Title
Communications Committee Meeting of May 15, 2014
Body
The minutes from the April meeting were circulated for approval.
Motion: Les Pantin motioned to approve the April meeting minutes. Connie Crowther seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Higgins Fallon introduced Kara Kautz, Assistant Historic Preservation Officer, Historical Resources Department. She provided an overview of her department's functions.
Kautz also presented the upcoming project of the restoration of homes in the MacFarlane District. Through the Building Better Communities Bond, and with the assistance of County Commissioner Suarez, the City has just received another gift of more than $500,000 to restore additional homes in the MacFarlane District. Kautz said that her department will manage the project with the assistance of Public Works.
Crowther suggested fundraising opportunities. Kautz suggested the involvement of key organizations such as the Villagers or the Historic Preservation Association and she will follow up on this. Chairperson Levin suggested also doing a documentary about the history of the homes. Les Pantin also suggested doing a walking tour around MacFarlane with the assistance of Dr. Paul George.
Crowther added that as a matter of personal interest, when she came to the City she noticed the 65 street lights originally designed in 1920 by Denman Fink. They need to be restored and kept for posterity or recreated.
Motion: Connie Crowther motioned to rejuvenate the effort to have the City of Coral Gables acquire and restore, in whatever way is deemed best by historic preservation, the Denman Fink-designed, 1925-era street lights in the Riviera District. Les Pantin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Higgins Fallon briefly updated members of the following projects: The reopening of Ingraham Park, Cuba Libre Block Party and Gables Bike Tour. She also showcased a recent NewsDesk produced in Spanish. Higgins Fallon also distributed the latest e-News issue. With no further issues to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.