The Coral Gables City Commission will meet Tuesday, June 10, to consider a wide-ranging agenda that blends infrastructure, civic policy, and symbolic gestures. From sewer repairs and land acquisitions to bronze statues, pickleball perks, and environmental regulations, the docket touches nearly every corner of city life.

Sewer laterals, Pickleball, representation

Among the most consequential items, the commission will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to clarify responsibility for maintaining sewer laterals—the underground pipes that connect private property to the city’s main sewer system. Under the proposal, Coral Gables would take responsibility for repairs within the public right-of-way in certain cases. Homeowners would still be responsible for repairs tied to property upgrades or renovations. Sponsored by Mayor Vince Lago, the ordinance could shift costs between homeowners and the city and carries potential budget implications.

Also up for final reading is a policy granting free access to city pickleball courts at the Biltmore and Salvadore Park for volunteer board members. Supporters, including Lago, say the perk acknowledges unpaid civic service. Critics may question whether the benefit raises fairness or equity concerns regarding access to city facilities.

The commission will also consider an ordinance that formally authorizes the mayor to appoint official city delegates. The move clarifies who speaks for Coral Gables in regional and international forums and has prompted discussion about the balance of power within city government.

Land use, long-term planning

In real estate matters, the city will vote on whether to purchase a vacant parcel at 1031 Valencia Avenue from the Eugenia S. Schmid Trust. Though modest in scope, the deal reflects the city’s broader strategy to secure land for civic or green use amid ongoing development pressures.

Other real estate items include a proposed lease of city-owned office space on Minorca Avenue to the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector and a review of updates to the state-mandated Evaluation and Appraisal Report which guides long-term land use planning.

Public safety, public art, Dorothy’s legacy

City Manager Peter Iglesias has asked the commission to approve the acceptance of more than $1 million in federal anti-money laundering funding through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The funds would bolster efforts by the Coral Gables Police Department to dismantle narcotics networks.

Also under consideration is a resolution to bypass competitive bidding in order to purchase three bronze statues—Dorothy, Toto, and the Tin Man—for installation in the planned Dorothy Thomson Park. Produced by Brodin Studios, the statues honor former mayor Dorothy.

The commission will also receive an update on the Liberte Art Contest, part of the city’s centennial programming and will consider new appointments to the Arts Advisory Panel.

Environmental rules, turf, downtown cleanups

Environmental matters feature prominently on the agenda. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson is expected to introduce a proposal to restrict or ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The move follows her previous efforts to ban single-use plastics and underscores growing concerns about noise, pollution, and sustainability.

Mayor Lago will also present a zoning code amendment related to artificial turf, a controversial topic that has sparked debate over aesthetics, heat retention, and drainage. He is additionally slated to give an update on recent beautification and public works projects around City Hall and downtown.

Commissioner Melissa Castro plans to revisit the city’s hybrid work policy, recently phased out in favor of a full in-person schedule. She will also lead a discussion on the city’s pilot program for residential parking rates.

Board appointments

More than two dozen appointments to city advisory boards are expected Tuesday. Of note, five advisory board positions listed under “Commission as a whole”—including the Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Pension Trust Funds—were still marked as vacant as of the latest agenda update.

Waterways, impervious surfaces

Two items under city manager business include a second amendment to a state DEP grant agreement for the Coral Gables Waterway and Biscayne Bay project and a discussion about a new Miami-Dade County DERM ordinance on impervious surfaces. Both address environmental and stormwater management challenges facing the city.

The session will begin with ceremonial recognitions, including a proclamation for July’s “Taste the Gables – Restaurant Month” and commendations for city employees. What follows is a sweeping docket of legislation, budget decisions, and policy questions that reflect Coral Gables’ evolving civic priorities.

Meeting details

The June 10 meeting begins at 9 a.m. in City Hall and will be broadcast live on Comcast Ch. 77 and streamed online. Residents may attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom, phone, or email.