Good evening. How you doing?
» You all right? We going to give you a key to the city of the neck. You keep
coming.
How you doing with both right
in the club then?
So,
Oh, what is
» this page right there? >> Oh, that's a page.
[laughter]
» Oh, okay.
I'm down.
» This is the same.
presentation.
Thank you.
This is the first.
[snorts]
[clears throat]
I call this meeting of the Poki City Commission, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 to
order at 6:05 p.m. May we please stand for the
invocation provided by Commissioner Kyas Williams followed by the pledge of
allegiance. Gracious heavenly father, we thank you
for us being able to come here together tonight as a commission. We thank you
for our city and you continue to bless our city and its residents and all the
supporters in our resident in our city. And we thank you for each and everyone
that continue to keep us in their prayers as we continue to grow and as
our city continue to progress. And we thank you for how you can continue to
watch over this commission as we continue to make the right decisions for
the city and its residents. And we thank you for all these blessings in Jesus
name. Amen. >> Amen.
To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.
» Roll call. Melon clerk. >> Mayor Bab
» present. >> Vice Mayor McDonald
» present. >> Commissioner Cowan Williams
» present. >> Commissioner McFersonson
» present. Commissioner Scott >> present.
» City manager >> present.
» City attorney >> city clerk is present.
» Thank you. City [snorts] clerk, city commissioners, staff, our
residents, and most importantly our guests uh from the school board is here.
We thank you for coming at this time.
City Manager, do we have any additions on emergency basis from the city
manager? >> No. No additions, mayor, but we would
like to move item four under presentation um placed under item number
one.
City commission hearing. There are no deletions or additions. Just one item
being moved from number four. A proclamation being moved from number
four to number one >> to number two
» to number two. >> To number two
the following. What is your pleasure? >> Mayor Bab, I move that we um accept
moving item number four to number two. >> Second.
It has been moved and second by Commissioner
Williams and second by Commissioner McFerson.
» Call for questions hearing none. Are you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madam
clerk. >> Commissioner Cowan Williams.
» Yes. Commissioner [clears throat] McFersonson.
» Yes. >> Commissioner Scott?
» Yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald?
» Yes. >> Mayor Bab?
» Yes. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you, Commissioners. Motion passed by
unanimous vote. Now we're moving to our presentation,
proclamation, public service announcement, public comments, agenda
items only at this time. City clerk, are there any public service
comments card completed at this time? >> Yes, sir. We only have one and it's a
PSA from Miss Lwanda Harper.
Good evening. >> Good evening.
» My name is Lwanda Harper. I currently serve um the school district in many
different capacities, but I'm here tonight on behalf of a group of 26 young
ladies that I work with on a daily basis in the afternoon that are our volleyball
team at Pokei Middle Senior High School. For the last four years, the program has
grown. Um, we have invested not only in how we look, how we show up, how we
perform academically, but the program has continued to grow to the fact that
in the last 20 years, we won three games last year varsity and had not won three
games in the last since 2000 in this century. So, I come tonight asking your
support as a product of this community and as someone who is contin to still
give back. Although I don't reside in the community, I still reside in the
community because I continue to work with our kids on a daily basis for my
professional job and then I leave my professional job and go work with our
kids after school to show that there is still a commitment to girls sports here
in this community. We no longer have the banket and the greens trucking to
sponsor different things in our community, but each one of us can
continue to give back in any way that we see set forth. The program is not coming
to just ask you for financial support, but we ask you to physically support us
by attending our games to show our girls that our community leaders support what
we have going on and they are in support of the progress that we want to make as
a city because they are our future. We have done many fundraisers. Those of you
who are know me personally know that we've sold donuts, we've sold popcorn,
and our most um successful fundraiser this summer, we raised over $2,500 with
the Domino's gift cards. And that came from not only support within this
community, but support all across this United States because we had to reach
our social platform. Where our program is right now as we grow, because I want
you to think about those discretionary funds for volleyball and we may be back
to support girls sports. We know that money has been cut all across this
nation um throughout anything, but every little bit counts. Whether it be $20,
$200, $2,000. We are in need of some additional equipment to see our girls
performance grow. We have invested in them with camps, clinics, you name it.
Personally, I've invested in them to ensure that they get what they need. And
the school is given everything that they can to ensure that we meet the needs of
our kids. So, I come tonight. I'm going to leave this letter with you. We
already opened our donation fundraiser um so that if you want to give a
donation, you may stop by the school anytime between 7:30 and 3:00. Miss Anna
will collely receive your money someone in the front office or if you'd like for
me to email you the link to school cash online, you may do so that way. Thank
you so much. >> Thank you.
Okay, at this time we have three presentations [clears throat] and one
proclamation. The proclamation has been moved to number two. I have our city
manager at this time introduce the presenters
uh as they are called. >> M
Mr. Mayor, we have our school school district from Palm Beach from I'm sorry,
from Pahokei, um the city of Pahokei that will be here today to present to
you. It is so vital that we understand what the school does and that we help
them to better prepare our students for the future. So, we thought it best that
they come and present um to share what they do. And we will have um Miss Angela
Avery Moore,
Dr. Dr. Marsha Andrews, and Dr. Timmy. Come
on. >> Well, good evening everyone. First of
all, um honorable mayor Fab, uh Vice Mayor, Miss McDonald, the entire DAS, we
bring you greetings on behalf of our superintendent, Mr. Michael J. Burke,
our six board member, Mrs. Marshia Andy's,
who's here tonight and who will speak at the end of this presentation and also
our instructional superintendent, Dr. [clears throat]
as well as the entire Blaze region, [snorts] but specifically our Cahoki
area and Glaze region team is here tonight. And so we do have a slide deck.
You should also have a copy of the presentation. It will be brief. Um, but
we want to make sure that everyone understands that our mission as a
district is to educate, affirm, and inspire all of our students um
throughout Palm Beach County, but more specifically for us in in the entire W
region. And so we are doing that and you will see evidence of that as we move
through our slide deck tonight. Um, we are proud of the success that has taken
place in our region. More specifically, we're proud of the uh administrators and
teachers who have been awarded the celebrate the great award for the entire
district of Palm Beach County. And so we have over the last five years and
we're proud to say that for five years, we've had someone represent our district
or our region um as either the principal of the year or teacher of the year. So
in 2022, Miss River Walker, who was the principal of Belgate Elementary, was the
principal of the year. And this is a huge deal because this is not just for
principles in the Glaze region. [snorts] This is for all of the principles in the
entire school district of Palm Beach County. Also in 2023, our very own Mr.
Dwayne Dennard, who is the principal of Okin Middle Senior High School, was the
principal of the year. And Miss Joselyn Leon, who was a teacher at Belgade
Elementary School, was the teacher of the year. Then we followed that up in
2024 with Miss Jamie Evans, who's now the principal at Belglade Elementary.
She was the assistant principal of the year.
Elementary that year and then in 2025 which was another backtoback we had Mr.
Tabato who is the assistant principal at Pok Senior High School who was the
assistant principal of the year and then our very own Miss Senthia Balden
[applause]
and that's there we go she got her own slide. [laughter]
So, we had backto backto back assistant principles of the year uh for the school
district of Palm Beach County and that was our very own Senthia Sinthia Balden
who you will hear from tonight. And so, let's give all of them a round of
applotes [applause]
on this and they see the work that we're doing in the Glaze region. And this is
how these individuals were named the principles, assistant principles, and
teachers of the year. So, again, let's give them a round of applause.
And [applause] so as a school district, we have maintained our a rating. And so
I do want to say that as a Glaze region, we believe that we are adding to that.
And so the next slide will show you that we've had several schools um to earn A's
and B's. And so Glaze View, um which is a part of the Glaze region, moved their
school grade from a C to an A. And then the schools that are listed on the right
maintain their B or A status. And so this again is not something that's easy
to do. And so we have Blaze Central Lakes Shore, Foke Middle Senior High
School, Pine Park, and Rosen Wall. We do want to also acknowledge the work that
Foke Elementary School is doing. They were just a few points away of earning
their double A status. They dropped to a B, but again, to earn an A or a B in the
state of Florida is a huge task. And we just commend all of the schools that are
listed on here. So let's give them [applause]
And so what we want you to know is that that task is getting a little bit
harder. Um and so there is an escalator clause that says when you have 75% of
your schools that earn a school grade of an A or B, then the threshold for the
school grade changes. And so as you see this um for next year, so in FY26, in
order for schools to earn a school grade of of an A, they needed 62%. um middle
schools needed 64% and high schools needed 65% and as you can see um that
number has increased by three points for elementary schools for this year um one
point for middle schools and then five points for high schools or combo schools
which includes middle senior high school and so we know uh that the task is
greater um but we are also determined and committed to do the work that's
necessary to ensure that we have continued success in the glaze region
and so we are shooting for all of our schools for this year as
well. Um, we also also want to provide an update on our strategic plan and so
10 of the 14 initiatives that were started I think five years ago um are
now part of our operational norms but we're continuing to work on our pre preK
through K literacy as well as the P pathways to possibilities and so we do
have Mr. Dell who is the new principal of West Tech. He's going to be talking
about the career dual enrollment programs [snorts] that offer that are
offered at Westech as well as uh the other programs that they're currently
offer offering. Um also um you know we hear a lot about AI and so we're
definitely focusing on that and we're using AI to improve teaching learning
and also efficiency throughout our department in our schools. And then
lastly, customer service is very big for us in in our district. And so we want
everybody to catch the wave. Whether it's our front office staff, whether
it's our administrators, whether it's our teachers, we want to make sure that
we are um have welcoming environments for our parents and our community when
they come into our schools. And if that's not the case, please reach out to
our office, myself, Dr. Nier, so that we can work with our schools to make sure
that we're providing the best customer service.
Um lastly, I think this is my last slide. Um student IDs. There's one more,
but the student IDs and so you may have seen something posted on our social
media pages and it was also tagged on all of our school pages regarding our
student IDs. And so one of the reasons why this is important that students have
their IDs, they're wearing their IDs, not having them in their book bags. It
is it is it is an added safety measure for all of our schools. In addition to
that, um students can use or must use their IDs to ride the buses as well as
when they're receiving their school meals. Um, in addition to to that, I
know we don't have many students students riding or using transportation
in the Hoki area. Um, but it is a way of them identifying and keeping an accurate
account of where the students are. And so parents are able to use the portal to
see where the students are, where that bus is, and when that that bus is
scheduled to drop students off. And so if we can get your assistance in helping
us ma ensure that students are going to school with their IDs, we would really
appreciate that and wearing the IDs, not just having them on their person. They
need to actually wear the IDs. And the last uh slide that I have is we want to
thank um you know the citizens of Pokei and the surrounding areas for their
support of this referendum. This is a continuation of that from 2019. And what
that does is it supports our teachers with increase in pay. We also have 25%
of that going to our choice and our career programs as well as supporting
our students um with mental health and also safety uh initiatives. And so this
is how it will look on the ballot for the November 3rd election. And so we
wanted to make sure that we're sharing that information with you and to also
say once again, thank you for the support that you've provided to all of
all of our schools. And with that, I'm going to have Mr. Dell who is the new
principal of West Tech to come up and give you a quick update on West Tech
followed by Mr. Do Mr. Dinard principal of OKA High School who's going to
provide an update on u the programs that they have there. Um followed by Mr.
Dinard, you will have Dr. Mir who's going to come up and introduce the
elementary schools and they're going to share their updates. And then lastly,
she's going to close us out. Mrs. Andrews, our district 6 board member.
This is her last year um serving for us in this capacity, but we know that she's
going to continue to be around supporting all of us and all of our
schools um as she goes into retirement. And we're going to hold her to that
husband in the back. She's listening. So, with that, I'm going to turn it over
to Mr.
» Good evening. >> Good evening.
» And thank you for having me out tonight. Um, I look forward to working both with
the city and with my fellow principles and with the parents and the community.
Um, at West Tech, uh, we like to say that we, uh, teach student, we're the
place where students come to learn, to earn. Um, I've already started working
with Miss Bryant to kind of get some programs online for not just for our
students, but for our adults and for the for the uh, for the city administration.
Also, um, at West Tech, uh, we have had a bustling couple of days. Uh we're
nearly bursting at the scene with the number of students and we've getting so
many more requests from students who want to take programs at West. Uh Miss
uh Moore alluded to our career dual enrollment programs. For career dual
enrollment, we're offering phabbotomy, welding, and electronic systems
technicians. Um and our students are really getting the opportunity with that
because once they've done those programs, they're ready to move right
over right over into college and or into their careers. Um along with the other
programs, our newest program this year is the culinary artistry program where
we're teaching students to not only uh work in the kitchens but to run
restaurants also. Uh so that program is is brand new this year. We're we're
we're working very hard to get that program fully staffed, fully populated
with students. Um like I said, I've been working with the uh manager in order to
get some uh training programs for some of the staff at the city and definitely
for some of the citizens also. So I've been in conversations with both the city
of Gway and the city of Hokki. I mean the city of South Bay also to hear what
it is that the city needs and we're trying to be very reactive to the needs
of the citizens of the city. So we're trying to put forth programs that reach
the citizens where the need is. So as soon as I hear about what the need is
and and where that is that's when we start moving to uh meet those needs. Um
and again I'm very thankful for this post and I look forward to continuing to
bring great things to the Glaze region. Thank you.
[applause]
» Good evening, commission. >> Good evening.
» What I like to bring to you guys is what we're doing new at the school. A lot of
stuff you guys already know about robotics and everything else, but we
have really expanded the school into different programs to really have our
kids ready for the next century and as years to come to change the way the
workforce is out. Uh we do have a new drone program that we'll be starting up.
Thanks to the Bento Foundation and the Ed Foundation, they're giving us almost
200 drones so our kids can learn how to fly the drones because it's a big thing
now going toward their generation. We also have when we first start out about
a couple years ago, we had a guy named Matthew Thompson that graduated and had
a pilot's license when he graduated. Matthew sent me an email um about a
couple weeks ago. Matthew at age 22 is now a pilot for Delta.
» So, >> [applause]
» was the beginning and now as Miss Andrews can tell you if you ever get a
chance come out of school you can learn how to fly and land a plane through our
simulator. So we have built simulators for our kids. We also have a mock
cockpit so they can learn that but we are going to push more toward uh air
traffic controllers since there's a shortage in our country for that. So
we're pushing our kids toward that. Uh we also got EA Sports. I know sometimes
you tell your kids you get tired of them being on that video game all day, but if
you don't know now, they have become a multi-million dollar business. Kids can
compete and make the money now. They got teams and everything else. So, we're
starting our EA sports program this year. So, we'll have kids to learn how
to do that. They will also go off and do competition against other schools and
then if they want to make a career out of it, they can because it's a lot of
money into that. So, that's what we're doing uh today. And we also revamped
with the work of uh Miss Moore that we're trying to make sure we get that
70%. They say it's trying to make it difficult, but we know we can get it
because our kids are very very focused. And in November and December, every kid
that made a level four or level five anywhere on their test is going to Bush
guard. So, we already got the money for that and make sure that they
[applause]
» Good evening, Mayor Baboki Commission. It is truly a delight um to be here
today. My task is to recognize our Pokei and KC principles. First, I would like
to bring up Dr. Pyram.
