City Council - Regular Meeting

5 location beautiful 65th Stone Street, Cocoa, Florida. Uh would everyone please stand for invocation? Please ma'am, please sir. If everyone would please join me in prayer. Dear heavenly father, I'd like to come to you at this moment and give thanks for allowing everyone to arrive here safely this evening. I'd like to ask that you continue to watch over us as a city. Watch over our youth that's in attendance tonight. I ask that you continue to watch over our neighbors over in Texas as well as our men and women fighting for us in uniform. I ask that you give us a sound mind that we only make the best decisions here tonight on behalf of the citizens of Coco. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing as they do their school oath, their school pledge. As a dedicated member of Emma Joy Charter Academy, I pledge my commitment to achievement and service. I pledge to make healthy choices personally and socially because I respect myself, other people, my environment. My choice reflect my character. I pledge to nurture myself so I'm capable of nurturing my family, my friends, my community ourselves. I pledge the opportunity to learn and respect and support my teachers. Education gives success. I pledge to recognize that each day is an opportunity for myself. This is my choice and my pledge.

Amen. All right. Let's give our youth a round of applause as council stated. You may now be seated. I thank you very much. Okay. Well, they didn't put it on. Did the booby trap the chair on it? Okay. Uh, Madame Clerk, Madame Shabbo. Ma'am, would you be kind enough to do roll call for us, please? Ma'am. Yes, sir. Mayor Blake, present. Ma'am, Deputy Mayor Weekes, here. Council member Deco here. Council member Hearn here. Council member CS here. City attorney Gargani here. And city manager Wittton here. Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh this concludes item number one proceeding toward item number two-1 agenda regular meeting of July the 8th 2025. I would like to amend the agenda please ma'am please sir to add on two items under city business under the agenda item excuse me the consent agenda item number five um the PZ25-028001 Michael C Blake subdivision become item number three under city business item number four. We have this um resolution stated here at your desk um which talks about organizational effectiveness establishing the upper level management and I need a second to that for me please ma'am please sir we have a second on the floor by deputy mayor weeks chair is going to call the question all in favor by saying I

I any nays eyes have it unanimously okay number That went that's going to city business, right? Yes, ma'am. Just take your time. Take your time. Okay. Proceeding to item number 2-2 minutes regular meeting held on April the 22nd, 2025. What are the wishes of council? Motion to approve. Got a motion on the floor by Councilman Gins. Second. Okay. Second by Deputy Mayor Weekes. Just gonna call the question. All in favor of saying I. I. Eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to item number three. It's not written there, but it's written there. We have a an honorary member that will be introduced. New team Coco member by yours truly, Mr. Chief Jonathan Lamb. Sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Sir. Yes, sir. Um, it's my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce you to uh, Assistant Chief Rodrik Moore. Chief Moore has more than 35 years of experience in the fire service. He comes with a plethora of knowledge and experience working his way up through the chain of command over throughout his career. We're very excited to have Chief Moore on board with us as part of Team Coco and I look forward to what he brings not only for our organization but also as a community as a whole. All right, sir. Well, let's give our Chief Mon. [Applause] Stand at the podium there, young man. Stand at the podium. I just want to be first to say that's one fine haircut you have there, sir. Thank you. Thank you. I love Look, I took it from you. Thank you. Welcome to Team Coco, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Chief Lamb. Yes, sir.

All righty, man. I guess I'm going through that change in life. Thank you. Uh proceeding on to item number four, delegations. Under delegations, I'm happy to say we have a resounding heartfelt, rightfully deserved, rightfully earned, where you never give up on your fellow human being. because it comes back sometimes seven times the fold 12 times the fold and I believe in that that's biblical to whom much is given much is required so under delegations first on the list will be Mrs. Lacy Busy. Am I right? Am I pronouncing that correct? Would you come to the podium, ma'am? Take your time. You have 180 seconds. All right. Well, I'm not going to take up your time, but good evening, mayor and city council members and members of the chambers. My name is Lacy Busy and I have the honor of serving as the secretary of the governing board of Imael Charter Academy. And on behalf of our board, um I'm thrilled to stand before you today to officially share that Emma Charter has earned a Bgrade. [Applause] CJ CJ uh this is a tremendous milestone that reflects years of hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence. These this achievement is a direct result of the dedication shown by teachers, staff and administration.

Their tireless efforts, their passion for education and belief in our scholars have helped us reach this important benchmark today. We could not be more proud. But this is only the beginning. We are we are setting our sights even higher. Y'all heard that? Even higher. Yes. We are continuing to raise expectations to grow stronger and ensure every scholar at IMU receives the best education possible. Lastly, I would like to express our deepest uh gratitude to the city council. Our your ongoing support, your advocacy and investment in IMU have played a vital role in our growth and success and for that we thank you for walking alongside us in this journey and together we are building something powerful for the future and for our community. All right. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Um, I have a light that is on Mrs. Busy. I think you may want to tiptoe back to through the tulip. Come to the podium. Councilman Gins, when he puts his light on first, I know there may be something of pulling a rabbit out of his sleeve. Would you come back? What's Councilman Gorn? The floor is yours, sir. Yes, sir. um when I when I had to make the choice to uh what decide what school my child was going to attend. Um number one, it was kind of easy cuz the school is behind my backyard. Um but but but in reality is that uh I chart Academy is just not a school for scholars. It is is a family, right? And so um I I trust all the men and women inside of that

institution. Um I I consider every male an extended father of my child. And so for me to say that uh that's my my son, that's my boy, that's my that's my road dog. And so for me to trust uh anyone uh that's so precious to me um should say a lot about um that institution. And so again, congratulations. Uh job well done. Uh but you know, we're not done. And so, and I know and I know Mr. Cole and all the teachers going to keep pushing all of the scholars to to even go higher. Um, I appreciate it as a parent. Um, I appreciate a lot more now as a parent. Um, because a lot of the one-on-one that I know my child needs. Um, it be is vitally important because I know if you go to any other school sometimes they have too many kids in the classroom, uh, things of that nature. So, a lot of the the scholars that are there, they they need to be in a in a school such as Emma Charter Academy. So, again, congratulations. Uh much appreciated. Um and if my son need to go to reflection, I mean, he just got to go to reflection. So, all right. But appreciate y'all. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next will be Nemia Pierce. President, come on up, Mr. President. Long live the president. Good evening, city council members. My name is Nemiah Pierce, as you may know, and I'm the president of IMO Charter Academy. I would like to thank you for inviting us here as a scholar and a president of IMO Charter Academy. I know as a scholar standpoint that this school has been doing great things from our algebra one

scores and from our science scores also. I know this school will continue to do great things as we have done in the past. We continue to level up from coming to a C school from a B school. And I would like to thank the educators, the family members and our principal Mr. Cole for all the things he has done for us. So thank you guys. All right, let's give our you challenging to stand behind that podium. Uh puts me in the frame mind of when you had to learn your Sunday school speech. Amen. But you prevail. Uh you persevered and you prevailed. That's right. Yeah, I hear you over there, Councilman. That Easter speech, man. Either you get your speech right or they had a switch to help you get your speech right. But either way, you got it right. So kudos. That speaks volumes because two things that come to my mind when I think of you all. You know, so many people tell you it's impossible for you to do this. But when you really break down the word impossible, it says I'm what? And you've indicated that. You've shared that because you all have a good name at immature. And when you have a good name, it is far greater than any other riches. You know, you know, loving favor rather than silver and gold. A good name. So the thing why I'm saying that is because you are Bob B. A blessing on Blake. Yes, sir. Starts with you all from shorty to what Councilman Gins has said to eighth graders and beyond. And I'm saying thank thank you because we know when you do bad, you get that publicity out of this world. But when you do right, we want to acknowledge that. Make sure that you

understand everything is tight and all right. So thank you very much. Let's give them a round of applause. [Applause] And card number three, it all starts with leadership. You know we talk about big ships, little ships but nothing like relationship, sponsorship, scholarship, leadership and that I would like to bring forth the fierce leader along with the entire staff and wife of course Thomas Cole. Let's bring him up please ma'am please sir with a round of applause. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you. We say 180 seconds. I'm not sure if we have that uh picture up. I did have a picture that I sent in that I thought was that would be kind of uh interesting to point out if I can start off with that. This is a picture taken in June of 2012. We had just got our charter application approved and the mayor called us to the stage in June of 2012 at Junth to be able to announce to the world that we're going to be opening up a school in Coco. No one knew us at that particular time. And to our mayor who's standing in the background of that picture back there in 2012, that's me standing there. That's my two boys. Our first enrollments at Emma Jewel Charter Academy in 2012. I think it is very very important for us as we continue to get old and and and grow and learn that we remember the foundation. It's important to remember the foundation from the standpoint of the city of Coco has supported immature charter academy since day one. On that day there we did not have a physical school. On that day there we had not recruited teachers. On that day there we had not includ

stood behind us on that particular day. And when I was standing on that particular stage there in 2012, all I had was a dream to offer at that particular time. A dream and an opportunity at that time. We all know how difficult it can be sometimes as parents when we're choosing the right school. a person of middle or upper class. If you are not happy with a traditional public school, you can pay for a private school. But a lot of people in our community cannot pay for a private school. That's why we have Emma Jules Charter Academy right there on Blake. Our goal is to provide a private school education at a public school cost. Our goal is to provide all of our parents with a choice and a voice as far as what happened with their children. It has been a very long long trip for us for a while. We started out with a struggle and our mayor, our city council, everybody has been behind us since day one. Even don't even during those dreaded F days when we first got out the box and we were graded as an F. But a lot of times I think we also have to understand that a bad school grade don't mean you a bad school. That's right. But we have worked very very hard to provide a vision for our community to provide a safe place for our scholars to be a provide a home for them. Our goal by putting the school in the beautiful city of Coco is to make good students into great scholars. And with the help of our city council, with the help of our police chief, our city manager, everybody that has stood by us, we want to say thank you because that school grade is not just the hard work of our scholars, our teachers, but our entire community. And on behalf of Emma Jewel Charter Academy, on behalf of

our family members, on behalf of my board chairman, on behalf of my wife, I want to thank you all because there's so much that goes on behind the scenes that we would never ever ever see on the front. There are a lot of battle scars behind us because of the people that's been in front of us fighting us for us. And during that first year, I still remember, Mr. Mr. Mayor, you may not remember it. We did not have enough money for those flashing lights out there. You pressed very, very hard to our city manager to say, "Wherever you got to find the money for, you need to find that particular money. And I hope I'm not putting out too much in your business, but I'm going to put you on the spot a little bit." There was also a portion when we're first starting, the National School Lunch Program will not fund you for the first three months until they see that you know what you're doing. Our funding for our scholars, for our food for the first three months came from the city of Coco. Our bus transportation for the first two years in the amount of $14,000 and that is a record came from the city of Coco. So when it comes time to celebrating, I want to celebrate not just with these great people with my board chairman, with our staff, but also the great city officials that have stood behind us for all those 12 years to get us to that point for that be. Thank you so much. And I love you all. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. You're right. Uh Deputy Mayor Weekes. Amazing. There there's one thing I would like to say, just two, and then I'mma sit take a load off my feet and put it in the seat. First thing I would like to say, to whom much is given, much is required. And you all are fulfilling that dream, the American dream, because you're part of history, his story. And we're saying his story meaning universal ladies too are part of this dream we call American

dream. And the last thing I would like to say is this. Continue to defy them because they do not define you. You define you. So continue to defy all those haters out there because when you define yourself and it's done decent and order is blessings like days like we're going to celebrate today, tomorrow, and the immediate future. Amen. So thank you all members of Emma and the city of Coco and the staff. I want to say thank you all for keeping this dream alive. Amen. All right. Thank you very much. Again, let's give Principal Cole and Emma Juel Stafford another round of applause. Um, next on the list, um, let's see. I got you, Brother Stall. Triple G. I have two cards from you, Triple G. Okay, I got that one. Um, I got that one. I got that one. That's it. Um, do we have any other cards for take a picture without Absolutely, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Would council be kind enough to come down, city staff, chief. Both chiefs, um, and everyone and anyone that participates in this. Okay. Um, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Have a camera? I have not. I have my camera. Yes, sir. Absolutely. Loud it down in everybody.

I see that right away. like yours and mine together, sir. We stay united. Yeah. All right, everybody. One, two, three. Thank you. Let's give them a round of applause. [Applause] is yours. But I'm like When we get there, if I don't have one, I'll still unclear about this. I don't know which item this Okay, proceeding on to item number five, which is the consent agenda item. What are the wishes of council? We got a motion on the floor by Councilman Hearn. Second by councilman goes chair's going to call the question all in favor by saying I I any nays eyes have it unanimously proceeding under item number six public hearing as you all are clearly aware of the and I will do things decent and in order the first three items request to postpone the first reading of FCOD comp plan

agreement Hey. Uh, Mr. City Manager. Sir, are you This is just a postponement. I don't I don't know how much we have to read into the record. Okay. All right. I just want to see if there I think Lucy and the city attorney will help. Okay. Staff comes to request to postpone the first reading for a consideration of a expedited state review comprehensive plan tax amendment to amend figure one standards for future land use categories to include the commercial parkway CP zoning district within the four corners overlay district as an applicable zoning district in the mixed use future land use designation. So, we respectfully come to request that the city council will will postpone and continue this item to the city council meeting scheduled for September 23rd at 6 p.m. Okay. Thank you very much, Miss Hero. Miss Lucy, anything Mr. City um attorney sir? Okay, seeing none, I would like to close this portion to uh council and open to the public. Please come forward. You can only expound on the about pertaining to the postponement of this first reading. Going once, going twice. Chair like to close this portion to the public and return of the council. What are the wishes of council? Move to approve. Yeah. Move to approve. I'll second it. Light is on. Yeah. I just had a quick question. So, will we get this just the Thursday before or will we have access to because this is very important. Um, is this a document that changes? Are we going to have access to this beforehand? Defer to the city manager. We'll get it out as soon as we can. Um, we can schedule briefings on on uh what we present.

Okay. So, you will schedule briefings? Okay. Um, we can we can do uh that and we'll try to get it out in advance of the Thursday deadline. Thank you. Okay. We have a motion on the floor and a second. Okay. Um, there was a motion by I think by Deputy May Weeks and a second. Was that by you, Councilman or was it by me? By. It was by you. Okay. Just checking your reflexes, man. Y'all Everyone looking at their cards. Yeah. I'm just checking. You all pass the test. All in favor saying I. I. I. Any eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to item number two, request to postpone the first reading of ordinance 02-2025 creating four corners overlay district. Okay, we can hear from you, Mr. City attorney, and then hear from you, Miss Lucy. Ma'am, I'm just reversing the orders just for a moment. Okay, no problem. Oh, the same as the uh previous item. Staff's requesting that this item be postponed to the regular city council meeting September 23rd at 6 pm. Okay. Thank you very much, sir. Miss Lucy, ma'am, would you like me to read the item? can just say that th this um is to address the first reading of consideration of a land development code tax amendment appendix A article 11 code of ordinance of the city of Coco creating section 23 four corners overlay district establishing permitted special exceptions and prohibited uses providing for performance the standards including setbacks parking landscaping and signage requirements establishing building design standards establishing the boundaries of the four corners Overlay district. Thank you very much, Miss Hava.

I'mma get it right, Miss Lucy. All right. Do we have any questions? Just pertaining to the postponing of this. Seeing none, chair like to close this portion to council to the public. Please come forward and state your name and your um concerns. You have 180 seconds to elaborate on this particular item. Going once. Going twice. Sher like to close this portion of the public and return to the council. What are the wishes of council? Move to approve. Second. Okay. We have a motion on the floor by Deputy Mayor Weekes and a second by Councilman Hearns. Chair's going to call the question. All in favor saying I. I. Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to item number three. request to postpone second reading of CDBG and home funding and the CD actions plan for July 22nd, 2025 to preserve the ad. Do we have any questions? Okay, seeing none, I will open it to the floor of the public. Chair like to close this portion to council and open to the public. Please come forward. and state your concerns for this particular item 6-3 CDBG and home funding. Going once, going twice. Chair would like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. What are the wishes of council? Move to approve the postponement. Okay, we have a motion on the floor by Deputy Mayor Weeks. Second. Second by councilwoman Calls. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor by saying I I any naysay eyes have it unanimously.

Proceeding on to item number 6-4 consideration of the resolution 2025-041 approving the Cyrus out excuse me out excuse me out parcel lot split. Um the application is to divide 2.24 2/4 acres of commercial A parcel located at the northeast corner of State Road 524 east of Industry Road into two separate legal lots of record. The purpose is to support future commercial development. This property is part of the Cyrus or Cirrus, shall I say, sorry, mixeduse plan unit development, better known as PUD, which includes the recently completed apartments, 280 units, multifamily residential. Yours truly, the floor is yours, ma'am. Thank you. Good evening. The applicant WMG Acquisitions LLC is representing the property owner Coco Retail LLC and is legally represented in this matter by attorney attorney Jessica G and planning entitleable manager Katherine Smith. The applicant WMG Acquisitions has submitted a lot split application for review and approval. The request seeks to divide a commercially designated lot in two separate parcels. The parcel in question represents the commercial component of the series development project which is governed by a development agreement approved by this council on March 15, 2021. That agreement outlines two phases. Phase one, a completed 13.4 4 acre multifamily residential development consisting of 280 units and phase 2 the remaining 2.25

acre parcel reserve for future commercial use in accordance with section 18-147 of the city code. An owner of a legally platted lot may request to divide the lot into an additional track subject to council approval by resolution. This application meets all the application we have received meets all the required criteria under the code and includes complete supporting documentation including surveys, ownership authorizations and verification of consistent with the original plat. In addition to the lot split application, I would like to highlight that the applicant also has submitted a formal request for a stat statutory extension of time to submit final development plans for phase two. So the applicant is required to do a PUD amendment to follow through with the project as is specifying a development agreement. The POD amendment for the commercial component was originally required to be submitted within 48 months of the agreement's effective date, setting a deadline for the past March 15, 2025. And also like to highlight that the city council approved ordinance 06 2024 amending chapter 18 subdivisions and created a process for the lot split application. So, this is the first time that planning and zoning is bringing a lock split uh resolution for approval. Okay. Do we have any questions for Miss Lucy or city attorney? Councilwoman calls. Yeah. I just um my understanding this seems like it's just a gives the owner more flexibility for the uses. I mean, is there any downside for the city? Not not necessarily. No, I would think so. No.

