>>
>> I
>> I first time
>> I first time Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the regular commission meeting
this August 19th 2025. the
court please call the roll.
>> Commissioner marker here,
vice mayor along your
commission of Kutztown, Deputy
Vice Mayor Berns here now,
Carney here we have a Thank
you very much. If you could
all rise 3 for the president,
put bunch of allegiance.
>> believe in
all rise 3 for the president, put bunch of allegiance. >> believe in into this
liberty and justice for all.
Very much may be seated.
liberty and justice for all. Very much may be seated. >> Everybody was best
condition. You were
>> Agenda approval. Are there
any additions subtractions of
to to the to the agenda?
>> Yes, mayor, I'd like to
pull item 6 h one. And I'd
like ask for consensus to move
item 7 H which has to do with
the traffic control devices
further up on the agenda. I
think that's quite a few folks
here that are going to they're
here to speak about that
issue. And I'd like to. Not
have them have to wait.
Several hours to we get to
discuss it so will make 7 H
one. see 7. When we make that
7 BB and allow the people that
are here for the thing to be
78. So if we can move.
>> What was the number you
said Mr. Longer, Commissioner,
Long, 7 H Are there traffic
control noncompliance or any
others, a consensus to move
that up to 78 5 and we'll make
a 6, 8, 1, 7 BB there. Any
other changes to the agenda?
a 6, 8, 1, 7 BB there. Any other changes to the agenda? Well, no, you Of the average
note that was ready to move
South. So I need a motion to
approve.
>> second. Okay. All in favor.
We are. We are. We now have
presentations will be the
first presentation I'm happy
to say is a proclamation for
Coco Gauff. Some of you may
have heard of or, you know,
she's actually from Delray.
She plays tennis a little a
little. Let me read the
proclamation. Corey Dion, Coco
Gauff has made remarkable
achievements in the world of
tennis. Most recently winning
her first French Open singles
title in 2025, whereas in 2024
to secure the French Open
Grand Slam doubles title along
with partner Katrina city of
COVID. Coco is the youngest
American female to win the
French Open singles title in
the past decade. And whereas
in 2023, she captured her
first major singles title at
the U.S. Open, become the
youngest American women to win
the tournament since 1999. And
whereas she has been honored
with the S P award for best
tennis player in both 2024
2025. a testament excellence
and consistency. And whereas
in 2024, Coco Gauff became the
youngest WTA Finals champions
since 2004 and the first
American to win the title
since 2014 and worth beyond
her achievements on the court.
Coco Gauff used her platform
to advocate for social
justice, including racial
equality and climate change.
Inspiring millions around the
world through her leadership
and activism. Now, therefore,
I Thomas of county junior,
mayor of the city of Delray
Beach on behalf of the city
commission hereby recognize
and congratulate Coco Gauff
for her Thomas accomplishments
and advocacy and extend our
deepest admiration for
contributions to tennis. Her
community and the global
conservation on justice and
equality.
Was
>>
>> Now
>> Now you back after this
>> Now you back after this But I just want to say on behalf of cocoa, no way to, you know,
play and she could not be I
want to. Thank kids. If a
company me here, she's like a
family Just does everything.
Yeah. know how cocoa, Delray.
all know how much I loved I've
got all not Coco Delray shoes,
value some. But thank you.
Commission is and all of for
because she does not do this
little boy's. It took a long
time Get them to do this
because remember about rain.
She didn't want a big deal.
But you guys did the parade
and on behalf of the entire
family, family because that's
a family. mom and dad, they
play every rock single of the
year. The mom was a lead and
all that kind of good stuff.
And you don't know how much I
love them. All right. So thank
you so much. On behalf the
golf family and as they fly up
to New York now of them at
Bay.
to New York now of them at Bay. >> Thank Thank you very much.
Next week, I'm not going to be
asking Chief Martin to come
up. We're going to recognize
the life-saving action.
Captain James Baskett, the
Fire Rescue Department.
Captain James Baskett, the Fire Rescue Department. >> Good evening, mayors,
commissioner and city manager.
This evening. It's my distinct
honor and privilege to present
you tonight. Captain James
past a veteran of the Delray
Beach Fire Rescue Department
with 18 years of dedicated
service along with his son,
age 11. What began as a simple
family getaway to
Breckenridge. Call Colorado
meant for rest. Laughter in
bonding quickly became a
moment to show Cage showcase
courage skill in true spirit
of service. On the morning of
July 9th as the best family
prepared for a fun day of
hiking and fishing captain
noticed an elderly gentleman
lying facedown in the parking
lot of his hotel. Without
hesitation. Both father and
son jumped into action and
rushed to his side. Do a
rapid, complete and thorough
patient assessment. It was
discovered this man was in
cardiac arrest. In that
moment. Young Quinn. Drawing
upon the guidance example and
values instilled by his
father. Took charge in
directed his father to start
CPR.
father. Took charge in directed his father to start CPR. Following ha algorithms
with captain past asked about
an ad being available. Young
queen again didn't cause he
ran over 120 yards to a
neighboring adjacent property
to retrieve an AED. And this
was all in the 9600 foot
elevation. And we all know how
much ovation we have in
Florida.
>> With steady teamwork,
father and son apply to devise
a shock was delivered in a
gentleman's heart began to
beat again.
>> Due to their swift and
decisive action and selfless
actions. This man was
stabilized transferred to
Denver. It continues a path to
recovery today. Tonight, we
not only celebrate the life
saving efforts of Captain Jim
Bass and his son Quinn. We
celebrate the very best of
what it means to serve. Their
story reminds us of the power
of early CPR on deferred
elation, but also the
character, compassion and
caliber of people who wear the
Delray Beach Fire Rescue
badge. Captain, best your
professionalism and leadership
continue to make us proud.
Your courage quick thinking
our inspiration, not just your
father, but all of us here
tonight. Will be holding an
application for you in a few
on behalf of our city and the
rescue chief and our entire
department. We extend our
heartfelt congratulations and
most profound gratitude and
warmest wishes to both. You
and to the man whose life you
have so profoundly touched.
And I have these. Recognition
>>
>> Thank
>> Thank you, guys. Thank you very much for the commission. Its. We're honored to receive
the recognition want express
my thanks
>> come on when it on with it.
Thank you guys very much.
Thank you very much. Thank
you.
Thank you very much. Thank you. >> For CBS, this is going to
be this is a discussion of
Iraq's by city funded
nonprofit organization. And
that's your leading
organizations. So
representatives from Del Rey
rocks are that we at this
time, the forthcoming that's
the mayor. So they'll be in
position offer their pre
presentation. You can get
strategic seating on See that.
So okay. All right.
>> And to be by Cup match or
you all approved the agreement
between the city of Delray
Beach and the reviews trucks
and organization week ago
today resulting in the brief
presentation from leadership.
Thank you, ladies.
>> Thank you. Good evening,
everyone. Commissioner Mayor
City manager, my name is
Clarinda Pickett the city of
Delray Beach resident. Also
currently the president in Lee
Park, representative for the
door. Iraq's. I've been a
volunteer for the Iran since
2006 since my son enough and
able to play for the Iraq
says.
>> Just a brief history of the
door. Iraq's we are brought
into existence in 1966. By
William Bill Smith today. This
is our 59th year that the
routes have been in existence.
I think we are.
>> The longest standing. And
Delray Beach. This could not
be possible with our dedicated
volunteers, our parents, the
participants and the support
from our city and community.
Moving forward organization
currently have a football
teams of 5 charities fast
forward to the past few years,
2020 for 2020 to 2024, we 1, 7
Super Bowls. All right. Your
teams have been rocking the
mask. We'll several first
place championships as well.
We recognize and we are
appreciative of all of the
support from the city of
Delray Thank you.
support from the city of Delray Thank you. >> Good evening,
commissioners. My name is
>> I have been out with.
>> The Del Rey rocks since
about 22. I am a Dairy Beach
resident. And I want to get
into the presentation. What
the radar was saying. A little
brief history about the dairy
right, Max, this is our 59th
year and we in 2. We came into
I del Rey 1966. By. We'll see.
By Will Smith. And he named as
after he's watching. Those are
the pictures. If you look
hard, you'll see. Bill Smith
to the right. And you also
older. A host of other people.
Those are just as cold as it
Go Okay. We just want you to
know. Your support helps build
confidence. Provide mentorship
in open the door to academic
excellence. To the news. We
didn't want to be before you
long. So our budget request.
We just wanted to show you
things that we have to pay for
these for the Referees? Over
$15,000 $15,750. to be in the
Renee, why a feel? Football?
6700 Shear 1600 USA football
dues at $750. This is the big
I think that you guys have
done for deal right? I travel.
Because a lot. children can't
get to where we go. We go as
far as Kendall. provide a plus
for us. So for a cheer
competition, it's going to be
about 4,000 Super Bowl. 2800
because we're going to Super
Bowl again. For our regular
season. runs about $36,000.
Little things that we need to
play. Football mouthpieces
hurdles, helmets, shoulder
pads. He'll meet
reconditioning the uniforms.
The Pats. Replacement uniforms
runs. about 46,000 a year.
Provide we get. Into the year.
Trophies, little supplies we
do for a while feel. rules. We
do have to provide a tent in
treats for the referees. So we
have to pay for little things
like that. We have to make
sure it is very hot outside.
So we have to make sure the
kids stay hydrated. we do have
to pay taxes. So we had Pay
for. CPA to do our taxes
insurance and the light
towers. Because on them. On
the visiting side, there's no
lighting. So when we play at
night, we have to have those
light towers. And we do
fundraising. So we do ask
anyone and we are still sick
except donations. If you what
do I so we do have a little
dances. We probably make it
looked as we shouldn't let we
made about 2000 and
registrations, 30,000. So what
we are what you gave in this
fiscal year was 97,000 and I
didn't want to ask. We didn't
want to ask for much more than
that because we know that you
do give us a lot. So we're
just asking 400,000. The list,
though, executive board
members Florida Pink. It.
Terrence Thomas Myriad Pickens
Michael Charles. Here are our
coaching staff and most of
them are Dairy Beach.
Residents. We have some that
work for the city of Delray
Beach. We have a 2 coaches
that also coach and Atlantic
because he'll wind down. And
Derek Eric. Inability, I know
you guys are accustomed to
have rack because he's been
here with the Super Bowl and
also we Eric Davis Coco Is
number 8 a living. You. He is
the quarterback. This is our
schedule. Just in case you
guys wanted to come and check
us out at home games. We've
already had 3. We have 3 more
September states between me
and in October. 11th. And
we're see Chris Second
Thompson's. Some more
pictures.
we're see Chris Second Thompson's. Some more pictures. Our app you see you
see how we have a team there.
I really got. Recognize you
all. A huge thank you to our
biggest supporter. That's the
city of Delray Beach. You are
lifesaver in your dedication
partnership, make everything
we do possible. And we just
wanted to leave in little
treat. we're just thanking
them for being lifesavers.
treat. we're just thanking them for being lifesavers. >> Thank you very much. expect
last year, expected this year,
too.
>> Yes, We have expectations.
Absolutely. Okay.
>> You have any questions of
us. I read that.
>> I want to say thank you for
the presentation. We haven't
had this in the past. So what
when we see the amount of
money you're getting? We
obviously wonder, but you're
doing a lot for the community
and we appreciate you. And I
can't believe these kids
playing.
>> In August, it is so hot. He
very highly Also thank you for
presentation and the
information and we appreciate
you. Thank you.
information and we appreciate you. Thank you. >> We have the presentation
now by the Downtown
Development Authority
regarding old-school
securities in the 2025 per
approved 2025. 2026 proposed
budget.
approved 2025. 2026 proposed budget. >> Good evening. Mayor
Commissioners, City manager,
City attorney, everyone. My
name is Laura Simon. I'm with
the Downtown Development
Authority. Suzanne Boyd, our
director marketing. You might
have some board members here,
but just wanted to recognize
our The directors. Jill
Dillard, men. We have also
tonight, cool Devon it Anthony
Barber. Maybe my children,
thank you for. Giving us the
opportunity to present.
>> the
>> program Inactivation. A
little school square campus,
which is under our purview is
the Cornell Art Museum. The
Ampitheater Lawn as well as
the vintage gem and the
grounds there. So just gonna
share with you. Some
highlights. Taking you through
a little bit of history. It's
really take the opportunity.
>> And just share with the
community really what's going
on at I the Downtown
Development Authority is an
organization is working
closely with the city.
>> On activating a programming
this cultural arts campus. So
just 2021, you'll see the city
terminated the lease with a
center for the Arts, which is
the nonprofit on the campus
managing that for for for
decades.
>> October 2022, the city the
DDA held a workshop regarding
the campus and regarding the
nest, necessary. The NSA says
city keeping that campus open
and active as a center of in
the heart of her.
>> Downtown and our city. So
the DDA worked Clapper to flee
with this. The city funding
operation for us to then
program and activate and
entered interlocal agreement
to open up first, the Cornell
Art Museum which sits on
Atlantic Avenue. On the Saints
went in and Atlantic Avenue,
the building, which is the
1913 elementary School for
Delray Beach. Now is the coin
now Art Museum. It's open now
with exhibitions and it isn't.
I close building is actually
open. invite everybody to be
there December. We opened up
the Cornell Art Museum with a
new exhibition February 2023.
We signed agreement. then we
started producing events in
March and April, managing the
campus for for private events
that are rentals as well as
creating events on the campus.
September. We started out with
the entire campus and then a
September 2023, the city took
over the management of the
Crest Theater building execute
the renovations and move
forward. There. And October
2023, the DDA also acquired
the vintage Gem from
management and programming.
And in 2024 in September, we
are now in our and our 5 year
term. Working in managing that
campus in the inner local
group. The wise to the DDA
agrees to handle
administration set up
operation maintenance
programming, active
activities, exhibitions that
special events for the use and
enjoyment of the city
residents and the public at
large in order to encourage
economic development and
promotion of the downtown area
of the city. So this is what
we're One thing, our
responsibilities with the
funding provided by the city
and funding that we raise on
the campus is we host series
of exhibitions and programs
that we produce and create on
our team as well with our
partners and managing the
campus. So we have rentals or
>> private events that used by
such as the free market where
the cocoa market, other events
that actually happened. The
campus, our team is there to
manage execute. You never see
the execution of And then the
marketing of the campus when
this was close for many years.
>> It was really important for
us to ramp up the marketing
for this.
>> Campus, too. The public
know that the campus is open
and open an active and
available for use. Just a
little bit about the visitor
traffic a year. You'll see me
at 220,020. 21 200 and 28 22
and just growing on. 23. And
24, we continue to grow. Just
recently, we had a free
concert on the campus us to
close to 2800 people, which is
significant. And I know the
city just has draw the drone
show is over 5,000 people.
That event since the middle of
summer, which is really we
need to hear. So just a
snapshot of the events that
are produced by the DDA in is
on the campus of just looking
at. These are all multitude of
events from free exhibitions.
>> And hosting events in act
for now, Art museum as well as
ticketed events. We had the
pop 2000 in ranked era in July
as well as yoga and your
health and fitness events this
summer. So just wanted shout
out for that. Yeah. And we
highlighted in the left hand
picture is actually the.
>> He rolled cardio talk where
he unveiled the the portrait
that he did of Coco Gauff.
>> And Missus. Odom was there
as well as cook his family.
About 300 people inside the
museum. That nice to us
really, really beautiful
night. And the right hand
picture is filming yoga. We
had about 700 people register
for that. But we at 1100
people show up. So that was
another free event that we
produced on campus just this
year.
>> So going into this current
year. 25 26 is we. Plan the
dowry high school. Which is
the Chris to building and the
gymnasium celebrate 100 year
sure. Yet.
the Chris to building and the gymnasium celebrate 100 year sure. Yet. And really want to
focus on. Inclusive and tell
you the story of. Well, school
square and our community
through all of our. So our
goal is to obviously launch
celebration in the fall.
started just curious through
the year. It's really
highlighting. Through that
history from that, we're now
museum all the way through the
campus. Travel through time,
if you will. And then and then
our next. Yeah. And part of
the priorities and part of the
100th anniversary of the
campus is the launch of the
rebrand. As you all know.
>> We went through called
Artis. The public voted 10,000
votes. They choose the artist.
Partition Torres. She is right
now working with our graphic
artist to come up with the
final
>> logo. And we hope to launch
We during one of these
centennial celebrations, some
of the other priorities
bringing more
revenue-generating events to
the campus, bringing back art
in the square, which was.
>> And event. That was a money
maker outside of Cornell Art
Museum. A more family events,
constant activations, low
impacted activations and
stronger. Summer programming.
Some of the priorities that we
hope the city will consider
are just capital improvements
to the campus. What the
restrooms need to be read and
facility enhancements, their
flooding issues on the campus
and then also working with us
to create a comprehensive plan
for the entire campus
strategic plan of what we want
this campus to be and how we
want to move forward with it.
And then now taking a look at
the numbers. So this is a look
at the projected revenue for
the fiscal year. 25 26.
>> We are hoping for 8 or
$2000 as we got last year from
the city, the rental income is
about 50,000 program income
about 170,000. We get about
25,000 in donations and
sponsors and then you see to
$10,000 in museum store sales.
>> Which puts us just over a
million dollars to 2 run the
campus.
>> we wanted to break that
down into buckets. So you can
really see what we're doing
with that money operations
that staff. It's about 4
27,000 and that includes 6
security on campus legal. All
kinds of, you know,
administrative services. They
say the marketing and
advertising that's really
getting people to know about
what's happening on campus.