» [applause] >> And then I'd like to bring up Miss
Atoria Henley from Canel Point. But before I release it to them, I want to
say um you know, you hear about school grades, you hear about those things all
the time, but it is extremely difficult to make all those pieces add up. to give
you a short synopsis. I think it's important to know that there are seven
eight sales that you must compete in to get your school grade. And I want you to
know that even though Pokei missed their aid by 3%.
They led the way in for sales in all of the region schools and in a lot of the
coast schools. And so I think it really us an opportunity how we need to
monitor, keep our eyes on all children, all children. And she'll tell you a
little bit more about the sale that we decreased in um a little bit, but it's
important to monitor everyone's children. And she'll give you an update
about the things that they're going to do for next school year to improve. I
would also like to talk about um Canel Point. Um last year was Miss Henley's
first year. She was excited. She had to come in and kind of build a new team.
Um, some teachers before she got the job, um, some teachers had
make the opportunity to go other places. So, she was building a whole new school.
But the unique thing is is that the region team has committed to spend their
full days, four days a week at KDC to ensure because really it's not about her
being a new principal. It's about the teacher capacity. Our students in the
Glazes region can do anything you require of them.
» But we have to support the teachers and building their capacity to give it to
them. So, because she has a lot of new teachers, um we're going to be there at
her school four days a week and we're going to be at Belgy Elementary four
days a week just helping to build that capacity. And so, without further ado, I
would like to turn it over to
[applause]
» I would like to say I mean >> I would like to say good evening to the
and everyone like thank you for inviting us here. Before I start, I want to
introduce my leadership team that's also here as well. We have my assistant
principal, Miss
[applause]
Claudia Sanchez who's new to our school as well.
And we also have our support staff here, Miss
She did such an amazing job together. So that's going to be an important part of
our our new leadership team and our journey that we're having. As Dr. Mat
spoke, um we were very close to A, but we didn't make it. I think we made saves
this year when we came out with those shirts with the A on the front even
though we didn't make it. And we had that arrow says rewind because we're
going back to the A. So we know that that's going to happen. We put a B in
the back because that's where is behind us. So, we're going to
continue to move forward to make sure that we grow. One of the things that
we're going to be working on um this year is um not only did we um lose a
couple of points in certain sales, but it was in our lowest 25% and in math.
So, we and one of the things that attributed to that was that we're trying
to make sure that our kids are getting to school. That's one of the things we
need our parents to have to help us out, but we're trying to make sure that our
attendance is improving with our students as well as with staff because
whoever is out, our kids are missing. If the kids are not there, they're not
learning. If our teachers are not there, they're not able to teach our students.
So, we're working on trying to improve our capacity as making sure that the
students are coming to school as well as making sure our teachers are coming in
and providing that quality education. We're also working on uh focusing on our
lowest 25% and our gains because like she said we we gain um points in every
sale for proficiency reading, math, third grade, we science some of them
went up 10 points plus. So we g made some tremendous gains when we're working
with our students. However, we did fall short a little when we were start
working with our lowest 25%. So, we're going to balance it out where we work
with our high achievers and um our struggling readers and math as well. One
of the things that we are very proud of is that we're now moving in a in a in a
direction where most of our kids are proficient. We have um
» when we first got there, we kind of bleeding. We had a lot of everything was
in the low level ones, level ones, level ones. Now we have level threes in math.
They're in our lowest 25% and that's a major accomplishment. We didn't think
that would happen. So we're very proud [applause] very very
proud of the work that we're doing with our students as well as our teachers.
You know, we're working, we're growing, we're going to continue to work in that
way and we're going to continue to focus on making sure we provide value to every
student at that school. And if we can do that, when y'all see us next year, we'll
be right back at that. [applause]
Good evening. >> Good evening
» to everyone on the dis and everyone in the audience. Um, good evening and I
would like to say thank you for having me today. I am the proud principal of K
Cunningham Canail Point Elementary School.
» [applause] >> As far as where we are, we're sitting at
a seat to have both a new principal, assistant principal and a mass massive
new teachers. Um I'm not a C type of girl, but um we have a C. We didn't um
decline, right? So um we have a lot of things in place with us being in place
before the year the new year actually started. we've had an opportunity to
start the end of the year and improve on in some areas. Um, our students
definitely can learn and they are eager to learn and we're going to give them
exactly what they need. We have set our expectations and they are clear and
concise. Um, less is more. We don't want to do a whole lot of nothing. We want to
be clear and concise so that we can maximize on the progress that we we have
made. We also want to um keep kids involved. We're trying to build an
afterchool program so they stay interested in academics and in
extracurricular activities. We have started a leadership club. We also um
continuing our robotics so that they can transition to the high school. We also
have the drones that we have. We have a teacher that's going to um help with
that. We also have a resilience club where students um we we have some
students that have a little some challenges and we want to award them for
their resilience for finishing strong. They may not have met all of their goals
but they did work extremely hard and we want to continue the progress that they
have made. We also have an amazing um chorus. We have we're starting our band.
We're rekindling our band. And I want to say we're increasing our drama club as
well. So we're trying to make sure that we have a balance and that's what we're
doing as a leadership team trying to balance building positive relationship
but also having high expectations so that we can excel and level up beyond
that seat and that is our goal. >> All right. [applause]
and to Mayor B, Vice Mayor McDonald, all of the commissioners and staff. I'm
Marcia Andrews, your school board member, and it's my pleasure to bring
greetings from our superintendent, Superintendent Michael Burke, and all
seven school board members. But I'm truly thrilled to be your school board
member right here in district 6, standing right here in the city of Hoki.
When I look out and I see our schools, I am just thrilled. I'm so proud of all of
the leaders, the principles, the assistant principles, the teachers,
everyone that makes a difference in Hoki and as well as the whole glaze region. I
can tell you with 51 years in public education right here in Palm Beach
County, a graduate from Palm Beach County School District and just 16 years
as your board member. We are doing fantastic work right here in Pokei. And
I want you all to give that a big hand because I [applause]
work and I don't want to repeat everything, but please give me the
opportunity to some of my history of 16 years servicing as your school board
member working with the leaders of when I think about Katherine Cunningham
Elementary you've made in the past you've never had
you've done it you have made the difference
your programs have been great and every year that I'm working with you you're
doing great You are a new principal, assistant principal and teachers
Cunningham has always been a cut of making it happen within their school.
Thanks to the wonderful community at your families are great and they only
accept greatness and this is what I've seen over the years at K.
You all said to the superintendent and to Mrs. Andrews and More and all of us,
I need my pavilion. We got that children. It had been years before we
had done a a pavilion for K Cunningham, but that was something you said you
wanted and we made it happen. But I've seen great progress at Katie Cunningham
over the years and I know we're [clears throat] going to do it. It's not
a big deal. I want to say to all of you on the commission, the mayor, vice
mayor, we are head of many of the schools to the cold staff. I have 41
schools in district 6 and I know about all the schools in West Palm Beach,
Delray, Boca Raton, Wellington and all over our schools up top. When I look at
you all, Dr. Abs and your team, you all have
always superstars. I mean, you know, you've been an A before you got a B.
You've just always done it. Your teachers are superstars. come to your
school. You always treat people with dignity and respect. Customer service is
number one at Kham as well as elementary and you've always been great. The
schools to the east had not been a you set the tone back in the day your school
was an A. I can go back and go through the list. You just did a little short.
I know when you all first made your A's and B's way when everybody else was
trying to do it. It's a little popular now. It was popular with you all way
back in the day. So whatever you all need to do with those few points, you're
going to get it done. No big deal because you have always done it. And I
am always proud elementary school because of the leadership, because of
the teachers, because of the parents in the community and the pride that you
have. You have never let anybody tell you that you could not be great. You've
been great since I've been your school board member. So, I'm so proud of you
all. So, let's give them another hand.
[applause] Two people in the community talking
about our schools. They haven't kept up I did say just recently we need to do a
town hall so we can talk about the history of Pokei Elementary School,
Canel Elementary School, all the great things you've been doing over the years
so the community can know this didn't just start yesterday. Miss Moore just
gave you a snapshot. I've been with you for 16 years. We have had no
we have not had them. We've always been reaching high for high expectations. And
then when I look back I I tell you this is a superstar right
here. Please don't let him leave the Glazes region. Please don't let him
leave for Hokei. >> I've been with Hokei for 16 years as the
school board member. I was here when a lot of things was just materializing
when we promoted Mr. Lar right from the community. Look what he has done. You
heard tonight one of his students is a pilot at Delta Airlines. I remember when
you started that program with that student. Look at you. I've been in your
school flying my own airplane. [laughter] You need to get over there
and get behind the wheel and see if you can glide it on up. Don't wreck the
plane now. You got to hold on to the wheel and to get it off the ground. I've
done that several times. But when I think about the over there, the
superintendent was so amazed every time he comes and the students can show him
new things that he has never seen before. When I'm there looking at all
the students at at Middle Sior High School and the robotics program, it's
the next step up. Students from Pokei Middle Senior High School have been to
Washington State where they have has specialized training. They have
scholarships that take them to college right from Pokei Middle Senior High
School. When I'm out giving scholarships with all these different entities, guess
who I see? I see Middle Senior High School students. And then you have an IV
program that's truly magnificent. When I first started, we were looking at the IB
program and we said we got to get those members up so that they can graduate
with their IB diploma. Guess who has done that? It has been Mr. Dinard and
his team. So, I just want you to know you have greatness sitting in here
tonight. And we've got to start promoting that to the community. We may
have to go out to all of the neighborhoods. Parents know their
children are getting the scholarships. They're graduating. Graduation rates are
absolutely fabulous at Pokei Middle Senior High School. 100% graduation rate
almost 99% every year. Am I correct, Mr. Bard? Let's clap on that.
[applause]
And I just see kids going to college. And when I look out and I see our new
principal, Mr. Dell, who is now tech, you don't always have to go to college
to make a lot of money to be happy, to be successful. You can either be college
or career ready. And that's when I first was elected by you. You said, "Open West
Tech, Miss Andrews. It's been closed for 11 years." We opened it right up. And
we've been working hard over there. the mayor and all of the team here. You've
been at Tallahassee to help us get the money from year to year with all of the
programs that we have at West Tech. The state has given us the money to say,
"Get it done." We want our children to be college and career ready. We want our
families and our adults to be able to go back and get a skill set. So when I
think about our CDL program, our electrical, you know, our construction,
our HBAC programs, and you've been to the graduations, Mayor Bab, and the rest
of you, you see the students getting all of the credentials necessary to fix your
air conditioning when it's hot. And you know how hot it's been this summer,
[laughter] have to worry about it. You got people right in the neighborhood
that's getting trained. they can come right over and fix your air condition if
it breaks down. That's what you do over at West Technical Education Center. And
when we talk about CDL, that's a big highpaying job. All of the
trucks that's over there. How many trucks, Mr.
» Six trucks >> for CDL, the big time, the rigs that you
see on the road on I 95 in the Turner Pack passing you, our are driving those
trucks. We have data to show you of all of the graduates who have actually
earned their CDL license. They may not be sitting right here in Pokei. They may
be, but once they got their new jobs, they could be driving all over the
country, but they started right there at West Tech. And West Tech is a place
where you can get trained in all of your processes. So yeah, you get trained in
your CDL, but we're a training site to get what Mr.
» People who take their their training someplace else come to take the test.
» Take the test. All of that's happening here. Remember, you could get trained,
but you had to go maybe to Miami or to Orlando to take the test. People don't
know you in Miami or Orlando, but if you've been trained right here at West
Technical Education Center, you want that instructor and the people that know
you to make sure that you get the best training so that you can pass the test.
And so when we talk about K through adulthood, starting with our preK
students all the way to 12th grade, graduation, as well as career and
college, you've got a lot. And I really more to be able to put a packet together
to show you all of those students who are going to college that just graduated
from Pokei last year. I'm over all of Palm Beach County giving out those
scholarships and I send the pictures. I know the mayor is sick of me sending
pictures. >> I love those pictures and I need to get
everybody's email. You all probably get tired of me, but you see me sending you
those pictures of your Pokei students getting $20,000 scholarships from FPNL.
Three or four students from your school got it last time. I see your students
everywhere. They remember me because they remember they got the scholarships,
but they always are so thankful and your team West all those
who are getting all that training now so we can pick them up in Pokei. I
don't want anybody to say I can't make it over to West. I want that bus to pick
up at a site over here over in South Bay and bring them right to West. That's my
next thing. We just got our bus, right, Mr. Daniel?
» That's all right. And we're getting a driver so that we can pick you up. We
don't want anybody to say, "Oh, I can't get there because I don't have a car."
and that could be legitimate, but we want to make sure that bus can pick up
in South Bay and Belgade to pick up our adults to get them there because we need
to make sure that there's no barriers for anyone in being successful. And
sometimes, you know, people go to Palm Beach County School District or they
have a bad time. We want them to know even if you didn't graduate, we have
programs at West Tech so that you can get your diploma. The adult program you
can get your diploma. Miss Laura can tell you that if you need to get your
ESOL certification so that you can be ready to take the next level. All of
that's happening at West Tech. So when people say, "Well, what's going on in
Pokei?" We need to let them know it all happens in your great schools. No D or F
schools, A's, B's, C's, very few C's, a few C's, but guess what? They don't last
long [snorts] because you move right up. A's and B's for years. I can sit here
and say I'm so proud of and then when we get middle senior high school top
graduation rate all these programs you have Mr. Please promise me even though
I'm setting aside you cannot leave people are trying to take Mr.
away from you all. You better know that. Get over to his school and just love on
him and tell him he can't go anywhere. The programs, his teachers, and
everything that's happening there needs to stay there. We don't need to give our
talent away to anybody else that's keeping at home. And there more, you
come on up here, Dr. here. It takes leadership. [snorts]
And this is why they can tell you they know what's happening in all these other
schools. And I do because I been with the school district for 51 years, hiring
personnel, your board member for 16. I know what all these schools do. But I'm
just thrilled to tell you, Pokei, you're on the move. You're on the money, and
you have the support team here, right here, sitting. But when you walk into
your schools, it's it's there. It's absolutely there. And I really do want
before I leave here because I'm here until November for us to walk the
community and let's kind of tell the people that
can't come to this meeting. They may hear us on television, but I would like
to go to the projects to the neighborhoods and with the data sheet
just like you have and start just introducing ourselves before I leave
here to say you got a great place. And I think parents know that because their
kids are getting promoted. They're going to college. They're doing great things.
