City Commission - Regular Meeting

Evening, everybody. Oh, good evening. Hi. Call meeting order, meeting number 2026Dash423. Tonight, we heard Oye Komova by Celia Cruz from our city manager. What would that song mean to you, Madame Rose, that you chose it for tonight?

What did it mean

to you?

Yeah, what does the song mean you that you wanted thought us to hear?

It was upbeat and we needed a little salsa dancing.

A little upbeat and salsa, oh, that's fantastic. Was that your wedding song?

No, that was not my wedding song.

All right. Next week, in two meetings, next meeting, May 14, I will make the music selection. Very excited. Chances are it could be Billy Joel. So, city attorney, please, give us some words.

Thank you, mayor. As we begin, we kindly ask that all mobile devices be silenced. To ensure the best possible sound quality, please speak clearly and directly into the microphone, and remember to mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Should anyone experience difficulty hearing at any time, please raise your hand, and a hearing device will be

Thank you. City Clerk, can you call the roll, please?

Commissioner Riedel.

The joys of a throat lozenge. Here. Commissioner Welch.

Here.

Commissioner Raley. Here. Vice Mayor Brody. You know, when I had one of

my first times said out loud my name saying Vice Mayor, I thought it wouldn't

be with puberty behind it. Here. Mayor Wasserman. Here. City manager Rose. Here. City attorney Pyburn.

Here.

We're all gonna do the Pledge of Leaderships. I'd love for the Citizens Academy class to stand up and lead us in the, in the pledge tonight.

This meeting is being conducted live with a physical quorum present. The material for today's meeting is available online at coconutcreek.gov. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim recording of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The archive of this meeting may be requested from the city clerk or may be heard online at coconutcreek.gov. If you haven't already, please silent your mobile devices. If you must take a phone call, please excuse yourself and step outside. Respect and proper decorum will be maintained throughout the meeting. Vocal outbursts, jeering, cheering, or applause can impair the rights of others and derail the decision making process.

Okay. So we got a lot of things tonight. Let's rock and roll. We're gonna start with a presentation recognized in the twenty twenty six Citizens Academy graduating class. Give it up

for community relations director Yvonne Lopez, who's gonna conduct the presentation.

Good evening, mayor, vice vice mayor, commission, city manager, city attorney, and city clerk. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this year's Citizens Academy Class 22 a success. Your time and effort make this program a meaningful opportunity for residents to better understand how our city operates. Thank you to our city commission, department heads, and staff who joined us for the mock commission meeting, and to everyone who made each session engaging and interactive. Your participation brought the experience to life and created many memorable and funny moments along the way.

Over the course of the program, our 33 graduates, not all of them are here tonight, but a lot of them are, dedicated twenty two hours to learning the ins and outs of local government, bringing our total number of Citizens Academy alumni to seven thirty four. Most of all, congratulations to you, our graduates. This has been one of the most engaging and engaged classes yet, so thank you for that. Thank you for investing your time to this program and to gaining a deeper understanding to our city and staff. You have gained valuable insight into what makes Coconut Creek such a well run organization, and we hope that you will continue to share that knowledge as proud ambassadors throughout our community.

We sincerely thank you. Graduates, please come forward to receive your certificates and remain on stage for a class photo. And Mayor Wassman will help us with the certificate distribution. First up, we have Allegra Nolan. Annette Rose.

Carlos Mamolejos.

Katarina Rocha. Kathy Latorgen. Denise C. Malden. Dion Powell.

George?

Okay.

Do you have your name?

I

guess Christine is not here, no. Yes, yes. Denise. Okay. Dion Powell. Okay. Georges Dauphin. Heath Gordon. El Beni Perez.

Howard Horwitz.

Janis Sabell. John Perez. The mayor, yes. Yes. And I'd like to stop for a minute just to really recognize Kobi. He is our youngest citizen academy participant. At the age of 12. Yes. Okay. And his, his proud mom, Leslie Jackson.

Millie Flores. Nadine Jackson. Niang Zun. Nakisha Williams Patterson.

Nicole Hall.

Nyesha Maldonado. Ni Schwartz. Oliver Patterson. Rosemarie Lewis. Rosemary Pabagneau.

Samuel Clark. Sandra Grimes. And Sandra Horowitz. If anybody can't crouch down,

if anyone doesn't have bad

knees, those who do not have bad knees, if you crouch down, that's great.

Who you'll have to be. Okay.

I'll move. I'll move. How about that?

Can't see you. Can you switch positions? There you go. I can't see you in the back. Can you come on the side? Okay. That's perfect. Samuel, can you come in between?

A little bit. A little bit. Just a

little bit. Perfect. I'll see you. Okay. Think I see everyone. Nice. Give me a funny. Thank

you.

Give it up. Awesome job. You're very welcome. And thank you, to to Yvonne for organizing that and taking care of it and, for all the departments that lend their time to do that. Give it up again for everybody from the graduating class.

Alright.

So, now we're we're gonna do some proclamations. We have four this evening, all being read by, our our vice mayor and our and the rest of our commission. What's in our first proclamation is recognized in April 2026 as autism citizens academy. You're not gonna stay for the night? Let's go yeah. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. April twenty twenty six, it's Autism Acceptance Month. Commissioner Welch is gonna read the proclamation into the record and present it to Julianna Carranza Escobar and her son, Gabriel. Commissioner Welch?

Thank you, mayor. Whereas Autism Acceptance Month is observed annually in April to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, promoting supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. And whereas autism, or autism spectrum disorder, ASD, is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. And whereas the prevalence of ASD is increasing, affecting one in every thirty one children born in this country, and whereas the city of Coconut Creek is committed to help improve the lives of all individuals in the community we serve, and whereas through this commitment, the city strives to provide a variety of programs and services that help our neurodiverse community members to thrive, including recreational programming and partnerships offered through the Parks and Recreation Department, training for police department sworn and civilian personnel, and whereas the Coconut Creek Police Department's Friend Responders Program partnership with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University for Autism and Related Disabilities, or CARD, and Atlantic Technical College's transition into employment, TIE, to simulate job interviews. And whereas the Friend Responders Program was recently recognized as the 2025 Rocky Promorance Law Enforcement Excellence Award winner for innovation in community policing.

And whereas this Autism Acceptance Month is an important opportunity to educate, enhance understanding, and highlight resources available to community members with autism. Now therefore be it resolved that the City Commission of the City of Coconut Creek, Florida hereby proclaims the month of April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month, to encourage a community spirit that values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds, and to help all those with autism achieve the highest quality of life. It's witnessed and signed by the mayor, the vice mayor, and all the commission. Thank you.

We'll do the picture and then you wanted to say a word or two?

Oh, I'm sorry.

No, come. Does Gabriel want to come up?

Yeah, come on Gabriel.

There we go. Chief, she wants you in the photo.

My turn.

Not a problem. We appreciate what you do for our community.

Yeah, glasses are ready.

You got it.

All right. Good evening, everybody. Mr. Mayor, distinguished members of the commission, I'm truly honored to accept this proclamation recognizing Autism Acceptance Month. This moment means more to me than I can fully express.

And, at this moment, you already know the prevalence and the importance of this this connection. What began as an idea grounded in compassion, understanding, and the belief that every person deserves to feel safe and supported has grown into something real and impactful. Seeing the Friend Responders Program come to life with the Coconut Creek Police Department has been incredibly meaningful. As a former board member of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, an outreach lead, I had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals who share a vision for better support. This effort belongs to the officers who embrace the mission, the students from Atlantic Technical College transitioning to employment program, and the champions and supporters like the staff of ATC advisory board members, and the fine officers who continue to move this work forward.

The goal has always been simple, to help first responders and our neurodivergent community to get to know one another and communicate more effectively in moments that matter most. A special thank you to the leadership of the Cocoa Creek Police Department for believing in me and trusting this idea. I'm deeply proud that this program received the 2025 Rocky Promadence Award, not for the recognition itself, but for what it represents, real impact. This is the best proof that I can tell up to today that great things happen when we work together as a community looking for the greater goal. This is not about anybody sitting on these chairs, me, my family.

We are just connectors working for the greater good that is the better serve our community and, of course, recognizing the great things that our law enforcement officers do every day. Thank you.

Thank you, miss Carranza. We're now gonna move on to, a proclamation recognized in April 20 through the twenty seventh twenty twenty six at City Resiliency Week twenty twenty six. Commissioner Raley will read the proclamation into the record and present it to sustainability manager, Linda Whitman. Linda, where you at? There she is. All right.

