Commentary about the March 18 Key Colony Beach Town Hall meeting:
It was an excellent meeting with many constructive suggestions.
Mayor Joey Raspe revealed that the post office is projected to move back to City Hall in May (depending on the USPS) and praised all the volunteer efforts to improve the space.
Commissioner Harding discussed the Special Magistrate, The city had expectations of cost savings, speed, and objectivity, he said. He reported the "billing is fair" but did not report how much it costs. About 2% of code cases go to the magistrate. He said the cities he studied were 5-10,000 pop with 3-5 code enforcement officers so ten times the size of KCB.
He also reported the "recovery cost is very fair" although city reports have shown the city makes a significant profit on the process. Commissioner Harding seemed frustrated that we don't make enough money on it. One resident had a "horrible experience with speed of resolution." In answer to the question of how long it takes to schedule a hearing, City Clerk Silvia Gransee explained that hearings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month but held only when there are cases to bring. Several cases last year were continued or excessively delayed by the code department.
One resident was "amazed at how unprepared the judge is before the meeting." Apparently the procedural rules disallow reading charges or briefs and visiting sites in advance. It was also noticed that all the "judge's body language and attention was directed to the city attorney and far less to the" respondent.
Commissioner Foster asked for comments about a proposed solar field at the retention pond.
The project has generated opposition. A Shelter Bay Drive resident's concern was "beyond the cost or looks." The challenges include salt water corrosion and fog, hurricanes, and the maintenance cost of the system itself. The drainage pond will be impacted by the structure. Solar fields reflect like a mirror and become a heat sink. "Windmills are cool looking but solar fields are fugly," he said. And it was noted we would lose the retention/drainage pond for hurricane debris. Before Irma, the pond drained properly. After Irma, the weight of all the trash and all the heavy equipment compacted what was there, "leaving a toxic dust bowl."
Another resident reminded the commissioners that "the ugliest thing in KCB is that sacred cow of a retention pond. The solar field would be uglier." And there was concern that the solar maintenance tech would be standing in 1½ feet of water under the panels to do repairs.
A former utility board member reported on the controversy over the retention pond after Irma and recommended KCB get a ruling from the state over the necessary function of the pond. Drainage or retentuion pond design and usage is regulated by the state. Commissioner Harding said Jason has reached out to the state but there has been no response yet.
Commissioner Foster suggested a two phase approach with a small pilot solar field within the sewer plant, an evaluation period, and then a second field at another location. One suggestion was above the boat trailer lot.
Commissioner DiFransico reported that other efforts with City Charter updates around the state show it needs a lot of volunteer effort. KCBers are already starting to pack up for the season so he said we will take it up when we are all back and fresh.
Mayor Raspe reminded KCBers to send anything we would like the commissioners to discuss to email City Clerk Silvia Gransee.