Tequesta EAC plans memo on strategic initiatives; adds single‑stream recycling request and streetscape priorities

The Village of Tequesta Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) agreed at its Feb. 12 meeting to finalize a strategic‑initiatives memo for council that will list priorities the EAC recommends staff and council pursue in the coming year.

Staff (Jay) said he will draft a memo summarizing the EAC’s priority items and circulate it for committee review. The five items staff listed for the memo — and that committee discussed — were: (1) continued support for living‑shorelines initiatives and outreach; (2) streetscape and mobility improvements (including renewed attention to Old Dixie Highway medians and plantings); (3) green‑building incentives and code updates; (4) continued support for state and county land‑conservation efforts; and (5) urging the village manager to pursue a single‑stream recycling solution with Waste Management.

On streetscapes the committee emphasized Old Dixie Highway as a priority for beautification and canopy/planting work. Staff said the village’s new mobility plan — recently kicked off with a landscape architect as project manager — is expected to incorporate placemaking and streetscape recommendations; staff invited EAC members to upcoming public meetings on the mobility plan (likely in March–May).

Single‑stream recycling: the committee discussed a previous Waste Management presentation and members said single‑stream collection (one container for all recyclables) has increased recycling volumes in other nearby jurisdictions. Committee members recalled staff saying single‑stream can increase collection by roughly 30% in comparable municipalities; staff cautioned the local material‑recovery facility currently processes dual‑stream material and that a facility change or interlocal arrangement (e.g., using a neighboring county’s facility) may be required. The committee asked staff to add a request in the memo urging the village manager to press Waste Management and explore options to expand single‑stream access.

Why it matters: the memo will be provided to counsel and the village manager so council leadership can consider EAC recommendations during strategic planning and budgeting processes. Single‑stream recycling, if implemented, could increase diversion rates and local recycling participation; Old Dixie Highway streetscape improvements were framed as quality‑of‑life and place‑making priorities.

Ending: Staff will prepare the memo, circulate a draft for EAC review, and then submit the final memo to council and the village manager. The committee also approved routine procedural items earlier in the meeting (agenda and minutes) and adjourned by voice vote.