The meeting began with interviews for the village manager role, where candidates outlined their qualifications and vision for Biscayne Park. Childress shared his history with the village and detailed his approach to empowering department directors while maintaining a collaborative environment. He underscored the importance of early budget planning and strategic sessions to ensure fiscal responsibility, noting the village’s need to explore alternative funding sources.

Another candidate, Leo Kosio, presented his background and outlined his priorities, such as conducting a digital security audit and addressing traffic management and pedestrian safety. Kosio emphasized his dedication to transparency and communication, proposing town halls to engage residents in discussions about the village’s future. He highlighted the importance of leveraging his network to secure funding for infrastructure and recreational projects.

Leonard highlighted his past successes in securing funding and managing large budgets, expressing a desire to improve municipal operations and community engagement. He stressed the importance of collaboration and transparency, proposing an “open door policy” to foster trust with residents.

The need for a village manager who could address these challenges through consistent communication and strategic planning was emphasized. Candidates were questioned about their approach to maintaining transparency and building trust within the community, with discussions highlighting the necessity of regular updates and proactive outreach to residents.

Financial management was a key topic, with candidates discussing strategies to generate additional revenue without burdening residents. The potential for grant opportunities and cost-saving measures was highlighted, with candidates emphasizing the importance of understanding the village’s budget constraints. The need for clear communication about budgetary decisions and priorities was underscored, with suggestions for improved transparency in budget allocation and planning.

The issue of infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding the village’s streets and tree canopy, was also discussed. Candidates highlighted the importance of maintaining and enhancing the community’s greenery, proposing collaborations with local boards and exploring funding opportunities for tree planting and maintenance. The need for a systematic approach to infrastructure maintenance, dividing the village into sections for annual upkeep, was suggested as a strategy to manage costs effectively.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the selection process for the village manager position. The commission expressed a desire to move forward with the candidates under consideration, encouraging residents to provide feedback over the weekend. Procedural aspects of the upcoming vote were discussed, including the possibility of pre-negotiating salary expectations with candidates. However, opinions varied on the appropriateness of such discussions prior to a formal selection, with some commissioners emphasizing a focus on qualifications over cost.