Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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CONTENTS:Former City Employee Pleads Guilty To Theft
Metal Roofs Discussion Continues
City Presents Mid Year Budget Report
Trimming Vegetation Before Arrival Of Dangerous Storms
Saluting Miami’s Leaders Award Recipients
Call DERM For Environmental Complaints
Hurricane Preparation 101
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Former City Employee Pleads Guilty To Theft >>> A former employee of the City of Coral Gables Building and Zoning Department pled guilty to charges of official misconduct and first-degree grand theft, uncovered by an internal investigation launched last year at the direction of City Manager David L. Brown. Jorge Reyes, a 9-year City employee, created false payroll and work records for “ghost” workers and split the stolen money with accomplices who did not work for the City. Under the plea agreement, Reyes will make restitution to the City in the amount of $100,000, and will cooperate with all investigating authorities in the on-going Department investigation, in addition to facing jail time. The former employee will also forfeit all rights to accrued pension and retirement benefits from the City of Coral Gables. As a result of this investigation, new policies and procedures have been implemented to prevent similar criminal wrongdoing. The Coral Gables Police Department, in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office, is completing a comprehensive examination of employee records and is still conducting numerous interviews with other City personnel to conclude this investigation.
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Metal Roofs Discussion Continues >>> On June 5, members of the City Commission deferred a recommendation to amend the Zoning Code to allow metal roofs on single family residences in Coral Gables. The Commission asked staff to bring back a more detailed recommendation for allowing metals roofs in the City, to expressly include a process for historic properties, a limitation on the type and color of metal roofs that will be allowed, and whether metal roofs should be allowed citywide or in a specific neighborhood or area of the City, among additional requirements. The City Commission will review a new proposed ordinance for metal roofs on First Reading at their next meeting of June 26, which is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. Materials associated with the June 26th agenda item should be available for download on the City’s website by Friday, June 22nd. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Planning Department at 305-460-5211.
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City Presents Mid Year Budget Report >>> The mid year budget report for fiscal year 2006-2007 was presented at the last City Commission Meeting to review the finances of the past six months. The total estimated revenues since October 1, 2006 have been adjusted at mid-year to reflect new projections, which resulted in a revised annual budget of $149,565,696, a net increase of $11,351,925. This net increase in revenues is attributed primarily to funds received from the Miami-Dade Bond Program. The total annual operating department expenditures were also adjusted to $129,983,528 at mid-year, for a net increase of $1,996,405. With the additional revenues, it is projected that the General Fund Reserve will increase to $1.4 million this year, which should bring the total reserve fund to $6.2 million by the end of September, 2007. This fund is used for unexpected expenditures such as those incurred during hurricane season.
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Trimming Vegetation Before Arrival Of Dangerous Storms >>> Florida Power and Light has an ongoing vegetation management program that consists of an average tree trimming cycle length of three-years for distribution feeder circuits and six-years for distribution lateral circuits throughout its service area. More importantly, FPL also tracks and adjusts trimming based on the performance of each line. In Coral Gables, this vegetation management program cleared 20 feeder circuits and 22 lateral circuits last year. This year, nine feeder circuits and six lateral circuits are planned for completion before the end of July, the height of the hurricane season. When power lines are located in rear yard utility easements, the line clearance process often requires that FPL tree trimming contractors be permitted access to private property in order to perform the work. The City supports FPL in these efforts and encourages residents to both provide this access and to not hinder the tree trimming process, which benefits all residents. The City of Coral Gables further urges residents to carefully consider where trees and palms are planted in relation to power lines. For this reason, the City of Coral Gables supports consideration of the recommendations made in FPL’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program and strongly emphasize that citizens select the right kind of trees to plant in backyards and away from power lines. The planting of palm trees is particularly problematic when trees are located too close to power lines since trimming may result in the death of the plant. At times therefore, complete removal or relocation of some palms and trees is a good solution to long term line clearance. Residents should thoughtfully consider any proposal that FPL might make to stay clear from power lines. For more information about what is the right tree to plant in your backyard, click here.
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Saluting Miami’s Leaders Award Recipients >>> Leadership Miami, a program of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, recently recognized seven citizens at the Salute to Miami’s Leaders Award. Five distinguished Coral Gables residents were recipient of this recognition for their significant contributions to the community, to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and their chosen profession. Among the chosen were our own Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick chosen as a top leader in the government category, William Holly of Holly Real Estate for entrepreneurial leadership, Phillis Oeters of Baptist Health South Florida for non-profit/cultural achievements, Sandy Gonzalez-Levy of Terremark for public relations/marketing, and Peter J. Dolara of American Airlines as recipient of the Henry M. Flagler Award. Congratulations to this fine group of leaders for representing the City of Coral Gables in such an outstanding manner.
