Council - Regular Meeting

Uh, good afternoon. Good evening, I should say. Um, welcome to the regular city council meeting. Um, today is February the 18th. The time is 609. Madam clerk, Mayor Douglas Lawson here. Chairperson Shirley Laneir here. Chairpro Tim Kosama Miller Anderson present. Council person Bruce Gon here. Council person Glenn Spirit here. Council person Priscilla Davis Pier here. City manager Jonathan Evans. City Clerk Deborah Hall is present. City attorney Don W here. Madam Chair, you have a quorum. You may proceed.

Thank you. Um we'll have a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance by our vice chair Anderson. I pledge algiance 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.

Thank you. Do we have any additions, deletions, or substitutions for the Madam Chair items on the agenda this evening? Yes. Go ahead. Yeah. I'd like to add uh the beach polo onto the agenda. And what is that? Uh Singer Island beach polo event. Beach polo event. Yes. Um madam chair. Um just one second sir. Okay. We can add that. We can add that during our regular agenda. Um you can make that 12. Madam clerk, item 12B.

Well, we already Okay, very good. 12.

Yes. Go ahead, sir. I I'd like to add the U mayor's report. Mayor's report. Yes. Okay. We'll add that as 12 C. Okay, that'll be fine. Madam Chair. Yes, sir. If we can pull the proclamation for Betty Kendricks off of the agenda, please. Uh Miss Kendricks was not available to attend and if we just send prayers to her family and hopefully add this for the March agenda, which is 6B. Madam Chair, 6B. Okay, I'll take that one off. I'm also going to delete 6D because my individual is not here to accept either. So, we'll put both of those at the March agenda, Madam Chair.

Yes. Go ahead, sir. If we can, I do have a tribute for Reverend Jesse Jackson, a proclamation. Can we add that to the agenda um in place of 6D? Okay, we'll have that as a 6E because we already have those listed. So, thank you, M. Any other items to be added to the or deleted from the agenda? A motion to approve the agenda as amended. So move second. Madam clerk. Council person Davis Pier.

Yes. Council person Gon. Yes. Council person Miller Anderson. Yes. I'm sorry. Chair pro Tim Mill Anderson. My apologies. Council person Spiritis. Yes. Chairperson Laneir. Chairperson Laneir. Yes. That's a unanimous vote. Um I also need to add that um for the staff and for the council. Are there any disclosures in regards to of these in regards to any of the items that are listed on the agenda this evening? Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead, sir. Um yes. I spoke to a representative associated with the turnberry project. Okay. Madam cler I mean madam chair.

Yes. Go ahead. Also the same for me for the turnberry project. Madam chair. Yes. Go ahead. Yeah. I spoke with the turnberry people months ago. Okay. Yes. Go ahead. I spoke with someone representing them a while ago too. Thank you. Let's move on to our consent agenda. All matters listed under this item are considered to be routine and action will be taken by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council person so request in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Are there any uh objections to approving the one item that is listed on the consent? Madame chair. Yes. Go ahead.

We do have one public comment card on the consent item. Okay. Very good. Acceptance of cars is closed. Okay. Robert Silva,

Mr. Mayor, the board, uh, thank you for the time. I I just wanted to speak up. My my dad, a long time fireman out of Boston, retired, uh died of his injuries from the fire department over time. Um I really want the board to be positive on additional funds for the fire department at 100% and please consider that and I'd appreciate your time. Thank you, sir. Motion to approve uh resolution number 2326. So move Second. Second. Madam clerk. Council person Davis Pier. Yes. Council person Gon. Yes. Chair pro Tim Miller Anderson.

Yes. Council person Spiritis. Yes. Chairperson Laneir. Yes. Unanimous vote. Uh can we move to our awards and presentations? Madam clerk. Madame chair. We are on item 6A under awards and presentations. Emerging leader spotlight.

Thank you. Miss Davis, council person Davis Pier will provide this presentation. Good evening. Would Morgan Watkins and her parents please come forward? Please give her a hand. She is our emerging leader for February 2026. Her mother is Dr. Latoya Newbie. It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that we recognize Morgan Watkins as as the city of Riviera Beach's February emerging leader. Morgan exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and service. As an international balorate student at Sunkose High School, she demonstrates discipline and dedication in her studies while actively participating in football, basketball, competitive cheerleading, and track. Her ability to balance rigorous academics with athletics reflects remarkable resilience, responsibility, and determination. Beyond her accomplishments in the classroom and on the field, Morgan is deeply committed to her community of Riviera Beach. She actively participates in the youth empowerment program here in Riviera Beach. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated 20 Pearls mentoring program and serves faithfully in the IT ministry at her

church. Through these efforts, she continues to uplift and inspire those around her. Morgan is known for her kindness, creativity, leadership, and compassionate heart. and I'm glad to say that I've been able to see her at work at several events in the community. With aspirations to become a lawyer and work within the criminal justice system as an advocate for those in need, Morgan is already laying the foundation for a future dedicated to justice and positive impact. On behalf of the city of Riviera Beach, Miss Morgan Watkins, we celebrate you and your accomplishments, your leadership, and your bright future. We are proud to honor you as our February emerging leader. Let's stand and give her a round of applause again. Thank you. Take a couple. Three, two, one. Great job. Thank you, council person Davis Pier. Uh the next item, Madam

Clerk. Madam Chair, we are on item 6C, Mayor's Black History Month award presentation. Mayor,

thank you, Madam Chair. And it is such an honor because of my emerging leader. I need her to come right back to the front. Miss Morgan Watkins and Miss Zion Gamy is both of them here. So, I do want to acknowledge and honor these two young people. Um, not sure if Zion, she should be on the way. These two young people presented at an ortorial contest. here in Palm Beach County. And I'm honored to say that Miss Morgan Watkins, who is an emerging leader, received first place at the Palm Beach County Ortorial Contest. So, please give it up for this young lady. And the other Sun Coast grad who just ran in here received second place. So, give it up for Miss Zion as well. In addition to them receiving a first and second place, on behalf of me personally as an individual, I'm going to be contributing a donation to these young people's success where it will be a $500 contribution to Miss Morgan and a $250 contribution to her from Douglas Lawson. So, congrats you guys.

