place back to its original glory. And the vice mayor educated me that there's a 5 acre piece of piece of land in the back that potentially could be sold off. We cannot allow that to happen. we have to do everything in our power. Uh have to work with other stakeholders in Miami County use a vehicle like this to be able to deliver enough funds so that property is safe. So I congratulate you on an amazing piece of legislation. Uh I've written a lot of pieces of of legislation that deal with parks and buying land and uh but this is this is really good stuff.

So I'm going to add a little backstory for you all. So I went down to Camp Choy. They're doing a removing some of the what they call pine buff. I didn't know what pine buff is. It's the needles to to prepare to do a a controlled burn, which you have to do or they're going to do to preserve that rock pineland. And James Duncan, who works for the um DURM yield department, environmentally um endangered land department said, you know, I'd really like to preserve that piece of raw pinland off of, you know, near the University of Miami. So that started the wheels going and I said like okay how can I how can I try to make this happen and I remembered the history that a long time ago and some it was long before I was really engaged with the city commission that there was a piece of land that was preserved near FPNL site or that's about all I remember about it but it was sensitive land and it was done through this TDR process. So, this is this is different, but um I thought it was going to be easier. That's why it's taken a full month, but we we worked on it for a number of edits and back and forth and debates and so forth. And you looked at for laws across the country and farmlands and so forth, which totally were not usable for us. But, you know, the exhaustive research, Miss Garcia, that you went through, my hats off to you. Thank you.

I Yes. Um, if I may, I don't want to again, we're we're on your item, but I'd like for the manager to reach out to the owner of that property and see if we can have a formal conversation. I have my notes on, mayor, we will we will do that. Our asset manager will will be on that. Thank you. Um, any further public comment? Do we have any do we have any comment or no? No, Mr. Mayor. All right, I entertain a motion. Yeah, I think we have a motion. We do have a motion. We need We need a second. I second. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lara? Yes. Mayor L? Yes. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Great work.

Moving on to city commission items. F1. F1. F1 is a discussion regarding Banner City Hall colors interfaith event, community unity, and promoting peace. This was sponsored by me. I put this item on the agenda because I had a lot of residents reach out to me once again. I called the city manager and he gave me an update of what was happening. Um, I mean I I think the major concern here was that why wasn't city hall being lighted and then there was another event for October 27th and I know that there was no consensus between some um faith organizations. So um I wanted to open it up for discussion to see where we all stand on that um on October 27th. I know the the Orthodox probably to step back a little until maybe the war was over. Um, I don't know where the rest of my colleagues stand on this, but I think giving clear giving some clear guidance to at least residents that are hearing now would be beneficial. if I may. Uh so today, uh we welcome the news of the safe release of Israeli hostages at a moment of relief in a region too often marked by conflict and suffering. I wanted to thank President Donald Trump for his role in successfully negotiating their release along with both sides of the aisle that played major roles. His leadership and persistence helped bring these families back together. As we reflect on the timing of this development just days after the two-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks, we recognize the intense public attention may have contributed to the pressure to

reach a breakthrough. Let this be Let this be more than a moment of celebration. Let this be a turning point. We call for a lasting peace in the region, one that upholds the dignity, safety, and future of all people. President Trump's efforts show that diplomacy backed by resolve can change any life. We continue to stand with all innocent civilians caught in the crossfire for lasting peace in the Middle East. And as I've spoken to the manager when I brought this forward originally, uh I think October 7th is an appropriate time. We're waiting for an end. Uh we've spoken to multiple factions of uh the Jewish community. Uh they're in full they're in full agreement with October 27th. We welcome all members of our community. It's an interfaith event. Let us celebrate. Let us remember the lives that were lost that day as a result of the murderous activities by Hamas. But let us also use this opportunity to celebrate. Celebrate those lives. Celebrate the hostages that were released. Celebrate the opportunity for peace. So I think October 27th is again I don't want to get caught up in lights or banners. uh that to me again is not going to really resolve the issue or bring any further discussion except for more sound bites for social media. Let us have an event and let us have an opportunity to celebrate to celebrate the fact that a two-year conflict was resolved u and that we now have the freedom of all the remaining hostages. I wish we would have gotten back the 251 that were originally taken, but they were murdered along with the other 1,200 individuals that were killed that tragic day on October 7th. But now is a time to remember their lives, but also to never forget like we never forget the Holocaust. Never forget what occur what occurred on October 7th. So, uh, I would like for my colleagues to support that we have an interfaith event on October 7th. We welcome all denominations.

We also welcome people that maybe don't support or have faith, don't believe in God, they're agnostic. I have no issues with that. I welcome people, people who want to celebrate peace. So, I'd like for my colleagues uh to have faith and trust in the manager and his team to invite everyone who can be copied on that if you'd like um and maybe put something out in the community uh that is along those lines. Madam vice mayor,

I think it's an excellent uh opportunity on October 27th. Uh the advice and comments that I heard from um faith organizations were to wait until after the fighting stopped. We have that opportunity now. Uh I think it's time to bring our community together and uh celebrate the fact that the fighting has stopped and hopefully it will remain that way for the rest of eternity. So

I think this really shows you how much the world can change in three weeks. Three weeks ago, we didn't think peace was a possibility. Uh and yesterday we had a historic peace agreement that was signed uh by two sides that have been fighting for many many years. Um and the president's leadership on this and Secretary Rubio's leadership on this uh has been a testament to America's desire to find solutions and find peace in the world. Um, I think the only thing I would say is better communication on these things would would be beneficial for all of us. Uh, a lot of the of the planning and and banner. Was the banner going to go up? Was the banner not going to go up? Was the lighting going to happen? Was it not going to happen? There were too many question marks through the process. I think we can streamline that. I have faith in our in our team and in streamlining that process going forward, making sure that there's better communication on that. Um, I had spoken to the manager. I think we spoke about it last commission meeting about maybe having a calendar where we can see the uh the days uh of the of the year and what's being what city hall is being lit for? I think that will help as well. Um do we have a consensus from the community on October 27th? Because I think when we spoke yesterday, Mr. Manager, there was still some doubt on whether that date was was possible. I

I think certain members of the of the Jewish faith did not want it until the until the war stopped. I believe the war stopped and I think that that I think that it really clarifies that issue. So there was there's conflict between between uh the orthodox and the reform. Uh not not really conflict just a different understanding and and I think this this resolves that. This this is an opportunity to celebrate peace and celebrate the lives of those who were lost during this process. um and bring our community together. Okay. Um through the mayor. Yeah.

Yes. So um the I I love what I'm hearing from this commission. However, the the mayor did go on a radio station and um made this about politics. And at the end of the day, this is not about politics. This is about us knowing how to lead. This is about us representing every resident in Coral Gables. We h we all have our personal beliefs, but sometimes we need to keep our personal beliefs and make sure that we are representing everybody in this city, no matter how we feel personally. And I have tried very hard not to display my personal beliefs or or who I support. And I think this this commission really needs to stay conscious of um that we're here And it does not matter if it's a minority or not. Every single resident. So, um this is not about politics. This is not about religion or or personal beliefs. It's about respecting the process. It's about honoring the will of residents. It was two times that residents came to this commission asking us to please stay neutral. And I think this commission made the best decision most of us in taking part of that. Um the mayor unfortunately did not uphold the same standards of conduct and accountability. And one of the reasons that I got reached out to so much was because of a close teammate. Despite us coming into consensus and saying, "Okay, this is what we're going to do." He went ahead, go ahead and share the picture. Um, city clerk. Okay. He went ahead and made this in his personal account. He posted this on his personal account and then he went ahead go ahead and and um the next picture he

went ahead and he put a flag and that's fine if you want to go put that. That's that's on you. But then to go ahead and tag your pack, okay, other packs, magazines, and I didn't have an issue with this. It was actually residents that felt very, very insulted. At the end of the day, I do not want to cause division within our community. There's enough division as there is on this dis. And um I'm just saying this, let's let's move forward and let's let's work together because these are very touchy subjects and I think we need to be very um strategic in when we address these type of issues