The Cornell Art Museum that
that the exhibition's on the
amphitheater. Those are the
concerts and all the
activations. And then the low
maintenance budget, which is
about $26,000. Now we want to
break it down for you so you
can see specific what that
looks like. Payroll facility
expenses and we didn't want to
go into the next slide because
I think that, you know, there
have been some public comments
about the
>> Making money off of hold
school square and we just
wanted to kind of lay this out
so that we can put those
inaccuracies to rest. And this
is a look at the O S s budget
on your last and on the right
is what the DDA pays for and
those services DDA pays for
our loans to old-school square
because it is in the heart of
of our downtown. And we really
believe that this is important
piece of the downtown. So on
the left is what comes out of
the hold square budget, which
is that the city funding in
the money that we make it old
school square on the right,
the executive director
marketing director, the
marketing coordinator. Those
salaries are all paid for 5.
The TVA. And that is not, you
know, that it's not that we
take any salary from
old-school square. As far as
expenses. This is the
marketing and advertising. You
can see the buckets how that
breaks down move on out of
time start. Then we get to the
Cornell Art Museum. You can
see what those events and
activations Mariska is
constantly programming. The
Cornell Art Museum. So it's
always got something
happening. New and this is a
look at the ampitheater and we
can break it down between
winter programs and summer
programs and outdoor games and
activities. And then we are
hoping throughout all of these
programs, too, have the
centennial be a part of all of
the programming. And then this
is just a small maintenance
budget. We do some painting
around campus lighting and
different things to just keep
the campus looking nice. We
didn't want to lay out the
creative arts school because
it is a part of the camp past.
And this is part of the budget
for your fiscal year. 26. And
right now you will have
budgeted for an an $26,000 for
the Creative Arts School.
That, of course, is under the
city purview. It's not under
the DDA. The Crest Theater in
the creative arts school are
under the city management. And
then we just wanted to lay out
the final numbers. And you can
see that the creative arts
school that one program is
costing the city more than
half of what the entire campus
costs in your current budget.
So any questions, comments?
>> As the mayor? I like to
offer better clarity. I think
it's prudent that I do so at
this particular point in time.
So. The purpose of this.
Engagement. One of the
provisions of aforementioned
agreement between the city of
Delray Beach and the Downtown
Development Authority has to
offer. And then you'll update
in terms of activities, record
of achievement as it relates
to the services being provided
at campus separate and apart
from the creative Arts school
It's just think the flee a
separate operation of the city
of Delray Beach. We've updated
the commission in terms of
what I have for it as a number
car. Additionally Proust more
cogently alike to refresh
everybody's. Attention. I
hosted a meeting with the
leadership of Downtown
Development Authority that
would have been to stay June.
24 this year, 04:30PM, in the
afternoon to talk a little bit
about revenue analysis,
particularly forecast, 6
cetera. What the opportunities
are in that regard and that
brings me to this specific
request of $800,000 being made
available for the upcoming
fiscal year. Openly talked
about the prospect of a
$700,000. recommendation is
part of the aggregate proposed
budget for fiscal year 2025.
2026. The commission may very
well recall and some of the
details of presentation 7 been
offered. But that was actually
the recommended consideration.
So bottom line be current
proposed budget process does
take on the consideration of
$700,000 commitment towards
this relationship and not an
$800,000 one. So that is you
also former requests, however,
the proposed budget process
takes on the considerations
$700,000 of which we were
fairly open about that as we
went along. So thank you.
>> Just so I can just that
they don't mind just on
manager of that conversation
was following wasn't actually
tagged on to another meeting
that we had. So I knew we had
a dialogue on that. I didn't
realize that that was the
formal request for that.
Recommendation by that there
was going to hopefully be
another follow-up
conversation. And so that's
why we're here with our
presentation following our
meetings that we've been
having publicly as well with
the board. So and again, we
Activated the campus this year
where working, you know, faced
with a partnership with the
city collectively to an art in
our residents and community to
make sure the campus is open
and active in the downtown and
say it does require a lot of
and even more than what we are
actually doing. He really,
really choir. Quite a bit more
to make sure that that campus
is fully operational in should
be operational 365 days of the
year. But I appreciate your
your comments. Thank you.
>> To the commission, Mr. The
comments. Mr. Marker. I just
want to think you ladies and
the whole DDA team for what
you do. I think the downtown
has unbelievable. The past
year. We've had more events
than ever. We've had paid
events. We've had free events.
We're obviously driving a lot
of traffic into downtown area,
which is where merchants told
me every day they want. And I
blame them. Biden restaurant
down there. The more we can
drive in the better or city
is. I would be very careful.
The DDA. I think the work
you're doing is really good. I
think it's critical to the
success that we've had as a
community. And I want to be
mindful of any and cuts that
were contemplating because I
want to go backward. We've
worked too d*** hard to get
here. And we're the envy of
every city in Florida and many
around the United States. And
I want to stay there. So the
work you guys are doing is
contributing mightily to that.
So I want I want to say thank
you. Like I said, I want to be
perfectly mindful anything
that we're thinking about
cutting because this is 2
double to to mess around with.
Thank you. Thank you.
Commissioner Qasem.
>> I would say thank you for
the presentation. You know, I
sat up here when you were
running the campus its. You're
doing an exceptional job and
people recognize that we are
still in our budget process.
Thank you. Chair.
>> Commissioner Burn students.
Just thank you for your
presentation and thank you for
the work that you do in our
city and our downtown area.
>> A lot of brouhaha was made
about my you do during a
public records request obtain
all the financial statements.
Do have Thing to start off
with and that you continue to
try to point out that you for
all this and somehow that the
city is spending 426,000 on
the article when you were told
yesterday. But the deputy city
manager, exactly what that
means in that, you know, that
that we're not we know that
money has spent. You know,
it's been for teachers. You
know, the teachers are going
to be paid out of that with
the payments. So you're trying
to sit there and make that
make that That's not what your
budget from last year
sentence.
>> like that? You can
understand and read a budget
and what doesn't get spent and
it's up But it doesn't mean
it's spending would say We
were told yesterday and you
continuing that who are
continuing I have checked,
mayor not going to yesterday.
I can assure mayor.
>> Yes, lent. So this is
commission discussion in the
presentations over. So I don't
think you're directing
questions to them. I think
you're directing it to your
colleagues.
>> Okay. have specific
questions. I think you just
direct here.
>> Well, I'm always could
cooking dress to my
colleagues. Was this and we we
all receive an email this
morning from Gina Carter on
with the true numbers are and
to to suggest that it's some
bigger number than that and
how great you are ready to
under 1000, how lousy were for
426,000 and our overspending
is truly just and generous.
But I have a lot of questions.
You know, I'm not saying
there's anything wrong. I got
a lot of questions. I want to
know why the DA budget is
going up 100% in 5 years.
>> Is that's big You're
directly asking a question.
That's fine. But I think if
you're just a new record
yesterday, I mean, it's record
It's going up 5 years. Our
mileage has stayed the same.
so we're saying that our
mileage based on the value of
the downtown to the value, the
down town, value of the
downtown skyline of the
properties in the downtown,
right. even greater value
based I dollars that. And love
to say that you're entitled
show your entire given one
mill and your lab to spend You
know, we can do 10 knows here
city. That's not 10. We don't.
Why? Because we give the
taxpayers a break. my point a
million dollar increase in
revenues over 5 years without
any other comments to me is
not being very taxpayer from
me, but that you've answered
the question. So I understand
why you got That doesn't mean
you have to spend it. It's my
first point. is also sick. It
was also approved through
proper process. just I'm not a
that could nobody else even
getting the financials. And
I'm everybody now knows. Okay.
So I want to know why industry
cable all the fine. I please
don't go down that road. We
didn't see Please, I'm not.
I'd like to know why the
administrative costs. At 68%.
of Europe are 66% of your
operating budget.
>> let me go. Let me go. Let
me go salaries and benefits.
Now. Just did that. explain?
does clarify. Are you speaking
about the DDA budget? Are we
talking needles? Because
talking about why don't know?
Because I look at what your
partner says.
>> And I'm just going to my
next question. why why? Why
does your daughter auditor
comment on they don't can't do
this efficiency of a of your
internal control? Can I say
that no may not. That's in our
statement. Page one 72 of our
audit report to.
>> It's on Page we want to
partner Nino weather. Brian,
their party on part of that
brought up as part of our
audit. They they have the same
exact terminology in our
audit. I've been at the same
exact terminology and the CRE
audit. I saw your e-mail. I
heard what you said yesterday.
That's not accurate
information. Okay. It is
accurate information
afternoon. air.
>> Tonight has ask a question,
please are we speak? We came
here tonight to talk about the
old school. talking about old
schools were, too, because I
happen to think. But before we
give you another 7080900,000
are asking for.
>> That we should have our
auditor. Make sure that your
spending them taxpayer dollars
in accordance with what I
people are going to be sure to
be because I think we need to
understand that because, you
know, the person programming
our shows. There's contract
for this person. They're paid
monthly fee, but there's no
contract with them. You know,
he gets $5,000 a month for
booking shows that are local.
That may be great. But, you
know, when you speak to the
booking agent to do this for a
living session, we're paying
him what paying them but make
getting a better quality show
because we can take we go
through that list. You can go
through. That was happy to do
that. That's not not the
night. As it relates to the
salaries. Which you use
portion of it for. I
understand you're doing all
that. You include in the
salaries you have 2 and a half
marketing people, but you 3
marketing people that you pay
as vendors. You have security
people. pay. The way it works
is you're operating budget. Is
Robert budget. You can't. Our
average down your payments
based on. What you pay
third-party vendors, you just
can't. That's not the way it
works in terms of determining
how many with the organization
salary construct. So. We can
look at that and I'm still
looking at it. But on saying
is for the first batter is put
up. A lot of money goes out
the door internally. That's
all I'm center and I'm
troubled by the fact that when
I look at some of the
statements yesterday that not
that you have pages and pages
of things on your on your
bills. receipts provided. Yes,
you've got your audit, but
audits, as we all know, are
German weather. He gave me a
bill. I pay the bill. The
audit says, yes, you paid. I
don't know where he spent his
money correctly say you didn't
spend it quickly, but that's
what receipts or 4. And we
have you're asking me to turn
over those $700,000 to an
organization doesn't keep
receipts. We have the receipt.
Can she explained that that's
a state? You're making serious
accusations their meetings.
And here I.
>> And it time for the
opportunity to
>> no receipt, no receipt.
That was going have copy. Look
at it.
>> I looked you sent it to
minutes before the meeting and
I did look at it. think you
look that sounds I assure you
the auditors. So I just can I
asked what is it you're trying
to accomplish? I am trying
you're going with and I want I
want to make sure that the
money we're giving the DDA is
being properly accounted for.
I want our auditor to look at
how the spending for the
money. I want to make our
auditor look at whether or not
the contracts they have that
we're paying money for any
don't sent for us to develop
the talent.
>> Is is is appropriate under
the circumstances and has been
competitively bid out. It's
not been competitively bid
out. So. It would everybody
talks about transparency. I
talk about transparency.
>> And accountability. It
feels like you're going after
them. I want to not going
after any. You're doing
because you expect you're not
doing this in the CRA. You're
going to their meetings. You
represent all of us the mayor.
You're sitting up there and
the members are saying there's
a tension and hostility up
there. That's uncomfortable
with your president. Second in
feel I feel same way got able
ISIS of information.
>> That you are making
decisions on that is not
strategic. That is being
tactical. You do not have all
the information. If you went
to the events that the DA has
every Friday and Saturday and
you don't. We are jammed down
million dollars that we're
spending is the best million
dollars we've ever spent. And
because you don't like what
they this not a that you
should be driving this
process. Mayor, I'm sorry. I
well, I don't get mad at
anybody. Ladies and gentleman
on saying to you is.
>> I want accountability of
the money being spent with
attack to want to sing. This
feels very personal targeted
person. It that it is
personnel.
>> Why look the people. This
is the most personal thing
I've seen came on your over
here with the people paid by
the organization up what you
should care about. Those
people W in. My point is.
There's a lot of questions on
the on the on the on the on
the things on to the other
expenses. Mayor, go use those
questions. We can go right
now. If you'd like I'm happy
to answer everything you want
Yes, I think Mister Moore
wants country.
>> I'm sorry. Mister Moore,
thank you, ladies and
gentlemen. So response to
Simons, expression of
willingness to work with
everybody involved to
alleviate any concerns that
might be express. I think
you're amenable to that.
>> Youve Expresa general
interest to that effect. Yes.
And I think thank you for
offering the record. but
suggest that spring it on.
Elaine of Georgia has in turn
a lot of given the opportunity
to engage and connect with
leadership with the downtown
Development Authority to help
have it in I'm making a
suggestion amount.
Commissioner Casella they've
been the subject.
>> what you have,
>> cooled importing
information. You're going to
the meeting with a packet of
papers, but you refused to
hand them out. You're dropping
little crumbs that are super
suggestive and rather
insulting the way that you're
implying people that have
partners for a long time are
acting. It's not appropriate
unless you really have
information. Part of your
information was that sheet on
page. One of the seed is
report, which is exactly the
same as ours on on 59 in the
CRA and on Page one, 72 in our
own audit. I think that you
have something in your mind
that's happening. That may not
be and I don't love. first one
who will go after the
finances. But I don't love
your approach. Sending out
letters, thousands letters to
residents demanding they come
to an event voice their
concern about the mileage. By
the way, if I may, I'm not
done the reason why they
always got one male was
because our city attorney
presented to us at the time
the understanding that they
were entitled to one male. And
the And Mister Frank, wanted
to take it away. wanted to
take it away. And we were told
are continuing do what you
believe your letter to the
question brought us produce
discussed. Forgive me for
interpreting that way, Mr.
wanted to reduce it.
>> As we revisit her, Now.
>> So let me be very clear.
never said that they're
entitled to one now, maybe
that's a choice title just
want to right? So they're
entitled to up to one now.
>> entitled to up to 10,
right? But what do we do? We
spend up to 10 nowhere if we
measure I interview with what
they're doing, please produce
the documentation because it
feels like comment so muting
go to their meeting over 200
people showed up in support
saying you there saw the saw
yellow shirt. on the board
meeting. Go to the event.
>> America make a point of
order. Just to clarify the
record.
>> So under 4, 1, 1, of the
duties of the internal
auditor, the internal Auditor,
Shad Review, any matter
related to city business. Upon
the request of the majority of
the city commission or the
city manager. So just unfair.
>> What are Laker? I wishes to
do that. He has the ability to
direct. I would agree with Mr.
Maher, I think the consensus
should that Mister, our Mayor
Mr. Carney produces a
documents of concern to all of
us that we can always viewed
and we give Ms. before we can
remind, don't want to make
sure been in the minority
among our money till October.
So we have plenty of time for
you to put out nothing to it.
And they haven't spoken up all
with a quick comment.
>> Miss Simons on board with
speaking with our auditor,
which you are right? Yes, so
that let's can we just agree
with that. 2 to allow with our
auditor. It would just that
interested and they want do
now to move along. We're just
learning what your accusations
guy.
>> Can I also just make a
point clarity here as the
downtown development authority
was put in this position. 2
run the campus, right word. We
don't have to be here. It
gracefully. Do not have time
here. We're happy to give the
keys back. If that's what you
guys mind.
>> No, rescue the campus. I
risk you the campus for us to
suggest it's just to suggest
that the city doesn't have the
ability to run that campus and
that is not arm. They want say
that they want do not send out
of the gate and here you are
making up facts. I did say
that in effect just excuse
making our athlete of our
point of actor. With that of
that side to show you how much
is being invested in campuses
to show that his campus takes
money to run? Of course it
does. takes a lot of money to
run more than more than we're
investing in all. And I think
a lot of people invest money
in this town for this campus
to be alive. We all have to
take responsibility, passion
for this. So I appreciate
that. And we honestly, we
don't have to be doing this.
Our team has got a lot to
focus on. And I know that
they've given a lot more. I
read that you see on paper.
I'm that they're being paid is
a lot. I'm not sweating tears
in his place. I love my
knowledge that you don't have
to be doing this. mayor, thank
you.
>> So once again, elect to
support the professional Maris
for assignment and her team
being able to engage with the
city's internal audit. A young
manager was actually standing
right behind us. Laura Simon,
at this time, ready to make a
connection as well as to
proceed accordingly. I think
that's cogent structured
approach. There's an agreement
to proceed in regard and part
assignment. I appreciate
gentleman for offering the
clarification in terms of what
the city manager escape
ability and authority respect
to questions or concerns in
this regard. However, I would
like for the commission to
offer their support as well,
which I like to think it's
fair considering the fact
assignment expressed interest
and willingness to she's sit
down with them and so tired
time.
>> That's not what I'm talking
about. asking for consensus
because we need to yes, ma'am.
Okay. So I would just like to
say that, you know, we don't
want another old-school square
of the arts situation here to
happen. So light transparency,
accountability everyone.
>> You are agreeing to sit
with our auditor. Let's do
that. And so I'm in favor of
fun. We have consensus a few.
Thank you. So that's that.
Otherwise the budget process
continues. The recommendations
have been made known.
Appreciate your women,
assignments, a missive
initative be kind enough to
engage and connect.
>> And you make arrangements
accordingly. And Leslie, thank
you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
accordingly. And Leslie, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. >> Follow 30 direction
trajectory regarding downtown
parking plan implementation,
Missy Bar. do you have the
stage? With a platform where
the table? The floor.
