By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The Coral Gables City Commission meets Wednesday, September 10, at 9 a.m. at City Hall with a packed agenda that places fiscal policy, board appointments, and rules for public participation at the forefront. Commissioners are set to discuss the city’s millage rate, consider the nomination of former commissioner Kirk Menendez to the Planning and Zoning Board, and debate new standards for civility in the chamber.

Millage rate discussion

Wednesday’s session will include commission discussion of the city’s millage rate, though a tentative decision will not be made until the first annual budget hearing on Friday, September 12. The city’s Budget and Audit Advisory Board has recommended that the commission maintain the current rate of 5.559 mills for Fiscal Year 2025–2026. Commissioner Melissa Castro has sponsored a separate resolution proposing a 0.25 percent reduction this year with additional reductions each year through 2028–2029. Those competing visions will frame the debate leading into the budget hearing.

Planning and Zoning appointment

A headline item on the consent agenda is the appointment of Kirk Menendez to the Planning and Zoning Board. Menendez, nominated by Commissioner Castro, would replace Sue Kawalerski, who was removed from the board last week in a rare action by the commission. Menendez is head of the Coral Gables Youth Center Association, which is under legal review following the commission’s decision to hire outside counsel to examine its records. A former city commissioner, he also ran unsuccessfully for mayor this year against Vince Lago.

More board appointments and representation

Commissioner Castro is also slated for appointment to a Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee, authorizing her to represent Coral Gables’ positions on statewide issues.

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson has sponsored two ordinances that would alter how city boards function. One measure revises the definition of excessive absences for members of advisory boards such as Planning and Zoning and Historic Preservation. Another updates membership and attendance rules for the Code Enforcement Board. Both proposals aim to standardize expectations and ensure consistent participation on citizen boards.

Election date measures

The agenda includes a resolution from Commissioner Castro to rescind an earlier resolution that had called for a special election on prohibiting future commissions from changing municipal election dates by ordinance. The move follows the commission’s vote last week to set a special election in April 2026 asking voters whether to align city elections with state and national election cycles.

Live Local Act and permitting fees

Vice Mayor Anderson has sponsored two wide-ranging discussion items. The first concerns the state’s Live Local Act, which preempts local zoning laws to allow denser housing in certain areas. Commissioners will consider its implications for Coral Gables’ development policies. The second addresses city permitting fees, an issue affecting both homeowners and developers seeking approvals for construction and renovation.

Rules of decorum and civility code

Mayor Lago has placed two related items on the agenda focusing on conduct at commission meetings. One proposes new rules of decorum governing public comment, while the other would establish a formal civility code. Both items come after months of contentious exchanges during meetings and seek to set expectations for dialogue between the commission, staff, and residents.

Additional items of note

The commission will also consider several contracts, agreements, and grants, including:

• Acceptance of a federal grant for the Police Department to purchase a high-water rescue vehicle.
• Renewal of the city’s software license with geographic information systems provider ESRI.
• Approval of ad valorem tax relief for 4125 Santa Maria Street, a contributing structure within the Santa Maria Street Historic District.
• Several proclamations, including recognition of Baruj Salinas Day and the 90th anniversary of Social Security.

Meeting details

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. Members of the public may attend in person or watch remotely through the city’s YouTube channel.