Following the opening formalities, including a roll call and pledge, Van Cadenhead addressed the council with urgent concerns about beach contamination in Monroe County. He specifically mentioned frequent closures of the Lagoon Saloon beach due to pollution issues and urged the council to reconsider the location of the dog park known as Puppy Poopy Park. Cadenhead recalled voicing a warning when the park was initially placed uphill from the swimming beach, stating it was a “really bad idea 20 years ago.” He elaborated that rainwater runoff from the park could carry contaminants into the lagoon, exacerbating pollution levels.

Cadenhead criticized the current state of the dog park, emphasizing that it did not effectively serve the community and suggested relocating it near the administration building. He expressed concern over children’s safety and criticized the investment in the park, noting it was underutilized by residents. This prompted a direct response from Deb Gillis, who referenced a prior study conducted by Islamorada. Gillis stated that the study concluded the dog park was not responsible for the pollution problem.

After public comments, the council moved to discuss the preliminary rate resolution for solid waste collection for the fiscal year 2024 to 2025. A staff member named Lisa introduced the topic, explaining that the preliminary assessment rate would be reviewed, with a final vote scheduled for August 7th. She provided background on the transition from Waste Management to Island Disposal for solid waste collection, noting that Island Disposal had been satisfactory in their service since January. Lisa presented a proposed rate increase, adjusting residential service rates from $410.01 to $446, based on a projected 3.5% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by June 2024.

Lisa detailed the financial implications, estimating a total gross revenue of $2.16 million based on the proposed rate of $490 per unit, with an estimated net revenue of approximately $2.10 million after early payment discounts. The council discussed the expenditures related to solid waste collection, highlighting a shortfall that would require funding from the general fund to cover the difference.

Mayor Buddy Pinder provided additional context, explaining the decision to switch from Waste Management to Island Disposal was driven by anticipated sharp rate increases from Waste Management. He commended the Department of Public Works for negotiating an alternative that mitigated more severe hikes. However, he emphasized the need to reassess solid waste rates for financial sustainability, noting that continuous subsidies from franchise fees could jeopardize future financial stability. Pinder attributed increasing waste disposal costs to a scarcity of landfill space and rising operational costs for waste management companies.

The council discussed maintaining the current rate of $490 for the upcoming year, citing increased disposal costs and the need for long-term solutions to transportation issues related to waste. A rail solution was being explored to potentially decrease transportation costs in the future. The necessity of closely monitoring rates in subsequent budget cycles was underscored to keep pace with rising expenses.

A resident expressed support for the $490 rate for residential waste disposal but raised concerns about commercial rate increases. They highlighted a disconnect between the residential vote and implications for commercial businesses, noting that the proposed motion did not address those increases.

The council then moved on to discuss establishing a No Parking Zone on L Key, requiring a resolution for approval. The area in question was identified as along the old highway on Windley Key, with the goal of keeping it clear for work zone activities related to ongoing water main replacements. The need for this no parking area was underscored due to its heavy use for vehicle and trailer storage.

Questions arose regarding the specific boundaries of the proposed No Parking Zone. A council member sought clarification on landmarks to better visualize the affected area. Another member added that the no parking designation would coincide with a landscape restoration project intended to enhance the area’s aesthetics, protecting the investment in plantings and greenspace.

Public comment on this resolution revealed general support, with one resident highlighting long-standing issues of inappropriate trailer and vehicle storage on village property, advocating for timely enforcement of the new regulations once established. Another comment suggested exploring the creation of a paid parking lot for trailers and vehicles, acknowledging ongoing parking challenges in the village.

Subsequent discussions among council members pointed to an existing lease on property that could potentially serve as a parking area, though it was clarified that the village could not profit from any use of that property due to regulations. Concerns were raised about the vagueness of the proposed resolution, specifically the use of “approximately” in defining the No Parking Zone’s boundaries, which could create enforcement issues. To address these concerns, a suggestion was made to attach a map to the resolution to provide precise locations of the designated no parking areas.