through the mayor. Okay. Commissioner Castro, on September 10, when this resolution was put forth by the mayor in his first iteration, you left the chambers, you walked outside and you abdicated, in my view, your duties as an elected official because I think for you the kitchen was too hot and you decided to walk out rather than have your voice heard or conduct yourself as an elected official in participating in the discourse. You returned only after I expressed my concerns with things like community unity and whether we're representing one Coral Gables. You returned and didn't say a word during the September 10 discussion that was had amongst the four commissioners. So I applaud the four commissioners for each voicing their opinion and in particular my three colleagues you excluded rethought their position after I spoke and said that they wanted to pursue a path of unity to best represent the community. For you to sit here and say to the mayor that you're finger wagging and saying that he's turning it into a political show is the height of hutzbah because that's what you're doing right now. In case you forget, fortunately, we have a record of what happened on September 10. Mr. Clerk, would you play the video, please? Cable TV, please. body here on the commission that's made

their position clear. I I want everyone to know that I'm probably one of the most a staunchest supporters of the state of Israel. And not now, but as long as I've had a political view going back. You know, I was a a history major also in in college. And I have my closest friends in the world are people that that host regularly state leaders in their homes with respect to Israel and with respect to uh the relentless assault that's happening in the Middle East where they are surrounded by uh countries that um seem to singularly exist to annihilate the state of Israel which I staunchly oppose and um and support them in every possible way. But I must say that um while there are many ways and we've already taken some to show support for the victims of what occurred on October 7, which was horrendous, heinous, unforgivable, and indefensible in every possible way. We also must remember that we sit here as uh the elected leaders of a community made up of all types of people with different viewpoints, different religious points, different political views. And I I'm not comfortable with and I don't want to be misunderstood. I understand, mayor, that your uh resolution is directed specifically to a recognition of of the of the tragedy of October 7. But I believe that in raising the state of Israel flag, which is um uh in in in a current conflict uh that's being played out really on the world stage, would likely be viewed optically by by by several and and um and vocal residents

as an act of division and an act of uh conflict where the municipal mission of uh of us as the commissioners and the city of Coral Gables don't have it now. Today we don't have this divisiveness. Today we don't have this conflict because we're not raising a foreign state flag. We should and I would encourage that we take other steps to show support for the victims of October 7. But in raising a flag of the state of Israel or if we raised um I may say it in a different way. If we were to raise the flag of Russia or the rat or the flag of the Ukraine in that current uh conflict, the city would be stepping into what could be viewed and viewed incorrectly as being taking sides in a political um and military conflict, which I do not believe is the mission of a municipality in trying to further the interests of the business of the residents of uh of Coral Gables. None of what I'm saying should or or can be taken as being anything other than fully in support of all efforts to bring attention to and seek the eradication of of of violence, of killing, of harm to the innocents, uh the innocent victims in the Middle East. And there's in no way a disparagement of what happened on October 7 or in the memory of those that that not only gave up their lives innocently, but those who are still being held hostage. I think that I want to take the time to honor them in a way that doesn't result um potentially as being divisive in our city or to create conflict. So we we could take one and I'd love to have a conversation about

it. There's another way that we could show due respect and do care for what happened on October 7 short of raising a foreign state flag. I don't believe there'll be a precedent in the city for having done that. But we may be waiting into um what could be misinterpreted um as a political statement even though all of us here have said this is clearly not a political statement. Um but this is these are my concerns and um and I'm open to further discussion over that of course.

Commissioner Laura, would you believe that lowering the American flag? So you'll see as soon as I concluded my comments, your chair remained empty. It was empty when we started, Commissioner Castro, and then only after the four of us continue with our discussion in a different direction did you return to your chair and remain silent. I don't believe this is the time for you to be pontificating and clearly trying to turn this into a political uh show when that would be hypocritical. when what we should be doing is come together for one Coral Gables and draw the uh the consensus not only amongst all of the residents but amongst those who sit here doing our job as elected commissioners

through the mayor. I appreciate your comments um Commissioner Lada. I um I had to use the bathroom and that's what I went to go do. I'm and it's a shame that you're interpreting it in a very in a very different way. Um I I wasn't the one who turned this into a political scene. Actually, I don't know if you listened to the radio interview the mayor gave. He actually misrepresented the facts in an enormous way and he made it political. In fact, what he said was that Commissioner Fernandez and I were the ones who turned this political when in fact Commissioner Fernandez was the one who supported the mayor. He didn't mind to even mention you. He changed the narrative completely and made this political. But I mean, out of respect, I'm going to refrain the rest of my comments.

Yes, sir.

Um, I really didn't I did not listen to the interview. Um, I heard about it from residents. I heard that I was being blamed for the fact that the flag didn't go up, that I was being blamed for the fact that the city hall wasn't lit. And like Commissioner Castro said, I stood as strong with the mayor as probably anybody else up here on that issue. We need to move past all the electoral issues from the past. This is an opportunity. The world just came together on this issue. Let's come together. Let's put everything behind us. I think even Miss Cruz said that during her public comments earlier today and I think it surprised a lot of people that that those comments were uttered. Let's move on. We are Coral Gables like you said. You know, we have an opportunity to shine, continue to shine because we've always shown 100 years Coral Gables has been the place where everybody has wanted to come. Let's move on past it. Enough finger pointing, enough finger wagging. We don't need any of that. I have tried to work as collegially as I have since April and I think I have agreed and in fact there are people out there in the community who are saying I'm Vince Lago 2.0 because I'm with the mayor more than anybody else. That's not the point. We're making decisions up here that's for the best of the community. That's every single decision that we make on this this agenda. Whether it's a short agenda like ours today or a long agenda like last commission meeting, that's what we're called to do. Let's put those differences aside. Let's move on. If we go on radio, let's not disparage each other. I make that commitment up here to all of you. Today, on the record, I am not, in fact, that's why I did not give a statement to any members of the media who reached out asking me about the comments that were made about me. I didn't think it was

necessary. wasn't. If it was said, I didn't even hear it because to me, it doesn't matter. I'm here today. I'm here to do the people's work and that's my commitment. That's it. Those are my two cents.

Just follow uh follow up and I say, you know, we have the opportunity to bring our community together. Let's do it. Let's do it. Let's not try to make a spectacle out of something that's shouldn't be a Thank you very much. Uh just a quick few points. There was three or four articles on social media that were done by Polo Bortalito. I was reached out again and stated very clearly. If you start putting you put me on payroll and you pay me every month, I will stop writing articles about you. I will not put her Ela Devi on payroll. Be very clear. Coral Gables Gazette the same thing. I will not advertise with them, so there will not be any payroll. I will not comply. I received dozens of phone calls from people who were incredibly supportive of my position. The flag in my office will stay up till the 27th. It is a beautiful American flag and an Israeli flag, and I unequivocally support Israel. Mr. Manager, I look forward to the event on the 27th. You were very clear with all of us and you told me very clearly, Vince, we no longer have the support to do blue and white. They're offering white, blue, and red. I said, perfect. Whatever my colleagues want. Yes. No. Yes, sir. Yes or no, sir?

Yes, ma'am.

