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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of September 4, 2008
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Joanna Lombard explained that she will no longer be able to serve on the Board due to work schedule changes. Discussion was held regarding individuals to replace her in the position of ‘board-as-a-whole” appointment. A sub-committee will contact these individuals and report at the October meeting. Vice-Chairman, George Blet will chair the October meeting. A motion was made to “Approve the minutes from the June 5, 2008 meeting.” The motion was seconded, voted upon and adopted unanimously.
WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS: Dan Keys reported that the IT Dept. corrected the items as requested by the board at the June 2008 meeting. Regarding the webpage with the Landscape Beautification Awards, Maricris Longo stated that the webpage should be made with photos of the properties with no description.
GREENING OF THE GABLES: An oversized check representing Greening of the Gables funding previously made for public planting projects was presented to the City of Coral Gables by the Coral Gables Community Foundation. The oaks for Alhambra Circle are being purchased and are expected to be planted within the next 2-3 weeks.
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN: Dan Keys reported on the status of projects in the area. Discussion was held about the progress of the Spanish Village. Dan Keys noted that there would be a BID presentation on Monday, Sept. 8th at the Colonnade. They will be discussing Miracle Mile parking and restaurant row. Board members were encouraged to attend and report back at the October meeting.
SPANISH VILLAGE/PONCE CIRCLE PARK: Dan Keys reported that George Hernandez had been brought in to design the Ponce Circle Park project. There will be an opportunity for the neighbors to see the proposed ideas and share their thoughts. Dan said that assistance of the Coral Gables Community Foundation is being sought in an effort to economically utilize the funding available for this project. Dan reviewed projects currently in progress throughout the City as indicated on the map created for the board.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: No new items.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: No new items.
George Blet asked what happened with the idea of landscaping around the statue of George Merrick. Dan noted that more thought is needed before a recommendation can be made and welcomes ideas and advice.
Maricris Longo brought photos of small flowering trees that she had seen in Italy. She would like to see this type of planting in the City of Coral Gables traffic circles rather than just palms. Discussion was held regarding the plant materials used in traffic circles throughout Coral Gables. Members want to know if there are any new circles being planned and if so, they would like input on the landscape for said circles.
Joanna Lombard officially resigned from the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board and stated she would send Dan Keys an email making it official.