WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2011

City Pension Reform Produces Results

The recent agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the union representing the City’s general employees keeps in place all of the pension reform initiatives adopted by the City last year, and also includes important new pension changes that will result in further cost savings to City taxpayers.  The pension changes implemented last year reduced the City’s annual pension cost by more than $3.3 million.  Moreover, these pension changes reversed the 10 year trend of increasing unfunded pension liabilities.

The pension plan changes included a reduction in the benefit formula for all current and future employees.  The normal retirement age has been significantly lengthened to age 65 with six years of service; age 62 with ten or more years of service; or age 50 with 30 years of service (previously employees could retire at age 50 with 20 years of service).  The earnings upon which pension benefits are based are also reduced, and the salary 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 was increased from 5% to 10% of earnings.  The pension benefits of managerial, professional and supervisory employees were also reduced. 

The 2011 agreement includes two additional pension changes.  The first is a “cost-sharing” provision, which will evenly split any future pension cost increases between the City and employees. “Such pension cost-sharing arrangements can be found only in a few Florida cities today. However, I expect more cities will use cost-sharing arrangements in the future to contain pension costs,” said City Manager Pat Salerno. The second change gives the City the ability to adopt a defined contribution retirement plan — much like the 401(K) plans available to most private-sector employees. 

It took 10 years for the City’s unfunded pension liabilities to grow from less than $2 million in 2001 to more than $197 million in 2010.  During the same 10 year period, the City’s pension contributions increased from $4.8 million to more than $24 million.  The City Commission recognized that pension changes were needed, and has taken action to reform the pension plan for general employees and management.  The City is now in negotiations with the police union, and pension reform is part of the negotiations.  

City Extends Grace Period Until November 8th
For Compliance With Truck Restrictions

The City of Coral Gables has extended the grace period until November 8, 2011, before intending to enforce the restrictions pertaining to trucks parked in residential and commercial areas. The extension will allow more time for individuals owning trucks — and who may be away on summer vacations — to come into compliance with the law. Enforcement will begin after November 8th if compliance has not been achieved. Fines are $100 for the first violation, and up to $500 for each subsequent violation. The City of Coral Gables has prevailed in the legal court case challenging the City's ordinances restricting the parking of trucks. The Third District Court of Appeal previously upheld the constitutionality of sections 4-411 and 4-412 of the Coral Gables Zoning Code pertaining to trucks parked in residential and commercial areas. On May 18th, the Florida Supreme Court decided not to review this decision, and the City will now enforce the restrictions following a grace period. Based on the provisions that have been upheld, the parking of trucks in residential areas is prohibited unless the truck is parked in an enclosed garage. Likewise, the parking of trucks upon the streets or other public places in the City is prohibited between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. of the following day. The City's truck ordinances seek to preserve the integrity of residential areas and the unique aesthetic qualities of the City of Coral Gables. For more information, please contact Code Enforcement at 305-460-5226.

Hopkins/Cooper Scholarships Awarded
To Four Coral Gables Students

Congratulations to Markell A. Sams, David Chambers, Tamesha D. Braithwaite and Bria Dewberry, all recipients of the 2011/2012 Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship. Each student will receive $1,500 toward their college education. The City of Coral Gables awards this scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 annually based on financial need, academic performance, career goals, and residency. Priority consideration is given to Coral Gables students living in the Golden Gate/McFarlane Homestead subdivision. Established in 1990, the scholarship is co-named in honor of Dr. Donald R. Hopkins, born in Coral Gables and current Vice President of Health Programs for Atlanta-based Carter Center, an organization that helps eradicate and control infectious diseases; and the late, long-time Coral Gables resident, William Cooper. He was a founder and former president of the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Association of Coral Gables, which represents the historically black neighborhoods in Coral Gables. Mr. Cooper was very active in his church and was an advocate for community safety and improvements.

From left to right: Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, Former Commissioner Jim Barker, Commissioner Maria Anderson, Markell A. Sams, David Chambers, Tamesha D. Braithwait, Bria Dewberry, Mayor Jim Cason and Commissioner Frank Quesada.

What You Need To Know About Trash Collection

Besides picking up your garbage from your single family properties twice a week, the City of Coral Gables also collects up to one cubic yard of trash, once a week. Trash is the combination of any household refuse and clean yard waste. One cubic yard is approximately nine wheelbarrow loads. Household refuse includes materials such as cardboard, any metal product such as bicycles and small appliances, rubbers, plastic and small furniture items. The time for placement of household refuse is restricted in that it may only be set out on the parkway in front of a residence after 6 p.m. on the evening before the scheduled pickup day. However, garden waste such as palm fronds, leaves, hedge trimmings and tree branches, which are generated by landscape maintenance activities, may be placed on the parkway at any time during the week. Sharing trash piles with a neighbor is only permitted under certain circumstances. Please do not place trash near parkway trees or on top of water meters or other utilities. The City does not pick up soil, rock, concrete blocks, roofing material, carpeting or other construction materials. These items must be removed by private waste haulers or by the companies causing them to be accumulated. Hazardous materials and oil based paints are also not collected. Larger trash piles in excess of one cubic yard and large appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, furniture and heavy or bulky objects are subject to a special removal charge. To schedule a pick up for large appliances or for additional information regarding the collection of trash, please contact the Public Service Department at 305-460-5346.

Looking for Historic Homes To Feature On CGTV

If you live in a historically designated home in Coral Gables and are proud to tell the world, consider being part of Coral Gables Television's Historic Homes show that features beautiful, well maintained properties that have a historic significance for the City Beautiful. These architecture jewels were built in the 1920’s and even until now they continue to be some of the most elegant and valuable residences of the area. Producers of CGTV are looking for willing homeowners of historic homes interested in showcasing on television the architectural style and beauty of their properties. Homeowners will also be interviewed for the program. To view previous episodes of Historic Homes of Coral Gables, click here. If you would like your historic home to be featured on CGTV, please call 305-460-5205 or send an e-mail to mfallon@coralgables.com.

Don’t Be A Victim This Summer Of Heat-Related Illness

Warm temperatures in the summer can reach an all-time high. Nearly 700 people die each year due to heat-related illness. The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion because they adjust to heat slower than other people. If you have to be outdoors in extreme hot weather this summer, take extra precautions and remember to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more, drink plenty of extra fluids and avoid drinks containing high caffeine or alcohol.  The most common symptoms of heat exhaustion are confusion, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat and unconsciousness. If you have any of these symptoms, get out of the heat immediately and try to find a cool or shady place to rest.  Remember that self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care.  So, if these symptoms persist, seek immediate help from your local Fire Department by calling 911.  If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke which can be life-threatening.

Register To Code Red,
City’s Emergency Notification System

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to register to the City of Coral Gables’ Code Red, the Emergency Notification System that sends automated telephone messages to your home or business in emergency situations. This system has been highly effective during past hurricane seasons keeping citizens informed about important information such as evacuation or boil-water notices. The Code Red system is capable of dialing 50,000 phone numbers per hour and will make up to three attempts to connect to registered phone numbers and deliver pre-recorded messages to a live person or an answering machine. To subscribe to the City of Coral Gables’ Code Red, click here.