You kept me informed. Again, I can't speak with my colleagues that we vi violating the sunshine law and I know that you spoke to my colleagues because you told me four of them wanted the following. You we no longer have the ability to do blue and white. I said, perfect. We move on. I've been more than complimentary. I wanted the flag. I didn't get the flag. I wanted it to do blue and white. I didn't get blue and white. All I've done is bend to ensure that we could have an event that paid homage and respect to over a thousand people that were murdered by Hamas. The second largest death total since the Holocaust. And as a and as an individual who's a Catholic, I have a personal responsibility to go out there and say what's right and what's wrong. So if people's opinions, if they're if they're hurt by my opinions, I have to be very firm and stand with what I believe is right. So I have been more than easy in regards to trying to have an event that makes my colleagues happy. If you read, if you read from first to second reading, which is obviously not covered in our dear friend political or the Gazette's blogs because they want to paint me into something that again will hopefully transition or translate into an electoral win. It has failed over and over and over again. It will fail this time again. Uh because people don't trust those entities. They know that they're pay for play. They're extortionists. So they can keep writing all the articles and saying all the crazy things they say on social media. Just look at social media. Zero clicks, zero likes. At the end of the day, it doesn't translate into victories. So I will continue to do what I think is in the best interest of the city, the entire city. And like I did between

first and second reading, I was more than reasonable in my position. Nothing went the way that I wanted except that we're going to have an interfaith event which I think is something extraordinary and I welcome everyone in the community to please join us. So I think we've spoken enough about this. Uh Mr. If I may,

Mr. Manager, um we have our we have our the date of the 27th. I think that complies with everyone's request. I would like for members of the commission to provide their guidance on what they would like to see that day. Um, I think we've workshopped this enough and I think I think we can't lose focus with the intent. The intent is a simple one and that is to pay respect and homage to the many lives that were lost on October 7th and after over a 2-year period when you had over 251 hostages. And if I'm correct, which I think I may be wrong, I think less than 50 were turned home. That is staggering. Okay. staggering. So, with that being said, Mr. Clerk, we'll move on to the next item.

No, no. This is the my item. Excuse me. Through the I think we've exhausted this already. I understand, but this is my item. I appreciate that. Thank you. Um, I have two quick questions. I just learned from the mayor that there was four of us that were in agreeance with the the the red light at being added. Why, if there was four of us agreeing, was that not done? There was not there there was there was talk about the red light. There was talk about the blue and white light. If I if I may if I may, Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry interrupt. I have two questions. If I may interrupt, it wasn't done because the event hasn't happened yet. We're going to do it the day of the event. That's what we discussed.

It was October 7th when we were going to do it. Correct me if I'm wrong. When I when I brought this up as the original sponsor of the item, it was to do it the day of the event and the event was being pushed back, brought forward. It was still being negotiated. Again, let's move on. We're going to have it a beautiful event on the 27th. Let's move on. It'll be an interfaith event. Everyone will be included and I think it'll be something exceptional. My second question, my second question is you're talking about pay for play and you're telling me that they're telling you to I I mean, nobody's ever approached me in my life, but who knows? Maybe it is true. Is there a record of what you're saying? Mr. Clerk, next item.

I am asking a question. Is there a record of people trying to pay you like the Gazette and Political Portalito and you keep on blaming it for pay for play? Because I could tell you right now, nobody has ever done that to me. So, is there a record? You just stated something in the record right now saying that they're telling you that you need to pay and that they have reached out to you. How have they reached out to you and show the record of how they're asking you for money?

Elaine Dov has called me and has told me that if I pay, she will stop writing about me. She hasounded me on texts. She hasounded me on phone calls and she has called me and she has said, "If you pay me on a monthly basis and put me on retainer for your campaign, I will stop writing negative articles about you." Let's move on. We have enough. You're not running the meeting. Mr. Clerk, item F2, please.

I'm still talking. Please don't interrupt. Billy, please provide me a record, a public record of the text messages of Elaine that I want to see where he's asking she's asking him for money. Let me correct Let me correct the commissioner because that's what she wants. She would not be dumb enough to put it in text. She's a very smart lady who puts it who says it to you on the phone and is very clear with her intentions. We're moving on from the agenda. Okay. Item F2 the mayor. Yes. Mayor, I just want to be clear for the 27th we have an interfaith event. Is the commission u interfaith event? We have the banner done and uh is that the commission's will?

Again, it was a vote of the commission. We we have that was that was the one that the the vice mayor had presented and we had selected one of the items. Correct. Do we want the lights also? Again, it's up to the commission. I I requested clear what what our intent is on the 27th. If I if I may, we should move forward with what we had already proposed for October 7th. If the new date is October 27th, I would say whatever we agreed on before except we had apparently consensus to agree to red, white and blue instead of blue and white. Uh and I think we definitely have to celebrate our country. Um we were instrumental in in this process. So um I think that's

so so just to be clear, we want October 27th interfaith event. We have the banner done and we'll light the city red, white, and blue through the mayor. So if if I may please if that's the word of the commission is so I so move that we amend the last um decision of the committee motion to amend to make the colors of city hall for the October 27th event red and blue. Do we have a second? I'll second that. Mr. Clerk, can I go ahead and add one? If let's just get a vote on this. Mr. Clerk, Mr. Mayor, I have a public comment on this item. We're not taking public comment. The commission is taking action. All right, here we go. Public comment

through through the mayor really quickly after After we do that. Let's hear public Let's have public comment. Stop. Please. I know you're trying to get a sound bite for for I know you're trying to get a sound bite, but please I'll I'll ask a relevant question. M when we're done.

Okay, Mr. Clerk, let's have the M. Maria Cruz. Mrs. Maria Cruz, 1447 Miller Road. Sometimes thinking is makes things difficult. Um, last time we were here, I believe that this commission voted to have the city hall base in white and blue. Um, the banners were done and then the date was set and then lo and behold, it didn't happen that day. Um, since the commission had voted, I I'm I'm here to ask, was there an emergency meeting that I missed and the things were changed or who made the decision to change it without the commission voting? It's the question because I believe that since the commission have voted that was done and people asked and I said I don't know maybe I missed an emergency meeting maybe they were s asked by phone I don't know how it happened but the commission was overruled on what they had decided and I I need to I need to answer the people that questioned me because we were waiting to see what was going to happen and all we saw was people with Israeli

flags And we saw the flag on the window, but that's what not that was not what the commission decided. So questions arose. So how did the plan get changed?

Finish, please. No, I'm done. I just want to know how the plan was changed. Then you can sit down, please, if you're finished or if you have another one other 57 seconds if you'd like to. Well, I would like like other people that spoke and had answers uh from the days, I'm entitled to also get answers. All right, moving on. Mr. That's it, Mr. Mayor. Closer public comment. So, we have a motion and a second. Yeah. Through the mayor before we finish, but I I think I think we're done with a comment already. I think that you have to respect, Mr. I have one, Mr. Mayor, I have one more comment on Zoom.

Okay. Comment. Go ahead. It's uh Miss Katherine Siobhan, I believe is her name. And I'll go ahead and ask Miss Katherine to go ahead and unmute her computer. Give me one second, please. Okay. Hello. This is Katherine Shahara, 1133 North Greenway Drive. Yes.

I I just wanted to speak kind of going off of also what Mrs. Cruz just um raised in the questions she asked that I do hope um the commission will um consider and respond to if if it's also um typical practice I guess after the the commission reaches a decision which you know I'm not sure because this is not the the area of law that I practice in but um whether it's typical for um members of the commission or the mayor or um any any public official officials to post jointly with officials from foreign countries um that run counter to things that were already considered um and commented on very extensively by um residents in this community. Thank you,

Mr. Clerk. Anything else? No, sir. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

Couple couple of things. One is a simple timing issue. What time of day? because we all have schedules. And the other is um Miss Shahhat, I was reached out to by individuals that informed me that the best thing to do was to wait until after the war started because if we start uh addressing it as we had planned and with the colors that we had planned, that's why the red got added to it. um that we were going to have protests in front of city hall and the last thing we wanted to have is more division and divide in our community and I took the uh recommendation that I had received from this individual who's been trying to work on bringing community together for a long time. I shared it with the city manager the concerns over protests being held in front of our city hall and um then the manager did it with it probably as the manager always does and consult with the other members of the commission with the information I had obtained. So um so timing and the reason I bring it up is because I have other things on my calendar too. What time was um October 27th events planned for?

We will we will we will um work there with with communications. What time works for you? Well, I have um we we discussed uh I believe I believe six o'clock on October 7th. Would you like us to change it? What works for you? I have a meeting at six o'clock, but um you know Not that I can't not miss a meeting. You want to start 5:30? Start at 5:30. Through through the mayor, the discussion was to allow people to get to the event after work and that's what 6:00 was chosen. But um this can be done with what uh the will of the commission. I can miss the meeting.