So we talk about black history and the reason council that I wanted to acknowledge black history is because this is the history of our community. Black history we celebrate uh most of us celebrate year round. There's a month that we celebrate it as this community as this country but this community needs to celebrate the history we have. We start with the future which is our young people. I also want to talk about our present. At our restoring the village session last week, we were honored to give out certificates to many leaders from the community and I believe I have them here tonight and I want to acknowledge them as well. If I can have the Edwards Raw Academics come to the front,

Ricky Akins and the entire team from the Hope Dealers, Miss Pamela here, Pamela Shant, she was one of our honores and awardees, Miss Pamela Tusant, ultimate image coach. He's done a lot with our housing program. So, please give it up for Miss Pamela Tusant and Unique and Cheryl Melvin. Sincere 2000. So this is what our president looks like. This is what history looks like. This is what our legacy looks like. These are individuals that are working within the community. These are the ones that's putting the work in to really dedicate to service, to leadership, and to the future when it comes to education, when it comes to mental health, and when it comes to support. This is what our present currently looks like. And I just had to acknowledge and honor them and give them all 30 seconds just to tell the community about what they do.

First of all, uh thank you, mayor. Thank you to our wonderful council. Um we just want to say that raw academic services is here uh not just in Rivera Beach for the entire uh Palm Beach County. We don't only just provide academic services but we provide opportunity to our youth to access wealth. Not just financial wealth but mental wealth and behavior wealth. Thank you guys. My name is Ricky Aken and I'm the founder and executive director of Inner City Innovators aka the Hope Dealers. And this past year we got to celebrate our 10th anniversary as a nonprofit. And I remember it was uh five years ago when Councilwoman Laneir invited us into this city uh to work with young people most likely to perpetrate or be victimized by gun violence. Well, I'm proud to announce that also in this past year, not only have we uh achieved accreditation, but we've also passed our first audit. And these are all things that I thought were beyond me as a young man that dropped out of high school myself and was on the same journey that many of the young people we work with were on, but I had people believe in me before I could believe in myself. So, I want to first and foremost thank Councilwoman Laneir, uh, Mayor Doug Lawson for continuing to believe in us and this city for wrapping their arms around me. I've received more love and support from the leaders in this city than I have for my own city. And I want to appreciate y'all for that. I love y'all for that. And I'm going to continue to pay it forward for the trust that you put in my team and I. Thank you. Hello everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Lawson, to the council. Mr. Evans, um, as you know, we're sincere 2000 foundation, mental

health awareness and suicide prevention. Uh, we lost our 17-year-old to suicide in 2018. And when I tell you that Riviera Beach has stood behind us and stood in the paint for what we need to give back to the community, what we have to give back to our children. And for that, we just want to say thank you because you didn't have to do it, but you see that there's a need within the community and within our children and the way that you pour into the foundation and how you help us to make sure that we are able to spread awareness and give back and let people know that sometimes it's okay not to be okay. We really appreciate that because a lot of times the stigma that's attached to mental illness, the stigma that's attached to suicide, you never know when you find yourself, a loved one in a situation where you might just have to cry out for help. So, we want to make sure that we continue to cry as loud as we can and we let the people of Riviera Beach and surrounding areas know that Sincere 2000 is here. we're here to help you and that the city of Riviera Beach is the backing and the backbone behind us. Thank you.

And I also like Hey and thank you so much. Also like to add the more people that we work with, the more people that we can reach and I really appreciate Rivera Beach for being the forefront and Mayor Lawson also uh uh city manager and all the council people. I really appreciate y'all, but we still have a lot of work to do. Thank you so much. So, these are the workers, the leaders, the community that what actually drives our city and pushed our city forward. But we couldn't do it without the foundation. So, it's truly an honor and a privilege that I stand tonight as the mayor of this great city because we have a living legend in the community. somebody that has paved the way, that has set the foundation and shown us how to actually really be servant leaders. So, I please need everybody to stand and honor for the first time giving a key to the city to the great Mr. Dan Callaway. Please forgive me if I say something that you dislike. I'm saying that before I say it because nothing going to keep me from saying what I got to say. I'm honored and it's a privilege especially being your hometown and I'm 87 years of age and August 18th I'll be 88. I'm glad I'm here tonight because you've

honored me so many times and I feel bad about it because I know so many other people should be up here rather than me but they not old as me. But I represent Herman McCrae, Don Wilson, Clark Martin, and Johnny Carile. 64 years ago when I was working at Goodmark Park just back from Europe and in the army and I was told I need to be here to work with the kids and teach them things that I learned from other people as an athlete. But I got into politics because everybody wanted me to be in there and I wanted to be in there. I wanted to be on the front row and fight. I want you to know as a commissioner and the mayor and the city manager that may be the hardest job in Palm Beach County. That's not an easy job. You cannot please everybody. You can't win it all. But you can do your best and ask God to do the rest and you'll never have any problem about it. Long as you do your best. And I think that the city is in good hands. and thank you. You're doing an outstanding job. Long as people don't come in here and try to persuade you, you do it their way. I will never come before the council in in the public. You've never heard me do that. But I will sit in the background and talk to the city managers and all elected officials because that's my right because I'm a taxpayer. But let nobody tell you how to do your job. If they want to do it better, let them get in the race and we'll vote for them. We ask all these things in God name. Be be aware that it's the end of Black History Month. We just lost a great man, Jesse Jackson, who was a person, a friend of

mine. Please pray for the family and pray for the people who need help. Your job is to find a way how to take care of the lease, the lost, and the left hand left out. I ask all these things of you in God's name. Amen. AMEN. Come on. Come on. Come on. And thank you to the board for indulging and allowing for us to celebrate what history looks like. Uh this is the first time Mr. Cali has been honored with the key to the city, but we want to make sure that we give the flowers to the leaders while we can while they're here. So, thank you to the board.

