Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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Court of Appeal Finds City Did Not Commit Unfair Labor Practice
Plans To Provide Fire Services To Pinecrest Halted
Hammock Lakes Taxing District Deferred
Gables To Buy Another Trolley
UM President Donna Shalala Interviewed in Powertalk TV Show
School District Service Kiosk Coming to Youth Center
Coral Gables Television Wins Three Davey Awards
Gables Theaters Shine As Carbonell Award Finalists
Going Green Part 1
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Court of Appeal Finds City Did Not Commit Unfair Labor Practice >>> The Third District Court of Appeal has reversed a finding of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) that the City of Coral Gables committed an unfair labor practice against the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in 2006. The focus of the charge was a February 17, 2006 conversation between City Manager David L. Brown and FOP representatives regarding the reimbursement of retirement contributions to police officers. According to Brown, his reason for seeking the meeting with union leadership was to attempt to maintain labor harmony at a time when the City was facing at least a pension, if not a full budget crisis. On February 6, 2008, the Court of Appeals agreed with the City Manager’s position directing the PERC to dismiss the charges against the City in their entirety, finding that PERC applied an incorrect legal standard and that the FOP failed to prove its case.
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Plans To Provide Fire Services To Pinecrest Halted >>> The Coral Gables City Commission said no to a proposal that could have resulted in Coral Gables providing fire rescue services to the Village of Pinecrest. The request made by Pinecrest Manager Peter Lombardi asked to include the name of Coral Gables in an upcoming Pinecrest ballot so voters could decide whether to stay with or opt out of using Miami-Dade Fire Rescue services. Pinecrest approached neighboring Coral Gables to consider offering fire services to this municipality at a cost benefit. County Manager George Burgess spoke against the proposal between Pinecrest and Coral Gables, saying it would degrade the regional services offered to less affluent cities. Despite assurances that Coral Gables residents would not see a reduction in fire services and would receive an additional $2 million in net revenue, the City Commission did not approve the request.
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Hammock Lakes Taxing District Deferred >>> The Coral Gables City Commission deferred a request from Hammock Lakes Homeowners Association to create a special taxing district that would pay for a 24-hour security guardhouse. Despite being approved by 90 percent of Hammock Lakes homeowners, the City Commission postponed the decision to create the taxing district because the proposed guardhouse would require the closing of Hammock Lakes Drive, west of Old Cutler Road. The Commission asked for more information on traffic impact and possible future resistance from surrounding neighbors about the street closing before a final decision is made. The item will be discussed again in an upcoming City Commission meeting scheduled for March.
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Gables To Buy Another Trolley >>> The City of Coral Gables will pay $68,000 to George Washington University for a used trolley that will be added to the City fleet. With the success of the program, the City is upgrading the reliability of the fleet. Looking to reduce dependency on the Half Penny Sales Surtax, the City of Coral Gables is discussing additional funding opportunities with Miami-Dade County Transit Authority exploring the possibility of allowing impact fees to fund capital purchases for the Trolley system based on the fact that impact fee funds are used to improve capacity on roadways. Also, after meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation, Coral Gables has been allocated a matching grant of $525,000 for the purchase of new trolleys and is awaiting confirmation from the State Legislature. The Coral Gables Trolley operates Monday through Friday, transporting 5,000 riders per day. The successful program reduces 1.2 million vehicular miles each year from the streets of Coral Gables.