I don't have a problem moving to 5:30. Let people start trickling in and we can start within 15 minutes. Listen, I'll miss the meeting. I get I want people to have time to get here and park and walk and so I think we have parent meetings at school as well that night that night. I think it's uh parent meetings are either 6:30 or 7 through the mayor. So if I may wait you just let everybody talk. I would like to please

I would like to this has gone way too long. It's way too long again. Let me run the meeting. Let me run the meeting. Okay. This is simple. The manager came to speak with me and said, "Vince, we do not have consensus as we agreed upon to light the city blue and white." I said, "No problem. What do my colleagues want? They want to add red." Said, "Perfect." Literally, that day we found out that certain members of the Jewish community could not make the meeting and that the meeting will be punted to another day. But that's where we stand today. There's no conspiracy theory. the city. It was going to be red, white, and blue, much to what I did not want. At the end of the day, it makes complete sense like the commissioner said after the incredible work by the Secretary of State and the President of the United States along with the vice president and their entire cabinet. So, moving forward, this is simple. I know we're trying to get headlines and more publicity on on you know try to this is a very dull meeting so we got to get something to continue to bash the mayor on on uh obviously the gazette and the pay-for-play specialist political. Uh they wrote three articles about something as ridiculous as this. That goes to show you that shows you a lot about the interest and the monetary implications for that blog. So moving forward, I think we have a wonderful opportunity to come together on 27th, invite the community, move forward, and thank God. Thank God for those hostages that were released. Two years of one of the worst conflicts in existence comes to an end. I think it's a beautiful thing.

The mayor uh at 5:30 and we will do the commission's will 5:30. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. Let's move on to item F2. Through the mayor. Item F2, please. To the mayor. Commissioner, please. No. No. Stop. Respect. Okay. 15 minute break. Mr. Mayor, wait. Before you move up, I do have a motion in a second. 15 minute break. Well, I'm going to continue to talk. You're not going to let everybody talk and then not let me. I'm sorry. That's ridiculous.

Recording in progress. All right, Mr. Clerk, you ready?

Yes, sir. Once again through the mayor. Once again through the mayor. This is my item. I've asked to be acknowledged several times. You have dismissed me and you have acknowledged other people. I would say this is some type of discrimination. I am here to represent the residents of Coral Gables and they have reached out to me with concerns about the banner and the October 7th being on the banner and I wanted some clarification on that. That is it. Thank you for listening to me. Mr. Clerk, Mr. Mayor, we have a motion and a second on the item. Please move forward. Commissioner Castro, yes. Commissioner Fernandez.

Yes. Just have one question for the manager because I asked that question. I never got an answer. I thought we had agreed on the banner without the date October 7th on it. I believe it does not have the date October 7th. All right. Commissioner Lada. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson. Yes. Mayor Log. Yes. Mr. Cler, will you do me a favor, please?

Yes, sir. Um, will you provide for the commission and make it a public record u the dialogue that was for this item on F1? I'd like to count how many times the sponsor spoke during this item because nobody uh was refrained uh from speaking. Everybody had the opportunity to speak and have their comments put on the record. Thank you very much. Moving on to item F2.

City clerk, I I sent a me. Okay. Well, let me go ahead and open my iPad. Give me one second. I sent a memo to the commission. I went to the Florida League of Cities maybe two two weeks ago and um it was a very productive meeting. Very, very, very productive. I'm just going to go ahead and summarize really quick. The the memo was a little extensive, but if you could go ahead and put the memo on the on the screen. Perfect. Thank you so much. Um The reason of me giving an update is because if you guys have any interest that you want to input to me regarding the subjects that we're talking about, this would probably be the correct time. And if not, just send me a memo. I won't be replying because of sunshine. But my next meeting will be I will be heading out to Orlando again on Thursday. I'll be coming back on on Friday. Um, as vice chair of the Florida Legal Cities and Development Code Compliance and Redevelopment Committee, I participated in the first statewide meeting last week. The goal was to identify key legislative issues that affect how cities like Coral Gables plan to build and fund community improvements. So, one of the things that we did speak about was protecting CRAAS. CRAAS are community redevelopment agencies. One of the major concerns that was proposed was to phase out or limit CRA statewide. I emphasize that these are vital tools that cities rely on to invest in neighborhoods, infrastructures, and infrastructured areas. The committee reached consensus that protecting CRA's authority should remain a top legislative priority. Now when it comes to live local act which I think maybe my colleagues would want to give a little more input um what was discussed there um was the live local act which promotes affordable housing but is creating challenges for cities because it overrides local control of height

density and parking. Many of us express that while the goal is good and we understand where the state is coming from, we do need flexibility to ensure compatibility within our existing neighborhoods. We want a little more um flexibility basically for the state to work closer with us especially in a city like Coral Gables. Now accessory dwelling units ADUs. A new bill would require all cities to allow backyard and garbage apartments, ADUs, by right by 2026. The committee supported this concept, but agreed that city should re retain authority to tailor rules based on infrastructure and enforcement capacities. Um, this is something we we addressed last year too. Impact fees. We reviewed new state limits on impact fees, which are the main way cities fund roads, parks, and public safety infrastructure. I stress that impact fees are in a profit center. They ensure the growth that pays for itself instead of shifting costs onto taxpayers. Short-term rentals, um, I kind of grandfathered in. something that the state is is is discussing, but I don't think it affects us in such a a large capacity. Um, my closing takeaway is that the overall theme um was clear. The legislature continues to preempt local governments in key areas and our committee is united in defending home. I'll be bringing back updates as we move forward to the next leg legislative session. So, Corables can stay ahead of these statewide challenges.

All right, Mr. Clerk. Moving on to the next item. F3. F3 is a resolution of the city commission authorizing participation in a lawsuit seeking among other things to declare that Senate Bill 180's imposition of a blanket statewide prohibition on the exercise of home rule authority over land use and zoning regulations is uncon unconstitutional and should be enjoined and retaining Weiss Seroda Huffman Cole and Beerman to prosecute the lawsuit and providing for an effective date. So, um um I brought this forward after receiving the email from our city attorney about uh multiple cities having um joined in a lawsuit to address SB 180 as it is quite much broader than and preemptive over our home rule than um prior legislation from the uh state of Florida and that there are a number of um issues with SP 180 that I'm going to allow the city attorney to address uh with us directly here, but I think it's time for us to join in. We have an opportunity to do so with a fee cap that uh in my opinion is is quite reasonable um and allows us to be able to have a voice on this critical issue. So, with that, city attorney, ask you to speak on this.

Thank you, Vice Mayor. And um so mayor with your permission I'll just give a little bit of um an overview because we talk a lot about home rule authority and we talk a lot about a preeemption. I think sometimes um people listening we we talk this talk but it's it's maybe not that clear to people who are listening. So home rule authority is is a a broad um grant of of power that's given to cities and counties in Florida pursuant to the Florida Constitution and statutory authority. It allows cities to enact ordinances and other regulations without having the approval of the state. Um, and it's it covers a broad range of topics that you know serve a municipal purpose and that is really how we're able to govern day-to-day. The principle of home rule authority is rooted in the notion that the government that's closest to the people knows what specific regulations are appropriate for their community. So, for example, what may be an appropriate regulation in a rural community in North Florida, it's probably not the most appropriate regulation for a community like Coral Gables. Um, so then we have SB80, which was enacted this past legislative session, and it purports to relate to emergencies, but really it goes well beyond that. Um, it is a a massive intrusion into our home rule authority. Most significantly, it restricts the ability of cities and counties to enact uh reg land use regulations. So land use and plan planning are one of the areas that are one of the most fundamental areas that cities can regulate. And this SP80 it restricts our ability to enact land use regulations that are deemed to be and this is the language more restrictive or burdensome. So this lawsuit that has already been filed um and there's a number of of counties and cities that are already um plaintiffs in that lawsuit. It challenges the the state's enactment of that as is unconstitutional um on various grounds. The most significant ones are that it's a preeemption, meaning that the state is taking away our ability to legislate here. That's why we're being preempted. Um

