TOWN OF JUNO BEACH 92 9 FLORIDA. INCORPORATED 1955 SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 07, 2025 at 3:00 PM Council Chambers 340 Ocean Drive and YouTube PRESENT: PEGGY WHEELER, MAYOR DD HALPERN, VICE MAYOR MARIANNE HOSTA, VICE MAYOR PRO TEM DIANA DAVIS, COUNCILMEMBER JOHN CALLAGHAN, COUNCIEMEMBER ALSO PRESENT: FRANK M. DAVILA, INTERIM TOWN MANAGER LEONARD RUBIN, TOWN ATTORNEY CAITLIN E. COPELANDRODRICUEZ TOWN CLERK COLIN BAENZIGER & ASSOCIATES (Via Zoom) AUDIENCE: 15 CALL TO ORDER - 3:00PM PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, SUBSTITUTIONS TO THE AGENDA None COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER, THE TOWN ATTORNEY, AND STAFF - None COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC AIl Non-Agenda items are limited to three (3) minutes. Anyone wishing to speak is asked to complete a comment card with their name and address prior to the start ofthe meeting as well as state their name and address for the record when called upon to speak (prior to addressing the Town Council). Town Council will not discuss these items at this time. Public Comments Opened at 3:01pm. Public Comments Closed at 3:01pm. COUNCIL ACTIONIDISCUSSION ITEMS (A Public Comment Period was provided for each item below.) 1. Selection of Town Manager See attached public comment provided by resident Aldo Rovere and echoed by resident Jim Lyons. Mayor Wheeler, Vice Mayor Halpern, Councilmember Davis, and Coumcilmember Callaghan gave consensus to proceed with the ballot method proposed by the consultant. Council discussed and conducted straw preference polls for the selection of the Town Manager (see attached ballots & tabulation) and unanimously selected Robert Cole. MOTION: Halpern/Davis made a motion to have Town. Attorney Rubin to proceed with contract negotiations with Town. Manager prospect Robert Cole. ACTION: The motion passed unanimously. MOTION: Callaghanheeler. made a motion to revert to the old method of selecting Planning & Zoning Board members (with each Coumcilmember nominating a candidate subject to approval by the Council)from the submitted applications. Mayor Wheeler passed the gavel and seconded the motion. ACTION: The motion passed. 3-21 with Vice Mayor Halpern and Councilmember Davis opposed. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wheeler, adjourned the meeting at 3:54pm. Veag lan - Peggy Wheeler, Mayor Caitlin E. Copeland-Rodriguez, Town Clerk TOWI OF JUNO BEACH TOWN OF JUNO BEACH Item #8. PUBLIC COMMENT CARD ANY CITIZEN WISHING TO SPEAK SHOULD COMPLETE THIS CARD AND GIVE IT TO THE TOWN CLERK PRIOR TO THE START OF THE MEETING. AGENDA ITEM #: / DATE: a/hozs ROVERE NAME: ALDo PHONE NO.: 631-335-4147 REPRESENTING (IF APPLICABLE): OCEAN TPAce CoNDo Assoc. ADDRESS: 400 UNo LAGO De. CHECK WHAT MAY APPLY: SUPPORT OPPOSE WISH TO SPEAK 203 Item #8. March 7, 2025 Presentation to the Juno Beach Town Council Recommendation of Robert Cole for Town Manager Dear Council Members, Some years ago, while a candidate for Towh Council, I publicly supported 6Doc" Daugherty for the position of Town Manager. I attended every public forum, carefully evaluated the candidates, and believed his background and accomplishments exceeded those of the other qualified applicants. Ultimately, he was not selected. However, today, he is successfully serving as the City Manager of Deltona, Florida. More recently, I again engaged in the selection process when Jay Boodheshwar, the City Manager of Naples, Florida, was a candidate. After attending all available public sessions and evaluating the candidates, I found him to be the most qualified and capable among another distinguished group. Unfortunately, he too did not secure the necessary votes. He now serves as Director of Major Gifts at Oxbridge Academy, an institution whose students go on to attend some of the nation's top universities. After these experiences, I was uncertain whether a second candidate search would yieldi individuals as highly qualified as before. I am pleased to say that I was mistaken. We now have five outstanding candidates, each of whom will undoubtedly be sought after for similar positions in the future. 204 Item #8. That said, I must once again speak in support of the candidate I believe is the right choice for Juno Beach. Perhaps the third time is the charm-or, as some may joke, the kiss of death-but I sincerely hope for the former. Why Robert Cole? Robert Cole brings nearly 30 years of progressive experience in town management, spanning both urban and suburban settings. His resume is impeccable, showcasing a ifetime of dedicated public service-something that, not long ago, was universally recognized as an asset. Beyond his professional credentials, Mr. Cole demonstrated an exceptional understanding of Juno Beach and its unique environmental relationship with the loggerhead turtles- perhaps even better than some lifelong residents. During his public interview, he displayed am unparalleled command of the subject matter. His responses were precise, immediate, and free of ambiguity. He embodies a philosophy of ino surprises" - ensuring that all options are clearly outlined for Council consideration, with transparent communication and thorough planning. His Plan-DO-Check-Act approach to tracking progress provides a structured, methodical strategy for governance. His explanation of incremental change as a form of harmony-llustrated through his description of frontal setbacks and "incremental change"--was an example of how complex policy decisions can be communicated in a way that fosters understanding and consensus. 