Hallelujah. No doubt. >> Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk. Good morning. Ready to get started? We are. Madam City attorney. Good. All right, let's call the meeting to order. >> This one was short. I feel like I'm in a
high chair. >> Good morning. I'd like to welcome everyone to the special assessment uh public hearing uh dated September 12th, 2025. We have a few items on the docket that hopefully we'll deal with expeditiously. But before we get started, I'd like to uh request that the
city manager lead us uh in the pledge of allegiance. >> You should have this chair. >> I pledge allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much, madam city attorney. >> Thank you, mayor. Um item number one is a resolution of the city commission relating to the provision of the miracle mile improvement project approving the updated assessment role for the miracle
mile assessment area providing for the collection of the assessments to fund the miracle mile improvement project within the miracle mile assessment area. pursuant to the Uniform Assessment Collection Act, providing for the effect of this resolution, providing severability and an effective date. >> Before we get started, and I first first and foremost, thank you, Madam Director, and your entire staff for doing a
wonderful job and outside council and everyone that's involved in this process every single year. Uh, Mr. Clerk, do we have any public comment that we need to address before? >> I don't have any public comment at this >> I know that I have an email from Mr. Henry Martinez uh that he wanted to put his uh item on the record in regards to
some issues uh with the guard house taxing district uh for Kings Bay. >> So, mayor, I think we should have the public hearing with each item. >> Okay. I don't I just want to make sure we do it appropriately, but we have some other or you want to do every single one whatever that the item
is. Okay, not a problem. I wanted to get rid of I wanted to do it as before we started, but okay, we'll do it that way. Madam director. >> Okay. Uh good morning. Diana Gomez, finance director. Um this item is the um reassessment of the Miracle Mile um
assessment fee for the upcoming year. Um this annual assessment resolution confirms the assignment of the assessment units and the computation of the assessments as established in the initial and uh final assessment resolution. It confirms um the the
amount that each property that is in the district needs to pay for the upcoming year. >> Okay. Uh can I get a motion? >> Move it. I'll second. >> Mr. Clerk, any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. Forward. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Thank you. >> Item number two on the docket. Um, number two is a resolution of the city commission relating to the collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials in the city of Coral Gables, Florida, providing authority definitions and interpretation reimposing solid waste services assessments against assessed property located within the city of Coral Gables, Florida for the fiscal year beginning
October 1, 2025 confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the solid waste assessment role and providing for collection providing for application of assessment proceeds providing for effect providing for conflict severability and an effective date. Madam director, >> so this is the final step in the position of the solid waste assessment
for adoption for the um upcoming fiscal year. Um the regular rate um for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 is $577.50. Um and the uh auxiliary units are 28875. So there's been no change from the
previous year. Um residents were given the option to early pay at a discounted rate of 550 or 275 respectively. and um and that um early payment period expires on August 15th. However, we did leave it open um until the end of August um in
order to give people to time to pay um in advance before it's getting put on the tax. Those that don't pay or haven't paid the their item will be on the tax ro in November. >> Thank you. Do we have any comment from the commission? If not, I'll have a motion. >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Clark, do you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor.
>> I close the public comment. >> Vice Mayor Anderson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Castro? Yes. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Fernandez. >> Yes. >> Mayor Lago. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> I second that. >> Second that. I'm sorry. >> The coffee has hit my brain.
>> We can just do aation. I think >> she just said we should use some humor. >> All right. So, are we good, Mr. Clerk? >> I guess she wanted to know which way you were voting. >> Okay. >> Thank you very Let's move on to item to
to the third item on the docket. >> So, mayor, I have to clarify. I was reading a different version of the agenda. So, I just want to clarify a little bit of confusion. Okay. Number one that I read that I said was the Miracle Mile um is is different on the agenda that we're looking at today. So, we'll we'll correct that. But, we've already handled the Miracle Mile and we
handled the solid waste. And so next I will do the the one that's number one on all of your agendas which is a resolution of the city commission relating to the provision of fire protection services facilities and programs in the city of Cor providing authority definitions and interpretation reimposing fire protection assessments against assessed property located within
the city for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. Confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the assessment role and providing for collection providing for application of assessment proceeds providing for effect providing for conflict ability and an effective date. >> Thank you. Um I'll entertain a motion.
