City Commission

City Hall, Commission Chambers

Agenda — 137 items

1. 1 The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting on July 1, 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. 3 CALL TO ORDER
4. 4 INVOCATION
5. 4 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
6. 5 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7. 5 ROLL CALL
8. 6 MERRICK MINUTE
9. A. PRESENTATIONS AND PROTOCOL DOCUMENTS
10. A.-1. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring July 22, 2025 as "Keep Coral Gables Beautiful Day" in Coral Gables. 25-9285 Presented and Filed
11. A.-2. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring July 2025 as "Parks and Recreation Month" in Coral Gables. 25-9254 Presented and Filed
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13. A.-3. Congratulations to Captain Jinete recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Firefighter of the Month Award,” for the month of June 2025. 25-8926 Presented and Filed
14. A.-4. Congratulations to Julian Pozo, Police Department recipient of the "Employee of the Month Award", for May 2025 25-9258 Presented and Filed
15. A.-5. Congratulations to Milly Johnson, Police Department, recipient of "Employee of the Month Award", for June 2025. 25-9259 Presented and Filed
16. A.-6. Congratulations to Tomas Prieto, Public Works, recipient of "Employee of the Month Award", for April 2025. 25-9255 Presented and Filed
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18. A.-7. Congratulations to the City of Coral Gables for obtaining the Intelligent Community Certification. 25-9312 Presented and Filed
19. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
20. B.-1. Regular City Commission Meeting of May 20, 2025. 25-9101 approved Pass
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23. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
24. D. CONSENT AGENDA
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26. D.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Jose Valdes-Fauli (nominated by Commissioner Castro) to serve as a member of the Cultural Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9245 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
27. D.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointments of Gonzalo Sanabria (nominated by the Gables by the Sea Homeowners’ Association), Rob Martinez (nominated by the Journeys End Homeowners’ Association), Toni Schrager (nominated by the Old Cutler Bay Homeowners' Association), Alex Quevedo (nominated by the Snapper Creek Lakes Club), Rick Diaz (nominated by the Cocoplum Homeowners’ Association), Aimee Davis (nominated by Sunrise Harbour Homeowners Association), and Maria Stefano (nominated by the Kings Bay Homeowners' Association) to serve as members of the Coral Gables Waterfront Communities Homeowners' Association Board, for a two (2) year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9257 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
28. D.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Jennifer Marques (nominated by the Board-As-A-Whole) to serve as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9278 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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30. D.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Armando Hassun (nominated by the Board-As-A-Whole) to serve as a member of the Cultural Development Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9286 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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32. D.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Alejandro Silva (nominated by the Board-As-A-Whole) to serve as a member of the Historic Preservation Board, for a two (2) year term that began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9300 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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34. D.-6. A Resolution of the City Commission appointing Raul Valdes-Fauli (nominated by City Manager Iglesias) and Eve Boutsis (nominated by City Attorney Suarez) to serve as members of the Charter Review Committee. 25-9305 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
35. D.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award the Purchase of Trash Receptacles to Tiger Companies, LLC., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the estimated amount of $68,000.00, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and Request for Proposal (IFB) 2025-007. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9297 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
36. D.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing entering into a Sixth Amendment to Lease with Patio & Things, Inc. with regard to the City-owned retail premises at 240 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 granting an extension of lease terms for a period of one (1) year (09/01/25-08/31/26). Lobbyist: N/A 25-9317 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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38. D.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the ratification of emergency work performed by Gavarrete Inc. for the shoring installation at the City Hall Complex, 405 Biltmore Way, pursuant to Section 2-690 Emergency Procurement, in the amount of $84,744. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9315 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
39. D.-10. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of a Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling Grant in the amount of $2,500 to be put towards the “Keep Coral Gables Beautiful” Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling Program; authorizing the execution of the grant agreement; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget to recognize the $2,500 grant as revenue and to appropriate such funds to put toward the cost of the program. 25-9322 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
40. D.-11. A Resolution of the City Commission appointing Aron Aizenstat (nominated by City Manager Iglesias) to serve as a member of the Economic Development Board, for a two-year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9359 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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43. 1. Presentation of Boards and/or Committees minutes requesting no action from the City Commission:
44. 1.-1. Arts Advisory Panel Meeting of May 7, 2025. 25-9029 approved Pass
45. 1.-2. Communications Committee Meeting of May 14, 2025. 25-9244 approved Pass
46. 1.-3. Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Advisory Board Meeting of May 28, 2025. 25-9319 approved Pass
47. 1.-4. Cultural Development Board Meeting of April 7, 2025. 25-9028 approved Pass
48. 1.-5. Cultural Development Board Meeting of May 29, 2025. 25-9179 approved Pass
49. 1.-6. Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of June 12, 2025. 25-9320 approved Pass
50. 39 Passed the Consent Agenda Approved on Consent Agenda Pass
51. 1.-7. Retirement Board Meeting of May 12, 2025. 25-9246 approved Pass
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53. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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55. 43 APPEALS
56. E.-1. An Appeal to the City of Coral Gables Commission from the decision of the Board of Architect’s Special Master hearing held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, which affirmed the decision of the Board of Architects, denying the proposed garage door installation for the property located at 6901 Trionfo Street, legally described as Lot 16 and North ½ of Lot 15, Block 221, Coral Gables Riviera Section 13, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 28, at Page 3013 of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9293 adopted as amended by Resolution Number Pass
57. 45 ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
58. E.-2. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 58, entitled "Special Assessments," Article V - "Master Service Assessment," Division 2 - "Assessments," Section 58-253 "Notice of Publication," and remove the requirement for newspaper publication and incorporate the previously adopted definition of publications' providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. 25-8952 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass
59. E.-3. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending City Code Chapter 2, "Administration," Article V "Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics," to create Section 2-308 "Prohibition on City Commissioners serving as Campaign/Political Consultants," to prohibit City Commissioners from serving as campaign/political consultants for candidates for elected office in the CIty; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9201 adopted by Ordinance Number Pass
60. 48 ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING
61. E.-4. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the Code of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, Chapter 2, “Administration,” Article III, “Boards, Commissions, Committees,” Division 6, “Waterway Advisory Board,” to revise the membership of the Waterway Advisory Board and the qualifications of Waterway Advisory Board members; providing for severability, repealer, codification and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9301 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
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64. E.-5. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending the Code of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, Chapter 62, entitled “Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places,” Article VII “Special Events and Parades,” to clarify and improve the City’s existing scheme for the regulation and permitting of special events and parades held in public places in the City; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. 25-9295 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
65. E.-6. An Ordinance of the City Commission providing for text amendments to the City of Coral Gables Official Zoning Code, Article 9, “Art in Public Places,” to amend certain provisions related to the Art in Public Places process including timing of payments, limits on art consultant fees, scope of fee waiver opportunities, and creating provision for the regulation of Private Art that is highly visible from the public right-of-way; providing for repealer provision, severability clause, codification, enforceability and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9299 approved as an Ordinance on First Reading Pass
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, repealer, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9350 Denied
67. 54 RESOLUTIONS
68. E.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission pursuant to Zoning Code Article 1, “General Provisions,” Section 1-104 “Jurisdiction and applicability,” granting approval of the window replacement for the City Hall Complex, located at 405 Biltmore Way, legally described as Tracts B & C, Coral Gables Biltmore Section Revised, Coral Gables, Florida; providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, and providing for an effective date. 25-9253 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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70. E.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission amending Resolution No. 2022-284 which granted site plan conditional use approval for the mixed-use project referred to as “4311 Ponce” on the property legally described as Lots 36 through 43, Block 5, “Industrial Section” (4311 and 4225 Ponce de Leon Boulevard), Coral Gables, Florida, to replace the requirement that all overhead utilities along the adjacent rights-of-way be underground with a contribution to the City to construct certain public realm and/or beautification improvements in the vicinity of the project. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9355 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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72. F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
73. F.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission directing City Staff to extend the Resident Parking Rate Pilot Program through the date of the first CIty Commission Meeting in January 2026 to collect additional data in order to better determine the long-term feasibility of a resident parking rate. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9294 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
