Public Meetings - Boca Raton, Florida

The Boca Raton City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included the approval of minutes, passage of the consent agenda, an update and public comment on the Government Campus partnership opportunity, a quasi-judicial hearing for Resolution 63-2025, public requests, introduction of an ordinance, and council member reports. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved were the workshop minutes of April 21, 2025, and the regular meeting minutes of April 22, 2025. - Consent Agenda: Approved by a vote of 5-0. The agenda included a single item: a board resignation. Public Comments & Testimony Government Campus Partnership Opportunity (Agenda Item 10): - Steve Zoom Tobel (840 O'Leander Street) expressed concern that the city's direction is becoming like Aventura, losing its charm. He noted that over 1,800 apartments are available for rent and questioned the need for more housing. He cited traffic congestion and criticized the density of the proposed plan, urging the council to maintain green space and not sell out to developers. - Ivan Zum Tobel (840 Oleander Street), a member of the Historic Preservation Board, opposed mixing a government campus with retail, condos, and hotels. He argued that the plan is too dense, destroys historic trees, and that the current designs lack the city's historical character. He questioned why the city is working with a developer and whether community center classes will become more expensive. - Michael Welch (825 Alamanda) stated that traffic is out of hand and the council is making quick decisions that ruin the character of the town. He criticized the council for not listening to residents. - Steve Griffith (123 North Ocean Boulevard) echoed concerns about traffic, safety, and overdevelopment. He suggested building City Hall at an alternate location, such as the current building, and keeping the green space downtown. He also noted an increase in property assessments and questioned the financial benefit of the plan. Public Requests (Agenda Item 14): - Steve Griffith requested a biennial review of retirement benefits under the General Employees Pension Board, stating that since 2013 retirees have not received any cost-of-living adjustment, while other city pension branches have. He also asked why general employees were excluded from supplemental pay benefits recently granted to other branches. - Dennis Popaca (736 NE 71st Street) supported Griffith's comments, noting he retired in 2013 and has received no COLA. He also raised concerns about derelict boats in Lake Boca Raton, requesting enforcement of anchoring time limits to free up space for residents. Discussion Items - Government Campus Partnership Opportunity (Agenda Item 10): - Staff Presentation: Mr. Lucasik provided an update on the timeline and upcoming decision points. He outlined four financial models to be delivered shortly, individual council meetings, and a public workshop on May 27. He described four options for a downtown City Hall, ranging from a ceremonial-only facility to a full City Hall including Development Services. Staff is also analyzing short-term relocation options (five now under consideration), costs of staying on site versus moving, and a revised master plan from Terra Frisbee received that day. He emphasized that negotiations with property owners for short-term space are ongoing and that specific terms cannot be discussed publicly yet. - Council Questions: Council Member Thomson clarified the four City Hall options: (1) ceremonial only, (2) partial City Hall with some administrative functions, (3) full City Hall excluding Development Services, (4) full City Hall including Development Services. Lucasik confirmed that staff is also exploring the possibility of a smaller City Hall with leased space for overflow. - Responses to Public Comment: City Manager Brown addressed concerns, explaining that the goal is to create a vibrant civic space downtown, similar to the historic use of the City Hall area. He noted that one banyan tree appears sick but the rest are healthy, and the developer's plan includes a banyan tree area. The new plan from Terra Frisbee will be posted on the city's website. Mayor Singer added that the current City Hall and community center are past their useful life, and the proposed redevelopment would create a thriving civic square near the Brightline station. He emphasized that the council favored the least dense option and that traffic studies are underway. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution 63-2025 (Boca Technology Center DRI Amendment): Approved 5-0. This resolution reduces the DRI acreage from 224.44 acres to 217.84 acres, removing the 6.6-acre Tri-Rail station property to allow for a previously approved mixed-use development (CIMD: 340 units, 10% affordable, 5% workforce housing, 30,000 sq ft commercial). The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval on April 17, 2025. - Introduction of Ordinance No. 5734: This ordinance amends the FY 2024-2025 budget (second budget amendment). It was introduced by Council Member Wigder with no further discussion. - Board Appointments: Deferred to the next meeting due to lack of qualified applicants (AIA architect and electrical engineer needed for Historic Preservation and Permitting/Construction Review Boards). - Council Member Reports: Council Member Wigder recognized sanitation engineer Michael Thomas for quick action in responding to a garbage truck fire, potentially saving the city a $326,000 replacement cost. Council Member Drucker raised the issue of federal offshore oil drilling and suggested the council either adopt a specific resolution or add explicit language to the 2025 state/federal legislative priorities. City Manager Brown will provide information on the pros and cons. Council Member Thomson wished good luck to the local Little League All-Stars. Mayor Singer highlighted the city's centennial celebration and Boca100.com for centennial merchandise and events. - Next Meeting: The next council workshop, CRA, and regular meeting will be held on May 27, 2025, beginning at 8:00 AM, with the downtown campus discussion scheduled first.