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UM President Donna Shalala Interviewed in Powertalk TV Show >>> Don’t miss a candid and straight-forward conversation with University of Miami President Donna Shalala at the next Powertalk show airing tomorrow Thursday, February 21 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and re-airing on Saturday, February 23 at 9 a.m. and then again on Tuesday, February 26 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Host Liane Morejon talks with President Shalala about the relationship between the leadership of the University and the City of Coral Gables, her quest to transform UM into a world class institution, a tough year for the football team, the scare of the Virginia Tech tragedy and assisting wounded veterans. The show airs on Coral Gables Television’s Channel 77 for Comcast subscribers and on Channel 97 for Adelphia customers. For more information, contact the Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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School District Service Kiosk Coming to Youth Center >>> In March of 2006, the City of Coral Gables established a compact agreement with Miami-Dade County Public schools to enhance the local academic programs. As a result, both organizations have worked continuously to implement a number of initiatives including internships with local business and high school students, sharing of resources and outreach programs, and support for the development of an international studies high school. George Washington Carver Middle School has recently received the impressive Blue Ribbon Schools designation from the United States Department of Education and Coral Gables Senior High School was among 13 Miami-Dade County Public Schools earning their way onto Newsweek Magazine’s List of America’s Top High Schools. The latest program between the two entities is the upcoming installation of the first school district informational web service kiosk at the War Memorial Youth Center. Through this kiosk, which will be available in March, the public can access real-time School Board information through the internet such as “The Parent Academy” and can also access the City’s website information.
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Coral Gables Television Wins Three Davey Awards >>> Small firms, big ideas: just like David defeated the giant Goliath with a big idea and a little rock. That’s what the Davey Awards recognizes every year for the work of outstanding television productions. The awards are sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms. More than 3,500 entries are received each year. The City of Coral Gables was awarded three 2007 Silver Davey Awards for its productions of its lifestyle entertainment show “On the Scene,” the public affairs show “Coral Gables Now,” and the special programming of “Miami Children’s Chorus.” In the last two years, Coral Gables Television, as part of the City’s Communications Division, has been the recipient of 10 international awards for its original television programming.
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Gables Theaters Shine As Carbonell Award Finalists >>> Congratulations to three local Gables theaters who have made the list of top finalists for the 32nd annual Carbonell Awards to be presented next April. Of the more than 100 shows that opened in 2007, 30 productions at 13 different companies were nominated for South Florida’s oldest and most prestigious arts honors, citing the best shows and performances in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre scored 19 nominations for musicals while GableStage’s production of the black comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore was the most recognized play with nine nominations. New Theatre also received a total of five nominations including two for best new work. The awards, which are named after sculptor Manuel Carbonell who designed and donated the statuettes, will be presented at a star-studded benefit performance featuring all the area's biggest names that raises scholarships for South Florida arts students. To view a list of all the Carbonell Award nominees, click here.
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Going Green Part 1 >>> Everyone has heard about the dangers of global warming and the potential catastrophic effects on the planet. The City of Coral Gables wants to remind you of simple things that you can do every day for going green:
- If your air conditioner or other major appliance is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more energy efficient model that has an Energy Star seal of approval.
- Change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones which use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- About 90 percent of the energy used in washing clothes goes to heating. Wash clothes in cold water when possible and use a clothesline or drying rack instead of the dryer.
- Turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save as much as five gallons of water a day.
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How Do We Communicate? >>> The
City of Coral Gables would like to know what you think about its communication program and vehicles.
To participate, simply log on to the City’s homepage and complete the on-line survey titled “How
Do We Communicate?” The information gathered will help the City evaluate the effectiveness
of all external communications. To go directly to the survey, click
here.
Don’t forget to listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
> Red Road (S.W. 57 Avenue) from 33rd Street to 60th Street: Florida Department of Transportation will be commencing its sidewalk improvement program which will affect traffic on Red Road/SW 57 Avenue. The goal of the project is to modify sidewalks and pedestrian signals in order to comply with the current requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The following are the affected locations where new sidewalks and crosswalks will be installed: Red Road/S.W. 57 Avenue from south of 60th Street to S.W. 58th Terrace on the west side of the road; from S.W. 54th Terrace to S.W. 51st Terrace on the west side of the road; from S.W. 48th Street to S.W. 40th Street on the east side of the street and S.W. 34th Street to S.W. 33rd Street on the west side of the street. The project will include installation of new signage and pavement markings, pedestrian signalization, relocation of existing light poles and relocation of landscaping on some of the construction sites. FDOT anticipates it will take two years to complete this project. Expect intermittent closures of sidewalks and intersections during construction and there may be some lane closures. For more information, call Marta Rodriguez-Trudeau at 305-860-3740.
