Town Council Regular Meeting




         TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER Mayor El-Ramey called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor El-Ramey led the pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. ROLL CALL Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, Vice Mayor Manish Sood, Councilmember Paul Coleman (via Zoom), Councilmember Anita Kane, Councilmember William “Joe” Stephens, Acting Town Manager Valerie Oakes, Town Attorney Jeff Kurtz, Community Standards Director Caryn Gardner – Young, Public Works Director Craig Lower, and Acting Town Clerk Kenthia White. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS/ COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Public comment from Virginia Standish who suggested that PBSO and fire rescue personnel be scheduled to present their reports earlier in meetings to respect their time. She also requested that the town post a clearly color-coded map of gas tax roads and maintenance easements on its website for public clarity and asked the Council to revisit the ULDC's tree mitigation policies. Public comment from Robert Austin who raised concerns regarding noise and air pollution from air traffic coming from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). He encouraged the Town and residents to reach out to PBI to voice their concerns. 1 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Public comment from Frank Schiola where he commented on the quality of refreshments at a recent town open house, and echoed Mr. Austin's concerns about jet exhaust settling on rooftops and vehicles in the area. Public comment from Jo Siciliano expressed concern about transparency, noting that the prior council had added nine items and voted on them at a previous meeting without giving the public sufficient time to review. She urged the Council to be mindful of Town Residents and allow them to have adequate time for public review before voting on new items. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA MOVING ITEM NO. 5 TO BE ITEM NO. 6A IN THE REGULAR AGENDA. MOTION PASSED (5-0). 1. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2026- 27: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING JENNIFER STEPHENS TO THE FINANCE AUDIT AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED ON CONSENT. 2. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2026 - 28: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING LAURA DANOWSKI TO THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICT, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED ON CONSENT. 3. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2026 - 29: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING LISA MURRAY TO THE FINANCE AUDIT AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED ON CONSENT. 4. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2026 - 30: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING LISSETTE VASQUEZ TO THE BOARD OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY (LPA)/ PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED ON CONSENT. 2 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 5. Consideration of Approval of Resolution 2026 - 31: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING ROBERT SHORR TO THE BOARD OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Item No. 5 was moved to be the regular agenda as Item No. 6A. 6. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2026 - 32: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING SAMUEL HARRITY TO THE FINANCE AUDIT AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. APPROVED ON CONSENT. PRESENTATIONS There were no presentations at this meeting. REGULAR AGENDA 6A. Consideration of Approval of Resolution 2026 - 31: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING ROBERT SHORR TO THE BOARD OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN/ COUNCILMEMBER KANE MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM. (MOTION RESCINDED BY COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN AFTER DISCUSSION). Public comment received from Robert Shorr where he addressed the Council, explaining that the ethics complaint had been dismissed and that a letter of instruction was issued, which he characterized as a warning about public perception rather than a finding of wrongdoing. He stated that his role during the road paving incident was simply to clarify which roads were on the gas tax map for the contractor during a COVID-era staffing shortage. He also noted that he continues to serve on the Palm Beach County Value Adjustment Board, which he argued demonstrates the county's continued confidence in his integrity. Public comment from Todd McLendon questioned his appointment to the board as he is also on the Value Adjustment Board as this could be dual office holding. He explained that what Mr. Shorr had done to provoke the ethics complaint was that he directed contractors which roads to pave in an unauthorized manner. He stated that this behavior is not what he would like to see coming from a sitting member of a board or committee. 3 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Public comment received from Phillis Maniglia where she said she had talked to Ranger Construction and they reported that Robert Shorr was directing them. She stated her opposition to appointing Mr. Shorr to the board as she believes his views are not aligned with the Town’s. Public comment received from Marianne Miles where she recounts her own experience with the Ethics Committee and advises not to label anyone processed by the Ethics committee as a wrongdoer. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy where she clarifies that dual office holding concerns. Stating that since Town boards and committees are strictly advisory, they are not technically “offices” in the traditional sense. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN/ COUNCILMEMBER KANE ACCEPTED TO RESCIND COUNCILMEMBER COLEMANS INITIAL MOTION. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SOOD/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-31. MOTION PASED (4-1). WITH COUNCILMEMBER KANE DISSENTING. 7. Selection of Negotiator for the Town Manager’s Contract MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN/ COUNCILMEMBER KANE MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM. MOTION FAILED (2-3). WITH COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS, VICE MAYOR SOOD, AND MAYOR EL-RAMEY DISSENTING. Acting Town Manager Oakes outlined the task of selecting special counsel firms for negotiating the Town Manager's early exit, noting Town Attorney Kurtz's recusal. The candidates were from Stokes Law, Allen Norton and Blue, and Gray Robinson. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SOOD/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ITEM NO. 7 BY HAVING A BRIEF PUBLIC DISCUSSION WITH THE LAWYERS AND MOVING TO INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS WITH THE COUNCIL FOR SENSITIVE MATTERS. MOTION PASSED (4-1). WITH COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN DISSENTING. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER KANE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE TOWN MANAGERS LETTER OF RETIREMENT. MOTION FAILED (2-3). WITH COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS, VICE MAYOR SOOD, AND MAYOR EL-RAMEY DISSENTING. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SOOD/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE TOWN MANAGERS LETTER OF RETIREMENT. MOTION PASSED (5-0). (Exhibit A) Council discussion ensued with questions to all three attorneys present. 4 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Public comment received Todd McLendon where he expressed his disapproval to hiring a Law firm and would rather payout the Town manager as not doing so would be an unnecessary use of money and time. Public comment received from Marianne Miles expressing her disapproval to having Council publicly discuss their questions with Law firms. That this same practice would not have been done with other contracts, and should rather be discussed privately with Council where they can later discuss their findings with the public to avoid an excess of time in meetings. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN MOVED TO SELECT STOKES LAW. MOTION FAILED (2-3). WITH COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS, VICE MAYOR SOOD, AND MAYOR EL-RAMEY DISSENTING. Consensus: The Council ultimately agreed to continue the selection of special counsel to a special meeting on April 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM, to allow each Council member to consult individually with the three candidates beforehand. Acting Town Manager Oakes was directed to coordinate scheduling. 8. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No.2026-33: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR ACTING TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKES AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilmember Kane raised questions about the proposed compensation increase, noting that Acting Town Manager Oakes's current salary was $137,812 and that the resolution would add approximately $20,000. She also raised a concern about a nepotism-related provision in the resolution. Town Attorney Kurtz clarified that the waiver referenced the town's human resources manual, and to his knowledge not a state statute. Vice Mayor Sood commented on the compensation by noting that the prior Town Manager's total compensation package—including salary, retirement contributions, and health insurance—exceeded $213,000 annually, whereas Acting Town Manager Oakes was taking on expanded responsibilities at a substantially lower cost, with the arrangement terminable upon hiring a permanent town manager. However Councilmember Kane noted that the salary given for the Acting Town Manager does not include any extras to the compensation package and that both the previous Town Manager and Acting Town Manager are being paid similarly. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SOOD/ COUNCILMEMBER KANE MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-33. MOTION PASSED (5-0). 9. Direction on Palm Beach County Sheriff's Contract and Consideration of Approval on Resolution No.2026-34 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, CONCERNING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT 5 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND RIC L. BRADSHAW, SHERIFF OF PALM BEACH COUNTY; RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15; DIRECTING THE RESUMPTION FO PAYMENTS UNDER THE AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE ACTING TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TOWN ATTORNEY TO IMPLEMENT THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; AUTHORIZING THE ACTING TOWN MANAGER AND THE TOWN ATTORNEY TO TAKE SUCH ACTIONS AS ARE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Attorney Kurtz summarized the status of the law enforcement service agreement with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO). He reported that following a meeting