Council Unites On Resiliency, Efficiency Goals

In a daylong informal brainstorming session, Key Biscayne Village Council members appeared to reach broad consensus on combining major resiliency projects instead of doing them piecemeal. The move, if followed through, might mean that taxpayers would be asked to approve a single “resiliency” bond that would address undergrounding, beach protection, stormwater upgrades, the Rickenbacker Causeway, and even roadway hardening projects.

The strategic retreat, led by Village Manager Andrea Agha, was an effort to get Council members to unite and prioritize major Village projects over the next 18 months. Resiliency items were at the top of the list.

“Our debt capacity is $70 million,” Agha said. “There are limited resources we have to be conscious of.”

“It has to be a comprehensive plan,” said Mayor Mike Davey.

Council Member Ignacio Segurola said he is concerned voters might not approve a referendum if costs were not known, particularly because Florida Power and Light might cover much of the undergrounding costs and the federal government might cover part of beach restoration.

But Council Member Ed London said new utility legislation — expected to be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis — would incentivise FPL to underground much of the island. “The more they can spend, the more they can make,” London said.

The other main areas of consensus for the sometimes-fractious Council involved government efficiency, communications, a laundry list of  “quality of life” projects, and ways to better manage Council meetings.

New Budget System

The Council united around a new budgeting system that would replace the traditional line-item system. Acting Chief Financial Officer Chris Wallace said instead of line items, the system tracks programs and performance, enabling the Council to better see which programs within a department work best.

“It’s a leap, but if you’re willing to do it, I’m willing to do it,” Agha said of the new budgeting method. She also said the Village will be deploying a modern accounting software system that eventually will allow for real-time monitoring of finances and progress reporting.

Communications

The Council discussed how to improve communications, starting with a revamp of the Village website. The discussion expanded quickly, however, to considerations of public safety messaging, marketing and what Council Member Luis Lauredo described as frustration about the way the Council’s achievements are being portrayed. He noted, for example, that many residents don’t even know the Lake Park is Village park.

“In politics, it is a lot more perception than reality. You have to spin it,” Lauredo said.

Manager Agha said she would develop a communications proposal for action this budget cycle.

Quality of Life

Council members indicated their preferences for items that could be done quickly. The winners for fast action were completion of the long-delayed park at 530 Crandon Boulevard, zoning code updates, increased parking, purchase of the entry block,  and pedestrian improvements. Agha noted plans for many of those topics are already in the works. The list, which included items ranging from seaweed composting to additional passive parks, is not exclusive — but Agha said she was glad to have a list of priorities from the Council.

Efficient Council Meetings

Finally, the Council took time to review its own procedures, such as the number of agenda items, deadlines for submissions to the Village Clerk, and limiting the length and number of “special presentations.” Council members told the manager she should be more vocal if Council members suggest items there is no budget for. Agha said she is working to limit the number of special presentations.