Minutes 07-07-25 City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Present:
Mayor Rebecca Shelton Daniel Dugger, City Manager
Vice Mayor Woodrow L. Hay Shawna Lamb, City Attorney
Commissioner Angela Cruz Maylee De Jesus, City Clerk
Commissioner Thomas Turkin
Commissioner Aimee Kelley
1. Agenda Items
A. Call to Order—
Mayor Shelton called the meeting to order at 9:03 A.M.
Roll Call
City Clerk Maylee De Jesus called the roll.
Invocation by Vice Mayor Woodrow Hay.
The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Hay
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Shelton.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Shelton.
Agenda Approval:
1 . Additions, Deletions, Corrections
Commissioner Kelley asked if we wanted to make sure that we allow time for public
comment on each of the days of the budget hearing.
2. Adoption
Motion:
Commissioner Turkin moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Commissioner Kelley
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Administrative
A. Discuss changing September 2nd Commission Meeting/First Budget Hearing
date.
Andrew Mack, Deputy City Manager, spoke about the TRIM requirements, and they
recommended September 3, 2025.
City Manager Dugger mentioned different date options.
Commissioner Kelley asked if it could be before the 9th.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Anthony Davidson, Deputy Finance Director, stated that the budget hearings have to
occur between the 3rd and the 18th of September, and mentioned advertisement
requirements.
There was discussion regarding different options for the meeting.
City Manager Dugger stated that they will get more options for the Commission.
3. Budget Workshop
A. Budget Overview
City Manager Dugger stated that we had a projected $385 Million budget for this year. He
spoke about the items that were pushed from last fiscal year, and about the reduction in
costs for the ALS Transportation. He stated that we started with a $2 million budget deficit,
and we were awarded a $2.5 million settlement, and said that over all there will be $1
million delta. He commented that the City is moving in the right direction. He highlighted
the following: increases in the Commission budget, adding Commission Aides; utility rate
increase, due to aging infrastructure; increase in events budget; additional personnel in
different departments; and requesting 100% funding from the CRA.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he thinks it's good practice to have a joint workshop with
the CRA, where everyone is at the table.
Attorney Lamb stated that they would just have to make a motion to add it as a discussion
item.
Commissioner Turkin motioned to add the item now to discuss it.
Vice Mayor Hay stated that he supports this, but he would like to make sure that people
commit to showing up to the meetings, so that we can have a quorum.
Commissioner Turkin stated that we should have this meeting to be able to really
implement our strategic plan. He stated that he would like to have it coordinated, and
would like to have this move forward.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she would like to ask if staff or the City Manager can
discuss the need and plan for the additional personnel that they would like the CRA to
fund.
Attorney Lamb stated that this is already on the CRA agenda, and she suggested having
a discussion with CRA Attorney Rossmell ahead of time, in regards to this.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she would like to have this discussion with the CRA, so
that the overlap is discussed with both parties. She asked for someone to reach out today,
to make sure that the personnel costs will be able to happen, so that everyone is on the
same page.
City Manager Dugger stated that he can make sure that every director that will have a
need for the additional personnel, will be attending the CRA meeting tomorrow. He spoke
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
about the cuts to services, if we do not have the CRA help with the funding.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he has had discussions with other departments, like with
Parks, and there is an overlap with the CRA, and we should have that discussion with
both parties.
• Revenues & Expenses
• Fund Balance
• Personnel Changes
• Fire Assessment Rate
Property Millage Rate
Alan Lawson, Finance Director, introduced himself and stated that he will be doing the
budget overview. He mentioned that if there is a rollback on millage, there will be an
impact to the budget. He discussed the agenda for the day and stated that he will hand
this off to Fabio Baca, Budget Manager, and Anthony Davidson, Deputy Finance Director,
to discuss the budget.
Mr. Baca spoke about the following: FY 2025-26 1st Public Budget Workshop (Special
Meeting), and FY 2025-26 Budget Hearing/Adoption Schedule; purpose of budget
workshop; budget workshop-general fund; and revenue highlights.
Commissioner Turkin asked if the Police contract with the CRA is what is being asked
from the CRA to fund.
Mr. Baca responded yes.
Vice Mayor Hay asked how much projected funds will be coming from the property taxes.