The Boca Raton City Council held a workshop meeting on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 2:33 PM to 4:04 PM. The meeting featured proclamations, presentations, public comments, and detailed discussions on the Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity and the new Police Facility. No formal votes were taken, but key directives and timelines were established. Proclamations & Presentations - National Safe Boating Week Proclamation: Mayor Scott Singer proclaimed May 17–23, 2025 as National Safe Boating Week. Tom Thayer of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36 accepted, noting 650 annual boating deaths nationally (75% drowning) and urging life jacket use. - Festival of the Arts BOCA 2025 Presentation: Executive Director Joanna Marie Kay reported 6,700 attendees, $260,004 in local spending (outside tickets), 21% from out-of-county, 61% from outside Boca Raton, $213,000 in ticket sales, over $200,000 spent on local businesses, and a total economic impact of $1.2 million. The 20th anniversary is planned for 2026 with returning artists. Public Comments & Testimony - Josh Joffee (Address: 5301 NW 2nd Ave) spoke on environmental and condominium issues, including his books "Climatosis" and "Condo Whistleblower." He suggested applying TDAR principles to the proposed skateboard park and advocated for undergrounding Brightline. He offered to present research to the city. - Jonathan Ounjian (Address: 6501 Congress Ave) commented on the city's strategic planning and zoning district issues. He argued for more development-friendly zoning in the CIMD district, noting that current 20 units/acre is insufficient and that older buildings should be replaced rather than preserved alongside new construction. Discussion Items - Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity: Staff (Mr. Lucasic, Will Portfolio of CBRE) provided an update on the schedule and swing space options. Key points: - Interim master plan due from Terra and Frisbee on May 12. - 13 temporary relocation options (30,000–100,000 sq ft) were explored; 8 toured, 4 shortlisted: Brick, North 40 (5201 Congress), 6551 Park of Commerce, and NCCI. - Council discussed the need for flexible lease terms, cost data, and the importance of informed decision-making before the June 10 deadline to keep Terra Frisbee moving forward. - Next steps: Individual meetings with council, then a workshop on May 27 (starting at 8 AM) for policy direction on City Hall size and location. A possible special meeting on June 3 or June 9 was noted. - New Police Facility: Deputy City Manager Jim Zervis, Police Chief Muccio, and Public Works Director Zach Beer presented. Current station (30,000 sq ft, built 1987, on 4.39 acres) is overcrowded with 331 employees (up 128% from 145 in 1987) and population growth from 58,821 to 100,000. The proposed new facility near Spanish River Library (20-acre site) is more centrally located and will co-locate specialized units. Space needs analysis complete; architectural firm ADG is refining design. Expected timeline: 48 months, with construction end of 2026/early 2027. Financing likely via a general obligation bond, possibly on the March 2026 ballot. A reimbursement resolution (to preserve bond cost recovery) is on the next regular agenda. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to schedule individual meetings with council members to discuss swing space options, long-term City Hall needs, and the interim master plan before the May 27 workshop. - The May 27 workshop will start at 8 AM to allow more time for discussion. - Council noted possible special meetings on June 3 or June 9 to meet the June 10 decision deadline for Terra Frisbee. - Councilmember Thompson volunteered to represent the city at the June 26 TPA meeting; Councilmember Wigder will cover Fran's spot. Councilmember Wigder will also serve as alternate for the May 28 Palm Beach League of Cities meeting. - No formal votes were taken; all actions were directional.

