The tiny city of Key Colony Beach has been in the headlines for the past year, mostly because of controversy over whether to renovate or rebuild its hurricane-damaged City Hall. But what transpired at the recent KCB City Commission meeting could hail a return to normalcy.
The Thursday, March 21, meeting was the first conducted in the municipal building’s Marble Hall since the middle of 2022. The fate of City Hall had been the centerpiece of ongoing resident unrest and commission disagreements, contributing to an overhaul of the mayorship, commission, city administrator’s position and several other city staff positions.
Marble Hall, described as such because of its marble floors, “soft-opened” on March 1 and welcomed dozens of residents to the recent session for the anticipated installation of a new commissioner to replace Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, who resigned in early February. Doug Colonell, one of only three applicants, two of whom withdrew prior to the session, was swiftly approved by the commission and sworn in.
Colonell has been a KCB property owner for 20 years and comes to the commission with experience in large-scale construction projects, as well as project management expertise with government agencies such as the U.S. Army.
Colonell voiced a desire to “see this unique community through” its past challenges and was immediately seated on the commission.
In addition, the city has locked down former longtime KCB building official Ed Borysiewicz to a permanent position, until such time that the city and Borysiewicz decide a more long-term plan is appropriate. He will act as the city’s building department official and oversee building inspections, fire and code enforcement, at an annual salary of $160,000. Borysiewicz essentially assumes oversight of two departments after Code Officer Barry Goldman and Building Official Gerald L. “Lenny” Leggett resigned last month.
Other staffing changes announced at this session included Borysiewicz hiring a new building administration member, as well as an inspector who will also conduct code enforcement. Borysiewicz added he is looking to hire another building official who’s more “resident-friendly.”
Seemingly unfazed by all the recent turnover, the commission conducted a variety of discussion items and city business afterward.
There was a presentation by Burke Energy Solutions for a solar power proposal for the wastewater treatment plant. Burke completed a similarly scaled solar installation in Key Largo and has done extensive work around the globe.
Three options were reviewed, and the commission agreed to explore grant money acquisition, resident approval and an impact survey before any final decision is made. The city’s electric expense at the treatment plant increased almost 40% in 2023, while generally averaging about $100,000 annually.
Mayor Joey Raspe reviewed the March 18 town hall meeting, which included a review of the U.S. Postal Service office, since the lease agreement on the current trailer needs to be replaced for one back in the City Hall. He also mentioned a desire to install a special magistrate for code compliance cases, instead of using the current city code board.
Raspe referenced the vacant city administrator position, a post he has largely filled since January when former administrator Dave Turner’s contract was terminated. Raspe continues to question the need for another full-time administrator, while admitting that finding a part-time candidate could be difficult.
Raspe also reviewed where the city stands in terms of repairs to City Hall. He reiterated his desire to finalize engineering drawings for repairs primarily in the staff administration area, so the city can seek hardening grant opportunities. Borysiewicz added that the slab in that area has settlement issues and believes the floor can be raised using either foam or pin piles, or perhaps a combination of both.
Borysiewicz also confirmed mold, mildew, asbestos and air quality tests have been conducted and addressed, saying the next phase is to move the Building Department staff into the second floor in the next few weeks. Commissioner Tom Harding raised the question of the insurance policy on the building, and Borysiewicz responded that while Turner had canceled the policy last September, it has since been reinstated.
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