Key West City Annual Report 2023.pdf

CITY OF

KEY WEST FLORIDA

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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From the Mayor We are proud to present our City of Key West 2023 annual report to share an insight into our elected officials, our organization and our key operational achievements for the past fiscal year.

We have made some transformational changes internally resulting in an atmosphere of cooperation, support, collaboration and success.

The appointment of an experienced city manager has brought a welcomed brand of leadership to city hall and the results are there. Commission meetings have been revamped to increase the effectiveness of staff response. Our open positions have been filled with qualified, quality associates and our focus for every member of city hall and elected officials is customer service.

We have so many exciting projects in progress to move Key West forward, making this community a better place to live, raise a family, run a prosperous business, relax and enjoy life.

This annual report is just one example of our commitment to keeping our residents, taxpayers, business owners and guests informed, educated and engaged In the City of Key West. To our future!

FROM THE MAYOR 2 FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4 KEY WEST BY THE NUMBERS 8 KEY WEST THROUGH NEW EYES 9 KEY WEST GOVERNMENT 10 CITY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 11 CITY COMMISSIONERS 12 COMMISSIONERS AT WORK 13 KEY WEST COAST GUARD CITY 14

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES FINANCE DEPARTMENT

16 18

FY22 CITY OF KEY WEST CITY CLERK OFFICE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE HUMAN RESOURCES BUILDING DEPARTMENT HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

19 20 21 22 24 26 28

TABLE OF

CONTENTS CODE COMPLIANCE LICENSING DIVISION PORT & MARINE SERVICES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY SERVICES PARKS & RECREATION PARKING CHANGES & IMPROVEMENTS

41 43 44 46 48 50 51 52 54

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRE DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES ENGINEERING

31 32 34 36 37 38 40

Published by the Weekly Newspapers January 2024

KEYS

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FROM THE DESK OF CITY MANAGER AL CHILDRESS

Fiscal Year 2022-23 began Oct. 1, 2022 for the City of Key West. In anticipation of the retirement of City Manager Patti McLauchlin, a recruiter was retained to conduct a national search for her replacement. The recruitment produced five finalist candidates who were invited to the City of Key West to be interviewed by the Mayor and City Commission, tour the City and meet with community leaders at an evening reception. The mayor and city commission at a special call meeting on Feb. 15, 2023, voted to hire Albert P. Childress as city manager.

Mr. Childress began his employment with the city on April 3, 2023.

The following are some of the major projects the City of Key West has been working on since the beginning of January 2023.

BV 3.2 HOUSING Following a January 2022 citizen-approved referendum for a 99-year lease of the 3.2-acre property from the U.S. Navy, the developers, along with the city commission and city staff, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 18, 2023. The partnership between the City of Key West, the Vestcor Companies and AH Monroe will provide 98 affordable rental units and several affordable home ownership units in the heart of Baham Village. The project is the final piece in finishing the plans for the Truman Waterfront, culminating years of work after the Navy excessed the land and transferred it to city ownership.

JOHN JONES NAVIGATION CENTER (FORMERLY KOTS) The City of Key West established a temporary homeless shelter to be used during demolition and construction of the new Category 5-rated John Jones Navigation Center (JJNC), formerly known as KOTS (Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter). The new permanent structure with updated infrastructure, such as fire safety sprinkler system, lighting, site security fencing, dependable climate control, improved plumbing, a compliant mechanical system, energy -efficient and reliable electricity covering approximately 4

CITY OF KEY WEST FLORIDA

10,422 square feet. The center will continue to provide housing to approximately 150 low-income homeless people and would not increase the number of employees. Currently bids are being received by the city for the construction contract of the JJNC and the city expects construction to begin in February 2024.

MALLORY SQUARE MASTER PLAN The city obtained Tourist Development Council funding for bathrooms and sunshades at Mallory Square. Currently the city’s vendor, Sasaki, is working on a revenue study for Mallory Square as part of the planning phase. Sasaki will move into the design phase in 2024.

RESOLUTION-COMPLIANT CRUISE SHIPS COMING TO KEY WEST The city manager’s office introduced the possibility of resolution-compliant cruise ships docking at the Mallory Square T-Pier. Amongst significant controversy surrounding cruise ships, a cruise line based out of Connecticut, proposed an itinerary including a stop in Key West that would comply with the city’s 2022 cruise ship resolution.

American Cruise Lines docked its first ship at Mallory Square on Dec. 12, 2023.

DIESEL PLANT Due to costly structural issues, two buildings on the property have been demolished. The building has been secured for future development. Currently the City of Key West is seeking and reviewing possibilities for development of the Diesel Plant site.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS COMMUNITY CENTER Following the demolition of the Frederick Douglass Community Center, city management and the city commission held a groundbreaking event on Sept. 8. The groundbreaking began the construction phase of the community center that will better serve the residents of Key West. Completion of the project is scheduled in 2024.

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HISTORIC CLINTON SQUARE This project is in the final stages of engineering and design with plans to move forward with a formal bidding process.

BAYVIEW PARK Following the resurfacing of the tennis courts and updates to the lighting this past year, Bayview Park will be seeing some very welcome updates, especially regarding landscaping.

MLK POOL REPAIRS Temporary shoring has been put in place and we are continuing with an ongoing structural evaluation and assessment. Design funding has been budgeted for 2023/2024 for a new pool and structure.

COMMISSIONING OF THE USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE The City of Key West was honored to be the host city for the commissioning of the new Navy destroyer, USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123). May 13, 2023 was a beautifully picturesque day for a special ceremony honoring the legacy and spirit of Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, superintendent of the Naval Nurse Corps. It was a huge honor for the City of Key West.

UNION CONTRACTS City officials successfully negotiated the Key West Police Department’s union contract ensuring uninterrupted work throughout the contract negotiations. A threeyear contract was negotiated that was beneficial to both our police union members and the city.

EMPLOYEE COMMITTEE The employee committee, formed in 2021, meets monthly and was instrumental in updating the City Employee Service Awards and annual evaluations with merit increases. This working group is looking to improve employee morale and suggests changes to keep a workforce that is proud to work for the City of Key West.

PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING Affordable housing is the number-one priority of the city’s Strategic Plan, with the hiring of a Housing and Community Development Office director, the city continues to move forward in the efforts to preserve affordable housing opportunities. The 3.2 Lofts Project at Truman Waterfront broke ground in September 2023.

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As we close the book on fiscal year 2023, we look forward to fiscal year 2024 and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are fortunate to live and work on a beautiful island that celebrates and honors our local heritage and cultural identity. We are proud of our core value that all people are created equal members of one human family.

I am both humbled by and thankful to our elected officials, staff, visitors and residents who prove on a daily basis how important our job is to help lead the City of Key West towards a stronger and more resilient island. We hope you enjoy this year’s copy of the City of Key West Annual Report.

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1822 KEY WEST BECOMES AN OFFICIAL U.S. SETTLEMENT

7.243 TOTAL SQUARE MILES

4.2 SQUARE MILES: TOTAL LAND AREA

BY THE NUMBERS

25,816

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42.1

JAN. 8 1828 KEY WEST INCORPORATED AS A CITY

1912

FLAGLER’S OVERSEAS RAILWAY ARRIVED IN KEY WEST

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CITY DEPARTMENTS

VOTING DISTRICTS

6 1 CITY COMMISSIONERS, EACH ELECTED FROM WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS

MAYOR, ELECTED CITYWIDE

POPULATION (AS OF 2023)

MEDIAN AGE OF KEY WEST RESIDENTS

$79,420 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

By Mandy Miles

KEY WEST THROUGH NEW EYES

When was the last time someone told you how lucky you were to live here in Key West?

I love those conversations, when a sunburned visitor who’s genuinely enjoying himself marvels at those of us who left friends, family and the expected life behind to head as far south as possible. The same people drive rental cars on Flagler Avenue and view Key West High School as a curiosity.

“They have school here? How cool would it be to say you went to Key West High School?”

They compare it to graduating from University of Tahiti (which actually doesn’t sound too bad, either.)

I recently participated in one of these conversations with a kindly man who was staying for two weeks.

He was shrugging out of a jacket at the airport and hailing a taxi, torn between diving into his hotel pool and heading to the Hog’s Breath on a friend’s recommendation. He had never been to Key West and hadn’t even made it out of the airport, but was telling me how lucky I am to live here.

I was actually jealous, jealous of his fresh perspective, his wide eyes and his unblinking acceptance of all things warm and sunny.

We sometimes lose the delight we once had, but a recent birthday gathering of good friends turned nostalgic, and we started thinking back.

Remember the first time you got a local’s discount without having to tell the waitress you lived here?

And then remember the first time that waitress had your Diet Coke, lemonade or iced tea waiting on the lunch table before you picked up the menu you knew by heart?

Remember the first time you read all the wall memorabilia at the Green Parrot? And then, remember the first time you walked in and knew more than half the people in there? For the guys out there, remember the first time you noticed the “Providioms” poster above the urinal in the Parrot bathroom? (I’ve only heard tell of its existence.)

Remember the first Thanksgiving you spent here on the island? Friends gathered around an outdoor table, showing up at different times throughout the day, bearing wine, rum, fresh fish, pumpkin pie or sweet potato casserole.

Remember the first time you received a warning instead of a speeding ticket because you knew the police officer, or the first time you knew the author of a Letter to the Editor in the local newspaper, or recognized the voice in a radio commercial?

Remember the first time you saw your best friend wearing a tie and asked whether he was going to court or a funeral?

Remember the first dolphin you saw from the deck of a boat, or the first manatee that huffed from under a pier?