>> You want to move it this time? >> I'll move it. I'll second. >> Madam director giving you some voice. >> So the um this is the this is the um the final step in the position of the fire protection assessment um for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. There are no changes in the proposed
assessment rates for this upcoming fiscal year. >> Mr. Cler, any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right, we have a motion a second. >> All in favor? >> I much easier. Moving on to item number four. >> Item number four is a resolution of the city commission relating to the
provision of the Geralda improvement project providing certain findings, authority, definitions, and interpretation approving the updated assessment role for the Geralda Avenue assessment area for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. Providing for the collection of the assessments to fund the Geralda Avenue improvement project within the Geralda Avenue assessment area pursuant to the Uniform
Assessment Collection Act. Providing for the lean of assessment for writing for application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effect of this resolution. providing for conflict severability and an effective date. >> Um this item is the the final step in the resolution in the process in order to assess the um Geralda area uh
streetscape improvements um for the properties that are responsible um for the assessment for their share of the assessment. >> Thank you. May I have a motion? A second. >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Clerk, do you public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. >> All in favor?
>> I moving on to item number five. Item number five is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Sunrise Harbor Security Guard Special Taxing District, providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security assess services assessment rule. Providing for
the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds, providing for the effect of this resolution, providing conflict severability and an effective date. >> So there is no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscical year
25 assessment rates are proposed to increase by $200 from $3,600 to $3,800 for improved unit and from $1,800 to 1900 for vacant units. The increases needed to fund services provided including increases in security services costs. >> Thank you. May I have a motion?
>> I'll move it. >> I'll second comment. >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All in favor? >> I number six. Number six is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Snapper Creek Lake security guard special taxing district providing
authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments beginning October 1st, 2025 providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act providing for application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effectiveness resolution providing conflicts of
ability and effective date. >> So there's no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscical year 25 assessment rates are proposed to increase by $275 from $2,725 to $3,000 per improved unit and from 136250 to,500 for vacant units.
The increases needed to fund services provided included increases in security cost services cost. >> Thank you. We have a motion. >> I move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Do we have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All in favor? >> I to item number seven. Number seven is
a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Pine Bay Estate Security Guard special taxing district. Providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025, providing for collection of the
assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds, providing for the effect of this resolution providing conflicts, severability and effective date. >> So there is no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscal year 20 25 assessment or the 20 fiscal year 26
assessment rates are proposed to increase from uh $275528 to 36 3650 per improved land and from 137764 to$1825 per vacant lot. This increase is needed to fund ongoing maintenance due
to the new services provided including a new landscaping and perimeter wall monument project. >> May I have a motion? I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Clerk, do we have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Item number eight.
>> Number eight is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the old Cutler Bay security guard special taxing district providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the
fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025, providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. providing for application of assessment proceeds, providing for the effect of this resolution, providing conflict, severability, and an effective date. >> So again, there's no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscal year 26 assessment rates are
proposed to increase from 4,400 4,550 to $4,900 per improved lot and from 2275 to 2450 for vacant lot. The increases needed to fund services provided included increase in security services cost and maintenance contracts costs.
>> May I have a motion? >> I'll move it. I'll second. >> Mr. Clerk, do you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. >> Uh, all in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to number nine. >> Number nine is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Kings Bay Amended
Security Guard Special Taxing District, providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. Providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for
application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effect of this resolution. Providing conflicts of rehability and effective date. But there is no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscal year 26 assessment rates are proposed to increase from $2,16 to $2,100 per
improved lot and from $1,08 to $1,50 per vacant lot. the increases needed to fund the and provide incl fund services provided including increases in security service rates. >> Thank you. May I have a motion? >> I'll move it. I'll second. >> Mr. Clerk, do you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor.
>> This is your public comment. The one that that you got the email. >> So, I have this um email like I mentioned before about Kings Bay. I just want to put it on the record. I was wondering if the resident was potentially going to engage and call us. I think they were maybe going to come in via Zoom.
