[CALL TO ORDER ]
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GOOD MORNING. WELCOME TO THE MARCH 10TH, 2026 COMMISSION MEETING. A NEW PLACE, A NEW LOCATION. WE'RE HERE HOPEFULLY FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, BUT I HAVE A FEELING IT'S POTENTIALLY GOING TO BE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AS WE RENOVATE CITY HALL. MUCH NEEDED RENOVATION. SO THANK YOU TO STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK. AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, WE ALLOW EVERYONE TO PLEASE JOIN US. THERE'S MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK. YOU CAN EITHER CALL IN VIA ZOOM, YOU CAN BE IN PERSON AS WE HAVE MANY FRIENDS AND RESIDENTS WHO ARE HERE. YOU CAN EVEN CALL US IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO ATTEND BY ZOOM OR IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON. BUT I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR COMMENTS. TO READ THE INVOCATION, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE IMAN BHATTI, WHO'S HERE WITH US. WELCOME, SIR. THE FLOOR IS YOURS. ESTEEMED MEMBERS OF THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION, RESPECTED CITY OFFICIALS AND CHERISHED MEMBERS OF OUR CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY. GOOD MORNING AND ASSALAMUALAIKUM. WARAHMATULLAHI WABARAKATUH. MAY PEACE BE UPON ALL OF YOU. MY NAME IS SOFYAN BEAUTY AND I AM HONORED AND GRATEFUL TO BE HERE TODAY. BEFORE WE BEGIN, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THE CORAL GABLES CITY COUNCIL. MAYOR, VICE MAYOR ANDERSEN, COMMISSIONER CASTRO, COMMISSIONER LARA, AND COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. SPECIAL THANKS TO MAYOR LARGO'S OFFICE FOR REACHING OUT TO THE CORAL GABLES MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND TO SISTER SADIA RAJA ALFONSO FOR REACHING OUT TO THE CHAPLAIN AND CONNECTING WITH ME. I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY RECITING A VERSE IN ARABIC FROM THE ISLAMIC HOLY BOOK KNOWN AS THE QURAN. AND THE REASON WHY I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN WITH THIS IS BECAUSE WE AS MUSLIMS BELIEVE THAT WHEN YOU RECITE ANY GATHERING, WHEN YOU HAVE ANY GATHERING, ANY SORT OF SORT OF BIG GATHERING WITH PEOPLE, ANY COMMUNITY EVENT, STARTING WITH THE VERSES OF THE QURAN, THE WORDS OF GOD, THE WORDS OF ALLAH BRING PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO THAT GATHERING. I. REGIME.
BISMILLAH RAHMAN. IBRAHIM. YASIN. YOU WIN. NARKOM. ZAKARIYA WITH THA. WA THA.
ARUBA. AQABA. IN. THE. ETKA KOM. IN ALLAH HABIB. IN THIS VERSE THAT I READ, IT'S FROM CHAPTER 49, VERSE NUMBER 13 OF THE QURAN, WHERE GOD SAYS, OH HUMANITY INDEED, WE CREATED YOU FROM A MALE AND A FEMALE, AND WE MADE YOU INTO PEOPLES AND TRIBES SO THAT YOU MAY GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER. AND SURELY THE MOST NOBLE OF YOU IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH AND THE SIGHT OF GOD IS THE MOST RIGHTEOUS AMONG YOU. ALLAH. GOD. IS TRULY ALL KNOWING AND ALL AWARE. SO THIS IS JUST LIKE THE TRANSLATION OF WHAT IT TRANSLATES INTO DIRECTLY. SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? MY DEAR FRIENDS? THIS MEANS THAT THERE IS NO SEPARATION BETWEEN ANY RACE, ANY ETHNICITY, ANY CULTURE. PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT STATES, PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT RELIGIONS. WE ARE ALL HERE UNDER GOD. THE SAME GOD THAT WE HAVE IN ISLAM IS THE SAME GOD THAT WE BELIEVE THE CHRISTIANS HAVE, THAT WE BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF THE JEWISH RELIGION HAVE. IT'S THE SAME GOD. AND WHEN GOD TELLS US THIS, HE'S TELLING US THAT WE
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ARE ALL EQUAL, THAT WE ARE EQUAL, SO THAT WHEN WE SEE ONE ANOTHER, WE SHOULD GREET ONE ANOTHER ONE ONE ANOTHER WITH GRATITUDE, WITH LOVE, WITH RESPECT, AND TREAT EACH OTHER EQUALLY. AND THOSE WHO TREAT EACH OTHER EQUALLY WITH RESPECT AND GRATITUDE AND LOVE ARE THE MOST NOBLE. AND GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT. IT'S ALL ABOUT EQUALITY, ONENESS AND UNITY. AND THAT'S WHAT THESE RELIGIONS PREACH, THAT WE ALL SHOULD UNITE TOGETHER TO HELP ONE ANOTHER, TO FORM COMMUNITY, TO FORM BONDS, TO HELP EACH OTHER. AND FORM A COMMUNITY WHERE THE YOUTH AND THE CHILDREN OF THAT COMMUNITY ARE ABLE TO GROW AND PROSPER AND HELP OTHER PEOPLE IN NEED. THAT'S THE POINT. IT'S ALL ABOUT HELPING ONE ANOTHER. CHARITY AND ONENESS, AND SPEAKING ON ONENESS AND CHARITY. I AM TRULY HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY. IN THIS BLESSED MONTH, THE MUSLIMS CALLED THE MONTH OF RAMADAN. A MONTH OF FASTING, A MONTH OF REFLECTION, A MONTH OF AWARENESS, AND A MONTH OF GIVING BACK. A MONTH OF GIVING BACK. DURING THIS TIME, MILLIONS OF MUSLIMS AROUND THE WORLD ENGAGE IN ACTS OF WORSHIP, CHARITY AND SERVICE TO OTHERS, NOT JUST TO OTHER MUSLIMS, BUT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN OUR FAITH. BUT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN OUR FAITH. IT IS UP TO US TO NOT JUST WORK WITH PEOPLE IN OUR FAITH, BUT PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF OUR FAITH AS WELL. THIS IS HOW COMMUNITY FORMS. THIS IS A TIME THAT ENCOURAGES DISCIPLINE, COMPASSION, AND GRATITUDE. THE IDEA OF RAMADAN REMINDS US OF THE VALUES THAT RESONATE BEYOND ANY SINGLE FAITH OR ANY SINGLE RELIGION. CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORS, CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, HELPING THOSE IN NEED, AND PUSHING OURSELVES TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE. SO WE WILL END WITH A SHORT PRAYER. O GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, THE MOST MERCIFUL, THE M NG, A T MOSTGI Y FOR T AND WE YSSOF UAT.ETHE AND WESK TOUNT THEROURDAE. THEI LP, ANDEIRECISNS INTRI IN COASONTHEIRERO P WE ASKHATSTNGET SEE BONOUR DIS,O THHAVALU BNG USETHE G THE ALMIG T SIT HERE. A THA YOUTHE CITOF CAD PROTECISMUTY G YTH S OUR EERS,ANDDE FORHOEED.RK TOGET HBL SIITY ANDHUA THAR MAYCONT TLOURIS IN PEACEAD UNRSTA WE Y T HRT HAVL OSEN ME AN.HA YOMHAT ACT ARE A RTED TUNITYNKOU VE M I'DIK TO A IMATTI A T K Y B HERITHUS A PURE H TNIVE MIA D WE LOOK FORRD TNG HAGN HE CITY OFCORAL BL T. D S OVE FWARD TO GE AIANC A N TRITIONHAWE SEDEREIN THEY OCORAD OF. A TODAY, BEE BIN E CITYFORALABLES IS HONORED TO CONTINUE OUR NEW TRADITION. LIKE I SAID, INVITING A VETERAN FROM OUR COMMUNITY TO LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TODAY IS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL TO WELCOME MAYOR DON SLESNICK, A LONGTIME CORAL GABLES RESIDENT, FORMER MAYOR OF THE CITY AND A DISTINGUISHED VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY. COLONEL SLESNICK WAS COMMISSIONED AS A SECOND LIEUTENANT IN THE US ARMY THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ROTC, AND WENT ON TO SERVE OUR NATION FOR 27 YEARS. HIS SERVICE INCLUDED DUTY AND DUTY IN VIETNAM WITH THE 29TH CIVIL AFFAIRS COMPANY IN DANANG, ASSIGNED AS AN ATOMIC WARHEAD ADVISOR WITH NATO IN GERMANY, AND LEADERSHIP ROLES AS COMMANDER OF THE FOUR 78TH CIVIL AFFAIRS COMPANY AND DEPUTY COMMANDANT OF THE THREE THREE 87TH ARMY RESERVE SCHOOL, BOTH BASED HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY. HE RETIRED AT THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL, AND HIS COMMITMENT TO SERVICE HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, INCLUDING HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, SERVING AS MAYOR FOR TEN YEARS FROM 2001 TO 2011. MAYOR SLESNICK, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO OUR CITY. PLEASE COME FORWARD AND LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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MAYOR. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU. MAYOR. YES. IF IF YOU ARE ABLE, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE JOIN ME IN STANDING AND FACING THE FLAG, PLACING YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART, OR OFFERING A HAND SALUTE AS APPROPRIATE. AND REPEAT. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. MAYOR, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, AS ALWAYS. AND NOW WE MOVE ON TO[MERRICK MOMENT]
ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITE PORTIONS OF THE COMMISSION, THE MERRICK MOMENT. OKAY. THE MERRICK HOUSE BOARD OF GOVERNORS BRINGS YOU THE MERRICK MOMENT, LITTLE TIDBITS THAT ADD UP TO A REMARKABLE STORY. AS 1942 BEGAN, GEORGE'S TEN HOUR DAYS WERE STARTING TO TAKE THEIR TOLL. HIS BLOOD PRESSURE SOARED, AND HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING. HE FELT SO BAD HE EVEN STAYED HOME FROM WORK, SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE. ON MARCH 20TH, EUNICE SENT FOR A DOCTOR WHO IMMEDIATELY PUT HIM IN JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. ON SUNDAY EVENING, MARCH 21ST, WALTER WINCHELL, WHO HAD ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR RADIO PROGRAMS IN AMERICA, INFORMED THE NATION OF HIS CONDITION. DEATH CAME AT 230 IN THE MORNING ON MARCH 26TH. SADLY, AT AGE 55, GEORGE SUCCUMBED TO THE SAME HEART CONDITION THAT FOR GENERATIONS HAD DOOMED MERRICK MEN TO AN EARLY GRAVE. AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH, THOUGH HE STILL SUPPORTED BOTH PLYMOUTH AND THE CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BUILT TO HONOR HIS FATHER. UNDERSTANDING GEORGE'S LOYALTIES, EUNICE REACHED OUT TO PLYMOUTH FOR PERMISSION TO HOLD THE MEMORIAL SERVICE THERE. FORMER FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST READER FRED EWALD WOULD CONDUCT THE SERVICE, AND REVEREND J.D.KUYKENDALL, GEORGE'S CLOSE FRIEND AND FORMER PLYMOUTH PASTOR, WOULD GIVE THE EULOGY.
IF THERE WERE EVER ANY DOUBT OF GEORGE MERRICK'S POPULARITY, IT WAS DISPELLED AT HIS FUNERAL.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, BLACK AND WHITE, RICH AND POOR, FILLED THE CHURCH AND SPILLED OUT TO THE GROUNDS. LOUDSPEAKERS HAD BEEN ERECTED OUTSIDE SO EVERYONE COULD SHARE IN THE SERVICE. NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS NOT ONLY POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE LARGEST FUNERAL EVER HELD IN MIAMI, BUT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE DIVERSITY OF THE MOURNERS. EUNICE RECEIVED LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS, AS FRIENDS AND EVEN STRANGERS CONTINUED TO EXPRESS THEIR ESTEEM AND APPRECIATION FOR GEORGE AS A CREATOR AND EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN BEING.
BESIDES LOCAL COVERAGE, NEWSPAPERS ALL ACROSS AMERICA CARRIED HIS OBITUARY AS A FINAL TRIBUTE. THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION PASSED A RESOLUTION THAT SUMMED UP GEORGE'S LEGACY AND THE COMMISSION'S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FUTURE. WHEREAS GEORGE MERRICK, IN WHOSE MIND AND HEART CORAL GABLES WAS CONCEIVED AND THROUGH WHOSE GENIUS IT WAS BROUGHT INTO BEING, HAS DEPARTED FROM AMONG US, AND WE WHO ARE LEFT TO CARRY ON AND PROTECT THE IDEALS HE ESTABLISHED, SHOULD PAY FITTING TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE'RE GOING TO BE DEFERRING ITEM A1 FOR THE MOMENT UNTIL WE HAVE
[A.-2. Presentation of State of Florida certificates recognizing the Granada and Biltmore Golf Courses as part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail.]
OUR GUESTS ARRIVE. WE'RE GOING TO BE MOVING ON TO ITEM A2. A PRESENTATION OF STATE OF FLORIDA CERTIFICATE RECOGNIZING THE GRANADA AND BILTMORE GOLF COURSES AS PART OF THE FLORIDA HISTORIC GOLF TRAIL. MAYOR. WELCOME BACK. THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR. VICE MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS, I'M PROUD TO BE HERE TODAY AS THE CHAIR OF THE FLORIDA HISTORY COMMITTEE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. AND ONE OF OUR THINGS IN OUR PORTFOLIO IS THE HISTORIC GOLF TRAIL OF FLORIDA. MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE THAT, LIKE ALABAMA, WHICH HAS REALLY MADE A MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION OUT OF THEIR GOLF TRAIL, WE ARE PREPARED TO START TRYING TO RAMP UP THE IMAGE OF OUR HISTORIC GOLF TRAIL. AND I'M PROUD TO SAY, AS YOU MAY WELL GUESS, THAT WE HAVE TWO GOLF COURSES THAT ARE PART OF THE TRAIL AND THEY ARE TWO OF THE MOST HISTORIC GOLF COURSES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. AND OF COURSE, THAT IS GRANADA AND BILTMORE. AND WHAT WE HAVE GOTTEN IS TWO THINGS. WELL, WE HAVE SOME PLAQUES TO PRESENT TO THE BILTMORE AND TO THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES. AND IN FRONT OF YOU YOU HAVE THE NEW BROCHURE THAT HAS BEEN TURNED OUT, THE[00:15:01]
BOOKLET THAT HIGHLIGHTS ALL THE COURSES IN THE HISTORIC GOLF TRAIL. AND THERE'S A COUPLE OF ALSO LITTLE TCHOTCHKES THERE FOR GOLFERS TO, TO IMAGE THEMSELVES PLAYING ON OUR HISTORIC GOLF TRAIL. SO WE'LL START IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. AND I KNOW THAT WE HAVE TOM PRESCOTT HERE, PRESIDENT OF SEAWAY CORPORATION, WHICH IS, OF COURSE, THE PROUD OWNER OF OUR LEASE AND THE PEOPLE THAT TAKE SUCH GOOD CARE OF OUR HOTEL AND GOLF COURSE. AND HE HAS WITH HIM LAURA PAVLOV, THE DIRECTOR OF GOLF. SO TOM AND LAURA, IF YOU'D COME UP AND WE HAVE FOR YOU. AND FOR THE CITY, I MEANS OBVIOUS I LIKTO RD E CIA YOU' B HE FONADABUT ITS TY G CO.IT'S A PLIC GOL CE, AND 'S RUNY WELLY THE HEL. BUT IT' A IS IS THCI OFORAL GABA OURSE, TSMIION WATCS OVER I. SO W HAVE THNED BDIR THE REMISNT FAC PQU RESOURS, RECOGTH LTOLFOURS A OFALTNERTH FLORI ORIC GOLF TRAIL CD ENTEDO YOUOANDMR.AYOR AND COMMIS RE G COURSE.RE G THA YOU. ISASY FOMESAHA YOU , OME YOU TT IT IHIS, B I UN LADRIT HERHATACLYOR WIT THARSHIP WITTHE TOTHAT THE COURS LETMORE C HE C BEROUD OF. SO IT'S OUR HO HA THAT ATION.E APPRETH YO HFO WT IS ALYSNG ONEHALF O CI A T BILTMORE. BUT THE CREDITHATEE ARS HEUCSSES ON E G SEOOY, PICTUR ATHIS BEFE LEAVE LETST REAEENTE'T TAK MH O JND, 19 WS JUSAST TOR PLAALE EXHIBIO GOLF MCH AGNS GE SAZ ANDEO WOLEAROFPEE NMILTREINKS.ONESNDRM ABLEO,UT THR OIME.TEAST. I'M SUE MERE TEETHE ST HC NAM GOL STORY,NDHEY HD RSEARS ARNDIK THAT, WE HAVE AN OLDER GOLF COURSE THAN THE BILTMORE. WE HAVE THE GRANADA GOLF COURSE, THE FIRST NINE HOLE GOLF COURSE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND ONE THAT WE'RE VERY PROUD OF IS PART OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH GREENWAY DRIVE DISTRICT. AND OF COURSE, IT'S A FEATURE IN SINCE COVID, IT'S NOT ONLY BECOME A GOLF COURSE, BUT IT'S KIND OF THE CENTRAL PARK OF CORAL GABLES. SO YEAH, LET ME WHERE DOES G COME HERE? OKAY. GRENADA I'VE GOT ONE LITTLE THING HERE TO SAY ON JANUARY 15TH, 1923. UNDERSTAND 1923, 103 YEARS AGO, THE HEADLINES FROM THE MIAMI NEWS READ FOUR SPELLED F O R E FOR THE CORAL GABLES GOLF COURSE OPENS TODAY. GREEN FEES WERE $1, AND IT HIGHLIGHTED THE FACT, AND THIS IS INTERESTING, THAT THE GREENS WERE GRASS. SO UP UNTIL THAT TIME, MANY OF THE GOLF COURSES FEATURED SAND GREENS. WHERE YOU PUT IT ON SAND, IT WAS CHEAPER, EASIER TO KEEP UP, AND THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS DONE. BUT THE GRENADA COURSE OPENED WITH GREEN THAT WERE MADE OF GRASS. AND SO, FRED, TO YOU AND YOUR DEPARTMENT AND OF COURSE, TO THE COMMISSION IS A GREAT HONOR. ON BEHALF OF COREY BIRD TO PRESENT YOU ALSO WITH A PLAQUE.
AND HOPEFULLY, AS WE GO THROUGH THE FUTURE, THAT THIS GOLF TRAIL BECOMES SOMETHING OF NATIONAL RECOGNITION. AND IT WILL FEATURE OUR TWO GOLF COURSES AS TWO OF THE PRIDE AND JOYS AND JIM'S OF THE GOLF TRAIL. SO GREG, YOU. THANK YOU. DON, I KNOW THAT YOU'RE A PROPONENT OF THIS, AND WE'LL HEAR A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE. AND A FEW MINUTES HOURS LATER ON IN THE AGENDA. SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU. DO THE OTHER ONE FIRST AND THEN WE CAN. OKAY. ANNA, DO YOU WANT TO JOIN ME? AND IN RECOGNITION I JUST SAY ONE THING. I JUST ALSO WANTED TO PERSONALLY COMMEND OUR FRIEND FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE YEAR, ACTUALLY, PETER IGLESIAS. SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS IMPORTANT. AS PART OF
[A.-3. Presentation by Mayor Don Slesnick of a donated framed architectural drawing of the Coral Gables Water Tower to the City of Coral Gables.]
THE GOLF COURSE DISCUSSION, LET ME INTRODUCE AN ALICE. I THINK MOST OF YOU HAVE MET AND KNOW ANNA. ANNA IS AN ARCHITECT, A LOCAL ARCHITECT, GAA ARCHITECT FIRM, AND SHE DID THIS INKING OF HISTORY WHICH TOOK HER TWO YEARS, I BELIEVE, OR MORE, AND READ AND RECREATING ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS OF THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS OF OUR CITY, AND TOTAL DETAIL EVERY INCH REPRESENTING THE EQUIVALENT FOOTAGE OF THE BUILDING. AND SHE CALLED IT INKING HISTORY, AND CREATED A FUND AT THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION THAT WILL GO TOWARD HELPING OUT SOME HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECT IN THE FUTURE. AND I'M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE KNOW IT AS INKING HISTORY. BUT THE FACT IS THAT AROUND THE COUNTRY, IT HAS BEEN NOW CALLED[00:20:05]
THE CIVIC FACE OF CORAL GABLES STUDY OF HISTORIC FACADES AND THE INSTITUTE OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE AND ART HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THEY ARE AWARDING ANNA AND HER FIRM THE FOR RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION AS PART OF THE ADDISON MIZNER AWARDS. AND IN FACT, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT HER FIRM HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS PART OF THEIR HISTORIC CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE TRADITION. AND SO THE HISTORY OF CORAL GABLES, AGAIN, IS TAKING A NATIONAL STAGE AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE THANKS TO ANNA. AND I'M GOING TO LET ANNA SAY A WORD OR TWO HERE. BUT WHAT WE ARE DOING IS PRESENTING ONE OF ANNA'S DRAWINGS THAT WE'VE COMBINED OUR RESOURCES TO FOR DEGREE, TO MAKE IT. I WAS HOPING RITA WOULD BE HERE, BUT TO GO ALONG WITH THE GOLF COURSE, THERE IS A BLANK WALL THAT'S ALWAYS BOTHERED US A RITA'IR PRENTATION THA THE THE STL BE STAEN WANITHTHE DNGUR FAW SAAD? YEAH. THANK YOU DON.THANK YOAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS AND VICE MAYOR. IT WAS A BIG SURPRISE FOR ME.
WE SUBMITTED THE PROJECT FOR A COMPETITION. IT'S A FLORIDA STATE COMPETITION, AND IT WAS RECOGNIZED AS THE PROJECT FOR RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION, WHICH I THINK IT'S STRENGTHENING THE THE FACT THAT CORAL GABLES IS SO IMPORTANT IN THE WHOLE STATE OF CORAL GABLES, IN THIS WHOLE STATE OF FLORIDA. THE AWARD CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE IN APRIL AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL, AND IT RECOGNIZES ARCHITECTURE, ART, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DIFFERENT CATEGORIES SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, HISTORIC, PRESERVATION AND IN THIS CASE, RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION. SO WE WERE VERY PLEASED TO BE THE WINNERS FOR THAT CATEGORY. AND IT GOES BACK TO YOU. WE HAVE SO MANY JEWELS IN THE CITY, SO MANY LANDMARKS, MONUMENTS AND THE THE IDEA IS TO PROMOTE THEM AND TO MAKE THEM RECOGNIZABLE THROUGHOUT THE STATE. SO THANK YOU AND THANK YOU. AND WHEN CAROLINA AND FRED ARRANGE FOR THE HANGING OF THIS, CERTAINLY WILL LOVE TO HAVE THE COMMISSION COME OVER AND CELEBRATE. I'M SURE THERE'LL BE HAMBURGERS AND MILKSHAKES AND SO FORTH BUT, M MOR, AND OTOGRAPHFHIEE UPOR A BEE DOT. OESDI M LIKEO YOU CE BACK UP,IF YOUAN.A LILE OFORMIOOF PE CAN BUHIS FUL ART AND EXPIN ER T PROS GR THE FULLTE THESE WOUGHA K W MYREN THE STE?ERS IN THE.EAT VI MAY ALSCHAS ABOUT TWO. RIGHT CAN S TM IF D KE.Y'REOI BE IN THESSSFF I'M G THEM AHE WLS CITYOHATHEYAN NOT TOY OWN PERSAL OCITY. THEYE BUTIF. IT WAS AN IN J THAT YO D.HANK U. CAN TELLS LILE YOTRNG TO RAISEEYOR T MON GS ANE T.ELL, WTE CO FATN.O 'SOR GABS NOROFIT.EVER MADE A PEN EDITNS,O ERE WEREN ABOU FIVE OFACRI T ARE BOU TOUGHOR GABLES COMMUNITY FOUION.E E RNG OF TO E' N OF EYEOGERVAILABLE,BUT T'SUITE F THERE' OR 5T ARE SLL AVAIL W SO W PRINTEDM AT QUARTER INEUGE T BTMEAND A 3/8 TOFOOTE N WHHE WHOLE CLECTION. WE INREED THA G TO THE S AND THEY STILLASE, B WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF THEM. THE IDEA WAS TO, LIKE YOU SAID, DO HAVE THE MONEY GO TOWARDS THE RENOVATION AND ALSO TO BRING AWARENESS. I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE SPEAKING AT THE VILLAGERS AT THE MERRICK HOUSE. SO IT'S BASICALLY TO PROMOTE THESE BUILDINGS THAT SOME PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, DRIVE BY AND THEY REALLY ARE NOT CONFRONTED WITH THE FACADE, ARCHITECTURAL FACADE AND TO REALLY STUDY THEM AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN THE CITY. CAN YOU GIVE THE WEBSITE, PLEASE? IS THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, AND THE FUND IS NAMED. THE FUND'S NAME IS INCAN HISTORY AND THE PRICE FOR ALL TEN. ALL TEN IS 2750 FOR ALL TEN. SO IF YOU'D LIKE, I'M GETTING THEM FRAMED NOW AND I'M GOING TO BE PUTTING UP IN IN THE COMMISSION OFFICES. WHEN YOU CAN WALK IN, YOU CAN COME IN. IT'S OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, YOU CAN SEE THEM. I THINK IT'S A GREAT INVESTMENT. THE MONEY IS GOING TO BE USED FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION HERE IN THE CITY. AND THEY'RE JUST BEAUTIFUL PRINTS. THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL PRINTS. AS YOU CAN SEE, THE ONE THAT THE MAYOR IS DONATING TO BURGER BOB'S. SO I THINK IT'S A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL AND NOT ONLY GET SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL IN RETURN, BUT ALSO HELP HISTORIC PRESERVATION. YES, SIR. SO I ECHO WHAT YOU'RE I ECHO. GOOD MORNING, ANNA. GREAT TO SEE YOU. HOW ARE YOU AND
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MAYOR? OF COURSE. I WANT TO ECHO WHAT THE MAYOR WAS SAYING. SO I WAS VERY PRIVILEGED AND HONORED TO PARTICIPATE AT THE INCAN HISTORY EVENT AT THE BILTMORE. AND. AND I ALSO PURCHASED THE ONE LITTLE FLOWER, THE CHURCH. YOU REMEMBER IT, RIGHT? THE SAINT THERESA CHURCH OF THE LITTLE FLOWER, BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE I WAS MARRIED. AND I THINK THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RESIDENTS IN PARTICULAR OF THE CITY, AUTIFU TOOT ONLY G BAC TIVE, RCT AI A AGAIN IN THEIR HOMES OR I THEFFIC AT'S SO SPE ABOUT TCHITECF CORLE T BULTC EY TRUEWORKS AND CAUS TY'REBLYSPLAYS, T?N, CURATE, B I JUS LIKE TO OK A IT AGAINND J FEEL LIKEAVE AE RT IN I IN HE. ERYDYRA . D I ENCGE TOY ING OSOON'TISS OE THIS UNIT TO GI BAANLSO KE FURLFITTLPIECOF RAL GABLESTHANK YO TNK U TO MAYOR. YES. AND IF YOWA TO SEE T OOR THE URCH THAS DECTL ACROSS REGATIONALHU THASITED I PURCH ALSO HAVTHEAT TOWER. T' COMMISONICESINHE IT'S T T SFF TDETERM WRE THEY LITTLEARGEITTLE MOR PROUNCED SO YO SEE KN ANOMING OPT R MORE PROD SMENT IF YOUT ON ON LEE IT HE DCRET OF CITA TO FD THAPPRATELA TO HG T ANK. P. LET'S TAK A P. O COME ON UP. OK. COME YOU SHOULD DO THAT. LAST. YEAR. OKAY. ALL THOSE HOUSES COME ON OVER. TAKE A LOOK OVER HERE. AT. BY THE WAY. GOOD MORNING. HOW ARE YOU? I JUST I JUST DID A LITTLE BIT BEHIND THE SCENES. OKAY. NOW WE'LL BE GOING BACK TO ITEM A1, A[A.-1. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring March 2026 as "Women's History Month" in Coral Gables.]
PRESENTATION OR PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 2026 AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IN CORAL GABLES.I'D LIKE TO INVITE LINA GARCIA, OUR ELECTION SUPERVISOR, TO PLEASE JOIN US. MADAM VICE MAYOR. YES. AND AS AS OUR SUPERVISOR, ELECTIONS COMES UP, I HAVE THE PROCLAMATION FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, AND I APPRECIATE ALL THE GREAT LEADERS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR CITY, IN THIS ROOM AND BEYOND THAT HAVE SERVED AS A A MENTOR FOR ALL OTHER WOMEN AND INSPIRED THEM TO REACH GREATER HEIGHTS. SO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. SUPERVISOR, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEAK FIRST OR WOULD YOU LIKE THE PROCLAMATION READ FIRST, HOWEVER YOU GUYS WANT TO DO IT. AND THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. IT'S A IT'S A IT'S A GREAT HONOR. AND IT WAS WONDERFUL TO HAVE YOU AT THE TOWN HALL LAST NIGHT. APPRECIATE YOUR EXANATIO WEREREIDS,HE AHEAD DEAD CLAMATION.D THEN Y CN ALOF UAS WDS ODOTO HISTORYONTHBSERD EH MA TO HOR ANDECOGZE THE VIT CONUTIO WOM HAVE MADTHE SLTUR,CONOMIC,IVIC LIF THEDTATES. AND A HTORIC MESNE IES REFLTION ON T NATION'S ENDURING DEMRAC PRINCIPLES OFERTY, REPRESENTATN, A OVNMHEREASOM AM DRACY, FROM THEN LEADERSHIP IIC LIFE D VG RHT TO FUNDAMENLO E FCTIONINGREE EIONSE OF DOCTICOCIEND I ACCEILOFLECTORALAREAN PRARESS F T ICSTN REPRESENTATIV GOVEME. AND WHEREAS, THE CITY OF CORAL GABLE RECOGNIZE THDERSP TONABLEELENACI MIAMI-DD COUNIRCT RVORLEIONS WHO PRCIPLESESS, THE TRAR A ACCOUABILITY THATIV VCE EVERY V, CONTTIS OF WOMEN LIKE ISARA DURING TS MILESTONE YEAR REINFS OURLLECVEV ENGAGEMENT,HEULE OF LAW, INUTIO.OW, TFORE,MRATI IVAN LAGO IS THE MAY OF TH CITY OF CORAABS AND BEHALFF TH CITCOMMISSION, DOER PROCLM MARCH6 OM HISTO MTHN CORAL GABLES. THAOU VERMUCH F BU
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K YOU. MADAM SUPSOR. TWE IN LESS THAN 1OURS LL, TS CAE WE HAV ECTIONING U INOW, OVER MIA-DADNTY.O BEL ST WH YOU. I FOLW U OCIAL DIA, AT'S EXCITE AUT ECTNS, WHINDYORE PTIL A TGH TASK, A INCREBLY UGHASK. A AO YOUEING METH THAT IBLY IMPORTANT FURCOMMUNITY. Y' OUR DEMOC. YEHAT VERYERIOUSLY. Y'VE ADTE MAKSU THA YONE HASCCESO T ELECTIS, TO ME SURE TH ISAIR DAFEELECTINDANT TO COD ORHASE GO S AAN EVEHOO OALD YOU ID THAT E TY'S HINS YOUNOW, CERN MOVINGWAFORXALE,N E RERENDUM THATE'LLE NG NOW, TENTS WE' FANG NAPL,OU'R MEELON PHONE STAFF. FF ISETET ON.T'S GET ON A ZOOM L VE A MTING. YOU OW THATREATOF FRESHIR THAT SOMETHING THAT NTOMEOUECAUSE YOU KEOUR INIBLY CAING.HIS ISAS.ISS YOU'RE PSIONT TH A Y'REHE PER TO YOU FOUR HAORK,NT YOUR COMMITMENTO THIS N'T NEED D Y KNOW,OU ABO AND BONND I WANT H, WAS LIKE, NO BETTER,HIST SOHANK YOU FT. THANKYOU YOR. THO LI TLK LTLEITBOUT AT Y'RING NOW IN THE ? TAKE A FTS. I AN, YOU'ERE.OU'RE HERE. CE MAYOR, ISSIONERS,ADAM RALLES TM, IT'S A GRE URUPERVISO OF ELEIOIAS SUPERVF ELECTIONS A BLESD THAT MY PARENTS BRO KNO IS ME TO THE UNITEDS TO L IN FREEDOM. YOUW,HEN SERIOLY. DEM IS FRILE, AND I IMPORTANTTHEMOC ISY THAT DEMOCRA ISEALT IS TO HAVEEOPLE INVVED IN THMUNI A EONE NG. SO'M H TO, GRDKIDS,HREE KS, A RY PROUD O THEM. AND WANT TOURE HETE STESS SAFE ANDHAT W H A WONDERFUL COUNTRY AS WE DO, AND WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF IT. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. THIS IS A TEAM EFFORT. YOU KNOW, WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO HAVE THE FREEDOMS THAT WE ENJOY. WE LIVE IN A BUBBLE. WE THINK THAT MOST PEOPLE LIVE LIKE US. MOST PEOPLE DO NOT. SO IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE TAKE CARE OF OUR COUNTRY. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR.
IT REALLY IS. THANK YOU, MADAM VICE CHAIRMAN. WELL SAID AND GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY. OKAY, LET'S TAKE A PICTURE. YEAH. DO YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING, COMMISSIONER? YOU WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING? I'M SORRY. I MEAN, WHAT CAN.
WHAT CAN YOU SAY OTHER THAN TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO? BECAUSE WHAT WE'RE EXPERIENCING THIS TIME AROUND WITH THIS UPCOMING REFERENDUM, WHICH IS GOING TO BE IN APRIL WITH THE MAIL IN BALLOT, IS ALSO A FIRST, YOU KNOW, FOR US. SO. YOUR LEADERSHIP, GUIDANCE, SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT IS CRITICAL FOR US RIGHT NOW IN THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES. AND AS YOU SAID, OVERALL FOR THE FREEDOMS THAT WE ENJOY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. SO THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
AND YOU. AS A.OW DO U GUYS THANK Y MONGN TO ITEM A3,
[A.-4. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring March 7, 2026 as "Suddenly Sleepy Saturday" in Coral Gables.]
PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 7TH, 2026 AS SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY IN CORAL GABLES. THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR. I'LL READ THIS INTO THE RECORD. WHEREAS NARCOLEPSY IS A CHRONIC NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER CAUSED BY THE BRAIN'S INABILITY TO REGULATE SLEEP WAKE CYCLES, AND WHEREAS NARCOLEPSY AFFECTS AN ESTIMATED ONE IN EVERY 2000 AMERICANS AND IS AN UNDERRECOGNIZED AND UNDERDIAGNOSED CONDITION. AND WHEREAS NARCOLEPSY HAS TWO TYPES NARCOLEPSY TYPE ONE OR NT1 AND TYPE TWO OR NT2, MOST PEOPLE WITH NT1 HAVE CATAPLEXY.MOST PEOPLE WITH NT2 DO NOT. THE MOST FREQUENT SYMPTOM OF BOTH IS EXCESSIVE DAYTIME
[00:35:03]
SLEEPINESS. OTHER SYMPTOMS OF BOTH MAY INCLUDE DISTURBED NIGHTTIME SLEEP, HYPNAGOGIC HALLUCINATIONS, AND SLEEP PARALYSIS, AND WHEREAS THE SYMPTOMS OF NARCOLEPSY, ESPECIALLY WHEN UNDIAGNOSED, CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND PROBLEMS WITH LEARNING AND WORKING. AND WHEREAS NARCOLEPSY NETWORK, FOUNDED IN IN 1986, SUPPORTS AND ADVOCATES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH NARCOLEPSY AND OTHER RELATED SLEEP DISORDERS, AND WHEREAS NARCOLEPSY NETWORK ESTABLISHED SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY IN 2012 TO GENERATE PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR NARCOLEPSY, AND WHEREAS SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY FALLS EACH YEAR ON THE DAY BEFORE, AMERICANS TURN THEIR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR TO BEGIN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME, LEADING EVEN THOSE WITHOUT NARCOLEPSY TO EXPERIENCE SOME OF NARCOLEPSY. S CLASSIC SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL GABLES, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MARCH 7TH, 2026 AS SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY IN CORAL GABLES. I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE ANYBODY HERE FOR THAT PROCLAMATION. OH WE DO. PLEASE JOIN US. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU, MAYOR, VICE MAYOR, AND ALL OF THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSIONERS. I AM A LIFETIME RESIDENT OF CORAL GABLES, GOING ON 41.5 YEARS, BORN AND RAISED. MY PARENTS ARE STILL IN THE SAME HOUSE THAT I WAS BORN IN, AND I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NARCOLEPSY TYPE ONE IN JULY OF 2023. AT FIRST I AVOIDED REALLY LEANING INTO MY DIAGNOSIS. I WAS PARTIALLY IN DENIAL, PARTIALLY EXPECTING RECOVERY, AND IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I WOULD SAY I REALLY HAVE ACCEPTED THE DIAGNOSIS AND I'M REALLY MOVING TOWARDS ADVOCATING FOR MYSELF, OTHER NARCOLEPTICS AND ANYBODY FACING SLEEP STRUGGLES. I MYSELF WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN CORAL GABLES, A BLOCK AND A HALF FROM MY HOUSE ON THANKSGIVING 2024.I HAVE NOT DRIVEN SINCE I HAVE TWO LITTLE KIDS. I FEEL LIKE I WAS BLESSED TO NOT BE MORE HURT.
THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SHORTLY AFTER QUITTING DRIVING. I'VE BEEN A LAWYER FOR THE LAST 15 PLUS YEARS. I RECENTLY RESIGNED. I WAS PARTNER AT A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION FIRM AND EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS AND LITIGATION OIL AND WATER. SO I'M REALLY LEANING INTO HELPING MYSELF AND OTHERS. AND TODAY'S REALLY SPECIAL FOR ME BECAUSE IT'S NOT ONLY WOMEN'S.
AND NOW YOU GUYS JUST DECLARED THIS WOMEN'S MONTH, IT'S THE SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 8TH TO THE I DON'T KNOW, WHATEVER SATURDAY'S DATE IS. AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, I HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR MYSELF. I'VE TRIED EVERY MEDICINE ON THE MARKET THAT'S BEEN APPROVED BY THE FDA. NONE OF THEM ARE WORKING. I WENT AND FOUND A TRIAL IN STANFORD WITH THE NUMBER ONE NARCOLEPSY DOCTOR IN THE UNITED STATES AND WORLDWIDE, AND I'LL BE LEAVING SUNDAY BECAUSE I WAS ACCEPTED. SO THIS WEEK IS REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT. AND I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU GUYS FOR RECOGNIZING SUDDENLY SLEEPY SATURDAY. CONGRATULATIONS.
THANK YOU, MR. MANAGER. CAN WE ON OUR NEXT E-NEWS PUT A LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION. MAYBE WE CAN PUT THIS PHOTO UP AND THEN TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT NARCOLEPSY. NARCOLEPSY FOUNDATION. AND ANY INFORMATION SHE CAN PROVIDE US FOR PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO MAYBE AGAIN, ARE LOOKING FOR RELIEF OR LOOKING FOR JUST GUIDANCE, OR A COMMUNITY WHERE THEY CAN JOIN TO HELP THEM IN THEIR MOMENTS SO THAT WE CAN BRING SOME AWARENESS TO IT. HAPPY TO.
MAYOR. THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. EXCEPT, YOU KNOW, FOR ALL OF YOUR ADVOCACY AND YOUR AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING FIND A CURE NOT ONLY FOR YOURSELF OR PROPER TREATMENT, BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL. I NEVER GOT YOUR NAME. WOULD YOU MIND TELLING US YOUR NAME? CASSANDRA MURPHY. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, MISS MURPHY. YOU'RE WELCOME. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT, LET'S TAKE A PHOTO.
[00:40:43]
YEAH. BECAUSE IT'S THE TIME OF. SO THIS IS DIFFERENT. YEAH.INTERESTING. THAT'S PERFECT. MR. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. YEAH, HE'S THE ONE THAT DID IT. MOVING ON TO ITEM A5, WHICH IS ALSO RELATED TO EACH ONE. PRESENTATION OR
[A.-5. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring April 2026 as "Autism Acceptance Month" in Coral Gables.]
[H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS]
[H.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission declaring Principles of Inclusion for individuals with Autism and other special needs, and urging action by National, State, and Local Governments, Businesses, and Residential Communities Consistent with these Principles.]
PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 2026 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH IN CORAL GABLES. SO I HAVE THE PROCLAMATION. HOW ARE YOU, SIR? GOOD MORNING. MAYOR, VICE MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS JOSE RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR, THANK YOU FOR THIS PROCLAMATION, WHICH IS RECOGNIZING AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY AND AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH. IT FALLS THIS YEAR ON THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND. TO RECEIVE THIS PROCLAMATION, I'D LIKE TO PRESENT A FAMILIAR FACE RAQUEL CABRITA AS THE CITY'S ADA COORDINATOR AND A MEMBER OF THE CITY'S DISABILITY AFFAIRS BOARD FOR NEARLY A DECADE, SHE HELPED MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT TO THE AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DISABILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY. SHE HELPED FORM MANY IMPACTFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH ORGANIZATIONS LIKE BEST BUDDIES, PROJECT VICTORY, AND THE MAYO FOUNDATION, ENRICHING THE CITY'S RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM. SHE WAS ALSO INSTRUMENTAL IN LAUNCHING ADVENTURE DAY, WHICH IS THE CITY'S INCLUSION EVENT THAT WE HOST ANNUALLY. SO PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME BACK, RAQUEL, AS WE THANK HER FOR HER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. RAQUEL, IF YOU COULD JOIN ME. AND WE ALSO HAVE MEMBERS OF THE DISABILITY AFFAIRS BOARD TO JOIN US. CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING MAYOR. GOOD MORNING. GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK. HAPPY TO BE BACK.IT'S A FEELS A LITTLE WEIRD, BUT I'M SUPER HAPPY TO BE BACK AND SEE ALL THE FAMILIAR FACES.
