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September 10, 2025 ·9:00 AM Final Revised

City Hall, Commission Chambers

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 119 items

  1. 1 The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting on September 10, 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 0:03
  4. 4 ROLL CALL
  5. 4 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
  6. 5 INVOCATION ▶ jump to 0:43
  7. 6 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  8. 7 MERRICK MOMENT ▶ jump to 4:20
  9. A. PRESENTATIONS AND PROTOCOL DOCUMENTS
  10. A.-1. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 10, 2025 as "Baruj Salinas Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9444 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 11:37
  11. 9 A Resolution of the City Commission of Coral Gables, FL instructing the City Manager to include the Merrick Minute in the City's Website. 25-9760 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  12. A.-2. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 12, 2025 as "90th Anniversary of Social Security Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9618 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 22:10
  13. A.-3. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 13, 2025 as "Unitech Builders Corp Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9726 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 29:56
  14. 11 page break
  15. A.-4. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 17-23, 2025 as "Constitution Week" in Coral Gables. 25-9643 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 34:28
  16. A.-5. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 2025 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Coral Gables. 25-9637 Presented and Filed ▶ jump to 48:15
  17. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  18. 15 None
  19. 16 page break
  20. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS ▶ jump to 60:55
  21. 17 page break
  22. D. CONSENT AGENDA
  23. D.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission approving the “Day of the Dead” event as one of five events of the International Cultural Events Program. 25-9503 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  24. D.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance and execution of grant funds in the amount of $7,970.00 allocated to the Coral Gables Police Department from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG); and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 annual budget to recognize the $7,970.00 grant funds as revenue and to appropriate such funds to cover the grant expenditures. 25-9546 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  25. 20 page break
  26. D.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of Grant Agreement No. PW006 with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in the amount of $250,000, allocated to the Coral Gables Police Department for the purchase of a High Water Rescue Vehicle; authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget to recognize the grant funds as revenue; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the grant agreement for said financial assistance. 25-9645 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  27. 22 page break
  28. D.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission approving the IT Department to purchase a GIS Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) from ESRI, the existing vendor of GIS applications, services, and support for Coral Gables for a total cost of $49,000.00 Lobbyist: N/A 25-9644 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  29. 23 page break
  30. D.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Aaron Casariego (nominated by Mayor Lago) to serve as a member of the Insurance and Risk Management Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9657 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  31. D.-6. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Kirk Menendez (nominated by Commissioner Castro) to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9663 adopted by Resolution Number Fail ▶ jump to 108:22
  32. D.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Leyla Alfonso (nominated by Vice Mayor Anderson) 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. 25-9683 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  33. D.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of the City Manager to approve a modification to the Professional Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-030 with Robert Rionda Interiors in the estimated amount of $74,000 for improvements at the George H. Fink Studio, pursuant to Section 2-764 of the City's Procurement Code entitled "Approval of Change Orders and Modifications". 25-9720 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  34. D.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Preston G. Dickerson (nominated by Commissioner Castro) to serve as a member of the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9723 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  35. D.-10. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Fatima Perez (nominated by Commissioner Lara) 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. 25-9724 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  36. D.-11. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the appointment of Commissioner Castro to serve as Vice Chair of the 2025-2026 Florida League of Cities Legislative Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment Policy Committee and authorizing Commissioner Castro to advocate for the City's legislative priorities. 25-9679 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 98:38
  37. 31 page break
  38. D.-12. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Isis Arenas (nominated by the Board As A Whole) to serve as a member of the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9730 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  39. 32 Passed the Consent Agenda Approved on Consent Agenda Pass
  40. D.-13. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., to extend services and allow for retroactive payment effective December 7, 2024, increasing the not to exceed amount to $50,000; providing for implementation; and providing for an effective date. 25-9731 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  41. D.-14. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing a contract modification to FG Construction, LLC. Contract No. IFB 2024-027 Intersection Improvements – Coral Way & Granada project, pursuant to Section 2-764 (b) Approval of Change Orders and Contract Modifications, in the amount of $50,000 to cover unforeseen items.   Lobbyist: N/A 25-9747 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  42. 1. Presentation of Boards and/or Committees minutes requesting no action from the City Commission:
  43. 35 page break
  44. 1.-1. Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Advisory Board Meeting of August 27, 2025. 25-9686 approved Pass
  45. 1.-2. Mayor's Advisory Council Meeting of August 21, 2025. 25-9722 approved Pass
  46. 1.-3. Planning and Zoning Board Meeting of July 2, 2025. 25-9466 approved Pass
  47. 1.-4. Retirement Board Meeting of June 12, 2025. 25-9646 approved Pass
  48. 2. Presentation of Boards and/or Committees draft/final minutes requesting action from the City Commission [Note: A vote to accept the minutes does not mean approval of the substance within the minutes]:
  49. 2.-1. A Resolution of the Coral Gables Budget and Audit Advisory Board recommending that the City of Coral Gables Commission maintain the Millage Rate of 5.559 mills for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 25-9681 approved Pass
  50. 42 page break
  51. 43 Time Certain 11:30am (Agenda Item 2-2)
  52. 2.-2. A Resolution of the Historic Preservation Board requesting that the City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing Ad Valorem tax relief for the property located at 4125 Santa Maria Street, a Contributing Resource within the “Santa Maria Street Historic District,” legally described as Lots 9 & 10, Block 96, Coral Gables Country Club Section Part Five, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 23, at Page 55 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. (Historic Preservation Board Meeting of July 10, 2025, Vote: 8-0, one member absent). 25-9377 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 182:35
  53. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  54. 45 page break
  55. 46 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
  56. 47 Time Certain 10:00am (Agenda Item E-1 and E-8 are related)
  57. E.-1. An Ordinance of the City Commission granting Conditional Use approval for a Building Site Determination, pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-202.6, “Building Site Determination,” and Section 14-203, “Conditional Uses,” to separate one (1) existing building site into two (2) single-family building sites on property zoned Single-Family Residential (SFR) District, legally described as ½ of Lot 9, all of Lots 10 and 11, and the west 25 feet of Lot 12, Block 223, Revised Plat of Coral Gables Riviera Section, Part 13 (1154 Alfonso Avenue), Coral Gables, Florida; one (1) building site consisting of the east 50 feet of Lot 9 and all of Lot 10 (west parcel), and the other (1) building site consisting of all of Lot 11 and the west 25 feet of Lot 12 (east parcel); including required conditions; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and an effective date. (08 13 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote 5-1) Lobbyist: Laura Russo 25-9465 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 163:13
  58. E.-2. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, Article 2, “Zoning Districts,” Section 2-101, “Single-Family Residential (SFR) District” and Section 2-102 “Multi-Family 1 Duplex (MF1) District,” and Article 16, “Definitions,” to provide exception to the separation of accessory structures from the main structure under certain requirements and provide for open-air accessory structures with ground area coverage requirements; providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (03 12 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote 4-3) (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez) 25-8787 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 206:26
  59. 50 page break
  60. 50 page break
  61. E.-3. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Section 2-54 “Attendance by members at meetings; resignation of members” of the City Code to revise the definition of excessive absences for the Board of Adjustment, Construction Regulation Board, Historic Preservation Board, Code Enforcement Board, and the Planning and Zoning Board; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9203 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 207:09
  62. E.-4. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Article IV, “Code Enforcement,”, Section 101-100, “creation; membership; statutes to govern board,” of the City Code to revise the membership and attendance requirements for the Code Enforcement Board; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9206 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 208:18
  63. E.-5. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for a text amendment to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, amending Article 14 “Process” to revise attendance requirements for the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment, the Historic Preservation Board and the Code Enforcement Board; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (08 13 25 PZB recommended approval with conditions, Vote: 6-0) 25-9220 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 208:35
  64. E.-6. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 86 of the City Code, entitled "Waterways" creating Section 86-62, entitled, "Coral Gables Overnight Anchoring Limitation Area"; and providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9528 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass ▶ jump to 209:18
  65. 55 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
  66. E.-7. An Ordinance of the City Commission repealing Ordinance No. 2025-08, which moved the date of the City’s Elections from April of odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored By Commissioner Castro) 25-9555 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 219:21
  67. 57 RESOLUTIONS
  68. 58 Time Certain 10:00am (Agenda Item E-1 and E-8 are related)
  69. E.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission approving the release of the Declaration of Restrictive Covenant on the property located at 1154 Alfonso Avenue, recorded in official record of Miami- Dade County, book 11508, page 431, and providing for an effective date. Lobbyist: Laura Russo 25-9678 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 163:38
  70. 60 page break
  71. 60 page break
  72. 61 Time Certain 11:45am (Agenda Item E-9)
  73. E.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission approving the Final Plat entitled “Ponce Park Residences” pursuant to Zoning Code Article 14, “Process,” Section 14-210, “Platting/Subdivision,” being a re-plat of 42,543 square feet (0.977 acres) into a single tract of land on the property legally described as Lots 8 through 21, less the West ½ of lot 8, Block 29, Crafts Section, together with that portion of the 20-foot platted alley lying east of Lots 11 and 19, of said Block 29, together with a 1,318 square feet portion of University Drive that runs north of the Malaga Avenue right-of-way and west of the Ponce de Leon Boulevard right-of-way and dedication of 1,725 square feet; (3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 216 & 224 Catalonia, 203 University Dr, and 225 Malaga), Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. (LEGAL DESCRIPTION ON FILE) Lobbyist: Javier Fernandez 25-9659 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 177:59
