WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010

City Adopts Sweeping Pension Reform
For General Employees

After months of negotiations and deliberation, the Coral Gables City Commission has adopted sweeping changes to the City pension plan, which will reduce the City’s pension costs by approximately $3.3 million annually. The pension changes reflect the most significant reform of the City’s employee retirement program in the history of the City. The City Commission’s action affects all City employees except police officers or firefighters. The City is now in negotiations with the police union, and pension changes are a subject of negotiations. “We are making significant strides towards where we need to be,” said City Manager Pat Salerno.

Before the recent changes, the pension plan for general employees was expected to cost the City more than $12 million for the current fiscal year — about $25,000 per employee. After the changes, the City’s cost was reduced to $8.7 million for the year, or about $16,000 per employee. And further reductions in City pension costs are expected in the future as a result of the changes adopted this year.

The pension plan changes include a substantial reduction in the benefit formula for all current and future employees. The normal retirement age has also been significantly lengthened. The earnings upon which pension benefits are based are also reduced, and the averaging period for pension calculations is extended to five years from the current three years. There are also changes in disability benefits, and the employee contribution is increased from 5% to 10% of earnings. By reforming the pension plan, the City has taken a significant step toward reducing its pension costs and liabilities, and at the same time put in place a pension program that will continue to allow the City to attract and retain high caliber employees.

Buy One,
Get Two Free
Tickets For
UM / Virginia Tech
Game

It’s great — to be — a Coral Gables resident... especially when you can get free tickets for a Miami Hurricane football game! Coral Gables residents will have a chance to buy one ticket (per resident) and receive two free tickets for the “Coral Gables Day” game between the Canes and the Virginia Tech Hokies scheduled for Saturday, November 20 at 3:30 p.m. The football showdown will take place at Sun Life Stadium, 2269 N.W. 199th Street in Miami Gardens. Thanks to a recently approved 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, this special buy-one, get-two-free offer is available to Coral Gables residents only, with proof of residency at the time of purchase. This promotion is good for all available seating excluding suites and club seating. The Development Agreement, approved by the City Commission, stipulates that Coral Gables residents will receive this offer once a year and other special benefits such as free admission tickets for UM men’s and women’s basketball and men’s baseball games. More information on upcoming offers will be made available as arrangements are finalized. Tickets are now on sale and must be purchased in person at the Hurricane Ticket Office located at 5821 San Amaro Drive, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. This promotion is not available for online or phone ticket purchases. These special tickets will be available at the Ticket Office until Friday, November 19. For more information, call 305-284-2263 or 1-800-GO-CANES.

City Attorney Announces Her Retirement
After 16 Years Of Service

Elizabeth M. Hernandez, who has represented the City of Coral Gables as its chief legal advisor for the past 16 years, announced her retirement at the October 12th City Commission meeting. Hernandez recalled how she has seen her children grow up in Coral Gables throughout the years as well as watch the City change from a sleepy community to a vibrant metropolis. Hernandez spoke about being a proud and dedicated public servant who during her tenure protected the City’s Home Rule and the Coral Gables way of life. She thanked the City Commission for all the great memories and informed them that she has been presented with a new career opportunity in the private sector which she has decided to accept. Hernandez began representing the City of Coral Gables in 1985 before being appointed as City Attorney by the City Commission in 1995. Her retirement from City service will become effective December 31.

Citizens Unite To Help The Alhambra Water Tower

A group of Coral Gables residents who support historic preservation have united forces to raise funds toward the renovation of the Alhambra Water Tower. The Save The Alhambra Water Tower project, led by residents Kendell Turner and Roxcy Bolton, is bringing awareness to the history of the water tower built in the 1920s and the need to raise additional funds beyond the $200,000 that the City has allocated for repairs and renovation. Thanks to the involvement of Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr., the Parknership Program of the Coral Gables Community Foundation has pledged $20,000 toward the restoration. Plans are to raise an additional $50,000 through community donations. The Alhambra Water Tower was originally designed by Denman Fink to resemble a lighthouse and was part of the City’s domestic water supply that served until 1931. A kick-off event is planned for Wednesday, December 9 at 4 p.m. in front of the Alhambra Water Tower located at the intersection of Alhambra Circle and Ferdinand Street. If you’re interested in finding more information about the Save The Alhambra Water Tower project, contact Kendell Turner at catkst@aol.com.

Art Show Celebrates Talent Of Seniors

Coral Gables seniors are known for their amazing talent and avid community involvement, and you’ll have a chance to see it first-hand, and free of charge. The fourth annual Celebration of Talent Senior Art Show, presented by the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department, the Senior Citizens Advisory Board and The Palace, is taking place this month. An opening reception and awards presentation, presented by The Palace, is scheduled for Friday, November 12, from 7-9 p.m. at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. The following day on Saturday, November 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. there will be a free Art Show viewing at the same location. Both events are free and open to the public. Free valet parking will be available. More than 100 pieces of artwork will be exhibited at this year’s Art Show, the creation of 36 participants ranging from 59 to 88 years of age. Two participants will receive the coveted “Best in Show” in various categories such as photography, paintings, “hard” crafts and “soft” crafts. Prizes from donors such as Sofitel Luxury Hotel in Miami, Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables, Biltmore Hotel, Crown Plaza Hotel at Miami International Airport, Catering by Lovables, Jungle Island, Actors’ Playhouse and CoralGables@Home will be awarded in all categories. The Coral Gables High School Interact Club will be volunteering at the event. For more information, please contact the City of Coral Gables Senior Services Division at 305-460-5609.

Merrick House Is Putting On The Ritz

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Merrick House, the Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board is organizing a fundraising gala to remember George Merrick’s dream and his family’s legacy. The Putting On The Ritz gala is scheduled for Friday, November 12 with a reception at the Merrick House from 7-8 p.m. A trolley will shuttle guests to the Westin Colonnade Hotel for dinner, live auction and dancing to take place from 8 p.m. until midnight. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Merrick House exists today much as it did in the 1920s and is filled with Merrick family art, books, photographs, furnishings, and other belongings. Tickets for the gala are $150 per person and proceeds benefit the Merrick House. For more information, please contact Barbara Reese at 305-445-2258 or via email at barbarareese1@aol.com.

Seasons 52 Opens On Miracle Mile

Seasons 52, the popular fresh grill and wine bar will open its 321 Miracle Mile location on November 15. The 300-seat restaurant will bring 110 new jobs to the area for a seasonally inspired dining experience that celebrates living well, along with an award-winning wine list and nightly live entertainment. Seasons 52 features the freshest ingredients in flavorful dishes, changing its menu four times a year according to the season of the 52 weeks a year. For more information, click here.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Scheduled For November 24

This Thanksgiving, gather to say thanks for all your blessings. The annual Coral Gables Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service is scheduled for Wednesday, November 24 at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and share together in gratitude to all our family, friends and neighbors through music, the spoken word and a very special service. A reception will follow. The event takes place at Riviera Presbyterian Church, 5275 Sunset Drive. For more information, call 305-666-8586.