AND I MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH. BUT I'M I'M REALLY HAPPY AS WELL WHERE I'M AT. BUT JUST A FEW WORDS. I WANTED TO SAY THAT DURING MY TEN YEARS AT THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, WORKING FOR THE DISABILITY AFFAIRS BOARD IS PROBABLY ONE OF MY PROUDEST MOMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WE ACCOMPLISHED SO, SO MUCH. AND ALL THE INITIATIVES, THE MAJORITY WERE BROUGHT BY THE DISABILITY AFFAIRS BOARD, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR NOT TAKING NO FOR AN ANSWER AND PUSHING ME AND THE CITY TO MAKE INCLUSION A REALITY AT THE CITY. AND THE CITY HAS ALWAYS FELT VERY PROUD IN LEADING THE WAY WHEN IT COMES TO INCLUSION. AND I AM 100% SURE THAT THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY WITH DISABILITY AFFAIRS BOARD, LIKE WE HAVE WITH JOSE AND CLIFF AND EAGLES ON THAT BOARD AS WELL. I HAVE 100% KNOW THAT IT'S GOING TO BE AMAZING. SO THANK YOU AND IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK. WELL. WELL SHE'S LOOKING AT ME BECAUSE I SPENT SIX YEARS WITH HER AT THE DISABILITY BOARD. SO IT IS IT IS OUR PLEASURE AND AN HONOR TO TO RECOGNIZE YOU F THI AMAZI ARD,OUR PSIONN THA T' AY MY FO HAVAELCONTAINECLASOONONCE MEW DNAVE AING FOR ILEN ANDHE MIDECHOOL CHILDRETHUTIS TH TOO, BECAUSEF WESTARTEDIT O.E REE. THENOERHING THAT WID, WHICH ISHEUIPROGRA IFU HANY DITY,OUAVA SONITDISATY OMEBODY IYOUR F YOU REGISTER T PERN IN KNOW HOW T TREAT YOU.YF YOUEV HY OW THEY GO AISIT YOU.
THERE'SO MH MOR TT U ON THEM, F TIT I NOT JUSTUTS THEIRST FLAG OF ACCEPTANCE WHIS COL GABS.THGABLES. IT'HUGE BECAF ME YOU'RE AND WEOU.I IN,HIS FOR ALL OUS DISITY BRD M , R OERISABILITIE EREA HN GPOSITION F THEIBLE CR CROSSLKS. IT'S COMINGP. S AIN, AHETRNG THA DIDN ABTLOYM FORITHINDIVIAL WITH DIS.
SO THANKOU. HAVE MRE TO. B YOUES S JUST A ITEMS THAI'D LIKE TO TO DISCUSS HER I HE ANOTR ITEM T AGENDAOR, AND I FACT THAYORE BEFORE YOHAOO TO WORK AND, KNOW, HAVEFERENT OTH COITMENT I ALREADY SKE TO
[00:45:01]
THE CITTORNEE USUAY DON'TAKE ITS BEFORE WE TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT, BUT IT'S A PRETTY SIMPLE, BENIGN DISCUSSION. SO I THINK THAT SHE GAVE ME YOU FEEL OKAY OR NO.YES. AND ALSO H. YEAH WE'RE GOING TO TAKE H ONE SO WE CAN. DO YOU WANT TO DO BOTH. YEAH I'LL DO BOTH OKAY. SO FIRST AND FOREMOST I'D LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION FOR H ONE. DO YOU WANT ME TO READ IT MAYOR I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T READ IT YET. SO H ONE IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS, AND URGING ACTION BY NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES. CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES. SECOND, ANY PUBLIC COMMENT, MR. CLERK? ALL RIGHT. NO, WE HAVE A MOTION. A SECOND VICE MAYOR ANDERSEN. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES. COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES, MAYOR.
[F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS]
[F.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission directing the City Manager to review and expand the accessible/disability resources page on the City’s official website; providing for the identification and inclusion of community resources, programs, and information regarding accessible and inclusive amenities; and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
LAGO. YES. OKAY. MOVING ON TO ITEM F FOUR. F FOUR IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO REVIEW AND EXPAND THE ACCESSIBLE DISABILITY RESOURCES PAGE ON THE CITY'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, PROVIDING FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND INCLUSION OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES, PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE AMENITIES AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. OKAY, SO LET ME TELL YOU WHY I PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA. I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING MADDIE COME AND SEE ME.AND TO ME, MADDIE IS NOT JUST A PERSON WHO IS A RESIDENT OR A BUSINESS OWNER IN THE CITY. SHE IS LIKE A CONSIGLIERI FOR MANY OF US, PERSON WHO I HOLD IN HIGH REGARD AND EVERYTHING SHE TOUCHES IS WELL INTENTIONED. SHE TALKED TO ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SHOWCASING WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN THE CITY. WHY ARE WE NOT SHOWCASING WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN THE CITY? WE HAVE SO MANY GREAT RESOURCES, AND WE HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING NEW WEBSITE THAT WE SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON TWO YEARS AGO. WHY DON'T WE SHOWCASE THESE RESOURCES ON OUR WEBSITE? AND THEN TO COMPOUND THE ISSUE, I ACTUALLY HAD A RESIDENT, A NEW RESIDENT, COME TO THE CITY AND TELL ME, LOOK, I LOOK AT YOUR WEBSITE, IT'S GREAT, BUT I'M HAVING TROUBLE FINDING INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. YOU KNOW, DISABILITY ISSUES, CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM I CALL MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I'M ON HOLD. YOU KNOW, IT'S JUST THE BACK AND FORTH. I CHOSE TO LIVE IN CORAL GABLES. SO AFTER HAVING THIS CONVERSATION WITH MADDIE, SHE SHE CAME UP WITH AN IDEA WHICH WAS, LET'S PUT A SIMPLE PAGE TOGETHER THAT, YOU KNOW, CAN HAVE A SIMPLE HEADER, YOU KNOW, DISABILITY SERVICES, WHATEVER STAFF DEEMS APPROPRIATE. OKAY. AND LET'S SHOWCASE WHAT ARE WE GOING TO BE SHOWCASING. LET'S SHOWCASE CRYSTAL ACADEMY. THERE'S ANOTHER SCHOOL THAT IS FROM WHEN MARTHA TOLD ME THAT ALSO IS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. WE ALSO HAVE CLASSROOMS AT PONCE MIDDLE. WE HAVE CLASSROOMS AT CORAL GABLES SENIOR HIGH. WE HAVE THE CARD CENTER. AND I KNOW I'M FORGETTING THINGS, AND THEY'LL EDUCATE ME AS THEY ALWAYS DO, BUT I JUST GAVE YOU FIVE OPPORTUNITIES THAT COULD BE ON ONE SIMPLE PAGE. AND ALL I'M TALKING ABOUT IS JUST THE NAME OF THE INSTITUTION OR THE SCHOOL. A PARAGRAPH EXPLAINING WHAT THE SERVICES THEY OFFER AND THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH AN EMAIL PHONE NUMBER. AND THAT'S IT. WE'RE NOT VOUCHING FOR ANYBODY. WE'RE NOT SAYING, YOU KNOW, CHOOSING THIS SCHOOL. WE'RE JUST SAYING THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR YOU. AND I THINK WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT FAMILIES AND THAT ARE IN THIS SITUATION, AND I DON'T MEAN SITUATION IN A BAD WAY, I'M JUST SAYING THEY'RE FACING THIS. I WENT TO A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR FOUR YEARS CALLED VANGUARD. I'M VERY PROUD OF IT FOR MY DYSLEXIA. AND MY PARENTS WENT ALL OVER MIAMI LOOKING FOR THE BEST SCHOOLS UNTIL THEY STUMBLED UPON THIS SCHOOL. AND IT HAPPENED TO BE JUST AS A RESULT OF SOMEBODY WHO BROUGHT IT UP TO MY PARENTS.
SO MY POINT IS THAT IF WE CAN JUST PUT THIS UP ON OUR WEBSITE, IF IT HELPS ONE PERSON, THAT'S IT. WE DID OUR JOB, WE DID OUR JOB. SO I WOULD LIKE TO SHOWCASE THE RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE HERE. WE'RE NOT SELLING, WE'RE NOT RECOMMENDING. WE'RE JUST SHOWCASING THE FACT THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE DOING THIS. THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE DOING THIS. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IS DOING THE FOLLOWING. AND IF I'M FORGETTING ANYTHING ELSE, WE CAN ADD THAT TO THE TO THE WEBSITE. THAT'S THE REASON WHY I PUT IT FOR YES, MA'AM. YES, VICE MAYOR. SO I HAD THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVITED TO A PROGRAM FOR AUTISM DAD TO BE INTERVIEWED. BUT I DIDN'T FEEL QUALIFIED. SO I INVITED OUR DIRECTOR, RAQUEL TO SPEAK, AND SHE GAVE A WONDERFUL INTERVIEW ON THAT. THAT PODCAST THAT I THINK WOULD ALSO BE VERY USEFUL FOR OUR STAFF TO LOOK AT, MAYBE TAKE SOME CLIPS FROM. BUT I LEARNED A LOT DURING THAT PODCAST ABOUT A WIDE ARRAY OF THINGS THAT HAVE CHANGED AND BEEN ADDED TO OUR OFFERINGS IN THIS CITY SINCE THE TIME I WAS ELECTED, BECAUSE WHEN I WAS KNOCKING DOORS, YOU KNOW, SIX YEARS AGO, FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AGO, WE DIDN'T HAVE THOSE CLASSROOMS AT GABLES HIGH IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL, ETC. IT'S ALL HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOU. AND SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THE EFFORTS THAT YOU HAVE MADE TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY MORE INCLUSIVE AND THE PROGRAMS THAT YOU'VE HAD, YOU KNOW, THE, THE
[00:50:03]
DURING THE FIREWORKS, YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE PROGRAM. THE STUFF I LEARNED FROM JUST LISTENING TO YOU SPEAK DURING THAT PODCAST WAS EYE OPENING. SO I'M GOING TO ASK STAFF TO LOOK AT THAT PODCAST AND SEE, YOU KNOW, IF THERE'S SOME CLIPS IN THERE THAT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL FOR FOR THE PROGRAMING BECAUSE YOU WERE OUTSTANDING DURING THAT PODCAST. SO THANK YOU. YOU'RE THE MAYOR? YES. MR. MAYOR, I THINK THE THIS IS A PHENOMENAL IDEA. I KNOW THAT AT ONE POINT WE DID COME UP WITH A PAGE FOR SCHOOLS, BUT WE NEVER REALLY FOCUSED ON THIS. AND I THINK THAT WASHORT OON THE WORKHAT WE D. IT'S SOTHG THAT A OF PROVIDINGCE A ND COM IGHLIGHT T AND THANK U,R.AYOR, FOR LEADG ON THIS IUE.ARY, U' AAYT THESE I AT YOU'VLD THE CITY ITEMSN CORAL GLEEN ITESERATOU DA WHEN IORKED WITHRS NGRESSN ROS-LTINEN, ILNA CLOSESTRIENADWO TISTICLDREN,ND ATHETI, RRCES WY OW, SASLWAY TRYINTO FINDAY HELPER CHILDN, WHO A IN THEIR0S FIN RESOURCEST THEYD.AND YOU H PLACED IGHT HERE IN COL GS,YOU'VEEN OIDENTSE DESENTS FM ALL OF S LEERSHIPN ISR.AYOR THINK YOU SHOULD MOVE TSANDBE H. ANK YOU. THRGH THE MAYOR WANTED THANK MYORLL OFSO OUR PIOERING EFFORTS A SOTHG TS ALSOR ANE YOU PORTT THE EARLYINTERV IS T ME AW MAIVE DFERENCE IN THEIR LIVE AO LP TM FD EIR PLACE TIR F FLORA, WHICHS UNOT AND ILSO SA E AT ALSO DS HEY LP RAI AWARE AND EED SPEAL NEEDS K OD HELWITH RESPECT T AUTISM S AWARENE IS AAYS NUM O PORITY. BEUSEE ALL REALIZE JU HOW AUT TCHES ALLF IVH IMMEDTELY AND INRECTLY ALTOGETHE R OUR CAPIES T HELS WITHI EM FURTH ALONG AND TO, LIK SAIDD WE AENEFITN DO .O I TGRULE ALL OF FORLL OYOUREFFORTS,R PIER ANK YOU. SBEFORE I FGOT OJECTICTORY, WE SHOULD A OJECTICRY. DET YOU WHY IENTIED NO BECAUSEHEOI A GRE JOBBUT IDN'T SIDES EVERYTHIN THE IN E CITY, WHICHS AMANG. I TO A MEE AND I S A TG OJECT VICRYIDS OUTS IOK AICTU O.
THEYE OUTND THEY UP TTER AROUND NTIRLOCK HALL.ND IAS ANIT W LIKE HIGHTUT, PECE FOR THE,OU OW, A THE KIND OFTHINGSHAWED BE PUTTINUP THE WSITE. WE OULD BE LEBRATING THAT. LDE VY I ERELY PROU TOEUL KEHA MOMOESN HATH WK. SO I ASK U, MR. MANER,'LL MAKA TI TOOTART WN ISOPEF D I HE NEXMONTH. I'LL SECOND MR. C. DO U HAVE SAY A W WORDS CRSE. Y..
I METCO GABLEH HOOL ANDCEE LEON MIDDL AN TY WILL BE ADDING I THR WEBSITESTO THE SPECL EDUCATION PROGRAMS THEY HAVE. BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, IF SOMEBODY MOVES TO THE GABLES AND YOU WANT TO FIND A SCHOOL, YOU WOULD NOT KNOW THAT GABLES AND PONCE HAVE PROGRAMS. ALSO, SALVADOR PARK WOULD BE ANOTHER LINK. IT'S A VERY, VERY INCLUSIVE PARK THAT WE HAVE IN THE CITY. ALL CHILDREN LOVE IT, AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW THAT IT EXISTS. I MEAN, WE PUSH IT BECAUSE WE KNOW WHEN WE LIVE HERE. AND MY LAST ASK IS THAT WHEN YOU GET INVITED TO OUR SCHOOLS, PLEASE ASK TO GO SEE THOSE CLASSROOMS. I KNOW THAT YOU'VE BEEN TO PONCE FOR 100 YEARS.
CELEBRATION. MAYBE YOU. I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO THE HIGH SCHOOL TOMORROW. AND JUST PLEASE DO SAY, I KNOW YOU HAVE STUDENTS WITHIN THE SPECTRUM WITH DISABILITIES. CAN I GO, GO, GO SEE WHAT THEY DO? I MEAN, WHO THEY ARE. THEY'RE PART OF THE STUDENT BODY, AND THEY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN EVERYTHING THEY DO. THANK YOU, MADAM VICE MAYOR. THROUGH THE CHAIR. ABSOLUTELY.
WE CAN. I COMPLETELY AGREE. AND LOOK, ANOTHER POINT JUST MADE RIGHT THERE, SALVADOR PARK. WE DON'T EVEN HIGHLIGHT THAT IN THE SENSE OF THAT COULD BE IN THAT PAGE. COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE THAT WE HIGHLIGHT. SO THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION.
THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH ADVOCATES. COMMISSIONER CASTRO. YES, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ.
YES, COMMISSIONER LATTA. YES, MAYOR. YES. VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES. ALL RIGHT. MOVING ON TO THE PROCLAMATION. NO. NO NO NO, READ TROCLAMATN FIT. ?E'RE. AUTMCTRU UROLOGICISORDERHACAN OF AFFECT ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF ONE'S RACE, ETHNICITY, GENDER, OR SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND. AND WHEREAS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AFFECTS 1 IN 31 CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES, AND WHEREAS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IS ESTIMATED TO BE THE FASTEST GROWING DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS OF DISEASE CONTROL, CDC AND THE AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MONITORING, AND WHEREAS, EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION, AS WELL AS ONGOING SUPPORT FROM FAMILY DOCTORS, THERAPISTS AND EDUCATORS CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT PERSONS LIVING WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER TO ACHIEVE BETTER OUTCOMES. AND WHEREAS, PERSONS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM
[00:55:04]
DISORDER SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE SERVICES THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFETIME SO THAT THEY MAY ACHIEVE THEIR GREATEST POTENTIAL AND LEAD HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES. AND WHEREAS MUCH MORE CAN BE DONE TO BETTER SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AS THEY LOOK TO OBTAIN, MAINTAIN AND ADVANCE IN EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING COLLABORATING AMONG GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, BUSINESSES AND PARTNER GROUPS.PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL AND CUSTOM SUPPORT, OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING, AND CONDUCTING BETTER ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH STRATEGIES. AND WHEREAS, DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL, WE STRIVE TO PROMOTE AUTISM ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION AND SELF-DETERMINATION FOR ALL AND ASSURE THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY OF LIFE. AND WHEREAS THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES IS HONORED TO TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL LEAD TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR AUTISM, AS WELL AS ADVOCATE FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM. AND WHEREAS, THE CITY HAS DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCING AUTISM ACCEPTANCE, INCLUDING THE ANNUAL RAISING OF AUTISM ACCEPTANCE FLAG, A DESIGN CREATED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STUDENTS IN CRYSTAL ACADEMY.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, VINCE LAGO, AS THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, ALONG WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION, TO PROCLAIM APRIL 2026 AS WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH IN CORAL GABLES. NOW, I'D LIKE TO HAVE OUR FIRE CHIEF WHO WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A FEW WORDS. ALSO.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MAYOR, FOR THIS MOMENT OF PRIVILEGE. I WAS GREAT TO HAVE HER HERE IN THE BUILDING. AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS MANY TRADITIONS, AND ONE OF THOSE IS. WHAT OUR BADGES SIGNIFY, WHETHER IT'S THE BUGLES AND CERTAINLY OUR HELMETS. AND THE COLOR WHITE IS THE HIGHEST RANK THAT YOU CAN HAVE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AND IT'S EMBLEMATIC OF THE HIGHEST LEADERSHIP POSITION HAVING RAQUEL HERE IN THE BUILDING AND PRESENT TODAY AT COMMISSION GAVE US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT HER WITH THAT. SHE. HER LEADERSHIP NOT ONLY AS AS A HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, SHE PROVIDED COUNTLESS HOURS OF LEADERSHIP AND COUNSEL AND DIRECTION FOR US AND FOR ALL THE DEPARTMENTS. BUT ALSO SHE CREATED GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCLUSION. AND THROUGH HER ACTIONS WITH THE DISABILITY BOARD, WE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN COUNTLESS TRAININGS FOR AUTISM. OUR FIREFIGHTERS HAVE. WE'VE PARTNERED WITH THE CRYSTAL ACADEMY, AND THAT WAS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HER ABILITY TO BRIDGE OUR DEPARTMENTS AND OUR CITY SERVICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF NOT JUST OUR EMPLOYEES, BUT OUR RESIDENTS. SO FOR THAT, WE RECOGNIZE HER AND THANK HER FOR HER SERVICE AND HER LEADERSHIP.
THANK YOU. I TRULY HAVE NO WORDS. I YOU DID. I MEAN, IT'S BEAUTIFUL. LOOK, PETER, I THINK I GOT ONE BEFORE YOU. KNOW, I'M TRULY HUMBLED BY THIS. I DID NOT EXPECT IT. LIKE I SAID, MY TEN YEARS AT THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES WERE WONDERFUL. AND WHAT MADE IT WONDERFUL WAS WORKING WITH, YOU KNOW, CHIEF CHIEF DE LA ROSA AND HIS STAFF AND ALL THE EMPLOYEES AT THE CITY. IT'S JUST A SPECTACULAR PLACE TO WORK. AND WITH VERY TALENTED INDIVIDUALS WHO, YOU KNOW, WE'RE WE'RE A BIG TEAM AND ONE GOAL. SO, CHIEF, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. REALLY WELL DESERVED. LET'S TAKE A PHOTO. YEAH. PETER.
[01:00:17]
THANK YOU EA. THANK YOU TO THE FIRE CHIEF AND THE ENTIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THAT BEAUTIFUL TOUCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH. ITEM A6, PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL[A.-6. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring April 2026 as "Earth Month" in Coral Gables.]
2026 AS EARTH MONTH IN CORAL GABLES. GOOD MORNING MAYOR. GOOD MORNING SIR. VICE MAYOR.COMMISSIONERS, WE'RE HERE AGAIN THIS THIS YEAR TO CELEBRATE EARTH MONTH AS WE ENTER INTO APRIL AND OUR TEAM. WHO'S WITH ME IS AND DEEPAK, WHO'S ON OUR SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD, JOINED US, AS WELL AS THE VICE MAYOR'S APPOINTEE. WE'RE EXCITED. WE HAVE A LOT PLANNED FOR EARTH MONTH. REALLY, EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY HERE IN CORAL GABLES. WITH THE CITY'S LEADERSHIP AND THE PROGRAMS THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO LAUNCH. SO WE HAVE OVER 11 EVENTS PLANNED FOR APRIL, INCLUDING OUR ANNUAL RECYCLING RECYCLING DRIVE THROUGH. WE HAVE OUR SUSTAINABILITY VILLAGE THAT WILL BE TAKING PLACE THE LAST FARMERS MARKET. WE'LL ALSO BE LAUNCHING OUR COMPOSTING PROGRAM, MOST LIKELY ON APRIL 20TH. AND WE ARE ALSO GOING TO BE PARTICIPATING IN A NUMBER OF EARTH FAIR EVENTS ALONG AT THE BASEBALL GAME. WE'LL ALSO BE WORKING WITH THE MY SQUAD GROUP WITH COMMUNITY RECREATION AND DOING AN EVENT. WE'LL ALSO BE DOING A DOG EVENT AT BARK PARK, HOPEFULLY ON MAY 9TH. SO WE ARE GOING TO BE BUSY AS WE ARE THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE YEAR, AND WE ALSO HAVE OUR ONGOING PROGRAMS THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED IN THE PROCLAMATION. SO JUST WANTED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT. YOU ALL HAVE BEEN AMAZING AT CONTINUING TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND REALLY HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, WE KNOW OUR ENVIRONMENT IS OUR ECONOMY.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT BISCAYNE BAY, IT'S VALUED AT OVER $64 BILLION IN ANNUAL ECONOMIC INPUT.
OBVIOUSLY, OUR TREE CANOPY HERE IN CORAL GABLES THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'RE MOST KNOWN FOR IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO OUR COMMUNITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE. SO, YOU KNOW, ALL OF THIS COMING TOGETHER AND, YOU KNOW, THE SUPPORT OF YOU, YOUR LEADERSHIP AND ALSO THE DEPARTMENTS THAT WE COLLABORATE WITH REALLY HELPS PUT THE CITY AT A LEADERSHIP LEVEL WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER. SO, YES, GOOD MORNING. WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION TO READ. AND WITH NO FURTHER ADO, WHEREAS EARTH DAY IS CELEBRATED ANNUALLY IN APRIL TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, AND THE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER OR INCOME, HAVE A RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. AND WHEREAS THE CITY HAS CONTINUED EXPANDING ITS SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS IN THE REACH OF THE KEEP CORAL GABLES BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM, ORGANIZING OVER 300 EVENTS WITH OVER 36,000 PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS. IMPLEMENTING WATER QUALITY INITIATIVES FOR BISCAYNE BAY, AND HOSTING 26 RECYCLING DRIVE THROUGH EVENTS. DIVERTING OVER 1 MILLION POUNDS OF ELECTRONIC HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE, PLASTIC, FILM, PAPER AND CLOTHING FROM POTENTIALLY ENDING UP IN LANDFILLS OF THE ENVIRONMENT. AND WHEREAS THROUGH GB PROGRAM, A YEAR ROUND BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED IN JULY 2021, WHICH HAS RECYCLED OVER 5,900 POUNDS OF BATTERIES.
THAT'S A LOT OF BATTERIES. AND WHEREAS THROUGH CGB PROGRAM, A YEAR ROUND PLASTIC BAG OR FILM RECYCLING PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED IN MAY 2024, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THREE CITY FACILITIES AND HAS RECYCLED OVER 2,000 POUNDS OF PLASTIC. AND NOW, THEREFORE, I, VINCE LAGO, AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COMMISSION, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MARCH 2026 AS EARTH MONTH IN CORAL GABLES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL PROCLAMATION. IT'S AMAZING ALL THE WORK THAT YOU'VE DONE. VICE MAYOR. SO LONG BEFORE I RAN FOR OFFICE, I HAD THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON A SUSTAINABILITY BOARD WITH OUR DIRECTOR, MATT ANDERSON. JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT A COUPLE OF THINGS ON THE UPCOMING EVENTS.
SUSTAINABILITY VILLAGE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING TO ADDRESS, YOU KNOW, WHAT IS RECYCLABLE, WHAT IS NOT RECYCLABLE. THAT IS SOMETHING WE'RE GOING TO BE COVERING AT THE FARMERS MARKET ON MARCH 28TH WITH YOUR WONDERFUL TEAM. I UNDERSTAND YOU NEED TO BE OUT OF TOWN. YES.
AND BECAUSE THE PROCLAMATION DOESN'T SPECIFY WHEN OUR RECYCLING EVENT IS, IS AND
[01:05:01]
THAT'S THE SECOND NUMBER. ONE QUESTION I GET MANY TIMES IS WHEN IS IT? APRIL 25TH, SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, FROM 9 TO 12, IN THE CITY HALL PARKING LOT. SO THAT'S APRIL 25TH AND WE WILL WE'LL BE CUTTING THAT RIBBON ON THAT COMPOST BIN ON THE 20TH. ON THE 20TH, I WILL BE SENDING OUT AN INVITE TO THE ENTIRE COMMISSION. WE'RE COORDINATING WITH THE LIBRARY AND WITH THE COMPANY THAT WE'LL BE WORKING WITH. OKAY. SO THOSE ARE ONGOING ADDITIONS. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY YEAR WE ADD SOMETHING MORE BETWEEN BATTERIES AND PLASTIC FILM. NOW WE HAVE COMPOSTING COMING IN. IT'S JUST A WONDERFUL TEAM THAT YOU HAVE. AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. THANK YOU, VICE MAYOR. AND I'LL ALSO ADD THAT WE JUST RECEIVED OUR SECOND RECYCLED BENCH, THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE HONORING THE MEMORY OF MARK TROWBRIDGE. SO WE'RE WORKING ON THAT CURRENTLY TO DEDICATE THAT BENCH AND WORKING WITH THE CHAMBER. LET'S TAKE A PHOTO.YES. GOOD. OKAY. AND IF I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO CATCH.
[A.-7. Recognition of Keep Coral Gables Beautiful: recipient of the 2025 Keep America Beautiful National Innovation Award.]
MOVING ON TO ITEM A7 RECOGNITION OF CAPE CORAL GABLES. BEAUTIFUL RECIPIENT OF THE 2025 KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL INNOVATION AWARD. WELCOME BACK.THANK YOU MAYOR. THANK YOU CONFEREN COUPLE WE A ATTDE AND WERE HORED TO REIVE E 2 NLOVIO AWEPRI BEAUOR GIS M T FO A NRF MTHORKED ONOR OUR LTER IEX F OUKEORALABLES BEAUL ENTS, D THI BAN GO'SELLENT WOR TE AND ITONVITTH TM UAS WELL, BAUSEIT'S A ONGOIO INRET R PACTT' HAVTH TR PROGR AREOC, COY, AYINGLL OF ISNTOUR S ABN WN, WITHIKIN OMMUNITY.O IAND TO TH AGAHEMIION F AN ANDHE CIT BEINGHIAGO F H EXCR RECOGNIZEDN A NATLFORHEORAT W DG WITH OUR PROGRAMS. SO. GOOD MORNING SIR. CONGRATULATIONS.
WELL DONE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I DID NOT PREPARE ANYTHING. NO, I JUST WANTED TO SAY MY INTERNSHIP WITH THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES WAS INCREDIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SUSTAINABILITY TEAM. I ALSO GOT TO WORK WITH THE IT TEAM. SO BEING ABLE TO, AS A STUDENT, WORK WITH BOTH OF THE DEPARTMENTS, SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE, HAVE A PROJECT THAT HAS AN ACTUAL IMPACT OUTSIDE OF JUST THE CLASSROOM OR, YOU KNOW, ANY OTHER PROJECT WAS PRETTY COOL. TO SEE IT GO TO THIS LEVEL IS, I MEAN, REALLY, REALLY COOL. SO YEAH, I'M JUST REALLY APPRECIATIVE FOR THE CITY, FOR BOTH TEAMS THAT I GOT TO WORK WITH. AND YEAH, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IT'S BETTER. A LITTLE BIT. YEAH I DO HE ALWAYS GOES, OH YES. SURE.
YES. THANK. MOVING ON TO ITEM EIGHT, RECOGNITION OF THE CORAL GABLES
[A.-8. Recognition of the Coral Gables Police Department for earning Reaccreditation with Excellence from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies on November 15, 2025, marking the department’s tenth accreditation award...]
POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR EARNING RECREATION AND EXCELLENCE FROM THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION[01:10:01]
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NOVEMBER 15TH, 2025, MARKING THE DEPARTMENT'S 10TH ACCREDITATION AWARD. RE-ACCREDITATION. EXCUSE ME, SIR. MR. MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION. COMING FORWARD TODAY, WE WANTED TO JUST KIND OF OFFICIALLY ACCEPT OUR REACCREDITATION IN NOVEMBER. I SAID IN THE ITEM, THE PROCESS OF ACCREDITATION BEGINS WITH A RIGOROUS SELF-ASSESSMENT REQUIRING REVIEW OF POLICIES, PRACTICES, PROCESSES AGAINST INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY AN ASSESSMENT OF INDEPENDENT ASSESSORS WITH A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERIENCE. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW, WITH ME TODAY IS ALEX RAFI. ALEX IS A RETIRED LIEUTENANT, BUT IS ALSO OUR PART TIME ACCREDITATION MANAGER. ALEX IS KIND OF EMBODIED AND EMBRACED WHAT THE GOLD STANDARD IS AND AND IS ALSO AN ASSESSOR HIMSELF. IT IS MY EXTREME PLEASURE, BUT ACTUALLY GRATITUDE THAT HE HAS STAYED ON WITH US AS A AS OUR ACCREDITATION ASSESSOR. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HIM, AND I'LL LET HIM TALK TO YOU BRIEFLY ABOUT WHAT THE PROCESS ACTUALLY DOES, BECAUSE HE REALLY DOES EAT AND SLEEP AND LIVE IT FOR THE LAST FEW ACCREDITATION CYCLES, IF YOU WILL. SO ALEX GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY. SO THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS OPERATES ON A FOUR YEAR CYCLE WHERE ANNUAL COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENTS ARE CONDUCTED REMOTELY BY CALEA ASSESSORS TO VERIFY CONTINUING COMPLIANCE. SO THE ASSESSORS REVIEW OUR POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND A LOT OF DOCUMENTATION THAT WE PROVIDE TO SHOW THEM THAT WE ARE CONTINUED COMPLIANCE. IN ADDITION TO THAT INFORMATION WE GIVE THEM, THERE'S AN ANNUAL REPORT AND STATISTICAL DATA THAT'S PROVIDED TO CALEA. AND ALSO THEY INTERVIEW STAFF MEMBERS, SUPERVISORS AND OTHER DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. THEY DO THIS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. IT'S A FOUR YEAR CYCLE. AND THEN ON YEAR FOUR, THEY ACTUALLY COME DOWN AND CONDUCT AN ON SITE ASSESSMENT AND CONTINUE TO REVIEW ANY UPDATED POLICIES, STANDARD CHANGES TO MAKE SURE WE'RE IN COMPLIANCE. INTERVIEWS WITH DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL, LOCAL BUSINESSES, FACILITY INSPECTIONS, OPERATIONS OBSERVATIONS. SO THEY GO AROUND AND DO RIDE ALONGS WITH OUR OFFICERS, SIT IN THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. THEY GO AROUND 360 TO MAKE SURE WE'RE DOING WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING. THE ASSESSORS THEN PREPARE A FORMAL REPORT DOCUMENTING THEIR FINDINGS, WHICH IS SUBSEQUENTLY SUBSEQUENTLY REVIEWED AT A REVIEW HEARING, AND AFTER WHICH THE COMMISSION DETERMINES WHETHER REACCREDITATION WILL BE GRANTED. AND I'M HAPPY TO SAY THEY GRANTED IT. SO. SO A LITTLE BIT ABOUT FROM A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, SINCE I'M THE ELDER STATESMAN IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PROBABLY MUCH OF THE CITY, I REMEMBER WHEN WE FIRST EMBARKED ON THIS AND IT WAS PROBABLY BACK IN THE LATE 80S, EARLY 90S, AND IT WAS PAINSTAKING, TO SAY THE LEAST, FOR THE DEPARTMENT. AND THERE WAS A LOT OF PUSHBACK. I THINK I WAS ONE OF THOSE LIKE, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO? TO THE POINT WHERE WHEN WE GOT OUR FIRST ACCREDITATION, WE GAVE EVERYBODY IN THE DEPARTMENT A DAY OFF ON OBVIOUSLY IT WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION AT THE TIME, BUT IT HAS BECOME WHAT WAS A BURDEN AT THE TIME OF OUR METHOD AND ACKNOWLEDGE OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. DIDN'T REALLY APPRECIATE IT THEN WHEN I WAS JUST COMING UP THROUGH THE RANKS. BUT NOW, AS THE CHIEF, IT HAS BECOME INGRAINED IN THE WAY THE CORAL GABLES POLICE DEPARTMENT DOES ITS BUSINESS AND WE HAVE BEEN IN THE TOP 1% OF ALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES AS FAR AS HOW WE DO BUSINESS HERE. AND WHEN I TELL YOU WE HAVE 484, YOU CAN SAY IT OUT LOUD. 464 460 I HAVE HIM HE CAN CORRECT ME 460 LEVELS. AND WE HIT EVERY ONE OF THOSE EVERY TIME. AND AGAIN, IT HAS BECOME THE CULTURE OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. AND I'M JUST VERY PROUD TO SAY THAT OUR OFFICERS, EVEN THE NEW ONES THAT WE HAVE, THE 37 THAT ARE COMING ON, ARE GOING TO LEARN THE SAME WAY THAT WE ALL HAVE OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS. BUT ALEX HAS BECOME ONE OF THOSE STAR WARS IN THE CALEA PROCESS. AND HE GOES AND HE EVALUATES OTHER DEPARTMENTS. HE'S HE'S CALLED ON TO BE EVALUATOR, BUT ALSO A MENTOR TO THE POINT WHERE THROUGH THE MANAGER, WE ARE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER WE'VE EVER TRIED, WE ARE APPROACHING OUR CALEA ACCREDITATION FOR OUR COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. YOU'VE HEARD ME OFTEN TALK ABOUT OUR COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, WE HAVE TURNED AROUND AND BECOME SO MUCH PROFESSIONAL, SO MUCH ON TOP OF IT, THAT IT WAS MY[01:15:01]
DECISION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH FUNDING FROM FAF AND ALEX. NOT QUITE DONE YET TO LIKE SPEARHEAD THAT ALONG WITH AMY DIAZ, AND WE ARE MOVING FORWARD AT LIGHT SPEED TO HAVE AN ACCREDITED COMMUNICATIONS SECTION, AN ACCREDITED POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, THE ACCREDITED FIRE DEPARTMENT. SO FOR ALEX'S CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION ON BEHALF OF CALEA AND A VERY GRATEFUL DEPARTMENT AND AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION PROGRAM AS THE ACCREDITATION MANAGER NOVEMBER 19TH, 2025. SO, ALEX, ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND COMMISSIONERS. WE HAVE A FEW OF THESE, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE 10TH. AND THIS IS THE ACTUAL 10TH AWARD FOR YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM BEING ACCREDITED THROUGHOUT THE CALEA AND THROUGH THE COUNTRY. SO WE ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF IT. WE ARE PROUD TO REPRESENT THIS CITY EVERY DAY ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. SO WITH THAT, I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A PHOTO IF YOU'RE ALL READY, MR. MAYOR.YES. I'LL JUMP. I'LL JUMP OVER. OKAY. GO AHEAD.
[A.-9. Congratulations to Emergency Dispatcher Audrey Miranda, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Emergency Dispatcher of the Quarter,” for the 3rd Quarter of 2025.]
MS A9, A A A INELATION READ THRGH TM ANDNLL WE'LLPIURESFTY.THK YOU CHIEF. T. MOR, WIPPROVA I'D LIKE H EME SPATCH AYIRANDA COME FORWARE,LO WITHEAFF. I TOLYOU. S MINA. IUGHTHIS WAS EMY DISTCHE OF. E REGARDLESS THEIRSSIGNMENT THE D,HEUT OF T A CRITIL, LIFETHREATENIN C I RDE SISTCEITARONSY FOR LIFEHREANI RTS AT 22ND. TTAY PART DTCHE WAUDREY MDA APROXI MOG, EENCYISPAR Y AVILA RECA CL CIZ RTI TT HE WASNESSING THEENT HADT ORED,A HIS VEH FROM SE, LOCATED ONARLEERAL GLE T INFMACD AT THEOTOR VEHLEORMED HER HWA AEDH AAN, CRITICAL CRITITY T THE OFNDEDERSONTINU AND OUR IO O OTOR MIRANDA, DA WOREATE APERIMETEHICHS WH RCLE T AA, BRING IN OER ITS, ILUER UNITSFRTHER ANCIES, O DIFFERT DECTI IT'S AN AS WELL.S S CONNU WHG EEP IT CID HERLE AISE FROM T OTHERNCS, AS WL AS R GOING WITHEREARS EXRICE, IWAS ATO TAKE INDUALS IO SAFETY OFHO OFFICER EY US FOR MAN ARSAN AERNGE NGE ER FAMILY, W ENFORCEMENTAM ATHHOME TOO, I E NE WITR COM CKN ARTIMSI AND IS THE ME THI I DG THA CES BK AS WETHENEBULSO TL ANGARTMER YOUNENT. AND C'T BE PODAY OBVIOLY HER F HER TIME AND COMGHE QUA BK YOG OFFICS,ND SE OF IRDUA, DREY M.F LLP ITHO AWE. THANKOU, CHI AND MANERDIAZORIN R MY LITTLE HIATUS. IEFINITELY CAN SAYT I DHISH GROR'MORRY. I PRIVILEGE TO WK FOR THE CITY, DEEP AGATHK Y. I'TERY TS WUT A OTH THIS IS NOT A JO. A THANK YOU VER MUCH. APPRECIATE THAT MITH UR[A.-10. Congratulations to Officer Breylis Garcia, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of October 2025.]
[01:20:03]
PERMISSION, I'DTOAVEOFFICER GARG W.USTO SHEHE'SE'S THNALLY O D DON' WORRY. THE TUSBAND HE AWE. I WN' FICERARCIA DONRAEXIOL DERON A SIONM WHILEANDLIN VOING THE INTENONRUG OVER OF ONO 25 OER GARA, TRAFFIC HOMICIDE UNIT, WAS ABL NOT ONL IDENTY E INVIDUALM VIDEOS, ID T INDIVIDUA HI ASHE LEFT USING C THNOLOGY, PLA THESUBJT THETH E WHEN HE RAOVER ONE OOUR FICERS INTENONALLY O TORCYC A O MOTCLEFI SHEKE CLOLY TH THE STATE ATTORNES OFFICENDECUREDEARCHWAD HAXEOP, D PRESERVED THE MOTORCYCLE THAT WAS USED AS EVIDENCE, AND RE-INTERVIEWED THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND CONDUCTED POST-MIRANDA INTERVIEWS AND WAS ABLE TO FILE THE APPROPRIATE CHARGES WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO EVENTUALLY, HOPEFULLY HOLD THAT PERSON ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW BECAUSE OF HER EXEMPLARY CONDUCT. IT REFLECTS A GREAT CREDIT UPON THE TRAFFIC HOMICIDE UNIT AND IN PARTICULAR, OFFICER GARCIA. FOR THESE REASONS, SHE WAS NOMINATED AND RECEIVED THE OFFICER OF THE MONTH FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. CONGRATULATIONS. I PREPARED A SHORT. THANK YOU. OKAY. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. I WANT TO THANK GOD, FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR CONTINUING TO BLESS ME ALWAYS IN THIS PATH OF MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR THE COMMISSION, THE CHIEFS AND THE MAJORS AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS HERE ALLOWING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO STAND HERE TODAY. I WANT TO THANK MY HUSBAND FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING ME THROUGH ALL OF MY ENDEAVORS. AND ALTHOUGH I WISH THIS WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE CASE IN THE FIRST PLACE, I'M GRATEFUL THAT OFFICER HANSON IS SAFE AND THIS CASE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE TO HAVE BEEN SOLVED SO SWIFTLY AND EFFICIENTLY WITH ALL THE HANDS ON DECK FROM MY SERGEANT, WHO WAS ON SCENE FROM THE BEGINNING, TO THE ENTIRE TEAM THAT ASSISTED ME THROUGH THIS ENTIRE CASE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS. THANK YOU.AGAIN. PROMOTING FROM WITHIN. HER FIRST JOB HERE, SHE WAS ONE OF OUR COMMUNICATIONS OPERATORS IN THE DISPATCHER AND THEN FOLLOWED WHAT SHE WANTED TO DO IN HER PROFESSIONAL, WHICH I HAD A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE HER TO JOIN HER HUSBAND, WHO'S A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF RED ROAD. SO WE TRY AND KEEP HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS AS WELL. SO THANK YOU.
[A.-11. Congratulations to Officers Bryan Pita and Rafael Villanueva, recipient of the City of Coral Gables “Officer of the Month,” for the month of January 2026.]
