The resignation of Village Manager Rob Cole was the focal point of the meeting, with significant tension apparent among council members and between the council and the public. Concerns were raised about the process by which Cole’s resignation and severance package were handled. A council member voiced apprehension that the decision might have breached the Florida Sunshine Law, which mandates transparency in government actions. The council member urged that any termination of Cole’s employment be openly addressed in a public meeting, emphasizing the importance of public input and due process.

Discussions revealed that the decision to offer Cole a severance package stemmed from an employee complaint related to IT issues. However, some council members argued that the complaint did not justify immediate action against Cole. One council member expressed discomfort with the severance proposal, insisting that Cole deserved due process and that the council’s actions seemed rushed and lacking transparency. The village attorney, defending the process, claimed that no improper polling had occurred and maintained that the council had been properly informed throughout.

Public sentiment echoed these concerns, with several residents expressing dissatisfaction over what they perceived as a lack of transparency and accountability. Accusations of a potential plot against Cole were voiced, with one public speaker condemning the council’s actions and suggesting a coordinated effort to remove him without public discourse. These allegations were further fueled by the council’s decision to include Cole’s resignation on the consent agenda, a move criticized for bypassing public discussion.

Residents also voiced broader concerns regarding local governance. One resident criticized the council’s decision to allow an increase in hotel units at The Islander Resort, arguing that the decision exceeded local zoning allowances and was made too hastily. The resident questioned the pace of decision-making and emphasized the need for more public engagement and transparency.

Environmental concerns were also a topic of discussion, with a particular focus on the proposed vessel exclusion zone at Sunset Drive Beach. Residents highlighted the need to balance environmental protection with community and economic interests, advocating for comprehensive planning that considers both local ecosystems and the community’s quality of life. One resident suggested that the council explore the implementation of swim zones only during peak times to mitigate the environmental impact of increased boating activity.

Safety concerns related to boating activity and its impact on residents’ quality of life were also raised. A resident described a troubling environment where children were not safe to play outside due to speeding boats and inappropriate public behavior. This resident shared a personal decision to avoid local beaches, emphasizing the disconnect between the experiences of local residents and those who do not live in the area.

The meeting also touched on the need for a comprehensive compensation and classification study for village employees. Discussions highlighted the necessity of updating job descriptions and pay grades to reflect current responsibilities and living costs. Concerns were raised about the selection process for the consulting firm chosen to conduct the study, with a call for consideration of a Florida-based company more familiar with local employment landscapes.

Amidst these discussions, the council approved several routine items, including a budget amendment and the purchase of new server equipment to enhance disaster recovery and business continuity. However, the spotlight remained on the controversies surrounding Cole’s resignation and the broader implications for village governance.