Council introduces ordinance to require referendum for sale or lease of city land over 0.5 acre

At the meeting Mayor Thompson asked Miss Sittins to read the title of Ordinance 57-84. The ordinance, as read, proposes amendments to the Boca Raton Code of Ordinances to create a new section establishing that the city council shall not alienate, lease or sell city-owned land greater than 0.5 acre except upon approval at a referendum election, while providing limited exceptions and severability.

Council member Pearlman introduced the ordinance for first reading. No adoption vote was taken at this meeting; the item was introduced and will return for further consideration under the city's ordinance-adoption procedures.

Why it matters: If adopted, the ordinance would change the city's process for disposing of larger parcels of public land by requiring voter approval, shifting final decision-making in those cases from the council to a referendum (subject to any exceptions spelled out in the ordinance).

What’s next: The ordinance was introduced; subsequent meetings and the formal adoption process (including required readings and any public hearings) will determine whether it advances to voter consideration.