> Biltmore Way between Le Jeune Road and Hernando Street: Every Saturday throughout March 29, the Farmers Market will be closing down the east and westbound lanes of Biltmore Way from 5:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
> San Lorenzo Avenue between Aurora Street and Laguna Street: On March 2 2008, east and westbound of San Lorenzo Avenue will be closed, between Aurora and Laguna Streets due to an outdoor family festival. Expect road closures from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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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.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Always wanted to be a chorus girl? Join the Almost Broadway classes at St. Philip's Church, 1142 Coral Way, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Exercise while dancing easy routines from Broadway shows! No registration necessary, just drop in and it's free. All ages are welcomed. Straw hats will be provided. For more information call 305-445-8740 or St. Philip's Church at 305 444-6176.
Wednesdays and Sundays: Come and enjoy, Celebrate an exhibition featuring artifacts from the early Coral Gables. This is a beautiful opportunity to learn about the unique history of the community and to preview a timeline exhibition to be housed in the new Coral Gables Museum. The event is free and open to the public from 1-4 p.m., at the sales office for the Old Spanish Village located at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information, please contact 305-910-3996.
Now through March 1: The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre presents The America Play by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks. This powerful and provocative theatre piece echoes the works of Samuel Beckett while focusing on race, history, aspiration and the contemporary American identity. Call the box office at 305-284-3355 for specific dates showing the play. Ticket prices are $18 for Friday and Saturday night performances and $16 for weeknights and matinees.
Now trough March 2: Following a trip to Romania, British playwright Caryl Churchill wrote Mad Forest, a play considered a crazy-quilt drama focusing on two families – one upper and one lower class – dealing with the social cataclysm brought about by the collapse of a totalitarian government. Call the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre box office at 305-284-3355 for specific dates showing the play. Ticket prices are $18 for Friday and Saturday night performances and $16 for weeknights and matinees.
Now through March 23: Watch the Florida premiere of the dramatic play by John Belluso, A Nervous Smile, at New Theatre. Strained to the breaking point by caring for a severely disabled daughter, Emily, a wealthy New York couple, weigh their own happiness against that of their child, with shocking consequences. Performances will take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $40. Please call the box office for more information at 305-443-5909. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street.
Now through March 29: The 'Prince Street Players' version of The Wizard
of Oz makes its way to the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. This funny and clever
musical is sure to entertain both the largest and smallest of munchkins! Saturday performances begin
at 2 p.m. The Actors’ Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. For more information, call
305-444-9293.
Now through May 31: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is transformed into an open
air art gallery as the monumental pop art sculptures of Roy Lichtenstein grace the
garden. The exhibit runs in conjunction with Dale Chihuly’s A Garden of Glass exhibition
located in the Windows to the Tropics Conservatory. Admission to the Garden costs $20 for adults;
$15 for senior citizens and $10 for children ages 6 – 17. Experience these amazing works of
art at night every Thursday night. Poppin' Tropical Nights takes place from 6 – 9
p.m. and until 9:30 p.m. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 6 – 17. For
more information, call 305-667-1651 or click here.
February 22: New Artist Series of the Miami Symphony shines the spotlight on Venezuelan
composer Alexander Berti with the US premier of Clarinet Concerto. Clarinetist
Alexander Fiterstein is the featured guest soloist. Performance will be held at the University of
Miami Gusman Center Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables. For seating and schedule information call
305-275-6666.
