The meeting commenced with a focus on code enforcement challenges along Okeechobee Boulevard. Ramsay Buckley was introduced as a consultant to address these issues. Previously serving as Palm Beach County’s planning and zoning director, Buckley was contracted for his expertise in zoning and enforcement. The council set a budget of up to $25,000 for Buckley’s services under a professional services contract, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach rather than targeting select properties.

Debate ensued over the proposed enforcement strategy, with some council members advocating for a broader plan that would address the entirety of Okeechobee Boulevard’s code violations. Concerns were raised about starting enforcement with only six properties.

The council also discussed the process of renaming Okeechobee Boulevard to Middle Road. Opinions varied on the procedural approach, particularly regarding public involvement and notification. A resolution was proposed to implement a 90-day timeline for residents to provide feedback, with a 30-day objection window before finalizing the change.

While the renaming resolution passed narrowly, residents expressed frustration over the perceived waste of council resources. Concerns about potential disruptions to daily life and the necessity for broader community engagement were prominent during the public comment period.

In addition to these discussions, the council received updates on legislative matters, including funding requests for control structure resiliency improvements and stormwater system rehabilitation. The upcoming legislative session was noted as a critical period, with an expectation that property tax proposals might lead to changes impacting small communities like Loxahatchee Groves.

The council also deliberated on waste management strategies, examining proposals for garbage collection services. Coastal Waste and Recycling, the town’s current provider, presented options for future contracts, highlighting potential cost reductions and the introduction of community recycling centers. The logistics of handling agricultural waste and the feasibility of implementing subscription services for different types of waste were explored, with an emphasis on tailoring services to the community’s unique needs.

Conservation easements and tree mitigation policies were also on the agenda. The council reviewed a proposal involving a 20-acre property with a significant lien due to code violations. Discussions centered on the potential release of a conservation easement in exchange for financial compensation. Council members emphasized the need for clear policies that prioritize environmental restoration and prevent setting undesirable precedents.

Lastly, the council touched on road maintenance and infrastructure improvements, including plans for paving projects and addressing nutrient levels in local canals. The importance of aligning these projects with fiscal realities and community priorities was underscored.