Coral Springs leaders balance grief with city business. Here’s what was approved
While Coral Springs continues to grieve the loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, elected officials must also continue with city business.
Much of the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 14, was dedicated to memorializing Metayer, and though their grief was clear, commissioners also approved all of the items on the agenda, though the votes were not unanimous.
A $50,000 Economic Development Incentive Program grant for LacrosseWear passed 3 to 1, with Joshua Simmons opposing. The sports uniform company has been operating in Coral Springs for 25 years and is seeking to modernize its storefront on Wiles Road.
Simmons said his opposition was rooted in questions about how the business was contributing to the community.
“Are they supporting local teams? Are they being a part of any of the things that we’re doing to uplift people in the city? It’s not a quid pro quo, but it’s what are you pouring back into the city? I understand times are hard,” he said.
“We want to make sure that we’re doing all we can to support businesses, but make sure you also be visible in the community as well, before we just give you money.”
A $2.3 million landscaping contract with Pembroke Pines-based Everglades Environmental Care, Inc. and Davie-based Mainguy Environmental Care, Inc. also passed 3 to 1 with Simmons opposing.
“The numbers look good. It makes sense. I get that. I still want to make sure that we are looking to keep our dollars circulating here locally when we can,” Simmons said.
All other items on the agenda, including contract changes for road and sidewalk repairs, playground equipment upgrades, strategic planning services and police radio upgrades, passed unanimously.
Other things to know:
- The City Commission also officially recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Landscape Architecture Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- Beverly Provost was reappointed to the Community Involved Government Committee and Melissa Donnahoe, LaurieAnne Minoff and Ian Schwartz were reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Board.
- The commission’s next official meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6.