IF YOU STEP OFF, WE'LL DO ONE MORE. AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO BRING FORWARD, WITH THE MAYOR'S PERMISSION, OFFICER BRIAN PITA AND OFFICER RAFAEL VILLANUEVA. GENTLEMEN, ON JANUARY 7TH, 2026, OFFICER PITA AND VILLANUEVA RESPONDED TO THE PUBLIC SUPERMARKETS. PROBABLY MOST ONLY CRIME THAT WE HT IS ONHE UICIEVET OR NO AHETH I BE ONALRIVE I D'T OW.UTT'S SHOPLIF AND THEFTSRO O O R STORES ON THIS DAY. THEY WERE THEY WERE IN THE AREA OF THE 1500 BLOCK OF SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY WHEN A VEHICLE WAS BROKEN INTO OR THINGS WERE STOLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE USING THE TECHNOLOGY FROM, EXCUSE ME FROM THE PUBLIC'S, AS WELL AS OTHER CAMERAS IN THE AREA, THE CHEVY SILVERADO WITH A FLORIDA TAG WAS IDENTIFIED. BOLOS WERE PUT OUT, BUT AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER, ON JANUARY 9TH, BOTH THE OFFICERS WERE RIDING AGAIN TOGETHER AND OBSERVED THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE 3000 BLOCK OF GRANADA, WITH THE CAR MATCHING THE DESCRIPTION AND THE TAG.THE INDIVIDUAL WAS THEN STOPPED. NOTICE THE DRIVER MATCHED THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE PEOPLE THAT SAW THE ORIGINAL THEFT, AND CAME ACROSS THE FACT THAT THE INDIVIDUAL DRIVING THE REGISTERED OWNER MATCHED THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CAR AND HAD PREVIOUS TRAFFIC ARRESTS AS WELL. POST MIRANDA, THEY STATE EID PUT HIMSELFN TH AREA OPUBLIX HAD THING TO WITH THVECLE RGRY, WCH W N OFFICER PA AND VILNUA HAVIESS T MOHSXPIE THAOT COLLECTI RIG AS WAV BOTH O WE'RE NOTTOU DEMONSAT A SONG WO EIC REFLTS TIGHESTTAARDSOF THEEPARET D EXTMEEAMWORK, THEY WE ABLE TO IDETHE OENDERS AND LEDO BUCCESSFULECT CLURE OPEN CA IN A INAL IESGATI DISN.BECAUS OF THR RECOMMENDNDWARDHE OFFICER OTHE MTH FOR THE MOHFANUA02 YEA OW M EVERYONE.FIRST AND FEMOST,U TO EVERYBEGE.NK IVAN AE THISTAFFLLTHPLE THAT HAO THH PROACTIVIANDTH GOINGORWARD T EHE CIT AHAVE BEEN F. MYLFRIENDT BE HER BUT THANK YOU TO HER, YOO MY PANER. WCAN'T D
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THIS WIT EACH OER. SO THANK THE COMMI. THA U TO THE CHI. OBVIOUANK THIS AWARD WBOTH OBVIOUS PERIENBVIOLY COUT HA DONE ITHOYBROTHER HERE.FF PIT OF CALLS.EAVE CHANO GETHER ANDRYINOE TH TO T BRAVO SUPVIRS,SERG ZAKIT OPPORTUNANBVIOUSLY TO ABO HE JOB THAWE DID THANK YOU E ANEN WE'LL HAVTHEIR STARST, ME UP. SO'LL OUOF.WILL WONHI I L BETTER THAN.IF WE ALL JUST STAY RIGHT WHERE WE'RE AT AND WE'LL JUST ROLL OUT OFFICER GARCIA. YOUR HUSBAND'S STILL HERE. YOU HAD TO GO. YEAH. RIGHT. SO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY STAYS OUTSIDE. YOU. AND OFFICERS PITA AND ONLY.
YEAH. WHAT? YEAH. SO BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
I'D LIKE TO TAKE A PERSONAL POINT OF PRIVILEGE AND WELCOME OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR. WHERE IS OUR EMPLOYEE? SHE'S HERE. COME ON UP. COME ON UP. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE SUSAN, WHO IS OUR SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER. SHE WAS JUST AWARDED THIS THIS PAST WEEK. THE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR.
WELL DESERVED. EVERY TIME THAT I SEE YOU AT AN EVENT, EVERY TIME THAT I SEE YOU OUT IN THE CITY, YOU ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND YOU'RE ALWAYS WORKING INCREDIBLY HARD. AND HERE'S THE WHOLE TEAM. THE TEAM IS COMING OUT. SO I WANTED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO THE CITY, FOR YOUR HARD WORK, AND FOR ALWAYS DOING YOUR JOB WITH A SMILE. IT MEANS A LOT. THE FLOOR IS YOURS. CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. THANK YOU. MAYOR, VICE MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS, CITY MANAGER, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. AND THANK YOU TO MY BOSS, FRED CAROLINA. SARAH CARLOS. I APPRECIATE THEM SO MUCH. THEY SEE ME GROW. I'VE BEEN HERE FOR QUITE A TIME, BUT I DO. I LOVE THE CITY AS MUCH AS I LOVE DOING MY JOB, AND ESPECIALLY SPECIAL EVENTS. I LOVE PUTTING EVENTS TOGETHER FOR OUR COMMUNITY. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO THE MAYOR. YES, SUSAN, YOU STARTED HERE AS AN INTERN. CORRECT. SO YOU HAVE REALLY BEEN A PROMOTION FROM WITHIN, AND IT SHOWS THE INTERNAL TALENT THAT WE HAVE HERE IN THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES. THE DEDICATION THAT YOU'VE ALWAYS SHOWN. I'VE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT THE PARKS DEPARTMENT BEING OUR MOST STELLAR DEPARTMENT, BUT YOU ARE THAT LIFEBLOOD OF THAT DEPARTMENT. ANY EVENT, NO MATTER THE SITUATION, HOW STRESSFUL IT MAY BE, YOU'RE SMILING AND FINDING A SOLUTION.
[01:30:06]
AND IT'S REALLY SOMETHING THAT PROBABLY REMOVES THE STRESS FROM FRED AND CATALINA AND THE MANAGER JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO STRESS ABOUT IT. YOU FIND A SOLUTION, AND I APPRECIATE THE DEDICATION THAT YOU'VE HAD THESE NINE PLUS YEARS FOR FOR OUR CITY ANDRK YOE TIHAYOUAVY. ITHINKAVE A VERRIGH D IRWD TO, UINGO WORK WH YO HERETHANKOU. MAYOR. YES. S HAD T OPPORTUNITY AT A A PAR TIME ALWAAKINGURTHING CTND IWAERY, VERYDE TO S M INTO A TIMEITNND WH Y ARE R FROMEVERY DETL. M ATE FARM THAT THE T I MING AND YOU'RE ON I D ALANDBAG OR THHERE NOTNG TT MISS. THAOU YOU KE EVERYBO HAP. THEKS INTERACTBAE MOSEQLY WVERYT INORAL GLES. A YOUE US LOU USHINE. YOU MAKE UOOD. TNK Y TH YOU. THOR YES. BUT YO MAKE OOK EFFORTLESS. AND TRUST M OWO ES INTO IT JUSWANT TYOTHAT IT'SU ILL HN YOURA WYOU'RE OHEREATINGD CE A ARETTUDE.HA AORETHIC.HA YOU. YOUY WELL DESERVED THANK Y TNK Y ANK YOUY MUCH'D LOVE WITHOU, PLEASE IF WE.M REEDUT. OKAY. MR.LA WE HAV N APPL OF MUTES,
[C. PUBLIC COMMENTS]
ENT. I'D LIKTOUSTOUBC QUICY RIE STATEME ONTO TECD. WELME. I'M TO STE T STE THE NAME YOWILL HE THREE MINUTES TO ARE YR TS TH T COMMSION. AS A REMDER, E COMS A LIMEDO THOS ITEMS ON THE ANDOR WITH TPE OF YCOMMSI'SISDICTIO IF WISH TO SPEA OTETHAT IS T A R , SE REMEMRHAT YOU WI NO BGIANDDNAL ITE CALLED. AMMENHOUL DIR TH COMSSION AHE THE THREEINUT ISP,HETIILL BEEP.T MR.RKHA YOU, MR. MOR.DVEHEIUM W, RS SPEAK MIARUZ. MRS MARIA CRUZ, 1447IL RD. CLAR MENTOANE BETODAE HA PSENTAN GA, O FIREMAL PERVISOR ELECTIO B EN SOM YOUERE NOTVEG A A THO. SHEAS ALREA VOLVEDHIVIL RIGN 72,HEOUOM IN RESS, A SHELTOR TTERED AND HESS WOMEN TION'S FIRST RAPEENTE AT JASONS TOD NHE ROE BOLTON RE TREMENT ORDHEST MEETINGF IM WCHIN4,AS E LED EFFOR T CE THE WOMEN'SK IN M FIRST OUTDO SPA IN A HONONG PT AND PRENT WOM COISON AGRED TONAME A PARKFT W H TO B NED PAR IN TPURED OF THE MT. A YETOXCY E DL HE? WE PRAIS EVERYPERSON. LEEN IS THE FSTUPERVISO ELECTION YOUNOWHA FOOR WOMHTS. S6,S AHEF TH CURVES RIGH, Y NAMOXCYP CIV BOLT T, AND SHE'S RS. D RIGHT HERIN RAABLE SHE MOST OS TO FORT HECSEOBVIOUSL SOME OT HAHEUTS TO DO T RHTTHGNDE PK FMD NOU. I TE T MAKE OOD,ISTEYOR. NEX SPR I'MOING TO TO. WELCOME BK. IT' ON ME, MR. YOR. GIVE O SECOND.R. YOR.HANKOUERY MUC MR. CLERK. TNKS FO GETTING MN.I WON'T BVAILLE TO BE WITH YOU THIS ANOON OR LATER ARE DRSING ITEM FOR THEOU UNERSITY STATION RAPID ANSIT DISTRICT OVERL. I APPRECTEHE WORK THAT YOU'VE ALADY DE. LOOKED AT THE WORK THAT YOU DID IN IN JUARY. I BELIE TT A LST CONSISNCY AS I PERTAINS TO RTICULAR PJECT. THE IMPAS OSES ATIVEAT AS IT ARNDT PROJECT. I STI ST LASOCED ON I HO THEOMMISSION DOES AS WELL. REMEMBER COMG BACK RLIER, IHI AT THE O ON OF MEETINGS INAT 20, ADDRESSING WHA POTENTLLY IS GOING T BE THE TRAFFIC CONSEQUENCE FOR THOSE
[01:35:05]
US THAT LIVE OTHE STREETS AROUND. I LIVE AT 1121 MADRUGA AVENUE, AND OUR CONDO ASSOCIATION IS HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT HOW THAT FLOW IS GOING TO PUSH OFF OF US WANTED INTO OUR SPACE. AND WHILE THE CONSTRUCTION MAY BE DOWN THE ROAD, THE REALITY WE DON'T WANT TO BE BEHIND. WE WANT TO BE IN FRONT OF AND APPRECIATE THE VICE MAYOR FOR REACHING OUT.AND WE HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO GET TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE RELIEF THINGS THAT WE COULD DO AS A COMMUNITY. COMMISSIONER CASTRO, I KNOW YOU HELPED ME OUT WITH GETTING WITH PUBLIC WORKS ON A TRAFFIC STUDY THAT HAS NOT PRESENTED MUCH OF ANYTHING TO ME BACK, AND SO I JUST WANT TO CONTINUE TO PUT THIS ON YOUR TABLE UNTIL SOMEONE STEPS UP AND ADDRESSES THIS AND REALIZES THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE 1121 MADRUGA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION. I APPRECIATE THE TIME. THANK YOU, MR. JACKSON. MR. MANAGER, WILL YOU DO ME A FAVOR? WILL YOU PLEASE SCHEDULE TIME WITH MR. JACKSON AND MYSELF TO GO OVER THIS ISSUEND ADDRESS I WITH DCM?CANOAT MR.CKSOSVENIENCK YOU,NKOU. NEXT ITEM, NEXT INDIVIDUAL. THAT'S IT, MR. MAYOR. ALL RIGHT. WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT, IF I MAY. I JUST WANT TO AGAIN, IN AN EFFORT LIKE WE DID A LOT OF WE DID A LOT OF FACT CHECKING AND CORRECTING YESTERDAY AT THE TOWN HALL. I THINK IT WAS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO DO THAT.
I'D LIKE TO DO ONE HERE NOW, I DON'T THINK IT'S UP FOR DISCUSSION, BUT I THINK WE SHOULD. IN REGARDS TO ROXCY BOLTON, WE'RE NOT HERE TO DISCUSS OR DEBATE HER LEGACY.
HER LEGACY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF IN REGARDS TO A PARK NAMING. THAT WAS NEVER ANY DEBATE. STAFF HAS WORKED EXTENSIVELY WITH THE FAMILY OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THEY HAVE GIVEN THEM MULTIPLE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR PARK NAMINGS DIFFERENT PARKS. THE STAFF HAS INSISTED AGAINST ALL OF THOSE OPTIONS, ONLY REQUESTING THAT THE GARDEN OF OUR LORD NAME HAVE ROXY BOLTON'S NAME ON IT. WE CANNOT NAME THE GARDEN OF OUR LORD AFTER ROXY BOLTON BECAUSE WE DON'T OWN THAT PROPERTY THAT IS NOT A CITY PROPERTY. SO IN AN EFFORT TO CONFUSE AND MISINFORM AND FAKE NEWS, THAT IS NOT THE FACTS. THE TRUTH IS, WE'VE WORKED WITH THE FAMILY. WE CAN HAVE OUR ACM COME UP AND SPEAK A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THAT IF YOU'D LIKE. THE ACM HAS WORKED, THE STAFF HAS WORKED WITH THE FAMILY. THE FAMILY HAS SAID NO TO EVERY OPTION THAT'S BEEN PROVIDED TO THEM. IN REGARDS TO PARK NAMING OPPORTUNITIES, THEY'VE INSISTED THAT ALL THEY WANT IS THE GARDEN OF OUR LORD. THAT IS A PRIVATELY OWNED PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT WE CAN'T NAME.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I'M SORRY, MR. MAYOR. I DO HAVE ONE MORE PERSON SIGNED UP TO SPEAK TO ON AN AGENDA ITEM THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION NOW, IF YOU DON'T MIND. OKAY.
NO PROBLEM. THEN WE'LL CLOSE. THEN WE'LL CLOSE THE. OKAY, MISS SUSAN, THANK YOU. HOW ARE YOU? GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS SUSAN GEIGER. I'M AT 1136 MANATEE AVENUE, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON ITEMS E3 AND E4, AND I'VE BEEN TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING, AND THEY TALKED ABOUT THE NEW OVERLAY DISTRICT, WHICH I THINK HOPEFULLY WILL WORK OUT IN OUR BENEFIT, TAKING IT AWAY FROM COUNTY'S CONTROL. BUT I WAS UNAWARE OF TRYING TO INCORPORATE 6100 CABALLERO BOULEVARD INTO THAT PROJECT, INTO THE OVERLAY, AND THERE ARE SO MANY CHILDREN WHO ARE WALKING DOWN MANATEE AVENUE TO GET TO THAT PARK, AND THERE'S NO PARKING IN THE AREA, AND THERE'S A LACK OF ADEQUATE CIRCULATION FOR CARS AND THAT SORT OF THING. AND I THINK THAT IT'S A MISTAKE TO INCORPORATE THAT PROPERTY INTO THIS PROJECT, INTO THE OVERLAY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR.
[D. CONSENT AGENDA]
OKAY, PERFECT. WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE 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? NOW, MAY I PLEASE HAVE A MOTION? I'LL MOVE IT. I'LL SECOND.THANK YOU. ALL IN FAVOR? I THANK YOU. WE HAVE DEFERRED ITEM E TWO FOR THE RECORD.
[E. PUBLIC HEARINGS ]
[E.-1. An Ordinance of the City Commission amending Chapter 74, “Traffic and Vehicles,” of the City Code, creating Article X - “Golf Carts”; authorizing and regulating the operation of golf carts on designated city streets; providing for severability clause, repealer provision, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
[Agenda Item E-2 has been deferred. It will be heard at a future Commission Meeting. ]
WE'LL MOVE ON TO ITEM E ONE ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING. E ONE IS AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER 74 TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES OF THE CITY CODE. CREATING ARTICLE TEN GOLF CARTS. AUTHORIZING AND REGULATING THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON DESIGNATED CITY STREETS. PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE REPEALER PROVISION, CODIFICATION AND[01:40:02]
OS W SUMRI TNEUS EFFECTE DA. GES FROM FIREADING. MR. RNING,R. MORVICE MAY ANSSIORSTHISSIT MADE FR OUNT O CNG IFALDD SOMEDINAN CLES TORMTTHSONFUSIONR RESIDES AT THATHAPARTARCESS DT CTEDY THING AD, WE AED SOM RCEMENT MECHA CHANGE, AFEW NO TE WE'VE CREATED, AN ENTIRE ENFORCEMENT SECTION THAT ALLOWS OUR POLICE OFFICERS TO STOP A GOLF CART THAT IS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE CITY THAT IS NOT AN LSV, UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE THE REGISTRATION, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO CHECK THAT. SO YOU ARE YOU'RE CONSENTING TO BEING STOPPED IN THE CITY. IF YOU WERE DRIVING A GOLF CART UNDER THIS PROGRAM, AT LEAST FOR THE PURPOSES OF DETERMINING WHETHER YOU'RE DRIVING WITH A VALID REGISTRATION AND YOU ARE DRIVING WITH A VALID LICENSE, WE'VE ADDED A FEW DIFFERENT OTHER ITEMS IN TERMS OF INSURANCE, BUT THAT IS THE MAJORITY OF THE CHANGES. WE ALSO ALLOWED THE ABILITY TO REVOKE THIS PROGRAM. IF THE CASE THAT WE BELIEVE THAT THIS DOES NOT IN THE BEST FOR OUR RESIDENTS OR FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO RESCIND THIS OR REMOVE THIS PROGRAM.NOT SURE IF ANYONE HAS ANY PARTICULAR QUESTIONS OR ANY RECOMMENDATIONS. HAPPY TO HELP.
DO THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. JUST A QUICK QUESTION. WITH RESPECT TO RESCINDING, CAN YOU CLARIFY WOULD THAT BE A MAJORITY OF THE COMMISSION OR SOME OTHER? SO BASICALLY THE WAY THAT IT'S CURRENTLY DRAFTED, THE CITY MANAGER IS AUTHORIZED TO SUSPEND OR REVOKE ANY PARTICULAR REGISTRATION ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE. SO ALSO THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AS A AS A WHOLE. BUT IF YOU'D LIKE FOR ME TO CHANGE THAT, I CAN ALWAYS PUT IT IT COMES BACK TO THE COMMISSION COMMISSIONER YOU MENTIONED. SO NO, NO, I'M FINE WITH THAT. I WAS JUST ASKING THE QUESTION, NOT ADVOCATING A POSITION TO THE MAYOR. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE LANGUAGE ON THE INSURANCE. THAT WAS A CONCERN THAT I HAD. I THINK YOU GUYS HAVE DONE PHENOMENAL WORK ON THIS LEGISLATION. ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS THAT I WAS GOING TO MAKE WAS TOE A SHO ONE NU VIDEO PPS ONEST TH WLD B GDTOHI CIRCULHEN WE ROLL OUT THI E OF HOW T SHOULD ATE THE GF CAR REINRCG AT THE GULAONS WHAT U NEED TO D JTOE SURE TH THE INFON IS OUTHE.YOU OFTRENG THESE GARTS. IHINKS IMPORTAN FOR ALTS TOCH TH VID REALIZE CARS INEEDS TO B AADULTSEETHER O'S WHO'S LICENSED, WHO O'S DRING, ANDSURE W TT OUT THERE SO THAT NODY CAN SAY, YOU KNOW, I DI KW, THE RMATION IS ORE.NITY WON THAT A P SO ATOU CILYTO CREA IDENHE STREETSHAAR DESIED, BASIC ALL THERENTIA SEEE SPEED LIMIT OF ORESE 'LUT TOGHER SO SORTFT, AND A DETONCDES PA OF THE LLOUKAY. SO THE MAYOR I THINK THE VEO IAN ENTDEA. THERE'S DIFFERENCES BETWEENOW YOUDRIVE M THESEEHICLES, BAUSEF THE CENTER O GRAVIS A BIT EXCELLENTDEA. TNK Y THANK U. I EERIN AOTION.
I'LLOVE IT SD. M C, YOHAVE ANYUBC MMEN S, MAY. MARIA . MRS. MARIA CRUZ,44 WHERE AND A LOT OF KNOWS PEOPLE DO, AOT OF STUFF LASTIGHT, AFTHEOWNALL MEETIN WN. STA MARTA CAMPOSETTING TOANMA REY A GOLF CARTAM S DARK OUT OF TH UNIRSIT AND'M HEAD LS.LL TYT IT BECSE W. I WBSOLUTELY ANTHING,ND TS W HAVE HNE RIGRE DO TS. I D HAVAN IDE ME TE YOU, IT WA SCA MENT VER SCARY MEN I DID NO K WHO WVI. IMEAN, COULDNW WENTACINHE UNIVERSITLY THEY THAT W TUT THA BEERY, VY B.HANK YMR. MAYOR. THI INSPECON OF THE GCART AN URE IT HASRYG IT EDS?NDREE TTG AR ASSIGNI AECALR THG. SO E WIALHAT WILBE ASSIGD E AFFID TTHCA? INEDS RERDS TONSIO W STILING WITH EOL RTMENT TONE W VEOF INSPEIO WE'RE GNG D MOST HERITS THK WRENG TOWAR TO PTICULAR DIRECTION, ONE SUGGESTIOONHAT,AYBEFFIDITICW EY CANUBMISFHE SE BTS THATEFLECTS THE GHTS, OPERATIONALIG JUST TO MEURET EY RK I T THAT LL VEHE RREME FM AFF.ND NOWADAYS WITH TECHNOLOGY, ITHOD BE THING ATUR O SYSTEM THT HG TO TAKE AOT O STAFF TIME. AND PROGR IS CONSISTENT WITTATE STATUTE REENTSRMOF LIGS,E RN SIGNA. ALOF T INEED TOE HE VEHIE OPEONAL. OKAY.
ANYTHINGLSE? BY THE W, I'M NOT IN BEKLING THIS TOY, BUT I LE TO TKLE IT IN THNEUT I'DIKE MAHAVE PARKI SPACES FORL LOW SPEE VS. IHINK 'S A OPPTUNITY. K THITIES DOHAT, BUT I WANT TO BE VERREFUL CAUSE ICH ONEF VI TO PAYOR PKING IS TO WA TO UDY I I WAN
[01:45:07]
THH R CORNEY,IT BET THUGE MANAG TO SEWHATR CIES ARGE IF WE'REOI T W GNG TO DO TS OPATANDCOEC W GOING TO LY PROMOTEHIS TYF LIFESTE. WE HAV TI THKAVOUR PAR REGARDTO ENSURE PARKING IS AVAABLEOR A WENG TAT TME EVET PARK ITHEIR DESNATEAREA SONTLY WE'RE WORKI WIT PARKINN AT PARTICULAR ISSUE A ENFCEMENT CUENY, O SYSTEMILL ALW R TM TOAY WITHE DECAUMR. SO INEA OF PUINA L PLA CAPAYOR PARKING THERE. ING SD, CURRENTLY THE WAY THAT IT'SROPOD, I MID T5 MI AUR SPEED LIMITAS SOU WOUL BE REAY DRIVING NOTEALLY SURE W WREINGHAVES RKIN THE MAYO IS CORRECTN . MOR, LS I DRIVE IT ARE, RKIN SPACEHEITLLYNNTIRE SHT.DESNATE TO OUR PKING DIRECRBO IS A CPLE OF EKS AGO. EE TSE GO UPIKE THEY'VE INEY BISCAYNE, USAGE,OU KNOW, MAY WE GNE ONE PAR AT CAN,NOIT TEE ALLF A SUDDEN U'RE DIRECKINN WASERE, E SCOOT TG THEBOUT E WAS CONSIDERED PAI FORPAID RHE I WANTO MAKE THAT Y TA UPA THE THREE A PAYING FOR FOR TARKINGTHEY SULD LOOK ATT AGAIN? WEE JUST PUTTIT OUT THERE. I'L CO-SPONSOR WITHNYBODY IN E NE FUTURE. LET'S STUDY IT.LET'S TALK ABOUT IT. LET'S BEFORE WE MAKE. THAT'S WHY I DIDN'T INCLUDE IT IN THIS LEGISLATION. I WANT IT TO BE VERY THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THAT. OKAY. AND BY THE WAY, ANOTHER THING THAT I'D LIKE TO BRING UP TO THIS IS JUST A MATTER OF PERSONAL CONCERN. THE THE CORAL GABLES, SINCE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PARKING, THE CORAL GABLES THEATER HAS A DESIGNATED PARKING SPACE FOR DROP OFF IN FRONT OF THEIR PROPERTY, WHICH IS NOT THEIR PROPERTY. IT'S OUR PROPERTY. I'VE ALREADY GOTTEN MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS FROM OTHER BUSINESSES. IF THEY HAVE IT, WHY DON'T I HAVE IT? EACH ONE OF THOSE SPACES IS A WHAT? HOW MUCH ARE THEY, MR. MANAGER? 25,000 A YEAR. 20,000. 10 TO 14. 10 TO $14,000 IN LOST REVENUE FOR THE CITY. SO THE THEATER IS GOING TO GET ONE. THEN WE GOT TO START GIVING THEM OUT TO EVERYBODY, BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT HAVE DISABLED INDIVIDUALS. SO I'M WHOLEHEARTEDLY IN OPPOSITION OF THAT, BECAUSE IF WE DO IT, FOR ONE, WE GOT TO DO IT FOR ALL. AND I'VE GOTTEN MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS ALREADY, AND THEY'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT DESIGNATED 15 MINUTE PARKING. THEY WANT THEIR OWN PARKING SPACE IN FRONT, JUST LIKE THE THEATER DOES. SO I WANT TO I WANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT. AND I KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE GETTING TICKETED BECAUSE WHEN THEY PARKED IN THAT THEY'VE GOTTEN TICKETS. SO THROUGH THE MAYOR, YES, WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OF LIMITED MOBILITY, BUT THERE'S NOT ENOUGH HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES IN THAT BLOCK.
SO I DID CONTACT OUR PARKING DEPARTMENT AND SUGGEST THAT WE HAVE A DROP OFF AREA, BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU HAVE AN ABLE BODIED PERSON DRIVING AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY AND CAN DROP THEM OFF. I KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, IT IS THE DESIRE OF EVERY BUSINESS TO HAVE SOMEBODY BE ABLE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE DOORSTEP, BUT IT'S JUST NOT FEASIBLE. BUT A THEATER HAS A HIGH VOLUME, AND THAT WAS THE REASONING BEHIND DOING THIS DROP OFF AREA.
IT DOESN'T MEAN IT EXCLUSIVE TO THE THEATER. IF SOMEONE WANTS TO DROP SOMEBODY OR PICK SOMEBODY OFF UP THERE, YOU KNOW, THEY CAN USE THAT DROP OFF AREA. WE ALSO HAVE A DROP OFF AREA FOR, YOU KNOW, THE VALET PARKING. IT'S HARD TO MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HANDICAPPED SPACES THROUGHOUT OUR CITY. AND IN A HIGH VOLUME AREA WHERE YOU HAVE A THEATER THAT HAS HOW MANY SEATS, I DON'T KNOW, BUT WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT TEN SEATS.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A VOLUME OF PEOPLE THAT NEED TO COME IN THERE. AND SOME OF THEM HAVE WALKERS, SOME OF THEM HAVE LIMITED MOBILITY THAT THEY CAN ONLY WALK A SHORT DISTANCE.
THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. SO THAT IS HOW THAT CAME TO BE. IT WAS A A SPOT THAT CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG ON MEMORY. THAT WAS A HANDICAP PARKING SPOT AND IT WAS BEING MISUSED. SO THAT IS PART OF THE REASONING AND THERE'S JUST NOT ENOUGH SPACES IN OUR CITY FOR OUR COMMUNITY. YES. THROUGH THE MAYOR. YEAH. VICE MAYOR, I WANT TO I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU.
I THINK THAT WAS A GREAT MOVE. AND I THINK THAT IS NOT ONLY FOR THE ACTOR'S PLAYHOUSE, THE MIRACLE THEATER. I THINK THAT'S FOR THE WHOLE BLOCK. AND CROSSING THE BLOCK ACROSS. I THINK THAT I THINK THAT WAS A GREAT IDEA. SO THANK YOU FOR R PUTTING YOUR HANDS THAT. I I,T TOGETHER A LIS OOU , A 15FERENT HAVESK ME FORHE SAME PAINSPACT HE LI ISS ALS BSE OUROMMUTY F EXA, HE HASOBITUE S SHE CAN'T HANDPEDPOT. SAT THE END OF THE D,NK SHE SD THE TO PARK IN FRO OF ERYINESS THHEVISIEREN THE CIF RAABS.NDY THE Y, DO YOUERSTD'MARKINGPACE.OBY' SANG? SO IT I WANT KEHAVERY CARA IT'S PLYE.IT S TAY'S FINE. BUT UNORMITY ERYONE ELSE AT WANTSO HA TSASITU SO S KBOUT THAT SNOW, I KNOW. T I WANT TO I WANTO JUS LID OF HA LITT BIT
[01:50:02]
OF T DISSS THAT OF 'RNOTGE WRE NOTDEA, BECAUSE TAETING T THE HERE.WE'RREKINGUTT SPE D THAT RKING S IS THERE'S THERE'S NOHOWO, GOG YOUAN PARK THERE AND HOW DO I KNOW THAT? BECAUS NO HAVE GO TIFOING EHEN 15 MINUT. YEA THEY HAV TTEN TIC. IASUESTION TMIGHT, MHE HAVE A. VTATION? I T IT BE POSSIBLE TO MERGE THEWO AND HE IT BE AO T THE VALE SCE YOU'D HAVE PORTPPING SOMEDY OFF OR DRPING YOURVEHICLE VALETREA, WLD O EIR SIGNS UO U CAN'TI'MRIVIROUNN DAY VETS HEA WKDAY, .'TTHINK THN IS T COR GLES MEUM, MAYBEOLUTN.O WHHO HASIGNADROPFFIG BYR, WHICHTAKINGP TWOARKI SPESHERE ACK TS I'JU SING, YOUNO MA IS SOMETNG TWE CAN JT MHEALET HAVE IGHT IFRT OF HEHE SO THAT YOU VE THPPORTYDO BH,OPOMEBODYFF OYOUR VECLE OFF S T THE YO, I'M GNGO'M ING TOAK YOU A BK FOR ADA, T NEED FO PARKINGSPAC FORAD ASED UPON NEED. SO IF I'M EVALUATING WITH AN EXPERT A HOSPITAL, OKAY, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW THE MINIMUMS IN THE 2010 ADA ACCESSIBILITY CODE.YOU'RE GOING TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES NEEDED FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY BASED UPON WHAT THE DRAW OF THAT FACILITY IS, YOU HAVE A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES GOING TO A HOSPITAL THAN YOU DO TO THE DIME STORE THAT YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING AN ICE CREAM CONE FROM OR SOME OTHER TYPE OF NEED. SO YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME WHAT I CALL A COMMON SENSE EVALUATION AS TO HOW MANY HANDICAPPED SPACES ARE NEEDED IN THE DISTANCE THAT SOMEONE HAS TO TRAVEL. THE RULE OF THUMB, BASICALLY, IS THAT YOU WANT TO HAVE ONE SPACE, GENERALLY PER 1000FT FOR HANDICAP PARKING. THE DROP OFF ANALYSIS IS VERY SIMILAR, AND IT'S A VOLUME ANALYSIS AND NEED AND DEMAND. NOW, I HAVE TRIED TO USE AS A DROP OFF SOME OF THE VALET STATIONS, AND MAYBE IT'S MORE OF A POLICY ITEM THAT THE MANAGER'S OFFICE CAN HANDLE. THEY SHOULD NOT BE SAYING, NO, NO, YOU CAN'T DO A DROP OFF HERE, OKAY. BUT TO TO HAVE DUAL USE SOMETIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A HIGH DRAW, HIGH NEED AREA SUCH AS THE MUSEUM OR SUCH AS IN FRONT OF THE THEATER, IS GOING TO CAUSE ULTIMATE CONFLICT, AS IT DOES RIGHT NOW WHEN THE VALETS ARE TRYING TO DO THEIR VALET OPERATION AND YOU HAVE SEVERAL CARS STACKED, THAT IT CREATES A CONFLICT SITUATION. WE RUN INTO THIS PROBLEM AND I, YOU KNOW, I'M I AM THE DESIGNATED CHAUFFEUR FOR MY HUSBAND. YOU HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE TO BE ABLE TO DROP HIM OFF IN, IN FRONT OF THE FACILITY WHERE HE'S GOING TO GET SOME MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE THERE IS SUCH A HIGH DEMAND. IF IT'S A MEDICAL CARE FACILITY AND THERE'S GOING TO BE HIGHER DEMAND ON ACTIVITIES WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO AND ENJOY THEMSELVES, BUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO THE GYM, YOU'RE GOING TO WATCH A SHOW, AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE CAN DO THAT HAVE DISABILITIES MORE SO THAN THEY CAN DO OTHER THINGS.
SO THAT IS THE OVERALL THINKING BEHIND THE ADA GUIDELINES ON HOW MUCH YOU SHOULD PROVIDE.
AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING THROUGH AN ADDITIONAL STUDY AT THE AT THE MOMENT FOR OUR ENTIRE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. AND IT'S THE THINKING THAT NEEDS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THAT STUDY AS WELL, THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES. ANOTHER ANOTHER THING THAT I'VE THOUGHT OF BEFORE, THE INTERSECTION OF, I GUESS IT'S SEGOVIA AND MIRACLE MILE. THERE'S NOT A WHOLE LOT OF TRAFFIC HEADING NORTHBOUND. WE HAVE TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC THERE. WOULD WE BE ABLE TO? I MEAN, IF YOU COME DOWN TO GO OR UP SEGOVIA, ONCE YOU PASS ALHAMBRA, WE ONLY HAVE ONE LANE. WOULD WE BE ABLE TO TAKE UP THAT ONE LANE AND CREATE SOME HANDICAP PARKING SPACES, OR MAYBE A DROP OFF ZONE THERE SO THAT WE'RE TAKING IT OFF OF MIRACLE MILE AND WE'RE PUTTING IT ON A SAFER STREET. YOU ALSO HAVE A STARBUCKS. YOU CONSTANTLY HAVE PEOPLE GETTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET TO PICK UP THEIR ORDER AND COME BACK TO THEIR CAR. MAYBE WE CAN DO SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DID AT THE PLAZA, WHERE YOU HAVE THAT 15 MINUTE DROP OFF, MAXIMUM DROP OFF ZONE THERE.
AND IT'S A IT'S AN INTERSECTION THAT DOES NOT HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF, OF CARS MOVING NORTH ON A REGULAR BASIS BECAUSE THAT LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING. SO JUST SOMETHING TO CONSIDER.
I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO DO A TRAFFIC STUDY JUST TO SEE WHAT THE TRAFFIC IS THERE, BUT YOU'D PROBABLY BE ABLE TO GET BETWEEN THERE. AND I FORGET WHAT THE PROBABLY BE A TO GET GD5 ORARNGE
[01:55:06]
TH WOUBABLBE ABL T DEGNATE HAN A YOUVE LESS OF AREG BA, PEOE WO BE AB TO G IAND T OF THEIR C ULD ON MIRAE MILEN TH THHHE MOR. THE YO YE WELL, THINK WE SHOULD ALSO KP IMINDRIGHT,HA EVENTULY WE'OI TO HAVE VE CLOO THE THEATER. AND ULD THINK,DEAL DROPFF OPUN SPACE OF CONVENIENCEECAUSE KNO IFOU PP OFFSOO KE THE VE MAYOR WASAYING, HEREOU TNK Y DISABILITIES YOU'RE KIND OF ERO WT TH WT.MAKTO NG. AND YO KNOHAT' HUBS ATUL BAN I PCE TO BE ABLE TO SEE SOME, SOME OF THAT DROP OFF THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, MAYOR. THE MOBILITY HUB HAS IS GOING TO HAVE FLAT FLOORS. IT'S AND SO IT WOULD BE IT WILL CERTAINLY BE DESIGNED FOR FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY WITH HANDICAP SIZED ELEVATORS AND AND THAT WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE. OKAY. THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES. YEAH. I UNDERSTAND 100% THE PERSPECTIVE THAT THE VICE MAYOR IS GIVING AND I DON'T AND I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY BUSINESS WOULD WANT ONE OF THESE IN FRONT OF THEIR THEIR BUSINESS AS WELL. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE LIKE A STRATEGIC EVALUATION OF THE TYPE OF POPULATION THAT'S GOING INTO THE THE BUSINESS AND MAYBE PUT INTO CONSIDERATION ALSO LIKE SENIOR FACILITIES. RIGHT. ARE ARE THEY MORE PRONE OR IS THERE A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION THAT THAT ARE HANDICAPPED. DEPENDING ON THAT, THEN WE SHOULD CONSIDER IF THERE SHOULD BE A DROP OFF ZONE OR NOT. NOT EVERYBODY LIKE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHECK. OKAY, I QUALIFY FOR THIS DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION, NOT JUST BECAUSE OF BUSINESS WANTS IT BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE HAS IT. SO SO IF I IF I MAY, I JUST WANTED TO BRING THIS UP SO YOU CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH STAFF AND REALLY FLESH THIS OUT. THIS IS WHY I'VE HAD MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TAX COLLECTOR, DANIEL FERNANDEZ. WHAT HE'S WORKING ON RIGHT NOW IS TACKLING THE ISSUE OF ALL THE INDIVIDUALS IN THIS COMMUNITY. AND IT'S SHAMEFUL, SHAMEFUL. IT'S DISGUSTING THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT WE SEE PARKING IN A HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE AND GETTING OUT OF THEIR PORSCHE, YOU KNOW, OR THEIR SPORTS CAR AND WALKING OUT AND GOING INTO THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT. I SEE IT EVERY SINGLE DAY AT CITY HALL. IT'S EMBARRASSING. YOU KNOW, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT VETERANS WHO ARE DISABLED IN COMBAT. YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE MY MOTHER WHO ARE DISABLED ON MULTIPLE DIFFERENT FRONTS. AND THEY HAVE TO USE THAT THAT SPACE, AND THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO BECAUSE SOMEBODY WENT AND PAID SOMEBODY $150, AND NOW THEY HAVE THE DISABILITY TAG. IT'S RAMPANT HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA. AND I KNOW THAT THE TAX COLLECTORS WORKING ON ADDRESSING THAT. AND I'VE BEEN VERY, VERY CLEAR AND VERY VOCAL.I SPOKE TO THIS TO THE CLERKS, EXCUSE ME, TO THE STATE REPS AND TO THE SENATORS IN REGARDS TO THAT SAYING WE NEED TO TACKLE THAT IMMEDIATELY, IMMEDIATELY. IT'S A HUGE ISSUE.
THAT'S WHY WE'RE IN THE SITUATION WE'RE IN RIGHT NOW. IF YOU'RE ABLE TO REMOVE ALL THESE FRAUDULENT HANDICAP STICKERS, THEN YOU WOULDN'T NEED 15 MINUTE PARKING BECAUSE THE PEOPLE USING THE HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES WOULD BE ACTUALLY HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS. RIGHT NOW. JUST LOOK AT LOOK AT THE CARS THAT ARE PARKED IN HANDICAPPED SPACES. IT'S EMBARRASSING. I'M WILLING TO SAY THAT A MAJORITY OF THEM ARE NOT HANDICAPPED. SO WE CAN GO BACK AND FORTH ON THIS ISSUE FOR HOURS. I JUST WANTED TO BRING IT UP BECAUSE I'M GETTING A LOT OF CALLS. AND THE COMMISSIONER SAID, YOU KNOW, DEPENDING ON THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE VISITING THAT BUSINESS, WELL, IF YOU DO IT NOW FOR FOR YOU GOT TO DO IT FOR HOSPITALS. YOU GOT TO DO IT FOR, FOR MY DAD'S OFFICE. MY DAD'S OFFICE WOULD BE WOULD BE ONE OF THESE PLACES. MAJORITY OF HIS CLIENTS ARE OLDER INDIVIDUALS. SO HE WOULD HAVE A FREE PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HIS IN FRONT OF HIS HEALTHCARE FACILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS RESIDENTS COULD PARK FRONT AND CENTER OR COULD BE DROPPED OFF. SO IT WOULD BE ACROSS THE BOARD.
EVERYBODY COULD HAVE A CLAIM. WHAT ELDERLY, ELDERLY PEOPLE. DISABLED PEOPLE DON'T NEED ICE CREAM. THEY DON'T GO OUT TO DINNER. THEY I MEAN, THEY DON'T THEY DON'T THEY DON'T GO WATCH THE CINEMA. THEY DON'T GO WATCH. THEY DON'T GO SHOP AT MERRICK PARK. THEY DON'T. THEY GO EVERYWHERE. SO YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THAT THEY VISIT THE THEATER. I MEAN, THAT'S ABSURD. SO AT THE END OF THE DAY, I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO REMOVE IT. I'M JUST ASKING FOR US TO JUST HAVE SOME ACCOUNTABILITY AND LOOK AT IT, BECAUSE I'M HAVING PEOPLE CALL ME AND SAY, HEY, YOU GAVE IT TO THEM. I WANT THE SAME PRIVILEGES. AND IT'S A PROBLEM. IT'S A PROBLEM. SO MOVING ON, MOVING ON FROM THAT ITEM. ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER? NO, MR. CLERK, MR. MAYOR, WE HAVE NOT TAKEN A VOTE YET. I KNOW, I KNOW, OKAY, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER LATTA. YES, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES.
