Minutes 04-04-23 Minutes of the City Commission 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 4, 2023, at 6:00 P.M.
Present:
Mayor Ty Penserga Daniel Dugger City Manager
Vice Mayor Angela Cruz Mike Cirullo, City Attorney
Commissioner Woodrow L. Hay Maylee De Jesus, City Clerk
Commissioner Thomas Turkin
Commissioner Aimee Kelley
1. Agenda Items
A. Call to Order - Mayor Ty Penserga
Mayor Penserga called the meeting to order at 6:08 P.M.
Roll Call
City Clerk Maylee De Jesus called the roll. A quorum was present.
Invocation by Pastor Bob Bender, Christ Fellowship Church.
Invocation was given virtually by Pastor Bender.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Vice Mayor Angela Cruz.
Vice Mayor Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Commissioner Turkin asked for a moment of silence for the school shooting that killed
innocent kids and teachers in Nashville, TN.
City Clerk announces the results of the certification of the Supervisor of Election's
Office from the March 28, 2023 Municipal Runoff Election, which was recounted
on March 31, 2023.
City Clerk De Jesus stated that the City received certified results from the Palm Beach
County Supervisor of Elections Office for the March 28, 2023, Municipal Runoff Election,
which resulted in a recount on March 31, 2023, due to a small margin between the two
candidates. For District 2, Commissioner Incumbent Woodrow Hay won with 50.24% of
the votes.
Swearing In of Incumbent Woodrow Hay, as Commissioner District II, by the Palm
Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Bernard swore in Commissioner Hay.
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Boynton Beach, FL April 4, 2023
Commissioner Hay thanked Jesus Christ, and everyone that helped him during his
campaign. He said that he is happy to be able to serve another three years. He thanked
City Staff for their support.
Agenda Approval:
1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections
City Attorney Cirullo stated that item 6H will need to be pulled to be brought back as an
Ordinance.
Mayor Penserga added item 3F regarding ICARE and their relocation to Boynton Beach.
He added the appointment to the Affordable Housing Committee as item 5F, and the
Workforce Readiness Program to Future Agenda Items.
Commissioner Kelley requested an update on the City's Internship Program.
City Manager Dugger said that Assistant City Manager Matos has been overseeing the
program and that he knows there is a lot of interest.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she would like to discuss who is interested in attending
the Florida League of Cities and National League of Cities Conferences, so registration
deadlines are not missed.
Mayor Penserga added the item as 11B.
Commissioner Turkin requested to move item 11A to before Consent Agenda. He
requested to move item 13E to the May 2 Commission Meeting.
Mayor Penserga stated that he is comfortable with moving item 11A to before Consent
Agenda.
Vice Mayor Cruz stated that we need to have the agenda published at least one week
prior to the meeting. She asked for a legislative update from our lobbyist regarding Senate
Bill 102, at the next meeting. She said that she wants to begin the process to request an
ordinance for minimum sized units for future developments.
Mayor Penserga asked if there was consensus regarding the minimum size for units.
Commissioner Turkin stated that the LDR needs to be looked at.
There was consensus to have this discussion in a workshop.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she is not sure how this new bill will affect these rules
and that we should have the workshop discussed after the bill happens.
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Vice Mayor Cruz stated that she would like to have this looked at sooner than later. She
would also like to create an ordinance to give preference to local businesses for local or
City contracts, if they are within 10% of the lowest bidder.
Mayor Penserga asked the City Manager to start working on a Development Services
workshop.
Commissioner Hay stated that he would like to have a discussion regarding housing for
our homeless.
Mayor Penserga stated that he has also been working on addressing the 300 homeless
kids in Boynton Beach.
Motion:
Vice Mayor Cruz moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Commissioner Hay
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Other
A. Informational items by the Members of the City Commission.
Commissioner Hay, Vice Mayor Cruz, Commissioner Kelley, and Mayor Penserga had
no disclosures.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he spoke with Mike Barwis regarding item 11A. He noted
he attended the NLC in Washington, DC and it was amazing. He thanked staff and the
CRA for putting together a great appropriation request for repair of the seawall. He spoke
about mentioning the ARPA funds to the schools and Veterans to the State
Representatives and they are interested in stories about this. He said that he would love
to be able to attend other conferences.
