Boca Raton City Council Regular Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Boca Raton City Council held its regular meeting on September 22, 2026, from 11:55 AM to 2:05 PM. The council approved minutes, appointments, consent agenda items, and several ordinances, and received reports on community engagement and the police services complex. Key discussions included the future of the police facility, a new Public Affairs Department, construction debris franchise agreements, and a process for filling an upcoming council vacancy.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: Minutes from the Special Meeting, Workshop Meeting, Regular Meeting, and Tentative Budget Hearing of September 8, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Board Appointments:
  • Pam John was reappointed to the Civil Service Board (one applicant, one vacancy).
  • Jack Nixon and Kimberly Patton were appointed to the Community Advisory Panel (four applicants for two vacancies; voting: Nixon received 4 votes, Patton 5, Mariana Demkova Hankin 1).
• Consent Agenda Items (all passed unanimously):
  • Groundskeeping equipment ($413,000); desktops/laptops ($1,150,000); software maintenance ($3,600,000); hardware/storage equipment ($3,000,000); security guards ($416,839); MRO supplies from W.W. Garinger ($698,400); MRO supplies from Home Depot ($388,400); sodium hypochlorite ($748,000).
  • Sole source items: CAD-RMS software ($700,000); parking/fleet software ($240,000); OEM parts for fire apparatus ($450,000); Badger Meter system ($4,800,000).
  • Resolutions: No. 114-2026 (legal services amendment), No. 115-2026 (2027 meeting schedule), No. 116-2026 (Vision Zero Action Plan adoption), No. 118-2026 (fire rescue mutual aid with Boynton Beach), No. 120-2026 (beach and coastal management support).
  • Board minutes from multiple boards and certification of election for Teresa Dwyer to Civil Service Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Consent Agenda (Vision Zero): Richard Warner (1322 SW 9th Terrace) questioned the effectiveness and public awareness of the Vision Zero plan. Martin Bell (761 SW 3rd St) identified a dangerous pedestrian crossing at Palmetto Park Road between 4th and 9th Avenues, requesting inclusion in the plan. Mark Griffith (401 NW 15th St) described unsafe conditions exiting his neighborhood onto Glades Road due to high speeds and overgrown landscaping, urging safety improvements.
• Resolution 119-2026 (Countess de Hoernle Park): Mr. Starkov expressed full support on behalf of himself and his wife, emphasizing the long-term community benefits of soccer fields for children and families.
• Ordinance 5795 (Public Affairs Department): Mike Liebelson (398 NE 3rd Ct) commended the city manager’s reorganization and expressed support for the new department.
• Ordinance 5807 (Downtown Plan Amendment): Richard Warner requested clarification on added and removed projects; council provided explanation (removing Brightline platform, transit-oriented community redevelopment, and relocation of historic buildings; adding residential-led memorial park enhancements and old town rehabilitation).
• Public Requests: Mike Liebelson urged council to push for county MSTU to reduce double taxation on city residents (estimated $85 million/year). Mark Griffith voiced concerns about budget expansion, pension underfunding ($250 million), and maintenance issues at Boca Raton Golf & Racket (leaky roof). Richard Warner criticized political advertising that exaggerates voting percentages. Martin Bell advocated for a downtown skate park, temporary use of the base building for police, and long-term designation of that site as a park.

Discussion Items

• Community Advisory Panel Report – Police Services Complex: Ms. Carmen presented findings from two community conversations (Spanish River and downtown). Residents acknowledged the need to rebuild the police facility, prioritized public safety and fiscal transparency, and emphasized maintaining a downtown police presence regardless of the final location. No council questions.
• Resolution 119-2026 (Countess de Hoernle Park Phase II): Staff (Mr. Lucasic) explained the amended interlocal agreement with the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District; phase II focuses on athletic fields to meet demand and compensate for the anticipated loss of FAU field access in 2030. Council approved without further discussion.
• Ordinance 5795 (Public Affairs Department): City Manager Sohaney and Public Affairs Director Connolly outlined the reorganization consolidating communications, community relations, cultural affairs (Meisner Park Amphitheater, public art), and community resources under one 30-person department; no new positions except the previously approved community resource coordinator.
• Ordinances 5800–5805 (C&D Franchise Agreements): Public Works Director Beer presented six non-exclusive franchise agreements for construction and demolition debris collection. Each requires a $2,875 annual fee and 15% monthly gross revenue fee. Staff recommended approval.
• Ordinance 5806 (Public Service Tax Cleanup): CFO Zervis explained the ordinance removes outdated earmarks from the 10% public service tax on water services, directing all revenue to the general fund; clarifies reclaimed water is subject to the tax. No rate change.
• Ordinance 5807 (Downtown Plan Amendment): Special Projects Manager Timberlake reviewed the update to Section 11 of the downtown CRA plan: removing three defunct projects (Brightline platform, transit-oriented community redevelopment, historic building relocation) and adding two new projects (residential-led memorial park enhancements, old town rehabilitation). CRA had unanimously recommended approval. Council discussed TIF funding restrictions for government buildings.
• City Manager Report – Council Vacancy Process: City Manager Sohaney proposed accepting applications for the temporary Seat C vacancy through October 30, with interviews November 9 and appointment November 10. Councilmember Drucker noted she would resign on November 9 at 11:59 PM, leaving four members to vote. Council debated whether to proceed with an appointment; Councilmember Grow and Sipple expressed hesitation, preferring to let the election decide. Council agreed to defer releasing the application until the next workshop to reach consensus on whether to appoint. Councilmember Perlman supported appointing a candidate who might also run in the election.

Key Outcomes

• Board Appointments Approved: Pam John (Civil Service Board); Jack Nixon and Kimberly Patton (Community Advisory Panel).
• Consent Agenda Approved: All items passed 5–0.
• Resolution 119-2026 (Countess de Hoernle Park Agreement): Passed unanimously (5–0).
• Ordinance 5795 (Public Affairs Department): Passed unanimously (5–0).
• Ordinances 5800–5805 (C&D Franchise Agreements): Each passed unanimously (5–0) in separate votes.
• Ordinance 5806 (Public Service Tax Cleanup): Passed unanimously (5–0).
• Ordinance 5807 (Downtown Plan Amendment): Passed unanimously (5–0).
• Council Vacancy Process: Staff directed to hold off on releasing applications until the council reaches a decision on whether to proceed with an appointment; discussion scheduled for the next workshop.
• Mayor’s MVP: John Shipley recognized for workplace safety innovations.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 2:05 PM.