HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14 Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 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 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. PRESENTATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENT APPROVALS 3.1 Special Event Application:
• Blue Ridge Tree Farm Christmas Sale
• Tree Om Sound Bath Meditation (Annual Application)
• Rita Crockett RCBSA Grand Opening (Rescheduled Date)
There was Commission consensus to approve the special event applications.
3.2 Freebee Presentation — Sponsored by Commissioner Ryan Commissioner Ryan introduced the item.
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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Vice President of Freebee Claudia Miro presented a PowerPoint presentation on Freebee and how it works and can be used within the City. 3.3 Request for Proclamation Approval — Florida City Week, October 20–26, 2025 —
Sponsored by Mayor Davis
There was consensus to approve the proclamation request. 4. PROCLAMATIONS
4.1 Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis Commissioner Lewellen read the proclamation into the record.
4.2 Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis
Mayor Davis read the proclamation into the record and presented the proclamation to former Mayor Bobbie Grace. Former Mayor Grace spoke and thanked everyone for the recognition.
4.3 Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October 2025 - IT Department
City Attorney Boutsis read the proclamation into the record, and the proclamation was introduced to the IT Department. Director of IT Darryl McFarlane thanked the Commission for the recognition and reminded everyone of the importance of cybersecurity awareness.
4.3 Florida City Week - October 20-26, 2025 - Sponsored by Mayor Davis Mayor Davis read the proclamation into the record.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
5.1 City Manager City Manager Garcia provided her administrative report and touched on the following:
- Commendations to Broward Sheriff’s Office, Parks and Recreation, and Marketing and Communications teams - Dania After Dark – Oktoberfest - Olsen Middle School remaining open
- Update on C.W. Thomas Park
- Meeting with Calvin Giordano and Associates regarding Chester Byrd Park design - Frost Park re-sod and re-grade - Update on Gulfstream Road - Commendations to Fernando Rodriguez and Sean Schutten for their proactive efforts
- 1st Annual Serving Joy Food Distribution
- Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for 101 Dania - Grant application for Dania Cove Park - Commencement of SW 34th Terrace drainage project
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5.2 City Attorney City Attorney Boutsis had nothing to report.
5.3 City Clerk - Reminders City Clerk Riera reminded the Commission of the following upcoming meetings:
- October 28, 2025 - City Commission Meeting - 7 p.m.
- November 18, 2025 - CRA Board Meeting - 6 p.m. - November 18, 2025 - Commission Meeting - 7 p.m. 6. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Mayor Davis allowed a student speaker to speak prior to the public safety report regarding a
safety request for students. - Caleb Laroff – 106 SE 4th Terr.
Captain Tarala addressed Mr. Laroff and stated that deputies would be assigned to the area tomorrow. He provided the following updates: an arrest made by the Threat Management and CST Units; continued patrols in City parks, including an arrest at Chester Byrd Park; the successful implementation of the Oktoberfest security plan; security coverage for the recent 5K
run and Friday and Saturday operations at Dania Pointe; and preparations for the International
Soccer Teams staying in the City. Captain Tarala also noted that area checks continue at local Jewish institutions. He informed the Commission that Deputy Reyes of the Homeless Outreach Team has been promoted to Detective
and will be leaving the City. Detective Reyes is expected to attend the next meeting to say
goodbye. He noted the department will begin interviews shortly for his replacement. Fire Chief Pellecer reported on the partnership with the Department of Transportation and said they recently hosted a multi-agency meeting and tabletop exercise at Fire Station 17 focusing on
the new I-95/I-595 ramp construction. Fire units toured the new construction area to ensure
familiarity for emergency response. Chief Pellecer commented on the success of the Dania Beach 5K and expressed appreciation to Mayor Davis for being his walking partner. He also thanked the City for its continued support,
noting that all fire units are now being equipped with new touchscreen radios that are easier to
use in the field and automatically update. He announced plans to present the Firefighter of the Year at an upcoming Commission meeting. 7. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
- There were no citizens’ comments.
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8. CONSENT AGENDA Vice Mayor Salvino made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewellen which carried unanimously on voice vote.
8.1 Minutes: September 25, 2025 City Commission Meeting Approved under consent agenda.
8.2 Travel Requests: None.
8.3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-____ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-082, ADOPTED ON JUNE 10, 2025; AND
AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE A REVISED SUBSTITUTE AGREEMENT WITH FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILWAY, L.L.C. (FECR) AND BRIGHTLINE TRAINS FLORIDA, LLC TO INCLUDE UPDATED LANGUAGE REQUESTED BY THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE BROWARD COUNTY SEALED
CORRIDOR PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) Approved under consent agenda.
8.4 Approval for Use of City Logo – Rita Crockett Beach Sports Academy - Parks &
Recreation Approved under consent agenda.
8.5 Request for Use of Discretionary Funds – Rita Crockett Beach Sports Academy –
Sponsored by Mayor Davis
Approved under consent agenda.
8.6 Request for Use of Discretionary Funds to Support the Dania Beach Lions Club -
Moonlight Car Show, March 21, 2026 - Sponsored by Commissioner Rimoli
Approved under consent agenda.
9. BIDS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
There were none. 10. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
10.1 (This item will be taken after Agenda Item 12.1) RESOLUTION NO. 2025-_____
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PLAT NOTE AMENDMENT (DR-007-25) FOR THE “DANIA POINTE” PLAT; SUBMITTED BY DANIA LIVE 1748, LLC, DANIA LIVE 1748 II, LLC, SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC., AND DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED NORTH OF STIRLING ROAD, EAST OF INTERSTATE 95, AND WEST OF
BRYAN ROAD, WITHIN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(Community Development)
This item was taken with item 12.1. Motion was made after item 12.1.