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held its regular meeting on May 12, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:27 PM. The meeting focused on the Director's Report, which included an autonomous vehicle pilot project proposal. Commissioners also discussed downtown maintenance, historical context, and future infrastructure planning. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (all five commissioners present), approval of the April 21, 2025 minutes, and no public comments. Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 21, 2025: Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public requests period. Discussion Items - Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project (Director’s Report – Item 10A) - Zach Beer, Public Works and Engineering Director, presented an update on Boca Connect (on-demand shuttle service) and a proposed autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot. Key Boca Connect statistics (March 2025): 2,030 rides, 3,001 passengers, average wait time 8 minutes 55 seconds. Expansion to Barrier Island began late February 2025. - Staff proposed a three-month Phase 1 pilot using a Level 4 autonomous shuttle (Guidant/Amica) on a 0.5-mile loop in Mizner Park with 4–6 stops. The cost is $90,405, including a safety operator, vehicle insurance, and NHTSA approval. Service was initially scoped for four days/week, nine hours/day. Commissioner Nachlas asked about integrating with the Circuit app; staff committed to follow up. - Guidant CEO Mr. Braun described the company’s successes, including a West Palm Beach pilot (launched April 16, 2025) on a 0.9-mile route with six stops, achieving 113 riders per week. He noted that Phase 1 data would accelerate NHTSA approvals for subsequent phases. - Commissioner Positions: - Mayor Scott Singer expressed that Phase 1 in Mizner Park alone would have low ridership and urged accelerating to Phase 2/3 (crossing Palmetto Park Road to Royal Palm Place). He suggested a six-month pilot or immediate application for broader routes. - Commissioner Yvette Drucker voiced frustration with delays, noting that West Palm Beach launched in under six months. She called for proactive policy work and parallel planning for Phase 2/3, particularly linking to BRIC and Tri-Rail. - Commissioner Fran Nachlas supported Phase 1 as a necessary first step to demonstrate safety and gain federal approval, but agreed the goal should be quick progression to Phase 2/3. - Chair Marc Wigder and Vice Chair Andy Thomson echoed the consensus: proceed with Phase 1 to gather data, while simultaneously working on policy and approvals to expedite Phase 2/3. - Outcome: Staff received direction to (1) amend the Circuit contract to include Guidant for Phase 1, (2) obtain an updated proposal for seven-day/week service, and (3) immediately begin evaluating routes, speed limits, and policy needs for Phase 2/3 to shorten the timeline to under one year. The pilot will be used primarily as a testbed. - Commissioner Reports (Item 12) - Chair Wigder noted downtown maintenance progress (gazebo painting, fiber optic work, landscaping). He inquired about a permanent fence for the amphitheater field to reduce costs for frequent festivals; staff will consider the idea. - Chair shared historical research from 1963 city planning (August 1963 minutes) that parallels current infrastructure needs, and referenced a Pompano Beach CRA bond issuance as a model. He emphasized the need for timely action to finance the downtown master plan before the CRA’s tax increment financing expires in 2042. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Autonomous Vehicle Pilot: Conceptual approval with direction to staff to finalize Phase 1 (Mizner Park loop) while simultaneously advancing policy and NHTSA applications for Phase 2/3. The pilot is expected to start within a few months (pending contract amendment and permits). - Amphitheater fence: Staff will evaluate feasibility of a permanent fence. - Next Steps: Staff to return with a revised contract and timeline, and to coordinate with the City Attorney’s Office on autonomous vehicle route designations.

The Boca Raton City Council held a day-long strategic planning session on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 6500 Congress Ave. Facilitated by Trainnovations, the session focused on high-level priorities for the city's future, including growth management, quality of life, and transportation & mobility. Key discussions centered on annexation opportunities, downtown parking and walkability, the recreation master plan, and multimodal transportation investments. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Susan Riley (Friends of the Library) urged the council to ensure free parking for library patrons, particularly those attending evening and weekend classes (e.g., ESL, high school equivalency, senior tech classes, and children's story hour). She suggested a system using library card codes for one hour of free parking. - Nancy Joe Feinberg (Library Board Chair) echoed the need for free parking and proposed adding a drive-through window at the downtown library, citing examples from other libraries. She noted that about 420 holds per week are placed at the downtown library, with a third of patrons only picking up items. - Judy Morrow (resident of 1305 NE 5th Ave) urged the council to prioritize public needs over developer interests regarding the 30-acre downtown site (Mizner Park area). She asked the city to mandate at least 10 tennis courts remain downtown, as the Tennis Center has been there for 62 years, and to exempt that area from redevelopment. Discussion Items - Annexation Opportunities: Mayor Singer proposed exploring annexation of St. Andrew's Country Club and LaLoch, citing potential revenue and service synergies. Council members expressed general support for staff to study these two communities, as well as possibly Boca Country Club/Costco, Field Brook, and Bonnie Yellow Acres, though previous financial analyses showed annexation of Boca Country Club was not advantageous. The consensus was to have staff prepare updated analysis on the two initial areas. - Growth Management & Downtown Parking: Council debated which parts of the city are appropriate for growth and change. There was agreement that downtown should prioritize walkability and reduced parking minimums (with some members advocating parking maximums), while suburban and western areas should retain car convenience. Some members supported reducing lanes on Palmetto Park Road, but others expressed safety and evacuation concerns. Staff was directed to continue studying options. - Quality of Life: Key factors identified included public safety, housing affordability, schools, parks, arts and culture, and responsive city services. Council emphasized using data (surveys, usage rates) to prioritize investments, and noted the importance of mental health and workforce well-being. The recreation master plan was discussed as critical to the downtown campus plan, with a target for conceptual plans in July and full recommendations in August. - Transportation & Mobility: Mr. Beer (Public Works) presented the strategic focus on connecting the Brightline and Tri-Rail stations, completing the El Rio Trail, and implementing Vision Zero. Council discussed trade-offs between finishing the trail network and applying complete streets citywide. General direction: prioritize downtown walkability and pedestrian improvements; use technology (AI) for traffic management in suburban areas; and evaluate a possible third transit-oriented development (TOC) at the Town Center Mall bus hub. The Palmetto Park Road walkability study will present updated options in October. Key Outcomes - Staff Directed to Research Annexation: City staff will analyze the financial and service impacts of annexing St. Andrew's Country Club and LaLoch, and report back. Further study of Boca Country Club/Costco may be included at the request of some council members. - Downtown Parking Policy Direction: Council signaled support for reducing parking downtown to encourage walkability, though some members emphasized maintaining access for visitors from other parts of the city. Staff will incorporate this into the downtown campus master plan negotiations. - Recreation Master Plan Timeline: Consultant Keith and Associates will deliver conceptual plans in July, with council presentations in August. The plan will account for downtown amenity relocations and capacity needs. - Transportation Priority Framework: For the downtown, focus on pedestrian and bicycle connectivity; for suburban areas, focus on traffic technology and vehicle movement. Staff will include evaluation of a third TOC at the mall hub in the citywide transportation plan. - No Formal Votes Taken: All directions were consensus-based and will be documented in the final strategic plan report, expected in May 2025. Meeting recorded and transcribed; minutes not available.

