Minutes 04-26-22 Special Meeting Minutes of the City Commission Special Meeting
Held Online Via the GoToWebinar Platform and
In-Person at the City Hall Commission Chambers
100 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida
On Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 5:30 P.M.
Present:
Mayor Ty Penserga Quentin Morgan, Deputy City Attorney
Vice Mayor Angela Cruz Crystal Gibson, City Clerk
Commissioner Woodrow L. Hay
Commissioner Thomas Turkin
Commissioner Aimee Kelley
1. Agenda Items
A. Call to Order- Mayor Ty Penserga
Mayor Penserga called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
Mayor Penserga stated that tonight's meeting was called for one purpose and one
purpose only. This evening we will hear from three candidates for the position of
Interim City Manager. Those three candidates are Mr. David Scott, Chief James
Stables, and Assistant Police Chief Joseph DeGiulio. The format for this evening's
meeting after the Invocation, the pledge, and public comments, we will ask each
candidate to approach the table and begin with their opening statements. Then the
floor will be open to the City Commission for questions and comments. Finally,
candidates will be allowed to provide closing statements. This procedure will be
repeated for all candidates. He hopes that not only will this Commission appoint the
best candidate to serve our City as Interim City Manager. We will support the chosen
individual to show unity and steadfast support for our next City Manager. Tonight's
Invocation will be given by Commissioner Hay, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag led by Commissioner Kelley.
Roll Call
City Clerk Crystal Gibson called the roll. A quorum was present.
Invocation
The Invocation was given by Commissioner Hay.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Ty Penserga.
Commissioner Kelley let the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Agenda Approval:
1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections
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Mayor Penserga requested that public comments be heard before Item B. so the public
has the opportunity to speak and be heard.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he would like to have public comments after the Item
B. The public should be able to hear each candidate's presentation and then give some
feedback.
Commissioner Hay agreed with Commissioner Turkin.
Mayor Penserga confirmed that the Commission will hear from all candidates, then
open the floor for public comment.
2. Adoption
Motion
Vice Mayor Cruz moved to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Hay
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Appoint Interim City Manager.
First Applicant: David Scott
David Scott stated that he currently serves as Director of Economic Development
Strategy for the City of Boynton Beach. He is here for the opportunity to provide the
Commission with a choice for Interim City Manager because the opportunity was
presented by the Commission last week. He saw it as an opportunity to stand before the
Commission and present his resume and qualifications for consideration. He said, at the
end of the day, should you decide to go with one of my wonderful allies and partners to
my right, I will gladly serve them as well as I serve you. He thanked the Commission for
this opportunity. Again, he is responding to fill the position of the Interim City Manager of
this wonderful City. We have an organization of wonderful employees, over 800,
dedicated to the City of Boynton Beach and to the residents and visitors, and
businesses that make up this wonderful City. We are a diverse coastal community of
over 80,000 residents covering about 16.5 square miles in South East Palm Beach
County. As one of South Florida's emerging local economies, the City of Boynton Beach
has experienced a wave of population growth and continues to attract new residents
and businesses every day. Your selection for Interim City Manager must be able to
translate this position into a competitive advantage. We must create solutions that
deliver immediate, near and long-term economic benefits. Our role as City Manager is
to work with the Commission to guide this trajectory and lead the Commission in its
deliberations around policies that focus on education, health, and economic prosperity.
This focus will shine on the Commissioner's role in securing the future of Boynton
Beach as an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable city for all of its residents,
businesses and visitors. Our challenges are before us, and we certainly do recognize
that. We must restore the trust and confidence of our residents and our officers
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following the death of one of our own community's, youth. We must swiftly evaluate and
consider a merger with the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office. We must resolve the
challenges that our town square project has presented. We must continue to review our
operations to contain costs while improving services. We must continue attracting and
retaining well-paying jobs and businesses to the City. We must work to keep housing
attainable for our populations. We must remain resilient and continue to lead the City
into the future. Your Interim City Manager is directed by the board of the City
Commission and carries out administrative and operational services at the City's Chief
Executive Offices. He has over 30 years of public and private service. He has a
demonstrated record of success in innovation strategy, implementation, and
organizational improvement, overseeing a diverse portfolio of municipal operations with
7,000 employees and operating budgets of over $800 million. He has led municipal
public works, recreation and parks, traffic and transportation, solid wastewater and
wastewater utility, stormwater, airport, engineering, emergency management, fire and
police, and economic development operations. As your Department head, he continues
to oversee the Economic Development Strategy, the strategic and economic plans that
support the City's overall vision as a prosperous City. He began his career as a civil
engineer for the City of Baltimore in 1985. Designing and overseeing the construction
and inspection of water and wastewater infrastructure. He followed that trajectory and
served as the city engineer for the City of Highland Park, Illinois, a wealthy suburb of
Chicago's North Shore. Before Martin O'Malley became Governor of Maryland, he
brought him back to Baltimore as his Deputy Mayor of Operations, where he managed a
portfolio of operating Departments over approximately 7,000 employees. These
Departments included Public Works, Transportation, and Traffic, Recreation and Parks,
Fire, Youth, and Families, and assisted the mayor in managing the Police Department.
In 2003, Mayor Shirley Franklin was elected as Mayor of the City of Atlanta and brought
him on her team as the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Atlanta. He has
managed over 900 employees there with an annual budget of $80 million, and he was
responsible for Municipal Solid Waste, Transportation and Traffic, and Fleet Operations.
In 2008, Sheila Dixon was elected mayor and needed a trusted leader for her
organization. He was the one that introduced Sheila Dixon to Mayor Shirley Franklin
because if you are going to be a female mayor of a major city, you need to know
another female mayor of a major city. He was her choice. She needed a trusted leader
that would watch her back, so she asked him to leave Shirley Franklin and leave the
City of Atlanta and come back to run Public Works for the City of Baltimore. He did so
with dedication. He was responsible for over 3000 employees, with an annual operating
budget of $390 million, and directed the oversight of Municipal Solid Waste, Building
and Facilities Maintenance, Fleet, Water and Wastewater, Utility, and Utility Operations.
In 2012, he served as Assistant County Administrator for the County of Pinellas, Florida,
where he oversaw a portfolio of operating Departments of approximately 900
employees, with an operating budget of $800 million. Responsible for Municipal Water,
Wastewater, Utilities, Public Works, Saint Pete Clearwater Airport also reported to him
there and Engineering. In 2015, he served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of
Delray Beach, overseeing a portfolio of operating Departments of approximately 450
employees. He is proud of what he has accomplished throughout his career.
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Commissioner Kelley asked Mr. Scott to describe his management style.
Mr. Scott replied that he has learned throughout the years to be very inclusive and
collaborative in his management style. It is very important and it takes a certain skill set
to make sure you bring all stakeholders together and align around a common vision.
That way you get buy in of all employees and stakeholders that you bring to the table.
Once you do have the buy in, you have ownership. Those employees feel empowered
and own the process.
Commissioner Turkin asked Mr. Scott where does he live.
Mr. Scott replied that he currently lives in Miami, yet if this position becomes available to
him, he recognizes that you must be on call 24/7. It is his intention to move to the City of
Boynton Beach.
Commissioner Turkin asked Mr. Scott what is the number one concern that we have in
Boynton Beach.
Mr. Scott responded that currently we have the merger with the Palm Beach Sheriff's
Office (PBSO); we must move swiftly and provide the information needed for the
Commission to decide as quickly as possible. The second concern is the relationship
with the Community over the death of the young man that happened recently. We must
continue to move forward. Working with the Commission, he would do his best to
resolve these issues swiftly.
Commissioner Turkin asked if you are appointed, what is the first order of business.
Mr. Scott stated that the first order of business would be to work with the Commission to
resolve the issues he just mentioned. We also have a strategic plan that requires certain
policy decisions that should resolved and addressed. Affordable housing and housing
for home ownership and what does it look like for future development in the City. These
are all policy decisions that should be brought forward to the Commission.
Commissioner Turkin asked Mr. Scott how does his experience relate to hurricane
response.
Mr. Scott stated that he has been through hurricanes. Coming from the Northeast, he
has been through snow storms. He has been through many emergency management
situations. He has manned the Emergency Operations Center. As a Public Works
Director, you are the key person in the room and one of the key decision makers.
