A key decision made during the meeting was the approval of the motion to prioritize residential area sidewalk pressure washing in the 2025 budget process. The conversation surrounding this topic included discussions about redirecting funds from special events and sponsorships to meet residents’ needs.

The committee also debated the establishment of anchoring limitation areas in Miami Beach to regulate the anchoring of vessels. After weighing the costs of approximately $218,400 and the need for additional police officers, the committee proposed utilizing existing resources for enforcement.

Environmental sustainability was another significant topic, with the committee considering the incorporation of a “skip the stuff” initiative to reduce plastic utensil use within the city’s outdoor dining contracts and restaurant leases. This initiative is a response to the state of Florida’s preemption, which limits the city’s ability to implement a full ban on plastics.

In addressing neighborhood concerns, the committee discussed the potential purchase of a building with historic murals and the addition of shade trees and repaving a parking lot, with cost estimates around $1.5 million. Deliberations highlighted the need to improve the city’s tree canopy and consider the character of the surrounding neighborhood and the impact on local businesses.

Public transportation improvements were also on the agenda, with discussions on replacing a Tesla Model X vehicle with a Starcraft van to enhance the connection between North Beach and Mount Sinai Medical Center. The debate included whether to waive formal competitive bidding requirements and how to proceed with service providers. The committee emphasized the need to restore former Route 115 service and explore cost-sharing with neighboring municipalities.

The allocation of resources for the real-time crime center was scrutinized, with concerns raised about the increasing police department budget. Members proposed reorganizing and reallocating existing resources, with a focus on cost efficiency and the use of non-sworn officers to manage the real-time intelligence center project.

The committee also considered the creation of a new capital project to install floating walkways and the acquisition of a property through eminent domain to complete the Indian Creek pedestrian pathway. Commissioner Fernandez proposed motions to address these issues, and the committee backed the initiatives, recognizing the importance of public infrastructure for the safety and mobility of the community.

Further discussions included the funding and programming for the new Byron Carlyle geobond project, which entails a multi-purpose cultural arts space and potential workforce housing. Members navigated the complexities of balancing economic benefits, neighborhood impact, parking, and traffic considerations.

The meeting concluded with the committee’s determination to continue Route 115 on a month-to-month basis with LSF and incorporate it into the fixed route contract with the awarded vendor.