The Boca Raton City Council held a strategic planning workshop on May 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 6500 Congress Ave. Facilitated by Trainnovations, the session aimed to align council and staff on long-term visionary goals for 2030 and 2050, focusing on high-level outcomes rather than operational details. The day included public comment, facilitated discussions on six strategic focus areas, and identification of next steps. Public Comments & Testimony - Monique Grabo (99 Southeast Meisner Boulevard) requested increased traffic enforcement downtown, lower speed limits, no right-turn-on-red at major intersections, and more trash bins to address litter. She expressed that Boca Raton is a dangerous place to walk and bike. - Robert Duquet (5351 Northwestern Terrace, BoCotica area) raised concerns about public safety, specifically opposing a four-lane road through a 70-acre park (Jeffrey Street crossing), and asked for improved transparency with mailed notifications to residents within 500 feet of significant rezonings or site plan amendments. - Jonathan Unjin (6501 Congress Avenue) urged the council to enable proper planning for development in the area, particularly around the Live Local Act and the DDRI, and criticized the practice of placing new residential units next to old commercial buildings without a comprehensive plan. - Judy Morrow (1305 Northeast Fifth Avenue) spoke on behalf of tennis players, requesting a guarantee of at least eight tennis courts in the downtown redevelopment (Terra Frisbee plan) after learning that options reduced the count from the current ten. She noted she spoke with Rob Frisbee for 58 minutes but still had no guarantee. Discussion Items - Campus Master Plan ("Master Plan Plus Plus") – The council discussed the vision for the downtown government campus, emphasizing a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use transit-oriented district that enhances civic identity and economic growth. Key themes included connectivity to Meisner Park, the beach, and other nodes; the need for multimodal transportation (e.g., gondolas, shuttles, bike paths); integration of AI and technology; and the need to balance infrastructure maintenance with new projects. Mayor Singer stressed that the plan should be a vibrant center tied to the larger city, not a siloed development. Councilmember Drucker advocated for bold pedestrianism, including potentially closing streets to vehicles. Councilmember Wigder highlighted the financial necessity of increasing the tax base to replace expiring CRA funds beyond 2042. The council agreed to hold a workshop once the interim master plan is received (expected May 12) to discuss specific policy choices, including street widths and traffic lanes. - Community Safety – Chief Mucio and Fire Chief Trainer presented goals for public safety, noting that increased density and vertical development will require more staffing and equipment. They asked the council for examples of effective safety programs seen elsewhere. Councilmember Drucker cited West Palm Beach's downtown ambassador program as a potential model. Councilmember Wigder emphasized the need for long-term planning for staffing, stations, and succession. The council agreed on the importance of maintaining a feeling of safety and over-communicating with the public. - World-Class Services – The discussion focused on defining world-class services as convenient, innovative, efficient, reliable, responsive, and transparent. Councilmembers stressed the importance of balancing technology with human customer service, maintaining infrastructure, and setting clear expectations. The city's triple-A bond rating and strong general fund balance (25% of expenditures) were noted. Staff sought policy direction on whether to prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure over new projects; council agreed maintenance should be prioritized. - Financially Sound – The council discussed core principles for financial decision-making: maintaining a diverse business base, staying agile in response to legislative changes, keeping the general fund above best-practice benchmarks, and being prepared for economic shifts. Concerns were raised about potential impacts of state preemption (e.g., CRA legislation), tariffs, and a slowdown in property value growth. The possibility of a mobility fee to fund multimodal improvements was raised, but staff noted complexities with the county partnership. - Vibrant Economy – Staff presented data on business tax receipts, showing top industries. Councilmembers requested more granular trend data (e.g., job growth, wages, age of companies, NAICS codes) to better target economic development efforts. Mayor Singer emphasized the need to focus on high-growth industries, especially financial services and tech, and to attract both small and large businesses. Councilmember Drucker stressed the importance of entry-level jobs and retaining young talent. Councilmember Thompson noted the city's success in small business and advocated for remaining flexible. A key takeaway was the need