MAYOR. LAGO. YES. TWO THINGS. PERSONAL POINTS OF PRIVILEGE. SORRY. WE ARE CONFUSED WITH THE
[02:00:01]
ITEM WE WERE VOTING ON AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND FOR YOUR WHOLE LEGAL TEAM. THANK YOU FOR WORKING ON THIS. I ALSO WANT TO THANK JC PADRON, WHO BROUGHT ME THIS IDEA A FEW YEARS AGO. HE DESERVES CREDIT FOR STICKING WITH IT AND MOVING FORWARD ON IT. I'D LIKE TO CALL UP THE ACM IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE, FOR A PERSONAL POINT OF PRIVILEGE.THANK YOU, MADAM ACM. GOOD EVENING. MAYOR, VICE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY CLERK. MY NAME IS CAROLINA VESTER, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER.
AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO SURPRISE YOU WITH SOMETHING. SO WE DID HAVE TO FLAG THE MAYOR DOWN. BUT EACH OF YOU AND YOUR RESPECTIVE CAPACITY OFTEN HAVE THE GREAT PRIVILEGE OF RECOGNIZING BUSINESSES, MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND OF OUR CITY TEAM. NOT TOO OFTEN ARE YOU THANKED FOR YOUR SERVICE. AND NOW, AS THE CITY COMMISSION TEMPORARILY RELOCATES THEIR OFFICES NEXT DOOR TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE MINORCA GARAGE, AND WE HOLD OUR FIRST CITY COMMISSION MEETING HERE, BACK AT THE POLICE AND FIRE HEADQUARTERS COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM TO ALLOW FOR THE LONG ANTICIPATED RESTORATION OF OUR ICONIC CITY HALL. WE ARE PLEASED ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF CORAL GABLES AND THE ENTIRE CITY TEAM, TO PRESENT EACH MEMBER WITH A FRAMED SKETCH OF OUR HISTORIC CITY HALL AS A TRIBUTE TO YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. THE PIECE WAS CREATED BY NATE PEGG, A SENIOR AT RANSOM EVERGLADES, AND I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MARTHA PANTIN FOR COORDINATING THIS EFFORT, ENVISIONING THE ART CONCEPT, AND OF COURSE, FOR SOURCING THE ARTIST AND US.
THANK YOU TO LAURA LASTRA, THE MAYOR'S CHIEF OF STAFF, FOR PLANTING THE SEED AS A NICE GESTURE TO PRESENT THIS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION. AND WITH THAT, I WANT TO TURN IT OVER TO MARTHA TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST. SO NATE, PEG IS ACTUALLY A TRIPLET, BUT HE'S THE ONE THAT IS A THE ARTIST, AND HE WILL BE GOING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ALONG WITH HIS BROTHER AND SISTER NEXT SEMESTER, NEXT YEAR. AND WHEN I ASKED HIM THIS, HE WAS HE WAS VERY, VERY EXCITED. HE USUALLY HAS DONE PERSONS OR OR ANIMALS, AND I THINK HE DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB FOR US. WE DID PAY HIM A VERY SMALL SUM OF MONEY, BUT I THINK THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S THAT'S BEAUTIFUL FOR YOU TO HAVE IN YOUR OFFICES AS THE FIRST YEARS, AND FOR SOME WILL BE THE ONLY YEARS THAT THEY WORKED AT CITY HALL. AND THAT'S WHY IT SAYS HONORABLE VERSUS YOUR TITLE, BECAUSE YOUR TITLE COULD CHANGE. BUT WE JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PRESENTED THAT TO YOU, AND WE HOPE THAT YOU LIKE WHAT WE DID. YES. IT'S BEAUTIFUL.
IT'S A BEAUTIFUL GESTURE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK. AND THANK YOU TO THE ARTISTS THAT DID AN AMAZING JOB TO THE MAYOR. YEAH, I'M LOOKING AT THE ARTWORK AND FOR SUCH A YOUNG PERSON, IT'S AN AMAZING, AMAZING PIECE. I THINK MAYBE I WILL ASK HIS MOTHER IF MAYBE WE COULD HAVE HIM COME HERE FOR ONE OF OUR MEETINGS. I WOULD LOVE TO BE GREAT. I WOULD LOVE THAT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OKAY, MOVING ON TO THE NEXT ITEM. ITEM E THREE, MAYOR. ITEM E3
[Agenda Items E-3 and E-4 are related]
AND E4 ARE RELATED. I'LL READ THEM BOTH INTO THE RECORD SO WE CAN CONSOLIDATE FOR PURPOSES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING. MY GLASSES. E3 IS 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 AND ZONING CODE ARTICLE 14, SECTION 14 213.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT AND MAP AMENDMENTS TO ONE. MODIFY THE REQUIRED MULTIFAMILY DENSITIES AND HEIGHT TO ALLOW HIGHER INTENSITY WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY, AND TO ALLOW MULTIFAMILY HIGH DENSITY WITHIN THE MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICTS LOCATED WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT. OVERLAY TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY ON THE MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICTS MAP AND THREE. AMEND THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP FROM COMMERCIAL LOW INTENSITY TO MULTIFAMILY HIGH DENSITY FOR LOTS ONE AND TWO, BLOCK FIVE AND LOTS ONE THROUGH THREE. BLOCK SIX RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION. TRACK K ADDITION TO RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION AND LOT EIGHT, BLOCK 208 RIVERA SECTION 14 MULTIFAMILY. LOW DENSITY TO MULTIFAMILY, HIGH DENSITY FOR LOTS THREE AND FOUR. BLOCK FIVE RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION FOR MULTIFAMILY DUPLEX DENSITY TO MULTIFAMILY. LOW DENSITY FOR LOT FIVE, BLOCK FIVE, AND THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF LOT FIVE, BLOCK SIX SUBDIVISION FROM COMMERCIAL LOW RISE INTENSITY TO MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY FOR LOT FOUR, BLOCK SIX RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION AND FOR MULTIFAMILY DUPLEX DENSITY TO MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY FOR LOT FIVE AND THE NORTHERN PORTION OF LOT FIVE, BLOCK SIX SUBDIVISION PROVIDING FOR REPEATED PROVISION, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. E4 IS ANNOYANCE TO THE CITY COMMISSION, PROVIDING FOR MAP AND TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES OFFICIAL ZONING CODE PURSUANT TO ZONING CODE ARTICLE 14, SECTION 14 212 ZONING CODE, TEXT AND MAP
[02:05:03]
AMENDMENTS BY ONE. AMENDING ARTICLE TWO ZONING DISTRICT SECTION 2-408 UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY TO INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR MODIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT.BE. ADD ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES TO THE BOUNDARY OF THE UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY AND TWO AMENDING APPENDIX A SITE SPECIFIC ZONING REGULATIONS TO REMOVE INCONSISTENT SITE SPECIFICS. THREE AMENDING ARTICLE 14, SECTION 14 204 TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO EXPAND TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS. RECEIVING SITES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY AND FOUR. AMEND THE ZONING MAP FOR MIXED USE ONE TO MULTIFAMILY, FOUR FOR LOTS ONE AND TWO, BLOCK FIVE AND LOTS ONE THROUGH THREE. BLOCK SIX RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION. TRACK K ADDITION TO RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION AND LOT EIGHT, BLOCK 208 RIVERA SECTION 14 FOR MULTIFAMILY THREE TO MULTIFAMILY, FOUR FOR LOSS THREE AND FOUR. BLOCK FIVE RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION FOR MULTIFAMILY, ONE TO MULTIFAMILY, THREE FOR LOT FIVE, BLOCK FIVE AND THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF LOT FIVE. BLOCK SIX SUBDIVISION FROM MIXED USE ONE, MULTIFAMILY TWO FOR LOT FOUR, BLOCK SIX RIVERA WATERWAY SECTION AND FOR MULTIFAMILY TO MULTIFAMILY TWO MULTIFAMILY ONE TO MULTIFAMILY TWO FOR LOT FIVE A AND THE NORTHERN PORTION OF LOT FIVE, BLOCK SIX SINGLE SUBDIVISION PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CLAUSE CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THIS IS A QUASI JUDICIAL ITEM, SO I'D ASK THE CLERK TO PLEASE SWEAR IN ANYONE WHO WILL BE TESTIFYING TODAY. THOSE WHO WILL BE SPEAKING ON THIS ITEM. PLEASE STAND AND RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND. IF YOU WILL BE SPEAKING ON THIS ITEM, EITHER E3 AND E4. PLEASE RISE. DO YOU SWEAR OR AFFIRM THE TESTIMONY YOU'LL PROVIDE TODAY WILL BE THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. THANK YOU SIR. THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS, AS YOU ALL KNOW, WE. THIS IS THE RTC ZONE FOR FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI STATION. WE STARTED QUICKLY ON THE RM PORTION OF THIS OVERLAY, WHICH WAS FOR THE MARK. THE MARK WAS A PROJECT THAT WAS MOVING VERY QUICKLY. AND WE WENT WE WENT WITH WITH AN OVERLAY ON MIXED USE OVERLAY.
THAT WAS QUICKLY DONE BECAUSE THE MARK PROJECT WAS PROCEEDING MUCH FASTER THAN THE WATERWAY PROJECT, WHICH IS WHAT THIS IS FOR. THIS, WHAT WE ARE CREATING NOW IS AN RM ZONING THAT WE'VE CREATED FOR THE MARK. AND THIS IS MF ZONING OVERLAY. THESE TWO OVERLAYS WILL ENCOMPASS THE RTC ZONE AND CAN BE CAN BE EXTENDED THROUGH THAT RTC ZONE IF THE COUNTY EXTENDS IT OR OR IF THIS ZONE IS EXTENDED NORTH. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT FROM FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE WE FEEL THIS IS THIS IS WAS WORKED SIMILARLY TO THE RM PORTION WHICH WHICH IS FOR THE MARK.
AND THE IDEA IS TO KEEP THE PROJECTS IN CORAL GABLES AND NOT HAVE BASICALLY COUNTY PROJECTS IN CORAL GABLES, WHICH IS WHAT THE RTC WILL, WILL CREATE. AND AND SO NOW WE HAVE AN RM OVERLAY MIXED USE OVERLAY, AND WE HAVE MF OVERLAY, A MULTI-FAMILY OVERLAY THAT WE WE ARE ABLE TO USE EFFECTIVELY. AND I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHOEVER. AND THERE MAY BE A CHANGE, THERE'S CERTAINLY GOING TO BE A CHANGE IN NOVEMBER BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER IN THIS AREA HAS IS IS TERMED IS TERMED OUT. SO WHOEVER COMES IN WILL WE, WE, WE, WE HAVE A PROCESS THAT THAT IS, IS FAST AND, AND THAT IS EFFECTIVE FOR THIS AREA. AND HOPEFULLY IT WOULD DETER THE COUNTY FROM GOING THROUGH THE RTC PROCESS FOR ANY OF THE AREAS WITHIN RTC ZONE. MADAM DIRECTOR. GOOD MORNING. JENNIFER GARCIA, PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR I HAVE A BRIEF POWERPOINT WITH SOME MAPS TO GO THROUGH. AS YOU ARE AWARE, WE ARE CHANGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT AND MAP AS WELL AS ZONING CODE, TEXT AND MAP AS WELL. SO WE'RE LOOKING AT THE LOCATION OF EXTENDING THIS EXISTING ADOPTED AS OF JANUARY OF THIS YEAR BY THIS COMMISSION. THE RAPID TRANSIT OVERLAY DISTRICT SOUTH TO INCLUDE WHAT'S KNOWN AS THE GABLES WATERWAY PROPERTY, WHICH EXTENDING FROM CABALLERO DOWN PAST MAHI CANAL, WHERE IT REACHES US ONE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO SOUTH ALHAMBRA. YOU CAN SEE THAT IN YELLOW. IT'S THE PROPERTY THAT WE'RE ADDING INTO THE RAPID TRANSIT OVERLAY DISTRICT. SO CURRENTLY TODAY, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP HAS COMMERCIAL LOW RISE INTENSITY, MULTIFAMILY LOW DENSITY AND MULTIFAMILY DUPLEX ON THAT PROPERTY. THE ZONING MAP MIRRORS THAT LAND USE DESIGNATIONS WITH RM ONE, MF THREE AND MF ONE, WHICH IS DUPLEX. SO I JUST SAID COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT MAP AMENDMENTS, ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS AND TEXT AMENDMENTS. SO TO PROPOSE TO YOU TODAY IS CHANGING THOSE DESIGNATIONS TO BE MULTIFAMILY HIGH DENSITY ALONG US ONE. TRANSITIONING DOWN TO MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM
[02:10:03]
DENSITY ON THE SOUTH PART NEXT TO SOUTH ALHAMBRA AND THEN MULTIFAMILY LOW DENSITY ABUTTING THE SINGLE FAMILY AND DUPLEX AREAS ON THE SOUTH SIDE. THE MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP WOULD BE AMENDED TO ADD IN THIS PROPERTY AS PART OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSITY RAPID TRANSIT OVERLAY DISTRICT. AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WOULD BE AMENDED TO ALLOW FOR THE MAXIMUM DENSITY OF 125 UNITS AN ACRE, TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE COUNTY'S RTC SUBZONE. SO THE MAP OF THE ZONING CODE MAP WOULD BE AMENDED TO BE MF FOUR ALONG THAT DARK BROWN AREA ALONG US ONE, AND THEN TRANSITIONING TO MF TWO, WHICH ALLOWS FOR MAXIMUM HEIGHT NINE SEVEN FEET AND THEN MF THREE, WHICH WOULD BE THE SOUTH SIDE TO ALLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 45FT.YOUR EXHIBIT B INCLUDES ALL THE TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT. THE FOUR IS A SUMMARY WE'RE LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW. THE SUMMARY IS THAT MF FOUR BUILDING HEIGHT WOULD BE CAPPED AT 125 120FT, TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE MIXED USE PORTION OF THIS OVERLAY DISTRICT, THE COMMISSION COULD APPROVE TO BE 150FT IF THE MF FOUR PROPERTY IS PROVIDING 10% ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE, THE MAXIMUM DENSITY WOULD BE 125 UNITS PER ACRE. FOR MF FOUR AND MF TWO, THERE WOULD BE A MANDATORY TEN FOOT SETBACK ALONG THE WATERWAY FOR ALL BUILDINGS, REGARDLESS OF THE ZONING OF MF OR RM. THE UPPER STORY SETBACK FOR PROPERTIES ACROSS THE WATERWAY FROM SINGLE FAMILY WOULD BE 25FT, SO YOU WOULD BE TEN FEET. IT WOULD GO UP 20FT AND THEN 25FT WOULD BE THE UPPER STORY. STEP BACK. IF YOU ARE ADJACENT OR ACROSS THE WATERWAY FROM SINGLE FAMILY ZONING, THERE WILL BE A REQUIREMENT OF 50FT SETBACK. WHEN YOU'RE BUDDING SINGLE FAMILY OR DUPLEX. 50FT IS OUR STANDARD FOR WIDTH OF A SINGLE FAMILY LOT. THE REDUCED INTERIOR SETBACKS WOULD OCCUR ALONG US ONE TO CREATE THAT CONTINUOUS URBAN EDGE ALONG US ONE, THERE WOULD BE DEVIATIONS FOR SETBACK AND HABITABLE SPACE OF THE GROUND FLOOR WHEN THEY'RE ADJACENT OR ACROSS THE STREET FROM MIXED USE DISTRICTS. AND THEN A MINOR AMENDMENTS, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES OR LANDSCAPE, WOULD HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IF THE APPLICANT WOULD SO CHOOSE, WOULD BE REVIEWED BY STAFF AND THEN GO STRAIGHT TO THE COMMISSION. AND THERE'S ALSO SOME VARIOUS CLARIFICATIONS THAT I PROPOSED TO YOU. AGAIN, AN EXHIBIT B THAT'S IN YOUR PACKET FOR TODAY, THE UNIVERSITY STATION OVERLAY DISTRICT WAS DESIGNATED AS A TDR RECEIVING AREA. AND THEN THERE'S ALSO SOME REMOVAL OF THIS INCONSISTENT SITE SPECIFICS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR CODE TODAY THAT WAS PROPOSED TO BE REMOVED TO BE CONSISTENT WITH WHAT'S PROPOSED TO YOU TODAY. THIS IS A COMPARISON OF THE RTC SUBZONE, WHICH IS ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE MIDDLE COLUMN IS THE OVERLAY MIXED USE ZONING, WHICH YOU ADOPTED IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. AND ON THE RIGHT SIDE IS THE PROPOSED OVERLAY FOR MULTIFAMILY ZONING. SO THE SLIDE REVIEW IS SIMILAR AS FAR AS CITY STAFF AND CITY COMMISSION. BUT IN THE HEIGHT WAS ALSO THE SIMILAR 125, SORRY, 120FT AND THE 150FT, WITH AN ADDITIONAL 10% OPEN SPACE. THE DENSITY WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE SUBZONE OF THE COUNTY, WHICH WILL ALL BE 125 UNITS AN ACRE. THE F.A.R WOULD BE LIMITED AT 3.5, WITH THE ABILITY TO DO TDR FOR MAXIMUM OF 4.375. WHEN THE COUNTY, OF COURSE, AS WE KNOW, HAS NO LIMITATION ON F.A.R, THE REQUIREMENT WOULD REMAIN THE SAME. TO BE 25% OF THE PROPERTY HAS TO BE DEDICATED TOWARDS OPEN SPACE. THE SETBACKS WOULD REMAIN THE SAME AS 20FT ON US, ONE WITH NO INTERIOR SETBACKS. WHEN YOU'RE ABUTTING US ONE AND THEN TEN FEET ALONG THE FRONT AND ALONG THE WATERWAY AS WELL, WITH 50 FOOT LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENT OF SETBACK WHEN YOUR ABUTTING SINGLE FAMILY OR DUPLEX AND THEN STEP BACK WOULD BE 25FT. LIKE I SAID, WITH YOUR ACROSS THE WATERWAY FROM A SINGLE FAMILY OR DUPLEX AS FAR AS USES GO, THE MULTIFAMILY ZONING WOULD ONLY ALLOW FOR MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE. IT WOULDN'T PROVIDE FOR COMMERCIAL USES OR ANY OTHER USES THAT YOU'RE THINKING OF. MIXED USE DESIGN WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE MEDITERRANEAN. IMPACT FEES WOULD OBVIOUSLY REMAIN THE CITY AS WELL AS OUR PLACES. THIS IS A COMPARISON OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO AVOID, WHICH ON THE LEFT SIDE IS THE COUNTY RTC
[02:15:01]
PROJECT NEAR THE DOUGLAS STATION AND ON THE RIGHT SIDE IS WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO PROMOTE, WHICH IS MORE MATURE HUMAN SCALE DESIGN. THE BOARD RECOMMENDED APPROVAL PLANS ONLY RECOMMEND APPROVAL LAST MONTH IN FEBRUARY. WE'RE HERE FOR OUR FIRST READING AND WILL COME BACK FOR SECOND READING IF APPROVED. ON FIRST READING TODAY, WE DID MAIL PROPERTY OWNERS A NOTICE TWICE, PROPERTY WAS POSTED TWICE, WEBSITE WAS POSTED AS WELL AS YOUR ADVERTISEMENTS. THIS WAS A MAP OF THE AREA THAT WAS MAILED TO AND STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AS IT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE IDEA OF HAVING MORE DENSITY ALONG MULTIFAMILY SORRY ALONG TRANSIT ZONES AND TRANSIT CORRIDORS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. DOES THE COMMISSION HAVE ANY COMMENTS IN REGARDS TO THE MATTER TO THE MAYOR? YES. VICE MAYOR. SO THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO DO BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, IT'S DESIROUS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY TO REALLY DO THIS.THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE MUST DO BECAUSE THE COUNTY HAS ALREADY MADE THE RAPID TRANSIT ZONE, AND OUR BEST OPTION IS TO HAVE IT WITHIN OUR CONTROL TO BE ABLE TO DO THE TYPE OF TRAFFIC CALMING FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD ON ON MANATEE STREET, TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE USES AND THE HEIGHT, AND HAVE AN MFS ZONING AREA WHERE YOU HAVE A GREATER SETBACK. I HAVE TOLD RESIDENTS SOMETIMES IT'S BEST THAT WE HAVE PROJECTS COME THROUGH OUR CITY AND USE OUR ZONING CODE, RATHER THAN DEVELOPERS MAKING CHOICES LIKE THEY DID HERE TO EXPAND OTHER TYPES OF ZONING, SUCH AS THE COUNTY RTC OR LIVE LOCAL ACT PROJECTS WHERE WE LOSE CONTROL AND WE CANNOT LIMIT YOU KNOW, WHAT IS HAPPENING OR STEER WHAT'S HAPPENING ON ON THE PROJECT TO MAKE IT A MUCH NICER, LESS IMPACTFUL PROJECT FOR FOR THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. THIS IS UNFORTUNATELY THE BEST WE CAN DO. TIMES HAVE CHANGED SINCE I FIRST RAN FOR OFFICE. MANY THINGS HAVE HAPPENED SINCE I FIRST RAN FOR OFFICE, INCLUDING LIVE LOCAL LACK WAS NONEXISTENT WHEN I FIRST RAN FOR OFFICE. THE RTC ZONE IN THIS AREA WAS NON-EXISTENT WHEN I FIRST RAN FOR OFFICE. IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT SOMETIMES WHEN PEOPLE PUSH SO HARD TO STOP CERTAIN DEVELOPMENTS, WHAT HAPPENS IS THE POLAR OPPOSITE. WE END UP WITH SOMETHING MUCH MORE MASSIVE AND LESS SENSITIVE TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. AND MY HAT'S OFF TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR THE HARD WORK THAT HE'S DONE IN TRYING TO BRING THESE ITEMS BACK UNDER OUR ZONING CODE TO WHERE THE PROJECTS CAN BE UNDER OUR CONTROL. SO I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND YOUR EFFORT AND YOUR DEDICATION TO TO BRING THIS ONE BACK IN. SO THANK YOU. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION THROUGH THE MAYOR? YES. RIGHT. SO ECHOING THE VICE MAYOR, YOU KNOW, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS IT'S NEEDED BECAUSE WHERE WE ARE TODAY WITH THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD VOTING UNANIMOUSLY FOR THIS IS REPRESENTATIVE OF CORAL GABLES TRYING TO KEEP CORAL GABLES LOOKING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, LIKE CORAL GABLES SHOULD BE. AND WHILE IT ISN'T EXACTLY WHAT WE WOULD HAVE WANTED, IT IS A TESTAMENT TO YOU, CITY MANAGER, AND THROUGH THE REST OF YOUR TEAM, TO HAVE NEGOTIATED THIS OUTCOME IN A WAY THAT BRINGS IT BACK AS CLOSE AS PRACTICAL TO OUR ZONING AND THE THE PHOTOS THAT YOU HAD IN YOUR PRESENTATION THAT SHOWED WHAT IT COULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE, HAD HAD IT BEEN MORE COUNTY ORIENTED COMPARED TO CORAL GABLES. ORIENTED. ORIENTED IS STARK. YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. YOU KNOW, LIKE A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS, RIGHT? SO I'M GLAD THAT WE ARE, IN MY VIEW, ON THE RIGHT DIRECTION. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SOME TIME, WE HAVE TO GET OUT IN FRONT OF THIS. LIKE THE VICE MAYOR SAID, RTC LIVE LOCAL. THAT DIDN'T EXIST A FEW YEARS AGO, RIGHT? SO WE HAVE TO BE STRATEGIC. WE HAVE TO BE THINKING SEVERAL STEPS AHEAD, BECAUSE THESE DECISIONS THAT WE MAKE AT THIS POINT AFFECT US FOR DECADES TO COME. AND THE RESIDENTS THAT LIVE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. SO HATS OFF TO YOU AND TO EVERYBODY ASSOCIATED WITH GETTING THIS TO WHERE IT IS RIGHT NOW. THE CORRECTIVE MOVES THAT WE MADE RECENTLY. THANKS. THANK YOU. YES, SIR. SO I AGREE, MADAM VICE MAYOR, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVEN WHEN I WAS ON THE BALLOT TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO, WE DID NOT HAVE LIVE LOCAL. WE DID NOT HAVE THE RTC. AND, YOU KNOW, IF YOU LOOK AT IT FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF YOUR WALKING, YOUR LEGS ARE JUST BEING PULLED OUT FROM UNDER YOU
[02:20:03]
BECAUSE YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT IN YOUR OWN CITY. AND BY DOING THINGS LIKE THESE, WE CAN AT LEAST HAVE SOME CONTROL OF THE PROCESS. AND I THINK WE'RE SEEING THAT WITH THE MARK WHERE THE DEVELOPER IS AT, THE TABLE IS WORKING WITH US ON NOT GOING AS FAR AS THEY COULD, BUT WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY. AND WE'VE SEEN IT IN OTHER PROJECTS AS WELL, WHERE LIVE LOCAL WAS AN OPTION. THE PROJECT ON ALMERIA, THEY COULD HAVE GONE LIVE LOCAL. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THEM TO REDUCE THE HEIGHT AND GIVE US A MUCH BETTER QUALITY PRODUCT. SAME WITH THE ONE THAT WE JUST APPROVED IN THE IN THE NORTH IN THE FLAGLER SECTION, ANOTHER PROJECT THAT RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING AGAINST FOR MANY YEARS. BUT THE DEVELOPER REALLY SAT DOWN AT THE TABLE AND TRIED TO FIND A HAPPY MEDIUM WHERE THEY WERE STILL GOING TO PUT TOGETHER A PROJECT THAT WAS GOING TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY AND BRING SOME BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY AS WELL. SO WE REALLY ARE IN A PLACE TODAY THAT THREE YEARS AGO WE COULD HAVE JUST SAID, YOU KNOW, THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO, YOU KNOW, DEAL WITH IT. WE CAN'T DO THAT ANYMORE. THAT THAT POWER HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM US AT TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS.WHAT I WOULD ASK IF WE CAN, BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING, IS IF WE CAN MAYBE HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING TO EXPLAIN TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WHAT EXACTLY HAS BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT AND WHY WE ARE PURSUING THIS, WHY WE'RE MAKING THESE CHANGES, HOW THESE CHANGES WOULD DIFFERENTIATE FROM THE COUNTY RTC, WHAT POWERS THE CITY WOULD HAVE WITH THIS PROPOSAL VERSUS WITH THE RTC, WHERE WE DON'T HAVE ANY THE BENEFITS THAT WE'LL HAVE FROM THE FEES. I THINK ALL THAT'S IMPORTANT FOR FOR RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND, AND I THINK IF WE HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING IN THE AREA EXPLAINING IT TO THEM, WE'RE BEING PROACTIVE ABOUT WHAT'S WHAT'S TAKING PLACE, WHAT HAS PUT US IN THIS SITUATION AND HOW WE ARE BEING PROACTIVE ON FINDING A SOLUTION INSTEAD OF SITTING BACK AND JUST, YOU KNOW, TAKING WHATEVER THE COUNTY OR THE STATE APPROVES IN THESE PROJECTS. COMMISSIONER, DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS? I'LL VOTE AND I'LL SAY MY COMMENTS. SO THROUGH THE MAYOR, ONE LAST COMMENT I'M GOING TO MAKE GABLES GOOD GOVERNMENT IS A GREAT GROUP. WE DID DO A PRESENTATION AND I MEAN WE IT WASN'T JUST ME. IT WAS A BUNCH OF FOLKS THAT EXPLAINED THE DIFFERENCE IN IN ALL THESE TYPES OF ZONING AND THE LIMITATIONS THAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW IN OUR CHOICES. SO. I'M NOT ON THE BOARD OF GABLES GOOD GOVERNMENT. IT'S A NONPARTIZAN TYPE OF GROUP THAT JUST TRIES TO EDUCATE FOLKS. SO I'D URGE FOLKS TO GO TO SOME OF THEIR SESSIONS BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW THAT YOU CAN LEARN. I THINK THE LAST SESSION WAS ON TRANSPORTATION. I WASN'T ABLE TO ATTEND. I WAS OUT OF TOWN, BUT THERE'S A LOT YOU CAN LEARN THERE. SO IF YOU HAD ATTENDED THE GABLES GOOD GOVERNMENT SESSION AND IT WAS ABOUT, I THINK SIX MONTHS AGO, WE COVERED THIS TOPIC AND IT WAS COVERED BY MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS THAT EXPLAINED THE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY. I THINK IT'S IT WOULD BEAR REPEATING AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE FOLKS THAT WERE ON THE PANEL THEN. INCLUDING OUR JENNIFER GARCIA DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF EXPLAINING THESE DIFFERENCES. AND, YOU KNOW, WE INVITE MORE OF THE COMMUNITY IN AND PERHAPS RECORD THESE THINGS SO PEOPLE MISSED IT. THEY CAN CLICK ON IT AND SEE IT AT THEIR LEISURE. OKAY. YES, SIR. MAYOR, WE HAVE COMMISSIONERS. WE HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE, INCLUDING TWO VIDEOS, ONE ON LIVE LOCAL AND ONE ON ON RTC. AND I THINK ONE OF THE KEY ISSUES TOO IS IF IT GOES RTC, THEN THE USES AND SIGNAGE WILL ALSO BE BY DAY COUNTY. SO WE WOULD NOT WE WOULD NOT CONTROL THE USAGE AND WE WOULD NOT CONTROL THE SIGNAGE ON ON THESE PROJECTS. SO THIS WOULD ESSENTIALLY NOT ONLY BE BIGGER PROJECTS WITH LESS SETBACKS, MORE UNLIMITED FOR 150FT, BUT THERE WOULD BE PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE CONTROLLED BY THE COUNTY FOR USE, THAT COULD HAVE A BAR. THEY COULD HAVE OTHER THINGS THAT WE DON'T DON'T HAVE IN OUR USES. AND ALSO SIGNAGE WOULD BE THROUGH THROUGH DADE COUNTY. SO WE WOULD ESSENTIALLY HAVE COUNTY PROJECTS WITHIN OUR CITY. AND WHAT WHAT THIS DOES, IT KEEPS THESE PROJECTS WITHIN OUR AS MUCH AS WE CAN WITHIN WITHIN OUR CONTROL. AND WE ALSO WOULD LOSE IMPACT FEES, ALL THE IMPACT FEES, PARKS, IMPACT FEES, MOBILITY IMPACT FEES, POLICE AND FIRE IMPACT FEES ARE OUR IN PUBLIC PLACES FEES. OUR BUILDING OUR OUR BUILDING DEPARTMENT FEES. ALL THOSE FEES WOULD NOW BE DE COUNTY WOULD NOW GO TO DADE COUNTY. WE WOULD GET NONE OF THOSE FEES EITHER. SO IT'S A IT IS A BIG ISSUE KEEPING THESE PROJECTS WITHIN WITHIN THE CITY TO HAVE THE MOST CONTROL THAT WE CAN
[02:25:02]
POSSIBLY HAVE ON ON THE PROJECTS. IF WE COULD PUT THAT PICTURE OUT AGAIN, IT'S STARTLING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT'S HAPPENING ON COUNTY PROJECTS AND WHAT WE ARE AND WHAT WE CAN DO. THE COUNTY ROADS PROJECT VERSUS WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH IN CORAL GABLES. THE THE DIFFERENCE IS TREMENDOUS. AND AND ■THAT'S WHY WE MOVED VERY, VERY QUICKLY TO TRY TO KEEP THESE PROJECTS WITHIN THE CITY. SO THERE'S A QUITE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY IT BENEFITS US TO KEEP THESE PROJECTS WITHIN OUR CITY. AND UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS AS THE COMMISSION HAS SAID, THIS IS RTC PROCESS IS OUTSIDE OF OUR CONTROL. IT'S IMPLEMENTED BY DADE COUNTY, AND IT'S IMPLEMENTED ALONG THE RAPID TRANSIT ZONE BRIEFLY THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. SO TO PUT A FINER POINT ON IT TO ME, I SUPPORT FOR THIS PARTICULAR ORDINANCE IS SUPPORT FOR KEEPING AS MUCH AS PRACTICAL CORAL GABLES LOOKING LIKE CORAL GABLES, BECAUSE FROM TALLAHASSEE COMES TO LIVE LOCAL. FROM TALLAHASSEE COMES THE RTC AND FROM TALLAHASSEE HOME EROSION, HOME RULE EROSION IS LEADING THE WAY. WE NEARLY FOUND OURSELVES WITH A MONSTROSITY. IF I CAN BE SO COLORFUL OF WHERE THE MARK IS VERSUS WHAT WE WERE LOOKING AT AT ONE POINT BEFORE THE DERAILMENT AND THE UNNECESSARY DELAY AT THE PNC, AND AND I THINK THAT, AS WAS STATED EARLIER, IT WAS THE POLAR OPPOSITE EFFECT. IF SOMEONE WAS TRYING TO LIMIT DEVELOPMENT, TO DELAY AND DELAY AND DELAY BECAUSE THE DEVELOPERS, GOD BLESS THEM, RIGHT? THEY'RE ALL ABOUT PROFIT, BUT THEY WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH US FIRST, IN MY EXPERIENCE. BUT WHEN WE CAN'T OR WON'T WORK WITH THEM, THEY WILL GO TO WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO FIND WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR AND THAT WOULD BE THE COUNTY. SO WE HAVE TO BE STRATEGIC, AND WE ARE THE GUARDIANS OF WHAT CORAL GABLES SHOULD LOOK LIKE, AND WE'RE THE ONES WHO SHOULD BE LEADING THE WAY, ALWAYS PROVIDING OUR RESIDENTS WITH SUFFICIENT INFORMATION AND INPUT REGARDING THE PROPERTIES THAT AFFECT THEM THE MOST. SINCE THEY LIVE THE CLOSEST, THAT WOULD BE THE MOST IMPACTED BY ANY SUCH CHANGES.BUT WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO HERE, AND THIS IS MY POINT. I WILL URGE ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS TODAY TO SUPPORT THIS ORDINANCE BECAUSE IN MY VIEW, NOT SUPPORTING THIS ORDINANCE IS IN FACT SUPPORTING OUT OF CONTROL DEVELOPER RIGHTS. THANK YOU, MR. COMMISSIONER, DO WE HAVE A MOTION? I'LL MOVE IT. SECONDED. MR. CLARK, ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? YES. MR. MAYOR, THANK YOU. FIRST SPEAKER DENISE CARVALHO. WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT SPEAKER. WE'LL COME BACK.
SO THE NEXT SPEAKER, MR. MAYOR, IS GOING TO BE ON ZOOM. OKAY. AND I AM GOING TO ASK MISS ROBERTA NEW TO GO AHEAD. SORRY, MA'AM. OH, BRING IT UP. GIVE IT GIVE IT TO HIM NOW. THANK YOU.
SO I'M GOING TO ASK MISS ROBERTA NEW TO TURN ON HER HER VIDEO SO THAT WE CAN ASK HER TO SWEAR UNDER TAKE AN OATH. SO, MISS NORWAY, IF YOU COULD PLEASE TURN ON YOUR VIDEO AND RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND. OKAY. IT'S OKAY. NOW YOU CAN SEE ME. YES. OKAY. READY? SWEAR OR AFFIRM THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU'LL PROVIDE TODAY WILL BE THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. MA'AM. YES, I DO, THANK YOU. OKAY. GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY. I'M ROBERTA NEELY, 1236 SOUTH ALHAMBRA CIRCLE. 33146. I'M RIGHT DOWN THE STREET FROM THE OVERLAY. I'M 100% FOR IT. I THINK IT'S THE RIGHT THING FOR THE CITY TO DO. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ASK THAT THE CITY PRIORITIZE IN OUR AREAS. TRAFFIC CALMING, AND DO ALL YOU CAN TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO WALK, BIKE, USE MICROMOBILITY TO GET PLACES. BECAUSE WE ARE A 15 MINUTE AREA AND OR THE THE SOUTH ALHAMBRA SIDE IS DEFINITELY A 15 AREA, 15 MINUTE AREA OF THE CITY.
CABALLERO, MAYBE A 20 MINUTE AREA. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET PLACES SAFELY AND QUICKLY.
WALKING, BIKING, MICROMOBILITY GOLF CARTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.
THANK YOU MA'AM. MR. MAYOR, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS GOING TO BE KIM OGREN. GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU, COMMISSION AND STAFF, FOR WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF THOUGHTFUL HARD WORK AND A GREAT PIVOT FROM THE UNFORTUNATE DELAY THAT GOT US HERE. BUT I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE EFFORT AND 100% AGREEMENT WITH SUPPORT FOR THIS ORDINANCE. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I WANTED TO ADD TO THOUGHTS SAME AS THE WOMAN WHO JUST SPOKE. ROBERTA, IF THE
[02:30:07]
FUTURE CONVERSATIONS, WHETHER THEY'RE INFORMAL AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS OR FORMAL AND PUBLIC HEARINGS, COULD PUT A PIN IN EXPLAINING TO THE CITIZENS HOW THE CITY WILL APPROACH THE BIKE PED SAFETY ACCESS TO THAT OVERPASS, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. SO THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT SINCE MOST OF HOW WE GET AROUND WITHIN THIS ZONE IS ON OUR BIKE AND WALKING. AND SECONDLY, I'M CURIOUS AND CAN BE DISCUSSED ANOTHER TIME. WHAT, IF ANY, CONSIDERATION. 1205 MARIPOSA VILLA CAPRI PROPERTIES WERE GIVEN TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ZONE. WE ARE CLOSER THAN THE CABALLERO WATERWAY PROPERTY. SO THOSE ARE MY TWO COMMENTS. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MR. MANAGER, WILL YOU DO ME A FAVOR AND THE TWO COMMENTS THAT SHE HAS, CAN WE RESPOND ACCORDINGLY? YES. YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN. MAYOR. WE ON THE ON THE ON THE MULTIFAMILY. WHAT WE'RE DOING IS WE'RE WE'RE LOOKING AT THE, AT THE, AT THE PROPERTIES THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT AND WITHIN THE ZONE. SO WE CAN CERTAINLY RESPOND TO AND HAPPY TO MEET WITH, WITH THE ALL, ALL THE RESIDENTS. TO FURTHER EXPLAIN THIS SITUATION, I JUST WANT TO MEMORIALIZE THOSE TWO QUESTIONS AND ANY OTHER QUESTIONS THAT COME OUT PRIOR TO THE TOWN HALL MEETING THAT WE'LL HAVE. WE HAD ONE HERE YESTERDAY. I HAVE A TOWN HALL MEETING EVERY TWICE A YEAR. WE'LL HAVE SOMETHING SIMILAR FOR FOR THE RESIDENTS IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD. WE CAN EITHER DO IT HERE OR WE CAN GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHATEVER YOU LIKE.BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE TWO QUESTIONS ARE, ARE WE'RE READY TO RESPOND WHEN WE MEET WITH THEM. OKAY. YES. YES, MA'AM. OF COURSE. THANK YOU, MR. CLARK. MR. MAYOR, THE LAST SPEAKER APPEARS TO. SHE WAS. I HAVE A CARD FROM HER, BUT SHE ALSO MENTIONED ME ON ZOOM, AND I CAN'T FIND HER ON EITHER PLACE, SO. OKAY. ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT, SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. YES, COMMISSIONER LATTA. YES. VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. JUST I'LL JUST ADD A COUPLE COMMENTS. A LOT OF THE STUFF THAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT, TRAFFIC CALMING, BIKE PED SAFETY. NOW, WITH THIS BACK IN OUR CONTROL, WE CAN HAVE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
STAFF WILL HAVE THE TRAFFIC STUDIES. STAFF WILL HAVE CONTROL OVER THAT. AND SO WILL THE COMMISSION. WITHOUT THIS, WE WON'T. SO YES, COMMISSIONER CASTRO, I THINK THE COMMISSION KNOWS HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS. BUT FOR US TO HAVE OVERLOOKED AND NOT GIVEN IMPORTANCE TO THE TRAFFIC THIS CORRIDOR HAS, TO THE IMPACT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH I DON'T LIVE FAR FROM IT, AND I EXPERIENCE IT EVERY DAY, IS OUTRAGEOUS AND SPEECHLESS. I THINK THIS COMMISSION AND THIS LEADERSHIP SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROACTIVE. AND WHEN YOU SAY THIS IS OUT OF MY CONTROL, THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. BECAUSE IF I WOULD HAVE HAD A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION BEFORE ALL OF THIS WAS HAPPENING, I WOULD HAVE FOUGHT AND TURNED THIS WORLD AROUND FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN, AS HAVE WE HAVE GONE ALSO TO TALLAHASSEE TO HELP WITH LIVE, LOCAL AND SPEAK BEHALF OF THIS. NOW IT'S TOO LATE, I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT WE SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN PROACTIVE. SO MY VOTE HERE IS NO COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES. I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR. WE ARE GOING TO DO THE THE THE RESIDENT MEETING AS WELL. CORRECT? ABSOLUTELY.
THAT'S WHAT WE AGREED TO. OKAY. ABSOLUTELY. I WAS JUST MAKING A PLUG FOR G-G-G. OKAY. THANK YOU.
MAYOR LARGO. MADAM DIRECTOR, WILL YOU PLEASE BE SO KIND AND COME UP HERE? THANK YOU. OKAY.
