Boca Raton City Council Workshop: June 9, 2025

The Boca Raton City Council held a workshop on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:59 PM. The meeting included board interviews, public requests, a review of upcoming regular agenda items, and a detailed discussion on the Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity. The council also received an update on the city manager recruitment process and heard council member reports on transit and bicycle infrastructure.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Millage (representing the landowner) requested that consent agenda item 9D be moved to the regular agenda. He cited a special magistrate’s order that criticized the city for not being forthcoming with permit information and for failing to provide a reasonable cure period.
• Marie Hester spoke in support of Charles Grays’ reappointment to the Historic Preservation Board, citing his active community role.
• During the government campus discussion, Ms. Morrow advocated for a full tennis program, emphasizing that one in 13 people in Florida play tennis, and requested eight courts at the campus and eight at Meadows Park for future growth.
• John Pearlman raised concerns about the lack of financial transparency, stating that no appraisal of the public land had been provided and that a working document on financial negotiations between the city and Terra Frisbee Group was not publicly available. He argued that condominium sales of public land require adherence to city code and an appraisal.
• Jonathan Ungie criticized the city’s choice of CBRE as a consultant, alleging that CBRE favors its own properties and may not secure the best deal for the city.

Discussion Items

• Board Interviews: Three applicants (Charles Grays, Michael Zurecki, Susan Schultz) interviewed for the Historic Preservation Board. John Pearlman applied on the spot and interviewed, pledging to protect the Children’s Museum, Tennis Center, and Skate Park. The mayor clarified that the Children’s Museum is not at risk and will be relocated as planned. No applicants were present for the Permitting and Construction Review Board; the council sought an electrical engineer.
• Review of Regular Agenda Items: City Manager George Brown explained a resolution to establish parking meter zones at beachfront parks, transitioning from a sticker system to license plate recognition. Implementation will begin at Spanish River Park, with full rollout expected by September 2026. The council clarified that this does not immediately install meters but authorizes the system change.
• Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity: Deputy City Manager Andy Lukisic and Rob Frisbee (Terra Frisbee Group) presented updates to the interim master plan. Key changes: residential density reduced by over 200 units (three residential buildings removed), office square footage increased, recreational open space increased by 20%, and Centennial Park activated with a full-size basketball court, playground, splash pad, and community retail. Street widths were reduced, bike lanes buffered, and pedestrian safety enhanced. Options for tennis courts: 6 at Meadows Park and 4 downtown, or 8 at Meadows and 2 downtown. The council discussed a transportation hub, connectivity to neighborhoods, and a potential $10 million commitment for pedestrian bridges. Council member Mark Wigner gave a detailed presentation supporting the plan, emphasizing the P3 partnership’s economic benefit ($340 million net present value, $3.4 billion over 99 years) and the need for optionality in phase three. He also proposed a memorial field instead of a water feature and called for parking maximums for residential units.
• City Manager Recruitment: George Brown reported that the Mercer Group provided a shortlist of candidates. The council will review all applications and finalize four candidates for formal interviews on August 12, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The council agreed to this date.
• Council Member Reports: Yvette Drucker reported on attending the NACTO conference in Washington, D.C., and a bike immersion program in the Netherlands, highlighting best practices in bicycle infrastructure and integrated mobility. Scott Singer proposed increasing the number of residency proof documents required for city council candidates from two to three, tracking the library’s requirements. The council expressed general support, and the item will be introduced at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Board interviews: Appointments for the Historic Preservation Board and Permitting and Construction Review Board will be made at the regular council meeting on June 10, 2025.
• Parking meter resolution: To be considered on June 10, 2025; implementation timeline established.
• Government Campus: The council will consider approval of the interim master plan on June 10, 2025, focusing on uses, densities, and intensities. Further negotiations on financial terms, detailed design, and regulatory approvals will follow.
• City Manager: Semi-finalist list confirmed; interviews scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 1:30 PM.
• Residency proof ordinance: Mayor Singer will introduce an ordinance to increase documentation requirements for candidates; it will be placed on a future agenda for introduction and vote.