WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2008

Manager Provides Update
On Country Club

City Manager David L. Brown provided an update on the Coral Gables Country Club at the May 13th Commission meeting. The former operator of the club has relinquished all rights to manage, promote and operate the facility. Brown reported that the City is preparing a Request For Proposal (RFP) to solicit a new operator of the facility, expecting the entire process to take approximately four months. The City has changed all locks on the exterior of the facility to protect all interior furnishings and equipment and has temporarily assumed responsibility for the utilities of the Country Club until a new operator is found. Besides conducting an overall building assessment, the City is asking for a financial audit and inventory of the facility by an outside auditor. Currently, the pool and the tennis facilities are open. The City Manager said that an interested group of club members are attempting to organize to temporarily operate the facility, provided that they meet certain stringent conditions, until a new permanent operator is found. Brown also reported that he is pleased with the positive responses from many concerned residents who have offered to help reorganize the club’s operations and new potential vendors are showing an interest in the facility on a permanent basis.

No Metal Roofs In Coral Gables

At the May 13th Commission meeting, no resolutions were made to alter the existing Zoning Code with regards to the installation of metal roofs. City leaders debated the options of allowing metal roofs in sections or throughout the City. Last year, a 90-day pilot program allowed the installation of metal roofs on homes east/south of US 1. The City began a process to study metal roofs last year, receiving recommendations from the Board of Architects and the Planning and Zoning Board, and getting input from residents who have argued for and against metal roofs citing from aesthetics to safety reasons. The City’s Zoning Code currently provides for the installation of copper roofs.

Ponce Middle Becomes International School

Ponce de Leon Middle School became the first school in Regional Center IV to become fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the prestigious Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP is a three-year program designed for students in grades 6-8. It offers a teaching methodology that connects school subjects to the outside world and challenges students to consider their role in global and local communities.

Emergency Door Hangers
Available For Seniors

The official start of the hurricane season is just a few days away and the City of Coral Gables is making sure senior residents get the attention needed after a storm. The Coral Gables Fire Department has printed Help Alert Door Hangers to be prominently displayed after a hurricane in case help is needed. If a resident needs help, the door hanger should be placed on the exterior door with the bright red “Help” side visible, indicating to neighbors and first responders that a senior citizen needs assistance. If a senior is doing fine and does not require any immediate attention, then the door hanger should be placed outside with the bright green “OK” side visible. The main concept of the design of the hangers is ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ by checking on seniors after a storm. The Help Alert Door Hangers will be distributed to seniors at upcoming events at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center and at other senior gatherings. For more information or to receive a door hanger, call Public Education Specialist Laura Rodriguez at the Fire Department at 305-460-5576.

Commission Meeting Agendas
Now Posted On-line

There’s an easier way to find out what is going to be discussed at future City Commission meetings. Legistar, the City’s comprehensive legislative information management program, is now available to the public through the City’s internet page at www.coralgables.com. Minutes from previous City Commission meeting are also displayed on-line. The electronic document contains links to detailed reports for each agenda item such as draft resolutions, proposed ordinances and other pertinent reports. To access the City Commission Agendas, click here.

Food You’ll Love To Eat
At Restaurant Week

Beginning this Monday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 8th, celebrate Coral Gables Restaurant Week and enjoy three-course lunch and dinner menus from some of the best downtown restaurants. Whether you love Italian, German, Irish or Japanese dishes, international cuisine, seafood, or plain meat and potatoes, pick a place to eat from one of the participating restaurants including Cacao, Caffé Abracci, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine, La Cofradia, La Dorada, Ortanique on the Mile, Caramelo, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill, Sushi Maki, Benihana, Artfish on the Mile, Two Sisters, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Hoja Nueva Restaurant, JohnMartin's and Por Fin Restaurant. This mouth-savoring event is presented by the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables. For a list of restaurant locations and special menus for the week, click here.

This Summer Is Back Into The Future

There are only six days left in the school year, and it’s time to think about what to do for the summer. The Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department has a number of fun summer camps that will get children “Back Into The Future,” involving activities that will take children through different times in history. The counselor-to-camper ratio will remain one to 10 for most camps, offering specialty camps, field trips and swimming trips, and plenty of fun-filled days. Check out Club P.L.A.Y., Science and Technology Camp, Summer Art Camps, Basketball, Baseball, T-Ball, Soccer, Tennis or Gymnastic Camps. There’s also a junior lifeguard Day Camp that teaches children and young adults water safety through the eyes of a lifeguard.  All participants can enjoy an End of Summer Bash with barbecue and relay games on Friday, August 8 from 6-9 p.m. For more information on the City’s summer programs, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.