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Minutes 05-29-18 Budget inputMINUTES OF THE PUBLIC BUDGET INPUT MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018, AT 6:30 P.M. AT INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE, 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steven B. Grant, Mayor Christina Romelus, Vice Mayor Justin Katz, Commissioner /_1-3�1 1 Mack McCray, Commissioner Joe Casello, Commissioner 1. OPENINGS A. Call to Order - Mayor Steven B. Grant Mayor Grant called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Mayor Grant indicated there was not a quorum, there will be no voting. Irene Revelas, CEO Hacklab, 3491 High Ridge Road, stated Hacklab was requesting a budget line item to be set aside for the Advance Apprenticeship program. Explained this program was for young adults in the Boynton Beach Community as well as across Palm Beach County. The program consists of 244 hours of intensive training, another 2000 hours of hands on job training. Ms. Revelas informed the Commission once the training was complete the students would receive a nationally recognized certification. This program provides high demand science and technology jobs. Mayor Grant inquired as to the total cost of the program. Requested information regarding the qualification of the residents and asked if Boynton Beach residents would be given preference. Ms. Revelas responded the total cost was $300,000. She explained Hacklab was requesting a grant of $50,000. Mayor Grant inquired how does City residents apply for the program. Ms. Revelas responded they needed to apply online or at the physical location. She indicated within the next 12 months Hacklab will have 4 fulltime employees once it BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 Mayor Grant asked if staff could see how the Schoolhouse Children's Museum initially began. He understood the Schoolhouse Children's Museum was still receiving funding from the City. Vice Mayor Romelus noted the CRA has grants created for nonprofits for this purpose. Ms. Revelas replied she had extensive discussions with the CRA regarding the grant funding and was informed she needed to be in the CRA district in order to receive funding. Ms. Revelas noted Hacklab was committed to have summer camp programs at the Library. She said because of the changes which are happening with the Town Square project the library would not be in the CRA district. Indicated this was an impediment with the CRA funding. Ms. Revelas explained Hacklab needed to be a nonprofit as well as in the CRA district. The CRA stated they could not fund Hacklab because they were not physically doing the program in the CRA district. Hacklab' s position was they were serving the residents in the CRA district. Ms. Revelas indicated they did not apply for the CRA grant. Vice Mayor Romelus stated she was not aware that being an impediment. The grant was made for the organization which would benefit the residents of the area. Vice Mayor Romelus indicated it would be better for Hacklab to seek funding with the CRA rather than the City. The CRA already has some budgeted amounts set aside for programs such as Hacklab, rather than trying to find the $50,000 from the City budget. Vice Mayor Romelus indicated she was in favor of what was being proposed by Hacklab. Commissioner Katz explained the CRA cannot do what was being requested. The CRA interpretation states the f use of funds outside of the CRA district was prohibited. Commissioner Katz stated there are two options if Hacklab wanted to apply for the funding from the CRA. The Hacklab can relocate within the CRA district or the City can fund the program. There was no way the CRA can stretch the interpretation of the law. Commissioner Katz said the CRA's are under attack in Tallahassee and this was a very large sum of money. If this was to be done it needed to be done through the City budget. Commissioner Katz reiterated the CRA prohibits the use of the funds; it was legally not allowed to disburse, Hacklab has two options; relocate within the CRA district. There was no way the district of the CRA can stretch its boundaries to accommodate the Hacklab or the City would need to provide the funding. Mayor Grant indicated the Schoolhouse Children's Museum was within the CRA district but did not request CRA funding and they have a line item in the City Budget. Tim Howard, Assistant City Manager responded this should be a separate conversation. He indicated it does not fall in the realm of a nonprofit looking for a grant. If the Commission would like staff to look into setting up a similar program, this can be BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 Mayor Grant stated the Schoolhouse Children's Museum had a specific purpose. Vice Mayor Romelus clarified the relationship with the Schoolhouse Children's Museum is equivalent with the relationship with the Golf course. Mr. Howard replied the City owns the building which houses the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. Vice Mayor Romelus indicated maybe this was a discussion the Commission could have in the future regarding creating some type of grant like the CRA has done. She commented on Commissioner Katz's response in terms of the physical relocation of the Hacklab. The possible relocation of the Hacklab to the Library should open up the grant for the CRA side. Indicated the Library will remain in the downtown area which was within the CRA district. The issue whether the Library was temporarily out of the CRA district was no longer a barrier. Vice Mayor Romelus indicated this would be a plausible location for the program which would place the Hacklab back into the CRA district. Vice Mayor Romelus asked would that place Hacklab in a position to receive the CRA funding. Ms. Revelas replied she does not think the CRA interpretation of the restrictions would allow the Hacklab to receive funding. Ms. Revelas indicated she was aware of what was happening in Tallahassee. Stated if Town Square was not happening most of the training would happen in the Library. But now they do not have a physical address. Mr. Howard stated it was his understanding the temporary space may be on Federal Highway. Mr. Howard suggested Ms. Revelas contact Mike Simon of the CRA for further discussion. Vincent Nolan, CEO for Sustainable Economic Development Solutions, explained