That's what they're requesting. Is anybody Do you have anybody via Zoom? >> I do have uh people on Zoom. I do have Mr. Henry Martinez on Zoom, but he has not requested to speak. Okay. >> Well, Mr. Martinez, this is your opportunity to speak. Um you sent us an email uh to my office, which is a public
record uh on Thursday, September 11th uh at 11:47 a.m. And it is said, "Dear Mayor Lago, please find the email that I referenced when we reached out yesterday afternoon on the topic of our guard house taxing district. We're opposed to an increase in the tax assessment given that we're sitting on a significant
23.8% reserve level that is completely unnecessary and hijacks taxpayer funds. If there is a deficit, as noted on the proposed budget, the $15,000 amount can easily be covered from reserves, which would still leave a reserve balance of
17.8% at the end of fiscal year 2026. Um, no needs to raise our assessment tax to homeowners/voters in Kings Bay. Thank you for your time and attention to his matter. Mr. Martinez, >> is he still on? >> He is on, Mr. May.
>> All right. Just for the record, I attempted my best to get him on the phone. I read his email to the record. Uh, do we have any comments in regards to to the homeowner's request? >> So, um, with this district, there is an $84 increase um on the um assessment
rate this for this upcoming fiscal year. that the actual district is operating in a deficit, but there is a fund balance. Uh so we are you the 15,000 $15,000 proposed deficit is going to eat into that fund balance to bring the fund
balance to a level where we feel it is um uh necessary for um the the security uh this this district, I'm sorry, it's a guard house. So we try to have somewhere between 20 and 25% reserves. Um we will be below that. um uh we are projecting
to be below that and then next year after after the fiscal 26 year has gone if we actually use the the amount that we're projecting to use of the deficit we're going to be to 17.8%. So we're going to have to increase it for fiscal 27 because right now it the
the the amount that we're collecting does not cover the services provided. But in in effort to not increase substantially each year, we try not to. We are okay with dipping into the fund balance and then recouping it in future
years. >> The mayor. >> Yes. >> Um we did give a reprieve to this taxing district last year. Correct. We did not um go with the uh recommended number uh last uh fiscal year if I remember correctly.
>> Good morning sir. Thank you for being with us. Uh Paul Winkl John, the manager for the tax and districts. Yes, correct. The commissioner mentioned uh they presented the same request that they did not believe the reserves uh should be at the level proposed by staff. Uh the
commission dropped it by $40 under the caution from staff that we would be back here again this year for more of an increase, which is exactly what happened. Uh that's not tricky predicting the future. That's just reality. Uh the residents have been fantastic at going through the financials with me at hearing the
arguments for the the concept of first quarter operating which you you all are aware of. There's no revenue between October and December. Some you have to have 25% of your fixed costs to cover that. So dripping drifting below 25% I think is a bad habit.
>> Do we have the number of where we were last year as far as the reserve and how much we ate into it with that change? >> Sure. So, at the end of fiscal 24, um, we were the fund balance was at $89,000. Um,
what we expect now when we're closing fiscal 25, it's going to go down to $68,000. So, we are eating into the fund balance each year. And this again is projected. The year hasn't closed yet, but that's what we're projecting. So, we will be around 23% at the end of fiscal 25 if
everything goes exactly how we are projecting it. And then um but we still in an effort not to raise it too much we decided to say okay we'll we'll allow a little bit of a deficit and we'll continue to move forward. What happens is then as um Mr. Wl John was saying so the city will front the funding which is
a lot it happens in all these special taxing districts based on the timing we front the monies for the expenditures and then we get re reimbursed um with the tax ro assessments that come in. Um and again we set these rate the maximum rate was set back in May. we don't know
exactly where we're going to be even at the end of the year. Um so we are setting the rates like 18 months almost 18 months in advance of the year end that it affects. So we we do our best with um the estimates but we the city should not it's not the city's expense. It is a taxing district's expense.
>> So Mr. Mo John tell me a little bit about your comfort level in regards to the residents request. >> Uh yes I I I'm comfortable with a reduction to some degree. We've discussed it and obviously I follow the lead of the finance director. Uh there's some good news. The residents have have
really grasped the concept and the potential of the district and they're they are putting together a project list for next fiscal year. I've funneled all these districts into a February deadline for those proposals so that that May budget reflects their request. And this
group wants that. So if they go down a little bit, you know, for this request, I'm in support of it in that respect because they're going to come back with a request for an increase next year and they'll pick up the difference. >> Yeah. So let me let just to put it on the record. Um I've made multiple visits
to Kings Bay. Uh we've sat down and not only discussed the the guard house, which is something that's a work in progress, but we've talked about landscaping with the manager on multiple occasions, uh especially with a neighboring pro property, which is not owned by the city,
>> which by the way, put it on the record. Wish it was owned by the city. That is an amazing piece of property. And God willing, one day, God willing, one day we >> a corner property. >> Yeah. So we can bring that into into our portfolio, which would be amazing. Again, I don't even know how big that property is. What do you think? How big do you think that property is?