However, there are not only natural disasters there are also man-made disasters.
Commissioner Turkin stated that we are in an unprecedented time where recruiting
seems to be an issue throughout every industry public and private. What are we going
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to do to make sure we can recruit strong candidates into the City of Boynton? He has
seen the report on vacancies in the City and there seem to be a lot in Utilities. What are
are some ideas you have to recruit?
Mr. Scott stated that there a couple of things on track. The first is that the City is having
an internship fair. We are going to bring in high school students to meet with employers
both private and public to tie them into opportunities. We would like them to be paid
internships. We want to be able to give them money so they can buy school clothes and
prepare for school. Most people do not want an unpaid internship. The City is
supporting paid internships. We want to catch them young and introduce them to
opportunities and learn about jobs. At the same time, employers get a comfort level with
certain employees and as they grow continue to hire them back. Publix is a great
example of that. We need to create a direct pipeline between the community and
available jobs.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Mr. Scott what makes you stand out or makes you more
qualified than the other applicants?
Mr. Scott responded that what he brings is a breath of experience. He has worked in
Utilities, he has worked with Police and Fire and he has been an Assistant City
Manager. He has worked with strong elected officials. He is flexible and understands
the politics. He has a strong community relationship. He gets out of the office and talks
to employees and community members.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Mr. Scott how he would assure accountability from the teams he
would be managing if he were to be selected.
Mr. Scott replied it would be through communication and coaching. He truly believes in
using data to measure what we do using key performance indicators, measuring
everything the City does from housing to utilities. Look for efficiencies and for
opportunities to become more efficient. He would look at ways to increase our level of
service. We may be providing a level C in some areas, and the community is
demanding a level B. It is left to us how do we get to a higher level. It also works the
other way; we could be providing a platinum service and the community only wants
gold. Why are you providing a higher service? It is a two-way conversation to
understand what level of service the community demands and how we meet that level of
service.
Vice Mayor Cruz commented that the City is always demanding a level "A" service.
What services are at a level "C"?
Mr. Scott responded that some of the major challenges have been in the Building
Department and a few others that need to be addressed. We need to continue
conversations with the community. Where are we falling short and how do we close that
gap?
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Commissioner Hay asked Mr. Scott what are his short and long-term goals for the City.
Mr. Scott stated that the short-term goals would be to resolve the current challenges the
City is facing. First is to provide the information to the Commission that is needed to
decide on merging with PBSO. The housing crisis the City needs create homes where
employees can live to close to where they work.
Commissioner Hay asked Mr. Scott when he worked for the City of Delray Beach as the
Assistant City Manager, how long was he there and what were his responsibilities.
Mr. Scott replied, as the Assistant City Manager of Delray Beach, he oversaw Public
Works, Recreation and Parks and most of the operations of the City. He was the
Assistant City Manager for approximately two years.
Commissioner Hay asked Mr. Scott if he has a plan to dig us out of the hole that we
appear to be in.
Mr. Scott responded that with the partnership between the City Manager, City
Commission and the residents we have a bright future. He believes that the City is in a
good space. The City has an opportunity to continue to move this City forward. He
believes we can and we will with the leadership and partnership we have in the City.
Commissioner Hay asked Mr. Scott what would he do to ensure accountability and
transparency.
Mr. Scott replied we would use data and share this data. He would continue to meet
with residents and businesses and encourage the staff to do the same. The
Commission will have full access to whatever information they need from the
administration. He sees himself as an extension of the Commission. He would be the
CEO of the administration, and the Commission is the board of directors of the
corporation. He will follow their direction as the board of directors.
Mayor Penserga noted that he has met with all three applicants in advance to interview
them and get to know them better. He commented that Mr. Scott is well qualified. He
has seen his resume. It is clear to him that he has the experience. What he would like to
know is how Mr. Scott treats people. Whether it is working directly with staff or how he
handles a very difficult situations with people. Could you tell us a time when someone
has worked for you was insolent or disrespectful? How did you handle that situation?
Mr. Scott stated that he would start with coaching. If coaching does not work, you move
to the next level. You continue to do so until you find yourself in a situation where a
person chooses to fire themselves. If you set up clear expectations of what is expected
of that employee and that is not followed at anytime that is clear violation of your
agreement with that employee. Sometimes those situations end with the employee
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turning around and become a great advocate. There are some situations where the
employee continues to walk their way out the door. He is strong and he is fair and he is
consistent. He has certain expectations of his staff. He encourages them to grow and
flourish and to be successful.
Mayor Penserga noted that the relationship between the City Manager and the
members of the City Commission is extremely important. How would you manage that
situation? How would you ensure that there is effective communication?
Mr. Scott replied he would continue to meet with each of the members of the
Commission. It would be his job to support the Commission in their strategies, initiatives
and goals. The Commission speaks on behalf of their residents in their district. It is
important to him to provide the services that the residents are demanding.
Mayor Penserga asked Mr. Scott what he has done in his professional career to build
trust in the community.
Mr. Scott responded we continue to meet with the community and involve all of the
stakeholders in decisions that we make. When he worked for the City of Baltimore, they
were having trouble providing the resources they needed to pick up the trash. The
streets and allies were just a mess, and people complained that we were never getting
to those alleys. The conversation with the community was let's look at how to change
services. How do we address that in partnership with the community? We developed a
complete recycling program where they agreed to full-blown recycling. We provided
recycling bins which reduced the stress on the solid waste collection, which allowed us
to do that job. It was a win-win for both sides.
Mayor Penserga asked Mr. Scott if he where to be the Interim City Manager, how would
he address the morale concerns of the employees. What can we do to bring comfort
and confidence in people so they can increase their performance?
Mr. Scott responded with leadership. He will visit every single employee, every single
site. There is no difference between those in management sitting in offices or those
who are digging a ditch on the street. He will do stand-up meetings. He is available to
show that leadership. Our employees want to be heard and it is his role to hear them.
He will appreciate and value the employees.
Mayor Penserga commented that Mr. Scott had mentioned things he has accomplished
in his past. What would be the most important accomplishment during your time in
Boynton Beach? What are the challenges you face, and how would you handle that?
Mr. Scott stated that one of the opportunities and challenges that he was very proud of
is moving our strategic plan forward. You hear it, you see it, the community embraces it.
They know we are a prosperous city, and you start to hear it. They know that we are a
growing city. Our businesses continue to invest. One of our most significant challenges
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that he feels is that we need to work on is our branding. We are a city that sits North of
Delray and Boca and South of West Palm. We have been considered not even on that
level, but if you look at the data that I bring forward and will bring forward to you, we are
right in line, if not surpassing, some of their numbers. It is either a business attraction.
We have significant numbers, and we have a great story to tell as the city of Boynton
Beach. Commissioner Turkin and I talked about the marina, our marine industry, and
how we need to support the fishing. We do not do a good job. And that's not a slight
against any one of our staff members. We have to come together and say, this is who
we are. We have so many amenities in this City we can continue to celebrate, and we
will, and that is, once we do, our businesses see that. Our future employees, if they are
looking at websites, to where like most of us do, if you are looking for a job, the first
thing to do is pull up a website. You look for that lifestyle and say, this is where I want to
live. We want our future employees to see it. We want our prospective businesses to
see it, we want our current residents to feel it, and we will be the destination that people
want to wake up in Delray, they wake up in Boca, they wake up in West Palm and say, I
am going to Boynton Beach to hang out. I am going to spend money. I am going to buy
at retail. Then I am going to move into those homes. I will hang out at the mall and do all
the amenities that are coming to that location.
Commissioner Hay asked Mr. Scott if there is anything else the Commission should
know about him that they have not asked.
Mr. Scott replied that he is an open book and any questions or concerns that you may
have had you have shared with him. What you have seen for the past five years, you
will continue to see.
Second Applicant: Assistant Police Chief DeGiulio
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated that he is very excited to be here and very excited for the
opportunity to be sitting in front of the Commission and talk about our great City. First, a little bit
about myself. My name is Joe DeGiulio, the Assistant Chief of Police here in Boynton, and a
member of the force for the past 21 years. He has been in the law enforcement community for
the past 25 years. He worked his way up the ranks. He was once asked what his most
significant achievement was. He replied that staying with the Boynton Police Department and
working his way up from a patrol officer. He worked on the City's east side as a motor officer. He
was promoted to sergeant. He was the CRA sergeant for a few years. He had an opportunity to
be exposed to the other City Departments, allowing him to understand the holistic view of the
City and how everything is supposed to operate. Then moving on from there, he was in
narcotics and community policing and was promoted to lieutenant, road patrol, and fast forward.