>>
>> Good
>> Good evening. Mayor commissioners to see violent. A director of public Very
happy to be here this evening.
To talk to you follow that.
Direction from. July meetings,
if Students.
To talk to you follow that. Direction from. July meetings, if Students. On the parking.
Direction from. July meetings, if Students. On the parking. >> It could be all kinds of
tools can usually get one of
them to work. Okay. in July
may be a very long and
exhausted.
>> Presentation.
Implementation.
exhausted. >> Presentation. Implementation. The parking
Curbside Management plan
tonight. There are few items
of clarity following the
meetings in July where there
was not a.
>> consensus on some of the
items.
>> What we talked about was
the various tiers in the
performance space parking plan
tear to is this side street
parking tier 3 surface. Lots
potentially changing rate
structure in the parking
garages. We also talked about.
>> A parking benefits district
in a centralized Valley
program. Neither one of those
issues are on on the agenda
tonight. Tonight, we're just
gonna talk about. You. Walk I
>> having a workshop on that
next week from getting
>> And I have a two-hour
presentation on that for
tomorrow. From from the
initial meeting we talked
about the city manager by
resolution has the authority
to raise that parking rate on
side streets through $2 to $3.
That meant approval from the
board. surface lot. The
surface lot metering generally
the board seem to be in favor
of that.
>> But the holdup for giving
full favor toward metering the
parking lots. It on finding a
solution to employee parking
in the downtown area. In
>> By the time we get to the
rate structure in the garages,
we did not come to consensus.
So tonight we're only going to
talk about the performance
space parking program in the
employee parking permit.
>> And because the Tier 3
parking. Indeed on arriving at
a viable solution to the
employee parking program.
We're going to talk about that
first. The parking and
curbside management master
plan does does lay out a
recommendation to provide a
month to month permit for
downtown employee parking.
>> And staff has has Tenet
tentatively offered $15 a
month.
>> That would be an available
online permanent. Just the
same as the other parking
permits that we have.
>> You can buy it online where
you can buy it at the one
parking pass office. That's in
the old school square parking
garage on the first floor.
There 2 options for this for
this permit. The first one is.
The one that was already on
the table to utilize the top
floors of old-school squaring
Federer spill garages to limit
those 2 only employee parking.
That option has not received a
favorable response from the
DDA in the past because
there's a very limited number
of spaces.
>> in it's pretty far away
from most of the places where
the people work. So
>> walking back to their cars
at 2 o'clock in the morning or
3 o'clock in the morning. Was
problematic for that. What the
what staff has just has pose
for this evening is too. To
have an employee parking
permit that is structured
similarly to the city resident
downtown parking permit where
employees can buy the permit
for $15 a month. They can park
in any available parking space
in the downtown area for free
other Atlantic Avenue. So only
the premium parking would be
off limits to them. And we're
also we're going to. Recommend
opening up both the Orange
Groove Line in the sand away
parking lot on the barrier
island later in the evening to
provide with additional
parking in that area.
>> You're saying they could
get a the same way we
residents get the past at the
garage. The past would allow
them park in any meter parking
in the city but not on
Atlantic Avenue so and that
would be for $15 a month. Yes,
they can park in any available
parking That's I feel like
we're going lose money it in
the long run because I added,
mean, I down there every
night. want push forward.
>> I mean, now should pick I
think people should pay for
their own parking like to do
it. Every other city and
leading. We need and don't
don't see we are coming up. I
don't see how we're going
regulate this. people bring to
the garage to show they are
ploy E. How will we know? So
they will have to renew their
parking pass every month.
>> Part of that renewal
process will be a letter from
a downtown employers saying
that they are indeed employed
those are going to be I would
have a letter tomorrow for
myself
>> And the concern, Missy, I'm
being very honest and that
being at I feel like we will
just have hunch. I don't know
how and we're going to sell
the Don't think this works. No
offense. I think you'll have I
would have. And employee
letter from somewhere some
restaurant I will bring in
over their fire. A kid. No,
not now. And I would get that
passed. That would be downtown
every night.
>> Missy of you guys model
this after other programs and
other cities of if you get
sort of data that an approach
that's worked before, it's
similar either of these.
>> We have we have looked
around at other cities. There
are very few employee parking
programs available out there.
We're we have tried to
everything we can possibly
think of accommodate of things
we have tried in in so far,
nothing that we've prop
forward. Yes, has past
approval. So if I I I'm at a
loss. effort, should Miss
Burgess is There's a parking
board is an advisory board.
>> There used to be weak. No
longer. So there's because in
the process of being a little
more over the last meeting,
isn't it? And witnesses
because I would think that
they they would be where we
would get advice from
residents in from the
businesses to get from a
parking advisory committee on,
you know, trying things and
not being able to come to
because I don't think you said
to a run down. We can get the
city passed deeper than that.
So well, why would that be
something city pass you pay by
you?
>> can use in Sullivan City
packed news actually $12 a
year is to hose. Now this $15
they're marking for free. When
I park with my city passed on
parking at a reduced Still
paying for park.
>> How they parking for free
at the peak they're for very
they're not parking for free.
get me in dollars a month.
It's 100 million dollars a
year year round. As you recall
streets and I pay to
acknowledge the year's recall.
My idea was to have meter
reader parking because in my
opinion.
>> I do understand the
importance of patrons to
restaurants and shops and
everything. All of these
businesses downtown don't have
parking requirements and the
so we'd be in this special
little area here. I really
believe that it's up to the
restaurants and the the stores
to make sure that there. That
to pay for their employees
parking if they do every where
else and we should kind of
with us on the restaurant
saying we can't get people. I
will tell you in Boca Raton.
You know that did provide in
their garage and free parking
that was pointed at me. And I
actually checked admits
correct. But all the surface,
lots all the surface. Lots it
employs park there. They they
think they see they put in a
reimbursement of the
restaurant and they get paid
back. That's part of their
part of the deal so that the
city can generate the
revenues. That was my
proposal. Nobody liked it. But
my proposal is that everybody
is a user fee. People that pay
people to use the parking lot.
For the park someone's got to
pay to have a strike.
Someone's got to pay to make
sure that patrols there, got
to pay for that and should be
the people using that using
it. think that having a
program for employees is a
good idea by the end of
outfits. Monitored is is
separate. Mine is a separate
issue. Whether or not 15, I
think $15 is. Very, very
generous. Rioting dollars a
month. If you do not know he's
been 100 dollars years. Still
very generous Aniston, a spot
that that spot could earn that
in a day. 2 were giving up
that daily for some of
department for 30 days. And I
think that's not fair to the
rest of the residents who
don't do that and yet we go to
when we need mileage change
because we have a union
problem. We have this problem,
a problem. We just go to the
taxpayers and we're not
maximizing road accidents.
like every body else.
>> It's so I'm more concerned
about the actual roll out an
execution of the. And I am
about losing money on it.
That's a like to hear more
about this. If you don't mind
you that you and your team of
dug into this and this these
are solutions you came up with
turnout. is and do you think
your opinion, based on, you
know, the work you've done,
this is going to be possible
to actually monitor this
because my my colleagues re
some real issues here like how
do enforce? That's how we make
sure that someone that's
employee is a real employee
when they're getting one of
these permits.
>> So they will be required
just like we require city
residents to provide proof
residents work with The city
boundaries. So that residents
in West del Rey, even though
they have a Delray Beach
address, they are not entitled
to the city resident discount
on so they have to live within
the boundary. Just very
similarly to that. We will
require them to perhaps
provide proof of employment.
>> Whether that be a letter
whether you 9 or to 99 or
something like that. Maybe
weather. I mean, I noticed. We
cannot we can double check
with the employer on the
letter to make sure those
people are indeed employed. We
can require it to you to have
that.
>> That delay in Pierre for
verification time so that we
can double check with the
employer and make sure that
that person is indeed employed
their permit will be just like
all the other parking permits
that would be tied to a
license plate for a particular
car so they you know, they
they can't share with, you
know, it's not something that
they can he and someone else
and say, hey, through this on
your dashboard. we will do our
level best to him, I can
guarantee that there will be
cheating. I think the cheating
happens an that we can do our
level best to patrol that and
make sure that it's as minimal
as possible. you want it, you
finish your presentation
group. We've interrupted you.
>> Well, really, this is where
I was going to pause find of
this. I don't want I want you
this to the attention was when
the ball Well, we.
>> we But I but I did want to
address Deputy Vice mayor
Prince's statement that we
really need to go back and
talk to the press. We have
talked to the public so much
on this topic and this is
probably the 4th iteration of
an employee.
>> Employee parking program
that we've brought forward so
far. There has not any.
actually tying the permit. I
mean, we we operate initially
we offered a where we had a
special trolley that ran at
night. And employ are actually
bought the parking permits and
handed them out to their
employees in the trolley would
drive them back in the middle
of the night directly to their
parking space. And that's a
one-year-old permits. And so I
we've tried so many things.
>> Just this year plan I know
you're not been your
presentation. Does it include?
>> Parking garages, having
free parking after 04:00PM.
>> If they had if the
employee, if you prove the
employee parking permit
program tonight. Then they can
park any available paid
parking space or free parking
space. You don't have to pick
up a parking space but they
can park. They can pick any
available pay parking space
and park there for the
duration before the free
parking spaces.
>> there are their time
limited spaces on the side
streets there. I just the only
paid spaces are one block
north and south Atlantic and
there are plenty of ask the
needs that is and I want give
away all the secrets. So there
are places. ask a question.
>> Would you tell us later,
though, just surreal. You
know, you know where they
>> I set, mayor, if I may. So
what I'm saying is when I said
free, meaning there's no meat
or charge once you hit the
meter, you enter your number
and as you would, your passes
is registered its $15 a month
charge. But what about the
limited lots where you can
only be there so many hours.
What happens to the individual
who stays in those and
extended time so they won't be
time limits associated with it
either. Otherwise, they're
going to have to leave halfway
through their move their cars.
>> Is though, Missy and I had
a gentleman approached me for
my neighbor, Diaz property
down Pineapple Grove. They
can't find places to park. So
even with this. I don't know.
I mean, I suppose if you're
coming to work during the day,
this is a great incentive. But
if you're coming in the
evening, it doesn't
necessarily. How I mean, I
like it better than I mean it
because they can still use the
lots that we now call free
lots. They'll just be metered
and they can pull in there.
They can really go. I I would
say that. What the industry
standards would answer, how
they would answer that is
that.
>> If the tiered parking, if
it is paid parking, there
should be more space is
available for them to park and
then it would be a free time
limited parking as our
surface. Lots are now our
surface. Lots are the first to
fill up because it's free They
have 9 our time limits.
>> That's what the study
you've had. That study that
you visited.
>> A little thought to this
tweet to decide this evening.
I just want I think. I want to
do a little looking on.
>> We consider like a pilot
program version of this so we
can actually see how it's
ruled out in real life we're
not going to know until we
sort of try some version of
this. Frankly, we're not how
many people actually sign up
for it rocking know if you're
able to implement based on all
these different variables, I'd
be open to trying some version
of it for a limited time. And
then coming back to it and see
how how work and how we can
potentially tweak it. Is that
like an option of that would
be amenable to appear because
like you said, how many times
that we talked about this? I
don't want to kick the can
down the road anymore, but 3
years right like forever. This
for me to go the last 2 months
right now. I'm sorry see him.
>> We're building better.
You're going to schools That's
when we have By the time we
decide the 3 more parking
garages and do assist. That's
another trial as does to
discuss Any more parking
garage.
>> The one thing Missy the I
know you have talked about
this, I heard loud and clear
from all the meetings and I've
been to way too many on
parking. I do feel for the
restaurants and bars that
have, you know, workers that
don't make a lot of money most
of city and they come into our
town to to servers and most
boys and cooks and other low
paying jobs. I've heard the
restaurants and the bars over
and over and over again
saying, look, we really need
to find a place for them. The
park. really needs to be free.
So I know we're talking about
a compromise plan here, but
I'm I'm empathetic to what
I've heard as a former market
researcher, the bars and the
restaurants are all in unison
that these are. are people
that we have to attract to
keep our restaurants and bars
opening And if we don't
provide them with parking
spaces, they're going work in
the suburbs. We don't want
that. So I know we're going
compromise or maybe $15 a day.
I think COVID Julian, that
maybe we should run that by a
few of the. The restaurant to
the bar says to see if that's
an acceptable I an agreement
with what Roberts a
commissioner on I maybe we
should pilots something in do
it for 6 months and see if we
got it right. And if we did
great, if we didn't and we can
redo it if you do 6 on the
years was on my probably more
first we can blame because
doing they're forget. but
would you? But
>> would you consider also
that trying do this that? Do
you think the restaurants any
responsibility to provide
parking for They do. But I'll
tell you what they told me. In
addition its going to be
reflected in your in your menu
prices.
>> It's a much different.
>> No, but that was our fault
for not. I don't know if you
look menu prices recently done
I $180 with a very high. but
you know, I yeah, don't burn.
And rave runs like a thing.
But I'm just not just 22 with
a book or there would have
accept same complaints and you
those restaurants are all
full. Those restaurant and
they're making heck of a lot
of money off their off their
off there. paper from parking
program. I will say that the
problem with restaurants
keeping personnel does not do
re problem. I mean, it's it.
tree. It's an industry
problem. I mean, I obviously
understand a thing, which is
saying if we're going
compromise I I wanted them to
pay the, you know, the D a pay
for all employee parking and
that would be 5 to 50 if they
care about people going
downtown and supporting
restaurants.
>> But that kind of comment.
necessary.
>> that's So ladies and
gentleman floated, it was put
in several years back to you.
Not. So ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to have some
sense of consensus because,
again, there's been numerous
discussions about this. We've
also clarified what the
administrative abilities are
and are not as it relates to.
Parking plan. Implementation
features. We are proceeding in
that regard as for level
communicate in her early part
of the presentation. So a
couple of you all, as recall,
maybe even several of y'all
top seem to support the
observation of a test case
program so that we can bring
back appropriate that it that
an appropriate approach so
that we can have some some
direction. How about a
three-month pilot where we try
both options? Is that
possible?
>> both concurrently or is it
with one or the other? Is
there a basis are said be one
or the other just to kind down
on confusion, which would you
suggest is a more viable
option? I believe the downtown
parking.
>> is the only actually viable
option simply because of the
limited amount of space is
available in the garage, even
though the garages under
utilized right now, we don't
have a trolley system. We
don't have have the you would
have to add.
>> Freebie into much later at
night than what it is
currently offered in order to
get people safely back to
their cars in. If we don't do
that and that's going to be
the objection.
>> Increase on the rich. I
understand agree with
commissioner long and for I
think I'd rather get started
in this incident. can down the
road again, least get
something started because if
it doesn't work, we will
obviously have ample time to
addresses to So.
>> What I'm hearing is that we
want to do a three-month pilot
project. What do we want to
charge if anything, 3 months,
5, I mean, do should we try to
have a pilot program through
Chris? I mean,
>> 3 months takes us to say
it's like to be here. Whatever
comes back. Okay. We'll move
it about every look like down
distance. I think 3 months
really not done nothing. But I
mean, I mean, 6 with what 6
months is, kind of really big
picture. To really see how
good? Because you're going to
get into season. You're gonna
have summer. you have seemed
be able to see how it all
plays out in three-man update.
And a 6 month.
>> Update us in 3 months. So
if we proceed with a six-man,
a outcome, participate in the
update.
>> So for it to proceed with a
6 month pilot program to
affects all of us are just
beginning early September. So
Tuesday, September second,
roughly. So that will take us
into market doesn't come in
the next couple weeks.
>> EU little bit of time. It's
a little bit him to Just
walked over. October first.
That would be Wednesday,
October first. That gives us
several weeks in which to
prepare.
>> So between October first
2020 5 and let's say April of
2026. So in April,
Twenty-twenty 6 will come back
before the city commission
offer you all the update.
Reports perhaps we can offer a
three-month update, Circa
January in terms of progress
thus being of our fiscal year
work fine. It's good
>> Can I suggest starting out
with a lower rate? I don't
even know if like. Embracing
this. To be honest with you. I
appreciate again, Missy. I
know you've worked tirelessly
to try and bring us options.
I'm not I know we can sit up
here and say $15 is too, you
know. During set Starbucks.
But for some of these kids
aiming at a one-hour salary in
front.
>> That so.
aiming at a one-hour salary in front. >> That so. And if we try $10
a month to begin with this
ridiculous.
>> It's ridiculously the
spaceship Jen with the
station's general $50 day and
you want to be I mean, come on
one. 49, do I hear?
>> I can't. can't. I can't
multiply that fact that number
of
>> I but they're going from
paying nothing to. Now.
They're paying $15 a month. A
lot it go down on the app and
see who's working in these
restaurants.
>> $15 a month one hour. Over
a 30 day period. And you
really saying that I mean, we
really $15 a month. So the so
does the city have tax or
pending up the strike stuff?
They have that their city. We
have to ensure the lots. We
got costs too.
>> Given that we're talking
about a pilot, though, we want
people to to sign up so we can
test it out. Maybe starting
out at a lower rate makes
sense. And then if you get by
and you raise it after 6
months.
>> Yeah, they can Paul is $10
Yes. Right on the next time is
better than free. So fun.
doesn't really matter. 6
months just a test case.
You're going to try it out for
for for $10 whatever it is.
>> we have consensus, a
six-month pilot program visit
where the employee parking
Commissioner Solomon says
split the baby at 12 50 now.