Okay. Thank you. Whereas the city of Coconut Creek has long been recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship in South Florida, and whereas, through innovative plans and programming, the city has created a culture of environmental excellence, which has been nationally recognized, and whereas Coconut Creek was named the first city in Florida and the eleventh in The United States as a community wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. And whereas, Coconut Creek has been recognized with the Audubon Green Community Award from Audubon International, and whereas Coconut Creek has been recognized with the Better Community Award from one thousand Friends of Florida, and whereas the city's resiliency culture has led to the official trademark as the butterfly capital of the world, and whereas through the city's Vision 2,030 process, resiliency and environment continue to be highlighted as priorities by our community, and whereas the city continues to lead with the Developing Community Resilience Plan, which will guide resiliency actions for the community. And whereas community resiliency events support the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and raise awareness of environmental practices and resiliency efforts.

And whereas, it is the city's intention to highlight Earth Day on April 22, the city's annual tree planting ceremony at Sunshine Drive Park on April 23, and to hold our annual Arbor Day Free Tree Giveaway event on April 25 to support the city's commitment to a resilient future. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city commission of the city of Coconut Creek hereby proclaims April 2026 as city resiliency week twenty twenty six in the city of Coconut Creek and urges all community members to support efforts to protect our environment and ensure the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A witness hereof, we have here to set our hands and cause the seal of the city of Coconut Creek to be affixed this April 2026, signed by the mayor, the vice mayor, city commissioners. Thank you.

Alright. We're now going have a proclamation recognizing 04/23/2026 as Arbor Day twenty twenty six. Commissioner Riedel will read the proclamation of the record and present it to Resilient Design and Development Director Justin Proffitt, interim Parks and Recreation Director Danielle Dibaros special events planner Leo Malario Malaro Parks and Recreation Superintendent Leonor Thomas landscape inspector Mark Torok and business process analyst Valencia Massey. Commissioner?

Did did you say Justin Prophet is accepting as well? Yes.

That was the first person's name I read.

It's his birthday today. Happy birthday. Thank you, mayor.

Are we

gonna say?

Allowing Thank you me to read it.

You got it.

Whereas first observed in 1872, Arbor Day is a special day set aside for planting, care, and celebration of trees, recognizing their vital role in a healthy and vibrant community. And whereas the city of Coconut Creek has a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship through innovative programs, awards, and resilient practices that enhance the quality of life. And whereas resiliency and environmental responsibility continue to be identified as key community priorities through the city's vision 2030. Whereas trees provide significant environmental benefits by improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, moderating temperatures, and sequestering carbon and supporting wildlife. And whereas trees strengthen neighborhoods by increasing property values, enhancing business districts, and contributing to the natural beauty that defines Coconut Creek.

Whereas the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program recognizes communities that demonstrate a sustained commitment to urban forestry through strong policies, dedicated resources, and public engagement. And whereas, to earn and maintain Tree City USA designation, a city must uphold nationally recognized standards, including maintaining a tree board, a forestry, a forestry program, enforcing a community tree ordinance, investing in urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day each year. And whereas the city of Coconut Creek has proudly met these standards and has been recognized as a Tree City USA every year since 1989, reflecting decades of thoughtful stewardship of its urban tree canopy. And whereas the city remains committed to protecting, planting, and maintaining trees as critical infrastructure that supports environmental health and community well-being. Whereas the city proudly celebrates Arbor Day twenty twenty six with a ceremonial tree planting at Sunshine Drive Park, now, therefore, be it resolved that the city commission of the city of Coconut Creek, Florida proclaims 04/23/2026 is Arbor Day twenty twenty six in the city of Coconut Creek, and we urge all residents to support and protect our trees and woodlands.

It's signed by the mayor, the vice mayor, the commission, and certified by the city clerk. I look forward to presenting it.

Thank you.

Can I make one announcement, if I may,

real quick?

Sure. Just wanted to point out, you've heard about the free tree giveaway. I'm going to make that announcement. So this Saturday, if you're a Coconut Creek resident, please come out. If you're looking for we have about seven tree different tree species to choose from at a bunch of plants, eight a. To twelve p. M. As supplies last for Coconut Creek residents. It's our twenty sixth annual free tree giveaway. And all of the folks that you saw up here tonight had a large role in organizing it. So, it's an amazing educational event, and it's going to be held right out here in the courtyard, 4800 West Copans Road. And yes, Mark Toruk is our new urban forester. Congratulations, Mark. Thank you.

Thank you, Justin. And now we're going move on to a proclamation recognized May 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Vice mayor Brody will read the proclamation in the record and print present it to city clerk Kavanaugh and team.

So so this is actually kind of fitting. Joe and I actually started the same time four years ago, almost today. So, yeah, it's both our birthdays up here. So ironically, ironically, he was sick the day I got sworn in. So Mary Anne had to do the step in and fill in. So at least you're not calling out tonight. All right. Here we go. Whereas on the sorry, have a clerk in my throat. I have a clerk in my throat.

Don't go there. Whereas the office of a municipal clerk is a time honored and vital part of local government throughout the world, and whereas the office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants, And whereas the office of the municipal clerk provides the professional link among citizens, the local government bodies, and the agencies of government at other levels, serving as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas professional municipality clerks have pledged to be over to be ever mindful of their neutrality and their impartiality, rendering equal service to all. And whereas professional municipal clerks continually strive to improve administration of the affairs of the office of the municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and annual meetings of their state, county, and international professional organizations. And whereas the city of Coconut Creek city clerk department is dedicated to the longstanding commitment of professional municipality clerks striving towards advancements in high performance government and the city commitment to represent an innovative and engaging community with a small town personal touch.

And whereas it is most appropriate that we recognize the duties and achievements of the office of the Minnesota Court. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city commission of the United of the Coconut Creek, Florida hereby proclaims that week of May 2026, as professional municipality clerks signed by the mayor, the vice mayor, the commission, and the clerk himself.

Thank you. And vice mayor Brody, thank you for the almost promotion to the city commission of the United States. You know, we were we were almost there. Thank you

for taking

that up. Well, we are now gonna have input from the public on non agenda or consent agenda items. I remind everyone wishing to speak that all comments must pertain to city business. Respect and proper decorum will be maintained. Behavior that disrupts the orderly conduct of this meeting, such as clapping, shouting, booing, and cheering, is not permitted. Any person who violates the decorum rules will be subject to removal from the commission chambers. As a reminder, all comments must pertain to city business. City Clerk Kavanaugh, is there anyone who has signed to speak on non agenda or consent agenda items?

Not at this time, mayor.

Thank you. He said not at this time, mayor. Is there anyone else, in the audience who would like to speak, on in provide input on non agenda or consent agenda items? Alright. Let's move along to our consent agenda.

Number six, a motion approving the minutes from previous city commission meetings, 2026Dash0326 r. Number seven, a resolution two zero two six dash zero four four, a resolution authorizing city manager or designee to execute the attached agreement with Hoover Pumping Systems Inc. For the purchase of a new irrigation pump station at Sable Pines Park in the amount of a $112,489.20. Number eight, Resolution 2026Dash064, a resolution authorizing the city manager or designee to execute a lease agreement with TT of Sample Inc. To provide for temporary parking use of city property. Are there any items the commission wishes to pull from the consent agenda? Is there a motion to second to approve the consent agenda items six through eight?

Move it. Second.

Moved by commissioner Riedel. Seconded by commissioner Raley. Clerk, please call the roll.

Commissioner Ridell? Yes. Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Raley?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes. Thank you. We're going move on to our regular agenda. Board appointments, we're going to start with a board appointment of Resolution twenty thousand two and twenty six-fifty Resolution Resolution two zero two six dash zero five four. Resolution 20 appointing five regular members and one alternate member to the Planning and Zoning Board for a term ending with the next appointment in 2027. Is there a motion and second to move the item for discussion?

Move it.

Second. Moved by commissioner Welch, seconded by commissioner Rydell. City clerk, is there anyone who has signed up to speak on this item?

Not at this time, mayor.

Thank you, city clerk. Commissioner Rydell, who do you got?

Who would you like to nominate tonight? I nominate a member of the community from my district that has long served this city, is here this evening, and has been a dedicated public servant for the residents of Coconut Creek, I nominate Colleen LePlante, who's about to be a grandmother a second time.

Well, congratulations. Colleen LePlante for Commissioner Reidel. Commissioner Welch?

Yes. Thank you very much. First of all, I want to thank the previous year's Planning and Zoning appointee Nancy Fry for her dedicated year of service in amongst all the other things that she does in her life, for her family, her community, and other causes. This year, however, I am putting Jeffrey Barker back on the planning and zoning. Previously had a complex that disallowed him from taking part in the vote, and he has participated on the planning and zoning a number of years. So, again, thank you for your service, Nancy.

