City Commission

City of Coral Gables 405 Biltmore Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 www.coralgables.com Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 13, 2015 9:00 AM City Hall, Commission Chambers City Commission Mayor Jim Cason Vice Mayor William H. Kerdyk, Jr. Commissioner Patricia Keon Commissioner Vince Lago Commissioner Frank C. Quesada Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager Craig E. Leen, City Attorney Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 ROLL CALL Present: 5 - Mayor Cason, Commissioner Keon, Vice Mayor Kerdyk Jr., Commissioner Lago and Commissioner Quesada INVOCATION Reverend Cathy Felber from the First United Methodist Church of South Miami gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Vince Lago led the Pledge of Allegiance. LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY The following minutes summary includes all presentations made, and actions taken which information is supplemented by the following exhibits on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and which are by reference made a part of the record herein: (a) Ordinance(s) adopted (Ordinance No. 2015-01); (b) Resolution(s) adopted (Resolution No. 2015-01 through Resolution No. 2015-05); (c) Video; (d) Audio Recording; (e) Minutes Folder with Agenda and background information, including items which were submitted at the meeting. A. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A.-1. 15-3600 Presentation of a Proclamation declaring January 5th - 9th, 2015 as "First Responder Appreciation Week" in Coral Gables. [Note for the Record (Agenda Item A-1): Mayor Cason prefaced his remarks by stating that he was happy to have with him the Interim Police Chief Ed Hudak and Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg; further stating that he had also received a letter several days ago from Florida Governor Rick Scott noting that as our state continues to mourn the deaths of two law enforcement officers, we are further reminded that the law enforcement officers, paramedics and firefighters face dangerous and uncertain situations daily, and as for their braveness and unselfishness, we owe them a great deal of gratitude and appreciation; further reading a proclamation into the public record declaring January 5th through January 9th as “First Responders Week in Coral Gables.” Following the reading of the aforementioned proclamation, Vice Mayor Kerdyk acknowledged that Coral Gables residents live in such a great and beautiful City, along with its historic preservation; further explaining that notwithstanding that despite everything being great in the City, one could throw this all out if it were not for the First Responders.; further pointing out that both our Police and Fire Departments do an City of Coral Gables Page 1 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 exceptional job for our residents and none of us know how much one really needs it until one needs it; further stating that he would just like to take this moment to thank each one of those firefighters, paramedics and police officers for all that they do for the City. Interim Police Chief Hudak stated that he has already said, this is a family affair, and the protection of our citizens and any other affected person starts with the Communications Operator’s dispatch from Police to Fire, further accentuated by the Governor’s recognition, to our City Commissions’ recognition of what we do each day, adding that it is a noble calling and that he is glad and honored to serve the citizens of the City of Coral Gables; further thanking the viewing public, City management and the City Commission on behalf of the officers and Communications Operators. Fire Chief Stolzenberg added that the ladies and gentlemen that work with him strive to provide that a great level of service, realizing fully that we will not always be able to provide that service and a safe environment; further explaining that it has been a pleasure to work with the Police Department, and that it is always known that our Police Department are behind us and sometimes in front of them; noting that the exchange of information, the effective collaboration, the fact that they work well with the Police Department is great; adding that the City is a great place to be; further thanking the City for the acknowledgement, and that they will continue to do the best job that they can]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 1 City of Coral Gables Page 2 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 A.-2. 15-3617 Presentation of 25 year service pin to David R. Johnson, Fire Department. Attachments: CM_25 Year Service Pin Recipients - David R. Johnson [Note for the Record: Human Resources Director Elsa Jaramillo-Velez presented David R. Johnson, for his 25 years of service; further noting that he began his career in Coral Gables as a firefighter recruit in 1990; became a Certified EMT in June of 1992, became a paramedic in June of 1998, Fire Inspector in November of 2002; was also “Firefighter of the Month” three times-August of 2001, May of 2006 and July of 2013, and was selected as “Firefighter of the Year” twice, once in 2001 and again in 2013, respectively. Mrs. Jaramillo further thanked David for his 25 years of dedicated and loyal service to the City. In accepting this accolade Mr. Johnson stated that 25 years have passed quickly, that he will not be staying another 25 years, it has been a pleasure working here, it has been a great opportunity, it has been filled with a lot of changes and experiences for him, and that he never thought that he would remain anywhere for 25 years; noting that working here is like being in a family, and that he really appreciates the people whom he worked with]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 2 City of Coral Gables Page 3 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 A.