0:28The meeting’s primary focus was the decision to terminate the contract with Local Intel, a move that required a 60-day notice. The council reviewed the contract terms and determined that the cancellation would be effective by early July. Members expressed a consensus on this decision, turning their attention to the implications for the town’s budget. They examined how funds had been utilized and explored opportunities to reallocate the remaining budget for marketing and other purposes.

Council members also addressed upcoming events, such as networking socials organized by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the “Best of Miami Lakes” initiative. These events aim to foster community participation and support local businesses. The council agreed to participate in a Miami Chamber networking social, emphasizing the importance of timely paperwork and invoicing. For the “Best of Miami Lakes” initiative, members stressed the need for increased community engagement and proposed starting promotional efforts by August to maximize outreach.

23:48In addition to these initiatives, the council discussed the “Main Street Live” event series, a new undertaking by the Cultural Affairs Committee. The event aims to gauge community interest through monthly gatherings featuring musical performances. Members explored marketing strategies, sponsorship opportunities, and logistical details, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support from other groups to ensure success. They proposed forming a subcommittee to oversee the planning and execution of these events.

51:10Marketing expenses were a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with a proposal to allocate $4,500 for a marketing campaign. The council settled on a $500 budget for platforms like Meta and Eventbrite. Target demographics were discussed, with a focus on reaching diverse communities within a 10-mile radius, excluding seniors over 80. The need for sponsorships was also addressed, with discussions about potential collaborations with the Cultural Affairs Committee.

The council further explored opportunities for local business promotion through partnerships with social media platforms like “Secret Miami.” However, the proposed collaboration was deemed too costly and misaligned with the town’s goals, leading to a decision to focus on more relevant marketing tools. The Local Intel website, which had shown minimal engagement since its inception in 2019, was slated for discontinuation, freeing up $112,000 in the next fiscal year’s budget for more impactful advertising methods.

1:43:59Discussions also covered public safety, with positive feedback on the collaboration between the town and the Miami-Dade Police Department. The council highlighted the importance of maintaining a dedicated police presence and the benefits of community-oriented policing. Members reflected on the reduced crime rates and the effectiveness of the current law enforcement system, emphasizing the need for continuity and familiarity with local issues. Detective Neis was acknowledged for her contributions to human trafficking awareness, and the council discussed the ongoing collaboration with the Public Safety Committee and the sheriff’s department.

Council members also considered future community engagement events like “Coffee with a Cop” and “Coffee with a Firefighter,” aiming to foster stronger relationships between residents and local law enforcement. The importance of timing and location for these events was emphasized, with suggestions to host them at local cafes or bakeries for better community turnout. The council recognized the need for sponsorships to ensure the success of these events and addressed the challenges faced in securing adequate participation from residents.