Village of Key Biscayne Council members moved forward on several major initiatives during a busy February meeting that included progress on undergrounding utilities, continued discussion of the Village’s stormwater project, and multiple capital and advisory board updates.
Among the most significant actions, the Council approved proceeding with the undergrounding of utilities, a long-discussed infrastructure improvement project. The meeting also included emotional discussion surrounding the Village’s stormwater efforts, reflecting ongoing community interest in flood mitigation and long-term resiliency planning.
Some of the additional items Council members dealt with included:
• A capital project, approving change orders for the Building, Zoning and Planning office renovation project, to allow a $68,813.97 upgrade to the customer service area, was approved 7-0, pushing the total project cost to $516,930.46.
• Village Manager Steve Williamson received a 7-0 favorable vote on first reading of his request to take another look at a Jan. 13 required two-quote minimum to authorize purchases under $6,000.
• Art in Public Places Advisory Board Chair Lourdes Joffre-Collett reported that her board’s members have had a productive year and that five of the Village’s eight plazas have been restored.
• Village Athletics Advisory Board Chair Jimmy Ly said his staff is “hoping to come to a good resolution” regarding some youth soccer concerns, and there’s an ongoing review of all athletic programs’ budgets and structures.
The next VAAB meeting is Feb. 23, when Mayor Joe Rasco’s appointee, Ernie Cambo, joins the board, replacing Kenneth Coto, who has stepped down.