A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the issue of dead trees in the Mala Drive area, a consequence of saltwater exposure from Hurricane Idalia. A resident, Bill Suhaki, had previously raised concerns about the danger and financial burden posed by the dying trees. Suhaki attended the meeting and shared his experiences with removing the trees, which totaled $18,000—far exceeding the $5,000 limit of the existing residential grant program. The City Manager informed the board that funding for tree removal from state or federal sources was limited, prompting a discussion on the potential for residents to apply for landscaping grants, despite the usual prohibition on retroactive funding.

Board members expressed a need for caution, with discussions highlighting previous instances where exceptions to grant rules led to complications. The Chairman emphasized the importance of adhering to established procedures to prevent setting a precedent that might invite legal challenges. While the City Manager could not provide immediate figures on the remaining budget for residential grants, there was a consensus to allow staff to process grant applications once the necessary information was obtained. Suhaki voiced gratitude for the attention given to the issue but stressed the need for a program to assist residents with natural disaster-related damage.

The conversation also touched on the broader community concerns regarding aging trees and the existing grant program’s parameters. A participant noted the delayed realization that numerous trees were dying after the hurricane, expressing frustration over the lack of arborist expertise available to the community. The grant program’s details were clarified, with staff emphasizing that individuals could apply for multiple projects over time, receiving dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for expenses like windows, doors, and landscaping.

Efforts to enhance communication about the grant process were prioritized, with a member expressing a willingness to create a manual detailing emergency procedures for situations like flooding and fallen trees. There was a consensus on the need for preemptive measures against future hurricanes and suggestions to pursue additional state funding for emergency preparations.

Following the tree damage discussion, the board transitioned to other business, including the award of a branding and wayfinding signage plan. The board authorized the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) to develop a plan aligning with the 2024 community redevelopment plan. Nine proposals were received, with budgets ranging from $38,135 to $150,200. A selection panel shortlisted four firms, ultimately recommending KMA for their cost-effectiveness and experience. Despite some concerns about KMA’s proposal being perceived as generic, their qualifications were affirmed through a well-organized presentation, and their proposal was accepted without opposition.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the initiation of a planning study for the Grand Boulevard area to enhance development potential along the waterfront. The proposed study, with an expected budget of approximately $50,000, aimed to align new developments with existing structures through a form-based code approach. There was interest in exploring funding collaborations with the county, which might contribute to a similar study underway at another location. A motion to approve the Grand Boulevard Area Planning Study passed without objection.