He was a captain, and now he is an Assistant Chief of Police. He made it all the way up here,
and at the end of the day, if he stays in the Assistant Chief of Police position, he considers
himself very proud and fortunate that he could have this incredible journey. He has also been
fortunate to have the opportunity to enhance his education. He has an undergrad from John Jay
College of Criminal Justice. He also has a Master's in Organizational Management from Palm
Beach Atlantic University and a graduate certificate from American Public University in police
executive leadership. One of the things that he is very fortunate for is moving through the ranks.
He was also able to be exposed to different components of law enforcement. There was the
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administrative side, the operations, and the investigative side. As he mentioned earlier, being in
those positions gives you a good appreciation of all the different components of the City. To
address the 800-pound gorilla while we are here. The reality is that there are a lot of issues that
are going on related to law enforcement. At the same time, some may believe that it could be a
conflict of interest to have an Assistant Chief of Police vying for the Interim City Manager
position. It is, on the contrary, navigating through something as difficult as the incidents that we
have had here and the pending merger with Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office. Would you not
want somebody who has been around for the past 25 years and has worked in law
enforcement? He has seen every aspect of law enforcement, from what happens on the streets
to what happens inside the chief's conference room, which provides us with a great perspective.
For him, as an Interim City Manager providing you the information and guidance, you will get the
insight of 25 years' worth of law enforcement. He thinks that these are the things that we as
challenges are right in front of us, and the City is bound for great things. We are on the precipice
of fantastic things within the police department in the City. We will not be able to achieve
anything if we are stuck in the hole that Commissioner Hay discussed. He feels with that
experience, the expertise, and that knowledge, that is not a conflict of interest, but an area of
strength.
Commissioner Kelley asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio to describe his management style.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated that he considers himself a coach. The development of
our subordinates is essential and serves in leadership. We need to take of the
community. To take care of the community, we also have to take care of the people who
serve the community. We must value and appreciate the people who work for us. At
the end of the day, they are the ones that are executing the mission. He is a total
proponent of servant leadership. That is his main style.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio where does he currently live.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio responded that he lives just outside the City in suburban Lake
Worth, 15 minutes from the City. As the Assistant Chief of Police, he is always on call,
the phone is always on and he is always subject to return to the City for service.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio what is his first order of business.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio responded that the first order of business is to meet with the
Commission to understand what are the Commission's expectations of him. The second
order of business is to meet with the Leadership Team. The City Manager must rely on
the team and directors to understand our priorities. If they say everything is a priority,
nothing is a priority. The third thing to do is to reach out to the community. We have to
understand what the challenges are. Understanding the Commission's expectations of
him, our priorities in the City, and the challenges our community is facing, we can create
a roadmap to move forward.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio what he thinks is currently the
number one concern or issue in the City.
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Assistant Chief DeGiulio responded that being in Law Enforcement, it is always public
safety. Community trust needs to be a priority as well.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio how does his experience relate to
hurricane response.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio replied that the key to hurricane response is preparation. The
City also has a fantastic team that has been involved with hurricane operations since
2004, when we were not prepared. Working with the Fire Department in the Emergency
Operations Center, we have come a long way. We have great men and women on the
Leadership team that are part of the hurricane preparation team, which puts us in a
good spot. It is about collaboration within the City and with our sister cities. Preparation
is the number one way to get through any storm.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio what are we going to do to make
sure we can recruit strong candidates into the City of Boynton?
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated we need to create a pipeline, we need to start young,
we need to be in the schools. It is representing the different Departments and all the
opportunities that are available. If we can develop our youth and have homegrown
talent it is easy to recruit. We need to extend our selves the more candidates we get
there is a better chance that we get the right candidates.
Commissioner Turkin asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio what is his thoughts on the
staffing in Community Standards. What Departments need more staffing or need more
budgeting?
Assistant Chief DeGiulio replied that the Police Department also has staffing issues.
Unfortunately, when you do not have enough staffing, you minimize certain things that
create more significant problems. He thinks that every Department in the City is
struggling with staffing. The key to this is recruiting. The recruiting effort needs to be
robust. That way, there is a continuous pipeline, and when we do have a shortage, we
have people that can come in. Another possibility is cross-training. If Community
Standards is not fully staffed, maybe there are aspects of the Police Department, Fire
Department, or sanitation that can pick up some of the responsibility.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio what makes him more qualified then
the other applicants. She thanked him for his 20 years of service with the Boynton
Beach Police Department.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio replied that he would not consider himself the better candidate.
We are fantastic in our respected fields. He thinks that the Commissioners are the
winners because they have three outstanding candidates that can do this job very well.
It comes down to fit. It is not a competency or skill set. It is more of the character. He
brings leadership to the table. He brings the ability to provide stability. He has been here
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a while. He has been involved in not the greatest situations in Law Enforcement. One of
our strengths is the ability to handle a crisis. He is different because he comes from 25
years of Law Enforcement and 21 years with the City of Boynton Beach. He has
familiarity, experience, and the leadership to help the City get through these challenging
times. He feels that he can help the community heal and unite with the local
government.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio how he would assure accountability
from the teams he would be managing if he were to be selected.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio responded with expectations and deadlines.
Commissioner Hay asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio, how do you see your 20 years of
police experience helping to run the third largest municipality and Palm Beach County?
Assistant Chief DeGiulio replied that currently, the Police Department has over 220
employees and roughly a $48 million budget which comprises about 50% of the City's
budget. He feels that the Police Department is somewhat of a microcosm of the City
from that perspective. We are dealing with numerous components within our
organization. It is not just Law Enforcement. We also have community outreach, victim
advocates, and investigative services. We have communications. We deal with not just
sworn employees, but we deal with professional staff. He deals with the PBA, the
sergeants, the detectives, the officers, and the captains. Now, their bargaining units. We
deal with SEIU. Working in that environment from a law enforcement perspective, from
a large organization/department in the City, it is a little city in and of itself. It is a great
training ground for an Interim City Manager. Just look at our city to the South, Delray.
Not that long ago, they used their Police Chief to serve as Interim City Manager. Palm
Beach Gardens did the same in 2018, and the Town of Jupiter. So, there is a
tremendous correlation between the positions.
Commissioner Hay asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio how he would promote community
trust especially in District II.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio responded that one of the things to actually get to a place
where we should be needs to be a collaboration between the community and the Police
Department. We hear a lot about accountability and transparency. We need to work on
a way where we can all be involved. There has been talk about a citizen review board.
If there is access to our policies, procedures and training, he feels that we will regain
that trust. When there is not enough information available, we start to fill in those voids
with negative information. We need to a better job collectively. We say transparency all
the time, but do we back it up? Do we know what it means? Be true to your words with
follow through.
Mayor Penserga asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio how does he treat people. Because as
he said earlier each candidate is qualified and has experience in their own distinct ways.
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Tell me about a time when one of your employees was disrespectful or insolent towards
you and what did you do to handle that situation?
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated that after many years of being in police work, you deal
with some not just employees, but people that you do come across that are
disrespectful. But you have to realize that you know people come from different places
and feel different panes. He thinks to not immediately assume that it is disrespectful or
that you should take it personally. The reality is that we do not take it personally. We
have to understand that something is driving this behavior. It comes down to valuing
and appreciating the people who work for you and not necessarily assuming they are
coming from a bad place. Of course, we will not tolerate anybody disrespecting us or
our co-workers, the people in our work environment, or the community. But sometimes,
we have to get a little bit more of an understanding of where this is coming from. How
does he treat people? That is the forefront of servant leadership. You have to evaluate.
You have to value and appreciate the people that work for you first and foremost. They
have to know that their contributions matter when they come to work. That people are
watching, like Mr. Scott said, and walking around. We will not be able to evaluate our
work environment by sitting behind a desk. We need to be out in the community. We
need to be walking the halls, going into workspaces and having conversations.
Mayor Penserga asked Assistant Chief DeGiulio for specific examples of how he
improved efficiency or performance.