  74. F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
  75. 64 Time Certain 10:30am (Agenda Item F-1)
  76. F.-1. Swale Package Update. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9660 Deferred
  77. F.-2. Discussion regarding the Live Local Act. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9582 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 240:24
  78. F.-3. Discussion regarding permitting fees. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9629 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 245:33
  79. F.-4. Discussion regarding safety regulations for the use of E-Bike and E-Scooters in the City. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9656 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 150:15
  80. F.-5. Update on the Whiteway Lights that are still in use and those that have been collected. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9661 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 257:45
  81. F.-6. Discussion regarding rules of decorum and public comment.  (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9673 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 138:42
  82. 70 page break
  83. F.-7. Discussion regarding Civility Code.  (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9674 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 130:10
  84. F.-8. Discussion regarding the Mobility Hub. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9751 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 259:53
  85. 73 page break
  86. 73 Pulled from Consent Agenda
  87. 74 Time Certain 11:00am (Agenda Item F-9)
  88. F.-9. Presentation by Junior Orange Bowl Committee Executive Director Mimmi Balaam. (Sponsored by Commissioner Lara) 25-9725 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 166:02
  89. F.-10. A Resolution of the City Commission rescinding Resolution No. 2025-163 which called for a Special Election to be held for approval or disapproval of a ballot questions prohibiting future amendments to the date of the City's Election via ordinance and cancelling the Special Election for that question. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9536 denied by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 285:41
  90. 76 page break
  91. F.-11. A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to prepare a 0.25 percent reduction to the tentative Millage Rate adopted in Resolution No. 2025-265, and directing staff to prepare the City’s 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget to reflect that reduced Millage Rate and further directing City Staff to plan for additional 0.25 percent reductions to the Millage Rate in the following three fiscal years, through 2028-2029 Fiscal Year Budget. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9544 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 316:36
  92. F.-12. A Resolution of the City Commission rescinding Resolution No. 2025-246 which directed that the City Commission may consider whether to participate in particular lawsuits by filing an Amicus Curiae Brief or intervening an action already pending. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9570 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 365:35
  93. F.-13. A Resolution of the City Commission calling a Special Election on the proposed ballot question and City Charter Amendment to be held on April 13, 2027; providing for submission to the electors for approval or disapproval of a ballot question asking if the Charter should be amended to align the City’s General Election and associated dates with state and national elections and amending all subsequent elections; providing for notice; providing for inclusion in the City Charter; providing for related matters; and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9633 Deferred
  94. F.-14. A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to establish a permit fee incentive program to encourage the installation of living seawalls, providing a twenty percent (20%) discount in City permit fees for qualifying projects. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9675 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  95. F.-15. A Resolution of the City Commission urging the Florida Legislature to amend Florida Statutes, specifically Section 163.05 to impose civil and criminal penalties for fraudulent or false statements in arborist or landscape architect reports; to establish a clear process to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals and property during tree removal and stump grinding; and to provide definitions clarifying when permits are not required for emergency tree pruning or removal of dangerous trees that pose an immediate risk; and directing that such legislative amendment be included among the City’s legislative priorities for the 2025-2026 legislative session. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9680 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  96. 82 page break
  97. F.-16. A Resolution of the City Commission adopting a Civility Code for all City Board and Committee Members. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9737 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
  98. F.-17. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the raising of the Flag of the State of Israel at City Hall on October 7, 2025 in mourning and honor of the victims of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9746 Deferred ▶ jump to 179:32
  99. G. BOARDS/COMMITTEES ITEMS
  100. 86 None
  101. H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
  102. H.-1. Commission Offices Discussion. 25-9477 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 379:38
  103. H.-2. Traffic Calming Update. 25-9478 Discussed and Filed ▶ jump to 373:17
  104. H.-3. A Resolution of the CIty Commission to authorize a Bid Waiver for holiday decorations on Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Joy by for Custom Decorations for a period of one year in the estimated amount of $298,926.50 as a "Special Procurement/Bid Waiver", pursuant to Section 2-691 of the Procurement Code. 25-9721 adopted by Resolution Number Pass ▶ jump to 376:22
  105. I. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
  106. 92 None
  107. J. CITY CLERK ITEMS
  108. 94 None
  109. 95 page break
  110. K. DISCUSSION ITEMS
  111. 97 ADJOURNMENT
  112. 98 NOTE
  113. 101 page break
  114. 115 page break
  115. 128 page break
  116. 143 page break
  117. 148 page break
  118. 157 page break
  119. 175 Billy Y. Urquia City Clerk