Now he has a for 12 50's
Joseph Month. Consul. Don't
ask. But the pain really
fighting about this for kids
working and young adult where
I understand that don't
working. You know, here
telling about how everything's
expensive in park downtown and
cost up to just a constant
ladies gentlemen agree.
>> A dollar value place so
that we can move for us. I
appreciate the consensus
six-month pilot program it.
And I-10.
>> candidates. You got $10.
That Thank you very much. Get
it
>> candidates. You got $10. That Thank you very much. Get it Karjakin good with the got.
>> A careful Okay. You're
going wish for now. We're
going to talk if surface
prices. Okay. So I want to
remind you all our current
parking program is.
>> On Atlantic Avenue. It's $4
an hour. The second tier
parking the side. Streets is
$2 an hour. Commission is
already approved. Moving that
to $3 an hour. The 3rd tier
parking is the surface. Lots.
Right now. It's free with time
limits.
>> 9 hours in most of the
lots.
>> And then we have the proof.
Free parking parking garages,
which is free until 04:00PM.
>> And a flat $5.8 after
04:00PM. What we propose last
month was to leave our premier
parking rates alone at $4 an
hour to move this second tier
parking to $3 an hour. We have
approval for that part. 2 to
meet or the surface. Lots in
charge. $2 an hour. With a 4
hour time limit for people
paying at the meter, but not
necessarily for permit.
Parker's.
>> And then.
>> Changing the rate structure
at the parking garages to a
$1.50 an hour. 24 hours. This
does a couple of things for us
in one of the things it does
is limit the amount of people
who are parking overnight.
Mayor parking garages using
that as shelter. So it but it
did not have to share with
you. Whereas revenue
projections that are
associated with the changing
in the performance-based. So
if we were to do the the
changes that we suggested,
including moving the parking
garages to a $1.50 an hour
that actually brings in 1.5
million dollars additional
revenue into the city, which
brings our total revenue for
parking program to just over
8 million dollars. side street
parking that literally impacts
150,000 transactions annually,
which is not which means that
they're still capacity on the
side streets to park. The tier
3 changes at the surface
parking lots that will
increase the revenue to the
city by about $364,000
annually.
>> And that's based on average
ticket price of $4. And to
turn spurred a to turn. means
that 2 different people will
park in the same space during
a single day. So that would be
2 different people parking
there for 2 hours. Each. So
just running through the lots.
The real root lot has by far
is the largest amount of space
is at 162 spaces. The current
occupancy rate at that parking
lot is only 57%. Gladieux lot
has 74 spaces within 30%
occupancy rate. So its full
during particular times a day
empty lot of the rest of the
day. Ly has 40's 40 spaces in
a 44% occupancy rate and the
Veterans Park lot has 79
spaces. But right now average
occupancy rate is only 50%
because a good deal of that
parking lot is being affected
by and adjacent construction
project. So not all of those
spaces are utilized on a daily
basis. Then. Periphery parking
garages. Great changing that
rate structure to a $1.50 an
hour. Actually brings in about
$390,000 of additional revenue
to the city. You're also paced
on 2 turns on each parking
space. But what's interesting
about changing this rate
structure is right now,
everybody parks in that
parking garage after 05:00PM
pays a flat $5 fee. The
average ticket price for
parking in the garage a $1.50
an hour lowers the average
ticket to $3. Person parking
in the parking garage. So
actually we'll come out of
individual's pocket right? Be
less. And we would also see
increased revenue. just a
reminder. Our goal before we
start having to add Ed
additional parking areas in
the city is that art total
parking occupancy gets up to
85%. We have the ability to
adjust the rates in ours is
mooted. We monitor the
occupancy rates We can bring
those those rate adjustments
back to commission is needed.
Its the end of presentation.
Do we have any more questions?
>> The Greek kind of exhausted
that. We didn't. Ladies and
gentlemen, I appreciate the
direction C-four. Again, much
of it is administrative policy
guidance relative to the 6
month pilot program. It's
valuable. So thank you very
much. And we proceeded you
about other six-month a paper,
whatever that that was him
based on the 6. it's an easily
pilot program. We will be
moving forward.
>> In the beginning of the
year me during the surface,
lots that probably not happen
until November because we
moved to order the meters. The
beginning of next fiscal year.
>> So keeps word lead in the
park.
>> Since we have consensus on
changing the parking rate
structure at the parking
garages to a $1.50. yes, we do
have consensus we do. Thank
you very much. Great work
Missoni. thank you.
>>
>> we
>> we get
>> we get word out to supplement to playbills here, some you know, follow them
>> Some of us than there are
now in the city manager items.
Yes, we are.
>> Some of us than there are now in the city manager items. Yes, we are. With the limited
your comments only item this
this item and will be brief
about this. And this is being
at it for today's discussion
simply because I did have a
dialogue with a couple of
y'all regarding the existence
of the West Atlantic
neighborhood Improvement
district. How? Authorities are
involved in the review process
in terms of performance
activities, etc, and a
principal basis for this
update is to remind the
commission that this actually
does exist as a legal entity.
So for that reason working
closely with leadership of the
Department of Neighborhood and
Community Services, we thought
to be appropriate offer proof
update in terms of what this
looks like, why we are where
we are and potential direction
moving forward, Mr. Prior, if
you would, please.
>> Thank you, Sir. Thank you.
Mayor Commissioner City
manager City attorney. Thank
you everybody for hanging out
with me for a few minutes.
won't take too much your time
fire and the director of
neighborhood and Community
Services. So the West Atlantic
neighborhood Improvement
district was created in
October 1988. It's been in the
since 1988. The purpose was
to. Be able to apply for grant
money. This is a special
taxing district that's under
our ordinance to participate
with the Florida Department of
Commerce to use the revenues
generated from this authority
to grant money to do community
brand redevelopment. So here's
the footprint that's in the
ordinance. It's a 236 acre
footprint. It is I-95 east us
Winton Avenue. South West
Second Street north to south
Northwest Second Street. So
you can see it's it's a big
rectangle in the downtown
area. So shortly after my
employment here started in
January, the first phone call
I got was from an auditor from
Malden in Jenkins who was
hired by the state to audit
all these special taxing
districts. he audited through
October. 21 2, April. 25.
There's been no activity in
this program for years. There
is no revenue collected.
There's no programming theirs
and not being in this program.
So. Recommendations from the
audit from the auditor. What's
the statutory purpose of of
our ordinance and it's
generated to improve community
district. Jindra districts in
the community and address the
needs of the communities
served by the district. The
recommendation is do we keep
this in the current form? With
nothing or do we introduce
programs and activities? I
activate this area. And then
what does that look like? The
biggest, thing that I want
portray here is as you can
see, there's overlap. There's
overlap on CRA and there's
overlap. 28, and that those
are special taxing districts
as well. And so as we're
talking about Dewey activate
or do we dissolve this north,
the West Atlantic district?
That's a consideration. If we
activate that, we have to
consider the overlap on the
other taxing districts. The
second recommendation is if
city decides to move forward
to activating this district.
You have to develop a
strategic plan. Clearly. And
we have to decide through the
community and community
employee is to what are we
going to do if we do a special
taxing or special assessment
through the ad valorem get to
that side is that what do we
do with the funding and how is
it going to be spent in this
district? And of course,
that's all community
important. You as the board of
directors of this West
Atlantic neighborhood
Improvement district, you
would be required under the
ordinance that if you activate
it, then you will need to a
point. Committee or board
advisory board. No less than 5
members of the community and
representative of the folks
who live or in businesses in
the district. So as you're
thinking about these things,
if we activate or if that's
what we're going to do, moving
forward, that's going to be
one of the first things that
is going to be required is to
activate an advisory board.
And then here's a couple of
the other recommendations, of
course, included in our
financial audit report. Then
put everything on a Web page.
So it's transmitted. As
Florida Where's the funding?
So under code of ordinances.
It's through ad Valorem. Of a
tax levy up to 2 Mills or
special assessment for any
real or personal property
within its boundaries. And
then the district would be
authorized to apply for and
receive grants through the
Florida Department of Economic
Opportunities and the
Department of Commerce, what
it used to be. So in a
nutshell, that's what I'm
asking for. You all you have
to back up in your in your
commission agenda item is what
are your recommendations and
what are your thoughts and
feelings about maybe
exploring? Do we want to
activate this district?
Keeping in mind it was set up
for in the event dollars were
no longer available or if
there was no other red revenue
available. This district was
set up to help the community
within those boundaries. So my
question through city manager
Jeff Forces. Where do we go
from here? Because the state
is asking us us. The city to
let them know what we're going
to do. Moving forward. And if
I contribute months prior,
yes, we are not in position or
at liberty to give an
immediate answer today.
However, at some point soon
enough, we do have to respond
to the state of Florida to the
point that must purchase
offer.
>> Relative to the
continuation thereof or some
other direction percent. So we
thought it was appropriate
that we get together with you
all as soon as possible. Bring
the see. Also tension publicly
so that we can get our arms
around. Why we are where we
are. Of course, I would like
to see us come back in the
coming weeks or so to have an
answer from the city
commission with respect to
what our response to the state
of Florida shall be. However,
there will be requirement that
we offer an update to the
state of Florida as to the
path forward or no. So do
anything for months now, sure
what question of what what is
the timeline for responding to
the state?
>> So I believe we have.
>> So in in the honor
response, ask the auditor if
we can have 60 to 100 40 days.
Thank to allow from the date
of the audit which would have
been in July.
>> July. So that would give us
much to the end November 15th
through the end of November.
Yeah, and they're pretty
amenable. They're very, very
kind. So if I needed to call
to have an extension is long
as we put that riding in it.
>> working towards a
resolution that I think they
would be okay with
>> A community saw any
comments. You know, know,
time.
comments. You know, know, time. >> I mean, one.
>> So I want to ask.
>> How soon can they commute?
I don't think that we should
make any decisions about this
until we can get the community
input especially considering
the area that this is supposed
to serve.
>> How soon can you set up
community meeting so that we
can have some input prior to
this timeline? So upon
consensus being offered by the
commission to that effect, we
can proceed within the next
few weeks. So today is August
19.
>> So perhaps by a month or so
from now, we can engage a
community visit no later than
early part of October. offer a
presentation to the city
commission and the aftermath
of something to that effect.
And that will enable your
consideration process
accordingly that but I would
actually encourage. Probably
the beginning of the new
fiscal year. That's fair
enough. So early October. So
that's plenty of time. To help
respond both the commission as
well as the state of Florida.
Thank you, Rob. Them.
>> Probably say just knowing
what I know now that we should
not continue, it's just going
to require a lot more
resources. And what have you.
It was was implemented because
we were thinking the CRE was
going to go away. Now we know
at least we have the CRA to to
a period of time. I think,
look, we hope by the time the
cra's sundown, I think we'll
have done our job and those
who serve beyond us in terms
of getting rid of the slum and
blight and and addressing the
issues with the development of
the West Atlantic. So I'm
concerned about if this is
going to create a scenario.
That we are using resources
and we would be duplicating
the efforts of the CRA in the
process. I don't know that we
should continue on.
>> They may have to Yeah, this
was created is kind case we
lose the ability to fund our
for Syria, be functional. I
think. Now it might be. More
needed than ever because I
don't think we're out of the
woods in terms of threats to
or CRA. You know, we whistle
past the graveyard this
session with that bill. The
threatened to to more last
dismantling. Are there
different iterations of it
that were less intense. But we
don't know what's gonna come
back next session. So. Until
we're out of the woods with
that, I I'd be inclined keep
this in place. So we have it
so the backstop. But if we get
to a point where Bill does
pass regarding Cra's next
session and it we're safe,
then I you know, I would
certainly be on board with.
Discussing sort of dissolving
this if it's unneeded
commissioner marker.
>> I think this is another one
of these big issues that are
community is facing. And I I
don't think we should take our
off the gas on this one. I
think we should.
>> forward and try to come up
with a plan. That's
acceptable. You know, to your
point, we don't know what's
going to happen in the future.
We don't know. But this is
this is been on the docket a
long time is not always not
going away. So I think we need
to get its resources behind
it. come up with a plan and
have something that we can
show.
>> I I. think that having you
finished your I think having
statutory unable. District is
something we don't should not
give up lightly. All right.
It's hard to get. And whether
it was related to the Sierra,
not, you know, the DA did a
great job developing downtown.
I view this really has kind of
like what they did for West
Atlantic. And I think long
overdue to have an agency
that's with some ability to
raise some cash to redevelop
that portion of Delray Beach.
That will be their sole focus.
And I think that that we it's
a it's an opportunity. And
I've often thought that may be
us. But the DDA over the side
and get the views this as the
West west of Swinton to be the
taxing district because they
want their sole focus would
not be downtown. They're so
focused would be was the
redevelopment of this. And as
we develop properties along
there in the 6070800 block is
going to be revenues. And I
think that there is a way to
create a vibrant young West
Atlantic. I don't think we
should give this up. We made.
I mean, I'm I'm hoping we can
actually try to figure out a
way to use it. And and try to
help with that redevelopment.
Regardless of whether the
series stays in business or
not. I think that there
there's 2 separate functions
because this function could
also be after It's their
profits from invite, but also
to help. Keep with the
redevelopment and bring
exciting stuff to this
neighborhood. And that's and
that's what I don't want to
give up our special special
taxes with easily not that
easy to get but they want to
least see where we are and see
whether or not we can fashion
something and put together
some kind of a board to say
what can we do here? What are
your ideas and get community
engagement, how they want that
neighborhood? The look and I
that's, you know, with with
some. Cash behind them because
of the tax and tip.
>> And I can tell you, I've
spoken to quite a few folks
already about this that are
impacted in this district. The
there live here. They have
businesses. And they're
overwhelmingly in support of
this. I was that they are and
I have 100% behind.
>> So is there. But can also
say, yeah, was going to talk
about this later on open. The
public is fun. I talked to
Renee Jettisoning the The
executive director this year.
And I went to the meeting at
the library last night and
there's a lot of really good
input in terms of ideas for
West Atlantic. They've been
coming at this from the
corporate side. Again, I
apologize. It's my background.
But one of the things that I
think will be really helpful
to to us as we figure out the
West Corridor is to get some
idea of what businesses we
might be able to attract to
the West Corridor. Because you
know, we had this conversation
just because we want a grocery
store does not mean a grocery
store wants us. And I think it
would be really helpful for
everybody who's making
decisions if we could, could
iron out with one of the types
of businesses that we have a
good chance of of attracting
as we rebuild this. And I
think we've never gone that
way. We've always just sort of
spent bold it. And I think
it's time now that. But, you
know, we do We see what
businesses might be a fit and
then we can contact them. So
it's a little bit of a
different path that we've been
on. But I Renee, I think it's
exciting. I think it's a way
to go. So ladies and
gentlemen, just to take a
sport. Given the feedback
being provided at this time, I
would like to work with all
involved to schedule a public
engagement and its effect on
contemplate intended to flee
to stay September. 30th.
>> So the last day of the
current fiscal year and that
will enable us to provide a
follow-up update to the City
Commission, the October 21st
regular City Commission
meeting. So that would be
ample time for us to offer
response to the state of
Florida. So your committee
just city Commission meeting
scheduled for the month of
October. The 14th in the 21st
2 sets to 2 states consecutive
back to back to one another.
So a couple weeks in advance
Tuesday, September 30th prior.
You and I will work
collaboratively to offer a
path forward and will
facilitate that meeting.
Offering a presentation of
that experience the October
21st regular City commission
meeting enabling the
commission to offer us
direction at that So thank you
very much for your time this
prior. Thank you. What that
means, the mayor ladies and
gentlemen, I that this
particular moment at this
time. Thank you very much.
>> We finished with the
executive and minute I got at
this time, Mister.
>> We're now This man is now
open for public comment.
Anyone wishing to speak any
topic or agenda item other
than a quasi-judicial or
public hearing item.
>> We welcome to come to the
electorate. Give your name and
address for the record and
each have 3 minutes.
>> Entre been a teacher and 3
northwest Second Avenue. Thank
Commissioner Market in
Commission of versus Toronto
last night to the Damian. So
anybody just came down milder
or so we can people that are
great. Thank you. As we know
this special taxing district
with the benefit, the
community. This is the
neighborhood as a whole.
>> Some moved earlier this
year about a special test and
destructive. You too real.
>> If you go downtown. I use
the word out how for several
years.
>> In the.
>> We used to hate handful
park. We're diversifying But I
would suggest is that able
parking should be beneficial
to employees, maybe put a gate
there in a key car. So did
just employees. Part did not
other people.
>> Furthermore, I would like
to talk about how all these
camera systems was placed
within the city.
>> Around schools. However, I
believe. I out right through
the city. They have not been
placed on a secret. She or
they got a robot Mosul or
SPOEDE. So I would like know
what's going with it. MS with
the one on right here on the
corner right here. It's in the
rules. But in it should be
right now about a school
dozers daughters ions because
those Kozma some bust. All
right. cause most about to run
us. That's not all the time in
kids. Those caused as driver
directly past the school and
not imunique. And I don't
agree with panda park images
part if I don't take much out
to the par wagon $1.50, I
wouldn't take much out of the
park. Furthermore it and is
construction over who want to
pay to park Vista on a
construction. Italy's right
now. And if I have an event
that have to charge all my
guests, the $1.50 out of the
apartment on to leave it to
use that base. I don't think
Already got to pay to use the
vinho already. And with this
street. If the city don't.
Remove the pan, what would be
the issue from the states that
is funded? What what would be
a budget? Being a fee on a
budget also we lose state
funding to his beautiful city.