-3. 15-3616 Presentation of 20 year service pin to Jorge I. Romero, Public Works Department/ Public Service Division. Attachments: CM_20 Year Service Pin Recipients - Jorge Romero [Note for the Record: Following the reading of the title to Agenda Item A-3, Mayor Cason announced that Mr. Romero is working today and asked City Manager Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark whether this item was going to be presented. Ms. Swanson-Rivenbark replied that the leadership staff would be honored to present the item, that Mr. Romero had said he is hot and sweaty and he would rather continue working rather than coming into the Commission Chambers. Upon Mr. Romero’s arrival into the Commission Chambers, Human Resources Director Elsa Jaramillo-Velez stated that Mr. Romero is being recognized for his twenty years of service to the City; further stating that Mr. Romero started his employment with the City in January 1995 as a Maintenance Worker 1 and proceeded to become a Sanitation Worker in July of 1998, a position he holds to date. Glenn Kephart, Public Works Director, stated he also wanted to thank Mr. Romero, who is highly respected within the work group. Mr. Kephart added that from what he had heard that morning, Mr. Romero wasn’t going to make it to the Commission meeting because he was out working, which did not surprise Mr. Kephart because Mr. Romero is such a dedicated employee. Mr. Romero announced that he was very grateful for the recognition]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 3 City of Coral Gables Page 4 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 A.-4. 15-3601 Congratulations to Krizia Giambanco, Police Department, recipient of the "Employee of the Month Award," for the month of January 2015. Attachments: January 2015 Employee of the Month Cover Memo January 2015 Employee of the Month Letter [Note for the Record: Following the reading of the title to Agenda Item A-4 by Mayor Cason, Human Resources Director Elsa Jaramillo-Velez, announced that Krizia has been employed by the City since May 2013 and is the Administrative Analyst for the Police Department. Ms. Jaramillo-Velez said that Ms. Giambanco handles the budget for the Police Department and that without the backup of the employees, the daily activities would not be possible. Ms. Jaramillo Velez said that Krizia is that employee - she is motivated, always has a positive attitude, is very proactive and is a team player. After the “Employee of the Month” video was shown, Interim Police Chief Ed Hudak said that they are entrusted with the taxpayers’ money and the Police Department consumes a large amount of the City’s budget. Interim Police Chief Hudak pointed out, as Assistant Police Chief Michael Miller said in the video, he has the utmost faith that the Police Department is transparent and accounts for every dollar and on behalf of the entire Police Department; it is great to recognize Krizia because she represents the department beyond reproach. Ms. Giambanco said she is truly honored to have been selected “Employee of the Month”, that it is not the award that moves her, but it is the underlying acknowledgement that her efforts as an employee and helping others have an impact in the City. Ms. Giambanco stated she would like to accept this recognition on behalf of the Police Department because she is only one member of an amazing team]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 4 City of Coral Gables Page 5 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 A.-5. 15-3603 Congratulations to Sergeant Vicky Merino, recipient of the City of Coral Gables "Officer of the Month Award," for the month of November 2014. Attachments: November 2014 Officer of the Month Cover Memo November 2014 Officer of the Month Nomination Memo [Note for the Record: Following the reading of the title to Agenda Item A-5 by Mayor Cason, Interim Police Chief Ed Hudak said that it was a pleasure for him to recognize Sergeant Vicky Merino, who has been selected as the “Officer of the Month” for November 2014. Interim Police Hudak said that Sergeant Merino is being recognized for two exceptional cases. One of the cases was when Sergeant Merino noticed a few individuals in a vehicle and they were approaching people on the street. As you know, there are increased police efforts on the north end of the City because of its density and popularity. Sergeant Merino continued to watch from an unmarked car the individuals in the vehicle who seemed suspicious. The individuals were subsequently arrested for loitering, prowling and possession of counterfeit goods, particularly, cell phones, which they were trying to sell to people who were cutting grass in the area. Chief Hudak said the second case is one we are all very familiar with - it took place in the south end of the city where we were plagued with a couple of prolific burglars, who were going into houses, including attacking dogs. Interim Chief Hudak said an alert citizen called the Police Department as the burglars were seen leaving the area in what was believed to be a Mercedes Benz and Sergeant Merino, who was responding to the incident, actually saw the car at a high rate of speed, turning into Bird Road. Interim Police Chief Hudak stated it is assumed that the individuals in the vehicle realized that they were being followed because they continued to accelerate, which resulted in a horrific crash that morning at the intersection of Granada and Bird Road. Subsequently, all three individuals were able to get out of the vehicle and Sergeant Merino was able to keep an eye on the bad guys and at the same time render aid to one of the individuals who was severely injured. It is because of Sergeant Merino’s actions that those burglaries in the south end of the city were solved. Sergeant Merino said she wanted to give all the glory to God because if it wasn’t for Him, guiding her in the right direction and giving her the intuition to turn around and watch those suspicious people, she would have not been able to do it]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 5 City of Coral Gables Page 6 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 A.