Tanya Williams, the city's governmental affairs manager, asked the commission to approve Amendment No. 22 to the city's lobbying agreement with Ronald I. Book PA, extending the contract from Jan. 26, 2025, through Jan. 25, 2026, at a cost "not to exceed $59,400" per year.

Williams said the city first contracted with Ronald I. Book in 2002 and has renewed the agreement annually since then. She described the firm's duties as a government liaison that "maintain[s] relationships with our state, federal, local agencies, officers and officials," tracks state and federal legislation that affects city operations, helps identify state funding opportunities, and may assist in securing permits and arranging meetings in Tallahassee.

Ronald Book, who joined the workshop by phone, told commissioners his firm focuses on the legislative process and on maintaining access to committee chairs and appropriations leaders across Florida. "Part of what we are responsibility to do is to help your local lawmakers improve on their successes on your behalf and on your constituents' behalf," he said.

Williams summarized recent results the firm helped secure: full funding in fiscal 2024 for a canal culvert gates and headwall improvement ($451,081) and a Tamarac Park safety enhancement project ($271,577); she reported a third recommended project for 94th Avenue had been vetoed by the governor after legislative approval and was in excess of $700,000. For FY2025 Book recommended two appropriation requests: an underground fiber expansion (estimated cost in excess of $3,000,000; city recommended request limit $750,000) and wastewater lift-station improvements (estimated total cost $1,000,000; requested appropriation $500,000, with a required 50% local match).

Mayor Gomes said the item would be moved to the consent agenda. No formal motion, second or roll-call vote was recorded in the workshop transcript.

The commission did not vote on the amendment during the workshop; staff indicated the item would be placed on the consent agenda for formal action at a subsequent meeting.