From City Hall: Consulting Ban, Park Expansion, and Charging Stations

At its first meeting in June, the Coral Gables City Commission:

No Consulting!

Voted 4-1 to prohibit City Commissioners from serving as paid campaign/political consultants for candidates vying for elected office in Coral Gables. The ordinance would also ban former elected officials from lobbying the City Commission for two years after their term ends. During the last election, there were rumors that Commissioner Ariel Fernandez was running then- Commissioner Kirk Menendez’s mayoral campaign. Commissioner Melissa Castro dissented on the basis that the legislation could potentially violate someone’s first Amendment right to political expression. She advocated for a revised ordinance with more specificity.

Fixing City Hall

Listened to an update on City Hall repairs. The plan was originally scheduled for two phases, but City Manager Peter Iglesias said his team is now attempting to condense it into one phase, which could save a year or more in time. The windows are awaiting approval by the Historical Board, which requested an assessment of them that Mayor Vince Lago and Iglesias opposed because of the cost – about $100,000 – and time involved. Instead of restoring the historic windows, new windows will be installed, though they will match the originals as much as possible while reinforcing safety standards.

Salvador Expansion

Voted 4-1 on second reading to approve the purchase of a parcel of land that will be used to expand Salvador Park. The Commission initially voted 3-2, which effectively canceled the acquisition as a supermajority vote of at least 4-1 was required. Later in the meeting, however, after comments from city staff on the importance of acquiring the land, Commissioner Ariel Fernandez changed his vote. He and Commissioner Melissa Castro initially voted against the
item, saying the property was too expensive. Two city appraisals priced the property at $2.6 and $2.9 million respectively, but the city will be purchasing the land for $3.1 million, which Fernandez and Castro considered too expensive. The city initially offered $3 million, before agreeing to $3.1 million in negotiations with the seller, who initially wanted $3.5 million.

Charging Time

Voted 4-0 to award a contract for 28 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to Blink. The stations will be in five parking garages and four parking lots, and will replace older units. Commissioner Castro was absent for the vote.