-6. 15-3604 Congratulations to Firefighter James Gossett, recipient of the City of Coral Gables "Firefighter of the Month Award," for the month of January 2015. Attachments: Cover Memo, FF of the Month, Jan 2015 FF of the Month Letter for Jan 2015 [Note for the Record: Following the reading of the title to Agenda Item A-6 by Mayor Cason, Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg thanked everyone for the opportunity to recognize the wonderful employees we have in the City; in particular Chief Stolzenberg said, he would like to recognize Firefighter James Gossett, who was selected as the January 2014 “Firefighter of the Month.” Chief Stolzenberg said that Firefighter Gossett worked on a computerized data system for the University of Miami hydrants system. Chief Stolzenberg said that the Fire Department responds to emergencies at the University of Miami and knowing where the hydrants are within the University can be a challenge. The Chief said the system that Firefighter Gossett worked on has collected vital information which will make responding to the University of Miami more accurate. Chief Stolzenberg added that Firefighter Gossett has been with the City of Coral Gables for over thirty years as a driver/engineer and is a fine example of the Fire Department. Chief Stolzenberg said that Firefighter Gossett’s father worked as a Deputy Chief for the City for over thirty years and certain members of his family also work for the Fire Department. Chief Stolzenberg said that Firefighter Gossett will be retiring next year and has always shown undeniable love and passion for his job. Chief Stolzenberg said he would like to congratulate Firefighter Gossett for being selected Firefighter of the Month and for his outstanding career. Firefighter Gossett said that the City of Coral Gables has been a great place to work for ; and that he is proud for following his family’s tradition]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 6 B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES B.-1. 15-3624 Regular City Commission Meeting of September 23, 2014. City of Coral Gables Page 7 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Attachments: Meeting Minutes Verbatim Transcript - Item D-1 Verbatim Transcript - Item H-1 Verbatim Transcript - Item H-3 September 23 2014 City Manager Search - Part 1 September 23 2014 City Manager Search - Part 2 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item C-2 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item C-3 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-3 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-6 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item F-1 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item F-2 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item F-3 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item H-2 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item I-1 Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item I-2 A motion was made by Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Lago, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote. Yeas : 4- Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada and Mayor Cason Absent : 1- Commissioner Keon City Clerk Item No. 7 B.-2. 15-3625 Regular City Commission Meeting of October 28, 2014. Attachments: Meeting Minutes Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-9 - Reso approving waiver for utilization of 36 remote off-str Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item F-1 - Discussion regarding Kerdyk Tennis Center - Commissio Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item H-1 - Reso approving the implementation of a Residential Side Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item H-2 - Discussion and-or possible action regarding trash pit mit Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Items E-7 and E-8 are related - Zoning Code Amendment and City Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item D-2 - Ed Macie USDA Urban Forestry Regional Director prese Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-1 - TREE APPEAL Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-2 - Ordinance amending City Code Forfeiture of Abandoned Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-3 - Change of Zoning - Zoning Code Text Amendment from Verbatim Transcript - Agenda Item E-5 and E-6 are related Change of Land Use and Change of Z A motion was made by Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Quesada, that this matter be approved. The motion passed by the following vote. Yeas : 4- Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada and Mayor Cason Absent : 1- Commissioner Keon City Clerk Item No. 8 City of Coral Gables Page 8 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 C. CONSENT AGENDA All items listed within this section entitled "Consent Agenda" are considered to be self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion, unless a member of the City Commission or a citizen so requests, in which case, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered along with the regular order of business. Hearing no objections to the items listed under the "Consent Agenda", a vote on the adoption of the Consent Agenda will be taken. Passed the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Quesada, seconded by Commissioner Lago, to Adopt the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yeas : 4- Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada and Mayor Cason Absent : 1- Commissioner Keon RESOLUTION NO. 2015-01 C.