On September 14, 2022, the Mayor and City Commission approved Resolution 2022-32269, sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez, (Exhibit A) to establish an Ad Hoc Iguana Remediation Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) for a term of six (6) months to study actions other jurisdictions have taken to address similar iguana invasion, in addition to contracting with an iguana mitigation and removal program. The Resolution provided for the purpose, composition, powers and duties of the Committee and furthermore, directed Administration to explore remediation options from other jurisdictions, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife and neighboring municipalities. Additionally, the Resolution approved the issuance of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2022-251-WG for Iguana Remediation Services. Said Resolution was subsequently amended, (Resolution No. 2022-32404) and provided that a minimum of three (3) members voting members of the Ad Hoc Iguana Remediation Advisory Committee are required to be present at the meetings in order to constitute a quorum. The Resolutions have been attached hereto as Exhibit B.

The iguanas are a public nuisance and health concern. The Administration has prioritized the iguana removal and has been collaborating with various entities, contractors, and within the City Manager’s purchase authority to remove these prolific pests. Additionally, with the City’s enhanced funding of an additional $200,000 appropriated in the FY 2023 budget, the Administration is building a more robust iguana mitigation program.

The Facilities and Fleet Management Department (the “Department”) has coordinated with other municipalities and jurisdictions to explore effective remediation efforts and programs, including the bounty program. On September 22, 2022, the Department met with representatives of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) to discuss eradication measures, including the feasibility of a bounty program. The FFWCC discussed options and methodologies that the City has already instituted. However, the FFWCC did not recommend a bounty program as an effective and viable option. Additionally, the Department also reached out to neighboring cities and Miami-Dade County to discuss their programs. Many municipalities expressed limited funding and resources and/or limited program scopes given that the iguana population is not as prevalent in these cities as it is in Miami Beach.

Furthermore, the Department has been collaborating with the Ad Hoc Iguana Remediation Advisory Committee. As of November 18, 2022, three (3) members have been appointed to the Ad Hoc Iguana Remediation Advisory Committee. On December 13, 2022, the Committee held its first meeting. The Committee elected a Chair and Co-Chair, reviewed and approved RFQ 2022-251-WG, and made recommendations to address iguana remediation efforts. On January 6, 2023, RFQ 2022-251-WG for iguana remediation services was issued.

The Committee continues to explore iguana mitigation and removal options. As proposed by the Committee at their first meeting, on January 12, 2022, the Department met with representatives of the Cayman Island to discuss their success and funding for their bounty program. On January 24, 2022, the Committee held its second meeting and discussed the viability of this program. The recommendations of both meetings have been transmitted via Letters to Commission. The Committee is scheduled to reconvene in February 2023.

The Administration will continue to address iguana population control and develop strategies for a long-term remediation program. The Administration has determined that the $200,000 allocation is insufficient and additional funding needs to be identified. This will be discussed at the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee for consideration and submitted through the City’s budget process for approval.