The most notable concern raised at the meeting involved the repeated utility mishaps during construction, which led to power outages affecting 33 homes. Town Manager Gregory L. Dunham reported that a contractor had hit a utility line on Oleander, causing a power outage. Despite Florida Power & Light (FPL) implementing a temporary solution, it failed, leaving many homes without power. Dunham confirmed that FPL intended to backcharge the contractor for the damages, as this was not the first incident of damage to their infrastructure. Residents, visibly affected by these outages, expressed their concerns during the meeting.

In a related matter, resident Heather brought up construction-related power surges that damaged her appliances and electric cars, attributing the issues to the intermittent power connections caused by ongoing road work. She estimated repair costs around $10,000 and highlighted the lack of communication from FPL about protective services against power surges. Heather urged better documentation and communication to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing concern for the 33 other houses potentially facing similar problems.

Additionally, Heather raised concerns about a large puddle forming outside her home, which had persisted for several days. This issue made driving difficult and raised worries about landscaping damage. Town representatives explained that the drainage system was not yet connected to an outfall system, but work was scheduled to begin immediately to address the problem. Heather questioned the contractor’s accountability and the town’s oversight, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of weekly meetings aimed at improving the situation.

Another resident, Bryce Nantis, echoed Heather’s concerns, detailing damage to his property, including landscaping destruction and a knocked-over mailbox. He questioned the town’s responsibility in holding the contractor accountable for damages beyond the right-of-way. The town representatives acknowledged that the contractor had previously been held responsible for such damages and assured Nantis of follow-up actions to ensure accountability.

Construction-related debris also posed concerns for residents. One resident reported multiple incidents of tire damage caused by large pointed rocks dropped by construction trucks. The resident emphasized the safety hazard these rocks presented and suggested that the construction crew needed to take responsibility for the damage. This sentiment was echoed among attendees, highlighting a consensus on the need for immediate action to address these safety concerns.

In addition to construction issues, the meeting addressed the town’s water rate structure, reacting to an increase in rates from Delray Beach. The commission presented four options for adjusting the town’s water rates. Ultimately, the commission favored a modest rate increase, known as option three, which aimed to provide a surplus while accommodating the financial impact of Delray Beach’s rate changes. This option involved increasing the first tier to match Delray Beach’s current rate and applying a uniform increase across all tiers, resulting in a fourth tier charge of approximately $10.60. This decision was formalized through the adoption of Resolution 2517, with commissioners unanimously voting in favor.

The commission also discussed the implications of the water rate adjustments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a surplus and the need for a formal rate study to assess capital improvements and maintenance. Concerns about overwatering and the impact of irrigation schedules on water consumption were highlighted, with some members suggesting a hybrid approach to encourage residents to monitor their irrigation more closely.

Lastly, the meeting included a brief mention of Change Order Number Nine, which addressed necessary rework of two driveways on private property to improve drainage. The change order amount was cited as $17,217.93, with one driveway completed and materials being procured for the other. This item passed smoothly through the agenda.