Mr. Baca responded that $62.1 million is projected. He continued his presentation and
spoke about the budget workshop general fund expenditure highlights.
City Manager Dugger stated that the assumption rates of the departments were kept
around 6.8%.
Commissioner Kelley asked about health insurance and if we shop around every year.
She asked if we are currently in a contract to stay with the current broker or if we are
shopping around.
City Manager Dugger stated that he would get with Lynn Nazario, HR Director, and
Andrew Rozwadowski, to see if we are locked in or not. He mentioned that there are
currently more options for insurance plan than there have been, and an increase in
service at the clinic as well.
Mr. Baca highlighted the variances for the retirement plans.
Mr. Davidson stated that there is a reduction in the health insurance fund.
Mr. Baca continued his presentation: general fund balance update; he mentioned that the
millage rate was decreased; general fund FTE count with other funds; budgeted FY 25/26
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
COLA; and personnel adjustments.
Commissioner Turkin asked why we are looking to add 2 Sergeants instead of 2 new
Police Officers.
Assistant City Manager Temple mentioned the reason why they are looking for the extra
leadership, instead of more Officers.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he prefers more boots on the ground than
administrative, because there is more impact when you have more reach.
There was discussion regarding the additional personnel.
Chief DeGiulio stated that we added more Officers, but not enough supervisors.
There was discussion regarding supervisors that oversee a specific number of Officers;
boots on the ground; splitting a role, to have boots on the ground; CRA Sergeant to be
boots on the ground; and that this will be an operational Sergeant and not administrative.
Mayor Shelton asked about the Community Standards specialist and if they will only be
within the CRA District.
Assistant City Manager Temple responded that yes they will stay within the CRA, and
spoke about being able to help with future CRA District improvement programs.
Mr. Baca spoke about the general fund's two-year comparison of department budgets.
Commissioner Turkin mentioned the 3 new Commission Aides, and we have budgeted
for 2 more, and said that we should reassess to see if we need the additional personnel.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she agrees, and she is happy to have people helping,
but we should see if they need additional personnel.
Mr. Davidson asked for clarification if they are removing the additional 2 positions.
There was consensus on removing the 2 positions.
Vice Mayor Hay asked about the Town Square Project.
There was discussion regarding the payment from the Town Square settlement.
Mr. Baca spoke about the following: general fund- two year comparison of department
budgets; all funds appropriation summary; and millage rate update.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if we have a long-term plan of maintaining, increasing, or
decreasing the millage rate over time.
Minutes of the City Commission Budget Workshop and Meeting
Held Online Via the GoToWebinar Platform and
In-Person at the City Hall Commission Chambers
100 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
On Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
City Manager Dugger spoke about millage rates and his long-term vision, where he would
like to see them lowered to between 4-5%, and that this will help grow the City.
Commissioner Turkin stated that having a long-term plan is great, but anything can
happen. He said that we need to manage this year by year.
City Manager Dugger mentioned that the ad-valorem value is something he wants them
to look at annually.
Mayor Shelton stated that all of this goes back to growing our City and the rebranding of
our City.
4. Public Audience
Individual Speakers Will Be Limited To 3 Minute Presentations (at the discretion of
the Chair, this 3-minute allowance may need to be adjusted depending on the level
of business coming before the City Commission)
Steven Grant stated that he started with the City in 2013, to reduce expenses and
increase revenues. He stated that the City could do other things to increase revenues,
like charging $100 to request public records. He spoke about the code reduction process.
He mentioned getting quarterly crime statistics; charter review committee; and Al.
Commissioner Turkin clarified that there will be a Charter Review Committee discussion
at the next meeting.
B. Department Budget Presentations
1. Police Department
Chief DeGiulio spoke about the following: proposed budget; highlighted changes;
successes and challenges; and lowered crime rates in the City.
Commissioner Turkin stated that the Police has done a great job with Safety within the
City and neighborhoods.
Mayor Shelton spoke about the ordinances being changed to help with safety initiatives.
Chief DeGiulio stated that they try to create a deterrent, and strong convictions, so that
people do not want to come back here and commit more crimes. He spoke about other
successes, including grants that they are getting from the State; CIT training; and
challenges.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Vice Mayor Hay asked if the Chief could prioritize, what would be the major thing they
need.