Um, well, the applicant is still have to meet other code requirements as I mentioned the PUD amendment. So, they still have to submit an application and then comply with the code PUD code. Okay. But it's really just a matter of flexibility for them. Yes, that's correct. So, under our subdivision code, they allowed to do the lot split one time. So, if they uh decide, as I'm going to show, to subdivide again, then they'll have to go through a plat process. Okay. Okay. Thanks. Okay. Deputy Mayor Weeks, and then Councilman, um that particular parcel, you know, it sits right in front and it's between the CVS and the McDonald's. Um and so how big are the by splitting this, how big of buildings are they going to put on there? Do we know what's going to go in there? Yeah. So the I have actually here uh this illustration. This is a conceptual plan that was submitted to us for review. So the intent is to have a dental office and a quick serve restaurant. Okay. And then you can see the approximately acreage. I don't know if it's readable there for each. Okay. Thank you. Because people are asking me, you know, when are we going to get more restaurants out there? So, so in response to uh Councilwoman Cau's question, so the split allows two separate buildings, two separate taxing structures. So, yeah. So just I would like to highlight that the approximately the first lot it will be parcel one will be 0 point approximately 0.7 acres and then the second uh portion would be the 1.5 acres approximately and then probably in the future they're looking to subdivide but the the applicant will have to go through a de development

agreement amendment in order to uh for the council to approve um another subdivision and also to approve the the conceptual plan that is being proposed and also do the PUD amendment. Thank you. I'm good. Okay. Okay. So staff respectfully recommends that the city council consider and approve resolution 2025-041 providing for the division of one originally platted lot owned by Cocoa Retail LLC generally located at the intersection of State Road 524 and in East Industry Road identify as parcel 24-36-18-28 star-1B into two lots designated as new lot one in new law two in accordance with chapter 18 subdivision of the city of Coca-Cola of ordinances. The applicant um I'm sorry sir just the applicant is here if you have any questions. So the attorney Jessica G and Katherine Smith are here if you have any questions for them. Yes sir. Okay. Do we do we have any questions for them before I open it to the public? I mean I like the project. I'm in favor of it. So, I'm just trying to go through the preliminaries, do everything decent and in order. Any questions? Seeing none, chair would like to close this portion of council open to the public. Please come forward and state your name concerning this particular item number four dash, excuse me, 6-4. Very important, going once, going twice. Chair like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. What are the wishes of council? Move to approve. You can't take it before I ma'am. I know. I'll let you go. Yes, ma'am. Did you get that motion? Madam clerk,

thank you, candidate, ma'am. Motion by Deputy Mayor Weeks and second by the chair. I'm chair's going to call the question. All in favor, saying I. I. Eyes have it unanimously. Thank you very much. Proceeding on to item number 6-5. conduct a public hearing to review the affordable housing real property inventory list and approve a resolution identifying certain real property within the city to which the city holds fee simple title that is appropriate for permanent affordable housing and approve the process for which the disposal of real property will be administered by the city. We're following a program that we established. Now I would like to turn it over to Mrs. Nudman. Ma'am, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, tonight you're going to be uh approving uh through resolution resolution 2025-040 uh the resolution that adopts the property inventory list and identifies that real property within the city of which the city holds fee simple title appropriate for permanent affordable housing. Uh the public hearing tonight will identify those sites which are included in your agenda packet. So per Florida statute section 166.0451, it provides that on October 1, 2023 and every 3 years thereafter, each municipality shall prepare that inventory list of real property within its jurisdiction and of which the municipality holds that fee simple title appropriate for affordable housing. So we must include the address and the legal description of each property and following the public hearing the governing body of the municipality shall adopt the resolution that includes the inventory list of each property that is subject for permanent affordable housing. So as a process for this uh disposal of the properties uh the city is going to adopt an RFP that is going

to have a process for which uh developers can apply for and propose to develop those uh vacant lots. uh we have uh worked with looked at uh city of Jacksonville, city of Fort Meyers and several other cities in the state who have successful programs that are using this similar process which is an RFP. Um it provides with specific uh ground rules for the developers must have uh a track record of proven track record of building affordable housing and conveying those properties to affordable housing recipients and and going through that process. So, we'll be conducting that uh through an RFP process of which we will bring those to council for approval after we have selected the uh the candidates who are capable of uh building on those lots. Um on this list you will see the Michael C. Blake subdivision. Of course, tonight uh you are approving the amended and restated agreement for that development. this stays those lots stay on the uh vacant parcel list until they are conveyed over. Um so once that uh sale has taken o taken place then those those lots will come off. You will also see the lot of 203 Orange Street which uh we talked about last night at the Coco CRA meeting of which we will be putting out an RFP for disposal of that property as well. and and so in the in the near uh next few months, you will start to see those RFPs go out for the disposal of that property. So, tonight, we're asking for you to uh approve the affordable housing list through resolution and and allow for the staff to move forward with the process to dispose of the real property administered by the city. Thank you. Thank you. Excuse me. Do we have any questions for

Mrs. Newman? Councilwoman calls. Yeah. So, I wish I had seen this earlier so I could have discussed it with the city manager before, but I see now that 1204 Cambridge Drive is on this list. That is in the Pineriidge neighborhood and it kind of borders the Cocoa Hills which is in desperate need of a neighborhood park. That is a park desert. Those two neighborhoods are park deserts. Um, is there any possibility of hanging on to that property for the purpose of creating a neighborhood park? A as a part of this resolution, it is the council's authority to determine what uh properties stay on the list um through that resolution. But I would I would defer to the city manager for any uh questions because I'm not familiar with that property being for a park. So, I had not been made aware of that. Yeah. I I think Mrs. Neuterman has a it's a it's a policy call on the on the council. And I also noticed that there's one on Ferman Court, but I am familiar with that lot. It's probably not ideal, although that is another neighborhood that is a park desert. uh the 1970 firman court I think it would just be a little it's not very central whereas the Cambridge address trying was trying to bring this up on a map I think is is just a more likely location for a potential park that is 1204 Cambridge drive and that is in the Pineriidge

neighborhood which um you know borders up to Cocoa Coco Hills which also does not have a park. Is this something that we can discuss at the budgeting meeting? Mr. City Manager. Well, if you're going to approve the resolution, the listing of properties here, you got to take those off or or you can bring those back at a at a different time there. But but again, these are we have to do this annually. These are ready to go. Um especially the Michael C. Blake um affordable housing versus parks. Uh it's it's a it's a policy call on your part. Uh yes. So, I I would like to make a motion to approve with that amendment that the 1204 Cambridge be kept off this list just for the time being until we can determine if that would be an appropriate spot and if we can come up with a plan to finally fulfill my dream of of creating a park in that park desert. So, I'll second your motion on that. Um to just remove Cambridge out of Yes. thing just for now. Thank you. We have a motion on the floor and a second. And reiterate your motion again, Councilwoman Call. Uh the motion is to um to approve this list of properties to be advertised uh with the exception of 1204 Cambridge Drive. And we have a second by Deputy Mayor Weeks. Yes. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. I. Mr. Mayor, this is a public. I know. I know. I know it's a public. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Okay,

you're right. Thank you. U, we have a motion on the floor and a second. Made the motion. I have to open it up to the public. You're right. I just called it. Thank you. And and then I'll close it and then we'll vote on it. Okay. Do we have any other question? Your light is on, Deputy Mayor Weeks. I'm so sorry. And no harm, no foul. Okay. Do we have any other questions for Mrs. Noodle? Okay, chair like to close this portion to the public. I mean counselor and return it to the public. So you can come forward and elaborate on this particular item here. Item number five 6-5 public hearing for affordable housing real property inventory list. Anyone would like to come forward and discuss this item? Going once. Going twice. Chair, I'd like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. We have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Cos and a second by Deputy Mayor Weeks. Chair's going to call Councilman Gins. So, let me let me just get a U clarification. So, we're just pulling this address at the moment for discussion at a later date about the address, which is community input blah blah blah blah blah. Am I correct? Okay. All right. We together. All right. Now, can I call the question? Thank you. All right. Just going to call the question. All in favor saying I. I. I. Any? No. But it's going to come back anyhow. Correct. Okay. Uh, I will say Nate just to balance it out just a little bit because I do want to discuss this a little bit more and the reasons why I would like to

hear some additional comments. All right, let the record reflect 32. Yes. Okay. Proceeding on to item number six. I do have two cards. We're doing a first reading on ordinance number 04205, alcoholic beverage ordinance amendment. Now, there's a lot of information that's been disseminated throughout this city and and and and couple of things. We're going to establish a definition for establishing alcohol usage. There's a definition stating to the relating to the alcohol beverage regulation, adding a definition for alcohol beverages as an accessory. Also, a definition for a bar. There's no desire to have public consumption of alcohol in the public in a brown paper bag. Now, they're going to give you some detailed definitions to clear up all misconceptions that's been spread throughout this community. So, now you get the opportunity to get it straight from the horse's mouth. Now, Mr. City Manager, I do see your light on, sir. Um, and I know it's under your leadership. Um, and also I'll just let you read in this city initiated amendment to the city code z ordinance appendix A zoning article 5. The floor is yours, Mr. City Manager, and then I will hear from the city attorney. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And just to to further illustrate your point that this has been branded the bring your own bottle ordinance. It is it is certainly not that. When you think of that, you think of folks walking around the city with brown paper bags of their their alcohol or beer of choice uh just drinking on the streets there. This is

uh in part a clarification of uh bottle clubs. The example, and I'm sure Jen will give you the example, is painting with a twist. Painting with a twist allows you to bring a bottle of wine as you partake in their main services. This clarifies the that they would need a state license to be uh classified as a bottle club. It is not a you can you can you can walk into a bar or restaurant with your own bottle of liquor, put it on the table and ask for a glass. So, so it is it is not that. But I I'll I'll let them get into the into the ordinance. Uh just wanted to make that clarification because that's been put out there and this is certainly not that. Okay. Is that it, Mr. City Manager? Sir, for the time being, city attorney, then you're next, Mrs. Webster. Okay. I'll read I'll read the ordinance in by title. This is ordinance number 04-2025, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Cocoa Bar County, Florida, amending the zoning ordinance of the city of code relate relating to regulation of alcoholic beverages. Imposing separation requirements for liquor stores and package stores from certain other uses. Imposing separation requirements between location for on premises consumption of alcoholic alcohol and public parks and playgrounds. Updating the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the state law regarding separation requirements between schools and locations for on premise consumption of alcohol. Amending the method of measuring separation for purposes of alcoholic beverage regulations. Amending certain definitions to clarify the application of the alcoholic beverage regulations. Modifying the regulations pertaining to alcoholic beverage sales as an accessory use. Amending the list

of permitted and special exception uses in the general commercial district CG related to alcohol brevages providing for the repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolutions incorporation into the code severability and an effective date. This is first reading also a public hearing item. Um just to just generally before Jen gets into the details, um if you recall the city council requested that the ordinance be um drafted with respect to adding um distance requirements from um certain alcoholic beverage establishments and and parks. Um this ordinance does does that. But in opening up um this section, the alcoholic beverage section of the city code, additional revisions were made to update um definitions. Um there were also some provisions added to supplement to clarify um alcohol as an accessory use um to certain types of um establishments which the which the manager hinted um talked about briefly. Um in addition, it also um updated uh provisions in the alcoholic beverage ordinance related to um state law requirements and um also clarified um how separation uh distances will be measured under the city code. Um further um a table was created so there was would be easy to to determine um the different um distance requirements uh from established licensed premises um and other types of uses under under the code. So there's obviously uh more specific detail. Um but this um is following up with council direction, updating the code uh pursuant to state law and making clarifications uh to definitions that are in this code

that have been in there for many many years. and also um addressing um the issue of um excess um certain establishments allowing an alcoholic beverage um um um in a um in as an accessory use to to the existing use. Um so um Jen has a lot of detail. Yes, indeed. Yes. Thank you so much. And good evening uh council members and uh I'm Jen Webster, city city planner here at the city and uh as the mayor and attorney Gargani have stated, we are covering a lot getting a lot accomplished in this ordinance. This is the first reading of the ordinance uh 042025. The city initiated land development code amendment regarding alcoholic beverage sales. And so just a little bit more on the history of the ordinance. In December of of last year, city council gave notice for staff um notice to proceed to amend the zoning ordinance to be consistent with Florida statute 562.45 regarding the 500 foot distancing requirements from public or private elementary schools, middle schools or secondary schools and locations for on premises consumption of alcohol. So that's a state requirement that we're we're updating to be compliant with for distancing requirements of 500 feet from public schools and private schools to basically bars. Um and then we're going and they also requested us to um review imposing a 500 300 foot separation distance between liquor stores and package stores and schools, churches, parks, and playgrounds and residential zones. and also to impose a 300 ft separation distance between locations for on premise consumption of alcohol for parks and playgrounds. Uh also to amend the meth method of measuring

separation distances under appendix A article 13 section 20 and as a matter of legislation in process directed staff not to issue permits or business tax receipts or approve applications for building permits, development orders or other land use permits within the city which would conflict with the pending amendments. So um so the the amendment uh language is here which uh city council has already read and basically summarizing that it uh results in excuse me it results in um revisions to article 5, article 11, section 12 and article 13 section 20 of our zoning ordinance. And so just to start real quick with the definitions, the definition of a package store was amended to be consistent with state law, specifically regarding sealed original containers and that alcohol must account for at least 51% of the sales. The definition of package store beer and wine was also amended similarly, but limiting the sales to beer and wine. Uh the definition of convenience store was amended primarily to differentiate liquor stores from convenience stores which are not subject to separation requirements. Uh the definition of liquor store was amended to say just basically refer to package store as they're used synonymously in the code and used interchangeably. Also the definition of lounge or cocktail lounge is uh going to say C bar. uh there these terms are synonymous in the code as well and are used interchangeably. And then the definition for excuse me the definition for bar has also been uh revised uh clarifying and further defining the the definition for bottle club to be consistent with the Florida statutes. So that definition in the Florida statutes for a bottle club is a commercial

establishment operated for a profit whether or not a profit is actually made wherein patrons consume alcoholic beverages which are brought onto the premises and not sold or supplied to the patrons by the establishment. whether the patrons bring in and maintain custody of their own alcoholic beverages or surrender custody to the establishment for dispensing on the premises and which is specifically located in a building or other enclosed permanent structure. So this would mean also that uh outdoor venues or establishments uh would not be eligible for a bottle club license. And also just as to note that the the term bottle club has always been in the city's definition of a bar and has always been subject to the same special exception and distancing requirements where it's applicable. And so for the next definition, um there's been an increase in popularity of establishments wishing to to serve alcohol as a complement to another services uh uh such as beauty salon and those that allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages as a complement to the establishes primary activity uh such as an arts and crafts workshop. So this code amendment includes the addition of a definition for establishment with alcohol as an accessory use. So we created this to capture this category and to establish uh regulations for it. So an establishment with alcohol as an accessory use won't have distancing requirements will not require a special exception. However, they must provide an affidavit saying that alcohol is not their primary business and that no revenue is derived from the sale directly. Um, and they are not permitted to convert to a bar without complying with all applicable um, uh, regulations

in the zoning ordinance. And they still must meet all um, Department of Business and Professional Regulation licensing uh, for their particular business. And also just um just to note and and point out that an establishment with an with alcohol as an accessory use and also a bar bottle club are not synonymous with open container. So, so creating this definition for establishment with alcohol as an accessory use is still uh requiring the business to contain that use within the business and we're not suggesting or offering or allowing any open container situation. We have existing code language for that in chapter 4 section 4-5 drinking on streets and public areas. It shall be lawful for any person to drink or consume alcoholic beverages or possess an open container of alcoholic beverages, including but not limited to beer and wine, on or upon any street, sidewalk, or parking area open to the public in the ordinary course of business. And then so the next uh the next small change um was in article 11 section 12 in uh the general commercial category. uh there's a little bit of a discrepancy uh there and as we stated before liquor store and package store are synonymous and bar and lounge are all synonymous to each other. So this amendment eliminates that existing conflict in the in this district language. And so um uh moving on in section 20 uh we modified some language with regard to restaurants uh reducing the number of seats and adding a definition for a commercial kitchen. So we have reduced the number of seats to be required to be

a restaurant from 40 to 20 seats. Um, we are requiring a restaurant to contain a commercial kitchen to prepare and serve uh, meals and we've created a definition for that commercial kitchen. And this revision, it was prompted by frequent inquiries from local business owners to the PNZ division, seeking clarification on what qualifies as a kitchen for the purpose of distinguishing a restaurant and permitting um which permits the accessory sale of alcohol beverages. Uh distinguishing that from a bar or lounge, which requires approval through a special exception. Uh, additionally, the section's been revised to clarify that per Florida statute chapter 509, a restaurant must derive at least 51% of its sales from food and non-alcoholic beverages. And then covering the distancing requirements, the existing code basically says or basically requires as it is as it states now that there's a 300 foot separation from bars to uh to schools, churches, and residential zones. So what we're proposing is to add parks and playgrounds to that uh distancing requirement. And then we're adding the establishment of an off- premises consumption which is a liquor store package store in the grouping of establishments that would require um um minimum distancing of 300 ft. And then um this is a particular change um being in compliant with the Florida statutes uh requiring that uh that schools in particular to bars be separated by 500 feet and not 300 feet. So, we are we're changing that to be consistent with Florida statutes. And then, um another thing that was added to uh to the ordinance is this um

separation measurement table um which now includes the new um establishment types and property types of public parks and playgrounds and liquor stores or package stores. Um and so, and note the majority um in here. If you note, I've added in red the kind of just the basic measurement requirement or the measurement method. So, churches will be measured from building to building. Public parks and praygrounds will be measured from property line to building. Residential zone from the zone boundary, which is the property line to the building, and then the school property line to the building. And then um and the um and then there's another measurement for for liquor stores to schools will uh be the 300 foot requirement from building to building. But you can see overall in general that most of the measure method of measurement is from the property line to the building which uh creates uh results in overall increased separation in the community from alcoholic beverage establishments. and staff was asked uh we were also tasked with determining the need and the justification for these changes and the relationship of the amendment to the objectives of the code and the comprehensive plan. Uh also uh part of our analysis was determine if any of these code revisions were going to create any overrestrictive or non-conforming conditions. So when we looked at uh the the addition of the parks and playgrounds uh and and you can see on the on the graphic here, this is a map uh showing all the parks uh and playgrounds in the city with the 300 foot buffer. And in in this exercise, we uh determined that there were not any there were no new non-conforming uh situations or or businesses that were

created from this um this new addition to the code. And then with regard to the alcoholic beverages with on premises consumption in schools, so basically bars to schools with a 500 foot offset per Florida per Florida statute. Um uh this does create one conforming one nonconforming use, excuse me, which is a bar located at 238 Peach Street. And this is due to the business being less than 500 feet from a school. And um this for non-conforming uses they will they will be continued permitted to continue so long as they uh other remain otherwise lawful and subject to the provisions of article 10 regarding nonconformities. And then for the for the for the addition of liquor store or package store as a type of alcoholic beverage establishment requiring these separations uh 300 ft from parks, schools, playgrounds, churches, and residential zones. Uh this does create one new non-conforming use, a liquor store located 11:05 Clear Lake Road. And this is due to its less than 300 foot proximity to a residential zone boundary. And again, it will be permitted to continue so long as it remains otherwise lawful and subject to the provisions of our article 10 on nonconformities. And so staff has determined that with the addition of parks and playgrounds to the to these list of community uses from which bars and package stores have location distancing requirements and with the increased separation of 500 ft from bars and schools and the addition of package stores as a type of alcoholic beverage establishment that has

