Public Meetings - Boca Raton, Florida

The City Council held a special meeting on September 8, 2026, to conduct a public hearing on Resolution No. 99-2026, which equalizes and levies special assessments for the Downtown Special Assessment District for fiscal year 2027. Staff reported a 14% reduction in the assessment rate due to increased property values and new properties added to the district. No public comments were received, and the Council unanimously approved the resolution. Discussion Items - Resolution No. 99-2026 – Staff presented the proposed resolution equalizing assessments for the Downtown Special Assessment District for 2027. The assessment rate was set at .0086, a 14% decrease from the 2026 rate, reflecting a 14.1% increase in downtown property values (from $3 billion in 2024 to $3.472 billion in 2025) and the addition of 150 new properties, increasing the benefited property value by nearly $430 million. For a home valued at $500,000, the assessment would be $43, down from $50 in 2026 and $53 in 2025. Staff noted that for the fifth consecutive year, no objection letters were received. Council members had no questions. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Resolution No. 99-2026 – The Council voted 4-0 (Council Member Pearlman absent) to approve the resolution, equalizing and adopting the special assessment for the downtown district for fiscal year 2027. The assessment is due January 1, 2027. - No public testimony – No members of the public spoke or submitted comment cards. - Meeting adjourned at 10:23 AM.

The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held its regular meeting on September 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting focused on public comments regarding the proposed police headquarters location and the new skate park at North Park. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting was adjourned after commissioner reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Earl Starkoff (3260 St. Charles Way) expressed support for the Spanish River location for the new police headquarters, citing a centralized command outside hurricane evacuation zones and room for future expansion. He noted that the estimated cost of a $125 million bond issue would be $93 per year ($8 per month) per taxpayer, and urged the city to focus the bond discussion on public safety needs. - Michael Manco (330 Northeast State Street) opposed relocating the police headquarters to Spanish River Boulevard, arguing that the downtown location is more accessible to non-gated communities and that a Spanish River site would increase response times due to railroad crossings and traffic. He also advocated for building the new skate park at the Spanish River Library site instead of North Park, citing convenience for children in the area. - Ms. Haglett (last name unclear, likely Haggett) expressed support for the skate park at North Park, having attended the groundbreaking. She described the design as well-planned and urged approval, noting that it serves the younger generation. Discussion Items - Police Headquarters Location: Vice Chair Yvette Drucker corrected a claim made during public comment that response times would increase, stating that police deployment is based on zones, not station location, and that the police department will maintain presence throughout the city. - Skate Park: Commissioner Stacy Sipple and Ms. Haglett noted the positive reception of the North Park skate park design. No further deliberation occurred. Key Outcomes - No resolutions, ordinances, or formal votes were taken during the meeting. - The meeting was adjourned, with the chair noting that a special meeting on the downtown special assessment would follow immediately.