Jeffrey Barker for Commissioner Welch. Commissioner Raley. Thank

you. I, too, would like to thank the previous board. And Jeffrey Light has served us well, and I'd like to reappoint him to the planning and

Thank you, Commissioner Raley. That's Jeffrey Light for Commissioner Raley. Vice Mayor Brody.

Yes. I also want to renominate Alex oh, man, it's going kill me Estracrozona zone Alex. Just leave it there. There was only one

Alex. Thank you, vice mayor. I'll pass the gavel to you.

Mayor, what is your nomination for

I will continue with the great man, Saul Brix, to be my nominee. And then my alternate will be Troy Gross. Now with that alright. Thank you. Is there a motion so, I'll read it back. Tell me if there's any corrections. Colleen Laplante.

May I Mayor, I don't mean to reject. Can I just ask a question? Just a clarification question. Is this are these district appointments?

No. No, I meant, what I had said was there's no one that's on the slate as presented that's already serving on the redistricting, right?

JULIE There is an exception for redistricting as well as charter review board. Those are the only two boards in which you don't have a dual office holding issue. You are allowed to serve on both that board and another Thank board.

You for the point of clarification.

JULIE All right. So I'll read it back. For the PNZ, have Colleen LePlante, Jeffrey Barker, Jeffrey Light, Alex. I just Alex E, Saul Brix, and our alternate will be Troy Gras.

Move to slate.

Moved by Commissioner Seconded Commissioner Welch. City Clerk, please call the roll.

Commissioner Riddell? Yes. Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Raley?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes. The neck, congratulations. Now, the first evening you will report to duty for duty is May 13 at seven p m. So, that'll be the next Planning and Zoning Advisory Board meeting, May 13 at seven p. M. We're now going to move, resolution two zero two six dash zero five five, a resolution appointing five regular members and one alternate member to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a term ending with the next appointment in 2027. Is there a motion and second to move nine ten Move. For discussion? Second. Moved by Welch, Commissioner Welch, seconded by Vice Mayor Brody.

City Clerk is I think it was they said it at the same time. So I'm just gonna go with that. Okay. City Clerk, is there anybody who signed up to speak on this item?

Not at this time, mayor.

Thank you. Commissioner Wright, who's your nomination?

I'll give you my nomination, can I just ask mayor as a courtesy, because I know we have some people here, can we do 12 next as opposed to 11?

Is that okay?

Only reason is I know that there's some members of the the Solid Waste Board and some other

That's very It's a very kind gesture, and yes, we will move up We will move

it up. Thank you. William Gallagher is my nomination.

William Gallagher for Commissioner Reidel. Commissioner Welch.

Thank you, mayor.

You got it.

Michael Madigan.

Michael Madigan. Commissioner Raley.

Yeah. We'll go with Benjamin Nazario Vega again. Thank you for your service.

Vice mayor?

Corey Guerrero.

I'll pass the gavel to vice mayor.

Mayor, what is your pick for the

board? Robin Van Hamel. And also, it'll be Linda Rondononi. I think, hopefully, I said it right. And, that's Linda.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Move the slate. Moved Seconded by Commissioner by Commissioner Welch. Quite the tag team you guys both have this evening. I like it. Very nice. Ask the

city We we agreed earlier this evening.

I know. I know. I'm saying you guys have been first and seconding a lot, so it's been very nice. Ask the city clerk, can you please, so we're gonna review this. William Gallagher, Michael Madigan, Ben N. I didn't catch I'm Well, you guys got it. Right? Corey Guerrero, Robin Van Hamel, and alternate Linda R. Call the row, please, City Clerk.

Commissioner Riedel? Yes. Commissioner Welch?

Yes.

Commissioner Reilly? Yes. Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes. Congratulations. Well, your first meeting will be on May 20 at 06:30PM. Best of luck. Thank you for representing your city. We're now going to move to number we're gonna move to number 12. We're moving it up due to the kind gesture from the commissioner at the end. Resolution 2,026 dash 60, a resolution approving the first amendment facilities amendment to the interlocal agreement, ILA, with Broward County and other participating municipalities providing for the city to participate in the solid waste disposal and Recyclable Materials Processing Authority of Broward County, Florida, and authorizing the mayor or designee to execute same. Is there a motion to second? Moved.

Second.

Yes. Approved commissioner White House, seconded by commissioner Welch. Okay. Public works. Oh, wow. You guys just, like, appeared. Public works department's gonna make a staff, gonna make a report from the staff. Okay. And then we will get into the rest of the goods.

And while they're getting ready, I'd like to thank Denise Horland and the representative from the League of Cities for being here and supporting this item.

Thank you. Mary Lou is in the back.

Hi. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, and commissioners. We're happy to bring this item before you tonight, as the Solid Waste Authority prepares to move from the planning stage to implementation. Michael Heimbeck will provide a short presentation on the contents of the facilities amendment, and then Mr. Sam May, the Solid Waste Executive Director, would also like to make a few comments. Thank you.

Good evening again. We've a lot of experts here in the room, so I'll be quick. But we just wanted to provide some background to the commission on this. This is a slide you saw earlier. Citi is responsible for collection. The Solid Waste Authority will be responsible for executing contracts related to disposal and processing of materials. So this First Amendment is a requirement of the interlocal agreement. And it was originally envisioned that there would be facilities owned and operated by the authority. As we've gone through the process, it's become very clear that there is infrastructure in the community that is capable of handling our waste. And that is the direction the authority has gone.

This amendment also addresses some back end issues for the end of the authority in forty years. It also protects the communities. It establishes some maximum cost for disposal. So we do have that in our favor. And it must be passed by 80% of the participating communities.

And essentially, if a city decides not to pass this amendment, they're out of the authority. So one of the parts of the authority has been to develop a master plan, things that we've talked about earlier tonight, behavior change, education, education. By combining together, we'll have economies of scale. Right now, for example, there are two companies that provide transfer stations for waste, and they basically split up, divide and conquer the communities. And we think that we can get better pricing through those economies.

And then, of course, harmonizing the services and bringing some consistency to programs throughout the county. As we spoke about earlier, one of the key things is maximizing recycling processing services for the Solid Waste Authority members. But we also have been looking at construction and demolition debris ordinance, commercial recycling ordinance. And as we talked about earlier, yard waste is going to come in fiscal year 'twenty nine and food waste in future years. The authority will also be developing eight drop off centers for recycling household hazardous waste.

I'll mention that we budget $80,000 per year for household hazardous waste. So that will be rolled up into the cost of the Solid Waste Authority. And of course, education and outreach. Real quick, how we're for the authority. And Sam will go into that a little more in-depth.

Right now we are paying the authority based on our population, around $70,000 a year. We're going to transition to a tipping fee surcharge. So basically, all waste generated will get a surcharge on it. That surcharge will go to the authority. And eventually, FY 'thirty one and beyond, a non ad valorem assessment will be placed on properties and the institution of those recycling drop offs and some additional programs will come.

The tipping fee surcharge is easy to implement, but volumes go up and down, so it's not as dependable. A non ad valorem assessment is much more dependable, so the authority will have a better idea of what's coming in each year. And just a real quick look at what some of those costs will be. Like I said, we're paying about $70,000 per year now, around $1 a person, if you will. The initial idea for the tipping fee is going to be just $2.20.

Sam tells me it's $2.22 now. So it's a very small amount that's going to be placed on the tipping fee. Right now, Coconut Creek residents generate about a ton and a half per unit. So $330 $350 $4 is probably the amount per unit per year to pay for the solid waste authority initially. So very low cost to our residents to provide the benefits of the authority.

And then last there, you can see that we put it about $450 per unit once it goes to an assessment. I know you're not familiar with the rates, but these are the maximum services charges that are being offered by the authority. These are not far off what we are paying today. So it's not a big decrease, but it is beneficial. And the long term benefits of the negotiation and the ability to keep those rates low is really what the benefit of the authority is.

And just a summary here, the system is fragmented, as I mentioned before. The limited disposal options that we do have for solid waste drives prices up. So as we move together as a unit and able to negotiate better prices, we will see at least lower disposal rates moving forward. And that's it. And I'll let Sam talk. As you know, I think you all know Sam May. He's spent years here in Broward developing relationships in public works and with the city managers, and he's come along to the authority at a perfect time.

Thank you, everyone. I'm Sam May. I'm the interim executive director for the Broward Solid Waste Authority. And Mike pretty much went through everything that I was going to go through in his slides. As he said, right now it's $2.22 a ton starting in FY 'twenty eight, which comes out to about $3.3 a resident.

