LTC 463-2022 CITY OF CORAL GABLES RESOLUTIONS NO. 2022-203, 2022-251, AND 2022-261MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
No.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
463-2022
LETTER TO COMMISSION
Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk ~
November 8, 2022 / <
SUBJECT: CITY OF CORAL GABLES RESOLUTIONS NO. 2022-203, 2022-251, AND
2022-261
Attached for your information are Resolutions No. 2022-203, 2022-251, 2022-261, adopted by
the Mayor and Commission of the City of Coral Gables on August 24, 2022, and October 11,
2022.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-203
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OPPOSING AMENDMENTS
TO FLORIDA STATUTE 553.79 THAT PREEMPT THE CITY'S DEMOLITION
PERMIT PROCESS AS APPLIED TO HISTORIC PROPERTIES AND URGING
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO RESCIND SAID AMENDMENTS.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-251
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF
INCLUSION FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND URGING
ACTION BY NATIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS,
BUSINESSES, AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH
THESE PRINCIPLES.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-261
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL GABLES URGING
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT A CARBON BORDER
ADJUSTMENT.
The City of Coral Gables Clerk has requested that a copy of these resolutions be provided to the
Miami Beach Mayor and Commissioners.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305.673. 7 411.
REG/le
Attachments
F:\CLER\$ALL\LILIA\L TC's -Transmittal's\Coral Gables\Resolution 2022-203_2022-251 _2022-261 City of Coral Gables.docx
DocuSign Envelope ID: A8969BB8-B9CC-4119-A62D-CF641580BF81
CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -203
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION
OPPOSING AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA STATUTE
553.79 THAT PREEMPT THE CITY'S DEMOLITION
PERMIT PROCESS AS APPLIED TO HISTORIC
PROPERTIES AND URGING THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO RESCIND SAID AMENDMENTS.
WHEREAS, during the 2022 legislative session, the Florida Legislature adopted House
Bill 423 ("HB 423"), thereby making numerous changes to the Florida Building Code, including
effectuating amendments to section 553.79, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, these amendments prohibit local governments from prohibiting or restricting a
private property owner from demolishing a single-family residential structure located in a coastal
high-hazard area, moderate flood zone, or special flood hazard area, if the lowest finished floor
elevation of the structure is at or below base flood elevation, or a higher bas e flood elevation as
may be required by local ordinance, whichever is higher; and
WHEREAS, while section 553.79, Florida Statutes allows the City to administratively
review demolition permits for subject properties to ensure compliance with the Florida Building
Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, Life Safety Code, and regulations that are applicable to
similarly situated parcels, the City may not apply additional local land development regulations
to such properties; and
WHEREAS, section 553.79, Florida Statutes only exempts nationally designated historic
landmarks, residential structures designated on or before January 1, 2022, and residential
structures designated after January 1, 2022, with the owner's consent are exempt from its
demolition preemption; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that section 553.79, Florida Statutes could result in
the demolition of historic homes within the City that do not fall into one of the limited exemption
categories; and
WHEREAS, the City of Coral Gables currently has over l ,200 historic landmark
properties and may have a significant number of undesignated properties that are potentially
eligible for historic designation; and
WHEREAS, the demolition of historic properties is an irreversible action which contributes
to the loss of the city's identity and sense of place; and
Page 1 of 2 -Resolution No. 2022-203
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WHEREAS, the City has an interest in protecting historic structures from being
demolished and for that reason requires the Historic Resources and Cultural Arts Department to
approve demolition permits before issuance; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission condemns state action that encroaches on the City's
home rule powers and overrides its ability regulate the protection of historic structures through
its zoning authority, and for that reason urges the legislature to rescind the amendment to section
553 .79, Florida Statutes during the next legislative session;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CORAL GABLES:
SECTION 1. The foregoing "Whereas" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being
true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution upon adoption hereof.
SECTION 2. That the City Commission hereby opposes recent amendments to section
553.79, Florida Statutes and urges the Florida Legislature to rescind such amendments .
SECTION 3. That the City Commission hereby directs that this Resolution be made part
of the City's legislative priorities for next legislative session.
SECTION 4. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage and
adoption herein.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF AUGUST, A.O., 2022.
(Moved: Anderson/ Seconded : Menendez)
(Yeas: Menendez, Anderson Fors, Jr. Lago)
(Majority: (4-0) Vote)
(Absent: Mena)
(Agenda Item: G-14)
ATTEST: r-: DocuSigned by:
L~t:84FF
BILLY Y. URQUIA
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGAL SUFFTCIENCY:
[
DocuSigned by:
j:J::21 E64AC ...
