City Commission
City Hall, Commission Chambers
Agenda — 137 items
- 1 The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting on October 28, 2025 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public may participate in person, but are also able to participate via the Zoom platform. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom at (https://zoom.us/j/3054466800). In addition, a dedicated phone line will be available so that any individual who does not wish (or is unable) to use Zoom may listen to and participate in the meeting by dialing: (305) 461-6769 Meeting ID: 3054466800. To speak prior to the City Commission taking action on an Agenda Item, please "Raise your Hand" or send a message to one of the meeting hosts using the Zoom Platform. If you joined the meeting via telephone, you can "Raise your Hand" by pressing *9. The public may comment on an item on the agenda using the City’s already-established e-comment function which may be found on the City’s website at: www.coralgables.com/commissionmeetings) once the meeting’s agenda is published or by sending an email to cityclerk@coralgables.com prior to the start of the meeting. The Meeting will also be broadcasted live for members of the public to view on the City’s website www.coralgables.com/cgtv) as well as Channel 77 on Comcast.
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- 3 CALL TO ORDER
- 4 ROLL CALL
- 4 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
- 5 INVOCATION
- 6 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- 7 MERRICK MOMENT
- A. PRESENTATIONS AND PROTOCOL DOCUMENTS
- A.-1. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 28, 2025 as "Coral Gables Crime Watch Program Day" in Coral Gables.
- A.-2. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 29, 2025 as "Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Day" in Coral Gables.
- A.-3. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 20-26, 2025 as "Florida City Government Week" in Coral Gables.
- A.-4. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring November 6, 2025 as "Celia Cruz Day" in Coral Gables.
- A.-5. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring November 15, 2025 as "America Recycles Day" in Coral Gables.
- A.-6. Congratulations to Officer Michael Clarke, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of July 2025.
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- B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- B.-1. Regular City Commission Meeting of September 25, 2025.
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- C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
- D. CONSENT AGENDA
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- D.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFP 2025-016 Theater Programming Services to Evolve Theatre Company, the recommended responsive and responsible proposer, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and Request for Proposal (RFP) 2025-016. Lobbyist: N/A
- D.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFP 2025-018 Professional S.T.E.M. Program Services to Study Smart Tutors, Inc., the highest ranked responsive and responsible proposer, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and Request for Proposal (RFP) 2025-018. Lobbyist: N/A
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- D.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of Grant Agreement No. DA-CG-25-307 from the Florida InLand Navigation District in the amount of $56,500 for the purchase of a Small Marine Patrol Vessel and Night Vision Equipment; authorizing the City Manager to execute the grant agreement; and authorizing an amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 annual budget to recognize the grant funds as revenue and to appropriate said funds toward the cost of the project.
- D.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of Grant Agreement No. 3X247 in the amount of $100,000 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through the Drone Replacement Program; and appropriating the funds to be put towards the cost of the program.
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- D.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of a State of Florida Department of Transportation Litter Control and Prevention Grant in the amount of $15,000 to be put towards the “Keep Coral Gables Beautiful” initiative; authorizing the execution of Grant Agreement No. G3h98; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget to recognize the $15,000 grant as revenue and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the program.
- D.-6. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Lucy Hansen (nominated by Mayor Lago) to serve as a member of the Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027.
- D.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the release of the Unity of Title recorded in the Official Records Book 33169, Page 3066, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida for 275 Giralda Avenue, Units 6A and 6B, legally described in Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 30957, Page 150.
- D.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation to extend the existing professional services agreement with Hernas Salgado Corp. Pursuant to Section 2-764(B), "Approval of Change Orders and Contract Modifications" for the continuation of labor services at the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club. Lobbyist: N/A
- D.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation to waive the competitive bid process of the Procurement Code as a Special Procurement/Bid Waiver to directly negotiate the contract terms for the continuation of professional instruction services with Diamond Degree Baseball for baseball, softball and t-ball related programming and services at the War Memorial Youth Center in the annual amount of $50,000.00, not to exceed the available annual budget pursuant to Section 2-691 of the City’s Procurement Code. Lobbyist: N/A
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- D.-10. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the City's Excluded Employees' nomination of Norman Anthony "Tony" Newell and Geannina Burgos, to serve as members of the Coral Gables Trial Board for a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027.