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Call DERM For Environmental Complaints >>> The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) responds to environmental complaints and emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The following situations should be reported to DERM immediately: Liquid waste discharges or spills into storm drains, street drains, parking lot drains, waterways or onto the open ground; Tanker trucks dumping waste into manholes, drainage structures, waterways, or on the ground; Any spill or discharge to the environment of suspected (hazardous) waste; Chemical spills or dumping incidents; any dumping of chemical drums or containers or abandoned drums; Discharge or spills of gasoline, oil or waste hydrocarbons; fuel fumes in drainage structures or manholes; Discharge or spills of pesticides; any dumping of pesticide containers; Sewage overflows from any source; Smoke or dust emissions from any facility; Any severe odor or vapor that affects the eyes and/or breathing, or results in skin irritation; Turbid (cloudy) water in any waterway, canal, or Biscayne Bay; Removal, cutting or bulldozing of trees, including mangroves in coast (particularly during the evenings or on weekends); Fish kills (numbering more than 50 fish in one general location); Any dredging or filling in or along Biscayne Bay. Call the DERM Complaint Desk at 305-372-6955. Environmental Crimes may be reported to the Miami-Dade County Police Department Environmental Crimes Unit at 305-477-1616.
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Hurricane Preparation 101 >>> Did you know that a typical hurricane produces the energy equivalent to 8,000 one-megaton bombs? Were you aware that 90 percent of those who die from hurricanes die from drowning? Don’t wait until the last minute to take certain precautions that you can perform ahead of time, before a storm arrives. Before a storm approaches, check storm drains in your neighborhood for accumulation of leaves, debris and trash. Clear drains before a storm to prevent debris from clogging the drainage system which can eventually lead to flooding. If a storm is approaching, do not leave any garbage, debris or trash outside. Place it instead in a garage or an enclosed space where it will not become a harmful projectile. City collection schedules will change when a storm approaches. Do not trim branches and trees just before a storm strikes the area. There is no guarantee that City crews will have time to collect yard waste at that time. Use common sense when preparing for the arrival of a storm, and find out the latest information from the City of Coral Gables by watching Coral Gables Television on Channel 77 for Comcast subscribers, or listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between Southwest 16th Street and South Dixie Highway: Expect lane closures at various locations on Le Jeune Road between the hours of 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. Crews are in the final stages of construction which includes minor concrete work, signalization improvements and roadway resurfacing. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Side streets adjacent to Le Jeune Road may be affected by the work. For more information, contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or via email at carlos.sarmiento@dot.state.fl.us.
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Events Roundup >>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of events in Coral Gables, click here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center has created a special yoga class just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in the older generation. The class will be held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
June 13: Enjoy a Tuscan Wine Themed Dinner at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel. Tuscan influenced dishes will be paired with specially selected Italian wines. The trip for your taste buds begins at 7 p.m. at the 1200 Courtyard Grill located on the grounds of the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. The fee for Cellar Club and Premier Members is $59, non-members pay $75. Reserve your seat by calling 305-913-3203.
June 15: Junie B. Jones is coming to Books and Books as part of the “Stupid Smelly Bus Tour.” Kids will have the opportunity of meeting Junie B. and Mr. Woo in person. All the fun starts at 4 p.m. at Books and Books which is located at 265 Aragon Avenue. For more information, call 305-442-4408.
June 16 – July 15: GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel presents the world premier of the play Smut. The play is inspired by the real life collision of sexual educator, Ida Craddock and America's censor Anthony Comstock. Ticket price for performances on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. is $35. For Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., the price is $40. For more information, call the box office at 305-445-1119.
June 16 & 23: City Theatre presents a new child oriented performance of the original Summer Shorts Festival. Shorts for Kids! offers a brand new experience with short plays geared toward children ages 10 and older. Bring your child to the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater located at 405 University Drive for a festival of fun. The performance starts at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5. Call the box office at 305-365-5400.