And you've got about eight nine thousand tons right now, so you're looking at maybe around $20,000 for your residents total. I'm not sure if you bill on the solid waste assessment, or if you bill on your utility bill. But if it's a utility bill, you're looking at, you know, $27.28 cents per month. So, if you want to get with me, have your finance people get with me as far as the actual numbers go, I can certainly walk them through that. That's not an issue at all.

But on your board up there, you also have somebody who is a very well respected, influential leader on the governing board of the Solid Waste Authority, and is also a member of the Executive Committee, and that is Commissioner Josh Riedel. So I'd like to let Commissioner speak on behalf of the Solid Waste Authority. He is as knowledgeable as anyone on the Solid Waste Authority.

Coming down. Thank you. Coming down. You, Sam. Name and

name To again,

give Sam a little more credit, for those of you that don't know, Sam was how many years were you in Margate? Thirty two. Thirty two years in Margate. He finished in Margate as the city manager of Margate. He has relationships county wide. Sam, you weren't Heider as the interim director. You're the executive director now. So give your title a little more credit. So I'd like to think this. We're we're tonight is the first municipality. Now, we we lost an hour ago because was the city? Sea Ranch Lakes. I was like, we're we're I don't even know where Sea Ranch Lakes is. But they passed it like an hour before us. A little disappointing because I wanted to be the first.

I'd like to thank. I've advised all of you continually on every single meeting about the Solid Waste Authority. The mission has changed. The mission has went from considering owning a bunch of assets and trying to make this more robust like Palm Beach County, to really pulling back, looking at this contract based, lower facility based, and really collective bargaining based, which is what I think moves moves Broward forward. We have technical staff.

I can answer a lot of those technical questions. You've all allowed me to serve on the executive committee, and I've been heavily involved on a number of different levels, and I thank Commissioner Welch for chiming in on a lot of these meetings. So I want to answer any questions you have, but I want to first say this. This meeting is so important, I want to give credit to Councilmember Horland, who's here from the city of Plantation, and Mary Lou, who's the executive director of the Broward League of Cities. Denise is the president right now of League of Cities. I want to thank her for being here. Other executive staff planned on being here this evening, but the resources are deployed in other cities. So I'm I'm being asked with Sam to go to other cities as well. Mike comes to, and just so you all know, Mike comes to every single meeting. And where are you?

And he wore a jacket and tie. So, like, first of all, have you ever seen him in a jacket and tie? I don't think anyone has, but it's super exciting.

And

he got a haircut. It's even better. So I I may be facetious with it, but we we are in a crisis in Broward County. Our recycling rates in our city are below 40% countywide. We are in literally an existential crisis here, and, you know, I don't always agree with our chair of the executive committee, Mayor Ryan from from Sunrise, but the reality is this is the first step.

It's solving a waste problem at the lowest cost to our residents. And I can assure all of you I have been exceedingly critical of the costs and the service and where we're gonna be at with this, but this opt in is crucial now for the purposes of collective bargaining. The Facilities Amendment is the first step. While we've passed the master plan, it's kinda like the constitution. It's a living, breathing document that can be modified, changed.

The policy bones are the same, but how we implement it has a lot of breadth of how we can change, and how the Solid Waste Authority can have assets over time, and can do these things in a forty year plan. So I remain available in this capacity to answer any questions. I hope I've educated all of you in a sunshine realm, every single meeting and where we're going, and through Madam Rose sending you all documents. So I urge you all to pass this, and we can take a stand because we are the first. They're a city too, so I don't what?

Large

city. Large city. Okay. Large city that it's going to, and I think our city's position is we've been leading in environmental causes. We've been leading the way in waste, and a lot of cities look to our leadership. So this this vote tonight means volumes, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Sam's here to answer any any questions as well.

We actually have somebody's buzzed in. Vice Mayor Brody has a question.

Vice Mayor Brody, you want me up there?

You can stay there, mister Ridell.

You get your chance tonight,

don't you? That's right. Mr. Rydell, let me ask you a question.

Absolutely.

As you know, I have a huge distrust for the county position that was sitting on there because of what happened with Monarch Hill, and that it was a little bit of an embarrassment to have that go the way it did. What happens if the South's this organization goes South? Is there a way to pull out without any issues?

We can opt out at any time. The answer is we can opt out at any time, a. B, if the solid waste authority doesn't pass the votes and dissolves, there's a vehicle in place to actually take, get what we've out of it, or whatever assets are of the remaining balance, much like the Resource Recovery Board. So we can get that up. And I see where you're going, and I wanna be preemptive on this. Okay. One of our neighboring cities has an issue with double bureaucracy. Are we creating a bureaucracy body that's just gonna be paying consultants and executives? Executives? And the answer is we are gonna be paying executives and consultants, but it's for this component of if we don't do this now, when?

And if this in five years is not what we anticipate it to be, I promise you this, vice mayor, I will be sitting on that saying, we gotta get out of this. We gotta find a better But if we don't put a good faith effort and foot forward to solve this problem, I mean, we we have a waste crisis. People don't see it. We're like, Broward is is the laughingstock of the state due to our recycling rates and our lack of infrastructure. So I'll answer any of that. But, yes, we have outs. I think Madam City Attorney would agree with that.

MR. Right. And that's where we're going with this. Because, you know, we get down this thing where we're paying, and we've to explain this to our residents. And if it ends up being another monarch, then, you know, there's got to be a way that we can get out of this thing and make sure that we're not hemorrhaging money over something that's not going to work. So that's my biggest concern about this is when we go down this path of there's no turning back, or is there a turning back? So if you're telling me that there's a way to get out of this thing, then I'm going to take for word that you put it on record that you would say that because you're, you know, you're very careful about that. So I will trust what you say in that.

Every municipality has the immediate ability of opting and Madam City Attorney, you confirmed this on the record. We have the ability of opting out at any time. And if the authority implodes, we will get our fair share from the implosion. Madam, I'd like you to chime in on that.

Yes, he is correct.

There you go. I love when I hear that. I never hear it at home, so I may as well hear it now.

Commissioner Welch? Oh, thank you very much. I appreciate it. And thank you, Commissioner Rydahl, for your leadership, and because I have followed it every step of the way. It's been almost eight years in the making.

And it is it's a monumental day to see this actually on pen and paper. Because what happened after the Resource Recovery Board, when everyone split and went their merry way, and we still didn't solve the crisis of what we all should have been looking at, which was what not to put in our garbage and fill up the landfills to where we have those decisions that were made that we were totally not happy with. So I appreciate your comments, Vice Mayor Brody. They didn't go unnoticed, and certainly not on deaf ears. But having followed it all these years, I can tell you that I feel like we have safeguards, definitely have safeguards in place to ensure that the things that happened previously will not happen this way with what we're looking at.

And I'm really glad that we're ending it in conjunction with all of those that will be participating forty years from now. Hopefully it's still us. And hopefully we've reduced the need for landfills. But I do have to acknowledge the staff, just like you did. I'm telling you, there's no untold efforts that they have put into getting us to where we are today.

So I'm proud to be a partner and proud to sign on to this first step towards getting us to be a part of a regional answer to keeping our garbage out of the landfill. So thank you for your service, and thanks so much to the Broward League of Cities, especially under the leadership of Denise Horland. You've really done a remarkable job and made us all do better. So thank you again. And Sam May is a sight for sore eyes. You are definitely a subject matter expert in the place where you should be. So thank you for your service.

Commissioner Reilly?

Thank you. I'd also like to say thank you to staff and everyone that was involved in this. And I have to say, in its infancy, I was very skeptical. But I have to congratulate everyone involved that had brought this to fruition. I'm very happy to see this, that it finally has come.

I want to thank you, Commissioner Reidel. You did an amazing job. And Commissioner Welch, before him, thank you so much. Denise, Marianne, thank you so much for your input. And of course, I want to Sam May, I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you when I first came in, but thank you for being here. Thank you for everything you do. Our staff has been amazing as well. Thank you so much. We're stronger in numbers. I think this is the only way to go.

We are in crisis, and if we stand alone and I'm talking to all the cities out there that are listening you stand alone, this is going to continue to be a problem for you. So we have to be united in this. So thank you.

Any other questions or comments from the city commission? Commissioner Ridell, do you have anything for Commissioner Ridell? No? Okay. City clerk, are there any members of the public who have signed up to speak on this item?

Yes. Susan Steinhauser signed up to speak on this item, Mayor.

All right.

