The City of Coral Gables is looking at a new environmentally friendly process of transforming waste-to-fuel and possibly becoming the first city to install a new plant of this kind in Florida. Coral Gables City Manager David L. Brown presented the renewable resources idea to the City Commission after talking with a Washington-based company that has developed a process that produces high quality fossil free fuels from commercial and urban garbage. The administration will evaluate a joint venture model that calls for 50/50 investment of $20 million for the green plant capable of producing 500 gallons of combined fuel per hour. The City of Coral Gables would also share 50 percent of all plant profits. A similar plant is set to open next year in Tacoma, Washington and a second in Montana soon after.

The Coral Gables City Commission approved on first reading the 2008-2009 budget that maintains the property millage rate at 5.250. After listening to a presentation by Coral Gables City Manager David L. Brown, elected officials agreed to initially approve a budget of approximately $144 million that will provide $3.8 million for capital improvements. Among the discussion was the impressive fact that the administration has replenished the unencumbered reserve funds from just $600,000 in 2001 to $10.1 million by the end of this fiscal year. New fee increases will apply for recreational programs (5 percent) and residential solid waste/garbage fee (increase of $30 from $580 to $610). Final approval of the budget on second reading is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at 5:01 p.m., at City Commission Chambers.

View the latest production of Coral Gables Television where residents and business professionals talk about how proud they are of choosing Coral Gables as the place to call home. The video also showcases the advances that local government has done in the last year. If you too are a proud homeowner of Coral Gables, or enjoy the great benefits of having a business in this City, Coral Gables Television would like to invite you to be part of future testimonials about this wonderful City. These testimonials will be aired in Channel 77 in future public service announcements. If interested, please send an e-mail to e-news@coralgables.com for additional details. To view the video “Coral Gables Is My Home,” click here or go to www.coralgables.com and click on the link “Coral Gables: My Home” posted on the homepage.

he City of Coral Gables has set up donation sites to collect emergency and disaster relief supplies that will be delivered to Haiti to help the victims of recent storms. In coordination with the non-profit organization, Friends of the Orphans, collections sites have been established at City Hall (405 Biltmore Way); Coral Gables Fire Station 1 (2815 Salzedo Street); Fire Station 2 (525 S. Dixie Highway); and Fire Station 3 (11911 Old Cutler Road). Supplies that can be donated include non-perishable food, bottled water and powdered milk, baby food, formula and diapers, non-perishable medicine used for first-aid and vitamins, clothes, shoes and toiletries. For additional information, contact Sherman Humphrey or Alfredo Benitez from Friends of the Orphans at 305-663-6211.

The City of Coral Gables is saving a significant amount of money after changing police officer schedules from a five-day to a four-day work week. The four-day, 10-hour shifts not only cut costs but more importantly allows sergeants and officers more flexibility in patrolling areas that need special attention without leaving other areas unattended. This is achieved by the creation of two patrol shifts which overlap during peak crime times. The measure puts 18-21 officers on the field during critical time frames instead of the traditional 12 officers. The six-month trial program has already shown cost effective savings to the City in many areas of the budget while preliminary statistics show an increase in caught-in-the-act arrests by officers now proactively patrolling targeted areas. The four-day work week trial period is ongoing and is being reviewed.

As urged by the City Commission, Florida Power and Light Company has been actively pruning trees in the City in order to ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout the year.  Unfortunately, some residents have hindered their efforts by not freely permitting access to their yards by trimming crews.  It only takes one untrimmed tree or palm to knock out power to an entire section of homes, resulting in an inconvenient situation for all. The City Commission is urging residents to work with FPL representatives who may be seeking to resolve ongoing issues that exist with regard to clearing branches from the vicinity of power lines adjacent to their homes.  With 100 percent cooperation, FPL will be able to keep the power flowing to everyone. For more information on trees, emergencies and safety, click here.

Flood safety is the responsibility of every citizen and property owner in this community. It is important to prepare a list of to-dos in the event of a pending flood, tropical storm or hurricane to protect structures to withstand damages caused by flooding. Besides the installation of storm shutters, property owners can take other measures to secure property investments such as raised levees (landscaped berms), floodwalls which surround functional patio areas and elevated platforms for air-conditioned units. Flood proofing includes sealing or waterproofing with special materials or compounds that provide a chemical or physical barrier against water intrusion. Remember that any development or improvement in the floodplain does require permitting from the City’s Building and Zoning Department. Another serious flooding risk occurs when people participate in illegal dumping in the canal system. Canals provide an invaluable drainage feature to help carry potential floodwaters away. For more information on how the City of Coral Gables can assist regarding flood management, contact the Building and Zoning Department at 305-460-5242.

EVENTS ROUNDUP
For the definitive guide
to upcoming events in the
City of Coral Gables,
click here

TRAFFIC
Coral Way and Segovia Street: Construction of a roundabout on the intersection of Coral Way and Segovia Street is in full swing. For the next two weeks, workers will be removing traffic signal equipment, cabling and conduits, and installing electrical conductors and curb inlets. The following streets are now closed and will remain closed throughout the duration of the project: Coral Way at Segovia Street, North Greenway Drive at Segovia Street, Segovia Street at Coral Way and Segovia Street at Biltmore Way. Local traffic will be permitted through the area at all times. Signs are positioned just outside the construction zone that clearly mark detour routes. The roundabout is scheduled to be completed by December 15. 

CITY OF
CORAL GABLES

MISSION
Dedicated people providing exceptional services to residents, businesses and visitors while preserving our heritage.

VALUES
Accessibility
Accountability
Competency
Dedication
Innovation
Integrity
Loyalty
Responsiveness

Visit the
City of Coral Gables
web site:
www.coralgables.com
 

You are subscribed to City Beautiful e-News.
Forward this information to a friend or ask them to subscribe at e-news@coralgables.com.
To unsubscribe, e-mail us at e-news@coralgables.com.
Please visit the City of Coral Gables website at www.coralgables.com
or call the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.