From City Hall II

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At their first meeting in September, the city commission:

Funded city hall’s restoration

Voted 5-0 to finance the restoration of City Hall by authorizing $40 million in capital improvement revenue bonds. The bonds will mature in 15 years and cost the city $3.6 million a year. In a related item, Mayor Vince Lago proposed putting a construction fence around the building, decorated with historical photos, an idea suggested by community engagement advisor Lora Lastra.

Expanded youth participation

Voted 5-0 to expand youth participation in city governance by dissolving the Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board and transitioning its members to a Coral Gables Youth Leadership Council. The item was sponsored by Mayor Lago, based on an idea from a member of the city’s Page Program.

Was updated on scooter controls

Listened to the results of a three-week crackdown on scooters operating in forbidden “no ride zones” (Miracle Mile, Giralda Plaza, Ponce downtown) – 114 citations and 8 scooters impounded – and an update on devices that will be installed to detect scooters and bicycles on sidewalks. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson.

Was updated on Nov. 11 blowout plans

Listened to a description of the city’s plans to commemorate Veterans’ Day (Nov. 11) by setting up a stage on Giralda Plaza for patriotic and popular music, holding a ceremony with the national anthem and color guard, hanging hundreds of flags across Giralda, and setting up play stations for kids (including creating “thank you” cards for veterans). Veterans from the Gables will also be honored from all branches of military service, with only one missing so far. “We are looking for a veteran of the Space Force,” said Commissioner Lara, who is leading the city’s efforts.

Was overjoyed with permit progress

Listened to an update on the city’s One Day Permit pilot program. The program promises one-day approval for routine permit requests, so long as the applications are filed by 8 am and fees are paid by close of day. The program will now be made permanent, based on initial success.

Was taken aback by Castro’s attacks

As a body, pushed back on Commissioner Castro’s attempts to derail the approval of the Crystal Residences, from her demanding that Chief Ed Hudak push his investigation of non-residents who advocated for the project, to trying to establish a financial connection to commission members.

At one point a furious Vice Mayor Anderson retorted that her effort “accusing us being on the take for that… is deplorable.” Commissioner Richard Lara said her presentation of a 2022 report that five urns of human ashes might still be buried there, with possible criminal implications (which Chief Hudak squashed) was a violation of proper procedure. “Discussing new evidence during a public forum” he said, could taint the evidence. “You don’t bring up evidence in a public forum unless there is an ulterior motivation,” referring to political grandstanding prior to the November election.

Agreed to pursue a major artwork

Voted 5-0 to ask staff to pursue the acquisition of “Fin,” a monumental 18-ton steel sculpture by famous (now deceased) American artist Richard Serra. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez suggested the piece could adorn the city’s new 5.5-acre Centennial Park.

Enjoyed a presentation of police innovations

Listened to a presentation of the Police Department’s expansion of its mounted patrol program, which now has two horses patrolling the streets of the Gables. “I seriously underestimated the popularity of horses in the city,” said Chief Hudak, who also unveiled the city’s new SHERP, a large, amphibious all-terrain vehicle that can carry (and rescue) six people through extreme environments, paid for by a state grant.

Was updated on marine patrols

Listened to an update on code enforcement along the Coral Gables waterway, with patrol boats going out 3 to 4 times a month, up from the previous pace of once a month. Code violations include obstruction of the waterway, illegal dumping, mangrove and tree encroachments, and work without permits. More resources were requested to bolster the two patrol boats covering 43 miles of waterfront.

Was urged to help keep waterways clean

Listened to Vice Mayor Anderson’s plea for all residents to participate in keeping the city clean in order to prevent trash ending up in the city’s waterways, including joining a coastal cleanup program with citizen volunteers. The city was unable, however, to come up with a solution to mitigate the current invasion of sargassum seaweed, which is polluting many of the canals that line waterfront homes along Biscayne Bay.

Agreed to further Phillip Park improvements

Voted 5-0 to invest a further $900,000 into improvements in Phillip Park, now undergoing $6 million in upgrades for athletic facilities. The new allocation would be used to restore the gazebo and redo the Bathrooms.

Was amazed by the latest city app

Listened to a presentation about Gables Go!, an “extended reality” virtual experience of 30 cultural sites in the city. The free, downloadable program allows users to cruise a digital recreation of the city landscape and click on each cultural site for an interactive experience that provides deep background to public art and historic icons like the Alhambra Water Tower, the Merrick House, the Desoto Fountain, etc. The idea is to encourage actual visits to the various Locations.

Agreed to further assist seniors and vets

Voted 5-0 to continue funding relief programs for seniors and veterans in need, championed by Commissioner Fernandez, so long as the current millage rate is maintained. Last year the relief fund provided assistance to 222 seniors and 87 veterans.

Encouraged city staff to pursue tour buses

Voted 5-0 to request that city staff continue its efforts to attract tour bus companies to include Coral Gables as a stop, something which the tour companies discontinued after the Umbrella Sky over Giralda Plaza was taken down. Sponsored by Commissioner Castro.