The Town of Cutler Bay hosted the South Florida Branch of the American Public Works Association’s holiday luncheon on Friday, Dec. 9.
Mayor Peggy R. Bell, Vice Mayor Sue Ellen Loyzelle and new Councilmember Michael P. Callahan, were in attendance, along with representatives from Kimley Horn, Marlin Engineering Inc., Visualscape and Acosta Tractors.
Mayor Bell began the event with a warm welcome as she expressed her gratitude for hard work and dedication of the town’s Public Works Department and all public works professionals.
“The town manager, Rafael Casals, and Public Works director, Alfredo Quintero, continue to be strong supporters of the APWA and provided a wonderful luncheon for the group,” said Mark Collins, chair of the South Florida APWA Branch. “It was a great way to end a productive year.”
Rafael Rosado of Rosado & Associates also presented on the Complete Streets Guidelines to the group. Smart Growth America’s National Complete Streets Coalition defines Complete Streets simply as “streets for everyone.” They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work. The town’s Public Works Department has implemented the Compete Streets philosophy in award-winning projects such as the renovation and beautification of Old Cutler Road, Caribbean Boulevard and SW 212th Street Drainage Improvement.
Mayor Bell presented a proclamation to Roman Soria from Marlin Engineering Inc. to congratulate them on their 25 years in the field. Marlin Engineering won the 2014 Project of the Year Award from the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers for their work in the Town’s Old Cutler Road project. That same year, Public Works director Alfredo Quintero won Project Manager of the Year.
“Public Works is a field that is so broad, and at times residents don’t realize the many ways that these professionals improve our quality of life. It gives me great pride to hear residents compliment us on how beautiful the town is and how quickly the public works team responds to their calls,” Mayor Bell said.
