Cocoa council waives term limits, reappoints two planning‑board members after ballot

The Cocoa City Council on Oct. 28 handled multiple appointments to the Planning & Zoning Board and confronted lingering questions about the city’s term‑limit code and its ballot procedure.

Council initially moved to reappoint Todd Anderson and Alec Greenwood to three‑year terms through November 2028. Councilmembers raised concerns that Anderson had already served three consecutive full terms and that Greenwood’s prior service included alternate time, which affects how consecutive full‑term limits are calculated. Councilwoman Coles argued the board should remain dynamic and noted applications from additional candidates.

After legal staff explained the governing code that generally limits service to three consecutive full terms but allows the council to waive that limit, the council rescinded the initial motion, proceeded with the established ballot ranking process for four candidates and then, based on the ballot results, made a motion to approve the appointments and to waive the term‑limit provision for both named candidates. City clerk announced ballot tallies (Anderson and Susan [name recorded on the ballot] to be regular members; Greenwood as alternate). The motion to approve the appointments and waive term limits carried unanimously.

Council members said the ballot procedure preserved equity when more applicants exist for available seats and that waiving term limits in this case was a procedural decision tied to the ranking results.

Next steps: city clerk will file appointment paperwork and staff will update board rosters.