distancing requirements. Um the city feels uh we're taking steps necessary to address public health and safety concerns associated with the potential overconentration of liquor stores and other alcoholic beverage establishments in the city. And then just in in the staff finding in response to the justification justification and need for the change in the zoning code, the determination is that regulating the location of liquor store package stores is in the best interest of the community necessary to protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families. The proposed amendment also updates key definitions and establishes a more price methodology for measuring separation distances, thereby improving clarity for enforcement and consistency with the city's land use regulations. And then also we um we uh reviewed and an analyzed the consistency with our comprehensive plan um and with regard to future land use goals by calling for the thoughtful planned use and development of land to protect public public health, safety, welfare, and appearance. Uh for neighborhood protection by ensuring that additional growth and development will be respectful of established neighborhoods that define much of the city's character. And with regard to redevelopment goals and community revitalization, continuing to support uh that revitalization of Diamond Square, Heart of Coco and other areas um concentrating on issues such as crime, economic development, and affordable housing. And then uh by considering the topography, facilities and services and other factors being consistent with sound planning principles um which promotes public safety and welfare through planning and regulations. And so we analyzed and determined that these are all that the the changes in the ordinance are consistent with um these elements of the comprehensive plan. And so staff requests uh the city council approve this ordinance 042025

amending the zoning ordinance of the city of Cocoa relating to the regulation of alcoholic beverages. Imposing separation requirements for liquor stores and package stores from certain other uses. imposing separation requirements uh between locations for on premises consumption of alcohol and public parks and playgrounds. Updating the zoning ordinance to be consistent with state law regarding separation requirements between schools and locations for onremise consumption of alcohol. Amending the method of measuring separation for purposes of alcoholic beverage regulations. Amending certain definitions to clarify the application of the alcoholic beverage regulations. modifying the regulations pertaining to alcoholic beverage sales as an accessory use and amending the list of permitted and special exception uses in the general commercial CG district relating to alcoholic beverages. Thank you. Thank you very much Mrs. Webster for a detailed and concise presentation and a point of clarification establishing that definition. And I think it's very important uh that we do comprehend its fullest intention and its initiative to define excess accessory. Um do we have any questions for Mrs. Webster, Deputy Mayor Weeks, and then Councilman Goins? And if you have a cell phone, please secure your cell phone, sir. Ma'am, I I put it down to zero, but I don't I don't know how to shut it off. Do you know how? Yes, ma'am. You go to your general sounds. Yeah, they they take care of the sounds. I No problem. Yes, sir. I always take Okay. Yeah. Thank you. No, no, quite. All right. Um I'm trying to figure out if I have the question for

you or if it's more for general discussion amongst us. So, um I'm trying to figure that out. Well, go ahead. Okay. Um I understand that this does not obviously pertain to the central business business district. So, we we're going to have two codes, one for C central business and one for the rest of Coco. So, well, not necessarily two different codes, but within the code, it it does say, and I apologize for not uh pointing that out or reminding that um that in this central business district that there are no distancing requirements. Um, however, there's still um there's still uh uh bars and package stores will still be subject to special exceptions. Okay. But again, it's giving us two areas. you've got that area there and then the rest of Coco that um and you know as we develop now me personally I don't drink alcohol but I'm concerned about this ordinance and how it may stifle development in all the rest of the city of Coco and uh I've seen it over and over again. You cannot regulate uh morality. We learned that in um back in prohibition days. And um so so I I my concern is that this is overregulating this this industry and um uh I know that we have um some people who have bought property which is going to come up um that were told that they could put and that's the only thing they could put there at Fisk and and 520 and um and now we're trying to tell them no after they spend spend all that money and I don't think that that's right either as a city to do that. Um, so I have a lot of problems with this. Not the definitions. That's

fine. You It's good to make the definitions, but I don't like that we have that. I think it's just too ownorous uh with the way the distance and all of that is is set. I have a real problem with it. That's all I have. M Mr. Mayor, if I if I could. Jen, how many how many districts do we have in Cocoa Village and then how many subd districts? Uh we have well we have the waterfront overlay district generally and then I believe we have six or seven subd district seven subd districts in the village. So, so you so you have you have a a mixed bag of of of uh districts and overlays within within uh Cocoa Village there. So, so, so again, this is not um um creating different codes there. Again, you have districts and subdists that have different requirements already in the code. Um, state law has changed with regards to the distance from um from um bar and lounges and schools and churches. Was it schools? It's just the this the Florida statute requirement is just uh regarding bars and schools schools there. And so and so you're going to have to you're going to have to meet that that that's changed. So that'll that'll change uh the distance requirements um um there. And then for the property on 520 and Fisk, that's not the only thing that they can be. The they they under the zoning code and under the the land use um they can be other things. um their business decision

was to uh go get the liquor license there, but again that was their own personal business decision, but they do um under the code they can be other things. Can I answer that? Yes. From what I understand, the property when they bought it, uh 7-Eleven has told them that's the only thing that they can put there. So, it has nothing to do with the code. it has to do with their and I guess they can speak to that. There'll be I'm sure their attorneys here to speak to it, but that is the only thing that they can put there. Yeah. And it sat vacant all this time. Again, I Yeah, I've I've heard Waw Wa had some some uh some uh competition requirements there. It was never a 7-Eleven. it was a Hess and then it was a it was something else there. But again, the the the they still have to work up to the zoning code and the future land use in terms of what they can be within the city regardless of what um what any particular business prefers that they be or or the private matter of uh what a business is holding them to be. But but again, I I I hear that Okay. Uh, Councilman Gins. Yeah. I I just I had a few things because I know um with inside within the city limits of Coco there's not a lot of um um buildings to choose from um for many different styles of businesses, right? And so to uh Deputy Mayor Week's point, um I I agree wholeheart about not regulating

morality. Um is is true and sometime it could be uh overregulation. Um not saying that this is or isn't, but I I just I have an issue um with this particular ordinance. um because it could limit some businesses. Um unfortunately or fortunately, I I definitely drink alcohol, right? Um and for some individuals, I think sometime we look at alcohol as a like I read through and it seemed like it's all a bad thing. Everything is is um looked at um from a negative standpoint as well. But but when I some some individuals will look at it from the optics and and say you know in the village or other places you can do this or that with no issue but yeah I am three streets over. Same thing we deal with with some of the regulations with food trucks on this street and that and so um I'm not to I'm not totally against it. I'm kind of like in the middle on this. Um, but I did talk to that that owner as well, uh, several times. Um, and today included. So, I feel for him, but but I do, like I told him before, I think he jumped the gun, um, before he got approval. Um, but but but I do understand. So, can we talk about the the doortodoor distance? Um, there are some schools that's probably going to end up coming to the city of Koga. they may have to only choose plazas. For example, say if they inside of a plaza that has uh nine or 10 units um and you say door to building to

building, they're not included. But if you're a standalone school so well, he he just kind of clarified it for you Mike can say that. Yeah. So, so Jen, if you're in a if you're if you're a bar in a strip mall, like for instance, on the the Publix Plaza on 524, uh talk about the distance requirements there or the lack thereof. So the those types of situations where a a liquor store uh package store would be within a shopping center that is um at least 20,000 square feet then they would be exempt from any sort of distancing requirements or special exception. So so that would be fine. That would be no problem. So, so if say say for example, um because I like looking at it on case by case basis. That's just my take. But you have some situation where it may um a a a liquor store, package store is on 520, but that church that's within that 500 ft is totally on the other street may not even face this particular business. doesn't really um prohibit that particular church um unless they drive by it. But I I just I just don't like all the regulation on it in my opinion. Um but I I do think it's consistent with what we did with the um uh not the hookah, what was it? the theraton theraton and the and the cava which I I was gonna point out to you sir because because again remember that was a distance requirement placed on uhraton and cava y whatever those are. Yeah, I I I I agree with that. But that particular building is directly across the street. Totally

different from what my my point was. If if if a church is within that 450, you say there's 450 ft, but that church is on totally on another block away that's that does not face um they do not cross paths. When the church members come out, just like Zion Orthodox and the current building that's there now, when they come out of there, they see a sign that had a a some cigarette or whatever it was that was on the sign, but they see that it'll be different for me if that if that church um was turned the opposite way, houses were behind it and totally separate from that particular building. So a a business would not be able to open based on that 500 feet even though they do not cross paths. You know that's me knowing that we don't have a lot of product that bothers me on the business side of it where it prohibits um those style of businesses. So that's just my opinion. Thank you. Thank you for for that input. And ju but just to clarify that the the 500 ft only applies to between schools and bars. All of the other distancing is 300 ft. So what was the craton to the crayon? I do believe that's 500 ft for for that particular type of business. Okay. That is sir. Yes sir. I I have concern any kind of package store close to a church, right? My church, period, point blank. I don't care about the business. I'm sorry. That's a conservative side of me. Um bottom line, it shouldn't be in the neighborhood. Period. Point blank. By church or school because once you're young, you're going to have that influence. And I don't care if it's facing you or or to the back of you. My church, prime example, Metropolitan

Missionary Baptist Church. You know what's on the corner of 520 highways. Yes, sir. You dog on right. And what those jokers do? They go into that store. And here I am. My church faces that building, the side of the building, the front part of that building. There's a side door that faces um US1. And it's frustrating to walk from getting the word to compensating someone trying to maintain their building. And it's not feasible to have that type of business or again any alcohol. If I walk across the street, King Street, from the oldheads gas station, I'm sorry. Do your due diligence. It shouldn't be permitted in the schools or close proximity to a church. I'm just sorry. There's no compromise in that. That's my philosophy and I'mma stand on it and that's what I believe in and and I'm sorry for those that do have a business. I apologize. There's nothing I can do about it, but I'm not in favor of association of alcohol either by a church or either by a school. Okay. Or parks. Bottom line, there's no compromising. Okay. Councilwoman calls. Yeah. Um well, thank you for clarifying the thing about the the liquor store being in the shopping center. So, that explains the 524 shopping center. And my knowledge, we just have that liquor store and the one on Clear Lake. And are there any other liquor stores in Coco? The There is the the Wine Lady, uh, which is the beer and wine package store, but they are they're not Yeah. Yeah. They're in the village and with no, you know, special with no distancing requirements. Kind of a boutique. That's Yeah. Right. Um, so this gentleman, this is his only business though, is liquor stores. I mean, that's why he's

opening a liquor store because he's not opening another kind of store because that's what he does, right? I mean, was it wasn't I don't know. Is he here? I mean, okay. because I think he was over he was in the shopping center and I believe sold that um when he had the idea to uh create this other liquor store. Um you know I have to say I I is there any evidence that I mean we have 20,000 people two liquor stores. Is that a lot? Well, I did want to, if I may, just uh just to point out and just let council know that we staff uh wanted to make sure that that our our analysis was based on due diligence and our research and and in in the ordinance itself, there are some citations made and backup information as to uh the the the the effect of the alcoholic beverage establishments on like vulner vulnerable neighborhoods. And for instance, neighborhoods with a higher density of liquor stores have higher numbers of childhood accidents, assaults, and child abuses. And this is all uh based on research uh gathered. Uh they be liquor stores become places where social controls are weaker, increasing the likelihood of criminal and nuisance activities in the surrounding areas. Um, a high density of liquor stores is linked to higher levels of crime and violence. According to the CDC, uh, regulating the number of places in a given area where alcohol may be legally sold is an effective way to prevent excessive alcohol use. and the CDC uh also recommend the use of regulator regulatory authorities such as this type of licensing and zoning restrictions to

limit the outlet density uh due to the positive association between outlet density and excessive alcohol consumption and related items. So, in particular to um we wanted to make sure we backed this up and I backed up our analysis uh especially with regard to neighborhood vulnerability um and also in our wanting to be consistent with a comprehensive plan, right? And protect neighborhood protection would be socioeconomic. Um okay. Well, because I certainly have lived in neighborhoods with that have a liquor store within the vicinity and um hadn't experienced that. But um well, I'm interested to hear what the public has to say and what the um the representative has to say. Of course. Thank you. We councilman going uh two more things that I forgot to mention. Um the as far as the uh the one that they're wanting to do, you can go across the street to Waw Wa and buy beer. Yeah. And already So what's the difference of putting allowing them to do a package store on the other corner than uh when you can get it at any gas station around that are exempt? And um the other thing is when the train station comes, they're wanting to do all kinds of development around there. And if you can't have a bar, which odds are there will be, somebody's going to want to put a bar over by the train station. And uh you've got probably apartments or multifamily stuff close by. We're we're we're hurting ourselves. Yeah. No, but there it says near residential area. 300 ft res.

Yeah. So, we're hurting ourselves by doing that. um by by I think we're we're hurting ourselves by this um the streng the the amount of of what is in this if we kept it to the churches which it you know is uh state code we have to do that or schools schools not churches yeah and um if we did that you know it it to me it makes more sense I I just feel like we're hamstringing ourselves by not by by going this far in my opinion. And again, I don't drink. I hate alcohol, but but I feel like uh it's just something that down the road, especially because you've got uh that whole area that's all going to get developed and um it it's going to hurt us. So, that's all I'm going to say and I'm interested to hear the public as well. Council, you're late. Councilman, um I I just had a question back to the distance again. So church church and school is together, right? If if a church is a school, if a church has a combination Yeah. If the church and school were a combination in the same like uh it'll be the school take the president. School would take precedence. Yes. So does First Baptist have a Yes. Do they have a school? Yes, they do. Yeah. And it there's a there's a liquor store in Walmart, right? And and so as we consider the Bright Line development, um that will probably be uh more of uh restaurants, bars, but if it were a liquor store, it would probably be a

part of some mixeduse development, i.e. a strip uh mall type development there. So, so, so again, um, and the and the the the the chart is on the screen, so we can refer back to that. And so, so again, state law has changed that schools, it's 500 ft. So, so, um, 500 ft of schools, uh, churches, uh, again, so we we we have it on there. again our our theraton and the cava. Um I think that was last year that we actually put in you guys actually put in that distance prohibition and so this is this is uh very similar to that. Um we we can talk about historically the issues uh surrounding uh provos part. Um, again, I think we all are well well aware of those. Um, but again, this was brought back at the direction of council and so um I I'll I'll reserve further comments. Mr. Mayor, sir, deputy mayor, excuse me, council, excuse me. Yes. I I just I would like to remind the council what I I believe. Uh I think everyone came on this board with the mindset of uh restoring property values in in the city of Coco. Um, and those of us that could remember uh certain elements in certain areas of this city, um, especially I can I I used to work at the fire station, well the uh fire station uh right on 520 and uh F Boulevard and I could tell you some of the elements that it took the city a lot of work to get rid of in that location. We're talking about enhancing that location and other areas of the city,

especially in my district. Um, I think we can do better in regards to what we want here in the city as far as businesses. Um, I welcome uh, you know, anybody that's in the liquor business. I welcome we have plenty of other locations I believe in the city of Coco um, where that can fit. And if not, I mean, we have our neighbors to the south of us, Rock Ledge, we have Vieier that's, you know, bigger population than we have, you know. So, I I would recommend looking that way. But, um, I'm trying to keep the property values rising here and and, uh, and making it an inviting place. And that's my stance on it. I support, uh, the recommendations of the staff. Um, I know we got to open this up to the public. Yes, sir. I mean, we can make a motion discussion. I'll make a motion to approve with discussion. Well, I'll make a motion to approve. Staff recommendation. Staff recommendation. I'll second it for discussion, but we'll give the public the opportunity to speak. Okay. Is that it, sir? That's it. Okay. Thank you very much. Do we have any other questions for staff before I open it to the public? I do have two cards. I do have two cards. I have is it Cliff? Are you here? Cliff also. Then I have uh Alec Greenwood. Okay, let me let me close this portion to council open to the public and you come forward. Chair like to close this portion to council open to the public. Please come forward and state your name and your concerns. Is it reper? Very good. Very good. Thank you, sir. Uh Kokohai Kokoha Mayor Blake, honorable count council members, uh my name is Cliff Reperger. Business address is 21101 Waverly Place,

Melbourne, Florida 32901. We represent PMP Investments of Florida. Um, the owner is a property located at uh 1035 West King Street, Coco, Florida. That's the property that uh uh Deputy Mayor Weekes referred to and and council member Goins also mentioned as well. Um, our site is on the southwest corner of West King and Fist. It's the site of the former convenience store that has um with gas. Um it's located immediately to the west across fist from the existing Wawwa that's there. Um according to the buffer analysis map on the agenda package, our site appears to be within the 300t radius buffer of a church, school, park, and uh residential zoning. So we kind of hit the quadfecta there of the of the uh buffer requirements. Um, our client acquired and had planned to redevelop the site as a pack packaged liquor store with no on-site consumption. So, important to note that there's no on-site consumption there. Um, in May of 2023, our client obtained a zoning verification letter um confirming the consistency of a retail liquor store um uh on the subject property from the city uh and the property zone CG, general commercial with a future land use designation of commercial. So, they did obtain that prior to um acquisition of the site. Um our client uh uh upon making uh various uh oh they they acquired the property in uh September uh of 23 um after receiving the zonifica verification letter um upon making various site improvements our client filed an application for a business tax receipt on uh December 13th 2024 uh I'm sorry 2024 so that was last year December uh 13th um that was prior to the city's announcement of the approved legislative intent of the ordinance on December 23rd of 2024. And there was no uh determination on the

business tax receipt until January 24th of 2025. Our client received a letter denying its application for a business tax receipt um based upon the legislative intent that was approved by the board. Subsequently, um on December 23rd, 20 2024 after it had submitted its application. Um but it obviously hadn't approved the ordinance by that date. You're here now considering the ordinance. Um the and and our our client had made certain improvements on the site, had begun c making certain improvements on the site with the idea of um of uh putting the property to that use. Um although our client understands the intent of the city in attempting to implement an essential moratorum on the new package service facilities pending the outcome of this ordinance um it has a detrimental it has had a detrimental effect on our client's ability to develop the property in a way that was consistent with the code when the property was purchased and when they applied for the BTR. Um again the property is located um on a central commercial thoroughfare and I am out of time. Can I request additional time? We're going to extend them one minute. I will not take very long. Um uh we believe the site is appropriately cited for this use. Um and also we understand the city's desire to adopt regulations that promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Um, our client believes that the application of the ordinance, however, um, to package liquor stores really doesn't serve that intent because the sale of packaged liquor is no different than any other retail sale. It's not for on-site consumption. So, the application of the buffer requirement to a particular site selling package liquor really doesn't have any effect as it does to on-site consumption. Clearly, there's need to put those buffers in place for on-site consumption, and that's consistent with the Florida statutes and and the sections that have been cited 56245.

