The council first addressed the need for legal representation for the village. A proposal to table the request for a Request for Proposal (RFP) for attorneys until the new council members were in place sparked a debate. Council member Henry Rosenthal expressed a desire to move forward, acknowledging the significant work already completed. However, it was clarified that issuing an RFP required the council to first decide between an in-house or outside attorney, which would involve considerable effort. Ultimately, a motion to table the request until the new council was formed passed with a 3 to 2 vote.

Housing for essential workers became a focal point when a participant highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters, teachers, and police officers in finding accessible housing. This issue was underscored by the impending opening of an Amazon facility nearby. The participant referenced past efforts following Hurricane Irma, which involved transporting workers from Florida City and Homestead, and emphasized that the housing problem extends beyond the village’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, public safety in recreational areas was discussed extensively, particularly regarding the new lightning alarm system in local parks. Barry Ray, a local resident, brought up safety concerns, noting that coaches and children continued their activities during alarms without seeking shelter. This prompted a broader discussion about the need for shelters in public recreational areas. A speaker suggested constructing shelters that could serve as both shade and protection, designed as Faraday cages with proper grounding. They estimated the cost for such structures to be under $100,000 and proposed that this idea be referred to the parks committee for expedited planning.

The council also addressed legislative priorities and the performance of their lobbying firm, Gray Robinson. A council member expressed concerns about the firm being underutilized due to a lack of clear goals set by the council. They stated that the absence of direction had hindered the implementation of numerous initiatives. Representatives from Gray Robinson, Ryan Matthews and Joseph Salsberg, introduced themselves and highlighted their longstanding association with the village. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication between the village and the lobbying team. A council member questioned the value of the $108,000 annual payment to Gray Robinson, citing a need for more proactive engagement from the lobbying team. The representatives reassured the council of their willingness to assist with legislative agendas and noted the upcoming committee weeks in December as an opportunity to advance these initiatives.

The issue of boating impacts and the proposal for a new vessel exclusion zone at Sunset Drive Beach was also significant. The Nearshore Water Committee recommended against the exclusion zone, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach to long-term planning and management of nearshore areas. This recommendation emphasized the need for a strategic discussion on these topics with the new council.

The council reviewed a resolution expressing opposition to a proposed development at 92501 Overseas Highway. However, a shift in sentiment occurred when two council members expressed their opposition to forwarding the resolution, citing the importance of mutual respect among governing bodies. They emphasized that the county commission should be able to make its own decisions without external pressure. A consensus emerged against moving forward with the resolution, highlighting the desire to maintain a collaborative relationship with the county while addressing local housing needs.

The meeting also included a discussion on a resolution related to the Green Turtle Hammock Preserve Basin Improvement project. The project, recently completed by ASAP Incorporated, involved stabilizing the shoreline and installing a new kayak launch. During construction, it became apparent that the existing dock was deteriorating, necessitating a new dock. The village manager detailed the need for the replacement, which would cost $339,950. Funding for this would come from Parks and Recreation impact fees or potentially the local government infrastructure sales tax.

In the final segments of the meeting, the council discussed an ordinance on second reading concerning the amendment of the village’s land development regulations, allowing Tiki Huts to be built on docks adjacent to shorelines. This measure was unanimously approved, addressing the need for potential rebuilds of existing structures.