A new Islamorada Village Council will get to work Tuesday, Nov 19, for the first meeting of their two-year terms. Preparation is already underway, however, as council members recently heard from department heads while learning about process and procedure during an orientation.
Organized by the village, the two-hour orientation on Nov. 7 was attended by newly-elected Capt. Steve Friedman, Deb Gillis and Don Horton. Sharon Mahoney, who ran unopposed this election cycle, was also in attendance. Buddy Pinder wasn’t in attendance.
“We thought that it would be a good idea to overload information at the front end to give you a couple weeks to digest things,” said Marne McGrath, village clerk, to open the orientation.
Department heads took five minutes to introduce themselves and discuss their roles and responsibilities. John Quick, village attorney, followed by touching on everything from the village charter and ethics laws to how council members are seated during the meeting.
Even though the council members haven’t been sworn in, Quick said they all are subject to the sunshine laws.
“The way government works, not just in Florida, but particularly in Florida, isn’t always the way those of us coming from private industry would normally be used to,” Quick said. “From day one, these are issues you’re going to have to deal with.”
Village Manager Rob Cole said being an elected official in any community is a tough job. Some decisions will be easy, while others will be difficult to make.
“I really have a great sense of appreciation for people who come to public service,” he said.
Cole added one of his key roles as village manager is implementing council policies.
“It’s a critical component of professional city management,” Cole said.
Council members will be sworn in at the start of the Nov. 19 meeting. From there, the council will decide who will be mayor and vice mayor.
Workforce housing, what to do with various village-owned properties and the state of the village’s infrastructure are among the key issues facing council members as they take their seats. The council must also decide on improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park.
Council members have to decide whether to keep moratoriums in place on new applications for a market rate residential permit and those seeking administrative relief. Those moratoriums expire in early 2025.
The village has begun the process for a new comprehensive plan with council’s approval on Oct. 12 to go with the Miami-based firm Able City.