>> Well, there is a rideway that we can I can discuss with the manager some ideas on how the district can help. Those are things I leave up to you guys. But my point is, uh, there's opportunities when they arise. We have to be prepared. And we're talking about landscaping. We've done landscaping.
We've addressed issues of safety. We've addressed issues, but they're going to make further requests. Look, there's a sidewalk issue that that we're dealing with right now in that community. Um, and it's it's not going to go away, right? And so we're going to have to partner up with the neighboring Miami date county, neighboring municipalities. We have to address those issues because
people are concerned. But when you add traffic calming with the congestion they're having there in regards to uh the concerns about the fire department and whether uh they'll be able to get in and out due to the amount of congestion that that area is facing uh is is a big concern. So if you tell me that you
think that we can cut this a little bit and it will still meet our needs, I don't have an issue with that. But I want to make sure that we we put ourselves in the best position for next year because the calls don't stop and deservely so. Deservedly so. They just want to make their neighborhood beautiful, safer, and and we've made a
lot of strides and the representation that they have there uh from from the residents is great. Um but they're vocal and they want in a very respectful way. They're vocal and they want, you know, to continue to upgrade uh their area. That area has seen a massive upswing in
property values as you've seen. Uh it's the most southern area of the city. Um I I don't like to hear and I know my colleagues in the commission do not like to hear when they say things like, you know, we're the forgotten area. That's not that that that hurts. You
know, we represent everybody. So, um projects cost money. Projects cost money and there's a lot of ambition, which is great. So, I just want to put that on the record because it's not falling on death ears. We're working on a lot of things, but uh the more projects you bring online, we got to find the
resources to be able to pay for them. >> So, yeah. So, as I was going to say, the dipping into the fund balance, I think we're comfortable with that. Um the small increase of $84 will help us kind of like get start getting on track so that next year's increase, which is going to be a required increase in order to balance the budget and not continue
to dip into fund balance. And that's before any additional projects. So, they're going to need an increase next year before any additional projects just to get to an even balance, a budget. So, um reducing the $84, I don't think it's a I don't think that we should. I think
we need to impose it and we need to um make sure that the budget pays for the expenses that they currently have. >> Mr. No, I mean, I I was going to ask what reduction you thought would be um reasonable. Um, obviously I think the two of you are on different pages when
it comes to to this, but >> No, I think we were on the same page. I think he was talking about the fund balance reduction. He was okay with not not Yeah. to increase it to 84, but the the fact that we're going to dip into fund balance by 15,000 this year. I I believe I don't want to speak for you. That was a fun that was I proposed that
to the residents. I showed them that the the actual balance budget was 2150, which is another $50. Uh that we've already as staff said, we know how they feel. we know where they're headed, you know, with sensitivity to that. Let's present 2100. So th this side of the
equation thought we already did this. >> And I think that yesterday is a perfect example that we don't know what's going to happen, when it's going to happen, and how quickly things can change, and how quickly expenses could come about. Um, so I I mean, I understand the
resident's concern. Um, but I I'll make a motion uh to pass as uh it is uh is written um because it'll also imply a much lower increase next year for them. Uh so it's kind of more of a scaled
approach rather than just hammering through next year, you know, a much larger number. >> So I'm I'm going to second that. And for the mayor, um I'm just going to add that, you know, with where we're at right now economically,
it may also be an opportune time for them to consider doing those projects because they may come in at a lower cost now and therefore the increase next year will be less if they want to get take advantage of the um economy right now
where contractors are scrambling for work. Um, so with that in mind, I think it's it would be dangerous to to lower the the fund balance now because you'll pay a lot more later uh when uh the
pricing is not as advantageous to move forward on some of these things that they want. You know, there's other other things that we can look at for uh residents that are struggling and uh I'd urge that, you know, individual to reach out to us to try to provide some
guidance. Um, I know we're just a city, but sometimes we help can make that connection with the county for some relief and there's other uh avenues for applying for relief that we can assist with >> through the mayor. I I I won't support
that. I think you said there was a little flexibility. I think we could have maybe balanced just a little bit to to at least make the residents feel they're being heard, right? Um, I'm opposed to that, but It's >> the mayor.