Susan. Oh, she's here. The only the only remaining comment I'll just make that deserves a shout out before Susan gets up and I'll take my seat on the dais. Is Yvonne's here? Where's Yvonne? She's taken a leadership role with the PIOs. We have pushed out more solid waste authority messaging, and in the past couple meetings, we've been featured on how we're running on Instagram and social media. So, Yvonne, it's a big shout out to you, and thank you for your leadership. And I'll defer to any members of the public. Thank you.

Susan, come on down.

Susan Steinhauser, 5842 Eagle Case Circle, Copenhagen, 33073. And I will keep this as brief as possible, but there is so much to say and so much gratitude to be shared. So number one, thank you, Commissioners Rydell and Welch, for all the energy that you put in to the Solid Waste Authority. Thank you, Councilwoman Horlin and Executive Director Tai for being here. I remember my very first meeting when I attended the first one that I took off from work to go to the Broward League of Cities Solid Waste Working Group.

And I watched, at that time I'm not sure if it was May or not Wes Messam standing there. And I just said, what are you all doing? How do we get to where we need to be from where we are? And here we are. And it's just thanks to all of you. And I want to thank is it Mike? Where are

you?

Right here. Mine over here.

Mike. Just went on a tour of the waste management, the new processing facility recycling, and I came back with so many questions. I called Mike, or I texted him, and immediately he got back to me with the answers. So thank you for that. I do want to take a very quick moment just to say that although we were not the first city to vote yes, and that's only because our meetings start at seven and not at five, we were the first city to have this on a city agenda. So we do have that. And as long as you vote yes now, we could beat Southwest Ranches. We can still be number two. All right? So hopefully we'll have three cities voted today.

The real city, Susan.

Oh, seriously. The first city without a wall, for Pete's sake, right? Yeah. Okay. Sorry, is this being recorded? That's just not right. Secondly, I'm going to throw this out here right now, because I was not here for the workshop, unfortunately. But the little bit that I did here, in my opinion, there are so many residents right now who don't think we recycle, even though we've educated about the drop off. And I go from door to door. Steve had given me the door tags.

I passed them out, and my neighbors still didn't know. But when I spoke to them, when I offered to pick up their cardboard and take it, and I showed them, here, Winston Park, this is where you go, they got it. So it is mouth to mouth, not resuscitation, that's CPR, it's mouth to mouth communication face to face. That's how it's going to get done. And it's a lot. It's a huge lift. I think between Tammy Letierian and me, we can take over the whole city, though. Between the two of us, we'll get it done. Secondly, really quick, I have to say this. Pay as you throw. I'm just throwing it out there. I know this is way down the line. I know it is absolutely not for now. But I think pay as you throw is something to consider. I think that will help a lot.

And I personally I know it's just me but I would pay $3 a month, let alone $3 a year. Are you kidding? So anyway, that's it. I'm in time. Thank you again.

Thank you, Susan. Is there anybody else present who would like to provide input on this item? Are there any further questions or comments from the commission? Vice Mayor.

So I just I don't want to lose track of this, but why we're having this conversation about solid waste. But I went out to San Diego when I was out there and walked through their composting. So we need to have that conversation. And I can show you the pictures and give a report on that when requested, if you guys want to hear about it. But they've a massive thing. And I think it ties into this, because I think we can kind of we've got composting trash cans sitting right there. So yeah, definitely it's something we can look into. And they're massive. Two and eighty thousand people participate in this, and they do 300 tons of compost. Guys are showing up with pickup trucks filling up with compost. This is doable and scalable, and we can do it, and it fits in right with us. So I just want to put that on the record.

Thank you, Vice Mayor. Commissioner Whiteell.

I just wanna piggyback on what John said. You're absolutely right. I mean, when we're having a conversation tonight about yard waste and picking up yard waste, any composting company would almost pay us to take our yard waste because it becomes an integral part of composting. So we are just so far behind everything, but it's such this is this has to be the starting place. So, thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Yeah. But but the answer is yeah. But they're it's so difficult for these composting companies to break into the market share of what is mainstream because Broward County now just contracted with waste management to compost it with no control over what they're really composting. So I don't wanna go down that rabbit hole.

Yeah. Don't.

We have a nondisparage agreement.

Alright. Clerk, can you please call the roll on the item?

Commissioner Riedel? Yes. Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Reilly?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes. We have a request from the commissioner at the last seat for a photograph with the team. Well, everybody, come on down.

I just cut your leg off.

Commissioner Horland, I'm taking a bunch of them for you.

All right. We are also going to move up a couple things because item number 11 can really be can be tailed at the end. So, we're going move on to items number thirteen and fourteen. Will the city attorney please explain the city's quasi judicial procedures? Yes, mayor. We're coming back to it. We're gonna finish it at the end because it's more of, like, personal stuff.

First, I wanna remind everyone to silence your mobile devices. Florida courts have determined that there are certain types of matters, including agenda items thirteen and fourteen on tonight's agenda, that are to be treated differently than other considered by the commission. In these quasi judicial applications, the commission is applying existing rules and policies to a factual situation and is therefore acting like a judge and jury due in a trial held in the courtroom. In such cases, the courts have decided that due process and fundamental fairness require that more formal procedures be followed. The city commission's decision must be based on the evidence and information that is presented at the public hearing, including the agenda materials, planning and zoning board recommendation, testimony presented at the public hearing, and the deliberations of the city commission.

Quasi judicial procedures require that the commission consider the evidence presented to it and base their decision on the applicable law and primarily on credible evidence presented, whether by staff, the applicant, or members of the public. In a quasi judicial proceeding, the city commission is not allowed to take into consideration public sentiment or the popularity of a particular development proposal or application. The city commission may only consider competent, substantial evidence. This means testimony or other evidence that a reasonable mind would accept as credible and adequate to support a conclusion. Florida courts have made it clear that mere generalized statements of opposition are to be disregarded, but fact based testimony can be considered competent, substantial evidence.

This can include eyewitness observation testimony, relevant facts, and documentary evidence, including photographs, aerials, and maps. Citizens who want to participate in a quasi judicial hearing can testify as to factual matters in any element of the case that would not require specialized training or specific academic degrees. Their testimony will be considered provided that their testimony is backed up by established facts, studies, or evidence that is not conjecture or just based on a feeling. The quasi judicial hearing process is not a popularity contest. Strict rules of evidence do not apply during the public hearing.

But any comments must be relevant to the agenda item. Proper decorum is required and will be maintained at all times. Please refrain from any vocal outbursts, cheering, cheering, or applause. Everyone who wishes to speak on an item will be given an opportunity to speak. If you intend to provide testimony as to any of the applications to be considered tonight, you will be sworn in before your testimony is taken.

Please note that if you speak, you may be subject to cross examination. The city commission may comment or ask questions of persons addressing the commission at any time. If you refuse to either be cross examined or to be sworn, your testimony will be considered in that context and given its due weight. The general public will not be permitted to cross examine witnesses but may request that the commission direct questions on their behalf to the applicant or staff. Will the clerk please confirm compliance with the notice requirements?

The city has satisfied illegally required public notice for the public hearings for agenda items thirteen and fourteen.

And I almost hate to ask you this, but do you mind swearing in the witnesses?

I will try my best, city attorney.

Thank you.

Will anyone wishing to speak on any of the quasi judicial items please stand and raise your right hand? Do you swear ever to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I do. When you can afford to speak, please state your name and address clearly for the record. State whether or not you've been sworn in and whether or not you understand the rules of the proceedings. Thank you.

We will now hear agenda item 13. If there are no objections from staff, the applicant, the commission, the public will also hear agenda item 14 as they are related. After the city attorney reads the ordinance titles, I will ask for a motion and second to move the items. City attorney?

Thank you, mayor. Item number 13 is ordinance number twenty twenty six dash zero zero six, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Coconut Creek, Florida approving the rezoning request of Coconut Creek Automotive Management LLC to rezone from B 4 Regional Shopping District to planned Main Street Development District, Al Hendrickson Toyota PMDD, for the property legally described in exhibit a, attached tier two and made a part hereof, being generally located at 5201 West Sample Road, providing for findings, providing for conditions of approval, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. And the next item Well, first, we need a motion and a second to move forward.

Move forward. Second.

Oh, okay. So it was moved by Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Rideau.

Thank you. And now item number 14 is ordinance number twenty twenty six dash zero zero seven, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Coconut Creek, Florida amending the city's code of ordinances by amending chapter 13 land development code article three zoning regulations division eight master business list to amend section 13 dash six twenty six master business list planned Main Street Development District to adopt the list of all permitted and special land uses for the Al Hendrickson Toyota planned Main Street Development generally located on the North Side Of Sample Road between Northwest 54th Avenue and Banks Road in the Main Street project area, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and providing an effective date.

