Wellington’s leaders saluted the village’s top cop and top firefighter of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 3, putting an exclamation point on a huge point of emphasis for the community.
At the presentation ceremony, members of the Wellington Village Council encapsulated their respect for public service that no officials dared discount.
“I’m so happy and proud to serve here,” said Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue EMS Capt. Jessica Banks, honored as 2024’s top firefighter. She drops off her children at Panther Run Elementary School like many others, she said.
“From a mom like me, I’m thankful for a mom like you,” Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri said.
The reality is that life gets plenty gritty and unpleasant for both cops and firefighters in Wellington, but Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Agent Terence McDonald was not complaining. In fact, he was crediting others. “Success is always a team effort,” he said. “This achievement belongs to all of us.”
The top cop for 2024 credited his wife and three daughters, along with colleagues at the PBSO.
“I sleep better at night knowing all the things you’re doing,” Councilwoman Tanya Siskind said.
“You’re the first line of defense keeping us safe,” Mayor Michael Napoleone added.
Banks combines exceptional technical skills as a paramedic and registered nurse, as well as a firefighter, said PBCFR District Chief Amanda Vomero in her nomination letter. “She consistently performs at the highest level during both training exercises and real-world emergencies,” Vomero wrote. “She is known for her calm demeanor under pressure, which has been crucial in many high-stakes situations.”
Banks began the latest stage of an 18-year career in the department in January, when she started work in Battalion 2 as EMS captain. She has delivered pediatric cardiac-arrest training to the battalion’s nine stations.
McDonald won praise for actions ranging from arrests of gang members outside the Mall at Wellington Green to the capture of a stabbing suspect in a dark field near 120th Avenue South.
The mall case in the 2022-23 holiday season involved identifying gang members carrying weapons and drugs and taking three into custody. The stabbing case occurred in April 2023.
McDonald works on what the PBSO calls its “Street Team” in District 8, which serves Wellington.
“I am grateful to have such an experienced and skilled agent under my command, and I am sure the village feels the same way,” noted PBSO Sgt. James Benedict in his nomination letter.
In other business:
- The council recognized professional polo players Hope Arellano and Nicolas “Nico” Escobar for their representation of Wellington at the 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge, in which Team USA defeated Team France.
- The council unanimously approved several steps toward the planned $148 million village budget for fiscal year 2025, starting Oct. 1. The latest budget includes an increased contribution for a roundabout at 120th Avenue South and Lake Worth Road. Final approval of the budget will come up for consideration Thursday, Sept. 19.
- After an extended discussion, the council voted unanimously to proceed with updated land use and zoning for recently annexed properties near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road on the north side of Southern Blvd.
- Several speakers spoke in support of the updated land use and zoning, which, in keeping with the plan included with the annexation proposal, gives commercial zoning to land fronting on Southern or Seminole Pratt, with residential zoning in the interior areas.
- Nearby resident Alex Larson voiced her opposition. “All that shows is Wellington needs more money,” she said.
- The council gave some consideration to which level of residential use to place on the interior land. “Residential E” was recommended, but the council discussed using the slightly less dense “Residential D.” Village Manager Jim Barnes noted that the zoning requirement of only allowing single-family homes on the approximately 125 acres already significantly restricts what can go there. The land was assigned “Residential E,” as suggested by staff.
- A hot-button issue to watch for in the future: Several speakers said village enforcement against abuses at short-term rentals is not cutting it. They referred to noise and parking issues, even occasional episodes of violence. Village efforts are constrained by state laws, but Vice Mayor John McGovern said he wanted meaningful updates at the next meeting on what village officials are doing to address the problem.