Um, so clearly that makes sense. But as Deputy Mayor Weekes pointed out, there's a Wawa across the street. So someone could go into the Wawa and purchase a can of beer and a cooler already cooled if they want to purchase liquor right across the street. It makes no sense to apply the buffer to our site when a convenience store doesn't have the buffer applied to them. As to your question about um the restriction on the uh uh uh the property as far as uh the convenience store use, that deed restriction was put into place in the deed that was purchased. So, they can't develop this site as a convenience store by way of the deed. But if they did, they could still sell beer and wine there on this site, on this very same site, the same way they do do at the Wawa. So it really doesn't serve the intent to apply the buffer to package liquor stores. And that's basically our client's position is that the ordinance as written is overly burdensome, excessive, unduly oppressive as to illegal commercial use of retail sale. land that plane. And so we're asking that the council either deny the ordinance as it's written, remove package stores from the distance requirements from the buffer requirements, or allow for some exemption for package liquor store on major thoroughares. Um, and we would just ask that that the council take that into consideration. And we appreciate your time. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. But sir, let me say something to you. You don't get the phone calls. You don't get that person knocking at your door at 3:00 in the morning. I do on multiple occasions. A lot of these council members don't get it because I'm right there at the intersection of 520 and Fifth Boulevard. That's the problem that I have. See, you can talk the talk, but do you walk the way? I'm trying to stay calm because I know what it's like, sir. And I deal

with it daily. So, let me calm my demeanor, but they don't have to deal with it like I do. Understood. Thank you for your time, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Yes, ma'am. We have a question. Come on back, sir. I have a question. Come on back. ES. So, the restrictions that are on there, he can't do a convenience store. What other restrictions were there? I mean, what is the only thing that he can do with that property? No, he I mean he could do other things with it that are permissible in in the commercial general the CG zoning classification. He cannot do a liquor he I mean I'm sorry he cannot do a convenience store as it was prior as it was previously utilized. Okay that's the that's the restriction that's on him. Okay. Thank you. Y council. Thank you for your patience. I keep hearing the comparison uh to a waw wa. Um, I I just I'm not seeing the similarities from driving past a church or a school and seeing a Waw Wa and then a liquor store or uh a possible business that's called the joint across the street from a church. I'm I'm just not seeing the uh the comparison, but maybe I'm missing something here. Um that's where I'm struggling at with that. Wood, that's green. You're next. Thank you. Uh, Alex Greenwood, Cocoa, Florida. Um, I'm sensing the same concerns of what I've been hearing from the commercial property group, other people on the streets, and now the board. The staff has done a wonderful job. They

It's a very hard job of what they've done. But there's one thing that we need to bring out in the open. We haven't had to have this ordinance for 45 years that I've been in business. And um I really feel that because it's so complicated that either postpone it and have more input to go into it because there's already some other another couple of issues that could make it go bad. And uh there are two commercial property group people that had told me to state something publicly but um and I don't know if I can use some of their time. One of them uh was M. Osborne. Uh, and he said, "Heck yeah, you can use my name." He said, "Heck yeah, you just let them know." Because I had explained to them what this was being proposed. And he said, "Not just know. Hell no. Word from word from Mac. There's also another person that's in business and been here for almost 40 some odd year. Two people, they also don't want it. One of them also allowed me to mention her name, but as a gentleman, I'd rather tell you privately rather than publicly. But uh the easiest thing I can explain about this, it never was presented to me and it wasn't presented to other people. This was a a be bring your own bottle kind of club idea. That's not the point. The point is the free open container. It's not in there. It's not in there. They're not charging liquor. You bring your own bottle. That's the point. There's liability involved. You've got so many other problems. All I give you an example. Food trucks. Everybody brings food trucks up. And this is a good example.

The downtown area does not, and you all know this, is not happy with food trucks being located there except for big events. We understand that. Okay, this is exactly the same thing. There's it it is not a requirement. Do you know that they could go and get a license that's called S uh S FS for COP SF S as in Sam, F is in Frank, S is in Sam to do exactly what this ordinance is proposing. the people at the arts and craft place can ask for this license and do exactly what the ordinance is wanting to offer. So, it's not a require to have it and we haven't had it. Also, there's another property uh commercial property group member that did some homework in reference to Melbourne and I guess I'm going to wait. Do you want to bring it up or know what he's talking about? If they want to bring it up, fine. But um this has already been tried and tested in Melbourne and I'm going to let that commercial property group owner uh bring that up. But this is something that I think needs to be delayed and looked further into it. No one in the commercial property group that I've been able to speak to is happy with this idea because it takes away tips from waiters and waitresses just like the food trucks. Takes away the tips. takes away selling food, which is why we don't want food trucks there. I mean, tips uh the liability. This is like um this is a slippery slope. Slippery slope. Especially if somebody shows up real drunk. State me that law you just stated statute. That was a that was a particular type of

license. That was a that was an alcohol license. That's a license that allows them to serve liquor for free. Is that the bottle club license? No, this they have a license for a bottle club and that's called 14BC. It's called the four cop 14 BC bottle club. Now the one for the what? Go ahead chief. It's a four cop SFS license, which is a special food service license for restaurants allowing them to sell beer, wine, and spirits for on premises consumption. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And so, and so the food trucks wouldn't be able, I don't believe, to get that license. No, I'm not saying that. Excuse me. Um, and then and then we can we can talk about the I don't know how it takes away from anybody's tips there because I'm going to go back to the example of painting with a twist that currently has a bottle club license. You correct me if I'm wrong, Jen. They currently have a bottle club license issued uh by the state as as a part of the their core business uh coming in and painting pictures. They allow you to bring uh a bottle of wine. So there there were no tips to be had. There are no bartenders there. There are no waiters. There are no waitresses at at uh at painting with a twist there. You cannot bring your own bottle, glass of wine to the bar and as I said before and ask for a glass. I mean, you just it's just not what this is. Um and so it's not open container. It's not uh the Wild Wild West where you where you walk around with your own

bottle when you go into a bar and and they're going to allow you to actually just simply again serve yourself from what you uh what you brought into the bar. It's it's not it's not any of that. Um, and so I don't know where the confusion comes in because again, the best example is uh painting with a twist. Again, there may be some hair salons around here that actually allow you to bring in uh a bottle of wine. They may actually offer you a glass of wine that's complimentary to uh to the uh I guess it's not called a haircut at the hair salon, but whatever whatever services are there. So so so that and that just simply go back to page to slide five and six. And so and so so I think it's five. Five. the other five. That's four there. Sorry, this one. Yeah. Yeah. So, so, so, so simply making that language consistent with uh Florida statutes there, which again they require of uh a business like Painting with a Twist. Right now, Painting with a Twist has that license if the if the city code mirrors that uh uh requirement. We're not we're not giving you a second license on top of what the state would give you. I think what we're merely saying is is that because the state is issuing this license because it's ancillary to your core uh uh business uh that you don't we're not requiring you to to go through the special exception process because again you're

not a bar. You're not allowed there. You're you're you're some other type of business that has ancillary to your core business line of business. the ability for your customers to bring in again a a bottle of wine uh or to be served not for sale a glass of wine. And I think that's as clear as I can make it, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. But what I'd like to add to that, am I able to speak? Yes, sir. Um the way it affect restaurant business when you go in there and you have a a bring your own bottle kind of setup. They don't need to buy any liquor in the restaurant where they're eating. That's how it hurts their tips and the sales of restaurants. Just like the food trucks. But you're not you're not you're not I must be missing something because maybe I am. You you You you cannot walk into a restaurant with your own bottle. Well, actually some some upscale restaurants, you actually can bring your own bottle. It's a Yeah. Yeah. Whoever said but but but this is not changing the city's code to say that uh you can bring in your own bottle of liquor at the bar. Um because again that that I don't even think that's contemplated in code but restaurants and bars don't allow you to do that sort of thing and it still won't be still won't be okay my last point is the distance the distance measurement is wrong they're doing 30 seconds okay the distance that I've been familiar with with all the years I've been in construction you measure from

property line to property line This measurement is done by building to building which reduces the distance. That's the part I don't like also. But that was it. That's all the points. Time out. Okay. All right. You may have a seat now. Thank you, sir. All right. Now, I will let Hold tight, ma'am. Have a seat, please. Um, I have Councilwoman Cos's light on, but do his last comment. Uh, Mr. Jennifer, can you Miss Webster, can you address his last comment pertaining to building regarding the distancing? Yes. So, so the code uh prior to this ordinance, the way the code is written uh regarding distancing that uh regard as far as schools, churches, uh that the measurement is taken from building line to building line. But if it's a residential zone to a alcohol establishment, then it would be from the boundary line of the residential zone to the building which is the alcohol beverage establishment. So it currently is in most cases building to building. So what we're doing so what we're doing is um with the introduction of parks and playgrounds that will be measured from the property line and then you have the residential zones already being measured from the property line and then the schools uh with regard to the state statute requires it to be measured from the property line. So, so we are we are adding uh just by adding those categories, we're adding the method of measurement from the property line, but we're also preserving um some of the existing situations where you would measure to the building. So, it just in an effort to try not to be so overrestrictive because the the original

uh direction from city council back in December was to overall uh across the board measure from property line to property line. But when we did that when we did that analysis and exercise, we discovered how restrictive it really was and we we felt that uh that it was better to retain some of the original method of measurement from building to building i.e. There would have been more nonconforming correct businesses. Correct. Had we gone from just straight property line to property line. Correct. So, so, so, so we were actually cognizant of uh putting people out of business if they became if they if they no longer existed in the current line of business there. So, so again, um, and go back to the chart, Jen. The chart gives the different types of measurements. But we we did make a conscious effort to actually do the analysis of under which method what would become nonconforming. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Okay. Um, chair. Well, can I hear from Councilwoman Calls and then I would like to entertain a motion to take a recess. Go ahead, Councilwoman Call. Uh, well, I did a a question came to mind. Now, we have measured the point of that building. the proposed liquor store on Fisk and King to the school and it's more than 300 feet. So, so the the factors that make that

particular property nonconforming are particularly uh first and foremost the uh adjacency to the park which is behind the the property. Um so because they are adjacent to it and so with the offset of the 300 ft it it basically encompasses the entire site. Right. But what about to the school? The school across the street. Yes. So I would have to measure that. Um I believe that we're still I believe we're still less than the 300 ft. Is is less than 300 ft. So it would be that a liquor store there would be forbidden by the fact that by several factors, right? Okay. So I mean I am concerned about protecting the park. Um I'm but I'm still really concerned about the restrictions and how they'll affect our future development. Yeah. But see y'all like Okay. Yes, ma'am. No, I respect that. No, ma'am. I'mma close my mouth and I'm going entertain a motion to take a recess break, please. But I will give you the opportunity to follow up. Move to recess. Let's take a 15minute recess break. All in favor say I. I. I second the motion. Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Weeks. It's

Need a second. All in favor say I. I would like to just say thank you very much uh council members for your patience and audience for your patience as well and staff for your patience. Um I have two more cards in the audience. I will listen to you all. Um, but I know some of the information has been convoluted. Oh, you can hear me. Well, I can hear you. Oh. Um, a lot of the information has been convoluted, but I I will entertain your concerns. I have two cards right now as it stands. One of the cards is from Jennifer Molton. The other card is from Pal the village mayor Sha or Shia whatever you want to call it the day of the week. Miss Molton come forward please. Good evening board. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Um of course my name is Jennifer Moen. Uh my property is 910 Bristol Drive Coco. I would like to reiterate uh uh Mayor Blake's um sincere concern. Um I'm one of the ones who contacts board members about issues at that corner. My last time contacting Mr. Gowens's was May 25th, a Sunday about a a disturbing site I I had not seen and I don't need to see that ever again. Um that's not for Coco. That's definitely not for that corner. But um I want to be uh let it be known that what Mr. Blake is saying is real.

We've worked so hard to clean that area up. And if you've not lived that reality, I pray you do then. I sincerely pray you reap what you sow. You've re you live that if you're going to do that to my community. Please don't um just please remember that I am Yeah. I'm one of the ones contacting and driving by seeing disgusting things that I don't even need to see. please is what I'm saying. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Mayor, can I say respond? Yes, ma'am. Go ahead, ma'am. Um, I was just going to say reading this whether we pass this or not, we have to do the of course the state statute, meet the state statute, but that liquor store is not going to qualify over there based on just being this close to a school. Isn't that right? And it has nothing to do with this ordinance. So, so just just to kind of clarify, know there's a lot of information and a lot of um especially with regard to the measurement and the different types of measuring. So, the 500 ft the Florida state statute requirement for the 500 ft is specifically from schools to bars. So, establishments of on-site consumption. So the what we're proposing in the ordinance is two things that we are well one of one of the many things but with regard to package stores is adding package and liquor stores to the grouping of alcoholic beverage establishments that uh should require

distancing from other types of properties. And that measurement distance is to be 300 ft. And that is to be measured from building to building. Uh if it's a school, it would be building to building. If it's a park, it would be, you know, property line to building. For instance, so then it would be okay. Okay. Thank you. Council woman calls, you finished, ma'am. Yes. Right. Please madam. Thank you, ma'am. Miss Pam. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, council, staff members. Thank you very much for bringing this to everyone's attention. Please state your name. Oh, I'm sorry. Pam Sha and I own Tales of the Barkery and from Grapes here in Coco Village. Um, I have a question. So, last night, I'm going to use this as an example. Carolyn Sers, lovely lady, 15 years here in the village, had her big anniversary party. She served champagne, walked in the door, we're all drinking our champagne. Are you now saying that that requires a bottle club permit? I I'm I'm not I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with the establishment. What's She's an art gallery and she was doing her 15year anniversary. So, she was serving champagne. So now does that now we have to go get a bottle club permit to share to serve champagne to serve something just like painting with a twist. Five or six I'm sorry no we're going back to slide so we can give you a visual aid. That's all ma'am because I'm confused. That's why I said it's convoluted because people coming up right expounding on something then not well rehearsed at. That's all say and knowledge is power. I guess so we're here.

So I don't think that she the the example she's not doing that as a normal course of business. That was a one-time event. Yes, sir. And so and so again, if you look at the state definition, which this this ordinance would adopt the state's definition. It's up on the screen. I think this contemplates that that's a normal part of your business there, not not a a celebration, a a oneoff. Um I don't I don't think she would be required to go to the state and get a bottle club license for that one once a year celebration of her um of her anniversary, whatever you said it was. Okay. So then here's this bottle club. And as um Alex pointed out earlier, 45 years we didn't need it. I'm confused as to why now we need it. I don't have a problem with everything else on the statute, but the bottle club is just too many questions. I really think I would ask that you table it and let's have some more discussion on it because here's my other concern. So if I have a business in the village and right now I serve food and let's say I want to become I want to serve alcohol but I don't want to go through the practice and the policies and the ordinances to get that permit for alcohol but I can go get a bottle club and now I can serve without having to go through the legalities of it. And trust me, it's on the individual's insurance for their liability to cover this in their establishment. So my liability insurance is a lot less as a bottle club or if I'm a or if I'm a serving this alcohol or beer or wine, please. Okay. See where I'm going here? And I

realize I ran out of time. Ma'am, I'll give you one minute. Okay. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. The other thing is is we've had a couple of incidences that have occurred before council and the board of adjustment. I'm not calling out any business at this point that were refused because of where it sat for various reasons. What prevents them now from going out and getting a bottle club permit and now that establishment will be reopened? Yes, ma'am. So yeah, I can provide answers to a few of your questions, Miss Sha, that uh first of all, going back to the the business that had the grand opening or had a a champagne event or whatever. So, so the DBPR would look at that as um there would be there wouldn't be any money exchange. It's a private event where the proprietor is offering as as a gift. uh there there's no money exchanging hands unless there was an event fee. I don't I don't know. But in that case, but but at a one-off kind of special event where there there wasn't any profit made from the provision of the alcohol. Um that that that would not be a bottle club situation. Um, and then also to answer your question about um about a like a food establishment um um I guess what I'm trying to say is that if it was a food establishment, of course, all of these businesses are still going to be subject to the state licensing for food preparation, for restaurants, for seating, for all the different types of alcohol um licenses. So, if it's a food establishment, uh it would not be in their best interest to allow their patrons to come bring their own alcohol because they

could be selling it themselves and making money for it. So, so I think that would be an unlikely an unlikely situation and I don't know if they would be allowed by the state to even do that. Uh because um and Mr. Greenwood, you brought up uh the example of the SFS license. So first first and foremost in order to have that license you would have to be considered a restaurant. So so that first and foremost and yeah so so that that isn't a license that just anybody can go out and just decide I want to serve alcohol that first and foremost primarily the business use would have to be a restaurant. So just to kind of clarify that. Um and then the the with the issue of the um the the definition of the bottle club is one that where it would have to take place and in a building or enclosed permanent structure. So a business that had an open air environment or an open patio primarily they would not be able to get a bottle club license. Didn't you answer my question? So I wanted to just and also Jen we didn't create this thing called a bottle club. If you look at the note that's at the bottom of the slide, it's always been in the city's code. It's been in in it's been synonymous with a bar. And so again, I'm going to use painting with a twist. And so why would you take painting with a twist through a special exception for a bar with the distancing requirements when that's not their line of business? They are a painting with a twist business and they and they and they allow uh you to bring your bottle of wine here. So that that was the that was the uh uh what we were trying to clarify and sort of stripping out and saying

okay bottle club is just consistent with whatever state statute says it is. So so back to the painting with the twist Stockton. So they don't need a bottle club permit. Correct. Because they they have one. The state said that they they already have one. So Oh, they already got one. Okay. But if somebody else wanted to do it, I'll just another little art studio. We do these things in the village all the time, you know, and as long as we are not making money off of it and we're offering as a free entity for a charitable event or non-charitable event, then the bottle club doesn't apply. Correct. It's per this definition. I think I think Jen did a good job on on uh laying out. I'm just trying to make sure because I'm going to get a lot of questions and the mayor only gave me a minute. We're all tired and I thank you for that and thank you for the clarification. Okay, thank you. Okay, that was my last card. Are there any more additional cards in the audience? Mr. Mayor, I just want to just make one point because we're, you know, I know members of the public are talking about licensing with the state. So, the city, as everyone knows, does not license alcoholic beverages. So to the extent that um any future business wants to allow alcohol on the premises, it would behoove those that property owner or business, right, to check with the state about the licensing requirements. The city regulates zoning. Okay. So not not the licensing of alcoholic beverages. So, I didn't want anything that that the council or the manager or staff may be saying about licensing requirements with the state that that's outside of the city's jurisdiction. Need to need to refer to the state about whether or not you need a bottle club license, whether or not you need a special events license, whether you need a four cop

license or whatever. That's state jurisdiction. Thank you for the point of clarification, sir. Do we have any other questions before I close this portion to the public and return it to council? Seeing none, chair like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. We have a motion on the floor and a second. A motion by Councilman Hearns and a second by the chair to approve staff recommendation. Chair's going to call call the question. Go ahead, sir. You got your light on. Uh the question that I had was why was it so important to add in residential? I get the school, I get the church, um playground for sure. Why was residential important? So the residential is not a new addition to the code. It's always been in the code that um that there's a a separation requirement from a residential zone. So that's existing. Gotcha. Huh? Okay, I'mma get you, man. I'm coming. I'm just laughing at him because he opened up Pandora's box. Go ahead, Councilwoman Call. Turn your light off. See your manager have your light on, sir. Then how the was the Clear Lake liquor store? How did that get because it's right next to residential area, right? So the Clear Lake uh the Clear Lake store that we mentioned um it's uh because we added the use as the liquor store. So now that liquor store is in the category of Yes. Uh now that liquor store is in the category of establishments requiring distancing, it's right next to the residential zone. So it becomes um subject to that. Right.

