South Miami Council Proposes Mayoral Term Extension

Overview: In a recent session, South Miami City Council has proposed a special election for November 2024 to potentially extend the term of office for the city’s mayor from two years to four years. This proposal aims to align the mayor’s term with those of the commissioners and to promote stability within the city’s government structure. The council debated the precise language to be used in the amendment to ensure clarity and consistency for voters, drawing on language from prior elections.

Historic Coral Gables Property Renovation and Gondola Building Debate Take Center Stage

Overview: The Coral Gables City Commission tackled issues surrounding the renovation of a historic property and the future of the Gondola Building in a recent meeting. The commission debated on a special certificate of appropriateness for proposed alterations to a property on Santa Maria Street, emphasizing the need to balance historical preservation with modern lifestyle needs. Additionally, the meeting saw a unanimous decision on the preservation of the Gondola Building, with members advocating for its retention and adaptive reuse.

Miami City Commission Delays Decisions, Defers Topics to Future Meetings

Overview: In a recent Miami City Commission meeting, members unanimously voted to defer discussion and decisions on several key items, pushing them to later dates. The items affected by the deferral include SR2, DI1, and DI2, all of which are now scheduled for the commission meeting on September 12th, 2024.

Coral Gables City Commission Delays Zoning Code Amendments

Overview: In a recent City Commission meeting, members voted to defer a decision on proposed text amendments to the City of Coral Gables official zoning code, which focus on enhancing the quality of the city’s Mediterranean design. The amendments in question aim to require a conceptual design review, remove duplicative criteria, and include additional Mediterranean building examples, among other changes. The deferral was decided upon due to the absence of two board members and the commission’s preference for all members to be present to discuss such a significant legislative item.

South Miami Council Proposes $65 Million Bond for City Improvements

Overview: In a recent South Miami City Council meeting, the authorization of a general obligation bond took center stage, with the council discussing a proposed $65 million bond. This bond is aimed at funding various city improvements and must be presented to voters in the November 2024 ballot. With a deadline of July 26th for submitting the referendum question to the supervisor of elections, the council debated the sufficiency of the timeline for discussion and decision-making. The city attorney clarified the need to specify the maximum bond amount, its purpose, and the maximum rate permitted by law in the referendum question. The city manager provided insights into the financial implications of different bond amounts, emphasizing the conservative nature of the calculations. The mayor suggested the $65 million figure for advertising purposes, with the council agreeing to direct the city attorney to prepare the language for voter consideration.