on on first um one ground is it's it looks back to August 2024. So any legislation that we've already enacted, any ordinance or regulation going back to August of 2024 is deemed void abinitial. So we could have enacted something that was absolutely um appropriate at the time. It was not preempted, but the state has said we're going to go back and say that that you cannot you could not do that. It's void of an issue. Moreover, going forward, and it's in place, you know, through August of 20 or I'm sorry, through 2027, um we cannot um once again enact a regulation that is deemed more restrictive or burdensome. That is very vague language. What does that mean? Who can who can you know who who would say that it's more it's more restrictive on whom? There are many um many questions here and it's simply an preeemption that when you have an express preeemption, it has to be more specific than that. And so th those are the main grounds. Um, additionally, SP 180 provides or creates a private cause of action for someone to sue a municipality and um be able to um basically be entitled to attorney's fees um if they're successful. Um so again, there is a flat fee for joining this lawsuit. Um it's been provided in the materials to you. Um, and it would be, you know, to challenge basically um this this um to challenge SB80 as unconstitutional. So, I'm just going to follow up and saying that a number of our residents have been um many times urging us to do something on preeemptions that the state has done. This one, in my humble opinion, was an overreach in SP 180 over broad and it restricts this body from doing what it needs to do best, and that is listen to the people and make sure that our our municipalities uh comply with what is compatible for our cities uh going

forward. So, with that, I'd urge you to uh support this. I'd make the motion and love to hear your comments. I'm sorry. I second. Okay. Okay. Um I mean,

um I think when I was up there in Tallahassee last year, this is something that the Florida League of Cities uh and the Miami date league of cities were were both up there advocating against. Um we've definitely seen this continued growth on home rule intrusion. Um, but this definitely was an overreach. Um, I generally don't believe that we should be suing, but in this case, we need to take a stand. Uh, and I'm supportive of that measure for that reason. Mr. Kirk, do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. All right, we have a motion and a second. Commissioner Fernandez. Yes. Commissioner Lada.

Yeah. So, this does seem to me um echoing vice mayor's thoughts and the beginning of what looks to me has been a trend of incursion on home rule and uh this one um it passed. It looks like it's just going to swallow up um under the guise of some other type of description. But when you look at it, it is um going to be a decidedly difficult battle should the uh commission approve um the mayor's resol I mean the vice mayor's resol resolution, but it's one that I think is worth uh pursuing. So yes, Vice Mayor Anderson, yes. Commissioner Castro, yes. Mayor Lago,

yes. Thank you. Moving on to F4. F4 is a resolution of the city commission urging the Florida legislature to cap to establish a cap on special assessments that may be imposed on homesteaded condominium units.

This is a another item that I brought forward. Um another city has already done it. It's to urge the legislature to uh entertain a cap on there that doesn't set the cap. Um, so I think there's a number of residents where, you know, you have condo units where they have an exorbitant u assessment and it essentially gentrifies the community when or push people out of their condo units when they have such an enormous amount due. It's a kind of like a force sale sort of situation. And after this, I also would like to have a point of privilege to discuss a little more about homestead exemption. But let's let's finish this one uh right now. Uh I'd like to move it. I'll second it.

Mr. Do you have any public comment? No, Mr. Mayor. Motion in a second. Commissioner Lada. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Mayor Log? Yes.

And Mayor, may I bring up the item on uh homestead exemption? Um, we have already set our legislative agenda and I'd like you all to consider um being that, you know, there's an urging to eliminate property taxes um in Tallahassee that instead of eliminating property taxes, we urge that there's an increase overall across the board for uh all homestead exemptions for individuals. My suggestion is an additional 50,000 um will help um recalibrate property values for folks because what I've seen uh when I've looked at other residents uh property tax bills, the item that goes up in value is the property itself, the land. It's not because they put on an addition. It's not because they really improve the property. It's just the cost of the land itself. And for some of our folks that are income limited, uh the taxes are becoming more and more of a strain. And this treats everybody equally. Everybody gets the same amount of reduction. And I think it will achieve what um the governor really is trying to accomplish here, and that is tax relief for those who uh need it the most. So this would be in addition to the other pro homestead uh exemption item that has been included in our strategic plan such as the additional uh amount available for caregivers um who meet certain income qualifications, the increases for the blind uh and other categories. Um, and I I think this is necessary as well to um accomplish what the governor wants to do, but in a means that's more equitable.

Thank you. So, so um I'd like for you to consider that. Um, you want to bring that back next commission meeting? You want you want to like the hands up? I I should do it now. We we can do it now. I I thought it was important that we speak about this before we um you know so we can have our lobbyists address it going forward. Be happy to second it. I'll move it. Second. Mr. Clerk. Vice Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Castro. Yes. Commissioner Fernandez. Yes. Commissioner Lada. Yes. Mayor Log. Yes. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Mayor. I'm moving Moving on to F5. F5. What? Sorry, mayor.

F5 is a resolution of the city commission adopting Mayor Logo's 2025 to 2027 strategic priorities plan.

So, this is pretty brief. Uh we had conversations at the last few commission meetings. Uh you've seen as uh the chair has come and spoken about all the great things that they're working on uh and how extensive um the um the priorities priorities are. Again, it's not just it may say the mayor's council, but again, it's everyone's council. It's a it's made up of incredible members of this community who are giving up their time, their expertise, and really accomplishing thing things. Two years ago, we did the app, and now we're working on a few different things that I think are that are very interesting. I welcome you uh to visit the mayor's council uh go during one of the meetings, engage in the conversation, provide input, and I hope that all of you had the chance to read uh the amount of work that was put in. Uh we took into consideration um we your request. We sent you a memo asking for guidance on this and I think it's a real interesting survey and opportunity uh to really hit some benchmarks here in the city u to really just continue improving the city and quality of life across the board. Mr. Do you have any public comment?

Yes, Mr. Mayor.

Miss Mary Cruz. Mrs. Maria Cruz, 1447 Miller Road. Let me start by saying I support this uh resolution, but I have a comment. Since I was one of the original members of the mayor's council, I know that the last time I was there was either early 20 to the item that I'm going to discuss today was uh taking off when I was there and I know that I left in 2023. So, it's at least two years if not three. Um we discussed during the mayor's council uh minutes you can see it we discussed putting AEDs in all parks and open spaces for I found it difficult to remember what it meant so I looked it up. These are medical devices that are designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver electrical shocks if needed to keep the person from dying. Um, it was presented to the commission and the administration and at that point we thought it was going to cost $400 each. Simple. But then the administration wanted to do a uh a pole, a light, a Wi-Fi, I don't know how many other things. And it became very very expensive, but I've been looking around and it doesn't have to be that expensive. The

these things give directions when if you have an emergency and somebody's having a a heart attack, a sudden heart attack, and you press the thing, it tells you what to do. You don't need to be trained. It directs you. It's like when you call 911, like I've had to do, and the operator tells you, "Okay, do this, do this, do that." And you take care of that. And by the way, the shock does not happen unless it's necessary. The machine tells the if you're having a an anxiety attack, it won't shock you. It has to be that you have a a fibrillation issue. I again, this is a matter of life and death. It's been proven that if you have that handy, if you have it where you are, you can keep people from dying. I think it's time for us to move on that. It's been three years and we only have it in one park, Salvador Park. The others are waiting for funding.

Mr. Mor. All right. Perfect. Uh, do any of my colleagues have any comments? Yes, sir.