But you said resial It has. It has. But liquor store, package store has not always been one of the categories, which it now is. The category has always been bars. The C. Yeah. Up to this point, it's just been correct. Bars. Okay. I think my question was just answered. All right. Are we good? You all mind set? Okay. All right. We have a motion on the floor by council Hearn and a second by the chair. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. I. Any nays? Nay. Nay. Eyes have it. 32. So we will come back with the second reading um at our next council meeting or whenever staff prepares it for us. Item number seven, first reading of ordinance 062025 amending the city code regarding code enforcement board jurisdiction and duties regarding noise and excavation violation and code enforcement lean reduction request. Now the intent of this, as you will see, has multiple um um current code and draft ordinance established. Um it's a form of streamlining the process. the city manager will and I'mma let them go into detail about this um will have uh some of the say so that by the time it gets to us he may have could or should have resolved it prior to getting to us unless they would like to appeal it and then it will come back to us and the reason why I'm saying that you'll see how it um under this draft

ordinance is the council decision required only if the applicant does not accept the administrative reduction approved by the city manager. Misdemean is up to only 560 days. Nor's complaint and excavation files can be handled by notices of violation CCB hearing and administrative fines. Okay, Mr. City Manager. Sir, and then I will I I got you. Um, I know this is an ordinance that need to be read and I know I need to hear from you, Mr. City attorney, as well. Go ahead, Mr. City Manager. And I know Mrs. We have some They're going to lead you through it there. I think I think the best thing for us to do when we when we when we take you through the overview is to just take you through the agenda because we've laid it out pretty well in the agenda. And so I'll let the city attorney and Mrs. Neuterman do their do their thing. Okay. Okay. Okay. Um this is ordinance first reading also um public hearing here. Um ordinance number 06 2025 an ordinance of the city council of the city of Koka Boulevard County, Florida amending chapter 6 article 2 division 1 of the city code regarding the powers and jurisdiction of the code enforcement board amending chapters 12.5 and 13.5 of the city code regarding enforcement and penalties for mining and excavation operations and noise disturbances. Providing for a procedure for entering into code enforcement compliance agreements, altering the procedure for processing code enforcement lean reduction requests, making additional housekeeping amendments in compliance with chapter 162 Florida statutes providing for the repeal of prior and consistent ordinances and resolutions incorporation into the code severability and an effective date. And um again this is first reading um at least start off the discussion at a very high level. Um

first and foremost the city's code enforcement board has the authority to consider certain violations of the city code. Um and that is their limited jurisdiction to hear code enforcement uh violations. This ordinance proposes to amend the code enforcement board's jurisdiction to hear code violations to include chapter 12.5 regarding mining operations. Um chapter 13.5 regarding um noise disturbances and outdoor fires. Um and chapter 23 vehicles for hire. So again, if this ordinance passes, um the code enforcement officers would be able to um prepare notices of violations for viol for code violations of those um three additional chapters of the city code and those notices of violation would be able to be presented to the code enforcement board for adjudication. So, that's that's one of the main um key points to this particular ordinance. And as the title says, there's some clean up um of the some of the language in the code um just um to bring it into compliance or just to enumerate provisions that are in the Florida statute. Another key uh element of this uh ordinance is to create a new code enforcement u section regarding compliance agreements. Um, under this provision, if it were to pass, code enforcement officers when um handling a code enforcement case with a violator um would be able to present a compliance agreement to the city manager for consideration

where the violator um ad admits to the violation, but um has um terms and conditions in the agreement to bring the property into compliance without having to go through um the code enforcement um process. Um so um that that's a that's that would be an addition um to to the ordinance. Um and if the and if the violator failed to um to to correct um the um the violation in accordance with the agreement, of course, then the matter would be presented to the code enforcement board. So that's that's one key aspect. Another key aspect of this um of this ordinance would amend the code enforcement lean reduction process to streamline the process um by first eliminating the step of having to go to the code enforcement board every single time there's a lean reduction application to have a recommendation to the city council. Um in lie of that there's um there's a there's a proposed um administrative lean reduction process that lays out um you know the ability for um the city manager um to um enter into this lean or accept a lean reduction in accordance with a standard lean calculation that's proposed in the ordinance. In other words, um the council if they adopt this ordinance, there would be uh someone would apply for a lean reduction request they would have to file the the same old application, but there would be a lean reduction calculation that staff would be required um to um prepare based on the facts and apply um an administrative

reduction table. that would afford um the manager the ability to um reduce the lean based on the reduction table and the calculations that are in this ordinance. So that's a very high level. I'm sure the council may have some questions about about that calculation, but we we can talk about that in a second. But that's the other key element um to this um to this um ordinance. And on that lean on that administrative reduction um once the calculation is made in accordance with the code that calculation the adjusted lean reduction amount based on the calculation gets presented to the applicant. If they agree um to that reduced amount then they can pay the the the reduced amount within 30 days and then the manager has the authority to release the lean. If they don't agree to the standard calculation then the matter of just like we have been dealing with for years would come to the city council and then you would apply the you know all the factors and consider you know that that calculation as well and then the council would ultimately have you know the final say. So that is a is a proposal, a thought idea that hopefully, you know, if the council were to approve this, kind of streamline the process a little bit and maybe uh take care of some of those lean reductions through a standard calculation process with agreement of the of the of the property owner. So I'd be happy to answer any specific questions. I don't know if we have a PowerPoint or anything on this. So no PowerPoint. I don't know if I missed any of the highlights there, Mr. Manager, but I think that those are the key points or elements. Mrs. Nudman, you want to share anything because it's Christmas over here already in the summertime. I believe the city attorney covered

everything. I mean, we're like you said, we're trying to at to clean it up and make a an easier route for some of these uh processes to happen. Uh, so that's I I think that's the the best method for us to to work on on this process, keeps the cases in house, keeps things moving in the right direction. All right, we will proceed in this order. Councilman Goins, then councilwoman calls, then deputy mayor weeks. The question that I have, I I like this the idea of this because it speeds up the process. Uh I think the last this past year there's been a kind of backlog that we I know that we received several times. Um but I guess the question that I have we have the the lean amnesty program. Um it isn't this somewhat similar to the program that we already with with the exception of bringing it to the city manager. You had you had the lean. So that that's gone, right? It's gone. Yeah. It was only for a limited I think a limited duration and you know that is you know that expired some time ago. Yes. It hasn't been reinit hasn't been reinitiated but that was an amnesty. You're right. Wow. 2020 is when it expired. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for that information. Appreciate it. Okay. Councilwoman Cos and Deputy Mayor Weeks. Um so essentially we're kind of going around the code enforcement board. They won't be have any input not on the lean reduction reductions on lean reductions. Correct. Right. And so the criteria for these lean reductions are we going to see this? Is this who who decides what the criteria are? Um the criteria the criteria is in the

in the code. Um the only addition though would be the standard lean calculation right and that criteria is in the code and and it's a calculation that would be done based on the circumstances in the application and then that adjusted lean amount based on that calculation gets presented to the applicant and the applicant can agree to it and then the manager can expedite the release of the lean and then the council would never see it because the violator agreed to the calculation that the council approved. If they disagree, then they have to come to the city council. Then all bets are off. The council's not not bound by the by the calculation. The council then would consider the same criteria that the council's been considering for years with the addition of you would also see the adjusted lean amount based on the calculation to add to your thought process. So you would know what the applicant did not agree to the amount that the applicant didn't agree to. I guess that the one of my concerns is uh so frequently I feel like we've been well informed by the conversation that took place in the code enforcement board. So um we would have less information available to us I guess at that point but it did come to us although there'd be many less coming to us I would imagine maybe depending on the depending on the calculation. Okay. I mean, I I could walk you through just generally that calculation if you if the council wants to, but um it it's a standard calculation to give the applicant the ability to just

pay it and expedite the release. So would this is so this would really standardize the fines too because we've had big swings. Now, the fines the fines would the fines are determined based on the code enforcement board's order and the amount of the daily fine and the amount of days that it took to bring the violation into compliance. So, the swings in the in the in the amounts of the code enforcement leans, you know, depends on those two factors. What was the amount of the penalty per day and you know did the did the violator expeditiously then bring it into compliance and cut off got it the lean from from keep acrewing. Okay. Thank you. If she's done when she's done. Yep. It's you ma'am. Okay. Um so as the liaison to code enforcement I listen in and um to the story behind and as we have found some of them should never have been brought in the first place. Uh there's always kinds of stories. So will they if they turn that down when they come here before us we'll be hearing the same stuff that the code enforcement board used to where we can null and void whatever it is. Is that is that what that's if they didn't agree to the adjusted lean um calculation. Yes. Comes to the council then you can hear we can hear it the the whole story. Yeah. Which I've been hearing and I've written down for tonight as well. Um because I watched it because I missed the last one but I watched it on TV so I know. Um, but any I just want to make sure because there are two tonight that that we're going to hear that are uh and

so I I want to make sure that uh so the code enforcement board now will have nothing whatsoever to do with the lean reductions. Correct? And you think that that's going to make it faster because they're having to come twice once to the code enforcement board and then you're you agreeing with that? Yes, ma'am. I I believe that this will expedite the process because we'll be able to enter into an agreement with that uh property owner to uh to to comply and see that. I just wanted to make sure I was clear in my mind before we hit this because I want to make sure that you know the public gets it through because I know some of those sat forever waiting for it to come to council and everything. So, correct. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate It also know frees up the docket for of the code enforcement board to handle cases rather than retract, you know, going back and looking at lean reduction requests. Yeah. No, I got you. We'll just have more time here. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions for either the city manager, city attorney, or Mrs. Noodle? Yes, it did. Council, I just real quick, has the code enforcement do they board, do they know that this is on the agenda? The code enforcement board, did they weigh in on any of this? Did we get any? They did not. They did not weigh in on any of this. And keep in mind that, you know, the leans run in favor of the city council. So correct the city council ultimately has the only say only really legitimate say on lean reductions. One more comment mayor. Yes ma'am. Again it it's just that we have been well informed by conversations that have taken place the discussion that's taken

place in those code enforcement meetings on many occasions that for some reason doesn't necessarily come here. Maybe because it's nine o'clock or 10 o'clock by the time we get around to that and it just doesn't have a chance to uh be heard well. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Any other questions before I turn it over to the public? Saying none, chair like to close this portion to council, open to the public. I have one card. Would you please come forward, young man? I don't think I keep it simp. Alex Greenwood. Thank you uh for hearing me. Um the method that the uh code uh board uh has for violations that's done with the code board director. How are those uh are any of those requirements different for anybody in reference to the noise ordinance guidelines and fines? Is that also done through the code board director now or how's that handled? No, the the if it's if this ordinance passes, then if there's a noise violation as determined by the code enforcement officer, then a notice of violation can be prepared, presented to the property owner, and a case brought before the code enforcement board, and the property owner could be, if they're found in violation, could be fined for the noise violation. Today under the city code, we cannot do that because the code board doesn't have

jurisdiction to handle noise violations. So this corrects it tonight. This is this provides an enforcement tool enforcement tool for it staff can use to bring cases and noise violations to the code. Mr. Greenwood, remember the noise violations were presented to the state attorney. remember the letter from the state attorney that said I'm not prosecuting those there. So So they get this gets it out of the criminal and into to civil code enforcement there makes it quicker. Uh makes are the guidelines the same? Have they changed? Nothing's changed with regards to the guidelines on on when it becomes a violation. Thank you very much for your attention. Okay. Thank you. All right. Is there any other additional cards in the audience for this particular item? First reading of ordinance 062021. Seeing none, chair like to close this portion to the public and return it to council. Chair like to make a motion to approve staff recommendation for ordinance number 06-2025. Second. I got a second by Councilman Goins. Any discussion? Seeing none, chair would like to call in question. All in favor saying I. I I. Any nays? I have it. Unanimously go forward. Okay. This concludes this portion of public hearing. Now we will proceed forward to council business. Consider the appointment of Margaret Gulock to fill one of the three vacancies on the board of adjustment. Chair like to make a motion to approve. Second. I don't know who it is. Y'all tell me. There were three. So, take your pick.

Okay. Calls. Councilwoman call second. Chair's going to call the question. All in favor of saying I. I. Eyes have it unanimously. Proceeding on to item number seven- two. Now, haha. Haha. All right. This is what we've been talking about here. Um, let me get my facts together. Applicant floor suppliers, Inc., I don't know if it's RNA, is requesting a reduction of the current code enforcement lean of $60,520 at the property of 1050 West King Street be reduced to the amount of $10,000. Yes, sir. Okay. And let me make sure I got an understanding of something. What is the value of this building? Because I I I know what I read. In 2025, they found compliance. The city's cost to um prosecute the case was 242 $2,43354. The current value of this building is 1.1 million. Okay. All right. Yes, sir. Uh Mr. Wilkerson, sir, could you expound on this one? Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Sir, yes, sir. Code enforcement board held a public hearing on May 18th of 2023, at which time the the board found the property owner in violation of four counts of the prop the city's property maintenance code from anywhere from accumulation of junk, trash, litter, exterial general condition, boarded up buildings, and roofs and drainage damage. The code board provided the property owners time of J of July 17th of 2023 to come in compliance and correct the violations. A non-compliance hearing was held on August 17th of 2023. The lean ran at $100 per day from July

17th of 2023 until compliance was achieved on March 13, 2025. Current records leaving the fine leving a fine of $60,520 and the property is requesting to be reduced to the amount of $10,000. Wait a minute. Reduce it down from 60,000 to 10,000. Is that what you're saying to me? Or reduce the 60,000 by 10,000 which would make it 50,000. No, he's asking to reduce it to the amount of $10,000. No, that was He He's making that recommendation. That's what the applicant is requesting. Is he in the audience? Okay. I'm going to hear from you. You What would you like for me to do? Would you like to hear from Go ahead and hear from him. I I go for it. Come forward, sir. And I I don't want to destroy your first name, but if I may take Let me take a stab at it. Uh my good friend um that I I don't want to destroy your name. Go ahead. State your name, brother. I'm not going to Shiva Rupner. Yes, sir. Okay. Go ahead, sir. Yes. I made the request um for the reduction. Um when we got the notice, we did start to work on the different uh violations. The major violation was the roof and we spent over $160,000 on the building. So we had to await insurance money to come in in order to start the roof. And then we also had to basically find the proper contractors which we could not find because not a lot of contractors could work on that roof. So it took us a little bit of time to get that larger part taken care of. But when we did get the notice, we did start to

work on different parts of the the of the uh violations. Okay, sir. Thank you very much. Um C Deputy Mayor Weeks, man, the floor is yours. Stay right there, sir. Please. Yep. um when he says they they cleaned up everything uh but the only thing left was the roof and uh they wound up I think you said you paid 160,000 for the roof cuz that's what the that's total but the the roof was 110 and then we had another 50,000 for for the rest of the building to take care of the interior and the exterior. So the uh the code enforcement board was unanimous to reduce it to 10,000 which is what he has agreed to do uh the 10,000. So that was what the code enforcement board said and um but yeah he had a hard time finding a roofer and in 2023 uh especially on a commercial roof I've seen that happen. It takes a while to to get a commercial roof done and find the right one. So so anyway in my opinion I would accept that. Okay. Make a motion. Oh, yeah. I'll make a motion and I'll second. Okay. We We have a motion. Let me do it this way. We have a motion on the floor to accept 10,000 the $10,000 uh coverage. And there a second by that motion was done by Deputy Mayor Weekes and a second by Councilwoman Cost. Councilman Hearn has his light on and then Councilman Goens. I have a question after all them. Go ahead. Yes. Uh good evening sir. Uh currently is your building being uh occupied as far as a commercial? Are you running the flooring business out of there now? No. The building is currently for sale. Okay. Okay. Um with with that being sir, I also like to say thank you for addressing the issues out there. Uh that your business

or your property actually uh it helped us one year win a trash bash because it was so much uh litter out there. Yeah. Um, so I appreciate you addressing that with that being on Front Street. Um, and I would just ask I don't know how the board is going to vote on this, but you know, if those leans are reduced, I would just ask that you continue to keep up that property. Um, if it comes before if it comes before the council again, I'm not sure that we're going to be able to even uh have this conversation. You know, I I doubt the council would be uh motivated to even entertain. Yeah. We we initially had a challenge with all the the homeless. Correct. Correct. Um but we got through the challenge because we even though the building is for sale, we are at that building every day. Yes. Right. Every morning and evening. Um so but the city was uh the police was very helpful in let into advising us on how to handle correct the people there. So we have been issuing the um trespassing orders that has helped a lot but it was a challenge to deal with that situation. understand. Um, initially and that was the major part of the literary, you know. Okay. Thank you for that. And and as you stated, you've been in communication with our police department. If you have any issues moving forward, please contact our PD and they can assist on that. Oh, yeah. Definitely. I have someone on that building every day. So, yes, sir. Every day, morning and evening for that for that purpose. Hey, Council Go, sir. No, I just I was just um the statement I was going to make is that uh you know, we cleaned up us three with our hands on your property, too. So, uh Yeah. I appreciate that. That was a long morning. Yeah. Yeah. But I but but I think um you're right about the homeless issues. Um because I think next door at the King Street Baptist, that's where they were doing a lot of the um the food and clothing. And they were tossing. So a lot of times they'll just come straight

from next door. So So yeah, we we we seen it. We seen it and felt it. So we understand what you was going through. So yeah, but it was a challenge. But I think we we sorted it out and we figured it out. And we have been it's been a couple of months. The building has in much better condition. No homeless. Yeah. You know. Y. Okay. Okay, now we have a motion on the floor by uh Deputy Mayor Weeks and a second by Councilwoman Cost to reduce the fine or fee down to $10,000. Is that correct? Okay, chair's going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. Any nays? Okay, I got I have a question. Let me let me do it the right way. The vote is four yes, one day. Now, let me ask you a personal question, sir, because we all put a sweat equity into your facility. I need a commitment from you, sir, as well, cuz see, I know you you're trying to sell your building. Yeah. and and and there are some projects that we're doing in the city of Coco, sir, that I would like for you to collaborate with my city manager, sir, that will enhance our community as a whole, sir. Can I get a commitment when you sell your building, sir? Uh, what type of commitment? I'm not sure. Not not That's right. financial community benefits, my friend. Yeah, we can discuss that. That's not a problem. Okay.