The Boca Raton City Council held a tentative budget hearing on September 8, 2026, at 5:15 PM. The meeting included a presentation on the proposed FY2026-2027 budget, millage rates, and capital improvements plan (CIP), followed by public comment and votes on three resolutions. Council members present: Mayor Andy Thomson, Deputy Mayor Michelle Grau, Councilmember Yvette Drucker, Councilmember Stacy Sipple. Councilmember Jon Pearlman was absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Earl Starkoff (3260 St. Charles Way): Expressed general support for the budget, noting that it was the result of months of work. Suggested that staff begin a formal operational improvement process to identify efficiencies for future budgets, separate from current year decisions. - William E. Crone (903 NE 2nd Street): Opposed the overall trend of increasing fees and taxes, stating that "everything is increasing except the residents" and called for a "diet" on city expenditures. - Mike Liebelson (398 NE 3rd Court): Commended staff for a world-class presentation but argued that property tax collections have increased 57.4% over five years while CPI rose only 14% and population 1%. He urged focus on recovering the $80 million sent to Palm Beach County for PBSO services, which he called five times the impact of Amendment 3. - Albert Kakacci (1499 W. Camino Real): Agreed with Deputy Mayor Grau on the need for parity between resident and non-resident user fees, and encouraged collaboration with the Beach and Parks District. - Mike Liebelson (again): Stated that non-residents should pay a capital charge for using facilities funded by resident property taxes, and reiterated the county reimbursement issue. - Steve Griffith (123 N. Ocean Boulevard): Supported increasing beach parking rates and suggested returning to a gatehouse attendant on the west side of Red Reef to charge the same fees as the east side. Discussion Items - Tentative Budget and Millage Rates Presentation (Mike Middleman, OMB): The proposed operating millage rate of 3.6476 mills (unchanged from FY26) is 4.39% above the rolled-back rate of 3.4941. Due to SB4F, a four-fifths (4/5) supermajority vote is required for adoption; if not achieved, the council can adopt the rollback rate with a simple majority. If no millage rate is adopted, no property taxes can be collected. The fire services assessment for residential properties would increase from $155 to $224 per year—the first increase since FY22. 41,413 notices were sent; 19 formal objections were received. 90% of commercial and 96% of industrial properties will see fee reductions due to a shift to per-structure billing. The general fund budget includes 24 new full-time positions, primarily for fire station 8 staffing (12 firefighters, 4 lieutenants, 4 EMS captains, 1 vehicle technician). Public safety accounts for 62% of the general fund. The CIP proposes $212 million in FY27, with top projects including wastewater upgrades ($28.5M), water treatment improvements ($49M), and the resident-led memorial park enhancement ($7.5M placeholder). - Amendment 3 Impact Discussion: Staff noted that if passed in November, Amendment 3 would phase in $15-16 million in revenue reductions over FY28 and FY29, with no impact on the current budget. The council intends to develop a mitigation strategy rapidly after the vote. - User Fee Schedule Presentation (Jean Michel Noll): Proposed CPI-based increases (3.4%) for cemetery, water/sewer, and stormwater fees. Other increases include development services fees, public works franchise fees (first rise in 10 years), police and fire rescue fees, recreation services fees (camp, golf, beach parking, dog beach, etc.), and parking citation fines. The Financial Advisory Board recommended approval on August 17, 2026. - Resident vs. Non-Resident Fee Concerns (Deputy Mayor Grau & Councilmember Sipple): Both raised concerns that residents are competing with non-residents for limited facilities and that the city should verify residency for travel teams and sports leagues. They requested a comprehensive review of the fee structure. Staff confirmed that a joint meeting with the Beach and Parks District is scheduled for October 27, 2026, to discuss policy alignment. Mayor Thomson and Councilmember Drucker noted the increases were modest and appropriate for now, but supported future policy discussions. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 102-2026 (Proposed Millage Rates): Adopted 4-0. Sets operating millage at 3.6476 mills and debt service at 0.0163 mills, total 3.6639 mills. - Resolution No. 103-2026 (Tentative Budget): Adopted 4-0. Approves the FY2026-2027 budget as presented. - Resolution No. 104-2026 (Fire Services Assessments): Adopted 4-0. Imposes fire assessments at the proposed rates (residential $224, with commercial/industrial decreases). - Resolution No. 105-2026 (Amended User Fee Schedule): Adopted 4-0. Approves the updated fee schedule effective October 1, 2026. - Next Steps: Staff will bring a comprehensive review of resident vs. non-resident fee policies and cost recovery to the council in future cycles, with initial discussions at the October 27 joint meeting with the Beach and Parks District. The final budget hearing is scheduled for later in September.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Boca Raton met on September 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM (meeting began at 6:00 PM). The board held two quasi-judicial public hearings: a marine structure variance for a shared finger pier at 910 and 911 NE 24th Street, and a site plan amendment to add a skate park and pump track at North Park (5800 NW 2nd Avenue). Both items received unanimous approval after extensive public testimony. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously for the regular meetings of May 7, 2026 and July 16, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Marine Structure Variance (910/911 NE 24th St): No public speakers came forward. The applicant (Ryan Abrams, attorney) and an environmental consultant (Tyler Chappelle) presented. The board asked clarifying questions about boat ownership and land ownership. - North Park Skate Park: Approximately 20 public speakers addressed the board. Supporters included Craig Snyder (planner, author), Asher Capanera (9-year-old skateboarder), his parents Dr. Ronaldo and Marisa Capanera, David Bomdes (former citizen council member), Brianna Hagquist (resident with gopher tortoise advocate), Elizabeth Snow, David Wonder, and others. They emphasized the need for modern recreation, inclusivity, multi-generational benefits, and the poor condition of the existing 1998 skate park. Opponents included James Richardson (Boca Tika President's Council, representing 1,600 units), Michael Schneider, Sil Celeberty, Irina Borisora, Harold Chaffee, and others. Their concerns included traffic on NW 2nd Avenue (11,000–12,700 vehicles/day vs. a 15,000 threshold), noise (citing 90 dB for skate parks), lack of a noise study, operating hours, the size of the skate park (45,000–47,000 sq ft), and that the park was originally planned as passive open space. Some opponents asked for a continuance for further study or relocation to Spanish River Park. Discussion Items - Marine Structure Variance (Items 6A.i & 6A.ii): The board considered variances for two adjacent parcels (911 and 910 NE 24th Street) to allow a shared 196.2-foot finger pier in lieu of the 60-foot maximum, reduced side setbacks, and zero-foot side setbacks for the dock. Staff (Tori Boone) recommended approval, noting the design minimizes environmental impact (avoiding dredging and seagrass), reduces encroachment, and is consistent with a prior variance at 900 Lagomar Lane. The Marine Advisory Board recommended approval with conditions (ladder, dolphin piling lighting). The applicant argued the variance is the minimum necessary due to shallow water (2–4 feet deep) and submerged seagrass beds. The board voted unanimously to approve each variance (7-0). - North Park Skate Park (Item 5A): The board reviewed a site plan amendment to add a 1.43-acre skate park (including pump track, bowls, snake run, street course) to the approved 69.49-acre North Park development. Staff (Eoin Devlin) noted no trees are removed, parking remains sufficient (327 spaces, 175 excess), and traffic impacts are below thresholds requiring a new study. The Community Appearance Board recommended reducing fence height from 8ft to 6ft, but the applicant opposed due to safety concerns. The applicant (Mila Fuentes) and district executive director Brianna Harms highlighted public workshops, design refinements, and integration with the broader park. During public discussion, board members expressed support for the project's benefits to youth and families. Key Outcomes - Marine Structure Variance – 911 NE 24th Street (VA-25-05): Motion to approve passed 7-0. Condition: compliance with building permit, shared maintenance agreement, no mooring within 45 ft of seawall, and post-construction bathymetry survey. - Marine Structure Variance – 910 NE 24th Street (VA-25-03): Motion to approve passed 7-0. Conditions same as above. - North Park Skate Park (PZSPA-2026-00017): Motion to approve the site plan amendment passed 7-0. The project will move forward with the recommended conditions from staff and the Community Appearance Board (fence height remains at 8 ft per applicant's safety justification). Other Items - Public Requests: None. - Director's Report & Board Member Reports: Brief discussion about transitioning to electronic distribution of agenda packets. The board took no formal action.