How about the first time you saw a shark at Rock Key, a turtle while diving Joe’s Tug or a Navy SEAL parachuting into Fort Zachary Taylor?

I know there will always be more Key West “firsts” yet to come, and I love that.

So the next time we run into someone new, let’s not tell them how great this place used to be.

Let’s let them know how great it still is — then send them to the Green Parrot bathroom.

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ABOUT

THE KEY WEST GOVERNMENT

The City of Key West is governed by the mayor-council system. The city council is known as the city commission. It consists of six members, each elected from individual districts. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.

The city manager is responsible for the complete administrative management and delivery of city services and programs. The city manager, hired by the city commission, reports to the mayor and commissioners.

The city manager responds to the needs of the public by proactively seeking public feedback as the City’s chief executive officer, and acts as a liaison among the various departments of the government, the citizens of Key West and the city commission. All department heads, including the police and fire chiefs, report directly to the city manager.

Key West City Manager Albert P. Childress 305-809-3888 albert.childress@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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The City Manager’s Department provides executive leadership in the management of all departments and enterprises of the City.

CITY OF KEY WEST INFRASTRUCTURE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE ■ 2 marinas ■ 44 parks and beaches ■ 1 community pool ■ 65 miles of city road ■ 1 assisted-living facility ■ 3 fire stations ■ 1 pedestrian bridge ■ 3 boat ramps

As of 2023

Key West Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton 305-809-3911 tstoughton@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

CITY

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

City Commission

City Clerk

City Manager

City Attorney

Police Department

Fire Department

Public Information Officer

Information Technology

Human Resources

Port & Marine Services

Finance

Housing & CDO

Assistant City Manager

Accounting

Budget

Building Services

Code Compliance

Grant Administration

Purchasing

Community Services

Engineering Services

Parking Services

Planning

Transit

Utilities

Risk / Property Services & ADA / Safety

Property Management

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CITY

COMMISSIONERS

From left: Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover, Lissette Cuervo-Carey, Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, Commissioners Clayton Lopez, Billy Wardlow and Sam Kaufman.

MARY LOU HOOVER City Commissioner - District V Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-849-2457 mlhoover@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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MAYOR TERI JOHNSTON Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-797-0955 mayor@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

CLAYTON LOPEZ City Commissioner - District VI Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-797-3584 clopez@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

LISSETTE CUERVO-CAREY City Commissioner - District IV Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 786-883-5587 lissette.carey@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

BILLY WARDLOW City Commissioner - District III Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-296-2723 bwardlow@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

JIMMY WEEKLEY City Commissioner - District I Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-797-1440 jweekley@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

SAMUEL KAUFMAN City Commissioner - District II Phone: 305-809-3844 Mobile: 305-304-5848 skaufman@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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COMMISSIONERS AT WORK

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KEY WEST

PROUDLY HOSTS COMMISSIONING CEREMONY FOR NAVY SHIP, USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE (DDG 123)

510-FOOT GUIDED-MISSILE DESTROYER OFFICIALLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE IN MAY 2023 “Officers and crew of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, man our ship and bring her to life.”

Such were the orders given from the deck of the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer during its May 13, 2023 commissioning ceremony at Key West’s Truman Waterfront, where the 510-foot ship was draped in red, white and blue bunting and strung from end to end with colorful military pennants.

The pride, patriotism and pageantry of the U.S. Navy was on full display during the traditional ceremony that “brings the ship to life,” and officially launches her military service as the crew runs aboard to line the decks.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro was in attendance to welcome the ship to the Navy’s fleet.

Under the secretary’s direction, the USS Higbee’s three civilian sponsors gave the iconic order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” The ship’s 329 crew members then ran aboard via two gangways, scampered up ladders to the upper decks, lined the rails in their dress whites and saluted the Key West crowd below.

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“Captain, USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee is manned and ready, reporting for duty,” came the official announcement.

Under Commanding Officer Cmdr. Dougas Brayton and Executive Officer Cmdr. James Giles, the USS Higbee was christened on April 24, 2021 at the Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Though the Higbee is homeported in San Diego, California, the crew voted to hold the commissioning events in Key West.

The guided-missile destroyer can carry more than 90 missiles and is designed for multiple combat roles, including anti-aircraft warfare, surface to surface warfare, longrange cruise missile strikes, and anti-submarine warfare.

“We recognize today the efforts that turn steel to keel.

Here, you’ll find the most advanced war-fighting systems in the world. And there is no team I’d rather sail with,” Brayton said.

The weeklong commissioning celebration in Key West included a concert for the crew, visits to dozens of Key West attractions — and a few late nights on Duval Street.

Mayor Teri Johnston spoke at the ceremony to welcome the crew and their family members who made the trip.

Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, spoke of the ship’s namesake, Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a pioneer in the Navy Nurse Corps and the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her service in World War I. Higbee entered the Navy in 1908, as one of the first 20 women to staff the Navy Nurse Corps.

Commander Kuehner herself served as a Navy nurse in Fallujah, Iraq and now leads the division of all Navy nurses.

“We will run toward the danger. We will answer every call, because Lenah Higbee got it right,” Kuehner told the crowd of hundreds who lined the Navy’s Mole Pier. “Make no mistake, Lenah Higbee WILL care for you, her crew. And you will preserve her timeless and immortal legacy. She is indeed a warrior — and a Navy nurse.”

— Mandy Miles, Keys Weekly

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BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES BOARD Art in Public Places Key West is a Member of the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals and the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network.

Since its founding, the Key West Art in Public Places Board has supervised the creation of numerous works of art around the City.

BAHAMA VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The mission and duties of the committee are advisory to the Community Redevelopment Agency and are limited to property within the boundaries of the designated Bahama Village community redevelopment area.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT The City Commission serves as the Board of Adjustment. Many of the Board of Adjustment’s responsibilities were shifted to the Planning Board in 2008. However, the Board still meets to address specific application requests to building height variances.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLAN The Board shall have the authority to make such uniform rules and regulations and to take such action as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the plan and all decisions of the Board of Trustees, made in good faith, shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICE OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS The Board has the sole and exclusive administration of the responsibility for the proper effective operation of the City Police Officer’s and Firefighter’s Retirement plan and for carrying out the provisions vested in a five-member Board of Trustees.

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CAROLINE STREET CORRIDOR AND BAHAMA VILLAGE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Established by city resolution in 1992, these two formerly blighted areas fell within the authority of the 1969 Florida Community Redevelopment Act which granted communities the authority to determine, as defined by statute, an area in need of special attention and appropriate for redevelopment. The area became eligible for special state and federal funding, and the city had final authority over plans and modifications of the area.

There are two non-contiguous redevelopment areas in the City of Key West: the Caroline Street Corridor Redevelopment Area and the Bahama Village Redevelopment Area. These two non-contiguous redevelopment areas are collectively managed by the Caroline Street Corridor and Bahama Village Community Redevelopment Agency and encompass a total of approximately 127 acres.

The Key West City Commission comprises the Community Redevelopment Agency.

The Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to the CRA for the Bahama Village Redevelopment Subarea.

CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD The Citizen Review Board is an independent board with authority to review and/or investigate complaints involving Key West police officers and forward findings and/or recommendations to City management, Chief of Police, State Attorney, other state and federal law enforcement agencies and/or grand juries.

CIVIL SERVICE BOARD The Civil Service Board serves as an appeal and resolution authority for the resolution of disciplinary grievances brought by city employees and conducts testing for competitive promotion positions for the Police and Fire Departments.

CODE COMPLIANCE SPECIAL MAGISTRATE It is the intent of the Special Magistrate to promote, protect, and improve the health, safety and welfare of the Citizens of the City by creating the Special Magistrate with authority to impose administrative fines and other noncriminal penalties, and inexpensive method of enforcing any codes and Ordinances in force in the City where a pending or repeated violation continues to exist.

CONTRACTORS’ EXAMINING BOARD The Contractors’ Examining Board was created by city ordinance to recommend and interpret rules and regulations and to hear complaints regarding licensed contractors conducting business in the City of Key West. The seven-member board meets quarterly.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE The committee was established by city ordinance and is composed of representatives from city departments responsible for reviewing land development proposals. The committee facilitates and coordinates technical comments by the city staff on development applications.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION The Historic Architectural Review Commission, or HARC, was created by the City Charter and oversees the preservation and conservation of the character, integrity, and appearance of the historic preservation districts, as well as for buildings individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places and buildings listed as contributing in the Historic Structure Survey of the City.

KEY WEST BIGHT MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOARD The City Commission determined that the management, preservation and redevelopment of the city-owned Key West Bight serves the public purpose, and that public purpose is best served by oversight by a board comprised of members of the public.

KEY WEST SCULPTURE GARDEN MEMORIAL COMMITTEE The City of Key West established the Sculpture Garden Memorial by passage of Resolution 95-468 and also established the criteria for inclusion into the Memorial Sculpture Garden by passage of 95-469.

NAVAL PROPERTIES LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The Naval Properties Local Redevelopment Authority was established when ownership of the former U.S. government property was transferred to the City of Key West. The board is responsible for ensuring public participation in the redevelopment plans for that property.

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD The mission of the Board shall be to promote the rehabilitation, conservation, development and best use of parks and recreation land and facilities within the jurisdiction of the City of Key West.

PLANNING BOARD The City of Key West Planning Board hears a spectrum of important public planning issues, ranging from specific development approval requests to changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.

SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD Established by resolution in 2009, the board advises and assists the city and its residents in developing plans and policies to strengthen the sustainability of the city as a whole. Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

TREE COMMISSION The City Commission created the Tree Commission to protect and monitor the trees on private and publicly-owned property within the City of Key West.