MIRIAM SOLER RAMOS
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 2 of 2 -Resolution No . 2022-203
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CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-251
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION
DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSION FOR ALL
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND URGING
ACTION BY NATIONAL, ST ATE, AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES, AND RESIDENTIAL
COMMUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES.
WHEREAS, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which
heightens awareness while recognizing the contributions of Americans with disabilities to both
our workforce and our society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Coral Gables has long proclaimed October as Americans with
Disabilities Month in Coral Gables , in order to expand its commitment to raising awareness and
acceptance of inclusion beyond the area of emp loym ent; and
WHEREAS, disabilities affect approximately I in 4 adults in the United States, or
approximately 61 million people according to a report issued in August of 20 18 by the Centers
for Disease and Control Prevention; and
WHEREAS, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, people " ... with disabilities include those who have lon g-term physical, mental,
intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various batTiers may hinder their
full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."; and
WHEREAS, the Convention has identified the following principles:
a . Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's
own choices, and independence of persons;
b. Non-discrimination;
c. Full and effective pmticipation and inclusion in society;
d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as pmt of human
diversity and humanity;
e. Equ ality of opportunity;
f. Accessibility;
g. Equality between men and women;
h. Respect for the evo lving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right
of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945 ,
when Congress declared the first week in October "National Employ the Physically Handicapped
Week";and
WHEREAS, the theme for National Disability Emp loyment Awareness Month for 2022
is "Disabi lity : Part of the Equ ity Equation" in recognition of the important role people with
disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce; and
Page I of 2 -Resolution No. 2022-25 1
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WHEREAS, inclusion is an attitude, an approach, and a mindset which welcomes and
facilitates participation by those individuals with disabilities, by making sure everybody has the
same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires;
and
WHEREAS, the City further demonstrates its commitment to inclusion for all
individuals with disabilities through its Advisory Board on Disability Affairs, which advises and
provides input to City staff regarding matters affecting individuals with disabilities in Coral
Gables to support full inclusion and accommodation; and
WHEREAS, the City will be hosting its fourth "Adventure Day For All" event on
October 22, 2022, in Salvadore Park. The family-friendly event is for all ages and will feature a
resource fair, challenges, crafts, activities, and live entertainment with the theme of embracing
people of all abilities; and
WHEREAS, every month the City hosts My Squad, a fun social group created for adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and this year will launch Teen Scene a similar
program for teenagers; and
WHEREAS, the City welcomed 7 student interns from Project Victory for the 2022-
2023 school year. Project Victory is a Miami-Dade County Schools program that assists young
adults with disabilities by providing work skills and employment training; and
WHEREAS, the City has proclaimed that October is Americans with Disabilities Month
in Coral Gables and renews its commitment to inclusion for all individuals with disabilities in the
workforce and in society;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CORAL GABLES:
SECTION 1. The foregoing "WHEREAS" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as
being tme and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution upon adoption
hereof.
SECTION 2. The City expresses its commitment to the principle of inclusion of all
individuals with disabilities in all aspects of its governance and services and seeks to welcome
and facilitate such participation .
SECTION 3. The City urges businesses to express their commitment to the principle of
inclusion in both employment and commerce.
SECTION 4. The City urges developers, homeowner associations, and condominium
associations to adopt policies suppo1ting the principle of inclusion in residential communities.
SECTION 5. The City urges universities and other places of learning to prioritize
programs supporting inclusion of all individuals with disabilities.
SECTION 6. The City urges national, state, and local governments to express their
commitment to the principle of inclusion as well, and to continue efforts to support inclusion for
all individuals with disabilities .
Page 2 of 2 -Resolution No. 2022-251
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SECTION 7. The Advisory Board on Disability Affairs is commended for its ongoing
commitment to work in this area, and is directed to continue to review the City's initiatives to
promote inclusion on an ongoing basis, and provide input to City staff to assist the City in
fulfilling this goal.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution, and the
accompanying proclamation declaring October Americans with Disabilities Month in Coral
Gables to the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, Florida League of
Cities, Florida Association of Counties, Miami-Dade County League of Cities, Miami-Dade
County, Miami-Dade Public Schools, and municipalities in Miami-Dade County.
SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall become effective upon the
date of its passage and adoption hereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS ELEVENTH DAY OF OCTOBER, A .O., 2022.