Madam Clerk, can we go to the next item, please? Madam Chair, we are on item 6E, proclamation tribute to Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Senior. Yeah,

thank you, Madam Chair. We do have a dear friend of Mr. Reverend Jesse Jackson here. Uh, Bishop Masters, if you can please come read this proclamation. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and to mad chair, and to all the elected officials in your respective place. in my haste to get here on time to read the proclamation as a tribute in honor of Reverend I call him Reverend very close friend of mine and needless to say I'll be in Chicago in a couple weeks for the service we will have a celebration here prior to the service so in my haste I left my reading glasses so I had to borrow some from somebody. So, if anybody got a better pair, bring it on. I'm going to do the best I can. From the office of the honorable mayor, Douglas Lawson from the city of Rivier Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. I'm going to ask my good friend Hank Harpet to come and stand with me because he was there with Reverend when he came here to Riviera and West Palm.

Give him a hand as he comes. He was on the line with us. This is a little challenging for me. We'll make it. Whereas the city of Riviera Beach proudly recognizes the extraordinary life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senior, a tireless champion for civil rights, economic justice, voting rights, and human dignity. Whereas Reverend Jackson, as founder and president of the Rainbow Bush Coalition, dedicated his entire life to empowering the undeserved communities, advocating for equal opportunity and building bridges across racial social and economic divides. Go ahead. Whereas Reverend Jackson worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, carrying forward the torch of nonviolent activism, expanding the movement's reach to address systematic inequality across America. And whereas through the historic presidential campaign and decades of public service, Reverend Jackson inspired millions to believe in the power of civic engagement, the promise of democracy, and the fundamental principles that all people deserve and respect equal protection under the laws. And whereas his enduring message of hope, keep hope alive, continues to resonate across

generations, encouraging communities to organize, uplift one another, and to strive for justice and unity. And whereas the Reverend Jackson visited Palm Beach County during the time of the controversial 2000 US presidential recount between George W. Bush and Al Gore where he spoke and marched in West Palm Beach and was invited by former mayor Bishop Thomas Masters and marched in West Palm Beach to speak at the New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at the rally to the to count the vote. And whereas the city of River Beach honors leaders who who whose courage, conviction, and commitment to service reflect the very best of our nation's ideals and and inspire our residents to pursue progress through peaceful peaceful action and collective responsibility. Now therefore, I, Douglas Lawson, mayor of the city, do hereby proclaim a profound appreciation and recognition of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Senior, for his lifetime of leadership, advocacy, unwavering dedication, and advancing equality and community for all. Be it further proclaimed, the city of River Beach calls upon our residents to join in celebrating Reverend Jackson's enduring legacy and recommitting ourselves to the principles of justice, unity, and service to our community. set this hand on the seal the 18th of February 2026 city of River Beach proclamation. Thank you. Thank you board. Reverend would have me to have you to repeat after me. Keep hope alive.

Thank you so much for that recognition of uh Dr. Reverend Jesse Jackson. Mal to our next item, please.

Chair, we are on item eight, number eight. Item 8A under ordinances on second and final reading. Ordinance number 4303. An ordinance of the city council of the city of River Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, approving a zoning amendment from single family to downtown core submitted by Bush Canvas and Interiors Interiors, Inc. Excuse me. For the purpose of constructing additional parking spaces and expanding operations at 2428 Broadway in the city of Riviera Beach, identified by property control number 564342 2829 000020 providing for an effective date and for other purposes. Madam Chair, we have one public comment card on this item. The acceptance of cards is closed. So move

second. Officer Evans. Madam Chair, members of the board, if I could have the director of development services, Mr. Clarence Surmans, to make this presentation. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of council, and madam attorney. Uh, this item is back before you as the previous action taken on it was rescended so that an error could be corrected in the header. That has since been done and it's been properly uh noticed uh for uh action tonight for adoption. staff is here if there are any questions on that item. Uh before staff has any questions, uh madam clerk, could we get the uh public comment card, please?

Lloyd Brown. Now, if I get this wrong and uh you don't like what I'm saying, just like M. always said, "Okay, you want to reszone these uh family places and and reszone it for something else. You've been doing it all the while. I mean, after a while, the people in Rivera Beach, we're going to be way over there by 95 cuz eventually you're going to sell us out." And that's all I call it. And the family homes that you built that you let the people build in here, those places like 250,000 or more. And this is Riviera Beach. And I I really enjoy y'all celebrating uh like what uh the man did who died. But you know what? Looking around me, I don't see no improvements in River Beast. And this is Black History Month. And that's all it is about is a name. Y'all people up here need to do more than what you doing. Honestly, you know what? Me, if I had to vote for y'all again, you know what I rather do? I rather drink muddy water and sleep in a hollowedout log cuz you people I mean honestly see I got to talk to everybody so the people know and I'm not talking about them.

But your comment, sir, has to be about Bush. Well, it's about that. You talking about zoning, right? So, I'm saying you're going to zone us out of here. What's the difference? You always come in and interrupt the individual. You know what? Your mouth so big I can put my head in there with my hat on. I'm sit down. It is about parking spaces. Thank you, sir. Thank you for your comments, sir. Thank you for your comments. Um, are there any are there any issues from the board in regards to this item? Madam clerk, council person Davis Pier. Yes. Council person Gon. Yes. Chair prom Miller Anderson. Yes. Council person Spiritz. Yes. Chairperson Laneir. Yes. That's a unanimous vote.

Next item.

Madam Chair, we are on item number nine. Item 9A under ordinances on first reading. Ordinance number 4279 and ordinance of the city council of the city of Rivier Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. Approving a zoning code text amendment requested by applicant HHC Senior Island LLC to amend division 9 RM-20 high density multifamily dwelling district section 31-243 parenth 5 parenth E minimum building setbacks to provide for a fee in lie of required open space providing for applicability conflict severability and qualification and providing for an effective Eight. Madam Chair, we do have comment cards on this item. The acceptance of the cards is closed.

How many you have for that? We have seven public comment cards. Thank you, Mr. Evans. What if I can have the director of development services? I'm sorry. Wait. Excuse me, Mr. Manager. Are we going to carry a motion one way or the other like we normally do? Yes. So, motion to approve ordinance number 4279. Second. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Okay. Mr. Evans. Madam Chair, members of the board, if I could have the director of development services, Mr. Clarence Surman, make this presentation.

