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October 14, 2025 ·9:00 AM Final Revised

City Hall, Commission Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 107 items

  1. 1 The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting on October 14, 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.
  2. 2 page break
  3. 3 CALL TO ORDER ▶ jump to 11:05
  4. 4 ROLL CALL
  5. 4 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
  6. 5 INVOCATION ▶ jump to 11:51
  7. 6 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ▶ jump to 13:49
  8. 7 MERRICK MOMENT ▶ jump to 14:12
  9. A. PRESENTATIONS AND PROTOCOL DOCUMENTS
  10. A.-1. Presentation of a Certificate of Condolence to the bereaved family of Betsy Adams. 25-9838 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 16:36
  11. 10 PAGE BREAK
  12. A.-2. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 14, 2025 as "Junior League of Miami Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9043 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 36:34
  13. 12 PAGE BREAK
  14. A.-3. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 15, 2025 as "Murnor Studio Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9755 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 48:26
  15. A.-4. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 2025 as "Kiwanis of Little Havana Month" in Coral Gables. 25-9756 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 55:01
  16. 17 Agenda Items A-5 and H-1 are related
  17. A.-5. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 2025 as "Disability Acceptance Month" in Coral Gables. 25-9853 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 69:06
  18. 19 PAGE BREAK
  19. A.-6. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring October 2025 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Coral Gables. 25-9908 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 87:19
  20. Non Agenda Item A Resolution of the City Commission of Coral Gables, Florida directing City Staff to develop a program to highlight and recognize Businesses and Organizations celebrating their Centennial Anniversary, including but not limited to the creation of Commemorative Markers and promotional features in City publications, providing for an effective date. 25-1088 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  21. A.-7. Congratulations to Detective Casey Rivera, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Detective of the Quarter,” for the 2nd quarter of 2025. 25-9893 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 96:49
  22. 23 PAGE BREAK
  23. A.-8. Congratulations to Officer Melenni Alzate, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of April 2025. 25-9895 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 96:32
  24. A.-9. Congratulations to Officer Dashiell Garcia, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of May 2025. 25-9904 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 100:40
  25. 27 PAGE BREAK
  26. 28 page break
  27. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  28. B.-1. Regular City Commission Meeting of August 26, 2025. 25-9767 approved Pass ▶ jump to 108:08
  29. 31 PAGE BREAK
  30. B.-2. Regular Commission Meeting of September 10, 2025. 25-9906 approved Pass
  31. B.-3. Second Budget Hearing of September 25, 2025. 25-9907 approved Pass
  32. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS ▶ jump to 118:17
  33. D. CONSENT AGENDA
  34. D.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointments of Ivana Liberatore (Student Government President), Bartu Sevil (Interfraternity Council President), Chief Trevor Shinn (Police Chief), Patricia Whitely (VP of Student Affairs), and Maite Alvarez (VP of Government Relations) all nominated by the University of Miami, to serve as members of the City of Coral Gables/University of Miami Community Relations Committee, for a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9840
  35. 40 PAGE BREAK
  36. D.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the City Manager to waive the competitive bid process of the Procurement Code as a “Special Procurement/Bid Waiver” with Sherp USA to purchase a high-water rescue vehicle, pursuant to Section 2-691 of the City’s Procurement Code for an estimated amount of $212,045.00. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9839 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  37. 43 page break
  38. D.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Donna Heisenbottle (Nominated by the Board-As-A-Whole) to serve as a member of the Landmarks Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9830 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  39. D.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the execution of a contract with Fire Code Pro, Inc. for Fire Plans Review Services Pursuant to Section 2-607(24) of the Procurement Code. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9510 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  40. D.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the execution of a contract with Robert Nance for Fire Plans Review Services pursuant to Section 2-607(24) of the Procurement Code. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9890 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  41. D.-6. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Carlos Castillo (nominated by Commissioner Castro) to serve as a member of the Emergency Management Division, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9910 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  42. 51 Passed the Consent Agenda Approved on Consent Agenda Pass
  43. D.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Alfred Santamaria (nominated by Commissioner Castro) to serve as a member of the Board of Adjustment, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9914 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  44. D.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Cecilia Anne Slesnick (nominated by City Manager Iglesias) 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. 25-9923 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  45. D.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Ruben Rodriguez (Nominated by City Manager Iglesias) to serve as a member of the Sustainability Advisory Board, for the remainder of a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9924 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  46. 1. Presentation of Boards and/or Committees minutes requesting no action from the City Commission:
  47. 1.-1. Budget Audit Advisory Board Meeting of August 20, 2025. 25-9766 approved Pass