Opening & Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Present were: - Mayor Andy Thomson - Deputy Mayor Michelle Grau - Council Member Yvette Drucker - Council Member Jon Pearlman - Council Member Stacy Sipple Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Thomson delivered the invocation and the Pledge was recited. Agenda Amendments - Item 10A (1150 Innovation Center) – The Council unanimously agreed to postpone the public hearing for this item to the October 13, 2026 meeting at the request of the applicant. Minutes Approval The minutes of the July 27, 2026 Workshop and July 28, 2026 Regular Meeting were approved. Proclamations & Presentations - Legislative Update – Senators Lori Berman and Tina Polsky provided a legislative update on the 2026 session and emphasized the importance of addressing the city's local issues. - Property Tax Update – Mayor Thomson discussed the impact of property taxes and upcoming legal tax challenges. Board Appointments City Council made the following appointments: - Community Advisory Panel – Chris Woolley appointed - Community Appearance Board – Amy Pecoraro appointed - Financial Advisory Board – Tim Rocky appointed - Marine Advisory Board – Mark Eyerman appointed - Sustainability Advisory Board – Rebeca Sowell appointed - Note: Board appointment votes were unanimous. Consent Agenda The consent agenda was approved in a single vote. The following items were included: - Numerous agreements, resolutions, and intergovernmental items. Key votes regarding Consent Agenda: Council voted to adopt the consent agenda as presented. The Community Advisory Panel and CDBG Advisory Board approved DEI (2024 residents, unanimously. The consent agenda was approved 5-0. Consent Agenda All items passed in a single vote: - Ordinance No. 5792 – Repealed and reenacted the nuisance animal feeding ordinance. - Ordinance No. 5793 – Amended the budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. - Ordinance No. 5794 – Introduced. (This heading may be incorrect – likely the budget amendment). Public Comments - Pam Pski asked questions about. Discussion Items Key Votes (Consent Agenda portion): Resolutions and Other Business The City Council approved the agenda as presented. Two items were voted on under the Public Hearings: 1. Ordinance No. 5792 – Regarding nuisance animal feeding, passed 3-2. 2. Resolution No. 79-2026 – This ordinance was approved by a vote of 3-2. Public Comments on Consent Agenda Consideration of the Consent Agenda The Council reviewed and approved all consent agenda items. No items were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments on Consent Agenda No comments from the public were received on the consent agenda items. Regular Public Hearing This is a second attempt to adopt this ordinance. It was deferred by the City Council at a previous meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (vote: 5-0). - Ordinance No. 5792 – Adopted 3-2 (with Council Member Drucker and Council Member Grau dissenting). - Resolution No. 79-2026 – The fine schedule was adopted 3-2. - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (vote: 5-0). Introduced Ordinances Three ordinances were introduced for first reading: 1. Ordinance No. 5794 – Building Recertification Inspection Program aligning with state law regarding uninhabitable stories, deadlines, and extension requests. 2. Ordinance No. 5796 – Amends Chapter 12, Pensions, for police and firefighter pension reform. 3. Ordinance No. 5797 – Revises the exempt contractual services and products under the Procurement Code. City Manager's Reports The downtown police station remains a topic of discussion. City Manager Mr. Sohaney noted that the station is inappropriate and obsolete but that a new police station will nonetheless be included. Public Comments Community Appearance Board - Two applicants were appointed to the Community Appearance Board. Community Appearance Board - Two applicants were appointed to the Community Appearance Board. }

The Boca Raton City Council held a workshop meeting on August 24, 2026, beginning at 1:37 PM and adjourning at 2:40 PM. The agenda included board interviews for multiple advisory committees, a Vision Zero Action Plan update, public comments, a presentation of community polling on the new police headquarters, and council member reports. Board Interviews - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: No applicants. - Community Advisory Panel: Applicant Mr. Ferris did not appear; no interviews. - Community Appearance Board: No applicants. Council expressed interest in architects applying. - Financial Advisory Board: No applicants. - Marine Advisory Board: Mark Eierman (4857 NW Third Avenue, 31-year resident) interviewed, citing experience with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, CERT, and Guardian ad Litem. No questions from council. - Sustainability Advisory Board: No applicants. Council noted all appointments will be made during the regular meeting on August 25, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Earl Starkov (3260 St. Charles Way) expressed strong support for Vision Zero but requested it be presented