WHEN DID THE RTC, WHEN DID THEY START DISCUSSING THE RTC? WHEN THE APPLICANT STARTED OR WHEN DID IT GET ADOPTED? THE RTC DISCUSSION IN THE COUNTY, I MEAN, SINCE THE 70S. NO, NO, I'M SAYING, BUT THIS AREA WAS BEING DISCUSSED FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROPERTY, FOR THESE PROPERTIES, THIS CORRIDOR. MAYOR, IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN? YES. FOR THIS MAJOR CHANGES HAPPENED IN 2021, I WANT TO SAY, OR 2022. THEY ADOPTED THE SUBZONE IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR. OKAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER. THESE COMMENTS ARE DIRECTED TO COMMISSIONER CASTRO. YOU HAVE BEEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE NEXT MONTH FOR THREE YEARS. THE ONLY PERSON THAT SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IS YOURSELF. IF WE DO NOT ADOPT THIS TODAY, IF WE DO NOT ADOPT THIS TODAY, INSTEAD OF GRANDSTANDING POLITICALLY AND SAYING WE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED THIS AND STOP THIS, YOU WILL SEE 150 FOOT BUILDINGS, WHICH IS ALLOWED BY THE RTC. YOU WILL SEE WORSE SETBACKS. YOU WILL HAVE NO DESIGN REVIEW. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE BOA, THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS. YOU WILL HAVE NO CONTROL OVER SIGNAGE. YOU WILL KNOW YOU WILL HAVE. YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER USES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE MARK WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
[02:35:02]
IMPACT FEES THAT ARE IN THE TUNE TO 6 TO $7 MILLION THAT OUR CITY WOULD LOSE, WHICH WOULD NOT HELP US ADDRESS ROADS, POLICE, FIRE, ART AND PUBLIC PLACES. I KNOW THAT IT'S ELECTION SEASON, AND I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY HERE IS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION. IT'S LIKE BASICALLY HAVING A COLD AND HAVING TO DRINK A MEDICATION THAT YOU'RE NOT HAPPY WITH. BUT THE ONLY WAY YOU'RE GOING TO GET BETTER IS IF YOU APPROVE THIS LEGISLATION, BECAUSE AT LEAST HERE WE HAVE SOME SEMBLANCE OF CONTROL AND WE CAN REIN IN THESE PROJECTS. WE HAVE TO STOP POLITICIZING AND SAYING THAT WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. THE FACT BECAUSE IT'S AN ASSAULT ON OUR STAFF THAT'S HERE. MR. MANAGER, HOW MANY TIMES DID WE MEET WITH COUNTY STAFF, WITH COUNTY, WITH THE COUNTY MAYOR, WITH A COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WITH STAFF MEMBERS, WITH COUNTY ATTORNEYS TO ADDRESS RTC MAYOR. I'VE LOST COUNT HOW MANY TIMES WE'VE ACTUALLY MET WITH THEM BECAUSE WE'VE MET WITH WITH WITH SO MANY BETWEEN STAFF, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY STAFF, THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE ON THE PROJECT, I, I THINK THIS THIS CAME INTO PLAY ON THE COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 20TH OF LAST YEAR, WHEN COUNTY COMMISSIONER REGALADO CAME HERE AND TALKED ABOUT THE THE RTC. AND WHAT WE DID IS MOVE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP THESE OVERLAYS TO TRY TO SEE WHAT WE COULD DO TO BRING THESE PROJECTS BACK. AND SO IT'S BEEN IT'S BEEN A MAYOR. I KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, HOW MANY, HOW MANY MEETINGS WE'VE HAD ON THIS. I'VE LOST COUNT, HONESTLY. HOW MANY MEETINGS HAVE WE HAD IN REGARDS TO THE MARK? PROBABLY AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN OR MORE. OKAY. THE REASON WHY I BRING THIS UP AND THANK YOU, MR. MANAGER, IS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT ELECTION SEASON IS FORTHCOMING AND THESE ARE ALL GREAT POLITICAL ADS TO SAY, YOU KNOW, THE MAYOR VOTED TO UP ZONE US ONE, BUT THE RESIDENTS KNOW WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO HERE. THEY UNDERSTAND. THEY UNDERSTAND THAT OUR HANDS ARE TIED BEHIND OUR BACKS. THEY'RE ALL SHAKING THEIR HEAD. I DON'T WANT TO PASS THIS TODAY, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE. IF I DON'T PASS THIS TODAY, THEN THE DEVELOPER LIKE COMMISSIONER ARLOTTA WILL GO ON AND IN A PATH THAT'S A LOT MORE PROFITABLE. SO WHAT ARE WE OFFERING? WE'RE OFFERING AN EXPEDITED REVIEW. WE'RE OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY TO TO GAIN SOME CONTROL. THE F.A.R TO PUT IT ON THE RECORD. NOT THAT ANYBODY'S GOING TO MAKE IT INTO THE BLOGS ANYWAYS, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO PUT IT ON THE RECORD. THE FAA, THE COUNTY THROUGH THE RTC IS WHAT AMOUNT MERITS UNLIMITED. OKAY. WHAT IS THE IF THEY GO THROUGH OUR RTC, WHAT IS WHAT IS THE 3.5 WITH TDRS AND THE ADDITIONAL TDRS? DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW DANGEROUS THAT IS? DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW DANGEROUS THAT IS AND WHAT WE'RE FACING? WHEN YOU HAVE A COMMISSIONER THAT VOTES NO ON THIS, YOU'RE GIVING A DEVELOPER UNLIMITED F.A.R. MR. MANAGER, WILL YOU EXPLAIN FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT AN FA IS, F.A.R IS FLOOR AREA RATIO, WHICH MEANS THAT THAT IF YOU HAVE AN FA 3.5, YOU'RE LIMITED TO THREE TIMES THE SITE AREA. IF YOU HAVE UNLIMITED F.A.R, THEN YOU CAN BUILD AS MUCH AS YOU WANT WITHIN WITHIN THAT ENVELOPE. SO THERE'S NO SETBACKS 150FT. YOU CAN BUILD A BOX, WHICH IS WHAT THEY'RE BUILDING ALONG THE RTC ZONE. SO YOU CAN GO 150FT AND BOX IT OUT AND BUILD AS MUCH AS YOU WANT, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EVERY SQUARE INCH. AND YOU END UP WITH BUILDINGS THAT DO NOT HAVE BEAUTIFUL ARTICULATION OR SETBACKS. THEY'RE JUST A CEREAL BOX SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO PLAY THE GAME, THE POLITICS. SO THE ARTICLES COME OUT AND SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, I VOTED AGAINST UP ZONING. YEAH, YOU CAN SAY THAT. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I GOT TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT BY THE CITY, EVEN IF IT PAINS ME. AND I KNOW THAT MY COLLEAGUES ON THE COMMISSION AND I COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP ON TAKING THIS POSITION, BECAUSE I KNOW, I KNOW HERE NONE OF YOU WANTED TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THIS, BUT IT'S WE HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. SO MY VOTE IS. YES. THANK YOU. WE'RE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT ITEM, MR. MAYOR. WE ALSO NEED A MOTION ON AGENDA ITEM E4. CAN I HAVE A MOTION? I MOVE SECOND,HA MOT A ANON. Y,MISSIOYO CASTROT'NNY HOW EY IT O GOAD AND SUE T YOUT CTER. BUT WYORERE AECNG QUF LIFE OF SO MANY RESIDENTS, WE DON'T FIGHT AGAINST THAT. WE JUST LET IT. IT'S OUT OF OUR CONTROL, RIGHT? VERY EASY TO SUE, TO SUE THE YOUTH CENTER AND AND GET INTO LEGAL IMPLICATIONS WITH OUR COMMUNITY. BUT WHEN WE'RE HERE TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE HERE, OH, NO, IT'S OUT OF OUR CONTROL. YOU'RE POLITICIZING IT. I'M SORRY. YOU COULD CONTINUE TO SAY EVERYTHING YOU'RE SAYING. I STAND WITH THE RESIDENTS, AND I[02:40:02]
WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO TILL THE END OF MY DAY. NO. COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER.LADA. SO A VOTE FOR THIS, WHICH IS GOING TO BE YES, BY ME, IS A VOTE FOR THE RESIDENTS. AND I'VE SAID IT BEFORE, BEFORE WE TOOK THE VOTE. AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, VOTING AGAINST THIS IS A VOTE FOR OUT OF CONTROL DEVELOPMENT. AND IT'S ONLY VOTING FOR IT. ARE YOU VOTING FOR AND WITH THE RESIDENTS? BECAUSE I'D RATHER SEE THAT THE RESIDENTS LIVE AMONGST AND ABUTTING A BUILDING THAT'S AS CLOSE AS PRACTICAL TO WHAT THE ZONING WOULD HAVE IT LOOK LIKE, VERSUS AN ABOMINATION, WHICH WOULD DEFINITELY, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE SIDING WITH THE RESIDENTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE. SO MY VOTE IS, YES, MAYOR LAGO. SO I ECHO THE SENTIMENTS OF COMMISSIONER LADA, WHO IS AN ATTORNEY, MADAM CITY ATTORNEY, VERY QUICKLY, FOR THE RECORD, WHAT WHAT WHAT LEGAL ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER BY OTHER CITIES? MAYOR. YES. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE CITY OF MIAMI IS INVOLVED IN A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COUNTY REGARDING THIS MATTER. I DON'T HAVE A CURRENT STATUS UPDATE ON THAT, BUT I KNOW THAT THAT'S BEEN PENDING FOR SOME TIME. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, THOUGH, THAT THE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RTC IN CITY OF MIAMI HAS NOT CEASED, AND SO THE PROJECTS ARE GOING UP BY THE LAWSUIT. PROCEED. THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING. YES, . 'S VERS IDIBLYY DID NOT BOND EN HAV T BICALCSE E P. IF YOSER, OR HA O HAVUE CCERNINGPROFABILD LSO 'S NDED. SO THE PROJECTS ARE MOVING FWA. AN I'T THINK T TOERINGN A 4STOR BUILDING. SO IF I MAY AND I ASK THAT QUESTION SO WE CAN PUT IT ON THE RECORD BECAUSE IT'S VERY EASY TO SAY, YOU KNOW, LAWSUITS, LAWSUITS, LAWSUITS. I'VE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE ATTORNEYS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE'S NO CASE. THERE'S NO CASE. IT'S A PREEMPTION BY THE STATE AND BY THE COUNTY. WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY THAT PREEMPTION. OUR ZONING SUIT IS NOT SUPERSEDED BY THE COUNTY'S ZONING. SO AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS JUST SIMPLE COMMON SENSE. AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. I'VE LIVED MY ENTIRE LIFE ALMOST IN THIS CITY, ALMOST. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THIS CITY. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW REALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR OWN CITY. AND YOU'RE NEW TO THE CITY. WHEN YOU DON'T OWN A BUSINESS, WHEN YOU DON'T OWN A PROPERTY, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. AND IT'S A SHAME. IT'S A SHAME THAT WE HAVE TO BE BASICALLY POLITICIZING SOMETHING THAT THE RESIDENTS ARE HERE SAYING WE DON'T WANT IT, BUT WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE NEED THIS TO PROTECT US. SO RELUCTANTLY, LIKE MY COLLEAGUES TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT, I VOTE YES. BUT THIS ISN'T AN EFFORT TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY. YES. MOVING ON. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
[F.-1. A Resolution of the City Commission expressing support for Senate Bill 302, relating to Coastal Resiliency and Aquatic Preserves, sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia and co-introduced by Senator Bryan Ávila and Senator Barbara Sharief; and Senate Bill 1422, relating to Coral Reef Protection and the designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia and co-sponsored by Senator Shevrin Jones; affirming that such legislation is consistent with and incorporated into the City’s 2026 Legislative Priorities; authorizing advocacy for passage during the 2026 Legislative Session; and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
LET'S TAKE YOU KNOW WHAT? LET'S HEAR F1, LET'S HEAR F1. AND THEN WE'LL TAKE A FIVE MINUTE BREAK AFTER. F1 IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 302 RELATING TO COASTAL RESILIENCY AND AQUATIC PRESERVES, SPONSORED BY SENATOR ILEANA GARCIA AND CO-INTRODUCED BY SENATOR BRIAN AVILA AND SENATOR BARBARA SHERIFF. AND SENATE BILL 1422 RELATING TO CORAL REEF PROTECTION AND THE DESIGNATION OF CORAL REEFS AS CRITICAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE. SPONSORED BY SENATOR ILEANA GARCIA AND CO-SPONSORED BY SENATOR CHEVRON JONES, AFFIRMING THAT SUCH LEGISLATION IS CONSISTENT WITH AND INCORPORATED INTO THE CITY'S 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES AUTHORIZING ADVOCACY FOR PASSAGE DURING THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION. PROVIDING T AEMOST, THAOU OFOU.GOO ES OF LISLA. THF ESE SPONSO A TO ME T ARE INCREDIB IMPNT. IW TH'VBEEN WORKINGD IN HANN SHG B O FFERT ITEMSOR AT E STE LEGISTU AND, YOU KNOW, TORESSUES THAT AREVIROENLLYSITI. SO TNKN AAN T BOTH Y. THK YO THAOU, ON M IE MAYOR AND GORNMENTFFAIRS DECR R TH CITY. OEBAR24, THE TYOMMISSION DIRECTAFF SE 1422, SPOED BIN SENA IAARCI THE SUPPORT S THAT TH CITY OF CORALLE ISNUPRT FOOASTESIE ILESF WATERWA A ISPASSVER RECT IIRYONCTED HE BYNEAY. WE A ING A T RESOLUTIONF PRRITIES,UTOT JUSFO RW WD TO GEARS MOVING U AN UPD THAT SATE BI 2 PASESAY SO THIS FOOURISLATIVE PRIIENE SB 302 DOES RECOGATE AS INFRASTRUCTU ANDOOKS AT LUTIONS LIKE MANOV, SESSVI SHORES DYBD AACTHAT CAN STRENGTHENUR COAAL SILICE.ND INHAT ALNS WH WHA YOALL HAVE PSEREVIY IN TOMN HAV ADVOCATING FOR.HA YOU, MATT, AND I REA APPRECIE YOU ALLY GRINDG DON TT WORKING HARD AND SETTIN EXPLE. AND ALSO, KNOWCHELSES MEE SENATORS AND OUR STATE LEGISLATORS OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS, REALLY PUSHING FORWARD NOT ONLY ON OUR PRIORITIES, BUT ALSO PUSHING FORWARD ON ITEMS[02:45:02]
LIKE THIS THAT ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO US. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT HARD WORK. THANK YOU.AND JUST TO SEGUE INTO LEGISLATIVE SESSION REALLY QUICKLY, JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THEY'RE WRAPPING UP THE POLICY PART OF THINGS BETWEEN TODAY AND TOMORROW. SO AS FAR AS OUR POLICIES ARE CONCERNED, EVERYTHING IN THAT END IS WRAPPED UP WITH REGARD TO SPECIAL SESSION. WE'RE GOING TO PROBABLY GO INTO A SPECIAL SESSION FOR PROPERTY TAXES. AND I SENT YOU ALL THE UPDATE AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH REGARDS TO OUR WEEK EIGHT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WOULD ENTERTAIN A MOTION. I'LL MOVE IT. SECOND, SECOND. WAIT A SECOND. DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO, MR. MAYOR, ALL RIGHT.
COMMISSIONER CASTRO. YES, COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES. VICE MAYOR. ANDERSON. YES, MAYOR. YES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ITEM F2. F2 IS RESOLUTION OF CITY
[F.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission affirming the City’s commitment to human trafficking prevention through community outreach, education, and interagency coordination; and directing the City Manager to conduct public awareness and educational programs in anticipation of large-scale international events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)]
COMMISSION AFFIRMING THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND INTERAGENCY COORDINATION, AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONDUCT, CONDUCT PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN ANTICIPATION OF LARGE SCALE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS, INCLUDING THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP. THANK YOU. I BROUGHT THIS ITEM. I NOTICED THAT NOTHING ELSE HAD BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE AGENDA. SO ON THURSDAY, I ASKED STAFF TO PUT TOGETHER A RESOLUTION SO THAT WE CAN DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE TO HAVE A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH TOWARDS EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY. THE SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING IS AN EASY WAY TO SAY THAT, TO REPORT THINGS IN. BUT IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT AND IF YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT IT'S AN ISSUE, THEN YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO REPORT IT IN. SO ONE OF OUR BEST TOOLS ARE ALL THE RESIDENTS THAT WE HAVE IN PREVENTING CRIME AND STOPPING CRIME. AND THIS EDUCATIONAL SERIES WILL NOT ONLY WE HAVE A TABLE AT THE FARMERS MARKET, THERE'LL BE A A FULL SESSION. I THINK THIS THIS COMING SATURDAY. IS THAT CORRECT, CITY MANAGER? YEAH. MAYOR. YES. AND THE MAYOR? YES, COMMISSIONER. AND THEN WE'LL BE DOING ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PUTTING IT ON THE ICE AND HANDING OUT MATERIALS, ETC. AND OUR POLICE CHIEF WALKED IN. DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS? I WENT TO THE BATHROOM. I THOUGHT WE WERE TAKING A BREAK. SORRY. OH, OKAY. OKAY. WELL, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, YOU NEVER FOLLOW THE CHAIR. YOU SAID WE'RE GOING TO THE BATHROOM. I WENT TO THE BATHROOM. WE'RE GOING TO GO TO THE BATHROOM AFTER THIS ONE, I APOLOGIZE. MY BAD. YOU WERE. YOU WERE FOLLOWING ORDERS.THAT'S IT. IT'S ALL GOOD. MAYOR, CAN I JUST ASK REAL QUICK SINCE WE HAVE THE CHIEF UP HERE? YEAH, CHIEF. ALSO, WHEN YOU'RE ANSWERING THE QUESTION FROM THE VICE MAYOR, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU STANDING RIGHT THERE. IF YOU CAN GIVE US IF THERE'S AN UPDATE FROM THE LAST TWO ITEMS THAT WE HAD AT THE LAST COMMISSION MEETING BY WAY OF UPDATE CONCERNING TRAINING, EDUCATION. ALTHOUGH THOSE TWO, THOSE TWO ITEMS WERE IN FACT TABLED, BUT IT WAS WITH AN EYE TOWARDS FOLLOWING THROUGH AND SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT'S BEEN UPDATING ON THAT FRONT. RIGHT. WITH RESPECT TO AWARENESS AND TRAINING, WHETHER IT BE WITH POLICE OR WITH THE FIRE AS WELL, PLEASE. SURE. YES, SIR. ON THE ITEM, F2 RESOLUTION FOR THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AS DIRECTED BY THIS COMMISSION LAST MEETING, WE HAVE STARTED OUR OUR EXTERNAL TALKING POINTS, SAY WITH THE FARMERS MARKET. AND AGAIN, I THINK THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT THIS IS THE UNIFIED APPROACH WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WHICH WE PARTNERED WITH. WE HAVE STARTED TO PUT OUT BASICALLY HOW TO CONTACT IDENTIFY, WHICH I THINK IS PROBABLY THE BEST WAY OF WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR. SOMEBODY WHO'S HUMAN TRAFFICKED, ABUSE, TRAPPED, FORCED. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN COMING OUT FOR A WHILE NOW. AND WE ARE OBVIOUSLY WE'VE MET SINCE THE LAST MEETING. I SAY WE LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS IN TOWN. HE'S ALLOCATED MONEY FROM THOSE FUNDS FROM THE STATE FOR COMING UP FOR FIFA. I MEAN, IT IS VERY IDENTIFIABLE ISSUES, UNEXPLAINED INJURIES, UNEXPLAINED HOTEL USE, CONTROLLED, CONTROLLED WITH DRUGS, SECRETIVE ABOUT WHEREABOUTS, NOT ALLOWING TO MAKE DECISIONS, FORCED TO HAVE SEX WITH OTHERS, ISOLATED FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY. SECRETIVE ABOUT NEW RELATIONSHIP.
EXCHANGING SEX FOR THINGS OF VALUE, NOT IN POSSESSION OF MONEY OR ID. THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS AND THIS IS TWO SIDED, SO IT'S ALSO ENGLISH AND SPANISH. AND IT GIVES THE DIRECT LINE TO THE HOTLINE GOING INTO THE FIFA AND THE WORLD CUP AS PART OF THIS RESOLUTION IS WE WILL HAVE OFFICERS, ADDITIONAL OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY TO THE TO THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE. SO THAT WILL BE GOING OUT. THESE WILL START WE'VE STARTED GOING ON TOP OF THAT. AND I BROUGHT SOME FOR ALL OF YOU AND YOUR CONSTITUENTS WHERE WE THERE IS A QR CODE THAT WE HAVE THAT GOES DIRECTLY TO THE STATE
[02:50:04]
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, TO THE HOTLINE. AGAIN, I THINK WE'LL GET INTO THE TRAINING QUESTIONS IN A SECOND. I WILL LEAVE THESE FOR YOU AND YOUR STAFF. IF THAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO PUT IN YOUR OFFICES, WE WILL. YOU'LL START SEEING THESE AROUND. WE'VE TALKED ABOUT WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN THE BID TO MAKE SURE THESE ARE ACTUALLY PUT IN IN THE BACK OF HOUSE, SO TO SPEAK, OF HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, THINGS LIKE THAT, WHERE THEY SEE SOMETHING LIKE THAT AGAIN, SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. I DID HAVE A BRIEF CONVERSATION, NOT JUST WITH MY PIO, BUT WITH OUR COMMUNICATIONS PERSON AS FAR AS TO START RUNNING THESE ON OUR REGULAR BASIS WITH AS WE GET CLOSER TO FIFA. EXCUSE ME, ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLANS, AS LONG AS COORDINATION WITH THE CITY'S SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUES. SO I BELIEVE IN THE SPIRIT OF WHAT WE'VE TALKING ABOUT TODAY, THE EDUCATION, INTERAGENCY COORDINATION, BEING PART OF THE TASK FORCE, WHICH WE HAVE BEEN THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE THAT HAS BEEN, I THINK, YIELDED RESULTS. AS I REPORTED LAST TIME, WE'VE HAD 20 CASES THAT WE'VE DONE. WE ALSO HAD ANOTHER TEN ONGOING CASES. SINCE THEN. WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BREAK UP SOME SOME PRETTY DECENT RINGS. WHEN I SAY DECENT, STRETCHING FROM HERE TO TEXAS, FROM ATLANTA, DOWN HERE, NEW YORK. SO WE CONTINUE TO SHARE INTELLIGENCE WITH THEM. BUT ALSO, YOU KNOW, FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDPOINT, AND THERE'S ABOUT 14 DIFFERENT FIFA SUBCOMMITTEES JUST HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA. ONE OF THOSE IS GOING TO BE THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING. WE'RE ALL WORKING TOGETHER. DHS IS THE FEDERAL SIDE. THEY WERE ALSO PRESENT AT THIS MEETING, AND I'M PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT WE ARE GOING TO A, YOU KNOW, PUT OUT A UNIFIED MESSAGE THROUGHOUT ALL OF DADE COUNTY AND ALSO UNIFIED RESPONSE WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, THE RESOURCES THAT COMES WITH THEM GOING FORWARD. SO I THINK UNLESS YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION, VICE MAYOR. YEAH, I'LL. YEAH. I'M GOING TO ASK YOU ALSO TO FOLLOW UP WITH WHAT WE CAN DO IN A WAY OF OFFERING A PRESENTATION SERVICE TO GROUPS SUCH AS GABLES, GOOD GOVERNMENT, THE ROTARY CLUB, OTHER CLUBS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY. BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, JUST THOSE BULLET POINTED ITEMS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH TO EDUCATE THE RESIDENTS ON WHAT THEY NEED TO BE LOOKING OUT FOR. AS I MENTIONED IN THE LAST MEETING, YOU HAVE THE ACTIVITY THAT OCCURS AT AIRBNBS AND HOTELS, UNUSUAL ACTIVITIES. YOU KNOW, YOU SEE CERTAIN BEHAVIORS THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN A NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING IN AND OUT. YOU KNOW, THE SAME THING GOES WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING. THERE'S A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CARS COMING AND GOING AND THE TYPE OF ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN SEE, AND IT WILL ALERT PEOPLE TO SOMETHING THAT THEY THOUGHT WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL, AND THEY DON'T WANT TO GET IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S BUSINESS. BUT THERE'S A SECURE LINE. THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT THERE'S A SECURE LINE THAT THEY CAN REACH OUT TO YOU ON, YOU KNOW, AND HAVE THE PROTECTIONS NOT TO HAVE THEIR IDENTITY REVEALED BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT REPERCUSSIONS IF THEY IDENTIFY SOMEBODY. SO THAT TYPE OF MESSAGING ALSO NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED. AND I THINK WE NEED TO REACH OUT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS TO HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE. AND WE WILL, I BELIEVE, IF ANYBODY I MEAN, FOR FOR EVERYONE'S EDIFICATION HERE, I MEAN OUR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS UNIT, THE PUBLIC INFORMATION, ALONG WITH OUR CRIME WATCH MEETING PROTOCOLS THAT WE DO, WE DO HAVE A SPECIFIC POINT TO TALK ABOUT HOW TO GET INTO THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING. FORTUNATELY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT AND FOR YOU ALL, THE AIRBNB FACTOR DURING THIS, THIS TIME IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE GOING TO GET PHONE CALLS ON.AND I KNOW HISTORICALLY WE'VE HAD PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, A PRODUCTION COMPANY WOULD AIRBNB A HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GABLES, AND THEY'D BE HAVING PARTIES ALL NIGHT LONG. AND THANKFULLY WE'VE GOT A LOT OF PHONE CALLS JUST BECAUSE OF THE AIRBNB ALLOWANCES OR NON ALLOWANCES. THAT THEN TURNS INTO OUR EXTENDED INVESTIGATION THAT WE WOULD DO HERE. THE SECOND PART OF THAT IS SO YES, WE CAN TAKE THIS OUT AND WE WILL TAKE THIS OUT THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS UNIT TO DIFFERENT AREAS, NOT JUST THE FARMERS MARKET. WE CAN SHOW UP IN NEIGHBORHOODS, WE CAN TALK TO BUSINESSES. WE HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE AIRBNB PEOPLE. I MEAN, THEY ARE THEY ARE PAYING TOP DOLLAR GOING INTO THIS FIFA GROUP. THEY ARE PART SPONSORS WITH FIFA WORLDWIDE. SO WE'RE EXPECTING TO BE EXTREMELY BUSY DURING THAT TIME. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH AND I KNOW YOU ALL, AND I BRIEFED YOU ALL ON THIS BY EMAIL ABOUT THE USE OF OUR SAFER WATCH APP, THAT NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT ON ROMANO HAS USED THE SAFER WATCH APP RELIGIOUSLY. AS LATE AS LAST NIGHT WHEN SOMEBODY SHOWED UP AT THE HOUSE AND THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ARRESTED. SO THE SAFER WATCH APP PROVIDES THAT ANONYMITY TO
[02:55:05]
THE PEOPLE THAT ARE CALLING IN ON RESIDENTS AND IN THE SAFER WATCH APP IS SUSPECTED HUMAN TRAFFICKING, WHERE THEY CAN SEND THAT DIRECTLY TO OUR COMMUNICATIONS. IT TAKES US, ME, YOU, THE MANAGER, OUT OF IT AND GOES RIGHT TO COMMUNICATIONS, AND THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE THAT WE CAN PUT FORTH, NOT JUST THESE IDENTIFIERS, BUT WHAT TO LOOK FOR, TO SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. SO I'M PRETTY CONFIDENT AND WE CAN REPORT BACK TO YOU AS WE GET CLOSER THROUGH THE SUMMER ABOUT WHAT OUR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN AND WHO WE'VE CONTACTED, THE HITS THAT WE'VE GOT ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA. BUT ALSO, I REALIZE THAT SOCIAL MEDIA IS PART OF OUR COMMUNICATION STRATEGY WITHIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY, BUT IT'S ALSO US GETTING OUT THERE AND TALKING TO PEOPLE IN PERSON, WHICH IS STILL, YOU KNOW, THAT'S THAT'S WHAT MAKES US A GREAT CITY, IS THAT WE'RE THERE PERSONALLY. YEAH. JUST JUST A QUICK QUESTION. YOU KNOW, HOW MANY, HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS DO WE HAVE USING THE SAFER WATCH APP RIGHT NOW? WOULD YOU SAY I CAN GET THAT NUMBER FOR YOU? I DON'T KNOW, BECAUSE WHEN THEY REGISTERED, CAN YOU GET US CAN YOU GET US THAT INFORMATION? SEND IT TO US BY EMAIL. AND MR. MANAGER, WILL YOU INCLUDE THESE THE SAFER WATCH APP ON OUR E-NEWS. AND LIKE A LITTLE IN A LITTLE BLURB FROM THE CHIEF DISCUSSING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND AND OBVIOUSLY FIFA AND YOU KNOW, IN PREPARATION FOR, FOR THIS BIG DAY AND THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO BE COMING HERE TO SOUTH FLORIDA, JUST A BLURB ON THAT AND JUST, YOU KNOW, ANY LINKS AND OBVIOUSLY ASKING PEOPLE, IMPLORING PEOPLE TO TO REALLY DOWNLOAD THE SAFER WATCH APP, THAT'D BE NICE. THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. YES, MAYOR. I THINK THIS RESOLUTION IS FANTASTIC. I THINK WE WILL HIT THE FARMERS MARKET. COMMUNITY GROUPS, BUSINESSES, MAKE SURE AIRBNB GET THE SAFE WASH UP GOING, AND ALSO JUST COMMUNICATE AS MUCH AS WE CAN. GET IT ON E-NEWS, THROUGH E-NEWS, THROUGH EVERYTHING. AND AND BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS A JUST A HUGE ISSUE AND SOMETHING THAT WE, WE, WE CERTAINLY WANT TO PREVENT. COMMISSIONER. SO SORRY YOU HAD SOMETHING TO SAY, CHIEF. GO AHEAD. NO, NO, NO. ALONG THE BRANDING LINE OF IT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, THE CORAL GABLES LOGO, THE CORAL GABLES POLICE DEPARTMENT LOGO WILL BE ALSO ON ALL OF THEIR STUFF GOING FORWARD. SO WE SENT OUR ARTWORK OVER ALREADY. SO AGAIN, THIS COLLABORATIVE EFFORT IS ALSO GOING TO BE BRANDED FOR US. SO THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE THAT WE WOULD PUT OUT THAT THEY KNOW IT'S COMING FROM CORAL GABLES.YEAH, I THINK SAFER WATCH HAS BEEN A PHENOMENAL TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCE. IT HELPS REALLY TO GET THE INFORMATION OUT THERE, BECAUSE YOU CAN EVEN SEND A PHOTO, WHICH MAKES IT EASIER FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RESPOND. THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU GIVE A DESCRIPTION, BUT IT'S REALLY HARD TO FIGURE OUT WHO THAT PERSON IS. WHEREAS IF YOU HAVE THAT PHOTO, YOU CAN FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHO THAT PERSON IS. AS FAR AS THE THE FLIER THAT YOU WERE SHOWING, WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO SEND THAT TO US SO THAT WE CAN PUT IT OUT IN OUR NEWSLETTERS? YES, WE WILL HAVE IT ALL SENT OUT. IF THERE'S ANY SOCIAL RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA THAT WE CAN USE AS WELL TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD, THERE WAS ANOTHER QUESTION THAT I HAD FOR YOU AND NOW IT SKIPS MY MIND. SOCIAL MEDIA. IF IT COMES TO ME, I'LL ASK AGAIN. BUT I APPRECIATE AND I KNOW THAT IN CRIME WATCH WE HAVE THESE DISCUSSIONS. CRIME WATCH IS ONE OF THE FEW GROUPS IN THIS CITY WHERE YOU HAVE THE LEADERS OF MOST OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THE CITY SHARING INFORMATION, AND THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE DOES A PHENOMENAL JOB. THEY'RE ALWAYS PRESENT, GIVING US INFORMATION AND MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE AWARE OF WHAT THEY'RE WORKING ON. THIS IS GOOD. OH, I REMEMBERED THE QUESTION ON THE QR CODE. THERE'S A CONCERN THAT I HAVE ABOUT THAT. THERE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HERE IN THE STATE, WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PLACING QR CODES ON TOP OF OTHER QR CODES, SO THAT IF YOU SCAN THE QR CODE, IT'S TAKING YOU TO WHATEVER IT IS THAT THEY WANT YOU TO GO, NOT WHERE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO GO. IS THERE A WAY TO MONITOR THAT? ONCE WE'VE PUT THEM OUT? I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IT CAN DO WHEN THEY GO AND DO THEIR PHONE CHECK WITH JUST CHECKING, I WOULD CHECK WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE QR CODE, AND I KNOW HER LOGO IS EMBEDDED IN THE QR CODE ON THIS ONE. THEY CAN GO ONLINE. I KNOW THEY CAN DO ANYTHING AND I WOULD HAVE TO CHECK WITH HER IT PEOPLE TO TO SEE HOW IN FACT THAT WOULD MAKE SURE THAT THAT GOES DIRECTLY TO THEM. BECAUSE I'LL TELL YOU, I ACTUALLY HAD AN ISSUE DOWNTOWN WHERE THEY HAD ONE OF THOSE SCAN YOUR CREDIT CARD TO PAY AT A PARKING GARAGE. THEY HAD PLACED IT OVER THE REGULAR ONE, AND THEY STOLE MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. RIGHT. SO NOWADAYS, THEY'RE USING EVERY SINGLE TRICK IN THE BOOK TO TRY TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION. THE OLD PHONE NUMBERS, THE BEST ON THE QR CODES ON ON EVERYTHING, BUT ALSO THE HOTLINE, WHICH IS 24 HOUR STAFFED BY THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, IS OBVIOUSLY THE WAY TO GO. AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY MAJORITY OF OUR POPULATION, ARE LOOKING AT OUR DEMOGRAPHICS. AS A CITY, THEY'D MUCH RATHER BE MAKING A PHONE CALL AND TALKING TO A HUMAN BEING. AND IN ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS, AND AGAIN,
[03:00:04]
I'VE SAID THIS OFTEN IN THIS COMMUNITY, IF THE HAIR ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK STANDS UP, CALL US. WE'LL DECIDE WHETHER IT'S REAL OR IF IT'S PERCEIVED, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL HAVE THE SAME SUCCESS WITH THIS. THE SAFER WATCH APP ALSO DOES A LOT MORE THINGS. IT IS THE ALERT SYSTEM FOR THE MIAMI OR FOR THE DADE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM. SO WE HAVE THAT THERE. IT'S ALSO SUPPLEMENTS OUR DIRECT CONNECT ALARMS WITH YOU ALL AT CITY HALL. WE'VE WORKED WITH THE MANAGER AS FAR AS GIVING YOU ALL ADDITIONAL ACCESS DIRECTLY TO COMMUNICATIONS. SO WE'VE BEEN VERY, VERY HAPPY WITH THE COMPANY AND AS IT CONTINUES TO GROW. BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, OUR SUCCESS STORY IS 103 ROMANO. THAT WAS THAT NEIGHBORHOOD WAS WAS TERRORIZED FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM FOR THE BETTER PART OF I'D SAY TWO YEARS, MAYBE LONGER, THE AMOUNT OF ARRESTS WE'VE MADE OUT OF THERE, WHEN PEOPLE ARE SHOWING UP ON A REGULAR BASIS, THEY DON'T. THEY DON'T HAVE TO GET OUT OF BED. THEY PUSH THE BUTTON. MY PEOPLE KNOW WHERE THEY'RE AT. YOU KNOW, YESTERDAY THEY GIVE US A DESCRIPTION. FINALLY, THE HOUSE HAS BEEN FORECLOSED ON, THAT THAT SALE IS COMING FORWARD AND WE SHOULD HOPEFULLY PUT THAT TO BED. SO I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE APP ITSELF. IT HAS WORKED VERY WELL FOR US. GETTING IT OUT THERE TO TO THE VICE MAYOR'S POINT IS THAT'S OUR STRUGGLE AND THAT'S THAT'S OUR CHALLENGE. BUT WE WILL DO IT COLLECTIVELY. MR. MAYOR, WITH THE TO ANSWER THE COMMISSIONERS QUESTIONS ON THE LAST CONVERSATION THAT WE HAD, SIMILAR TO WHAT MAYOR COMMISSIONER CASTRO BROUGHT UP THE FOLLOWING DAY, I HAD A MEETING WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, AS I SAID AND ALLUDED TO, ALONG WITH THE FIRE CHIEF, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS THERE. IT WAS DHS LOCAL SUPERVISOR. AND NUMBER TWO, SO WHAT WE HAVE PENDING NOW IS THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, CHIEF PROSECUTOR, ASSISTANT CHIEF PROSECUTOR STEVE TALPAS, AS WELL AS THE HEAD OF THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE FOR THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT KATHY HAS ASSIGNED. KATHY, I'M SORRY, THE STATE ATTORNEY'S ASSIGNED IS THAT WE ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 17TH AND 18TH AND ONE OTHER DATE TO HAVE THEM COME IN AND PHYSICALLY TRAIN THE FIREFIGHTING PERSONNEL THROUGHOUT THE DEPARTMENT ON HOW TO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE'VE SAID AND HOW TO CONTACT US, THAT ONCE THAT IS DONE. AND I JUST WANT TO WALK YOU THROUGH HOW THAT WILL HAPPEN AS FIREFIGHTERS ON THE SCENE, THAT WE ARE NOT THERE, WHICH IS PROBABLY ABOUT, I'D SAY, 7 TO 10% OF THE FIRE CALLS. A POLICE OFFICER DOESN'T GO ON. FOR THE MOST PART. WE ALL TRAVEL TOGETHER. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GETS THERE SOON. THEY WILL NOTIFY US VIA OUR COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. ONCE OUR OFFICERS ARRIVE, WE WILL HAVE OUR HUMAN TRAFFICKING DETECTIVES RESPOND, ASSESS AND TAKE THE CASE FROM THERE SO THAT TRAINING IS SET FOR THE 17TH AND THE 18TH. THE INDIVIDUALS AND I DON'T REMEMBER THEIR NAMES THAT WERE HERE THAT THE COMMISSIONER BROUGHT. I KNOW IN TALKING TO THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, THEY TOO ARE TRYING TO GET THE SAME TRAINING THAT WE ARE GETTING FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. I MEAN, THEY ARE A REFERRAL GROUP. THEY'RE THEY'RE FOCUSED ON THE VICTIMS. I KNOW I'M NOT SURE WHAT THEIR PARTNERSHIP AVAILABILITY OR ASSOCIATION IS WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, BUT WHEN WE'RE REFERRING THOSE VICTIMS, OUR VICTIM ADVOCATE GETS INVOLVED. BUT THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TASK FORCE IS WHAT TAKES OVER. I'M VERY CONFIDENT THAT IF WE IDENTIFY SOMEBODY WHO HAS BEEN A VICTIM OR IS BEING TRAFFICKED, THE THE UNDERCOVER OR THE, THE, THE PRIVATE AREA THAT THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HAS HERE IN THE, IN THE IS WHERE WE CAN TAKE EVERYBODY. SO THIS IS NOT GIVING SOMEBODY OH, HERE'S YOUR REFERRAL. OUR OFFICERS, OUR DETECTIVES CAN TAKE THEM TO A FACILITY THAT IS PROTECTED AND CAN GIVE THEM ALL OF THE RESOURCES THAT THEY HAVE. THE MEETING THAT WE HAD WAS AT THE FACILITY WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TASK FORCE IS A MODEL FOR THE COUNTRY, AND PEOPLE ARE COMING DOWN TO TRY AND EMULATE WHAT SHE HAS PUT TOGETHER ON THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING SIDE. WE ARE REALLY JUST EMBELLISHING A LITTLE BIT WHAT WE DID WHEN WE HAD SUPER BOWLS. OBVIOUSLY, WE KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE A LOT BIGGER, BUT WHEN I TELL YOU THE I CAN GIVE YOU A SPECIFIC OF THE FACILITIES, THE HOTLINES ANSWERED THERE, BUT THERE IS CLOTHING, THERE ARE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED THERE, THERE ARE HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS THERE TEMPORARILY. SO IT'S NOT LIKE WE DO LIKE, OH, CALL THIS PERSON AND YOU'LL BE FINE. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. IT'S IT'S NOT[03:05:05]
