HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-15 First Budget Hearing and Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION FIRST BUDGET HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Joyce L. Davis Vice-Mayor Marco A. Salvino, Sr.
Commissioner Lori Lewellen
Commissioner Luis Rimoli Commissioner A. J. Ryan IV City Manager Ana M. Garcia, ICMA-CM
City Attorney Eve Boutsis
City Clerk Elora Riera, MMC 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Davis called for a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. City Attorney Boutsis read the Statement of Decorum.
3. BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 3.1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENTS AND PROVISION OF FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES, FACILITIES, AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; RATIFYING, CONFIRMING, AND SUPPLEMENTING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-097; REIMPOSING FIRE RESCUE
ASSESSMENTS WITH UPDATED ASSESSMENT RATES AGAINST ASSESSED
PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025; APPROVING THE RATES OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING;
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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PROVIDING FOR EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Finance)
City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution into the record.
Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman introduced the item. Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments, and the following spoke on the item:
- Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL - Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street Mayor Davis closed public comments. Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote. 3.2 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICE ASSESSMENTS IN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; RE-IMPOSING SOLID WASTE SERVICE ASSESSMENTS AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025; APPROVING THE RATE OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Finance)
City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution into the record. Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman introduced the item. Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments, and the following spoke on the item:
- Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL - Rae Lair – 5650 SW 32 Terr. - Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street
- Cody McCall – 33 SE 12th Street
Public comments were closed. Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote.
3.3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; IMPOSING AND RE-IMPOSING STORMWATER ASSESSMENTS AGAINST PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY
OF DANIA BEACH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025;
APPROVING THE RATE OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Finance)
City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution into the record.
Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman introduced the item. Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments, and the following spoke on the item:
- Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL - Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street - Cody McCall – 33 SE 12th Street - Rae Lair – 5650 SW 32 Terr.
Public comments were closed. Commissioner Lewellen made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
3.4 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY CHARTER AND SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES, APPROVING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE NECESSARY TO BE
LEVIED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR OPERATING PURPOSES; ESTABLISHING THE DEBT MILLAGE APPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING WHEN AND WHERE OBJECTIONS MAY BE HEARD AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE SAME WILL BE ANSWERED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Finance) City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution into the record. She commented that the operating municipal millage rate will be 5.9998 mills, which reflects no change from the City’s current fiscal year millage rate. This operating millage rate represents a 6.03% increase over the
rolled back rate of 5.6588 mills as computed in accordance with the provisions of Section 200.065(1), Florida Statutes. The voter-approved debt service millage rate is 0.0985 mills in accordance with the provisions of law pursuant to Chapter 200, Florida Statutes. The City’s aggregate millage rate is 6.0983 mills (5.9998 mills for operating and 0.0985 mills for debt service).
Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman and Deputy Chief Financial Officer Barbara Trinka introduced the item.
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Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments, and the following spoke on the item: - Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL - Cody McCall – 33 SE 12th Street
- Robert Kirchgraber – 2725 Treasure Cove
- Rae Lair – 5650 SW 32 Terr. - Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street Public comments were closed.
Mayor Davis requested clarification on the roll back rate and Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman explained that rolling the millage rate back to 5.688 would cost the City about $4.7 million in lost revenue, which could never be recovered. While residents might see $8.00 - $14.00 relief for some, the City would eventually need to raise the millage even higher in the future to make up the difference.
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote. 3.5 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY CHARTER AND SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES, APPROVING A TENTATIVE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026; PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING WHEN OBJECTIONS
WILL BE HEARD AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE BUDGET WILL BE ANSWERED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Finance) City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the resolution into the record. Chief Financial Officer Yeimy Guzman introduced the item. Mayor Davis opened the floor to public comments, and the following spoke on the item:
- Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL - Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street - Rae Lair – 5650 SW 32 Terr. - Cody McCall – 33 SE 12th Street
- Robert Kirchgraber – 2725 Treasure Cove
- Liced Robelto – 237 NW 7th Ave. Public comments were closed. Vice Mayor Salvino made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ryan. Vice Mayor Salvino commented that he feels for the residents who are struggling and cannot take the increase but stated that most of the City’s residents are very happy with the public
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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safety, growth and beautification. He explains that while some residents dislike higher costs, many also request services like street repairs, parks, and lighting; all of which require funding. He explained that when he ran for office in 2014, he supported building because it would bring in more tax money. Most of the extra money the City gets now comes from commercial property.
