Remembrance Park’s second phase, estimated at $1.3 million, was a focal point of the meeting, with council members expressing varying opinions on the appropriate course of action. Some members advocated for delaying the project until the park’s initial phase usage could be evaluated, citing the need to assess its maintenance costs before committing additional funds. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of the local option sales tax (certax) sunset and increasing salary costs on the village’s financial stability. One member remarked on the importance of assessing the park’s use, suggesting that, “We’ve got new grass, we got to see what we’ve got irrigated properly.”

Contrastingly, another council member pushed for immediate action, arguing that phase one of the park was a “complete success” and underscoring the community’s desire for more recreational spaces. This member viewed parks as a cost-effective way to meet community needs, urging the council to capitalize on the initial phase’s momentum.

The council considered a compromise proposal to break phase two into smaller, more manageable phases. This strategy aimed to prevent another decade-long delay like that experienced during phase one. The proposal suggested starting with critical elements to ensure connectivity while leaving larger features, such as a bridge, for future stages. This phased approach sought to continue progress without committing to the entire project at once.

The council meeting also delved into budgetary matters, as members reviewed the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget, reflecting an increase of $4,333,625 from the previous year, was primarily driven by public safety salary increases and capital expenditures. The council confirmed a millage rate of 6.4595 and scheduled public hearings for September, outlining the implications of potential rate adjustments on the village’s financial strategy.

A significant portion of the budget discussion focused on the general fund, where personnel costs accounted for a large share of expenditures. The council reviewed revenue sources, noting that general property taxes comprised 63% of total revenues. The meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive fund balance, with projections exceeding their three-month target by $357,000.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure projects, including the remodeling of Station 11 and the construction of a maintenance facility at Questa Park. Station 11’s remodeling would be funded through various sources, such as a building fund for code compliance and a special law enforcement fund. The construction at Questa Park involved a new metal building to replace makeshift structures, with a total budget of $250,000. The council discussed potential savings from this project, which could be redirected to landscaping and parking improvements.

In addition, the Tequesta Drive bridge improvements, budgeted at $855,000, were highlighted as an urgent project. The bridge, segmented into three phases for better management, had not undergone significant maintenance in over a decade, raising resident concerns about its condition. The council confirmed that repairs would not require a complete closure of the bridge, maintaining at least one lane open for traffic during construction.

The council also explored vehicle replacement strategies, particularly for the building department and police vehicles. A proposal to transfer the building official’s vehicle to the Community Outreach Program (COP) was considered to better serve their needs, rather than purchasing a new vehicle. This approach aimed to provide a more durable vehicle compared to the current Prius used by COP.