3. Announcements, Community and Special Events And Presentations
A. Proclamation for World Autism Awareness. Proclamation will be accepted by
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder of Love Serving Autism.
Mayor Penserga read the Proclamation into the record.
Ms. Pugliese-LaCroix accepted the proclamation. She thanked the Mayor and the
Commissioners for the Proclamation.
Stephanie Soplop, ADA Title II Coordinator, thanked Ms. Pugliese-LaCroix for providing
opportunities for kids and adults with autism around the City and State.
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B. Announce PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Clinics being hosted
at The Links Boynton Beach starting on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 2:00 P.M.
Mayor Penserga announced this event.
C. Announce the 2023 Youth Symposium taking place on Friday, April 7 at 9:00
A.M. at the Carolyn Sims Community Center located at 225 NW 12th Avenue.
This event is Free for Middle and High school students that will provide an
opportunity to learn, engage and discuss a variety of topics with professionals
from various fields.
Mayor Penserga announced this event.
City Manager Dugger stated that we have members of the Florida Panthers Hockey team,
as well as staff, coming to the event.
Justin Johnson, Outreach and Marketing Manager, reviewed the offerings at the Youth
Symposium.
D. Announce Egg-stravaganza taking place on Saturday, April 8th from 10 A.M. -
12 P.M. at Centennial Park Amphitheater located at 120 E. Ocean Avenue (Next
to City Hall) in #DowntownBoynton. This is a free event for the entire family.
Mayor Penserga announced this event.
E. Announce the Art & Autism Expo taking place in the Arts and Cultural Center,
(125 E. Ocean Ave.). The City of Boynton Beach is partnering with FAU CARD
for the 3rd Annual Art & Autism Expo where Art will be on display for the entire
month of April. There will be a special Gallery Opening event on April 12 from
5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., where attendees can meet the artists and catering will
be provided by The Chocolate Spectrum.
Mayor Penserga announced this event.
Item 3F was added to the agenda.
F. ICARE coming to Boynton Beach
Wally Major, representing Sea Turtle Adventures and ICARE, mentioned that the
organization is relocating from West Palm Beach. He said that this is a nonprofit
organization that monitors the sea turtle nests from Woolbright to George Bush Boulevard.
in Delray Beach. He further explained what this program will provide.
Pastor Ash invited everyone to the grand opening on April 29th at 5:00 P.M.
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4. Public Audience
Individual Speakers Will Be Limited To 3 Minute Presentations (at the discretion of
the Chair, this 3-minute allowance may need to be adjusted depending on the level
of business coming before the City Commission).
Christina Romelus, Former City Commissioner, stated that she is a Director of Programs
for Path to College, and explained what the program is. She thanked them for the
proclamation that was given to them at the last meeting, and for their support.
Karen Ho spoke about her complaint that she filed against a company that took her property
from her.
Harry Woodworth stated that he would like to comment on the size of the units discussed
earlier, and he asked for long range plans to be looked at as well. He said that everything
with TOD needs to be fixed up. He asked that we progress quickly to clean house down
here before things get messy in Tallahassee.
Ernest Mignoli stated that there are a few officers that he was speaking to at the last
meeting and at other events, and when he was at the Police Station a Police Officer told
him that he was threatening to rape young women at the last meeting. He said that he was
told that he needs to get a life. He said that he is scared to come out of his house. He said
that he is no longer going to do investigations in the City with his Press badge. He said that
he is appealing to the public to stick together with him.
Dr. Monica Roundtree Cleckley spoke about the barriers to submit applications for the MLK
apartments. She asked who is the go-to within the City to speak to.
Mayor Penserga closed public comments.
Commissioner Turkin stated that he would like staff to get a workshop together for the LDR
and the TOD.
Mayor Penserga stated that there is consensus to have a workshop on housing. He asked
if the Commission would like a transportation workshop.
Commissioner Kelley asked to have the TPA or representatives from transportation to help
facilitate the conversation.
Commissioner Hay asked to have Dr. Roundtree Cleckley's issue addressed.
Mayor Penserga said that it is a CRA matter, and he will personally address it.
5. Administrative
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A. City Commission to appoint a Vice Mayor to serve until March 2024.
