Parking emerged as the central issue, with commissioners acknowledging complaints from residents about student parking near dormitories. Concerns included blocked driveways and tensions between students and homeowners. A commissioner proposed exploring a color-coded parking zone system, similar to those in Miami Beach and Coral Gables, to alleviate these tensions. The mayor highlighted the need to balance residents’ quality of life with the influx of students and new developments, emphasizing a plan rather than ad hoc measures.

In response to the parking challenges, the city plans to conduct a parking study to assess the existing system, which the finance director described as outdated and often malfunctioning. The goal is to transition to modern app-based parking solutions for user convenience, identifying ParkMobile and PayByPhone as potential providers. The city aims to maximize parking revenue and identify additional parking areas for residents and visitors.

During the discussions, the city attorney referenced an existing ordinance on residential permit parking. The importance of thorough analysis before implementing changes was reiterated.

The Commission also considered a proposal for implementing a parking impact fee, intended to generate cash flow to potentially fund a municipal parking garage. A strategic planning meeting was suggested to explore this initiative further.

Beyond parking, the meeting addressed the ongoing issue of non-functional street lights managed by Florida Power and Light (FPL). A commissioner inquired about the status, and the mayor reported that code enforcement officers were conducting nighttime inspections to assess the situation. As of the latest update, 71 broken lights had been identified in one area, with efforts continuing in other parts of the city. Communication with FPL was ongoing to expedite repairs, and a new transformer was scheduled for installation to enhance lighting. The broader discussion included potential upgrades to LED lighting to improve the city’s aesthetics and quality of life.

The meeting also acknowledged commendations for city staff’s efforts in revitalizing a local park, with positive feedback from parents about increased activity. Additionally, condolences were extended for the passing of Oscar from the Senior Center.

The police report segment provided updates on crime reduction, with Chief Gil noting a significant 34% decrease attributed to data-driven policing methods. Specific statistics on aggravated assaults, sexual batteries, and burglaries illustrated a downward trend in major felonies. Questions arose about the police department’s use of surveillance trailers equipped with cameras to monitor areas within the city. Chief Gil described their strategic placement, noting their effectiveness in reducing littering and illegal dumping, which improved the city’s appearance and safety.

In other legal matters, the City Attorney reported on the financial progress of a payment plan related to the 300 Building, confirming receipt of the third of four payments. He also mentioned a pending trailer park case with a motion to dismiss filed by defense counsel, expressing confidence in the strength of the document. Additionally, the City Attorney addressed a code enforcement lien foreclosure matter, prolonged due to considerations for an elderly individual involved.

The discussion then moved to the building and zoning report, with updates on a new building for code compliance. Details on flooring and design choices were shared, along with plans to ensure the building was equipped with adequate security measures. Inquiries about the current lease for the existing building occupied by the code department revealed considerations for terminating the ongoing three-year lease.