Commissioner Lewellen made a motion to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCES
None. 12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12.1 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-_____ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE DANIA POINTE DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES (DDG) (RZ-006-25) AS TO COMMERCIAL SQUARE
FOOTAGE, NUMBER OF HOTEL UNITS, ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS, AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE GUIDELINES, SUBMITTED BY DANIA LIVE 1748, LLC, DANIA LIVE 1748 II, LLC, SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC., AND DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS, LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED NORTH OF STIRLING ROAD, EAST OF
INTERSTATE 95, AND WEST OF BRYAN ROAD WITHIN THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Community Development) This item was taken before item 10.1.
City Attorney Boutsis read the title of the ordinance. Deputy Director of Community Development, Corinne Lajoie introduced the item.
Mayor Davis asked for anyone wishing to speak on the item and there was none.
Dennis Mele of Greenspoon Marder LLP on behalf of the applicant spoke on the item. Commissioner Lewellen made a motion to approve the ordinance on second reading. The
motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Salvino which carried unanimously.
13. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION None.
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14. APPOINTMENTS 14.1 - Green Advisory Board - 1 vacancy - Vice Mayor Salvino appointment - Education Advisory Board - 1 vacancy - Commissioner Ryan
- Marine Advisory Board - 1 vacancy - Commissioner Ryan
Vice Mayor Salvino nominated Marlene Zunzunegui if she is still interested in serving. There was Commission consensus to appoint Ms. Zunzunegui.
Vice Mayor Salvino expressed concern on the declining attendance for the Marine Advisory
Board and suggested reaching out to them to ensure their needs are met. City Clerk Riera advised that the clerk’s office will reach out to their liaison for an update at an upcoming meeting.
Commissioner Ryan has nominations for both boards and is waiting for confirmation from the
nominees before a final commitment. He will defer his appointments to the next meeting. 15. COMMISSION COMMENTS
15.1 Commissioner Lewellen
Commissioner Lewellen commented that Dania After Dark was a roaring success and she loves seeing Cassi on Deco Drive. The event ran very smoothly and there were no issues.
Commissioner Lewellen said she is happy to hear that Dr. Hepburn has said that Olsen Middle
School is safe but expressed concerns with the repeated threat of shutting schools noting it harms students, parents, and enrollment. She emphasized the need for continued advocacy, contacting board members, and proposing alternatives to school closures, particularly given residents’ paying 50 million in taxes to the school board regardless of whether it is two schools or three.
She shared that she was invited by the Estates of Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club to speak on women in leadership. While there, issues came up related to the City. Most of the comments were compliments to city staff and management. One woman spoke of the effective response to the 2023 flooding and improvements to the drainage system, crediting Public Services and City
leadership for their efforts.
15.2 Commissioner Rimoli Commissioner Rimoli echoed Commissioner Lewellen’s comments and thanked Deputy City
Manager Sosa-Cruz and Public Services. He said he is continually getting calls and texts
regarding the flooding on Southeast Fifth Avenue, all he has to do is send a text and the Public Services department is on it. He read a resident’s letter commending Chris of Public Services. The resident described Chris as kind, respectful, and attentive while working near their home, even apologizing for minor disruptions and taking time to tidy the area. He thanked Deputy City
Manager Sosa-Cruz, Fernando Rodriguez, Sean Schutten, and their entire team for their excellent
work and positive community engagement. Commissioner Rimoli praised the Parks and Recreation team on an amazing job with Oktoberfest. He commented that he was unable to attend the 5K run at Dania Pointe as he had
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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committed to attending the rededication of the Christopher Columbus statue at Port Everglades, hosted by the Italian American Club. The event was well attended by local officials and provided an opportunity for him to represent the City of Dania Beach. He expressed appreciation to Dominic, a resident and active chamber member and thanked him for the invitation.
15.3 Commissioner Ryan Commissioner Ryan commented that the civic sign ceremony was great and noted plans to add a few more civic associations, including the Dania Beach Improvement Committee. He recognized
resident Richard Aube for originally suggesting the idea and thanked the Commission, city staff,
and Parks and Recreation for their excellent work on the project and landscaping. He said Dania After Dark was a great success and the 5K run was a great way to burn some calories the next day. It was a great way to kick off the fall season, and he looks forward to future fall events.
15.4 Vice-Mayor Salvino
Vice Mayor Salvino thanked city staff and City Manager Garcia on how well-run Dania After Dark was. He said it was very impressive, and he could not believe how many people were in attendance. It is great to have these events in our City, and the City is doing a great job selecting
staff as these events could not happen without them.
15.5 Mayor Davis Mayor Davis thanked City Manager Garcia and city staff for their responsiveness in
accommodating a wheelchair-bound North Miami Beach resident who wanted to attend Dania
After Dark, she commended their commitment to accessibility. She commented that the fourth annual 5K Fun Run was sold out and she thanked Lululemon for their sponsorship of the event. She noted over $6,000.00 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Association and thanked Dania Pointe for their partnership.
Mayor Davis recognized the Lions Club, other service clubs, and Commissioner Ryan for leading the service club sign project, as well as resident Richard Aube for his early involvement. She thanked and congratulated Lou and Joy Moshakos, owners of Lucky Fish on opening their new venue, Lucky Lou’s, in Deerfield Beach. She noted she attended the grand opening of Face
Foundrie a new facial spa at Dania Pointe.
Mayor Davis stated that the city is thriving and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with her colleagues.
City Attorney Boutsis commented that she reached out to the law firm employing the resident on
the Planning and Zoning Board and confirmed that he can participate on the board and City Clerk Riera also clarified that he replaced the resident who moved out of state.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes of Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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ATTEST: CITY OF DANIA BEACH
ELORA RIERA, MMC JOYCE L. DAVIS
CITY CLERK MAYOR Approved:
October 28, 2025