The council engaged in a discussion regarding the surge in projected costs for the water and sewer plant, which have increased since August 2022. The council members questioned the transparency and the decision-making processes behind the cost escalations. They also expressed concerns about the potential impact of these rising expenses on taxpayers and highlighted the need for legislative relief to address this issue.

Another topic of discussion was the new solid waste and recycling franchise agreement. The agreement includes changes in monthly charges for residential collection services set to take effect from October 1, 2025, as well as adjustments for multifamily and commercial properties. The transition from subscription-based billing to a universal method was another point of emphasis, involving the placement of collection charges on the property tax bill as a non-ad valorem special assessment. The town attorney outlined the timeline for this transition, stressing the importance of adhering to it to ensure a seamless shift to the new system.

The council delved into the practical aspects of the new agreement, such as the frequency of curbside collection services for solid waste, yard waste, recycling, and bulk waste, which will each be collected weekly. The managing director for the solid waste disposal district confirmed that residents would retain the option to self-haul certain items to convenience centers. Furthermore, the process for invoicing and reimbursement of collection fees was clarified, with the county acting as the contract administrator. The council also discussed a resolution to work with the tax collector on including certain charges in the tax bill, potentially resulting in annual savings for single-family homes.

In addition to waste management, the council addressed the town’s stormwater system and its compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The importance of best management practices and the identification of illicit discharges were highlighted, with an emphasis on proper disposal of grass clippings, pool water, and avoiding runoff from vehicle washing into the stormwater system. The Building Official and Public Works Director provided updates on their areas, including regular inspections and maintenance efforts such as the quarterly cleaning of baffle boxes and filters.

Public safety was also a topic of discussion, with the Public Safety Chief reporting an increase in traffic enforcement and ongoing detective bureau activities. He also mentioned the distribution of a fraud bulletin to citizens, which the council commended for its simplicity and effectiveness in reaching a broad audience. The Chief updated the council on EMS training, certifications, and the high volume of EMS response and fire activity in the area.

Furthermore, the council received an update from the Beach Insurance Preservation Advisory Committee on their progress in securing funding for beach replenishment, particularly for sector 4. Despite the challenging funding process and competition for limited funds, the committee is making strides towards the project’s completion by 2025. The creation of an offshore sand borrow area was discussed as a preliminary step, though not an immediate one.

The Town Manager provided updates on several fronts, including ongoing paving projects, an open house to discuss the project on Beach Comer and Pebble Lane, and coordination with the county on a beach access agreement. The council also inquired about preparedness for the ongoing hurricane season, to which the Town Manager assured readiness, with the Public Works team equipped and experienced in handling such events.