Committee approves infographics and staff meeting to push lake water-quality ordinance

The Neighborhood Improvement Committee voted to have a committee member develop and share infographic materials explaining best practices on fertilizer use and lake care, and separately authorized that same member to meet with town staff to pursue clearer water-quality guidance or an ordinance. At the meeting, Patricia (last name not specified), a committee member, moved “to put together an infographics” detailing fertilizer use and application; Mario Pineda seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote with committee members saying “aye.” Patricia then proposed a separate motion authorizing Felicia Salazar to meet with town staff — specifically Lorenzo and Jeremy Sparks — to discuss converting scattered guidance and a council resolution into clearer materials or a local ordinance. The motion, “I motion that Felicia, be allowed to meet with Lorenzo and Jeremy to discuss, the ordinance,” was seconded by Helen Goldon; an amendment clarified that Felicia’s meetings would be “on behalf of the community.” That motion with amendment passed on a voice vote. Committee members described the existing water-quality materials as scattered across documents and difficult for residents to read. Committee members pointed to examples from other municipalities — including the City of Miami and Coral Gables — and suggested using concise, graphic materials to communicate: one committee member noted the municipal example telling residents not to fertilize between May 15 and Oct. 31 as the type of clear guidance needed. Town staff had previously replied that water-quality rules were reflected in “best practice” documents maintained by Public Works, but committee members argued that codifying clear rules or producing consistent outreach materials would help compliance. Committee members asked staff to include Isabella (town staff) in communications and requested a follow-up meeting so the committee can track progress. The committee approved creation of an infographic and authorized Felicia Salazar to meet with staff but did not itself adopt a new ordinance; staff follow-up and any draft ordinance would be subject to subsequent meetings and council review.