Thank you. Uh, good evening again. Uh, the item before you today, uh, has been on the agenda before. Uh, however, uh, this is the first time you would have heard the details in the staff presentation related to it. Uh, this is a applicant initiated text amendment proposed for the city's land development code. staff has been working with the applicant for quite some time uh on what they are proposing. Uh there are two components to it. A text amendment as well as a site plan. Staff will provide you in this presentation a summary of the analysis that went into our evaluation of this application uh so that council can have all of the facts and the background information in order to make a decision on the proposed text amendment. The applicant is present this evening and they have a presentation as well related to the text amendment that they are proposing and I will uh proceed into the presentation with that. The text amendment to be considered is for the RM20 zoning district. There are four locations in the city uh that currently have this zoning designation. Uh the the primary concentration of this zoning district is on Singer Island along the ocean front. However, there is a cluster of properties on the inter coastal in RM20, one on Martin Luther King, and then one recently reszoneed to RM20 on Military Trail. The majority of the properties in this district are already developed. The applicant is requesting a text amendment to the section of the city zoning code to modify the high-rise setback requirement. This amendment aims to facilitate the development of highdensity buildings on properties that are relatively narrow, and we're talking less than uh 200 or 175 ft.

So quite generally, a building setback can be illustrated by the image here. Um the black line is indicative of a property boundary. The building is outlined in orange. This is the buildable area. And these arrows outline the distance between the property line and where the vertical building begins. And that is the the basis of what a setback is uh referring to in zoning. Currently in the RM20 zoning district. Yes. Go ahead. Uh director, so you're referring to the existing zoning right now. Yes. This is what's currently set up in the code and and how setbacks are defined in planning. Thank you.

Currently in this zoning district RM20 the minimum setback is 20 ft from the property line for the side. This zoning district also has a additional setback for highrises and the these are any buildings above two floors have to provide additional setback at the rate of 2 feet for every floor above the second floor. For relatively narrow lots, this can uh prohibit vertical development of significance. Uh and so to um instantiate that if a building is three floors, a property would have to provide the minimum 20 foot setback but an additional 2 feet for that third floor above the second for a total setback of 22 feet. And that is the high-rise setback and how it works. So it is in addition to the minimum setback.

Madam chair, yes, go ahead. So I just want to make this want to get this clear. So 20 ft and then an additional two feet per floor on top of that. Per floor above the second. Yes. Of the second floor.

Yes. Thank you. The applicant is requesting a text amendment to this section governing the RM20 zoning district to modify the high-rise setback requirement. This amendment aims to facilitate the development of highdensity buildings on properties that are relatively narrow. The text amendment would allow for the reduction of the enhanced high-rise setback in exchange for a payment into a open face open space trust fund that would create that would be created to provide the parks and recreation department additional resources to expand and maintain open space within the city. The minimum setback would remain 20 ft. And so again, since the additional open space would not be on site based on the current text, they would pay a fee in loo and that open space could be um added or maintained elsewhere in the city. The fee in Lu would be equal to $50,000 for every quarter acre of open space that a high-rise development does not provide as required by the code section with a minimum contribution of $100,000 to be paid per project into the open space uh trust fund that will be created by this text amendment. This proposed amendment would allow relatively narrow lots to develop high-rise structures that are functional while meeting the development potential of the properties. The proposed text amendment would not create a development pattern that's atypical to what already exists on Singer Island. And to uh illustrate that, I have several images of what's already uh built on Singer Island and the proposed development site here highlighted in green. As you can see, there are and as you are already aware, there are many high-rise

towers already on Senior Island. The RM20 zoning district is our high-rise highdensity zoning district. So, property owners in this district generally have an expectation to be able to do something high density. However, there are minimum development requirements. But again, as you can see from this skyline visual of Singer Island, there are um many existing towers and many of them are uh within a uh considerable proximity to one another. Chair. Yes, ma'am.

That that was a very general statement you made, Mr. Director, that they're all in proximity. Are they 20 ft or more away from each other or are they

or they less? I will identify that information in just a moment. We have evaluated that component as well. This additional image shows the proposed tower in a vertical setting on the lot where it's proposed uh in scale with the existing towers in the area. And as you can see, it is not considerably different than other existing tower distance uh distances on the island, including in this area and further south along the island. Excuse me, chair. Yes, ma'am.

Are you trying to tell me from that photo that you just showed me that you think that there that this is the same as the distance between the buildings that you showed in that previous photo? Can you go back to that previous photo? These buildings, some of these buildings have 4 500 feet between them, maybe even more. So, how are you telling me that this is similar to what already exists on Singer Island? I don't I don't find that to be the fact.

If you went down there and measured all the buildings, you'd find that this is a very very this is anomaly. This is this is very different than what exists on Singer Island right now. Madam chair, during the staff evaluation, uh we have evaluated this and it is on a a later slide. We have conducted the measurements between the towers to make sure we are comparing what's currently on the ground versus what this proposes and this is a rendering of the proposed structure on the lot in question. Madam chair. Yes, if you could go back one slide, Mr. Surmans. Yes, I

I understand that there's a wider gap with the condos on the north end, but further on the south end, if you could use your pointer closer to Tiierra and Rit Ritz, those seem to be blocked and bulked together. So, I'm assuming that's where the percentage of where the distance is between the condos. You have some that are very close and some that are far apart. So, it would skew the total amount of distance if you just took a average of them. Um, I mean, I'm not I'm not sure what the concern is with them being far apart or them closer to part because we have the same thing on the across the entire island, whether it's the south end or the north end. I'll I'll skip ahead to this slide because again, we were