74. F.-2. Discussion regarding the removal of Miracle Mile pavers at crosswalks. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago). 25-9264 Discussed and Filed
75. F.-3. Update regarding the Granada Bridge. (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez) 25-9248 Deferred
76. F.-4. Discussion regarding the CFAI deferred reaccreditation for the Coral Gables Fire Department. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9323 Discussed and Filed
77. F.-5. Discussion concerning the Florida Attorney General’s recent legal opinion and the Governor’s stated position that municipalities cannot move or cancel elections, or extend terms in office, without first obtaining voter approval. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9324 Discussed and Filed
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79. F.-6. Discussion regarding traffic safety measures at Old Cutler Road and Cartagena Plaza (Cocoplum Circle). (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9325 Discussed and Filed
80. F.-7. Update regarding ADA transition plan. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9326 Discussed and Filed
81. F.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission prioritizing the expansion of audible traffic signals within the City to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and safety. (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9250 Withdrawn
82. F.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the City Manager to display the United States flag and the City of Coral Gables flag on their own poles at City Hall (Sponsored by Commissioner Castro) 25-9304 Failed
83. F.-10. A Resolution of the City Commission amending Resolution 2005-125 (regarding Board Membership composition) to add a member to the City’s Advisory Board on Disability Affairs. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9357 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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85. F.-11. A Resolution of the City Commission directing that the rent report for City-owned properties be made available on the City’s website and requiring a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Commission to approve grants to tenants for improvements of City-owned properties that are the obligation of the tenant under the applicable lease agreement. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9349 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
86. F.-12. Discussion regarding Youth Center property. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9358 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
87. F.-13. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate and prepare all necessary documentation, including certain key terms, to authorize the operators of the Biltmore Hotel to charge for parking at the west parking lot. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago) 25-9364 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
88. F.-14. A Resolution of the City Commission prioritizing residential reviews by establishing an Order of Business for Board of Architects Meetings. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson) 25-9365 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
89. G. BOARDS/COMMITTEES ITEMS
90. 75 Time Certain 11:00am (Agenda Item G-1)
91. G.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission approving “Intervals”, a Coral Gables Art Series as part of Miami Art Week and for an application to Art Basel for an official event, further approving funding up to $110,000 from the Art Fund toward the program and marketing materials (unanimously recommended by the Arts Advisory Panel approval/denial vote: 6 to 0 and Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0); and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget to recognize the transfer of funds from the Art in Public Places Reserve and to appropriate such funds to put towards the cost of the project. 25-8931 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
92. 77 Time Certain 11:30am (Agenda Item G-2)
93. G.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission approving Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cultural Grant recipients and setting in place a funding mechanism contingent on the City’s approved budget. (Unanimously recommended by the Cultural Development Board approval/denial vote: 6 to 0). 25-9106 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
94. G.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Raul Valdes-Fauli (nominated by Commission-As-A-Whole) to serve as a member of the Arts Advisory Panel, for a two-year term which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9306 adopted as amended by Resolution Number Pass
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96. H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS
97. H.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFP 2025-004 School Zone Speed Detection System to Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions, LLC, the highest ranked responsive-responsible proposer, pursuant to Florida Statute 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award”. Lobbyist: Miriam Soler Ramos Lobbyist: Daniel Hanlon 25-9196 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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99. H.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to approve a contract modification to increase the spending authority on the NASPO Value point master contract agreement # 00318 - Public Safety Communication Products, Services and Solutions in the estimated amount of $4,065,113.19, pursuant to section 2- 764 ( b) of the City' s Procurement Code entitled Change Orders and Contract Modifications". Lobbyist: N/A 25-9283 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
100. H.-3. Update on the Smart Districts Broadband Infrastructure Expansion Project. 25-9311 Discussed and Filed
