A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the challenges faced with the Capital Improvement Project. The contractor’s difficulties in obtaining a dewatering permit from the South Florida Water Management District has caused delays, with concerns raised about why this permit was not secured before the project commenced. The necessity of the permit came to light when water was encountered around four feet deep at certain project locations. The commission underscored the importance of planning and obtaining permits in advance to avoid such setbacks. The contractor presented a plan to pump water into the existing drainage system, but the dewatering permit remains important to move forward. The Town manager emphasized the contractor’s obligation to secure all necessary permits, and the commission called for exploring alternative solutions to mitigate further project delays.

The meeting also delved into the town’s operational budget, with a particularly sharp focus on the proposed fiscal plan and the millage rate. The proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2025 was set at 3.6724, with the certification of the rollback rate also approved. The first and second public hearings for the tentative and final budget adoption were scheduled for September. The detailed budget discussions included the town’s fund balance, the estimated taxable value, and the current versus proposed millage rates. The commission debated various aspects of the budget, such as small equipment replacement, seawall repairs at the bird sanctuary, and the necessity for a more long-term solution to the seawall’s deteriorating condition. The need for a comprehensive repair that would stand the test of time was agreed upon.

Another financial topic was the investment in police equipment. With the town in the seventh year of a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, the commission reviewed the purchase of ballistic vests, taser devices, and body-worn cameras for the police department. The police chief highlighted that while a new grant might cover some costs, ongoing expenses for data storage and maintenance would require budgeting at the town level. The discussion also touched on the possibility of financing the CIP through borrowing or using the town’s fund balance, weighing the need to maintain adequate reserves against the financing needs.

Employee welfare was also on the agenda, with a proposed 4% cost of living increase for all town employees, including the police. The commission discussed the federal government’s cost of living adjustment and considered a merit-based raise system. Discussions on police salaries and financing for the Capital Improvement Plan were set to continue in the next meeting.

In addition to financial matters, the commission approved a study by Baxter Woodman on the FD Resilient Florida sea level rise vulnerability assessment, funded through a grant agreement of approximately $97,200 on a reimbursement basis. This study aligns with the town’s efforts to address environmental concerns and prepare for future challenges posed by sea level rise.

Furthermore, the commission examined an ordinance to increase entry feature height for one and two-story homes. The first reading of the ordinance was approved, despite queries about updating prototypes for entry features and considering the street angle to the roof line.