The board dedicated substantial time to addressing the upcoming event on November 12, which aims to educate residents about the 2023 beachfront property evaluations. The event will take place at the local library and will feature Doug Man, a coastal engineer from Opum Environmental and Infrastructure. He will provide insights into site-specific evaluations of beachfront properties and recommendations for dune protection. The board emphasized the importance of this event, noting that it would help residents understand the current conditions of their properties and the steps they can take to safeguard them.

In preparation for the event, the board reviewed a draft letter intended for residents, which included revisions suggested by the staff. The letter aims to engage beachfront property owners by highlighting the impact of the evaluations on their properties and encouraging them to attend the event. To enhance accessibility, the board discussed incorporating QR codes linking to the full study and presentation video, as well as providing hard copies of the materials at Town Hall and the library for residents who might not be tech-savvy.

The board also deliberated on the logistical aspects of the event, including the distribution of the letter and ensuring that the information reaches all residents effectively. They underscored the need for a clear and inviting communication strategy to boost community participation and engagement.

Another topic was the dune restoration efforts at Penthouse Towers and the associated educational outreach initiatives. The board discussed the creation of a handout detailing the dune restoration process, which would be accessible on the town’s website. They highlighted the success of past informal gatherings at Penthouse Towers, where refreshments facilitated mingling and networking among residents. These events were seen as beneficial for sharing information and strengthening community ties.

The board expressed a desire to replicate these successful outreach efforts at other condominiums, emphasizing the importance of engaging the community through workshops and informal meetings. They discussed the potential for future events and the logistics of coordinating these efforts, including the participation of dune experts to answer residents’ questions.

The upcoming 75th anniversary event of Highland Beach was also a focal point of the meeting. The board planned to have a table at the celebration to provide information on dune restoration, collaborating with the turtle team to enhance their outreach efforts. They discussed the logistics of staffing the table and managing the presence of experts to ensure the event’s success.

A related topic of discussion was the leadership change at Penthouse Towers, where the previous manager had resigned. The board recognized the opportunity to reach out to other condominium associations, such as Ocean Place Estates and Ocean Place Villas, to enhance their educational efforts and promote dune management.

The meeting also touched on several other environmental concerns. A noticeable issue was the decrease in turtle populations, with some members noting that many turtles appeared to be dying. There was a discussion about the responsibility of beach raking companies in maintaining the beach properly, and it was noted that violations should be reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Additionally, the board discussed the use of leaf blowers, a subject that had not been addressed since January 2023. A member planned to make a public comment on October 1 to bring updated scientific information to the town. Concerns about the A1A project also emerged, with claims that more trees would be lost than reported, although this discussion was noted to be outside the board’s jurisdiction.

The board expressed frustration with the narrow definitions of their responsibilities, referencing other towns with broader scopes of authority. They proposed a draft to discuss expanding the board’s duties, emphasizing the need for collaboration and advocacy. This proposal was agreed to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for examination and potential revisions.

Concerns about electric vehicle charging stations within condominium complexes were also raised, with some members feeling that this discussion was outside the board’s duties. The conversation concluded with a proposal to include the draft regarding the board’s powers and duties on the agenda for the next meeting.