That's what I want to know
about that because me is deep.
But in just a street, we are
trying to live if are Budget
restraints in the seated area
So why do we want to raise
more budget restraints? Us
idea how yes ID control, but
do want to resist to pay more
taxes. Some.
>> Residents.
>> Thank you very Entree was a
cut you off.
>> Thank you very Entree was a cut you off. >> Okay. I would like to start
with a question with the
community just for the seek
this war one 50's up with
noon. I guess want to start
with a question like what your
position on ICE.
>> Because they are in our
neighborhoods in. I just want
to know like the commission's
position online.
>> We actually don't answer
questions from comments
comment. You us what you're
thinking, what we think. all
that snow.
>> I just want bring to your
attention that they are
targeting certain areas. Only
specifically on 10th where is
and another plaza where there
are known to be. Immigrants
heavy population and that's
where they're hanging out at.
It's I want to bring that's
your attention because if
we're talking about crime in
and some of other propaganda,
innocent just concentrate
Mason, just because it's
traded one area, it should be
all across the city at Trader
Joe's. They should be at Whole
Foods. They should be
everywhere.
Joe's. They should be at Whole Foods. They should be everywhere. concentrated in
one place. And that's a
problem. And I know out I'm
not even going the humanity
when I am going to solution
dollars right?
>> Hispanics cases make a lot.
Not even that. Just in
Caribbean. Pierre, like me are
a diverse. We like to say
where diversity right? It's a
heavy tax base here. So once
they are targeted and you lose
ride winners, we lose
contributors to household.
>> We lose owners. What's
going to happen? So that tax
we're we're we're still
concerned about budget and
could hear cut. And there and
talking about charging for
parking when these people are
who from the household, what
do you think it's going to
happen Texas? Homelessness?
All of these things that were
so passionate about in Delray
Beach, if we allow these folks
to come into our
neighborhoods, it's NASA. Take
them on a Bayer areas. When
got to have.
>> In another point, we are
ready. Our police force is
already stream. We have all 12
police officers. Do you think
they can afford to actually
support icier? Happened to
Atlantic Blue or we're talking
about these great restaurants
and all these great events.
Who do you think support would
you think make the showroom?
We have organizes yes, but
what do you think? Are the on
the ground to make things
happen here? And that's not
cinema. How is that going to
benefit I'm We're going the
labor force where those taxes
would lose out, break up
families. We love to blame,
break up families for other
things. But they were not
talking about what perpetuates
what breaks of families in the
first place. And so as a tax
Haitian, I would like
commission to make sure they
take the same energy that
Broward head to the same
energy that we want to spend
the DA and do direct the scene
and is the time because they
are not welcome.
and is the time because they are not welcome. >> you know your child be one
of the room.
>> just that, you know, your
child of the best looking one
of the road.
>> Good evening. I'm here to
talk about the Rainbow
crosswalk.
>> Get your name and address
my name is Robyn I'm just
going to say that it's in. A
name is Robyn Ponce. I live at
801 Southwest, 140st avenue in
Pembroke Pines.
>> My name is Robyn Ponce a
native Floridian living in
South Florida for 66 years. I
live in South Broward and I've
driven up here to speak to you
all about voting in favor of
keeping your rainbow crosswalk
in place. I'm standing here as
the extremely proud mom of a
gay. Some my only child. My
husband. And I raised him to
live his best life. To reach
for the stars and to never let
anyone or anything stop him.
He's grown up feeling loved
respected. Which is the way
all of our children should
grow up. The rainbow sidewalk
that you have here beautiful
Delray Beach stands for your
city's commitment to equality.
Much like Delray Beach pride,
which I have been. And as a
welcoming sign up our in the
incredible lgbtqia plus
community. To their allies,
their family members, their
friends and all who walk
across its half. voting. Yes,
on keeping the Rainbow
crosswalk. Your city sets an
example inspires other cities
and towns to do the same. Not
only here in the U.S. but
around the world. The Florida
government in Tallahassee has
nothing to offer its citizens
except he and division.
nothing to offer its citizens except he and division. Population, especially
minority groups. Is is only
done as a distraction to the a
nothing burger. They have to
offer Erasing the sidewalks.
We'll never, erase all of us.
>> About fight, for equality,
for our children, for your
children.
>> And for future generations.
We all come from different
walks of life, different
backgrounds, different
religions.
>> But in the end.
>> Humans.
>> We all deserve to live our
best lives and love who we
want to love.
>> Thank you very much.
Ration. We appreciate you
being in this fight to stand
with us what's right. Thank
you very much. My name is eco
more. I'm resident.
>> At 47 Russell Avenue in
Boca Raton, thank you for
chance. I would like also talk
about the rainbow crosswalks.
So the Cross walks were
unveiled. The 2021 as many of
us know as an awful way honor
the Pulse nightclub victims. I
myself from the transgender
game.
>> Have come into I've come in
the Delray multiple times for
the pride for the
>> events in Old Town Square.
And it has always been one of
the most welcoming places in
Palm Beach County, a very
beautiful place. And I have
never once felt unsafe here.
The crosswalk has served as a
way as well to remind drivers
to slow down around that
intersection, making it safer
for pedestrians for bikers and
drivers alike, especially in
the arts district. That is
important. Censorship as well.
That is something that is
being pushed on us governor.
Censorship is just a way to
fully people into. Into hiding
away. It does nothing to stop
people from being. Themselves
from being clear, it does
nothing but just make them
wonder if they're the only
ones around. The mural has
served as a reminder raise
beach is one of the most
welcoming places. It has
served as a reminder that it
is safe, but it is beautiful
and it makes me want to come
down here often. Along with
that street, art has a deep
rooted history in Florida.
It's celebrated in many towns
like the such pompano such as
Miami. Boca Raton event, Fort
Lauderdale as well. So has
such an amazing amount of
street art. By racing covering
it up. You would be covering
up history. You would be
covering up a mural. That
isn't a way to honor victims
of our community that are no
longer with us. It would be
covering up something that is
known to make the streets
safer. All for less because
one person does not want a on
the streets. I am urging you
to vote yes to keeping To not
follow this bully.
My
My name
My name is
My name is Janet Cohen. I-885 Flanders S and the Kings point community
and was still right.
>> Mr. Mayor commissioners and
most importantly, the
distinguished guests here in
the chambers. I especially
acknowledge you for being here
to observe and witness what's
happening. I need give you a
fair warning. I used to be the
public information officer for
a city that relied heavily on
tourist dollars. I knew a
little bit about how city
government swear up and down
how budgets work. So I can
really appreciate everybody
has been witnessing all that
happens here tonight. Tonight.
I want to come.
>> And it should mention that
the city that I worked for,
rely very heavily on what they
lovingly called the tax. It
was the hotel motel tax
received from tourist dollars.
Now I live in Del Ray. My
mother lived here, my aunts
and uncles have lived here. My
sister owns a home. He
remember friends here. My
daughter is a 26 year-old
black Jewish artist who's
moving to do rain a couple of
weeks. See an end before and
worked for the city. I worked
as a social worker. So I know
a little bit about human
development and adolescent
development, particular. I'm
watching my time here. I
happen to be a disabled woman.
I happen to really like court.
And because I'm a disabled
woman, it's really hard for me
to walk around. They went work
more calmly Sunday and fried
to get a really good parking
spot. I like being able to
drive through places and fine.
Art.
>> Now, you might think were
here to discuss number 7 H.
>> To talk about pork in the
sidewalk. Many of you might
think it's a gay, lesbian
trans by trans, you know, Q A
a business. The reality is
it's about art. So the
question is, do we want to
spend our taxpayer dollars
spending money to remove this
actually bringing closure to
people. And just want to you,
if you're sitting in the cheap
seats over if if you believe
to purchase
>> thank Thank If you believe
that or is a good thing.
>> Because art sells tourist
dollars. If you a good thing.
Just stand up. You have to say
anything to stand up.
Appreciate that. So now here's
the deal. If we if council
votes to. To remove the art
where some money coming from.
Are we going to stop doing
Christmas lights during the
spirit of the season? Are we
going to stop doing Got to my
friends from Nigeria to see
the fireworks this past July
4th, the bottom line is, well,
our cells.
>> When your toast tourism.
>> And I have to if you if
you'll indulge me a couple of
minutes.
>> couple of minutes. feel
like the big, 30 seconds. All
right. So here's the deal.
Bullying is a tactic fair to
everybody. Thank you. Thank
you. I appreciate that. The
tactic of trying to get on as
a city to remove the arc from
downtown Delray is just a
bullying tactic. It's
political pandering. In just a
couple of statistics here.
Lgbtqia use or 3 and a half to
4 times as likely to attempt
suicide as their heterosexual
peers. Hate speech converts
and Tate acts and that
converts into hate crime. And
I was helpful in getting the
hate crimes law passed in the
state Texas. of the use who
have been intimidated by these
bullying tactics did not have
access to mental health care
in the past year. According to
a study by the Trent, the
Trevor Project a couple of
months ago. 45%, of trans or
9. Very non-binary youth and
their families considered
moving out of state because
they're so intimidated by
what's going on. So the
political attacks that are
happening right now on these
families led to a 90% of young
people reporting negatively
being impacted by what's
happening politically. Thank
you very much for your time.
>>
>> Good
>> Good evening Commission.
>> Good evening Commission. board member co-founder, Friends of Delray, One, 70
north west 5th Avenue, Delray
Beach. my remarks by stating
literally like the good mayor.
I do play one on Chatgpt. We
do a great job. By the way,
think you think my mother is
proud that I was to chose.
Some of her mother had
>> So so please, in fact,
anything that I'm putting up
there. But I do know the fact
checking over and over before,
right committed to coming up
here. My comments tonight
mostly reflect the legal
aspect of the Pride crosswalk
situation we're dealing with
now regarding FDOT is
directive under Senate Bill
1662. As of today, Key West
Miami Beach have announced
intentions to legally
challenge the validity of 16
62 while St. Petersburg for
Lord, are completely legal
defenses. They're painted
crosswalk and streets.
>> Why the challenges and how
does how do they pertain to
Delray Beach? Florida statute.
3, 1, 606, defines
jurisdiction is FDOT state but
municipalities, all streets
and highways. Within their
boundaries. Except first a
rose. The only exceptions in
the states are funding ran,
see, obviously from federal
government's access management
permitted use for rights of
But the one that really is the
focus where we here tonight is
Senate Bill 1662. traffic
control devices. Traffic
control devices are basically
defined as 4 things signs
signals markings devices. SB
1662. amends. 3.16 uniform
sign devices. 2. Explicitly
allow FDOT to direct the
removal of any traffic control
device. feels to me statutory
requirements, whatever it's
located without any regards,
which agency stalled. While 6
to 62 attempts to create
uniformity across the state
the guise of markings. Of the
existing statute. Cities right
now are are. Testing there and
considering contesting that
before key reasons. And really
critical for Dellway to
understand. The home rule in
local self-governance. Cross
walks are not merely Pete.
There viable expressions of
local culture and identity
city leaders argue the ones
that contesting. They argue
that. The state direction to
remove infringes.
Constitutional home rule right
come to please give me an
additional just to be the
other. 2 comments will be very
quick promise. Cultural
expression, uniform state
controls. The cross was
representing If you could wrap
it up but get them get 2 more
points that for you that the
other cities in the semi
understand trying to be fair
everybody they're not totally
so basically creativity for
the LGBT community. Leaders
are emphasizing the symbols
value be on traffic, safety
and regulation push back
against state preemption. For
the cross walks, the cities
been vote. And this is really
key for Delray Beach, even
vote administrative hearing
under chapter one, 20 of
Florida statutes preparing
documentation, safety data,
tourism value. Accident
statistics to argue that cross
walks are safe, culturally
meaningful and should remain
in place. Despite the FDA DOT
is directive. Delray Beach is
and has always been culturally
rich, culturally, diverse and
culturally and welcoming
community. Every Delray
leaders need right now is to
stand up and fight for fight
on behalf of the members of
our community that make up the
fabric of the rich culture and
diversity of this city. Thank
you very much. try to keep it
3 minutes. That would be
great.
>> Mayor, thank and just a
reminder, we have a one-hour
time limit on public comment.
>> what is Almost a half hour.
And so not keep coming we have
a one-hour. You know what?
We've got look a place in 30
minutes remaining.
>> Hi, my name is Alexander is
allow. We resident it.
>> 30 11 Linton Boulevard and
I'm here today to talk about
the rainbow sidewalk as well.
>> Mine are really just a
series of questions that would
like you all just really
considering cotton play. As I
know our city is struggling,
sort of grasping the realities
of what it could mean if we
kept it for our citizens. It's
a city of Delray Beach
planning on sending a treated
there at meeting comes a
temper 3rd, I also just want
to point out and really say
thank you for not giving in at
the first sight of the memo,
which I know that our vice
Mayor Rob Long as talked a lot
about and that it's not just a
safety concern is very much a
political move. I'm also
concerned about what this
would mean for our city. Our
people, our incredible
community was out there
showing up day in and day out.
It means that we get into
this. Concern. Quote, unquote,
and any sign of bullying and
what it would mean for future
consequences for our city as
well. Has Delray Beach
requested an administrative
hearing to challenge the order
if street are has to be
destroyed, will in your will
be moved to a dollar to still
represent and recognize the
lgbtqia plus community that
lives here that are strong
that are present within our
community. And if the issue is
that it doesn't comply with
official traffic control
standards, is there a way to
have to comply will still keep
it. And those are just the
questions that will leave you
with that. Want to thank you,
everybody all for showing up
for Thank you so
everybody all for showing up for Thank you so >> I'm Marci Haw and I live at
1400 tell Lane in Delray
Beach. First. Thank you to the
mayor. The commissioner says
city staff for your service to
Delray Beach. I appreciate the
time and effort that you get
to your community and thank
you to ramp lot president of
the Palm Beach County Human
Rights Council discontinued at
the to see. I'm so nervous
that. I feel that it's
important that ice stand up
here. president that lived in
Delray since mine. My spell
tonight remarry tier with
marriage equality became law.
Del Rey my home. I served in
the U.S. Army and I worked in
the health care fund rates.
You. And I support of the arts
here in Del Ray. My spouse was
a nurse here for 20 over 20
years, paid our taxes. We've
helped bring person to be done
everything possible to good
citizens. But the Florida
Department. Transportation is
now demanding the removal of a
rainbow theme intersection. A
symbol welcoming and inclusive
and that this city shows to
install. And some people asked
why should anyone? And he
would up because marginalized
people sometimes need to
assemble to show the matter.
people sometimes need to assemble to show the matter. And taking the bait. That
simple says they don't. But is
this really just about a
painted intersection or just
an easy target and a broader
effort to control who gets to
be seen and heard.
>> I'm 67 years old and I'm
tired of having to to say I
and I'm OK, I'm a decent
person. Is this really what
matters most to state leaders
to all of you? A rainbow on
the pavement? The real
question is how power is being
used not to protect people but
punish disability. Let's not
pretend this safe to get word
we be talking about. Potholes
are dangerous intersections,
not paint.
we be talking about. Potholes are dangerous intersections, not paint. each made a choice
to say everyone belongs here.
Now we're being told to take
that back in. I understand the
city may have to comply with
the state, but you health. But
how you respond. Still
matters. You can remove the
paint, but that doesn't erase
what it represented. And if
we're quiet, don't mistake
that for Entering even if your
hands are tied to your voice
and your leadership are not.
I'm not here to ask for a dish
and I'm here to ask you to
stand up. Not just for a
crosswalk, but far what it
represents the right to feel
safe to belong and be part of
this city.
>>
>> Good
>> Good evening, commissioners. My name is Chris Rhodes. I have lived in
Palm Beach County for now 20
years and I'm an active member
of the Palm Beach LGBTQ
community and proud member of
the Equality, Florida State
Board of Directors Equality.
Florida is the largest LGBTQ
civil rights organization. And
on behalf of our 1086
supporters who are residents
of Delray in beach, I'm here
to ask you to defend the value
of inclusion, defend beaches.
Long history of being a
welcome place for the LGBTQ
residents and defend LGBTQ
visibility in Delray Beach by
rejecting this power grab from
Tallahassee.
>> Let's be a pundit, a clear.
This nothing to do with public
safety. Governor DeSantis is
once again injecting his
politics into local
communities to silence sensor
and erase our LGBTQ community.
What's particularly disturbing
is that Stotts new directive
contradicts actual research.
I'm crosswalk safety. A
Florida based study found that
artistic crosswalks improve
safety contributing to a 10%
decrease. And drivers running
stop signs and a 6% increase
in drivers coming to a full
stop at intersections. Again,
this is not about traffic
safety. This is a brazen
viewpoint, censorship from an
administration has antagonized
and attacked the Florida's
LGBTQ community. And it's a
blatant violation of the First
Amendment. Delray Beach isn't
alone in resisting the
censorship. You should know
this. The vast majority of
cities where Pride Street art
has been resisted. This power
grab the city of Key West and
the city of St. Petersburg
have publicly voted not to
comply with FDOT memo and to
pursue legal bit ventures. The
city of Gainesville committed
to replace the side across the
crosswalk with public art that
would be of equal or greater
value visible for the LGBTQ
presentation. Other cities
like Orlando where the Pulse
Memorial is have taken no
action for members in Delray
Beach. These cross pipes
represent more than a
decoration. There are a
visible reminder that they
belong here. They're seen the
Delray Beach values of
inclusion are important.
Please do not rush to comply
with these political bullying
packets. They earn and several
steps you can do and you
should take exercise legal
right to an administrative
hearing. Make them defend
wire. Visibility is unsafe.