as a separate resolution (not on the consent agenda) to ensure public visibility. He urged a year-round, omni-channel communications campaign targeting drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and young e-bike riders, with positive education and visible enforcement. He offered to assist the city’s communications team. Discussion Items - Vision Zero Action Plan Update (presented by Zach Beer, Public Works & Engineering Director): - Background: City Council adopted a Vision Zero policy in October 2022, unlocking federal grant funding. A $300,000 grant funded the action plan; a 2024 grant ($4 million) for demonstration projects; a 2025 grant for emergency response vehicles. Boca Raton is the top Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant recipient in Florida. - Statistics (2018–2023): Average of 7 crashes per day, 45 incapacitating injuries per year, 5–6 fatalities per year, 2,500 crashes annually. 13% of crashes are off-road (unusually high). Road network ownership: FDOT 34%, Palm Beach County 33%, City 33%. FDOT and County roads account for two-thirds of high-injury crashes. - High Injury Network identified via data and community input. Tools include speed management and roadway departure countermeasures. - Next step: City Council adoption of the Action Plan at the September 1, 2026 regular meeting. - Council discussion: Councilmember Sippel questioned spending (none of the $4M spent yet; expected to start in 2027), how success will be measured (staff emphasized data-driven updates), and use on non-city roads (grant prioritized city roads; staff advocates with FDOT/County). Concerns about e-bike regulation were raised by Councilmember Grail and Councilmember Trucker (noting upcoming e-bike seminar in September and vetoed state legislation). Councilmember Trucker expressed pride in the grant awards and supported an all-of-government approach. - City Manager Reports – Police Services Complex and Community Polling: - City Manager Al Sahaney recapped two options: Option 1 (central complex with downtown station) and Option 2 (downtown complex at base parcel). Community engagement continues, including a September 2 Community Advisory Panel meeting. - Dr. Richard Bernard (FM3) presented results of a survey of 256 likely March 2027 voters (margin of error ±6.1%, 95% confidence). Key findings: - 53% believe at least some need for new police HQ; 56% initially favored building (77% after info). - Initial location preferences: Central 64% favor, 27% oppose; Downtown 59% favor, 28% oppose. After introducing building size/height, Central held at 64%, Downtown dropped to 49%. After cost info (Central $100M–$125M; Downtown $112M–$140M), Central 59%, Downtown 48%. After supportive and opposition statements, Central 61% favor, Downtown 58% favor. Intensity of support consistently higher for Central (36% strongly favor vs 21% for Downtown). - Forced choice: 54% prefer Central + downtown station; 24% prefer Downtown new HQ; 18% oppose both. - Consistency: 49% consistently favored Central; 36% consistently favored Downtown. - Councilmember Sippel questioned the sample size (256 vs typical 300); Dr. Bernard noted demographics matched likely voters and MOE is acceptable. - Councilmember Perlman reiterated support for the Downtown location. Key Outcomes - Board Interviews: All vacancies will be filled during the August 25, 2026 regular meeting. - Vision Zero Action Plan: Will be presented for adoption at the September 1, 2026 regular meeting. - Police HQ Polling: Results will inform continued community engagement and potential future ballot measures. - Conflict Disclosure: Councilmember Grail disclosed that her husband's company has a client relationship with Chen Moore & Associates (ranked 1 for Memorial Park Master Plan); she will abstain from voting on the contract award. - Councilmember Trucker reported on MPO annual report, Florida League of Cities updates, federal transportation reauthorization delays, and back-to-school traffic safety.

This was a very brief regular meeting of the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Auditorium at 6500 N. Congress Avenue. The meeting lasted only six minutes, with no substantive agenda items discussed. All five commissioners were present: Chair Andy Thomson, Vice Chair Yvette Drucker, Commissioner Michelle Grau, Commissioner Jon Pearlman, and Commissioner Stacy Sipple. The meeting adjourned at 1:36 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 27, 2026, Regular Meeting: Approved unanimously. A motion was made by Vice Chair Drucker, seconded by Commissioner Sipple, and all members voted in favor (5‑0). Public Comments & Testimony - None. No members of the public spoke during the public requests portion of the agenda. Discussion Items - None. The agenda included sections for presentations, quasi‑judicial hearings, resolutions, and other business, but none were addressed or discussed. Key Outcomes - The only formal action taken was the approval of the July 27, 2026, meeting minutes. - The meeting was adjourned without any further business, director’s report, attorney’s report, or commissioner reports.