we wanted to make sure that council was aware of the facts before you are opposed with this uh important decision. So on the table here, and I understand that it is small, um we have looked at all of the lots on Singer Island in this zoning district. We've looked at the width of all of those lots, the distance of the towers from uh the uh setback as well as the narrow lots, the distance between those towers to the adjacent towers to make sure that we have a clear picture of the existing distances. So, in the situations where the lots are narrow, less than 200 feet, they're highlighted on this table, there are five of them, one of them being the proposed development project site at 3930 North Ocean and then four others that are less than 200 ft. And in those situations, the distance between the existing towers vary significantly. Um, on the north side at the Condado property, there's 265 ft between uh that development and the next one to the north. To the south is 90 feet. Uh, one Singer Island 115 ft between the towers to the north, 130 between them to the south. Uh, the the Oasis 98 ft between the towers to the north, and uh 20 ft between that tower and the property line, which is the county beach park. What's being proposed for this project and this text amendment is 113 feet to the north and 98 feet to the south. So again, that's the same distance between Oasis Singer Island and the the tower to the north of it and uh more distance between the condo and the development uh to the south of it. So again, there are

situations where we have existing towers that are close to one another in this zoning district and and additional ones uh even further south of this zoning district. Um so again, we we took these measurements just to illustrate what the existing development pattern is on Singer Island, but there are at least uh five lots that are challenged by the additional high-rise setback as written right now. So it does become a question for future development. in this current lot of if we want uh if you uh want there to be an opportunity for narrow lots to have high-rise development or if they would be regulated to or relegated to lower structures based on the width of those lots. Madam Chair,

very good. Yes. Go ahead. So if they did not get this change in the ordinance, would they be able to build something on this property? Yes. Can they build as of right a 16story or a 20s story building? As of right? No. because the setbacks could not be met as the code is written today. Well, no, it I'm not I think we're you're not understanding what I'm saying. Could they redesign their building to build a 20story building as of right?

I don't know that that's possible given the setbacks that will be required on the site. I don't believe so. But that that is a a a technical question that engineers and architects would have to um answer. But you're talking maybe 50 60 ft wide for a high-rise structure. Um, generally that's too narrow for something to be structurally sound. Madam Chair, go ahead. Okay. So, uh, we have a lot of town houses on the ocean front as well. The Martineique next door has a number of town houses. Uh, could they build town houses on this lot? On this site? Yeah. And meet our code? I believe uh they can on this side. Yes.

Okay. So, that it would just be a different type of building. They wouldn't get a high-rise building, they would get a townhouse building. Correct. And to that I'm sorry, Madam Chair. Uh and to that point, this is not a situation where the property owner does not have viable development rights. A low density structure or development can be built there. However, a high-rise structure and and again, this is the high density of zoning district. a a high-rise uh cannot be built based on the additional setbacks on several of the narrow properties in the zoning district, but there are uses that are there and viable. Madam Chair? Yes. Go ahead.

So, you think that's the reason that they're not going for variance and they're asking for a change in the zoning ordinance rather than saying they have a hardship because they don't have a hardship. They have the ability to build something on this property. I would agree with that. Yes. Right. So, it's a would be a self-induced hardship if they went for a variance and probably would be turned down because they have the ability to develop the site. Correct. I would agree with that. Yes.

Okay. So, they're asking us now to change the entire zoning ordinance for the entire oceanfront. Now, we've changed this ordinance a couple of times on the ocean front uh since since it was it was developed. Some people may have received variances or whatever. Maybe they had a hardship. I don't know what the how the density was done in the south end of the island there, but I would assume that almost every new building has a 20ft sideyard. Is is that correct? I believe that's correct. Not having measured every single lot, but the minimum for the zoning district is 20 ft. So,

will they have the two feet per floor? Do the do the buildings have two feet per floor above the second floor as per our code? Do they have two feet? Do they have two two feet up for the sideyard? Do they have two feet per floor? The new buildings that have been built recently, do they receive variances or special exceptions? How would that have have happened?

There have been some that have gotten variances and and exceptions because of some of the narrow lots are already developed and some of those that are developed have gotten variances and and other exceptions so that they can move forward. This text amendment would remove that and make it clear a clear path forward for these types of lots, right? But it would also when you talk about a lot, when you say five lots, right, you're impacting two buildings for every one of those lots on both sides of that lot. It's not just that lot that's being impacted. It's the buildings that are next to that lot that are being impacted.

And when you say impact, you're saying They're going to have less less of a sideyard. You're you're asking 10 buildings right now based on your five lots, but there's going to be more because we know that there's older buildings. One of them is for sale right now. The Sea Dunes uh is for sale and we know that there's a developer negotiating right now. Uh so you're going to see older buildings. So we're changing the zoning right now for the entire oceanfront. This is not just one single lot that we're talking about. We're talking about the entire oceanfront of Singer Island and an impact on every single building pretty much on Singer Island. You know, we have 35 20 story plus buildings there already. You know, as you said earlier, this is infill development. This is not new development uh where you would change a whole code for that. This is strictly infill uh development. The zoning code has worked perfectly uh for the oceanfront. It was changed, I believe, once uh since uh since we started the the development there in the 70s, the major development in the 70s. I haven't changed once or twice, but we got to the point where everybody was comfortable. Uh you know, we we put that two feet per floor in there for a reason. It wasn't it wasn't didn't just come out of the smoke. It was based, you know, it was studied when we did the comprehensive plan for open space. It was studied when we did our zoning ordinances. We had workshops. We had public hearings and we decided this is what we wanted. This is what the people were happy with on Singer Island. Now we're having a developer come to us and tell us that we should change our zoning so that he could build what he wants to build on this site rather than working within the zoning code that already exists and that he already has the ability to develop something on as per our code. Is that correct?

I'm sorry. Could you repeat the question? Right. So, we have a developer now coming to us rather than going for a variance asking us to change the entire zoning on the oceanfront of Singer Island so that they could build what they want to build rather than building within our code which they have the ability to develop something within our code. Yes. through the chair. Yes, this applicant uh cannot build the proposed development with the code as is. Um staff recognizes that there are chair. Hold on a second. Let them finish. Let them finish. Go ahead. Yeah. No, hold on a second. Sir,

go ahead. staff recognizes that this text amendment would apply to multiple properties and that is the reason that we went through the um detailed analysis of the existing properties in this area to so that you can understand as best as possible what the impacts of this text amendment would be. As you know, it is your pleasure as to whether you would approve this at the request of the applicant. But there are um five total properties, including this one, uh that would be challenged to uh meet the high-rise setbacks. Two of them are recently developed and likely would not come um online anytime soon for redevelopment. Um but there's at least one other that that could um benefit from this as well. So um as written, it has been evaluated district-wide. We understand that there's implications for other properties. We want to make sure you um as a a governing body have all the information possible to make this important decision that the council person has illustrated before you.

