The Mayor and council members acknowledged the residents’ concerns and discussed potential solutions to the speeding problem. The Mayor explained that while other areas like Miami Shores had implemented street closures, there was a current moratorium on such actions. The possibility of installing speed bumps was discussed, with the Mayor noting the regulatory complexities involved, such as obtaining county approvals and considering the impact on traffic patterns and emergency services.

The council also examined the results of the first phase of a traffic study focused on speed reduction. The study’s findings pointed to the need for a phased approach to traffic calming, which was noted to be a time-consuming process. The council mentioned that the police department had updated its speeding equipment and had set up speed traps in response to the issue. Additional traffic calming measures, such as signage and roundabouts, were also discussed.

Furthermore, the council considered strategic changes to street patterns to discourage cut-through traffic, while carefully weighing the historical implications of such changes in Florida, notably the use of walls for racial segregation in the past. The effectiveness of traffic cameras as a means to address speeding was brought up but remained an unresolved topic.

The council’s discussions extended to other infrastructure and public safety issues, including the completion of a bridge construction project delayed until 2024 due to funding and permit issues. The council also discussed plans for sewer septic conversion, the implementation of an environmentally resilient streets and stormwater master plan, and the introduction of an ordinance for school zone speed detection systems to ensure child safety.

Additionally, the council debated the conversion of some streets to accommodate bike and bus lanes to address the safety of electric scooters and bikes on sidewalks. Reports of homelessness and associated concerns such as drug use were acknowledged, with a commitment to increase police surveillance in affected areas.

The meeting also covered the film permitting interlocal agreement, legislative concerns, and village developments. A representative from the South Florida Water Management District presented efforts to reduce canal pollution, including the installation of trash capture systems.