This regular meeting of the Boca Raton City Council began at 6:00 PM on July 28, 2026. The council addressed board appointments, approved the consent agenda, ranked firms for the Downtown Civic Area/Memorial Park Master Plan, introduced two ordinances, and received reports on the proposed millage rate and fire services assessment. Public comment covered retiree health benefits, beach sargassum, the police station and skate park, and property tax concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the June 9, 2026 workshop and regular meetings and the June 18, 2026 special meeting. - Approved Resolutions 67-2026 through 85-2026 and other consent items including fire equipment contracts, PFAS engineering services, CDBG Annual Action Plan, emergency fire rescue mutual aid with Delray Beach, downtown special assessment roll, 35th Street drainage improvements, Yamato Road landscaping MOA, emergency utility repairs, settlement approvals, SEIU/FPSU Local 1227 labor agreement, fleet management software, pathway construction, P25 radio system enhancements, public safety communications equipment, and board resignations (Victor Rodriguez, Dr. Georgia Christakis) and board minutes received. - Vote: 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Warner: Criticized the RFQ selection process as rushed and reminiscent of past controversial consultant selections; urged the city to focus on fixing existing park facilities rather than large-scale redevelopment. - Mike Liebelson: Supported the selection of Chen Moore but stressed the need for council consensus on key decisions (e.g., police station, city hall) before launching the master plan; urged clear scope including connectivity beyond the 17-acre site. - Steve Starkov: Warning that the CIP includes $7.5 million for design/engineering and $150 million in bonds; requested that scope be finalized after community polling and engineering assessments before committing funds. - Juan Caicedo: Emphasized the importance of listening to the community, expressing a personal preference for the Corradino Group. - Robert Ducate: Advocated for keeping the skate park in downtown or moving to Spanish River Park, citing the new Pompano Beach skate park as a model. - Martha Parker: Expressed concern over the impact of property tax reform on seniors and renters; requested more information on potential fee increases. - Marie Marini: Representing city retirees, urged the council to preserve retiree health insurance subsidies, noting that the changes could impose thousands of dollars in added costs on fixed incomes. - Teresa Dwyer: Retired city safety officer, supported maintaining reasonable retiree health insurance access. - Avi Yesowich: Complained about poor beach sargassum cleanup, especially at Boca Inlet; asked the city to work with Palm Beach County for better response. - Martin Bell: Proposed using the base building temporarily for a downtown police station but ultimately converting the site into a pocket park; argued a second police station is supported by data. - Alexandra Abelo: Asked about homelessness coordination with NGOs, whether the selected consulting firm has been paid, and questioned the city's audit firm. Discussion Items Board Appointments: - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: No applicants. - Citizens’ Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board: Appointed Fran Knockless and Ed Lynch (moved by Deputy Mayor Grau, seconded by Councilmember Drucker; vote 5-0). - Community Appearance Board: No applicants. - Financial Advisory Board: Reappointed Michelle Ferrara and Ron Crudeau (motion by Councilmember Drucker, seconded by Councilmember Sipple; vote 5-0). - Library Board: After nominations, Councilmembers voted: Andreas (3 votes), Feinberg (5 votes), Lask (2 votes). Appointed Nancy Joe Feinberg and Jacob Andreas. - Marine Advisory Board: No applicants. - Parks and Recreation Board: Seven applicants for four vacancies. After nominations and vote, appointees: Keith Nelson, Joel Rask, Brianna Hagquist, Judith Mora. - Sustainability Advisory Board: Reappointed Tamara McKee (motion by Councilmember Drucker, seconded by Councilmember Pearlman; vote 5-0). Resolution 86-2026 – Downtown Civic Area/Memorial Park Master Plan RFQ Ranking: Three firms presented qualifications and answered council questions: - Brooks Scarpa Huber (Brooks Scarpa + Sasaki + Kimley Horn + KMF + Urban Impact Lab) - Chen Moore and Associates (with REG Architects) - Corradino Group (with Divney Valek, Savino Miller, Cultural Plan Group) Presentations focused on public engagement, historic preservation, connectivity, and recreation integration. Council ranked firms after hearing public comment. Vote: 5-0 to adopt resolution ranking Chen Moore 1, Corradino 