Resident proposes plumbed bird bath at Belle Isle; committee asks staff to explore and seek neighborhood input

Monica Tracy, a Miami Beach resident, asked the committee to consider a small plumbed bird bath/water feature in Belle Isle Park (MB5). Tracy described a roughly 3‑foot‑high stone structure with an 18‑inch dish and said she would contribute funds toward materials and volunteer to assist with maintenance.

Staff estimated a site‑sensitive cost of about $15,000 for installation excluding ongoing maintenance. Bond‑program staff confirmed Belle Isle has an unspent GeoBond allocation for above‑ground improvements but noted those funds are targeted to capital infrastructure and may not meet capitalization thresholds for a small feature. Committee members raised concerns about bird waste impacting playgrounds and pets, water‑use and pump maintenance; staff advised that operational costs and drainage/electric needs must be further investigated.

The committee directed staff to continue exploring siting, utility needs and funding options, ask the neighborhood association for input, and return with findings; no final vote or capital commitment was made.