The committee also deliberated on the city’s police hiring practices, particularly the educational requirements for officers. Concerns were raised about the necessity of a college degree, with arguments suggesting that capable individuals without such credentials could also effectively serve in law enforcement roles. The discussion acknowledged the balance between maintaining high standards and addressing recruitment challenges, ultimately deciding to forward the matter to the full commission for further exploration.

The iguana control topic arose from recent incidents involving rogue operators using firearms, causing public distress. Blue Iguana Pest Control, a vendor involved in iguana removal, clarified that their personnel use air guns rather than firearms and are trained to be discreet. Despite these assurances, the committee heard about a negative incident where an iguana was injured and bagged in front of onlookers, prompting discussions on the importance of discretion and timing in these operations. A representative from the Venetian Islands Homeowners Association shared success with non-gun methods, suggesting these as viable, less alarming alternatives for iguana management.

Participants expressed frustration with the current methods, particularly the inefficiency of air rifles in waterway areas, where iguanas often escape capture. A collaborative approach was proposed, involving separate companies for land and water captures to enhance efficiency. Commissioner Fernandez noted the removal of over 12,000 iguanas since 2022, with 1,020 captured in the current year, despite fewer during spring break. The committee discussed expanding services to private property owners, addressing affordability issues, and considering discounts for economically challenged areas.

The issue of golf courses as “incubators” for iguanas was raised, with calls to re-evaluate service levels at these locations. Residents living near golf courses expressed concerns, describing the iguana population as overwhelming. The committee discussed alternative methods, such as targeting iguana hatchlings with flashlights during their season and emphasized the need for constant communication and adjustment of capture strategies based on resident feedback.

Turning to police hiring practices, the committee scrutinized the city’s educational requirements for police officers, considering whether they might be too restrictive and potentially excluding capable candidates. The debate centered on the necessity of a college degree, with some members arguing that many individuals possess the requisite skills for effective policing without formal education. The discussion included historical vacancy rates and adjustments made to the requirements to attract a broader candidate pool.

The HR director explained multiple pathways for applicants to qualify as police officer trainees, stressing that the department had adjusted requirements with input from the police personnel board and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to balance quality with quantity in hiring. There was acknowledgment that Miami Beach’s police department maintains strict hiring standards, contributing to a 5% vacancy rate, which is relatively low compared to other jurisdictions.

The committee discussed the potential impact of lowering educational requirements on recruitment and retention, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards while being open to alternative pathways for qualified candidates. Ultimately, the committee decided to forward the discussion to the full commission for further consideration.

In addition to these primary discussions, the committee touched on other topics, including progress on local projects like the Washington Avenue corridor and the introduction of Parisian-style theatrical performances. The Washington Avenue project aims to enhance the area with upgraded lighting, landscaping, and creative placemaking to create a safer and more engaging urban environment. The proposal for Parisian-style performances seeks to provide elegant entertainment options distinct from adult entertainment venues, with plans to move the discussion to the full commission.

The meeting also addressed traffic calming measures in the Flamingo Park neighborhood, with a proposed study to identify streets needing intervention. The committee emphasized the urgency of deploying temporary safety devices while awaiting formal analysis to enhance neighborhood safety.