-1. 15-3605 A Resolution authorizing the Coral Gables Community Foundation to use Lot 7 during the annual "Tour of Kitchens Fundraiser" on Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and waiving the parking fees for use of the lot. Attachments: CG Foundation Resolution C-1 Signed Cover Memo A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO USE LOT 7 DURING THE ANNUAL “TOUR OF KITCHENS” FUNDRAISER ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015 FROM 9 AM-4 PM AND WAIVING THE PARKING FEES FOR USE OF THE LOT. This Matter was adopted by Resolution Number 2015-01 on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 9 City of Coral Gables Page 9 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 RESOLUTION NO. 2015-02 C.-2. 15-3602 A Resolution authorizing the City to be a sponsor of the "37th Annual Conference of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation," at the silver level. Attachments: C-2 Signed Cover Memo Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Resolution A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE 37TH ANNUAL “CONFERENCE OF THE FLORIDA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION”, AT THE SILVER LEVEL. This Matter was adopted by Resolution Number 2015-02 on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 10 RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03 C.-3. 15-3606 A Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement for sewer connection for property located outside the City’s sewer district at 1231 Dickinson Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, to the City of Coral Gables wastewater collection / transmission system, subject to the requirements of the Public Works Department as provided under Chapters 62 and 78 of the City Code, Ordinance No. 2007-29 and 2009-39 and Resolution No. 2008-07; and provided that the executed agreement be made part of this Resolution. Attachments: UHealth Resolution Letter of Agreement City Code 78-106 Ordinance No. 2007-29 Ordinance No. 2009-39 Resolution No. 2008-07 C-3 Signed Cover Memo A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR SEWER CONNECTION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CITY’S SEWER DISTRICT AT 1231 DICKINSON DRIVE, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA TO THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES WASTEWATER COLLECTION / TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER CHAPTERS 62 AND 78 OF THE CITY CODE, ORDINANCE NO. 2007-29 AND 2009-39 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2008-07; AND PROVIDED THAT THE EXECUTED AGREEMENT BE MADE PART OF THIS RESOLUTION. This Matter was adopted by Resolution Number 2015-03 on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 11 City of Coral Gables Page 10 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 RESOLUTION NO. 2015-04 C.-4. 15-3610 A Resolution of the Coral Gables City Commission authorizing donation of a designated surplus item namely, a 1995 Ford F-800 water truck to the Fire Department of La Antigua, Guatemala, on behalf of the City of Coral Gables Sister Cities Program. Attachments: Water Truck Donation Resolution C-4 Signed Cover Memo E-mail from Automotive Director Photographs of Water Truck A RESOLUTION OF THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING DONATION OF DESIGNATED SURPLUS ITEM NAMELY, A 1995 FORD F-800 WATER TRUCK TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF LA ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES’ SISTER CITIES PROGRAM. This Matter was adopted by Resolution Number 2015-04 on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 12 Presentation of Boards and/or Committees minutes requesting no action from the City Commission: a. 15-3607 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting of November 25, 2014 Attachments: Parks & Recreation 11-25-14 Minutes Parks & Recreation 11-25-14 Cover Memo This Matter was approved on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 13 b. 15-3608 Disability Affairs Advisory Board Meeting of December 3, 2014 Attachments: Disability Affairs 12-3-14 Cover Memo Disability Affairs 12-3-14 Minutes This Matter was approved on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 14 c. 15-3609 Historic Preservation Board Meeting of November 20, 2014 Attachments: HPB Minutes of 11-20-14 HPB.11.20.14MinutesforCC01.13.15 This Matter was approved on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 15 City of Coral Gables Page 11 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 d. 15-3615 Retirement Board Meeting of November 13, 2014 Attachments: Minutes.11-13-2014 Retirement Board Minutes Cover Sheet This Matter was approved on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Item No. 16 D. PERSONAL APPEARANCES D.-1. 15-3618 Fausto Gomez, Gomez Barker Associates, Inc., regarding Legislative Priorities. [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item D-1 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 17 D.-2. 15-3623 Presentation of the “Coral Gables App,” by the IT Department development team. Attachments: Mobile App (2015) [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item D-2 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. This Presentation/Protocol Document was Presented and Filed City Clerk Item No. 18 D.