But some people may not know that because they may not have kids within
the school district. So we need to make sure that they know the education system
right here in Palm Beach County, strictly right here in Pokei is a level
one, nothing but the best and your leaders are great. Your teachers are
great. Your children are awesome. And we are so proud. And as your board member,
I'm just thrilled to death. And we will always be on the front line here at
Pokei to make sure that all of our children are successful. And I have to
personally thank you all for everything you do every day. Thank you, Miss Moore,
Dr. the team here. It takes the village and we understood that. So, whoever sits
in this seat, I want you to hold them accountable because we're not going back
to none of that stuff that happened 16 years ago or more. We are in a new place
and we only expect the best. We are the best. And whatever it takes for us to
work together in this village with the school district of Palm Beach County, we
will continue to make it great. But the greatness comes from inside the school.
Starts in the classroom. starts with the teachers, the custodians, the bus
drivers, all of them. Put the package together, the leaders. Thank you so
much. They've had a long day today. They started early this morning. Everybody
might not live right here in Pokei, but guess what? They have roots in Pokei and
they don't want to be anywhere else but for Hokei to do the leadership that they
do. And so I have to tell him I'm so thankful to be your board member and I'm
never going to leave. This has put me on duty after I retire Mr. Andrew
to be out here is not going to let me get away. He's my baby. I hear all these
programs I saw him put them in place and look at them. Now if you have not been
over there I'm demanding that you get over there and just with the robotics
and let the children show you what we really don't know. We're the older
people. Let them show you how to fly an airplane. Your cadet program travels all
over Palm Beach County bringing service to all of the different entities with
the pledge of allegiance, showing students they can be everything that
they want to be. I don't think we have any other cadet programs in Palm Beach
County. Do we not? We lost a lot of the >> RTC,
» but only
» I mean I think we're the only one. >> You're the only one in the state that
» All right. Did you hear that? >> The only one. Have you all seen the
Civil Air Patrol? I'm sure you've seen them.
» If you haven't, bring them here to this meeting and let them start your meeting
out. I see them everywhere. To the east, to the north, to the south, not just out
here. and they have to drive all the way back home because they perform a service
for everybody everywhere. So, it's a whole list of stuff going on right here
in Pokei. How you help others too to grow and develop and thank you team.
Keep up the great work. There's more. I know I have to
love you all so much and I'm not going to let anybody say that we don't have it
going on in Paul Canal Point, the Glaze region. We're superstars and you've been
A's and B's all along. C's now A's and B's before. We know you're coming back.
We will never go back to anything less than
» Amen. [applause]
» Uh, one more thing I would like to add. Um, as a member of Leadership Florida
and the chair of class 10 for leadership Florida, I was really surprised this
summer when at our annual meeting they said, "M'onique, we have a surprise for
you." You have a surprise for me. And each year they award a full scholarship
from Prepton and this year they recognize someone from Pokei High
School. They said they were so amazed that they they typically stay in that
northern Florida region. But this year they picked someone from South Florida
right here at in Pokei, Florida and they um offered them a full ride scholarship
because of the unique things that were taking place right here in Pokei. So I
have to give you kudos again. [applause]
It ends at West But it starts in these elementary
schools. So we have to continue to do the work to send to the middle schools,
the high schools and then to West Tech if needed. So I thought that was
wonderful that they were able to recognize someone right here from Poke,
a little small town that a lot of people don't know, but there is greater coming
than what you ever even imagine. [applause]
Can I say something? I just want to say as an educator uh who
has not taught in some years, uh my hat goes off to all of you because I know
the challenge that you have. Um well, let me change that word. I'm going to
say the opportunities that you have every day to uh pour into our children.
Um, all of my kids are grown up and finished school now, but I have
grandkids that are in school. So, thank you all so much. And if I could ever be
of assistance to you, please just don't hesitate to call.
» Thank you,
» Mr. Mayor. Next, we have a proclamation to be honored um recognizing Pokei
Middle Senior High School Robotics Program. Mr. Dod, please come forward.
At this time, we'll have the city attorney read the proclamation into
records.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commission proclamation. Whereas the Pahokei Middle
Senior High School robotics program has established a legacy of excellence in
STEM education by empowering students through the first Lego League and First
Tech Challenge programs fostering innovation, engineering, coding,
teamwork, leadership, and problem solving skills. And whereas since 2016,
the program has consist consistently earned local, regional, state, and
national recognition, including multiple tournament championships, innovation,
robot design, and performance awards, four consecutive first Lego League
Florida State Championship appearances, invitations to national competition, and
numerous First Tech Challenge State Championship qualifications.
And whereas through the stepping up STEM and PHOKI initiative and the support of
dedicated mentors, educators, volunteers, and community partners,
students have gained access to advanced technology, industry experiences,
scholarships, internships, and college and career pathways that continue to
expand opportunities for the youth of POI. And whereas during the 2025 2026
season, the program continued its tradition of excellence with team 20
21922 Dynamics earning the first Tech
Challenge Fun League Inspire Award. Third place and a bid to the Florida
First Tech Challenge State Championship. Team 16333
Mechatrons qualifying for the state championships as a member of the Fun
League winning alliance. Team 16724 Bender BS or bots receiving the Fun
League think award. Team 213 23812 Rising Phoenix earning the Fund League
Control Award. Team 31423 Mecha Motion receiving the Fun Lee
Connect Award second place and team 40688
earning the first Lego League robot design award. hand. Whereas the Pokei
Middle Senior High robotics program continues to inspire future engineers,
innovators, and leaders while serving as a source of pride for the city of POI
and demonstrating the extraordinary talent and potential of its students.
Now, therefore, I, Keith Bab Jr., the mayor [clears throat] of the city of
Pokei, Florida. On behalf of the city commission and residents of the city of
POI do hereby recognize and commend the POI middle senior high school robotics
program, its students, coaches, mentors, volunteers, and community partners for
their outstanding achievements, unwavering commitment to excellence, and
leading contributions to education, innovation, and opportunity within our
community. and official recognition whereof, I here
unto set my hand and cause the seal of Pokei to be affixed this 11th day of
August, 2026. [applause]
» Commission, if you would join me on the floor, we will present this
proclamation. Then we'll allow the principal to say a few words, and then
we'll take a group picture uh for the record.
So,
I know we have one educator on our commission,
Commissioner Kas Williams. I didn't know we had a second one of our vice mayor.
So at this time on behalf of the focus city commissioner I will have our vice
mayor officially present the proclamation to focus high school
kind of being a dead horse but I want again on behalf of the city of
commission and our city manager and all of our staff want to um thank you for
the work that you're doing and we do and we encourage and just to keep up
the good work and to keep empowering our kids to progress and become the
professional that we know they can as they reach their goal. So, thank you
all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
[applause]
Good evening everyone. >> Good evening.
» [clears throat] >> First and foremost, city of Pahokei
commissioners, mayor, vice mayor, Miss Marshia Andrews,
and all the team uh from the Glades region. I I I am really grateful, right,
for uh the proclamation that you guys have presented us today. And I know that
Mr. Dinard is very proud of what he brought here to Pokei High School. And I
I have served only as a beacon to help propel the teams forward, to help propel
the the students forward. And I know that um I I'm very grateful to have uh
the team that I have at the school. We've had the opportunity to get the
students to innovate beyond
uh what they had uh expected uh previously and nowadays um they
actually look forward to to serving the younger students. Uh we have initiatives
where um we're we're working with the sheriff's office uh to go out to the
different elementary schools to show them what we're doing. And not only
that, but we have students that are at um districtwide
competitions, Florida statewide competitions, and they have won awards
um for technology innovation. Uh we actually had one student uh Giovanni
Mendes who uh won the Alifat Technology uh scholarship and uh that was a
scholarship where he competed against students from Boon Beach High School,
Wellington High School, uh all the top schools in the district and we came out
on top.
» [applause]
» And that is just one of many examples of of the the kind of student that we are
raising up at Pokei Middle Senior High School. And again, I want to thank the
city of Pokei for all the support and we actually have a competition on December
5th that will be hosted at Pokei High School. And we invite you guys to come
by so that you can meet our students and you can see what they are doing. and
thank you for everything.
[applause] >> Only thing I want to add is that he
didn't mention that he also a PO graduate.
» So,
» but I thank you guys for all the support and I do I thank the parents but most of
all like I said it for the a tree to grow it start with the seed and the seed
start in our elementary schools and I really thank you guys for working with
us and sending the kids over. They tell them who be the bad ones, who the good
ones and who can grow. So, I really thank you guys for that. Um, we gonna
continue to do the best we can and like you said about Jiovani, one thing about
Jiovani, he started with just a hand robot and now he got a full torso that
does the the movements and everything else. That's the young man that went to
Google as a sophomore. He'll be a senior this year. So, we have a lot of kids are
doing some great things that you're going to be proud of. As we get older,
they can always say back they come from B. I thank you guys.
» [applause]
» WE'LL take the pitch photo after all the presentations from the school system.
» So the next presentation that we have is from affordable lavish,
Miss Anthony.
All right, good evening. Um, first of all, thank you guys so much. That was
breathtaking. It's amazing to and an honor uh to have been able to present
tonight and get to see the educators here in POI. So, thank you guys all for
coming out and and speaking on behalf of all the good things that POI is doing.
» Uh, good evening to uh mayor, vice mayor, commission, staff, city manager.
I appreciate the opportunity to be here. My name is Christina Anthony. with
Affordably Lavish Foundation. We're a nonprofit housing developer. Um we are
located in the West Palm Beach area. Um we have done uh building single family
homes, villas, small town homes for families uh whether it's in Palm Beach,
Broward, um Lee County, Central Florida, Jacksonville, Tallahassee. Um recently
we connected with USDA. they uh agree to invest in some operational money for us
to start entering into rural communities. Uh we're excited that the
Glazes is actually in our backyard and and the Glaze is one of our first
targets um in implementing rural housing development. So, we met with the city
manager and wanted to speak with the commission to help um talk about
bringing housing workforce and affordable for uh for sale to the
community. We're also in uh talks with the uh county as well in contributing
and providing assistance. And the way that our program works is we um USDA
would provide operation operational funds. So that would provide jobs here
in Pahooki. Um we've also connected with um our folks here at West and providing
some students to um provide assistance and in workforce development. Uh the way
that our program would work is uh subsidizing the housing where the
families and other community um folks like students from West to contribute
building the construction of the home. So that would significantly offset the
construction cost for the project. Um we are um we've successfully done, you
know, projects like that with volunteer help in other parts of the state and so
we're really excited to start um looking at that with uh POI. So our ask is um to
connect with the the the the city of Pokei, look at pro uh potential infill
lots that the city has and look at developing those lots for affordable
housing and workforce housing. Um and then again adding that workforce
development component where not only will the families themselves uh be
learning a new skill in developing construction of their own home but that
we would also um provide those uh opportunities for the students to um get
that experience put it on their resume open up the doors for jobs etc. And it's
our commitment to keep um like as mentioned before keep jobs in here in
the city of Pokei. So uh we want to make sure that we're hiring within the
community. Um and uh the last thing I just want to
mention is USDA. Um the way [clears throat] that they play a big
part of this is not only uh investing in operations, but they provide the zero
down mortgages um at a lower than uh market interest rate. And so when we
looked at the feasibility of uh renting and the the market here in the city of
Pokei, what families are spending on rent and the analysis of us doing our
project where uh the city would contribute land, the families would
contribute a portion of their uh sweat equity and labor into the projects and
then the rest subsidized with the um lower income or or or subsidized
mortgages I should say. that whole uh total um cost would actually come out at
a monthly lower than what they would spend uh in rental income. And so that's
our goal is to, you know, bring home ownership into the community that would
provide uh better economic status here for the community, keep residents here
in the city of Pokei, provide the jobs in the city, and um just expand on all
the great things that the city's already doing. And so, um, that's that's what
we're here today to to explain. >> Thank you.
[applause]
» Just for sake of time, I'm going allow the
region to take their photo up and then we'll move to the completion of the
other presentation. Okay. If y'all would just stand up front
of the podium.
Congratulations.
[laughter]
One, two, three. One, two, three.
» [applause]
» I'm gonna tell you what.
Let's go back up here.
All
» righty.
Okay. Just before moving to the last presentation, I wanted to give the
present an opportunity if the commission had any questions about the affordable
housing project. If you want >> Okay.
in a question from the commission.
» So you you said that um you are looking for
the city to donate um properties for these houses to be constructed on.
» Yes. So, uh, we're looking for the city to contribute, um, the land, uh, towards
the affordability of the project. Um, that has been a successful, um,
partnership that's worked with, uh, our part us partnering with other
municipalities. Um, and we know with, uh, the city and specifically land
development cost being um, a concern that that would significantly help.
» Is this like hood type thing? same different houses or what?
» I'm sorry. >> Houses Hood is it something like this?
» Um well, USDA is also federally backed and HUD kind of still oversees a lot of
the parameters. Um so to pretty similar. Yeah.
» Mhm. >> Um okay. You said I know you said the
small um homes or >> No.
» Are you doing single family? >> Single family. Um we we will have three
different models fit for smaller families. the average middlesized
families and then the larger families. >> Okay. But they're all single family.
» Yeah. Single family. We look at um we've done single family, we've done villas,
and we've done town homes. >> Um so we look at the the um parcel and
the opportunity for it. Our biggest um push is obviously um the density. We,
you know, as much homes as we can build to for our efforts, we want to do that.
And so, um, one of the things with the USDA program is for it to be success
because the families are going to be putting in some sweat equity is, um, we
like to start with five lots at a time. So, the five families can work together
and they will be trained on site to do parts of the construction,
» um, and get see the construction through to the finish line.
» Okay. >> What's the ability?
Um, so us uh the the Glades is unique because
you guys are part of Palm Beach County, right? And so you roll under there. So
your workforce um would still qualify as low income and get some of those
benefits as well as um you know even in your higher incomes would kind of cap
into that workforce. So we're looking to just capture families that are in need
of housing um and revitalizing the communities with newer homes. Um,
biggest thing for us, Affordably Lavish, um, is that we're not just building only
affordable homes, but we are providing, uh, modern and contemporary designs. So,
we're really excited about that. We're, um, an in-house architectural firm as
well as a a GC. Um, our GC side has been around for 25 years, and on the uh, real
estate development side, we've been around for 15 years. So, we've been
making a big push in the nonprofit space for the last four years as capital um,
has been available. For example, the county has $100,000 that they contribute
to families for housing and um we're talking with them about, you know, them
also making sure to contribute that to these families as well so that we get
that lower monthly payment down as as um much as possible. and ultimately um
transition these families from not only uh right right out the gate um spending
less than they would with their rental income but ultimately owning the home as
quickly as possible so that they don't have to worry about that as an
additional expense. >> Do you have a website that we can see
some of the models the houses? >> Yes. I uh I don't know if we had our
presentation but nope >> you did not.
