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Old Population Studies: There are 623 pages in the Tuesday agenda. Two of the tabs have old 150-page County Population studies - projections from March 2011 and February 2000 - 300 of the 623 pages, used to justify growth requests for decades now. Not valid today!
U. S. One Right of Way: One item from the consent agenda that merits discussion. Tab 4, agreeing to a Turf and Landscape contract with FDOT for $65,644 annually for Islamorada Public Works to maintain the 18 miles of U.S. One.
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Litter Pickup – 12 times/yr: $1,744.00; $8.07/month/mile
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Mowing, including Edging and Weed Control – 12 times/yr: $14,032.00; $65/month/mile
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Landscape Maintenance/Tree Trimming – 12 times/yr: $39,868.00; $185/month/mile
FDOT used to do the right of way maintenance, but the Village wanted more frequent mowing than monthly. The Village opted to do the maintenance themselves and to be reimbursed by FDOT - but is $65,644 realistic? Or why not let FDOT do the monthly maintenance and when the right of way needs a little extra care, Public Works (or a local contract company) could supplement the service. Or just renegotiate the amount FDOT pays us to a more realistic figure.
What is missing from the agenda?
Baseball - the School Board says Islamorada will get approval rights as owner of the field every step of the way. When does that start? The design contract is in use but never came before council. One concern: Doesn’t it give the design contractor the sole right to pick the type and quality of the turf? Is that ok with the Village?
Green Turtle Hammock: Decision regarding the future management of the Green Turtle Hammock Preserve was to be brought before council in February. Florida Bay Forever has provided services required by the management plan for the last 5 years and the agreement ends in a few weeks. Does the Village have a plan to fulfil the management plan dictated by the state? Why isn’t it in the agenda?
Note: Green Turtle Hammock decision apparently wasn't on the agenda, but it WAS discussed at the meeting.
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