on April 13 with PBSO Colonel Coleman and their legal counsel, the framework for resuming service included: (1) rescinding Resolution 2026-15 (which had terminated the contract); (2) paying approximately $29,000 for services rendered in the first 17 days of December; (3) PBSO waiving payment for the remainder of the lapse period; and (4) resuming service under the existing contract terms through October 1, 2027. The school zone camera enforcement program would continue to be evaluated with no additional overtime charges anticipated at this time. Town Attorney Kurtz read the resolution into the record. Mayor El-Ramey noted that PBSO data pertaining to traffic crashes in 2026 compared to 2025, with notable declines in traffic stops and residential/business checks. This prompted a discussion among councilmembers. Vice Mayor Sood and Mayor El-Ramey pushed for resuming the PBSO contract, citing public safety, legal, and reputational concerns, and highlighted a significant drop in law enforcement activities. Conversely, Councilmembers Coleman and Kane opposed immediate re-engagement, citing fiscal concerns such as potential budget constraints and ineffective past negotiation attempts. Personal accounts of long PBSO response times were also noted. Councilmember Stephens asked Council to take a look at the contract once more to be able to adequately discuss it with PBSO. Public comment received Robert Shorr stating his support for the resolution as demographics of the Town have changed and he believes active law enforcement would be beneficial to the Town. Public comment received from Frank Schiola where he asked that a document from a previous law firm that represented the Town. In the document it state that there are two officers present in the Town at all times. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE DOCUMENT FROM FRANK SCHIOLA. MOTION PASSED (5-0). 6 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Public comment from Tracy Raflowitz stating that the Town has a lot of confusion regarding enhanced services. That the difference between the enhanced services compared to unincorporated service is not clear. Public comment received from Todd McLendon criticized PBSO for not providing data as to where officers were at certain times as well as response times. He recommended the Finance Audit and Advisory committee to take a look at the contract. Public comment received from Marianne Miles stated that the PBSO contract was in breach because it was terminated before the 3-year term of the contract. Town Attorney Kurtz explained that while the town was technically in breach for non-payment in December, PBSO stopped providing services, which could mitigate breach damages; he confirmed that the formal termination notice was valid. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SOOD/COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34. MOTION FAILED (2-3). WITH COUNCILMEMBER KANE, COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN, AND MAYOR EL-RAMEY DISSENTING. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN MOVED TO DIRECT THE FINANCE AUDIT AND ADIVOSRY COMMITTEE (FACC) TO CREATE AN ANALYSIS OF PBSO DATA FOR COUNCILS REVIEW. AS WELL AS HAVE TOWN ATTORNEY KURTZ MEET WITH PBSO ATTORNEY BRIAN SHUTT TO CREATE A MUTUALLY AGRREABLE QUESTION TO SEND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR REVIEW WITH RESPECT TO STATE LAW. MOTION PASSED (4- 1). WITH VICE MAYOR SOOD DISSENTING. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN MOVED TO PAY ANY OUTSTANDING DECEMBER BALANCE TO PBSO FROM THE CONTINGENCY FUND SET ASIDE FOR PBSO. MOTION PASSED (5-0). MOTION: VICE MAYOR SOOD/ COUNCILMEMBER STPEHENS MOVED TO APPOINT HIMSELF AS AN ENVOY TO PBSO TO CONTINUE DISCUSSION OF TOWN CONCERNS REGARDING THE PBSO CONTRACT. MOTION FAILED (2-3) WITH COUNCILMEMBER KANE, COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN, AND MAYOR EL-RAMEY DISSENTING. 10. Budget Amendment Request – 20th Anniversary Celebration and Veterans Day Event (November 2026) 7 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Councilmember Kane, who has been leading the town's 20th Anniversary and 250th U.S. Anniversary celebration planning committee (also comprising Acting Town Manager Oakes, Public Works Director Lower, and administrative staff), presented the committee's evolving plans. The original concept had included two separate events—a kickoff on June 27 and a culminating celebration on November 8—along with a parade and agritourism showcase with a passbook/scavenger hunt component. The original budget request was $20,000. After discussion, the Council reached consensus to scale back to a single event on or around November 8, 2026, to coincide with Veterans Day and the town's founding anniversary. The parade concept was set aside in recognition of high staff overtime costs and limited public participation along the parade route in prior years, though it was acknowledged that veterans and residents were free to organize an informal procession independently. A golf cart/vehicle decoration contest was discussed as a lower-burden alternative. Councilmember Stephens proposed that the event incorporate a "Pioneer Heritage Recognition" for longtime resident families, an idea developed in consultation with longtime resident Bob Sullivan, which received enthusiastic support from the committee. Food trucks were discussed as a cost-offset mechanism for the kickoff component. Vice Mayor Sood expressed concern about the use of taxpayer funds for community events given existing infrastructure priorities, suggesting a maximum town contribution of $5,000–$7,000 with private sector sponsorships covering the remainder. Mayor El-Ramey cautioned that elected officials and staff are ethically constrained from soliciting private donations. The Council ultimately reached a consensus of four members (with Vice Mayor Sood not concurring) to authorize a planning budget not to exceed $10,000, with the expectation that the committee would seek to come in under that figure and explore opportunities for vendor participation and resident volunteer involvement. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBR KANE/ COUNCILMEMBER STEPHENS MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING. MOTION PASSED (5-0). Public comment received from Robert Shorr critiquing the amount of money spent on the event. He is glad to hear that the budget will be reduced but was happy with last years event that was under $7,000. Regarding the parade, he will continue to have it regardless of the Towns’ involvement. Public comment received from Frank Schiola criticized the Town for only having Town employees involved in the committee for the event. He urged Council to allow residents to be involved in the planning of the committee. 8 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 DISCUSSION 11. Discussion of Sheltering Palms Foundation's Request for Release of a Conservation Easement on their Property Town Attorney Kurtz presented that Sheltering Palms offered $250,000 for releasing a 2-acre denuded conservation easement on their property. Councilmember Kane emphasized the need for a policy for all conservation easements in the town, acknowledging that half are significantly degraded. She was open to accepting funds for genuine conservation purposes in town, noting other options like buying mitigation credits elsewhere, as allowed by the South Florida Water Management District. Vice Mayor Sood opposed allowing conservation easements to be "bought out" and advocated for relocating the easement on the property, with accompanying fees and conditions. Mayor El-Ramey, alongside Councilmembers Stephens and Coleman, supported vegetation restoration as policy. Kurtz confirmed the town's legal right to inspect easements and emphasized the property owner's maintenance obligation, highlighting the need for an enforcement process. Ultimately, no vote was taken; however, the Council directed staff to inform Sheltering Palms that restoration, rather than a buyout, is the expected course, and begin forming an inspection and maintenance policy for all town conservation easements. Public comments received from Robert Shorr where he suggested solidifying a canal easement or stretching out the property. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy showing her support for maintaining the conservation easement as it is important to the Town. 12. Discussion on Implementation of Agenda Review Workshop Meetings Acting Town Manager Oakes proposed implementing a publicly noticed, virtual agenda review workshop prior to each regular council meeting to improve transparency, ensure consistent information sharing among all council members simultaneously, and reduce last-minute agenda modifications. The council agreed to meeting Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM on Zoom with Staff to conduct these agenda review meetings. A formal resolution reflecting the updated council rules of procedure would be brought back at a future meeting. Councilmember Kane left the meeting early as all business items had been conducted. 9 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 TOWN STAFF COMMENTS Acting Town Manager Valerie reported that staff is developing publicly available "snapshots" for online posting, beginning with a summary of open code enforcement cases and other monthly updates. She also formally announced that Kenthia White has been appointed as Acting Town Clerk, and asked that the public direct public comment emails to Ms. White. Regarding the financial audit, she confirmed that staff is working diligently with the town's finance contractor, Projected Point, to finalize outstanding documentation, with a goal of completing the audit by mid-May. The budgeting process will commence immediately thereafter. Mayor El-Ramey noted that a previously cited explanation attributing the audit delay to the federal government shutdown had been found to be inaccurate, and distributed a copy of the relevant correspondence for the record. Town Attorney Jeffrey S. Kurtz, advised that the previously scheduled May 5 shade session regarding the 440-B and 556-B lawsuits had to be rescheduled due to a conflict with insurance defense counsel. The rescheduled date is tentatively June 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM, contingent on confirmation with all council members. Acting Town Clerk Kenthia White expressed appreciation for the Council's support as she assumes the dual responsibilities of her role alongside her continued work with Town Attorney Kurtz. Community Standards Director Caryn Gardner Young noted that with the new council composition and direction, it would be timely to revisit the task lists assigned to each advisory committee to ensure they are aligned with the Council's current priorities. She indicated a memo would be circulated to Council members for feedback, covering items such as the ULDC's current focus on line-of-sight regulations and nuisance abatement, and the Planning Board's work on the equestrian estates zoning district. Public Works Superintendent Craig Lower reported that Hurr Homes has begun pipe installation at