When the data proves the
opposite demand a waiver for
this crosswalk in for our
community because this
visibility is a priority, make
them put their bigotry in
writing. Challenge this in an
unfunded mandate mandate
regardless of the outcome come
it to the LGBTQ visibility
that of that is of equal or
greater visible value. City
show pride with the LGBTQ
community is a lot of ways.
Crosswalks sidewalks, street
lamps, street signs, murals
public art installations and
Brandt band shells. What
matters to our members is that
they are seen and valued
commissioners. This vote is
about more than pain on
pavement. It's about whether
we stand firm in the values of
inclusion and building a
welcoming city. Please vote
today for visibility for LGBT
community.
>> Again, censorship, thank
you for your.
>> Again, censorship, thank you for your. >> Good evening. I'm
Brilliant. 3, 3.90, semantic
avenue. I only planned on
speaking about parking
tonight, but I just want to
share my support for everybody
who has spoken.
>> I'm blown away. This is the
most moving. Commission
meeting of Everett ended and I
have attended many. So I
implore the commission to keep
the crosswalk and really
listen to all of your
constituents are saying.
Having email, the whole
commission following the last
meeting, I just wanted to take
the deputy vice Mayor birds
and commissioner can sell for
corresponding with me taking
the time to meet with me. I
look forward to updates on the
parking plan and I appreciate
the office of the city manager
for putting together the
presentation the plan. I just
wanted to say that I honestly
disturbed by what eyewitness
following the DDA
presentation. Laura Simon is
the heart of Delray Beach. She
buys clothing from downtown
stores. She has date nights
and birthday celebrations at
downtown restaurants. I've
worked in the city since I was
16 years old. I've known her
since I was 16 years old. She
attends every single event.
She is the reason why this
town is known as the most
small tap. Most fun small town
in America. It is very
disheartening to see the
tension between the city and
the DDA when she gives her
entire heart and soul to let
So I just wanted to share my
support for her for the DEA
and reiterate that as someone
who attends DDA board
meetings. But I agree with the
sentiments expressed by
commissioner Marker and
Commissioner song. This feels
personal and it's really
disappointing and honestly,
very uncomfortable for all of
us to witness. So I really
hope that this can be sorted
out with civility and respect.
>> Good evening, Mister mayor
and members of the city
Commission. My name is Ricky
to make tea address is 28. 21
southwest 13th court Boynton
Beach. They've lived there for
33 years. And I'm here also to
speak in favor of retaining
the LGBTQ crosswalk in Delray
Beach, the federal and state
directives that demand that
all communities pain over the
rainbow crosswalks or simply
examples of
government-sponsored bigotry
and hatred. It's the way to
demean and discriminate
against LGBTQ residents. I'm
aware that City's refusing to
comply threatened with removal
of the crosswalks by the
Florida Department of
Transportation. A charge for
the removal costs. And also,
you know, possible withholding
of state funds despite these
threats. I feel that it is
important for the city of
Delray Beach to show support
for LGBTQ community and for
diversity and inclusion in
general by defying this
hateful law and to set an
example for the rest of the
country by demonstrating the
courage to stand up for what
is right. There's a famous
saying that if a law is unjust
man is not only right to
disobey it, he is obligated to
do so. Or in the words of the
late Congressman John Lewis,
make good trouble.
>> Thank you in advance for
having the courage to say no
to this hateful directive and
for standing up for our
community members who are
being targeted. But both our
state and federal governments.
Thank you.
state and federal governments. Thank you. >> Melody Douglas and at 2, 3,
4, Southwest, 20th Avenue here
in Del Ray Beach. Federal
secretary of transportation
reached out to people cities
in all 50 states in the city
of DC instructing us all to
remove rainbow crosswalks from
our communities, citing safety
concerns unfortunately, was
unable to provide any data to
support that concern. It's a
matter of fact. Traffic
fatalities in the United
States dropped 3.8% between
22,024 and its previous year
2023, without any proof, we
should not assume that these
crosswalks cause accidents.
And if the city of Delray
Beach has recorded an increase
in accidents at that
intersection since it was
painted, we need to consider
that study it and presented to
the public we investigate that
data, we should not waste
taxpayer money on unnecessary
removal. Rainbow crosswalks
are powerful symbols of
inclusion in our communities,
for groups of people who too
frequently experience hate and
discrimination. Rainbow
crosswalks enhance the vibrant
artistic, fun atmosphere of
our downtowns. And we should
keep our $1.8 rainbow
crosswalk and the flavor of
our local culture. A blinding
rain here in our beautiful
state and abundant sunshine
intolerant. Folks may try to
remove all the rainbows in all
our cities and towns that they
can't remove the rainbows from
the sky. Just like queer and
trans people. I've always been
and will always be here.
>>
>> I'm
>> I'm Lauren Dot on my hands is 12 Wellesley Drive in Lake weren't. And in 2005, I opened
a hair salon right here at 25
Northeast Second Avenue and
Sweet 12.
>> So we just celebrated our
20 year anniversary. You know,
last 20 plus years having
opened that space with that.
>> Baby and a dream I've
parked in the same view lots
and I've walked to the same
sidewalks and into the same
doors and out.
>> The same windows for the
last 20 years. I have. Got to
witness this evolution of
Delray Beach and going from
the state charming, exquisite,
hidden gem into Even more
chiming in even more.
Exquisite global destination.
That invites families and
foodies and dog lovers and
coffee drinkers and smile
seekers. And artists and art
lovers. And it invites all
these people in an effort to
experience the magic of this
inclusive city. And
>> When one of favorite things
about being here and being in
Delray Beach is being able to
experience that the events in
the festivities and the
festivals and parades and
then. at the celebrations, the
music, the theater, the art,
all in an effort to.
>> To just celebrate people of
all kinds. I think Rainbow
crosswalk is nothing more than
simple extension of those
expressions.
>> turns out
simple extension of those expressions. >> turns out My 25 year-old
son is also gay. And so that's
my partner in The View. And
so, you know, my heart melt
every time them in your
lights. On the first day of
Hanukkah and my heart sings.
Every time I crosses for.
Coroner so. I'm just here to
ask if I lot has to be taken
down, that we just continue to
have these permanent syllables
of welcome Del Rey is always
been a huge part of some.
Thank you for letting me
speak.
Thank you for letting me speak. >> Good evening there.
Commissioners, I'm Stephen
Gaskill. 36, 50 11 avenue in
Boynton Beach. I'm president
of LGBTQ Democratic Caucus of
Palm Beach County. In the past
president of the Florida
LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. the
grand scheme of things. This
crosswalk is just a speck. But
we know we've heard the
symbols matter and visibility
matters. Respect flows from
symbolism and visibility. And
that was the purpose of pride.
And that was the point of the
Stonewall riot, which pulled
the LGBTQ community into the
streets to demand respect
visibility. The governor has a
well documented is staying.
Some would say hatred for our
community. He has spent his
time in office marginalizing
our people, erasing us from
public life insulting LGBTQ
adults and kids. And he's
currently backed up by the
administration in Washington.
There is a sizable LGBTQ
community in Delray Beach in
Palm Beach County and
throughout Florida. We are
nearly 10% of us population,
according to a national Gallup
poll from this past spring.
And the size of our community
grows larger. As a demographic
groups get younger. That is
why there's a rush to
eliminate our visibility. Now.
The other side has seen we can
make progress and that
progress is accepted by the
larger community throughout
the country. Acceptance and
visibility pave the way for
our community to ensure our
civil rights to be treated
equally in all aspects of
society. We all know the
famous poem first. They came
for somebody. I didn't see
anything. It's that cetera.
we've been first for a while.
capitulated now just giving up
and letting an overbearing,
unrestrained government, which
purports to support local
control. But polls home-rule
whenever can over the most
picayune issues letting that
government tell Delray Beach
who we can recognize on its
own streets is absurd.
>> I literally giving up your
power as a governing body. We
don't give up our power as a
community and yet you're
willing to.
>> So this discussion about a
crosswalk is just not about a
crosswalk. It's not about
public safety. It's not about
special rights. It's about
being seen not being heard.
It's about being recognized as
members of this community with
agency over our own actions.
My community knows how to
fight for our beliefs and what
benefits us. a shame that the
is walking away from similar
principles.
benefits us. a shame that the is walking away from similar principles. Good evening
Commission on before start,
running over a little bit of 3
minutes but had 6 very kind
people who are willing to give
me their time is deal. Does a
little of it?
>> Well, you know, the rules,
don't you? I do miss UK. So
okay. Despite 2 years the 6
are staying in the audience
who are not going to get that,
they need speak, you're going
to find, you've got you've got
your time. I appreciate so.
The clock needs to be set for
6 minutes of believers as the
couple and after that mayor,
that's only a few more minutes
remaining for the hour. A lot
of 4 public engagement.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> My name is Nicholas 39 stay
below symbol of our delivery
beach, Florida. 3, 3, 4, 4, 5,
5, 6, 1, 5, 6, 2, 5, 0, 7, 1,
And currently a board member
of PVC, HRC and the former
board chair of the Compass
Community Center.
>> For Me, the simple act of
stepping on to the painted
rainbow crosswalk in Delray
Beach feels like more than
just crossing the street. It
feels like crossing a
threshold into belonging. My
partner David and I found a
welcoming in Delray Beach that
went beyond words and smiles.
It was reflected in every
gesture and in the very colors
beneath our feet. That symbol
is not mark on the pavement,
but invisible reassurance that
our differences was not a
secret to be hidden, but his
story to be honored. There
have been times when I felt
that courage was necessarily
simply to be seen. courage was
necessary simply to be seen.
And every beach, the presence
of the rainbow crosswalk
became a promise, a
declaration that the city's
heart was big enough to hold
stories like ours. moments of
uncertainty when debates
flaring decisions, hang in the
balance. I've learned how
easily symbols can shift from
comfort to controversy. Still,
Ray Beach stands at a
crossroads figuratively and
literally each decision
reverberates beyond asphalt in
paint that going in the
stories and hopes of its
residents. For some the
symbols offer comfort after a
lifetime of feeling invisible
for others, they spark
conflict for confusion. And
will this is a question. What
does it really mean to be
seen? For many? It is a quiet
reassurance of knowing that
this stories matter, their
presence acknowledge not just
in policy or public record,
but in the very fabric of
shared life. Symbols whether
painted on pavement or flying
from flag Poles can offer that
reassurance. They are not just
marks on the landscape. They
are invitations to gather to
listen to remember who we are
to each other. But symbols by
their nature sparked
controversy. They summoned for
the unseen and unheard,
forcing a reckoning, a
reckoning with histories that
have often been silenced. And
so when these gestures common,
the threat, the community is
called not to retreat into
silence but to engage with
better and greater empathy and
resolve. The discussions that
follow a messy and sometimes
painful but necessary.
Opportunities for growth are
always rooted in honesty and
care. One of symbols not
simply to preserve its
physical form but to carry
forward the spirit that
inspired it. It has to choose
repeatedly to stand with those
for whom looming has always
been conditional and to shape
the city. Where acceptance is
not a slogan, but a practice
moving into daily life. Only
then can the community welcome
ring. True. Transcending the
boundaries of paint and
policy. This is why moments
that seem small on the
surface, city holds painting
of lines stand as a catalyst
for reflection far beyond
immediate controversy. They
compel each of us to confront
not only the values we
publicly profess, but also the
quiet convictions that shape
interactions with our
neighbors and strangers. It is
easy to take for granted take
for granted the sense of
belonging that it has never
been questions just as it is
easy to overlook the pain of
the ration when one's place
has always been assured. Yes.
For those whose histories on
marked by foot, it's
collusion. The removal of a
symbol is not just an
administrative decision. It's
a gut punch. Celtic, the soul
in the daily calculus of
safety and self expression. We
all need to be reminded that
the city is not only streets,
the statues, but the daily
choices made in the open an
inquiry to welcome to stand in
solidarity to which then grace
when understanding folders. As
these debates won't fold. They
laid bare the unfinished work
of community. How inclusion is
not a destination but a
practice and perhaps amid the
noise and uncertainty, there
is a chance for something
deeper for neighbors to learn
how to hold disagreement
without letting go of care to
seek accountability without
sacrificing compassion. And to
create rituals that will come
and indoor beyond the
crosswalk or commission
decision. I think it's set to
see our neighbors divided,
sometimes bitterly over what
should be a gesture of
inclusion. But that said, this
is not the end of the story.
It is in fact, the beginning
of a deeper conversation about
what it means to truly welcome
someone, not just in words or
and simple, but action and
intent. Some may argue that
symbols are fleeting subject
to the whims of politics and
budgetary constraints that
that power lies. Listen, the
permanence, then in the spirit
they represent removing paint
from a payment pavement does
not erase the lived realities
of those who walked there, nor
does it the longing for
dignity and recognition. It
tests instead how we move
forward, how we recommit to
the promises our community has
made. Even those promises a
test. So as we consider what
is at stake, let us remember
that the measure of the city's
character is not found. easy a
consensus, but in its courage
to listen the and uphold the
dignity of every resident. The
conversations we have now, the
decisions we make will shape,
not only the physical
landscape, but also the
emotional terrain for
generations to come. Please
fight for us.
emotional terrain for generations to come. Please fight for us. The country of
that. And those him.
>> Good evening. Commissioners
it the public I quickly
someone left their classes at
the stand. So if you did it. I
am a dispense end. presided
800 greens with court. I want
to thank that's a view
specifically commissioner
Marker commission the South.
And any members of the public
are any doing who attended
are. town hall last Wednesday.
In my humble opinion, it was
one of the best town hall
since I've been actively
involved with involved with
the DDA. We were thrilled to
welcome over 100 cast, a
wonderfully diverse group that
included. But residents and
business owners, the number of
residents in attendance with
substantially higher than the
merchants, meaning we heard
directly from a large portion
of our districts, taxpaying
community, people who are
genuinely invested in our
downtown. It was a really
bright format. A survey one
hour earlier asking specific
questions which help shape the
format of our discussion. We
didn't cover things as
beautification parking fence,
crowding an overgrowth. Also
present at at it. In beginning
of the meeting was information
about the DDA. What the DDA
and it went through their
budget. So for those of you
who weren't there, I believe
that is available online at
the DA's website. You can see
it there. And you should know
also that they have to first
budget public hearing on
Monday, September 8th at 5
o'clock. And then a second and
final budget meeting Monday,
September 12 at 5 o'clock.
Both of those will be held
here at the city Commission. I
believe. I encourage you to
day a diligence to go and
watch the video. The town hall
to see the discussion by the
residents. We had there. And
after that. Go through the
DA's website. Look at what
they've done, what they do.
You'll see more information
about their budget. Do you do
joshan's go here first and
then attend these meetings,
one or both. The there asked
the questions. That's the only
way you as a citizen can
satisfied and you will walk
away. satisfied if you take
the time in for yourself,
don't rely social media the
comments that are out Take it
upon yourself to do the
research. The DDA is what
added to my success for being
in our downtown for 20 years.
I felt like they
>> Second partner for us and
they helped.
>> To succeed in life. This
safer forever. Grateful.
>> Thank you very much.
>> To succeed in life. This safer forever. Grateful. >> Thank you very much. Hello.
My name is Jackson, 3 teen
Northwest 12th Avenue. I
believe I'm here on a whole
different subject. Has plan
to. Change it because I have a
situation where my property
was vandalized and by city
employee by the name of
Anthony Kirk. Iron Gate and my
backyard. And after proceeds
to put out the white Gate. big
hole in my back And the only
way we found out was that
particularly evening when to
walk the puppy.
>> It's just been a nightmare.
And I just I'm reaching for
straws. And I I know it's a
legal issue, but I feel that
employers can't be held at a
higher standard. You just
don't go around cutting
people's property. You can do
whatever you want your yacht.
But when you come in my yard,
damaged my property without
communicating to me. That's a
problem. That's a problem. And
I can't get any help. And I
believe the police department
does a little bit more that
they can actually do with
this. I had the police called
me twice by them. And in the
content that I threatened
them. Now, if you want to say
stay out of my yard is a
threat, it's a threat. And I
mean, what a cent. I pay for
that I pay property tax is
where live. I keep my You do
your yard. Stay out of mind.
And that's at and I think that
put into. The mayor's office
and I'm still waiting on a
call back Captain Martinez. I
believe. And that's what I
call 3 days now. And I just
am. I just wanted to come here
to let you know that you have
a city employee that's
actually not. Of standard in
my view. should be better
should be much. I just don't
understand how so many think
it's okay for them to walk
into my backyard and just cut
a section my gate. huge
section. They didn't get a
permit for. And I think cross
those lines ship date for when
I get a chance. Thank from
thank you very much for
information.
>> George Floyd, 46, North The
question is, is the FDOT WR
Linzi?
>> It's
Linzi? >> It's >> any I was wondering if that
were not so do the research
the whole hour. And one thing
that's very obvious and it
will give you a reference a
few anybody wants to go with
this. full or safety study.
Why professional services? It
was mentioned earlier there
was a study done in Florida
said that these walks actually
increase safety. This one goes
further. They do 17 different
cities all throughout the
United States. And found the
statistics are even better of
of COVID. Earlier well, so
there's that Oracle's cave
before days on The Washington
Post and appeared in there.
got nice picture of our.
