Wednesday, December 28, 2005

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Here at City Hall, the Administration has been doing some reflecting of our own. This year brought many things to celebrate: the very popular trolleys transported the one millionth passenger, the innovative, pay-by-cellphone parking system brought downtown visitors a permanent reprieve from that mad dash to fill an expired meter, and Coral Gables became known nationwide as the “most livable small city,” and one of the “sexiest cities” in the United States.

But this year also brought a record-breaking storm season, part of an active hurricane era that experts say could last decades more. Residents were quite fortunate in South Florida to be spared the full wrath of Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, but the City lost many of the stately shade trees, and Coral Gables residents, like an estimated four million other South Floridians, lost electrical service at homes and businesses for weeks.

So as we look forward to 2006, there are many things this Administration pledges to keep the same, and a few things that are in need of change to prepare for future challenges. The City of Coral Gables will continue with its pledge to upgrade the aging infrastructure, renew the commitment toward historic preservation and to modernize internal processes through automation.

City employees will hold fast to the commitment to this City’s residential and historic areas with continuing enhancements to zoning and preservation laws. Staff will continue to preserve the vibrant downtown area by offering convenient public transport and parking facilities, and by improving streets and public areas with a comprehensive downtown beautification plan that is already underway.

To recover from this year’s storms and to prepare for future ones, the City will replace damaged City trees and landscaping, replacing Ficus and Black Olive trees with Live Oaks.

Staff will certainly pledge to maintain the most advanced emergency planning and response systems, which allowed Coral Gables rescue workers and debris removal crews to hit the streets just hours after each storm hit.

And this Administration will not forget the frustrations and expenses incurred this hurricane season. Follow through will continue on a City Commission resolution urging FP&L to proactively address City-wide electrical outages by identifying and correcting their causes, such as faulty wiring, equipment that needs to be replaced, or any vegetation that interferes with providing reliable electrical service. The City of Coral Gables is leading a coalition of local mayors who have joined together to address these same issues, and, at the request of this City, Governor Jeb Bush visited Coral Gables last week to discuss ways in which the state and federal governments can help mitigate our losses after future storms.

Staff also commits to reminding residents on the importance of storm preparation. It is incumbent upon each of us as residents to prepare to be on our own for the first 72 hours. The City will be able to provide emergency access and medical and police assistance first to those in need.

Thank you for your patience and your perseverance during trying times, and for your unflagging support of this City’s successes. I am honored to serve this outstanding community.

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year,

David L. Brown, Coral Gables City Manager.
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Children’s Self-Defense Classes Start Jan. 14  >>>  The Coral Gables Police Department will be offering a self-defense course for children ages 5-7 starting on Jan. 14. The series of classes, called “radKIDS,” teaches children how to stay safe, how to detect if someone is trying to inflict harm, and what to do if confronted with a dangerous situation. The classes include simulations with protective gear so children can practice newly-learned safety skills. For this age group, a parent or adult relative/guardian must attend and participate with the child. In order to complete the program, participants must attend every session. Children who complete the program are entitled to take future radKIDS courses free of charge until their 12th birthday.

The course will run from 9 – 11 a.m. every Saturday from Jan. 14-Feb. 25 at the Coral Gables Police Department. Parking will be available free of charge in the 200-300 blocks of Sevilla Avenue during class hours. Cost is $50 per child. Families who register more than one child may receive a $20 discount on each additional child (i.e., 1st child $50; 2nd child $30; 3rd child $10, and any additional children of the same family can attend free of charge). Checks should be made payable to “Coral Gables P.A.L.” and mailed to: Coral Gables Police Department, 2801 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Attn: Det. José Flores. For more information, call Det. Flores at 305-460-5637 or e-mail him at jflores@coralgables.com.
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Tree Replanting Q&A  >>>  A comprehensive landscape restoration plan is underway to replace trees and other vegetation damaged during this year’s storms. Here are some answers to questions received frequently from residents:

What is the City planning to do regarding grassy areas that may have been damaged during post-hurricane clean-up activities?

