Title
Coral Gables Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of October 1, 2025 Minutes
Body
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources & Risk Management
Jose Rodriguez - Human Resources & Risk Management
Eglys Hernandez - Human Resources & Risk Management
Yanessa Rodriguez - Community Recreation - Administrative Operations Manager
Catie Hastings - Community Recreation - D.E.I. Coordinator
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Debbie Dietz - Via Zoom
Dr. Jennifer Durocher - University of Miami
PUBLIC GUEST: None
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting was called to order at 10:05 am
MEETING ABSENCE: Bonnie Blaire
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
September 3, 2025
Motion by: Jennifer Ward Sando / 2nd: Vanessa Bedoya / Approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Farewell Announcement - Director Elejabarrieta, Human Resources & Risk Management
Director Elejabarrieta addressed the board and advised she would no longer be with the City of Coral Gables and that this would be her last meeting as liaison to the board. Director Elejabarrieta introduced Mr. Jose Rodriguez, Human Resources & Risk Assistant Director, as the new liaison to the board.
Everyone introduced themselves and provided a bit of their background to Assistant Director Rodriguez.
Delivery Service Robots - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta stated the law department has advised there is not much the city can do in terms of regulating this service. Director Elejabarrieta shared with the board Florida State Statue 316.2071 - Personal delivery devices and mobile carriers (Exhibit 1). The board members discussed various encounters they have had with these devices. Director Elejabarrieta stated perhaps the board would like to invite a representative from the company to attend the upcoming meeting where they can express their concerns directly with them.
Director Elejabarrieta stated that perhaps going forward, via Ms. Dietz, D.I.G. and Mr. Dietz can further research and determine if there is any language which can be utilized for future legislation.
Mr. Martinez stated his concern is these devices being on sidewalks of Miracle Mile during a busy time such as upcoming Halloween or other events where there are a multitude of people. The board discussed possibilities of requesting company to add flags or sound to the devices.
Director Elejabarrieta stated that this should be an item that is placed on the next board’s meeting agenda for further discussion.
Coral Gables Monopoly Board Game - Mr. Eddy Martinez
Mr. Martinez advised this version of Monopoly game Coral Gables themed is sponsored and the businesses are involved. Mr. Martinez stated the traditional community chest cards and change cards are being renamed Best of the Gables cards as well as City Beautiful Cards. Mr. Martinez stated he is waiting for all the sales of the cards to be completed, and he is sure there will be some left over. Mr. Martinez stated once these cards are available, he would like to include other organizations, such as Crime Watch, and Advisory Board on Disability Affairs board. Mr. Martinez stated that he would like to have a bit of information on the cards and welcomes suggestions from the board. Director Elejabarrieta stated thou Mr. Martinez is not a board member, as ex-officio, he does fall under the sunshine law and to keep this in mind prior to contacting him. Director Elejabarrieta advised suggestions can be emailed to Assistant Director Rodriguez. The board further discussed this matter such as possible game pieces and ideas for the cards.
Voting of Vice Chairperson - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta stated as per City Clerk notice, board must vote for Vice Chairperson. Director Elejabarrieta stated this is in case Chairperson Justine Chichester is not available, vice chair can conduct meeting. The board agreed that Ms. Bedoya be nominated and voted as the Vice Chairperson and motion was made:
Motion:
To nominate board member Vanessa Bedoya as Vice Chairperson for the Coral Gables Disability Affairs Board.
Motion by: Jennifer Ward Sando / 2nd: Justine Chichester / Approved unanimously
OLD BUSINESS:
October National Disability Awareness Month - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised board had determined the recipient will be Mr. Eddy Martinez, Summer of Success and it will be presented at the October 14, 2025, Commission Meeting. Director Elejabarrieta advised meeting information will be emailed. Ms. Chichester stated she would like Mr. Rodriguez commence introduction, call her up and she will then provide some information regarding Mr. Martinez and then he could speak. Director Elejabarrieta stated perhaps it would be ok for Mr. Martinez to provide some pictures from past visits and can be shown during the presentation.
Community Recreation
Adventure Day - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings shared information regarding new and existing activities which will be taking place at this year’s Adventure Day Event on November 8, 2025, and confirmed it will once again be taking place at Salvadore Park 11:00am to 2:00pm.
The board discussed challenges encountered at last year’s event regarding accessible parking. Director Elejabarrieta stated last year there was an issue which we are making sure does not happen again. Director Elejabarrieta stated it would be best for a final walkthrough to be conducted at event.
Ms. Hastings expressed how thou requests have been received regarding having more programing for teens, registration has been low. Ms. Hastings requested assistance from board with promoting Teens programs in place.
School Community Relations Committee - Ms. Mary Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised board at the last School Community Relations Committee she presented the revisions suggested by this board regarding Section 8 of the Compact and they were not only receptive, but they have advised it will be put within the document. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated they adopted everything and are going through the last steps to ensure it is part of the Compact.
Ms. Palacio-Pike spoke of having reached out to Coral Gables High School celebrating its 75th year anniversary and when she asked if there was going to be representation in their video of people with disabilities she was told there would not be. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated after further conversations, she was advised there would be a post included regarding people with disabilities in their celebration.
Upcoming April Election - Mail in Ballot - Ms. Debbie Dietz
Ms. Dietz expressed concern regarding upcoming April elections and proposal of only having Mail in Ballot available. Ms. Chichester stated Ms. Dietz brought this up with Vice Mayor Anderson and believes it is currently at City attorney’s office. Director Elejabarrieta suggested the board have this item on the agenda for the November meeting and perhaps have someone from legal department come to provide update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
NEXT MEETING:
November 5, 2025
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 11:06 am
Motion by: Vanessa Bedoya / 2nd: Jennifer Ward Sando / Approved unanimously