Frightened or section and
thing that the article point
that I thought was interesting
was it pointed out that this
is a federal this mentioned
before couple times. know the
note was in the mission and
not this all begin in
Washington with the federal
directive. And I'm pretty sure
some state governors, not
ours. Of course, or probably
objecting suggestion from the
federal service. So let's put
some blame up. They're doing
play. one thing that was
brought up, what's kind of
interesting that people are
looking for some reason to say
it's not safe and couple of
people least one this mission.
What about the Thomas course
Jarvis cars are going to get
confused hit really? We've got
a 4 way stop when you and
driver of this stopping and
then waiting for somebody to
walk in front of that run over
him. I I I don't see it. But
if this is a concern are
believe it would up to the
manufacturers of these cars. 2
takes on the responsibility
and assure us we're not going
to be run over in the upright
intersections because what
this applies to a lot these
things will stop. recalled
very early incidents and
central Florida. We're up.
We're at one of these Jordan
scores run across and check
your plate on the road. They
should stop. People crashed
into. But and also there is a
big difference between the
asphalt art so what does this
is more important? Actually,
the cultural aspect painted I
think if you look more that, I
could if and when came back
and that chapter 18 of the
Green book changes. There was
some word in their vote.
Possibly. And this is this is
probably not
>> If it's increasing the
safety, that's not really all
that they had Good. So I'm
just boarding Pouring what put
the actual cross walks. Have
to take out intersection I say
they'd intersection in there
like it is. But I mean, also
consideration. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
>> My name is Irene slogan. I
Live it 13 5.25. Fishtail,
Palm Court Delray Beach. had
my place 20 years for Stu. Is
that my second home? And now
it's my primary residence. a
lesbian woman and I was at the
ribbon cutting ceremony for
the Rainbow crosswalk in 2021.
and even saved a piece of the
rainbow ribbon from that
sound. Every year. My partner
and I take Pictures, at that
crosswalk. I've traveled the
world and I take pictures of
rainbow crosswalks everywhere
we go. It makes me feel
welcome and included. Also.
The rainbow crosswalk here in
Del Ray is probably the most
beautiful I've seen anywhere.
If you choose to erase a
crosswalk. He will never erase
memories. Or who we are. I ask
you to fight. And if we lose,
find an alternative, it means
too much to too many people.
Good to see you Good to see
Everything's been.
>> Going well, another It kind
commissioners. My name is Red
Hawk and they serve as
president of the Palm Beach
County Human Rights Council.
We are Florida's oldest,
independent, nonpartisan
political organization
dedicated to ending
discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender
identity or expression. Local
government. His closest to the
people. And I commend you all
for your public service. The
actions you take affect your
residents much more than the
actions taken by state and
federal government. Yet state
officials continue to chip
away at home rule. This
administration's directive to
destroy the pride streetscape
is one more unfunded mandate
infringing on your rights to
determine what is best for the
city of Delray Beach. The
Street's game was not the
initiative of the LGBTQ+
community. Former vice Mayor
Brian Boyle's and former Mayor
Shelley Petrolia. wanted to
create a permanent display of
public art to memorialize the
queer community. And they made
sure the streetscape was paid
for by the BBC HRC Foundation
and the AIDS Healthcare
Foundation, not the taxpayers
of Delray Beach.
>> Florida has serious
problems. So to the high cost
of housing and insurance, low
teacher pay and the lack of
access to health care. So why
is this administration focused
on marginalizing minorities?
Delray Beach and other Florida
cities are being extorted. You
have been told that unless
we're or is removed at your
expense, the administration
will withhold millions of
dollars in transportation
funds needed to repair our
aging infrastructure. Florida
prohibits individuals from the
facing. Confederate monuments
so that horrific part of our
history will be preserved. At
the same time the state is
requiring municipalities to
destroy queer public art in
attempt 2. The race, our
community.
>> That is not going to
happen.
community. >> That is not going to happen. We are here. We are
clear. And Tallahassee get
over it. We greatly appreciate
we would greatly appreciate
you're moving forward with the
administrative hearing on.
>> September 2nd to uphold
home rule and preserve the
Delray Beach pride
intersection. While West Palm
Beach. Will now power wash its
pride, crosswalks and told to
maybe 30 seconds. Great while
West Palm Beach will power
wash its pride crosswalks.
It's refurbishing apart using
bricks in pride, flag colors
to memorialize the gay
community. WellPoint beaches
already painted over their
pride streetscape. The city
has stated that it committed
to finding ways to honor our
community and will consider
other memorial options. In the
event you decide not to move
forward with the
administrative hearings to
protect home rule and the
pride intersection. We ask
that you join the other Palm
Beach County cities to find a
way perhaps a mural. To
utilize local artist to
permanently memorialized the
achievements of the Delray
Beach LGBTQ+ community. Thank
you.
Beach LGBTQ+ community. Thank you. >> Good evening, everybody.
Cindy's alert to 9 north was
tools, street. I didn't intend
really to return city these
issues, particularly the
crosswalk issue until I came
here hurdle of the comments
which very moving. My question
to the commission is what if
the state would if DeSantis
and his? bring trust said to
Delray Beach, we don't like
your Christmas tree. We think
it's too high. We think it's
an unsafe. Physical barrier.
don't like know where people
could get burned by candles of
the lights or whatever else
would you even consider the
stupidity of that request? But
that's where this falls as far
as I'm concerned. So. You
know, I think this commission,
if it if it means fighting the
state on an issue, is an issue
that's worth fighting and
standing up for as would be
the elimination of Christmas
tree. The elimination of of
the Nora. And if they said
that they didn't like the 4th
of July celebration, need to
eliminate that. I think that
people are standing up for so
let's just do what's right.
Thank you.
let's just do what's right. Thank you. >> Public comment is now
closed the time having
expired.
>> Public comment is now closed the time having expired. For done that before
every not announced great.
Wow.
expired. For done that before every not announced great. Wow. We now have to we are
going into motion to approve
the consent agenda has as well
been amended. But I need to
move to approve a so moved.
>> Second, the great on favor.
Aye. Any opposed. Okay. We are
moving on to 7 a a which is
the traffic control device,
not compliant. Remove 2. Now.
To 78 and I want to turn this
over to Mister Moore. If
you're listed here, the person
doing the intro so I your
honor. Thank you. We want to
wait 20 seconds. Well,
everybody leaves yes.
>> For those of you came to
speak about this issue, we're
going to be talking about it
in a few seconds. That's why I
moved it up. So you guys could
stick around for it. A case
that was confusing.
moved it up. So you guys could stick around for it. A case that was confusing. For a lady
came to talk about the Pride
intersection. We will. That's
what we're going to be
discussing right now. Folks
will there won't be any more
comment.
>> OK, let's go item 7 with
Mr. Mr. Moore, thank you.
Ladies and gentleman. My
interest is to offer a summer
in terms of why we are where
we are specifically as it
relates to the city of Delray
Beach, Florida, as well as
some context in terms of what
issues and potential impacts
that might be experience as a
result.
>> First of all, I think it's
important to underscore that.
The overall goal and
objective, I think, to not
only offer that background
clarification, but to also in
April, the city, the city
commission to offer a path
forward and term solve other
opportunities in which we can
make available to. Offer just
ERs and expressions of being a
welcome community. As a city
of Delray Beach has for quite
some time because quite
frankly, given the directives
that the state of Florida
level. We are in an
environment whereby we do have
to take into consideration
relative to the direct the 7
come down the pike.
Interestingly enough, up in
question about this pie, a
couple at the officials and
the visually, however, I what
I could to update the board of
directors says the city
commission as to why we are
where we are with respect to
the need to address state.
Intersection. Interestingly
enough, principal specific
question that I experience was
the very first written
communication that the city of
Delray Beach received with
respect to any direction.
>> To proceed with the removal
of the crosswalk.
>> The city of Delray Beach
that not actually specifically
received his own direct
communication until 4 days
ago. That being Friday, August
15, 2025, however, on Monday,
June 30th 2025. The Florida
Department of Transportation
the strip communication a few
well to all cities in general
outlining. The direction to
remove. Colored intersections,
color, right-of-way areas,
etcetera. However, that was
not specific to any particular
city. It was to all
municipalities. So they're
after that. necessity Tate a
administrative and legal
review as to what our
obligations are in this
regard. Initially, the
thinking was because it was
say local intersection and not
a street. That's ad in a
section. There may be some
ability to. Have that under
consideration and not
necessarily having to respond.
However, further analysis
indicated that we are
obligated to achieve some
sense of compliance in that
regard. And so they're after
out that share with the city
commission about costs and
strategies to how we will
respond accordingly. So, of
course, last week that the
discussion was offered by the
city Commission with respect
to any specific formal
notification from the Florida
Department of Transportation.
Meanwhile, let's sit tight in
terms of proceeding with any
direction. So that was the
outcome a week ago, 3 days
later as a state of the little
while ago, August 15, 2025
water was sent directly to the
office of the city manager,
essentially mandating are
directing that we proceed with
the removal of the crosswalk
color as well as the fact that
we have a deadline of
September 3rd in which to do
so. So, of course, I
immediately share that with
the city commission because
that thing again, the direct
immediate communication to the
city of Delray Beach regarding
expectations be made available
in that regard. So the
inclination at that point was
to proceed with some form of
follow-up review and analysis
in terms of what the impacts
might be to the city of Delray
Beach up with their preceded
in this regard. A big part of
that analysis or thought
process. Ladies and gentleman
incorporated any
considerations to offer other
justice appreciation and
welcome. And frankly, I would
like to ask us to focus in
that regard because I will be
prepared to offer some
considerations that the very
next city commission meeting
in terms what that might look
like the next regular city
commission meeting will be
September 3rd, 2025, which is
2 weeks from tomorrow. So
working closely with the city
commission. I think that would
be inappropriate opportunity
to come up part ways in which
we can get to the best place
possible without having to be
subjected to any issues. The
challenges being directed at
the state level. Of course,
part of the communication of
August 15, 2025 touched on
potential financial impacts to
the city of Delray Beach. If
we were to Be not remained
noncompliant, if you will.
Like work with all
departments. The Department of
Finance, notably the
Department of Public Works to
evaluate what that looks like.
And so this ladies and
gentleman, the city of Delray
Beach over the last several
years said lease have enjoyed
a very productive working
relationship with the Florida
Department of Environmental
Protection and the Florida
Department of Transportation
relative to securing various.
I mean, are a must for the
implementation of numerous
projects and programs that are
currently underway. The city
of Delray Beach has existing
funding agreements involving
the state of Florida, totaling
60 Million 266 thousand. $26
and $0.50. We're very actor in
our calculations, grandson
allocations. That is a fact
are the 5 of them and a
variety of programs with the
Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and
the Florida Department of
Transportation. Up 60 million
dollar and change them out.
Florida Department of
Environmental. Protection
Grants provide
39 Million 190 thousand 700.
$44 and $0.50 utilize as part
of our beach shore protection
projects and funding
assistance as well as
stormwater management projects
through the resilient Florida
program and the water in
Springs restoration program.
As far as the Florida
Department of Transportation,
grandson, the amount of
21 million 75 thousand $282
for mobility improvements,
including roadway sidewalk
lighting improvements to the
local agency grant program and
minister in coordination with
Palm Beach County,
Transportation Planning
Agency. These dollars, which
are very significant to the
city of Delray Beach. Pass
through the Florida Highway
Administration. So there as a
direct connection at the
federal level in terms of how
this work and why we are where
we are. Part of the analysis.
Ladies and gentlemen, their
take on the consideration.
Well, said to myself and what
way with the city of Delray
Beach have the ability to
offset or make up for any
potential loss of funding or
any other adverse impacts that
come down the pike. And as to
effect, ladies and gentleman
to the commission. And quite
frankly, to the public, it's
not. That is no. Therefore,
professionally. I don't
believe the city of Delray
Beach. My has much choice of
all what you do have a choice.
And look at the city
commission as well as closely
with staff. It's the think up
ways in which we can all for
some other form of a welcoming
just or an appreciation for
the diversity of community
that has been made available
here in the city of Delray
Beach, Florida. So like was
ladies and gentleman. That
where we are. Where do we go
from here? The capacity to
proceed administratively.
success as referenced in the
top of my PowerPoint
presentation. It is an
approximately $12,000 project
for Sand blasting Alternative,
which can actually be
initiated sometime next week.
And it will take about one to
2 days to complete. Again. We
have to prepare accordingly.
This is where we are and given
the current momentum relative
to numerous projects and
programs in collaboration with
the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and
the Florida Department of
Transportation of which all
involved has worked extremely
hard to cultivate those
relationships and yell
significant outcomes that
otherwise may not have become
possible. It's something
worthy of consideration and
serious Like was I will be
happy to offer.
Recommendations or suggestions
as to how we can keep offering
just arrests of support. A
physical presence of welcome
without compromising ourselves
and our manner that we
currently face. So with that
ladies and gentleman,
specifically, Mayor and City
commission, that is where we
are. And I hope that does
provide a great deal of
clarity and context in terms
of why we have to take the
matter seriously. They're fun.
yes, thank you, Mr. Thank you,
Mr. but respectfully not going
to focus my commentary on
conciliatory gesture at this
point, given.
>> That there is still an
option in front of us and
option offered to us by the
FDOT to go to an
administrative hearing. I
think we would be remiss. It
would be remiss to not have a
discussion about pursuing that
option before we pivot to a
conciliatory gesture. So first
of all, I don't think I've
ever seen this. Many people
show up to a door Beach
commission meeting. So and for
those of you who came from out
of town tune in often welcome
to the jungle. You came
exciting night of year real
and so I hope you were born. I
don't think you would be on.
So I want to thank you guys. I
want to thank everyone who
came out tonight. It had the
courage to speak on this
issue.
came out tonight. It had the courage to speak on this issue. Hearing your words
reminds us this isn't just
about pain on pavers. It's
about people. It's about the
longing. In a kind of
community we choose to be in
Delray Beach. So that we get
here and to respond to a great
sort of review. I'm gonna
still go into a little bit. So
on June, 30th FDOT issued the
statewide memorandum Morning
cities that painted
intersections and decorative
cross walks were out of
compliance. Let's be clear. No
law was changed. No bill was
passed. FDOT simply decided to
interpret reinterpret the
rules and suddenly declare our
pride intersection is illegal.
Despite the fact he's been in
place for years without issue.
And while the Legislature did
passed Senate Bill 1662,
alluded to earlier this year.
That law didn't ban decorative
intersections or change the
federal standards. FDOT is
acting entirely on its own
reinterpretation. Slant on
July 23rd. Our city manager
informed us that an
administrative decision had
been made to remove the
intersection without this
commission's approval. When I
don't blame the city manager
or our staff. The their job is
to protect this city from
risking great job of that. But
our job is different. Our
charge is different. We're
here to represent Delray Beach
residents.
charge is different. We're here to represent Delray Beach residents. So meeting here
last week. I asked for a
consensus to hold off. The
left DOT gave formal notice. 4
days later on August. 15th. We
got that notice in writing
from FDOT District Secretary.
And we should all up here and
out here be outraged and what
it said. Quote, If the
pavement markings are not
removed by September. 3rd,
2025 the Florida Department of
Transportation. We'll remove
them by any appropriate method
necessary without further
notice. And quote. So if we
don't comply, the state says
it will march into our city
onto our city, owned and city
maintain streets in destroyed
one of our symbols of
community. Then bill us for
it. And if we resist, they'll
withhold state funds. This
isn't a notice. It's an
ultimatum. For state agency to
announce they will destroy
something. We lock fully
installed. Without our consent
isn't just government
overreach, its trespass,
destruction of property in an
unlawful usurpation of the
authority. We as elected
government were elected to
exercise.
authority. We as elected government were elected to exercise. This is one of the
most extreme abuses of power.
I never faced a pair. So why
does this matter? Said it
pretty well, frankly. It's
worth remembering. We didn't
go looking for this. We didn't
picking a fight with
Tallahassee were down your
mind. own business. section
has been federally compliant
for years and it still is, by
the way, don't get to that.
And now the state threatening
to erase it. That's not just
heavy handed. Its
intimidation. I understand why
some might say we should just
comply and avoid the restore
funding. It's a fair point.
But how much are we willing to
be pushed to stray away from
our city's values? What if
next time? It's historic
districts. They're already
threatened by the live local
act, which overrides local
zoning and strips away our
ability to protect our
neighborhoods. What if they
decide to shut down our MLK
March? We're say we can't
light a Menorah. 4.100
Christmas tree and more.
Sounds outrageous. But the
legislature he's already tried
to dismantle our CRA attack,
public arts funding and limit
our ability to regulate sober
homes. All these bills nearly
passed last session and they
will be back. In today's
climate, even discussing
diversity and equity has
become so charged. We haven't
been able to talk about the
disparity study. We pay to
conduct. That's the kind of
chilling a fact that we're up
against. take this a step
further. FDOT, he's directive
isn't just overreach is
contrary to federal law. The
11th edition of the federal
Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control devices effective
1/18/2024, explicitly allows
decorative pavement, markings
in intersection art as long as
they don't obscure official
controls by law. Under Florida
statutes. Bree 16, 0, 7, 4, 5,
FDOT must adopt a uniform
system of traffic control
devices, quote, consistent
with the system adopted by the
Federal Highway
Administration. End quote and
contained in the in UTC. That
means under federal rule,
which is the controlling will
it supports us. Obscure
officials signals do not
create driver confusion, FDOT
stricter position is an
overstep of their authority in
an unlawful attempt to impose
a standard beyond what federal
law requires. This is exactly
why we need to pursue an
administrative hearing. Fdot,
own letter outlines that
right, though. It also makes
very clear won't allow
exemptions or waiver stacking
the deck against cities. That
makes it all the more
important. We take this
challenge as far as it can go,
then discuss all What's at
stake? The Pride intersection.
