Key West Commission to Vote on Firefighters’ Contract, Whistleblower Act, and $3.7M Police Tech Deal Wednesday
The Nov. 5 agenda spans labor, ethics, and infrastructure — though notable absences include the long-awaited Stantec water-quality deal, the proposed inspector general post, and UNESCO funding.
The Key West City Commission will meet Wednesday, Nov. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 1300 White St., for a full day of business ranging from employee contracts and public safety upgrades to infrastructure funding, urban redevelopment, and ethics reform.
One of the morning’s key votes is a tentative three-year agreement between the City and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1424, running through September 2028. The new contract covers pay scales, benefits, and working conditions for Key West’s fire department personnel.
Also on the consent agenda — which includes more than two dozen resolutions — commissioners will consider:
A $3.7 million, 10-year contract with Axon to consolidate police body camera, fleet, and digital evidence management systems.
Approval of $500,000 in state funding for the Key West manhole rehabilitation project.
Rejection of all bids for the Navy Mole seawall repair, with staff directed to rescope the project.
Purchase of new Ford and Harley-Davidson police vehicles valued at more than $600,000 combined.
Construction of a $365,550 restroom and maintenance facility at Bayview Park and nearly $1 million in stormwater pump upgrades.
FDOT agreements for transit, signage, and infrastructure, including new “Welcome to Key West” markers at The Triangle and several bus funding grants.
Mayor Danise Henriquez will issue proclamations recognizing College of the Florida Keys Month, Tourism Week, and National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. Commissioners will also hear a fire assessment discussion and a report on the city’s general liability insurance program.
The evening session, reconvening at 5 p.m., includes public hearings and new ordinances. Items up for consideration include:
A revocable license for the Tropic Cinema’s “Movies Under the Stars” series on Eaton Street.
A major redevelopment plan for 3101 N. Roosevelt Blvd, converting an 81-room hotel into an 80-unit condominium with marina and retail uses.
Second and final reading of the Whistleblower Protection Act, codifying safeguards for city employees who report misconduct.
Ordinances to waive permit fees for public housing projects, increase parking fines by $10, and clarify enforcement authority for the city’s Chief Building Official and Code Official.
A zoning text amendment reducing separation requirements for tattoo establishments.
Commissioner Aaron Castillo is also sponsoring an ordinance to expand the number of authorized sightseeing vehicle licenses from seven to nine.
Notably absent from the agenda are several anticipated items: the City’s long-delayed Stantec water-quality monitoring agreement, another reading of the proposed inspector general ordinance aimed at restoring transparency, and a renewed push for UNESCO Creative City funding. All three initiatives have drawn public interest and debate in recent months but remain off the table this week.
The meetings will be broadcast via the city’s website.
The full agenda, supporting documents, and staff reports are available are available here.