The City will grade, level, fill and re-sod areas substantially damaged by debris removal activities associated with hurricane damage. The City is now selecting contractors, and the work is expected to begin in January for an estimated three to four months. No compensation will be provided to residents who sod these areas at their own expense.

Will the City remove tree stumps that remain on the right-of-way in front of my home?

To prepare areas for re-sodding, the City is now removing stumps that were left firmly set in the ground after the storms.

Will the City replace the tree that was growing on the right-of-way in front of my home before the hurricanes?

The City will replace all City-owned trees destroyed by the hurricanes.

What kind of trees will be planted?

If the public right-of-way adjacent to your home had a Black Olive, Ficus or Live Oak tree planted there prior to the hurricanes, these trees will be replaced with Live Oak trees. If a Mahogany tree existed prior to the storm, the City may be able to offer a choice between Live Oak and Mahogany (this will be based on the availability of Mahogany trees in the near future). A smaller number of other tree species were lost during the storms. Residents in this category will be contacted individually with replanting options.

How big will the replacement trees be and how much will they cost?

In the cases where Live Oak trees will be planted, the City will provide the labor to plant three sizes of container-grown trees.

Ø The “standard trees” that will be provided at no cost to the residents will be 12'-14' tall with a 5'-6' spread. Two upgrades in size will be offered to residents at additional cost to the resident.

Ø The first upgrade will be for trees that are between 14'-16' tall, with 6'-8' spreads. The cost to residents will be $200-$300, depending on the competitive bids the City will receive in January.

Ø Larger trees 16'-18' tall with 8’-10’ spreads will be provided and planted at a cost to the resident of $650-$750 each.

Is the City helping to pay for the two larger-sized trees that they are prepared to plant?

Yes, the cost of the two larger trees will be subsidized by the $150.00 value of the standard City tree.

Why are container grown trees being specified?

The City feels strongly that containerized trees have a better chance of survival.

What if I want to plant a larger tree than the City is willing to plant?

If residents desire to plant even larger trees than specified by the City, the City will work with residents to facilitate the permitting of the planting work by privately contracted landscapers. Residents may invoice the City for reimbursement of $150 per tree that is approved and permitted prior to planting, and is planted according to specifications provided by the City. The City will designate the planting locations and tree species for these situations.

How can I inform the City that I want to subsidize the cost of a larger tree for the public property in front of my home?

During the month of January, the City will contact residents with tree-planting needs (as determined by a City survey), to determine what size replacement tree is desired. The City will contact these residents one to two weeks prior to the actual planting of the trees.

If you lost a tree due to the hurricanes and have not been contacted by the City prior to the end of January, call the Public Service Department at 305-460-5130.

Do I need to take any action?

City workers have already completed a survey that identifies all areas that need tree stump removal or restoration of trees and sod as a result of the hurricanes, so it is generally not necessary to inform the Administration of the need for these services. However, residents should respond promptly to the survey that will be provided in the near future regarding what size tree may be replanted on the rights-of-way in front of their homes.

Does the City have an ongoing tree-trimming plan to maintain existing and new trees?

The City of Coral Gables performs year-round maintenance on all City-owned trees. Each year, the City budgets $400,000 to cover four crews and equipment used to trim 6,000 of the existing 35,000 trees – a figure that exceeds national standards. The trees to be trimmed are chosen on a priority basis, based on a tree inventory program and visual inspections performed by City arborists. A hard lesson learned this year is that regardless of how any tree is trimmed, the winds of a mighty hurricane can topple many trees and break limbs in just a few hours.