2, Brooks Scarpa Huber 3, and authorizing staff to negotiate with the top-ranked firm. City Manager Reports – Millage Notification and Fire Services Assessment: - Proposed total millage rate 3.6639 (operating 3.6476 + debt service 0.0163), a 4.39% increase over the rollback rate. No action; notice transmitted to the county. - Proposed fire services assessment: residential rate increase to $224 per dwelling unit (from $155) due to additional staffing; commercial/warehouse rates generally decrease; implementation for multi-structure properties corrected. Introduction of Ordinances: - Ordinance No. 5792: Prohibits feeding iguanas, rats, mice, or pigeons in a manner likely to attract them; authorizes direct citations. Introduced. - Ordinance No. 5793: Second budget amendment for FY 2025-2026. Introduced. Key Outcomes - Board Appointments Completed: Financial Advisory Board (Ferrara, Crudeau), Library Board (Feinberg, Andreas), Parks and Recreation Board (Nelson, Rask, Hagquist, Mora), Sustainability Advisory Board (McKee), Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board (Knockless, Lynch). - Master Plan Consultant Selected: Chen Moore and Associates ranked first; staff directed to negotiate a contract; back to council anticipated August 25, 2026. - Consent Agenda Approved: 5-0. - Ordinances Introduced: Animal feeding prohibition (5792) and budget amendment (5793) set for public hearings at a future meeting. - No Decisions on Millage or Fire Fee: Noted for information; formal adoption in September. - City Manager Noted: Transition of park rangers and ocean rescue to police/fire complete; homelessness initiative implementation beginning; coordination with county on sargassum cleanup. - City Attorney Clarified: Council members may express personal opinions on Amendment 3 using their First Amendment rights; written guidance to follow.

The Boca Raton City Council held a workshop on July 27, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM. The meeting included interviews for several advisory board vacancies, presentations on a proposed skate park at North Park, a homelessness response update, and a police services complex project update. The council also received public comments on multiple topics and provided direction on next steps. No formal votes were taken; appointments and further actions are scheduled for subsequent meetings. Board Interviews - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: Applicants not present; will be considered at the next meeting. - Citizens’ Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board: No interviews conducted. - Community Appearance Board: No interviews conducted. - Financial Advisory Board: No interviews conducted. - Library Board: Two applicants unable to interview; will be considered at the next meeting. - Marine Advisory Board: No interviews conducted. - Parks and Recreation Board: Seven applicants interviewed, including incumbents Jim Sumoslowski, Ryan Luring, Joel Raska, Keith Nelson, and new applicants Brianna Hadquist (with tortoises), Judy Morrow. All expressed commitment to parks and recreation. Appointments to be made at the July 28 meeting. - Sustainability Advisory Board: One applicant not present; may interview at a later date. Public Comments & Testimony - Skate Park (North Park): Multiple speakers expressed strong support for building a 45,000-square-foot modern skate park with a pump track, citing community needs for youth recreation, safety, and inclusivity. Speakers included Fabiana Delfino (professional skater), Todd and Miles Adle, Stephanie Donovan, Austin and Colby Wright, Mary Alice Kindred, Brianna Kish, Danielle Minch, Daniel London (nonprofit Planet Park), and others. They noted the existing Tim Huxhold Skate Park (10,000 sq ft, built 1998) is outdated, deteriorated, not ADA accessible, and requires paid entry, driving skaters to other cities. Some speakers opposed the location, including Michael Schneider (representing five condominiums with about 400 voters) and Harold Chaffee (Keep Boca Tika president, representing over 1,000 people), who argued the park should be moved to Spanish River Park to preserve green space and avoid residential incompatibility. Chaffee also criticized the community engagement process as insufficient. Ms. Hadquist and others supported the park's design and location. - Homelessness Response: No public comments recorded during this item. - Police Services Complex: No public comments recorded during this item. - Public Requests (End of Meeting): Dr. Lorraine Blank criticized the city for lacking an overall vision and making decisions in silos. Harold Chaffee reiterated opposition to closing 28th Street and questioned the railroad crossing project. Jonathan Ungee supported moving