JUST LIKE A HOMELESS. LIKE IF WE COME ACROSS SOMEBODY HOMELESS, WE MAKE A RECOMMENDATION. IF THEY REFUSE. NO. OUR PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, IF WE HAVE A PLACE TO TAKE THEM, WE WILL TAKE THEM THERE. ON THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS, THE VICTIMS THAT ARE BEING HUMAN TRAFFICKED. THERE IS A FACILITY, AND IT'S A COUNTY WIDE FACILITY THAT WE ARE USING. AS FAR AS THE TRAINING, I'M CONFIDENT THAT OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL WILL BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THESE ISSUES. AND AGAIN, I THINK EVERY TIME IF THERE'S A HEART ATTACK CALL, IF THERE'S A CHOKING CALL, A POLICE OFFICER IS AUTOMATICALLY GOING, OKAY, BECAUSE OF OUR AEDS, BECAUSE OF WHATEVER IT MAY BE. SO WE WILL RESPOND. VERY RARELY DO WE NOT RESPOND TO THOSE KIND OF CALLS. OPPOSITELY. I MEAN, OUR OFFICERS, THEY GO THROUGH SOME OF THE TRAINING THAT WE GET THROUGH THE STATE THAT WE HAVE TO SIGN OFF ON. WE'VE HAD ADDITIONAL CASES SPECIFICALLY IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING, WHERE THEY KNOW IF IT'S SOMETHING THIS OFFICER DOESN'T RECOGNIZE OR NOT SURE THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO CALL OUT OUR HUMAN TRAFFICKING ASSIGNED DETECTIVES RIGHT AWAY, AND THEY WILL RESPOND TO THE CASE. SIMILARLY, WHAT WE DO IF WE COME ACROSS FENTANYL, IF WE COME ACROSS A DRUG CASE, AN OVERDOSE, THE DEPARTMENT FOR YEARS, IF WE IF THERE IS AN OVERDOSE IN A HOUSE AND IT'S SUSPECTED FENTANYL, OUR NARCOTICS DETECTIVES ARE NOTIFIED AND WILL RESPOND NOT TO DO ANYTHING TO THE PERSON WHO HAS OVERDOSED, BUT TO TRY AND TRACK DOWN WHERE THE DRUGS CAME FROM. WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO HANDLE IT THE SAME WAY IN THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING SIDE THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES. SO, CHIEF, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR, YOU KNOW, I COMMEND YOU FOR, YOU KNOW, WE MET BRIEFLY AND FOR MOVING, YOU KNOW, AND FOLLOWING UP TO THE LAST MEETING ON THE TWO RESOLUTIONS THAT WERE TABLED WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND TRAINING. THANK YOU FOR MOVING AS QUICKLY AS YOU DID WITH MEETING WITH THE KEY PLAYERS IN TRYING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE FORWARD. AND I'M ACTUALLY QUITE IMPRESSED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE TO REPORT. AND I THINK THAT RIGHT, THE UPCOMING FIFA IS GOING TO BE ON A BIGGER PLATFORM AND MORE CHALLENGING THAN THE SUPER BOWL WOULD WOULD HAVE BEEN. BUT IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE OUR POLICE AND FIRE ARE UP TO THE TASK. AND AND I'VE LEARNED A LOT IN THIS PROCESS AS WELL. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU, I THINK YOU MENTIONED DURING YOUR REPORT THAT THE THAT DURING THE LAST COMMISSION MEETING, THERE WERE TWO WOMEN WHO WERE BROUGHT AS ALLEGED EXPERTS DURING THAT RESOLUTION THAT WAS BEING DEBATED. DID YOU SAY THAT THEY WERE GOING TO THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TRY AND GET TRAINING? AND THE MEETING THAT I HAD WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY WHEN THEY WERE THERE, I GUESS BECAUSE I ASKED ABOUT THE INDIVIDUALS, THEY LOOKED BRIEFLY FAMILIAR. I DIDN'T KNOW. AND THE STATE ATTORNEY SAID, THESE ARE THE TWO INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE CREATING THIS. I THINK IT'S A 500 AND 1C3, I'M NOT SURE. AND THAT THEY HAD ASKED FOR THE SAME TRAINING THAT I WAS LIKE TRYING TO SET UP FOR OUR PEOPLE. SO AGAIN, I THINK THAT'S THE UNIFIED WAY THAT THIS IS ALL GOING FORWARD. AND I THINK THROUGH THE MANAGER AND WE'VE HAD SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS OPERATIONALLY, ALTHOUGH WE'VE GOT A LOT ON AGENDAS, IS THAT AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP THROUGH THE THROUGH THE SUMMERTIME, THE MANAGER ALSO WANTS TO BRING YOU ALL UP TO SPEED ON WHAT WHAT OUR WORKS ARE DOING. THIS IS THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMPONENT. THERE'S GOING TO BE CROWD CONTROL ISSUES. THERE'S GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, MAJOR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO ASSIST. AND I KNOW IF YOU DON'T KNOW THIS, THE LARGEST REQUESTED MATCH OF ALL OF THE FIFA TOURNAMENT IS COLOMBIA AND PARAGUAY. AND WE HAVE IT. AND IT'S HERE. IF ARGENTINA WINS OUT OF THE BRACKET, THEN THEY MAY BE DOWN HERE. THAT WOULD BE MESSI'S LAST DAY. AND IN SPEAKING WITH MY COLLEAGUES, THE CHIEFS, AS WELL AS LAST WEEK, I MET WITH THE HEAD OF THE SECRET SERVICE DOWN HERE, THE HEAD OF FBI AT THE SAME TIME, AND DHS, WE ARE EXPECTING THE FANFEST 23 DAYS DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARK, AND THEY'RE EXPECTING 30 TO 40,000 PEOPLE A DAY FOR 23 DAYS. SO MIAMI IS GOING TO BE TIED UP. WE'RE GOING TO BE BACKING UP. SO THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME CONVERSATION THAT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE THROUGH THE MANAGER, AS WELL AS TO YOU ALL TO BRIEF YOU ON, ON WHAT OUR INVOLVEMENT AS A POLICE DEPARTMENT IS GOING TO BE, BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING, LET ALONE EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE HERE, WHETHER IT BE THE WATCH PARTIES, THE THINGS LIKE THAT, THE HOTELS AND WHAT GROUPS WE HAVE HERE. CHIEF, ABOUT HOW LONG IS IT UNTIL, I GUESS THE BIG 94 DAYS. YOU GOT IT DOWN TO THE DAY. WELL, I'M LIVING IT, SO. YES, I'M. I UNDERSTAND WHAT'S COMING ON THAT SO. WELL, I COMMEND YOU, THE COMMAND STAFF AND THE FIRE FOR EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING AND FOR BEING UP TO THE TASK. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I'LL MOVE THIS ITEM[03:10:03]
THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES. OKAY. FUNNY ENOUGH, IT'S ITEM F2. WHEN THE PRIOR COMMISSION MEETING, THE ITEM WAS F2 AS WELL. THE. JUST A PURE COINCIDENCE THAT IM FF TH ST COMIO MEETING W ALLY AWARENESS. AND FOR US TO PRIORITIZE AS A CITY, THAT'S WHAT F2 IS REALLY ABOUT. THERE'S SOME SIMILARITIES TO THIS. SO I WANT TO GO AHEAD AND I WANT TO COMMEND THE THE VICE MAYOR. I'M FLATTERED THAT YOU WOULD BRING SOMETHING LIKE THIS BACK. AND I ALSO THINK COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ SAID ON THE RECORD DURING LAST COMMISSION MEETING, THAT ANOTHER COMMISSIONER WOULD PROBABLY BRING IT UP AS A SPONSOR, AND IT WILL PROBABLY GET APPROVAL. I THINK THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS SO IMPORTANT THAT OBVIOUSLY I'M GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS ITEM NOW. THESE TWO LADIES THAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE CITY MANAGER NUMEROUS TIMES. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT AFTER THE COMMISSION MEETING, WE MET TOGETHER WITH THEM WITH THE CITY MANAGER. THE REASON I HAVEN'T PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA IS BECAUSE WE'RE STILL WORKING ON THIS TRAINING, AND I KNOW THAT THEY'VE SENT YOU PROBABLY, I DON'T KNOW, FOUR EMAILS AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY OF THEM. WE'VE BEEN WORKING THROUGH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE CHIEF HUDAK DID DID DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF OF THEIR ORGANIZATION AND THEIR THEIR ORGANIZATIONS TRYING TO OBTAIN THE SAME TRAINING THAT OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE DOING THROUGH THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. SO I DON'T I THINK THAT THE THE CHIEF HUDAK HAS ANSWERED ALL THOSE QUESTIONS COMPLETELY. I THINK WE WOULD RATHER GO DIRECTLY TO THE STATE, THE THE STATE ATTORNEY'S. TASK FORCE. YES. TASK FORCE. AND THAT ALSO THAT THAT I THINK THEY HAVE THAT BUILDING. EXCUSE ME, DON'T THEY? THEY HAVE A A COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THESE, CORRECT. FOR THESE WOMEN. AND IF I CAN, THROUGH THE MAYOR, COMMISSIONER, THE ONLY THING I WOULD RECOMMEND US NOT TO DO AS A POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HAVE SOME OTHER KIND OF RESOURCE, BECAUSE IN THIS CASE, DEALING WITH THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE, ALL OF THE RESOURCES GO THROUGH THEM. WE HAVE OUR OWN VICTIM ADVOCATE HERE. WE WE HANDLE THOSE KIND OF CASES IN THIS CASE. AND WITH THESE WOMEN, I HAVE NOT MET AND TALKED WITH THESE WOMEN. I AM NOT OPPOSED TO TALKING WITH THEM. I KNOW THEY APPROACHED THE MANAGER, BUT WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT CENTRALIZING IT. AND THE ONLY REASON WHY I HAVEN'T KIND OF FOLLOWED UP IS BECAUSE IN TALKING WITH THE TASK FORCE GROUP, THOSE THOSE LADIES ARE TRYING TO BECOME A REFERRAL FOR THE TASK FORCE. IF IN FACT, THE STATE ATTORNEY SAYS, YES, WE'RE GOING TO USE THEM, BUT ROUTED THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TASK FORCE, I'LL MEET WITH THEM. BUT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM UP, THEY WEREN'T IDENTIFIED AS SOMEBODY WHO THEY WOULD REFER THEM TO. NOW, IF THAT MAKES SENSE. SO AND ANOTHER JUST JUST USING COMMON SENSE. WHY WOULD YOU USE A MIDDLE PERSON TO GET TO THE TO KATHY FERNANDEZ RUNDLE? WHY DON'T WE JUST USE KATHY FERNANDEZ RUNDLE. WELL, MAYOR, I THINK I'M NOT SURE WHAT PRODUCT OR WHAT TRAINING THAT GROUP GIVES US OTHER THAN WHAT WE WOULD GET FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR RECOGNITION. I MEAN, THE KEY TO THIS, AND I KNOW WE'VE OVERUSED THIS, BUT IT IS SO TRUE. THE SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.THE THE OFFICERS SEE THIS AND THEY'RE NOT QUITE SURE BECAUSE THEY DON'T. AND THEN THAT'S WHEN WE BRING IN THE PEOPLE THAT WE REALLY DIVE DOWN TO AND TRAIN LIKE THIS IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING. THERE'S THINGS I WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE. I PERSONALLY, CHIEF, AND I'M SORRY, BUT LET'S, LET'S LET'S CUT TO THE CHASE HERE. I KNOW EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE POLITICALLY CORRECT. AND, YOU KNOW, LET'S STICK WITH KATHY FERNANDEZ RUNDLE. SHE'S THE PROFESSIONAL. SHE'S IN THE COMMUNITY. SHE'S ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. SHE'S A LAWYER. SHE'S OUR STATE ATTORNEY. SHE HAS ALL THE RESOURCES AT HAND TO ADDRESS HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
SHE'S THE PERSON. THAT'S THE POINT PERSON. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE SUPER BOWL, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT FIFA, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW, WORLD CUP, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ISSUES OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, BIG EVENTS, EVERYTHING GOES THROUGH HER. SO I PERSONALLY FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE DEALING WITH A KNOWN COMMODITY PROFESSIONAL LIKE KATHY RUNDLE THAN DEALING WITH SOMEBODY WHO IS TRYING TO GET TRAINING THROUGH KATHY RUNDLE AND BE A REFERRAL SOURCE. THAT'S JUST THE WAY, THE WAY I WANT TO BE PERSONALLY, THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, MAYOR. I THINK THAT ONE OF THE THINGS I ASKED THE CHIEF WAS TO FIND OUT WHAT WHAT THEY ARE PROVIDING AND FIND OUT WHAT THE STATE
[03:15:01]
ATTORNEY'S PROVIDING. IF THE STATE ATTORNEY IS PROVIDING A TASK FORCE, THEY HAVE A COMMUNITY CENTER. THEY HAVE THEY HAVE ALL THESE ALL THESE ISSUES. I THINK I'LL WORK THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND GET AND GET THESE THINGS, THIS THE THIS, THIS PROBLEM WORKED OUT THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, NOT THROUGH SOME PRIVATE ORGANIZATION. IF THE STATE ATTORNEY WISHES TO USE OTHER PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO TO HELP THEM IN THIS PROCESS, THEN CERTAINLY THAT'S SOMETHING THROUGH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT THEY CAN HANDLE EXTREMELY WELL. COMMISSIONER. YEAH. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS ORGANIZATION IS THE ONLY STATE CERTIFIED HUMAN ERSTI WADNG N.THAT'S WHYECOMNDEI RECOMMENDING WAS ANANDSN AININGORUR FIR WHAT POLEEPTMSENT SPIFICLYOR T F DEPANT. WHE BK HEASOMMISSN MEETING AND YOU G CED VTOR TIONS,HICHSND RGET SUTNS WN I P MY EMN THEGEA,HE METHEIRE DEPARENT DULENDER TART SOLIO, SADT IT HAD TO TAKEOLE SH WHAAS PRNG, TO G ANDSOTHING THEREOR TT MER., I'M GD TH EAST WE P SETHI T MATT. YOU'R T IMRTT ING IS THATE METHS INGONE. BUT SOMEIN H BONE. HANDS .ANNOE.ET MWATCH LITCK, MARABSOLULYOT. ABSOLEL R IMPO SHANKOUER CH FAYING TH. WE'RE LOG INTO THEAN ON GATIOEITATHY UG THE MOR BASEDNT. IS TT TH IM WAS TLED, THE IT'S CFR TTATERN'SFFICE. T STANATEY W SHOWP COORDININ L THIND AIN,TOR 3 DIT IS I I GNG T BE HELP TM REIZE TALFSOBO IINGAFFICKED I DH TONVOLVED. I P SUE. I JT NEED TH OUEOHEAMEIIE LOO I KINDF TRAG TH THE FIRE PARTMEETS BHE STE TID.EAVE AKE OS' STS.HE HANDS ON W ABLUOMHIHAT GRUSLY AEED, IEAN, I'VEMISSIOTHS MAIL BK FORTH ,OU KNOW, T ISNGO PPEN A IT'S GOINTO B HANDCICALL ABOUT THIS BUT T ALWAYS GO FOP. KW,UROFFIRSLLE TO TAKE T HUFICKOURSES PORTT. LT TE AROU IHANKOU. ONETI WENTAD I TOOOU LITTLEAR IT WAS ALU MPAIGN. RI ANDN EMAR MY LALSO P ET. IT BEAY GOIONSDURIHAT VOLNS THROUGH IT. THEY'RE CITUE CPA SO EALLING ICE OICMS?NDORSIHE FACT I GOT TT CD FTHE W ERE HESET DA THATT NBER. D I SKEH D RD IS GIVEN OUT TOTIFHS, SPICLY W FOR TFICKND THARE.TH'RR NDER IHER W, THE OPLEHATGETI THEM.D, ASES E SNEY'S MADEE.THERE'S AVIIM OFI IS VER CLEAR WIL NOT FICIS ON F OUR ERATNS TT OU DTIVESWE PAR OF, PH UNDERCOV. E DIDEPOR SO I W TO AND I KWOUGH THERE WAS SE DINFORMATN TH BLUAMPAIG THE I ING AUTN THA CONXT THE BLU CAMPAIGN UNTT CONVERSAAMEP.'VEEE AT IAS. I WN'T,N,W D AW T BLUE AIGN NATDVTISEMENT, WHIC WORR AS HOWICE'S ICE,,HI IH ISPECIFICAY T IHITHISN IS BEINGN LOOK AT SMUGGLERS. TS IS N W WE'R LOOKIT. AND CAR SIONER IOT AOFD, ITROM TH LIES.O SHECA. ANDGA, ION NESSARIANT FI DEPENT TO BE L DEESIT NEEDS TO BE SOTHOTHER, OTHERME U. WE AR NOT A AGA, T CAN' RRATE TAIO A CR 'RF ARE THEIC TNESS TO ARIME, WE ARBIDN F CCTU OP.ATN TSOO A TOLLWEAD TO SIGN IIGNED 2, VE A CHOICOTSIGN I THTIM OR WSSDY WHOAS AND I CDE TNG CHANGED. U THATSEHEEETI SINCTH ALL RIGHT. AHEAD AHE TTHETHAN U.OR OURICE PARTMENT, E DE WOERY CIVELY. TY D ERYNEFUR FEFIGS ARAMED. T UERAND MA THENDSTDHOSE ISSUES A SINUR LIT ANDE RTME WD IVY, TH WL C.HI IS A EYONTACT T POLHE DEME. AITIOTO T OVER0% ALL CALLS A ANERED BY POLIC F SO ONKT OOLE AND FE DAR A DOING A LICES INVOL A SO INK INK THEUTRE SAY SOMET B I AND AAR SPOSI I ILL V WELL AVE WITH POLICNDIR NATE IN FACT TT WE FTTHAT SIMHATLL OUR F FERURIR ALL PARACS T UND WT EY'ROOKI AT. THEITY MANAGER ANDHE MOR,[03:20:01]
WITHHERINE FNANDEZ RDLRKED ONERUMAN TRAKING TASKRCE. IEN IN IS L BEFIAN MMISONER I CONNUE TO D SNE DHEN ITEP DO. S I KNOW FIRSTHAND, PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, WHAT AN AMAZING JOB SHE DOES AND HER ENTIRE TEAM. SO MY SUPPORT WOULD BE THAT WE KEEP A TIGHT, COHESIVE, COMPREHENSIVE ALIGNMENT WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND HER HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE IN ORDER TO TAKE PRECIOUS LIMITED RESOURCES, THE SUPPORT AND OUR BANDWIDTH TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE THE MOST EFFECTIVE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE THAT WE CAN FOR THE CITY AND OF COURSE, BEYOND OUR BOUNDARIES. WITH RESPECT TO, I WAS SURPRISED THAT YOU WERE SAYING THAT THE CAR THAT YOU HAD AND THIS WOULD BE PERFECTLY CLEAR, THAT THAT CARD THAT WAS BEING CIRCULATED AROUND AT THE LAST MEETING. CHIEF, YOU'RE SAYING THAT THAT NUMBER, IF CALLED, IS TO DIRECT INDIVIDUALS RESPONDING TO THE HUMAN TRAFFICKERS OR THE ALLEGED PERPETRATORS, NEVER THE VICTIMS. SO LET'S NOT HAVE ANY MISINFORMATION GO OUT FROM THIS DAIS, RIGHT. THERE IS NO CREDIBLE, REASONABLE OR TRUTHFUL SUGGESTION THAT THAT CARD OR THAT NUMBER OR FRANKLY, THAT OUR POLICE, WHEN RESPONDING TO ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY INVOLVING HUMAN TRAFFICKING, IS TO THEN CONVERT THAT INTO AN ICE RATE. CORRECT. OKAY. AND THE LAST THING THROUGH THE MAYOR, JUST A QUICK QUESTION OR COMMENT. I DIDN'T KNOW COMMISSIONER CASTRO, WE'VE BEEN SPEAKING ABOUT THESE TWO LADIES THAT SHOWED UP AT THE LAST MEETING. THE ONES THAT I UNDERSTAND WERE SEEKING THE SAME STATE CERTIFIED TRAINING FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING THAT THE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE USE. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THAT ORGANIZATION THAT THEY REPRESENT? SALT, THE SEXUAL ASSAULT GROUP. MISTER, MAY I JUST IT'S SALT, SOMETHING LIKE THAT. WELL, DO YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER, IS MY QUESTION TO YOU, DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF THEIR ORGANIZATION THROUGH THE MAYOR? YES. I CANNOT REMEMBER IT. OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. BUT THE CARD. THE CARD IS HERE. AND IF YOU NOTICE WHERE IT SAYS WHERE THE NUMBER IS, IS THIS REPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING? I THINK THAT'S VERY GERALAND IFSOMEBO HE REPORTINGANRAFFKING, GHT? COMMISSIONE COSION, LISTE'M TRYINGIMIT YOU EMBARRASSINGOURSELF ANYMORE TODAY, OKAY?XCUSMEECSE I. WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THAT CARD, THAT THAT CARD LITERALLY WAS DOING THE REVERSE, WHAT IT WAS TRYING TO DO, I WASN'T GOING TO BRING IT UP TODAY BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO EMBARRASS YOU, BUT IT JUST BROUGHT UP. I'M GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT. I KNOW EVERYBODY WANTS TO GET REELECTED. I UNDERSTAND, BUT WE GOTTA DO THINGS TO REALLY MOVE THE NEEDLE. HOW DO YOU MOVE THE NEEDLE AS A CHIEF? AND CATHY FERNANDEZ RUNDLE'S TEAM TO DO AN OVERNIGHT RAID? I'VE DONE 12 OF THEM. GO AND LEGISLATE CHANGING THE LAWS TO CHANGE HOURLY MOTELS GO AND PUSH AGENDAS THAT REALLY FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING. DON'T GRANDSTAND HERE TO SO YOU CAN SEND A FLIER OUT LATER. JUST LIKE THE RTC ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THAT. IT'S JUST EMBARRASSING. I MEAN, WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE CARD, I SAID, I'M NOT EVEN GOING TO BRING IT UP BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT HERE. DIDN'T I SAY THAT YES OR NO? YES. YOU SAID I'M NOT GOING TO BRING IT UP BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BRING IT UP. BUT MY POINT IS, LET'S MOVE ON FROM THIS. WE'RE FIGHTING OVER OVER SOMETHING THAT IS ABSURD. PLEASE, WE HAVE A LONG AGENDA. STILL. GO AHEAD. COMMISSIONER, I SECOND THE MOTION THE VICE MAYOR MADE ABOUT 20 MINUTES AGO. SO THE MAYOR. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT'S CLEAR WHAT WE'RE VOTING ON BECAUSE WE'VE TAKEN FULL CIRCLE AROUND THE BLOCK, AND I WANT TO BRING IT BACK HOME. YES, SIR.YES, MA'AM. EXCUSE ME. THIS D WIT ECATING SIDES. NONESTS.ANYBODY ATANTS LN UM TRANG KAEREEREZ RE WELECTED IE990S. IA YOUN LAWYER AT E T'VE DELOPMENOF TUM T FICKT TRE S H DEDES OF EERNCE T AREA A H REFT TOPERFECTI ANDASHF AID,AD THIAN TRFICKINGASK F WHICH AND MANY OTHERIC PARTS WKS WITH. THIS IS T D CAR, THTO ME WHEN I RERTIN VMS IT HT REING B WNER PROTECONAMHAVE EXISTED FORANY DEC, AND THE PTECTST T TISFTIMS, TH PROTONOF WNESROUTINE I CMINAL JE I'ONERINAL LACTICE.I'VEADEUR WHE REEN VTIMS TT IPREC THE SAFETY,R IDENTITY,ND ME SE THAT PEET FORWA. SOFROM TO VOTE. RIGHT. M CLAO YOU HAVE A PLIC COMMENT? YES, MR. MAY, AL RIGHT. RICR.HANK Y. MRS. MAA CRUZ, 17ILLEOAD.HEREGO AGA.R CASTRO COMESP WIT SOMDEA. IT'SORN DN. I MN, I YOURSELF.UT THE LO AND BE, LO EHOLD,HE CITYPICKS UP ONM IMOVERMITTINY DOI
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SOTHING S NT DN'T WORK. WEL NOW WE'RE WELC PACKET FOR THE CITY. NO, WE ALREADY HAVE ONE. NOBODY HAS SEEN IT. SHE PRODUCED IT. THEY'RE WORKING ON IT. MAYBE IT'S ON THE ON THE WEBSITE. SHE STARTED THE DOGGY WALK OR WHATEVER SHE CALLS IT ABOUT ADOPTING PETS. GUESS WHAT? THE CITY NOW WANTS PEOPLE TO ADOPT PETS. VERY GOOD. AND THE LATEST ONE THAT I COULD THINK OF SITTING HERE. SHE WANTED SIMPLY THE THE FIRST RESPONDERS TO GET MORE INSTRUCTED, MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO IDENTIFY THE VICTIMS, NOT FOR THE VICTIMS TO DO ANYTHING THEY SHE WANTED WHEN THEY WENT TO A HOME, TO A BUSINESS AND SAW SOMETHING THAT THEY WOULD KNOW MORE. SHE WAS ASKING FOR MORE. GUESS WHAT? NOW WE'RE MEETING WITH KATHY FERNANDEZ RUNDLE. OKAY, ACCORDING TO THE TO THE CHIEF. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAINING.GUYS. IT. AND THIS. THE EMBARRASSMENT IS NOT ON COMMISSIONER CASTRO. THE EMBARRASSMENT IS ON THE PEOPLE THAT LEND THEMSELVES TO THIS, TO THIS SHENANIGANS, TO THIS FARCE. OKAY. MY SUGGESTION TO THE COMMISSIONER IS WHEN YOU HAVE A GOOD IDEA, DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON IT. LET IT SHARE IT WITH SOMEBODY ELSE. THEY'LL BRING IT UP. THEY'LL SAY, OH, I JUST HAD THIS MAGNIFICENT IDEA, AND I BRING IT UP TO YOU AND IT GETS THROUGH AND YOU'LL GET THE PURPOSE. YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET CREDIT, BECAUSE IF YOU GET CREDIT, THIS IS ELECTION TIME. YEAH, IT'S ELECTION TIME. THAT'S WHAT THE TOWN HALL MEETING WAS YESTERDAY ABOUT. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT I HAVE DONE, WHAT I HAVE PRESENTED, WHAT I'VE BEEN HERE DOING IS WAS I, I, I IT WAS NOT A WE WE WE BUT YOU KNOW WHAT. IT'S ELECTION TIME. DO NOT FEEL EMBARRASSED, COMMISSIONER. YOU'RE NOT AN EMBARRASSMENT.
THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE REALLY EMBARRASSMENTS IN THIS COMMISSION, THAT'S IT, MR. MAYOR. ALL RIGHT. PERFECT. WE HAVE A MOTION. A SECOND COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES, MAYOR. LAGO. YES. WE'LL SEE EACH OTHS SIT OVER HERE ONE DAY, RECORDING IN PROGRESS. WE'RE READY, MR. MAYOR. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT, MOVING ON TO ITEM F THREE. F THREE IS A
[F.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission urging Miami-Dade County to amend Section 31-107 "Vehicle Standards" of the Miami-Dade County Code to allow for use of certain passenger motor carrier vehicles for up to twenty model years of age, or 350,000 Miles of usage. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)]
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION URGING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO AMEND SECTION 30 1-107 VEHICLE STANDARDS OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE TO ALLOW FOR USE OF CERTAIN PASSENGER MOTOR CARRIER VEHICLES FOR UP TO 20 MODEL YEARS OF AGE, OR 350,000 MILES OF USAGE. GOOD AFTERNOON. MAYOR. VICE MAYOR, COMMISSIONERS STEPHANIE THROCKMORTON, DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY THIS RESOLUTION URGES MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO AMEND SECTION 3107 OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE TO ALLOW FOR OPERATION OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARRIER VEHICLES PROVIDING CIRCULATOR OR FIXED ROUTE SERVICES TO OPERATE FOR UP TO 20 MODEL YEARS OF AGE, OR 350,000 MILES, RATHER THAN THE 15 MODEL YEARS OF AGE WHICH CURRENTLY EXISTS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE. MAYOR ANDERSON IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT TROLLEY SYSTEM AND THE THE RESOLUTION.GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU. STEPHANIE. GOOD AFTERNOON. MAYOR. COMMISSIONERS. I ALSO HAVE ANTHONY HERE AS OUR FLEET DIRECTOR, WHO OBVIOUSLY WE RELY ON FOR ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF THE TROLLEYS. SO CURRENTLY, THE TROLLEYS THAT WE PURCHASED, THE HOMETOWN STREETCAR TROLLEYS, ARE THEY GET TESTED FROM ALTOONA FOR TEN YEARS, 350,000 MILES. MOST OF OUR TROLLEYS AT 15 YEARS, THE AVERAGE MILEAGE WERE STILL UNDER THAT 350,000 MILE THRESHOLD. SO THIS RESOLUTION WOULD GIVE US SOME ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY IN THE EVENT THAT WE DON'T REACH THAT 350,000 MILES TO OPERATE PAST THAT 15 YEAR THRESHOLD. AND ANTHONY BROUGHT UP A GREAT POINT TO ON THE MODEL YEARS. SOMETIMES WE TAKE DELIVERY ON A TROLLEY AND IT MAY WE MAY TAKE A DELIVERY ON A TROLLEY THAT'S A 2026, BUT WE MAY TAKE IT IN EARLY 2027 AND IT MAY NOT GO OUT ON ROUTE UNTIL MID 2027. SO WE'VE ALREADY LOST, YOU KNOW, A YEAR TO A YEAR AND A HALF AS FAR AS THE MODEL YEARS GO. SO AGAIN THIS JUST BUILDS IN SOME ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY FOR US IN THE EVENT YOU KNOW THAT THE COUNTY WOULD WOULD PASS SOMETHING LIKE THIS I DON'T ANTHONY, IF YOU WANTED TO ADD ANYTHING. ANOTHER KEY POINT IS IF WE MAKE A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT LIKE A REFURB ON A FAILED ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION, ALLOW US TO KEEP IT IN SERVICE
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A LITTLE BIT LONGER OR DELAYED WHEN WE RECEIVE ORDERS THAT ARE DELAYED AND SO FORTH. SO THIS IS MY ITEM AND IT'S IT'S SOMETHING I APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK THAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE ON ON IT. AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT I HAD SPOKEN TO COMMISSIONER ORBIS ABOUT. AND SHE EXPRESSED A WILLINGNESS TO BRING IT FORWARD ON A COUNTY HAVING SOME BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN ENGINE MAINTENANCE AND SO FORTH BETWEEN MY FATHER AND MY HUSBAND. I KNOW THAT THE THE WAY YOU TAKE CARE OF AN ENGINE IMPACTS THE LONGEVITY OF THE ENGINE, AND I KNOW THAT OUR TEAM IS DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB. AND THIS THIS INCREASED FLEXIBILITY WILL ULTIMATELY SAVE THE TAXPAYERS MONEY. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK.I'LL MOVE IT. AND ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? MR. CLARK, DO YOU HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO, MR. MAYOR, ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION. A SECOND IF I IF I COULD I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST SELLING POINTS ON THIS IS THE ACTUAL YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN YOU HAVE VEHICLES THAT ARE BEING THAT YOU BUY THE CHASSIS AND THEN THEY BUILD THE PLATFORM ON TOP OF IT.
SOMETIMES IT COULD BE TWO MODEL YEARS OLDER THAN WHAT YOU ACTUALLY TAKE DELIVERY. SO IT'S IT'S A BIG IMPACT BECAUSE YOU BASICALLY CUT OUT TWO ENTIRE YEARS OF USABILITY OF VEHICLE, WHICH IS PRACTICALLY NEW. SO I APPRECIATE THE VICE MAYOR BRINGING THIS UP. I THINK IF WE CAN GET COMMISSIONER ORBIS TO GET THIS DONE, THE COUNTY WOULD BE PHENOMENAL. PERFECT. GREAT JOB, MADAM VICE MAYOR, WE HAVE A MOTION. A SECOND, MR. CLARK. COMMISSIONER LATTA. YES, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES. COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES, MAYOR. LAGO. YES. GREAT WORK TO THE TEAM. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AS ALWAYS. GOOD WORK. ITEM FIVE.
[F.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission requesting a proposal for artwork at the Mobility Hub from artist Hernan Bas with an all-inclusive budget of $1,000,000.00; further approving funding of $5,000.00 from the Art Fund toward the proposal; and authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget to recognize the transfer of funds from the Art in Public Places Reserve and to appropriate such funds toward the cost of the project. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
F5 IS RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION REQUESTING A PROPOSAL FOR ARTWORK AT THE MOBILITY HUB FROM ARTIST HERNAN BOSS, WITH AN ALL INCLUSIVE BUDGET OF $1 MILLION, FURTHER APPROVING FUNDING OF $5,000 FROM THE ART FUND TOWARD THE PROPOSAL, AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 OPERATING BUDGET TO RECOGNIZE THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE ART AND PUBLIC PLACES RESERVE, AND TO APPROPRIATE SUCH FUNDS TOWARD THE COST OF THE PROJECT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I AM THE SPONSOR OF THIS ITEM, AND FIRST AND FOREMOST, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US, BOTH OF YOU. I HAVE A QUICK SLIDESHOW THAT I WANT TO SHOW YOU IF POSSIBLE. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT ME TO RUN IT OR YOU WANT TO RUN THE SLIDESHOW. OH, PLEASE GO AHEAD. OKAY, SO THIS IS HERNAN. BOSS. HERNAN BOSS IS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING FOR A LONG TIME. PROBABLY WHEN HE WAS IN HIS EARLY 20S. HE IS ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS IN THE WORLD. HE'S IN EVERY MAJOR MUSEUM. HE IS REPRESENTED BY, PROBABLY, I THINK, FIVE OF THE MAJOR GALLERIES IN THE WORLD THAT ARE THAT PARTICIPATE. HE'S HAD MULTIPLE MUSEUM SHOWS. HE'S CUBAN, AND I THINK HE'S CONSIDERED POSSIBLY I GO ON, I DON'T HAVE TO GO ON MUCH OF A LIMB, BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, HE'S BEEN IN THE WHITNEY MUSEUM. HE'S BEEN IN THE RUBLES, THE MOMA, THE MOCA. HE'S CONSIDERED THE MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST TO COME OUT OF MIAMI EVER. AND HE IS A HOMEGROWN TALENT. HE WENT TO NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, AND HIS PAINTINGS ARE, YOU KNOW, IN, IN VERY HIGH DEMAND, VERY HIGH DEMAND. IF YOU'VE BEEN TO ART BASEL, YOU'VE BEEN TO FRIEZE, YOU'VE BEEN TO THE ARMORY, WHETHER IT'S IN NEW YORK OR IN LONDON. HIS WORKS ARE ARE ALWAYS SOLD. THEY'RE ALWAYS GOING TO MAJOR MUSEUMS AND MAJOR COLLECTIONS. AND A LOT OF HIS WORK HAS TO DO WITH NAUTICAL THEMES MIAMI, THE EVERGLADES. AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL WORK. YOU KNOW, FLAMINGOS ARE HIS, YOU KNOW, REALLY TRADEMARK OF HIS WORK. AND IT'S JUST BEAUTIFUL WORK, VERY PENSIVE, VERY REFLECTIVE. AND I THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE WILL REALLY APPRECIATE ACROSS THE BOARD. SO WHAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT WAS USING AND CHOOSING THIS ARTIST TO GIVE US A, A BRIEF KIND OF CONCEPTUAL IDEA OF WHAT HE WOULD DO IN THE MOBILITY HUB. BUT I'M NOT LOOKING FOR A PAINTING BECAUSE HE'S NOT REALLY A SCULPTOR. HE'S A PAINTER. WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR IS FOR HIM TO TO MAKE A PAINTING THAT WILL THEN BE TRANSFERRED ONTO IMAGINE A WALL IN THE MOBILITY HUB INSIDE, AND IT WOULD BE LIKE ONE OF THOSE BRONZE CAST WORKS. THAT'S KIND OF LIKE A 3-D WORK COMING OUT OF THE WALL. YOU SEE THEM A LOT IN WASHINGTON. YOU SEE A LOT OF THEM IN NEW YORK ON THE BUILDINGS. AND IT COULD BE, YOU KNOW, AN EVERGLADES SCENE. YOU KNOW, MAYBE WE'LL OBVIOUSLY I DON'T WANT TO TELL THE ARTIST WHAT TO PAINT, BUT IT COULD BE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL THAT'S REFLECTIVE OF THE WORK THAT HE DOES. AND. I THINK THAT WE SHOULD INVEST LIKE WE WERE TALKING ABOUT BEFORE WITH ADLER ON LOCAL ARTISTS, YOU KNOW, ARTISTS LIKE ADLER AND ARTISTS LIKE HERNAN BOSS ARE AMAZING ARTISTS THAT ARE HOMEGROWN TALENTS THAT AS OUR ART SCENE CONTINUES TO GROW, YOU KNOW, I WANT TO SEE THAT INVESTMENT[03:35:05]
MADE ON THESE ARTISTS AND MAKE SURE THAT WE TAKE THE PRIDE. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU GO TO NEW YORK, IF YOU GO TO LONDON, IF YOU GO TO PARIS, YOU'LL SEE THESE WORKS. BUT IT'S ABOUT TIME THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING OF THIS CALIBER HERE IN THE CITY. SO THAT'S MY INTRODUCTION. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR FROM OUR EXPERTS AND OUR STAFF AND THEIR OPINION IN REGARDS TO WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT DO YOU THINK? SURE. SO GOOD AFTERNOON. CATHERINE CATHERS, ARTS AND CULTURE COORDINATOR FOR THE CITY. SO HERNAN BASS, AS THE MAYOR HAS SAID, IS A VERY PROMINENT ARTIST IN OUR COMMUNITY AND HAS IS REALLY EXPERIENCING A LOT OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RENOWN RIGHT NOW. SO WE WOULD REALLY BE ACQUIRING A WORK AT AN IMPORTANT TIME IN THE ARTIST'S LIFE, AND ALSO GIVING AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING BEYOND HIS PAINTING, WHICH HE'S VERY WELL KNOWN FOR. SO I THINK HE'S VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT. HIS GALLERIES ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY, AND FOR THE CITY, IT'D BE A REALLY MEANINGFUL PIECE. HE IS AN ARTIST OF INTEREST THAT THE ARTS ADVISORY PANEL HAS DISCUSSED PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. WE KNOW THAT THE MOBILITY HUB IS GOING TO BE A VERY SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR FOR ARTWORK, AND WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL THERE. SO WE WOULD THIS PIECE BEING BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE MAYOR IS TO REALLY PROVIDE FOR THAT PROPOSAL PROCESS THAT WE WOULD TAKE THROUGH THE ARTS ADVISORY PANEL, CULTURAL BOARD, AND THEN BACK TO THE COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL. SO HE WAS FIRST REPRESENTED BY A GALLERY BY THE NAME OF FRED SNITZER GALLERY.BASICALLY, FRED WAS HIS TEACHER AT NEW WORLD, AND THEN HE WAS PICKED UP, THEN BY GALLERIES LIKE LEHMAN MAUPIN, VICTORIA MIRO, EMMANUEL PERROTIN GALLERY. HE HAS GALLERIES ALL OVER THE WORLD THAT REPRESENT HIM, THAT ALL OF THESE GALLERIES ARE IN MAJOR OR IN ALL THE MAJOR ART FAIRS, INCLUDING ART BASEL IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND. SO. MORE IMPORTANTLY, BESIDES HIS WORK BEING ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WORKS IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, HE IS THE PREMIERE ARTIST COMING OUT OF SOUTH FLORIDA. BUT HE'S A GENTLEMAN AND HE IS THE NICEST PERSON I'VE PROBABLY EVER MET IN THE ART WORLD. HIM AND HIS HUSBAND CALL SOUTH FLORIDA HOME. THEY HAVE THE STUDIO HERE ALSO. THEY LIVE FOR FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THEIR OF THEIR LIFE IN DETROIT.
BUT THEY THEY MOVED UP THERE AND NOW THEY'RE BACK HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA. SO I HOPE TO DO A TOUR SOON. ONE DAY OF OF THE STUDIO. AND HOPEFULLY I'D LOVE TO TAKE SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO WOULD LIKE TO VISIT THIS. ONCE WE GET MORE ALONG THROUGH THE PROCESS. I THINK THIS IS THE PERFECT ARTIST TO REPRESENT THE CITY TO THE MAYOR. YES, MA'AM. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. FANTASTIC ARTIST. AND I THINK OUR PARKING GARAGES ARE WONDERFUL TAPESTRY TO TO CHANGE FROM A PLAIN FACADE TO SOMETHING THAT'S VERY NICE INSIDE AND REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR, OUR CITY. SO I'M VERY MUCH IN FAVOR OF HAVING OUR ARTS ADVISORY PANEL. BOARD. LOOK AT THIS AND I'M MOVING FORWARD. I'M I'LL MOVE IT AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN I LOVE IT. DO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? YES, MR. MAYOR, OF COURSE, MARIA CRUZ. THIS IS MARIA CRUZ, 1447 MILLER ROAD. I ONLY HAVE ONE COMMENT. I SEE THAT WE'RE WHAT WE'RE PAYING FOR UP TO $1 MILLION, BUT I DON'T SEE ANYTHING ABOUT MAINTENANCE. AND WE ALWAYS GET CAUGHT ON THAT. MOST OF THE STUFF THAT WE HAVE DONE, OTHER THAN IN RECENT PAST, WE'VE BEEN CAUGHT ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE ITEM. SO WHAT? THAT'S WHAT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN DISCUSS TODAY. WHAT WOULD THE MAINTENANCE BE? MR. MAYOR? MADAM CITY ATTORNEY, IN AN EFFORT TO AGAIN TO CLARIFY THE MISLEADING COMMENTS AS THAT ARE ALWAYS THROWN UP HERE. CAN YOU CAN YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW THE BREAKDOWN OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES AND THE MAINTENANCE AND THE FEET, AND HOW IT'S BROKEN DOWN, PLEASE.
SO, MAYOR, THE THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES FUND CAN BE USED FOR EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE.
AND I, I MEAN, I HAVE TO DEFER TO STAFF ON THIS, BUT I THINK THAT WE WOULD KNOW THE MAINTENANCE COSTS NECESSARILY UNTIL THE ARTWORK IS. SO WE HAVE A CONCEPT AND WE KNOW WHAT IT IS, BUT WE HAVE MONEY. WE HAVE WE HAVE ALREADY A DELINEATED, DELINEATED FORMULA THAT PUTS MONEY AWAY FOR PURCHASING AND MAINTENANCE OF THIS WOULD BE CITY PURCHASED ART. SO IT'S NOT LIKE WHEN IT'S A DEVELOPER THAT BRINGS THE ART FORWARD. AND THEN WE INCLUDE IN
[03:40:01]
THAT, YOU KNOW, A CERTAIN PORTION FOR MAINTENANCE. SINCE THIS IS GOING TO BE CITY COMMISSIONED, WE WOULD WE WOULD USE CITY FUNDS FOR MAINTENANCE, BE IT IF IT'S EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE FROM THE FUND OR IF NOT, LIKE WE'VE ALWAYS DONE. THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING. YEAH.OKAY. SO AGAIN, COMING UP HERE AND SAYING THINGS THAT AGAIN ARE NOT TRUE OR ARE NOT FACTS, PLEASE WILL YOU DO ME A FAVOR AND STAND UP AND ALSO QUALIFY AND SEWING AND SEWING NEGATIVITY OR MISINFORMATION IS JUST NOT APPROPRIATE. WILL YOU WILL YOU CLARIFY A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MAINTENANCE AND HOW WE MAINTAIN OUR SCULPTURES AND WHAT WE HAVE? ABSOLUTELY. SO THIS PIECE WE ARE ASKING THE ARTIST ALSO TO SPECIFICALLY DO A BRONZE PIECE. SO WE ALREADY HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION AHEAD OF TIME. KNOWING HOW BRONZES ARE MAINTAINED, WE KNOW THAT THEY REQUIRE A WAXING EVERY YEAR, SOMETIMES TWICE A YEAR, DEPENDING ON THE PIECE. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE WOULD HAVE ASSESSED AND IS SOMETHING THAT WE REQUIRE AS ANY COMMISSION THAT WE GET OR ACQUISITION. WE ALWAYS REQUIRE A MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR THE PIECE. SO WE DO HAVE REGULAR, AS THE CITY ATTORNEY SAID, FUNDS FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE. AND THEN WE WOULD ASSESS WHETHER THIS WOULD FALL UNDER EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE. BUT WE HAVE THOSE TWO DIFFERENT POOLS OF FUNDS ARE DEDICATED FOR MAINTENANCE.