All right. Um, last time you talked about the possibility of um maybe adding things to it. Um after going through it, I think the the only thing that we've left out is the discussion that we've had about the garbage fee uh and the efforts that we have made to reduce the garbage fee with an eventual goal of potentially finding ways to subsidize that uh with other uh revenue streams so that residents don't have to continue to pay a garbage fee. Um that would be my suggestion to add that to the strategic plan. And uh you had talked about making it the commission strategic plan. I would say let's call it the mayor and commission strategic plan. Um I think that this is something we can all get behind. Um I appreciate a lot of the work that has gone into doing this. This has been extensive work. Um and I I'm I'm behind it.

Good. Anything else? No. You you included what I suggested last time and I'm I'm pleased. I think this is a great uh product. Perfect. We've been working on it for years. wish anything like that to add for the good of the orders? Yeah, I I uh the only thing is I think I would be supportive of leaving it as mayor logo's 2025 2027 strategic priorities plan given all the time and effort you've put on it. What's the word of the commission? I'll go ahead and second that if you move it um your amendment to it. Which amendment to it? The adding the the garbage uh um fee.

I have no issues with the garbage fee at all. I think it's appropriate. something that I started talking about in since 2017 using the word I again. Um I think it's important to uh to discuss that and we've made a lot of inroads. As a matter of fact, I had breakfast yesterday uh with the mayor of South Miami continuing to have conversations about the issue. I've met with every single commissioner, excuse me, with every single mayor outside of having a a public meeting that we had here in the city to continue to discuss this issue. Um, I'm planning on a meeting with Commissioner Regalado uh and her team uh to discuss options. It's a little complicated as a result of right now of the property. Um, so I I am 110%. I would love to see significant if not a complete reduction of green matter going into the waist stream. Uh, I think garbage fees are only going to continue to go up with the county. They continue to pass it through making us the bad guy. I hate to say that. I love our friends at the county, but we are the ones that pass it on to the residents. except for the last few years where we have not uh when we cut the garbage fee. Um so at the end of the day we're going to have a hard lesson. I remember can't give you the exact number but I remember 12 years ago when I started on the commission I think our garbage fee was at half not what it is half now half of what it's supposed to be uh which was that's how much it's gone up in 12 years and it's only going to continue to go up even more now as the billions of dollars that are going to be invested in the new Covent facility and also the fact that we're hearing problems that um Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Manager and Mr. DCM ACM. Uh we're hearing now that um landfills could be at capacity in five to seven years. Is that correct?

That is correct, Mayor. That is correct. So um what what does that mean? They're not going to buy new land to build a a uh a new landfill. I don't think anybody wants a landfill in their backyard. Look, look at Dorado. And I and I said I side with Dorado. Um what's going to end up happening is they're going to going to have to ship this garbage outside the state. So, I mean, again, that is a recipe for increased fees. Whether you like it or not, we're going to have to deal with this. We're going to have to find a way to find a solution to really finally, at least a green matter, at least a green matter should not be going into landfills and should not be going into any facility. It should be addressed with what I've been talking about since 2017, which is a public record already.

Um, through the mayor. Yes. May I just uh I just wanted to state that the the magnitude of sanitation it's about a $15.1 million cost. We currently subsidize 8.9 million. So that what's left over that we do not sub subsidize is 6.2 million. So it's a it's an it's a very large cost.

So when you think about the green matter, you're talking about millions and millions of dollars just in green matter only in green matter. So, you know, I think it's something that we have to deal with. I know the manager is dealing right now with Miami County. He's giving us an update in regards to those negotiations. Um, but we're going to have to take a real tough stand and make an investment for the future and find a solution. Um, Madam Vice Mayor,

so uh, Commissioner, I um, you know, I applaud, you know, the effort to, um, bring the garbage fee down to zero, but there also needs to be incentive for folks to do things that help bring the garbage fee down to zero. Um, I've managed apartment units and I know that if there's no hit on the pocketbook, there's no incentive for people to do things differently such as recycling or putting the green matter to where it can be made into reusable matter. And there was a day and I I heard this from one of our state representatives that you know the city used to give out the green matter as mulch for free and they stopped doing it because what we we know what happens. We have the push of the industry that says you must buy mulch in bags. We need to start leading the way and we can do so. It's going to take us more than a year to get there to have better infrastructure, more sustainable in infrastructure. And I can tell you that about four, three, four years ago when I spoke to folks dealing with garbage and waste in the northeast northeastern part of the United States, the tipping fees then were $75 a ton. Ours are, Mr. Manager, I think around what?

Uh 49 because that's for green matter. we are forced to go to a landfill for for garbage green matter is because we take it to waste management.

So we can significantly reduce the cost for our residents by dealing with a green matter you know. So I think we need to look at a cost reduction aspect of it first and just keep in mind that sometimes we have to um encourage behavior through a cost recognition. You know I was going to wait until public comment I mean the discussion item at the end because I've asked staff to bring us a report back on how many warnings have been given out on the dog waste bags and I'm going to ask that to be put on the November 1st November agenda because yes, we're giving out warnings now, but we have to really be giving out warnings. I haven't seen any warnings being given out, but people are starting to reduce the amount of dog waste that they put in the trash pits. It's little things like this. Come February, you know, pursuant to our United uh position, you know, the fines will start being handed out. Um uh you know, we'll move to the the next stage and warnings to those who hadn't had warnings before, but we do need to encourage people to do the right thing.

So, you're in accordance with the friendly amendment uh to add the garbage fee uh the garbage discussion to the strategic plan. We need to have a a garbage discussion. Yes, but you know we need to have this holistic approach and and then the language would be along the lines of um continue to work towards the elimination of the garbage fee um by finding uh new ways to uh either address garbage uh pick up the garbage uh or subsidize the cost. May I of course

unfortunately I don't think that that is going to reach the goal of reducing for the city garbage costs. And by reducing garbage costs for the city, we now increase the ability of the city to address other things such as sidewalks and road repaving and other things that need to be done that that residents want to have done. We're always going to have people that are unwilling to do something in a more efficient fashion such as the recycling. Okay. How do you encourage people to do it? Well, we're going to have to work on that, but it's not going to be at zero cost to to the person that's not doing it properly. Just like the dog waste, we're going to have to develop a system where people pay for what they done. Um, we have to more vigilant watching people dumping from elsewhere. We recently um were able to catch a lawn person dumping an entire truckload of stuff in the soils. That's what's costing us so much. We have to find a way to avoid that. And the more we dump, the more there's going to be more dumping. So we we we can do a cleaner system, a better system that provides that first class service, white glove service. I know it's done in keeping, okay? It's not going to come at no cost, but it actually will reduce the cost in the long run because you'll not be tipping as much. You're not going to be having the dumping on the streets

to the mayor. Yes.

Yes. Uh thank you, mayor. uh garbage must be taken to the county by uh what what we can what we can handle on on our own is recycling which which we do through waste management and we keep our recycling to less than 10% contamination there. We have therefore we have no tipping fees and we we and we take uh trash to waste management. This is just under $50 a a a ton. garbage. We are forced by state statute and and by county bond to take it to the uh to the county. We're charged with transfer fees under just under $90. So those costs are not going to go down. Those costs are are going to go up. And that's why we are looking at our transfer site right now to to do a potential uh a potential site for for uh trash or or green matter. And that's that is a presentation that we provided to the to the city commission. We're now looking at a site plan for that site.

Okay. So, we have an amendment u to a strategic plan to add. Um obviously that will be evolving. So, I think that um this is a organic document, ever evolving. It's been evolving for the last few years as we've met certain needs, as our needs have evolved. Um, so, uh, I welcome you all to attend, uh, the mayor's council meeting. I think it's an opportunity to be engaged and understand a little bit about what, uh, these residents are doing. They have some pretty interesting ideas. Uh, and, you know, we're talking about things that I think may astound certain people here in a positive way uh, that they're looking to implement in regards to technology. So, um, anyone else? All right, Mr. Clerk, we have a motion and a second.

I'm sorry, m Mr. Mayor, who made the uh the motion? I did. Okay. Seconded by Commissioner Castro. Thank you. Commissioner Castro. Yes. Commissioner Fernandez. Yes. Commissioner Lada. I um need clarification says, is the amendment only only to add the portion regarding garbage fees? And what will the document be called? It remains the same. The mayor's council strategic plan then. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson. Yes. Mayor Logo. Yes.