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated that in 2017 we championed the body cameras through
Axon. We felt that by bringing in the body cams at this particular time before, there was
a push from the Department of Justice or other police Departments. We were ahead of
the game. We created an environment of training in the Department where we were
ahead of the curve. We taught fair and impartial policing. We instructed every member
of the Department and every supervisor at the command level. We did three different
levels of it and did de-escalation training in our annual training. On top of that, we also
employed body cameras. He thinks that the body cams increased efficiency. We were
able to see things in the body cams that helped us with our training. That allowed us to
be more efficient. Of course, we would like to have a supervisor on every call, but that
comes with costs. We cannot be in every situation. It would be impossible. But, at that
time, it was a step in the direction of efficiency.
Mayor Penserga commented that our City struggles on multiple fronts when it comes to
economics. We have double digit poverty rates in certain areas and we know that the
median income is not where it should be. What is your economic plan to drive the City
forward?
Assistant Chief DeGiulio stated that the City has a team with excellent skills, attributes,
and knowledge. He thinks utilizing alternate resources, whether it is grants or to provide
opportunities that we would not be part of typically, if we can find alternate sources to do
our regular funding from a budget perspective, we will have more accessible funds to
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work on those. Those are particularly needed situations. He can say that in the police
world, it is a finite budget. There is some creativity when it comes to trying to find
alternate sources in grants. That would definitely be one area that he would consider his
weakness. It could be something worked on in the future by relying on the
complementing skills and attributes of those who work with you. We can bridge the gap
of weaknesses and work together to utilize our strengths together.
Third Applicant: Fire Chief Stables
Chief Stables stated that it is indeed a privilege and an honor to be with you today from
the three of us sitting here in front of you, working hard to show you why we are good
candidates and to be seated with a community that cares what happens in this City.
Many may have a question: Why would the Fire Chief want to become the Interim City
Manager? It is pretty simple. He truly cares about this City and sincerely believes that
he can serve the greater good of the community in that position. That is why he is here,
as noted in his letter of interest, resume, and recommendation letters from esteemed
colleagues with whom he has worked throughout his career. He has had a long and
accomplished career in service to others, in the public safety arena and the municipal
services. At this time in the City, a steady hand is needed in times like these. His unique
and purposeful accomplishment throughout his career makes him a well-qualified
candidate. Thank you for the opportunity, and what may I answer for you?
Commissioner Kelley asked Chief Stables to describe his management style.
Chief Stables replied that servant leadership is the basis of where he goes and what he
does. Both gentlemen before him talked about management by wandering around. He
would like to add something to that. And that is wandering around with a purpose.
Commissioner Turkin asked Chief Stables where he currently lives.
Chief Stables responded that he currently lives in Port St. Lucie. A year ago, he moved
into the City. His rent went up by a thousand dollars a month. That was not sustainable.
He does have a strategy to return to the City. His crews will tell you that he lives at the
station. He is there early and stays late. He spends very little time in Port St. Lucie. His
goal is to live where he serves. Anywhere he has ever served, he has lived. As the Fire
Chief, he is trying to get back to Boynton. The Interim City Manager position would
move him in that direction as well.
Commissioner Turkin asked Chief Stables if appointed what is his first order of
business.
Chief Stables stated that there are several challenges facing the City. The
reestablishment of community trust is at the top of the list. Certain folks are in a place
that will require focus and effort. That means getting out from behind the desk, having
those conversations, and listening without judgment or feedback. There are times that
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we want to speak instead of listening to understand. Listen first to understand, then
respond. That is not the norm. We usually listen to respond, and sometimes we respond
before we know what is being said. We need to be nimbler and more responsive. To be
nimble and responsive requires proactivity. If it is predictable, it is preventable.
Commissioner Turkin asked Chief Stables what are we going to do to make sure we
can recruit strong candidates into the City of Boynton?
Chief Stables replied there are a couple of things. We have a talent pool in the City that
may be going untapped for City services. He would intend to focus on that. Growing our
own public servants from the public that is currently served. Not everybody can end up
in those jobs, but there are opportunities. He has some experience with the local
schools and the like. He cannot take a high school kid and make them a police officer.
Still, he can send them down some other tracks, and maybe they will not translate out to
a college pursuit initially, but he can teach them how to be a wastewater operator or a
water operator. He can get them certified while they are in high school. We have done
those types of things. We have done public safety academies where we get people
trained as EMTs and firefighters, and when they graduate high school, they are eligible
for hire as an employee. He believes Palm Beach County does that currently with their
explorer program. We could do the same thing in building bridges between our
educational institutions and creating that opportunity. He thinks that is an untapped
area. The second part is continuing to make Boynton Beach a destination city. He
means that it is not just a destination for travel and residence, but a destination where
people want to go because they feel part of something important. He thinks that the City
of Boynton Beach is that city. That's why he is here.
Commissioner Turkin asked Chief Stables how does his experience relate to hurricane
response.
Chief Stables replied that he has thirty-eight years of public service as a fire rescue
responder, he has gone through hurricanes, wildfires, a little bit of everything. He has
functioned at the state level all the way down to the local level. He has been the
emergency manager for cities. He has given advice and guidance to the policy group.
He has coordinated things for disaster declarations, signatures, curfews, and all of
those things that exist. He was an incident commander for a 48,000-acre brush fire. He
was an incident commander for a 4,800-acre brush fire. The 4,800-acre Brush firewall is
much more egregious than the 48,000-acre brush fire because there were homes
involved. That one impacted some lives. His experience in emergency management has
moved him to be universal in his approach. He is not just a Fire Chief. He is a municipal
servant in whatever he has to do. He will use some of the things that his cohorts talked
about, whether sports or military. Everybody in the military is a rifleman, an Army man,
or a Marine. You can be the General, but you may be in a foxhole with a gun, just like
the Private standing next to you.
Commissioner Turkin asked Chief Stables what Department needs improvement.
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Chief Stables stated that he would be remiss to throw something out haphazardly. He
has some areas of concern that he would like to explore further before offering a firm
opinion on that. There are many challenges throughout the City, and there are
opportunities for efficiency and changing our gaze. The most expensive thing that we
say in businesses is that is the way we have always done it. We all get complacent, and
we come to a place where that is the way we do it, and it has lost its reason for us doing
it that way. He would like to challenge staff, if he is your candidate, to look within and
look out at opportunities to change perspective. That is a tough thing to do. If this old
guy can do it, anybody can.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Chief Stables how he would assure the Fire Department stays
thriving if he was to be appointed.
Chief Stables replied with a couple of things. First, since he has been with the City, his
goal has been to build succession planning to ensure the next person is there. He can
get hit by a truck tomorrow. He has had that attitude everywhere he has been. So, there
is no hiccup in continuing service. There are people in the position who can step in and
be seamless, and you will not notice a difference. If he is the candidate, he can mentor
and assist in the growth and development of future leaders.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Assistant Chief Stables what makes him different or stand out
from the other candidates.
Chief Stables replied that he was honored to be considered. What separates him is the
diversity of experience. To have experienced multiple organizations. To have risen
through the ranks and ridden every position in the fire Department in four different
agencies. His career has been successful in doing that. If he does not experience those
other opportunities, he would not know what he does not know. There are many things
that we do not know. He appreciates what the Mayor said earlier municipal service is
complexed. Municipal finance is even more complex.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Assistant Chief Stables how he would ensure accountability
within the teams he manages.
Chief Stables stated it is similar to what the previous candidate said. First, it is about
establishing expectations on the front end. Then, it is about holding them accountable
by following through. You do not give too many warnings before you have to hold
somebody responsible and do what you say you will do. The folks that work with him
know that. What I say I do and what I do, I will tell. That is where accountability resides.
Vice Mayor Cruz asked Assistant Chief Stables how do we increase employee morale
in the City.
Chief Stables stated that morale is very individualized. It is also Department-specific.
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The others have talked about touring the City and boots on the ground. That is a natural
thing for him to do. As the Interim City Manager, you will catch more on the cell phone
than in the office. That does not mean that there is no office work to be done. That
would probably be an after-hours thing. It is about getting out there and finding out what
is going on during regular business hours. Maybe there are promising innovations at the
boot level, and we are sitting in the office trying to solve the world's problems, and
somebody down there knows how to fix them. Getting more people to feel like they are
being heard and recognizing that they are listened to because we move operation and
change. He thinks that you will see much greater ownership from everyone. He is not
naive. Not everyone comes along.