Motion:
Mayor Penserga moved to appoint Commissioner Turkin as Vice Mayor to serve until
March 2024. Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Turkin thanked the Mayor and his colleagues.
B. Proposed Resolution No. R23-036- Appoint a City Commission
representative and alternate to the Countywide Intergovernmental
Coordination Program.
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley nominated herself as representative to the Countywide
Intergovernmental Coordination Program.
Commissioner Cruz nominated herself as alternate to the Countywide
Intergovernmental Coordination Program.
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to appoint Commissioner Kelley as the representative, and
Commissioner Cruz as the alternate, to the Countywide Intergovernmental
Coordination Program. Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
C. Proposed Resolution No. R23-037- Appoint a City Commission
representative and alternate to the Coalition of Boynton West Residents
Association (COBWRA).
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley nominated herself as representative to the Coalition of Boynton
West Residents Association (COBWRA).
Commissioner Cruz nominated herself as alternate to the Coalition of Boynton West
Residents Association (COBWRA).
Commissioner Cruz moved to appoint Commissioner Kelley as the representative, and
Commissioner Cruz as the alternate, to the Coalition of Boynton West Residents
Association. Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
D. Proposed Resolution No. R23-038- Appoint a City Commission
representative and alternate to the Palm Beach County League of Cities.
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Motion:
Commissioner Hay nominated himself as representative to the Palm Beach County
League of Cities.
Vice Mayor Turkin nominated himself as alternate to the Palm Beach County League
of Cities.
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to appoint Commissioner Hay as the representative, and Vice
Mayor Turkin as the alternate, to the Palm Beach County League of Cities.
Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
E. Proposed Resolution No. R23-039- Appoint a City Commission
representative and alternate to the Transportation Planning Agency
(Formerly known as the MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization).
Motion:
Commissioner Cruz nominated herself as representative to the Transportation Planning
Agency (Formerly known as the MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization).
Commissioner Hay nominated himself as alternate to the Transportation Planning
Agency (Formerly known as the MPO, Metropolitan Planning Organization).
Commissioner Cruz moved to appoint Commissioner Cruz as the representative, and
Commissioner Hay as the alternate, to the Transportation Planning Agency.
Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
F. Proposed Resolution No. R23-045- Appoint a City Commission
representative and alternate to the Countywide Intergovernmental
Coordination Program.
Motion:
Commissioner Hay moved to appoint himself as representative to the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Cruz moved to appoint herself as alternate to the Affordable Housing
Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Kelley moved to appoint Commissioner Hay as the representative, and
Commissioner Cruz as the alternate, to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Cruz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
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G. Review and ratification of the Board Appointed Trustee, Matthew Zeller, to
the Boynton Beach Police Officers' Pension Fund.
Motion:
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to ratify the appointment of Matthew Zeller to the Boynton
Beach Police Officers' Pension Fund. Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
H. Annual reappointments and appointments of eligible members of the
community to serve in vacant positions on City Advisory Boards.
Commissioner Kelley asked to have this item tabled because we are having a
discussion regarding advisory boards at the next meeting
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley moved to postpone these appointments until after the Advisory
Board Ordinance has been heard. Commissioner Cruz seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
I. Hear presentation of annual report from the Art Advisory Board.
Glenn Weiss, Public Art Manager, discussed the following regarding the Art Advisory
Board: Art Advisory Board; Policy; enhancing the City's public image; Sara Sims
Amphitheater; murals projects; private projects; private downtown sculpture- new art
attraction; kinetic brings 6,000 visitors to downtown and art & cultural center; kinetic
supports downtown businesses; businesses and grants support public art total:
approximately $60,000; and sailfish spinners: support art and charters.
Commissioner Kelley said that she is proud of all the art in the City.
Vice Mayor Turkin thanked Mr. Weiss for everything he does and the Art Advisory Board.
He said that this brought in some local charter captains.
Mayor Penserga asked if it is difficult to recruit artists.
Mr. Weiss explained the different organizations he works with, and said that there are
many muralists that are available locally.
Commissioner Cruz said that a lot of people likes the sip and paint events and asked if
that is something we would like to take on.
Commissioner Hay said that he appreciates all of the art all over the City. He said that he
has seen students here to evaluate the artwork.