Yeah. All right. I'mma hold you to that. Go in peace, young man. Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. You're gonna love this. I know. Okay. Um, we're on item number six. Oh, sorry. 7-3. The applicant, Patricia, is it Ann Come on down. Ma'am is requesting a reduction of the current code enforcement lean of $149,945 at the property located on 101 North Indian River Drive be reduced down to zero amounts. Excuse me, amount rather. That's I made it plural. Sorry. Amount is singular. Okay, Mr. Wilkerson, help me understand this one, sir. Yes, I know what the paper tells me, you know, sir. And I see the uniqueness of it all from May 16, 2019 to June 16, 2019 to 755 thou 7 and 3/4 of a million uh value property reduction and I at least want to hear about how the staff can recoup their cost. But let me hear from you, sir. The code enforcement board held a public hearing on May 16th at which time the board found the property owner in violation for the following codes. Permit required for screen enclosure, city code chapter 6 for pools and spas, the clean and sanitary conditions and permit required for fences. Code enforcement board provided and gave the property owner significant time of June 16th, 2019 the correct violations. We could enforce a board hear a public hearing for a non-compliance hearing on

September 19th of 2019. The lean ran for $75 per day from June 16th, 2019 until compliance was achieved December 6th of 2024 leving a fine of $149,945. Property owners requesting the reduction to be reduced the amount to zero. Code enforcement board heard the request and upon a time the board recommended the lean be reduced to the amount of zero as well. Stats recommendations that the lean be reduced the amount of cost which is $1,819.99 and that's the cost for administrative cost. Is that correct sir? Yes sir. Okay. Um Mrs. Patricia ma'am uh I'd like it reduced due to the fact that we had complied prior to the violation. We had complied on the 11th of September, but they violated us on the 19th. Want to explain? Is the date is is the date? Yep. She was in compliance before they ever put a code enforcement. She already had the permit and everything and they pulled the record during the hearing. So it should have never ever been. Mr. Mayor, sir, there were records in there that the permits were pulled on September 11th of 2019 and were obtained and uh obtain applied for and obtained for on those dates. So, as the counciloman stated that yes, the deputy mayor stated that the code enforcement board compliance hearing should not have been brought in front of the code board. From what records that I can read that there was lack of communication between the property owner and the previous staff that was no longer with the city. Okay, sir. So, I know you're going to make a

recommendation. I am. I'm going to move that it's zero because it should have never been brought. You got a second on second. Yeah. Councilman um Ern second it be first to say ma'am my apologies. That's okay. But thank you very much. You don't need to do that. Ma'am no ma'am I'm old country boy you know decent and ins. Well I greatly appreciate it. Thank you everyone. I'm sure we may have another one something tells you. Okay. Uh we have a motion on the floor to wave the fees by deputy mayor um Weeks and second by Councilman Hearn. Chair's going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. No brainer. Eyes have it unanimously. Okay. Oh, I'll turn off my light now. No, you might as well let it stay on. Ma'am, I already know. Okay, Miss Debbie, excuse Deborah Ras, the applicant is requesting a reduction of the current code enforcement of 5,000 $400 at the property located at 49 Parkway Street be reduced to the amount of zero. Why does this seems like deja vu again Mr. Wilkerson? Sir, cuz it is, sir. All right, I'mma keep you off the hook. Um, you would like to expound on anything, Mr. Wilkinson, sir? Yes, sir. Property owner Deborah Ras received an email from on October 13, 2022 from the previous code enforcement manager stating that the reference case that's here before you today was would be closed. The email is attached in your agenda item in your in your packet and that no lean or lean or fine would be on the property. Then approximately 6 months later, previous officer was no longer with the city also took action further code enforce action for the same case and held a public hearing on May 18th of

2023 at which time the code enforcement board found the property owner in violation of the city code permit required based on the officer's testimony. The code enforcement board provided the owner of the sufficient time to come into compliance by June 17th of 2023 and the correct violations. A non-compliance hearing was held on July of 20th of 2023. The lean ran at $25 per day from June 17th of 2023 until compliance was achieved by January 19th of 2024. The property owners requesting the lean to be reduced but a mount of zero. Could enforcement board at last month's hearing on June 19th approved the request made the same suggestion. Um, Deputy Mayor Weeks, you have your light on. Ma'am, go ahead cuz I turn it on for you. Go ahead. Well, in this particular case, as you see, she had a letter showing that there was absolutely no leans on the property. Should never have been brought in the first place. So, I move that we reduce it to zero. Okay. I'm looking for a second. Second. Second by councilwoman calls. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor saying I. I. I. I too would like to apologize ma'am again for our mishap. Go ahead council. I just had a question. Um for future reference. How do how do we prevent that from happening? Okay. That's good. But but but that's that's why we voted unanimously on the ordeal with the city manager. Given more uh oversight. Got you. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. Okay. Ma'am, you can be dismissed now. Godspeed home, ma'am. To everyone. I also never received anything on that by the way. Yes, ma'am. I'm apologizing for it, my

love. Thank you kindly, ma'am. This is a different story. Yes. I'm turning off my lights now, man. Stay. I already know. I already know. The applicant Allen Condominium Association, are you in the house? Let's come on up to the podium, please. Ma'am, is requesting a reduction of the current code enforcement lean of 300. Okay. Yeah, that's right. $331,270 at the property located at 1723 Dixon Boulevard be reduced to the amount of city cost 2025-592. Mr. Wilkerson. Sir, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. The code enforcement board held a public hearing on March 16th, 2017 at which time the board found the property owner Alan Condi and associations in violation of the following codes. Property maintenance chapter 6 section 613 protective treatment peeling and faking paint and also chapter six maintenance of structures of grounds basically saying they're not maintaining the grounds. The code enforcement board provided the owner sufficient time of April 16th to 2017 to come into compliance. A non-compliance was held on April 20th, 2017. The lean ran at $250 per day from April 16th of 2017 until compliance was achieved on December 1st of 2020. The applicant is currently requesting that the lean be reduced to the amount of city's cost, which is $3,38143. And the code board at June 19th's uh hearing of this year recommended that the lean be reduced to the cost amount uh staff's cost. Okay. Thank you very much, Mr. Wilkins. Sir, you want Yes. She's the property manager. Go ahead. State your name for us, please, ma'am.

Just your name only. Chris Neonardo. Okay. Go ahead, ma'am. Um, so I am the regional manager for the sold property management. Uh, they We began managing the property once the lean was um in place, which was in July of 2017. Ever since then, we've worked extremely hard to have the property in compliance, polls, the entire community up to date. Um less and less police calls. I do have the president of the association here with me. Um, we're just trying to get the lean removed or reduced. It's fine being reduced so we can have the buildings re-roofed. All the roofs already pass their expand time. So, it we just need it fixed. Sorry. So, Ma'am, you good, ma'am. You're fine. I'm just Yeah, she visualized. Yeah, it was at the time the uh the code enforcement they were hit. It was under one owner. Now it's been it's a whole lot of different owners and they have worked hard to fix it up, but they need this uh judgment reduced because they need to put a new roof on on all the buildings. It's going to cost a ton of money to put roofs on all the buildings. Um and uh so they the code enforcement board actually reduced it to 5,000 not the 3,38143 um because of the time it has taken but that's what they reduced it to. And um so I personally would like to move that we reduce the fine down to $5,000. Okay. I'll second it for discussion. I would like to hear from Councilman

Hearns as well. Thank you, ma'am. Excellent presentation. See, uh, Deputy Mayor, you said 5,000. Yep. That's what the code enforcement reduced it to. Okay. I'm looking at Yeah, it's it's not in there. I wrote it down. Yeah. Okay. And uh I noticed you're in the property management. Uh what was the owner's uh position on this whole ordeal? Why we even got to this point? Um, in regards to was he not overseeing what management uh the property management was doing? Well, we began managing the property in July 2017. All this happened prior to that. Um, and it was due to mismanagement prior um property management. We're not them. We don't work that way. Um, I really can't say more because I just go by what I've received, what I've seen, and that's all I can say. So, what is the current uh condition of the property? Is there's been a lot of improvements made to the absolutely. And I'm there every day. There's not one item that is moved out of place that I don't that I wouldn't know that I would overlook. Much better. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. They just don't need leaky roof. You said 5,000, but this says 3,38. But they actually did. The coded board did do 5,000 because I wrote it. Yep. Okay. We have a motion on the floor by Deputy Mayor Weeks and a second by the chair um that the fee be fined at $5,000. Just going to call the question. All in favor saying I. I. Any nays? I have it unanimously.

Thank you, ma'am. And how can we take how can we pay that the 5,000? I have a card. We'll reach I have a card. We'll reach out to you tomorrow. Perfect. Come sit. Thank you so much. Please disregard that comment, ladies and gentlemen. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. No, not to him. Okay, we got to keep our humor. Oh, absolutely. That's what I'm saying. Okay. Proceeding on to item number six. Approve the agreement between the city of Cocoa and Diamond Square community redevelopment agency to allow the CRA agency to solicit redevelopment proposal for properties located on Rosa L. Jones authorized the mayor to execute the agreement. Chair like to make a motion to approve. I need a second. Second. Second on the floor by uh deputy mayor weeks. Chair is going to call the question. All in favor of saying I. I. Any nays? Eyes have it unanimously. Okay. Uh number seven, there's more. There's more. Boy, we have more. Okay. Museum discussion 2025-608. It says city manager city sir. Uh I know it's involving council me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I don't know. Hey Siri's telling you to go home. Is it slap? Okay. What do y'all want to do? I I let

me I'm gonna be quiet. I'mma hear from you all. This may be a little lengthy uh discussion. It may not. Mr. Mayor, you you guys asked us to bring back a discussion and a report on the expenditures over at the uh at the two museums there and we've done that. Uh you can see uh the development timeline for both of the um of the museums and then you can see the the expenditure history for for both of the museums. remember that uh prior to I think 2021 or so the uh the museum the Bvard museum was under um management and operation by the historical society I think it was um and so again that's why the the expenses look difference there but we've given you the average annual maintenance we've given you the operating costs there we we have the one staffer one part-time staffer that's occupied find a leisure services position because again when when the when the um museum of um when the uh when the previous um contractor uh gave the gave it back to us there they were staffing that and so that's only a part-time staffer uh to the tune of approximately 17,000 per year. So that's that's the difference in sort of the personnel uh cost associated with the uh the two museums. We can answer questions if you have. I do have a card in the audience. Triple G, raise your hand. Ease on down the road to the podium, sir, because you have a card that you submitted. Okay.

Just uh share your thoughts, then I'll hear from council. Sure. Uh good evening, council, staff, and the public. Cultural events and exhibits that have brought me to tears. A visit to an abbey of the Benedictine monks and listening to their ac cappella singing. a viewing of three of Thomas Moran's murals from an expedition out west in the 1870s that inspired Congress to create the national park system. A visit to Buffalo Jump. I learned about that in history class in British Columbia, Canada, where I got to talk with and experience what I had learned in school on how Native North Americans were able to survive. a visit to several museums in Savannah, Georgia, that had artifacts from the slave trade, making what I was taught in school oh so very real. My hope is in this day of dis divisiveness, both of Koko's museums strive for this type of experience. I wholeheartedly support both endeavors and trust our council does as well. Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you, sir. What are the wishes of council?

Council going sir. All right. So the the amount that I um endeavor to reach at this museum um is just a difference of the maintenance cost and adding in the 16889 brings a total of 44,521. Um, and that's all I did was just take the maintenance um, subtract the difference and add the museum cost that we already um, have been given. And so I I do not in my opinion, and I think we talked about this in length before, I do not believe that a management of this style of museum um with the programming that is needed in a in a brand new museum, $16,889 would not be sufficient for uh any manager to come in to try to uh make this a su successful endeavor like we expect it to be. But if we we say equal, um I believe that will bring us pretty equal and and even at 44, we still may not be able to find anyone to run the museum. I'm not I'm not sure what that number needs to look like, but I I know that 16889 is not the number. And so that that's just what I did. And so the total I came up with was $44,521. So let me make sure I comprehend you correctly. You subtracted 57. You subtracted 57,000. Yep. 440 minus 29,808. Yep. And you got a number there. And then you added the 16,000 889. Yes, sir. To a grand total of 44521. Okay. 40 40 4521

40. We could make it 45, but no 44. $44,521. Okay. 4 to4 521. Yeah. No pennies. Okay. Nope. All right. I got my lights on now. Fair and equity city. H. Oh, Lord Jesus. I ain't talking to you. Got a different kind of phone. She wants to be heard. Where can we find 445021 to be fair and equitable across the board? I mean, we've balanced Hold tight, ma'am. We've balanced the budget proposal. Um, so it's it would be reallocating from one place to to this. Um, I don't really have an answer for you tonight, sir. Okay, sir. Um, on a recurring basis. Um, we'd have to go look for it because I'm I'm a fir belie if you do it for one, you got to do it for all. And we all in here are parents. All of us. And we haven't got two grandkids yet, but some has not. But um got to be fair and equitable across the board. We have to come up with a way because I know you guys are not going to increase taxes to accommodate that. I know you're not. And and and and that's we maybe could do a fund raise or whatever. Okay. We'll proceed in this order. Councilwoman calls then deputy mayor um weeks and hear from everyone. Go ahead. Yes. So I guess the first um question is so we're making a budget decision before we vote on the budget before outside of budget talks.

Is that what we're doing here? or are we coming up with a proposed plan that will then be a part of those budget talks? What's your suggestion? Is that what's your suggestion? Well, I think well, I was hoping that we were we were going to discuss a plan um that, you know, could be proposed as a part, you know, of the when we go into our budget discussions because we're going to have decisions to make. And um if we're going to, you know, we're going to try to keep uh within certain perimeters, you know, there are always, you know, there's going to be a give and take and you know, the winners and losers and we need to have a plan. Now, it sounds to me like, well, first of all, I'm not sure I understand the dividing it up equally between the museums. It seems a little divisive given the fact that I mean this I'm not sure why we would divide it that way. I mean we have a natural history museum that is everybody's natural history and then we have a cultural and history museum for the African-American community and for everyone that should be valuable to everyone as well. I went in um Charlene was nice enough to take me in the museum this week just to refresh my memory and take a look at the different interpretation and exhibits. And I think that the building itself is is almost is is a part of the interpretation, right? And it's in great shape and it's a great meeting space. And I was hoping that we could come up with a plan where we

really feature that through a series. We really make it an alive museum. So it's there there aren't enough exhibits there that you would have a you know people passing through on a regular basis. Um, I could see, you know, having some hours for it, but more importantly, as a way to popularize it, coming up with a program of activities or a list, I mean, a whole year's worth of speakers and a, you know, featured speakers or maybe conversations that can be held there that bring people into that space and make it a real living museum. um rather than the um I think there are six videos that you view as you go in. There's three videos. Yeah. Okay. Um now somebody that can direct that might cost us a little. We got to figure out who that that's a special talent. Um but in terms of just doing We set I don't know how we set it up equally because the Bvard Museum having been in existence this long, it has numerous uh interpretive exhibits. You could spend an hour there um easily. Um it's different than the the uh Collins Museum which is just as valuable but in a different way. I mean, we I don't think we can try to do them the same way. I think they demand different probably Well, I don't know if they demand different staff or not. Um, I

mean, I think you you're really going to have to have somebody to kick off the Collins Museum that knows the community, understands the history, and also, you know, how to interpret through exhibitions. Um, so if we were proposing a certain amount that would go toward that, yeah, I would like to see that um on the agenda when we go to look at our budget. Um, but I think they're really two different entities, the Bvard Museum and the Collins Museum. it's hard to kind of put them up side by side and evaluate. Um, so anyway, I that is the sort of plan that I was hoping we could come up with. I'll leave it at that and listen to it. Others wisdoms me. So, council, I I agree with a lot of what you said and I did make the suggestion that we put it with Lean Breard. Did you contact them by any chance uh as a project because they will come in and look at it as a as a project which I think would give us a lot more idea of of how to steer it. Uh because right now throwing money at it, we're throwing money at what? We don't know. I agree that we need a better of some kind to get things off and running. And um so I too want to see it it it uh be successful but um it's going to take time through the right process whether it's Lee Bvard or uh I you know I know you've been reaching out to uh nonprofits but um I'm curious to hear what Lee Bvard said because if they come in they'll start in August is the next

class and um and they finish up their project like February. I think they present in February. So, they would come and present to us what their what uh their project what they've come up with. And um and in the meantime, working with them through the process uh you know will give us some ideas of of the direction to go or to help. I mean, we don't have to go with what they say, but we just feel like it would be helpful to have outside. And it's a free thing to do, isn't it? to have them do it. So, doesn't cost us a thing. Y that's my thoughts. So, so to to answer that question, um I had someone else reach out to Kristen Baky about it. The deadline was actually passed for projects, but she opened it up for last Friday, but when I heard about last Friday, it was Wednesday. Oh, no. And so, um, and then I spoke in length with Samantha as well about potentially, um, going that route. Um, and what she expressed to me was, "We didn't have we don't have a we do not have a plan." And so by us not having a plan and we don't have a nonprofit or some sort of a manager of the building, she didn't feel like, and I and I agreed with her. We went back and forth about for a little while on the phone, but but you know, to her point, we don't we don't have a manager or we don't have a plan for the building as of right now. And so she said that she felt like it was better to have that plan andor manager in place and then leave, which could be a 2026 project. Okay. So that's that's that's what we we talked about. So yeah, and she said all that without me

on the phone. So let let me the the and and and so and so and so so here here it is at the end of the day. I don't know what Lee Brevard would actually bring to the table there. And so what you're asking in terms of a plan is an RFP for some agency that has an ex expertise to actually come in and to manage and operate the museum. Uh that includes the day-to-day operations, program and exhibit development, facilities maintenance and improvements, volunteer recruitment, community engagement, marketing, fundraising, financial reporting responsibilities, and and and so you you you you plan an RFP for somebody that's capable of doing all of those things. I I literally have an RFP on my phone, but to implement the plan, you need money. And so and so it's always going to come back to money because Lee Bvard and and the class that they have each year is just simply going to say, "You need more exhibits. You need it to be a venue uh space. Um you need somebody who can go out and fundra. You need marketing. you need all of those things that would be in an RFP. Um, and so again, we we we come back to dollars that you're going to be able to appropriate in a budget to actually hire somebody to do all of those things. Next week, you will receive a balanced budget proposal. And so um and so we will be talking about how you want to adjust that um to achieve whatever you want to achieve