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FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Through the development and management of sound financial policies, procedures and budgets and the maximization of effective and efficient uses of public funds, the Finance Department’s primary mission is to ensure the fiscal integrity of the City of Key West for residents, businesses and visitors for today’s generation and those to come.

The Finance Department collectively is the financial steward for the City of Key West and comprises 15 full-time positions. This team is responsible for Finance Administration, General Accounting, Payroll, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Revenue, Budget, Grant Administration and Risk Management for the city.

The team is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the general ledger and all cash receipts in the 20 funds representing various functions throughout the City, preparing and processing the bi-weekly payroll for over 500 employees, monitoring all grant activity and compliance, including grant applications, grant awards and invoicing for grant payments, managing investments, processing and paying more than 14,000 invoices to city vendors and contractors, processing of over 2,900 city purchase orders and managing all bidding and procurement allocations to ensure the best value for all city services, supplies and equipment. The department coordinates the city’s annual audit and the production and publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and prepares and maintains the annual City Commission-approved budget.

The Risk Management office is responsible for all worker’s compensation, liability and general insurance claims throughout the city, including the administration of all ongoing claims, processing over 100 new claims annually, completing all contract and project insurance reviews throughout the city, and overseeing the City of Key West’s safety program.

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BUDGET: $1,245,687 # of employees: 15 Director: Christina Bervaldi 305-809-3827 cbervaldi@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

One of the main priorities of the City of Key West Finance Department in the budget development process for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 was to maintain a strong financial position while continuing to address city strategic priorities such as affordable housing, environmental and sustainability initiatives and traffic improvement efforts, while continuing to make investments into the city’s public safety, infrastructure and general governmental needs.

With a commission-approved Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget of over $252M, the need to continue being innovative in not only the city’s revenue sources and generation, but also in the delivery of services to the citizens and other stakeholders in our community was emphasized and will be a Finance Department goal for 2023/2024.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ The City of Key West Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 38th consecutive year for the fiscal year ending 2022 as well as received a favorable audit for fiscal year 2022.

■ The City of Key West was awarded 14 out of 29 grant opportunities for various projects in the amount of $3.7 million and has a total of 11 grants still under review for an additional $19 million. Grants awarded include funding from the Monroe County Tourism Development Council in the amount of $1.6 million for the Coffee Butler Amphitheater Enhancements and the Southernmost Plaza project, $944,819 from FEMA Port Security Grant Program for public safety initiatives, and several smaller grants for Bicycle and Firearms Safety programs. The City has pending grant applications for several projects including several sustainability, adaptation and stormwater improvement efforts.

■ The Risk Management Office was successful in collecting over $142,000 in subrogation claims for the City of Key West.

FY23

CITY OF KEY WEST

CITY BUDGET

$225,850,729

GENERAL FUND BUDGET

$82,186,824

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CITY CLERK’S OFFICE

BUDGET: $502,226 # of employees: 3 Director: Keri O’Brien 305-809-3832 kobrien@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The role of clerk is one of the oldest in municipal government. City clerks are responsible for documenting and archiving all official actions by the city commission. The clerk is also the official custodian of public records and the city seal. The city clerk is an officer outlined in the city charter and is appointed by and reports to the city commission.

To view agendas, minutes, and videos of all meetings or request a public record, anyone interested may visit the City of Key West homepage at www.cityofkeywest-fl. gov for instructions on how to access the online copes.

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WHAT WE DO ■ Process and file all resolutions and ordinances with respective offices.

■ Prepare agendas and minutes for the city commission and other boards, commissions and committees.

■ Prepare legal advertisements as needed.

■ Administer Oath of Office for elected officials.

■ Communicate regularly with the Code of Ordinances publisher and state agencies.

■ Provide computer training and support for agenda management software.

■ Receives and opens bid documents.

■ Registers domestic partnerships in the City of Key West.

FY 2022 HIGHLIGHTS ■ 169 meetings clerked (agendas/minutes prepared) ■ 1,200 (approx.) public records requests processed ■ 310 (approx.) resolutions processed ■ 38 (approx.) ordinances processed ■ Processed and noticed appeals, easements, variances as needed.

CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

BUDGET: $1,039,653 # of employees: Up to six Ronald J. Ramsingh, Esq. 305-809-3770

“The city attorney shall serve as legal advisor to, and attorney and counselor for, the municipality and all of its officers, boards, commissions, agencies, authorities and subdivisions except as otherwise expressly provided by general or special law,” states the city charter. “The city attorney shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the city commission. The city attorney may appoint an assistant or assistants, subject to confirmation by the city commission, who shall serve at the pleasure of the city attorney.”

CURRENTLY, THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE REGULARLY STAFFS THE FOLLOWING BOARDS: ■ City Commission ■ Bahama Village Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) ■ Naval Properties Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) ■ Planning Board ■ Historical Architecture Review Commission (HARC) ■ Tree Commission ■ Code Compliance ■ Contractor’s Examining Board ■ Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee (BVRAC) ■ Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The City Attorney’s office also reviews and approves every agenda item for city commission meetings and reviews and/or drafts ordinances and resolutions that are considered by the commission.

In addition to advising commissioners, boards and staff, the city attorney’s office handles a variety of civil and criminal functions in Monroe County courts, including: ■

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■

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Representing the city in administrative hearings and civil citation hearings in county court.

Prosecuting all municipal ordinance violations that are classified as 2nd degree misdemeanors.

Filing actions in circuit court pursuant to the Civil Forfeiture Act on behalf of the Key West Police Department.

Defending the City of Key West in personal injury lawsuits in circuit court.

Pursuing Risk Protection orders on behalf of Key West Police Department.

The City Attorney’s Office is prohibited from providing legal advice to the public or generally representing private clients.

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HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

BUDGET: $648,212 # of employees: 5 Director: Bridget Flores 305-809-3761 bridget.flores@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The City of Key West Human Resources Department provides support to all city employees by managing: ■ Employee Onboarding and Orientation ■ Insurance and Benefits Counseling and Enrollment ■ Employee performance evaluations ■ Compliance for City Employee policies ■ Wellness Program ■ Employee Appreciation and Engagement ■ Employee Assistance Program ■ Retiree Benefits ■ City Hall mail and interoffice distribution ■ City Hall switchboard Human Resources is a potential employee’s first interaction with the City of Key West. Working with all departments to advertise open positions, process applications including reference and background checks, reduced the hiring time in 2022.

All open positions with the city can be found at: Jobs • Key West, FL • CivicEngage (civicplus.com) Applications may be hand delivered to City Hall, mailed or emailed to Jobs@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

All open city jobs can be found at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov, the city website. All applications are kept on file for 6 months.

City of Key West employee pensions are vested with 20 years of service or at age 60 with 10 years of service.

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City of Key West Employee pensions are vested with 20 years of service or at 10 years of service when meeting age requirements. This allows the City of Key West to be a great second career option.

BY THE NUMBERS (SEPT. 30, 2023) 309 City staff (general employees) 97 Key West Police Department (sworn officers) 95 Key West Fire Department 22 Open Positions 456 Employment Applications processed 134 New Hires/Orientations 7 Retirements 29 Separations FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS HR implemented the Employee Evaluation System in October 2022, including a merit increase up to 2% based on performance and had a 100% completion rate.

■ HR improved Personnel Action Form processing by implementing an items-specific form rather than one for all employees.

■ Implemented a hiring timeline process to improve applicant response resulting in 90% of applicants receiving communication within five business days.

■ Significant increase in new employees with increased retention.

■ Partnerships with community organizations allowed for 14 high school summer Interns, seven blood drives, and a two-day health fair.

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BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The mission of the City of Key West Building Department is to provide knowledgeable advice and prompt, courteous service about local, state and federal building codes and standards. The department staff is committed to the safety of city residents and guests and to maintaining the integrity of the department. We are dedicated to assisting residents and fellow professionals in a courteous and timely manner.

The primary goal of the building department is to safeguard the public and promote the health, safety and welfare of our city through enforcement of the Florida Building Code and City of Key West Code of Ordinances.

The staff believes the residents and the construction professionals of Key West are entitled to professional, efficient and accurate guidance from the building department staff in the areas of construction, renovation and demolition, development and planning of all properties within the city’s jurisdiction.

The department staff participates in a program of continuing education and testing to stay current and informed on the latest techniques and requirements within the building trades industry.

The City of Key West Building Department has 13 authorized positions that comprise four divisions: Permitting, Plan Review, Inspections and Floodplain Management Permit technicians are the department’s initial face to the public. They receive applications and collect fees, track application progress, issue building permits and certificates of occupancy and advise customers of application requirements.

Plan reviewers examine all applications and plans for accuracy and compliance with all applicable codes.

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BUDGET: $1,487,486 # of employees: 13 Director: Raj Ramsingh 305-809-3956 raj.ramsingh@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Vigorously continued to reduce the number of expired permits that result when customers fail to actively close-out permits.

■ Performed 6,075 inspections and issued 3,519 permits.

■ Improved the average building permit review turn-around time to 5 business days for 2024.

■ Collected $4.7 million in permit and impact fees.

■ Conducted 4 Contractors Examining Board meetings during which 5 cases were presented for various violations of building codes and/ or state of Florida contracting law. A total of $7,300 was collected in fines and administration fees.

■ Conducted 4 Building Department Stakeholders/ Contractors quarterly meetings.

■ Conducted FEMA SCORE-CAV One-on-One Reporting.