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11A Proposed Resolution No. R23-044- Approve and authorize the Mayor to
Sign a Sports Facility Use Agreement with Athletic Angels Foundation,
Inc., a Florida Not for Profit Corporation to use appropriately, operate,
and perform maintenance of Field 1 at Little League Park.
Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director, spoke about the Little League Park: Athletic
Angels Foundation, Inc. Sports Facility Use Agreement as follows: use agreement
summary; sports facility use agreement benefits; Little League Park- 300 Woolbright
Road; conceptual plan Little League Park- Field #1; conceptual plan Little League Park-
Phase 1; and questions.
Michael Barwis, CEO of Barwis Corporation, spoke about the following: About Barwis;
first step foundation; Athletic Angels; Miracle Field; video regarding Brock Mealer who
was paralyzed and worked hard to walk again. He stated that this situation was a catalyst
in his life. He said that they started two charities, one of which is Athletic Angels. He spoke
about their goals with each renovation; bringing professional athletes here to speak to the
kids; preseason camp for the community; possibly bringing their national headquarters to
the City; and provided resources.
Phil Terrano spoke about coming here in November with the concept, and about Mr.
Barwis inspiring him to make this happen. He said that he is bringing the best to Boynton
Beach, which is Mr. Barwis. He thanked the Commissioners for everything.
Commissioner Hay said that this is all very exciting, and that so far, he has fulfilled what
he says that he is going to do. He cautioned going around the rabbit hole about being
"ours and theirs," because it is for the entire City, and that it encourages all of the Boynton
Beach kids to use that facility. He asked that if we are opening this up to professionals, is
the net going to be sufficient to prevent balls from leaving the field. He said that his other
concern is parking.
Mr. Terrano stated that they will have a high fence that is strong.
Mr. Young said that this adds more parking that is currently at the park, but this is still a
conceptual plan.
Commissioner Cruz thanked them for the presentation and said that it is beautiful to see
people helping others.
Vice Mayor Turkin said that when he spoke to the staff that work at the headquarters in
Deerfield, they said that they allow kids to come hang out at the facility if the parents are
working late. He commented that he has seen what sports can do for a community and
he is supporting this because of the culture behind it. He said that there were concerns
with the residents from Highpoint that were addressed. He asked if this will be coming
back for a site plan approval.
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Deputy City Manager Mack said yes, this will come back with a full site plan.
Commissioner Kelley thanked them for coming out and she looks forward to the
partnership that they will bring to the City. She said that she wants to make sure that
parking stays on the forefront. She asked if Mr. Barwis is currently at the field and working
there and what has the impact been so far.
Mr. Barwis responded yes.
Mr. Young spoke about the opportunities to increase the use of the little league fields,
and there have been permits issued recently for use of the field.
Commissioner Kelley asked about the memorial wall relocation and that we do as little as
we have to, if possible, and that everyone that is involved is aware of the decisions that
are being made about it. She said that she wants to make sure that the children of the
City have a way to get there.
Mayor Penserga stated that he is very impressed with Mr. Barwis, and he believes that
the partnership with the organization will be a benefit to the City. He said that he would
love for the headquarters to be here in the City, but he did not have enough time to go
over the agreement thoroughly. He commented that the business terms of the agreement
need to be looked at, and he would like to table the item until the next meeting so that he
can take a look at the agreement more thoroughly.
Commissioner Cruz stated that this is a contract that needs to be looked at, and she
needs a little bit more time, so that she can speak to the Attorney and the applicants.
Public Comments:
Barbara Ready stated that July 4,1957 was the grand opening of the Little League. She
said that she has questions on the 47-page agreement and spoke about the different
parts of the agreement that she has issues with. She commented on the dimensions for
the Little League field, and about changing the LDR's for this item.
Mayor Penserga closed public comments.
Commissioner Kelley stated that she would like to talk to Mr. Barwis herself.
Vice Mayor Turkin said that if the item is tabled, he does not want it to be a deal killer.
Mr. Barwis stated that this has been pushed back already, and there are two other cities
that are on the table, but he will bring it to their Board to move it back.