Commissioner Hay asked Chief Stables to go into detail about his other experiences
that would qualify him for this position.
Chief Stables responded the opportunity to sit as an executive team member in the City
Manager arena and be treated as the Deputy Assistant City Manager as the Fire Chief
has been a privilege that he has had throughout his career. As the emergency manager,
understanding the entire operation of the city, public works, drainage, road, and bridge,
all those things are the diversity of his experience. He had a great opportunity in the
agency where he spent most of his career. Two of his reference letters are from people
who grew up with him in that agency. We all started in entry-level positions. We worked
so well together we could step into each other's positions and continue to run
operations seamlessly. We have to make ourselves uncomfortable to get better. He can
do the Fire thing with his eyes closed. He cannot do the City Manager thing with his
eyes closed. He recognizes the position is different and diverse. Working for different
organizations gives you exposure to different people and personalities.
Commissioner Hay asked Chief Stables about his long-term vision with the Community
Redevelopment Agency, Chamber of Commerce and the City's part in that.
Chief Stables responded that the most important thing is responsible growth and
development in the City. As a long-term municipal employee, residential housing does
not necessarily drive the economic motor for a city. There has to be a diversity of
revenue opportunities. He would like to sit with the leadership of the Chamber of
Commerce and discuss long-term visions. We have a void of manufacturing. We have a
void of things industry-wise that are sustainable and diverse. You do not want to build
one industry that supports everything because it can be catastrophic should something
occur. Our brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania steel mills, when a city builds around a
steel mill, and then the steel mill closes, what happens to that city and what happens to
those residents and those types of things. Building a thriving economy requires a
diversity of revenue and diversity of process.
Commissioner Hay asked Chief Stables is a full-service city an advantage or
disadvantage.
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Chief Stables replied that as a full-service city, we have control over our services. When
you contract with services, you do not have that same responsiveness and nimbleness
to respond to the public's requests. It creates a situation where there is an added level
of bureaucracy that nobody probably wants to hear. You want to be able to be
responsive to your constituents. That is some of the conversation points with that is how
do you build that? What does that look like now? Can you contract services? Absolutely.
But is it in the best interest? That is a decision you all get to make, and the constituents
make for you.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables how his employees at the fire house would
describe him.
Chief Stables stated that 90% of them would say that he is genuine and they know who
is and they know what his expectations are. He has not been shy about sharing his
expectation. Ten percent would probably say that they do not like him. When you are in
leadership, it is not a popularity contest.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables to tell him about a time when one of his
employees was disrespectful or insolent towards him and what did he do to handle that
situation.
Chief Stables stated that he has been blessed and has not encountered that a lot in his
career. He encourages people to challenge him though in a respectful way. If you create
that system, you never go wrong because you definitely need somebody to ground you
and show you the other side of the coin. Being able to listen earnestly without response
and not carry a grudge because somebody has a differing opinion. It is paramount to
the success of that. It does not mean that he does not have opinions. It does not mean
he does not have a strong personality. What it does mean is you are able to listen with
two ears and speak with one mouth, slowly.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables for an accomplishment he had created since he
was with Boynton Beach.
Chief Stables stated that he has come to a place where you have the greatest Fire
Department in the United States of America. He has experience outside of this state
and many others from his exposure and experience with other folks. You have a highly
motivated group of people that want to do great things for the community. They are
seeking opportunities to serve. He is at a disadvantage because he thinks they do that
without him. He is honored that he has been accepted to be part of them. Probably the
most significant thing he can say is that they have accepted him as one of them, and he
thinks that is the greatest accomplishment he has been able to have while he is here.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables what has he done to build trust in the community.
Chief Stables replied that he is out from behind his desk and has continued to serve
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alongside his folks. We have gone from dealing with Covid when he first got to Boynton
Beach to being out at public events and being approachable and following through on
what is asked of him. That has probably been the most significant opportunity to be
successful for him and be out in the community. What he said earlier, as the Fire Chief,
his day does not end at five. His day ends whenever the work is done. So, you can ask
any of my folks, you will find him in the office at 10 o'clock. He wants to brag on them for
a minute again. He is in his office at Station five on High Ridge. He looks out his window
at 10 p.m., and the training tower lights on. He goes over to the training tower and
guess what they are doing at 10 p.m.? They are training to be proficient for this
community without anybody telling them they should or have to. So, to go back to
Commissioner Turkin's conversation earlier, that is how we recruit good people, is we
have good people. Those good people will recruit good people.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables what would his strategy be in managing the City
Commission-City Manager relationship.
Chief Stables stated that each of you have different motivations and drivers, but you all
have the same interest in making the City of Boynton Beach the leader and the best city
in Palm Beach County and the State of Florida. His opportunity to do that is by constant
communication with the Commission and understanding clearly the expectations. Follow
up with you individually to make sure that what we are doing has the intended effect on
the constituents you represent. It is not for him to determine their agenda; it is for him to
execute their agenda, a collective vision, and he recognizes that. We all serve at the will
of someone. The Commission's collective vision is how we get to a better end and you
all in a representative government representing each of your constituents and your
district. That is the beauty of our wonderful system; it allows representation where some
countries do not get that right or privilege.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables what is his economic vision to drive the City
forward.
Chief Stables replied that it is very similar to what he said to Commissioner Hay earlier.
We cannot do it alone, but we can do it by bridging some conversations and pushing in
the right direction. We need sustainable, responsible growth, whether that is adding to
the economy or changing our spending habits. The other thing about efficiency is that
we look at where the money goes and if it is directly benefiting what we intend for it to
benefit.
Mayor Penserga asked Chief Stables if he would like to make any closing comments.
Chief Stables stated that he is honored to be sitting before the Commission. He is
honored for his esteemed colleagues. He his honored for the City staff that comes to
work every day and performs admirably. We may be dealing with some issues, but that
is a small percentage of our workforce that is resulting in these issues.
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Mayor Penserga opened the floor for public comment.
David Katz, 67 Midwood Lane, stated that all the candidates are great. They have all
the qualifications. However, sometimes, a candidate makes one comment that sets the
tone. He wished that Commissioner Hay had asked the full-service question to the other
two. The Fire Chief knows that the City should not go to PBSO and knows that we
should keep our Fire Department, keep our Solid Waste Department.
Suzanne Oyer, 140 SE 27th Way, stated that she agreed with Mr. Katz. She believes
that Boynton has been a full-service city, and Boynton needs to stay that way. She
loves the police and does not support them leaving. She thinks it is unacceptable that
we do not have City Managers who live in the City. She hopes that everyone has the
ability to move. She knows Mr. Scott said he is willing to. We have no water. We have
sold all of our water to the cities around us. We do not have enough water to run the
sewage, which means there is constant backup sewage. We are in permanent drought
restrictions. If you own a single-family home in the City, you cannot water when you
want to. You cannot use water. You build apartments until they come out of our ears,
and we do not have the water to handle them. You are complaining about economics,
yet you are not building office buildings. You are building more stupid apartments. We
do not have the water. What's it going to take, a sinkhole with that hideous 10 Story
building built on Woolbright and US1 falling in a sinkhole before you guys realize we
have no water? How do you expect the City Manager to deal with constituents and work
and talk and respond to them? We have Commissioners who never respond to their
constituents. How are you going to make the City Manager accountable? Somebody
mentioned the Chamber of Commerce. We do not have an actual Chamber of
Commerce. How will we get our City Manager to help us get an actual Chamber? How
will they work with Sister Cities to build and enhance our economic and cultural
relationships? She stated that she is the Vice President of the Greater Boynton Beach
Sister Cities, so she is particular about that. She said these are issues that none of the
Commissioners brought up that maybe should be. She thanked them for their time and
added that she supports anyone who wants a full-service city.
Mack McCray, 806 NW 4th Street, noted that the Commission asked the candidates
how they would increase the morale in the City. He thinks they need to turn the mirror
tonight and look at themselves and say what are they going to do about the damage
they have done here in our City.