■ Took required steps toward improving the City’s CRS insurance rating, which could eventually lead to higher flood insurance discounts for property owners.

■ Building inspectors and permit technicians received continuing education from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

■ Implemented online payments to assist contractors in obtaining building permits quicker.

■ Delivered a department report to the city commission.

■ Assisted with adaptation of local building codes.

The Building Department can be called at 305-809-3791.

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Steered an amendment to the Land Development Regulations to modify the definition of the term “variance”, allowing for structure or site improvements that decrease noncompliance to be done without the need for a variance.

Amended the floodplain ordinance to implement a one-year cumulative period for substantial improvement analysis, versus the previously utilized five-year cumulative period.

Conducted hurricane readiness preparation.

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT The floodplain manager drafted and successfully adopted text amendments to the city’s floodplain ordinance. Revisions to the ordinance included the adoption of several higher regulatory standards for construction within the Special Flood Hazard Area.

The Building Department partnered with Forerunner Industries Inc. to develop an online GIS map that provides property owners with pertinent information such as adopted and preliminary flood zone information, substantial improvement/

damage tracking and relevant floodplain documentation in one convenient map. Property owners are encouraged to view the map at https://keywestfl. withforerunner.com/properties.

The City of Key West continues to participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) program and has successfully maintained a Class 5 rating, which can provide property owners with up to a 25% discount on flood insurance. The CRS is a program managed by FEMA that allows communities to take flood prevention steps that go above and beyond the basic requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and awards policy discounts accordingly.

The City has continued to collaborate with other jurisdictions within the Florida Keys to maintain and implement the Program for Public Information (PPI), which provides the public with critical information pertaining to flood hazards, insurance and mitigation. The PPI plan was updated in August.

The revisions included within the update have the ability to increase the number of points we receive at our CRS verification once enacted.

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HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The City of Key West Housing and Community Development Department manages local, state and federal funds designated for housing and community development. The department plans, develops and implements programs, projects and activities that meet identified needs in the community, such as home ownership, workforce housing, rental assistance and support to the homeless and persons with HIV/AIDS. The Housing and Community Development Department acts as a liaison to all community businesses, organizations and housing non-profits on the island.

The City of Key West established the Community Development Office (CDO) to be responsive to the diverse housing needs of the existing and projected future population. Through the years many new goals and initiatives have been added to maintain and support the ever-changing needs throughout the City.

The Community Development Office’s purpose is to research and administer federal, state and local grants associated with housing. The CDO manages all aspects of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), which was created to promote affordable workforce housing in the city and its immediate environs, workforce housing rental and homeownership units including tenant eligibility and compliance monitoring on the properties. The office provides technical assistance and is an information and referral service to the community.

The CDO manages various programs that help residents with homeownership and rental assistance, including but not limited to down payment and closing costs assistance, rental assistance through the Move-In Assistance Program, workforce housing, homebuyer education and HOPWA rental assistance.

Through collaborations with local nonprofit housing agencies and developers, the city has helped to create affordable workforce housing developments for mixed income, low to middle income persons and households in Key West. These units require income eligibility, establish maximum 26

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BUDGET: $494,109 (Affordable Housing Trust Fund) # of employees: 1 Director: Tina Burns 305-807-3728 housingkw@cityofkeywest-fl.gov rental rates and purchase price limits. Through the Workforce Housing Code of Ordinance, the city monitors over 299 affordable deed restricted rental units and 83 affordable deed-restricted homeownership units.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ In May of 2023, Garden View Apartment on College Road, the newly completed affordable housing project held its Ribbon cutting. This project was a partnership with the City of Key West and the Key West Housing Authority and created 103 affordable work force apartments. The project started leasing in May 2023.

■ The Lofts of Bahama Village broke ground on September 14, 2023, and construction is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. The partnership between the City of Key West, The Vestcor Companies, and AH Monroe will provide 98 affordable rental units and 28 affordable home ownership units in the heart of Bahama Village.

■ Through a collaboration with Habitat of the Lower Keys and the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, seven (7) low to moderate income homeowners received critical repairs to their homes. Homeowner rehabilitation programs and resources for these types of programs as limited in the area but are a crucial need.

■ Other exciting accomplishments include items from the Key West Forward Strategic plan including the hiring of a Housing and Community Development Director, which is a new position in the City Government and bringing the Community Development Office (CDO) back to the Municipal level.

■ Another goal of the Strategic Plan that was completed in 2023 included the creation of a homebuyer education workshop, which helps interested residents on their journey to homeownership. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Lower Keys, two workshops were conducted for FY23 with more than 28 participants graduating. The homebuyer education classes will be a continued service to the community.

©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The City of Key West Planning Department uses regional and national consultants to supplement city staff expertise and citizen input. The department reviews current land development projects, develops proactive and long-range urban plans and policy, manages urban forestry and oversees historic preservation.

The department has reinforced its commitment to the city’s sustainability and climate adaptation initiatives with the addition of a new full-time Adaptation & Energy coordinator. The department remains focused on assisting the city’s Housing & Community Development director to advance housing priorities.

The department also has a new administrative specialist, a new planner I and a CRA manager, Karen Wilman, who brings project management expertise and architectural skills from the engineering department. The planning department provides staff support for the planning board, sustainability advisory board, tree commission, Historic Architectural Review Commission and the Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

PLANNING The Department finalized a contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to provide development plan review, current planning functions, historic preservation reviews, transportation planning and other related services as assigned.

The Planning Department continues to work with Sasaki, an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm, to finalize the city’s draft Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square master plan. The department is conducting analyses on Mallory Square revenue, parking and mobility opportunities together with subcontractors including 28

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BUDGET: $1,534,735 # of employees: 11 Director: Katie Halloran 305-809-3764 katie.halloran@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Stantec and James Lima Planning & Design. Final drafts will be reviewed by HARC, the Planning Board and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board before the final draft is presented to the city commission this winter.

The Duval Street revitalization project was awarded to Stantec, a highly regarded multi-disciplinary consulting firm. The first phase of work, the Vulnerability Analysis, which includes data gathering and site visits, is underway.

Stantec is developing a project website and a public participation plan and public outreach will begin in late 2024.

The work will be coordinated with the community to plan renovations that will preserve and augment the historic Duval Street corridor for leisure and commerce while improving its resilience and infrastructure, with special attention to risks from sea level rise and flooding.

The Planning Department and Sustainability Office are coordinating the citywide climate adaptation plan through Tetratech. A vulnerability analysis has been initiated and will be coordinated with Duval Street efforts. Community members will join agency representatives, staff and subject matter experts to form steering committees to guide Tetratech’s work. A project website will allow for convenient public input throughout the process.

The Planning Department joined the city manager to initiate a Development Services Process Review, which will be conducted by The Corradino Group. Goals for the review include efficient, consistent, accurate land development application reviews across departments. Recommendations may include programmatic, staffing, or policy changes that will be presented to the city manager’s Office.

The planning project coordinator worked with the code compliance department, legal department and licensing to process and review all seating violations associated with code’s restaurant seating audit. Planning requested a copy of the existing and proposed seating plans, square footage of the consumption areas and a copy of the current occupancy load.

Upon receipt, the documentation was reviewed along with the zoning district and land development regulations. Planning communicated whether or not additional seats could be authorized, and if so, the number of seats, or if a conditional use, conditional use amendment and/or parking variance was required.

This resulted in the collection of $207,000 in seating impact fees.

Working with District V Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, the department will take the lead in conducting a corridor study to address short- and long-term goals for North Roosevelt Boulevard. A sign ordinance, landscape improvements, architectural standards and bicycle and pedestrian safety are some of the goals for the study.

The department has begun work to draft code amendments to facilitate home elevations throughout the city of Key West. A community workshop was held June 29, 2023, to gather feedback from property owners and interested parties.

The planning department assisted the Housing and Community Development manager coordinate workshops on March 10, 2023 and April 14, 2023.

The department continues to coordinate with the Housing & Community Development director and city manager’s office to research sales price opportunities at The Lofts at Bahama Village.

During FY 23, the department reviewed and processed 99 applications for major and minor development plans, variances, conditional uses, alcohol sales exceptions, lawful unit determinations, transfer of transient licenses, reviewed easements, managed beneficial use determinations, issued build back and zoning verification letters, administered the building permit allocation system, monitored subdivisions and zoning and future land use map amendments.

Simultaneous building permit review revenue collected in FY23 was $115,520.

Planning project revenue collected in FY23 was $192,323.

URBAN FORESTRY | DIRECTOR: KAREN DEMARIA TREE@CITYOFKEYWEST-FL.GOV | 305-809-3768 The city of Key West celebrated its 11th year as a member of the Arbor Day Foundation Tree USA program. For the annual Arbor Day event, the Urban Forestry manager worked with Coastlove, a nonprofit environmental organization and held a shoreline clean up and tree planting event at Nature Beach on Atlantic Boulevard Fees were established in 2022 for Urban Forestry and Tree Commission permitting, reviews and inspections to help reduce the staff costs associated with these programs. For fiscal year 2022 to 2023, $64,747 was collected.

A total of 452 urban forestry applications/documents were processed and 244 files were closed.

A total of 108 building applications were reviewed by the Urban Forestry manager. This is a decrease from previous years (2021-2022: 332 reviews; 2020-2021: 800 reviews; 2019-2020:

City Manager Childress and City Commission present Enid Torregrosa her service award for 15 years of dedication to the city of Key West.

939 reviews and 2018-2019: 957 reviews.) Included in the building permit reviews for the 2022-2023 fiscal year were seven endangered species consultations, which is a FEMA ESA compliance requirement.

