Commissioners Sept. 9 asked the city attorney and staff to review contracts and clarify who is responsible for mowing and maintenance within FDOT rights‑of‑way after residents reported inconsistent mowing and contractor staging throughout the city.

Commissioner Bellhimer said the city had stopped renewing a general FDOT maintenance contract earlier this year and expected that would free city crews for other work; several commissioners reported seeing FDOT equipment, contractor staging and uncollected palm fronds in the right‑of‑way. City Attorney Fernandez said a 1999 agreement related to a bridge beautification project designates specific areas that the city agreed to maintain even if they are within FDOT right‑of‑way, and that whether current mowing is a city responsibility depends on the contract language.

Commissioners asked staff to review the written agreements and return with a clear inventory of which rights‑of‑way and segments fall under FDOT maintenance reimbursement contracts, which areas the city previously accepted responsibility for, and how to address contractor staging and debris. Separately, residents urged the city to consider a temporary fee‑free debris or dumpster collection before hurricane season deadlines; staff said they will evaluate options and existing county hazardous waste programs.

No formal policy change was approved; the city manager and attorney will report back with contract analysis and options.