One notable matter discussed was the city’s maintenance and cleanliness, particularly concerning litter removal, tree trimming, and landscaping services. Council members expressed broad concerns over the effectiveness of current contracts and the distribution of responsibilities between the city’s departments and contractors. The debate revealed frustration with the frequency of litter pickups, with suggestions to increase from 32 to 36 per year. Specific areas like San Susi Boulevard, Keystone Boulevard, and 135th Street were identified as needing more attention due to debris accumulation.

A council member advocated for a clear delineation of duties, suggesting that the landscaping contractor should shoulder full responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, thus reducing confusion. Concerns about the performance of the contractor Country Bill, who had not been the lowest responsive bidder, were also raised, with suggestions to use procedural flexibility to adjust contracts based on performance.

Tree trimming services were another focal point, with complaints about delays since a contract was approved in October. With hurricane season approaching, council members stressed the urgency of addressing tree maintenance. The assistant public works director reported that over 2,000 trees had been trimmed, yet skepticism remained about the progress, especially in certain districts. Some council members called for increased budgets for tree trimming, arguing that the current schedule was insufficient given the city’s needs.

Public comments echoed the council’s concerns. Residents highlighted staffing inadequacies, with calls to allocate more resources for tree trimming and litter removal. One resident pointed out that only three people were responsible for aerial tree maintenance, which he deemed inadequate. Another resident criticized the lack of employment opportunities at a recent job fair and urged the city to hold employers accountable for hiring locally.

The broader discussion of local hiring practices and job readiness underscored a community desire for improved employment prospects. Council members acknowledged these concerns.

Administrative stability was another significant topic, with debates on initiating a statewide search for a new city manager. The ongoing interim administration had left staff overworked, prompting a motion to begin the search process. However, the resolution was pulled from the current agenda, slated for discussion at a future meeting. Some council members emphasized the need for a prompt job posting. A timeline was proposed to circulate the job description among council members for comments, with a target posting date set for April 1.

There were differing views on the duration of the search, with suggestions ranging from 30 to 60 days. It was agreed that if insufficient applications were received, the search could be extended. Council members stressed the importance of starting the process early to meet upcoming deadlines, particularly as budget season approached.

Amidst these discussions, the council also addressed the scheduling of future meetings and other city events. A consensus was reached to reschedule a meeting to avoid conflicts with the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting. Public comments recognized the efforts of city staff in hosting community events, such as a women’s defense class by the North Miami Police Department, which received positive feedback.