Three new Tree Commission enforcement cases were processed with two cases being closed.

Six development projects were reviewed for compliance with the tree and landscape ordinances.

Ten training sessions were conducted with individuals seeking city licenses for yard and tree maintenance licenses. The Urban Forestry manager worked with the Engineering Department on the beautification design for the US 1 and North and South Roosevelt boulevards triangle entrance area to Key West that included the processing of tree removal permits, approval of a landscape plan, and attendance at two public meetings to discuss the landscaping, beautification project, and a proposed, new, welcome sign.

The Urban Forestry manager also worked with the Engineering Department regarding tree locations -- existing and new -- on sidewalk and street paving projects including Southard, Elizabeth, Caroline, United, and 1st streets, and coordinated tree impacts regarding the Clinton Square, Staples Bridge and Bayview Park projects.

The Urban Forestry manager worked with the Utilities Department regarding the trimming of dead mangroves along Donald Avenue that required coordination with the South Florida Water Management District.

Required State and Federal Lands reports were updated and mailed to appropriate agencies in order to maintain compliance with deed requirements of the city-acquired properties (White Crown Pigeon Park, Poinciana Pond, Indigenous Park and Berg-Nature Beach), The Urban Forestry manager attended the annual UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Advisory meeting as a board member.

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HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION CITY_HARC@CITYOFKEYWEST-FL.GOV | 305-809-3975 The Historic Architectural Review Commission held 12 regular meetings and one special meeting.

A new text amendment changing the requirements for demolition of historic, but non-contributing buildings or structures from two readings to one reading was adopted by ordinance.

The historic preservation staff received 1,394 Certificate of Appropriateness applications. Of those, the Historic Architectural Review Commission reviewed 68 applications. HARC denied only one application and no appeals were received during the fiscal year.

For the fifth consecutive year, HARC staff approved 95% of all applications submitted for review.

HARC generated $435,518 in revenue.

HARC staff and grant writers successfully submitted Florida Department of Historic Resources Grant application for $50,000 for Adaptation Surveys for three Mallory Square historical buildings (Pepe’s, Waterfront Playhouse and Shell Warehouse).

ADAPTATION AND SUSTAINABILITY • WATER SUPPLY PLAN: The City Commission amended ordinances to conserve potable water through mandatory low-flow fixtures • INTERAGENCY: Hosted first Key West Interagency Resilience Forum with attendees from Keys Energy Services, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Naval Air Station Key West and Monroe County.

• ENERGY: Replaced 473 streetlights with LED bulbs, estimated to save $12,000 annually. Hosted Solar United workshops resulting in new solar capabilities for 152 Keys homeowners.

• WATER QUALITY: Kicked off the Water Quality Monitoring Partnership with The College of the Florida Keys • ADAPTATION PLAN: Kicked off multi-year, 100% grant-funded, $1.4 million Adaptation Plan.

Home Elevations: Assisted in outreach for annual Flood Mitigation grant, increasing applications threefold, of which all 57 were chosen to advance to the next stages of FEMA’s funding process.

• GRANTS: Spearheaded numerous adaptation/ sustainability grant applications, totaling approximately $905,000.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) MANAGER: KAREN WILMAN | 305-809-3963 KAREN.WILMAN@CITYOFKEYWEST-FL.GOV In 2023 the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) manager position was added to the department. This position manages the two non-contiguous redevelopment areas in the City of Key West: the Caroline Street Corridor Redevelopment Area (“CSC Subarea”) and the Bahama Village Redevelopment Area (“BVRA Subarea”). These two non-contiguous redevelopment areas are collectively managed by the Caroline Street Corridor and Bahama Village Community Redevelopment Agency (“CRA”), encompassing approximately 127 acres. The Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee is an advisory committee for the Bahama Village Redevelopment Subarea.

The redevelopment areas were initially established through a Finding of Necessity approved in 1992.

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Subsequently, the City created the CRA and approved redevelopment plans for each subarea: the Bahama Village Redevelopment Plan was adopted in 1995 and updated in 1998, and the Caroline Street Corridor (formerly known as the Key West Bight Redevelopment Area) Plan was approved in 1996. The City amended its Community Redevelopment Plan on January 6, 2010, via Resolution No. 10-003. The plan will need to be amended in this next fiscal year and will consolidate and update the initial redevelopment plan consistent with the City’s current Comprehensive and Strategic Plan.

Bahama Village 2023 projects consist of the new Frederick Douglass Community Center, The Lofts at Bahama Village, MLK pool stabilization and the redevelopment of the Diesel Plant.

Caroline Street Corridor 2023 projects include a parking study for downtown Key West, Caroline Street roadway improvements and the Ferry Terminal/Trumbo Road improvements.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The City of Key West’s Property Management Department provides professional management services to preserve the city’s rich property history while positioning each property to increase value and achieve full revenue potential.

Working under the direction of the assistant city manager, the department manages over 200,000 square feet and nearly 100 leases of city-owned or controlled property. Property types include retail, office, special use, submerged lands and non-profits, generating over $7.5 million in annual revenue. Property Management responsibilities include leasing of vacant space, lease renewals, lease administration, accounting, budgeting, marketing, facility and grounds maintenance, supervision of construction and improvements, tenant relations, risk management and agency interaction with local, state and county officials.

Property leases in the city are categorized by those whose lease payments go either to the General Fund or those related to the Key West Bight. With the assistance of the finance department and port accounting, the department tracks lease-generated revenues, required reporting and other tenant lease obligations to ensure compliance with agreements. Leasing of city-owned property is done while adhering to requirements in the city code and Florida state statutes that dictate the process by which city-owned property may be leased.

BUDGET: PART OF CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE # of employees: 1 Senior Property Manager: Gary Moreira 305-809-3783 gary.moreira@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The long-term mission of the property manager’s department includes maximizing value and improving the quality of city-owned assets through professional management, strategic planning and re-development, striving to achieve the highest and best use for each asset.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Implementation of state-of-the-art real estate portfolio management and property maintenance software programs, streamlining our processes and improving maintenance methods for preserving city assets.

■ Assisted with renewal of the Caroline Street Park and Ride garage and Coffee Butler Amphitheater leases.

■ 10 lease renewal negotiations and 2 revocable license agreements with commission approval.

■ Comprehensive review of city lease templates to update language.

■ Participation in planning and revitalization of the historic Key West Diesel Plant and Mallory Square.

For leasing and rental information on available properties, call 305-809-3783 or watch for advertised public notices announcing lease and lease renewal negotiations.

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POLICE DEPARTMENT

WHAT WE DO The Key West Police Department is a fully State of Florida-accredited department composed of dedicated and professional men and women.

The island of Key West is home to a unique and diverse community, which is reflected throughout the ranks of the department. We protect and serve a population of 25,000 full-time residents, with over 3 million visitors each year.

Community policing — partnering with the community to prevent and solve crime — is an integral part and a priority of the department, which strives every day to reach into and be a part of the community through schools, civic groups and non-profit organizations. Training is continuous to ensure the officers provide the residents and visitors outstanding service.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ The department sponsored six recruits in class #87 of the College of the Florida Keys Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Having funded their training, the department now welcomes the new officers and supports them during their field training period with veteran officers.

■ The department co-hosted National Night Out with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The event, which engages the community’s military and first responders, is a chance to talk to the kids in the community about public service. The 2023 event was by far the best turnout in the many years it’s been held.

■ The police department recently has improved its outreach into the community in a number of ways. Each month officers mentor at-risk children through Keys to Be The Change.

They participate in games and education with the Pelicans and Police program at Poinciana Elementary School, and they read to classes.

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BUDGET: $17,960,441 # of employees: 128 Director: Chief Sean Brandenburg 305-809-1000 sbrandenburg@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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Two members of the department serve on the Monroe County Education Foundation board, which oversees the Take Stock in Children scholarship program. Officers attend events involving the Special Olympics and work closely with the Autism Society of the Keys to raise awareness in the community.

The department’s K9 Unit has cracked down hard on drug dealers, resulting in strong arrests.

The unit has been especially effective in sniffing out, identifying and removing the deadly drug fentanyl from the streets. Fentanyl seizures are up more than 2,600%, thanks to the K9 Unit alone.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

BUDGET: $14,855,492 # of employees: 100 Director: Chief Alan Averette 305-809-3936 aaverett@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The 100 employees of the Key West Fire Department are proud of their service to the Southernmost U. S. City and dedicated to the protection of residents and guests in our vibrant community.

WHAT WE DO ■ Fire Suppression ■ Emergency Medical Services ■ Fire Prevention ■ Emergency Management and Training ■ Hazardous Materials Response Team ■ Urban Search and Rescue Team CREWS RESPONDED TO: ■ 7,022 total calls for service ■ 27 fire investigations ■ 2,136 Fire inspections ■ 5,712 EMS-related calls for service ■ 3,918 EMS transports to hospital FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ The department supported three Key West High School students through their Fire Academy training, where they earned their Firefighter 1 certifications. Dennis Wright and Logan Pellicier, a recent graduate of the KWHS Fire Academy, were hired as firefighters.

■ Lt. Thomas Bouchard was promoted to captain and joined the Fire Marshal’s Office as captain inspector. An additional fire inspector was added to the Fire Marshal’s Office through the city commission-approved budget process.

■ Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Anderson was promoted to lieutenant inspector effective Oct. 16, 2023.

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The EMS Division requested through the city’s budget process funding for the position of EMS captain. The position was approved, and Captain/Paramedic Jason Bogoeff assumed this role in October 2023.