Madam Chair, uh Dr. Spear, I'd just like to follow up. Uh can you tell me on the sideyard of this what how much are we giving on the sideyard based on the project that is proposed right now? How many additional feet of sideyard are we of open space are we going to lose? So uh on the image on the screen right now it shows the existing developments to scale the Martineique and the oasis and this is the proposed structure. This heavy black line is the property line

right now. The setback being proposed is 20 I believe that's 25 feet between it uh the property line and the uh the property on this side and 26 ft on this side. Uh that is what they could do if this text amendment is approved. If not they would have to provide a total of 46 feet on both of these sides. So instead of 25 foot if this was 46 the developable area becomes very narrow. So the the delta in that is what the open space on the ground would be for um for that. So um it's about additional 26 feet that the city uh or that the development would not have um based on this proposal.

Madam chair. Yes. Go ahead.

Right. So 26 feet is a lot of feet. If if you have a house and somebody moves their house 20 26 feet closer to you, you lose 26 feet of open space. That's pretty dramatic. Uh I I just want to follow up, Madam Chair. Uh the properties that we're talking about are the condo, right? The single family house, right? Those are going to be impacted. The Sea Dunes is going to be impacted. And we have one or two older buildings uh that developers are looking at right now. So, this is going to impact a lot of development of people that could actually build under our code, but some of them could be built under our code, but now we'll be able to build an additional 26 ft into their sideyard.

Okay. Are you asking correct? Is that correct? Could you restate the question? Okay. So what's happening is with these new buildings now that these vacant lots that I just mentioned which are going to impact a lot of buildings those people are now going to even though they could build as of right on some of these properties uh under our existing code they're now going to be able to expand their development and build an additional 26 ft into the sideyard based on if this ordinance is is approved. The question is, would existing developments be able to redevelopment and expand 26 feet into their sideyards?

Yes. So, if if this is approved, um anyone any property in the zoning district could um elect to utilize the um the fee in L if it's approved. Right. Madam Chair,

let's go ahead. So, basically what we're doing is we are impacting the entire oceanfront of Singer Island right now. We're not just talking about one single parcel. This is not a variance. We're talking about changing the zoning on the entire oceanfront. We're talking about doing this without having workshops with the community. We're talking about doing this without having any public hearings. Uh we're just going to do this at night, one stroke at a pen, very similar to the ordinances that we did that change the CRA district into a 300 foot high uh zoning district. we just do it at one council meeting rather than having workshops and hearings and and listening to the people and seeing what the people want uh in their district on the entire oceanfront. So, so council be aware that's what you're doing right now. Uh you're changing the zoning. This is not like Broadway which you basically have an empty canvas that you're starting from scratch. This is a developed area. This is already developed. There are 35 20s story plus buildings there. you're So now you're talking about just a couple of infill properties that are going to impact the entire oceanfront. You're changing the zoning for the entire oceanfront. This is very different uh than what you did on Broadway where we and we did have workshops on Broadway. Uh so this is I I just think that this is a dangerous precedent to set to set. Next week someone's going to come in here and say, you know something, I want 50 feet, you know, more on a side and we'll just do it overnight. I don't I don't believe, by the way, I I've worked in other states. This is the first state I've seen where a a developer can actually come in here and ask us to change our zoning rather than going through the initial process which is put in place to protect the public to make sure the public has input and and is able to comment and uh we're just bypassing that.

Yes. So, um, yes, madam. Are you finished, Dr. Yes, I'm finished. Yes, go ahead. So, I have two questions. One is, I don't know, might be a manager's question, but why and whom did we determine that a high-rise is only two above two fors? You know what I'm saying? That seems not high-rise description on M. Madam Chair, if I may

on this zoning district, I I think it's um understood that uh up to 20 floors can be built. However, to ensure that and and again, this ordinance does predate all of us by quite some time when originally um passed. It does contemplate that over that second floor, which oftentimes is a a parking deck, that the tower and the the um and that the um the width of it can become uh intrusive to sight lines of and the visuals of the island if you have um wall-to-wall development at that height. Uh so this um text amendment is counting the height of the building and based on the height is how far you have to be from the property lines just to make sure that there is space um open space uh aerial space in between all of these towers. Um and so that's how how we infer the intent of the code to function. But it only starts that count after the second floor. So based on how high you build it is how how much you have to um bring in the property from the the structure from the property line.

Okay. And then madam chair the second question I had was so what is the procedure for them to apply for a variance and yeah what what is that option and what's the procedure? So our code has a um a detailed process for the requesting of variances but it is based on you there being factors or characteristics of the property that are not self-created that are pre-existing. So an example of that could be that you have a wetland on your property. Wetlands are protected. You can't alter it. So, you may have trouble meeting the um the um the the landscaping code or or the pvious area requirements, but that wetland was already there. You didn't put it there. It's outside of your control. If you have a blank lot with no physical barriers, so to speak, of generally, you don't have a hardship. It's just that the the code doesn't allow you to do um what's desired. So the application for a variance in this situation would not meet the hardship minimum requirement. Um and that is why a text amendment is proposed. Again, in staff's reviewing of this, we know that um there are considerations such as does council um uh want to maximize the highest and best potential of these properties even though they're less than 200 feet or with those less than 200 feet, would you prefer that they have a lower density development than the zoning district allows? So, that's the the policy question before you this evening. um and and staff of course will move forward in however you um vote and direct us this evening. But again, this was proposed by the applicant evaluated for us and we did look at the entire district to make sure we are comparing what's existing and what's proposed.

