City Council Regular Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Cocoa City Council held its regular meeting on February 10, 2026. The agenda included an investment portfolio report, public comments from residents, and several items requiring council approval. Key actions included approving the naming of the promenade at Riverfront Park after Jerry Sanson, a development agreement amendment with Walmart for a fuel station, and a donation to a youth basketball camp. The meeting also featured updates from city staff and councilmembers on various community activities and concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meetings of February 10, 2026 and November 18, 2025 unanimously.
• Approved the agenda unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aviana Price, a sixth-grade student, read her essay for the League of Cities contest. She advocated for increased support for children, including better school supplies, after-school programs, affordable housing, and community centers. Councilmembers praised her courage and presentation.
• Aria Ogre and Alfreda Wright spoke regarding the property at 1001 Montclair Road. They requested the city support a swap of their family's lot for a newly constructed home in the Michael C. Blake subdivision, as an alternative to a stalled rehabilitation project that had been denied due to cost. Mrs. Wright expressed frustration after a seven-year wait for assistance. City Manager Witten stated that the swap option was not available due to federal program restrictions and ownership by Lenar, but offered to meet with the family to discuss other options. Councilmembers acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed hope for a solution.
• Ron McGowan, a resident of Cocoa North, complained about the increase in apartment construction along State Road 524 and the resulting traffic congestion. He criticized the slow progress of road improvements by FDOT and questioned the safety of the area. Councilwoman Weeks noted that FDOT controls the road, and City Manager Witten highlighted the city's $13 million contribution toward design and construction of improvements.
• Bernice Cox, a resident of Aurora Street, complained that while city workers had cut down trees on her street, they did not trim a tree on an easement behind her house, which has caused root issues. She requested that the tree be trimmed. Council pledged to investigate.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Report: Mr. John Grady of PTMA presented an economic update and review of the city's investment portfolio. He reported 4.4% GDP growth in the third quarter, a 50,000 job addition in December with negative growth for the quarter, and inflation trending lower. The overnight rate was reduced to 3.75%. The city's investment portfolio consists of 63% liquidity funds and 37% invested in U.S. Treasuries and municipal bonds across three portfolios (operating, reserves, restricted). The disciplined, cash-flow-based strategy has maintained higher yields than current market rates. Councilmembers thanked Mr. Grady and staff for their stewardship.
• Naming of Promenade after Jerry Sanson (Item 7-1): The council unanimously approved naming the promenade at Riverfront Park the Jerry Sanson Promenade. Several representatives from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) spoke, including Executive Director Janet Zimmerman and Commissioner Tom Morgan, praising Sanson's contributions. Mrs. Dixie Sanson also thanked the council. The vote was unanimous.
• Walmart Development Agreement Addendum (Item 7-2): The council unanimously approved the first addendum to the development agreement with Walmart Stores East LP. The amendment permits a convenience store with gasoline pumps at 2700 Clear Lake Road, removes an unbuilt road connection requirement, and provides for the city to receive up to one acre of property for future right-of-way to support improvements near the planned Brightline station. The addendum includes a one-year construction requirement. Council discussed the design and location of the fuel station.
• Donation to Double Zero Athletics (Item 7-3): The council approved a $1,000 donation request to support the 100 Dreams Basketball Camp, a program aimed at at-risk youth in Cocoa. President Terry Parks presented the program's goals of mentorship, academic accountability, and athletic training. The camp will be held at Cocoa High School from July 6-10.

Other Items

• Moment of Silence: The council observed a moment of silence for former Cocoa Housing Authority Chair and elected official Joe Robinson, who passed away.
• Burn Ban: Fire Chief Lamb announced that a county-wide burn ban is in effect due to dry conditions.
• City Manager's Report: City Manager Witten reported that the Cocoa Multimodal Federal Grant application was submitted, and the city's Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2025/26.
• Lawsuit Update: City Attorney Garganese reported that a lawsuit against the city was dismissed with prejudice, though the plaintiff is seeking a writ of mandamus from the Florida Supreme Court.
• Water Utilities: The annual change in disinfection for the water system will occur from February 21 to March 21.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of minutes and agenda (unanimous).
• Postponement of the annexation item (Ordinance 01-2026) to February 24, 2026.
• Approval of the naming of the Jerry Sanson Promenade (unanimous).
• Approval of the first addendum to the Walmart development agreement (unanimous).
• Approval of a $1,000 donation to Double Zero Athletics (unanimous).
• The council directed the city manager to meet with the Wright family to explore alternative solutions regarding their property.
• The city will follow up on the tree trimming complaint of Bernice Cox.
• The council acknowledged the county-wide burn ban and will enforce it.

Councilmember Reports

• Councilmembers provided updates on community events, including the MLK celebration, advocacy trips to Washington D.C. and Tallahassee, and concerns about park conditions, road closures, and public education on utility meters. Fire Chief Lamb announced a push-in ceremony for a new fire truck on February 19 at 4:30 p.m. and asked attendees to wear orange.