Beach raking emerged as the most debated topic, with residents and board members expressing a range of concerns and suggestions. Town Manager Marshall Abid provided an extensive history of beach raking in Highland Beach, detailing past efforts to establish a special assessment district for beach raking and the ongoing debates about mechanical versus manual methods. Abid highlighted the town’s challenges in managing beach raking due to limited public access and differing opinions on its effectiveness.

Residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the performance of beach raking companies, citing inadequate trash removal and inconsistent service quality. Concerns were raised about the complacency of some drivers and the lack of accountability in maintaining the beach. A participant noted that Highland Beach is unique in its concerns about beach raking, contrasting it with other coastal areas that do not share similar complaints. This uniqueness, they argued, has drawn the attention of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The board discussed the possibility of organizing annual meetings with beach raking companies to reiterate expectations and improve service quality. There was a consensus on the need for better communication and stricter guidelines, with one member suggesting a more approach. The idea of sending a formal letter to the raking companies was also proposed.

The debate extended to the topic of sand replenishment, with references to past challenges following Hurricane Sandy. Participants shared personal experiences of erosion and the complexities of funding restoration projects, noting the financial burden on homeowners.

In addition to beach raking, the meeting touched on potential community engagement events aimed at fostering environmental awareness. The board considered organizing a wine-tasting event to promote public involvement, with logistical discussions about potential venues and timing. The idea was to engage local businesses and residents in a collaborative effort to address environmental issues and enhance community participation.

The board also explored the implementation of bucket trees and trash can availability on the beach. The shortage of trash receptacles, especially on the northern end of the town, was noted as a concern. Some condominium associations expressed willingness to contribute by adding buckets next to existing garbage cans, a step seen as positive in addressing litter management.

The conversation shifted to educational initiatives, including beach cleanups and outreach efforts to engage local schools and community organizations. The board discussed the potential for collaboration with institutions like St. Andrew’s School to organize cleanup events, emphasizing the importance of integrating educational activities to maximize community engagement.

Another point of discussion was the removal of native plant species and its impact on local flora. Concerns were voiced about construction activities affecting the natural environment, with participants expressing a desire to protect and restore native vegetation. The board considered hosting events focused on dune restoration and preservation, recognizing the need for ongoing education and community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.

The meeting concluded with discussions on additional topics, such as recycling practices and seawall maintenance. The board considered implementing a QR code system to improve access to information on natural resource guidelines, addressing current navigation challenges on the town’s website. There was a suggestion to conduct a survey of the community’s seawalls, although the board decided to prioritize dune protection initiatives for the time being.