The meeting opened with an extensive discussion on illegal dumping, underscoring its severe repercussions. Illegal dumping was defined to include not only the disposal of garbage in unauthorized areas like vacant lots and alleyways, but also the misuse of dumpsters and unlawful contributions to neighbors’ bulk waste piles. A referenced study pointed out that visible litter can decrease property values by as much as 24%, adding a financial dimension to the problem. Homestead’s role as the gateway to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks was highlighted, with a call to action for residents to help maintain the area’s cleanliness and beauty.

Following this, the city announced its new website, www.homesteadfl.gov, scheduled to go live on June 17, 2024. This initiative is a significant technological upgrade, designed to enhance cybersecurity and provide residents with a reliable platform for accessing city services. The website aims to streamline communication between the city and its residents.

The meeting also featured a fictional narrative involving the Johnson family, which illustrated the importance of energy conservation.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting transitioned to a formal presentation ceremony. Councilwoman Bailey announced the city’s upcoming 111th anniversary in January, with particular attention on artist Jason Gaither. Although Gaither was absent, his collection, featuring artifacts and recreations from his family’s history, was promoted. Charlie Hedson from the Homestead Center for the Arts further enriched the presentation by discussing the center’s contributions and the diversity of artistic expressions represented in the gallery, which celebrates Homestead’s cultural heritage.

On the agenda was the approval of various grant applications aimed at community development. A commercial enhancement grant application from Harmonic Development Inc. was approved, facilitating the installation of impact windows and doors and new signage. This grant required a 25% match from the applicant and received a favorable recommendation from the SWAC before a unanimous board vote confirmed approval. Similarly, a residential improvement grant application from Miss Cabrera for a roof replacement was approved. This grant did not require a match, and after a brief discussion and public hearing, it too received board approval. Another residential grant followed a similar approval process.

The meeting addressed the acceptance of real property on Southwest 4th Court, transferring ownership from the city to the CRA. This procedural resolution aimed to ensure proper titling for the property’s intended community use. This motion, like others, was approved without opposition.

The transition to a special call city council meeting saw the approval of the local housing assistance plan, critical for funding eligibility within the fiscal year. The urgency of passing this resolution by May 2 was highlighted, as it was essential for upcoming appointments to the advisory committee on affordable housing. The board unanimously supported the plan.

Further discussions involved the appointment of William Ray to the Homestead Housing Authority Board, which received unanimous approval.

The Committee of the Whole meeting that followed addressed an emergency procurement for galvanized radiators for McMen substation transformers. The urgency was due to an active leak, with the proposal to replace twelve radiators at a cost of $148,000. The board discussed cost benefits and approved the procurement.

The meeting also revisited the conveyance of property on Southwest 4 Street. Another agenda item involved accepting property at the intersection of Southwest 6th Street and 3rd Avenue from the CRA, which also passed smoothly.

Finally, the manager highlighted upcoming events, including the Formula E racing event and strategic planning sessions, while announcing a transition to a new customer service platform. The manager also discussed the impact of FEMA’s suspension of the BRIC grant program, noting the city’s ability to secure alternative funding through Congressman Jimenez, which mitigated the financial shortfall.