» Okay. Okay. Okay. So, uh yeah, we have a website www.alfl.org
and we have some of the work that we've done both the um modeling renderings
that can be um added as well as completed work that we've done.
» How soon are you planning to get started on one of these projects and how long
does the project take from beginning to end uh for a home to be constructed? So
when we do the construction uh directly with the USDA program for some of the
workforce um parcels, uh construction is about four to six months after the
permit is received. Um for the uh self-help program is what it's called
from USDA where the families are contributing some of the labor. We're
looking at a 12-mon span. >> And can you say the website again?
» Yes. www. A is in apple. L is in Larry. F is in
Frank. F is in Frank. Ellis Ellis and Larry.org.
» Do you have any business cards with you? >> Yes, you provide that.
» I have a question. How do you all go about if we have um when residents
apply? How do you guys determine um who you know who who you're going to choose?
Like say you have five lots and who and you have so many um residents that
apply. How do you decide which ones um who gets the you know who comes first in
the >> Sure. Yeah. Um some cities have
initiatives for example that they're passionate about seniors or um workforce
maybe you know uh police officers, teachers etc. So if that is a request
from the city we we look at that as a part of it. Um typically it's first come
first serve. Uh we put them through our intake process. Um it looks at where
they are, what their approvals are. um if they don't qualify just yet, it's not
uh it's something that we put them through a process to get them ready for
the next round. >> Um and so it's it's a first come first
serve unless the commission or the or staff has any um initiatives that the
city has for your strategic plan that we want to push.
» Okay. So we can do that and so that'll come before the commission like wants to
get ready to get started to determine whether we want to implement something
in it or not. >> Yep.
» Okay. that can be a part of um when we how it's happened before. For example,
in Lee County, um we did >> uh nine homes and of those nine, three
of them uh needed to be special needs, >> families that had uh uh persons with
special needs. >> Um and then four of them had to have be
at very low income. >> Okay.
» Um and they provided subsidies for the very low-income families, but um and we
did those with the villas, but that was successful. So that's usually a part of
the contract process. No problem. >> I just have one more question. Have you
all met with Pokei Housing Authority? >> So it's great that you asked that. So um
one of the biggest things that we're going to be looking to do is um we we
did stop by at the housing authority. We're looking to find the right person
to speak with. Um our biggest goal in terms of finding the folks and families
that are interested in this program is um starting with the housing authority
as a one part of a referral system. Um, one of the biggest opportunities there
is that is a way for those families who may be on um, uh, the uh, monthly stipen
to transition. They can use that stipen towards their mortgage.
» I was talking about as far as landwise. Oh,
» with Pokei partnering with Pokei Housing Authority as far as landwise as well
since they do have property, you know, as well. So, I was just wondering if
Okay. Sorry about thinking about um partnering with them towards that.
That's what I was saying. >> Yeah, no worries.
» Okay. >> No, we haven't spoke with them about the
land particularly, but um our goal is to speak with them about transitioning some
of their residents into uh um home ownership
» where they can transition completely off of that assistance over time and free up
that opportunity for other folks that need that assistance.
» Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.
We >> One last question.
Um would you all be interested in partnering with um individuals that are
private um land owners? >> Absolutely.
» Okay. >> Absolutely.
» So I have a question with that. So if you're interested Oh, excuse me.
[clears throat] You're interested in the land being donated, right? Are you
interested in >> for affordability purposes? Um donation
is what's going to help uh just because of the cost of the land development in
this area. And so once the land is given, the land now belongs to you all
and it's nothing no nothing that the city or anything like that would um
the city holds a deed restriction on it. So you're still a partner in the in the
project and essentially the land donation is not coming to us. It's it's
transferring to the families. Um and so during the process, it's a very short
process, but once the land is um in our name, per se, um we go through the
process of finding the candidates at the beginning before construction starts,
those families take ownership of the land,
» right? And so the land can't be are you all looking for the land to be you're
looking for the land to be given, right? Not where you all want to purchase the
land. So once you Okay, so that's I just got to clarify. Yes, that would be the
city's um subsidy contribution to the project to help with the affordability.
» And if you're a private person, are you still looking for the land to be donated
or are you looking for them to sell the land to you all or how would that work?
um for those parcels when we've dealt dealt with private owners. Um the
private owner whether they're looking to rent the property themselves or if
they're looking to sell it um let's say for the let's say we have five families
that um qualified at x amount and those five families got the the donated lots
as an example and we have a waiting list those private owners we could place
those families with those owners if their um approvals will allow for a
purchase. So, it depends on what they're trying to sell the property for and
ultimately what our buyers in this area um if it can take the amount for that
amount for to to roll into the mortgage. >> So, it wouldn't be where if you have a
private owner say, "Okay, I want [clears throat] to allow you guys to
build there, but I want to charge rent on the property." Will you be able to do
that or No, >> that's a little separate from the
program. We're housing developers and builders so it can be done but a little
separate from the program itself that we're um not
» presenting to the city. Yep. >> Okay.
» Okay. Thank you so much for the presentation.
» Appreciate the time. Good evening. >> City manager will present the last and
final presenter. >> Mr. Mayor, we have our consultant
services update and contract performance report from Miss Angela Reyes.
Good evening, Mayor and Pokei Commission. I'm here tonight to provide
an update on work performed by Angela Reyes LLC under my consulting engagement
with the city of Pahogi. The objective was to help the city strengthen its
financial operations, address audit and oversight concerns, improve internal
controls, and put process in place that can be sustained after this engagement
ends. Tonight I want to walk you through what has been accomplished, what is
currently underway, and what remains to bring this work to completion. Next
slide. [snorts]
An integrated approach. My work has really been concentrated in four
interconnected areas. First is financial management and budget strategy. Making
sure management has reliable financial information to make decisions.
Second is audit readiness and financial accountability. Helping the city move
the audit forward and addressing the underlying financial and documentation
issues affecting the process. Third is corrective action and internal controls.
It is not enough to identify a problem. We have to establish controls so the
same problem does not continue. And fourth is silly is policy
implementation and organizational compliance. Policies cannot simply exist
on paper. [clears throat] Employees have to understand them. Management has to
enforce them and the city has to be able to demonstrate compliance. So we are no
longer simply identifying what needs to be fixed. We are fixing it and putting
it um in a structure around it. Next slide.
budget management and financial decisionmaking.
One of the first areas I focused on was the city's budget and financial
management process. I worked directly with leadership, the finance director,
and the city manager and departments through the fiscal year 2627 budget
process. that included departmental budget meetings, documenting assumptions
and priorities and identifying items requiring followup. I also performed
budgettoactional analysis across the city funds. This is important because
adopting a budget is not only I'm sorry, it's only the beginning. Management has
to continuously understand where actual revenues and expenditures stand compared
with the adopted budget. I reviewed and organized historical and
current budget records uh specifically five years and supported forecasting
amendments, trend analysis and executive level reporting.
The result is a budget process that is more organized, better documented and
more supportable for management commission and ultimately the auditors.
Next slide. >> [clears throat]
» I have a question first. Are we going to ask questions as we going along or are
we going to just let her continue? >> Yeah, we'll let her continue the
presentation and whatever question we have afterward, we can ask a up to a
certain time limit at least. >> Audit findings and audit readiness. The
fiscical year 25 audit remains one of the city's most important priorities. I
facilitated the audit kickoff and follow-up meetings with the external
auditors and reviewed prior year audit findings to determine what remained
unresolved and what documentation or corrective action was still necessary.
I have also assisted with reconciliations,
schedules, corrections, and supporting documentation needed to move the audit
forward. After careful review, the city would benefit from a forensic audit. A
forensic audit would allow the city to examine specific transactions, financial
activity transfers, and areas of concern as a much deeper at a much deeper level.
If the city would like a more indepth review on a transactional level, the
forensic audit is the pre is the best approach.
Next slide. [clears throat]
Internal controls. A major component of my engagement has
been strengthening the city's internal control environment. The areas addressed
include purchasing and payment controls, travel and reimbursement, IT access and
asset controls, fraud and whistleblower protections, grant and leasing
monitoring, and OIG reporting and documentation.
These areas were not selected randomly. They relate directly to control
weakness, documentation needs, and oversight concerns identified during the
review.
The objective is straightforward. Reduce risk, establish accountability, document
responsibility, and create a clear process that employees can consistently
follow, which will limit future audit findings. Next slide.
Policies and procedures. There are 10 major policies and proceed procedure
areas current that are currently being finalized and reviewed for your
adoption. I'll go down the list. The first one is
IT asset protection and security, fraud prevention, whistleblower policy,
tuition reimbursement, capital asset management, travel, grant administration
and compliance, lease management, procurement and audit and compliance
response readiness. Each policy identifies responsibility, establishes
controls, provides documentation requirements, and creates
accountability. The master procurement policy is particularly significant
because the procurement touches virtually every department and
represents one of the city's most important areas of financial control.
When this work is complete, the city will have a much stronger documented
framework governing how these activities are to occur. Next slide.
Progress to date. The slide is important because it shows that the engagement has
moved from assessment into execution. On the completed side, on the completed
side, I have conducted the comprehensive budget review, participated in
departmental budget meetings, performed financial analysis, review prior audit
findings and documentation, and developed corrective action workflows
and policies. Um, the workflows are in the back of the
presentation package you received as a sample, so you can see what that
actually looks like. Uh, it's hands-on. Uh at the same time we are actively
supporting the fiscical year 25 audit and reconciliations completing the
master procurement policy and implementing corrective actions and
internal controls. The next phase is implementation and accountability
training employees obtaining acknowledgements monitoring compliance
and making sure these processes become part of the city's normal daily
operations. Next slide.
[clears throat] Moving into implementation. At this
stage, the focus shifts from developing the pro the policies to implementing
them. There are four remaining priorities. Adopt, execute, train and
monitor. First, we adopt the policies and remaining workflows.
Second, we execute all employee and on employee on and off boarding and other
corrective action procedures. Third, we conduct compliance training so
employees, contractors and employees and contractors understand what is expected
of them. And finally, we continue monitoring the progress.
The last piece is critical. A policy without enforcement and continual
monitoring is simply a document. The city needs acknowledgements,
implementation tracking, compliance reporting, and followup to demonstrate
that the controls are actually operating and working.
[snorts] Next slide.
There's one that says road mapap to substantial. Go back to the last one.
Maybe that one. Yeah, road map to substantial completion. This is the road
map for completing the remaining work during August is to adopt all policies
and remaining workflows and finalize the audit from August through September. The
focus moves to implementing an approved procedures and corrective actions and
providing administration with all the training materials necessary to prepare
for the OIG site visit in mid to late September. During September, we move
into compliance training and formal acknowledgements. So when you look at
where this engagement started compared to where we are today, significant
progress has been made. We have moved from identifying weaknesses to
developing solutions, documenting controls, supporting the audit,
strengthening the budget process, and establishing an accountability
framework. Mayor and Commission, my goal through
this engagement has been to leave the city in a stronger financial and
operational position than when the engagement began. Significant work has
been completed, but there is still important work ahead, particularly the
completion of the fiscal year 25 audit, adopting and implementation of the
policies and internal controls, compliance training, and continuing
monitoring. Ultimately, the objective is not simply to correct past issues. It is
to establish a system that reduces the likelihood of those issues again and
give management and the commission a greater confidence in the city's
financial operations. With that, I'm available to answer any questions.
Commissioners, >> I do have a question and thank you for
the presentation, but my question is um you say the policies and a lot of this
has been done and we're listening to what you're saying. You don't have any
I'm just I guess I'm I'm looking for documents to see. I I hear what you're
saying, but I don't see anything before us that And so that's one of my So you
want to respond to that? >> Yes, I do. Um so the policies were
provided um to the administration which have to be reviewed in internally with
city attorney city manager city attorney and then that comes before you guys as a
commission to adopt it formally. >> Okay. And my next question you said you
gave a timeline. Now, I know your contract is up in August and you told us
that you will have all of this done prior to the contract, but you said in
September, midepptember, there's some things going to take place and so
everything is not going to be completed before your contract is up.
» No. So, my contract is up early September. um when I looked back at the
document and from when I came to council from when the contract was executed um
technically it's up September 2nd but the full execution happened um September
12th or March 2nd which brings me back to either September 2nd or September
12th. With that being said, I am committed to looking um seeing this
through and um this is my work. So if the OIG comes in
midepptember and my contract ended September 12th, I can make myself
available to come on site with no charge additional to the city to see this
project through and to make sure that all of the policies that were provided
comply with what the OIG was looking for. If they need a revision, I will
also do that. Again, no extra charge to the city just to ensure that this
engagement did what it was supposed to do. Okay, that's my that's my question.
» Yeah, I'm I'm glad you clarified that because that was my question as well.
» Um would there be an additional cost to to the city uh as a result of things not
being completed? But um thank you for clarifying that
it was indicated in your contract that you was working as a team. I think
you'll bringing on, if I'm not mistaken, at least three to four different uh
individual to work with you. Could you name some of the uh things that that
team worked on besides you? I know you had to oversee everything, but just give
us some type of perspective of the different
» Sure. Sure. Um, so I do have a back office team. This is this does require a
lot of research and um back office is just administrative. So even putting
policies together in the right format that an OIG would have to look at that's
that's one aspect of it and make it deliverable to a city administration and
presentable. That's one part. Um then I had attorneys reviewing all the policies
to make sure that it coincided with the charter, the state and the um and the IG
finding so that it talks it speaks directly to what the statutes are. Um,
and then I did have a CPA on my team that actually I actually had two that I
had to go to just to in, you know, just to get second opinions on what I was
seeing and viewing in the city of Bohoki to make sure that I make the proper
recommendation to city administration as we um move through the fiscal 25 audit.
I had to go back five years uh to look at audit findings and see how
we can correct that. put policies and put structure into the finance
department so that those things are no longer an issue moving forward.
And looking at the oi report, the concerns that they had, do you feel
comfortable that you have addressed and looked at all of them and came up with a
workable solution that would satisfy their needs as well as the cities?