James DeVoursney, 2625 Lake Drive North, stated Mack McCray beat him again. He
asked if the other candidates were in favor of a full-service city. Being in the community,
there is a concern. He said the Commission is a young board. As a citizen, the concern
is that we need to select a candidate who has a lot of experience. Many have some
experience, some have less than others, and some, not so much at all. The concern is,
as a citizen, that we select a candidate, an interim candidate, who has a lot of
experience. He is a physician. He hires 50 employees. He has a billing department. He
has a reservation department check-in, prior authorizations, a medical assistant
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department, and he has to oversee all of them. Or, he has to hire an office manager,
which would be like a City Manager, to manage all these departments. When he
interviews an office manager, he interviews the most qualified person based on
experience. He understands that relationship building is essential, and he is unsure how
these guys do with that. He thinks the Police Chief and the Fire Chief have done great
jobs with that, from what he hears. But experience with a young board he believes is the
most important. He thinks that is what we have to think about the most, and as a
concerned citizen, again, he implores the Commission to consider that. Thank you.
Irwin Cineus, 245 Quantum Boulevard, noted that the Assistant Police Chief stated that
he would not be a conflict as a 20-year officer. What happened with young Stanley
Davis, Ill? He cannot help but question what his part is in allowing that. He asked, what
is your part in not stepping up and taking care of the trash in your Department? The
Economic Developer, all he heard was blah, blah, blah swiftly merging the Sheriff's
Department with Boynton Beach Police Department. The community is not stupid, so
we are paying attention. We have one person left. He does not know anything about
him either, but that is what we have left.
Mike Shramko, 433 SW 2nd Avenue, stated that the Fire Chief would be the right
person for the job. The police have totally failed him on his street and he does want the
Sheriff's Department.
Pastor Richard Dames, 407 NE 17th Avenue #202, President of the Boynton Beach
Coalition of Clergy. On Monday, April 18th, the citizens of District II along with partners
and other organizations assembled together to discuss the potential merging of the
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office and the Boynton Beach Police Department. In that meeting,
the residents stated that they are still concerned about transparency, accountability and
justice at the loss of young Stanley Davis, Ill. He said you heard the community talk
about reform, not replacement. The community spoke loud and clear of the opposition
of the Palm Beach Sheriff's Department merger. He also declared that as a stakeholder,
as a Pastor and a resident in this community, he is 100% against the merger. He
believes that this potential merger would cause the City more harm than good in the
long run. This Commission was elected by the people to serve the people not to serve
special interests. He said as newly elected Commissioners, you are faced with many
challenges and decisions that effect the very lives of the people that elected each and
every one of you. He prays that each of you live up to the oath that you took at the time
of your swearing in. Mr. Mayor, in that meeting, you heard the community ask a
question as it related to the former City Manager. And, from the committee's actions,
this Commission last week, you not only listened to their voices, but you expeditiously
moved the next night. If you were willing to listen to the voices of the community that
night, my question is, are you still listening to the voices who oppose this merger? The
Commission has me concerned, particularly in the appointment of a Commissioner
whose spouse is an employee of the Boynton Beach Police Department, whose house
would benefit from such a merger. As development is underway in District II, we realize
and recognize that gentrification is on the move. The Bible says in the book of Isaiah,
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Chapter five, woe to those who call evil good and good evil. Woe to those who are wise
in their own eyes. There is no right way to pass your new role.
Bishop Bernard Wright, CEO of Bernard Wright Ministers Real Talk Radio and Real
Talk Marketing, stated that you all know the statistics regarding the Sheriffs
Department. He has had experiences with them. He knows Bradshaw personally and
that he has no great interest for people in that respect. They have the greatest
shootings, and it said it's the Police Department in this state. You want to bring them in
here? He said he does not think so. He thinks this is up to people. There should be a
ballot referendum. Let every voice speak. You cannot speak. You are not qualified to
speak. No one here is qualified to speak. But if you own merge in this city, taken our
culture and our history away, that is what Pastor Dames discussed. His great
grandfather built the first street, the first church, and the first school still exists today. He
said having been your former Commission candidate and Mayor candidate, he spoke
here for nine years consecutively, coming to this Commission knowing what is going on
before you. Commissioner Hay, you are the only one elected twice, appointed Mayor a
third time when you should have retired. There has been no change in the City Boynton
Beach District II for decades. Who can say they have been for the people sitting here?
All the accomplishments they did for Districts I, IV, and III. Stanley Davis is a catalyst for
change for the better for the people. But it comes with, first of these three relevant
issues: changing this attorney firm, getting justice for Stanley Davis, Ill, and the merger.
The merger will not solve the problem. Lake Worth is worse than it was. Greenacres
wish they had never done it. They do not have the money to try to redo it. Why is this
even an issue? Let me explain them to you. Who do you want to raise your children? As
a parent, he does not want anyone but himself. You want to bring someone to raise us.
We are to accept this? The problem then, you have all been holding power. Because we
do not know, we have the power, the community. This is our City. He stated Mayor, I
am your employer. It is my money that got you appointed.
David Merker, 8 Southport Lane, stated he too had the privilege of sitting on the dais in
front of all the people and being a City Commissioner. He respects all the members of
the Commission but does not know them personally yet. He does not know their
attributes yet. How in the world can you get rid of the City Manager when you have
never worked with her? You wanted to change a form of government. When? how long
have you been sitting up there? With all due respect, you are inexperienced. When he
sat on the dais, he had the privilege to sit with Woodrow Hay and Mack McCray learning
from them. So, for you to have the audacity, the nerve to decide on the passing of a City
Manager on determining whether or not something should change so dramatically, you
do not know the heartbeat of the people who live here. Do they want the same police
system or not? You just became the City Commissioner in District I. He has been talking
to the people in Hunter's Run. How do you vote on something when you have no
experience? You are supposed to be smart. The people elected you. How do you vote
on something when you never experienced it?
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Christy Ward, 1518 North Seacrest Boulevard, stated that Chief Stables made the one
comment that stood out. "Listen with two ears and speak with one mouth". Often, the
community is speaking, but it becomes an issue because we put our interests ahead of
people. She is asking that we be transparent and listen to the people. When you start
putting things in order, you have to know that at some point, you will no longer be in
those seats, and you will have to live in the community. Therefore, if you bring in
anything that is not good, you will have to face that as well, not just you but your
children and your children's children. When we do these things, we should make sure
that we give a good account of what is ethically sound, morally good, and suitable for
all. You cannot talk about community if you do not get out and speak to the people. She
has not seen the Commission out in the community. She said the only time we see you
is when you want our vote. Get dirty, put your hands in the ground. Come into District
II. Have you ever sat down and had good conversations? Have you taken these
conversations back to your behind-the-scenes meetings? We know that there are
meetings behind the meeting behind the meeting. You could be the frog trying to bring
the scorpion across the river, but you will still get stung.
Pastor Rae Whitely, 239 NE 12th Avenue, Faith in Florida, and the Boynton Beach
Coalition of Clergy, stated that because he does not live here does not mean that he is
not a citizen of Boynton Beach. He went to school here. He was raised here. He spent
most of his adult life in Boynton Beach. He pastored a church in Boynton Beach until he
moved to the Lake Worth area. He is upset when people say that he does not have the
right to speak. He lives in Greenacres. Revenue is 13 million dollars per year, and they
spend 10 million of that paying for the Sheriff. If we bring that to Boynton Beach, it will
be one of the biggest mistakes. We have problems in the PD that we need to fix. Make
an effort and fix it. Faith in Florida organized a hundred churches in Palm Beach
County. We also organized 800 churches throughout the state of Florida. The candidate
who is slated for the position, if you support this move into Boynton Beach, we will
organize against you. We have to represent the people of Boynton Beach. Boynton
Beach is clearly saying we do not want the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department.
John Dames, PO Box 713, stated that a lot of the police officers that are not union are
going to lose their job. You tell him that it is fair to them and their families. That is not
fair because some of the people in the Police Department did not make the right
decision. There has been so much division between the City with the Police
Department. But you are talking about bringing the Sheriffs Department that does not
know anything about this City. So, you are telling him that they will come in here and roll
the red carpet. He does not think so. He knows that the constituents in the City hold you
to a higher standard. The Savior holds you to the highest standard. If you believe that
you are not being recorded, you are fooling yourself because one day you will have to
answer. All these back deals that are being made, that already, we already know. So, if
you continue to bring or decide to bring the Sheriff in, we already know it is all about
money. He is asking to give the Boynton Beach Police Department an opportunity.
