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Minutes 05-04-2026 Minutes of the Senior Advisory Board Regular Meeting Held at City Hall, Commission Chamber, 100 E. Ocean Avenue Boynton Beach, Florida, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: William Perkins Marvelous Washington, Division Director Charlotte Novak Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation Superintendent Mark Stephenson Amanda Cowan I. Call to Order Mr. Perkins called the meeting to order at 2:00 P.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call Roll was taken. A quorum was present. IV. Approval of Agenda Mr. Perkins stated that the agenda for last month's meeting should be updated to reflect that Amanda Cowan was present. V. Approval of Minutes a. December 2025 Motion Mr. Perkins moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Stephenson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VI. Public Audience a. (Individual speakers will be limited to 3-minute presentations) None. VII. Unfinished Business a. Board Members Report on any Community Events Attended (Veterans' Memorial, Lawrence Road Improvement Town Hall Mr. Stephenson stated that he attended the Boynton Beach Police Department "Extravaganza" and that there was an overview of the direction for the City. He mentioned that City Management is planning on how Boynton Beach is going to be Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 4, 2026 developed. He expressed his passion on the matter and commented on how there are not many senior citizens or low-income residents involved in the change. He mentioned that a lot of the changes coming from the County will bury the senior community. He noted that he is not familiar with the Board and its duties. He expressed concerns and explained that there are many people and organizations that are unaware of the Senior Advisory Board. b. Meeting, Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan 2045) Ms. Novak mentioned that she had made a proposal to the Boards prior Board members to pass out the Comprehensive Plan at churches and local HOAs. She said that she spoke to Fabien Desrouleaux, Recreation and Parks Assistant Director and the assistant to the City Manager, Dan Dugger. She stated that she expressed to them on how she would like to see the senior activities posted on the City's webpage as they do with other sports and events. She commented on how there are many things happening within the community that are not communicated. She stated that most seniors are not "tech savvy" and informed the members that the Senior Center has a class being taught on technology. Mr. Perkins commented that he thinks that the issue with the Board is systemic when it comes to the function of the Board. He states that the City Charter is vague and that there is no interaction with City Council or the Mayor. He said that he is unsure if the City Council even cares. He stated that per the charter they are not given much leeway on what they can do as a Board and that they must address that first and if not, he does not see the reasoning for the Board's existence. Ms. Novak stated that per the ordinance they do not communicate with the City Commissioners. She said that the Senior Advisory Board falls under Recreation and Parks, and that their activities must be effectuated through that department. Mr. Perkins said that he is not confident that things discussed by the Board are communicated effectively. Ms. Novak said that she does believe that Recreation and Parks care about the seniors. Marvelous Washington, Recreation and Parks Division Director, expressed her empathy with the Board members' frustration. She explained that the Board is to use the department's resources to provide activities. She stated that staff are doing their best to work with the advisory board and to address all of their concerns. She asked that the Board members be patient and to give her an opportunity to change their view. Mr. Perkins asked Ms. Washington for clarification regarding the available resources to the board. Ms. Washington stated available resources are ideas and suggestions. She said that she understands that there are affordability issues but that is outside of the purview of responsibility for the department. She stated their goal is to make life fun and to provide programs for the seniors in Boynton Beach. She explained that the Board is used as a Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 4, 2026 resource for the department and provides volunteers for programs and activities. She explained to the members that she is limited in her role in what she can and cannot do. She said that they would like to be sure that the senior program meets all of the needs of the senior community. She commented that Recreation and Parks are able to serve the Board through programs and activities and mentioned that the Senior Prom will be returning. Mr. Stephenson stated that he does not care about the Senior Prom. He said that he cares about people eating and living. He commented that if the Board only cares about the Senior Prom, then he needs to do something else. Mr. Perkins thanked Ms. Washington and said that there are serious issues going on with Seniors and that he feels that his time, effort and talent could be better used for more significant matters. Ms. Washington stated that she understood the members' view. She questioned if members had any ideas on how to address the affordability crisis. She said that they are limited in what they can do within the Recreation and Parks department, but that they have a social service component. She said that there are agencies that come into the facilities and help those that may be behind on their lights or rent. She mentioned that they do not mind hosting an event of that nature and having someone come out to help seniors apply for services. Ms. Novak stated that she believed that to be an excellent suggestion and that it would be nice to have someone stationed at the Senior Center to assist. She expressed concerns about the Senior Center being used like a daycare. She stated that some need caregivers and some that cannot get around because of transportation. She mentioned that per the Charter, the Board is to serve seniors within the City. She said that she was aware that the Senior Center charges an extra $40 to unincorporated senior residents but questioned if that was adequate. She said that they do not have capacity to serve the citizens of Boynton Beach alone and that they have to decide on who are the constituents they are looking to serve. Ms. Washington asked if they believed non-resident prices should be increased. Ms. Novak commented that she is unsure and that that is up to staff. Mr. Perkins stated that there is a much more significant issue at hand. He said that the board needs to determine if they can be more impactful on senior issues for the community and how they go about doing so. He mentioned that he did not see anything specific to seniors tied to the Comprehensive Plan. Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 4, 2026 Ms. Washington stated there is a plan for a new senior facility that would include housing on top and a possible health facility. She mentioned that they are exploring ideas that they would like to bring back to the Board. Ms. Novak said that at the Town Hall meeting she asked the Director of Community Development when they could expect to see the facility and commented that it would take years. Mr. Perkins commented that in its current state, he does not see the value that the board currently brings to the table. Ms. Cowan commented that she agrees with the members and their concerns about affordability. She mentioned that she does not agree on some members' decision to just walk away from the Board because certain things are outside of their purview. She said that the Board could at least provide insight into the programs to support seniors. Mr. Perkins stated that the Board does not provide the programs and that they are already in place. Ms. Cowan said that the Board could provide suggestions. Mr. Stephenson said that he could provide suggestions as a regular citizen. Ms. Cowan said that she feels that without the Board there would be less representation. Mr. Perkins said that he is not suggesting that the Board goes away but he feels his time should be spent on subjects that have more depth than a Senior Prom. Mr. Stephenson said that he is frustrated. He stated that the ideas are good but that residents on the west side of Boynton Beach are not aware of anything. He asked members of the board if they received the Boynton Connect. He commented on how residents of the city for 20 plus years did not know that there was a Senior Advisory Board or Senior Center. He said that he thought the Senior Board was a governing body for the senior citizens. He stated that the model for Boynton Beach does not include the seniors. Ms. Cowan suggested that the Board begins to break down some of those issues by visiting some of the 55 and older communities and getting the word out. Ms. Novak commented that she has been trying to get a list of HOAs from the City for some time now. Ms. Cowan stated that as a realtor she may be able to provide a list that the Board 4 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 4, 2026 can start with. Ms. Washington said that she will figure out a way to get a list of the HOAs. She commented that she was unaware of some of the concerns and expressed the need of the members to advise staff so that they can correct the issues. She said that they must update their mailing list or the way that they are distributing the Boynton Connect. Mr. Perkins questioned if there were a Comprehensive Plan for Park and Recreation. Ms. Washington said that there is currently a plan in place that they have been reviewing. Ms. Novak asked when they will be able to see the plan and how it contributes to seniors. Mr. Perkins questioned if the plan would be published. Ms. Washington said that the plan would be published and posted on the website. She said that she does not have an estimated time of arrival and only received the draft last week. She stated that she will provide an update on the plan at the next meeting and a list of how it relates to the senior community. Mr. Stephenson commented that he believes it is best for the Board to be educated on the plan so that they can be clear on the Board's mission. Mr. Perkins stated that he does not think it is the Boards responsibility to come up with activities. He said he thinks that is the responsibility of Recreation and Parks. Ms. Novak said that she believes each member offers talent and a network that can be beneficial to the Board. Mr. Perkins said that at the next meeting he believes the Board should review the comprehensive plan and the board's charter so that they are clear on their responsibilities. Motion Mr. Perkins moved to review the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan and City's charter at the next meeting. Mr. Stephenson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Stephenson stated that June will be his last meeting and that he will be moving to Alabama. He commented on the changes coming to the City and his beliefs regarding the changes. Further conversation ensued regarding the changes in the City and how members 5 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 4, 2026 feel they will affect residents. c. Presentations from any Board Members with a submission concerning survey development for seniors in the community. d. LWBPBC update on presentation Mr. Perkins stated that he is unsure of what LWBPBC stands for and would like more information. e. Request for Board members willing to commit to other outreach opportunities VIII. Presentations to the Senior Advisory Board IX. New Business a. Board Member introductions: Each board member introduced themselves and provided insight into their backgrounds. b. Staff introductions Each staff member provided introductions and their role to the board. c. Presentation i. Youtube Video ii. Discussion d. Discussion 2026 list of proposals to benefit the senior community X. Next Meeting Date: June 1, 2026, at 2:OOp.m 1. Adjournment There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Perkins requested a motion to adjourn. Motion Ms. Cowan moved to adjourn. Ms. Novak seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 3:19 P.M. IJkIWVQ— Keysi:ra Delorme Administrative Coordinator II 6