» I feel com I'm I'm comfortable in my work. Um
I I can back my work up. But you also have an administration that is competent
and is willing to take the steps to move it forward. I can present theoretical
policies, but if you have a an administration that is not willing to
work with those policies and being implemented, then you just have
something on paper. But I'm confident that your current administration will
comply with what the IG is looking for. And they're looking for the action.
They're not just looking for the paper. They're looking for the action. and they
want to see that these uh compliance issues have been addressed. So, I'm
confident in in your staff. Confident might work, but I'm confident
in your staff.
I have a question. You said that you we need a forensic audit. So, do you have
documents that you're going to provide to us that why we need a forensic audit
so we can see exactly what it is that you're talking about, the reason that we
need or what the findings were? >> Yes, ma'am. I do have that. Um and at
the end with [clears throat] my uh report that I will provide to
administration and will provide to the commission, it will have specific um
details as to why you I I think the city would benefit from a forensic audit. Um
» yes. >> And how far back would that forensic
audit go? >> That that's the thing about the forensic
audit. It depends on where that rabbit hole of that transaction takes it. I I
cannot speak to a time frame where the where that would be. I'm sure there's
limitations and statutes that limit that and you know with banks and all that,
but I don't have a time frame. >> Again, going back looking at the IG
reports to me, they went
well over and above a normal audit. Yeah,
» I look at a forensic audit as a person coming on say a new city manager that
has no idea what transact transacted during a certain period of time to come
in and really see how money was spent and how it was divied up and whatever.
But I think basically that what they have done and it was pretty thorough to
me that would really substitute to a lot of degree on my opinion of what a
forensic audit would have on the covered during that process. I may be wrong on
that, but that's just my impression. >> Okay.
Um I I I'm going to stick with my recommendation respectfully, mayor, and
say that um you want the forensic audit [clears throat] to come and say, "Hey,
this was just bad accounting for all these years, and there's nothing going
on in the city with the books, with the money. This commission, this manager,
this administration has respectfully handled the finances well and there is
no foul play." And that is what the forensic audit will do. it will say this
has just been bad accounting for previous all these previous years. We're
moving forward. We're flipping the page and we're we're we have controls in
place for it not to happen again. That's what the forensic audit is for
» to just spend money. [clears throat] I mean, because a forensic audit is not
cheap just to say what you're just saying.
» Um I did get some quotes just to see what that would cost. Um, and it it ran
about 20,000 25,000 for about a minimum of a 6 to 8 week period. Um, but it is
worth you getting that opinion. In my op in my professional opinion, it
is worth you getting that opinion to say this is just bad accounting.
» Well, once we get your paperwork and see what it is that you put on there and
absolutely the backup documents, >> I understand. Yeah, we should look at
it.
And so the policies you said are coming to us in I think next uh meeting next
week. >> The Yes, it's on my report. The policies
will be presented to you at the August 25th meeting.
» Is it a lot of them or we going to have to do it all at one time or can we break
them up in pieces? because if we're trying to go through them, we're going
to need the time to make sure that we can look at them versus the little short
time we get to look at them if it's a lot that we're going to have to go
through to make sure. >> So, there are a lot. Um, Miss Reyes list
out all the policies that were presented there about 10. And so, our plan is to
have those to you on Monday. So, you will have more than a week and including
the weekend before the the um August 25th meeting. So, we are planning to
give you more than enough time to review them.
You said about 10 policies. >> There are about 10. Some of them are ju
are new because they did not exist and some of them are updates. And I can go
in I won't go into one specifically because I just have some on my head. But
um but some of them are just updated to strengthen the policy and some of them
are brand new policies. But they have um workflows. They're very clear. So you
can read through them hopefully quicker than than a statute.
» So Mr. Mr. Mayor, if I may, um what what Miss Reyes did with the with the team as
well with the in-house staff is we went through each of the OIG um findings and
listed each one to say this is their finding and that this was the solution
for that or resolution for it and then list that out and those items were
placed in the policy. So, we'll give you both of those items. So, you'll see what
the OIG findings were. There were 14 of them. And so, for each of those, it
lists out the information. Miss Reyes and her team also went through, as she
just said, the statues, the charter, um, and that's what the IG did when they
went through the process. If you go through their report, they went back to
the the Florida statute as well as our charter as well. And so, they took the
same approach to list that out so that we can be sure that those items were
addressed. Okay.
[clears throat] And many of those, if I may as well,
many of those those um the processes have been put in place because they had
to so we can make sure they work. If they were not put in place, then when
the OIG comes back, we would have the same issue. So, we couldn't wait on the
on the um approval. You all will do the approval, but by you doing the approval,
you'll know that we've placed these things in place. For example, when I
came in, there were POS. POS have to have certain documentation with them and
the OIG wrote that up quite a bit where the documentation was not there. So
before I even read the OIG report, I knew that when you're submitting POS and
you're going to write a check, there has to be documentation to follow that. So
for the auditor, that's what they're following, the audit trail. And if you
don't have that audit trail, then that's an issue. So those things were already
put in place before the procedures were done. So we know that they are actually
um in place. So when the OIG come back in and the auditor come, those same
findings would no longer exist because we have that documentation um so they
can track everything. >> I also want to add that there were forms
created also to streamline processes um to keep documentation better. So those
forms also mentioned in OIG report. We did those and we did a couple more just
to you know um be efficient in this implementation of the uh policies and
procedures. >> So we're saying that checks were being
written for things and >> there was no process for what we were
» I'm just asking a question. I mean it's >> um
» I I'm not specific with checks. I know. >> Well, I'm just saying we're paying. Let
me just say we're paying whoever or whatever. Yes. With no
» correct. That is one of the findings that the OIG uh did write up. So, yes,
that is correct.
» But no longer happening.
» So, I know we just put this in place. So, that mean when we get our audit
coming up and this wasn't in place. So that mean we may have some from the as a
finding as well because this is just this is just taking place. So it was
being done still prior to this taking. So we will still have some more
findings. Again >> you will probably get a comment and with
these um I'm not sure if it's a finding. It has to be material enough like the
money the amount that they found checks with no supporting documents has to
reach a threshold for money amount. But even if it's a comment, the comment will
also say the city has placed policies and procedures to cure this. So that
that goes to the state reporting >> and that's in fiscal year 25. We're
we're fiscal year 26 right now. >> Wow.
» Any additional question from the commissions? So just so that we're
clear, um the OIG report cannot negate the need
for an audit, a forensic audit.
» The OIG did not specifically recommend that, but as I look through it,
» just because we have the OIG report does not mean that we don't need a forensic
audit. >> That's correct.
» Okay. I just want to make sure >> and I do want to say we did so during
this process it it wasn't just a straightforward is writing policies and
turning them in each policy affects a different policy affects a different
policy and they're all intertwined on top of that and day-to-day operations
we're also getting you know we have to respond to state by a certain time so
because we were already in this implementation we were able to provide
uh the the feedback to the state saying yes this was a finding however this
policy is now in place. Yes, this was a finding however a policy is now in place
and that has softened a lot of the uh the blow for what our responses to like
the Jax which is an auditing stuff going from there. Yeah.
[clears throat]
» Any additional questions? No >> Harry N. We appreciate your presentation
and giving us an update of where you are and where we need to go.
» Thank you very much. Thank you. Good evening.
» Okay. Our next item on the agenda is the consent agenda. We have two item which
consists of the July 14, 2026 city commission meeting minutes and the
July 17, 2026 city commission budget workshop minutes.
If there is no objection, I'd entertain a motion for the
approve of the consent agenda. Mayor Bab, I move that we um accept the
July 14, 2026 commission minutes and the July 17 city commission budget workshop
minutes. >> Second.
» It has been moved by Commissioner Ky Williams and probably second by
Commissioner Mike Fearson for the acceptant of the consent agenda as
presented. Call for questions
hearing none. Are you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madame Clerk. Commissioner
Cowan Williams, >> yes.
» Commissioner McFersonson, >> yes.
» Commissioner Scott, >> yes.
» Vice Mayor McDonald, >> yes.
» Mayor Bab, >> yes. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you,
commissioners. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Next, we have old
business, discussion of existing activities of previously held events, if
any, city manager. >> There are none.
» Thank you, ma'am. Next, we have public hearings and or
ordinances. We have couple ordinances and
resolution. The first resolution will have our city attorney read it into the
record. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance 2026-02,
second reading and ordinance of the city commission of the city of Pokei,
Florida, amending article 7, division 1, section 2-272
of the city of Poki's code of ordinances entitled purchase orders to retitle as
purchase orders competitive bids and exemptions specifically amending number
paragraph six entitled exempt purchases to clarify that the determination of an
emergency purchase is vested in the legislative judgment of the city
commission. Providing for adoption of representations, providing for conflict
conflict and repealer, providing for severability, providing for inclusion
and code, providing for an effective date.
» Thank you, city attorney. City manager, could you give us a brief explanation?
This ordinance is intended to clarify who has the authority to determine when
a purchase qualifies as an emergency purchase.
The proposed amendment establishes that the city commission has the authority to
make this determination, providing a clear and consistent process for pro for
providing emergency purchases and ensuring the city has appropriate
oversight of emergency expenditures.
Thank you, city manager, city commission. Before we open this up for a
first or second, we would open this for a public hearing on ordinance
2026-02.
Open this public hearing on this ordinance. Do anyone from the public
wish to speak on this ordinance?
Hearing none, I'll close the public hearing.
City commission having heard ordinance 2026-02
properly read into the minutes by our city manager. Properly explained by
city, I'm sorry, properly explain Properly read into the minutes by our
city attorney. Properly explained by city manager. What is your preference?
» I move that we accept resolution 2026-02.
Ordinance. I second. >> It has been moved by Commissioner
McFersonson and properly second by Commissioner
Williams. Call for questions. Hearing none. Are
you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madame Clerk.
» Commissioner McFerson. >> Yes.
» Commissioner Calvin Williams. >> Yes.
» Commissioner Scott? >> Yes.
» Vice Mayor McDonald? >> Yes.
» Mayor Bab? >> Yes. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Thank you,
commissioners. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Now we'll entertain res
ordinance 2026-03. Sitter attorney.
» Thank you. Ordinance 2026-3 first reading an ordinance of the city
commission of the city of Pokei, Florida, amending article 2, section
2-29 entitled order of business, adding a report of the city clerk to the order
of business. renumbering and reordering as necessary, providing for conflict and
repealer, providing for severability, providing for inclusion and code,
providing for an effective date. >> Thank you, city attorney. City manager,
could you give us a brief explanation? >> This ordinance is needed to ensure that
important updates from the city clerk are consistently included in city
commission meetings. The amendment creates a designated
opportunity for the city clerk to provide timely information, updates, and
reports to the commission. Thank you, city
manager.
City Commission having heard ordinance 2026-03
properly read into the minutes by our city attorney properly explained by city
manager. >> What is your preference?
» Do we have to do the opening for the hearing first? That's the first read.
No. >> No.
» I move that we accept resolution 202603.
It has been moved by Commissioner Mike Fearson and properly second by
Commissioner Wilson Williams for the passage on first reading of
ordinance 2026-03. Call for questions hearing none. Are you
ready for a vote? Roll call. Madame clerk,
» I'm sorry. Just for clarity, the >> motion was by Commissioner McFerson.
» Yes. >> And seconded by Commissioner Cowan
Williams. >> Yes.
» Okay. Commissioner McFerson,
» yes. >> Commissioner Calvin Williams,
» yes. >> Commissioner Scott,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald,
» yes. >> Mayor Bab,
» yes. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Thank you, commissioners. Motion passed by
unanimous vote. This is a first reading. There will be a second reading and a uh
public hearing before [clears throat] final passage if so approved.
Next we have several resolution actually we have four. First resolution,
resolution 2026-43,
city attorney. >> Resolution 2026-43,
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Pokei, Florida, ratifying
the execution and submission of the Florida League of Cities Incorporated
2026 annual conference designation of voting
delegate form confirming Mayor Keith Bab Jr. as the city of Pahoki's voting
delegate for the 2026 annual business meeting providing for adoption of
representations providing for an effective date.
» Thank you, city attorney. City manager, could you give us a brief explanation?
» This resolution is needed to formally confirm the city's voting delegate as
Mayor Keith W. Bab Jr. for the Florida League of Cities 2026 annual business
meeting. This allows the city of Pokei to have an official designated
representative who can participate and vote on behalf of the city during the
league's annual business meeting. >> City commission having heard resolution
2026-43 properly read into the minutes by our
city attorney, properly explained by city manager, what is your preference? I
move that we accept resolution 2026-43.
» Second. >> It has been moved by Commissioner Cowins
Williams and properly second by Commissioner Scott for the adoption of
resolution 2026-43.
Call for questions hearing none. Are you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madam
clerk. >> Commissioner Cowan Williams.
» Yes. >> Commissioner Scott?
» Yes. >> Commissioner McFersonson? Yes.
» Vice Mayor McDonald. >> Yes.
» Mayor B. >> Yes. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Thank you,
commissioners. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Next, we entertain
resolution 2026-44.
City attorney. >> Thank you. Resolution 2026-44,
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Pokei, Florida, approving
the Pokei Middle Senior High School 2026 homecoming parade and authorizing an
application for a parade permit from the Florida Department of Transportation,
providing for adoption of representations, providing for an
effective date. >> Thank you, city attorney. City manager,
could you give us a brief explanation? This resolution is needed to approve the
2026 Pokei Middle Senior High School homecoming parade and move forward with
the required permits process with Florida Department of Transportation to
ensure the event can be properly coordinated in sufficient time.
» Thank you, city manager. City Commissioners, having heard resolution
2026-44, properly read into the minutes by our
city manager, properly explained by city uh properly explained by city manager.
» Properly read into the minutes by city attorney, pardon me, sir. Properly
explained by city manager. What is your preference?
» I move that we accept resolution 2026-44.
» Second. It has been moved by Commissioner
McFersonson and properly second by Vice Mayor Mike McDonald for the adoption of
resolution 2026-44.
Call for questions hearing none. Are you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madam
clerk. >> Commissioner McFerson?
» Yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald?
» Yes. >> Commissioner Calvin Williams?
» Yes. >> Commissioner Scott?
» Yes. >> Mayor B? Yes. Thank you, Madame Clerk.
Thank you, commissioners. Resolution 2026-44
passed by unanimous vote. Next, we entertain resolution 2026-45.
See there >> resolution 2026-45
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Pokei Florida adopting a
city commission civility and dignity pledge providing for adoption of
representations providing for an effective date.
» Thank you. City attorney city manager could you provide a brief explanation?
This resolution formally establishes a unified statement for elected officials
that outlines clear expectations for respectful and professional conduct
doing city commission business and reinforces a commitment to respectfully
communicate um to respectfully communication um
constructive dialogue and maintaining a professional environment.
