A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing concerns regarding RVs and illegal camping within Loxahatchee Groves. A resident, Mr. Austin, expressed his discontent with the town’s approach to handling these issues, arguing that mere warnings to property owners with long-term campers were insufficient. He voiced concerns over the new RV program, which offers five-year permits. Austin’s call for more enforcement included a proposal for a complete ban on RVs, similar to regulations in neighboring Wellington, to preserve the town’s character.

The council also delved into infrastructure and community improvement projects, discussing the financial demands and ongoing efforts to secure grants. Among the projects highlighted were a $2.1 million North Pump Station installation and a $1 million SCADA system. The town has submitted grant applications totaling $15 million, with additional applications totaling $93 million to address these substantial costs. The council underscored the importance of leveraging the town’s rural designation, which has already facilitated $1.5 million in appropriations over the past two years, to aid in these funding endeavors.

Mayor Kane emphasized the necessity of aligning infrastructure plans with budgetary constraints, calling for accountability among the council and citizens. He outlined ongoing projects, such as trail connectivity and signage improvements, aimed at enhancing safety and visibility throughout the town. The mayor also discussed ongoing improvements in water control plans and the completion of a vulnerability assessment funded by a $350,000 grant from Resilient Florida, which serves as a foundation for future funding opportunities.

In a recent session, council also addressed the internal operations of town committees. There was a call for improved communication and clear direction from the council to enhance the effectiveness of these committees. Concerns were raised about the lack of regular meetings and reporting from committees, particularly the finance committee, which had met infrequently during critical budgeting periods. The council agreed to provide more explicit tasks and priorities for committee members to ensure their contributions align with the town’s strategic goals.

Ethics training was another focal point of the meeting, with discussions on the requirements for council members to complete both county and state ethics training courses. The importance of adhering to the Sunshine Law, which prohibits council members from discussing town business outside public meetings, was emphasized. Public record laws were also highlighted, with council members advised to use official town email accounts for communications to maintain transparency.

In the realm of governance, the council navigated the election of a new mayor and vice mayor, with Anita Kane and Margaret Herzog elected to these positions, respectively. The meeting included the swearing-in of new council member Lisa El Ry.

The council also tackled the contentious issue of the town’s sign ordinance, which has been under discussion for several years. A newly drafted sign code is expected for review by the first week of April, with the intent to address compliance issues that have plagued the town. The council debated the best approach for reviewing the sign code, balancing the need for comprehensive feedback with the risk of conflicting comments.

Finally, the council discussed the implications of potential changes to property tax regulations at the state level, expressing concerns about the impact on small towns like Loxahatchee Groves. The importance of securing property tax revenue for the town’s financial stability was emphasized, with the council acknowledging the need for strategic advocacy to protect their interests.