Madam Chair, just to be clear, so they do not qualify to apply for a variance. Correct. Thank you, Madam Chair. Go ahead. Uh yes, I'm going to go to public comment first. Okay. Uh public comment clerk. First public speaker will be Carolyn Kowalsski followed by Harvey Gold and Robert Comfort. Madam Chair, this way. Um, usually in these particular settings, you do afford the applicant the opportunity to share their presentation before you would allow for public comment if they had presentation. Okay. All right. Sorry, sir. I don't know the presentation. Good evening. Good evening, Mr. Evans,

get on. Am I on? Not yet. Not yet. Yeah, we're going to have I'm sorry. I thought that the presentation was by staff. I'm sure. Hold on. Yes. Hold on a second. Hold on. So, the applicant has a presentation for the board and the public, Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead. Yes, they do.

Madam Chair, while they're getting up, uh, you said the highest and best use. I disagree with that. the highest use is a 16story building. Maybe not the best use. There is a difference between that. Uh can you just tell me what is directly to the north other than the city's uh access ramp uh which is about 6' 7 ft wide. What is directly to the north of this building that's going to that's approximately what's there? What's physically there? There is an existing uh high-rise development immediately to the north. Are there town houses directly to the north of this building? I'm not positive about

See, you went and you did a a research on this and the staff spent a lot of time, but if they went down to the site physically and looked, opened up their eyes, they would see that there are town houses directly next to this building that are going to be impacted by the first two floors of what's being developed here. So what's being developed above those floors may not impact those town houses, but clearly the first two floors are going to impact those town houses.

Um, Madam Chair, if I may, uh, I I want to um just say that again, staff has a thoroughly u reviewed this project. We have um my project manager here is is to my right. We've looked at what's to the north, to the south. Um we've created the exhibits. You can see the parcels highlighted in yellow that are um subject to having a narrow development um constraints. Um we have made sure that you have the information to u make your decision. Uh we want you to be able to deliberate amongst yourselves as to whether you believe this is best for the city. And if you have any questions on how we've reviewed it, we're definitely here for that. But um please be assured that we have looked into this in great detail and we just want to make sure that uh you are comfortable to vote um as you see fit um based on what we've provided.

Yeah, Madam Chair. Yes,

you know, I appreciate what you're saying, Director Sur. You know, I respect you and I appreciate everything you do except that we should have known what was directly to the north of this. We should have had a visual of what is direct. That's not a problem. Sorry. So uh again on the image that was showed uh shown to you earlier uh you can see what's to the north and to the south. So to the north as I stated there's a high-rise development. This particular development has town homes and highrises on it. Uh so um again we have looked at that and those those juxapositions that exist for what's being proposed. So again, I I don't I don't want it to um seem as though we haven't looked at this in great detail for you all to make your decision.

Madam Chair, yes. I specifically requested that we have an aerial presentation today of the properties that we were talking about and aerial. You can just go on the on the tax assessor's website and you look at the aerial, you'll be able to see very clearly the town houses and how close they are to the property line and what's going to be developed. No, no. This this is not an aerial of the of the of from the tax assessor's office. This does not show you the town houses that are going to be impacted that are directly to the northwest of this property where the twotory uh section of the deck is met. Yes.

Uh so on this uh rendering you can see the town homes being discussed right here. They are um nearest to the property line for the development to the north. But those go all the way image here. This is this image is from the tax assessor's site. Go back to that if you can question is this yellow box right here. Uh this is the proposed turnberry property and this is development to the north and this is from the property presence. But can you make it larger? Can you enlarge that that aerial the aerial? Can you enlarge that? No. the the aerial from the tax assessor apps that you took. You want to enlarge that one?

Are you able go back to the to the actual aerial?

Yeah. Can you enlarge that to show us where the townouses are in proximity to the site? Madam Chair.

Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, you can see council when you look at those red roofs, those are all town houses that are abudding that are going to be uh right next to this property.

I will get the presentations and we come back to any more of that. Uh the presentation by the

Did you say you're ready for us? I'm sorry. Did you say you're ready for a second? Yes, go ahead. Oh, I didn't hear you. I'm sorry.

Good evening. My name is Hope Calhoun. I am a land use counsel for the applicant and the applicant actually is going to do most of the talking this evening. I just wanted to go back to something very quickly uh to make uh a quick point. The RM20 zoning district has a few setback sections. Most importantly, um paragraph five is titled minimum building setbacks. Minimum building setbacks lay out the required setbacks for front, side, and rear. Section five then goes on and has a subpar paragraph E and it is an additional setback. It is titled high-rise setback. The high-rise setback is the portion of the code that we are seeking to amend. Not the building setback, not the front, not the side, not the rear, but the high-rise setback. The high-rise setback um becomes uh or is in effect once you get over the second story as defined by the code. The code um currently reads uh the definition of high-rise setback. All buildings in excess of two stories shall provide 2 feet additional additional setback from each property line for each additional story of height. I'm sure

staff has that's been interpreted to mean that as you go higher as you get above the second story and when I say interpreted as you heard from staff's presentation we have worked with them for more than two years three years to get to this point. Thank you. Go ahead sir.

Madam chair. All right. So uh attorney Cal Hope Calhoun my question is this. How do you how do you differentiate a sideyard from high-rise? That is the sideyard for high-rise. That's what you're asking for is a change in the sideyard setback for highrises. So, you are asking for a change in the zoning in the sideyard setback. Obviously, if it was a single family house or town houses, it would be different, but you're asking for the change in our zoning for sideyard setbacks.

Actually, that's not exactly accurate. So that's what I'm that's what I'm trying to explain. So the code I'm going to just say it again. The code and you I think you have this language in your backup provides for minimum building setbacks front side rear ocean and high-rise. Okay. We are not impacting we're not asking to change the side setback. There is a separate section paragraph E. Again I know you all have this in your backup. Paragraph E currently reads, "All buildings in excess of two stories." So, they're defining what a high-rise is. A high-rise, as uh Chair Paneer pointed out, is any building in excess of two stories. My client's proposal is a building higher than two stories.

I'm sure Can I finish reading? May I just finish reading? But I'm going to answer your question if you just let me finish. Hold the second, sir. Go ahead.

