City of Cocoa

The City Council meeting addressed various topics including presentations on the Sister City program and a retirement proclamation for the Director of Brevard County Parks and Recreation. Delegations discussed neighborhood security, property code enforcement, and a community holiday event update. The Council approved consent items such as utility agreements, infrastructure task orders, and housing policy revisions. Key business matters involved appointments to the Utilities Advisory Board and the Cocoa Housing Authority, the selection of a tourism marketing campaign, budget amendments, and the authorization of various municipal contracts, including streetscape engineering, grounds maintenance, and a learning management system. Additionally, the Council appointed a new member to the District 1 City Council seat.

The Council reviewed several zoning ordinances, including amendments for property at 825 Forrest Ave, a PUD/rezoning for Windward Preserve, and new distancing requirements for establishments selling Kava and Kratom. Additionally, an amendment to the Planning and Zoning Board meeting schedule and changes to advertising sign regulations regarding flags were approved. The Council also ratified a settlement agreement with Mountain Cove Homes, received project presentations, and heard updates from the City Manager regarding crime rates, infrastructure projects, and the potential transfer of the Lee Wenner pier ownership from the County to the City.

The council discussed and addressed various topics including community preservation efforts, zoning ordinances concerning medical marijuana dispensaries, and the establishment of a Sustainability Advisory Board. Key actions included the approval of professional services and municipal agreements with lobbying and community organizations, reappointments to advisory boards, and the ratification of City Council liaison roles. The council also authorized budget amendments for capital projects, property platting for redevelopment, corrections to fire assessment invoices, updates to utility consumption policies, and the approval of several multi-year contracts, such as inmate work squads, applicant tracking software, and petroleum purchasing agreements.

The council discussed various operational and administrative items, including the approval of budget amendments for the police and utility departments, cooperative purchase agreements for water treatment plant repairs, and a multi-year contract for sidewalk construction. Public hearings were held to amend the Firefighters' Retirement Plan, adopt a Private Property Rights Element into the Comprehensive Plan, and discuss zoning regulations for home-based businesses. Key business items included the approval of an appraisal for a proposed easement, authorization of 2022 street closures for special events, and the reappointment of housing authority members. The council also deliberated on outdoor dining resolutions, the sustainability advisory board composition, and participation in the Florida opioid settlement memorandum of understanding.

The meeting focused on a request for a parking waiver at 225 King Street within the Central Business District-Cocoa Village Overlay Zoning District. The board heard a presentation from staff and arguments from the applicant regarding parking space requirements and potential project benefits to the downtown area. Following extensive discussion regarding staff analysis, potential alternatives, and the applicant's desire to improve the look of the area, the board moved to table the agenda item until June 17, 2020, to allow the applicant further time to work with planning and zoning staff.