Collecting Canal, with the road expected to be closed for approximately two to three weeks once the large pipe installation phase begins. Staff has also begun a dedicated pothole-patching effort on North Road, starting at the A Road intersection and working toward E Road, with approximately six tons of asphalt deployed as of the meeting. Lower confirmed that the paving contract for road resurfacing projects is currently under legal review and change orders will be brought to Council for approval once finalized. TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Joe Stephens Councilmember Stephens expressed gratitude to staff for their efforts and urged Town Attorney Kurtz to prioritize bringing several pending legacy legal matters back before the Council in the near future. Councilmember Paul Coleman II Councilmember Coleman raised the issue of commercial truck traffic using Tangerine Road as a cut-through from a commercial development, contrary to the applicable site plan which required egress via Loxahatchee Road to Southern Boulevard. He 10 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 requested that staff and the town engineer develop a plan—including the possibility of closing Tangerine Road at that point—and that affected residents on Tangerine and Ecitrus be notified before any final action is taken. Town Attorney Kurtz confirmed the town has legal authority to close a town road, and Director Lower noted that right-turn-only signage had already been implemented at the site at the Council's prior direction, though compliance was inconsistent. Councilmember Anita Kane Councilmember Kane was excused prior to the Councilmember Comments portion of the meeting. Vice Mayor Manish Sood Vice Mayor Sood outlined what he considered the key accomplishments of the meeting, including leadership reset, pothole repair efforts, and fiscal accountability measures underway. He reiterated his commitment to resolving the PBSO situation and pledged to advocate for increased residential patrol presence and traffic enforcement once a contract is restored. He encouraged commercial property owners with outstanding code compliance issues to engage with the town proactively, and previewed his intent to raise the issue of roundabouts on Okeechobee Boulevard as a near-term priority. Mayor Lisa EL-Ramey Mayor El-Ramey offered a series of forward-looking items for Council and staff consideration, including: directing committees to develop a working definition of "rural" as a foundation for an updated, action-oriented strategic plan; seeking Council authorization for the Mayor to serve in an intergovernmental liaison capacity with county and state agencies following the departure of the town's lobbyist; reviewing and potentially simplifying the Council's policy manual; focusing public works on a defined set of core maintenance activities with larger projects directed to contractors; developing a slaughter ordinance to address ongoing concerns in the town; revisiting the state wildlife lighting standards for potential ULDC adoption; reintroducing the fireworks ordinance; obtaining a cost recovery status report; receiving a sign enforcement update from Director Gardner-Young; revisiting the sunset of historical legacy provisions; rescinding Resolution 2026-01 regarding the renaming of Okeechobee Boulevard; and revisiting Ordinance 2012-08 to remove Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) from permitted land uses, while also considering a directive that business tax receipts only be issued for businesses operating in conformance with applicable land use and zoning designations. Mayor El-Ramey requested that lengthy Council comments of this nature be submitted to the Acting Town Manager at least two weeks prior to the meeting so they may be incorporated into agenda packets and distributed in advance. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 11:27 P.M by Vice Mayor Sood and seconded by Councilmember Coleman. Motion Passed (4-0). 11 


         Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, Seat 2 Town Clerk Vice Manish Sood, Seat 5 Councilmember William “Joe” Stephens, Seat 1 Councilmember Anita Kane, Seat 3 Councilmember Paul Coleman II, Seat 4 12 Docusign Envelope ID: 077E8967-9A2E-8768-82B3-EBCB13BB2A4A This is an addition to the agenda Francine Lillian Ramaglia, CPA, AICP, IСМА-СМ EXHIBIT A April 7, 2026 Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers Town of Loxahatchee Groves, Florida Dear Mayor and Councilmembers: I love this job. I love this staff. I love this community. I love what we do and what we have built together. Please accept this letter as my formal notice of retirement from my position as Town Manager for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, effective September 30, 2026, upon the conclusion of my current contract. After much reflection, I make this decision with peace, gratitude, and a hopeful heart. Each position I have held in public service has been a dream job for me, and I feel truly blessed to have spent my career doing work that mattered. I have run my leg of the race faithfully, given it my very best, and am ready to hand the baton to the next runner. I leave with that sense of peace, grateful for the honor of serving the western communities where I grew up and where I still live, and thankful for the legacy of service I have been privileged to help build throughout Palm Beach County. Public service has always been more than a profession to me. It has been a calling, a joy, and a way to invest in people, organizations, and communities in meaningful