he was a development consultant serving as a Board Chair of Hacklab. He was excited about the opportunity to grow jobs and businesses. Creating job opportunity was the most important part of his job. The apprenticeship program was for the citizens of Boynton Beach. This was the reason they are here to invest in the City residents. The CRA was an easy conduit but they have restrictions which the Hacklab may not be able to overcome. This program was to train local people for local jobs and raise their opportunity within the community. Irwin Cineus 23 NE 12 Avenue asked if this was the budget for the CRA. Mayor Grant responded no, this was a budget input meeting for residents. The Commission was getting input from the residents on what the residents wanted. This was an opportunity for the residents to be heard, prior to the budget being presented for approval. KAr (.inai is ackari nhni it nrnnram¢ vvhirh ara availahla in tha Mata of Flnrirla ci irh ac BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 encourage these types of programs and how the residents could have access to these programs. He noted there are many programs which should help the residents get themselves together. Wanted to know about grants which would help with electric bills, help elderly residents with home repairs. Finally, where are the free programs for the residents which have little or no income. Mayor Grant noted the City received more than $500,000 in Community Development Block Grants. Mr. Cineus asked for an explanation of the Community Development Block Grants. Mayor Grant explained the Community Development block grants can be used to fund elderly and low income residents repairs and bring homes up to Code standards. Mr. Cineus asked about social services and other types of programs for the community. Mayor Grant stated the City has many nonprofits which can assist the residents. The question becomes does the City need a better marketing budget, so that all the different nonprofit services which are available to the residents of Boynton Beach are made available such as Career Source, United Way, The Urban League, 211, there are many nonprofit agencies which cover Palm Beach County. Mayor Grant asked does the City need to put more money into the budget to provide funding to these organizations. Mr. Cineus noted there was a group of people in the City which are not being heard. Mayor Grant said if the residents do not ask they will not get. Mr. Cineus indicated the residents feel as though they are not being heard. The residents would like to work together with the City and the CRA. Asked what does the residents need to do. Mayor Grant stated there was no agenda. The City was trying to work together. If the residents want to speak they are welcomed to come to the CRA or the Commission meeting which are opened to the public. Mr. Cineus asked will there be any charrettes. Mayor Grant informed Mr. Cineus this was a budget workshop. The City was trying to work together with the residents. Indicated there would be no charrettes. Mr. Cineus said there are many things which could be beneficial for the community. Indicated there needed to be more programs for the children. More education in the community. More sporting resources. He inquired as to what goes on with a budget meeting. He wanted to know about grocery stores and how to get a store opened within the Community. The City needs Investments as well as other programs. How does the City make sure the residents are being provided the information with regards to meeting nnri nrnnrnmci BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 Vice Major Romelus noted the City was in the process of creating a new downtown. Stated the main meetings will be at the Intracoastal Park Clubhouse in the near future. Vice Mayor Romelus explained the City has given resources to nonprofit organizations to help with programs and other resources. The City does not have the manpower, the time or resources to make everything happen. The City has partnered with the nonprofit organizations. The City makes the policy and work with individuals within the community to make sure the partnership works. Suggested Mr. Cineus contact the CRA to get additional information on the many resources available to the residents of Boynton Beach. Mr. Cineus said it seems everything he asked for was already in the works. He just needed to know where to begin his search. Vice Mayor Romelus noted getting the right people to the right source was a beginning. Explained the role as a community activist was to help get the information out to the people. Vice Mayor Romelus suggested getting in contact with the CRA to get additional information regarding resources and programming. Mr. Cineus asked what are some of the things being budgeted. Inquired whether the City own its own water facility? Mayor Grant responded the City has its own water department. The City has taken out some loans to further the development to create clean water for the residents. In addition to the storm water program, to have the water drained from the low lying areas to prevent flooding. Mr. Cineus asked if a resident see an area flooding what needs to be done. Mayor Grant indicated the residents need to inform the Commission of areas which need to be changed. Mayor Grant provided an example of an area which flooded, now a storm drain has been installed and the flooding has decreased. Mr. Cineus asked if there have been any upgrades to the Water Plant. Mayor Grant advised the City recently completed a $30M upgrade to the City East Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Cineus asked what area does the water treatment plant service. Asked about the quality of the water. Mayor Grant informed the residents the City has two different water plants. The City constantly monitors the water quality. Mr. Cineus asked if the City was going to run the electrical power lines underground and has that been budgeted or was it apart of the budget process. Mayor Grant explained in the Town Square project they are creating the underground electricity for that area, the electrical poles made out of cement are not going away anytime soon. Mr (.inoi is ackari fnr rinrifirn inn ronnrriinn hi irrirnna nranarerinacc nrnnrnmc BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida 29, 2018 Commissioner Katz advised this was a budget