205 Item #8. Yet, what stood out most was not just his expertise, bout his humility. Despite his vast experience and qualifications, he spoke with genuine respect for the role, for the staff, and for the community. He understands that leadership is not just about being available-it's about engaging, collaborating, and working alongside others to achieve shared goals. In my 35-year career, I have ranked, interviewed, and hired countless individuals, many of whom have gone on to serve in high-level government positions. Rarely, if every have I encountered a candidate who 50 completely checks every box for a position as Robert Cole does. His public interview was nothing short of a master class-a model of knowledge, responsiveness, clarity, and humility. B would encourage any future candidate to study it as an example of how to present oneself for such a role. While all the finalists are exceptional, I believe Robert Cole is the right choice for Juno Beacha I hope others in the community will share their thoughts, lout today, I urge the Council to select him as our next Towh Manager. Thank you. Aldo Rovere 400 Uno Lago Drive 206 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 1 Alves-Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert 4 Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler L uln Signature: Eq 207 # Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 1 Alves-Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert 4 Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: 208 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of' Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 1 Alves-Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert 4 Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern X Hosta - Wheeler Signature: lanianne Shla 209 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 1 Alves-Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert 4 Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: Alwa I/ A 210 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 1 Alves-Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert 4 Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): - Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta - Wheeler Signature: dubks 211 Item #8. ( - - - S 212 #oR Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Alves-Viyeiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Daxis Halpern Hosta Wheeler - - K Signature: Ropt 213 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Al Ives- Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels,Rohert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): - Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: bper 214 a Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select 2 Coldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Cbta Signature: Hamanat 215 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Alves-V Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta - Wheeler u Signature: ha 216 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Alves-V Viveiros, Sonia 2 Coldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: n 217 Item #8. > 218 Item #8. #3 Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Alves-Viveiros, Sonia Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler - 2 Signature: Rulen Gop 219 #3 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select ves- Viveiros, Sonia L Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert * Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): D Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: 220 #3 Item #8. Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Alves-Viveiros, Sonia Coldwell, en 3 Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): D Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: amonsl Ch 221 Item #8. #3 Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select Ives-Viveiros, Sonia Coldwel, Darren 3 Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): D Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: Diaua aws 222 Item #8. #3 Juno Beach Straw Preference Poll RE: Selection of Town Manager March 7, 2025 Please place a check mark next to your top 2 choices to become your next Town Manager. Candidate(s) Select - mia Coldwell, Darren 3 Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert 5 Smith, Lee Submitted by (please place a mark next to your name): Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Signature: ubl 223 Item #8. Juno Beach Summary of Preferences for Town Manager Finalists, Round #. 3 ehrwy6ysene March naoas Council Member Callaghan Davis Halpern Hosta Wheeler Total Candidate Ives-Viv iros, Sonia ldwell, Darren Cole, Robert Daniels, Robert Smith, Lee 0 Total 0 D 0 Compiled by: +RAn AOILA 224