A key topic that generated considerable debate was the proposal to introduce new signage at construction sites. The commission considered the implementation of large banners to provide important information about construction regulations to workers and residents. The banners were proposed to include details on work hours, parking, and code regulations, with translations in Spanish and Creole. The estimated cost for producing 50 banners was noted to be slightly over $3,000, which could be covered by the unspent budget. The commission deliberated on how to manage the banners, considering requiring a deposit or having permit holders purchase them outright. Concerns were raised regarding the practicality of the banners’ return and disputes over their condition. The commission also discussed the need to amend the village code to incorporate the new signage requirements and the enforcement challenges associated with the banners.

Further discussions on the signage issue revolved around the materials, pricing, and the size of the signs. The commission explored different types of materials for the signs’ durability and cost-effectiveness. There was also a consideration of the impact of the proposed ordinance on various construction projects and the feasibility of the signage requirements for different project sizes. The effectiveness of the signage in addressing issues at construction sites and ensuring compliance with the village’s code was a concern. The commission recognized the need for effective communication and enforcement of the code at construction sites but also expressed concerns about the practicality and cost of the proposed signage. The debate extended to the placement of signs on construction fencing, with suggestions for signs to be visible at all times and placed on both sides of corner properties. The languages for the signs were also debated, with a proposition to include Creole alongside English and Spanish.

In addition to the construction site signage, the commission addressed concerns about the village’s emergency preparedness, particularly in dealing with flooding incidents. They discussed the implementation of a new centralized communication system, with a single email and voicemail to be managed by a designated individual. The system’s intention was to optimize responses to flooding by allowing the police chief and vice mayor to direct resources where needed. The commission considered partnering with neighboring municipalities to secure additional equipment for major weather events and discussed the importance of having a contact form for at-risk residents. There was also a review of available resources, the need for standardized emergency communication schedules, and the establishment of physical locations where residents could seek assistance during and after a storm.

Moreover, the commission highlighted the challenges faced during recent storms, which underscored the absence of a clear emergency plan and communication issues. They discussed the necessity for proactive measures, such as pre-staging barricades in flood-prone areas, and emphasized the urgency of developing a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. The meeting touched on the effectiveness of pumps in clearing flooded areas and explored the idea of a cooperative agreement with neighboring villages for shared emergency resources. The potential use of water bladders, tanker trailers, flat-bottomed johnboats, and lifted trucks for accessing flooded residences was also debated.

Another discussion at the meeting pertained to the village’s building codes and inspections. The commission examined the accuracy of building plans and the thoroughness of inspections to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations. Concerns were raised about instances of miscalculated areas in plans and the need for zoning reviews as part of the permitting process. The commission debated the necessity for a dedicated zoning inspector and considered additional fees to fund comprehensive inspections. They also discussed the absence of a specific landscaping code for the village and the implications of not following Miami Dade County’s landscaping code.

In a closely related matter, the commission reviewed the reoccupancy process for properties being sold or rented out, debating whether local ordinances were overstepping their boundaries in regulating residential tendencies and the landlord-tenant relationship. The discussion centered on the conflict between local regulations and state statutes, the rights of property owners, and the need to ensure the safety and habitability of rental properties. The village attorney advised on legal compliance while balancing the safety and well-being of residents.