>> If I may, I just want I want to respond. I think that the commissioner is confused. When you said flexibility, were you talking about lowering lowering the amount or were you talking about the fund balance? >> Well, the it's I was talking about the fund balance, but there the project idea is is an illustration of where they're
headed and that's what our job is to be prepared for the future. The reason why I bring that up is because again, >> we have to know what we're voting on, right? My colleague to the right thinks we're voting on lowering their assessment. We're not we're talking about lowering you know whether we would
even consider the fund balance. So at the end of the day you're very clear that this should be the number in preparation for the future. U again like Commissioner Fernandez said we were having 12 and 11% increases in property values. Now we're down to five and it's
going to go down even further next year. I'm just going to give you a simple number here. Okay? It's not for me. I know that the blogs and all these people will write what they want to write. You know, all the insanity, um, all the lies, but the truth of the fact is that I'm going to get the manager and the finance director. Madam finance director,
what are we looking at next year? What does it cost to run the city in regards to what percentage increase do we need in property values every year to make up for to make up for average? I know it's average. I know it's average because I'm I'm average in regards to insurance
increases uh the cost of the cost of um employees uh different things that are just standard increases every single year that go up no matter what what is what do we need property values to go up >> uh Paula Rodriguez assistant finance director for management budget and
compliance um so mayor so um typically we have stood up on this das and we've said that 3 to 5% is the normal that we expect and that is um and that is generally what is needed in order to balance the budget. That has allowed us,
you know, when we're at a 5% like we are this year, that has allowed us to look at maybe enhancing or increasing services or um needs in departments. But the reality is is that um expenses have been increasing at a higher percentage
than that over the last couple years. Our hope is that if the increases to property values come down to 3% that that is a reflection of the economy and hopefully some of our other increases to operating will balance out but typically it's it's
right on line it's right on >> so let's let's add that and and we have several people who are accountants you've dealt with finances before who are residents who are here with us today who I've had many conversations with in regards to cost when you give a $ 1.9 million cola will that go down next year
yes or no >> no that is something that will remain and is not something that can be reduced at this point. >> For how long? >> The the the additional cost to the city is a 20-year cost. >> No, 10 years. I'm sorry. 10 years. >> 10 years. So, you've seen property
values go the values going up from 12 to 11, 8, now we're at five. People are talking potentially 3% next year. You pass a cola which staff opposed and now you're talking about next year that cola will be another $ 1.9 million
albatross around the city's neck. We have to be careful when we do things like this because now we don't have that $ 1.9 million. And I'm going to explain it in detail at the budget hearing today. We meet at 5:00 so people understand why we have to be very thoughtful and
very methodical how the city has pride itself over the last 15 years to make sure that we're thoughtful and we save accordingly in reserves that we were very careful when we when we negotiate deals. Like we said before, staff, our finance department was in opposition of
the fire union contract, which was too rich for the city. Staff set it up here, but people voted in favor of that. I voted against it. I voted in favor of the police. So now is this is a similar example. You have to be thoughtful and you have to look at the next year. You
can't just think for the moment. Can't think for getting votes and getting reelected. You're making decisions up here that jeopardize our city and that cost our city $30 million over the next 10 years, which I will be providing again a copy of our of the of the memo
that I wrote. So, I have to agree with Commissioner Fernandez. I want to give a reduction here of money. I'm dying to give a reduction, but when staff tells me, Vince, we have to be careful about there's projects on the horizon. I would
feel amazing if I gave a reduction right now. I would be a hero. I have an email here from residents that tell me give me the reduction though, but I can't do something which again could potentially hurt a community. So, and if my staff is telling me like they told us, do not vote for the fire union contract, do not
provide this cola, I have to listen to my staff at the end of the day. So, Mr. Mr. Manager, you wanted to say something. I apologize. >> Yes, I'm I'm exc Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I was talking about these the special assessment districts and and those that
that have a guard house. We need to have a a reserve because and there they happen to be in the south in our most vulnerable area. So, we should have a a a a reserve in case we have storm damage. We have the like last night we we could have a tree fall uh just just
from a from a simple uh summer storm. So, I I do think that that having a reserve in the in the most vulnerable area, especially where we where we have these guardouses is prudent. >> And by the way, if I may, uh we're putting our money where our mouth is as a city. So, we're not asking you to have
a reserve without the city having a reserve. That legislation I I wrote that legislation years ago will require the city to have 25% in restricted reserves at all times. We have 25%. As my friend here, Henry Martinez says, Kings Bay has