YES, MR. MANAGER, WE FUND THAT. EXCUSE ME, MAYOR, WE WE FUND THAT EVERY YEAR. THIS YEAR WE HAVE $47,000 THAT WE ADDED TO THE MAINTENANCE FUND FOR, FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF ART. SO IT'S SOMETHING THAT THAT WE FUND ON A REGULAR BASIS. YEAH. JUST LIKE JUST LIKE THE ARTWORKS BY HANK WILLIS THOMAS, WE CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAIN THEM. SO AGAIN, THIS IS NOTHING NEW.
THIS IS ALREADY IN THE BOOKS AND WE'RE ALREADY MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS. BY THE WAY.
THIS WOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. IT WOULD BE UNDER UNDER UNDER OBVIOUSLY IT WOULD BE IN THE FIRST FLOOR. SO IT'S NOT GOING TO BE DIRECT SUNLIGHT. IT'S GOING TO HAVE SOME SUNLIGHT. BUT AGAIN, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE SOMETHING WHERE YOU CAN JUST TOUCH. IT'S GOING TO BE ON A WALL, IT'S GOING TO BE ELEVATED. SO AT THE END OF THE DAY IT'S GOING TO BE PROTECTED.
SO THERE ALREADY IS ALREADY MONIES PUT AWAY FOR MAINTENANCE. THE MANAGER SAID IT, THE CITY ATTORNEY SAID IT AND OUR TEAM SAID IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
MR. CLERK, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES. COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES.
COMMISSIONER. LATTA. YES, MAYOR. YES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ITEM F6, THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO OUR
[F.-6. Discussion regarding newspaper stands. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
STAFF, SIR. COME ON UP. ARE YOU DOING THIS? IS MY ITEM DISCUSSION REGARDING NEWSPAPER STANDS. I SPONSORED THIS ITEM. CAN WE GO? WE HAVE A PRESENTATION, CORRECT? YES, MAYOR. PERFECT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. GOOD AFTERNOON, DOUG RAMIREZ, ACTING DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DIRECTOR. I DO HAVE A PRESENTATION. WHERE'S THE CLICKER? MR. MAYOR, THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE MIAMI NEW TIMES RACKS. WE'RE JUST GIVING YOU AN UPDATE. AS YOU KNOW, THIS WAS REPORTED TO US BY YOU AND YOUR STAFF SOMETIME AGO. CODE ENFORCEMENT. I PUT A TIMELINE. CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUED A TICKET IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR. WE WE WERE ULTIMATELY ABLE TO FIND A CONTACT FOR THE VENDOR. MANY MONTHS WENT BY WHERE WE WERE WORKING WITH THIS VENDOR. EVENTUALLY IN JANUARY, WE WERE ABLE TO ACTUALLY CONTACT SOMEBODY AT MIAMI NEW TIMES WHO HAD THE AUTHORITY TO DO ADDITIONAL EFFORTS THAN WHAT WE WERE TRYING TO DO WITH THE VENDOR. THIS WAS THEN ESCALATED TO AN NOVI, AND WE MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION WITH MISTER BREITNER THROUGH EMAILS, PHONE CALLS AND IN PERSON CONVERSATIONS. ULTIMATELY, IN FEBRUARY, THE THE NEWS RACKS WERE REPAINTED. SOME HAD BEEN REMOVED DUE TO UNSTABLE BASES AND UNREPAIRABLE CONDITIONS, AND SINCE THEY WERE STILL NOT UP TO OUR STANDARDS AT THAT TIME, WE WE TOOK THEM TO CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD. ON FEBRUARY 11TH, 2026. THE THE BOARD FINDING WAS 30 DAYS, WHICH BASICALLY WILL EXPIRE THIS FRIDAY TO REACH COMPLIANCE, BRINGING THEM UP TO OUR CITY STANDARDS EITHER BY REMOVAL, REPLACEMENT OR RESTORATION. THEREAFTER, IF THEY'RE NOT UP TO OUR STANDARDS, THE FINES THAT THEY RULED WOULD BE $250 EVERY DAY UNTIL THEY COME UP TO OUR STANDARDS. AND THERE'S COMPLIANCE. AS OF YESTERDAY, THERE'S A TOTAL OF FOUR RACKS THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED, AND THE REMAINING NINE ARE STILL UNDER ENFORCEMENT. I DID PROVIDE SOME REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOS OF WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AS FAR AS PROGRESS. I DIDN'T PUT ALL, ALL, ALL OF THE REMAINING ONES BECAUSE IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO SHOW YOU TOO MANY PICTURES. BUT HERE YOU[03:45:05]
HAVE BEFORE AND AFTER. THIS IS ONE OF THE ONES THAT THEY HAD TO REMOVE. WE ARE GOING TO CIRCLE BACK TO THEM BECAUSE AS YOU CAN SEE, THEY TRIED TO SPRAY PAINT THE BASE AND THERE WAS OVERSPRAY ON THE SIDEWALK, WHICH THAT'S NOT GOING TO BE ACCEPTABLE. THIS IS LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT, IF I MAY, IF I MAY, BECAUSE THE VICE COMMISSIONER CASTRO, UNDER HER BREATH, SAID RIDICULOUS. YOU KNOW WHAT'S NOT RIDICULOUS IS THAT WE'RE HELD TO A STANDARD AS RESIDENTS. AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO BE HELD TO A STANDARD TO WHY NOT? I MEAN, WHAT IS THE POINT? IF THEY'RE NOT HELD TO A STANDARD, THEN THE OTHER BUSINESSES ARE GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING. WE DON'T WANT TO. DO YOU THINK IT'S APPROPRIATE IN OUR THAT OUR THAT'S SOMETHING ON OUR SIDEWALKS LOOKS LIKE THAT. EVERYBODY SAYS NO, EVERYBODY SAYS NO. I MEAN, I KNOW THAT THEY WRITE UNFLATTERING ARTICLES ABOUT ME, BUT I'M NOT GOING TO STOP. SO LOOK AT THE OVERSPRAY. YOU THINK OUR SIDEWALKS SHOULD LOOK LIKE THAT? IT'S A PUBLIC REALM. SO GO TO THE NEXT ONE, MISTER. GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. SO IF WHAT DO YOU THINK LOOKS BETTER THE BEFORE OR THE AFTER? I THINK THE AFTER LOOKS BETTER, RIGHT? SO IF YOU DON'T PAINT YOUR HOUSE OR IF YOU, YOU KNOW YOUR ROOF IS FALLING DOWN, SHOULD SHOULD WE GIVE THAT PERSON A PASS TOO? OH NO. IT'S A NEW TIMES. THEY'RE A LIBERAL MEDIA OUTLET AND THEY LIKE TO HIT THE MAYOR. SO AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU KNOW, LET'S NOT LET'S NOT TOUCH IT, OKAY? YOU HAVE TO HOLD EVERYBODY INTO COMPLIANCE. EVERYBODY'S COMPLIANCE. IF YOU HAVE A DILAPIDATED CAR IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE, IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE, YOU'RE GOING TO GET A TICKET, YOU'RE GOING TO GET A FINE. SO IT'S NOT RIDICULOUS. IT'S UPKEEP IN OUR DOWNTOWN. AND I HAVE ANOTHER ITEM THAT'S FORTHCOMING IN REGARDS TO UPKEEP OF OUR DOWNTOWN. AND THE KEY HERE IS 27% OF OUR TAX BASE COMES FROM THE DOWNTOWN. WE SHOULD KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL. WE SHOULDN'T WE SHOULDN'T ALLOW IT TO BE RUN DOWN LIKE THIS. NEXT, SLIDE THROUGH THE MAYOR. LET HIM FINISH. THIS IS ANOTHER ONE THAT HAS IMPROVED. THE PHOTO ON THE LEFT WASN'T TAKEN AT THE BEGINNING. THEY HAD ALREADY APPLIED SOME PAINT TO IT WHEN THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN, BUT YOU COULD SEE THAT IT IT WAS SLAPPED ON. THEY THEY WORKED ON IT SOME MORE SINCE THEN. AND THEN THE PHOTO ON THE RIGHT IS AFTER A LITTLE BIT OF ADDITIONAL EFFORT DUE TO OUR EFFORTS. SO FOR EXAMPLE, LOOK AT THIS ONE, FULLY RUSTED. THERE ISN'T ANY. YOU DON'T SEE ANY NEWSPAPER STANDS THERE NOW.THEY FIXED IT UP. LOOKS MUCH BETTER. COOPERATION. JUST LIKE WE TREAT ALL OUR RESIDENTS WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT. NOTHING DIFFERENT. SAME THING HERE. SO, MAYOR, ON THIS ONE YOU CAN SEE THAT THE GLASS WAS BROKEN ON THE FRONT ORIGINALLY AND NOW THEY'VE THEY'VE REPAIRED IT.
AND SO IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THE GLASS BROKEN AND YOU WANT TO HAVE THAT BROKEN WINDOWS, YOU KNOW, SYNDROME. OKAY, FINE, I DON'T I WANT TO SEE IT FIXED UP. NOT RIDICULOUS. JUST COMPLIANCE.
GO AHEAD SIR, THAT WAS ALL MAYOR. I JUST PICKED A FEW REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES. MY POINT OF THIS WAS NOT ONLY TO PUT PEOPLE INTO COMPLIANCE, BUT ALSO TO SAY THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR PARTNER AND UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING WHAT'S RIGHT BY THE COMMUNITY. BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST ME, IT'S THE BUSINESSES THAT WE'RE CALLING ME. IT'S PEOPLE THAT WERE CALLING ME THAT WERE TELLING ME, VINCE, I CUT MYSELF ON ON THE STAND, OR I LEANED UP AGAINST IT AND ALMOST FELL OVER. AND THERE'S GRAFFITI ON IT. THERE'S STICKERS. WHY ARE THEY ALLOWED TO HAVE THEIR STANDS BE LIKE THAT? BUT THEN YOU'RE HITTING US FOR FINES IN REGARDS TO CODE ENFORCEMENT. SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE. AND I WANT TO COMMEND THE NEW TIMES FOR FINALLY TAKING ACTION. AND ONLY TOOK A FEW YEARS. BUT IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING. AND I MEAN, IT HIT ME WITH A FEW ARTICLES. I STILL CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS ISSUE AND WE GOT THEM INTO COMPLIANCE. CONGRATULATIONS. IT'S GREAT.
THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, YES. SO RIDICULOUS. IT'S NOT THE WORK YOU'RE DOING. ACTUALLY, THE WORK YOU'RE DOING IS PRETTY DIND A ROO DCOMEYOU GO AHE PPEYWNERLEEDE H IS ROOF. LET MEYO TERENETEN THET S. RICULOU FAC THATOUNOY'RE G W ABOUT YD U ILL PUT YOURSELF IONGO AAD ANDHO PICTES T BOR AFTEOULICINGAN YO D THIS TO YOUF LEOR SELCONSCIS. AT'S RULOUS.OU'ROO OL FOR TOUE T MUCHXPERIENCE.TOP DOINGTH TOOURE MAYOR. IN RESPONSE TO THE SOTELY RIDICULOUS STATEMENT THATOUT ME RIGHT NOW, I WRITABOUT ME. GNG TO DOAT ITHE F E CITY, A THE MT THGHT ITWARDO E ACTI THEY HAD NOHO USE YOU HA SOMET WHAT'SDED T GNGSWLEN IS TAY, AGAINSTEN, U ITEFOU Y, SIR. CG TS UP. WERING THE PRENTATBAUP? A I T TG TO FL TOWARDS N ITEM AS WELL, BUT. CAN WE GET IT UP? THERE WE GO. GO TO THE PHOTOS.
[03:50:05]
NEXT ONE. OKAY. IS THAT GRASS AREA OURS. MR. COMMISSIONER? IT DEPENDS ON THE LOCATION SOMETIMES IN THOSE IN THOSE PICTURES BECAUSE ALL THAT'S WEEDS, IT'S GOING TO FALL INTO THE NEXT THING. THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. AND IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT ONE I GUESS WE CAN WE CAN MAYBE WE CAN TAKE THAT ONE UP. NOW THAT THAT AREA IN THE POST OFFICE HAS, HAS COME UP NUMEROUS TIMES, AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE LOOK OF THAT SIDEWALK. THAT SIDEWALK HAS NOT BEEN CLEANED EVER. AND THEY IF WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PARTNERS WHO WORK WITH US, IF THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE THE MIAMI NEW TIMES IS WORKING ON THINGS NOW, THE POST OFFICE HAS NEVER COOPERATED WITH THE CITY. WE HAVE ISSUES WITH THE POST OFFICE BOX ACROSS THE STREET THAT'S BEEN STOLEN FROM. THEY WON'T TAKE MEETINGS. WE'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE CLEANLINESS OF THE SIDEWALK. THEY WON'T TAKE MEETINGS, ISSUES WITH THE PARKING. THEY DON'T TAKE MEETINGS. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING. I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO GO TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL OR WHATEVER IT IS, BUT THEY'RE NOT COOPERATING PARTNERS IN THE CITY RIGHT NOW AND WE NEED TO ADDRESS IT. SO ON THAT POINT, MR. DCM WOULD PROBABLY COME UP AND TELL YOU I'VE SENT HIM. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PHOTOS OF OF THE WEEDS OF THE SIDEWALKS OF THE, OF THE BUILDING FROM THE POST OFFICE. SO I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER. THERE'S NO, THERE'S THERE'S NO MOVING THAT NEEDLE. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING I CAN. I DON'T KNOW IF THE NEXT PICTURE HAD ANYTHING. NO. WE'RE GOING TO GET TO THE ONE. WE'RE GOING TO GET TO THE ONE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT NOW, I THINK I THINK THIS WAS MY MAIN CONCERN. AND THE. AND THE WEEDS AND THE OTHER ONE. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. SO I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR THE HARD WORK.THANK YOU. I KNOW IT WASN'T EASY OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS TO GET THIS DONE. YOU KNOW, SOME PEOPLE VIEW IT AS RIDICULOUS. I DON'T I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT'S AN EROSION OF OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND PEOPLE NEED TO BE HELD TO THE SAME STANDARD. SO I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON THAT AND I APPRECIATE IT. PLEASE TELL STAFF, PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EFFORT THAT WE DELIVERED. THANK YOU. IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT. THANK YOU SIR I APPRECIATE YOU. LITTLE LIBRARIES AT 3:00. ALL RIGHT F8. F8 IS THE ARTWORK. SO
[F.-8. Discussion regarding a second Augustin Cardenas art piece. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
DISCUSSION REGARDING A SECOND OUTING. CARDENAS ART PIECE. SO I WANT TO SHOW YOU A WORK THAT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. AND I WANT TO SHOW YOU. OKAY, LET'S LOOK AT THIS. SO THIS IS WHAT I VIEW AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CITY. SO IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU HAVE THE CELIA SANCHEZ, WHICH WE PURCHASED A FEW YEARS AGO THAT'S ALREADY INSTALLED. AND THEN YOU HAVE THE PROPOSED WORK THAT I'LL BE SHOWING YOU TODAY. AND THEN THE OTHER I WOULD THINK THAT WE PURCHASED.I VIEW THIS LITTLE CORRIDOR. HOPEFULLY IN THE FUTURE, ONCE WE ARE ABLE TO FINISH OFF THAT BLOCK WITH AN ACQUISITION THAT WE'RE WORKING ON AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE, LIKE AN ART LITTLE AREA, YOU KNOW, AN ART, AN ENCLAVE WHERE PEOPLE CAN WALK IN. CARDENAS WORKS, AS I'VE TOLD YOU BEFORE, ARE IN ALL THE MAJOR MUSEUMS. HE'S AN AFRO-CUBAN ARTIST THAT PASSED AWAY YEARS AGO, ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED ARTISTS IN THE WORLD. I BROUGHT YOU HIS BOOKS. I MEAN, HE'S IN THE SAME BOOKS WITH CALDER NOGUCHI. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL WORK THAT IS. THAT'S AVAILABLE. AND I THINK IT WOULD BE A GREAT, YOU KNOW, ACQUISITION FOR, FOR OUR, FOR OUR COLLECTION. AND I THINK IT CAN ONLY CONTINUES TO ELEVATE WHAT WE'RE DOING. AND I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS WORK TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE ARTS PANEL FOR, FOR FOR CONSIDERATION.
THAT'S WHY I BRING IT TO YOU HERE BEFORE TODAY. YES, MA'AM. YES. EXCELLENT. ANOTHER EXCELLENT ONE FOR THE ART PANEL TO LOOK AT. AND I'D APPRECIATE THEIR INPUT. SO I'LL MOVE IT.
I'LL SECOND IT. I KNOW IT'S JUST A DISCUSSION, BUT MIGHT AS WELL. YEAH. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU GUYS WERE FINE. I'M TRYING. I'M TRYING. BEFORE I BRING ANYTHING FORWARD AGAIN.
I THINK OUR STAFF WOULD LIKE, WOULD LIKE TO COME UP AND TALK ABOUT THIS. OR DO YOU WANT TO COME UP TO MAKE SURE WE GIVE EVERYBODY THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME UP HERE? AND BY THE WAY, CONGRATULATIONS FOR PUTTING UP THAT MOCKUP. IT'S AMAZING. IT'S REALLY WELL DONE. REALLY WELL DONE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR. YES, WE'RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT AND HAPPY TO BRING IT FORWARD THROUGH THE PROCESS. PERFECT. THANK YOU. ANY COMMENT ANY ARE WE HAVE A MOTION A SECOND. SO JUST TO CLARIFY JUST TO CLARIFY THIS IS JUST DIRECTION TO STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE PROCESS. YES. YEAH. YEAH. ALL IN FAVOR I THANK YOU. MOVING ON TO F9 WHICH IS ALSO
[F.-9. Presentation on the Granada Golf Course and phase two of the Coral Gables Golf and Country Club. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
[H.-3. A Resolution of the City Commission amending the Community Recreation fee schedule pursuant to the City's established five-year fee planning structure; continuing the five-year fee cycle through Fiscal Years 2027-2031; providing for structured fee adjustments; establishing a veterans and active military discount at the Granada Golf Course; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.]
[H.-4. A Resolution of the City Commission accepting the recommendation of the City Manager to authorize a bid waiver for Granada Golf Course maintenance services and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Bright View Holdings LLC for a period of one year in the estimated amount of $969,478.00, pursuant to section 2-691 of the City’s Procurement Code. Lobbyist: N/A]
H3 AND H4. MAYOR. IF YOU'D LIKE I CAN READ H3 AND H4. YES PLEASE. H3 IS A RESOLUTION OF[03:55:05]
THE CITY COMMISSION AMENDING THE COMMUNITY RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO THE CITY'S ESTABLISHED FIVE YEAR FEE PLANNING STRUCTURE, CONTINUING THE FIVE YEAR FEE CYCLE THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2027 TO 2031, PROVIDING FOR STRUCTURED FEE ADJUSTMENTS. ESTABLISHING A VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY DISCOUNT AT THE GRANADA GOLF COURSE. PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. H4 IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER TO AUTHORIZE A BID WAIVER FOR GRANADA GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH HTVIEWDING LLC F A RI O YEA IN TH MATED AMNT OF $9,47 PURSUANT TIOTWO, 691F TH CY'CUREMENTODE.OKAY, S. GD AE CAN I THINK WE'RE AT THE END. WE'VE GOT TO GET TO THE START. WRAP. OKAY. THERE WE GO. ALL RIGHT. GOOD AFTERNOON. FOR THE RECORD FOR COMMUNITY RECREATION DIRECTOR, THANK YOU FOR HEARING US TODAY. EARLIER IN THE MEETING, WE TALKED ABOUT GRANADA GOLF COURSE BEING ON HISTORIC TRAIL. AND YOU KNOW, THE SIGNIFICANCE THAT THE COURSE HAS FOR THE COMMUNITY.IT'S NOT ONLY A GOLF COURSE, AS EVERYONE KNOWS, IT'S A COMMUNITY MEETING SPOT. WE IT'S ALMOST LIKE A CAMPUS THERE. WE HAVE BIRDIE BISTRO ACROSS THE STREET. IT'S THE COUNTRY CLUB, LA PARK. IT'S A IT'S A WALKING AREA. SO IT IS KIND OF AS WAS MENTIONED EARLIER, IT'S BECOME A HUB FOR THE CITY. REAL QUICK INFORMATION AS WE DISCUSSED, IT WAS OPEN IN 1923. IT'S THE OLDEST OPERATING NINE HOLE COURSE IN FLORIDA. WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW IS IT'S ALSO REALLY BUSY. WE HAD 67,000 ROUNDS OVER THE PAST YEAR, WHICH IS HIGH FOR ANY GOLF COURSE AND FOR A NINE HOLE COURSE, WHICH IS A SMALL FOOTPRINT. IT IS A LOT. WE HAVE 86 GOLF COURSE MEMBERS, AND THOSE GOLF COURSE MEMBERS DO PLAY UP TO FIVE, SIX TIMES A WEEK. IF THEY CAN. THE MEMBER PLAY EXCEEDED 14,000 ANNUAL ROUNDS PLAYED LAST YEAR. SO DEMAND IS IS WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT WE'RE DEALING WITH IN TERMS OF THE OPTIMAL PLAY CAPACITY AND HOW WE'RE GOING TO MAINTAIN COURSE QUALITY FOR US. WITH OVER 67,000 ANNUAL ROUNDS, WE SEE THAT WE NEED TO ENHANCE OUR MAINTENANCE, AND WE NEED TO MAKE OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS TO OUR CAPACITY, TO OUR FEES AND TO OUR MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE IN ORDER TO GET TO SOMETHING WHERE WE CAN MANAGE THE COURSE AND GET IT UP TO THE CONDITIONS THAT WE WANT TO GET IT UP TO, WE DO RECOMMEND TO LOOK AT THAT ONE YEAR SERVICE WITH AN OUTSIDE CONTRACTOR, AND REALLY CONTINUE TO MOVE PAST THAT YEAR, GO TO AN RFP AND FIND AN OUTSIDE CONTRACTOR. WE FEEL THAT THE WAY OPERATIONS ARE HANDLED NOW, IT'S MORE SIGNIFICANT FOR US TO BE ABLE TO GO WITH THE CONTRACTOR INSTEAD OF TRYING TO CONTINUE TO DO IT IN-HOUSE. WITH SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES THAT THAT WE ENCOUNTER. AND WITH THE THE FEES, AS YOU'RE GOING TO SEE, WE ALSO WANTED TO INCLUDE A NEW FEE, WHICH IS THE 50% OFF DISCOUNT FOR THE VETERANS AND THE ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL. SO REAL QUICKLY, WHAT WE'RE SEEING RIGHT NOW OUT ON THE COURSE, THERE'S A LOT OF STRESS ON THE GREENS AND THE TEE BOXES. WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF RECOVERY TIME. THE COURSE IS CROWDED. WE GOT A LOT OF PEOPLE PLAYING THERE ALL THE TIME. WE ARE SEEING A DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF THE COURSE, AND SO WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE CAPACITY.
LOOKING AT STRETCHING OUT THE TEE TIMES, ADJUSTING THE PACE OF PLAY AND KIND OF INCREASING OUR OUR MAINTENANCE INVESTMENT AND GOING WITH AN OUTSIDE COMPANY THAT HAS, YOU KNOW, THE CAPACITY TO DEAL WITH THE COURSE AND ALSO TO ADJUST THE MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURES. FOR US, THE LAST COMPREHENSIVE COURSE RENOVATION WAS IN 2014. 2014 IS WHEN WE WENT IN. WE DID LAST YEAR. WE DID THE THE COURSE. JUST FOR REFERENCE, THE BILTMORE HAS HAD IN 2008 AND NINE. THEY HAD ONE AND THEY HAD ANOTHER COURSE RENOVATION IN 2018, 2019. SO FOR FOR A COURSE THAT GETS A LOT OF PLAY IN SOUTH FLORIDA, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT WE COULD GO 15 YEARS BETWEEN RENOVATIONS. BUT DOWN HERE YOU'LL SEE THAT IT SOMETIMES DOESN'T MAKE IT TO THAT TIME FOR US. WE'RE ENTERING INTO YEAR 12 HERE, SO WE'RE GETTING THERE AS WE LOOK.
AND WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO NOW IS IMPLEMENT THE MAINTENANCE TO TRY TO EXTEND THAT WINDOW. WE WANT TO WE WANT TO ELEVATE GRANADA TO THE COUNTRY CLUB QUALITY STANDARDS AND KIND OF
[04:00:02]
START WITH THE PHASE TWO THAT WE PRESENTED TO THE CITY WHEN WE STARTED WITH THE COUNTRY CLUB. WE'VE WORKED THROUGH PHASE ONE. WE'RE DOING PRETTY WELL. AND NOW NOW WE START LOOKING AT EXTENDED MEMBERSHIPS AND OTHER THINGS. WITH BRIGHTVIEW. WE WANT TO DO THIS ONE YEAR PERIOD AND THEN GO TO RFP AND LOOK AT CONTINUING TO USE AN OUTSIDE COMPANY THAT WILL COME IN. THEY'LL HAVE THEY HAVE AN AGRONOMIC PROGRAM. THEY HAVE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES IN TERMS OF THEIR THEIR FERTILIZATION. THEY'RE GOING TO VERTICUT THEY'RE GOING TO AERIFY MORE. SO THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT THEY'LL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE WITH THEIR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. AS WE SAID, THE TOTAL COST INCLUDES THE ANNUAL CONTRACT, WHICH IS 818,000. AND THEN IT'S A T RENOVATION PROGRAM THAT WE'RE GOING TO DO, WHICH IS 150,000, WHICH WILL ALSO RECTIFY ALL THE T'S. AND WE'LL HAVE BRAND NEW TEES AS PART OF THIS, THIS EFFORT.THAT'S AN ANNUAL INCREASE OF ABOUT 250. WE WERE ANTICIPATING LOOKING AT THIS. SO WE DID ADD SOME OF THESE FUNDS ALREADY INTO THIS NEW BUDGET, WHICH WE'LL BE USING. BUT IT'S NOT ALL OF IT. THERE'S STILL A LOT MORE THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE OVER, ESPECIALLY FOR THE CAPITAL. 150.
SO BRIGHTVIEW QUICK INFORMATION ABOUT THEM. THEY ARE THE LARGEST LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COMPANY IN AMERICA. THEY HAVE 45 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN OUTSOURCING GOLF COURSES. THEY MAINTAIN THE BILTMORE GOLF COURSE, WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR OPERATIONAL. THEY CAN SHARE RESOURCES. THEY'RE RIGHT DOWN THE STREET. I THINK THAT'S A VERY ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR US THAT THEY CAN, YOU KNOW, POOL THEIR RESOURCES. AND IF WE NEED ANYTHING, THEY HAVE THAT TO DRAW ON. THERE'S A PALM BEACH NATIONAL, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS VOTED THE NUMBER ONE PUBLIC COURSE IN AMERICA, WHICH THEY MAINTAIN. SO THEY DO HAVE SOME NICE COURSES. THEY HAVE THAT AGRONOMIC OVERSIGHT THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. AND THEY HAVE SHOWN TO BE ABLE TO GROW TURF AND HAVE CONSISTENT TURF QUALITY. SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AND BRINGING IN THIS MAINTENANCE AND THIS ADDITIONAL COST IS WE'RE LOOKING AT ADJUSTING OUR FEES. WE DON'T WE HAVEN'T ADJUSTED OUR FEES IMMENSELY OVER THE YEARS. IT'S REALLY BEEN 5% OVER EVERY OTHER YEAR. AND CURRENTLY OUR RATES, PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU ARE VERY LOW.
THIS PROPOSAL WILL WILL INCREASE IT. SO WE WON'T BE THE LOWEST ANYMORE. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, WE SHOWED THEM UP THERE FOR RESIDENTS. CURRENT FEE IS 22. OUR PROPOSED FEE INCREASE IS TO 30 FOR ALL THE NONRESIDENT RATES WE WERE BEFORE THE COMMISSION ON A FEE AMENDMENT IN PREVIOUS YEARS, AND WE HAD TO WE AGREED TO GO TO A 30% INCREASE. IT USED TO BE 25, AND THEN WE WENT TO 30% FOR NONRESIDENTS OVER THE RESIDENT PRICE. SO THAT'S REFLECTED HERE. OUR TWILIGHT FEE WILL GO FROM 19 TO 27 WITH THE WITH THE REQUISITE INCREASE FOR THE NONRESIDENTS. RIGHT. AND SAVE IT GOES FROM 38 TO 45. THAT INCLUDES THE CART FOR CERTAIN WEEKDAYS. THE REPLAYS THEY WENT FROM 19 TO 27. THE JUNIORS. WE DIDN'T GO UP THAT HIGH. WE TRIED TO KEEP IT A LOT LOWER, WENT FROM 11 TO 13 AND THE GOLF CART, WE WENT UP $1 AND THAT WAS BASICALLY WE DID HAVE NEW CARTS IN 2024 AND THOSE COSTS INCREASE. AND WE HADN'T WE HADN'T RAISED THE RATES IN FIVE YEARS. SO WE WANTED TO DO THAT AS WELL. NOW, ONE OF THE THINGS IN THE FEE STRUCTURE THAT WE TALKED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, CURRENTLY WE DO HAVE THE MEMBERSHIP AND THE MEMBERSHIP IS FOR UNLIMITED GOLF. IT WAS THE CURRENT RATE WAS ABOUT $931 FOR RESIDENTS. WE'RE LOOKING AT NOW TRANSITIONING INTO THAT GOLF COUNTRY CLUB GOLF MEMBERSHIP AND HAVING A MEMBERSHIP WHERE IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GOLF COURSE, YOU'RE GOING TO BE A MEMBER OF THE COUNTRY CLUB AS WELL. SO WE'RE LOOKING AT INSTITUTING A NEW GOLF MEMBERSHIP THAT WON'T EXCEED 100 MEMBERS. IT'LL INCLUDE THE COUNTRY CLUB AMENITIES WITHIN IT. EACH MEMBER WILL GET 30 FREE ANNUAL ROUNDS OF GOLF AND THEN ANY ADDITIONAL ROUNDS UNLIMITED. THEY'LL HAVE A $5 DISCOUNT ON THE FEES THEY'LL DO HAVE. THEY WILL HAVE THAT PRIORITY TEE TIME ACCESS, WHICH IS IMPORTANT AND THE COSTS ARE ON THE SCREEN. THE RESIDENT SINGLES WOULD BE 2100. THAT'S REALLY A LITTLE BIT OF INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT 931 PLUS WHAT A SINGLE COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS. SO YOU GET THEM ALL TOGETHER AND THEN THAT'S THE TWO PERSON MEMBERSHIP COST. KEY PROPONENT OF OUR OF OUR PROGRAM IS THIS VETERAN AND MILITARY DISCOUNT PROGRAM. WE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE DISCOUNTED TEE TIME OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS. ALL THOSE ELIGIBLE RECEIVE A 50% OFF DISCOUNT ON THE GREENS FEES, AND THAT'S IN
[04:05:03]
WHATEVER RESIDENCY CATEGORY THEY ARE, WHETHER RESIDENT OR NONRESIDENT. WE WILL REQUIRE PROPER IDENTIFICATION AND THE DISCOUNT WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, AND WE'LL WORK WITH OUR PRO SHOP STAFF TO BE AWARE OF THAT AND WORK WITH OUR OUR VETERANS AND OUR CURRENT ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL. SO THAT'S IN A NUTSHELL. REALLY QUICK. I'M AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS. ■ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. SO. AS YOU CAN SEE OUR FEES ARE A LITTLE OUTDATED. AND WE'VE BEEN GETTING SOME COMPLAINTS LATELY IN REGARDS TO MAINTENANCE. AND IT'S PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT NO MATTER WHAT WE THROW AT IT IN REGARDS TO MAINTENANCE. AND I'M NOT A GOLFER, I'M GOING TO BE HONEST WITH YOU. I'VE NEVER GOLFED. BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A FACILITY THAT HAS THAT MUCH WEAR AND TEAR, UNLESS YOU'RE PLAYING ON ARTIFICIAL TURF, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO TO MAINTAIN THAT GRASS. IT'S GOT TO BE WATERED, IT'S GOT TO BE FERTILIZED. AND IT HAS YOU KNOW, LET IT REST SO THAT IT CAN GROW BACK. ATHLETE AND ATHLETE DOESN'T GO OUT EVERY SINGLE DAY AND RUN SPRINTS. THEY RUN SPRINTS. THEY REST.THEY HAVE A REST DAY TWO REST DAYS. THIS THIS COURSE DOESN'T HAVE REST DAYS. AND IT'S ONLY NINE HOLES. CORRECT? CORRECT. SO IF IT WAS THAT IT WAS 18, MAYBE YOU CAN ROTATE, BUT YOU CAN'T EVEN ROTATE THAT. SO THERE'S A LOT OF WEAR AND TEAR HERE AND YOU'RE DOING THE BEST THAT YOU CAN. SO IT'S A TOUGH DECISION. IT'S A TOUGH DECISION. BUT WE HAVE TO WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND WE HAVE TO FIND AND DO WHAT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE GOLF COURSE TO THE MAYOR.
YES, SIR. SO I, I HAD THE CONVERSATION WITH MR. THOMPSON, THE MANAGER AND DIRECTOR, AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS THAT I MADE. YOU KNOW, LET'S TRY TO PIGGYBACK OFF OF THE BILTMORE AND SEE IF THAT WAY WE CAN GET A BETTER RATE AND SEE WHERE OUR FEES ARE, BECAUSE IF WE HAVEN'T UPDATED OUR FEES IN SO MANY YEARS, WE'RE PROBABLY AN Y KOU AO ITRE WSHOULD VE MAJ RAINSTOHAT FLOOD TH THE GOLOU THAT TAKES A TL ON E CONDF TH OTHOL COSE A WL. A THAT WAS BY SERVOIR FOER CTURAL EUR T'S NT ED TO F I AND I THINK E NO G WWI THE NEATES ATILL RYSOBL A NINE HE LFRS YOUEEF THE CHANG, YOU'RE SO OVE THE QUALIF GOLECOION,HICH WL AT Y'RE GOG TO B ABLE TO TIMEI M UESS A INT,'S TON O OPLE OUT TRE PLAYING RERDLE OF THE TE OF Y, THERIN THE AERDO TT ARE IT'SHINGHAT' GOI TRE, ED TO INCASESE FS IN ORDEE LE TO TA A PROP.O I'M IN VORIT BE HAP TVEHE ITEI'LLECOND IT TT MAYOR.UICK QSTN TO FRED. SO IN ADDITIOTO AS COISSIONER FERNDEZ, AS GOES BY THEOL CRSE A THE TIME, I'MRE ALL THEIME, THENI L E BIGK ARODHEOL COSE. AND I S PEO AY THE OWN THERE, S IN THERK O E ISHA PART A PAIDESON? SO.ESND NO.N SOME CAS THEY GET THE LAST TE TIMES OUT. BUT I CAN TELLOU THAT THERE'S SOME PEOPLTH GO T THE AT NIG WE HAPLE AT E COUNY CLHAND WE'LL TOUGH. TRE'S FCES ADIT TH TRET' A WPEYOUW, THATHATS ONF THE, ONE OF TROLES TH STA HAS WILL TELL T'S KSOND, YOUFTS, THAT, OPT, W EOURAGE CALL OF Y W TO CALL NTB AND . KNOW, COUNTRYB'SI IS THERE TILL, TILL LA SO Y IT IS A DIFCULTY THA AVE.'MOTT' O THOSROEM THAWE'RE CONT DLINGITH. S RE. BUT'S, IT'SCTUALL OGGLGEC I MN COD BE IT COUL 830 AT NIGHT IAN'TEE MY ME FNTMYACE,I'T KW, GF. I IT'S EVELILE BL.AND DON'T THINK THERE'S NO THROUGH THE MAYOR. I THINK ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES IS THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE JOGGING. LIKE YOU DON'T SEE THE BALL THAT COULD HIT THEM ALL. YEAH, EXACTLY. SO CAN WE HAVE A MOTION ON AGE THREE? WE DO. WE HAVE A MOTION.
ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO, MR. MAYOR. ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER.
LADA. YES, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES, MAYOR. YES. PAGE FOUR. LET'S DO AGE TWO RIGHT NOW. I'M SORRY, MR. MAYOR. WE ALSO NEED A MOTION ON AGE FOUR. I APOLOGIZE AGE FOR A SECOND. ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO, MR. MAYOR. OKAY. COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES. VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES. COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES,
[H.-2. A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing the acceptance of Grant Agreement No. VW403 with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection providing for the purchase of three garbage trucks in the amount of $1,053,522; authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget to recognize grant funds as revenue; and appropriate said funds to the cost of the program.]
MAYOR. YES. H2H2 IS RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE. FRED. THANK YOU. AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT AGREEMENT NUMBER VW 403 WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE GARBAGE TRUCKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,053,522, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 20 2526 BUDGET TO RECOGNIZE GRANT FUNDS AS REVENUE, APPROPRIATED FUNDS TO THE COST OF THE PROGRAM. MR. MANAGER. MAYOR, THIS IS FOR THREE, POTENTIALLY THREE GARBAGE TRUCKS. THEY CAN BE THEY CAN BE DIESEL. THEY CAN BE ELECTRIC. WE'RE RIGHT NOW HAVE A PILOT PROGRAM ON AN ELECTRIC TRUCK. GARBAGE TRUCK. BUT THESE WILL PROBABLY BE BE DIESEL AND REPLACE THREE OF OUR MORE AGED[04:10:06]
TRUCKS. PERFECT. OKAY MAYOR. SO I APPRECIATE STAFF'S PROMPT WORKING ON THIS GRANT APPLICATION. WE HAD A SCRAMBLE AT THE LAST MINUTE, BUT WE'RE ABLE TO GET IT DONE. AND YOU KNOW, IT'S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS VW PROGRAM AND BE ABLE TO GET SOME NEWER VEHICLES IN THE CITY. MAYBE WE CAN FIND A HYBRID. MAYBE. SO AT LEAST AT LEAST WE'LL MOVE A LITTLE GREENER. ALL RIGHT. THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES, SIR. A FUTURE BIOCHAR FACILITY IS GOING TO BE GENERATING ELECTRICITY. SO WE. THAT'S WHY WE ARE LOOKING AT SOME MORE ELECTRIC, POTENTIALLY MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THEY'LL BE GENERATED THROUGH THE HEAT CREATED BY THE BIOCHAR PROCESS, WHICH WILL OPERATE ITSELF. SO THIS IS THIS IS LOOKING LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR NEW OPERATIONS AT 72ND AVENUE. PERFECT. THANK YOU. I'LL SECOND ANY PUBLIC COMMENT. NO, MR. MAYOR, ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION A SECOND, VICE MAYOR ANDERSON.YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES, COMMISSIONER. FERNANDES. YES, COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES, MAYOR.
[H.-5. A Resolution of the City Commission approving a First Amendment to the Lease/Use Agreement Between the City of Coral Gables (Lessor) and (Lessee) Miami-Dade County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, for the property located at: 2900 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33155, identified by Folio Number: 30-4014-010-0010, comprising of approximately 4.466 Acres of Land for an additional one-year term (03/14/2026-03/13/2027) for the continued utilization by the County's Department of Solid Waste as a Solid Waste Trash Transfer Station.]
