Minutes 05-13-23 Minutes of the City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Held Online Via the GoToWebinar Platform and
In-Person at the City Hall Commission Chambers
100 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 9:00 A.M.
Present:
Mayor Ty Penserga Daniel Dugger City Manager
Vice Mayor Angela Cruz (Left at 1:00 P.M.) Mike Cirullo, City Attorney
Commissioner Woodrow L. Hay Maylee De Jesus, City Clerk
Commissioner Thomas Turkin
Commissioner Aimee Kelley
1. Agenda Items
A. Call to Order - Mayor Ty Penserga
Mayor Penserga called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
Roll Call
City Clerk Maylee De Jesus called the roll. A quorum was present.
Invocation by Commissioner Woodrow Hay.
Invocation was given by Commissioner Hay.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Vice Mayor Turkin Thomas Turkin.
Vice Mayor Turkin led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Other
A. Informational items by the Members of the City Commission.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she spoke to Lyle Sumek.
Commissioner Hay stated that he had no disclosures.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that he spoke to Lyle Sumek. He wished all the mothers a Happy
Early Mother's Day.
Commissioner Cruz stated that she spoke to Lyle Sumek.
Mayor Penserga stated that he had no disclosures.
3. Strategic Plan Discussion
Meeting Minutes
City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
A. Topics of Discussion
1. Leadership and Strategic Planning Workshop: Purposes and Agenda
2. City as a Team
3. Leadership Challenges for City Leaders
4. Strategic Planning Model for City of Boynton Beach: Overview
5. Performance Report 2022-2023: Overview
6. Looking to Boynton Beach's Future: Overview
7. Boynton Beach Vision 2038
8. City of Boynton Beach: Our Mission
9. City of Boynton Beach: Core Values
10. Goals for 2028: Overview
11. Next Steps
Daniel Dugger, City Manager said that they are meeting to see what the next 5 years will
look like for the City.
Lyle Sumek, Strategic Planning Consultant, asked how formal they want this, because
normally this is an informal workshop. He said that the interviews were very productive,
and this is a working document. He stated that he put together a framework for the City,
and this is a building block for the future. He mentioned that he had staff fill out a form
that shows what they thought were the successes and failures in the past. He said that
they will see a work program that will be used on a daily basis. He spoke about the
following: governance vs. politics; section 1, page 3- Commission Manager form of
government; page 17-teamwork, diversity of views and ideas; celebrating successes with
our community; true champions building the next generation of leaders; section 2, page
19, living in turbulent times; tackle response to disinformation; focusing on value to the
community; next generation of government workers; infrastructure; section 3, page 3-
public service and quality of life; section 3, page 2- strategic plan mission; 5 year map
that will be addressed when we get back together; what is the purpose of City
government; and what do you expect of an employee.
Mayor Penserga stated that he would like to amend the agenda to add public comment
at this time.
Public Comments-
Harry Woodworth stated that he came to represent 12 communities and asked when the
public can be engaged and involved.
Susan Oyer stated that there should be community input. She said that they represent
the community, and the Commission will not know what the residents want, if the
community is not involved. She mentioned that this should not be at 9am on a Saturday
morning. She asked where the food is for the public, like they have had before. She said
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City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
that the City Attorney cannot even answer questions asked.
Mr. Sumek stated that they can have a community summit, and this is not a final
document. He spoke about the following: Section 6- Vision 2038- safe community.
Mayor Penserga stated that all 20 of these are great, but we need to focus down on a
few. He asked if we can add construction sites to Safe buildings and homes, for complying
with City code and regulations. He said that for #7, he would like to make sure that we
have a well-executed plan for emergencies other than Hurricanes.
Commissioner Kelley stated that with #7, knowing what the roles of the Commission is
very important. She said that it is important to know what they can and cannot say, and
when and how they stay in their lane.
Mayor Penserga stated that he is worried about a communication crisis.
Commissioner Hay stated that with #11, he likes having visible Police presence, but there
is a level of trust that is needed in the community.
