A central topic of discussion was traffic safety, particularly the increasing volume of vehicle traffic and its implications for public safety. The Mayor noted a significant rise in east-west traffic flow, prompting concerns about traffic fatalities linked to speeding. The Police Chief confirmed ongoing collaboration with county officials and participation in county-wide initiatives to mitigate speed-related incidents. Funding from state and federal resources has been allocated to address aggressive driving and pedestrian safety. The importance of both enforcement and public education was highlighted, as traffic citations had increased by 50%. The Commission agreed on the necessity of enhancing the traffic unit within the police department, including discussions about reestablishing a dedicated vehicle for monitoring speed and aggressive driving.

Illegal charter operations at the city boat ramp were another significant issue. A legal charter business owner expressed frustration over illegal businesses not being subject to the same regulations, creating an unfair competitive environment. While nine charter businesses operate with proper licensing and insurance, over twenty are reportedly using city property without oversight. The speaker proposed that illegal operators be required to obtain permits and operate from city docks for monitoring.

The meeting also addressed the need for improved street lighting. Commissioners discussed the feasibility of a citywide study to assess lighting conditions, emphasizing the importance of street lighting in reducing crime and enhancing safety. A lack of citywide standards for streetlight lumens was noted, with inconsistencies in brightness levels across different areas. The Commission resolved to prioritize high-volume areas and ensure safety and visibility are primary criteria for lighting installations. Financial concerns were also raised regarding which roads should be prioritized and who should bear the financial responsibility for lighting improvements.

The implementation of the Phoenix program was highlighted in an update from the Fire Chief. This system aims to optimize dispatch and response times, allowing dispatchers to manage calls more effectively. The Fire Chief expressed excitement about the program’s potential to improve public safety and thanked the commission for its support.

Another topic of concern was the cost of upcoming elections, with the estimated expense for mail-in ballots being approximately $540,000. Commissioners debated whether to proceed with the election or delay it to coincide with citywide elections to maximize turnout and minimize costs. Eventually, it was clarified that the cost remained at approximately $80,000, easing some financial concerns. The Commission stressed the importance of educating the public about upcoming changes to ensure transparency and encourage voter participation.

In the realm of zoning, the first reading of proposed Ordinance Number 25-045 sought to amend sections of the city’s zoning code related to the Infill Planned Unit Development zoning district. This amendment aims to eliminate non-residential uses that could lead to developments not aligning with the district’s residential intent. The ordinance seeks to maintain the residential character of the district, which is in response to Florida Statute amendments requiring local governments to approve certain multifamily developments as affordable housing projects.

The meeting also focused on interdepartmental collaboration and the management of overtime expenditures. A commissioner expressed frustration with the current state of cooperation between departments and called for a formal execution of interdepartmental efforts with clear results. Concerns were raised about the allocation of overtime funds, emphasizing the need for a examination of their utilization, particularly when residents consistently report issues in the same areas. The city manager acknowledged the need for a director of public safety to oversee department collaboration and ensure resources are used effectively.

Finally, the Commission addressed the amendment of the general employees’ pension plan to align with state statutes. This change would allow certain high-ranking officials options regarding their pension plans, including the possibility of opting out entirely. The Commission agreed to consult with the pension board before proceeding with drafting the necessary ordinances for review and approval.