Moving on to item F9. F6, excuse me. F6 is a resolution of the city commission authorizing a sponsorship in the amount of $2,500 to support the 2025 Ronald McDonald paddles for a purpose pickle ball tournament to be held on November 8, 2025 at the William Kurdike Builtmore Tennis Center located at 1150 Anastasia Avenue and for the city to provide a dedicated city trolley and complimentary off-site parking. This is an item I've been uh working on for a while with the Ronald McDonald House. Uh it's to help fund raise for the new building that's being put in and the motto is you where hope has a home. Uh the pickle ball tournament is coming up on November 8th. Um there's still an opportunity to sponsor um items. There's still an opportunity to sign up and play. Um, and this particular resolution uh provides the city, you know, a sp a sponsorship and an appearance on air to show that we together support what the Ronaldo McDonald House is doing. Uh, and in addition, we've made arrangements. Uh, I've worked with the city manager to have a trolley service to help address the um the traffic and parking issues that we have with the because it was everybody was parking on a grass. They were getting tickets. It was it was not a a comfortable situation last year. So, we this is the second year we're doing it. I hope to see you all out there and and help um you know with the raising of the funds and city manager, have we decided on a parking lot to stage the um

uh yes uh parking garage 4 and also the Venicia pool lot using those two? Okay. So, we'll have to be able to get that on on social. The overflow will be parking garage 4. So, the sponsorship is $2,500. It helps them with their cause. Um, it's a it's a great uh event to go to and have some fun and bring your pickle ball racket out and sneakers have some fun together. So, I'll move this second.

So, I've been I had the pleasure of being involved uh with Ronald McDonald House. I was selected two years ago as one of the individuals uh for an award. U great great organization. and I bought a table uh the last three years and uh we've also donated to the to the home great organization uh they're doing great things and now with the new facility which is already the construction already started u it's going to be transformational it's going to really give back to the community so I want to congratulate the vice mayor for we're holding you know helping in this cause especially for this incredibly worthwhile cause it's great we have a motion a second do you have any public comment

uh Mr. Mayor I do have member of the Ronald McDonald House on Zoom who would like to speak on this. Great. Well, I went to this pickle ball tournament last year. It was really nice. Well attended. So, um, make sure you put it on your calendar. That goes to you, Mr. Clerk, too. I expect to see you out there again. He was there last year. I know. I know. It was fun. He was good. I don't know how good he was, but he was he was out there. Well, I mean, let's let's let's let's not build up that ego too much. Okay. He's good, but he's not that good. So, I expect to see you out there, too. Trust me, I'm not good at pickle ball. I just try. Let's have fun.

Yeah, I'll be out there. I'll be sponsoring. I'll be I'll be working on it. So, what do we got? So, young ladies on Zoom and she's You ready? Yeah. Hi.

Hi there. My name is Yes. Uh my name is Hannah Klein Hans. I'm the events manager at the Ronald McDonald House here in Miami. Um, first of all, I wanted to thank you, Vice Mayor Rhonda, and Mayor Loggo for having us here on the agenda today. Um, we are so incredibly thankful for the city of Coral Gable's wonderful support all the time, whether it's just helping us promote our events, um, you know, commissioners and different vice mayors and mayors coming to our events over the last several years. We're incredibly thankful for the city of Coral Gable's support. Um, as you know, our pickle ball tournament last year, I know you both attended along with some many commissioners and other staff members. It was an incredible turnout. Um, we had over 300 participants and 200 spectators um, at the Builtmore Tennis Centers, which were actually owned by the city, which I believe you already mentioned. Um, and really it was a great day full of community support. So, we know that this tournament benefits our house, the Ronald McDonald House, that we're um in the middle of a capital campaign to build a new house on the um campus of Jackson Memorial Hospital to build seven stories with 54 bedrooms, which is almost doubling our capacity to support families here in Miami. Um and and last year, the community support was just impeccable. And it's not just to raise money for our house, but to come together as a community to have a day of of fun and laughter and finding a way to spread joy um playing pickle ball, but also benefiting the charity. Um so I hope that helps everybody understand a little bit about what we do. And at the Ronald McDonald House, if you're not familiar of what we do, um we're a 501c3. Globally, we've been around for 50 years. Here in Miami, we've been around for 43 years. again on the Jackson Memorial Hospital campus and we house families with children under the age of 21 years old getting medical treatment in local South Florida pediatric hospitals. So we have families with all different age children from

babies in the um NICU um who are preey or had issues in um fe fetal um all the way up to right now for example we have a 19-year-old young woman who's going through um leukemia treatment um for cancer. So, all different ages. Um, we are a house of hope and we are so excited over the next few years to um hopefully break ground um hopefully in the first quarter of 2027. If you can see the house behind me, this is the rendering of our new house um again at Jackson Memorial Hospital campus. So, we thank you for having us on the agenda and looking to support us with monetary donations along with the trolley. And we thank you for your support. Thank you very much.

All right, that's it. Yes. May have a motion and a second. Yes. Commissioner Fernandez? Yes. Commissioner Lada? Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes. Commissioner Castro? Yes. Mayor Lo? Yes. Thank you. Moving on to G1. G1 is a resolution of the city commission granting approval of a residential waiver by a forfeits vote of the city commission. first civil nominated by the board as a whole in accordance with section 2-52B2 of the city code to serve as a member of the international affairs coordinating council for a two-year term which begins on June 1st 2025 and through May 31st 2027 any public comment no m

okay she's an attorney office is located here in the city she's been before us on multiple occasions and we make a motion I'll make a motion second Commissioner Lada. Yes. Vice Mayor Anderson. Yes. Commissioner Castro. Yes. Commissioner Fernandez. Consistent with my stance on not supporting these waiverss. I'll be voting against it. I have nothing against Mr. Bill. I think she'll do a great job. I think she has support from the rest of the commission, but I'm a no. Mayor L. Yes. Thank you. The last item on the agenda, Mr. Clerk. I'm sure I didn't leave anything out. We done.

That is uh it for the agenda, Mr. Mayor. But just I wanted to mention something to the members of the commission. At the next commission meeting, I will be bringing a resolution uh for the city commission to appoint two members to the city's trial board. We have been requested to convene the trial board and the commission has not made the appointments for the current term yet. So, if you could think of a couple of names, the commission gets two appointments. said just have to be Coral Gable's residents. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you, madam vice mayor. Anything for the good of the order?

Well, I wanted to give you all an update. I did participate uh this past week in the FDOT uh section six um meeting regarding the strate you know the planning for the next five years and reiterated our city's position on various projects moving forward that you've all seen in the letters that have been written to the FDOT and um their responses and they are moving forward on that and you know this is their public comment period and the priorities will be taken. And the second u item, if you didn't have the opportunity to um see the um wonderful uh work of Anna Alas from GAA architecture of the um inking history um presentation, there's a nice opportunity to get a black and white u drawing of various uh historic buildings in our city. I picked up one for the water tower and one for um the congregational church. Uh quite beautiful buildings. There are more out there that you can purchase, make nice gifts. They're either matted or framed um for the holidays. So, uh her information is available and if you don't have it, u let the commission aids know and I'll I'll have it forwarded to you. The money that's being raised from this goes to historic preservation and they're putting it back into the historic preservation of buildings in our city.

Commissioner Castro. Yeah. Mayor, if you could get give me just one second. I was going to show something. If you can have somebody else talk. Commissioner Lada.