Commissioner Cruz stated that she is looking at#11, #13, #18, and #3, and said that she
thinks those can be combined. She mentioned that she would like to make sure that the
senior citizens are feeling safe, like the rest of the community. She commented that she
would like to add customer services to this list, which can be added to #1.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that we can be clean and safe when there is more sense of
pride with the community. He said that this hits on the point of more Police presence.
Mr. Sumek stated that he would like to keep these separate and then combine them at a
later time.
Commissioner Kelley stated that with #11, the residents just want to know that the Police
are out there, because it helps when they are more visible in the streets, so she is not for
combining the items.
Commissioner Hay stated that mental health awareness is a major issue in our society,
and he would like for the community to know that this is a major concern of the City.
Mr. Sumek stated that he will add that to #8.
Mayor Penserga stated that Jewish Family Services are willing to provide Mental Health
Training. He said that many times first responders are expected to deal with homeless
people, but it is not fully their responsibility. He mentioned that he attended a seminar
where many players were involved, to be able to help the homeless situation.
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Meeting Minutes
City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
The Commission was asked to give the top 9 items that are important to them, which they
provided.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 2, beautiful community.
Mayor Penserga stated that sidewalks and medians are the first thing that residents see,
so he thinks there should be some clear rules that they should be kept clean.
Commissioner Hay spoke about the lighting being very dark in Boynton Beach, off of US1,
and there should be more lighting.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that there should be a focus on Federal Highway.
Commissioner Cruz would like to combine #3 and #6, in regards to keeping it well
maintained and well lit. She spoke about policies to keep HOA's accountable for these
items as well.
Mayor Penserga said that he would like to add that it drives him crazy when there is loose
trash on the streets, and some of it is because there are separated garbage cans by the
bus stops, instead of something that cannot tip over and scatter trash
Mr. Sumek stated that the City of Kissimmee has underground garbage containers, so he
can add options to deal with that.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that he lives in a neighborhood that is not HOA, and residents
are not being held accountable.
Commissioner Kelley stated that there are a lot of inconsistencies in the medians, such
as landscaping and maintenance.
Commissioner Hay spoke about the CRA sunsetting in 15 years, and he said that he
would like to see them fulfill their purpose for the downtown area. He mentioned that he
would like there to be equality to appearance throughout the City.
The Commission was asked to give the top 9 items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus was #1, #2, #3, #4, #6, #10, #12, #16, and #17.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 3, Congress District. He asked what else they would
like to see.
Mayor Penserga stated that he would like to add Arts and Culture to #2.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that he would like to see redevelopment of the mall. He said
that he would like to see some form of recreation, commercial, housing, sports related
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activities, etc., bringing year-round entertainment.
Commissioner Cruz stated that we need to think about the people that live in that area.
She said that she envisioned a mixed-use development, for people within and outside of
our City to come to.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that he agrees that what is there needs to be as viable as
possible.
Mr. Sumek added a unique multi-experience venue for this area.
Commissioner Kelley stated that the west side of the City does not have that community
space area. She said that we are getting away from the need for a large office space, and
there are more locations that can focus on smaller office spaces that are rented out on a
short-term basis.
Mayor Penserga stated that they do have a lot of residents on the other side of this area,
and he would like to include other means of getting around in the area. He spoke about
being flexible with office spaces, and his ultimate goal is to raise median income, but the
small businesses usually do not help with the goal.
Commissioner Hay stated that it would be nice to have citywide internet. He spoke about
#11 and having a garage built because parking is a major challenge.
Mr. Sumek stated that they can add mobility options to #11.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that if there is going to be housing here, we need to focus more
on bringing the high paying jobs to the City.
Mayor Penserga stated that people do not typically want to be transient, but many people
cannot afford to buy a house, which is why they are renting apartments. He said that he
has asked staff to visit the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, because it is a good model
for what he would like to see in the mall area.
Commissioner Cruz said that she has had many conversations with residents that are
moving away because they can no longer afford it. She stated that there is a lack of
workforce housing in Districts 1 and 4, and suggested that we look into purchasing a piece
of the land at the mall property, so that we can have a seat at the table to decide what
will go there. She mentioned that we can also change the zoning, so that we can help out
with what will be going in that area.