23.8 and it'll dip down to 17.8. Um, I'm sorry, he was talking would still leave a reserve if we lowered it. Excuse me. So, I think that they're in a very they're in a prudent position here and I want to be very careful when we vote on this issue. >> Mr. Mayor, um,
>> not that we're on that topic, but I wanted to thank the manager, the DCM and the ACM and and our public works and park staff for the quick response yesterday, police and fire. uh addressing the numerous calls that we got and the numerous reports um that that we got of trees down blocking
roadways. Uh the quick response was uh very much appreciated by residents. Um as I drove through the North Gables area, it looked like we had just been hit by a hurricane. I mean, there wasn't a single block from my son's school to my house that did not have branches
blocking parts of roadways. Uh so it it definitely was noticed and I wanted to thank staff for um working through the night uh to address the issues that we have. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I echo those sentiments. Um we have a motion.
>> We have a second. >> We have a second. Mr. Clerk, do you have any public comment outside of this or no? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. Um I have a vote. >> Commissioner Castro? >> No. >> Commissioner Fernandez? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Anderson? Yes,
>> Mayor Log. >> Yes. >> Moving on to item 10. >> Number 10 is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Hammock Oaks Harbor Security Guard Special Taxing District, providing authority definitions and interpretation. Confirming the preliminary assessment resolution, approving the updated
security services assessment rule, providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025, providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds, providing for the effect of this resolution. providing conflicts of ability and effective date. >> So there's no change in the proposed
methodology. However, the fiscical year 26 assessment rates are proposed to increase from 269880 to $3,000 per improved lot and from 134940 to,500 per vacant lot. The increase is needed to fund increases in security services costs.
>> Thank you. May I have a motion? >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. K, you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Thank we go to 11. >> 11 is a resolution of the city
commission relating to security services assessments within the Hammock Lake Banyan Security Guard special taxing district. Providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. Providing
for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effectiveness resolution. Providing conflicts of ability and an effective date. So there is no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscical year 26 assessment rates are proposed to
increase from $928 $982 to 1350 per improved lot and from $491 to $675 per vacant lot. Increases needed to fund services provided as excess reserves previously generated will be depleted over the upcoming years.
>> I have a motion. >> Move it. I'll second public comment. >> No, Mr. Mayor. All in favor? I >> I item >> 12. >> 12 is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Vanyion Drive security guard special taxing district providing authority definitions and
interpretation. Confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment rule. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments to the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. Providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effect of this
resolution providing conflicts of ability and effective date. So there's no change in the proposed methodology. However, the fiscical year 26 assessment rates are proposed to increase from $7,100 to $9,100 for improved lot and from $3550 to 4550 for vacant lots. This increase is needed to fund services
provided during the construction of the new guard house and to cure a past deficit. >> We have a motion. >> I'll move it. I'll second public comment. >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Item 13. 13 is a resolution of the city
commission relating to security services assessments in the hammock lake security guard special tacting district providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st 2025 providing for collection of the assessments pursuant
to the uniform assessment collection act providing for application of assessment proceeds providing for the effectiveness resolution providing conflicts of verbility and effective date >> so there's there's no change in the proposed methodology there is a proposed increase for the fiscal year 26 fix rates um from $6,000 to $6,400 for
improved lot and from 3,000 to 3200 for vacant lot. >> This is due to the cost of increased cost of security services. >> Thank you. We have a motion. >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Cler, do you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor. All right. All in favor? >> I >> I to 14. 14 is a resolution of the city
commission relating to security services assessments within the Cocoa Plum phase one security guard special taxing district providing authority definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment rule providing for the reimposition of the assessments through the fiscal year beginning October 1st 2025 providing for collection of the
assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act providing for application of assessment proceeds providing for the effectiveness resolution providing conflicts of ability and effective date >> so there's no change in proposed methodology however this fiscal year 26 assessments rates proposed to increase from $3,725 to $3,865 per improved unit
and from 186250 to $1,932.50 per vacant units. Increases need to fund services provided included increases in security services cost. >> May I have a motion? Bless you. >> I'll move it.
