HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-13 CRA Board Regular Meeting Minutes DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present:
Chair: Joyce L. Davis
Vice-Chair: Marco A. Salvino, Sr.
Board Members: Lori Lewellen
Luis Rimoli
A. J. Ryan, IC
Executive Director: Candido Sosa-Cruz
City Attorney: Eve Boutsis
CRA Secretary: Elora Riera, MMC
2. Citizen Comments
None.
3. Administrative Reports
3.1 Administrative Report
Executive Director Sosa-Cruz presented his administrative report that was provided to the Board
in their packets. He touched on the following topics:
- Introduction of new CRA Executive Assistant Emilee Adams
- Update on Rebuilding Together and Safe at Home Program
- 2025 Broward County Resilience Roundtable
- Updates on The PATCH
- Recognized and presented Bianca with her 5 Year pin
4. Presentations
4.1 2025 End of Year Update by Fruitful Fields
Jamie of Fruitful Fields provided an update on The Fruitful Field and shared that the
organization had been very busy over the past year and continued to grow as a local nonprofit
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
2
focused on advancing food security by providing locally grown, nutritious produce to at-risk
communities. She explained that, in addition to food distribution, The Fruitful Field offered a
variety of educational programs, including afterschool activities, youth and adult internships,
school garden classes, workshops, and community engagement centered on sustainability,
regenerative agriculture, nutrition, and health.
Jamie noted that the partnership with the City of Dania Beach supported fresh food distribution,
market sales, agricultural expertise, and food access programs such as EBT/SNAP incentives and
the upcoming USDA-funded Fresh Food Dollars program, which would provide free produce to
residents experiencing food insecurity at no cost to the City. She also mentioned ongoing work
with local schools, community centers, food pantries, and volunteers, the expansion of staff, and
thanked the Commission, CRA leadership, staff, and partners for their continued support.
Jamie answered questions from the Commission.
5. Consent Agenda
5.1 Minutes: December 9, 2025 CRA Board Meeting Minutes
5.2 Travel Requests: None.
5.3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-CRA-_____
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (“CRA”) OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE FRUITFUL FIELDS,
INC. FOR THE CONTINUED MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE PEOPLE’S
ACCESS TO COMMUNITY HORTICULTURE (PATCH) PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF THE RENEWAL AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Board member Lewellen made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was
seconded by Vice Chair Salvino which carried unanimously on voice vote.
6. Proposals and Bids
None.
7. Discussion and Possible Action
None.
8. Information Items
8.1 Martin Luther King Day of Service Flyer
The flyer was provided for informational purposes.
9. Board Member Comments
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
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Board member Lewellen wished all a happy new year.
Board member Rimoli wished all a happy new year and congratulated Bianca on her 5-year
anniversary.
Board member Ryan congratulated Emily on her new role and Bianca on her 5-year anniversary.
He looks forward to the new year.
Vice Chair Salvino congratulated Emily and Bianca and wished all a happy new year.
Chair Davis knows Emily will do a great job and congratulated Bianca and wished all a new
year.
10. Adjournment
Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY
ELORA RIERA, MMC JOYCE L. DAVIS
CRA SECRETARY CHAIR – CRA
Approved: February 10, 2026