Mayor Penserga asked if the Commission would be open to creating some sort of CRA
for the west side of this area, and there was consensus from the Commission to add this
to the area.
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Meeting Minutes
City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
Vice Mayor Penserga spoke about a workforce housing fund to be utilized in that area.
Commissioner Hay stated that we are in a mobile society and a lot of them do not want a
mortgage.
Commissioner Kelley spoke about the special districts and struggling with them, because
there are ways that we can incentivize businesses to come into the City, without taxing
the community. She spoke about having homeownership opportunities in all districts.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #2, #3, #4, #10, #11 , #15, #18, and #20.
Mr. Sumek explained about the remaining sections to cover.
Mayor Penserga recessed for lunch at 12:24 P.M.
Mayor Penserga reconvened the meeting at 1:05 P.M.
Commissioner Cruz did not return to the dais. She left at 1:00 P.M.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 4- Downtown/Cultural District.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that we need to add parking to this list. He said that he liked
everything on the list, but heading to the Marina/Waterfront it is important to see how we
can expand that.
There was discussion regarding entertainment at nighttime, in addition to daytime.
Commissioner Kelley spoke about incorporating daytime activities for people like seniors.
Mr. Dugger spoke about bringing activities here, such as yoga on the lawn.
Mayor Penserga stated that he does not want the City to become a drunken Avenue. He
mentioned that we have mangroves in our area and protecting it is important, and he
wishes that people had access to it.
Commissioner Hay added wanting wider sidewalks to #1.
Glenn Weiss, Public Art Manager, spoke about a goal of the Art Board to turn the
downtown into an Arts Destination, not only Kinetic Art.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #2, #3, #11, #13, #16, and #17.
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Meeting Minutes
City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
Vice Mayor Turkin spoke about expanding the Marina.
Mr. Sumek stated that the tie-breaker would be #12. He spoke about Principle #5, livable
community for all.
Vice Mayor Turkin mentioned that there is some redundancy in different categories. He
asked that the ones that are repeated, be deleted, #5, #7, and #10.
Commissioner Hay stated that some of these cannot be measured, like residents taking
pride of their City.
There was discussion regarding the following: different things that residents may do when
they take pride in their community; effective traffic calming; consolidating #16 and #3;
enhancing sustainability; and electric vehicles preparation, strategic charging stations in
different locations in the City.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #3, #6, #14, #21, #23, with tie breaker#21.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 6- Fun experiences for all.
There was discussion regarding access to the beach, and fun for both residents and
tourism.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. There was discussion regarding combining some items. The consensus is #1,
#2, #4, #6, #12, #17, #18, #20, and #21.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 7- strong and diverse local economy.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #3, #6, #8, #10, #12, #13, #14, and #15.
Mr. Sumek spoke about the mission of the City, section 7.
The Commission spoke about different words that they would use in the blank spots in
the mission statement.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 1- Financially responsible and sound.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #9, #13, and #18.
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Meeting Minutes
City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop
Boynton Beach, FL May 13, 2023
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 2- Municipal Services.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #2, #3, #6, #7, #12, and #14.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 3- Plan and invest in the future.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #2, #3, #6, #13, #14, and #15.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 4- high performing City team.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #4, #6, #10, #11, #16, #12, and #13.
Mr. Sumek spoke about Principle 6- Engaged Boynton Beach Community.
The Commission was asked to give the top items that are important to them, which they
provided. The consensus is #1, #2, #3, #5, #8, #13, and #14.
Mr. Sumek spoke about the core values for the City. He gave the Commission an
assignment to comeback with their individual perspective of their core values. He spoke
about the acronym for SPIRIT, for the City. He stated that he is going to change the Goal
1- a Vibrant City, based off of what they went over today. He said that they will prioritize
everything and will discuss it at the next meeting.
Motion
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Kelley seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 3:17 P.M.
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