>> Yeah, we're going to do it right now. >> May I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Do we have any public comment? >> Yes, sir. M. >> Perfect. Okay. Mr. Wangalan Jr. Sir, good morning. >> I know that I know that Good morning everyone. I know that at the time that the city took over the special attack
district from the county. Perhaps the only person that was on the dies was you as commissioner. Uh, so I have to give you a little bit of history because I never thought I would say this, but I spent two and a half years living under Metropolitan Day County and I next year
will be my 50th year in the city of Coral Gables. And I have to tell you, and I've done the research that when the city decided to take over the special attack district, I was already familiar with what the county did because they were doing ours at the time. And uh I
went to uh the city attorney's predecessor and I said this is going to be a problem. We need to have an advisory board of some type. We need to have some management structure for this. And uh what the city has done up to now to be quite honest with you is provide financial management. When it comes to
phase one, there is no operational management. I sent some pictures of the police car that sits uh very often at a corner of Cocoa Plum Road and Los Penos and we pay for a roving patrol and we
don't get a roving patrol. Now, I'm not a fool. I know why that police car sits there in the afternoon and the morning. The president of the Cocoa Plum Civic Association, which is not an HOA, lives across the street. So, it's nice for him to know that the police car is around
when he get leaves home and when he comes home, but that's not what we're paying for. And I would guarantee you that we do not inspect. So, we cannot expect we do not, I'm sure, keep track of the number of miles driven by each one of the three daily shifts that we
have. Okay? So, somebody can monitor the fact that they're actually roving as opposed to sitting running the engine, spending our money, right? in whatever they're doing. Maybe they're catching up on police reports, maybe they're doing whatever, but they're not
roving as a patrol. So, that's that's an issue. I believe that what is maybe we are the only u special attacks district that is not controlled by an HOA. We do not have an HOA. We are not a deed restricted community. When the petition
is sent, it is sent to 150 property owners and there is no meeting, there is no board, there's no uh nothing goes on that informs the residents of what is really going on in that special taxing district. Now, I'm going to show show you some numbers that make the whole
thing basically ridiculous the way things have have changed. Uh but you know, I'm not complaining about the money. I can afford it. The problem is it's not being managed properly. If I'm going to pay for a roving patrol, I don't want that roving patrol sitting at Cocoa Plum Road in Los Penos. Why?
Because anyone that's going to come in and and steal, they know where the cop is. There's only one and he's in his car and you can see him. Okay? I understand the decoy process where you put a decoy car with nobody in it, but that's not what's going on. Okay? So, if you go by
there and you see the policeman there, guess what happens? You go right in, you can break a window, you can do whatever, and you'll get out. Okay. So, it's not managed properly. Now, the dollars >> in 2022, >> you could shorten your statement.
>> Just to give you an idea, we were told, and I'll talk about the special light lighting district, which is the next one, which is the same thing. Okay? We were told it was going to be $600 to install the lights, okay? And $400 a month, right?
First two years, $878, a 92% increase. currently is $68 which is a 52% increase. So something's not being managed. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I would suggest some kind of board that that would represent the residents. If
we the only non-HOA then maybe it's only a board for our committee. >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Mr. Clerk, >> uh before taking the vote on this item, Mr. Mayor, Commissioner Lara has joined on Zoom. Perfect. >> Thank you. So, >> I'll make a motion to allow him to
participate. >> Right. >> Okay. >> I'll make a motion. >> No, I made I couldn't second. >> I couldn't say if I >> All right. All in favor? >> I >> Thank you. >> You're You're having help today. >> Yeah. Thank you.