-3. 15-3619 Jack Thompson, regarding the profession of police officer. [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item D-3 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. This Agenda Item was Discussed and Filed City Clerk Item No. 19 City of Coral Gables Page 12 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 E. PUBLIC HEARINGS ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING ORDINANCE NO. 2015-01 E.-1. 14-3437 An Ordinance of the City Commission of Coral Gables, Florida, amending the Code of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, by creating Sections 34-175 through 34-186 of the City Code, "Forfeiture of Abandoned Real Property" of Chapter 34 "Nuisances," to create a process by which the city can take and perfect right, title and interest in and to such properties which are or remain in violation of the City Code or Zoning Code; and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, and providing for an effective date. (Passed on First Reading October 28, 2014) Attachments: Abandoned Real Property Ordinance 10-14-14 E-3 Signed Cover Memo 10-14-14 Signed Resolution 2014-222 E-1 Signed Cover Memo 01-13-15 Abandoned Real Property Ordinance 01-13-15 Signed Ordinance 2015-01.pdf AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, BY CREATING SECTIONS 34-175 THROUGH 34-186 OF THE CITY CODE, “FORFEITURE OF ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY” OF CHAPTER 34 “NUISANCES”, TO CREATE A PROCESS BY WHICH THE CITY CAN TAKE AND PERFECT RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST IN AND TO SUCH PROPERTIES WHICH ARE OR REMAIN IN VIOLATION OF THE CITY CODE OR ZONING CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALER, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item E-1 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. A motion was made by Commissioner Quesada, seconded by Commissioner Lago, that this matter be adopted by Ordinance Number 2015-01. The motion passed by the following vote. Yeas : 5- Commissioner Keon, Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada and Mayor Cason City Clerk Item No. 20 City of Coral Gables Page 13 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 ORDINANCE NO. 2015-02 E.-2. 14-3510 An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, creating in accordance with the City Code, Article III, Division 1, Section 2-64, the Hopkins/Cooper Scholarship Committee and setting forth guidelines by which such Committee shall be governed and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification and providing for an effective date. (Passed on First Reading November 18, 2014) Attachments: E-8 Signed Cover Memo 11-18-14 E-2 Signed Cover Memo 11-13-15 Scholarship Ordinance 11-18-14 Scholarship Ordinance 01-13-15 Signed Ordinance 2015-02.pdf AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES COMMISSION CREATING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY CODE, ARTICLE III, DIVISION 1, SECTION 2-64, THE HOPKINS/COOPER SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE AND SETTING FORTH GUIDELINES BY WHICH SUCH COMMITTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALER, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion was made by Commissioner Keon, seconded by Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., that this matter be adopted by Ordinance Number 2015-02. The motion passed by the following vote. Yeas : 5- Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada, Commissioner Keon and Mayor Cason City Clerk Item No. 21 F. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS None City Clerk Item No. 22 City of Coral Gables Page 14 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 G. BOARDS/COMMITTEES ITEMS RESOLUTION NO. 2015-05 G.-1. 15-3611 Presentation of excerpts from the Historic Preservation Board meeting of December 11, 2014, requesting the following action: That the City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing Ad Valorem tax relief for the property located at 2622 Country Club Prado, a local historic landmark, legally described as Lots 11 thru 13, Block 14, Coral Gables Section “D”, as recorded in Plat Book 25, at Page 74, of the Public Records of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The cost of improvements is estimated at $400,000.00, which would correspond approximately to $2,235.60 per year and $22,356.00 over ten years. (Historic Preservation Board Vote:7-0) Attachments: AV2013-004 Resolution-Draft AV2013-004.2622CountryClubPrado-Staff Report COA(ST)2013-137-COA(ST)2013-145-COA(ST)2013-151 COA(ST)2014-007-COA(ST)2014-010-COA(ST)2014-015-COA(ST)2014-03 AV2013.004.Part2.and.Photos Signed Report November 2013 HPBMinutesDec.11.2014MinuteExcerp 2622CountryClubPrado-PPT AV2013-004.Part1.and.Photos G-1 Signed Cover Memo [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item G-1 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Lago, that this matter be adopted by Resolution Number 2015-05. The motion passed by the following vote. Yeas : 5- Commissioner Lago, Commissioner Quesada, Commissioner Keon, Vice Mayor Kerdyk, Jr. and Mayor Cason City Clerk Item No. 23 H. CITY MANAGER ITEMS H.-1. 