Chief DeGiulio said that the main one is a training facility. He continued his presentation
and spoke about initiatives. He spoke about the recruiting budget including bonuses and
incentives.
Commissioner Kelley stated that it would be easier to have just one budget, and
mentioned that when they are looking at multiple budgets, it's harder to tighten the budget.
Chief DeGiulio stated that they have spoken about consolidating back into one budget.
Deputy City Manager Mack spoke about simplifying the budget in the future.
Commissioner Kelley asked where in traffic are the crossing guards. Chief DeGiulio
mentioned that they in the 103 account.
Commissioner Kelley asked what is the current staffing for the crossing guards and their
plan.
Chief DeGiulio spoke about needing more crossing guards, and offering different
incentives to get more guards.
Commissioner Kelley stated that retention is usually more difficult, and she would like to
make sure that we do what we can to keep them, including bonuses or a thank you
reception at the end of the school year, etc. She asked if we are being realistic on a
reduction of overtime.
Chief DeGiulio spoke about City events being the main reason why there is a lot of
overtime, and mentioned that they have a few people in training as well. He said that he
would like to believe that this will work.
2. Fire Department
Fire Chief Bruder spoke about the following regarding the proposed budget.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she would love to get a spreadsheet on their vehicles
and the service expectations.
Fire Chief Bruder continued as follows: FY 2024/2025 Accomplishments; and FY25/26
Goals.
Commissioner Kelley asked if we can get a presentation before we break ground on the
Marine Complex.
Assistant City Manager Temple stated that any project that takes place on City land will
have to go through the City Commission.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Fire Chief Bruder spoke about what other items the Fire Assessment money will be going
to; FY 25/26 Goals continued; and grant funding.
Commissioner Kelley asked about the new scheduling that Boynton Fire went to, and if
we are seeing a reduction in overtime.
Fire Chief Bruder stated that it has been a wildfire of different municipalities asking how
they were able to shift to this new schedule. He stated that the support of this body and
staff is the first reason why it's working. He mentioned that there's always going to be
overtime, but they are seeing overtime related to FMLA, maternity/paternity leave, and
sick time. He stated that he thinks the overtime will be systemic over time, but if we hire
about one more person per shift, we might see a reduction in the overtime.
Vice Mayor Hay asked about the Community Paramedics Program.
Fire Chief Bruder spoke about the benefits of the program to the community.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if this program would be supported by insurance companies.
Fire Chief Bruder mentioned that there have been some problems with insurance
companies, and it is a great program to the community.
Assistant City Manager Temple stated that we are currently wrapping up a contract with
the Town of Hypoluxo and we will likely bring a contract with the Town soon.
3. Recreation & Cultural Services Department
• (including Art & Culture, Events, Golf, Library, Recreation, and
Parking) 4)
Craig Clark, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, spoke about the following:
increase in salary and supplies for the department; successes; proposed budget;
successes, continued; challenges; and initiatives.
Mayor Shelton asked about the infrastructure for the tennis courts.
Mr. Clark said that we are working on outsourcing the tennis court services. He said that
we have a newer system for the tennis courts.
Fabien Desrouleaux, Recreation and Cultural Services Assistant Director, stated that in
the short term they are leveraging the system that they have and going digitally, until they
finish with the RFP for the services. He mentioned that there were other facility upgrades
and their GIP Program. He stated that an example is that with a new irrigation system in
place, they will not need to close the courts, resulting in more revenue.
Mr. Clark stated that there are grants they can apply for, and they will be doing that, to
help with the underground irrigation.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Vice Mayor Hay asked if the library funding is keeping pace with the population growth.
Mr. Clark stated that the library is well funded and Jeannie Taylor has kept up with the
demands for that.
Jeannie Taylor, Library Director, spoke about the library as follows: proposed budget;
highlighted changes; successes; challenges; initiatives; and questions.
Commissioner Kelley asked what does the library need, in order to assist in staffing
challenges.
Ms. Taylor stated that she asked for 1 .5 full-time positions, because she has a part-timer
that she would like to make full-time. She spoke about a job that 5 of her staff members
are splitting currently.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if they would consider a mobile Library or remote branches.
