Cocoa City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Cocoa City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 65th Stone Street, downtown Cocoa Village. The meeting included agenda modifications, public comments, approval of consent items, public hearings on zoning and lighting ordinances, and council business items. Key topics included a failed motion to move the Juni Rios Park project to the current agenda, approval of several ordinances and subdivisions, and a first reading of an artificial lighting nuisance ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the special meeting of July 7, 2026, and the regular meeting of July 14, 2026 (unanimous).
• Councilmember Weeks moved to remove consent agenda items 1, 2, 6, and 7 to council business; the motion failed 2-3 (Weeks and Coss in favor; Mayor Blake, Deputy Mayor Goyons, Councilmember Hearn opposed). The remaining consent items were then approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Corona (resident of St. Charles Street): Complained about excessive speeding on Hewlett Street, describing it as a "raceway." She requested speed bumps, increased police presence, or other traffic calming measures. Councilmembers responded by mentioning FLOCK cameras, speed tables, and the possibility of community petitions for traffic calming.
• Alton Edmonds (Esquire): Expressed appreciation for the city manager's quick response regarding speed cushion installations. He noted that one cushion was installed on Barbara Jenkins Street as approved, but a second one was delayed due to construction in a subdivision. He thanked staff for the explanation.
• A third speaker (name not captured) also addressed the council briefly.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Modification (Juni Rios Park): Councilmember Weeks moved to move the Juni Rios Park business item from the next night's budget meeting to the current agenda. She argued the funds were already approved ($300,000) and she wanted to proceed without the pavilion to keep costs under budget. Councilmember Coss seconded. City Manager Witten explained the item was originally placed on the budget agenda because it involved fund balances. Several councilmembers expressed concerns: Deputy Mayor Goyons opposed moving it, noting residents might want to speak on it tomorrow; Councilmember Hearn stated he was not in favor of any Juni Rios improvements until Stradley Park issues were addressed; Mayor Blake voted no, citing the need for due diligence and referencing the tax increase debate. The motion failed 2-3 (Weeks and Coss in favor; Mayor Blake, Deputy Mayor Goyons, Councilmember Hearn opposed).
• Ordinance 13-2026 (Zoning Text Amendment RU2-15): A city-initiated amendment to clarify townhouse residential subdivision regulations, removing obsolete tree preservation language and resolving ambiguity between RU2-15 and RU2-25 standards within the Cocoa Waterfront Overlay. Staff recommended approval. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
• Ordinance 14-2026 (Large-Scale Comp Plan Text Amendment): An amendment to Figure FLU-1 to recognize RU2-25 as an applicable zoning district within the Medium Density Residential (MDR) future land use category, but only in the South of the Village subdistrict of the Cocoa Waterfront Overlay District, subject to the MDR's 15 dwelling units per acre density cap. Staff explained the amendment resolves an inconsistency that prevented development approvals for properties zoned RU2-25 within the overlay. The council approved unanimously.
• Michael C. Blake Subdivision Final Plat: Approval of the final plat for 30 affordable single-family homes on approximately 2.56 acres in the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Area (between Mango, Valencia, and Blake Avenues). The project, by Lenar Homes, will provide homeownership opportunities for very low, low, and moderate-income households. Staff confirmed infrastructure and building permits are underway. Councilmember Weeks noted some homes remain unsold. The final plat was approved unanimously, subject to administrative and recording requirements.
• Ordinance 15-2026 (Artificial Lighting Nuisance): First reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 13.5 of the city code to provide specific guidelines for artificial lighting as a public nuisance. The ordinance defines substantial and unreasonable illumination as determined from the perspective of an ordinary and reasonable person. Councilmember Weeks expressed concern about potential complaints against holiday lighting. City Attorney Garganisi clarified that mere visibility is not a violation; the standard is high. A public speaker suggested adding an exemption for Christmas and Halloween, but the attorney cautioned against it. The council approved the first reading 3-2 (Mayor Blake, Deputy Mayor Goyons, Councilmember Coss in favor; Councilmember Weeks and Councilmember Hearn opposed).
• Jacobs Engineering Task Orders: Three task orders for program management, design, and construction support services for Cocoa Utilities' capital improvement programs (water supply, water treatment, and water/wastewater operations). Total value approximately $1.5 million. Councilmember Weeks questioned the need and cost; staff explained the orders are based on need and ensure continuity of services. After discussion, the first task order ($449,788 for water supply/treatment) was approved unanimously, followed by approval of the remaining two task orders (moved and seconded by Deputy Mayor Goyons and Councilmember Weeks) also unanimously.
• Building Official Services Contract Extension: Approval of a one-year contract extension with Bruce D. Nelson, LLC for private building official services, not to exceed $160,000 for FY2027, subject to budget adoption. Approved unanimously.
• Upstart Cocoa Forgivable Loan: Approval of $7,500 forgivable loan to Jessica Lee (Old Florida House) under the Upstart Cocoa Small Business Program, including reimbursement for business expenses during the Ignite 360 program. Approved unanimously.
• Donation to ECAT Youth Alternatives Inc.: Approval of a $1,000 donation from councilmember allowances to ECAT Youth Alternatives Inc. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda modification to move Juni Rios Park item failed (2-3).
• Minutes of July 7 and July 14, 2026, approved (unanimous).
• Consent agenda items (after removal motion failed) approved (unanimous).
• Ordinance 13-2026 approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 14-2026 approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Michael C. Blake Subdivision final plat approved (unanimous).
• Ordinance 15-2026 approved on first reading (3-2).
• Three Jacobs Engineering task orders approved (unanimous).
• Building official services contract extension approved (unanimous).
• $7,500 forgivable loan to Old Florida House approved (unanimous).
• $1,000 donation to ECAT Youth Alternatives approved (unanimous).
• Public hearing items for 3600 Grissom Parkway (comp plan amendment and rezoning) postponed to October 13, 2026.