15-3612 Discussion on North Ponce Study and related planning issues. Attachments: North Ponce Study Director of Planning and Zoning memo_updated123014 H-1 Signed Cover Memo [Note for the Record: The verbatim transcript for Agenda Item H-1 is available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and in Legistar]. This Agenda Item was Discussed and Filed City Clerk Item No. 24 City of Coral Gables Page 15 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 I. CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS None City Clerk Item No. 25 J. CITY CLERK ITEMS None City Clerk Item No. 26 K. DISCUSSION ITEMS Mayor Cason: Just before we go into Executive Session, does anybody have any discussion items they want to bring up afterwards? Vice Mayor Kerdyk: It’s going to take me three minutes. Mayor Cason: If it’s short, go ahead. City Attorney Leen: You can do it either way although we have to be clear that we are going to be having the discussion after the Executive Session so the public knows. Mayor Cason: Well let’s do the discussion now then if it’s not long discussions. City Manager Swanson-Rivenbark: Just for clarification though for the people that were a part of this North Ponce, there is no further discussion related to North Ponce. The staff will come back with recommendations. Mayor Cason: OK. Pat. Commissioner Keon: I would like us to - I know there are so many projects on the table right now, I hate to put more on you, but I’d like us to look to begin to look again at annexation into High Pines and the unincorporated areas to our south so that maybe we can look at between Sunset and the borders of Pinecrest, we have continuous City or municipal areas, as opposed to unincorporated Dade County, and if that includes a discussion with regard to North Gables, if that includes a discussion to North Gables as well. I really think it is very much in our interest to grow the City to 50,000 people. City of Coral Gables Page 16 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Mayor Cason: I agree. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: We are going to do it when we put all the density in that northeast quadrant. [Laughter] Mayor Cason: Where the trailer parks are. Commissioner Keon: But I think we can look at - I’d like us to begin to look at dust off the stuff and begin that look. Once we get…they’ll appoint people in those communities. Mayor Cason: In fact the County has already asked us to start on this. Commissioner Lago: And it’s a very….because the homes in that area really fit in line with what the City… Commissioner Keon: But there is a process. Commissioner Lago: And also the services that have to be rendered versus the tax base just really make sense for the City. Commissioner Keon: It does. It would be a good thing for our City. So I’d like us to start to move forward with that again. Mayor Cason: Bill. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Yes - just a few things. First of all, we have 90 projects that sort of threw me, so when I tell you the next three just put them way down on the aisle there, but just for the question to enhance the beauty of the City very quickly. We have - we always look at our green spaces, open spaces as being very, very important there is an open space behind Ponce de Leon High School, south of Ponce de Leon that divides Ponce from that to the residential area, if you could look at possibly enhancing the landscaping in that location, and I’m not necessarily meaning to put drainage and stuff, I think that maybe you could enhance that a little bit for everybody and sort of buffer Ponce de Leon from the neighbors. Second one, same type of thing - in the Mayor’s location, Alhambra Circle is one of our most prestigious locations and you City of Coral Gables Page 17 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 know we have these beautiful banyan trees, nothing grows under, something may grow underneath it, but it’s just dirt underneath in a lot of locations. Can we plant ferns or enhance…? Commissioner Keon: What is that grass called?- they did it on… Vice Mayor Kerdyk: We need to do something. Commissioner Keon: Is it on Sevilla, it’s right off of the fountain, right off of the De Soto Fountain there is a strip, a median and they planted, I don’t know what it’s called. If there is something that grows in real shade that looks like it’s relatively successful there, I’m not sure what that street is, Cathy, but it’s just west of the De Soto Fountain. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: We should really have those as one of our main boulevards looking really the way it should look. And then the final thing is that I brought it up before, the previous City Manager didn’t think it was much, but over by your area Cathy, over by the Youth Center we have those beautiful lots that sit, I guess to the south of the library and the Youth Center, I know we can’t build on it, I know the restrictions that are in those lots, but maybe we can enhance the beauty by planting some beds there or something that ties it in with that central location in our community - flowers, something that just enhances the beauty. Those three things. Mayor Cason: Good idea. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Thank you. And very quickly, of course we have a preeminent runner in our location here, actually he is going to go for two long 26 mile run, marathon here in the very foreseeable future, anyway we have a Corporate Run coming up and I just want to make sure that the City of Coral Gables lead by our marathon runner is able to participate in that. City Manager Swanson-Rivenbark: And we’ve told them that if they run we’ll provide the shirts. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: OK - very good. Mayor Cason: And water. City of Coral Gables Page 18 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Vince and I and Frank are going to be running, OK, it’s only three miles. City Attorney Leen: So what the Commission has done in the past and maybe in an appropriate amount and let the City Manager decide what would be appropriate. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Yes - appropriate, I think that’s how we’ve done it before. Thanks for bringing that up. City Attorney Leen: People donate things too, like I donated the tent, some of the participants donate the food. It’s a great time, I really recommend everyone come. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: We actually do very well too. City Attorney Leen: We won last year. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Yes, we won last year. City Attorney Leen: We have won several years and we are one of the best teams in the state. Mayor Cason: Make sure we have our TV crew there to film this… City Attorney Leen: I will e-mail you all the date. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Craig is really good. When you go to Paris and go marathon running you are good; and then the last thing, if you would please look at your schedules, I apologize; I cannot make it next Tuesday, the next Commission meeting on Tuesday. I don’t know if we can switch to Wednesday or not, we don’t have to talk again. Commissioner Lago: I don’t have an issue with that. Vice Mayor Kerdyk: City Manager can you talk to each one and see - if there is a problem I just can’t be there. I don’t want to inconvenience anybody, I apologize for the situation. Thank you. Mayor Cason: No problem. City of Coral Gables Page 19 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Commissioner Lago: Just one issue. My issue is I had a conversation with Madam City Manager yesterday at our session prior to today’s Commission meeting, and the discussion was potentially looking into reducing the citywide speed limit to 25 miles an hour. I know that Commissioner Quesada has discussed that on previous occasions and the City Manager mentioned that she will be looking into it and they are actually going to be having some discussions because other municipalities are also looking into that, so it may be a good union between municipalities that abut our City. Mayor Cason: Frank. Commissioner Lago: I took the app from you. Commissioner Quesada: So that’s good. So that you know the last conversation we had is that the County has certain requirements where there are speed changes coming into and out of our City. Our former City Manager was working on an exact detailed, I guess, grid on exactly where we could and where we could not do it and that’s what we were waiting on before we voted on it. So just so you know Madam City Manager that’s where we are at. It was before Carmen. City Manager Swanson-Rivenbark: I know. Commissioner Quesada: One thing I had, if we can put it on E-NEWS, I got -- I won’t say reprimanded, but you talked about recycling cardboard that we can do it, you just have to break it down the right way, so I know Jessica Keller and her department are the ones that oversee that. If they can create sort of a simple worksheet saying what you can and can’t do, because if you breakdown a cardboard box, you cut it up and you put it in, then it can be recycled. Commissioner Keon: I think the issue is providing you with enough bins that you can do that with, because each of us gets one bin or something, so that seems to be a problem. But you know there is no reason why we can’t do it now, it doesn’t need to wait until the sustainability study is completed and fully implemented. Commissioner Quesada: We can recycle it now, if you cut it down the right way, so that you can just put something on E-NEWS. If you want to recycle cardboard here’s how you do it, something simple. City of Coral Gables Page 20 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Commissioner Keon: Absolutely. I would tell you….recycle cardboard this is how you do it, but we need to make sure that they have the bins or whatever you need in order to put it in. Mayor Cason: And I’ll put it in the letter that I send around. Commissioner Lago: You know what we can also do, I’m not sure how you receive it in the mail or it comes some other way, but when you get your trash bill we should add maybe a hand out or a flyer attached to the trash bill that says, number one, if you’d like to receive an additional bin we offer this service for recycling, if you’d also like to recycle cardboard or any other similar materials this is how you can do it and give them simple steps, because I’m telling you down my street today it was probably ten pits full of cardboard, Christmas things, which all that can be recycled, all that can be recycled. Commissioner Keon: We should be able to look at whether we can create a revenue stream from recycling or at least if it should reduce - if we can recycle it, it should actually reduce the fees related to the trash pickup, so there is a financial benefit to the City to recycle cardboard. Mayor Cason: Anything else Frank? On the speed issue there was some kind of a study being done for Gables By The Sea that has been - it’s got part of it in Pinecrest, part of it in Coral Gables and there is a different speed limit in Pinecrest than in Coral Gables and they’ve trying this in associations for a long time to get it reduced. I think Plummer was doing a study; I’m not sure where it stands. I’d like to know where that is. Alright we are going to recess now and… City Attorney Leen: Mr. Mayor, two things - on the COLA matter, the City Manager has decided to recuse as she is one of the retirees, so she is not going to participate in that Executive Session or that matter. She made that decision herself; I think it’s a wise decision. So I need a motion though just for purposes of the Sunshine Law to make sure we dot all our I’s, cross all our T’s. I would like a motion to appoint Carmen Olazabal to be the acting City Manager for purposes of that one issue. Commissioner