The Boca Raton City Council on Oct. 14 approved a resolution extending the interim agreement with Boca Raton City Center, LLC, and developer Tara Frisbie so the city can finalize a plan and place a referendum on the March 10, 2026 uniform municipal election.

The extension, adopted 5-0, moves the interim agreement’s termination date from Oct. 31, 2025, to May 1, 2026, and preserves the existing negotiation framework while the city and the developer complete studies and prepare ballot language, city staff said.

Mr. Lukasik, a city staff member who briefed the council, said, “This is merely an extension of the agreement.” He added, “It creates no other obligations for either party.” The resolution’s title says the amendment would allow time for a public referendum if the council later approves a master partnership agreement.

Why it matters: The council previously selected Tara Frisbie as the preferred partner in the downtown campus redevelopment project. Supporters and opponents have stressed that any large use of public land should be decided by voters. Extending the interim agreement buys time to complete environmental, traffic and financial reports and to craft the ballot question that the city attorney said must be finalized early enough for election filing deadlines.

City attorney Mr. Koehler told the council, “The ballot language to be presented to the voters has to be submitted to the supervisor of elections by December 5.” He also noted the statutory limit on the length of the ballot summary, saying it must be 75 words and “should fairly inform the voter what they are approving.” City staff said the language depends on the final plan the council would approve.

Public comment at the meeting was lengthy and sharply critical at times. Residents urged greater disclosure from the developer and from the city and asked for explicit protections for parkland. Several speakers requested that the amendment include a prohibition on campaign contributions by the developer; John Perlman, a resident, asked the council to add language barring contributions “within 3 years of this agreement.” Perlman also called for disclosure of the developer’s litigation history and additional time for the public to review financial and appraisal materials before a vote.

Other speakers expressed concern about work already visible at park sites. Multiple residents described ribbons on trees and survey marks at Sugar Sand Park and Memorial Park and asked the city to pause field-preparation activity until after voters decide. Buffy Tucker, a resident, said the apparent on-the-ground work created the perception that “no matter what’s happening, it is going to be built,” and asked the council to “please take a beat.”

Council members debated whether to terminate the project outright or extend the agreement to allow more public input. Council member Thompson reiterated his opposition to the plan and said he had previously voted against the interim agreement; he pressed for termination but had no second. Mayor Singer said stopping the process now would risk stagnation and added that the extension would allow more public engagement and due diligence. “Residents will vote on that,” Mayor Singer said, referring to the planned referendum.

The council voted by roll call with the following result: Deputy Mayor Nacklis — yes; Council member Drucker — yes; Council member Thompson — yes; Council member Wachter — yes; Mayor Singer — yes. The motion passed 5-0.

What happens next: City staff will prepare the ballot summary and supporting reports (traffic, environmental and financial analyses) for the council and, if the council approves a master plan, for placement on the March 10, 2026 ballot. The city attorney’s office said the December 5 deadline for submitting ballot language to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections will govern timing.

Votes at a glance
Resolution 155 20 25 — Approve first amendment to interim agreement with Boca Raton City Center, LLC (Tara Frisbie) to extend interim agreement from 10/31/2025 to 05/01/2026 to allow for a March 2026 referendum: Passed 5–0 (Nacklis, Drucker, Thompson, Wachter, Singer). Notes: City staff said extension does not create additional financial obligations; next steps include drafting ballot language and completing studies prior to the December 5 ballot-language filing deadline.