One notable issue discussed was the village’s infrastructure, with a focus on road maintenance and drainage problems. Residents expressed concerns about the state of the roads, describing the potholes as hazardous. One resident humorously noted, “I can see China through one of them,” illustrating the severity of the issue. The resident further emphasized that these road conditions posed a threat to both adults and children, particularly those riding bikes. There was a consensus on the need for a systematic approach to tackle the numerous potholes identified across the village, with calls for a monthly maintenance schedule to ensure sustained efforts in road repairs.

Alongside road maintenance, drainage issues also took center stage. A long-term resident highlighted the persistent drainage problems and expressed a desire for more substantive discussions with the village manager. This resident noted having raised the issue repeatedly over the past decade. The commission recognized the significance of this issue, agreeing that a more comprehensive session was necessary to explore potential solutions and funding opportunities for these infrastructure projects.

The meeting also delved into community engagement strategies, particularly through the utilization of the village’s mobile application. There was a discussion about the app’s underutilization and the need for a more coherent communication strategy. Participants expressed disappointment at the low engagement with the app, despite the village’s efforts to increase its usage. Suggestions were made to enhance awareness through visible signage and leveraging door hangers, which have proven effective in the past. There was a call to maximize the app’s capabilities before investing in further promotional efforts, with an emphasis on simplifying communication methods to make information more accessible to residents.

Additionally, the commission discussed budgetary concerns, highlighting inefficiencies in the current budgeting process. Participants advocated for a more organized approach, proposing the establishment of clear deadlines and the use of live documents during meetings to facilitate real-time updates and reduce confusion. The discussion revealed frustrations with the current process, with commissioners expressing a desire for greater transparency and accountability within the finance department. There was a consensus on the need for a structured method to track changes and updates.

The commission also touched upon the importance of obtaining Florida accreditation for the police department, recognizing it as a step towards enhancing professionalism and accountability. The police chief outlined plans for achieving accreditation, which include updating policies by April 2025 and implementing necessary training by June.

Lastly, the meeting addressed planning for a potential vacancy on the commission, discussing the implications of appointing an interim commissioner to prevent decision-making challenges in the event of a split vote. The commission acknowledged the financial impact of a special election and explored strategies to maintain representation and governance continuity.