Boca Raton City Council Regular Meeting - July 15, 2025

The Boca Raton City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, starting at 6:07 PM and adjourning at 10:46 PM. The agenda was amended to move Item 10A (Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity) earlier and to remove Item 12A (Downtown DRI office conversion). A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment on the proposed redevelopment of the city's downtown government campus, with over 30 residents speaking in opposition. The council also approved the purchase of a building for administrative offices, approved two quasi-judicial land use changes, introduced several ordinances, and selected seven finalists for the city manager position.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the June 9 workshop and June 10 regular meeting.
• Appointed incumbents to the Financial Advisory Board, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Board, and Sustainability Advisory Board.
• Approved the consent agenda (items A through S, excluding item T) unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Speaker Brett Lassen expressed opposition to the government campus plan, calling it a "bait and switch" because while rental units were reduced, office, retail, and hotel square footage increased.
• Ariana Cordia, a youth softball player, urged preservation of recreational spaces, saying her generation does not want these changes.
• Joe Majus demanded a public vote on development of public land, claiming the city is "trading a 60,000 square foot city hall for a smaller one" and eliminating parks.
• Ivan Zentobo, a Historic Preservation Board member, opposed relocating the Singing Pines building and removing the banyan trees, arguing the plan prioritizes profit over community.
• Lorraine Blank repeatedly requested a mandated cost-effectiveness analysis, stating the city has not provided it despite public records requests.
• Rita Head asked for detailed feasibility studies and more time, saying October is too fast.
• Alain DiCostanzo, chair of the Historic Preservation Board, argued the plan departs from Addison Mizner's original vision for the city.
• John Perlman, organizer of the "Save Boca" movement, presented a petition to require a public vote before selling or leasing public land.
• Multiple speakers (Ludmilla Perlman, Patricia Spinella, Romina Brown, and others) emphasized that children and families rely on Memorial Park and tennis courts, and relocating facilities to Sugar Sand Park is impractical for east Boca residents.
• Holly Shuttler criticized the city's outreach, noting no mailers or neighborhood meetings were held.
• Kevin Meaney recalled past efforts (Ocean Strand, Wildflower Park) where public land was given away, cautioning against repeating mistakes.
• Several residents expressed concerns about traffic, homelessness in parks, and the pace of development.
• A few speakers (Vic Rose, David Kayaletha) urged cooperation and fact-finding, suggesting both sides can shape a better project.

Discussion Items

• Government Campus Redevelopment Partnership Opportunity (Item 10A)

  • George Brown, Deputy City Manager, provided an update: the city is working with developer Terra/Frisbee to create a master partnership agreement and master plan. Key components include relocating recreational facilities (softball, tennis, skate park) and integrating Singing Pines history on site. The city is analyzing revenue (estimated >$3 billion over the lease) and expenditures. No vote was taken; this was an informational session.
  • Mayor Scott Singer noted the project would increase green space by 40% and enhance public safety by moving the police station away from the railroad.
  • Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas and Council Member Marc Wigder defended the process, stating the developer has been flexible and the city is actively listening.
  • Council Member Andy Thomson reiterated his opposition, citing excessive density, displacement of recreation, and lack of traffic studies. He voted against the interim agreements.

• Item 9T: Purchase of 6551 Park of Commerce Boulevard (Resolution 108-2025)

  • The council approved the purchase and sale agreement for $17.45 million to move building and code enforcement staff. The building is well-maintained and will save the city tens of millions compared to new construction.
  • Council Member Thomson supported the purchase as sensible and responsible. The resolution passed 4-0.

• One Town Center Preserve FLUM Amendment and Site Plan (Item 11A)

  • Ordinance 5737 changed the future land use designation of 0.70 acres from Planned Mobility to Conservation, protecting a new preserve area with native plantings.
  • Resolution 80-2025 authorized a site plan amendment reducing an undeveloped area from 2.1 acres to 0.70 acres and creating a new preserve. The Environmental Advisory Board had recommended denial, but the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 5-2. Staff clarified the area was not a legally protected preserve. Both items passed 4-0 after public comment from a neighbor requesting more time.

• Barrel of Monks Brewery Expansion (Item 11B)

  • Resolution 100-2025 amended the conditional use to expand the tasting area from 867 sq. ft. to 1,728 sq. ft. interior and 1,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio, adjust hours, and allow sale of beverages not made on-site. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 5-0. No public comment. Passed 4-0.

• Yamato Crossing Drive-Thru Restaurant (Item 12B)

  • Ordinance 5736 removed a 25-year-old restriction prohibiting freestanding restaurants with drive-throughs on a 4.06-acre parcel at 202 W. Yamato Road. The site has remained undeveloped since the bank originally approved did not build. Traffic improvements in the area meet county standards. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 7-0. Passed 4-0.

• City Manager Candidate Selection (Item 17C)

  • The council selected seven finalists to interview on August 12, 2025: Sonia Alves, George Camejo, Patrick Jordan, Stan Morris, Mark Soheny, Alexander Spinelli, and James Zervis. Interviews will begin at 9:00 AM.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (5-0) except item T.
• Resolution 108-2025 (Purchase of 6551 Park of Commerce) approved 4-0.
• Ordinance 5737 (One Town Center FLUM Amendment) approved 4-0.
• Resolution 80-2025 (One Town Center Site Plan Amendment) approved 4-0.
• Resolution 100-2025 (Barrel of Monks Brewery) approved 4-0.
• Ordinance 5736 (Yamato Crossing Drive-Thru) approved 4-0.
• Ordinances 5738, 5739, 5740 introduced on first reading.
• City Manager finalist interviews scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
• Proposed millage rate notification: 3.6649 total mills (0.0173 debt service), with a rolled-back rate of 3.4931. The tentative budget hearing is September 8, 2025.
• Fire Services Assessment fee remains unchanged for 2025-2026.