Mayor Penserga stated that he would like to have this passed, but he has not been able
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to see the agreement fully, and he does not want the deal to fall apart. He mentioned that
if it is urgent, they could schedule a special meeting if they have to.
Mr. Barwis said that he understands, but just needs the Board's approval.
Commissioner Hay said that he prefers to wait until the next meeting.
City Attorney Cirullo stated that they would need a contingent approval to schedule a
special meeting if we are waiting to hear back from the Board.
Mr. Barwis stated that he cannot speak for those that are not present, but he agrees about
not rushing the agreement.
Commissioner Kelley asked about timing wise to get a meeting together with the Board.
Mr. Barwis stated that he can likely get the Board together before the end of the week.
Mayor Penserga said that there is a possibility of doing the City Commission Meeting
before the CRA Board Meeting.
There was consensus to see if the Barwis Foundation Board will wait until April 18th or
possibly have a special meeting before then.
Motion:
Commissioner Hay moved to postpone this resolution to the April 18 meeting or schedule
a special meeting, if the Barwis Foundation Board needs to have a decision made sooner.
Commissioner Cruz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda
A. Accept FY 22/23 first quarter report on operations of the Schoolhouse
Children's Museum.
B. Proposed Resolution No. R23-040- Approve, ratify and authorize the City
Manager and Mayor to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement between
the City and the Boynton Beach Association of Fire Fighters Florida Local
1891 of the IAFF for the term October 1 , 2023 through September 30,
2026.
C. Proposed Resolution No. R23-041- Approve, ratify and authorize the City
Manager and Mayor to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement between
the City and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBA)
- Captains for the term October 1 , 2022, through September 30, 2025.
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D. Approve the rankings as recommended by the Selection Committees and
authorize City staff to conduct negotiations with Lori Lehr, Inc., the
recommended top ranked proposer in response to the Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) No. UTL23-001 for Community Rating System (CRS)
and Climate Resilience Planning Professional Support Services - Grant
Funded. At completion of negotiations, the contract will be brought back to
the Commission for approval.
E. Proposed Resolution No. R23-042- Approve and authorize the Utilities
Director to sign an Agreement for water and wastewater services with
Colonial Estates, Inc. (PCN:0042-46-02-05-000-000) as the customer and
the City of Boynton Beach.
F. Approve Task Order 23-B-03 with Engenuity Group, Inc., in the amount of
$73,272 in accordance with RFQ No. UTL22-014, Professional Surveying
and Mapping Services, awarded by City Commission on June 21st, 2022
to provide professional surveying services, for the road and sidewalk
rehabilitation of the roads in the Cherry Hills, Ridgewood Hills, and
Ridgewood Manor subdivisions.
G. Legal Expenses — February 2023. Information at the request of the City
Commission. No action required.
H. Approve the updated Personnel Policy Manual now known as Employee
Handbook.
Vice Mayor Turkin pulled item 6B.
Motion:
Commissioner Cruz moved to approve the consent agenda, as amended.
Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
6B. Proposed Resolution No. R23-040- Approve, ratify and authorize the City
Manager and Mayor to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the
City and the Boynton Beach Association of Fire Fighters Florida Local 1891 of
the IAFF for the term October 1 , 2023 through September 30, 2026.
Tennille DeCoste, Human Resources Director, discussed the following: background;
changes; and savings.
Commissioner Hay asked where this puts the Fire Department with full staffing.
Chief Hugh Bruder spoke about the additional positions in the next fiscal year. He said
that they will still be short on Firefighters.
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Mayor Penserga asked about the status of overtime.
Chief Bruder stated that there has been a dramatic reduction of overtime. He said that
they are at their budgeted amount for the year, but that there were the two hurricanes and
also individuals on light duty that affected this. He spoke about operations and handling
duties by other positions, and being more efficient.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that Boynton Beach has been a destination City for Firefighters.
He spoke about them helping the community during the hurricanes. He asked that they
do a cleanup day in the City, as a union.
Chief Bruder said that they would be happy to do that. He stated that he vowed to make
this the best City in the world and he is committed to that.
Commissioner Kelley said that she is looking forward to the staff changes for year 2. She
asked if the Mental Health Program is going and what are the updates.