LY. YES. AGE FIVE. AGE FIVE IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF CORAL GABLES AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2900 SOUTHWEST 72ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA. 33155, IDENTIFIED BY FOLIO NUMBER 34 0140100010, COMPRISING OF APPROXIMATELY 4.466 ACRES OF LAND, FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR TERM. FOR THE CONTINUED UTILIZATION BY THE COUNTY'S DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE AS A SOLID WASTE TRASH TRANSFER STATION. GOOD AFTERNOON. GOOD AFTERNOON. MAYOR. VICE MAYOR COMMISSIONERS PAIGE PEREZ, ASSET MANAGER. AS THE CITY ATTORNEY, STATED, WE ARE PRESENTING FOR YOUR APPROVAL A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SERVES AS LESSEE AND THE CITY BEAUTIFUL SERVES AS LESSOR. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD EXTEND LEASE TERM FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR FROM MARCH 14TH, 2026 TO MARCH 13TH, 2027, WITH A ONE YEAR RENEWAL OPTION. THIS EXTENSION WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY'S DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE TO CONTINUE USING THE PREMISES AS A SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION. UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXTENDED TERM, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WILL PAY THE CITY AN ANNUAL BASE RENT OF $1.5 MILLION IN A SINGLE ADVANCE PAYMENT. IF THE COUNTY EXERCISES THE RENEWAL OPTION, THE SAME ANNUAL PAYMENT WILL APPLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE LEASE THE LESSEE HAS IDENTIFIED A SUITABLE PARCEL TO BE UTILIZED BY THE CITY AS A DISASTER DEBRIS MANAGEMENT SITE. THE SITE WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY AT NO COST DURING THE INITIAL ONE YEAR TERM, AND IF EXERCISED ALSO DURING THE SUBSEQUENT ONE YEAR RENEWAL PERIOD. THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. MANAGER. THANK YOU MAYOR. WE DO HAVE ONE ONE GLITCH IN THE CONTRACT AND THAT THE COUNTY ASKED FOR A 90 DAY TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE FOR THE FIVE ACRE SITE. WE DON'T FEEL THAT THAT'S ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE WE NEED WE NEED WE NEED THAT SITE FROM JUNE 1ST TO DECEMBER 1ST FOR, FOR FOR AS A AS A MULCHING SITE. IT'S A LITTLE FURTHER SOUTH THAN WE WOULD LIKE, BUT I THINK IT'S FIVE ACRES THAT WE COULD CERTAINLY USE. SO I THINK THIS CONTRACT, I THINK THIS CONTRACT, THE WAY IT'S STRUCTURED, CAN BE, CAN BE COMPLETED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY AND, AND MYSELF ONCE, ONCE THAT ONCE THAT ISSUE IS TAKEN CARE OF. OKAY. PERFECT. I SEE NO ISSUES WITH THAT. SO, MR. MAYOR, SO I THINK THAT WE HAVE THAT ONE OPEN ISSUE, AND THE RESOLUTION WOULD GIVE AUTHORITY TO THE MANAGER AND I TO NEGOTIATE THAT POINT WITH THE COUNTY SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT THE CITY IS PROTECTED IN CASE WE NEED TO USE THAT MULCHING SITE. I THINK IT'S VERY REASONABLE. I WANT TO COMMEND COMMISSIONER ORBIS FROM DISTRICT SIX F REALLYDINGANTANGS THTHAT VERY IORTANTO THENTY.ND . A T OPPORTUTY JUSTNCASEE HAVEURG WILLING D'T TT IL DAY THEYUL'TAVA OUT.E N'T HE GI THEM ADAY T ON OCAN OUR ON O,N THE SFERFACI. S THE E TNK WSHLD B I THETHER OVERHE NT TWO MA ARE WE ABLE, MADAM CITY ATTORNEY, TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT? REMOVING THAT ITEM SO THAT WHEN YOU GO TO THEM, YOU SAY WE HAVE THE APPROVAL FOR THE CONTRACT WITHOUT THAT 90 DAY OUT? YEAH. I THINK, THOUGH, THE INTENTION IS NOT TO HAVE TO RETURN TO COMMISSION. SO IF YOU GIVE THE MANAGER NOW THE AUTHORITY, WE WE CAN SPECIFY THAT THAT IS THE, THE STICKING POINT. THAT IS THE ISSUE THAT THE COMMISSION IS NOT SATISFIED WITH. AND MAYBE SOME VARIATION OF THAT, NOT 90 DAY TERMINATION, BUT SOME OTHER PERHAPS CRITERIA OR SOME OTHER EXPLANATION MIGHT BE SATISFACTORY TO THE MANAGER AND WE CAN INCORPORATE THAT. BUT I THINK YOU ALL SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE PROVISION. I THINK THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL. RIGHT.SO MAYBE WE CAN DO A SEPARATE RESOLUTION AFTER. NO. WE CAN INCORPORATE. IF THAT IS THE WILL OF THE COMMISSION, WE CAN INCORPORATE IT INTO THE SAME RESOLUTION. I'M JUST TRYING TO GIVE YOU AS MUCH AS AS WE CAN FROM OUR SIDE SO THAT YOU CAN USE IT IN NEGOTIATING. AND I
[04:15:05]
THINK THE MANAGER PROBABLY, YOU KNOW, I KNOW THE MANAGER APPRECIATES THAT. I THINK WE COULD BE, YOU KNOW, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT, SUBJECT TO RESOLUTION OF THIS OPEN ISSUE REGARDING THE 90 DAY TERMINATION WITH RESPECT TO THE MULCHING SITE. THEN I'LL MOVE IT AS THAT. AS SUCH. SECOND, THE MAYOR AND MAYOR, PART OF THAT MULCHING SITE WOULD BE THAT IT WOULD HAVE A DURHAM SITEND ALSOR AR AS DEIS SITNDOT ULD IT ULOT A NTINAT SO THO THE ISSUES THAT WE'VE ASKED THE COUNTY FOR. AND THAT'S WHAT THIS FIVE ACRE SITE IS. SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT THE SITE THAT WE GET IS USABLE AS A TRASH SITE AND AS A MULCHING SITE. THANK YOU, MR. CLARK. ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO. MR. MAYOR, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND COMMISSIONER CASTRO. YES.COMMISSIONER. FERNANDEZ. YES. COMMISSIONER LATTA. YES. VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, MAYOR. YES.
[H.-6. A presentation of the Giralda Sky Project consisting of two overhead installations.]
[H.-7. A Resolution of the City Commission to authorize a Bid Waiver for the rental and installation of a temporary truss system and installation of overhead art on Giralda Plaza, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Aver Productions for a period of 6 months in the estimated amount of $183,829.40 as a "Special Procurement/Bid Waiver," pursuant to section 2-691 of the Procurement Code.]
THANK YOU. MOVING ON TO ITEM EIGHT SIX. THANK YOU. GREAT WORK. MAYOR E6 AND E7 ARE RELATED. SO IF YOU'LL ALLOW ME TY COMMISSNH7 IS A ROLUT ORY USS SYST AND ILLATN OF A GIRALDA AZ AUTHORING CITY MANAGERONTNTO A NTRAITH AVPRODTI FO PERIOD OFIX MON AND OCUREMBIDR PURSUATO SEC TWO69 TI OCUREMEN CODE. MAD DICTOR,OW ARE YOU GD ECONOM DEVOPMENTIRECR.IFE CAN H. PERFECT. SO I AM GOING TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED HERE IN 2018. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, WE HAD UMBRELLA SKY HERE. THAT WAS A GREAT HIT. WE HAD MEDIA REACH OF MORE THAN ALMOST 300 MILLION MEDIA IMPRESSIONS, A LOT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT. WE INCREASE THE FOLLOWING ON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS. THE DAILY AVERAGE OF PEDESTRIANS ON GIRALDA PLAZA WENT FROM 6000 6500 PEOPLE TO 20,000 WHILE THE DISPLAY WAS GOING ON. AND THE PARKING, YOU KNOW, AS EVERYTHING THAT WE DO, WE TRY TO GENERATE, THERE'S AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT. AND IN THIS CASE, NOT ONLY WAS IT A BENEFIT TO OUR MERCHANTS ON THE STREET AND BEYOND, THERE WAS ABOUT A 20% INCREASE THAT THEY TOLD US ABOUT. BUT THERE WAS ALSO A PARKING REVENUE THAT WAS GENERATED ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS IN OUR PARKING GARAGES OF $165,000, WHICH ACTUALLY PAID FOR THE PROJECT. SO WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING THIS TIME AROUND IS TO INSTALLATIONS. WE'RE LOOKING AT A SIX MONTH TRUST SYSTEM. SO WE'D HAVE THREE MONTHS OF OF AN INDIVIDUAL ART PROJECT. SO YOU HAVE CIELO TEJIDO FOR THE FIRST PART, AND THEN YOU HAVE GIRALDA IN BLOOM FOR THE SECOND. AND I'LL GO INTO DETAIL FOR THOSE. SO THE FIRST ONE, WHICH WOULD HAPPEN FROM MAY TO JULY, IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CONSULATE OF MEXICO, A VERY GOOD PARTNER THUS FAR. YOU KNOW THAT THEY HAVE DAY OF THE DEAD, THAT THEY ALSO BRING HERE AND HOLD THAT IN CORAL GABLES. CIELO TEJIDO WAS CREATED BY A MOTHER DAUGHTER DUO NEAR JALISCO. IT'S FROM A TOWN CALLED ETLA. IT'S ETZATLAN. I'M SORRY. SO THE LADY IN THE CENTER OF THE PICTURE WITH THE TEAL, THAT'S THE PERSON WHO STARTED IT BEHIND HER. THE TALLER WOMAN BEHIND HER IS HER DAUGHTER. AND NOW THAT THIRD GENERATION IS ALSO INVOLVED. WE WOULD BE THE FIRST ONE. BY THE WAY, THESE THE ALL THESE WOMEN IN THIS TOWN ARE THE ONES THAT HAND WEAVE THIS FABRIC THAT WE'RE PROPOSING FOR GIRALDA PLAZA. AND WE WOULD BE THE FIRST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES TO HAVE CIELO TEJIDO, WHICH IS CALLED WOVEN SKY IN ENGLISH, TO HAVE THIS OVERHEAD INSTALLATION. AND WE WOULD BRING SOME PORTION OF THAT TO MIRACLE MILE AS WELL.SO THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT IT COULD LOOK LIKE. WE CAN DESIGN WHATEVER WE WANT.
THEY'RE OPEN TO IT, BUT IT WOULD BE BASICALLY IN THE AREAS THAT WE HAD UMBRELLA SKY IN THE PAST. AND THEN IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOP PICTURE, YOU'LL SEE THAT THAT'S THE MEDIAN ON MIRACLE MILE. AND WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING IS THAT THAT SAME ART, THAT FABRIC THAT IS ON GIRALDA CAN ALSO JUST TO TIE THE DOWNTOWN TOGETHER, THAT THOSE PALM TREES WOULD ALSO BE COVERED ON MIRACLE MILE. AND THEN FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS OF THE PROJECT, WE'RE PROPOSING GIRALDA IN BLOOM. AND IT COMES FROM THE SAME COMPANY THAT BROUGHT US THE UMBRELLA SKY IMPACT PLAN BROUGHT US UMBRELLA SKY. THEY HAVE OTHER INSTALLATIONS AND OTHER UMBRELLA TYPES, AND FOR THIS ONE, WE'RE PROPOSING JUST A VARIATION OF WHAT WE DID LAST TIME, WHICH IS A FLORAL UMBRELLA. AND YOU'LL NOTICE THAT THERE'S VARIATIONS WHERE THERE'S SHADE THAT IS REFLECTED ON THE GROUND, AND THERE'S SOME THAT HAVE IT ACTUALLY CAST COLOR ON THE GROUND. WE WANTED MERCHANTS FOR VERY SPECIFIC THAT THEY WANTED UMBRELLAS BACK, BUT THEY ALSO WANTED SHADE. AND SO WE WE THINK WE CAN SUFFICE THEM WITH THAT. SO TEJIDO WOULD
[04:20:03]
BE INSTALLED IN MAY. IT WILL REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL JULY. THERE ARE MANY EVENTS THAT ARE HAPPENING DURING THAT TIME FRAME WHICH WE CAN REALLY, YOU KNOW, BENEFIT FROM. THERE'S CINCO DE MAYO. THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HAS GRADUATIONS THAT HAPPEN AT THAT TIME. WE HAVE FIFA WORLD CUP THAT HAPPENED AT THAT TIME. SO REALLY IT'S A GREAT INSTALLATION TO HAVE DURING THESE REALLY HIGH TRAFFIC EVENTS. WE WANT VISITORS TO STAY IN THE DOWNTOWN, AND WE WANT THEM TO SPEND THEIR MONEY IN THE DOWNTOWN. AND THEN FOR GIRALDA BLOOM, IT WOULD HAPPEN FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER. AND SO THAT'S JUST ANOTHER WAY OF KEEPING PEOPLE AND COMING BACK FOR MORE, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. AND THAT IS IT.PERFECT. THANK YOU. GREAT WORK. THANK YOU. THE MAYOR, THE MAYOR. IF YOU'RE IF YOU'RE DONE MAKING COMMENTS, I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE COMMENTS THAT I'VE HEARD FROM THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE IS THAT YOU'VE DONE SUCH AN AMAZING AND GREAT JOB, YOU KNOW, THANK YOU WITH ALL THE EVENTS THAT IT HAS TRULY HELPED IMPROVE. AND THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE, I THINK THE MERCHANTS WILL BE VERY, VERY HAPPY. AND I THINK THAT THEY'LL SEE A LOT MORE FOOT TRAFFIC AND WE'LL BRING BACK MORE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY DURING THESE HOT MONTHS, IS THE MOST CHALLENGING TIME. SO THANK YOU FOR FOR DOING THAT. I'M EXCITED. THEY HAVE A SHORT TIME FRAME TO BE ABLE TO PUT THIS THING TOGETHER. SO IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND MOVE IT.
I'LL SECOND IT THROUGH THE MAYOR. YES. REAL QUICK. I JUST WANTED TO SAY LIKE I WAS WONDERING HOW WE WERE GOING TO PULL THIS OFF BECAUSE EVERYBODY WANTED THE UMBRELLAS BACK. BUT YOU CAN'T HAVE ACTUALLY THE UMBRELLAS BACK, BECAUSE THAT'S FIRSTRODUCED. B WHAHE S DOOU THIS THS GRE. TT WAI THI E PFECT INTERSECTN OF BRINNGMETHINHATLL B WCOME PEOE SETHINGITA FIT O B CON TO OF S A SHAITHOA A FOR G DARK.R, I A RF IT' ALMOST WO OVE,NDHEU GE IT THT IOM E E TCOMES INSEND ONEGIRALDA B, COMINGOW WOU W S DOONS. THINK IT'S GREATOUE THE MAYOR.ES, I THINK THIS IS PHENOMEL. THE O OF THEMOOKRE.HESE ARE T TTHS THAT SE OF OUR BUSESSEAY STRUGGLE THROH ONALDA IF YOU'VE ENRE IN THUMMER IT'SNBEARAE. TS ISEAY INGOTTCT PEO BK. WITHHEUSINES OS S CT THAT ULL HONOMIC THEIR BUSESSES.OMOF THEM SAW THREE AND THE NU DING UMBREA THE ENTTHAT AAKINI ITINH THEORLH PLACOUTH FLORIDA I THINKIT GOI K YOU. THANK YOU. PERFECT. SO WE HAVE A MOTION A SECOND. YES, SIR. WE DO YOU HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT? NO. MR. MAYOR, COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ. YES, COMMISSIONER. LADA. YES. VICE MAYOR ANDERSON. YES, COMMISSIONER. CASTRO. YES, MAYOR. YES. THANK YOU. I WAS HERE DURING UMBRELLA SKY AND I'LL TELL YOU, THE IMPACT WAS PALPABLE. IT WAS. IT WAS REAL. IT WAS LEGIT. AND YOU DESERVE ALL THE CREDIT. THANK YOU FOR LEADING. YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB. ALL RIGHT, WE HAVE ONE MORE ITEM. F7 IS TIME CERTAIN FOR 3:00. SO WE HAVE 20 MINUTES BEFORE THAT ITEM F TEN. O
[F.-10. Discussion regarding assessment for commercial property owners for beautification. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)]
DISCUSSION REGARDING ASSESSMENT FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS FOR BEAUTIFICATION. I'M THE SPONSOR. SO I'VE INVITED OUR OUR PRESIDENT FROM THE CHAMBER WHO'S GOING TO SIGN IN REALLY QUICK SO THAT HE CAN SPEAK. AND I WANT TO SHOW YOU A QUICK I WANT TO SHOW YOU A QUICK SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION THAT I GT IS DUE, WHERE LAURA AND NICOLE DID AN AMAZING JOB. SO LET'S, LET'S BEFORE WE I'LL TELL YOU WHEN TO CLICK. SO I WANT TO SHOW YOU THIS BECAUSE WE TALKED ABOUT BEAUTIFICATION IN REGARDS TO THE NEW TIMES. AND YOU KNOW, IT'S FUNNY WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE NEW TIMES BEFORE ABOUT BEAUTIFICATION, DOES EVERYBODY REMEMBER THE CLOCK THAT I DONATED PERSONALLY, WHETHER IT WAS A PIECE OF RUST ON THAT, REMEMBER. AND I WAS HELD, MY FEET WERE HELD TO THE FIRE ON THAT, AND I HAD TO GO AND PAY A COMPANY TO COME IN, REMOVE THE CLOCK, SEND IT BACK, FIX, FIX THE RUST. AND I DID IT. SO IF I CAN BE HELD TO, IF I CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND I'M NOT MAKING MONEY ON DONATING SOMETHING TO THE CITY, WHY SHOULDN'T THE NEW TIMES BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE? ALSO, JUST THOUGHT ABOUT THAT A FEW MOMENTS AGO AND IT COST ME A LOT OF MONEY. ALL RIGHT, SO IT'S ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR DOWNTOWN AND MAKING SURE WE PROVIDE WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE CITY. LOOK HOW AMAZING THE WORK DONE BY STAFF. AND I'VE BROUGHT THIS UP TO THE DCM AND CITY MANAGER. LOOK AT THE ENTRANCE FEATURES ON EIGHTH STREET AND PONCE. LOOK AT THE LANDSCAPING BY DINA. LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THOSE ENTRANCE FEATURES HAVE NEVER LOOKED BETTER IN THE 13 YEARS THAT I'VE BEEN HERE. NEVER.THAT'S AN ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT I HAVE TO. I MEAN, THIS IS WHAT I'M SHOWING YOU. THIS IS WHAT WE COULD DO IN OUR DOWNTOWN. BUT IT TAKES TIME. IT TAKES EFFORT, AND IT TAKES MONEY. AND THIS IS WHAT OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY WANTS. BECAUSE WHEN IT WAS DONE, I GOT
[04:25:02]
A BUNCH OF PHONE CALLS. OH MY GOD, VINCE, IT'S AMAZING. ALL THE BUSINESSES WERE LIKE, THIS LOOKS SO GOOD. LOOK HOW GREAT IT LOOKS. GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. PLEASE. LET ME GIVE YOU SOME EXAMPLES OF AREAS THAT ARE WELL MAINTAINED. LOOK AT THE LANDSCAPING. IT'S NOT TOO TALL.LOOK AT THE LOOK AT THE LOOK AT THE THE MULCH. YOU KNOW YOU SEE THE HYDRANT IS PAINTED.
SIDEWALKS ARE CLEAN. NEXT SLIDE SOME AREAS WHERE WE SEE NEGLECT JUST DOWN THE BLOCK, EXPOSED IRRIGATION, NO GROUND COVER, SPARSELY PLANTED PLANTS, NOT THRIVING. WHAT COMMISSIONER FERNANDEZ MENTIONED INCONSISTENT PLANT MATERIALS, MISSING PLANT MATERIALS, DIRTY SIDEWALKS. BY THE WAY, ALL THAT, ALL THOSE LANDSCAPING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OF THE OF THE BUILDINGS OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEDIAN. NEXT ONE MORE EXAMPLES. NO GROUND MATERIAL. BROWN MULCH, P ROCK, RIVER ROCK. RED MULCH. NEXT. BY THE WAY, THE SIDEWALKS. LOOK AT MISSING TREES. GARBAGE TREES NOT PLANTED. JUST, YOU KNOW, THERE'S NO THERE'S NO TREES THERE WHERE THERE SHOULD BE TREES. NEXT ONE. THESE ARE UNHEALTHY. THESE THESE THESE SHRUBS HAVEN'T BEEN CHANGED IN 20 OR 30 YEARS. THAT'S MORE TOWARDS NORTH GABLES. AS YOU CAN SEE, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHANGED. AND THEY THEY NEED THEY NEED TO BE REFRESHED. THEY'RE ALL THEY'RE ALMOST AS TALL AS THE METERS AS YOU CAN SEE. NEXT ONE. YOU HAVE SIDEWALKS THAT ARE BROKEN, THAT ARE PATCHED UP WITH ASPHALT CONCRETE AND THAT ARE DIRTY. NEXT ONE HERE YOU HAVE TWO INTERESTING CONDITIONS THAT WE STUDIED, WHICH ARE A HAZARD BECAUSE I SEE PEOPLE TRIP ON THEM ALL THE TIME. THESE ARE PAVEMENT MATERIALS, SIDEWALK MATERIAL INSTALLED AS PART OF A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WHICH NEED TO BE REVIEWED. THIS IS THE BANK ON ON PONCE AND MIRACLE MILE. AND THIS IS A SITE ON PONCE ALSO AS YOU CAN SEE. SO YOU HAVE YOU HAVE THE STREETSCAPE ON MIRACLE MILE, WHICH YOU CAN SEE AT THE END. THEN YOU HAVE THESE TILES AND THEN YOU HAVE CONCRETE, YOU HAVE THREE DIFFERENT THREE DIFFERENT SURFACES WITHIN 40FT OF EACH OTHER THAT SHOULD BE UNIFORM. WE NEED TO REVIEW. WE NEED TO REVIEW THOSE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. THANK GOD THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN MOST PLACES, BUT THAT'S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED AND FIND OUT WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT, WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT MAINTENANCE, AND HOW CAN WE FIX IT AND MAKE IT MORE UNIFORM? NEXT. BLOCK BY BLOCK MAINTENANCE. THESE ARE AREAS THAT DO NOT HAVE BLOCK BY BLOCK MAINTENANCE THAT THE WEEDS, THE TRASH OVERGROWTH YOU HAVE BLOCKED, STORM DRAINS, UNEVEN PAVERS, LEADING SIGNS WHICH NEED TO BE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. NEXT. HERE YOU HAVE PARKING METERS THAT HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT THEY HAVEN'T BEEN REMOVED, IT'S TIME TO REMOVE THEM. THEY'RE UNSIGHTLY. IF YOU ALREADY TOOK THE PARKING METER OFF, LET'S TAKE THE LET'S TAKE THE METAL POLES OUT. NEXT ONE, THE ALLEY CONDITIONS. SOME ARE WELL MAINTAINED. LOOK AT THE LEFT.
HOW WELL MAINTAINED THAT IS. LOOK AT THE RIGHT. WHEN YOU LOOK CLOSELY, THERE'S FOOD.
THERE'S GARBAGE ALL OVER THE FLOOR. THERE'S POTHOLES. NEXT ONE. I THINK WE'RE DONE. ALL RIGHT, SO THE REASON WHY I WANTED TO SHOW THIS WAS BECAUSE THE CITY NEEDS TO PARTNER WITH E ACCNTABITY. PSERS. THE AIEF LEGLAONND I OF LEGLATIONU TTIEC IT WE INTT FOR SOIN POSIVE OME IELL, WHE PASTHE LEGIATION THATOR CLEA THEIR F FNTSILKS, TSSUE TH TOLD MWAS, V, I'MENDINGYOOWR TOR BUT TH MY NE D'TLK. PRES CLEAN THE SIDEWFOR SIX MONTHS. IS CAN RTY, CAN, Y, CAN, DIRTY.DOESTE SE SO W N?ND IE PRT T CHAMBOULDJOS, WHYOT PUTSES A POSIO WHERE W H UNIFOR ANIFO A ON DNTOW AE ADDRE SUES LEANCAPI AADDRESISSUIKEANNE WHERE ILREADY AUT A ASSESSMENTHA HAS TO REEWLL THE BUSINS OWNE AND W S INSTE OF INEAD AVING COMPLYWITHCE A YEAE EANING SALKS WEWILL IT FO YNIAPO SIDELKS ANEXCU ME, THE CLNLNLL A THEN 'LL AO TAKE OPPTUNITYTART NOTICE HAVE DEFIENCIE IERE RB BROKEN? IS A BEN THINGS DDE GIVE TTORI THESE TH THAT HE TH W THEYANAG. AT END
[04:30:04]
MANAGES CE THA D WIVERYTHING IMI NG T WK ANEN TT GE SENHEN WORKS, SEO COD EORCE AND WEAVE A SM WHEREE ARE AT WE'NG IHTMAINING OUREETS. THE NOT WORKING. I N THAT HN'BEEN CLEROM CTESOU KW, AND LIKE OICE 20IM'VT INM THE CHAMBER T'S NONS HE IN B BI BUT GTI B IM EESMUNITY S, WANT TO DO SOMETHINGTHAT THERE'S A FEEOR THEENTR E MILE, BECSE WALREY HE CLEINR E THE Q OF OU DOWNTOWN. AND ILSOT T WITH THE ADERSHIPF DIN ANDER TEA I WT HAVS ADDSS THE APG ONE TE. ANDNON WE ADDRESSHEA TIME S, THISS UR NANC TS HOWOU E TRE THAT ANN THIS. THESE PLT TRETHISS THERUSH THAT YOU P. AND FIVEEA OR TE YEARS YOU HA RELDSPEHAT AREA AN I IT LLS OUT MPLIAN, R EXAMEN RK WITH T ADDRESS IT, BU TY HAVE TO INTAIN ITD TY HAOI BECAUS YOOAT IT GH NOTAINREASK CREDIBND CERTA ARE DON'T EN LOOKEON'T EVE PLEAOI US? I W LE TO HEAR YOURUIDAE, YOURUT YO KNOW, WHAT DO YOU WHAT D YOU THNG?HAT CAN WE TO LLABORATE? THA YOU, .YO I'M PREO E CORAL GABLEHAMB 201 FEDE CSSNER. 100.GOFTERNO M MAY.COMMSION CASO, I HER OBSLYEPSENTINGHE BER. I'VE GOT S SOME PRARED COMMENTS JT TOE WE D M A, ANY AN POINT, AND THEN WE'LL OPEN IT UP TO WHATEVER YOU QUESTION YOU MIGHT HAVE. ADDITIONALLY, I'D LIKE TO COMMEND THE MAYOR AND THIS COMMISSION FOR INITIATING THE DISCUSSION REGARDING A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNER ASSESSMENT FOCUSED ON BEAUTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE, AND ACCESSIBILITY OF OUR DOWNTOWN AREA. A COORDINATED EFFORT TO IMPROVE FRONT SIDEWALKS, REAR ALLEYS, AND OVERALL STREETSCAPE MAINTENANCE IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD ENSURING THAT OUR DOWNTOWN MAINTAINS THE LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE EXPECTED IN THE CITY.
BEAUTIFUL WHEN SOME PROPERTIES ARE PRISTINE AND OTHERS ARE NOT, THE RESULT CAN BECOME A PATCHWORK THAT DIMINISHES THE COHESIVE LOOK AND FEEL OF OUR COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. A WELL STRUCTURED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM COULD HELP CREATE UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR CLEANLINESS, BEAUTIFICATION AND ACCESSIBILITY, PARTICULARLY BY ENSURING THAT REAR ALLEYS ARE MAINTAINED, CLEAR AND FULLY ACCESSIBLE AS SERVICE CORRIDORS. THESE ALLEYS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR DELIVERY, SANITATION AND OVERALL OPERATION, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND A THRIVING DOWNTOWN ENVIRONMENT. WHILE I UNDERSTAND THAT THE INITIATIVE DOES NOT INCLUDE MIRACLE MILE.
I WOULD RESPECTFULLY NOTE THAT THE ALLEYS BEHIND SOME OF THE ALLEYS BEHIND MIRACLE MILE REQUIRE ATTENTION AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE. THESE CORRIDORS PLAY A CRITICAL OPERATIONAL ROLE. AS YOU KNOW, FOR MANY OF OUR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE AREA, IMPROVING THEM WOULD BE NOT ONLY FUNCTIONAL BUT WOULD IMPROVE ESTHETICS. MR. MAYOR, AT A RECENT BY OUR MOST RECENT BOARD MEETING, YOU MADE A VERY CLEAR PRESENTATION ON THIS TOPIC MATTER, WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A VERY SUPPORTIVE AND COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION WITH SEVERAL OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS, SOME OF WHICH ARE BUSINESS OWNERS, MERCHANTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS THROUGHOUT OUR DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR. I'M HERE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR STEADFAST LEADERSHIP BY TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO HANDLE THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. AND I'M ALSO HERE THIS AFTERNOON TO REITERATE OUR MEMBERS SUPPORT TO YOU, THE VICE MAYOR AND THE COMMISSION'S FULL SUPPORT. THE CHAMBER WILL CONTINUE TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE CITY, PROPERTY OWNERS AND MERCHANTS TO ENSURE THAT THE HIGH STANDARDS THAT MAKE CORAL GABLES NOT ONLY THE CITY BEAUTIFUL, BUT ALSO ONE OF FLORIDA'S PREMIER BUSINESS COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. ONE OF THE ONE OF THE POINTS THAT I'M HAPPY YOU CLARIFIED WAS, FOR EXAMPLE, MIRACLE MILE. GIRALDA WOULD BE THE FRONTS, WOULD BE THE SIDEWALKS, BUT THE ALLEYS WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEANED UNDER UNDER THIS PROCESS, BECAUSE THERE'S NO WAY THAT PROFESSIONALLY, THEY CAN LIVE UP TO THE STANDARDS THAT I THINK WE NEED. WE SPOKE ABOUT THE POINTS THAT I'VE HEARD BEFORE. BEFORE WE TAKE IT AWAY EVEN FURTHER, I WANT TO JUST MENTION SOME POINTS THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT I WAS THINKING ABOUT, AND I HAD SOME NOTES HERE. YOU KNOW, CURRENTLY BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO NEED TO GET A PERMIT TO PRESSURE CLEAN TO PRESSURE WASH, WHICH IN MY OPINION IS INCREDIBLY BURDENSOME. BUT IT'S STILL A REQUIREMENT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE DO THE RIGHT THING THAT THEY'RE NOT DESTROYING, YOU KNOW, THE ASSET, WHETHER IT'S DRAWING THE SIDEWALK, THE ALLEY, YOU KNOW, THEY PRESSURE CLEAN A PIPE, YOU KNOW, WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS. THEY DON'T THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING. SO WE WOULD TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM. THEY WOULD HAVE HAD TO HIRE A PRESSURE CLEANING COMPANY. THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO COME AND GET A PERMIT. YOU KNOW, ECONOMY OF SCALES WILL ALLOW BETTER PRICING AND CONSISTENCY ACROSS ALL PROPERTIES. THE SCOPE OF THE WORK THAT I'M LOOKING AT ARE PRESSURE CLEAN SIDEWALKS AND ALLEYS, RELANDSCAPED SIDEWALK PLANTERS WITH LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS, SUPER SUPERVISED TO REPORT DEFICIENCIES. SO EFFORTS ARE COMPREHENSIVE. LOOK FOR EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES. LEANING SIGNS, BLOCK CATCH BASINS. FOR EXAMPLE, PUBLIC SPACES WILL BE MAINTAINED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD, WILL IMPROVE PROPERTY VALUE, AND IT
[04:35:02]
BENEFITS ALL INVOLVED. APPLIES TO ALL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES EXCEPT, LIKE I SAID BEFORE, MIRACLE MILE. AND HE ADDED THAT THE ALLEYS ARE INCLUDED. SO WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ENSURING THAT NOW, ESPECIALLY WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE POTENTIALLY DEPENDING ON OUR COMMERCIAL SPACES FOR THEIR TAX DOLLARS, MORE AND MORE AS A RESULT OF WHAT'S COMING OUT OF TALLAHASSEE, POTENTIALLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE PROPERTY VALUES STAY STRONG. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND WELCOMING EVERYONE, THAT THERE'S NO GARBAGE IN THE FRONT OF THE ALLEYS, THAT THE SIDEWALKS ARE CLEAN, THAT IF IT'S A NEW TIMES, OR IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S RUSTED, THAT THAT CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE IT JUST STARTS. IT'S A TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT. YOU ALLOW ONE PROPERTY, LIKE THE PRESIDENT WAS SAYING, TO JUST FALL INTO DISREPAIR OR NOT DO SOMETHING APPROPRIATE. AND THE NEIGHBORS ARE GOING TO SAY, LISTEN, WHY AM I SPENDING ALL THIS MONEY AND CLEANING MY SIDEWALK IF THEY'RE NOT GETTING FINED? SO AND AGAIN, THIS THIS ACROSS THE BOARD BUILDS UNIFORMITY. IT BUILDS BEAUTY, IN MY OPINION. AND I THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT IT WILL THAT WILL TAKE TIME TO PUT TOGETHER. YOU KNOW WHAT I WOULD WANT IS FOR STAFF THROUGH THE MANAGER'S OFFICE TO PUT TOGETHER A PLAN, WORKING WITH THE CHAMBER AND TO SAY, LOOK, THIS IS WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT, THIS IS WHAT IT'S GOING TO COST. THIS IS GOING TO TAKE MONTHS AND MONTHS TO PUT TOGETHER. AND THIS IS WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT. GET, GET DO A TOWN HALL, GET SOME PUBLIC COMMENT ON IT. BUT IF WE DON'T TAKE THESE NECESSARY STEPS AND WE DEPEND ON PEOPLE TO DO IT THEMSELVES, I THINK WE'RE GOING TO FALL VERY SHORT TO WHAT THE CITY BEAUTIFUL STANDARD IS TO THE MAYOR. YES. SO, MR. MAYOR, YOU AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR PROBABLY ABOUT 15 YEARS. I REMEMBER HOW MANY CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE AROUND YOUR DINING ROOM TABLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN PARTICULAR, AND HOW WE COULD GET THE BUSINESSES TO PARTICIPATE. AND AT ONE POINT, I KNOW YOU CONSIDERED DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS, BUT WE DIDN'T HAVE THE BUY IN FROM GLAD, M PSINT, THATI. SO M YOU'E. AND WDO HEHEBUY F TER AE OF THEAY IT'TO THEIR BENEFIT AS WELL. I THINK IF WE CAN CONTINUE TO BEAUTIFY OUR CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND OUR COMMERCIAL ZONES, IT'S ONLY GOING TO ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE TO CORAL GABLES, AND IT'S GOING TO BE SUCCESS FOR FOR ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR PARTNERSHIPS.I THINK WE ARE EXPANDING IT OUTSIDE OF JUST THE CBD. CORRECT. BECAUSE THE BUSINESSES ON SOUTHWEST EIGHTH STREET ARE A BIG ISSUE. THOSE THAT ARE ON SUNSET, THE LIMIT AREA THAT WE HAVE THERE AS WELL, THEY HAVEN'T BEEN TAKEN CARE OF FOR YEARS. SO I THINK THIS PROVIDES THEM ALSO, AT LEAST THOSE THAT ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON THIS AND DOING THE BEAUTIFICATION THEMSELVES. IT'S GOING TO REDUCE THEIR COST BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHEN YOU HAVE A LARGER PROJECT, I REMEMBER A FAMILY MEMBER OF MINE USED TO PRESSURE CLEAN THEIR SIDEWALK. WHEN THEY STARTED DOING IT AS A COMMUNITY, IT WAS ABOUT A 25 TO 30% DISCOUNT WHEN THEY WERE DOING IT ALL TOGETHER VERSUS DOING IT INDIVIDUALLY BECAUSE THEY GOT A PACKAGE RATE. SO I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA. IT'S GOING TO HELP CONTINUE TO BEAUTIFY OUR CITY. YOU TIE THIS IN WITH THE PROJECTS THAT WE'RE BRINGING INTO GIRALDA, WITH THE WORK THAT'S BEING DONE ON MIRACLE MILE, WE'RE ATTRACTING OUR BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE TO OUR CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. I THINK THIS IS GOING TO BE A HUGE SUCCESS FOR THE CITY.
THANK YOU. SO YOU TALK ABOUT ECONOMY OF SCALES, AND I PROMISE YOU, I'M ASKING YOU.
I'M ASKING MY COLLEAGUES. I KNOW THEY'RE VERY BUSY. JUST GO TO NORTH GABLES, GO TO EIGHTH STREET AND BEYOND AND LOOK AT THE LANDSCAPING, FOR EXAMPLE. LOOK AT THE LANDSCAPING THAT'S THAT'S THERE THAT THE RESIDENTS AREN'T EVEN AWARE THAT, YOU KNOW, THE LANDSCAPERS COME.
THEY JUST DO A VERY SIMPLE QUICK, YOU KNOW, THEY THE HEDGE IS THERE. THEY THEY RUNNING TO THE NEXT JOB. EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO, YOU KNOW, BE AS EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE. BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT, THE HEDGES ARE GETTING TALLER AND TALLER AND TALLER AND TALLER. WE JUST REMOVE ONE ON BIRD ROAD AND GRANADA THAT HAD BEEN THERE THAT YOU COULDN'T EVEN SEE OVER THE HEDGE WHEN YOU'RE MAKING A RIGHT ON BIRD ROAD, THANKS TO THE DCM AND THE TEAM, THEY THEY REMOVED IT. I THINK DINA TOOK CARE OF THAT ALSO. IT WAS A, YOU KNOW, IT WAS IN THE LINE OF SIGHT WHEN A CAR WAS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. AND, YOU KNOW, IT WASN'T THE LANDSCAPERS FAULT THEY WERE DOING THEIR JOB. BUT YOU'RE NOT MEASURING HOW MUCH, HOW MUCH TALLER THAT HEDGE IS GETTING EVERY SINGLE YEAR. SO TO ME, YOU KNOW, THE ECONOMY OF SCALES LIKE THE COMMISSIONER SAID, IS GOING TO BE IS GOING TO REALLY HELP THE CLEANLINESS. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT CAN WE DO TO PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD? OKAY, SO CRIME IS DOWN.
WE HAVE OUR OWN POLICE NOW IN DOWNTOWN. WE'RE CLEANING, WE'RE CLEANING EVERYTHING. WE'RE RELANDSCAPING EVERYTHING. WE'RE DOING THE MEDIANS ALL THE WAY. STREET. WE HAVE TRANSPORTATION.
WE'RE HAVING A GREAT CULTURE, EVENTS. YOU KNOW, WE HAVE REALLY UPGRADED THROUGH BELKYS AND HER TEAM. YOU KNOW, THE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, BY THE WAY. I BROUGHT IT UP. I BROUGHT IT UP AT, AT AT THE CHAMBER AND I SAID, WHAT DID EVERYBODY THINK ABOUT IT? EVERYBODY LOVED THE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS THIS YEAR. YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING PEOPLE TO THE DOWNTOWN. BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S NOT CLEAN. THE SIDEWALKS ARE DIRTY IF THE ALLEYS STINK. AND BY THE WAY, THERE'S GOING TO BE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO BE PUT ON NOTICE AND THEY'RE GOING TO BE UNHAPPY WHEN THEY'RE PUT ON NOTICE AND THEY SAY, HEY, YOU GOT TO FIX X,
[04:40:01]
Y, AND Z, YOU CAN'T DUMP OR YOU CAN'T PUT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE CONTAINER WHERE YOU PUT HOT OIL, YOU KNOW, VISIBLE, YOU GOT TO MOVE IT. AND THAT'S THE POINT. WHILE THEY'RE CLEANING THE ALLEY, THEY'RE LOOKING AND THEY'RE MAKING SURE, OKAY, THIS IS NOT CORRECT. THIS IS NOT THE CODE. SEND THEM A NOTICE. YOU GOT A MONTH TO CURE BEFORE YOU GET A FINE. YOU GOT A MONTH TO TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE, CORRECT? THIS PIPE. YOU HAVE A LEAKY PIPE, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE. AGAIN, IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT BEAUTIFICATION, IT'S ALSO ABOUT BEING STEWARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT. YOU CANNOT CONTINUE TO DO CERTAIN THINGS HERE AND GET AWAY WITH IT. WE HAVE OUR DRINKING WATER. YOU KNOW YOU CAN'T THROW WATER. I SEE ALL THE TIME, YOU KNOW, THIS HAPPENS, MR. MANAGER, WHERE YOU SEE BUSINESSES THROWING WATER INTO THE CATCH BASINS. YOU CAN'T DO THAT. YOU CAN'T. THAT'S NOT ALLOWED. NOT ALLOWED. SO THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY GET A GRIP ON THINGS AND DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY AND AND CALL OURSELVES A CITY BEAUTIFUL AND REALLY LIVE UP TO THAT STANDARD. AND MR. MAYOR, I THINK ONE OF THE CONVERSATIONS WE HAD IN THE PAST WAS PEOPLE WILL NEVER BLAME THE BUSINESS. THEY'LL ALWAYS SAY, LOOK AT HOW BAD CORAL GABLES LOOKS. AND IT FALLS ON US AS A CITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE LOOKING THE BEST WE CAN. I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER EXAMPLE. OKAY? I DIDN'T KNOW THIS, AND I'M YOU KNOW, I'M NOT AFRAID TO ADMIT IT. THE MANAGER BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEDIAN AND THE LANDSCAPING ON THE SIDEWALKS TOLD ME, NO, IT'S NOT. WE'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEDIA.THE LANDSCAPING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUSINESS OWNER. SOME OF THAT LANDSCAPING HASN'T BEEN TRIMMED. IT'S NOT TRIMMED. EXCUSE ME. HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED IN 25, 30 YEARS.
AND BY THE WAY, WHEN WE LIFTED UP AND DINO WILL TELL YOU SHE'S HERE WHEN YOU REMOVE THAT LANDSCAPING, THE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE THAT ATTRACTS RATS, YOU KNOW, IT'S FULL OF GARBAGE.
FULL OF GARBAGE. THE PERFECT EXAMPLE WAS MORTON'S. WE REMOVED THAT. THERE WAS ONE THAT WAS FULL OF MINTS BECAUSE PEOPLE WOULD WALK OUT AND THEY WOULD EAT THE MINT. THEY WOULD THROW THE PAPER IN THERE, AND IT HAD HUNDREDS OF MINT WRAPPERS IN THERE. AGAIN, IT'S NOT THE BUSINESS'S FAULT. THEY DON'T KNOW. YOU KNOW, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON HERE.
BUT AT THE END OF DAY WHEN YOU REMOVED IT, NOW, YOU SEE IT'S A LOT MORE ESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND YOU HAVE BRAND NEW, FRESH LANDSCAPING. SO, MADAM VICE MAYOR TO THE MAYOR, ONE OF MY CONCERNS WHEN WE DID THE PRESSURE CLEANING WAS THAT WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A HODGEPODGE LOOK, WHICH MAKES IT LOOK DIRTIER BECAUSE YOU HAVE ONE CLEAN, ONE NOT SO CLEAN AND ONE DIRTY. SO THIS IS FANTASTIC. AND MY CONVERSATION I HAD WITH THE CHAMBER PRESIDENT IS THAT WE NEED TO, YOU KNOW, ATTACK ALL STOREFRONTS ALL THE WAY UP AND DOWN PONCE. YOU KNOW, OUR DELINEATION OF WHERE THE CBD IS REALLY DOESN'T END. YOU KNOW, WHERE NAVARRE IS AND WHERE ALL MARY IS, BECAUSE IT CONTINUES ON DOWN ALONG ALL THE STOREFRONTS ALONG PONCE EIGHTH STREET, SUNSET AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH AN INDIVIDUAL VISITING US FROM MIAMI BEACH. AND THE COMMENT HE HAD WAS, CITY CAN DO BETTER. AND YES, WE CAN. THIS IS SIMILAR TO AN ITEM THAT I BROUGHT BEFORE THE THE PACE. WHY
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.