The Key West City Commission is slated to tackle some thorny issues at its meeting Tuesday.
Several potentially contentious issues will be discussed, including hiring a local non-profit agency to develop the 3.2-acre parcel in Bahama Village without competitive bidding, paying outgoing City Manager Greg Veliz more than the city allows for his unused vacation and sick leave, and adding two members to the Key West Housing Authority.
âWeâve got 19 items but lots of controversial items that have long-term impact,â said Mayor Teri Johnston about the agenda.
The affordable workforce housing development resolution for a vacant 3.2-acre parcel in Bahama Village is a departure from the normal city project process. For most capital projects, and particularly for one that is likely to cost millions of dollars, city officials would put out a request for proposals from vendors or contractors. This time, however, the city wants to eliminate the competitive bidding process and beg
Cheers: To State Sen. Ana Marie Rodriguez for voting against the cruise ship bill, although she submitted, but then withdrew, an amendment exempting Key West because of its status as a State Area of Critical Concern. Key West residents should keep a close eye on the progression of the Senate and House bills, both of which fly in the face of votes for referendums in last Novemberâs elections.
Cheers: To the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its ongoing investigation into one, and possibly another, local labor supply company. These companies have been skirting the law for years and have artificially suppressed wages. However, the crackdown itself is having some impact on local businessesâ abilities to operate.
During a tidy, efficient, 90-minute Marathon City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 9, council members approved a variety of ordinances, but unexpectedly chose to postpone a vote on what was
Ironically, one of the key qualifications that resulted in Key West City Manager Greg Veliz being hired for the top job in May 2019 — his familiarity with the city
Key West City Manager Greg Veliz may not be in that role much longer, as he has agreed to take a senior administrative position with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority.
On Friday, the FKAA board voted unanimously in its selection of Veliz for the deputy director position at the FKAA. He was among 49 people who applied from around the country and Canada.
âOf the 49 candidates, he was absolutely the best choice, and he will be the best fit,â FKAA board member Cara Higgins said.
Upon being chosen, Veliz told the board he would accept the position, Higgins said. His contract with the city requires him to give the city a 90-day notice, he told the board.