for better data collection, possibly through BTR modifications, to track economic outcomes. Key Outcomes - Campus Master Plan: Council agreed to hold a dedicated workshop once the interim master plan is received to discuss specific design options (e.g., street widths, pedestrian zones). The vision is a vibrant, walkable, transit-connected downtown. Staff will prepare a list of open questions for council. - Community Safety: Council directed staff to continue planning for increased staffing and equipment needs as density increases, and to explore innovative programs like ambassador models. - World-Class Services: Council affirmed prioritizing maintenance of existing infrastructure over new projects, and directed staff to develop metrics for customer service, responsiveness, and reliability. - Financially Sound: Council emphasized maintaining a strong general fund reserve, diversifying revenue streams, and staying agile in response to legislative and economic changes. A mobility fee option will be explored further. - Vibrant Economy: Council requested staff to provide trend data on job growth, wages, business age, and industry composition within 90 days. The city will continue to support small businesses (defined as 50 or fewer employees) while also pursuing larger corporate targets, potentially through an external partner. The small business definition for policy purposes is 50 or fewer employees. - Next Steps: The workshop will continue on May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, focusing on remaining strategic focus areas: Transportation & Mobility and Growth Management.

The City of Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board met on May 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included two quasi-judicial public hearings: a postponement request for a proposed townhome development at 450/468 East Royal Palm Road and a variance request for fence height at the Sullivan Residence at 400 Paloma Avenue. The Board approved the postponement and, after public testimony, voted 4-1 to approve the fence height variance. Consent Calendar - None. The minutes from previous meetings were not available for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - 450/468 East Royal Palm Road Postponement: Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the proposed project, citing concerns about density, neighborhood character, traffic, parking, and lack of sidewalks. Speakers included Kunal Marchandani (attorney for neighboring property owner Elisa Dadashev), Joe Braubart, Fred McNambo, Dolores McNappel, Carolyn Gluck, Richard Gluck, Reginald Kruegler, and Brian Bullock. All opposed the project, arguing it would create an abrupt transition from single-family homes, require excessive variances, and worsen existing congestion. - Sullivan Residence Fence Variance: Two neighbors, Gerard Lagore (also a historic preservation board member) and Richard Murdock, spoke in favor of the variance. They described the fence as an iconic, 30-year-old feature that fits the historic character of Old Floresta, noted that the complaining neighbor has a large out-of-character home, and stated all neighbors except one support the fence. Discussion Items - 450/468 East Royal Palm Road (Items 5.A.i through 5.A.iv): Applicant Elliot Zacharitas requested a postponement to the May 15, 2025 meeting. The Board opened a public hearing, heard opposition, and then voted unanimously (5-0) to postpone. Board members disclosed ex-parte communications with the applicant's attorney. The postponement was granted. - Sullivan Residence (Item 6.A): The Board considered a variance from Section 28-1356(a)(2)(i) to allow a six-foot-tall fence in the front yard setback (maximum allowed is four feet). Staff recommended denial, citing no unique circumstances. The applicant's representative, Mike Cavelli, presented evidence suggesting the fence was originally permitted in 1995 with confusing records (a permit referencing 347 total feet and historical board approval of a Key West-style fence). He argued the fence is set back nearly 20 feet from the pavement, does not obstruct views, is a defining feature of the historic district, and removing it would harm the property's design. Board members debated the precedent of allowing a six-foot front yard fence versus the unique character of the neighborhood and the fact that tall hedges are common. Chair Sevell noted the fence blocks the view of the front door, while others found it integrated with the house. The applicant agreed to remove illegally placed sections in the right-of-way and to replace the fence with an identical design if needed. Key Outcomes - 450/468 East Royal Palm Road: Postponement approved unanimously (5-0) to the May 15, 2025 meeting. - Sullivan Residence Fence Variance: Approved 4-1 (Yes: Morgan, Dornblaser, Mitchell, Sevell; No: Salon). The variance allows portions of fencing with a height of six feet in the front yard, contingent on the applicant removing sections of illegal fencing in the right-of-way and obtaining re-approval from the Historic Preservation Board.

