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 mobility device,” and “motorized scooter” and prohibits their use in city parks except on park roads and in designated parking areas. The draft ordinance limits speeds in parks to no more than 15 mph and expressly exempts mobility devices used by people covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. City staff and Broward County law‑enforcement partners described an initial education period followed by enforcement options including trespass warnings for repeat violators; enforcement and specific penalties depend on device type and state rules.

- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (Ordinance, first reading): The commission approved on first reading an amendment to the city code allowing EV charging stations in single‑family residential districts to be installed outside garages, provided exterior units are mounted on a side wall (not the front garage face). Staff emphasized that electrical permits are required whether chargers are mounted inside or outside garages; Fire Chief Drazen told the commission that outside mounting can reduce firefighter risk from battery fires and from back‑feeding when a vehicle’s battery also supplies house power.

- Fire protection assessment methodology (Resolution): The commission adopted the proposed methodology that apportions fire‑service costs across property types based on a 10‑year call‑volume analysis; staff said the method is used statewide and presented detailed backup to the commission.

- Revolving line of credit (Resolution): The commission approved a negotiated revolving line of credit with Truist Commercial Equity Inc. for up to $25,000,000 to provide immediate funds for disaster response or emergency capital improvements. City staff said the annual availability cost is roughly $32,500; the city’s disaster reserves and invested assets (staff cited roughly $54,000,000 in reserves and investments) remain the primary source for response but the line gives liquidity without forced security sales during volatile markets. The vote was unanimous.

- Road improvement contract (Resolution; bid 2025‑02): The commission awarded Bid 2025‑02 (Weston Road improvement, municipal transportation project West‑303, surtax funded) to PreDrail Systems LLC of Miami. Commissioners noted that roughly 90% of recent roadway project funding has come from the Broward County transportation surtax, not the city’s general fund.

Votes and movers (select actions)

- Item 6 (land‑use map amendment): Motion to adopt ordinance moved by Commissioner Byron Jaffe, seconded by Commissioner Fabio Andrade; roll call 5‑0 (Commissioners Fabio Andrade, Vice Mayor Henry Mead, Commissioner Melina McPhee, Commissioner Byron Jaffe, Mayor Margaret Brown).

- Item 7 (rezoning to C‑1): Moved by Commissioner Jaffe, seconded by Commissioner Melina McPhee; roll call 5‑0.

- Item 8 (set millage and public hearings): Motion moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Vice Mayor Henry Mead; roll call 5‑0. City manager Don Decker said the not‑to‑exceed millage is 3.3464 mills and confirmed hearing dates.

- Item 9 (park e‑device ordinance, first reading): Moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Commissioner Byron Jaffe; roll call 5‑0. Chief Cavalieri and Chief Drazen described county enforcement activity and noted legal distinctions by device wattage and speed category.

- Item 10 (EV charging stations ordinance, first reading): Moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Commissioner Jaffe; roll call 5‑0. Staff reiterated permits are required for all residential charging installations.

- Item 11a (fire assessment methodology): Moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Commissioner Jaffe; roll call 5‑0.

- Item 11c (Truist revolving line of credit, up to $25M): Moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Commissioner Fabio Andrade; roll call 5‑0. Staff described the line as a short‑term liquidity tool to bridge emergency spending and potential future reimbursements.

- Item 11d (award bid 2025‑02, Weston Road improvement): Moved by Commissioner Melina McPhee, seconded by Commissioner Byron Jaffe; roll call 5‑0.

What commissioners and staff said

Commissioners praised the finance and public‑works teams for pursuing outside funding and maintaining a steady millage rate. Vice Mayor Henry Mead and Commissioner Melina McPhee emphasized public‑education and signage needs for the new park rules. Fire Chief Drazen and city staff highlighted fire‑safety reasons for allowing exterior residential EV chargers and the need for proper permits.

Next steps

Both ordinances (e‑device restrictions and EV chargers) require a second reading before they take effect. The millage rate and assessments will be finalized after the public hearings in September. The line of credit is an annually renewable arrangement; staff said it will be used only as needed and repaid from reimbursements or reserves.

Ending note

All motions recorded at the July 7 meeting passed unanimously on recorded roll calls; additional agenda materials and full backup documents are available on the city website for residents who want the ordinance text or the financial backup for the line of credit and fire assessment methodology.