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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of October 1, 2009
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TRAFFIC CIRCLES: Dan Keys reported that there are no traffic circles under construction right now.
VACANT BOARD POSITIONS: The board was informed that Mr. Blet had resigned from the Board. Dan Keys noted that the City Manager's office had been notified and they will notify Commissioner Cabrera. Discussion was held regarding the boards professional appointment which remains open. Members decided to make another effort to find a professional who lives and/or works in the City of Coral Gables. If unsuccessful, they will ask the City Commission to accept someone who does not meet all of the specified qualifications. Dan Keys noted that if this request is made, then the board should ask that the City Commission reconsider the previously rejected nomination or decide to ask that a new nomination be accepted.
SEGOVIA STREET: Dan Keys reported that the traffic circle projects and the median project is moving along as expected. There is no funding for the swale tree plantings. Maricris Longo asked if the recommendations that the board had made were being followed by the Public Works Dept. and Dan indicated that they were, but there was a possibility for the landscape recommendations to be revisited.
GIRALDA & RESTAURANT ROW: No new developments at this time.
MIRACLE MILE UPDATE: Dan Keys reported that a firm has been hired to develop a plan for Miracle Mile. He noted that any plan will involve the removal of many of the Oak trees planted in 1982. Each tree was evaluated and removal was recommended on a tree by tree basis.
OLD SPANISH VILLAGE: No new developments at this time.
PONCE CIRCLE PARK: There was no new information regarding this park's development project.
ARBOR DAY: Dan Keys announced that the Merrick House is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010 and the Historic Preservation Dept. has requested that the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board hold the 2010 Arbor Day Celebration at the Merrick House. Board members agreed that having the Arbor Day Celebration in conjunction with the Merrick House's 100th Anniversary would be a good idea. Barbara Katzen motioned to "Have the 2010 Arbor Day Celebration at the Merrick House with the tentative date of Thursday, May 6, 2010." The motion was seconded by Linda Lawrence, voted upon and adopted with a unanimous vote. Staff will verify the date with Historic Preservation and inform the board as well as the Coral Gables Garden Club.
ANNUAL REPORT: The Annual Report of the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board was reviewed and discussed by members present. Linda Lawrence motioned to "Approve the Annual Report as written to be forwarded to the City Manager." The motion was seconded by Barbara Katzen, voted upon and adopted with a unanimous vote.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The floor was opened for nominations to the position of Chairman. Barbara Katzen nominated Maricris Longo to serve as Chairman of the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board and Maricris Longo accepted the nomination. There were no additional nominations made and by unanimous consent, Maricris Longo will serve as Chairman.
The floor was opened for nominations to the position of Vice-Chairman. Jack Elmore nominated Barbara Katzen to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board and Barbara Katzen accepted the nomination. There were no additional nominations made and by unanimous consent, Barbara Katzen will serve as Vice-Chairman.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: Dan Keys reported that City has passed a budget, but, due to budget cuts, the Public Service Department will be losing 16 positions.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: The renovation of Riviera Park has begun. The project includes new walking path, irrigation, tot lot, gazebo, lighting and landscaping. Dan Keys noted that much of the funding was through bond funds.