Quesada: So moved. Commissioner Keon: Seconded. City of Coral Gables Page 21 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 Mayor Cason: City Clerk. Commissioner Quesada: Yes Commissioner Keon: Yes Vice Mayor Kerdyk: Yes Commissioner Lago: Yes Mayor Cason: Yes (Vote: 5-0) City Attorney Leen: And Mr. Mayor, I would also like to request an Executive Session in the Alhambra Center International v. City of Coral Gables matter, which is an Appellate Division Case 14-347-AP, that is the case involving the Giralda Avenue streetscape. I’d also like to report to you that the Miracle Mile Streetscape is going forward for its bond validation hearing in early February, I’ll send you information about that, and we are waiting to get a date for the Giralda Avenue one, but this Executive Session will also give me the opportunity to update you on this case. Mayor Cason: OK. That will be a future… City Attorney Leen: Yes, that will be a future date. Mayor Cason: Alright, so then we will go into recess and take up these matters and then… City Attorney Leen: What I would suggest Mr. Mayor is to go get lunch, when we come back I will read - let me just read it now while we are still in public session because we are going to turn off the television. This is an attorney-client Executive Session, L-1, attorney-client Executive Session closed to the public, pursuant to Section 286.0118 of the Florida Statutes for purposes of discussing settlement negotiations and strategy relating to litigation expenditures in the matter pending in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit entitled Murhee et al. v. City of Coral Gables, Case No. 13-20731 CA (Fla. 11th Jud. Cir.) This session may be attended by the following individuals: Mayor Jim Cason, Commissioner Patricia Keon, Vice Mayor William H. Kerdyk, Commissioner Vince Lago, Commissioner Frank C. Quesada, acting City Manager Carmen Olazabal, City Attorney Craig Leen, Deputy City Attorney Bridgette Thornton, Assistant City Attorney Yaneris Figueroa, Special Counsel Raoul Cantero, Special Counsel Neal McAliley, and Special Counsel Jim Linn. A certified Court Reporter will be present to ensure that the session is fully transcribed, and the City of Coral Gables Page 22 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 transcripts will be made available to the public upon the conclusion of the above-stated litigation. At the conclusion of the Attorney-Client session, the City Commission meeting will be reopened and the person chairing the Commission meeting will announce the termination of the Attorney-Client session. All members of the public are invited to attend the regular portion of the Regular City Commission meeting. City Clerk Item No. 27 L. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS L.-1. 15-3620 Attorney-Client executive session, closed to the public pursuant to section 286.011(8) of the Florida Statutes, for purposes of discussing settlement negotiations and strategy relating to litigation expenditures in the matter pending in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit entitled Murhee et al. v. City of Coral Gables, Case No. 13-20731 CA (Fla. 11th Jud. Cir.) This session may be attended by the following individuals: Mayor Jim Cason, Commissioner Patricia Keon, Vice Mayor William H. Kerdyk, Commissioner Vince Lago, Commissioner Frank C. Quesada, Acting City Manager Carmen Olazabal, City Attorney Craig Leen, Deputy City Attorney Bridgette Thornton, Assistant City Attorney Yaneris Figueroa, Special Counsel Raoul Cantero, Special Counsel Neal McAliley, and Special Counsel Jim Linn. A certified Court Reporter will be present to ensure that the session is fully transcribed, and the transcripts will be made available to the public upon the conclusion of the above-stated litigation. At the conclusion of the Attorney-Client session, the City Commission meeting will be reopened and the person chairing the Commission meeting will announce the termination of the Attorney-Client session. City Clerk Item No. 28 L.-2. 15-3621 Attorney-Client executive session, closed to the public pursuant to section 286.011(8) of the Florida Statutes, for purposes of discussing settlement negotiations and strategy relating to litigation expenditures in the matter pending in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit entitled Navarro v. City of Coral Gables, Case No. 13-15577-CA (Fla. 11th Jud. Cir.). This session may be attended by the following individuals: Mayor Jim Cason, Commissioner Patricia Keon, Vice Mayor William H. Kerdyk, Commissioner Vince Lago, Commissioner Frank C. Quesada, City Manager Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Attorney Craig Leen, Deputy City Attorney Bridgette Thornton, Assistant City Attorney Yaneris Figueroa, and Special Counsel Cary Lubetsky. A certified Court Reporter will be present to ensure that the session is fully transcribed, and the transcripts will be made available to the public upon the conclusion of the above-stated litigation. At the conclusion of the Attorney-Client session, the City Commission meeting will be reopened and the person chairing the Commission meeting will announce the termination of the Attorney-Client session. City Clerk Item No. 29 City of Coral Gables Page 23 City Commission Meeting Minutes January 13, 2015 ADJOURNMENT [Note for the Record: There being no further business on the Regular City Commission Meeting Agenda. The Commission of the City of Coral Gables adjourned its meeting at 1:13 pm on January 13, 2015. The next regular meeting of the City Commission has been scheduled for January 28, 2015, beginning 9 a.m.] JIM CASON MAYOR ATTEST: WALTER J. FOEMAN CITY CLERK City of Coral Gables Page 24