The Boca Raton City Council held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations for Water Reuse Week and Water Conservation Month, awards for the Drop Savers Poster Contest, approval of consent agenda items (with discussion on the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative grant), an update on the Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership, quasi-judicial hearings for Boca Raton Christian School enrollment expansion and technical deviations, a resolution authorizing a speed camera system pilot program, extension of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) term, a code enforcement lien reduction, public requests, and council member reports. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from March 31 (Organizational), April 7 (Workshop), and April 8 (Regular) meetings. (Unanimous) - Resolution No. 54-2025: Local Housing Assistance Plan for SHIP Program. (Unanimous) - Resolution No. 58-2025: Purchase of two Sutphen fire pumpers. (Unanimous) - Resolution No. 59-2025: Closure of NW 28th Street crossing and opening of Jeffery Street crossing with Florida East Coast Railway. (Unanimous) - Resolution No. 60-2025: Agreement with Palm Beach County for Mobility On Demand service connecting to Tri-Rail station. (Unanimous) - Resolution No. 61-2025 was removed from consent and heard separately (Item 12A). - Resolution No. 57-2025 (Economic Development Grant with Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative) was pulled for discussion and approved 4-1 (Council Member Thomson voted no, citing lack of performance metrics). Public Comments & Testimony - Jonathan Ungjin (6501 Congress Avenue) commented on Consent Item 9E (Mobility on Demand), criticizing continued funding for the Northwest Shuttle bus service and suggesting using on-demand electric vehicles instead. He later commented on the Government Campus project, expressing concerns about unit density and lack of affordable housing in northwest Boca Raton, and referenced potential legislative action on the Live Local Act. - Judy Morrow (1305 NE 5th Avenue) spoke on the Government Campus redevelopment, noting a Coastal Star article and stating she had turned in 404 petitions supporting keeping tennis downtown. She urged the council to approve clay courts for Patch Reef Park. - Stephen Abrams (representing Altamont) spoke against the RedSpeed camera contract during the school zone speed camera hearing, advocating for Altamont as a faster and cheaper alternative. - Ron Klein (4620 NW 24th Avenue, representing Jenoptik) likewise advocated for his company, citing local presence and pricing. He suggested an RFP for a permanent program. - Michael Wood (18516 Ocean Mist Drive) praised the Building Department for concierge services and efficiency on large projects, noting his clients have paid over $10 million in permit fees. - Anastasia Collis (199 Mansfield E) requested formation of a volunteer cyber task force ("Cyber Knights") to combat hacking and support community safety; she mentioned gathering over 75 signatures and collaboration with local cybersecurity professionals. Discussion Items - Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity: Staff reported no new developments. Council discussed the planned open house (originally limited to 100 participants via tabletop exercise). Council Members Drucker and Thomson suggested opening the event to more residents, including a presentation by Terra Frisbee followed by Q&A rather than small breakouts. Staff agreed to pivot and readvertise to allow larger attendance. The open house will take place April 28, 2025 at the Studio (capacity 290). - Resolution No. 61-2025 – Speed Detection Camera System Pilot (RedSpeed Florida, LLC): Director Zach Beer presented the contract for school zone speed cameras; the pilot will begin with city roads (county road permitting is still a challenge). Discussion included vendor selection (staff evaluated 4–6 vendors, chose RedSpeed via a piggyback contract from Plantation), safety focus (tickets issued only for 10 mph over limit), and plans for a warning period. Council Members expressed support for moving forward with the pilot, with the understanding that a full RFP may be pursued after evaluation. - Resolution No. 62-2025 – CRA Term Extension: Staff explained that state legislation (SB 1242) could restrict future extensions unless action is taken by May 1, 2025. The resolution extends the CRA to 2043. Council approved unanimously. - Lien Reduction – 1489 W. Palmetto Park Road: Staff recommended a 75% reduction ($30,000 payment) based on serious life safety violations and staff resources expended. Applicant (Ellie Zacharitis) requested 100% reduction ($0), noting that the current owner (Grover Curlew) acquired the property in 2019 and invested over $30 million in renovations, paying $356,000 in permit fees; they were not the violators who caused the original 2014–2015 fines. Council discussion focused on whether the applicant knew about the lien at purchase; it was clarified that the lien was recorded only against one condominium unit and was not discovered in title searches. The council voted 5-0 to reduce the lien to $0. Key Outcomes - Boca Raton Christian School (Resolutions 55 & 56): Approved unanimously (5-0) to increase student enrollment from 800 to 950 and grant five technical deviations for driveways (reduced reservoir distances, median separator, egress lanes). - Speed Camera Pilot (Resolution 61): Approved unanimously (5-0). The pilot will begin on city roads with RedSpeed Florida; warning period precedes citations; staff will engage Palm Beach County on permitting issues. - CRA Extension (Resolution 62): Approved unanimously (5-0) to extend CRA existence to 2043. - Lien Reduction (Resolution 53): Approved unanimously (5-0) to reduce the $118,220 lien to $0.

