Coral Gables: City Commission Meeting
Summary. The Coral Gables City Commission held its February 10, 2026 meeting with presentations, proclamations, and agenda items. The meeting featured several proclamations including recognition of Snow's Jewelers Day, Black History Month, and beautification awards. The commission also heard public comment on various topics including development concerns at 110 Venetia Avenue, coyote management, and international affairs. A major presentation on the development services study was scheduled as a time-certain item for 11:00 AM. The meeting included recognition of city employees, with firefighter Luis Fajardo and emergency dispatcher Monica Donescu receiving awards for their outstanding service. The commission also celebrated the launch of Gables-opoly, a Monopoly-style board game featuring Coral Gables landmarks, created to honor the late Mark Trowbridge and raise funds for charity. Throughout the meeting, there was emphasis on community engagement, historic preservation, and maintaining the city's character while addressing growth and development concerns.
Agenda Items
A-1. Proclamation declaring Snow's Jewelers' Day
Recognition of Snow's Jewelers for 50+ years of service on Miracle Mile
- Family business closing retail location in April 2026
- Transitioning to concierge services in Ocean Bank building
- Judy Snow was Florida's first female graduate gemologist in 1978
- Received multiple awards including Albert H. Friedman Miracle Mile Merchant Award
A-2. Proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month
Recognition of Black History Month and historical contributions to Coral Gables
- Recognition of McFarland and Golden Gate neighborhoods' historic significance
- Acknowledgment of Bahamian workers and Southern migrants who built the city
- Plans for sculpture installation in September 2026 across from City Hall
- Ongoing efforts to preserve and honor Black heritage in the community
A-3. Keep America Beautiful Declaration of Action for Greatest American Cleanup
Declaration supporting America's 250th anniversary cleanup efforts
- Commitment to three cleanups, two recycling events, and one celebration event
- 12 events planned from March 20 through July 1
- Sustainability village at farmers market and new compost bin at library
- Mayor's personal $500 donation for cleanup competition prizes
A-4. Commercial Beautification Award - Plaza Coral Gables
Recognition of Plaza Coral Gables for outstanding property maintenance
- Exceptional landscaping and cleanliness standards
- LEED certification achieved on all nine projects
- Continued support for city events and activities
- Setting example for other developments
A-5. Firefighter of the Month Award - Division Chief Luis Fajardo
Recognition for coordinating equipment donation to Bahamas first responders
- Coordinated donation of rescue equipment to Abaco, Bahamas
- Response to car accident where victims couldn't be extracted
- Demonstrates global community commitment
- Plans to extend training to neighboring cities
A-6. Emergency Dispatch Operator of the Year - Monica Donescu
Recognition for outstanding service in emergency communications
- Nine years of service with exceptional performance
- Handled emotional distress call with compassion and professionalism
- Proactive information sharing and thorough research
- Building world-class communications section
E-1. 110 Venetia Avenue Development Project
Public comment on proposed 8-story, 177-unit development
- Property located in North Ponce Neighborhood Conservation District
- Former Saint James Lutheran Church designed by Robert Fitch Smith
- Requires multiple zoning variances for height, setbacks, and FAR
- Community opposition citing overdevelopment concerns
H-2. Development Services Study Update
Time-certain presentation on building department assessment
- 10-month comprehensive study by JRD and Associates
- Two-phase approach: customer outreach and operational deep dive
- Assessment of staffing, processes, and technology
- Implementation of improvements already begun
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve minutes
Moved by Speaker 1, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed unanimously
Motion to adopt consent agenda
Moved by Unidentified member, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Include Snow's Jewelers transition information in next city newsletter
Assigned to City Manager and Martha Ponting · Due Next newsletter publication
Include Gables-opoly information in monthly newsletter
Assigned to City Manager and Martha Ponting · Due Next newsletter
Coordinate with Miami-Dade County on coyote management plan
Assigned to City Manager and Deputy City Manager
Prepare final micro forest drawings for commission presentation
Assigned to Dean · Due Next commission meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Coral Gables City Commission held its February 10, 2026 meeting with presentations, proclamations, and agenda items. The meeting featured several proclamations including recognition of Snow's Jewelers Day, Black History Month, and beautification awards. The commission also heard public comment on various topics including development concerns at 110 Venetia Avenue, coyote management, and international affairs. A major presentation on the development services study was scheduled as a time-certain item for 11:00 AM. The meeting included recognition of city employees, with firefighter Luis Fajardo and emergency dispatcher Monica Donescu receiving awards for their outstanding service. The commission also celebrated the launch of Gables-opoly, a Monopoly-style board game featuring Coral Gables landmarks, created to honor the late Mark Trowbridge and raise funds for charity. Throughout the meeting, there was emphasis on community engagement, historic preservation, and maintaining the city's character while addressing growth and development concerns.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Proclamation declaring Snow's Jewelers' Day; Proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month; Keep America Beautiful Declaration of Action for Greatest American Cleanup; Commercial Beautification Award - Plaza Coral Gables; Firefighter of the Month Award - Division Chief Luis Fajardo; Emergency Dispatch Operator of the Year - Monica Donescu; 110 Venetia Avenue Development Project; Development Services Study Update.
How many motions were voted on?
2 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
4 members were recorded as present: Vince Lago, Rhonda Anderson, Commissioner Castro, Commissioner Latta.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Coral Gables in?
Coral Gables is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Browse other Miami-Dade County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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