LTC 403-2022 Iguana Remediation ProgramMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC# 403-2022 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager 9..c ~-t,,--
DA TE: September 23, 2022
SUBJECT: Iguana Remediation Program
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to provide the Mayor and City Commission
with an update on the iguana remediation program.
Iguanas are considered an invasive species in the state of Florida. Without natural predators,
these animals have been able to multiply in record numbers, causing significant damage along
the entire Florida coastline. Iguanas can cause damage to the residential and commercial
landscape and vegetation and threaten our native and endangered species. They can also
transmit the infectious bacterium Salmonella to humans through contact with water or surfaces
contaminated by their feces.
The iguanas are a public nuisance and health concern. The City has attempted various methods
for mitigating the population. In 2019, the Facilities and Fleet Management Department initiated
a pilot program removing these pests from facilities including Brittany Bay Park, Muss Park,
Pinetree Park, and Flamingo Park . Since then, the Department has continued to expand services
with operating funds and through informal solicitations.
On November 3, 2021, the City awarded ITQ 2022-062-NA to Iguana Control for iguana
remediation. Services began in January 2022 and have collected and humanely euthanized over
1,000 iguanas citywide. However, despite these efforts, the population continues to grow, and
additional resources are being further researched and implemented to remove these prolific pests.
On March 9, 2022, the Mayor and City Commission approved Resolution 2022-32073, authorizing
the Administration to prioritize and remove these invasive species in the City by using the most
efficient means. Additionally, the City will enhance funding with an additional $200,000
appropriation in the FY 2023 budget.
The Administration has prioritized the iguana removal and is collaborating with various entities,
contractors, and within the City Manager's purchase authority to provide a more robust program.
The Administration is taking the following short-term and long-term plans to remediate the iguana
population throughout the City:
L TC : Iguana Remediation Program Update
Page: 2 of 2
Short-term (completed this month)
• Met with iguana removal services contractors to provide removal services on public
property seven (7) days a week in areas of south, mid, and north beach.
• Executed Emergency Purchase Authority to issue purchase orders to multiple vendors
with dedicated personnel forthcoming (Friday 9/23). Facilities Auxiliary Services
Manager working on deployment with vendor kick -off once purchase orders are issued .
• Met with vendors to review methodology and equipment used to trap and euthanize
iguanas
• Conferenced with Cayman Island government, City of Marco Island, and City of Sanibel
to discuss their success mentioned during City Commission meeting
Long-term (next three months)
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Conducted meetings with Fish and Wildlife Commission to discuss State guidelines and
requirements
Conducting meetings with all neighboring municipalities (including Miami -Dade County)
to discuss their programs
Conducting meetings with Florida International University's Biological Sciences and
Society of Herpetologists
Meeting with City Attorney, City Manager, and staff to review legality (risk) of entering
private property and instrument to achieve permission
Developing RFQ with ad -hoc iguana committee for long -term remediation
Development of dashboard for reporting
The Administration will continue to address iguana population control and develop strategies for
long -term remediation program . Should you have any questions, please contact Adrian Morales
at 305-673 -7631 .
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