Key West officials will tackle a hefty agenda at their Thursday, Oct. 1 meeting, discussing everything from a new AI policy, the search for a city attorney and the overall structure of city government.
The Oct. 1 meeting will likely be the last regular meeting for commissioner Lissette Carey, who did not seek reelection. She will be succeeded by either Sarah Compton or Wayne Garcia, who are facing off in a Nov. 3 runoff election.
The search for an in-house city attorney is among lawmakers’ top priorities. The agenda includes two resolutions that would direct the city manager to “initiate an immediate intensive search for the position of City Attorney,” and would direct the human resources director to “vigorously advertise for the position.”
Currently, attorney Mayanne Downs of Orlando has been doing the job of city attorney on a contract basis, an arrangement that commissioners and Downs acknowledge is not ideal and was always intended to be temporary following the indictment and subsequent departure of former city Ron Ramsingh.
Officials are likely to hear opposition to a proposal to demolish the historic, but dilapidated diesel plant in Bahama Village.
Mayor Sam Kaufman wants the city to pursue potential pilot projects with scientists and businesses interested in sargassum removal and reuse. A recent special meeting fascinated and frustrated officials and residents, given the current laws restricting the removal of the seaweed that has been inundating beaches every summer and posing health and environmental threats.
Several topics of national concern also have made their way to city hall. Officials are expected to discuss a new AI policy for city workers as well as the police department’s use of automatic license-plate readers.
“The city recognizes that AI can improve employee productivity, assist with research and analysis, enhance communication, and support the delivery of public services. AI is intended to assist employees in performing their work and does not replace human judgment, professional responsibility, or accountability,” the proposed policy states.
It also includes several prohibitions on the use of the technology, stating, “AI shall not be used to make a final employment, disciplinary, enforcement, eligibility, regulatory or other consequential governmental decision without meaningful human review and appropriate authority. 2. AI shall not be used to generate or distribute intentionally false, deceptive, discriminatory, harassing, offensive or misleading content. 3. AI shall not be used to impersonate another individual or misrepresent the authenticity or source of official City information. 4. AI shall not be used to circumvent City cybersecurity, public-records, procurement, retention, supervisory, or other administrative requirements,” it states.
The city manager’s potential separation agreement and negotiations thereof are not mentioned on the agenda, but would likely be included in the city attorney’s report.
Commissioner Chris Massicotte has requested a review and discussion of the city’s governmental structure that places the most authority in the city manager to manage daily operations of the city government, and not the mayor and commissioners.
