Cutler Bay council passes first‑reading ordinance on Old Cutler Road parking and approves several resolutions; budget hearings set for September

The Town Council of Cutler Bay voted on a package of ordinance and resolution items at its July 17 meeting, including a first reading of a parking‑standards ordinance for Old Cutler Road and several resolutions that will shape budget and personnel rules ahead of the fall budget process.

Ordinance (First Reading) — Golf cart parking standards and restaurant parking ratios: Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending sections of the town code to reduce required parking for restaurants in the NC‑1 zoning district along Old Cutler Road from one space per 50 square feet of patron area to one space per 75 square feet, to allow up to 25% of required parking to be provided as golf‑cart spaces, and to adopt smaller standard dimensions for golf‑cart spaces including electric charging requirements. Jared Moster (online) summarized the ordinance as a response to the mayor’s request and staff work; the vote on first reading was recorded as Yes for Council Members Lord, Duncan, Ramirez, Vice Mayor Callahan and Mayor Murabaugh. Second reading is scheduled for September.

Resolution 11a — Cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) guardrails: The council adopted an amendment to Resolution 17‑30 that clarifies how COLA will be applied going forward. The resolution keeps COLA tied to the Consumer Price Index with a modifier; automatic application is allowed when the annual COLA is 0–5 percent, while any COLA greater than 5 percent must be approved by the council. The resolution also directs that COLA be paid as a lump sum rather than added to base salary. The motion passed by voice vote.

Resolution 11b — Proposed millage rate and budget hearing dates: Council adopted a resolution establishing the millage rate ceiling (3.0432) for the upcoming budget cycle, and set public budget hearings for Sept. 11 and Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. in council chambers. The action was taken by voice vote.

Resolution 11c — Stormwater utility fee procedure and hearing: Council approved a resolution providing for levy and collection of the town’s stormwater utility fee, establishing a preliminary assessment roll and setting a public hearing for Sept. 11. Staff reiterated the current stormwater fee level in discussion (the presentation contained differing dollar‑per‑month references in the record; see clarifying details). The vote passed by voice vote.

Resolution 11d — Brownfield legal services (Blue Heron Park): Council authorized a second amendment to the professional services agreement with Goldstein Environmental Law Firm, P.A., for Brownfield designation legal services related to Blue Heron Park. Staff described the proposed amendment as a $50,000 engagement, noting some of that amount may be eligible for reimbursement through state programs. The vote passed by voice vote.

Resolution 11e — Auditor selection committee: Council approved formation of an auditor selection committee and appointed Council Member Lord as the council representative to the committee; the town will proceed with a request for proposals for municipal auditing services in line with Florida statute cited in the resolution. The motion passed by voice vote.

Consent appointment: The council also approved a consent item appointing Raul (last name on record) to the town’s Floodplain Mitigation Advisory Committee; Raul introduced himself and accepted the appointment.

All recorded votes during the meeting were unanimous in favor on the items presented.

Votes at a glance (formal outcomes) - Ordinance (First Reading) — Old Cutler Road parking standards: Passed (first reading). Motion mover: Council Member Ramirez; second: Council Member Lord. Vote: Lord (yes), Duncan (yes), Ramirez (yes), Vice Mayor Callahan (yes), Mayor Murabaugh (yes). - Resolution 11a — COLA guardrails (Amend. Res. 17‑30): Passed (voice). Motion mover: Council Member Lord; second: Vice Mayor Callahan. Vote: unanimous (ayes recorded). - Resolution 11b — Proposed millage rate and budget hearings: Passed (voice). Motion mover: Council Member Ramirez; second: Council Member Duncan. Vote: unanimous (ayes recorded). - Resolution 11c — Stormwater utility fee hearing: Passed (voice). Vote: unanimous (ayes recorded). - Resolution 11d — Brownfield legal services amendment (Blue Heron Park): Passed (voice). Vote: unanimous (ayes recorded). - Resolution 11e — Auditor selection committee (appointment of Council Member Lord to committee): Passed (voice). Vote: unanimous (ayes recorded).

The ordinance will return for second reading in September; the town will hold budget hearings in September as set by the council.