  48. 1.-2. Budget Audit Advisory Board Meeting of September 17, 2025. 25-9905 approved Pass
  49. 62 PAGE BREAK
  50. 63 page break
  51. 1.-3. City of Coral Gables Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of September 3, 2025. 25-9776 approved Pass
  52. 1.-4. International Affairs Coordinating Council Meeting of August 18, 2025. 25-9788 approved Pass
  53. 67 PAGE BREAK
  54. 1.-5. Parking Advisory Board Meeting of August 20, 2025. 25-9822 approved Pass
  55. 1.-6. Planning and Zoning Board Meeting of August 13, 2025. 25-9682 approved Pass
  56. E.-1. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  57. 73 APPEALS
  58. 73 PAGE BREAK
  59. 74 Agenda Item E-1 has been deferred to the October 28, 2025 City Commission Meeting
  60. 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 25-9846 Deferred
  61. 77 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
  62. E.-2. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending City Code Chapter 2, "Administration," Article III "Boards, Commission, Committees," 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. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9800 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 163:29
  63. 80 page break
  64. 81 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
  65. 82 Time Certain 11:00am (Agenda Items E-3 and E-4 are related)
  66. E.-3. 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 25-9713 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass ▶ jump to 139:21
  67. 83 page break
  68. E.-4. 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 25-9715 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass ▶ jump to 139:30
  69. E.-5. 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) 25-9282 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass ▶ jump to 157:48
  70. E.-6. 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) 24-8338 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
  71. 91 page break
  72. E.-7. 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. 25-9842 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass ▶ jump to 167:08
  73. E.-8. An Ordinance 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, “Pavers and walkways,” to incorporate composite recycled materials as an approved material for trellises, decks, and walkways; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (11 19 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote: 7-0) (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9847 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
  74. E.-9. 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) 25-9843 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading as Amended Pass
  75. 96 page break
  76. E.-10. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, amending Section 14-204, "Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs)," 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 a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (11 19 25 PZB recommended approval, Vote 4-3) (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9921 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
  77. F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
  78. F.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission directing that city hall be illuminated in red, white, and blue, that a peace banner be placed on City Hall, and that City Staff organize an inclusive interfaith event all to honor those who lost their lives in the October 7th attacks. 25-9902 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 185:31
  79. F.-2. Florida League of Cities update. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9915 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 238:13
  80. 105 page break
  81. 105 PAGE BREAK
  82. F.-3. 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 unconstitutional and should be enjoined, and retaining Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, Pl to prosecute the lawsuit; and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9909 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  83. F.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission urging the Florida Legislature to establish a cap on special assessments that may be imposed on homesteaded condominium units. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9841 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 248:36
  84. F.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission adopting Mayor Lago's 2025-2027 Strategic Priorities Plan. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9801 adopted as amended by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 269:06
  85. F.-6. 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 Pickleball Tournament, to be held on November 8, 2025, at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center located at 1150 Anastasia Avenue, and for the City to provide a dedicated City trolley and complimentary off-site parking. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9922 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 269:10
  86. G. BOARDS/COMMITTEES ITEMS
  87. 114 PAGE BREAK
  88. G.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission granting approval of a residential waiver (by a four-fifths vote of the City Commission) for Estrellita Sibila (Nominated by the Board As A Whole), in accordance with Section 2-52(b)(2) of the City Code, to serve as a member of the International Affairs Coordinating Council, for a two (2) year term, which begins on June 1, 2025 and through May 31, 2027. 25-9848 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  89. H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
  90. 117 PAGE BREAK
  91. 118 Agenda Items A-5 and H-1 are related
  92. H.-1. 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. 25-9855 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 69:57
  93. 121 page break
  94. I. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
  95. 124 None
  96. J. CITY CLERK ITEMS
  97. 127 None
  98. 127 page break
  99. K. DISCUSSION ITEMS ▶ jump to 276:30
  100. 130 page break
  101. 131 ADJOURNMENT
  102. 132 NOTE
  103. 138 page break
  104. 147 page break
  105. 151 page break
  106. Non Agenda Item A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA DIRECTING CITY STAFF TO NOTIFY THE CITY’S LOBBYIST TO INCLUDE AS PART OF THE CITY’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES A REQUEST TO THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION OF $50,000 FOR ALL QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 25-9937 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  107. 165 Billy Y. Urquia City Clerk