Ms. Taylor said that they would love to expand and have a mobile library.
Mayor Shelton asked about the different options that they offer, if it has decreased how
many people come in, since there's so many things on the internet.
Ms. Taylor spoke about the different items that the Library offers, that residents come in
for.
City Manager Dugger stated that most of the departments have smaller budgets and
aren't going to present, but they can, if the Commission would like to.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if there is a budget for safety in the library.
Ms. Taylor said that they have not had issues with security.
Mr. Clark spoke about the increase in the Schoolhouse budget.
Commissioner Kelley asked if we are anticipating additional shoring up work that needs
to happen.
Miriam Naranjo, Schoolhouse Children's Museum Executive Director, spoke about the
work that will be done on the Schoolhouse. She mentioned that there will be closures for
the schoolhouse while they are getting work done in the building for shoring and when
they replace the elevator. She said that they are thankful for the continued support.
Commissioner Kelley asked if this building will continue to be HVAC
Deputy City Manager Mack said yes.
Mayor Shelton asked how fundraising works for the schoolhouse.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Ms. Naranjo mentioned how they fundraise for the schoolhouse. She said that they do
not use City funds for fund raising events.
Mayor Shelton asked about the donors and if they are increasing or decreasing.
Ms. Naranjo spoke about the major donors being consistent, and the smaller donors are
falling off a bit.
Commissioner Kelley asked what they are doing to capture some of the donors of new
families that come into the area.
Ms. Naranjo stated that they are doing different events that will connect more with the
community and increasing their museum family fun day.
Mayor Shelton asked about tapping into funding with different entities.
Ms. Naranjo spoke about continuing funding with other municipalities, schools, and other
companies, which will all help increase awareness of the schoolhouse.
Mr. Clark stated that they just created a new strategic plan for the next few years, which
they never had before, and there is a fundraising committee that will help to come up with
ideas to get more funds.
Commissioner Kelley spoke partnering with different companies, to get extra advertising
out to the community, and expand our resources.
Vice Mayor Hay stated that he would like to see an increase in community engagement,
and that they maybe could look at the local churches, and it is a matter of educating and
exposing other groups to the museum.
Mayor Shelton recessed at 12:02 P.M., for lunch.
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley moved to enter recess at 12:02PM. Vice Mayor Hay seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion:
Commissioner Turkin moved to reconvene at 12:55 PM. Commissioner Kelley seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Kelly Armstead, Arts and Culture Division Director, spoke about the Arts and Cultural
Center as follows: proposed budget; quick highlights; successes and challenges;
initiatives; and questions.
Commissioner Kelley thanked Ms. Armstead for her presentation, and she said that she
is looking forward to the upcoming events.
Gabrielle Favitta, Events Division Director, spoke about Special Events as follows:
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
proposed budget; significant changes; successes; successes continued; challenges;
initiatives.
Commissioner Kelley asked where they see this budget shifting, when there is more
construction downtown.
Ms. Favitta spoke about increasing the notoriety of the City Events, and getting the City
on the map, and she mentioned getting increased sponsorship because people want to
come to our events.
Mayor Shelton asked if the people attending are mostly from outside of Boynton, and
whether we are bringing revenue to other municipalities, since we don't have hotels.
Ms. Favitta responded yes, they are mainly from outside of the City. She mentioned that
there are not a lot of tourism based events, except for Pirate Fest. She mentioned that
the vendors do stay locally. She spoke about the events eventually looking different, as
the buildings in the Town Square go up.
Vice Mayor Hay commented that it was "off the chain" and asked what the dollar amount
increase was.
Ms. Favitta responded that ticket sales went from $4K to $50K. She mentioned changes
in the future, because of feedback from people who attended.
Vice Mayor Hay mentioned that there was a lot of positive feedback.
Mayor Shelton asked to have this event during one of the cooler months.
Ms. Favitta stated that there is no "season" because there is a lot going on. She spoke
about doing some sort of stipend for the restaurants, for the future Taste of Boynton
Events.
Vice Mayor Hay asked about the cost of the 4th of July.
Ms. Favitta spoke about sponsorship, budgeting for vendors, and other expenses.
There was discussion regarding vendors for the 4th of July; first Friday events; featuring
our local schools; bringing back movie nights; and the practice of consolidating with first
Friday.