The City Council held a workshop on Monday, April 21, 2025, beginning at 2:15 PM and adjourning at 4:50 PM. The agenda included public requests, updates on the government campus redevelopment partnership, a recreation master plan presentation, the annual comprehensive financial report, the compliance and long‑range financial plans, and council discussions on the city flag and administrative support staffing. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Morrow (1305 NE Fifth Ave) urged the city to prioritize the Boca Raton Tennis Center, noting that Boca Raton “is considered by most people to be the tennis capital of the world.” She expressed support for building new clay courts and stated the city should be known for outstanding recreational services. She said she was “waiting for the good news” from the council. - Bill Trinka (4097 NW Fifth Ave) opposed the planned closing of 28th Street, arguing that required documentation for the closure has not been provided despite his FOIA requests. He asked the council to table the related proclamation scheduled for the next regular meeting, citing a potential negative financial impact on his property and stating the city is “stealing access” from him. - Anastasia Collis (199 Mansfield E) advocated for the formation of a volunteer cybercrime‑response group, stating she has over 75 signatures of support and resumes from qualified IT professionals. She noted that a prominent cybersecurity expert, Richard Mendel, endorsed the idea. She also brought a recording demonstrating that cybercrimes reported to police were not acted upon. Discussion Items Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity - City Manager George Brown reported that staff and consultant CBRE are meeting weekly, and that the developer Terra and Frisbee has begun due diligence, including core borings and utility locates on the property. The city website (MyBoca.us) now has information about the upcoming charrette (10 tables of 10 participants each, registration required). - Council discussed work‑from‑home policies; members agreed the current policy is adequate and may be expanded slightly in the future. - No public comment on this item. Recreation Master Plan Update - Greg Stevens (Recreation Services Director) and Brianne Harms (Executive Director, Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District) presented a conceptual plan for addressing the relocation of downtown amenities (skate park, softball fields, tennis courts) and new facilities (rectangular fields, sand volleyball, competition‑size pool, field house). - Key locations under evaluation: Meadows Park, Sugar Sand Park, University Woodlands Park, DeHornley Park, and North Park. Three to four softball fields are proposed for Sugar Sand Park’s Tract A (11 developable acres). The skate park and pump track are planned for North Park. - Council questions addressed the potential closure/replacement of Meadows Park pool, the timing of public and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board input, connectivity between DeHornley Park and its dog park, and the use of public‑private partnerships (P3s) for a pool or field house. Staff noted that P3s at North Park have been limited due to bond constraints, but the district is open to such partnerships. - The consultant, Keith and Associates, was selected March 13, 2025; the 98‑day process will produce conceptual plans by mid‑July, followed by public presentations. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) & Compliance - Jim Zervis (Chief Financial Officer) presented the ACFR for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The city’s net position is $1.5 billion in total assets, $469 million in liabilities (including $60 million in bonds payable), and an increase in net position of $24.4 million. General fund revenues were $228.3 million; expenditures were $217.9 million, yielding a surplus of $7.7 million. Unassigned fund balance plus the emergency reserve is about 23% of the next year’s budget. - Hermes Garzon (auditor) reported a clean (unmodified) audit opinion, no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, and no compliance issues. The city received its 43rd consecutive GFOA award for financial reporting. An informal recommendation was made to formally document the OPEB plan description. - The city expended $1.6 million in federal awards and $1.2 million in state financial assistance, triggering a single audit; no noncompliance was found. Long‑Range Financial Plan - Sherra McGuire (Budget Director) presented the 2025 long‑range financial plan (28th update) forecasting through 2030. The baseline forecast shows expenditures slightly outpacing revenues, resulting in a gradual drawdown of unassigned fund balance (from $56.7 million in FY2024 to $46.7 million by FY2030). The plan assumes 5.2% annual growth in property taxes and 3–4.9% growth in expenditures. Recommendations include fee reviews, cost containment, maintaining fund balance policies, and evaluating the financial impact of the government campus redevelopment separately (not yet incorporated). - Council noted that the city’s millage rate of 3.67 is the lowest among full‑service cities in Florida. Key Outcomes - Flag redesign discussion: Mayor Singer presented several alternative flag designs created by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) and Merritt Mile, but council members (Thompson, Drucker, Nackle, Wrigder) expressed that the current flag has garnered renewed civic pride and that a redesign is not a priority. The matter was tabled without a vote; the city will continue to fly the existing flag. Mayor Singer noted he would take the purchased sample flags home. - City Council staffing: Council members raised concerns about the management and retention of city council assistants. Ms. Drucker emphasized that the council had budgeted for two dedicated council assistants and a chief of staff, and asked that future hires be clearly titled as city council assistants reporting to the council. Mayor Singer and others agreed that job expectations and reporting lines need to be clarified. The city manager stated he would review the positions and discuss with council. - Meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM. The next regular council meeting was scheduled for April 22, 2025, with an item to pull the speed‑zone camera from the consent agenda.