June 18 – 29: With summer just around the corner, it’s time to make sure the younger residents of Coral Gables can be safe in the water. American Red Cross instructors are offering Youth Swim Instruction at Venetian Pool Monday through Friday. Classes are available during three time periods: 8:30 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. Children must be 5 years of age and older and provide a birth certificate at registration. The cost of the two-week session is $42. Other sessions will be held from July 2 to July 13 and from July 16 to July 27. For more information, call 305-460-5600 or click here.
June 18 - 29: The Parks and Recreation Department has created a half-day summer camp program just for young art lovers. The Youth Artist Camp, held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., gives children the opportunity to work on two and three-dimensional projects using painting, sculpture, weaving and other mediums. The two-week session is geared toward children ages 7 through 14 and will be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Center, 405 University Drive. The cost of the camp is $189 for Youth Center members, $252 for residents and $315 for non-members. An art related field trip and camp T-shirt is included. Other Youth Artist Camp sessions will be held July 2 through 13 and July 16 through 27. Call 305-460-5600 to register or visit www.gablesrecreation.com.
June 18 – July 3: The Fantasy Theatre Factory takes its show to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden where it will give the classic fairytale of Cinderella a modern twist. Cinderella, A Fractured Fairy Tale can appeal to all age groups. Performance times are 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $6. For performance days or to purchase tickets, call 305-284-8800. The Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road.
June 19 – 23: The Miami International Guitar Festival hosted by University of Miami Frost School of Music is offering the community a variety of concerts, workshops and master classes by accomplished performers and teachers. Concerts by young, emerging guitarists from around the world will be held at the Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall which is part of the Frost School of Music, 1314 Miller Drive. Ramiro Martinez, Raul Olmos, Vladislav Blaha, Rafael Padron and Michael Chapledaine are just some of the performers. A Concert Series pass for five performances costs $60 per person; individual concerts cost $10 per person. For a complete list of master class lectures and featured artists, click here. For any other questions or to purchase tickets, call 305-284-2083.
June 19 – July 28: Get your children interested in theater early in life with performances especially created for a younger audience. The Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre presents The Fabulous Fable Factory. See how a little girl helps a factory of fable characters recreate famous fables. The performances are held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $12. The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile. For more information or to buy tickets, call 305-444-9293.
June 21: Coral Gables Congregational Church Summer Concert Series brings you the most sought after trio in the world, the Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio. The all-female chamber ensemble may change the way the world of classical music is viewed. The performance at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with ticket prices varying from $25 to $35 when purchased in advance. Order tickets by calling 305-448-7421, extension 33.
June 21: Hurricanes impact the community even if there is not a direct hit. Small businesses suffer losses if unable to properly prepare for the threat of, and do business after, a hurricane. The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center have teamed up to offer Coral Gables small business ownersa Hurricane Preparedness Seminar for Small Businesses. The seminar will take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center in room 222 from 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. All who attend will receive a free emergency/survival blanket and be entered into a raffle for a 72-hour Disaster Preparedness Kit worth $200. While at the seminar, pick up a copy of the Institute for Businesses & Home Safety’s “Open for Business” guide also available by calling the Development Department or by stopping during business hours, 95 Merrick Way, Suite 450. Make reservations by calling the Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5314 or by email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
June 23: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is not only a place where you can see the tropics, it's a place where you can taste it as well! The Garden is hosting a Taste of the Tropics series which will start with a Taste of Spain. The Flamenco-style celebration kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and lasts through 11 p.m. with Spanish cuisine, wine and spectacular shows. Guests will also be invited to take a sunset tram tour of Fairchild Garden. Non-Fairchild Palm members pay $55 in advance or $70 at the door. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-663-8057.
June 24: City Theatre and Actors Theatre of Louisville invite you to the Annual Play Reading. Listen to the readings of short plays as part of the National Ten-Minute Play Contest. Plays featured in this event are under future production consideration for City Theatre's Summer Shorts Festival, among others. Attend the reading for free at 12:30 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. For more information, call 305-442-4408.
June 25: Pulitzer Prize-winning Columnist Connie Schultz reveals what it's like to marry at midlife and campaign with her husband, Sherrod Brown, the junior Senator from Ohio. Meet Schultz at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 7:30 p.m. where she will share some behind-the-scene moments from her new book "…and His Lovely Wife: A Memoir From the Woman Beside the Man." For more information, call Books & Books at 305-442-4408.
Through July 1: As part of its Shakespeare Festival, New Theatre presents Cymbeline. The play revolves around Innogen’s marriage to a young man liked by her father, King Cymbeline. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. The cost of admission is $40. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. For more information, call 305-443-5909.BACK TO TOP
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