and lasting ways. The greatest gift of this career has always been the people - the relationships, the shared purpose, and the opportunity to work together through challenge, change, growth, and progress. Some of my most meaningful memories are of the times we came together to make a difference when perseverance, compassion, and faith were most needed. One of my greatest joys has been building teams, and succession planning was always job one. We have often said this is a mission-driven organization, and we have tried to be honest with people about what that means real responsibility, an extremely heavy lift, and the growth that - comes with that kind of challenge. We hired talent, energy, character, and promise, and it has been deeply rewarding to watch people grow into experience and leadership. Some came with years of experience and a desire to mentor and help grow the next generation. We are also fortunate to have several team members who have served in high-level roles at the County and in other cities, including former city managers Valerie Oakes and Caryn Gardner Young. Whether in the office or in the field, many members of our leadership team have earned and hold professional designations, and those who are earlier in their careers all have training plans in place to support Docusign Envelope ID: 077E8967-9A2E-8768-82B3-EBCB13BB2A4A Francine Lillian Ramaglia April 7, 2026 Page 2 professional development and long-term career growth. Others were given opportunities here that may not have come as easily elsewhere, and because of their learning and growth in this organization, they moved on to greater roles beyond the Town. To me, that is part of what makes this Town so special, and the fact that some former employees chose to return says something meaningful about the culture, commitment, and sense of purpose that have been built here. I believe the team the Town has today is truly best in class. There is strong leadership throughout the organization, and I have every confidence that we can make this a seamless transition together. Our leadership team is well known and respected throughout the county and beyond. I welcome the chance to use the budget process to lean into the existing leadership of Valerie Oakes, Craig Lower, and Caryn Gardner Young, and I am hopeful Ramsay Bulkley will continue leading the Town through its mission, while Mary McNicolas continues creating the outreach, partnerships, and critical connections the Town needs. It is also important to note that the Town's attorney, Jeff Kurtz, has tremendous knowledge of the Town from so many angles over so many years. His perspective, experience, and commitment have helped shape the strong foundation this organization stands on today, and it is my honor to leave the Town in such capable hands. Strategic planning has also been an important part of my professional life, as a practitioner, consultant, instructor, and trainer, and I consider it a real honor to leave the Town with a refreshed vision rooted in the original 2008 plan shaped by the founders and the community. That vision has remained remarkably true over time, and I am hopeful the next chapter will build on that strong foundation. In that spirit, I believe the Town's third decade can truly be its best yet. As I help bring this chapter to a close, I remain fully committed to a smooth and thoughtful transition. If it would be helpful, I would be very willing to assist with the next-step process, whether that involves looking internally, externally, or both, and I would be glad to support the Town as I have done for other communities. I would also be happy to reach out on the Town's behalf to the FCCMA senior advisors, a resource recently used at no cost by the neighboring Town of Westlake, should that be helpful. I also hope to recognize each member of the staff publicly and to thank every one of them personally, so they always know that, in my eyes, they are the best of the best. If I may leave one final thought, it is this: public service is at its best when civility leads, facts guide decisions, and emotion does not overtake good judgment. The Town will be best served by staying focused on what matters most - completing the budget, finishing the strategic plan, and bringing its one-year, five-year, and ten-year goals to life. I remain hopeful that the Town's third decade will indeed be its best, not by chance, but through disciplined planning, respectful leadership, and a shared commitment to moving this community forward. While I am concluding this chapter of public service, I do not see this next season as stepping away from purpose. I see it as a new opportunity to keep pouring into communities, organizations and people in whatever ways I can. Docusign Envelope ID: 077E8967-9A2E-8768-82B3-EBCB13BB2A4A Francine Lillian Ramaglia April 7, 2026 Page 3 I have already begun discussing succession with Councilmember Coleman and appreciate the opportunity to share transition ideas and hear his perspective. Building on our conversations, we plan to bring forward a more formal succession and transition plan for Council consideration at the May and June meetings so that we can move together--thoughtfully and openly--into the Town's next chapter. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to serve this community. I will always be grateful for the relationships, the shared work, and the sense of purpose this journey has given me. I leave with deep appreciation, great hope, and every confidence in the future. Respectfully, Kaneiae Francine Ramaglia, CPA, AICP, ICMA-CM Town Manager