- 1. Presentation of Boards and/or Committees minutes requesting no action from the City Commission:
- 32 Passed the Consent Agenda
- 1.-1. Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Meeting of October 6, 2025.
- 1.-2. Cultural Development Board Meeting of September 16, 2025.
- 1.-3. Economic Development Board Meeting of September 3, 2025.
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- 1.-4. Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of October 9, 2025.
- 1.-5. Mayor's Advisory Council Meeting of September 18, 2025.
- 1.-6. Mayor's Advisory Council Meeting of October 16, 2025.
- 1.-7. Parking Advisory Board Meeting of September 17, 2025.
- 1.-8. Transportation Advisory Board Meeting of July 22, 2025.
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- E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
- 43 APPEALS
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- 44 Time Certain 10:00am (Agenda Item E-1)
- E.-1. An Appeal to the Coral Gables City Commission from the decision of the Historic Preservation Board on September 18, 2025, to deny a claim of undue economic hardship and a certificate of appropriateness for demolition for the property located at 1258 Obispo Avenue, a contributing resource in the "Obispo Avenue Historic District," legally described as Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Coral Gables Section “E,” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 8, at Page 13 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Lobbyist: Ceasar Mestre
- 46 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
- 47 Agenda Items E-2 and E-3 are related
- E.-2. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the Future Land Use Map of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments,” and small scale amendment procedures (SS. 163.3187, Florida Statutes), from “Religious or Institutional” to “Multi-Family Low Density” for Lots 15, 16, 17 and 18, Block 33, Coral Gables Biltmore Section (627 and 635 Anastasia Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (09 17 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote 5-1) Lobbyist: Joe Jimenez
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- E.-3. An Ordinance of the City Commission making zoning district boundary changes pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-212, “Zoning Code Text and Map Amendments,” from “Special Use(s)” to “Multi-Family 3 (MF3)” for Lots 15, 16, 17 and 18, Block 33, Coral Gables Biltmore Section (627 and 635 Anastasia Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (09 17 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote 5-1) Lobbyist: Joe Jimenez
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- E.-4. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending City Code Chapter 2, “Administration,” Article III “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 a severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
- E.-5. An Ordinance of 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, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date.
- E.-6. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Article 16, “Definitions,” City of Coral Gables 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 (SFR) District, "Subsection (b), "Height," to incorporate required freeboard and floodplain management standards for residences in flood hazard areas; and adding garage floor elevation standards that align with flood-resistant construction requirements; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and an effective date. (09 17 25 PZB recommended approval, Vote 6-0)
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- E.-7. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code Article 5, “Architecture” Section 5-510, “Trussed Rafters,” to provide requirements for metal trusses; providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification, enforceability, and an effective date. (09 17 25 PZB recommended approval, Vote 6-0)
- 55 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
- 56 Time Certain 2:00pm (Agenda Items E-8 and E-9 are related)
- E.-8. An Ordinance of the City Commission approving amendments to the text and maps of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan pursuant to small-scale amendment procedures (Section 163.3187, Florida Statutes), and Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments,” to modify the required mix of uses when developed within the “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay,” to allow a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 3.5, to provide policies to implement the “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay;” to amend the Future Land Use Map from “Commercial Low-Rise Intensity” to “Commercial High-Rise Intensity”, and to create the “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay” on the Mixed-Use Overlay Districts Map, for Blocks 155 and 156, Coral Gables Riviera Section Part 8, Tract “A,” Replat of Coral Gables Riviera Section Part 8, which are the properties bounded by South Dixie Highway, Caballero Boulevard, Madruga, and Turin Street (1150, 1190, 1250, 1320, and 1350 South Dixie Highway); providing for a repealer provision, providing for a severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (07 02 2025 PZB recommended approval for Comp. Plan Map Amendments, Vote: 5:1) (12 10 2025 PZB recommended approval for Comp. Plan Text Amendments, Vote: 6-0)