For more information, call the Coral Gables Public Service Department at 305-460-5131.
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City Enacts Speedier Review Process for Hurricane Shutters  >>>  The 2005 hurricane season was the most active hurricane season on record, prompting many residents to consider installing hurricane shutters on. To allow for a speedier review and permitting process for plans to install hurricane shutters, the Building & Zoning Department will now have the ability to administratively review and approve these permits. Residents and contractors will no longer have to wait for the next Board of Architects meeting to present plans. The new review process will not call for the concealment of tracks and housings, which previously made it nearly impossible to install certain types of shutters. Instead, all proposed shutters should enhance the appearance of the property whenever possible, and Zoning officials will also consider safety and property protection concerns in reaching a determination. Plans for installing shutters on a historic property will need to include a Certificate of Appropriateness. For more information, call the Coral Gables Building & Zoning Department at 305-460-5252.
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“Oversized Homes” Legislation Extended to May 31 >>> The interim legislation passed by City Commissioners on May 24 to discourage the construction of “oversized homes” in incompatible neighborhoods has been extended to May 31, 2006, or until the new Zoning Code, which is now being rewritten, is adopted. The temporary measures include: incentives for increased setbacks in the side and rear yard areas of homes; reduced maximum heights for single-family homes, and a five percent decrease in the permitted floor area, which can be earned back where the design of the home results in a less massive home. Under these interim measures, the Board of Architects will have the authority to require changes to reduce massing of a new home or additions to an existing home. The interim measures will continue to be discussed at public hearings until all related issues have been finalized, and a permanent solution to oversized homes will eventually be included in the new Zoning Code. For more information, call the Planning Department at 305-460-5211.
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Don’t Miss the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade Dec. 30  >>>  Come to downtown Coral Gables at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 and soak in the sights and sounds of lively floats, giant balloons, marching bands and community groups, which together put on the greatest parade in South Florida this year. Seating along the parade route is free, but premium seating tickets may be purchased through the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee Office, 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 2202, or at the ticket booth now open at Merrick Park, across the street from City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. For more information, call 305-662-1210 or visit www.jrorangebowl.com on the Web.
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Don’t Miss “Late Night Gallery Night.”  >>> Love those monthly Gallery Nights but wish the evening could last a little longer? Then be sure to visit downtown Coral Gables for a special, late-night treat on Friday, January 6. The Coral Gables Cultural Development Board and Art Miami will be hosting an extended Gables Gallery Night that evening from 10 pm to Midnight, complete with desserts and coffee amid a dazzling display of art set against the backdrop of a starry sky. The Coral Gables galleries participating in this late-night showcase will remain open until Midnight. Brightly-colored helium balloons will make it easy for art-lovers to locate galleries. The popular Coral Gables Trolleys will also be running until Midnight that evening to take everyone along the route in comfort and nostalgic style. This special event is being held in conjunction with Art Miami 2006, held each year at the Miami Beach Convention Center. A list of participating galleries will be posted on the Coral Gables website, www.coralgables.com, beginning January 3. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5311.
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Get Ready for the 2006 Farmers Market  >>> Yes, it’s time to put away those holiday ornaments and make space for fresh fruit and preserve jars. The Coral Gables Farmers Market returns for a 15th run in downtown Coral Gables on Saturday, Jan. 14. As always, this City-sponsored event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through March 25 in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way – just west of the intersection of Miracle Mile and LeJeune Road. Free parking will be available at the City garage located at 345 Andalusia Avenue and at metered parking west of LeJeune Rd.

This European-style green market offers the freshest produce, flowers and plants directly from Florida growers, along with specialty gourmet foods, prepared foods, fresh fish and baked goods. Not to be missed are the free weekly gardening and cooking workshops at 9 and 10 a.m., respectively, and the children’s activities at 11 a.m. The ever-popular Tai Chi classes also make a comeback at 8 a.m., thanks to instructor Al Agon of Perfect Balance.