Some of these people love what they are doing. Every police officer is not bad in this
City. We have someone in higher ranks that did not make the right decision, so what
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makes you think if you bring Bradshaw in here, everybody in his Department will make
the right decision? He said he does not think so.
Sandra Harvey, 608 SW Third Avenue, stated that she is opposed to bringing the
Sheriffs Department in here. We deserve to stay a full-service city. There is no reason
for you to get the Sheriffs Department in here. We needto fix our problems. Stop
shoving it off on somebody else. There is absolutely no reason for us not to fix our
problems. You can do it; do not be lazy. We have worked with Boynton Police
Department and have engaged the ones who are good and mean well. They have
engaged with our communities. They are not all bad, and you are being messy right
now. You need to stop it. It is about money. We just had a tragedy. You are trying to
shove it off on somebody else, even if that is not what you mean to do. Now is not the
time for you to do that. What does the Sheriff's Department do? You have taken away
our power. She knows that you can see we will not let you do that very well. So, please
rethink that thought.
Sheila Gaines, 2500 Quantum Lake Drive, said we did a Narcan distribution in the City
of Boynton Beach. We went out and distributed Narcan. Almost three weeks after we
did that Narcan and distribution, we had three overdoses in the community. It was not
reported because they do not report District II overdoses. But the community was able
to administer that Narcan and save those people's lives before EMT could get there.
Rick Bradshaw refuses to have his Police Officers carry Narcan so that affects our
community. We have so many events in the City of Boynton Beach. She has seen
Woodrow Hay at some events. She said Vice Mayor Cruz, you are new. She has seen
her at one event. She has seen the Mayor at some of the events. She has never seen
Commissioner Turkin and Commissioner Kelley in her life. She did not know that
Assistant Chief DeGiulio was a Police Chief. David Scott, where were you when SJ was
happening? The frustration comes in because we have these people that want to show
up in our communities where we work, live, and play and gain our votes. Something
came from SJ, and it was the power of the community built in Boynton Beach, where we
are learning that we now possess the power of our votes. So, yes, we will make you
stand up to your word. If you say it, you better do it. You better mean it because we are
tired of broken promises. We are tired of hearing this is what you have, and this is what
will happen. You do not have a say. A lot of us pay our taxes. I have a lot of family in
Boynton Beach. She was raised in Boynton Beach. She is proud to say that she was
born in Boynton Beach at Bethesda Memorial Hospital. Please continue to make me
proud by saying she is from Boynton Beach instead of looking at us like we are these
foreign objects, like we do not belong in Commission Chambers. We have a voice. So,
guess what? She stands with the community.
Bryce Graham, Second Vice President, NAN, Florida Chapter, said there are two
enterprises here that make up the beloved community: economics and social justice. It
makes up a healthy society. He has come to say that there is an unhealthy society here
in Boynton Beach. When you talk about economics and social justice, there is a lack of
two. Let's talk about poverty in this community. Let's talk about homelessness in this
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community. Let's talk about the lack of injustice in this community and coming from a
structure that has been unjust from its very foundation. We must look at what it will take
to bring this beloved community to a whole enterprise. Picking a City Manager who will
correct the rottenness, the enterprise of the economy, and the social justice within this
community. He stands behind those speakers that have spoken before him. We are not
blind. We will stand up against you and buck up against you until you hear us. As a
people, the community, we do not want PBSO in here. Rae Whitely said that he will
organize a hundred churches, a thousand churches, or ten thousand churches from all
across the state that come and stand with us because that is the enterprise of the
beloved community. Let's talk about police reform, but let's bring the experts here to
correct the system, to correct the foundational thing that has been rotten and wrong
from the precedence of this community. I come to stand as a community leader, say no
to PBSO, and pick the right Interim City Manager that will build the enterprise of the
beloved community.
Ricky Petty, 4062 Woodhill Place, said there once was an old wise bird that sat on a
note. The more he sat, the less spoke. The less he spoke the more he learned. I hope
you all like that old wise bird, that wise old owl.
Tom Warnke, 2780 Worcester Road, Lake Worth, Florida, thinks that the last speaker,
made his point, just as well, as the speaker before him. He said you listen to him and he
believes he made his point without the volume. If that volume was used when you
addressed each other, what would this room look like? Nobody would want to come
here. Everybody would criticize you for screaming at each other. He hopes that
decorum in the room will be enforced. He hopes that nothing he says will cause
somebody in the audience to make some comment primarily to themselves, but he
thinks decorum has its place. He is confident that unless some of the people who speak
here do not change their ways, they will be carried out horizontally, not unconscious, but
they will have to be carried out of the room. As far as the Interim City Manager is
concerned, there is a reason it is called Interim City Manager. He said he does not
believe you are appointing a permanent City Manager. He does not think you are
negotiating a long-term contract. So maybe that could be made clear before you make
your decision as to what interim means so everybody here in the audience will know. He
asks that you please appoint an Interim City Manager that regarding the PBSO, will help
conduct a thorough, deliberate, long-term financial projection before any decision is
made. Going into it quickly and making a quick decision to show that you are changing
things will not be a good decision. I think you are going to have to be very deliberate.
Go to a first and second reading. Ensure that all the homework is done, not just a
financial projection for a year or two. See if PBSO can promise you that they will not add
on a lot of extra fees and a lot of additional burden to the City of Boynton Beach before
you decide on it.
Evangeline Ward, 1518 N Seacrest Boulevard, is the Associate Minister at Hopewell
Missionary Baptist Church. It is good to have a voice in the midst of being listeners. We
need to make sure that we listen with our hearts while listening. When you are listening
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with your heart, many people, when they are speaking, are passionate about things.
When there is a passion, we need to realize that these things have affected this
community's people. Not only do they affect them for a short time, but they see their
parents, grandparents, and children, and it is almost like a legacy. What is going to
happen to my children? So, I made it a point. I went to see it. What priority did the City
want and require for our Commissioners and our City officials? The priority was,
creating a strategic direction for this City. Once you do that, it says adopt good
legislation. If the old is not working, we need to wipe it out and start new. One thing she
does know is that she does not trust a stepdad to come in and raise her children. She
does not trust an outside source that they will not come in and abuse what we already
have. Because if you trust an outside source, you might need to remember that you will
have to live with it too amid the havoc that you have created. When it says that we are
strategic, and all of you should know that because you strategize in everything you are
doing. You did not get here by accident. Even when you went through your elections
and everything, you strategized what areas you would go in. When you are strategizing,
you have to be perceptive. You have to be future-oriented. You have to make sure that
you deal with every situation with an open mind. God gave us two ears, two eyes, and
one mouth. Make sure when you are making decisions, you are not making them for
your own personal gain; you are making them for the whole, entire community. God
bless you.
Tory Orr, 407 NE 2 Avenue, stated that he does not care about Rick Bradshaw coming
here to Boynton. He can stay in Greenacres and Lake Worth. We do not need him here.
We are going to work with what we have. There are good and bad apples everywhere.
He does not want to see Officer Diehl and Officer Jones be swept by the PBSO. He
does not want to see green in Boynton. We have been working with these Officers for
years. There are Officers that the children are excited to see in the neighborhood. We
have done toy drives with Officer Diehl, and Officer Diehl takes money out of his pocket
and looks out for District II. Officer Jones is in the community and is known for respect.
You can call Officer Jones, and he will speak with you. He does not believe that
Bradshaw and the team will do that. We have community Officers here that are familiar
with the community and the kids. We need to think about the kids. The children work
hard during the school year to be part of Shop with a Cop. He does give the City of
Boynton Beach Police hell, but he does respect them, and he does not want to see the
switch to PBSO.
Kathleen Hawkins, 2760 NE 5th Court, stated that she agrees that the PBSO should
not come to Boynton and we choose the right City Manager. Someone thought that we
did not comprehend what you guys were doing. We do know. We are well educated
whether we show it or not. She lives off of Minor Road in Boynton Beach. She cannot
walk on Minor Road at night because it is pitch black. Her side of the street is in the City
of Boynton. The other side belongs to the County. She has been trying to get lighting on
the street for years. Maybe she will get the lights now that we have a new Mayor. When
she goes home at night, she should not have to drive with bright lights. When you get
up in the wee hours, it is pitch black, and she has her bright lights on, and all the doors
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on her car are locked. She is not afraid of her neighbors. She is worried about what
might be lurking.