Bo Preston, Golf Course Division Director, spoke about the Golf Course as follows:
proposed budget; highlighted changes; successes, challenges, and initiatives; and CIP
Projects.
Mr. Lawson spoke about spending some money to attract more people and events, and
grow the revenue for the Golf Course.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Mr. Preston spoke about the increase in rounds sold last year and their goal for the next
year.
Commissioner Kelley asked if there are any partnership opportunities for the
enhancements to the golf course.
Mr. Preston stated that the academy would be a great sponsorship opportunity.
Mr. Clark stated that the renovation of the clubhouse would cost about $7 Million dollars,
and then the extra three holes would be in addition to that.
Commissioner Turkin spoke about Mr. Preston being nominated for the PGA Hope
Award. He encouraged everyone to go to the golf course. He mentioned that this will
develop into a huge asset for the community.
Commissioner Kelley spoke about how far the Golf Course has come from a few years
ago, and the importance of sponsorship opportunities.
Marvelous Washington, Recreation and Parks Division Director, spoke about the
Recreation and Parks as follows: proposed budget; and highlighted changes.
Mr. Desrouleaux spoke about the successes and challenges.
Ms. Washington spoke about initiatives.
4. Public Works Department
(including PW Admin, Facilities, Parks & Grounds, Construction
Services, Beautification & Streets, Fleet, Cemetery/Mausoleum)
Kevin Ramsey, Public Works Director, spoke about Public Works as follows: general fund;
general fund- proposed budget; highlighted changes; and construction services
successes and challenges.
Commissioner Turkin asked if we reassessed the roads on Chapel Hill.
Mr. Ramsey responded yes. He continued his presentation as follows: construction
services successes and challenges; Construction Services initiatives; facilities and
infrastructure maintenance successes and challenges; facilities and infrastructure
maintenance initiatives; Parks and Grounds successes and challenges; Parks and
Grounds Initiatives; Beautification and Streets successes and challenges; Beautification
and Streets initiatives; fleet maintenance proposed budget (internal service fund); fleet
maintenance highlighted changes; fleet maintenance successes and challenges; fleet
maintenance initiatives; Memorial Park- cemetery/mausoleum; and Memorial Park-
cemetery/mausoleum successes, challenges, and initiatives.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he thinks that there will be a way for multiple
departments to work together on different initiatives.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Vice Mayor Hay asked how the streets are prioritized for resurfacing.
Mr. Ramsey spoke about when the streets were graded, and how the process was. He
mentioned that they fix the worst streets first.
Commissioner Kelley asked, in regards to the Beautification Team, how are they checking
locations, and how they are looking at concerns and issues and how they are prioritized.
Mr. Ramsey spoke himself and the Beautification Team driving around the major streets
in the City, to see if there are any issues.
5. Community Standards Department
Candice Stone spoke about the following: proposed budget (revenues); proposed budget
(expenditures); major highlighted changes; challenges; successes; and initiatives.
There was discussion about different hours of operation for staff, and have them
staggered.
Mayor Shelton stated that there could be flyers or door hangers, in order to get information
out to the residents.
Ms. Stone continued to speak about initiatives.
Commissioner Turkin spoke about interdepartmental collaboration.
Mayor Shelton spoke about repeat offenders in the City right across from City Hall. She
mentioned that bulk trash pickup days should be on Friday across the City.
Commissioner Turkin said that he does not mind giving this department what they need,
but everyone needs to work together.
Vice Mayor Hay stated that this is not a District problem, it is a Citywide problem. He said
that all of Boynton needs make the entire City as best as possible.
Mayor Shelton stated that she would like to make sure that the repeat offenders get fined,
so that they can stop causing issues. She mentioned ordinances needing to be changed,
to be able to crack down on violators.
Ms. Stone spoke about increasing the fees, which will come before the Commission soon.
Assistant City Manager Temple spoke about rebranding and changing the "Community
Standards" department name, because some people don't know that it is Code
Enforcement.
City Manager Dugger spoke about the historical name of "Community Standards" and
said that he would like to change it back to "Code Enforcement."
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Attorney Lamb stated that there will be an Ordinance change for the name change.
Mr. Temple spoke about revamping Code Enforcement.