police headquarters to Spanish River but stressed need for fiscal responsibility and strategic planning. Judy Morrow emphasized recreation needs and urged a city vision for 2028. Michael Schneider presented materials arguing surveys show higher public priority for golf, open space, and community center over skate park and boys & girls club. Discussion Items - Skate Park Presentation (Briann Harms, Executive Director, Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District): The district proposed adding a 45,000-square-foot skate park and pump track to the North Park site. The existing 10,000-sq-ft skate park (built 1998) is inadequate, not ADA compliant, and costly to expand downtown due to utility infrastructure. The project is community-driven with two public workshops and a survey funded by a $32,600 Planet Park grant. Construction documents are in progress; bid awarded to American Ramp Construction. No city council action requested at this time. Council members expressed general support, with Councilmember Drucker thanking the public and Councilmember Perlman suggesting the city might consider rebuilding the downtown skate park as part of Memorial Park planning. - Homelessness Response Update (City Manager and Acting Police Chief Dubenski): Staff presented current conditions, including a hot team from Palm Beach County handling outreach, a trespass ordinance (expected implementation October 1), and park rangers reorganized under police. Recommendations included: 1) Establish a quality-of-life working group, 2) Add four CRA officers focused on downtown quality-of-life issues, and 3) Create a community resource coordinator position to improve coordination among service providers. Data showed steady contacts but declining reactive calls for service. Council discussion: Councilmember Trecker and Mayor Thompson favored immediate implementation of all recommendations; Councilmember Sippel agreed; Councilmember Prolman preferred to delay new hiring until recent changes (trespass ordinance, park ranger transition) are evaluated. The city manager offered a phasing plan but council consensus (4-1) was to proceed with the plan as presented ASAP. - Police Services Complex (City Manager, Acting Chief, Public Works Director Zach Beer): Staff reviewed two options: 1) Central Complex (16 acres at Spanish River) with a 9,000-sq-ft downtown substation, and 2) Downtown Complex (1.94 acres near existing base building) requiring vertical construction (90,000 sq ft on two acres). Staff recommended the central location due to better operational unification, lower cost (horizontal construction 10-12% cheaper), ability to hurricane-harden the main building only, and future expansion capacity. Both options include a firing range, evidence storage, and rolling asset garage. Council discussion: Mayor Thompson, Deputy Mayor Ground, Councilmember Trecker, and Councilmember Sippel supported moving forward with the central location plus downtown substation, citing cost savings, safety (downtown site is in an evacuation zone), and trust in staff's due diligence. Councilmember Prolman disagreed, wanting a third option (rebuild on the current 4-acre downtown site with potential expansion to adjacent parcels) and requesting additional data (crime maps, response times, population projections). The majority (4-1) directed staff to proceed with community outreach and polling based on the two options presented; staff will meet with HOAs and conduct community advisory panel sessions in August and September, returning to council on September 22. Councilmember Prolman's data requests will be provided outside of a formal meeting. Key Outcomes - Board Appointments: Appointments for all advisory boards will be made at the City Council meeting on July 28, 2026. - Skate Park: No action required; project to proceed through site plan and permitting with community engagement already completed. - Homelessness Response: Council approved the plan as presented (quality-of-life working group, four CRA officers, community resource coordinator) with immediate implementation directed. - Police Services Complex: Council gave direction to proceed with community outreach on the two options (central complex with downtown substation vs. downtown complex), with polling and advisory panel input over the next two months. A bond referendum could be on the March 2027 ballot if council chooses that funding method. - Future Agenda Matters: Agenda item 13A (Ordinance 5790) postponed to allow staff additional review. - E-Bikes: Councilmember Drucker noted the governor vetoed the e-bike bill; the county MPO will host a training seminar on September 3 to explore local ordinances. - Public Comments: No formal decisions; input noted for future consideration.