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held its regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The meeting lasted approximately 37 minutes, adjourning at 2:07 PM. The board heard public comments, received a downtown appearance update, unanimously approved the audited annual financial statements for fiscal year 2024, and discussed future infrastructure projects. All five commissioners were present: Chair Marc Wigder, Vice Chair Andy Thomson, Commissioner Yvette Drucker, Commissioner Fran Nachlas, and Commissioner Scott Singer. Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting: Approved unanimously without correction. Public Comments & Testimony - Judy Morrow (1305 Northeast Fifth Avenue) spoke about the Patch Reef pickleball court awning, requested updates on the Tierra Frisbee drawings regarding tennis court replacement at the Boca Raton Tennis Center, and advocated for more advertising and programming for seniors and children at the tennis center. She also noted the rising cost of private lessons (from $60 to $70 per hour). Chair Wigder responded that staff would provide a recreation master plan update later in the afternoon workshop; staff are awaiting an updated interim plan from Tierra Frisbee within a few weeks. Director's Report Downtown Appearance Update (Ruby Riley, Downtown Manager) - Meisner Park: ADA-compliant paper pads installed around café tables; fountain restoration began with north and south small fountains, with completion expected by end of June 2025 (pausing for centennial events before the main fountain); water meters installed for drinking fountains with doggy bowls, awaiting a second meter; Cultural Arts Center repainting to finish by end of May; recycling bins placed; benches and trash bins repainted black; resodding nearly complete with a new grass type (south end done). - Downtown Wide: DowntownBoca.org website refreshed with a cleaner, more user-friendly look; interactive map project still underway; review of trash bin locations ongoing, one new bin added in the metered lot east of the post office. - Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Thomson referenced Walt Disney’s 30-step trash can rule; Commissioner Nachlas asked about recycling bin usage (reported as working well). Commissioner Singer noted contrasting examples (Japan and retailers removing cans). Discussion also confirmed dog waste stations are present. CRA Annual Financial Statements & Compliance Report (Carly Sha Jenkins, Deputy CFO; Hermes Garzon, CBI CPAs) - Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024: Total assets of $143.0 million, including $47.3 million in capital assets; net position of $83.9 million (increase of $16.7 million over prior year), of which $36.7 million is restricted. Tax increment revenues totaled $21.4 million, plus $4.6 million in charges for services. The CRA ended with a positive fund balance variance of approximately $17.5 million between the final adopted budget and actual results (revenues exceeded budget by $2.5 million; expenditures were $14.9 million below budget, largely due to delayed capital outlay and elimination of a refund). The general fund ending fund balance stood at approximately $35.2 million. - Audit Opinion: CBI CPAs issued an unmodified (“clean”) opinion. No material weaknesses or deficiencies in internal control were reported, and no compliance issues were identified. The management letter and compliance reports for investments and statutory provisions showed no findings. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Nachlas asked about the treatment of Meisner Park ground leases under new accounting standards. Mr. Zervis explained that lease assets and liabilities are now included on the balance sheet for transparency, based on base rent; percentage rent (currently exceeding base rent) is excluded due to uncertainty. The lease has approximately 60 years remaining. Commissioner Nachlas also asked about the significant budget-to-actual variance; Mr. Zervis attributed it to the timing of capital projects, noting that the $35.2 million fund balance is earmarked for downtown redevelopment campus infrastructure (e.g., drainage, water, sewer, streets). Compliance Report - No issues were noted in the compliance report; the CRA is in full compliance with applicable Florida statutes and investment policies. Chair’s Report & Other Business - Chair Wigder reported on a Leadership Boca tour of downtown, including Meisner Park and the Brightline station. He highlighted upcoming infrastructure projects: Palmetto Park Road, the government campus, and a planned rewrite of the downtown zoning ordinance (4035). He noted that Brightline-related projects (northbound platform, pedestrian bridge) are moving forward. He encouraged exploring free Wi-Fi via fiber optic utility partnerships during the new campus infrastructure work and praised the Meisner Park public-private partnership model. The revised downtown website includes parking and EV charger locations. Upcoming events include the Night Market on May 1, 2025. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the April 7, 2025 CRA regular meeting (unanimous). - Accepted the audited annual financial statements for FY 2024 and the compliance report (no specific motion recorded, but presentation received with unanimous approval implied). - Directed staff to continue downtown appearance projects and monitor infrastructure planning; no formal votes taken on these items. - Adjourned at 2:07 PM to reconvene for a City Council Workshop. --- Note: The meeting agenda listed no quasi-judicial hearings, resolutions, or other business; the only action taken was approval of consent minutes.