Yeah. So, by the way, Vice Mayor, I also attended that event with you and I purchased one uh for the Church of Little Flower and uh these are some beautiful um uh pieces of art commemorating our historic landmarks um perhaps by the next commission meeting, I'd like to um get some support from my fellow colleagues on the commission um to see if we can also have them exhibited at the Coral Gables Museum. I think that uh the residents will have an opportunity to see them if they weren't able to attend the event at the Builtmore and maybe we can continue to raise some funds, you know, for historical preservation along the way. The only other thing uh mayor that um I want to add is I will continue to to to thump if that's how you I want to put it maybe I don't know on on continued vigilance and and pursue the goal of ceniality on the uh on the dis uh amongst all of us five I um I'm going to continue to bang on this point you know because you know doing so it can only be done because all five of us agreed to do so. Sets the right tone, helps us get things done for the city. It is um elevating, you know, the the privilege that we all hold as elected officials. And um the goal here is is for all of us is to be uh statesmen and not only in in in title, but in in in act and in in in word. So, uh, bear with me because I I'm going to continue to do so at every single opportunity.

Commissioner Fernandez, um, pumpkin patch is coming up. Um, as is, uh, Halloween on the Mile or Trick-or- Treat on the Mile. Um, hope to see everybody out there. There you go. Commissioner Castro.

Yes. So um this is a reminder that Thursday I will be in the League of Cities but once again I I went over some of the the priorities that we are talking about. So if you anybody here please on on this DAS has any comments or wants me to say anything during these meetings please reach out to me via memo and I will be more than happy to to bring that up. The second thing is that every second Saturday of the month, I would be doing a doggy walk down Miracle Mile and Geralda. It just happened last Saturday and I have to say that I could not be happier with the results that that brought. I was not only able to like bring adoption dogs together, community together, but I was also able to display a lot of the businesses that we have on Miracle Mile and talk to them about the whispering the whispering rock. And it was really such a fun fun event. Can you go ahead and put a put the video I sent you, Billy, please?

If cable TV received the video, they can put it up. I hope next time if my colleagues have

No, I can share my screen. If my colleagues have pets, maybe they can go ahead and bring them. I think you'll you'll um really enjoy meeting these type of residents that normally don't engage in government. And I think this is such a beautiful video because it shows city hall right in the back. But I think the turnout was so amazing. I think there was like over 60 dogs and um and TD Bank actually just opened an ATM dog treat machine. So, I was able to bring them in there and um it's censored and every dog gets a treat if um if they stand in front of the at the the dog ATM. It was it was really really a a great event. Once again, I invite in invite I invite my colleagues if they have pets and if they don't have pets, I think it's a good opportunity to mingle with different residents.

Okay. Um, three items. Thank you for reminding me about the inking history. Um, it's a great idea that the that Commissioner Lada just had about about exhibiting it at the museum. I hadn't even given it some thought. I bought a full set at the event. Um, and I have it in my office. So, if you'd like to see it, it's already in my office. They're not framed. They're still in the plastic, but it's exceptional. I wasn't able to attend that night, and I apologize. Um, it was a $2,000 set. Uh, I personally bought that. Uh, that will be I'm planning on donating it like I've done in the past with the map and other things that I find here that are interesting in regards to the city of Coral Gables. So, maybe I don't know if it's appropriate to donate it to the city of Coral Gables or donate it to uh the museum. I'll leave that up to my colleagues on the commission. Uh, but I think the idea of exhibiting it um at the museum would be something special. I have a I sit on the board of the museum and I have a board meeting tomorrow and I'll bring it up and I'll say that it came from you that it was your idea. I think it's a wonderful wonderful opportunity. So I recommend that my colleagues who have not um they check out inking history because again it's an opportunity to see something beautiful that you can hang on your wall um and u just pay homage to to the city beautiful. Uh that's number one. Number two, I had a pretty interesting meeting this week um at office hours uh with a young lady who was impressive uh from Coral Gable Senior High. She brought me an idea and she presented it to me as part of her part of one of her projects for class. She wanted to put five little libraries um in different areas in schools. I I told her I would sponsor them. It's $5,000 and uh she's going to be putting them uh in the schools. Um I'd like for you all I'll get you the information to meet her because she was really interesting and she was just

exceptionally talented. U I was very impressed by her. Um, and I think it would be worth, you know, she's very ambitious and to bring that project and present before the mayor or any commissioner, any elected official, I was taken aback by just, you know, how how prepared she was and how interested she was in philanthropy and giving back. My final point was uh the nativity scene. So, I'd like to bring it before the commission, Mr. Manager, uh, next next commission meeting in two weeks. Uh, there's different options. Um, there's one the the price ranges are at 12 or $13,000 and then there was one around $8,000. I think the $8,000 one is appropriate. As I said before, I'm going to be paying for this myself. Um, there's no need to put it on the city. Um, and it's a donation to the city just like we did with the minora. I think it's a beautiful gesture uh in support of faith, God, and uh, you know, bringing people together. I would like your input in regards to to whether you think it's appropriate like in regards to the beauty of it. I think they're exceptionally um just aesthetically very beautiful and I think they'll be well received. Um I have two individuals in the community who have come forward already just by mentioning it that are going to donate $1,000 personal, you know, private businesses individuals in the community. If not, I'll pick up the other remaining $6,000 to uh to deliver for the city. Um, I'm going to have Laura send an email through the manager's office so you can look at um, you know, the um, the nativity scene and uh, give me your thumbs up before I put it on the agenda so we can get the approval. I like for the approval like we did with the minora um, by this commission. I think it's important. I don't want to buy something and you tell me you don't like it or you think it's too big or you think it's too small or you have a different idea. If you tell me you're not happy with it and we can find something else that's in that price range that maybe is better quality or that maybe aesthetically makes you happier, I'm more than willing. I just

want to get this done before the Christmas so we can order it and have it here uh for the festivities. So, a couple follow-up items. Um the two prints that I um purchased were framed. There was a correction being done on one of the prints and it'll be delivered here. My intention was to give it to the city. Uh whether we hang them city hall, whether we hang them somewhere else, uh I appreciate the input of uh you know my colleagues. This is the problem if I may. This is the problem with the sunshine law. Yeah. No, it it is the problem with sunshine.

So when she came to present to me and told me to come and get involved in I said listen I'll buy a set personally and you know I'll donate it to the city in one form or another you lot of same thing could have saved money no it's all for the good just did it's for historic preservation but I say we could have we could have come together and

it's true it's true. So, I met with this uh on the second item, I met with the same young lady and I also had a follow-up conversation with Mitch Kaplan who has a foundation and he's happy to u facilitate and assist not only with the the library um little libraries, but he uh you know we we need to put some money into the little libraries to purchase them, but he will supply the books. Madam Vice Mayor, will you do me a favor? Will you speak through the manager and and speak to Laura? She has the contact for the young lady. Maybe you can schedule her to come in on Friday. I did speak with her. Okay, perfect. That's why I ended up speaking to Mitch Kaplan about it.

Maybe he can help me. Maybe he can help me fund raise so I don't have to put the whole bill myself, but I'll do it. But again, u yeah, and I wanted to add, you know, a couple of more of them throughout our city because, you know, we have some areas where we can put some good materials in there such as we're going to have a micro forest. You know, some information can be put in there as to why we're doing a micro forest. People to learn and uh understand why we do the things that we do. If we provide the information behind it and with the books that the books and books has agreed to supply, it makes it a wonderful thing. So yeah, that is the problem of sunshine. Even simple stuff like this, it's hard to collaborate on. Yep. That's it.

One followup, Mr. uh Mr. Mayor, one followup on what the vice mayor was saying. Um I had spoken recently, you might have as well, with former mayor Jim Kasein, and one of his ideas has been to coordinate the donation of books around town and um may maybe we can collaborate on this with the uh the little libraries, you know, um because it seems to me based in my conversations with Mayor Kase that he believes there's quite a bit of availability of books in in homes.

They just don't have the best outlet or facility to to donate them. So, you know, I I'll speak to the manager, city manager, and see if there's a way we can coordinate. Any ideas you all have, maybe we can we can make this all come together quickly. Anything else for the good of the order? All right. Well, meeting adjourned. I hope everybody has a wonderful week and uh enjoy the pumpkin patch and we'll see each other the next commission meeting. Thank you and God bless.