Move. Move it. Second.

Moved by Commissioner Raley, seconded by Commissioner Welch.

Are there any disclosures for items thirteen and fourteen?

None since the previous meeting for me.

All right.

Thank you.

The city staff, I'll make presentation items thirteen, fourteen.

Yes, sir. The just a very brief update. Between first well,

first of all,

of course, was all items were approved on first reading. Only The one change has occurred since between first and second reading, and that is a revision to the PMDD document and its exhibits. That reduces the 15 display vehicles to 13 display vehicles. So the applicant submitted a revised PMDD, and it is in your backup, so it is in the final form tonight. Staff is here for questions, and that concludes our presentation.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Proffitt. Applicant, presentation on items thirteen fourteen.

My name is Dennis Mealy, 200 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. On behalf of the applicant, I have been sworn, and I understand the rules of the procedure. I'm here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

Excellent. Does city staff have any questions of mister Mealy or No. No? Does the applicant have any questions of city staff?

No, I don't.

Alright. Let's open the public hearing. Are there any members of the public who would like to speak on agenda items 13 or 14 once called upon? Please identify yourself, state whether or not you have been sworn in, or whether or not you understand the rules of the proceedings. Mueller. Do do the applicant or city staff wish to cross examine any of the witnesses? Public hearing is now closed. We will now hear closing remarks. Do city staff or the applicant have any closing remarks? No. No, thank you. All right. Commission, anybody have any questions for the city staff or the applicant?

All

right. Oh. Can have a clarification? Yes, Commissioner.

I just want make a clarification through Terrell and Justin that the amendment that was made in regarding the language change from permitting to CO is codified? I see it is, but I just want to make sure it's codified in the language you're approving this evening.

Yes.

That's all I wanted to formally have on the record. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner. Now for comments and deliberation by the Commission on Agenda nine thirteen, the PMDD rezoning application for the Everybody's good? Okay, sorry. If none, is there based on the testimony presented in the application's consistency with the city's land development regulations and comprehensive plan a motion and a second to approve Agenda Item 13, the PMDD rezoning application for the Al Hendrix and Toyota dealership.

Move it. Second.

Moved by Well, Commissioner Welch, seconded by Commissioner Ray Lee. Now for comments and deliberation by the Commission on Agenda item 14, an amendment to the land development code related to the Al Hendrix and Toyota PMDD permitted and special land uses master business list. If none, is well, I'm sorry.

Oh. I

was just getting so excited. Call roll city clerk, please, on member 13. I thought we were doing them together, that's why. My bad.

Commissioner Rydell.

Is this on 13?

Yes. Yes. Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Reilly?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman? Yes.

Now, for comments and deliberation by the Commission on Agenda Item 14, an amendment to the Land Development Code related to the Outlanders and Toyota PMDD permitted and special land uses master business list. If none, is there based on the testimony presented in the application's consistency with the city's land development regulations and comprehensive plan a motion and a second to approve agenda item 14, an amendment to the land development code related to the Al Hendrix and Toyota PMDD permitted and special land uses master business list?

Move it. Second.

Commissioner Raley? Seconded by Commissioner Welch? Please call roll.

Commissioner Rydell?

Yes.

Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Raley? Yes. Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you. Alright. Moving on to our second hearing.

Good to see you, Dennis.

In your home for Mattawa.

Our second reading. City Attorney Fiber, please read the ordinance two zero two six dash zero zero five.

Thank you, mayor Wasserman. Thank you. An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Coconut Creek, Florida amending the city's code of ordinances by amending chapter five, animals, section five dash 12, retail sale of dogs and cats to amend the definition of hobby breeder to clarify that hobby breeders are not pet stores, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and providing an effective date.

Moved it.

Second.

Moved by commissioner Weltz, seconded by commissioner Rydell. City attorney's office, we're getting a report.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, commission. Before you this evening is ordinance 2,022 dash zero zero five, which amends section 12 dash, excuse me, five dash 12 of the city code to clarify the definition of hobby breeder and distinguish between those operations from a pet store. Also, it removes exemption two to prohibit the breeding of dogs and cats on the premises for the purposes of selling them through a retail store. This ordinance tonight is up for second reading. There have been no changes from last, from the first reading. And as presented, the ordinance is legally sufficient and ready for final consideration. I'm available for any questions. Thank you.

Super. Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from the city commission? All right. I'll now open the public hearing.

Or you can, like, say I'm a little It's a little more free form. You can just say, hey, me. Hey, me. You. Or you could buzz the thing. This thing works too. Yeah, we moved it. Yeah. Yeah.

Commissioner Welch, you comment I was making prior to going to a public hearing, think all of us got a series of form emails. I did. I don't know if you all did. I forwarded it accordingly. Obviously, there's a record of it. We got a lot of form emails. Cass, did you get a chance to see some of those?

I saw one today, one of them.

I don't

know how many you got, but I did receive one.

I got like, 16, but it was the exact same email. Just, you know, how, like, it's like the form that goes out. None of it was from Coconut Creek residents. It was all from, like, I mean, across the country. And I believe it was it's it's legally misplaced, but I just wanted to address it on the record that I did receive communications on both sides of this. So I I I thank you. I, me personally, I have the legal answers that I need. I I I think it's legally misplaced, but, you know, I support I support the item tonight.

Thank you, commissioner. Anybody else from the commission? I wanna make eye contact with each one. Just so you know. I'll now open the public hearing. Are there any members of the public who would like to speak on this item? When you come forward to speak, please state your name and address clearly for the record. I believe we have somebody who's signed up.

Yes, mayor. We have Brandon Johnson who signed in to speak on this item.

The floor is yours.

Good evening, vice mayor, mayor, commissioners. Brandon Johnson with the American Kennel Club. Our address is Raleigh, North Carolina, but I live in Orlando, Florida. I'm a regional southeast lead. Many of you all got our email this morning that stated our concerns of the ordinance.

Wanna be clear, AKC has a vested interest, of course, in the animal welfare of dogs in the city of Coconut Creek. Our main concern is around the definition around hobby breeder. In your summary, I believe in your business estimate, there was somewhat of an alluded to hobby breeders also contributing to puppy mills. We know that words have definitions, so we would like to see in future conversations that be kind of fleshed out, so we can make sure that our preservation breeders who breed for hobby, preservation of bloodlines, and sport are not included in that. Hobby breeders in AKC perspective have a very niche and nuanced complexion when it comes to their breeding versus those who do commercial breeding, of course, the retail stores.

I believe in your ordinance, there is now also the definition around one litter per adult animal. In animal husbandry, there is a lot of nuances to different breeds that can have different amounts of litters per year and still be considered healthy. We would like it to see more so of veterinary care also be considered in that, so that, again, that breeder has a right to consider what the vet says is good for that particular dog. I have a mastiff. That mastiff can only have one litter per year because of its size, but some of your more small toy poodles and such can have multiple heating cycles in a year and still be considered healthy if they have a litter.

So just when we put things into ordinances like that, there's a lot of nuances that, again, you all may not be aware of because, again, you have to be in kind of the dog world to know some of that. Again, here at AKC, we are a partner. We would love to work with you all. Animal protections, As you all may know, senate bill ten zero four that's gonna be signed by the governor soon. That passed has a lot of animal protections already in that statute that's coming down. So, again, as you all consider future ramifications around dog breeding, we're always available. I'm a quick Bright Line ride up from Orlando, Florida, and we can make sure we work with you all to make sure we see that happen. Because, again, we have over 90,000 inspections that we've done as the AKC. So, clearly, we know that, again, what breeders are doing. We understand some of those nuances. But in this particular amendment, excuse me, ordinance, it's just the little things that we're not concerned about, but we know you all can move forward with it, we'd love to work with you

in the future. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you for coming out. Anybody else speak on this?

Public record public hearing is now closed. Are there any further questions or comments from the commission? We will now move to, call roll clerk.

Oh,

well, yeah. Commissioner Heidel?

Just going get him to learn. I just, if I may, mayor? Yes. Thank you for coming as a rep of the AKC. I'm just curious, do you have any changes that you would suggest to this ordinance? And I say that honestly because as a vested partner, I'm just curious if you you didn't submit. You submitted a letter kind of like a that you sent to your membership of saying, hey, write to Coconut Creek. Correct. And I'm assuming you came from Orlando for this meeting? Correct. So in in in in Candor, I'm a lawyer by trade.

Yeah.

Do you believe that there is legalese, I don't like to use that term, that should be added to this that would accomplish a different goal?