» City commissioners Having heard resolution 2026-44
properly read into the minutes by our city attorney, properly explained by
city manager. What is your preference? >> I move that we accept resolution
2026-45.
» Is there a second? >> Second. It has been moved by Vice Mayor
Mike Donner and properly second by Commissioner Scott for the adoption of
resolution 2026-45.
Call for questions. >> I just have one question.
» Is with this pledge, is this something we're going [snorts] to say at each
meeting? Because I know in the charter it outlines how we are supposed to
behave. So, I guess I'm just trying to understand
» what you need to do, >> how I mean, how what are we doing with
this pledge when it already outlines in the charter how we're supposed to act
and now to say I have to get up and say, I'm just trying to figure out what are
we doing with the pledge. Yeah, I think it should be in the beginning read at
the beginning of the commission meeting and periodically we should read it again
just for reference, just for remembrance, just for [clears throat]
following along with the pledge that we are say we are
want to follow. >> C call for question um mayor. I think
when we when we uh take our position, we are sworn in. Also, the
charter outline some of the same stuff that we should be following in the
charter, which is specifically in the 2.26 ground rules for decorum regarding
members of the city commission. The following shall constitute the
guidelines for decorum to be adhered to by members of the city commission in
their respective roles as elected public officials. And we're uh we sworn to oath
when we do that to abide by these rules. And the rules outlined uh for instance
one member of the city commission shall each conduct themselves with dignity,
agree to disagree with each other, show respect for the point of view of
other members of the city commission. Number two, members of the commission
shall not falsely accuse another member of the city commission of wrongdoing,
criticize each other in a recorous or unprofessional manner, make personal
attacks on another member of the city commission
or D individually act without the support of the city commission. Uh
procedures B uh parenthesis one. The city commission the city of P hokei city
commission is permitted by law to determine its own rules of procedure
unless otherwise set forth here and all municipal meetings shall be conducted. I
skipped down to number two. The city commission, the city manager, the city
clerk and the prelim shall be governed by the terms, conditions and provision
of this section as basis and framework for the procedures of the city
commission. Members of the city commission and other public officials
attending or participating in any regular or special meeting of the city
commission shall abide by the standards of conduct and values set forth by the
code of ethics for public officials public officers to be established by the
commission. Members of the city commission are expected to ensure proper
decorum during all meetings of the city. If after a warning from the mayor, a
city commissioner is found to be disrupted in each a manner whereby
business cannot be conducted as determined by the mayor, the mayor shall
instruct law enforcement or other authorized personnel to remove a
disruptive city commissioner from the commission chamber for that meeting. A
decision made by the mayor may be overwritten by a vote of any four
members of the city commission. If a member of the public, city staff,
or charter officer of the city is found to be disruptive in such a manner
whereby business cannot be conducted as determined by the mayor, the mayor shall
instruct law enforcement or other authorized personnel to remove persons
from the commission chambers for that meeting. a decision made by the mayor
may be overwritten by a vote of four members of the city commission. Um I
think um we got enough stuff already in our charter that covers these things. I
mean I don't think we need to be making additional rules that um
» can I say something >> that that's a double and plus we take an
oath at the beginning of the uh year. I mean when we get sworn in to abide by
these policies.
» Did we do a motion in a second on this yet?
» Yes, we did. >> Call for quiz. Okay.
» So, >> all right.
Basically, um, your point is well taken and, um, I only
brought this back as a reminder, which, you know, there are plenty of times when
we need to be reminded of the decorum that should be displayed in um, any type
of setting. Um, so it was just a reminder and I do believe that um we do
have a bunch of rules in our charter and and in our city code uh that we all know
are there. And so I really don't see the harm that it would um be to have um this
pledge as a reminder uh and included in our meetings um going forward. But of
course, I'm only one vote, so however we decided um it'll be fine with me. But I
it was my suggestion and as you all informed me, there's already um a
pledge. I don't know where it's at because I
don't see it on the wall anywhere, >> but I don't see the harm in having us
being reminded of the way that we are expected to behave. that is those of us
here on the desk as well as the members of the public. So it's fine.
» So I have a question. >> I guess my point not trying to um guess
my point is we already have rules in place to abide by the thing that's just
like our audit. We just mainly a lot of stuff we need to just follow our own
rules and and we keep creating rules on top of rules that and I'm not you know
Respectfully, I'm just saying that um creating
resolutions that are and stuff that's already addressed in the charter. We I
think it's our responsibility to the citizens to know what the charter says.
» Commissioner >> Williams,
» so I have a question. May be I heard you say um you know we can read it um at the
beginning of each meeting. So whatever >> No, I didn't say at each meeting but
Okay. But I understand >> read to remind us. So, can we read
what's in the charter to remind us so we'll know since it's right there and
it's already in the charter and it's already been established and approved by
the voters that you know we know that this is something we should be doing we
can just you know stick with what's in the charter I guess instead of creating
more rules. >> Okay.
» And I was saying >> that's all I'm just asking.
» Yeah. I'm just asking. I'm just asking. >> This this was brought up by a commission
and we did vote to have it placed on the agenda, but listening to the other
commissioners also about maybe it's like redundance. I will say that this haven't
been the first time we have had some similar to this that we pledge and even
had it put up whether in the chamber or the city manager office. Uh but if it's
not what happened in the past that brought that up was because we was being
I think as a commission as a whole sometime disrespectful to other
commissioners. I don't think it maybe it's happening to some people may feel
that way but I don't see it happening at this particular time and since it's
already is in the charter we can that's a great suggestion that just
periodically have it read at some point in time uh
still just reinvent the wheel but either way I I don't have a real serious
problem either way uh is a pledge to ourself how we would conduct our
business. that when you take the offer oath off oath of office
» oath oath
» oath >> yeah you you you are saying these same
things so it would be a little redundant any any additional questions
hearing none we do have a motion and second so we'll vote on this if the
commission call for question hearing none roll Call Madam Clerk.
» Vice Mayor McDonald. >> Yes.
» Commissioner Scott, >> no.
» Commissioner Calvin Williams, >> no.
» Commissioner McFerson, >> no.
» Mayor Bab, >> no. Motion is declined.
Okay. Next, we have resolution
26-
46. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Resolution
2026-46, a resolution of the city commission of
the city of Pokei, Florida, approving the updated city facilities rental
application and agreement as set forth hereto in composite exhibit A, providing
for adoption of representations, providing for conflict, and providing
for an effective date.
Thank you, city attorney. City manager, could you give us a brief explanation?
» This resolution is needed to update the city's process for renting city
facilities and to ensure that users clearly understand the requirements and
responsibilities associated with the facility use. By approving the updated
rental application and agreement, the city establishes a more consistent and
organized process for facility rentals and provides clear terms for both the
city and those using its facilities. City Commissioners, having heard
resolution 2026-46
properly read into the minutes by city attorney, properly explained by city
manager, what is your preference, >> Mayor Bap? I move that we table this um
resolution 20 um 26-46. Earlier we had voted on to um have a
workshop on this and these prices on here. I don't think they can't they
can't be correct either. I saw were a lot of updates that I as I looked
through this um needed to um I think have some conversation um I had with the
with the manager that could probably be corrected and brought back to the
commission.
So, you're making an amendment to the resolution to be teddy?
» Uh-huh. Yes.
» Or a second on that. >> A second.
It is moved by Commissioner Williams and probably second by Commissioner Mike
Fearson to table this resolution to further notice.
» Call for questions. >> Yes. I'm I'm noticing um there are two
different forms in here. One is 44 and one on page 55. The one on 55 look like
it has the right prices, but the other one it could just be the print of it
because it's showing the amounts are or it it it looks like it was it's a
correction in there, but I don't want to put this form out or have this form out
with until this, you know, the document a proper presentation with the correct
prices on it. >> May I Mr. Mayor? So on on page 44,
there are dashes there that is exiting that. So it's three and then they X the
next number out. It's a cross through. And then that's 50. So there's 350, not
3,350.
And so it does look a little different because there's a there's a cross out
there. Just crossing out a number and added a number before it.
» But they're the [clears throat] same. If that's the case, it would be the same as
what the previous was. >> I understand. I saw it. I'm just telling
you what it's not 3,000. It's 300. And so I understand that. So yes, we can
table it to bring it back to you so that it it clearly states correct and there's
no dashes in there. >> Presentation.
» Um just for further clarity, the form has track changes and strikethroughs. So
it's going to show you whenever it's presented it's going to still have those
strikethroughs because it has to track we have to track the changes so that you
know what is being changed. So that's why the form looks the way it looks,
» right? But >> and we had said a workshop because when
I looked through here also we um I didn't see on here where it says that
when a application is not approved that we were going to make suggestions to put
on here. And so I know I haven't had an opportunity to talk to the manager to um
you know some suggestions that I had because we had said we wanted a workshop
for this but we never did get the workshop for it. So that's you guys did
a workshop. You did an extensive workshop but I'm not sure what changes
» facilities. No we didn't because we did. >> Yes we did.
» Yes we did. >> You did. No we did not because remember
the No, we did not because >> Okay. the last manager prior to the one
we had had something in there about making the decision that they make the
decision on nonprofits and all of that and so we were like no we wanted to have
a workshop on it we did not have a workshop on the prices
» you you did I shared the and I cannot remember the exact date at this moment
but there there's minutes you you guys did an extensive um um workshop to this
but I'm not sure what has changed since in this particular form so I can't speak
to that but I can Say you guys did >> you guys had an extensive workshop.
» Remember that meeting then? >> It was prior to Commissioner McD Vice
Mayor McDonald. >> Yeah, because we even said we wanted on
the um well where the new application at then because we even said we wanted I
know I had to talked about it that if it's denied why was it denied? I I mean
a lot of the things I where if we did it I know that I cuz I still have documents
where I um all the stuff that I had typed up and sent to the manager and I
don't see any of that on here if we had a workshop then and it was approved of
the items that we talked about is not on this form because we even talked about
how this form um if you renting um different places like if I'm going to
rent the gym for my checklist why would I have on here talking about a stove in
a refrigerator that we have a one fit all one size fit all. So we even
discussed that. So yeah you yes you guys did um and you you
did a workshop. I just don't know what changed on wouldn't turn over and
management. I don't know what changed on this form but I can confirm that you
guys did have a workshop on this. >> But what I'm saying you the record uh
the keeper of records. I mean, if anything changed, you would have to know
because they can't just change it without you knowing.
» If someone has a form, I can't control as a custodian public records. I can't
control what they change if they have that form in their access. That's just
that's standard. That's anywhere. Somebody could take a form and change
that. So, I didn't create this form. These are not my recommendations, but
I'm here to just confirm to you that you guys did have a workshop.
» But for clarity, what I'm saying, no forms can be changed though like this
without coming to the commission. It can't just be changed that they create a
form and change it is what I'm saying. Am I correct or not?
» They should not. And I think this is why it's being presented with the track
changes to you guys. >> So, Mr. Mayor,
» but what I'm saying to you, I'm I'm not understanding you, Nene. You're saying
that we had a meeting on it and and what I'm saying is this form that's presented
to us today, if we had a meeting on it and changes
was made, this is not the form. So what I'm saying to you, um, you saying we had
a meeting, but this is not the form if you're saying we you guys had a
workshop. So you you you guys had a consensus on what you wanted to change.
And I will be more than happy to email those minutes to you guys on what you
guys voted on changing. Again, I don't know what has changed in this particular
document from what you guys um had a consensus on when you had the workshop.
It wasn't a meeting, so a workshop in the form came back to us.
» Yes, ma'am. So, that's all I've been saying. You guys had a workshop.
» Had the meeting for it to bring back. >> That is correct. So, right now, that is
why the form is being presented. >> So, Mr. Mayor, what we can do is get the
changes and we will go back as the clerk said to look at the workshop meeting to
see what was addressed in that meeting to get additional changes from the
commissioners and we will go back and make sure that those changes are
included and then present the the information again. So, we have a motion
and a second on the floor to table this to further uh
» my only concern is just I I'm just not pleased with the
presentation. if we can correct that and have a more readable form because
» yeah the presentation >> I can imagine if the public
» the public wouldn't see that that would it will those will be removed but that's
the system >> forms not like that that's the
» changes for to you guys so it shows you what has changed once it's adopted and
the form goes online all of those lines that you see it comes out once you stop
tracking changes it goes away >> okay that is just the way that the
program operates to show you what has changed. It may not be presentable for
you, but that's how the program works. So once you all have voted on it, then
you can do what we can do to make it easier for you as well. You can get the
try and then we can show you the um okay >> the sheet without the um strikes through
so you'll see exactly what it says. >> Okay.
» But I still have a question. And I hear what you're saying about the line being
there. Um, Nile, but the original price was three $350, but then I see you have
a a three was added and you have a line through it. And I know you're saying
that you have to put the line there to show the change, but the three was added
and then you put a line through it. >> That's why we said we will go back and
look at that. We understand what you're saying. That's what it is. So, okay. And
this document is not from me. So, I'm just letting you know, you know, how we
track it, but it's I didn't >> Okay.
» change this form. >> Are there any additional questions?
Hearing none, are you ready for a vote? Roll call. Madam clerk. [snorts]
» Commissioner Calvin Williams. >> No.
» You voted to table it, right? Oh, to table [laughter] it. I thought you voted
to approve it. Oh, yes. I'm sorry. We got to discuss it. I'm sorry.
» Commissioner McFerson. >> Commissioner McFersonson.
» Yes, ma'am. [laughter] Commissioner Scott,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald,
» yes. >> Mayor B,
» yes. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Thank you, Commissioners. Motion passed
by unanimous vote to table this item.
Now, we move to new business, presentation by the city manager of
upcoming events, if any. We have two listed on here, and she will uh move
this one forward. Mr. Mayor, first we have on the uh new
business is Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Good evening. >> Good evening,
» city leaders. Thanks for having me tonight. Um, just a couple little
updates. Of course, the city already knows, especially with all the educators
here tonight, that uh first week of school is in session. We've been working
the school zones in conjunction with the Palm Beach County School Police and we
will continue to do that to make sure that our kids are safely back to school
and that the community realizes that school's back in session. Um, a very
important thing is the upcoming road closure of 441 north of Canal Point near
the Morning Star Road. That is a complete shutdown of 441
and it's going to be open to local traffic only, but there is a point when
they get to the railroad that if anyone tries to bypass that, they will be
turned around. So, you're really just going to waste your time if you go past
the detour route to think you're going to get by the site. They are literally
digging up the road uh to replace the railroad. The road underneath is giving
way. So, they're going to dig it out, take the railroad, build it back up, and
lay the railroad back down. It's going to be from Thursday 7 a.m. for 5:00 a.m.