Mayor Penserga asked that Ms. Hawkins leave her address with staff so they could
follow up with her. When he was elected, one of his initial projects was to have 54 lights
placed along Minor Road.
Chuck Ridley stated that he is talking on behalf of the SEIU City employees who
depend on the Commission making an excellent selection tonight as to who the Interim
City Manager will be. Your hard-working and dedicated employees are looking for a City
Manager that will be fair. They are looking for a City Manager who knows what it means
to be a Blue-Collar worker in the City of Boynton in July when it is hot and sweaty and
has the empathy to help them address their issues. Being a City Manager is often
difficult because the elected officials love micro-managing. The City Manager that does
come in has to speak truth to power. Has to help the Commission understand its role as
elected officials. It is the City Manager's job to run the organization. The Commission's
job is to run the vision and get the balance right so that all citizens benefit from the
wonderful world you can create here in Boynton.
Wesley Shuler, 618 NW 2nd Street, stated that the Sheriff will not do what he says he is
going to do. The Sheriff will never come to District II. He will send his Assistant Chief,
and you will never see him in person. He does not have to answer to you. He answers
to the Governor. So why would we put people in that situation? Bringing the Sheriff in
here to do the dirty work will only add to the lawsuits. It is time for the Commission to
come together and do the right thing for the people.
Carolyn Harvey, 608 SW 3rd Avenue, noted that he is a business owner and a member
of the Heart of Boynton Association. The Officers that work with the children, we need
them back in the community. She would like to see the new City Manager in District II
working with the people. For years, District II has been overlooked. The people who we
put in place to help us does not do anything. We do not see Commissioner Hay doing
anything for District II.
Barbara Ready, 34001 Baez Bay, reminded the newly elected Commissioners that they
all ran on transparency and seeking public input. There have been two important critical
issues that have been added to the City agenda at the last minute without public notice.
You have to remember that we are watching.
Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7th Street Unit 407, commented that no one asked the
candidates how they felt about bringing the PBSO into Boynton Beach. How do you not
ask them that question? He said that is why you dumped the last City Manager.
Golene Gordon, 280 Lake Monterey Circle, reminded everyone that the Sheriff position
is an elected position and the next election will be in 2024. If the Sheriff takes over
Boynton Beach, the City will have no control of an elected official running the City. Did
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the City of Boynton Beach Police department ask for the merger with PBSO? She would
like to know why and when. She believes that the City of Boynton Beach should be a
full-service city. We have spent millions of dollars rebuilding the Police Department. In
2001 and in 2012, the City of Boynton Beach rejected the merger request from the
PBSO. She suggested that the Commission ask around why the request was rejected.
Annette Gray, 1500 Gateway Boulevard, stated that she is disappointed with the
questions that were asked to access a decision of who is the better candidate for this
position. The Commission is the policy making body, therefore the opinion of the City
Manager is irrelevant. The City Manager is the CEO who manages and implements the
decisions that are made on the dais. The City Manager is an advocate of the people.
She feels the questions that should have been asked should have been around
relationship management. The best question she heard was what is your leadership
style, although she was disappointed at the answer of all three who said: Servant
Leadership. In today's day and age, Servant Leadership is only a part of a leadership
tool that is required in a City Manager's repertoire. A City Manager is required to be a
situational leader, and a situational leader is quick and fluid, and has the ability to look
at different situations and pull from their vast array of knowledge to adjust the situation.
If you're a servant leader at all times, problem solving is going to be challenging. She
hopes that the questions that are asked to the permanent City Manager is a better
assessment tool going forward.
David Rae, stated that there is no municipality in the County that does not regret
bringing the Sheriff into their cities. You are incapable of having power. You are signing
yourself up for failure. The citizens of Boynton Beach are organized and stand
peacefully together to request that there is no merger. The City of Boynton Beach is a
beacon in the County because it is a full-service city. None of you want to be the
Commissioner and Mayor to go down in history as handing over the streets and
community control to Rick Bradshaw. Listen to your citizens.
Dr. Monica Cleckley, 326 West Boynton Beach Boulevard, does not agree with the
City of Boynton Beach entertaining a possible merger with the PBSO. She feels that
Boynton has well qualified exemplary officers in our City. At this time, we are in a
transition period. We are trying to reorganize and rebuild the department. It would be
detrimental to the community if you bring in the PBSO.
Rick Maharajh,1018 Arezzo Circle, commented that everyone on the dais works for the
citizens. He said you do not work for special interest groups. You do not work for the
unions or the PBSO. You work for the residents of Boynton Beach. We have been
hearing about community engagement and transparency. The abrupt business of firing
City Manager Lori LaVerriere has disrupted the business continuity. The PBSO merger
is not a good move. It is bad business and you do not have our permission to move
forward with this. This something that was tried a few years ago and was unsuccessful.
We are a self-service city and we have the best police force in the Country. Let's keep it
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that way. You work for us. When we call you pick up the phone, answer your emails.
Do your job.
Mayor Penserga closed the floor for public comment.
Commissioner Hay stated that we have three good candidates. It is tough to make that
choice. He does not have any further questions. He is going to go with David Scott for
the Interim City Manager.
Vice Mayor Cruz thanked the candidates for applying and said it was a pleasure hearing
from them. She knows that they all have different experiences that make them qualified.
It is also about fit. She thanked Mr. Scott, and stated she has had the pleasure of
working with him already. Assistant Chief DeGuilio, thank you for the 20 years of service
you have given our community. It shows commitment to the City. We need someone
with diverse experience who can understand the different departments within the City.
She will move forward with the Fire Chief as her consideration for Interim City Manager.
Commissioner Kelley also thanked the candidates, and said each of them brought a
different perspective to the table. She looks forward to working with each of them. She
is going to reserve her recommendation.
Commissioner Turkin stated that this is a hard decision because all three candidates
are well qualified. He told Mr. Scott that he is very good at what he does, and the City
needs him in the current position. Assistant Chief DeGuilio, thank you for your long-time
service here in Boynton. He would like to see his leadership in the Police department in
the future. Finally, Chief Stables, many people have recommended you. His
recommendation would be Chief Stables.
Mayor Penserga thanked the candidates and said he had spoken with each of them. He
has enjoyed working with each of them. He has had heart-to-heart conversations, and
they bring something powerful to the City. He does want to lose any of them. No matter
the outcome of tonight, he still wants all of them on the team. We have great talent here,
and we are better because of you. He hears all the public comments and his colleagues
on the dais. He has to agree. He told Mr. Scott that he is doing a great job and he
wants him to stay focused on economic development. Addressing Assistant Chief
DeGuilio, he said we need your stability in the Police Department. You have been a
constant force within the department. He agrees with what has been said, and the City
needs someone with a breadth of experience. He is leaning his support to Chief
Stables.
Motion
Commissioner Turkin moved to appoint Chief Stables as the Interim City Manager.
Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
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Mayor Penserga recessed the meeting at 8:42 p.m. to allow the Commission to
congratulate James Stables on becoming the new Interim City Manager. The meeting
was reconvened at 8:58 p.m.
Mr. Morgan noted that the GoTo Webinar session had ended.
Mayor Penserga asked the Commission for consent for him to be the lead individual to
begin the conversation with the newly appointed Interim City Manager to discuss the
terms of his appointment. To initiate the conversation, it will ultimately come before the
Commission for review and approval.
Commissioner Hay inquired about a timeline.
Mayor Penserga stated that he would also need to hear from Chief Stables and
attorneys. He would like a draft done by the next regular City Commission meeting.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he would like for the Commissioners to be involved.
Mayor Penserga stated again this is only a draft to bring something to the rest of the
Commission. The Commission can still make changes.
Commissioner Turkin stated that all members of the Commission should address this.
Mayor Penserga stated it would be. The question at hand is will it be alright for him to
start the process and then bring it to the rest of the Commission for their review and
approval. Or is it the desire of the Commission to initiate the whole thing amongst all
Commissioners simultaneously?
Commissioner Hay commented that if we go with the entire Commission, it would have
to be announced and known to the public.
Commissioner Turkin commented his concern was with proper notification to the public.
He is okay with the Mayor starting the process.
2. Adjourn
Motion:
Commissioner Hay motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Kelley seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
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ATTEST:
47:‘is,1-
Cry al Gibson, MMC
City Clerk
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