A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a proposed plan concerning the village’s approach to swales and right-of-ways, which was brought to attention by resident Marissa Perry during the citizen communications segment. Perry criticized the proposal for its potential to fundamentally alter the village’s ecological landscape, arguing that it could impair stormwater management, increase flooding risks, and damage critical natural resources, including the river and street trees. She highlighted that the plan, presented by the Public Works Director, had been previously mentioned but not revisited since May, despite existing in code text form.

Perry argued that the proposal reversed existing policies promoting low-impact design principles, advocating instead for a landscape dominated by sod. She claimed that the ordinance’s restrictive plant list and punitive measures for non-compliance would discourage residents from responsible landscaping. Perry described the potential result as a “total homogenization” of the village’s street frontages. Expressing concerns, she stated that the plan could lead to the removal of beneficial plants and trees without notice, emphasizing the negative impact it could have on the village’s ecological balance.

Committee members shared Perry’s concerns, with some expressing their background in landscape design and environmental management. They invited Perry to leave her contact information for further discussions.

The meeting also featured a presentation by representatives from the Solid Waste Authority (SWA), who provided an overview of Palm Beach County’s recycling achievements. They noted that the county had been the leader in recycling in Florida for the last three years, thanks to an integrated solid waste management system that includes renewable energy facilities and a dual-stream recycling program. The SWA representatives explained the importance of reducing contamination in recycling bins and highlighted the benefits of the home chemical and recycling centers available to residents for disposing of hazardous waste.

The committee explored the feasibility of establishing a one-day hazardous waste collection event, with a member expressing enthusiasm for the idea. There was a discussion about the challenges and liabilities associated with organizing such an event, with input from the village’s fire chief. He noted that while the village has emergency response capabilities, it lacks a dedicated hazardous materials team, relying instead on the county’s resources for emergencies. The chief emphasized the need for strict guidelines to manage potential risks and liabilities.

The meeting also addressed the management of rights of way, particularly concerning tree planting and swale maintenance. A participant pointed out the importance of recognizing the unique characteristics of different neighborhoods, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach. They emphasized the aesthetic and ecological value of maintaining trees in swales, noting that while trees can complicate utility work, they provide shade and help reduce road repaving frequency. The discussion revealed concerns about the potential removal of trees under the proposed regulations and the cost implications for property owners versus the city.

In addition, the committee discussed the potential transition to a single-stream recycling system. Members debated the advantages and disadvantages of such a shift, considering the logistical and financial implications. While some expressed skepticism about the feasibility of single-stream recycling, citing infrastructure limitations, the committee acknowledged the need to explore options that could enhance participation and reduce contamination. The discussion included plans to research Martin County’s successful single-stream system to gain insights into its potential applicability in Tequesta.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on stormwater drain signage, with members considering ways to improve visibility and community engagement. Suggestions included dividing the village into districts for a community involvement initiative to identify missing signs and foster awareness of stormwater management. The committee recognized the importance of educational outreach to inform residents about proper waste disposal practices, including the detrimental effects of improper disposal into storm drains.