February 22: Country music lovers can experience an extraordinary encounter with
the living legend George Jones. Celebrating nearly 60 years of musical career, Jones
will evoke great times with songs during an unforgettable concert at the Bank United Center which
is located on the campus of the University of Miami. Tickets are on sale now with prices between
$28 and $50 at the Bank United Center Box Office located on 1245 Dauer Drive or at Ticketmaster 305-358-5885.
February 23 & March 1: The 17th annual Coral Gables Farmers Market enters this
Saturday 23, into its fifth week at its best. Start off your mornings at 8 a.m. doing exercises to
gain physical and emotional balance with Tai Chi routines, across from the City Hall. Then, at 9
a.m. learn everything about “Flowering Trees” with gardening expert Larry Schokman of
The Kampong, followed at 9:30 a.m. by A Conversation about Living Green. Later, enjoy a delicious
cooking demonstration by chefs from Lotus Garden at 10 a.m, and make sure your kids don’t miss
the Museum of Science presentation about raptors and reptiles starting at 11 a.m. On Saturday
March 1, continue your routine of Tai Chi exercises at 8:00 a.m. across from the City Hall. Then
at 9 a.m. join the gardening workshop with the owner of Wendy’s Landscaping and Design, talking
everything you need to know about hedges. At 10 a.m. enjoy delicious cooking demonstration by Brasserie
Les Halles restaurant, and if you care about the security of your children, join the Coral Gables
Police Department with important tips about bike safety starting at 11 a.m. The Farmers Market takes
place on the corner of Miracle Mile and Le Jeune Road. For a complete schedule of events, click
here.
February 23: Bamboo, the largest member of the grass family, evokes images of the
tropics. A talented grower will demonstrate proper plant placement, trimming, mulching, fertilizing
and maintenance to successfully grow bamboo in South Florida during Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's Bamboo
Garden: Private Tour and Lecture. The informative session starts at 10 a.m. until noon.
The fee is $40. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651,
extension 3322.
February 24: Speak up against genocide and contribute to a noble cause by participating
in a fundraising event that seeks to raise worldwide awareness of the crisis in Darfur. The nonprofit
organization Africa Action will be conducting The Sprint for Darfur Walk/Race to
help the victims of this terrible war. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. until noon right in front of
City Hall. For more information, call 305-490-1797 or 305-461-0014.
February 28: Seniors are invited to visit one of the most beautiful South Florida’s
natural scenery, The Everglades' Flamingo Gardens. Join this unique expedition that
would include a guide-narrated tram ride through the tropical rainforest, and a live presentation
of native wildlife species, such as birds of pray, reptiles and much more. The excursion bus will
depart promptly at 9:15 a.m. from the War Memorial Youth Center and will return at 3 p.m. Fees are
$35 for residents and $38.50 for non-residents. Price includes transportation, lunch, and expedition.
For registration information, call 305-460-5609.
February 28: Working late? Want to socialize with others? Don't have time to cook?
Meet local active individuals 55+ and enjoy a great meal together in Let's do Dinner! Participants
will meet this month at the TGIF Friday's located on 1200 S. Dixie Highway by 6 p.m. Participants
will seat together, have fun and everyone is responsible for its own bill. The event takes place
the last Thursday of every month. Make your reservation by calling Anastasia Smith at 305-460-5609
at least two days before the event.
February 29: Spend an evening with your family playing Bingo, while
supporting the American Cancer Society. The Coral Gables Youth Advisory Board will be hosting a Bingo
Night Fundraiser with all proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Participants
are required to provide with a $15 donation that includes unlimited playing, excellent prizes and
refreshments. The Bingo will be held at the War Memorial Youth Center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For
more information, call 305-460-5600
March 2: The Miami Children's Hospital Foundation celebrates its annual Hugs
and Kisses Family Fun Day at the Village of Merrick Park. Streets will be closed for the
general public to enjoy a Carnival filled with games, rides, face painting, and a fashion show, serving
brunch for spectators. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the MCHF at
305-666-2889.
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