They'll be there at 7 a.m. It's a complete road closure. The road should
open back up by Monday at 8:00 p.m. with an option to go into Tuesday if for any
reason the work doesn't get done. But that is a 18hour a day work. They
understand the inconvenience that that's causing to the community and they're
trying to get it done as soon as possible.
» So the teachers coming from Fort St. Lucy, they're going to have a route for
them >> to go.
» So I put some brochures on the back table, but the way they're doing it is
through Indiantown beline down through West Palm and coming back out Southern
Boulevard. >> Commissioners, we included that map in
your folder. It's it's approximately seven 70 mile
detour. >> Yeah.
» We we've been in contact with the schools from the beginning since we
found out about it almost two weeks ago so that we could push the information
out as fast as we could. >> Take some to the school that my teacher.
» Yep. But there is some brochures on the back that that says that type of stuff.
Uh Florida Highway Patrol will be manning the detour. It will not be the
sheriff's office, but we will have extra deputies in the community during this
shutdown, you know, to enforce the detour route to make sure that people
are abiding by the traffic laws and the detour route and other things such as
that. Again, this is being done by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Um, and they understand the inconvenience that it is causing to the
community and those that come back and forth, especially the workforce. So,
they're trying to get it done as quickly as possible, but this is an emergency
road repair that they're doing. So,
» thank you. Are you able to share any information on the incident that
happened at city hall, the uh vehicle running into the uh building? And the
reason I'm asking, there was some misinformation out there. Some say it
was uh a death and we certainly know it wasn't some it was only minor injury and
maybe even to the point whether the person was whether they was intoxicated
or maybe they was ill and had accident if you could just share some light on
that. Yeah, to my knowledge there was no uh contributing factors other than maybe
uh the time of night, maybe someone, you know,
some drowsiness or something like that may have been involved in it. Um minor
injuries, that's that's all we really have at this
point that we can share. >> Thank you. [clears throat]
» We we will continue to monitor Bacon Point Road. You know, we did the speed
before and all that, too. At this point, we do we do we did do a traffic study of
Bacon Point Road. We had that speed trader trailer out there. The report
from the speed trailer I don't have with me tonight. Um, but it did show that it
is not based on the traffic flow in and out of
Pokei. It is not a traffic concern at this point, but it is a concern of the
community. So, we will continue to monitor it and enforce traffic during
that stretch of road. >> Okay. Thank you.
» Thank you. >> Thank you.
» Thank you. >> Thank you,
» Mr. Mayor. If I can add on to that as well. Um, so city hall has been um
secured. There are no front there no entry through the front door for um our
residents and we have directed them to enter through the rear door. the um
insurance company came out today. There are no issues with lowbearing walls and
so we needed them to see that before the repair work was done. There is a a small
hole in the front of the building. Um that has been um boarded up and so soon
as we get the report back tomorrow, then we can start um the repair work, one of
the pillars on the front of the building is completely um moved. And so we're
looking at supporting that structure as well just to make sure. But that is the
damage. It's just an inconvenience right now to our to our residents coming
through and trying to get into city hall.
» Now we have a report from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
officials, employees, citizens.
Um, so yeah, today I do have a report. I just want to make sure that everyone
here including including uh all the citizens of the GL area and the visitors
and their businesses uh know that county fire rescue um
especially you know myself, I have attended to every meeting when it comes
to DOT, FHP and um um traffic control from Lieutenant Brad and us. So, we have
been constantly in communication together because we want to identify
different operational um you know operational things that
could happen and we don't want that to happen. That's why we do what we do. We
want to be prepared especially when response times and congestion and the
geography of the you know any incident possible can happen. So, we did um took
some steps necessary some of those that I have taken for fire rescue is we have
made some notifications to our dispatch center. Their cast system has been
updated so they know the closure. So what we do with the cast system is
pretty much they send a signal when this guys call and they would tell us how
close we are, the delays and stuff like that in the address. So when seconds
count, we want to be there as fast as we can. Um we definitely don't have control
of what the traffic may look like. I mean it could be traffic not uh we
depend on PBSO so that's me and Lieutenant Brad we have made different
actually walkthroughs together so to identify the potentials um some of the
things that we did is I know that they have communication with FHB we have
communication with them so our communication is not going to change we
can tell each other hey um you know this is what it's going to be so we can
actually work with different agencies smoother than you know wait until that
happens of the things that we actually do besides doing the considerations um
of the traffic and the dispatch notification center the EOC our
emergency operations center they're very aware of it so we have I have included a
lot of other divisions when it come emergency center so they can put alerts
out there um a dispatch center which is division chie is involved on that so the
dispatch um center will have communication with the EOC when it comes
to that everybody's very well aware of this because it is going to affect a lot
of people and we understand that. Um so from my perspective my thing is to make
sure the trucks emergency trucks can get there as fast as they can with as little
delay as possible. Now if we do have some type of delay we are also prepared.
We have um talked to our neighborhood agency um Martin County Fire Rescue and
they had agreed and in case there is that delay they will provide us that
service. So for any reason if there's any major delay that we cannot cross
that road I'm going to be right now we find it impossible because we have
actually find different set of accesses to get from the south to the north but
we are also having that second backup. They have agreed to respond to the
So Mar County is aware of it. They are providing that. It's already being done.
Um those things the different access points we actually today we drove them.
We put our trucks because they're very heavy trucks and very wide trucks to
make sure there's no hangups. The last thing we want to do is that me and PBSO
we did all this work for and then we can't put one of those trucks through
it. So we did drill the trucks through it. Every single truck from a rescue
through an engine through the is tender. We do have an area of concern which is
that the creek the reserve area but it is pretty much the the the co value
there is very low and we have the secondary access to it and the mutual
aid agreement to it. So we're pretty confident there. Um we know that there's
going to be a lot of consideration for commerce for trucks stuff like that.
That's what we have our partners from PSO. We feel confident that they're
going to help us get to them if they need to. Uh and pretty much that's
that's what we have. I just want to make sure that the community leaders that you
you guys are know to tell you to the fire rescue is prepare. It's ready. We
have done our homework. We have drove the road um you know and and
communicating with all the multiple agencies. They're going to be dealing
with the road closure for for a few days. So any questions?
» I have one question. So we know we have that truck route. Is something gonna go
up so that they'll know at a certain point that if they are going that way
that they're not going to be able to go that way and get like the semi-truckss
and get all the way down there and then they don't have a way um to turn around.
So that information has been put out or something is going to be up so that they
are aware of it. >> Yes. So we've been pushing out through
our community partners our social media. There's a digital billboard sign that
has been in place for about a week now that's advising of the road shut down.
» Okay. And the day of the shutdown, barricades will go up physically
blocking the road with Florida Highway Patrol station at those locations so
that they are more than aware that it is a detour.
» Okay. Thank you.
» Any questions for rescue? >> No, that's it. [laughter] Making sure
someone rescue
[laughter]
Next we'll have the report of the mayor
and I'll be brief. Uh this week we'll be attending the city
commission will be attending the Florida League of Cities annual conference in
Hollywood, Florida. I want to emphasize Florida. I say Hollywood. They think
we're going to California somewhere. [laughter]
Uh but the majority I think will be leaving
tomorrow, which is Wednesday, and staying to Sunday.
It's an annual conference of uh city leaders and
some staff will be also I believe scheduled to attend. I'm not sure which
staff
Also,
I'll be initiating a mayor's utility assistant program
with the assistant of the city manager who will
provide a construction form for it to exist.
Millopire Reyes has volunteered
to pay for the utilities of two seniors
per month. In addition to that, we'll be seeking
uh some other assistance maybe from like the Henderson uh foundation
Florida Trista and US Sugar to add to whatever he's providing so this can be a
longterm program. Right now, it would benefit seniors who
are 75 years or older. Well, we're targeting the older seniors. That's not
the only senior we're targeting, but these are the one we're mainly targeting
first and foremost. They are bill committed to assist
in identifying and helping to decide who would receive the funding.
So I just wanted to bring that to your attention that will be coming uh
hopefully uh during our new budget year which begin in October. We'll have that
up and running and I'll have our city manager hopefully at the next uh city
commission meeting just outline the program as a whole and how it will work
and operate and if you have any suggestion of course we'll be loved to
have your input in in in the formation of this uh particular program. also
would like to make sure we continue with the and I I'm I'm not bragging. I hate
to even say it, but the mayor's gold hammer and nail awards that is for a
business who do significant improvement on their building
and that normally can be identified by the uh our own internal department.
someone come in and do a lot of work on sale storefront and put a lot of money
into that. We want to really reward them or recognize them for that effort. Also,
we mentioned that we were going to move back to doing the monthly uh
» lawn >> lawn of the [clears throat] month. We
need to start that when whenever we can so we can begin to recognize
residents for their lawn because it's a ripple effect. It not only brutify their
lawn but it brutify the set as a whole because a competition now you know I
want to win the lawn of the money at some point in time.
So again that's something I would like for us to see done.
Uh we we also was asked by the city manager for any input on uh things that
we would like to see on the longterm capital improvement
uh schedule because we are in budget session. I personally and this will be
voted on by the city commission in a preference because everything can't be
done in one year and that capital improvement I think went out to a
fiveyear period but one of the things we didn't have on there that I would like
to mention is uh bea uh and four streets
are one of the two worst road and I know it's [clears throat] probably somewhere
down the line in one of them phases. But I don't know if we can afford that much
conference and wait two or three years for that road. I know that public uh
works were going to be expected to do some filling in but that need to be a
total reconstruction road is one of our best baddest roads and has
been giving us a lot of uh bad press. So, if we can somehow move that up into
a more workable schedule, that would be really, really helpful. Also, the new
entryway sign that the previous commission voted and approved on my cert
sunseted. We no longer will be receiving cert
fund. So since that particular project was already approved, I just want to
make sure that's one of the things that we do. I remember I've been in school
for out of school for 50 years. That's a long time, but always wished and hoped
that we had a new entryway sign. We were finally able to get one about three five
years ago. We did a good a ceremony. We did a public uh uh dedication of that
sign and I'd like to see us do some similar to the next new sign that we
have and it should go on maybe the busiest the next busiest road that we
have. Uh I think Bacon Point was the first one because it was the most busy
and most visible road. So, we have to decide where the sign should go and and
uh and at least put it in the budget to uh move forward on doing it. I
personally, and again, under the five-year plan,
would like to see us do an amphitheater. Not only would this provide
a revenue source, it would also provide a place where we can have entertainment
on the lake. Uh the the activity we do the stage will already be permanently uh
built. There's a lot that goes into that process. We have to make sure we get
state approval because we put in a structure on state land
when you do something. >> Uhhuh.
» No, you can you can make it >> engineer also.
» Right. So, I'm just trying to at least add what I think is important to me and
hopefully to the other commissioners that we can at least begin moving
forward on some of this and planning uh forward. And it don't have to be this
year, maybe even next year, but it definitely need to be within our
fiveyear plan and our fiveyear budget plan. The second one is the uh the the
building of the new city hall which is projected to be at the old high school
right across from us. Uh our city hall we're the only city in the glaze that
don't have their own new basically city hall. Uh the building
that we're utilizing was a uh a housing apartment or building uh space that was
sold to the city. So that was always meant to be temporarily, but we got to
start planning for it. We got to start doing some big things because the the uh
conversation out in the community, and I know it's not true, but we're not doing
anything. So when people see things physically, you know, and we can
dedicate it and and move forward, that's what they're looking uh for us to do if
we can begin doing that. And lastly, uh
the the uh hotel just looking at ways that we may be able
to attract a developer in that. That may be again one of the
fiveyear items in the five-year plan, but we need
to begin uh doing that. And going back to city hall, I don't know if we still
have the old drawing, but if we don't, we need to get at least if we don't do
anything else, get an architectural drawing and an estimate of the cost of
what it would be or what it would take to uh move that further along down the
line.
» M, I have a question with the hotel. Didn't we vote to give lure $5,000 to
work towards? They're going to see where the hotel is going to be. So, I guess we
will hear something back from that to see where city or where they determine
to put the hotel at, >> right?
» May I miss Mayor? Um, we gave Lure $5,000 for the feasibility studies,
right? >> And so, they will bring that back. I did
get notice that they've started that process. They've been working. they got
the additional funding that they need as well. So, they are actually working on
that now. >> Oh, and I have one more question, Mayor
B. I thought at one point when the um apartment was being built and I'm not
sure, maybe you can explain it. There was some talk about they were supposed
to do something with the old high school um tied into when they were doing the
apartments or something. >> Yeah. Michael Snowgrass who actually is
the main owner of those apartment building because he have some experience
in historic renovation. >> He was going to seek uh funding to have
that done on our behalf >> through a private partner public
partnership. >> But he' been having so much issues out
there with the one he's building. I don't know. It's like on the back
burner. Okay. >> We have supposed to have did some type
of >> agreement with him, a public private
agreement that he will be able to do that for us. And not saying that can't
happen. But all I wanted to do is just at least remain on the forefront that
this is something we're looking at [clears throat] doing in in the very
near near future if we can be if we are able to do it.
Okay, now we'll move into the report of the city attorney, city manager. Sorry,
keep me mixing up. So, Mr. Mayor, just to piggy back on one
of the items that you talked about with the roads. So, the city um finally
received the clearance on our credit. So, we were able to um purchase asphalt
again and so we've purchased that and the potholes have started to be filled
already and there will be more asphalt purchase on Thursday and Friday to fill
additional holes. Um and so we'll give you an update on that as we see, but
they are moving forward with at least filling the potholes so that we can at
least get some release from that that portion.
the um two uh for my report, two of the
three city of Pokei need grant applications passed to the second round
on July 15th. Um these include the playground, the playground shade
structure and the playground equipment um project. U these projects entail the
procurement and professional installation of playground shade
structures in Commissioner's Park in the amount of $8,240.
Um and secondly, the procurement and installation of new playground equipment
in MLK Park in the amount of $7,255. The neat the neat grant awards are
scheduled to be presented to the board of county commissioners for approval on
November 17th.
Pokei Parks and Recreation goes cashless. The first um little league
park and recreation football game of the 2026 season was held on Saturday, August
8th, 2026. City Halloff staff collected at the
gates using the cashless devices. Um a total number of attendees was
approximately 366 with $2562 being collected. The little league
schedule is on the table in the rear of the room and the little league team will
host five home games.
Employment benefits um resource fair will be held Wednesday, August 12th, 9
to 1:00 p.m. City employees should contact human resources director Miss
Prince for additional information. Residents of Poki and nearby
communities, mark your calendar for two upcoming events in in partnership with
the city of Poki Empowerment Health Care and Glaze Pink Walk Planning Committee.