at the at the museum. But but again at the end of the day at the beginning of the day this is this is about uh expertise in terms of doing all of those things that I that I just outlined. That's the the typical uh book of services that's provided by someone that manages museums. And and and to to Councilwoman C's point, I didn't necessarily agree with the mayor on that last the last conversation that we had about equal, right? But I also didn't want to go to war today about it. And so that's why I kind of I went the route of okay, let me I had to kind of think about it on my own. I was kind of arguing with myself about it too. Um but but I that was a way that I I I went that route and said, "Okay, u since the mayor was re really adamant about equal, I said, "Let me come up with a way to get us somewhat in agreement." And and that's that's the reason why I did it. I didn't do it because I wanted to to be honest with you. But to be fair to what because all of us have to the best thing for us right now is to be 50, right? We we should not be bickering over over this cuz this is a great idea however we go, you know, but I think a manager or a nonprofit, I think it's to me just what he just read off on this RFP, we need someone to do that. Um, and I don't believe right now we have that with staff right now. You know what I mean? So, I think we I don't think staff have the time to to do that style of programming. Correct me if I'm wrong saying that we don't have the we don't have the expertise. Remember, there are folks who actually go to school and get degrees in uh in museum curation, you know, and

so and so we don't have the the time or the expertise. If you look at Hannibal Square, they have a staff of three. Yeah, I I sent you their their their staff listing. And so and so they have a they have a staff of three. Uh it's a not forprofit that runs uh Hannibal Square. Uh they have a donation from the city. I think we we figured out that's $50,000 uh dollars a year that the city donates, but it's run from a not forprofit. And I I would assume that they do fundraising and they go out and get grants there and so it it is sort of a dependent agency. Um but again um there's there are dollars that uh is contri that are contributed by the city uh to that not forprofit to actually run the uh the museum. But and again, it's it is it is if you're going to put out an RFP, you'd ask for those things that I that I enumerated. Yeah. Yep. And and and another thing to kind of pick it back on Councilwoman Cost that that's a good point about um you know, the discussion about programming, but the RFP does just that. They they create the programming that we need for that museum. Let let the nonprofit do that work to my just in my my humble opinion on that. Oh, I'm done. Yes, sir. Yeah, I got you. I see you later. But I have something one. It goes back to dollars and cents as he just alluded to. I don't care how you draw up that pig. You can put lipstick on that pig. You can give that pig a wig. It doesn't matter. It still takes dollars and cents. The and the second and most important thing about it

is the perception of it when you look at it with the naked eye because we could talk about different institutions throughout this whole state, these United States. So, so if you don't have the dollars, but you want fair and equitable representation, um I you got to have money. And right about now, you guys are not going to jack up your uh the millage rate. And and unfortunately when people see it, they're going to ask that question. But the greatest thing that you can do is have skin in the game. There are several people that I've talked to who are willing to help assist in this because once you get the doors open um as a fundraiser, you can have birthday events there. You can even have a marriage uh a marriage there. someone can get married there at that facility. We must open up our our hearts and minds in order to get that uh building utilized. Now um and we all going to have to put some sweat equity into it. Um because that building represents uh you know where my family attended. Well, my aunts and uncles attended that school and members throughout this community. Yes, sir. That's right. So, and Herit Moore, I mean, yeah, we used to call it the old Herit Moore Center, child daycare facility. Barbara, Dr. Barbara Moore utilized that facility. So, so but my thing is I think sometimes, let's be honest, we put the card in front of the horse and that's when I'm going say dollars and cents if you're going to be fair and equitable across the board because you have to because people are going to look it as perception which is

reality. So, it's important that we just slow this down but and and but do it decent and in order. And I know we can um get a plan implemented, but it's not going to be, you know, to me it's not going to happen tonight. What I mean by that, it's not going to happen tonight. No dollar amount will be assessed. I think if we calm down, start putting pieces to the puzzle to make it a a successful um attraction center because all roads lead through that right there on Blake Avenue from from Barbara Jenkins to Rosa to Temple Street. All of it intersects Thomas Lane, Johnson Boulevard, all of them intersect through that street and it's been the community and uh Emma Jewel could be actively involved in that from a historical perspective and that's the thing when you invest the kids even our dog on first female veteran village and we have a a a recipient right here Miss San Janette got in the audience right now that some of those ladies will be willing to volunteer their time. I guarantee it, but they haven't been approached. And that's the reason why I'm saying slow this wagon down so we can do things decent and in order because it's going to cost money. Count me in for the museum. See, there's another one. And I have I have multiple other names that that are willing to do it because I could probably get you some pieces. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Councilwoman calls. Oh, I was just going to say the um appreciate, you know, it's not apples to

apples, but um the um the whole idea that we do have to invest in it. Uh you know, I wholeheartedly support that. I think it's good for everybody in our community. And I'm wondering is it an RFP or do we hire a consultant to write the No, no. I mean what you described that is a consultant does what? A consultant can write a plan for a museum with a step by step. I guess I guess I I don't Let me Let me just So I I think I think this is an RFP. I think the end goal is and I'm just I'm just read you some things that I was playing with. So the Leon Juel Collins Museum of African-American History is envisioned as a cornerstone cultural institution celebrating the stories, achievements, and lived experience of African-Americans in Coco and Bvard County. Located in historic Diamond Square, the museum currently features and you insert what we feature and aspires to expand its reach through innovative programming, dynamic exhibits, and strong community partnership. The city seeks a partner to transform the museum into a sustainable, vibrant destination that educates, inspires, and engages residents and visitors alike. And so you you again put an RFP out on the street for someone to come in to manage operations, to manage program and exhibit development, to manage the facilities and capital

improvements, to to coordinate volunteer and community engagement, to do financial sustainability, to uh obviously do compliance reporting and marketing if I didn't say that and so and so the plan is uh all those aspirational things. This is venue. This is a place where you want people coming through there. And so I don't know that a consultant will tell you all of the things that I just told you and you got to pay them uh above and beyond what you're what you're paying me and the rest of staff there. And so this is again you dollars and cents that are put on the table to issue an RFP for somebody to become the manager, the curator, the facilities manager, the marketing uh expert, the volunteer curator of the museum. I think it's pretty simple. Um um it is the Hannibal Square model. Again, Hannibal Square has a staff of three people and the city only contributes $50,000 to that. Yeah, I I think I still have my light on. Um, it also serves a community of how many people? Orlando is how many people? Half a million at least. Um, so it's kind of hard to compare them. We're we're something that we have a museum that is in its infancy and has a potential to be this uh living developing. I mean it's we need to make it alive and we also have just a fabulous space there. I mean it really has a nice feel. We've done a good job with that building and

um we can certainly put together a plan fairly easily with our own staff in terms of we and we have um we do we facilitate events all the time making it available for weddings or birthdays and that sort of thing. Um, but I'm more interested in the the cultural events that would include recruiting special speakers, um, you know, holding discussions, that sort of thing. So, where are we? Because we got a lot left. Can we Is there a motion here? There's no motion. So, this will just come to us in the budget meeting. If you you want my honest gut opinion, ma'am, stop it right here. Let us do what we need to do to bring a a a group of individuals that will be committed. You got one right here in the audience. I know he's looking at the time element and I and I know you're talking about a plan which I understand but I'm I'm thinking it there's a difference between me consuming it this and whereas you're forcing this on me. That's the point that I'm saying to you because there again there again it's going to require dollars and a plenty of cents. And I'm not talking C N Ts. I'm talking S E N S. He's on the time schedule. I'm not on the time schedule because I'm saying that we can formulate a good plan that will incorporate that because the ultimate plan is to make that a historical site where people will come and take the tours there uh on both sides. When they even talk about um the the that the heart of Coco because it

cross the railroad tracks and you got the there. So, I mean, there's a thing in the Bible says do things decent. We're not doing it decent right now. And it's not um it's going to be frustrated because a lot of hearts are going to burn right about now. And that's the reason why I'm just saying slow this down. We get there's power in numbers. You're going to get people to volunteer their time. they are willing to volunteer their time. I already know it because I've been talking. So that's the reason why I'm saying, but I it's I'm moving on based on what you all are saying. What what we're going to be doing is we're going to keep dragging our feet. We going we going to we're going to sit back and we're going to have the museum where we have volunteers come in and and someone bring artifacts and someone do it. It's not going to be a programmed museum. You cannot run this museum with respect and not have a nonprofit andor a manager running this properly. What you're going to have is every other month someone come in and open the door and you're going to have people do whatever they want to do instead of having a manager in place that has a plan and a program that respects this building as much as it should be. We may have volunteers, but those volunteers can be added along with the uh nonprofit that's going to be running the the uh museum just like they do at Hannibal Square and other places. Those volunteers, like this young lady just said just now, she's willing to volunteer. Mary, you said there's a few people that you know that may be willing to volunteer. Th those volunteers can be added to the

management of it. Right. That that's to me to run it properly with respect is to have someone that has the expertise, not just somebody who living down the street who can come open the door. No, I don't I don't I don't where's the money? We have city manager that's has stated multiple times. He he did not say one time that we do not have the money. He said he has to find the money. That's what staff is there for. It's not putting a cart before the horse when we've been sitting here since 2016, 2017 after we did the grand opening of this building. Now we in 2025. So next thing you know, we going to be 10 years down the road. That that that's what the process that we're going right now. If this was 2018, I can understand that statement. But at this point, it's not a rush. is is is the fact that it's eight years now. I think it's I think it is time and and so that's the only the only it's not a panic. It's just we need to do something as all of us have stated already. Can I make a quick suggestion? I I um what if we planned an event there inviting everybody who's interested not only in volunteering but interested um in perhaps running the museum. you know, do some sort of an event where we invite everybody in because we might find somebody a retiree, somebody who isn't going to cost an arm and a leg, but willing to, you know, get us started because we have so many retirees here. And I'm sure there are people who've run museums and and done this kind of thing and maybe invite in the um and see what

kind of um group of people would come to an event at the museum. inviting, like I say, for volunteers, people with museum experience, stuff like that. Let's plan something and do some sort of a workshop or uh an an event of that kind and do it fairly soon and see uh what what comes out of that and and go forward. At least we're making a step in the right direction, not only seeing how many volunteers you could get, but perhaps somebody will rise to the top. that would be great for running it and then you you would know better in the meantime financially what what kind of money we might be talking about for it. But I'm just throwing that out there as a way as a starting point. Let's see. We keep saying there these people are interested. Well, let's get them all together and see what comes out. Well, I I I do know this. Um, we we we say we believe in staff, but then our staff member tells us, Miss Nutterman, that she's already done that process already. And so they they did it for two years trying to search andor find these particular volunteers. This not the first time we had this conversation. Well, and so I don't know. Yeah. It's it's not is they and I'm not saying that they couldn't have done more, right? I think she she'll tell you that. But it's been on the streets for a while searching for those individuals um to step forward, right? And on the street, but an event. Have you had Well, we we we can do that. I just want if if we don't do anything, I just want to make sure that you you remember this day and this remember this opportunity that we are here now and we're able to make a difference now or we're going to be sitting here 10 20 years from now wondering why that that's what's going

to happen. That's your assessment. No, that's facts. I just want to object to that statement because we've done quite a bit since we've been on renovated that building. We've done quite a bit. I'm I'm not I'm not I'm not talking about the renovations. We we have that and we we have gone for all the grants and that was at the expense of being able to go for grants for the other museums. So, you know that we we I think we have done a decent job. That whole community is really developing now with with all the housing that we're going to be doing there. Um, and I would like to have this discussion, but I would like to have it in the context of the budget. So, you know, we can actually I'm down with that. So, and I mean, maybe the city manager will propose something and city manager waiting on us. That's what he's doing. He He's not going to move on this unless we tell him direction that we're going. Well, then let's put it on the budget agenda. I'm down with that. I'm down with that. And and to your point, council woman cost, you're absolutely right. That neighborhood is changing. It's a lot coming into the community. That's why it's the perfect time to bring in a manager for the museum now because they'll have maybe one or two years to get the programing situated. We have a lot of nonprofits here. We got Divine Nines here. We got NAACP here. A lot of different people are already coming to the table, but they need that leadership. They need that manager in place to lead them to it. Just having dates in an open building is not it's not a civic center. It's a museum, right? Yeah. But as you make the statements, you could be part of that leadership. I I agree with you 100% and I and I and

I will 100%. But I am full. I'm I'm I'm I'm behind having a manager in place. Every single museum I've been to has had managers. Every single one I've seen. Thank you. The museum does not have a manager operator on what? Volunteers. And I mean really Greg Stole holding it up there, man. But but we know but we know just like you stated those are two different style of museums. Oh yeah. Two different style of stories. You cannot compare the two. Yes, you can because you can compare immature. What immature got to do with that? The educational value of it. That's what I'm saying. When you educate the masses of people, then you will get what we're talking about. You're trying to muddy. You're trying to muddy the water now. No, I'm not trying to muddy the water. All about leadership. Educating the people. We got more agenda. Yeah, I know we do. But hey, man. Well, if if if the conversation So, okay, if everybody agreed to that that a conversation could be had at the budget meeting, I'm down with that 100%. Okay. Just just pack your lunch, breakfast, dinner, midnight smack, snack, weather. Excuse me, cuz you going to need it all. Oh, cuz there again. Okay, let's get this boat. I got I got Yeah, go ahead. Uh, Councilman, um, so, uh, it seems that this item is going to be moved to the budget meeting. Um, I am supportive of the management system. You need somebody with some expertise. I wouldn't, uh, have a volunteer come in and and volunteer to be the fire chief. Yeah. Um, also with that being said, the conversation on volunteers, um, I believe at the Bvard Museum, um, they went through this whole process as well and they struggled on volunting

volunteers. They even had a nonprofit that was trying, they were trying to put together a nonprofit to run it. They struggled on that as well and ultimately it failed. Um, so I think if we go that route, we will see the same fate for this museum. So I'm in agreeance that we need management. Um, obviously the council is in agreeance of moving it to a budget meeting. Um, I just think as a council we need to start think we need to at least have faith and and step out and try to move these type of agendas or initiatives forward. Um, I think it's we have nothing to lose from it only to gain in my opinion. So that's all I'll say on that. And I say that cuz I'm going to bring up a item on my reports and I hope I can get some council support on that as well. Put it on the agenda item, man. So you got to just say I wanted as an agenda item. It'll be, but I would love to get the council's opinion on it as well before it moves to an agenda item. So that's why I say that. Now we're getting ready to go to item number 8-1, city business. Council approve a requested to authorize the acceptance of a donation consisting of a 2008 Edgewater PowerB 205cc motor with an attached Suzuki 250 horsepower four- stroke motor with an estimated fair market value of $21,640 along with an accompanying boat trailer valued at $1,55. Approve a resolution amending the fiscal year budget bath #25-071- a finance director. I'll make a motion. I'm going to listen to you to approve this second um request to authorize this. You would like to say anything Mrs. Um Bowman ma'am vote in that this vote excuse me replaces the

existing vote and since it was contribution it required a budget adjustment to recognize the value of the contribution. Hence this agenda item. Okay. I have a motion on the floor and a second. Chair's going to call for question. All in favor saying I. I can we drop it in the book parade? It's supposed to be It's supposed to be bigger, better, more reliable, dependable, um, more dependable, and and and cost us the same as it costs us to maintain the old boat. Those are the promises of Chief Evander Carer, the fourth. No additional costs. Okay, moving on to item number 8-2. Approve a mou between the city of Cocoa and Bright Line for the city multimotal passenger rail system. Move to approve. Second. All right, there we go. We have a motion on the floor by Deputy Mayor Week. Second by councilwoman cost. Chair's going to call the question. All in favor by saying I. I. I. Any naysay? Eyes have unanimously. Item number three under city business which was item number five from the Michael C. Blake subdivision from consent. Item number five, city manager. Sir. Yes, sir. So, so and this was originally under consent. Um, there were some changes that we needed to make to the legal documents and Mr. Gargani's office has worked with Lenar Legal to make those changes. Um, I'm giving you the uh the development agreement and the purchase sales uh um agreement. So, so these all are amended and restated. I'm not sure I give gave

enough down there, but he did already knows he made. Okay. And so and so we have we have both the uh self sales purchase uh contract and the development agreement that have been amended. And um I hate to have Jennifer sit here and not let her do a presentation, but but but so we'll we'll quickly get through that. So So recall that this deal was for the Michael C. Blake subdivision. It was 32 uh homes. Um, and that required a replatting of the subdivision because remember we're splitting the existing lots. So again, replatting is necessary. Uh, 32 homes. The two homes that are on Mango were never a part of the Michael C. Blake subdivision and so don't need to go through replatting. LAR is interested in starting those right away. We're interested in them starting those right away. And so we had to actually make modifications so that we can sort of do this in two phases. And so uh we will probably have a groundbreaking for the two on uh Mango this month. Remember the two on Mango are not twostory uh homes. They're one-story homes. So they're traditional homes. Uh Jen, can you show the elevation for those? And so so those are a traditional look. The ones that are on, go back one slide. The ones that are on uh are in the subdivision again that has to go through the repling the whole site plan approval process. Those are again the uh the the narrow lot homes um that will go on uh the 32 lots that are created. Um, we were able to because LAR wanted to um wanted to uh get started

right away, uh we were able to renegotiate the price for those two lots from 15,000 uh per lot to $25,000 per lot. Terrible. So, yeah. So, it's it's always it's always about, you know, time time the time value of money, right? Um so so they they were gracious enough to do that. Um and so we get started right away. We uh they build the two lots again separate from the whole process of replatting the subdivision for the for the 32 other homes there. And that's it in a nutshell. And Jen, I apologize for making you sit here all night and not let you do your presentation. No, no problem. I didn't have a presentation for this per se. I just wanted to have some slides for you to support your narrative. So, okay, they're just visuals. So, that's the long and short of it, Mr. Mayor. Okay. What What is the wishes of council? I got two lights on. Move to approve. Second. Okay. Council Hearn and Council Gins. We have a motion on the floor by Deputy Mayor Weeks to approve the recommendation. A second by Councilman Goins. Go ahead. I I just had a question. Um, weren't at one time we were looking at going into negotiations on uh possibly purchasing the lots on Barbara Jenkins to include in this project or is that off the table? Yeah, that I mean I I mean I I that's those are owned by the housing authority. Uh they they did go out and get appraisals on the lots there. I think they will accept uh proposals. Um I'm not sure what they're going to do with the proposals there, but they know that uh there are a number of folks out there interested in purchasing those lots to do affordable housing. So So I know for a fact there's one uh community