>> Um, Mr. Chief, would you like to say a few words? >> Thank you. >> So, just as a point of m Thank you, Mayor. Just for a point of information, um we have been dealing with the the three
different organizations in Cocoa Plum. Um I'll refer to October 3rd, 2023, uh where Mr. Galan also brought up and working with the police department that our cars were blocking um and interferes with the space and ingress and ingress
at Cocoa Plant. Uh if you look at the pictures that were sent to the email by the emails, uh the individual is sent there. They've been requested to stay there. Uh not only do we work with the homeowners association or the HOA, um
but everybody else, we've they've increased their camera, the a the ALPR system into there. Uh there is one way in, one way out for the most part, and that officer seeing that is also there before somebody can get out. Uh the second part of it that I want to bring
to their attention as late as July 7th, 2025, I did a full even before this came up, a full staffing arrangement of what has come up. The one thing I can tell you in looking at all of the other HOAs or Cocoa Plum pays the officers the
least amount of money. That does not mean that they're not staffing it. They're just not getting a lot of volunteers to do that. Uh our rates are have pretty much been set. I let them negotiate. I let the the coordinators negotiate with the people that have made
the decisions. U and as I spoke with them uh a few months ago, uh I actually expressed that sometimes this is a voluntary offduty job. This is not something that the police department u mandates. Uh because of that and because
of you know the the economics of it, officers can work other areas for more money. I had that conversation with the board people that talked with me before. Uh we continue to balance everybody's concerns. Some people want us at the
front gate, want us working with the front gate. For those of you, I mean, if you don't know, uh we've actually added radio capabilities within the police department to all of the guard shacks, not just Cocoa Plum, but all of them. So, it has continued to work. the
numbers or crime numbers I don't have specifically in front of me continue to go down. But that presence is something that we uh need to have there at that door. And if you look at the pictures that were referred to if we're writing stop sign tickets, because stop sign
tickets are a usual complaint, you've got to step back far enough to somebody watch to run the stop sign to then stop the individual. So that was some of the issues that were come up but we have been in touch with whichever entity is controlling the payment of the off duties through the tax administer.
>> Thank you sir. >> Correct. You have a motion to second. >> Yes sir. Commissioner Fernandez. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Lara. Commissioner Lara. We can't hear you sir. Yes. >> Okay. >> Vice Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Castro.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Log. >> Yes. Moving on to item 15. >> 15 is a resolution of the city commission relating to the provision of street lighting services, facilities, and programs within the Cocoa Plum phase 1 street lighting special taxing district providing authority definitions and interpretation. Confirming the preliminary assessment resolution
approving the updated street lighting assessment rule. Providing for the reimposition of the street lighting assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. Providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. providing for the application of assessment proceeds providing for the effect of this resolution providing conflict severability and an effective date.
>> So there's no change in the proposed methodology or the rates. The fiscal year 26 assessment rate maintains at $6825 per unit. >> Thank you very much. May I have a motion? >> I'll move it. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Trump, do you have any public comment? >> No, Mr. Mayor.
>> All right. I entertain a vote. >> All in favor? >> I. And the final item, if I'm >> I Thank you, sir. Uh 16. >> 16 is a resolution of the city commission relating to security services assessments within the Gables by the sea coral gable security guard special taxi district. Providing authority
definitions and interpretation confirming the preliminary assessment resolution approving the updated security services assessment role. Providing for the reimposition of the assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025. Providing for collection of the assessments pursuant to the uniform assessment collection act. Providing for application of assessment proceeds. Providing for the effect of this
resolution providing conflicts of ability and effective date. >> Madam director. >> So there is no change in the proposed methodology. This is the the gate that is shared with Pinerest, city of Pinerest. So that the city does manage the entire um district. Uh the fiscal year 26 assessment rate are proposed
increase by $100 from 1350 to 1450 per improved lot and from 675 to 725 per vacum lot. The increase is needed to fund the services providing including increases in security services cost. >> Thank you. Uh I entertain a motion. >> I'll move it. I'll second. Mr. Cler, do you have any public comment?
>> No, Mr. Mayor. >> Perfect. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you very much. >> Anything else for the good of the order, madam city attorney? >> No, sir. >> Okay. I welcome everyone to please join us today at 5:00 for our budget hearing. I look forward to your ideas, your
comments. I'd like to thank staff uh for doing a wonderful job and for the residents that attended here today along with our police chief, our city manager, city attorney, and city clerk, and all the staff of the city of Coral Gables. Thank you. God bless and have a wonderful day. And we'll see each other at 5. Thank you.