Chief Bruder spoke about losing a Lieutenant to suicide in his previous Dade County
position. He said that they work very closely to develop this program and it is one of the
best in the world. He stated that their peer support team is available 24/7. He mentioned
that he has been chosen to sit as the Chair for the PBC Mental Health Program and mirror
the City's program for the whole County. He said that they cannot do anything without the
support of the Commission, so he thanked the Commission for this. He mentioned
opening this program up for everyone in the City.
Commissioner Hay stated that he would like to have a conversation with the Chief
regarding mental health.
Motion:
Commissioner Cruz moved to approve Resolution No. R23-040. Vice Mayor Turkin
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
7. Consent Bids and Purchases over $100,000
A. Approve Task Order P-03-2023 for $194,517.50 for All Counties Painting, LLC
to pressure wash, prime and paint 5 facilities at 124 East Woolbright Road
(Administration Building) and 1620 S. Seacrest Boulevard (East Water
Treatment Plant).
B. Proposed Resolution No. R23-043- Approve and authorize the City Manager
to sign a piggy- back agreement utilizing the Broward County School Board
bid for Storm Sewer & Sewer Main Cleaning & Repairs (FY 20-210) with
Shenandoah General Construction LLC. of Pompano Beach, FL and authorize
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the City Manager to issue a purchase order for work that includes, but not
limited to, cleaning and video recording sanitary sewer mains throughout the
Utilities service area for condition assessment of the sanitary sewer gravity
system, in the amount of $100,000.00.
Motion:
Vice Mayor Turkin moved to approve the Consent Bids and Purchases over $100,000.
Commissioner Hay seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Public Hearing
6 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits. The City Commission will
conduct these public hearings in its dual capacity as Local Planning Agency
and City Commission.
9. City Manager's Report- None
10. Unfinished Business
A. Continue discussion on adding a Sister City in Ukraine.
Svetlana Rahmer spoke about her degree history, and her connection with Ukraine, and
the organizations that she is a part of. She spoke about the Sister Cities in Ukraine Projects;
reform; decentralization; 65 communities that are vetted and ready to enter into a
mentorship with an American City; successful communities that are a part of the Sister
Cities; and encouraging the City to enter into this program.
Mayor Penserga asked how a Sister City would be selected and what are the
responsibilities of the partnership.
Ms. Rahmer stated that she would make recommendations, but there are 65 communities
to choose from. She said that there should be a letter of intent that would be forwarded to
the Ukrainian community, and that there is an agreement template that she has. She said
that they would like to learn from our City, in a mentorship program. She gave examples of
what other communities are doing.
Vice Mayor Turkin asked about the funding from the Department of State.
Ms. Rahmer stated that the overall program funds is close to $75 million, but not all of it is
in the Sister Cities project. She said that all of the funding goes to the hands of the
Ukrainians, and that our City would not have to give any funds, unless they want to. She
said that conversations are happening virtually and digitally.
Vice Mayor Turkin asked that if there is a need for a residential advocate from the City, that
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would be able to help.
Ms. Rahmer responded yes, and explained what the usual advocate is.
Mayor Penserga asked about the benefit to the City.
Ms. Rahmer stated that there is a great deal of learning, and she spoke about Sister Cities
International. She explained different things that Ukrainians are learning from our Country.
Mayor Penserga asked what the relationship is with Sister Cities International.
Ms. Rahmer stated they are an independent organization, and that you do not have to be
a part of Sister Cities International.
Commissioner Hay asked how many Sister Cities does Boynton Beach have right now.
Assistant City Manager Matos stated that we have 4 Sister Cities currently.
Commissioner Hay asked if there has been an expense to us, and what are the funds for.
Jeannie Havelin, Boynton Beach Sister Cities, stated that there is $1,500 budgeted right
now, $900 is for the Sister Cities International for filing the Annual State Report, and the
rest is used for hospitality expenses for visiting delegations. She said that it has not
increased despite of inflation. She named the 4 Sister Cities that we currently have.
Commissioner Hay stated that he sees this as an opportunity to help support the Sister
Cities programs. He asked about impact from Ukraine, since the war is happening.
Ms. Havelin stated that she is not sure if there is U.S. funding available through the Sister
Cities International. She said that this is a different type of program.