■ Advanced Life Support (ASL) fire engines have been in development for over two years. On Aug. 1, 2023, the department implemented this initiative by outfitting all engines to replicate the life-saving features of its ALS ambulances.

■ As a result, the fire engines now possess identical life-saving capabilities, including: - Medical Response - Rapid Intervention - Improved Patient Care - Efficient resource allocation - Community service - Flexibility ■ Multiple in-house and community training sessions were held throughout the year. By investing in such diverse training courses, the KWFD is constantly increasing the skills of its staff, ensuring they are always well-prepared to serve and safeguard.

■ The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division secured numerous grants in 2022-2023 to help offsets costs of new modernized equipment and supplies: - Pedi-Mate Transport units from Department of Health and Health Care Coalition - Wi-Fi installed on frontline vehicles.

- Grant received from CommHIT to install Wi-Fi in all ambulances and front-line engines.

- Continually enrolled in HEROES program through Department of Health receiving Narcan.

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TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

​​BUDGET: $5,791,334 # of employees: 41 Director: Rod Delostrinos 305-809-3910 KWDOT@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The City of Key West Department of Transportation provides the community with the only fixed route (Work Force Express), corridor circulator (The Duval Loop), demand response (Key West Rides), and ADA complementary paratransit service mass public transportation services available throughout the City of Key West and Stock Island.

Operations also include commuter transit service (Lower Keys Shuttle) outside of the city limits from Key West through Marathon, Florida. During emergencies, the department can provide countywide mass ground evacuation, mass casualty transport, and first responder support. Commitment to the community motivates the department to continually provide the safest, most efficient transit service possible.

FY 2022 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Selected from 40 urban and rural transit systems as the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) 2023 Innovation and Creativity Award Winner for the Key West Rides- On Demand Transit system. This award honors a public transportation system which has demonstrated innovative or creative concepts and effective problem-solving techniques for the public transportation industry.

■ Established the Work Force Express fixed route to provide more efficient transportation options during peak travel times.

■ Instituted a transit education program that supports the Monroe County School District’s Transition to Independence, Employment, and Success (TIES) program and the Adult EducationEnglish as a Second Language program. This outreach provided students with the knowledge to access public transportation successfully and independently.

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Key West Transit was honored to receive the 2023 Innovation and Creativity Award from the Florida Public Transportation Association during the organization’s annual conference.

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Provided transportation for the commissioning events of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123).

Bus schedules and touchless fare payment information are available at: kwtransit.com.

Reduced fares are available for students up to age 21; disabled/disadvantaged customers; U.S. Armed Forces active, retired, and their dependents with government ID and seniors aged 60 and older (proof of eligibility required).

With the exception of the Lower Keys Shuttle, Key West residents aged 60 and older ride Key West transit buses fare-free (proof of eligibility required).

U.S. Armed Services Veterans who have a 100% ServiceConnected Disability ride all system buses fare-free (proof of eligibility required).

Anyone can purchase a bus pass on-board a bus or visit the Key West Transit Facility on College Road.

Small pets in animal carriers are allowed on all buses.

Service animals are always welcome.

The Key West Transit Facility is located at 5701 College Road, Key West. Questions or Feedback may be directed to Customer Service at 305-809-8910 or KWDOT@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION

BUDGET: $1,030,664 Coordinator: Ryan Stachurski 305-809-3867 multimodal@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

CAR FREE KEY WEST Multimodal Transportation is the division of the city’s engineering department tasked with making it easier for people to traverse by means other than single-occupancy vehicles. Making Key West more easily accessible for bicyclists, walkers and public transit users helps us to be healthier, more sustainable and more prosperous. It also makes it easier for those who must use cars to do so.

Multimodal transportation plays a role in infrastructure planning on city road projects managed by the engineering department and planning reviews as part of the Development Review Committee. The division also provides regular transportation updates to the city’s Sustainability Advisory Board.

Our commitment is to improve traffic and pedestrian friendliness so residents and visitors can enjoy our island car-free.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How can I get a bike rack installed?

Citizens may submit a variety of issues and requests to the city via the cityofkeywest-fl.gov website. From the homepage, click on the “Key West Connect’’ link, which will display popular categories. Look for the image of a bicycle to find bicycling related topics. Once you complete the form, you’ll have the opportunity to get updates so you can track your request through completion. For an even more convenient experience, search for the “Key West Connect” app with your smartphone.

What can be done about speeding ebikes?

Many Key West residents and workers commute by Ebikes and stand-up motorized scooters as affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to passenger cars. These riders are generally afforded the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists by Florida law. Local ordinance restricts the use of these vehicles on city sidewalks, which are often too congested to accommodate their faster speeds. Exceptions were made for ebikes (which must be labeled Class I, II, or III) operating on sidewalks identified as Multi-Use Trails provided they observe a speed limit of 15 mph. For more information, click the “Car Free Key West” link under City Departments on the website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Awarded The League of American Bicyclists BicycleFriendly Community bronze designation.

■ Thousands of bike lights and bells were provided to bike riders to encourage safe cycling and passing habits.

■ Secured $400,000 in funding for a Safety Action Plan to reach the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries on local roads by 2035.

■ Installed over 300 convenient bike parking spaces with the assistance of community services and grant funding.

■ Installed the first publicly available secure bike lockers and bike repair stations in Key West.

■ Partnered with Florida Department of Transportation to expand non-motorized traffic counting and connected vehicle technology within the city.

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UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

BUDGET: $60,219,456 # of employees: 10 Director: Kelly Crowe, P.E. 305-809-3752 utilities@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Utilities operates and maintains the city’s sewer and stormwater infrastructure and manages the solid waste and recycling contract. There are 10 city employees. City staff manages the contracts for both Jacobs (wastewater treatment plant, sewer collections and storm drainage system) and Waste Management (solid waste, meaning garbage and recycling collection).

The city’s utility infrastructure includes: ■ Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) rated to treat up to 10 million gallons per day ■ 2 deep injection wells (3,000-foot depth) to dispose over 1.64 billion gallons of wastewater of treated effluent ■ 330,000 feet of gravity sewer mains ■ 85,000 feet of sewer force mains ■ 1,388 manholes ■ 26 sanitary sewer pump stations ■ 5 stormwater pump stations ■ 143 stormwater gravity wells ■ 1 solid Wwste transfer station that processed nearly 50,000 tons of solid waste

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Obtained and managed approximately $20 million in grant funding to supplement city-generated revenue ■ Actively working on nearly $40 million in capital projects ■ Added three key positions that are critical to the advancement of our capital improvements: - Principal Engineer - Asset Manager - Field Inspector ■ Improved collection of dumping fees at the transfer station resulted in a $140,000 increase in revenue from FY 2021/22 ($470,000 total).

■ Completed Phase 1 of the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan.

■ Completed Dennis Street pump station.

■ Completed the canal clearing at the Donald Avenue pond.

■ Procured a new Ultraviolet Disinfection System (UVDS) for the final treatment of effluent from the WWTP. Installation will take place in February 2024.

■ Replaced the ferric chloride tanks at the WWTP. ■ Replaced gangways over the anoxic tank at the WWTP. ■ Completed a pipe swap with FKAA to obtain an 18” pipe within Eaton Street for future use.

■ Obtained a $400,000 grant from the Navy to develop a resiliency plan for the WWTP. ■ Coordinated and partnered with the Planning Department on the Duval Revitalization project and the vulnerability assessment.

■ Completed the installation of two oil and gas waste facilities at Key West Bight and Garrison Bight.

UPCOMING CAPITAL PROJECTS ■ Started construction on the following projects: - Return Activated Sludge (RAS)/Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) pump system replacement ($3.6 million) - United Street Drainage ($300k) ■ Started design on the following projects: - Fleming Key force main - 10th and Harris final design (to include SLR mitigation) ■ Solicited responses for: - RFQ: 3rd and Fogarty (stormwater); design phase - ITB: Pump Station G (sewer collection); construction phase

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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

The City of Key West Engineering Department oversees the design and construction of capital projects for the City, including roads and sidewalks, buildings, parks, and beach renourishment. We take the lead in implementing the directives of the City Commission and City Management as they apply to infrastructure and City assets, and coordinate closely with agency partners, such as FDOT, FKAA, Keys Energy, the Navy, and Monroe County.

The Engineering Department assists other City departments with studies and design requirements associated with their planning and construction project activities. The department also assists the public by reviewing site issues related to temporary right-of-way permits and building permit applications. Engineering staff assists the Sustainability Advisory Board that advises City leadership on how to sustain operations in the event of disaster or environmental threats. The department sits on the Development Review Committee in the Planning Department and provides technical comments on development applications and participates on numerous committees throughout the year as necessary to address City needs. The Engineering Department is committed to excellence and providing the best service possible to our community.

BUDGET: $25,275,273 # of employees: 8 Director: Gary Volenec. P.E. 305-809-3828 gary.volenec@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

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FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Initiated construction of the United Street Roadway Project between Whitehead and Grinnell Streets, including new ADA sidewalks, curb and gutters, bike lanes, and landscaping.

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Initiated construction of the new Frederick Douglass Community Center in Bahama Village Initiated construction of the new Staples Avenue Bike/ Pedestrian Bridge, including ADA compliant ramps.

Initiated construction of the FDOT Beautification Project at the Triangle median along US 1 Began roadway design on South Street, including repaving, drainage improvements and sidewalk replacement between Whitehead and Reynolds Streets, including a new dedicated bike lane.

Began Design of the new Spencer’s Boatyard Seawall replacement project.