There will be a lunchon and learn on Friday, October 23rd, 11:00 a.m. at 2
p.m. at the Eddie Road Gymnasium. The pink walk will is scheduled to take
place on Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 um to 12 8 o'clock a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at
the parks and recreation um complex. Glaze Technical Advisory Commission,
which is GTAC, um, cordly invites all residents of the Glaze community
leaders, neighborhood organizations, and and interested stakeholders to attend
its public meeting on Thursday, August 20th, 9:30 a.m. at the Eddie Row
Gymnasium, 360 East Main Street, Pokei, Florida. There are also flyers on the
table in the back of the room. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss
the statewide property tax proposal that will appear on the November 3rd, 2026
ballot titled Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Tax with residents of
the Glaze community including Belglade um including Pokei, Belglade, and South
Bay in attendance. Food distribution reminder. Um reminder
to mark your calendar and share with Pokei community. The office of community
revitalization and Palm Beach Harvest Harvest Incorporated host its food
assistance program event every first Friday in the city of Pokei. The the
food distribution is usually held at the United Missionary Baptist Church at
10:00 a.m. And we do need um community residents to come out because these
individuals are coming to Pahoke to to provide a service and there is not a lot
of attendance from residents. So please pass the word.
um schedule um schedule prepared to um maintain an
acceptable um level of um of upkeep in the city of
Pokei. I've sat with the public works group and we've um drafted a schedule.
Um as we know the rain is plentiful and as it is grass will continue to grow
faster. So, we worked through a plan to keep the cemetery as well as the city
looking as neat as possible throughout this process, which means that they
can't just cut once a week um like they used to. So, we've worked that that plan
through. Um there's a town hall meeting um planned for Thursday, October 1st,
2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Eddie Roll um gymnasium. And this is planned
by this by um the city staff. The topics will the topic is the property tax
proposal. Um what you need to know before the November 3rd um ballot. The
first one that's being prepared by the county is in the during the daytime at
10:00 a.m. So lots of individuals are working and we had already planned um an
an event for October 1st and additional town hall meetings will be prepared and
coming forth. um on the
um August 25th, 2026 agenda items um the uh policies and procedures that was
mentioned by Miss Reyes will be on the next agenda and so we'll get that
information to you in a timely manner so you will have time to review. If there
are any questions, just give us a call as well. U give myself a call and and um
and and some of the other um city staff and we will help you through that if if
there are any questions. Um also on the next agenda will be the UNCCFOU
and then software upgrades and purchases for our website uh mitigation uh agenda
and meeting management and the next request. Um, we have also prepared the C
CCNA RFQ which will be coming your way as well so we can get um back on track
with the Mccclure Road and other roads updates.
That concludes my report. >> Okay.
And before we move to the city uh attorney, if there's support, I would
like to just mention to the city uh commission, we try to recognize uh any
of our clients or any of our residents who are 100 years or older during their
birthday. And we do have two that coming up. their birthdays have already passed,
but we're going to make sure that we get a proclamation by our next city
commission meeting. And the reason I'm bringing this up also is if you know of
anyone birthday that's a hundred or more,
please let me know. The clerk knows so we can do the proclamation and honor
them. And we're also looking to see if those residents was here during the 18
I'm say the 1928 hurricane. So we can recognize them at
that also because we had three for the longest the two Salvator sisters and
Miss Williams that we was always recognizing
not knowing that there may have been others in the community who was here
during that time. So that's just some information I wanted to share and pass
on to you. And now we'll move to the city attorney report if there's one.
» No report this evening. Mr. Mayor, >> thank you ma'am.
Next we'll move to future agenda items of the commissioners if any. And I'll
start with Commissioner Scott. >> Yeah. I I like um
for us to receive the um like the contracts. Can we get a like a
spreadsheet of all the contracts in the city like the beginning and end because
I wasn't aware that um with auditors that her contract was up.
It'd be nice to know when when this stuff happening.
» If I may, Mr. Mayor. >> Um we do have that list. We have a list
of all the contracts. So, we will provide that information to you. I
actually looked at it today and marked off all the contracts that we have. The
one that is coming up is the waste management. So we will be um preparing
the RFP for the waste management which I think is due by February. So we'll start
that now so we can start that process. The others we've checked off but we will
get that to you.
» Commissioner Williams.
» Vice Mayor McDonald.
Yeah, I'm going to go [clears throat] based on the recommendation um of Miss
Reyes um and say that we need to um go ahead
and um make future agenda item with regards to
um soliciting a company for the uh forensic card.
Okay. Could you repeat that please?
» Quotes. Uh what's your recommendation? >> Yeah, she said she has some quotes, but
um if we can include that on um as a future agenda item so that we can uh go
ahead and uh be expeditious about getting it done.
That would be the only thing that I have tonight.
» Okay. Are there a second to have that placed on the agenda for discussion?
» Second. Okay. Been moved and second. Call for questions.
» I have a question. So, we just vote. I because I want to see what I I me I want
to see what she have to say that we need before we spend that kind of money that
we need a forensic audit. That That's what I would like to see so we can make
sure we're good stewards of the city's money.
» I just >> Any additional questions?
Are you ready for a vote? Roll call, Madam Clerk.
» Vice Mayor McDonald, >> yes.
» Commissioner Scott, >> yes.
» Commissioner Calvin Williams, >> no.
» Commissioner McFersonson, >> yes.
» Mayor Bab, >> yes. Motion passed by majority for one
vote.
» Commissioner Mike Fearson, anything that you can do?
» Uh, yes. I would like to use our discretionary funds
Maybe they make a donation to the volleyball team,
the Pokei High School volleyball team. I don't know if I need to put an amount
on there. That need to be a future agenda item. So, we can just go ahead
and uh because it's our discretionary form.
» There is a budget versus actual in your folder as well.
» See how much we got left. Do I need to put an amount on that now or wait till
it comes back before the commission? >> I would I would lease
» put 500. >> Okay,
» we second that. >> Second.
» Oh, I second. >> Okay, it's been moved and second. Call
for questions hearing none. You ready for a vote? Roll call. Madam cler.
» Commissioner McFerson. >> Yes. Commissioner Scott,
» yes. >> Commissioner Cowan Williams,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald,
» yes. >> Mayor B,
» yes. And I will say to Carl Balden was here. I was going to have him come up. I
know. Did he send a letter to asking for the donation for the BT?
» We have not seen it. No. >> Okay.
» Okay. >> Okay. I know I spoke with him and I
asked him to at least send a notice and a letter and then come to the commission
meeting and request it so we'll be able to really vote on it and support it. So,
we have it on the agenda and it it'll be taken care of hopefully.
» Um, another item I want to put on the agenda and this may be something that um
the city manager may be able to handle. I was thinking about us uh constantly
getting complaints about the grass being cut at the parks and stuff that we
either look at the um county and see if they got uh tractor with a bike code
that would eliminate cuz that one bike bike bike code with the attachment on it
do five times to work those moores that we have out there. If not, um, if
nothing is available, maybe we'll look at suggest price and something, get some
quotes. >> Bushall.
» Hm. >> Bushall.
» Bushall. Yeah, Bushaw. Not Michael. I'm sorry. Wrong language. Thank you,
Commissioner Scott.
» Are there a second on that? >> This is something to be added to agenda
for >> Yeah.
» Future discussion. >> I second.
» Okay. Call for questions. Hearing none. Are you ready for a vote? Roll call,
Madam Clerk. >> Commissioner McFersonson,
» yes. >> Commissioner Scott,
» yes. >> Commissioner Calvin Williams,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor McDonald,
» yes. >> Mayor Bab,
» yes. >> Motion passed by unanimous vote.
» I have one more item, but I don't know if I'll do it as as the commissioner's
report. It's uh regarding the parks and recreation board.
Well, I'll just give it to them. and I'll let y'all decide whether it need to
go on future agenda item. This is something that um what is happening uh
po pursuit to 2.162 the city of po pokei code of ordinance we had already voted
for the uh requesting the park and recreation advisory board to develop a
plan for improvement and repairs on MLK park. Um what we've done or what they've
done in the meeting they have wanted to set up a date we got some volunteers
lined up that want to help paint the park. most of the the work that they're
talking about doing is going to be the beautifification. Um,
and also even I know we got the neat grant uh coming, but if there's some uh
donations which I mean they'll do the proper forms and all that kind of stuff
to set up so they can go ahead and uh even just replace some swings if the
donations are there. But we do have the uh in kind workers uh a couple of groups
that are lined up that wants to volunteer and my tenative dates that I
not I want to look but uh the board wanted to uh move forward with getting
the painting and one of the things they'll be doing is the perimeter with
those borders around there. um the pavilions being pressure washed as well
as the bathroom even though the bathroom may not be used as for beautifification
but this is all going to be volunteer work um and which I roll up my sleeve
I'll be out there myself also um but the tenative dates that we're looking at is
um September the 5th and it may be a two-day project I don't know if we're
going to do it September 5th and 12th and actually that'll give it time to be
done before they have the alumni picnic also And mainly it's going to be
beautififications. But as well as I've already spoken, I think she was at our
last couple of meetings. The city manager is already have public work
working on going just filling the holes is trying to make sure it's level and
the ground is level and stuff. But um and I just wanted to make everybody
aware aware of that. And the uh date is September the 5th that we'll go ahead
and try to get everything and they already aware of the forms and stuff
that they have to sign as far as the uh if any donations as far as the
paperwork. The clerk was all already aware of all of that.
» I know you was trying to decide whether or not you need to add that as a future
agenda item, but what would be the agenda item that you would like to add?
Well, I could have did it as my commissioner's report as far as
reporting for the as the layers on for the parks and rec committee. I that
would need to get set the dates. >> We would probably need to add it if we
need to have approval for the city manager to approve it. I'm
not sure how that going to work to be honest. for instance, it may be some in
there where it may be dayto day or it's something that she can approve without
even having on agenda. >> The stuff that she's involved in, I
think it's all day to day from what we um
» probably filling the holes. >> Yeah, filling the holes and uh I think
she's already got some paint and stuff that
in line trying to get some paint and stuff donated for the project.
» So, this won't be an island that we need to vote on then.
» Okay. So it would need to be on the future general. You can
» okay >> just work with the city manager and
getting it completed or whatever. >> Just go down some of the things that it
do. I'm not going to go through the entire um
» Okay. But that that'll be under your uh comments.
» All right. Now we'll move to comments of the committee commission for the good of
the order. And I start with commissioner Mike
» Fear.
» Yeah. >> Don't ask me.
» Yeah. General public comments. City manager. We have any public comments
card completed? >> No, sir. There are no um for this
section. >> Thank you, ma'am. Now, we'll move to
commissioner comments for the good of the order. And I'll start with
Commissioner Mike Pearson and work myself to the right.
» Okay. This just titled for the uh report for the uh parks and recreation MLK park
beautifification and readiness initiative. Uh the project is to improve
the appearance of MLK Park in advance of the Pokei High School homecoming where
they got a parade on the 25th and the alumni picnic. And the tenative dates
that we're setting is uh September the 5th.
Um mainly going to be uh correct minor safety issues which is we we've already
talked about that with the city manager. Just uh that'll be some day-to-day stuff
that she's going to handle. prepare a park for homecoming.
Potential resources may include city departments as available through
appropriate charter offices, uh civic organization, churches, and all of these
uh different people that we're going to be reaching out to. We already have some
volunteers. I think one of them is in the um he's going to have the um
flag football team is going to be one of the volunteers and a couple other people
that's on the um homecoming committee not the homecoming
but the uh alumni committee has volunteered to agreed to volunteer their
time also responsibility of the party for each project will be determined as
coordinate coordination progresses uh inspect the program just suggest I'll
try to keep this brief. Inspect the playground equipment uh if any replace
damaged swings if there's uh proper donations going through which we have a
donation policy. I think I have a copy of that if uh that we've already
approved tight and loose hardware fill uh hazards which is filling the holes
repair minor uneven walking surfaces and the but the main thing is just going to
be mostly just cosmetics. Like I said, it's going to be painting the pressure
washing the pavilions as well as the bathroom,
painting them, and the perimeter around the outside is mainly going to be the
majority of the work that'll be done, just the um cosmetics part.
» Thank you, Commissioner Mike Donna. Vice Mayor
Basically, I just want to um thank everybody that came out uh to the
meeting uh this evening and uh we want to continue to solicit your support as
we uh continue our efforts to progress for Hoki and uh have a good rest of your
evening.
» Commissioner Williams, >> I just want to say thank you to all the
residents. So, good to see the ones that are here. Um, I want to say thank you to
all the uh residents that are listening. Um, thank you for working with us as we
continue to um move Pokei forward. I know you all want to see actually see
something physical, but as you can hear and that we are getting things done,
getting policies put in place and making sure that the city is not in the same
situation and where we found it with not having proper documentation. So, it
starts with the documentation and then we're able to move forward and start to
build partnerships back so that we can start actually physical seeing um things
come to Poke and buildings going up and corrections being made and that we can
see um Pokei moving forward. So, continue to be patient with us as we um
continue to do the works. And I want to say thank you to all my commissioners
that I'm up here working with, how we are [snorts] able to work together and
respect each other and continue to try to move um the city forward. Thank you,
city manager and clerk and attorney for all your hard work and all of the
workers as well. We may not say that that often, but we appreciate [snorts]
all of you all and the hard work that you do and all of the workers for the
city of Hoki as well. We want to say thank you for um being patient with us
and working with us as well. and we're doing it all for the love of Poken. Have
a good night, >> Commissioner Scott.
» Yeah, I'd like to thank everyone for coming out and and the viewers. And I
really would like to thank the administrators
from the schools >> and the teachers for coming out and
educating us and letting our uh community be aware of
what's actually going on at the school and and the great things that they are
doing. We really appreciate that. >> Thank you.
» Good night. >> City commissioners, having taken care of
all business brought before us, I would entertain a motion to adjourn our
meeting. >> So moved.
» Has been moved by second. >> Vice Mayor, second by Commissioner Kins
Williams. Call for question. Hearing none. Ready for a vote.
» I got a question. No, [clears throat] just
[laughter] >> Vice Mayor McDonald.
» Yes. >> Commissioner Calvin Williams.
» Yes. >> Commissioner McFerson,
» yes. >> Commissioner Scott,
» yes. >> Mayor Bab,
» yes. Motion adjourned at 8:11. >> 91
» 911.
» Whatever you say, my And I'll be up in Florida.
» My birthday was last week. >> Vacation.
» You tell me. Happy birthday. >> Happy beloved.
» Oh yeah. I'm going to be another
turning 55.
So, I'll put it in your mailbox.
» Thank you.
I told her we
said HR
She posted
» from 9 to 1 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I told him whenever there
» Commissioner Scott >> Commissioner that.