organization that wants to become a CHTO that wants to do those. LAR has actually said that they would actually purchase the lots there. And remember, we have the recycled dollars from the sale of the first five um from the first five homes that we did in Michael C. Blake that we could actually uh purchase and and do homes there. So, the ball really is in the uh in the uh quarter of the housing authority. I I I only inquired about that because I like the idea of the uniformity within that community um giving it some kind of similarity. So, uh, that's why I inquired about that. Council goes, then we'll call the question. We have 32 lots. 32 lots times $25,000. It's $800,000. Does that money just go directly into the general fund? What does that do? What What's going on with that? I was going to get a Jag F. Um, no. So, so, so the the two lots are 25,000 a piece. The split the splits are 15,000 a split. So, that's $400 and some odd,000 plus the 50. I think it comes up to $500,000 there. I don't blame them. So, so I think it I think it comes up to to 500,000. 500,000 that go directly back into that that is put back into the into the the pot that's there to for to do the affordable housing affordable housing with first time home buyers. Well, I think I think well we could we could actually do that but I think we have approximately 1.2ish in that little bit of problem. I think it's I think it's just well let me just call it 1.2 two plus we'll have

the 500,000. Okay. And is that and is that specifically just for those homes in that subdivision? That pot of money it stays there. It was excuse me it was for affordable housing, right? And then the the income qualifying and the first time um the down payment assistance um like on the other homes we went through um CHI. Yes, CHI qualified them and then we had funds in either the um home account or our Diamond Square also had right. So D so Diamond Square so so the pot is recreated. Let's just put it this way. The pot is recreated at approximately 1.7 but recall how we got there. We got there through a combination of general fund dollars and diamond square dollars there. So, so I would say at a minimum we should be looking at um if we're going to do something with that pot then then I think we somehow owe Diamond Square a portion of those proceeds. Gotcha. Okay. Thank you. I can call a question out. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. Representative Chair's going to call the question. All in favor say I. I. Eyes have it unanimously. Final item for tonight. Have another item. This resolution this resolution that we have is under city business approval resolution 2025-043 establishing the upper level management benefits policy modifying the benefits available to the position of deputy director. Thank you. County, Deputy Assistant City Manager, Deputy Assistant Fire, Chief Police Commanders, and the City Clerk, Esqua, excuse me, city manager, sir, and executive team. Yeah, Mrs. Mrs. Bowman is going to take you through this. Let me let me just

tell you my intent with regards to this was to attract uh and retain um the best that we can. We we have uh again, we have a deputy director for utilities. We have um an assistant fire chief. We have the two police commanders. And then we have the assistant finance director. Deputy finance director. Deputy finance director. And so they're they're all uh second sort of in charge. You're second in charge. You should have second in charge uh personnel that are able to succeed. uh the director. And so I think that um there needs to be some incentive in place so that we are uh appropriately taken care of when it comes to succession planning. Appropriately taken care of when it comes to retaining folks that who in essence should be being groomed to uh take over the leadership position. uh if something happens or if if uh if the directors retire or uh move on. And so again, uh we're not at market rate for the directors. We're certainly not at market rate for the deputy uh directors. And so I felt like um something needed to be in place to show that uh uh that there's value in again having uh qualified and competent personnel in the second positions in uh on uh these critical departments. Okay. Okay. Any questions? I'm sorry. Madam uh financial director. Yes, ma'am. Were you want to say something? Um, so I just wanted to point out, um, Mr. Whitten, that the city clerk was also included in that. Yes, thank you.

Okay. And so, just to recap very briefly, um, starting back in 1986, council started making some different benefits available to the directors as opposed to the regular employees. um this it things got to change from resolution after resolution after resolution and so we're trying to just establish a policy that the resolution adopts the policy as a document by itself. Um and so that's why you have the policy before you uh back in 2008. Uh, city council back then defined employees employed by a certain time got a 100% health insurance benefit after a different time got a 50% health insurance benefit and so that stands still by itself. That is not being changed. Um and then in subsequent resolutions, city council said um that uh benefit was eligible um applicable to directors and the city manager and assistant city manager through different resolutions. And um that applies to them if they retire from the city. And within that policy is the definition of executive management um retirement. Um and so um with this recent change uh there's a definition definition in there of the executive management team which includes all those titles that the city managers just defined. And so within that they're again eligible for some different benefits which is um different vacation benefit, sick benefit, uh life insurance while they're employed for the city. And so rather than do it all by resolution,

another resolution amending all the other resolutions, um there's just a policy and the resolution that um adopts the policy to make any kind of future changes easier. And it went back and forth and back and forth and back and forth over time. And so that's where we're at now. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve staff recommendation of resolution 2025-043. Second. For discussion? No. Yes, we do. Councilwoman Cos. Yeah, I'm tired. So, this is won't have much of a discussion, but what comparisons do we have? There's a very rich benefit package. How does it compare to other municipalities? I have not done any comparisons and I don't know if HR has. It was just um a change at the request of the city manager to add these titles and so the only thing that's essentially changes those titles are added um to get those additional benefits. Okay. Um the life insurance or not life the health insurance like I said still has not changed. other employees still have that benefit and again you need to reach um Medicare age and retire within certain definitions to be eligible for that benefit. Okay. I just I I know a rocket scientist that would love to have the benefits package. It's it's um and I think you know we have a lot of stability um in our executive team. So um it seems to be working. So, I'll make the motion to approve. Oh, we already did. We already did it. The second time. Yeah. Yeah, I know. I just have a quick question for me. Go ahead, ma'am. Wait a minute. Are you finished? Council. Okay.

Um, how much extra is this going to add to the budget? Um, again, it depends on um the people retiring. Uh there's additional uh vacation time that's being added for these positions. I don't know exactly what the differential is. Number of the employees have been here for a number of years, so they're probably at that level anyways. Little bit of a differential in the life insurance and then getting paid out the sick pay depends on if you meet those conditions. So I can tell you I'm not getting the lifetime benefit. I'll get the sick pay out. I'll get the vacation, but I'm not staying here to meet those eligibility requirements. So, it just depends on how long you've been here. Yeah. Those are those are mostly future liabilities. Yep. I got recorded as other postemploy employment benefits. Yeah. Yeah. And I know normally you have good benefits to try and offset the lower pay because I heard him say that, you know, our pay is not at market rate. So, I understand that as well. That's what they do in the military. My husband had to do 20 years to get the Triricare for life. So anyway, thank you. I'm good. Okay, we have a motion on the floor by the chair and a second by Deputy Mayor Weekes. Chair is going to call the question all in favor by saying I. I have it unanimous. Congratulations. All right, Greg Stole, do you really want to talk tonight? Haven't I done enough? Okay, SNS short and sweet, brother. I know you got reports. Uh, yes, certainly it's at your discretion. Uh, sir, uh, so I'll take my two and a half minutes and I'll wrap it up into just a couple of things. Fingers

crossed on the Koko's train station. Absolutely. Uh, one of the observations you'll find out about at TPO on Thursday, uh, you probably already know about it, but for everybody else, uh, the widening project for 524 is now broken into five phases, and it's a phased approach. some of the good news that I heard. One, uh, under the draft cost feasibility plan, the crystal ball that says we will have money, it's fully funded for 2036 to 2050. Oh. Oh, work it, mayor. Work it. Uh, and and then, uh, same with the 501, the Clear Lake, uh, uh, road uh, fully funded 26 to 2050. uh fully funded and uh uh the PD&E on that is is of course still under uh uh discussion for Bright Line's input and really I'll I'll just wrap it up at that. Thank you, sir. Okay. All right. City manager, sir, on the reports. Yeah, Mr. Chair, you you you all are having briefings from FDOT and TPO staff on the 524. So, we met with F DOT uh last week there. So, you'll have your briefings coming up on that. Um, we're we're currently collecting school supplies for the entire month of um um July for the back to school uh supply drive. And so, we're doing that at city hall, at fire stations, at the police station and leisure services facility. Uh we're also going to be hosting a collection event on Saturday, July 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 200 p.m. at uh Cocoa Walmart. remember we do that each year. Uh supplies will be distributed on Friday, August 1st at uh 5:00 p.m. at

the Dr. Jolie Smith Community Center. So that's that's a little change from um from um from where we normally do it there. Uh also the city has partnered with the early learning coalition to install a learning trail surrounding the playground at Provos Park. Uh the learning trail is designed to be a fun activity geared to bring early learning to families in a free fun environment with interactive sidewalk activities and signs with learning prompts. Um early learning coalition has volunteers from Sunry United Methodist Church's uh summer mission team that will work on uh July 16th to help install the signs and paint the uh stencils uh on the sidewalks. And you you guys are welcome to participate in that. Uh Chief Lamb introduced the new assistant fire chief Roderick Moore and Mrs. Neuterman has a report. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. Um the Bvard Health Alliance is proud to announce that they have expanded their services at Endeavor Elementary. They have a health clinic at at Never Elementary School which now will include care for adults and families of the students. In in addition to it is a it is becoming a true neighborhood resource for parents, siblings and community members who can receive the same highquality compassionate care on the campus. Uh the expansion insurers ensures better access to primary care, chronic disease management and wellness support for the whole family in one convenient location. For more information or to make an appointment, uh, you can call 321-241-6800 and they just opened today. Oh, wonderful. Dr. Principal Murphy, right? Is it Murphy? Murphy. Yes. Principal Murphy. Okay. Anyone else? That's it for us, sir.

Okay, sir. For the sake of time, I will defer my report. Um, who goes first today? Sorry. Holy dip. Holy depos. I'm sorry, sir. All right, sir. Sorry, sir. Even All right. Even two and four. Four and two. Who would like to go first? Go ahead, sir. Switch it up. I don't have any uh photos. Um so, one of the things I wanted to bring up and uh council could chime on it if they want to. Uh hopefully we can have it come back. as agenda item. I love giving staff homework. Um so, uh it was brought to my attention with the B uh BCO pond uh some of the citizens would like to see more use out there, community use, and uh ways of having more community gatherings out there. So, uh, one of the things that I noticed when I was up in Tallahassee recently, uh, the and also even in the city of Rocklage, they have it's more like a, uh, mini miniature amphitheater or stage staging area. Um, I just recently saw online they had uh some that actually accommodated uh shutters to close it up so you don't have to worry about issues of people uh you know sneaking or sleeping on it overnight having people roam around the park at night. So, I was wondering if staff could uh maybe do some research and see uh how feasible it is to have something like that, a structure like that over on the that would be the east the southeast side of the park uh where we utilized when we had the recent storm. We put the uh debris over there. Um I think something like that can possibly be added out there without having the need to add parking. If there was an event, people could rent it out.

um host community uh gatherings uh events. So um if council is okay with at least exploring that idea, having staff bring something back to the council to present as if we okay if we're okay with it, we could probably do it as a plan over the next couple years to try to work to have something like that out there. Um I know there's a there's um money that's tied to something like that, but if we come up with a plan over the next couple years, we could probably get there. So, I was hoping to get uh uh consent from the council on that. So, what do you you say just bringing back a plan? You said, sir, or maybe like a uh rendering, some ideas of of possible budget, what it would cost to do something like that. Um what about you sending sending them what you what you seen? I can do that as well. I can send what what I have to staff, but I would love for it to come back to us as a whole to, you know, be presented to us. Um, as we all know, Bracko Pond, the the possibilities out there are like unlimited. We can do so much out there and make it more useful to the community. So, um, that's one of my ba that's my my baby out in district two. So, that's it. Yes. The answer to that is yes. Do you need the remote? Yeah. Unfortunately, I What? You're the one that said sleepy. I know. I know. I'm like, I really don't have the I don't have the band with but um Oh. Oh, I got to do the June teeth. I got to say hi to everyone, introduce it for everyone. So that it was a great event. In fact, oh shoot, what did I do? Um so it's actually the best one. I think I've been at all of them. Um even the year before I was elected. So, and this was absolutely the best event. There was just a lot going on with

singing and dancing and shopping and lots of vendors and um I I don't think I was the only one. I think your mom probably would uh affirm that assessment as well that it was the best event yet. Um, I my my term on the Save Our Indian River Lagoon is over. So, I'm fortunate the uh county commissioners have appointed me to the environmentally endangered lands program and I'll be serving on their education committee. This uh is an article. The headline there is an article that I brought you in April. However, that ruling was appealed and the appeal uh lost and so we have a septic moratorum that will go into effect July 18th for the North Indian River Lagoon um basin management action plan for that map and that's why I have it there on the right. Now this is um this is similar to what you know the the 2030 was was what the state legislature had decided last year but with this ruling it will now go into effect on July 18th and I confirmed this morning with the D um the the details of it. So what it means is that conventional septic will no longer be allowed. So if I have with my con conventional um system if it has a breakdown I will have to go to an advanced system. Now, the last time we discussed this, we had some people get up and talk about they had advanced sewer and um in fact those were some of my

neighbors and I happen to know that they have what is a certified NSF40 system. Now, that does not um they have those systems were required to have those systems when those homes were built into the bluff on the Indian River Lagoon. Um that was a requirement at that time. They do not address nitrogen and that's why those systems have to be replaced. And you know, I' I've tried discussing this with a couple of my neighbors. is pretty technical, but it basically boils down to that um the biolog the the old system, you know, addressed the biological uh the oxygen demand, the the total suspended solids, but did not address nitrogen. So, those systems are going to have to be replaced as well. Just putting that on your radar screen and pointing out this map again which in this is Koko's part of the North Indian River Lagoon which is affected by this. All of the purple are where the septic are and you see that it's mostly in that in that area north of Dixon. Um but we have some spots in probably was probably district 1 or district 2. Um the red lines are are um I believe those are the gravity lines. The blue lines you see are the forest mains. So um there's work to be done here. Um the folks even in district one or district two that have septic, there is monies available

um that would help them get onto almost pay in full getting onto the sewage. Of course they would then they would have a sewage bill. But nonetheless, if they end up having go to go to an advanced system, which eventually they will, um, well, this would be a way to prevent that to to get in front of that and have it paid for. Um, so anyway, that's that's the update there and that is set for July 18th. Um and and I remembered this morning when I started going over this that at the last meeting we had requested that the utilities advisory board be put on the agenda and we missed this agenda. So do I need a motion or can we just I requested it be on the agenda and I think um deputy mayor yeah supported that. Um can we get that on the agenda? Can I get a commitment on that? There are a lot of water issues. Our utility again well-run private enterprise is the monopoly. Having a utilities advisory board gives it more uh transparency gives the public more of an opportunity. Um I think particularly with all the issues that we face in this regard, it would be a good thing to have in place. This council never voted to stop that advisory board. It just stopped meeting. The meeting stopped being called and as I understand it is a policy decision whether we have these boards or not. Right. I mean it um it states that kind of a long meeting tonight but yeah so I don't want to discuss this anymore but I've requested I think I

have the right as a council member to request that it be on the agenda. Is there a reason I don't? And that's the end my report. Alex, oh, you want me to go ahead and go? I I'll be I'll be very quick. I And I'm sitting here going, do I take Are you bringing mine up? Thank you, sir. Don't press anything. Huh? Don't press anybody. I'm not I know. I'm so bad. Are you ready? Um, I'm going to I'm going to start with the with the story that was in the paper which I showed all of you and I still say we need a retraction and find out why they called us Cisco Provos Park versus Coco Provos Park. That's the entertainer. Not I don't know why they did that. But uh uh Mr. City Manager, if you could find out from Florida today and have look like Cisco the entertainer. I I don't get it. So anyway, uh but I will say the mayor and I look like bookends and so if you look at that picture, but that was in the Florida today over the And again, thank you to Orlando Health for that. That was awesome. Um I'm going to show a few pictures. This is uh Frrains Tavern in New York City. And on that balcony is where George Washington gave his first inaugural address. The building was built in 1719 and you can eat in there today. It's really cool. And the whole street, this is down where it was originally called New Amsterdam before it became New York. And so to walk those streets to know Oh, Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton, ate its last meal before the duel there, too. Um, my

daughter, my granddaughter, huge Hamilton fan. We, I took her to see Hamilton on Broadway, but we also went to Hamilton's house, and this is her in front of his portrait. And this is us in front of Hamilton's house. And what's neat is this is the only house in the entire country's um uh national parks that uh was Hamilton was the original owner. He had this house built which was really cool. So, and we had the lady who was taking the pictures wouldn't let us not be. And then this was his uh his grave. We did a whole Hamilton thing. It was awesome. And of course this was all of us uh for the 4th of July and it was great that we did collaboration with Rockidge which I didn't know till that day. And then Yes, exactly. And this was my pictures from the stage, which I mean, huge crowd. Obviously, the rain kept some people away, but then this was from when we went out to sit looking back at the stage. That tent there blocked out the stage, which I know they had to do it cuz the sound board was under there in case it rained. And of course, I have to get two of my cute granddaughters in the picture. And fireworks were absolutely fabulous. Um, one quick thing. Do we have any update on the Cocoa Conservation Area? Do we know when we're going to get that back a report back from the from the staff? We're doing that. The next agenda. The next agenda. Okay. Wonderful. I just wanted to know when it was coming and I am done. Thank you very much. Let be quick. Um, thank I want to send a shout out to all of the board members I know from Diamond Square that went um to the county commission meeting, also community members that showed up in uh kind of a I guess the last couple days they found out about a agenda item. Um,

but we had a pretty good showing. Tracy Moore and some others um Mr. Larry Brown, Representative Brown, um showed up to the the commission meeting and it was good even though I think it was going to end up favorably anyway, but it's good to show that community showed up and show that they care about our CRAAS. Um this is the again the uh Fourth of July. Uh great collaboration between us and the city of Rocklay is good great event. Um this was um I I toured this facility. I didn't they've been here for five years. first time I ever went the um comp complimentary cont contraception um center. It's in the plaza um across from wreck 225. U they've been there for 5 years. They help the community um um birth control and all these different things that they do do. They do a whole lot that I didn't know about. Um but I told him I was going to put them on a report today. Um this is the uh new um Mexican restaurant that is we used to be at Mr. Barbecues but now it they have totally turned the inside. It's totally different now. Um kid all all three of them graduated from Rock Ledge High School. Um they're they live in Coco. Um but they are all homegrown. They have six or seven uh restaurants inside of Bvard County and the food is really good. Uh so um the the the business is called La Placito and that's it. That is sir. Yes sir. Okay. Well, on behalf of the great city of Coco, I want to say buy local, spend local, keep it local. I want to say thank you for participating

um in your civic duty, expressing your concerns and your right about local government because it's the best form of government because it's the closest form of government to the people. So, I thank you for your commitment and dedication. Thank you, city manager, city staff, city attorney, 400 plus 11 employees and the great citizens of this city. Um, without further ado, chair entertains a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjurnn. Second. Have a motion on the floor and a second. All in favor of saying I. Fire.