Palm Beach Gardens: City Council Meeting - January 8, 2026
Summary. The Palm Beach Gardens City Council held their first meeting of 2026 on January 8th, with significant public participation focused primarily on the removal of a Hanukkah menorah from city hall. Multiple residents spoke during public comment expressing concerns about the decision to remove the menorah while keeping the Christmas tree, citing constitutional law and calling for the menorah's restoration. The council also conducted quasi-judicial hearings on three development projects including the Coconut Palm Plaza rezoning and site plan approval for a medical complex with gas station. Additional items included first reading of an animal ordinance regarding pet store adoption events. Following extensive public comment criticizing both the menorah removal decision and the city attorney's previous strong comments defending that decision, the council engaged in discussion about finding a resolution to restore inclusive holiday displays. All council members expressed support for working together to find a legally defensible way to display both religious symbols. The meeting also addressed concerns about the city attorney's prior heated remarks, with council members acknowledging they should have better supported him against personal attacks while also requesting he apologize for threatening language used in the previous meeting.
Agenda Items
Public Comment. Comments from the public for items not on agenda
Extended public comment period focused primarily on the removal of the Hanukkah menorah from city hall and concerns about city governance
- Multiple residents questioned why the menorah was removed while Christmas tree remained
- Speakers cited Supreme Court cases supporting constitutionality of combined displays
- Concerns raised about city attorney's previous threatening comments
- Questions about transparency in city decision-making processes
- Ice rink construction concerns including dust, traffic, and infrastructure damage
Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda Items
Routine consent agenda items approved without discussion
- No items removed from consent agenda
17-2025/18-2025/81-2025. Coconut Palm Plaza Development - Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Site Plan
Quasi-judicial hearings for medical complex development including emergency department, medical offices, and 16-pump gas station
- Concerns from Acreage residents about water well contamination from gas station
- Pedestrian safety issues for disabled veteran resident
- Traffic impacts and construction timeline of approximately 2 years
- Jurisdiction issues with Indian Trail Improvement District for sidewalk improvements
1-2026. Medical Office PUD Rezoning and Site Plan - 9598 Alternate A1A
First reading approval for dental/medical office development with architectural waivers
- Three waivers requested for landscape buffering and signage
- Enhanced landscaping and pedestrian amenities proposed
- Cross-access agreement with neighboring property
4-2026. Animal Ordinance Amendment - Pet Store Adoption Events
First reading of ordinance to regulate pet store adoption events and prevent overnight housing of animals
- Closing loopholes in existing anti-puppy mill ordinance
- Limiting adoption events and setting maximum adoption fees of $300
- Ensuring legitimate rescue operations while preventing commercial sales
Council Discussion Items. Solidarity Letter and Menorah Discussion
Council unanimously agreed to sign solidarity letter regarding antisemitic attack in Australia and discussed path forward for menorah restoration
- Unanimous support for signing anti-antisemitism solidarity letter
- All council members expressed desire to find legally defensible way to restore menorah
- Agreement to expedite resolution within next 1-2 meetings
- Discussion of city attorney's previous comments and need for apology
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve the consent agenda
Moved by Mayor Tinsley, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve ordinance 17-2025 (Comprehensive Plan Amendment)
Moved by Council member Kemp, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 3-0 with 2 abstentions
Motion to approve ordinance 18-2025 (PUD Rezoning)
Moved by Unidentified member, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 3-0 with 2 abstentions
Motion to approve resolution 81-2025 (Site Plan Approval)
Moved by Council member Kemp, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 3-0 with 2 abstentions
Motion to approve ordinance 1-2026 first reading
Moved by Vice Mayor Middleton, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve ordinance 4-2026 first reading
Moved by Vice Mayor Middleton, seconded by Unidentified member
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Research and draft resolution for menorah restoration with legal protections
Assigned to City Attorney Max Lohman · Due Next 1-2 meetings (within 30-60 days)
Draft apology letter for previous meeting comments
Assigned to City Attorney Max Lohman
Research current adoption fee standards for animal rescue organizations
Assigned to City Attorney Max Lohman · Due Before second reading of ordinance 4-2026
Connect disabled veteran resident with Indian Trail Improvement District officials regarding sidewalk safety
Assigned to Council member Reid
Sign solidarity letter regarding antisemitic attack in Australia
Assigned to Mayor Tinsley and Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Palm Beach Gardens City Council held their first meeting of 2026 on January 8th, with significant public participation focused primarily on the removal of a Hanukkah menorah from city hall. Multiple residents spoke during public comment expressing concerns about the decision to remove the menorah while keeping the Christmas tree, citing constitutional law and calling for the menorah's restoration. The council also conducted quasi-judicial hearings on three development projects including the Coconut Palm Plaza rezoning and site plan approval for a medical complex with gas station. Additional items included first reading of an animal ordinance regarding pet store adoption events. Following extensive public comment criticizing both the menorah removal decision and the city attorney's previous strong comments defending that decision, the council engaged in discussion about finding a resolution to restore inclusive holiday displays. All council members expressed support for working together to find a legally defensible way to display both religious symbols. The meeting also addressed concerns about the city attorney's prior heated remarks, with council members acknowledging they should have better supported him against personal attacks while also requesting he apologize for threatening language used in the previous meeting.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 6 agenda items: Comments from the public for items not on agenda; Consent Agenda Items; Coconut Palm Plaza Development - Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Site Plan; Medical Office PUD Rezoning and Site Plan - 9598 Alternate A1A; Animal Ordinance Amendment - Pet Store Adoption Events; Solidarity Letter and Menorah Discussion.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
5 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
5 members were recorded as present: Mayor Tinsley, Vice Mayor Middleton, Council member Reid, Council member Primerozo, Council member Kemp.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Palm Beach Gardens in?
Palm Beach Gardens is located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Browse other Palm Beach County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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