That money helps keep everything low. He does not like the comment saying he makes empty
promises, he said he works hard to balance the needs and can’t please everyone. He doesn’t serve for the pay but to do his best for all residents. Commissioner Lewellen explained that the staff increases were not sudden but necessary because
the City’s population grew, leaving employees overworked and underpaid. A review showed the
need for more staff, especially in public safety, which is costly but needed. She commented that the finance team is highly qualified, with award-winning budgets and regular audits ensuring transparency. There were things that happened years ago that were not addressed, issues with infrastructure and staffing, but the City is now addressing them. CORE meetings show residents
want safe streets, flood control, and road repairs, which are being funded through a mix of
impact fees, FPL revenue, and other sources, though some funds have restrictions. She explained that the budget process is detailed, transparent, and designed to reflect residents’ priorities. She reassured residents that their concerns are taken seriously and that they work closely with staff to represent the community.
The motion carried unanimously on voice vote. 4. PRESENTATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENT APPROVALS
4.1 Request for Proclamation Approvals:
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis - Suicide Prevention Month, September 2025 – Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen - Robert Wyland Day - September 30, 2025 - Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen
This item was heard after item 5.2
The meeting was reconvened at 9:06 p.m.
There was consensus to approve the proclamations.
4.2 Special Event Applications: Parks and Recreation
- RCBSA Grand Opening - 9-21-2025
- Seaview Turtle Unveiling - 9-30-2025 There was consensus to approve the special event applications.
4.3 Presentation by Public Services Regarding the Resident Only Cemetery Proposal
Deputy Director of Public Services Sean Schutten provided a Power Point presentation on changing cemetery rules to residents only.
5. PROCLAMATIONS
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5.1 Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15-October 15, 2025 - Sponsored by Commissioner Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen read the proclamation into the record.
5.2 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - September 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis This item was heard after item 3.5.
Mayor Davis read the proclamation into the record.
Silvia Vanni and Christina spoke and thanked the Commission for their recognition and continued support in the awareness of childhood cancer.
The Commission took a five-minute recess at 8:55 p.m.
5.3 National Diaper Need Awareness Week - September 15-21, 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis
Mayor Davis read the proclamation into the record.
Mr. Alica with Greater Ft. Lauderdale Diaper Bank provided some information on the donation of diapers.
5.4 Suicide Prevention Month – September 2025 – Sponsored by Commissioner
Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen read the title of the proclamation into the record.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
5.1 City Manager City Manager Garcia provided her administrative report and touched on the following:
- Storm drainage - National Savvy Awards, Award of Excellence - Dania After Dark Oktoberfest, October 11, 2025 - Olsen Middle School – BCPS Meeting, September 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- Proposed Budget
- Update on C.W. Thomas Park - City Service Clubs sign - Wyland Art piece installation, September 30, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
5.2 City Attorney
City Attorney Boutsis had nothing to report. 5.3 City Clerk - Reminders
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City Clerk Elora Riera reminded the Commission of the following upcoming meetings: - September 25, 2025 - City Commission Meeting / Final Budget Hearing
- October 14, 2025 - CRA Board Meeting - 6 p.m.
- October 14, 2025 - City Commission Meeting - 7 p.m. She also informed the Commission about the Advisory Board Quarterly Attendance (April through June) that is in their packets.
6. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS Captain Tarala reported on recent criminal activity in the City to include 64 arrests in the 500 block of Federal Highway/7-Eleven, an undercover narcotics investigation and a stolen vehicle
arrest. He introduced Lieutenant Matt Robertson, the new Alpha Shift Patrol Lieutenant. He
expressed appreciation for the City’s continued support. Chief Pellecer thanked the Commission and staff for their continued support and commented that the September 11th commemoration had record community participation. He reported that the
fire inspections were 97% complete, with 100% expected by September 30th. He provided an
update on the refurbished ladder truck expected in December and commented that he is looking forward to the 5k run with fire recruits at Dania Pointe and preparations for the toy drive in November. He thanked the Commission for their partnership with Broward Sheriff’s Office.
8. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
The following spoke under citizens’ comments: - Robert Kirchgraber – 2725 Treasure Cove
- Shawn DeRosa - 408 SE 5th Street
- Cody McCall – 33 SE 12th St. - Rae Lair - 5650 SW 32 Terr. - Brenda Chalifour - Dania Beach, FL 9. CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the consent agenda minus 9.3 and 9.4. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote. 9.1 Minutes: August 26, 2025 City Commission Meeting Minutes
Approved under consent agenda. 9.2 Travel Requests: City Manager Ana M. Garcia request to attend the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida October 25-28, 2025
Approved under consent agenda.
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9.3 Request for Use of Discretionary Funds to Support the American Legion Post 304 - Sponsored by Commissioner Ryan Commissioner Lewellen questioned the funds being used towards renovations for a privately
owned building and expressed her concerns about the precedence that it sets.
Commissioner Ryan responded that Post 304 is a not-for-profit organization and is privately owned by the American Legion. He explained the funding supports renovations and programming for events such as Veterans Day, Boy State, and Girl State. He said the
Commander of Post 304 has been very cooperative with the City, has done everything that has
been asked of him, and the American Legion has been with the City since 1919. The funding request meets all established requirements for contingency funds, it does not exceed the limits, and he considers it a worthwhile investment in the community.
Commissioner Lewellen reiterated her concern for the precedence that it sets.
Commissioner Rimoli questioned if it falls within the CRA and if the inside and outside renovations would qualify for a façade grant.
Mayor Davis noted each commissioner has $25,000 in discretionary funds to spend on projects
as they see fit that meet the criteria and expressed no objection to Commissioner Ryan allocating $10,000 to Post 304 for renovations and programming. She cautioned against questioning how colleagues use their discretionary funds.
Vice Mayor Salvino questioned if the façade grant could be applied to the project and Deputy
City Manager Sosa-Cruz explained that the façade grant could be applied for, but it would only cover exterior work. Commissioner Ryan clarified that the outside work would cost approximately $1,500.00 for
fascia boards and venting.
Commissioner Rimoli commented that his earlier remarks about the facade grant were intended as a suggestion, not to tell another commissioner how to use their discretionary funds.
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the request. Commissioner Rimoli seconded the motion which carried 4-1 on voice vote with Commissioner Lewellen voting no.
9.4 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE MEMORIAL
PARK AND WESTLAWN CEMETERIES TO AMEND THE CEMETERY RULES AND
REGULATIONS; ESTABLISHING THE POLICY THAT SOLELY DANIA BEACH RESIDENTS THEIR IMMEDITE FAMILY AND THEIR DIRECT DESCENDANTS MAY UTILIZE MAUSOLEUM SPACES AND ENTOMBMENTS, AND CEMETERY PLOTS, AND OTHER CEMETERY SERVICES; EXCEPTION; AND MODIFYING THE CITY’S FEE
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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SCHEDULE TO CLARIFY THAT THE NONRESIDENT FEE IS ONLY FOR PLOTS PURCHASED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 25, 2025; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services)
Commissioner Ryan thanked Public Services for bringing this issue forward. Ho noted the recent
increase in applications and opposed extending the eligibility beyond current residents. He does not want to approach the idea of building a mausoleum. He made a motion to amend the resolution to only Dania Beach residents and would like to change the date to reflect, prior to September 15th.
Vice Mayor Salvino agreed with some of Commissioner Ryan’s concerns but opposed restricting eligibility to residents only. He expressed concern for children who may have moved out of the City for school or work. He questioned the cost and construction of a mausoleum and noted a long-term need to consider mausoleums as land becomes limited. He is not in agreement with
the wording of the current resolution but prefers passing something tonight to prevent more non-
resident sales. Deputy Director of Public Services Sean Schutten confirmed the price to construct a mausoleum to be approximately 1.8 million based on current rates and explained they would lose 120 spaces
on the ground but would gain 240 slots for caskets and 130 niches for urns in the mausoleum.
City Attorney Boutsis recommends acting on the resolution tonight to stop further non-resident purchases and noted modifications could be made later.
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the resolution with the amendment to change it to residents only and for the date to be prior to September 15, 2025. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rimoli which carried unanimously on voice vote. 9.5 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT ("ILA") WITH BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY SHUTTLE BUS
FOR A 2-YEAR RENEWAL OF THE TERM, IN ADDITION TO A MINOR ADJUSTMENT
TO THE EASTERN ROUTE, AND TO MODIFY THE OPERATING HOURS FROM MONDAY-SATURDAY (9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.) TO MONDAY-SATURDAY (9:00 A.M. – 4:54 P.M.); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services)
Approved under consent agenda.