Vice Mayor Turkin clarified that the two programs are different. He invited Andre Rivera, a
resident advocate for this program, to speak.
Andre Rivera spoke about his connection with Ukraine. He said that he thinks that both
organizations could overlap.
Vice Mayor Turkin stated that Boynton Beach Sister Cities was uncomfortable moving
forward with Ukraine, which is why Sister Cities of Ukraine was brought in. He spoke about
the area he would like to focus on.
Ms. Rahmer stated that they have a recommendation in the area where Vice Mayor Turkin
would like to focus on in the Ukrainian costal region.
Commissioner Kelley said that this is opportunity for us to mentor a community that is in
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need. She stated that her questions were all answered.
Mayor Penserga said that he is comfortable using this program with a city in Ukraine. He
asked to have a profile of cities that they can choose from, and to make sure that we know
what we are willing to commit to this.
Commissioner Hay asked us what would prevent us to consider two Sister Cities, not both
located in Ukraine, since there is no obligation of funds.
Mayor Penserga asked that our local Sister Cities be involved.
Ms. Havelin said that she is excited about this and that we can work together on this.
Mr. Rivera stated that his nonprofit has the budget to travel to Ukraine, if needed.
Vice Mayor Turkin asked Chief Bruder and Chief DeGiulio if they would be open to meeting
with people in their positions in a Ukraine city, to mentor them.
Ms. Rahmer stated that they have contracted translators.
Chief Bruder responded yes.
Chief DeGiulio said that they have done it before and are willing to help it move forward.
Mayor Penserga asked that we see if other departments are okay with helping out.
Commissioner Kelley asked that the city in Ukraine let us know what kind of mentorship
they would like from us.
Commissioner Cruz recommended identifying a city and then find out what the city needs.
Ms. Rahmer stated that there are 10 cities that are in that area that was preselected. She
recommends to move slowly and do one mentorship relationship at a time.
There was consensus to have staff come back with possible cities.
11. New Business
A. Proposed Resolution No. R23-044- Approve and authorize the Mayor to
Sign a Sports Facility Use Agreement with Athletic Angels Foundation, Inc.,
a Florida Not for Profit Corporation to use appropriately, operate, and
perform maintenance of Field 1 at Little League Park.
Item 11A was heard before Consent Agenda.
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Meeting Minutes
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL April 4, 2023
11B: FLC Conference Discussion
Commissioner Kelley stated that there needs to be consensus of the Commissioners of
who is going, ahead of time, so that they can get in on the early registration fees.
Consensus was reached to determine who is going ahead of time.
12. Legal
A. Pursuant to Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, request for a private
attorney-client session of the City Commission to discuss pending litigation
in the following case:
Natalie Flake, Plaintiff, vs. City of Boynton Beach, Defendant — Palm
Beach County Circuit Court Case Number: 50-2021-CA-006932-XXXX-MB
City Attorney Cirullo read the title into the record. He stated who would be in
attendance and noted that the meeting will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
He stated that it would be noticed, as required.
13. Future Agenda Items
A. Review Advisory Board Ordinance, requested by Commissioner Kelley. - April
18, 2023
B. Red Light Camera Update Presentation, requested by Commissioner Hay-
April 18, 2023
C. Consider revised local rules for approval. - TBD
D. Discussion regarding American Rescue Plan Funds, requested by Mayor
Penserga - TBD
E. Discussion regarding installing a coral reef at Oceanfront Park, requested by
Commissioner Turkin - TBD
F. Discussion regarding future cemetery lots in Boynton Beach, requested by
Commissioner Hay- TBD
G. Discussion for Ordinance regarding tints for paraphernalia shops, requested
by Commissioner Turkin - TBD
H. Look into lowering or waiving arts impact fees for small businesses, requested
by Commissioner Turkin- TBD
17
Meeting Minutes
City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL April 4, 2023
I. Discussion regarding changing minimum requirements for traffic studies,
requested by Commissioner Turkin- TBD
J. Update regarding speedbumps throughout the City, requested by
Commissioner Turkin-TBD
K. Discussion regarding bringing more jobs to the City at former ToysRUs site,
requested by Commissioner Turkin.- TBD
Motion:
Commissioner Kelley moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Hay seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 P.M.
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
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