Completed design for the new John Jones Navigation Center for overnight sheltering of the homeless Completed design of the new Smathers Beach Shade pavilions to be funded by a TDC Grant Completed design for the Clinton Square Park renovation project.

Completed conceptual design for renovations and creation of the Southernmost Point Plaza.

Completed the Repaving of Petronia Street from Duval to Fort Streets.

Under the long-standing agreement with the U.S. Navy, the Engineering Department provided administrative contracting support for the replacement of HVAC equipment located Completed Shoulder restoration along streets in mid-town and new town.

Completed Design of Caroline Street, including repaving, drainage improvements and sidewalk replacement between Whitehead and Elizabeth Streets.

Completed Design of Greene and Elizabeth Streets, between Simonton Street and Caroline Street, including conversion to one-way traffic and addition of bike lanes.

Repaved Pearl Street and added ADA sidewalks along James Street and Frances Street Completed development of the Pavement Rehabilitation and Repair Pilot Program Pavement striping was added in numerous areas of the City, including along Southard Street and Eaton Street.

KIA AND THE KEYS JUST GO TOGETHER (305) 295-8646 2826 ROOSEVELT BLVD KEY WEST, FL 33040 www.KiaofKeyWest.com CITYOFKEYWEST-FL.GOV

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CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT

The City of Key West Code Compliance department is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the community. The department strives to provide fair and equitable services to citizens and visitors. Staff provides information to the public regarding code compliance issues and works with the public to achieve voluntary compliance.

BUDGET: $1,087,685 # of employees: 12 Director: Jim Young 305-809-3737 jjyoung@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The department received 1,502 complaints, of which 1,218 were investigated and closed.

Code Compliance continues to provide assistance to the building, and licensing departments as well as other city departments.

The most common complaints that were investigated were illegal dumping and spills 214, delinquent business tax receipts 203, building ordinances 164, unlicensed businesses 144, and right of way violations 132.

Code Compliance helped the licensing department collect $50,250 in revenue from delinquent business tax receipts.

This past fiscal year Code Compliance initiated a review of Volume 1 of the Code of Ordinances to evaluate possible amendments and removal of outdated ordinances and started the Keep Key West Beautiful recognition program, which highlights excetional efforts of businesses that have significantly improved their property. Each month, starting in October 2023 a business will be recognized by the Code Compliance department. The winner of this monthly award will be presented with a plaque by the mayor and city commission at the monthly commission meeting.

If you would like to report a possible code violation, you may call 305-809-3740 or email us at code_enforcement@cityofkeywest-fl.gov or in person at City Hall, 1300 White Street, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lastly, you can use the new app Key West Connect.

It should be noted that per Florida Statutes we can no longer accept anonymous complaints; you must provide your name and address.

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LICENSING DIVISION PART OF CODE COMPLIANCE BUDGET: PART OF CODE COMPLIANCE # of employees: 2 Chief Licensing Official: Amanda Brady 305-809-3971 abrady@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The City of Key West Licensing Division issues business tax receipts and regulatory permits.

The business tax receipt licensing period runs for twelve months from October 1st to September 30th. The City’s Licensing Division has over 9,000 business tax receipts/ regulatory permits and processes over 1,000 new applications yearly, totaling more than $1.5 million in revenue for fiscal year 2022/23.

The Licensing Division’s mission is to promptly provide the community with accurate responses to all licensing inquiries. Most business tax receipts, permits, and licenses are processed 24 hours after the application is submitted.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ To date, the Licensing Division has increased revenue by over $300,000. Licensing has accomplished this task by focusing on updated ordinances for regulatory licenses and applying a penalty fee for delinquent business tax receipts.

These ordinances were not only updated to increase the annual fee, but we also included additional safety measures, strict insurance requirements, and more precise code enforcement policies.

■ The Licensing Division has made online capability requests our top priority. We are working diligently to provide online payment options and although we have not accomplished that task at this time, we have made huge strides on the city’s webpage. This includes online licensing applications, FAQs, direct links to City Code of Ordinances and most importantly our Licensing Newsletter. The Licensing Newsletter provides quarterly reports covering all pertinent information regarding licensing. This includes business tax receipt due dates, changes in fees, updated ordinances, and much more.

To sign up for the newsletter, anyone can visit www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov website and click “Notify Me,” enter their email, and subscribe to the “Licensing Division News.”

More information is available on the City of Key West website under the heading Licensing Division or contact us at 305-809-3959.

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PORT & MARINE SERVICES

The Port and Marine Services Department is comprised of the Port of Key West cruise ship dock; the Key West Historic Seaport. which includes Key West Bight Marina, Key West Bight Ferry Terminal and various upland properties; the City Marina at Garrison Bight and the city’s mooring field.

Although each division has a distinct function, all have one feature in common: The commitment to managing and caring for the city’s waterside facilities, both financially and environmentally. The Key West Historic Seaport and City Marina at Garrison Bight are enterprise funds, which means they use no taxpayer dollars and often contribute to the city’s general fund.

The Port and Marine Services Department manages all of the city’s marine infrastructure, including Mallory Pier and docks at City Marina at Garrison Bight, Key West Bight Marina and a mooring field.

The Key West Bight Marina is a full-service, 149-slip marina that includes 71 transient slips, 69 commercial slips and nine live-aboard/recreational slips.

The City Marina at Garrison Bight has 249 slips including 109 liveaboard slips, 42 charter boat slips and 98 transient/recreational slips. Additionally, there are 149 moorings in the Key West mooring field.

The department also manages the shower and laundry facilities for both marinas, and the only dinghy dock facilities in Key West. The department also oversees 24 commercial upland structures at the Key West Historic Seaport.

BUDGET: $39,373,053 # of employees: 38 Director: Steve McAlearney 305-809-3792 smcalearney@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS Entered into Engineering Design Contract for a grant-funded $5,000,000+ Ferry Terminal Revitalization project.

■ Awarded $500,000 contract for Art in Public Places — Public Art for Key West Historic Seaport.

■ Key West Historic Seaport contributed over $5.3 million to the city’s general fund.

■ Added waste oil recycling centers to Key West Bight and City Marina at Garrison Bight.

■ Installed fiber from the office to maintenance shop and bathhouse.

■ Entered into a three-year Mooring Field Inspection/ Rig Replacement contract.

■ Completed new liveaboard pricing structure for City Marina at Garrison Bight.

■ Executed two contracts for General Construction Services.

■ Obtained grant approval for two new Keco effluent pumps on Dolphin and Sailfish piers.

■ Two new Suzuki outboards installed on pump-out boats.

■ Installed new CCTV camera systems at the ferry terminal, Historic Seaport and City Marina.

■ Re-acquired six slips on Angelfish Pier that were previously leased by the privately operated Garrison Bight.

■ New power pedestals purchased and installed on Wahoo Pier.

■ Added key card access to the water station at the mooring field dinghy dock.

■ Replaced non-working digital City Marina sign with a newly painted sign.

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For transient reservations at Key West Bight, use the online reservation system at keywestbightmarina.com.

The dockmaster’s office can be reached at 305-809-3983, or keywestbightmarina@cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

For transient reservations at City Marina at Garrison Bight, use the online reservation system at citymarinakeywest.com.

The Dockmaster’s Office can be reached at 305-809-3981 or gbdockmaster@cityofkeywest-fl.gov.

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To inquire about available properties for lease in the Key West Historic Seaport, or other city-owned properties, contact the city’s senior property manager at 305-809-3783.

PROUDLY SERVING KEY WEST

ONCE-A-WEEK GARBAGE, TRASH AND RECYCLE OVER 180,800 CUSTOMER PICKUPS A MONTH WE HAUL 3,890 COMBINED TONS YARD WASTE, RECYCLING AND TRASH OUR TRUCKS AVERAGE MORE THAN 10,000 MILES PER MONTH COVERING AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY.

WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

125 Toppino Industrial Drive • MM 8.5 • Rockland Key, FL 33040

305.296.8297

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BUDGET: $1,753,984 # of employees: 7 Director: David Monroe 305-809-3920 dmonroe@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The Information Technology department provides citywide support for the city’s computer systems, telephone systems, online services, datacenter services and network management.

In fiscal year 2023 the department staff of seven employees focused on delivering improved online and mobile services and improving infrastructure.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ Upgraded 911 communications lines.

■ Implemented new cybersecurity software.

■ Implemented new user authentication software.

■ Upgraded network router and switch hardware at all remote sites.

■ Upgraded Datacenter core switching infrastructure.

■ Implemented TraKiT Online ■ Migrated public safety to AT&T FirstNet network.

■ Migrated the city website DNS infrastructure to new provider.

■ Upgraded 28 desktops and 26 laptops.

■ Worked with Office of the State Attorney 16th Judicial Circuit to implement an improved integration for information sharing that greatly improves efficiency.

■ Migrated electronic document workflow system to the cloud.

■ Designed and implemented cloud application publishing services.

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Redesigned Key West Police Department web pages.

Redesigned Key West Fire Department web pages.

Redesigned City Floodplain Management web pages.

Created Emergency Operations web pages.

Created City of Key West Housing & Community Development web pages.

Installed digital signage in all city buildings to provide improved employee communication.

Implemented an improved process for all city-run public meetings.

Onboarded and provided training for 54 city employees.

HELP DESK SERVICES ■ 2,603 support requests MEETINGS SUPPORTED: ■ 180 broadcasted meetings ■ 39 audio-only meetings

Key West’s Hometown Bank Since 1955

KeysBank.com 305-296-8535 Member FDIC

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KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL

Keep Key West Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Under the direction of City Manager Albert P. Childress and Keep Key West Beautiful chair Dorian Patton, the program currently consists of the Mayor’s Beautification Committee, Plogging The Keys and Key West Adopt-A-Spot. Volunteers for all three groups donate their time and efforts to beautify and improve our island paradise.