Yeah. I mean, I think when we look at your 2014 ordinance that we know was passed that kind of gave this original exemption, by removing that exemption, there's a a nuance of removing hobby breeders out of the market according to how we define your exemption around retail stores and those selling to retail stores. In a perfect world, the language that we would want to submit is to make it line up with state law that's coming into fruition around breeder limits, care and conditions. Your ordinance is more so around the selling of the dogs, not the conditions of which the dogs are raised, bred, and cared for. So, in animal welfare, we would say that there needs to be a little bit more addition to the ordinance if the total intent is around animal welfare.

Because as you currently have it, it's just around not selling to a store, not so much the conditions, the housing, and and things of that nature.

So, I'm gonna I'm gonna I'm gonna kick something to you. Right? Then I'm gonna make a motion to table this to the next meeting. And if you believe that you are you a lawyer?

I'm not a lawyer. Went to law school, got a master's in the office.

You're just like mastiff owner. Correct. I'm a good mastiff owner.

Yeah. I'm a I'm a lobbyist that has a has a big mastiff.

I I I say that in in in Candor, I got a lot of these form emails. I don't I'm not a fan of form emails. I don't know how my colleagues take it. I think it's, like, candidly offensive when you get form emails from people that don't even have vested interest in our community. However, you came here tonight, and you are saying something that I'm actually I agree. I'm agreeing with changes. So I would ask you if this meeting is tabled I don't know if my commission will agree with this. If this meeting is tabled, can you submit what you believe are effective changes to our city attorney who you can grab her card Yeah. Absolutely. Prior to our next meeting? Absolutely.

I can

have it to her probably by tomorrow morning. I move to table.

Seconded by commissioner Raley. We will table number 15, ordinance two zero two six dash zero zero five. Please call the roll to table.

Commissioner Riedel? Yes. Commissioner Welch?

Yes.

Commissioner Raley? Yes. Vice Mayor Brody?

Yes. Mayor Wasserman? Yes. All right, we have tabled. We are now going to move to back. We're going to go back in time.

Can I just

say thank you as well, sir, for coming? Thank you.

Yeah, thank you.

All right. Number 11, a motion to cancel July 9 and 08/13/2026, regular city commission meetings. This has continued from our last meeting. Is there a motion and second to approve agenda item number 11?

Move it. Second.

Moved by Welch, seconded by Raley. Commission city manager.

So I understand there's been some discussion about alternative days off, and we're certainly open. The staff will do whatever works for all of you, whether it be taking all of the month of July off. The only thing I would caution you is that we do need that August 13 meeting. We will be here during the day for the budget meeting. And if it so pleases you, we can actually add a regular meeting following the budget meeting if you still want to go to the Legacies that evening. So, we're at your pleasure. I just want to make sure we're all here August 13.

All right.

I will, I'll, I'll say something before we move on. I'd like to I would propose, canceling the February meetings and having a true, a true month of vacation for the commission, for meetings, for setting things, and being able to prepare for August. With that being said, I, we are going to be here on August 13, correct?

Correct.

On August 13 for a budget meeting. Is a Thursday. Instead of taking a four hour break and then coming back at seven for our commission meeting, I would propose us doing the budget meeting, taking about a half hour break, and then rolling into an afternoon commission meeting so that the people who want to attend the League of Cities Thursday night can do that. We would still be able to have our budget meeting during the day Thursday while moving into a commission meeting, And, it'll be advertised properly with public, you know, the same stuff, all the good things. And then people can enjoy the Florida League of Cities. But, Commissioner Raley, yes? Thoughts?

Thank you. Yes, I would be fine with that as well. But I also, I want to bring to the commission that my daughter will be having some surgery the June into July. So depending on when we take off, I will be going up to New York to help her. So I could always be on a Zoom meeting, if we have a meeting, if you give me the yes, the approval.

But this free you up for all of July?

All of July. Yes. Well, this will happen this is going to happen the June. I just found out today, probably like June 29. And then this will free me up for July. Yes. So I'm great with the ninth, and I'm fine with whatever consensus the commission

Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Welch?

I just have one question about the August 13. I'm sorry. So about the August 13 budget meeting, would it still begin at eleven or are we going to start the budget meeting later? Can you just give me some times? Because I'm really hoping that we don't start the budget meeting before eleven, and I have a reason for that. Cause I'm flying in from out of the country the night before, and I'd like to be awake.

You've got your hands on hand.

Not yet. What's the I believe

the minimum I mean, we would be much more comfortable if we did if we started the regular meeting at 04:00. It is possible we could be done by three, 03:30, but because we do expect to have to go through the entire budget that day, we can either advertise it at 03:30. We can also potentially advertise it to immediately follow the budget meeting.

Well, let me So what time are you suggesting that the budget meeting would start?

The budget meeting would start at eleven

It would still start at eleven and then to be determined about the commission meeting?

Correct. Potentially eleven to three.

Then begin thereafter.

And then we would begin thereafter.

Okay.

That was my only concern. Otherwise, I'm good with whatever times we want to take off.

Vice Mayor Brady?

Yeah, I'm all for counseling all of July. I think that's what it was when I first got here. We took the whole month, and then all of a sudden we started chopping it up, and it just got kind of confusing and got us all out of whack. So I'm really Okay with taking July off and just come August, we just put our shoulder down. And I'm fine with whenever we want to start that meeting afterwards. I would time certain or you know, propose time certain. I don't know how you would even word that. But yeah, I'm good with And let's move this thing on.

All right, cool. All right, so we have July. The two July meetings will canceled. And then we would have our budget meeting on the thirteenth at eleven with a commission meeting following that in the afternoon. Correct? Oh, Commissioner Ridell, you buzzed off, but now you want

No, no, chime

I did. Because the only other thing I want to say is this, because, you know, I've seen I've seen, like, articles where you get criticized for canceling meetings. I just wanna say this clearly, and I think we can all agree on this. If there's an issue, this commission will meet. And if there's urgent business that needs to be attended to, we will meet. The county, a majority of cities, the school board, they all have summaries to us. So I I'm I wanna be crystal clear to and direct our city manager, if there's an issue or a meeting needed Yes, please. We all agree to meet. Is that fair?

Correct. Whether we're virtual or in person, absolutely. If there's something that has to happen, we are always there to meet.

But I just want to believe the group's contestant.

Okay. Excellent. Could we call roll? Oh, was it was on the, well, was on the Dragular, so

So, August, so we'd be six weeks.

It was on the regular, but Alright. It just says Clerk, call the roll.

Yes. Commissioner Rydell? Yes. Commissioner Welch? Yes. Commissioner Raley?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Brody? Yes. Mayor Wasserman?

Yes. City Manager Report?

Just very quickly, I know there was a meeting of the Kokomo Water Control District today, and it was a little bit not surprising. We knew this was coming. But they are proposing a very significant reorganization due to budget cuts. And we do think that we need to do some advocacy in that area, so we'll be working on just some suggestions that we advocate on that. The special session for the budget was announced as May '29.

Still no clarity related to property taxes. We are finishing tomorrow. The last of the Parks and Rec employee focus groups seems to be going very well. And then, sadly, Brian Blizzard has announced his retirement for the second time, but we will be having a celebration for Brian close to the May. So that's all I have to offer.

City attorney.

Thank you, mayor. I just want to let you know I had the pleasure of speaking earlier today at the city county local government conference. It's a Florida Bar Conference, a statewide conference. I think it went well. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do that. Hopefully, I represented you well. Additionally, I wanted to mention that with regards to the Turnpike lawsuit, we filed our response to the Florida Department of Transportation's motion to dismiss. We filed it last week. And we are waiting on hearing dates at this point to have the hearing on that, and I will keep you updated as this moves along. Thank you.

CHAIRMAN Thank you. Commissioner Ridell?

I have four just quick points. And, Terrell, you took one out of the sails because I heard from one of your colleagues that was there, was watching, who's a lawyer for one of those law firms that pretends to be city attorneys, but they're not. They're like a law firm that does city attorney work. You see where I'm going with that. Thoroughly impressed and is impressed by you and always commends our city attorney and your city attorney's office. You did very well according to him.

Thank

you. Real quick, the the chief leave? Is he back there?

No. Okay.

Oh, there he is. So the past couple weeks, I wanna I wanna thank him, first of

all,

because he doesn't even know what I'm thanking him about now. The past couple weeks, I have got calls from two different restaurants in one of the stores in the promenade. What's going on there has resurged as an issue. I want to thank Chief Hoefer for creating a, I hate to use the term battle plan, right, but like a handling plan. But it's really troubling when owners of businesses are reaching out to their elected officials saying, if this continues, we don't wanna be in Coconut Creek.