Attorney Lamb spoke about Chronic Nuisance and Nuisance Abatements. She mentioned
that implementation takes time, and Special Magistrate Orders.
Commissioner Kelley asked how this affects our manpower.
There was discussion regarding Nuisances and the processes, and ordinance changes
that are needed.
City Manager Dugger spoke about feeling safe walking out of your house.
6. Other Departments "as
requested"
C. Capital Improvement Fund
• 302 Fund (General)
• 303 Fund (Surtax)
Rick Hoffer, Assistant Director of Public Works, spoke about the following: Agenda- 302
fund; source of funding; proposed budget for 302 fund; general governmental projects for
302 fund; general government highlighted projects for 302 fund; recreation and parks
project for 302 fund; recreation and parks highlighted projects for 302 fund; public safety
projects for 302 fund; public safety highlighted projects for 302 fund; information
technology projects for 302 fund; transportation projects for 302 fund; proposed budget
for 303 fund- surtax; general governmental highlighted projects for 303 fund; Recreation
and Parks highlighted projects for 303 fund; public safety highlighted projects for 303
fund; and transportation projects for 303 fund.
Commissioner Turkin asked for further explanation of the robot.
Mr. Hoffer mentioned different things that the robot can do.
There was discussion in regards to the following: robot, and the benefits of the robot; the
drones and the maintenance of them; budgeting for things that need to be maintained;
302 GIP budget build out for the Police Department; having to build out for additional
personnel in different new buildings; and planning and forecasting for the future.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if Fund 303 is on budget and on time.
Mr. Hoffer stated that most are on schedule and in budget.
D. Solid Waste Fund
. Operating
. Solid Waste Rate Study Presentation by Ryan Smith from Ryper Water
Analytics
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Annalie Holmes, Deputy Director of Public Works, spoke about the following: solid waste
proposed budget; highlighted changes; challenges; successes; and initiatives.
Ryan Smith, Ryper Water Analytics, spoke about the Solid Waste Rate Study as follows:
study purpose; goals- financial forecast; financial forecast (revenues vs expenses);
recommendations; inflation vs historical rate adjustments; and questions.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if we are operating at a surplus, break even, or deficit.
Mr. Smith stated that their goal is to meet the needs of the community, not to have a
surplus or a deficit. He stated that they would like to build out their reserve, to prepare for
a major catastrophe.
Mayor Shelton asked about changing bulk day, and if it is this department.
Ms. Holmes stated that yes it is, and that they are looking into changing it to one day a
week.
Mayor Shelton asked what the obstacles are to get it done.
Ms. Holmes mentioned that staffing and vehicle availability are some of the obstacles.
There was discussion regarding trash days, and complaints in regards to the trash pickup;
Forest Park being a problem; prioritize certain areas pretty quickly; and generate revenue
from recyclable materials.
E. Utility Fund
• Operating
• Capital Improvements
Utilities Rate Study Presentation by Ryan Smith from Ryper Water
• Analytics
Dr. Poonam Kalkat spoke about Utilities as follows: utilities proposed budget; utilities
proposed budget- primary increase drivers; proposed budget; successes-operational;
initiatives- operational; initiatives- sustainability and resilience; challenges; and FY 25/26
capital improvement program.
Keith Webber spoke about the following: neighborhood projects- include water,
wastewater and stormwater infrastructure; neighborhood multiyear projects- include
water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure; Coquina Cove drainage improvements;
water supply and treatment projects; east water treatment plant; wastewater collection
system improvement projects; stormwater and drainage improvement projects; and
Chapel Hill neighborhood Drainage project.
Dr. Kalkat spoke about the studies and master planning.
Vice Mayor Hay asked if there is a dedicated reserve for Utilities.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Dr. Kalkat stated that Utilities does have a reserve, which is used for any kind of
emergencies, some are restricted, and some are unrestricted.