workshop. There should have been a three-minute time limit and he was asking the chair to redirect the meeting. Mayor Grant stated if there are further questions, please ask after others are allowed to speak. Vice Mayor Romelus advised Mr. Cineus a good starting place was to get the budget from last year, and then follow that budget. She explained this will allow Mr. Cineus to see where the money goes. DeWayne Smith, spoke on behalf of the disadvantage youth in the community. Indicated he has spoken with Mayor Grant and he has shown interest in the program for the City. He explained My Brother's Keeper Program which provides tutoring and mentoring for disadvantage children. Indicated he was at this meeting to request funding for My Brother's Keeper. He said he did not know the process, but was willing to learn and be directed in the right direction to the right people or person. Mayor Grant explained My Brother Keeper was a national organization which help to mentor disadvantages youths to further their achievement. The previous speaker asked the question what was being done for the community. The City will hopefully have something in the budget which outlines certain initiatives that the City wants to see for building wealth in the community. Mr. Smith asked if this would include afterschool programs. Mayor Grant replied they have afterschool programs already in the Carolyn Sims and the Ezell Hester Community Center. Mayor Grant said the City needs to do a better job of marketing these programs in the community. Mr. Smith asked how was the advertising done. Mayor Grant replied this was done through social media, print and having workshops and Commission meetings. Mr. Smith ask if this was being done for the new school year. Mayor Grant responded this would be done for the next fiscal year 2018/2019. Jarvis Russ asked if these programs are available why is the City not informing the residents. Someone needs to tell the residents what is available. Mr. Russ stated this should be someone's job. Mayor Grant explained there was a position. The City was using social media, print and other avenues for the dissemination of information to the public. Mayor Grant asked if Mr. Russ had any suggestions on getting the information out to those not receiving this information. BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 Commissioner Katz indicated if there are a certain number of residents not receiving the information or paying attention to what the City has to offer, the City has endeavored to reach the population. Mr. Russ indicated there was a meeting held at St. John Missionary Baptist and there were some flyers available. He stated he believes the City does not want the residents to know there are resources available. Mr. Russ noted there was a large population in Boynton Beach who are not getting the information. He stated again, there needs to be a paid employee making sure residents are receiving information. Mayor Grant stated there is a paid position. The City was trying to communicate to those people who have not received the communications. Mr. Russ asked if all the meetings are being relocated to Intracoastal Park Clubhouse. Mayor Grant stated the City Hall will be moving from Boynton Beach Boulevard to the new temporary location about July 1, 2018. Mr. Russ said he will be doing his part. Indicated this was a budget input meeting, please have a position dedicated to providing information to the public. Not everyone has a computer to go online, or come into City Hall. The residents cannot get used to this idea of meeting at the Intracoastal Park. Informed the Commission the residents were not aware where to meet. Commissioner Katz stated the meetings are noticed with the dates, times and locations of all meetings. Mayor Grant repeated the meetings are noticed. Vice Mayor Romelus stressed if the residents feel as though they are not receiving information they can get on a mailing list. Doing this would ensure all information was received. Mr. Russ stated there are programs to help residents, but the residents are not aware the programs exist. Vice Mayor Romelus directed Eleanor Krusell to add the names of the members of the audience to the mailing listing. Commissioner Katz stated the event mentioned was not a City sponsored meeting. Mayor Grant explained the event was sponsored by Palm Beach County. Commissioner Katz indicated the City has no connection to the event, other than placing it on the website. BUDGET INPUT Meeting Minutes City Commission Boynton Beach, Florida May 29, 2018 Mr. Howard advised the City has programs which are income based regarding housing and home repairs administered through the Community Improvement. The SHIP program was used to fund the purchase of homes; He continued to say this was Federal money which had very strict guidelines. CDBG funding were for public services, such as providing credit counseling, legal aid, also provides funding for repairs and maintenance. Mayor Grant stated the City should have each department provide a report so that the residents are aware of what was going on in each department. The residents are saying they are not being informed, the City needs to do a better job. Mr. Cineus asked how does the City recognize when a program was successful. Mayor Grant indicated the City does not have a matrix. Mayor Grant indicated there needed to be a presentation from Octavia Sherrod and the Parks and Recreation Department. He understands the residents want more transparency. Mr. Cineus asked where was the budget from last year and when will this year's budget be finalized. Mayor Grant responded the final budget should be finalized in September. Mr. Cineus asked how does the budget process work. Mayor Grant stated the Commission will have meetings and in July there will be specials meeting, then there will be final revisions approved in September. Mr. Cineus asked if the CRA budget was part of the City budget. Mayor Grant stated the CRA budget was separate from the City budget. The CRA would have their budget meeting at the Commission meeting. Vice Mayor Romelus stated the City needed to have better programming updates. She requested Ms. Sherrod to present updates biannual to the City residents. Seeing no other residents Mayor Grant adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m. 7 7-� �7 Queenester Nieves Deputy City Clerk