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- E.-9. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for map and text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-212, “Zoning Code Text and Map Amendments,” by 1) amending Article 2, “Zoning Districts,” to create Section 2-408, “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay” for promoting the use of mass transit facilities and pedestrian activities along transit corridors and near multimodal stations; 2) amending Appendix A, “Site Specific Zoning Regulations,” to remove inconsistent Site Specifics; 3) amending Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-204, “Transfer of Development Rights,” to expand Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) receiving sites to the “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay,” and 4) making Zoning District boundary changes from “Mixed-Use 1 (MX1)” to “Mixed-Use 3 (MX3)” and creating the “University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay” boundary for Blocks 155 and 156, Coral Gables Riviera Section Part 8, and Tract “A,” Replat of Coral Gables Riviera Section Part 8, which are the properties bounded by South Dixie Highway, Caballero Boulevard, Madruga, and Turin Street (1150, 1190, 1250, 1320, and 1350 South Dixie Highway), and to create the “University Station Rapid Transit District;” providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (07 02 2025 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 5:1)
- E.-10. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the City Code to create Chapter 62, "Streets, Sidewalks, and Other Public Places," Article VII "Special Events and Parades," Division I "Generally" Section 62-265 "Prohibition on Use of Plastic Related or Metallized Decorations and Release of Balloons" to amend the City Code to add a prohibition on the use of certain plastic related or metallized decorative material and prohibit the release of balloons by special event permittees in the City; providing for severability, repealer, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- E.-11. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 2, “Administration,” Article V. “Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics,” of the Coral Gables City Code to create Section 2-309 “Anti-Kickback and Post-Approval Transparency Requirements” to require disclosure of certain business relationships, gifts, and political contributions relating to projects that come before the City Commission; to require public posting of such disclosures on CoralGables.com; providing for supplemental local transparency obligations consistent with Chapter 112, Florida Statues and Miami-Dade County Code § 2-11.1; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
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- 63 Agenda Items E-12, E-13, E-14 and E-15 are related and have been deferred to the November 18, 2025 Commission Meeting
- E.-12. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the Future Land Use Map of the City of Coral Gables Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-213, “Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments,” and Small Scale amendment procedures (ss. 163.3187, Florida Statutes), from “Commercial Low Rise Intensity” and “Single Family Low Density” to “Multi-Family Low Density” for the western 36 feet of Lots 1 and 13 through 17, and from “Single Family Low Density” to “Commercial Low Rise Intensity” for the remaining eastern portion of Lots 1 and 15 through 17, and all of Lots 2 through 4, Block 18, Coral Gables Flagler Street Section (760 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and 120 Avila Court), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (09 17 2025 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 5:0) Lobbyist: Jorge Navarro
- E.-13. An Ordinance of the City Commission making Zoning District boundary changes pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-212, “Zoning Code Text and Map Amendments,” from “Mixed-use 1” and “Single-Family Residential” to “Multi-Family 3” for the western 36 feet of Lots 1 and 13 through 17, and from “Single-Family Residential” to “Mixed-Use 1” for the remaining eastern portion of Lots 1 and 15 through 17, and all of Lots 2 through 4, Block 18, Coral Gables Flagler Street Section (760 Ponce de Leon Boulevard and 120 Avila Court), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (09 17 2025 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 5:0) Lobbyist: Jorge Navarro
- E.-14. An Ordinance of the City Commission granting approval of a Planned Area Development (PAD) pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-206, “General Procedures for Planned Area Development” for a mixed-use project referred to as “760 Ponce” on properties legally described as Block 18, Coral Gables Flagler Street Section (760 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 112 and 120 Avila Court), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (09 17 2025 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 5:0) Lobbyist: Jorge Navarro
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- 68 RESOLUTIONS
- 69 Agenda Items E-12, E-13, E-14 and E-15 are related and have been deferred to the November 18, 2025 Commission Meeting
- E.-15. A Resolution of the City Commission granting approval of the following conditional uses: 1) Special location site plan review, pursuant to Zoning Code Article 5, “Architecture” Section 5-201, “Coral Gables Mediterranean style design standards,” for properties adjacent to or across public rights-of-way or waterways from a SFR District or MF1 District, to allow Mediterranean Architectural Bonuses; and 2) Conditional Use approval pursuant to Article 14, “Process” Section 14-203, “Conditional Uses,” for a proposed mixed-use project referred to as “760 Ponce;” on properties legally described as Block 18, Coral Gables Flagler Street Section (760 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 112 and 120 Avila Court), Coral Gables, Florida; including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) (09 17 2025 PZB recommended approval, Vote: 5:0) Lobbyist: Jorge Navarro
- E.-16. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the Police Department's 2024-2025 Red Light Camera survey responses and written summary after a public hearing and presentation at the October 28, 2025 City Commission Meeting in accordance with Florida Statutes § 316.0083(4).