The department thanks all the volunteers — residents, businesses, nonprofits and even visitors to Key West. With their dedication, we have been able to make an even bigger impact on the cleanliness of the city.

KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL CHAIR DORIAN PATTON III 305-809-3782 DPATTON@CITYOFKEYWEST-FL.GOV

PLOGGING THE KEYS COORDINATOR ROBERTA DEPIERO

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCT. 1, 2022 - SEPT. 30, 2023 ■ 1 Presidents Award from Keep America Beautiful ■ 17 Adopt-a-Spots ■ 30 business or nonprofit hosts for Friday morning cleanups ■ 35 “Extra Mile” coins given by city manager to recognize dedicated volunteers ■ 66 cleanup events completed ■ 100 cigarette receptacles granted to the city from Keep America Beautiful ■ 160 gallons of cigarette butts collected ■ 1,004 pounds of recycling collected ■ 1,472 volunteers ■ 7,636 pounds of trash collected

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

BUDGET: $13,494,993 # of employees: 107 Director: Marcus Davila 305-809-3751 madavila@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

The Community Services department takes care of everything above ground in the City of Key West. If you walk on it, ride on it, or play on it, we take care of it. The Community Services employees are proud of their work and contributions to the Key West community.

The Community Services Department umbrella covers five smaller divisions: Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet Services, and Truman Waterfront Park.

Public Works maintains all the right of ways in town, handles minor sidewalk and road repairs, provides support to special events – and we have over 50 events a year, and maintains the historic cemetery. Some of the major events include: Fantasy Fest, Goombay, Powerboat Races, Holiday Parade, New Year’s Eve, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting, and many more!! .

Parks and Recreation maintains all parks and sports fields in town, handles tree trimming, lining athletic fields for sporting events, also operates the Fredrick Douglass Gym at 111 Olivia St., the Blake Fernandez Skatepark at Flagler Ave and Fourteenth St., and Martin Luther King Community Pool at Nelson English Park at 300 Catherine St. Facilities Maintenance oversees the maintenance of all city-owned buildings. This includes air conditioning repairs, generator repairs, small capital improvement projects, plumbing and electrical repairs, and all preventive maintenance.

Fleet Services takes care of all rolling stock the city owns – more than 200 vehicles. This includes all city cars, vans, trucks, police cars, fire trucks and ambulances – everything from a janitor van to a street sweeper.

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The Truman Waterfront Park Division takes care of the beautiful Truman Waterfront Park. The crew maintains the splash pad, all green spaces, and assists with events that take place in the park.

The Community Services Department works hard to ensure that the City of Key West is safe and beautiful.

FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ New artificial turf on all four fields at Clayton Sterling Baseball Complex.

■ The Patterson Pocket Park was completely renovated.

■ The parking lot at Indigenous Park was milled and paved and improved with curbing and new vegetation.

■ Boog Powell Court parking lot was milled and paved.

■ Nelson English Park workout area was completely redone with new equipment and surfacing.

■ New sod installed at Poinciana Field.

■ Bayview Park Tennis Courts resurfaced.

■ Basketball Courts at Nelson English resurfaced, and new backboards and poles installed.

Any issues and concerns can be reported using Key West Connect using instructions on the city’s homepage at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov. It only takes a couple of minutes to put in a picture and location of a request or concern.

PARKS & RECREATION PART OF COMMUNITY SERVICES BUDGET: PART OF COMMUNITY SERVICES # of employees: 25 Superintendent: Ralph Major 305-809-3781

City manager Al Childress and HR Director Bridget Flores congratulate Superintendent Ralph Major on 15 years of dedicated service to the city of Key West.

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PARKING

BUDGET: $1,571,954 # of employees: 24 Director: John Wilkins 305-809-3864 jwilkins@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

DEPARTMENT

The Parking Division manages the municipal parking supply in the city of Key West to provide an equitable balance of parking for the needs of the community, including residents, visitors, businesses and employees.

WHAT WE DO With a staff of 24 employees, the parking division staff works throughout the city enforcing local, state and federal parking regulations. The division collects revenue and maintains the city’s parking pay stations and mobile payment app in the commercial zones. Fines are collected for citations and various types of parking permit programs are administered.

The division issues temporary right-of-way permits to reserve parking and other public spaces for special uses, including administering the annual lottery for sidewalk newsracks. The staff also manages tour bus parking and administers the school crossing guard program to assist children who walk or ride their bikes to school.

The work of the parking division requires coordination among a wide variety of city departments such as Police, Code Compliance, Community Services, Planning, Fire Department, Transportation and Engineering. Staff also works with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Municipal Traffic Court.

The parking department seeks to balance competing needs for parking in the city — commercial delivery, metered parking, mopeds, bicycles, residential spaces, special events, etc. — to support the economic vitality and livability of the Key West community.

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FY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS ■ The parking division continued to promote its online payment app through PassportParking.com that allows users to skip the paystation and pay for parking on their smartphone. The app also allows users to add time from anywhere in the city without returning to their vehicle. Approximately 30% of all parking transactions are currently conducted through the PassportParking.com mobile app.

■ The department increased collection efforts by creating an immobilization team. Any vehicle with three or more unpaid citations is considered a scofflaw and is entered into a database to be “booted” when discovered. The vehicle is fitted with a wheel clamp. A notice to pay within 24 hours is issued and adhered to the driver’s side window. If the fines are not paid, the vehicle is towed and held until the fines are paid.

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This year, the department created a new enforcement route that encompasses New Town and includes all residential areas, beaches and commercial shopping centers within Key West’s city limits. The primary focus has been on metered parking along the beaches, fire lanes and fire hydrants, boats and boat trailers, storage in the right-of-way, oversized vehicles and parking too close to a corner, which impedes a driver’s view of oncoming traffic.

The city did not raise parking rates or permit fees this year.

After raising rates steadily over the past years, Key West has reached the market rate for parking in South Florida. The city was successful in reducing operating costs by negotiating a lower rate for credit card transaction fees and passing along administrative costs to operate the parking division.

The gross revenue generated by all aspects of the Key West Parking Division from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023 totaled approximately. $13 million. These funds support a variety of city functions from affordable housing, transit, the general fund, maintenance of Truman Waterfront Park and the Key West Bight.

Check out the city’s mobile payment app at PassportParking. com. In addition to paying for parking on a mobile phone, locals can redeem their four-hour parking credit with the various permits that offer this benefit. After the one-time account setup, users can quickly access the various parking applications from the comfort of their vehicle and skip the line at the paystation.

Visit the city of Key West website at cityofkeywest-fl.gov and click on the “Parking” page to access most parking services.

Online information includes details about various parking programs, including how to pay or appeal a parking ticket, how to apply for various parking permits and learn more about the PassportParking.com app.

Residents and visitors are always welcome to stop by city hall at 1300 White St. for assistance. For quick questions, reach us by phone at 305-809-3861 for David Hoot or 305-8093864 for Toni Michelle Gage. The call volume is heavy, so leave a message if you reach the recording and someone will call you back.

Parking violations can be reported by calling 305-809-1000, which is the non-emergency Key West Police Department phone number. They will send the next available person.

Callers may remain anonymous, but must provide the location, vehicle description and violation information.

Most of the city’s parking services can be accessed online at cityofkeywest-fl.gov. From the home page, select the parking icon for information about parking programs and various permits, payment or appeal of a parking ticket and videos of how to use the new Passport Parking phone app to skip the pay stations and add more time remotely.

Alternatively, anyone can visit the Parking Division office for assistance at City Hall, 1300 White St. For quick questions, reach us by phone at 305-809-3861 for David Hoot or 305-809-3864 for Toni Michelle Gage. Call volume is heavy, so leave a message if you reach the recording, and someone will call you back.

Parking violations can be reported by calling 305-809-1000, the non-emergency Key West Police Department dispatch phone number, and they will dispatch the next available person. You can call anonymously, but will need to provide the location, vehicle description and violation information.

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CITY CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS

A rendering depicts the Frederick Douglass Gym & Community Center expansion.

The new Frederick Douglass Community Center takes shape.

John Jones Navigation Center (formerly KOTS) rendering.

A rendering shows the coming John Jones Navigation Center (formerly KOTS).

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Sidewalk replacement has been a top priority.

ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalk improvements.

Bike repair stations have been installed.

Trees are planted throughout the city.

Staples Avenue Bike & Pedestrian Bridge replacement project.

(Pictured is the old bridge being removed.)

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THE CITY OF KEY WEST THANKS KEYS WEEKLY FOR ITS CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY & THE KEEP KEY WEST BEAUTIFUL INITIATIVE

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 91760 O/S Hwy Tavernier 305.363.2957

MARATHON WEEKLY 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon 305.743.0844

KEY WEST WEEKLY 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West 305.453.6928

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

WITH CHARLEY TOPPINO & SONS AND MONROE CONCRETE

In the heart of Key West, Charley Toppino & Sons and Monroe Concrete unite to champion education and construction. Serving the Keys since 1910, we understand the importance of a solid foundation, whether it’s for a lasting structure or a child’s future. We proudly support The Citizen’s Newspaper in Education program paving the way for our students to learn and prosper. At Charley Toppino & Sons and Monroe Concrete, our mission extends beyond physical construction – we’re dedicated to building dreams and nurturing the aspirations of the next generation.

Contact us today, and let’s build a future together where every child has the strong foundation they need to reach new heights.