101. H.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award RFQ 2024-005 for Architectural Consulting Services and negotiate a Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) with Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc., R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, P.A., Gurri Matute, P.A., M.C. Harry and Associates, Inc., Ferguson, Glasgow, Schuster, Soto, Inc., and Alleguez Architecture, Inc., the six (6) highest ranked responsive-responsible proposers, 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 25-9296 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
102. H.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 annual budget to add twenty full-time positions and recognize a transfer of $1,300,000 from the Building Reserve Fund and to appropriate such funds to the Building Division in the General Fund for the cost of the added positions and the replacement of existing vehicles and equipment. 25-9308 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
103. H.-6. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the City Manager to execute a Temporary License Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and Pedrido Arte with regard to the retail space located at 290 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134, for a term of six (6) months (August 1, 2025-January 31, 2026). Lobbyist: N/A 25-9316 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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105. H.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission retroactively authorizing the acceptance of Amendment No. 1 for Grant Agreement No. 24.h.sc.900.117 from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, for a six-month extension to the agreement from June 30, 2025 to December 31, 2025, for the Coral Gables Venetian Structural and Surface Repair and Renovation Grant in the amount of $500,000. 25-9318 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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107. H.-8. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the Chief Procurement Officer to award the Purchase and Installation of an Emergency Generator to AGC Electric, Inc, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in the estimated amount of $574,505.00, pursuant to Section 2-763 of the Procurement Code entitled “Contract Award” and Request for Proposal (IFB) 2025-003. Lobbyist: N/A 25-9328 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
108. H.-9. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation to waive the competitive bid process of the Procurement Code and contract with Gavarrete, Inc. for the construction of temporary offices for the Mayor and Commissioners at the Minorca Garage located at 254 Minorca Ave., in an estimated amount of $636,481 or not to exceed the available budget, pursuant to Section 2-691 of the Procurement Code, titled “Special Procurements/Bid Waiver.” Lobbyist: N/A 25-9330 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
109. H.-10. Update regarding City Hall. 25-9352 Discussed and Filed
110. H.-11. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate and execute an agreement with State Representative Demi Busatta for use of certain office space at the City Hall Annex Building for a one year period. 25-9363 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
111. I. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
112. 95 None
113. J. CITY CLERK ITEMS
114. 97 None
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116. K. DISCUSSION ITEMS
117. 100 ADJOURNMENT
118. 101 Any person who acts as a lobbyist pursuant to the City of Coral Gables Ordinance No. 2006-11, must register with the City Clerk, prior to engaging in lobbying activities before city staff, boards, committees and/or the City Commission. A copy of the Ordinance is available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall. Any person, or persons, wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, will require a verbatim record of the proceeding upon which the appeal is based. Interested persons should, therefore, take the necessary steps to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which contains the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who become boisterous while addressing the Commission, shall be barred from further audience before the Commission by the Chair, unless permission to continue or again address the Commission is granted by the majority vote of the Commission Members present. Clapping, applauding, heckling or verbal outbursts or any remarks in support or opposition to a speaker shall be prohibited. Signs or placards shall not be permitted in Commission Chambers. Any person who needs assistance in another language in order to speak during the public hearing or public comment portion of the meeting should contact the City ’s ADA Coordinator Raquel Elejabarrieta, Esq., Director of Labor Relations and Risk Management (E-mail: relejabarrieta@coralgables.com, Telephone: 305-722-8686, TTY/TDD: 305-442-1600), at least three (3) business days before the meeting.
119. 102 Billy Y. Urquia City Clerk
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123. Non-Agenda A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Coral Gables censuring Commissioner Castro for having sent a letter to the Attorney General attacking her colleagues. 25-9371 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
124. Non-Agenda A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the City of Coral Gables to join any lawsuits placed by other local governmental units against the State of Florida for election date change. 25-9372 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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129. Non-Agenda Item A Resolution of the City Commission approving the concept for a work of public art with Artist Adler too be presented in next meeting. 25-9370 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
130. Non-Agenda Item A Resolution of the City Commission confirming the appointment of Patricia Keon nominated by Mayor Lago to serve as members of the Emergency Management Division for a two (2) year term, which began on June 1, 2025 and continues through May 31, 2027. 25-9373 adopted by Resolution Number Pass
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137. Non-Agenda Item A Resolution to take action and investigation of Commissioner Fernandez and other related matters concerning anonymous online article. 25-9374 adopted by Resolution Number Pass