9.6 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS’ APPROVAL TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE BROWARD COUNTY MARINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE BROWARD BOATING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services)
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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Approved under consent agenda. 9.7 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR A FIVE YEAR TERM WITH BROWARD COUNTY FOR “GUARANTEED PARTIAL SERVICE BUILDING CODE SERVICES” TO
BE PERFORMED BY THE BROWARD COUNTY PERMITTING, LICENSING AND
CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Community Development)
Approved under consent agenda.
9.8 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AN
ENGAGEMENT LETTER THAT EXCEEDS THE ANNUAL VENDOR THRESHOLD TOTAL AMOUNT OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000.00), WITH RONALD L. BOOK, P.A., FOR CONSULTING (LOBBYIST) SERVICES RELATED TO ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH INCLUDING MATTERS ASSOCIATED
WITH BROWARD COUNTY AS WELL AS GENERAL LEGISLATION AND RELATED
ISSUES AT THE STATE LEVEL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($62,500.00) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (City Manager)
Approved under consent agenda. 9.9 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH GABOTON GROUP, LLC TO PROVIDE FEDERAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS LOBBYIST AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY-NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($49,500.00)
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (City Manager)
Approved under consent agenda.
10. BIDS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
None. 11. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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None. 12. FIRST READING ORDINANCES
None. 13. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
None.
14. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 14.1 Fall Feeding Distribution Event, November 3, 2025 — Sponsored by Commissioner
Rimoli
Commissioner Rimoli introduced the item. There was consensus to move forward with the event.
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the request. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote. 14.2 Prestige Club Annual Gala – October 11, 2025 – Sponsored by Vice Mayor Salvino
Vice Mayor Salvino introduced the item. Discussion ensued amongst the Commission regarding ethics concerns and finding an alternative form of support rather than purchasing gala tickets.
After discussion amongst the Commission, they agreed to a sponsorship donation in the amount of $2,500.00. Each Commissioner to donate $500.00. 15. APPOINTMENTS
None. 16. COMMISSION COMMENTS
15.1 Commissioner Lewellen
Commissioner Lewellen informed everyone that longtime Dania Beach resident Larry Younghans from the Estates of Fort Lauderdale passed away suddenly last weekend. She expressed her condolences and noted the community has recently lost several residents from that
area.
15.2 Commissioner Rimoli
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Commissioner Rimoli commended Chief Pellecer on the great job with the 9/11 ceremony and thanked him for allowing his Staged Right staff to feed his officers and volunteers after the ceremony. He thanked Deputy City Manager Sosa-Cruz and Deputy Director of Public Services Sean Schutten for driving him around the Southeast Drainage project and Gulf Stream Road. He
said he learned so much during the drive and it helped address residents’ concerns. He
commented that he had a really great time handing out water bottles at Olsen Middle School with Principal Giancarli and said the students were very appreciative. 15.3 Commissioner Ryan
Commissioner Ryan commented that it was a productive meeting with the CRA and City tonight. He thanked the residents for coming out and said he appreciated their comments. He commented that the Commission and staff work hard to serve the residents in the best possible way. He said it is easy to compare things from five years ago to today, but there are so many other factors that
go into the overall economy. He appreciates the energy that was brought tonight and encourages
the residents to stay engaged and said they could count on the Commission to be their representatives. He reminded everyone that the commission’s primary role is conducting City business with respect and decorum.
15.4 Vice-Mayor Salvino
Vice Mayor Salvino had no comments. 15.5 Mayor Davis
Mayor Davis emphasized the importance of agreeing to disagree respectfully, noting that while tensions can run high, they must maintain decorum. She assured that as long as she is running the meeting there will be decorum. She acknowledged the evening was challenging but reminded residents that decisions are made with input from subject matter experts and invited residents to
contact her so that they can get the understanding that they need.
She wished everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month and thanked her neighbors for coming out as they lifted her up.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m.
ATTEST: CITY OF DANIA BEACH
ELORA RIERA, MMC JOYCE L. DAVIS
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Approved: September 25, 2025
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Monday, September 15, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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