Weston Commission sets tentative 3.3464‑mill rate; approves land use change, first‑reading park e‑bike ban and EV charger rule; OKs $25M line of credit and road

The Weston City Commission on July 7 set a tentative millage rate not to exceed 3.3464 mills for fiscal 2026 and approved a package of ordinances and resolutions including land‑use and zoning changes for a 2.1‑acre site, first readings to restrict electric bicycles and similar devices in city parks, and a code change allowing residential electric vehicle chargers to be mounted outside single‑family garages.

Why it matters: The commission’s actions set the framework for the city’s 2026 budget process, begin new safety rules for rapidly growing personal electric devices in public parks, and add tools intended to help the city respond quickly to emergencies while continuing infrastructure work funded largely by county transportation surtax dollars.

Most important actions

- Millage and budget hearings: The commission set a not‑to‑exceed millage rate of 3.3464 mills and scheduled tentative budget hearings for Sept. 15 and Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. City staff said the rate continues a multiyear pattern of holding the millage steady while funding services, infrastructure and public safety.

- Land‑use and rezoning (Items 6 and 7): The commission approved an ordinance amending the city future land‑use map for a roughly 2.1‑acre parcel south of State Road 84 and west of Bonaventure Boulevard from regular residential (5 units/acre) to industrial and rezoned the same 2.2‑acre site from Community Facility (CF) to Commercial (C‑1). The applicant, represented by attorney Manny Snolovski, waived quasi‑judicial procedure; the vote was 5‑0.

- Motorized personal devices in parks (Ordinance, first reading): Commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance that defines “electric bicycle,” “motorized…