And these are some of our more successful anchor businesses in the promenade. So I don't know what's going on there. And there there is, like, straight WhatsApp chats of kid groups that I know you're aware of because I've I've I've shifted it to Fred. It's just really troubling that I wanna commend you, chief. I me, personally, I wanna issue whatever support our commission could do because our business community is hurting based on, you know, kids just not being kids. So I I wanted to say that. Justin already gave a shout out to the tree giveaway. I will be there very early. I will not be there for the full day. It's gonna be the first full day I missed.

My my daughter my younger daughter is actually competing in a big dance competition, which is a whole world being in dad dance world, neither here nor there. I wanna thank you on behalf of the Solid Waste Authority. And Sheila, I was gonna take a different comment in terms of chief Blizzard. While it's bittersweet to see him go, he has instilled the culture in our fire department that is great. He has served the the public for a very long time, and that man deserves a break. And he is great, and he has instilled true principles in our fire department that will go on. And I look forward to seeing what his principles go on for. So that's all I have. Thank you, Mayor.

Commissioner Welch?

Thank you very much. I, too, want to echo regarding Chief Blizzard, and I think when I sent him a note, I just ended it with job well done, sir, because he really did in the transition just make it real for all levels within the fire rescue. And then to see work so closely with our Coconut Creek Police Department just even made it sweeter. So I know that that will continue. And I'm glad you brought up about the Promenade.

I did stop at the Promenade Management Company last week to thank them for working so closely with the police department so diligently to come up and really take the bull by the horn. One

of

the business owners had about $700 worth of damage done by a group that just came through for whatever reason. And then on a flip side of that, I spoke to a business owner that was concerned that, you know, these are her the 02:30PM, you know, why was that happening for unaccompanied minors? Because those were her forms of business. And so I had to give her a little bit of history as to how the weekday 02:30PM came about. And I encouraged her to speak to the property management about it so she more fully understood.

But I mean, it's a lot. And my husband and I came out of the show that Saturday before at 8PM and saw six police cars and two fire rescue right in front of us. So, you know, it was needed, and it will get better. I'm very, very certain of that. I wanted to thank all of the admins and the city staff, because I know they only get one day a year for professional administrative assistance day.

But to me, it's every day because they're the glue that keeps all of us together and focused in a good way. I'm hoping that after the solid waste and recycling workshop that we had tonight, and the first step, getting towards the master plan of the Solid Waste Authority, that we can now roll into our published notes about our efforts that have been made at the recycle drop off center, just with those devoted few that have taken the effort to divert so many tons already just since the beginning of our fiscal year. And just let I think it kind of rolls into what can be done voluntarily, taking the items to the center. So even more can be done when that cart's going to be placed right out in front of your curbside, whether it's every other week or every week is to be determined. But I'm just hoping that we can now fully embrace and publish what we're doing here today.

And the Citizens Academy was, I think, the biggest one ever. And Yvonne just continues to make it fresh. That's all I can say. That was the common theme throughout those that I spoke to. So, again, job well done, Yvonne. So I'll see you at Saturday at the tree giveaway.

See you there. Commissioner Reilly.

Thank you. Regarding the promenade, I want to say that I've been there a couple of times since last weekend. And this past weekend was a very different scene. And everyone has said thank you and really feel encouraged about the difference the police presence has made and the curfew. And I in fact, last night, we were there.

We were there for dinner. And I was speaking to Ethos. And we were having conversation and said, if we allowed it to continue, it would definitely be the demise of the promenade. And of course, we have to the good suffer with the bad. But unfortunately, that's what happens.

And we always have to weigh the good for the majority. And this was thank you very much for the efforts that PD makes. And does it, diplomatically, in a good way. So very happy about the change there, because even the residents were they were very uncomfortable. They weren't going to go there.

They were just, it happens. I do want to make sure, though, that the spillover doesn't affect other areas as well. So we have to stay diligent on that. Because I know I've been in a lot of CVS's and Walgreens at the dismissal of school. And it's a little intimidating. Yeah. Yeah. So we have to be careful about that as well. Also, I have to say, on a solemn note, that I did attend Vice Mayor Nancy Matteo's celebration of life last Friday. And it was an amazing show of respect and love.

And 1,500 to 1,600 people gathered in one place, but yet it was so personal. It was such a personal experience. So it was beautiful. Of course, our prayers and thoughts are always with the family and friends. So I wanted to make a note of that.

Also, the Broward County Planning Commission was this morning. And happy to say that 5D we sent a letter of objection. 5D was to approve development. It was in the amendments to develop parks and open spaces into housing. So they received an outpour of outrage.

So actually removed it from the agenda. So we were happy about that. Yeah. And now, general, this was in general, to open all parks and open space to development, redevelopment. So we were glad about that.

And also, this morning, too, with that, they reapproved housing development, five forty units, two story, where the Carolinas Golf Club used to be in Margate. And they're allocating 65 acres of water and green space. So it's a total of 81 acres. So that's significant. So they were happy, except there seems to be unfortunately, because it was a golf course, there's a lot of chemical toxins in there.

So that has to be addressed. But that's moving forward. And of course, Chief Blizzard, God bless. He does deserve retirement. It's sad for us. Happy for him. And we thank him for everything he did he continues to do for our fire and rescue. Alright. Congratulations to Citizens Academy. Have a great weekend. See you guys Saturday.

Vice mayor?

Good evening. Yeah. You know, keep it on the Promenade theme. I actually went out there Friday night around 09:30, 10:00, and again Saturday night around 09:30, 10:00, because that seems to be when all the stuff was happening. I'm going tell you, we have the best police department around, probably in the whole state of Florida. Because those guys were diligent. They were watching. They were polite. They weren't messing with anybody. They were just letting kind of the feel of what was going on. And they were looking forward to what they were doing. It wasn't like they're all grunt, disgruntled about working a Friday and Saturday night. They were, like, into it. They knew what their job was. They knew what the mission was to complete.

So it was really kind of a breath of fresh air knowing that they were willing to take that mission on and take it on with a smile, too. So it was great watching those guys out there. Obviously, I didn't stay very long because I didn't want to be in the middle of anything that was going on. So I Ken said hi to everybody and left. But it was great seeing everybody out there. A little report I want to get into once I get the report done, I want to pass it out to everybody about this composting. And I was never really a firm believer in composting. I was always like, well, it's going to stink, it's going be that. But I was standing around 300 tons of compost. You couldn't smell it.

It was amazing what these guys do. And the amount and how they do it, the whole thing is mobile. They can move it around their whole facility. It's all solar. So they're generating sun power to the fans that blow the air inside of it. Their tarping machine is a one man show. It's a huge, huge thing. You couldn't even fit it in this room. And the guy had a remote control. I got great videos of this guy walking down the thing behind it, know, tarping this thing by himself. So it is actually scalable. Chula Vista is a 280,000 resident city.

We can

do it. We can scale it. And so they had a lot of stuff in there. They had commercial food they bring in, and they pound it to get the bioproducts out. And then it's called Thor. I love it. It's a bunch of hammers that hit. And so the biomaterial goes into one side, the trash goes in the other, and they use, you know yeah, it's an amazing thing. I can't wait to put the report out so you guys can see it. I'm just waiting for some front end stuff to, you know, cost on the city side is what I'm actually waiting for now. But when that comes out, you'll really kind of enjoy it. Could send you pictures now, but it's not nearly as impressive as if you see the whole thing together.

Kind of a cool

thing coming up. I'm actually doing a radio show Sunday night. It's called Breakthrough, and it talks about leadership roles and things like that. So it's kind of cool to get on the radio show and be able to talk about these kind of things. So I'm kind of excited. If you want to know what it is can I say it on? Can I say the radios? No problem? All right. It's eleven seventy a. M. WAVES. It's a Caribbean radio show. It's kind of a cool thing for me. Not I guess I've been in a cave for the last six months, not doing pretty much of anything.

So this is kind of my getting out of the cave thing. So it's kind of cool. So if you want to listen up, I'll talk you guys up, don't worry, except for him. Thank you for your time, and let's get home and kind of enjoy our family. Thanks, Mayor.

Thank you, Commissioner Brody. I don't think anybody listens to AM radio anymore, but that's okay. No, I'm just kidding. They have they have XM.

So leave it to the millennial not to know how to work a radio.

We It's also a podcast. Oh, well, you didn't say that. You just said radio. I know what a podcast is, but AM radio, man. I don't know. I think those Ready to move? No comments this evening. Move to adjourn.