Mr. Smith spoke about the following regarding the Financial Forecast and Rate
Recommendations for Utilities as follows: Event with recent adjustments, our rates remain
among the lowest in the region; historically, our rate adjustments have not kept pace with
inflation; knowing where we stand financially today helps us plan smart for tomorrow;
capital costs have risen significantly due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor
shortages, and higher material prices; examples of areas we are focusing on in our capital
improvement plans; we are working on replacing our west water treatment plans
membranes; to meet its challenges, the city should strive to achieve its financial goals;
capital improvement program- appropriations basis; funding plan- capital improvement
program; with a challenging road ahead, we're proactively planning to fund critical
infrastructure, manage short-term obligations, without compromising our level of service;
we're asking for the Commission's support to responsibly raise rates and secure financing
to ensure reliable utility services; even with rate adjustments, our rates can remain
competitive for years to come; and questions.
There was discussion regarding a comparison against all other rates in the area; impact
of millage rate against utilities, which is none; rate adjustments and the impacts against
the infrastructure in the City; not being able to fund the utilities, and the ramifications of it;
taking care of infrastructure now and not later; and collateral to secure the bonds.
F. Other Funds (SHIP, CDBG, ETC.)
• Other Funds "as requested"
4. Public Audience
Individual Speakers Will Be Limited To 3 Minute Presentations (at the discretion of
the Chair, this 3-minute allowance may need to be adjusted depending on the level
of business coming before the City Commission)
Susan Oyer stated that she sent an email in regards to the Budget, and she suggested
moving the meetings to nights. She said that she supports a utility increase, and that we
should have started taking care of this years ago. She spoke about the budget being out
of control.
Tom Warneke suggested changing the process for the budget as follows: adding an item
in regards to including transitioning to electric vehicles; Historic Preservation Planner to
be budgeted for; having public art on the inside of City projects; capital improvement
project fund, would like the Nichols Forest have a sign; recreation as public use; more
staff for community standards; and change the bulk day on Seacrest.
Vice Mayor Hay stated that we did get more participation in the evening, and we will see
what happens then.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
There was discussion regarding the Resolutions and finishing tonight.
5. Other
A. Proposed Resolution No. R25-158- A Resolution of the City of Boynton Beach,
Florida, adopting a Proposed Municipal Millage Rate for General Operating
Budget purposes for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, stating a rolled-back rate, and
setting the date, time and place of the first public hearing; providing for an
effective date.
Mr. Davidson spoke about the millage rate, what the impact would be a reduction of
.0200% and .0500%.
Deputy City Manager Mack stated that we cannot increase it today, but we could keep it
the same or lower it today.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he would like to lower it to 7.75 millage rate.
Commissioner Kelley stated that when we looked at it last year, we were closer to
breaking even.
Vice Mayor Hay stated that we could always lower it later.
Mr. Davidson spoke about the millage rates for the last 10 years.
Vice Mayor Hay asked about 7.79 and the impact. He said that if we went to 7.75, he
doesn't know if we could continue to lower it in a few years.
Attorney Lamb stated that this is preliminary, and we have to get the first date of the
hearing as soon as possible.
Mayor Shelton suggested that we leave it the same for now and possibly lower it later.
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley moved to approve the Resolution No. R25-158. Vice Mayor Hay
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Proposed Resolution No. R25-159- A Resolution of the City Commission of the
City of Boynton Beach, Florida, relating to the provision of Fire Rescue Services,
Facilities, and Programs in the City of Boynton Beach, Florida; describing the
method of assessing Fire Rescue assessed costs against assessed property
located within the City of Boynton Beach; directing the preparation of an
assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of
notice thereof; and providing an effective date.
Mr. Davidson stated that no changes have been proposed.
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL July 7, 2025
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley moved to approve the Resolution No. R25-159 Vice Mayor Hay
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Proposed Resolution No. R25-160- Adopt a preliminary canal maintenance
assessment rate for FY 25-26 per Budget Workshop discussion on July 7, 9 and
10, 2025. Pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance No. 21-011 , Sections 166.021
and 166.041, Florida Statutes, and other applicable provisions of law.
Mr. Davidson stated that no changes have been proposed.
Motion:
Vice Mayor Hay moved to approve the Resolution No. R25-160 Commissioner Kelley
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Adjournment
Deputy City Manager Mack spoke about the dates that would work for staff, and if we
want to move the entire meeting or just the budget portion.
There was consensus of September 8th at 6 P.M. for just the budget hearing.
Motion
Commissioner Turkin moved to Adjourn. Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting is adjourned at 5:37 P.M.
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