It's not a safety risk. We
know that. Slow driving hazard
or danger to anyone. It's
simply a symbol of love.
Belonging and remembering
those we lost after senseless
violence and a pole at Pulse
nightclub in Orlando. It's a
joyful reminder that love is
love and then Tilray Beach.
You are seen and accepted.
This states. Demand has no
grounding and safety law or
fairness. It's rooted in
culture wars that do nothing
to make our city stronger,
safer or better. It's bigger
than one intersection. It's
about whether Delray governs
itself, whether Tallahassee
can invade our streets race
our culture, and dictate our
future. Other cities. Orlando,
Saint Pete, Key West to name a
few have said enough is
enough. We've led before
beach. We took on PFAS, for
instance. Our leadership along
with a rock star City attorney
help secure billions and
settlement statewide and
windfall our residents. This
is another moment to lead.
Other cities are watching what
we do. Key West the same
notice we did and they are
already pursuing the
administrative hearing. The
decision before a simple. My
opinion. Do quietly comply the
loudest, the state to raise a
peach of a piece of our
culture. hold the line against
this incursion. This is about
standing up for residents, our
values and our right to
self-govern. I'm asking this
commission for consensus to
request and administrative
hearing per the option
outlined in Thank you.
Commissioner Chris. All, thank
you. And appreciate what
you're saying. Rob. And I and
I sure your view and a lot of
what you're saying. But when I
look at the number.
>> 60 million, 266,000.
$26.50. And that doesn't
include scares me. Money we
may need from FEMA. That's
just what we currently expect
to get. Not what we may need
in the future. Now. Julie
resident. Grab your sign and
fight. Julie commissioner has
to look out for the entire
city as a whole. And I sat up
here, Mr. Frankel as well. We
implemented the crosswalk.
Adam Frankel, Commissioner
Frankel was here. Mayor
Shelley Petrolia, Julie could
Shirley Johnson. Ryan
Boylston. We did and we were
very proud of that moment. It
exciting for everybody. We are
an inclusive city that doesn't
change if we move the pride
crosswalk to the sidewalk. It
old school square. That's our
property. Maybe we can do
that. Paint the whole
old-school square.
>> In a rainbow and
>> Because, listen. We know we
could sit here and say, well.
If we poke the bear, are they
going to take the money? I
would say to you, that's a
really good chance. And you've
resigned. You're not going
here next year.
>> I still live in this city
it's going to be part of my
district. So that's not okay
time. knowing the budget
shortfall of over 60 million
dollars if that happens. And I
want to remind people of
something.
>> If I may. There are other
things to consider are
critically important. We had a
very quiet situation going on
in Del Ray. We were protecting
our Haitian population. And
now we do have reports that
ICE is in town, a friend of
mine sent me a photo from an
area off of Flinton Avenue
because we've drawn attention
to ourselves instead of flying
under the radar. Yes, we have
I do. That's all over the all
over the United States or
>> Thank That's mayor. We have
also other people in the
community that we need 2. All
of our nonprofits, the arts
garage does a ton of
programming. They have lost
their funding. They are
looking to us for funding. If
we don't have money, we can't
give it to our non profits. I
think it's critically
important that we keep the
inclusion. I think the idea of
moving it is a great idea. So
that we don't lose unnecessary
funding of over 60 million
dollars. I'm not happy about
this. This isn't a great
decision. This is a hard
decision. This is a
challenging job you have to do
when you sit up here. But our
general fund budget is about
100 in.
>> And 80.
>> Million dollars. And that's
half of it. So where are we
going to get the money? And
that's just the bottom line
question. I want to add
something real quick. So.
>> By taking the option at the
FDOT has offered us as the
next step. There's no evidence
they're going to. With a full
60 million dollars from us for
simply.
>> stated it's not 60 million
guys. I board. whatever the
number it has all a baby its
way to its way north of there
again, regard there's an adult
at the time, there's no
evidence there's that by
simply going to the hearing,
the option that they offered
To make them explain their
position is strictly says of
were uncooperative. Well, I'm
not suggesting we go set up
barricades in the
intersection. I'm suggesting
that we take the next step of
the process that they offered
us. As a lawyer. As a lawyer.
And that just plays one on TV.
And as were. Like, my question
is, I've always believed in
exhausting administrative
remedies. First.
>> What is the if we opt for
the administrative hearing,
we're essentially saying we
were trying to exhaust or
administrative remedies prior
to our making a decision. I
don't believe they would act.
To do anything as long as
within our rights to. Doing
administrative enough, we lose
that hearing. We're gonna have
to face situation of what
we're going to do and maybe we
all
>> To find sidewalk or we
signed some other method to to
to to do Mr. Hockey mentioned.
>> and they do it that way. I
mean, nobody wants to lose the
funding. We that these are
largely capital improvement
funds, which we certainly
don't lose capital improvement
funds. But what is the issue?
I mean, a for us to determine
What is our our legal risk?
And I'm not seeing if that's
what I'm asking generally. if
we decide to pursue or
administrative remedies first
and went to those are
exhausted, too. And then we
would say have to maybe
implement what the city
manager said we have to in
order protect their money,
which everybody wants to do.
And then we sit down figure
out Plan B and then you're on
a plan B person, where we
could adopt. You know, whether
it's a payment, it's a
sidewalk. They say payment in
English say a sidewalk. some
mechanism to 2. The address
and as a compromise, to speak.
if we go through the
administrative route as was
suggested before we make the
decision. What are we risk?
>> You have a right to exhaust
year. The ministry you have to
exhaust to administrative
remedies before you can ever
go to court. As you know. So,
you know, I would assume that
unless administrative court
judge makes a ruling
September. 2nd, the deadlines
would be tolled until, you
know, decision is rendered by
the court. And then you would
have to give you time to come
into compliance. And so. could
I don't see illegal.
>> Because we're not going
litigation at that point.
We're not suing the state.
We're pursuing an
administrative thing too,
about. And that could take a
36 to whatever don't know how
many day process it is. But it
certainly seems that would.
>> Told there. Inforcement
provisions because we're
pursuing the And think that
that.
>> my understanding. Looking
at that was there coming in.
When is the hearing, Amber?
Second And they want it out by
one.
>> The next day, September.
But I don't like That's.
>> I think that would be if
you didn't.
>> I I think they would have
to stay that action and
vending, you know, the
community weeks from the date
of the letter, 2 essentially
put them on notice that we are
seeking the administrative
remedy. We have to submit
information. They've already
indicated that there's 2 types
of users of formal and there's
an informal if you if you
disagree on the facts, then
you would go forward with a
formal hearing, which is, you
know, that's much more
complicated they've indicated
the correspondence that they
believe this is an informal
hearing, meaning that the only
there's only legal issues at
stake and so it it's a much
compact hearings go West and
has anyone gone to one of
these hearings? Have you seen
here? we have no idea what
this here he voted to go to
the hearing. But the
>> I just don't know because
it's not a schedule its
scheduled for the second. And
3rd, those are the days of the
hearings go to cities. Has it?
>> I'm I'm saying that all
scheduled same day are in
Orlando. But Mike Mike, Mike,
Mike.
>> Surmises that if we if we
decide to exhaust
administrative route with
formal or informal and I think
is probably I don't think the
facts really are at issue
here. I think it really is a
question of law as to whether
or not the state has the right
and whether or not federal law
preempts or all these other
questions that would that are
raising here. Yes, I think
that because it means so much
to so many. We should at least
go through the process of.
>> If look clear if
occasionally, I don't know,
Lynn, if we can get it. Are we
out of the woods? If we do you
are the 60 Million. There's no
risk to us. If we decide to
>> The letter is is daunting.
It's threatening. However,
there is a prescribed
procedure in Florida statute.
They simply can't just
withhold the money. So you
essentially have to not
comply. Willfully not comply.
And then they would send
notices about the withholding
of monies that are suing an
administrative hearing is not
willfully not comply.
>> You know, it's pursuing
your administrative remedies
that are which they outline,
which they gave us an option
in the letter. Can we verify
with them that are solutions
are correct. So makes it
illegal. I mean, I think it's
a legal process, Anderson,
statute. But again, you also
have to be mindful that, you
know, the governor does have
veto power. And so that's not
going to be in the floor
statute. and we've seen that
with many of our funding
requests to be for the
governor vetoes. Most things
to come. understand. I
understand not actually and
I'm just I'm just saying just
because it's not listed in
Florida statute.
>> There is another mechanism
or your request might be
denied. So.
>> We we will be ready to go
forward and September second,
it is in Orlando.
>> I don't believe it would be
witnesses or anything because
it's strictly going to be a
legal issue. Does Florida
Department of Transportation
have a legal right to mandate
this municipality and they're
a home-rule questions. It's a
very complicated legal issue.
But that would have boils down
to is whether or not how has
he knows what's that's for
your city and that's it. It's
a far reach. And that's really
what the arts we can't
control. We cannot control
that. But what we can control.
>> He's at least our approach
back, which is saying, OK,
we're going to follow the law.
We're going to follow the
option that was given and
exhaust or administrative
remedies. And if we lose that,
which we may lose, we can then
decide. And then we know week
and then decide. Or how we
would next Luckily the
commissioner's office
suggested or some other
service suggested that there's
another avenue that we can to
address. You know, the the
removal of does it do we have
to do something else and
whether it's a sidewalk or
something? I don't know.
>> But we can do something
amazing. It's I mean, I just
think we got I think there's
other options are. But I think
that. Because there are so
many people that are I just
always believe we should
exhaust administrator, even if
it was something I wanted to
do. I would still say we want
to exhaust administrative
remedies. I just think that
that's always the way to go
and make make it final. And
then we can deal with. Then we
can deal with. You know what
our what our Plan B should
That would be my
recommendation. So I don't
know where everybody about
this.
>> I didn't I worry about the
repercussions. I mean, I.
>> If listening, look at
governor can government can
probably do it. Every wants to
do. But my mind seeing it
generally making noise. But
we're seeing it here. And if
you're single generally one,
80. We're seeing it every
single the standoff between
stand on SB 11 taken by
generally speaking, we're
afraid I wouldn't ministry to
generally speaking. If you
pursue and administrative
process, which they allowed in
the letter. They're
inforcement would be tolled
until such time as the
administrative process is
over. That is typically the
way works with the state.
>> It worked for the
Department of Environmental
certain with all of the state,
the finance salt. if exercise
the right to go to to that
process, that is usually the
way pursues know whether the
governor signs. You know, you
know the h*** with it. I'm
gonna go speed to do this way.
I don't. But at least we will
be doing.
>> We will be following the
And in the meantime, Mr coming
directly from our to start
looking at other locations
because mean, assume that we
know. I think there's a lot
wind, but I don't think it's
just because I think it's a
long shot of winning. Doesn't
mean I don't think we should
least listen exhaustion that
there are no repercussions to
the residents financially. And
and in the meantime, if we
locate another spot, then we
can transition quickly.
>> All right, commissioner, I
didn't know Commissioner Burns
a secure site.
>> trying to be quiet. You But
believe spread to the only I
just want to thank everybody
for coming out came out and
spoke so passionately about
this. And I know that this is.
This outlook has become a
meaningful symbol of inclusion
in our community. We will come
city.
>> I understand being
marginalized. I've come from
one of those communities where
I've been marginalized. And I
know this is not. easy
decision. However, we have to
realize the consequences of
this 60 million dollars.
However, I am prepared to
support big 6 Austin that.
However, I am prepared to support big 6 Austin that. >> I mean, you know, it's
about says or you know what's
next? This is just.
>> You know, the excuse this
time is the is the price
eyewall. When is it going to
be the next time? You know, so
I am for supporting going
through and taking it to the
to the end. I am. I am also in
support of another location.
However, we need to exhaust
this this first option for
Seth, but that we want to be
sure to address commission if
it's on the commissioner Mark
Earth. Position that we should
verify. I mean, over the
business of the governor can
do what he wants to do anyway.
You can order people in your
to do it today without even
asking this. And just the way
he operates.
>> And that's way the state
permits. Governors have power
regardless of the state. There
so all I'm saying is would
typically works in the state
of Florida. If you exhaust, if
you invoke you're right to go
through an administrative
hearing, the other aspects
they stay. decision tolling
between just sit back and
it'll do anything until such
time as a decision rendered.
And typically after your
administrative hearing, they
would say you have 5 days to
comply one week to comply with
2 days ago. I don't know
whatever they say, but at
least would allow us to go
through that process and have
them tell us once and for all
which stronger than the letter
I once and for Okay. You got
of we will have a chance to
do. Have legal arguments and
frankly, I think they're going
to love a lot of other
communities developing good
legal arguments to so basin,
maybe strength in numbers of
speed. So waiting on that
already.
>> Now they're doing another
many where I We have I mean,
with the with the county the
double check that bike
understanding of the way the
administrative process works
in Florida. We have a
consensus to try to go forth
and didn't into the street
here first, limits. Yes, I'm
on board Lynn, get to know I'd
like us to reconvene fall. The
problem our next meetings. Not
till September. that. I that
back into a special meeting. I
can do that. I'm not concerned
about the tolling provision
because true. I believe it
would render the full
administrative process
meaningless. So I'm worried
about
>> So if I'm couple moving
forward with our with our
attorneys expertise on likely
which returns.
>> thank you Mr. Moore, I
think what we're asking is to
this list the the letter gave
us the ability to having
administrative hearing. I
think we want to be able to
present our case as to why we
think, you know, as I said, I
think it's a long shot, but
you not to do it. So ladies
and women were operating in
good faith here. was just on
that note, ladies and
gentleman, there will not in
all likelihood they would not
be a presentation during your
September 3rd meeting,
relatives all turned of this
and that because we'll still
be involved more than likely.
>> And this administrative
proceeding process because
that may take coming days,
whatever the case may be. So
until the results of that come
back, the very next city
commission meeting will have
an opportunity to proceed
accordingly. But I would just
say we should plan on it,
guess that's where I'm going
happen. You know that we're
gonna lose.
>> Thank ladies and gentlemen,
I will ladies and gentlemen,
if I may please, I will be
prepared accordingly. Much
like I was prepared this
evening will simply pivot for
the time. A couple maybe will
win. So who knows? I mean, you
know, look.
win. So who knows? I mean, you know, look. >> Anyway, we is So we've got
consensus. So word under 7, a
we're not going to 7 BB, which
is formally 6 h one approval
of resolution. 1, 8, 7, 1, 8,
1, 7, 8, dash, 2, 5, word
agreement. Architect's And
this has been pulled. I feel
this one far left one that
you.
>> We're gonna wait a second
all year was 16.
you. >> We're gonna wait a second all year was 16. We'll
you. >> We're gonna wait a second all year was 16. We'll a one.
It
>> We're gonna wait a second all year was 16. We'll a one. It on.
>> We're gonna wait a second all year was 16. We'll a one. It on. good they oh, you're
them. if you're from. It
sounds like you Florida
>> Chan and something. can get
from see doing there. That was
you spoke every almost all
municipalities get federal
funds through various sources
of revenue sharing. it's not
just that.
>> I'm not issue is it's a
very complex very complex Just
So, but, you know, let's go to
I want to get to
administrative hearing first
and then we can.
I want to get to administrative hearing first and then we can. And somebody
in the audience I want move.
sitting there complaining the
meetings or 2 you know, not
looking to see we're not going
move you.
>> I'm planning about state
week. A public comment. You
know, people are going to
speak and will it take before
democracy that pitch?
>> So I'm I'm on the pool
this. I'm happy to just
quickly go over. Why before
make missing do a whole
presentation? So I put as we
know, this is part of the
100 million dollar bond
referendum that residents
approved for the new police
headquarters as the design of
that facility. I think it's
most significant projects that
we will see up here as a
commission. Certainly I will.
So I just as we go over
before, they are projects
plump, a park, I believe
personally of the scale
importance, the public.
>> Should see. How are making
our decision and they should
see the presentations, I for
applicants to win before the
selection committee rather
than just accepting the
committee's recommendation.
And I do just want to note,
and this is not critique on
anyone or any the committee
members. But this was a very
small committee is only 3
people to folks in public
works. And a lieutenant from
PD. I just think for a
decision this magnitude U.S.
election should involve
director level leadership and
ultimately should still come
before the commission. But
maybe more useful reference
point if we had a larger
committee with Moore director
level leadership. I only say
this because I know we're
going to have the GC for this
coming through to build. I
wouldn't be here by then. But
I would just recommend that
for that made its already
planned that way, that it's
more senior staff and it's a
larger committee. But
regardless, if I am, so
they're all still want us to
make the final call on that,
too. Frankly, I just think in
terms of our reference, it's
more helpful any point is for
some of the scale. I just
think that we should we should
see the presentations.
>> I'm just going jump in here
because for the same reason I
thought should do it. As you
mentioned, pump apartment with
mentioned it and I do with the
water plant and everything
like that. This is contract to
build like 100 things. I mean,
it's a big. Project. And I
think that I mean, I'm sure
all these I don't know. You
know, who's I don't even know
who's on the list, quite
frankly. But I do think that.
We should have the opportunity
to talk to. Architect being
selected. That's going to be
building this project. So I
mean, it just all we're really
asking is to see whether or
not you can orchestrate. I
know you can. Some kind of the
where they could come to us
like they've done before for
other projects. And just. Give
their pitches to why they want
to be the shows an architect
and what they bring to the
table