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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of September 6, 2007
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DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys reported that the Ponce project is completed and minor problems are being solved. The issue with improper mid-block pedestrian crossing was discussed. Temporary physical barriers will be installed until the plants have fully grown together.
Joanna Lombard asked what is going on with the 200 block of Aragon Ave. project that was going to be a demonstration. Dan stated that additional money is needed at this point. The City is making sure all new buildings are following the Landscape Master Plan when building. It was suggested that an account be set up to receive funds earmarked for landscaping, from each renovation project that would accumulate until enough money is received to complete the landscaping on that particular block. Members' overall concern is that the Landscape Master Plan be a priority when renovations are made and new building projects are being planned. Dan will check out the possibility of a fund that is set aside for use in streetscape development.
WEBSITE CONTENT: Dan Keys handed out copies of the Public Service website information showing the recent Beautification Awards with photos and descriptions of the homes selected. He will be getting information on the Ponce project, on the Library landscaping project, and other small landscape projects that Public Service crews have done. Joanna Lombard asked that these articles include plant lists.
BOARD ELECTIONS: Nominations were opened for the position of Chairman. George Blet nominated Joanna Lombard to serve a Chairman. Barbara Katzen seconded the motion. No further nominations were made and a vote was taken. Joanna Lombard was elected Chairman with a unanimous vote. Nominations were opened for the position of Vice-Chairman. Maricris Longo nominated George Blet to serve as Vice-Chairman. The motion was seconded by Joanna Lombard. No further nominations were made and a vote was taken. George Blet was elected Vice-Chairman with a unanimous vote.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: Dan Keys reported that the budget to be presented to the Commission at the first budget public hearing on September 11th includes funds for Public Service Department landscape maintenance and recycling.
Discussion was held regarding funding of landscape projects, in particular the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Greening of the Gables project. The board would like to hear what the foundation is planning; what projects they are looking at, and are they seeking out projects at this time. Dan advised that he sits on the Greening of the Gables Advisory committee and that a proposal for installing native plants along Old Cutler Road is being formulated. Robert Parsley would like any landscape plans that the Coral Gables Community Foundation proposes to come before the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board for input. Joanna Lombard asked members to identify locations to suggest to the Coral Gables Community Foundation for their Greening of the Gables project. She would also like a map produced that can be used to pinpoint the building projects that are underway or planned which incorporate streetscape improvements, such that opportunities for infilling the spots in the streetscape left over with either Greening of the Gables funding or dollars from a landscape mitigation fund, can be identified. Dan advised he would get them together.
Maricris Longo expressed her concern with the proliferation of cement buttons being placed on the City right-of-way particularly on Granada Blvd. She was advised that the Building and Zoning Departments Code Enforcement Division is responsible for making sure the buttons are placed according to City Code.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: Dan Keys brought in a landscape plan board for the Maynada bridge traffic circles. Discussion was held regarding the plant materials and various aspects of the project.