On March 25, the Farmers Market comes to a close with its traditional Grand Finale Picnic, a culinary treat co-hosted by the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF). For more information on the 2006 Farmers Market, visit www.coralgables.com on the Web, call the Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5311, or send an e-mail message to: fdawson@coralgables.com.
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“Music Together” Teaches Family Togetherness, Music  >>> The sounds of music are more beautiful when shared with family. That’s the concept behind “Music Together,” a series of classes that offer children ages 4 and under plenty of ways to learn about music through movement, dance and experimentation with musical instruments. Children attend with a parent or caregiver, and both are encouraged to improvise their own musical styles. The 10-week Winter semester of “Music Together” begins Wednesday, Jan.11, at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Classes run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday while in session. Costs for the 10-week program are as follows: for Youth Center members, $105 for one child and caregiver, $55 for a sibling; for Coral Gables residents, $140 for one child and caregiver, $70 for a sibling; for non-residents, $175 for one child and caregiver, $90 for a sibling. An additional $35 materials fee covers two music CDs, a songbook, and a parent guide to childhood musical development. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
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Music, Tea and Talk Coming Up for Seniors  >>> The Coral Gables Youth Center has lined up some surefire ways for seniors to cure those post-holiday blues. On Friday, Jan. 13, folks ages 55 and over are invited to the Youth Center Theater at Noon for “Tea & Talk” on the subject of what to do after retirement. Guest speaker is Alan Nichols with the Miami-Dade College Community Education program. The event, co-sponsored by the City of Coral Gables and its Senior Citizens Advisory Board, is free and includes a complimentary lunch. RSVP required by January 6.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, seniors can look forward to a little music and romance at the Actors’ Playhouse with Breaking Up is Hard to Do, a musical comedy that follows two gals from Brooklyn who spend an unforgettable Labor Day weekend in 1960 at a wacky Catskills resort. The theatre performance is sure to rekindle joyous memories with Neil Sedaka hits such as Solitaire, Calendar Girl, Laughter in the Rain, and Love Will Keep Us Together. Cost is $15 per person and includes theatre admission only. Participants are asked to meet at the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, at 7:30 p.m. to receive tickets and seating assignments. Deadline to register is Dec. 30. A minimum of 15 people must register in order for the event to be held.

For more information on programs and events for senior citizens, call Helen Barnfather at 305-460-5609.
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Traffic Watch  >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in Phase Three. The following measures continue to be implemented:

> Sidewalk construction is almost complete on the intersections along the west side of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from Alcazar Avenue heading south.

> Construction has moved to the east side of the Boulevard, moving south to north. Traffic has been shifted to the west side.

> Drainage installations, corner demolitions and underground irrigation systems have been completed on Almeria and Valencia Avenues. Placement of curbing is now underway. Barricades have been installed along the east side of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from Almeria to Alcazar Avenue, though access to businesses is still available.

> Police are ticketing people who illegally park inside the construction areas.
> Left turns are allowed only at the Miracle Mile and Alhambra Circle intersections of Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
> Left turns at the remaining intersections continue to be restricted, and police continue to enforce the "No Left Turn" signs.
> The Trolley stops along Ponce de Leon Boulevard at Valencia Avenue, Miracle Mile, Alhambra Circle and Minorca Avenue have been temporarily suspended.
> The valet service adjacent to Houston's, at the corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Miracle Mile, has been moved to Miracle Mile.
> Alleys perpendicular to Ponce de Leon Boulevard and within the boundaries of the construction area will be monitored to make sure vehicles are not blocking the alleyways.
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Cultural Events Roundup  >>> The following cultural events are coming up. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of current and upcoming events in Coral Gables, click here.

Dec. -May: WVUM-FM 90.5, the University of Miami’s student-run radio station, began broadcasting the Metropolitan Opera’s 2005-06 Season on Saturday, Dec. 17. No need to travel to New York City, listeners can now tune in from home to enjoy classics such as Rigoletto, An American Tragedy, Aida, Roméo et Juliette, and Don Pasquale, among many others. The show runs every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. through May, 2006. For more information, visit www.wvum.org or e-mail General Manager Kira Wisniewski at gm@wvum.org.

Jan. 8: Florida Grand Opera Young Artist Studio presents a free recital at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., 305-442-4408. Fenna Ograjensek, mezzo-soprano, David McFarrin, baritone, and Scott Gilmore, piano, present a program including Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch. 2 p.m.

Jan. 10: Joan Mellen, professor of English and creative writing at Temple University in Philadelphia, discusses her book, A Farewell to Justice: Jim Garrison, JFK’s Assassination and the Case That Should Have Changed History. 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., 305-442-4408.
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