- 72 Time Certain 11:00am (Agenda Item E-17)
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- E.-17. A Resolution of the City Commission pursuant to Zoning Code Article 1, “General Provisions,” Section 1-104 “Jurisdiction and applicability,” amending Resolution No. 2021-334 that granted Site Plan approval of the Mobility Hub, located at the site of Parking Garage 1, legally described as Lots 29 to 42, Block 2, Crafts Section, Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date.
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- F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
- F.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to implement a needle collection program for City residents. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- F.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the annual placement of a nativity set at City Hall during the holiday season; directing staff to coordinate installation, maintenance, and removal; providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
- F.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission directing City staff to install a flagpole and fly an American flag at each City park. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
- F.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the City Manager to develop a Pilot Programming in conjunction with Small Business Month through the holiday season in order to activate Miracle Mile. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- F.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission setting forth guidelines for determining the placement of new sidewalks. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- F.-6. Update regarding Art in Public Places (Agustin Cardenas sculpture, Louise Nevelson sculpture, Intervals project for Art Basal). (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
- F.-7. Discussion regarding Florida House property tax proposals, homeowner insurance rates and rental rates impacted by short terms rentals such as Airbnb’s. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- F.-8. Discussion regarding the Downtown Revitalization - Building a Signature Day for the Central Business District. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- F.-9. Discussion regarding the 100 block of Romano Avenue. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- F.-10. Update on the Bike Master Plan. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
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- F.-11. Discussion regarding Miracle Mile sidewalks and potholes. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- F.-12. Update on the Florida League of Cities and National League of Cities. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- F.-13. Update on County legislation regarding composting. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- F.-14. Discussion regarding pumpkin recycling. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
- F.-15. Discussion regarding the PackWalk. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro)
- G. BOARDS/COMMITTEES ITEMS
- 93 Time Certain 12:30pm (Agenda Item G-1)
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- G.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting a proposal from Latin Art Core for acquisition of a sculpture by artist Agustín Cárdenas, Le Couple, 1991, (unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 7 to 0); authorizing the City Manager or his or her designee to enter into an agreement with Latin Art Core; authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 amended budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from the Art in Public Places reserve, and appropriating such funds to put toward the cost of acquisition, installation, and related expenses regarding the artwork.
- G.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission appointing Joseph De Maria and Sandra Ferrera (Nominated by the Commission-As-A-Whole) to serve as members of the Coral Gables Trial Board for a two (2) term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027.
- G.-3. Art in Public Places Acquisition and Art Week Updates.
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- H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
- H.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFP 2025-019 Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management Services to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC, the recommended responsive and responsible proposer, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and request for proposal (RFP) 2025-019. Lobbyist: N/A
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- H.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFP 2025-022 Disaster Debris Monitoring Services to the three (3) highest ranked responsive-responsible proposers in rank order: Tetra Tech, Inc., (Primary), Thompson Consulting Services, LLC, (Secondary), and Debristech, LLC (Tertiary), pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award”. Lobbyist: N/A
- H.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFQ 2025-031 for Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) City Hall Renovation and Restoration Project and negotiate a Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) with Thornton Construction Company, Inc., the highest ranked responsive-responsible proposer, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and Florida Statute 287.055, known as the “Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act” (CCNA). Lobbyist: N/A
- H.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the City Manager to approve a change order to contract RFQ 2020-021 for design consultant services for the State-of-the-Art Mobility Hub and with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc., in the estimated amount of $750,000 or not to exceed the available budget, pursuant to Section 2-764(B) of the City’s Procurement Code entitled change orders and contract modifications.
- 103 Time Certain12:00pm (Agenda Item H-5)
- H.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the City Manager to proceed with the restoration plan for City Hall.
- I. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
- 106 None
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- J. CITY CLERK ITEMS
- Non Agenda Item A Resolution of the City Commission appointing Mayor Vince Lago to be the City’s representative in discussions with Miami-Dade County regarding the Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ).
- 109 None
- K. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- 111 ADJOURNMENT
- 112 Billy Y. Urquia City Clerk
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- Non-agenda A Resolution of the City Commission instructing the city manager to explore possible funding and design options for expansion of Peter and Sallye Jude Park to include a Pickleball Court.