(Moved: Mena/ Seconded: Menendez)
(Yeas: Mena, Menendez, Anderson, Fors, Jr., Lago)
(Unanimous: 5-0 Vote)
(Agenda Item: [-7)
ATTEST :
DocuSigned by:
~¥
358417D2FA884FF ...
BILLY Y. URQUIA
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
r-=: DocuSigned by:
L~93824A5
VINCE LAGO
MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
[
DocuSigned by:
,vy:~,~.~
03A0CB 1421 E64AC ...
MIRIAM SOLER RAMOS
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 3 of 2 -Resolution No. 2022-251
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1427C66-9073-4E68-A984-A 15CC48165B9
CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-261
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF
CORAL GABLES URGING THE UNITED STA TES
CONGRESS TO ENACT A CARBON BORDER
ADJUSTMENT.
WHEREAS, a carbon border adjustment on energy intensive imports would
incentivize decarbonization of domestic manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, energy intensive industries include fossil fuels, refined petroleum
products , iron and steel, aluminum, glass, and ethanol, and similar goods and products; and
WHEREAS, American manufacturers are on average less carbon intensive than most
of their foreign competitors, for example, the U.S. economy is almost 50 percent less carbon
intensive than its trading partners, whereas the Chinese economy is more than three times as
carbon intensive as the U.S., and India is almost four tim es as carbon intensive; and
WHEREAS, a carbon border adjustment mechanism would provide the economic
incentive and leverage needed to invest in clean energy, and to encourage other countries to
do the same, particularly those that do not have a carbon emissions reduction program
analogous to that of the U.S.; and
WHEREAS , U.S. climate policy should reward more efficient U.S. manufacturers
·and penalize high carbon polluting imports as nearly every U.S. sector enjoys a carbon
advantage over most key trading partners; and
WHEREAS , presently the environmental, health, and social costs of carbon
emissions are not included in prices paid for fossil fuels, but rather these externalized costs are
borne directly and indirectly by all Americans and global citizens; and
WHEREAS, in addition to being sound economic policy designed to give American
companies a leg up in the global marketplace , a carbon border adjustment would help address
climate change and lower carbon emissions around the world ; and
WHEREAS, according to conservative estimates, the world's climate sc ientists state
that to achieve climate stabilization and avoid cataclysmic climate change, emission of
greenhouse gases (GHGs) must be brought to 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050; and
WHEREAS , any such policy while necessarily forward-looking must also be timed
correctly and take into account market factors such as inflation and supply chain shortages;
and
Page I of 3 -Resolution No . 2022-261
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WHEREAS, the European Union ("EU") adopted a Carbon Border Adjustment
Mechanism ("CBAM") which targets imports of carbon-intensive products, in full compliance
with international trade rules, to prevent offsetting the EU's greenhouse gas emissions
reduction efforts through imports of products manufactured in non-EU countries, where
climate change policies are less ambitious than in the European Union; and
WHEREAS, the EU's CBAM will require reporting to begin in 2023 with full
implementation in 2027; and
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2021, the City Commission passed Resolution
2021-30, urging Congress to pass the Carbon Dividend Act; and
WHEREAS, the Commission also passed Ordinance 2016-30, establishing the City's
"Buy American" procurement preference ; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission seeks to build upon its climate advocacy and
commitment to reducing carbon emissions by urging Congress to pass a carbon border
adjustment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES:
SECTION 1. That the foregoing "WHEREAS" clauses are hereby ratified and
confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution
upon adoption hereof.
SECTION 2. That City urges the United States Congress to enact a carbon
border adjustment.
SECTION 3. That the City Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution
to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of
Representativ es, to the Majority Leader of th e Senate, to each U.S. Senator and
Representative from the State of Florida in the Congress of the United States and to
Miami-Dade County, and neighboring municipalities urging that they pass similar
resolutions.
SECTION 4. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its
passage and adoption herein.
2022.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS ELEVENTH DAY OF OCTOBER, A.O.,
(Moved: Anderson/ Seconded: Mena)
(Yeas : Menendez, Anderson, Fors, Jr., Mena, Lago)
(Unanimous: 5-0 Vote)
(Agenda Item: G-1)
Page 2 of 3 -Resolution No . 2022-261
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1427C66-9D73-4E68-A984-A15CC48165B9
ATTEST :
~DocuSigned by:
L ~~84FF .
BILLY Y. URQUIA
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
I✓ DocuSigned by:
L~'"""
VINCE LAGO
MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
[
DocuSigned by:
4c~~V\_
03A0CB1421 E64AC ...
MIRIAM SOLER RAMOS
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 3 of 3 -R es olution No . 2022-261