Thank you. um shall provide uh shall provide two feet additional setback from each property line for each additional story of height. So what we're proposing is to modify the setback once you get above the the actually in our case we're asking well excuse me the text is above the 10th story. So the code, the provision that we're suggesting, we're recommending, we're asking for the amendment doesn't change anything on floors one through nine. 1 through nine will look like every other building as designed. We're asking for a modification of the code so that the upper floors can be designed differently uh than as outlined in the code. So the side the building side setbacks that we're providing actually exceed what is required by code as you saw on the on the uh on the diagram presented by your staff. 20 feet is the minimum we're providing 25

I'm sure. So if I can just say one other thing and then I'd like to turn it over to my client so he can actually go through the presentation. I just thought that was important to to lay out as he as he then goes through. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I'm happy to answer questions after he finishes. While we still have uh Mr. Calhoun up there, I understand what you're saying. I I get it. You know, I I'm in this business. The reason that we asked for that additional two feet is because of the shadow impacts and wind impacts. Do you have a shadow study showing us what the shadows of this building are going to be at all for 12 months of the year? So, two things, if I may. Oh, may I?

So, two things in response to that. The as I understand it from speaking with staff, the reason that the provision is there and the reason that we drafted our amendment the way that we did is because there was a concern about open space. We are not impacting our setback open space. The open space that we're impacting is up in the air. It's it's once you reach a tenth story. So the provision is not about shadows or wind. It's about open space and we're providing open space. um that's not changing. So can I just have have my client go through the presentation and then happy to answer all questions that way we just can get through Madam

Chair and then we'll I just have to say this there there is a very big difference in in uh shadows and the impact you're there that is it impacts the open space when you build up higher you're impacting the open space tremendously. That's why we do shadow studies every time we do projects like this. But to that point, uh, council person, the buildings on either side of us are taller than the building that's being proposed. Yes, but you're going to be those buildings met the code. Those buildings, your building does not meet the code, right? But it's hard to cast a shadow building exception.

So, it's going to impact the there are buildings there already. This is not a blanket, you know, 5 acre piece of property. You're going to impact the buildings that are directly next to you, and we'd like to see what those impacts are going to be. So a shadow study would be very very helpful

and we're we we can have that conversation but we can't have a shadow study about a site plan that if we can't get to the code if the code is not amended if it doesn't pass on first reading council member if I may if it doesn't pass on first reading you'll never get to see the site plan we'll never have that conversation but we have to get through first reading first and after first reading sir if it passes on first reading we'll sit down and show you anything you'd like anything we'll show you what you'd like to see. We're happy to continue to answer questions. In all due respect, you know, I'm in this business. It takes about 15 minutes to do a shadow study on a CAD. You could have done it based on the project that you're proposing. It should We should see this before we get to the first reading.

Except that tonight on tonight's agenda is not a project, but you're asking us to Yeah, but you're asking us to change the zoning for the entire oceanfront. Hold on, Madam Chair. Hold on. Let's get a corner order here. We got can't have two talk at the same time. ask ask the question then answer it and you go back and forth that way but we can't have two people talking. Thank you. Thank you madam chair and oh and there other council members who have some questions too madam chair. Yes but madam chair can we I mean typically we want to try to get through the presentations and then that way we can answer all the questions because otherwise we'll never get through anybody's presentation. Right. Let's get to the presentation so that we can ask the questions that we want to ask.

Sorry I apologize. But you're saying you're all right with me going with my presentation. Good evening everybody. I'm AK Morali. I'm Turnbury's president. I've uh been involved in this project for about three and a half years now. We're thrilled to be in front of you all. I appreciate you all making the time, including the public that's been here. We we as Turnberry have come forward with the opportunity to build a boutique project that is to Hope's point set back greater than required at 25 ft on the ground level on the podium level all the way up to the second floor and we've not taken advantage of trying to expand our footprint and build things that are invasive. So there's a in my view on the conversations I've had with the public there seems to be some misinformation about what we're trying to achieve. We are looking to build an upper upscale boutique building that is not imposing that provides value to the community and is in keeping with our plan for the last three years. No changes to the building site or other. If I may though, I'll be quick on this.

Yes.

The Turnbury organization is a multigener generational organization. We're in the third generation. We develop and own assets all the way through South Florida and other part other parts of the US. We are owners and operators of the Aventura Mall. We have projects all the way through Delray, all the way down to North Miami where we're really com we combine our efforts. We collaborate and we do things that are great for the communities that we're members of. The vision here is quite straightforward. We are looking for a text amendment so that we can modernize some of the language that has been presented and as as discussed doesn't seem to be applied in a standard measure across the board. We're not looking to take advantage of a situation. We're instead looking to build a project that is of a higher quality instead of being forced to build a project that may be of a lower quality and wider and in fact you in fact impact you much worse than you're considering should we go ahead and build this project we're looking for. We appreciate your involvement. We know you're a developer through our meetings. We've had that understanding of your construction and development background and that's why we're trying to do our best to meet everybody's needs. We've worked for three years with the with the city staff coming through these plans. Our request as a result of this is simply the site plan approval on this text amendment. We have also come as as um as director Surman had mentioned willingly contributing to this parks fund. We understand the value of parks of community. We do that across all of our projects. We're contributing funds that are needed and that are going to add value to our community. It's not a variance as the commissioner has said. It's simply a tax amendment. We're hoping to make a better use of sites for all involved, especially on this project that we're dealing with so we can build a better product that is better for all. But we understand we will have to come back for site plan approval. We'll work through all of that with you at the time. We're happy to do all of the studies required. I did receive feedback about wind studies, about shadow studies. So, we're all all aligned. We've built almost 40 condominium projects around South Florida. Never

once would we build a project that does not stand the test of s of wind. And we are absolutely conscious of our neighbors. The the con the town houses you were showing there are going to be beside our parking deck. They're not going to be beside the tower. So should we build a two-story townhouse, you're going to end up at the same situation. But this is a situation where we're trying to control an outcome to the benefit of individuals, but in the long term, we're actually doing harm for the community. By us building this project, this is the text amendment language that that Hope had talked through. But on the commun community community benefit side, you're going to take a site today that's contributing very little in taxes, very little in benefits, and we'll be paying almost $2.3 million in utilities, site impact fees, and other contributions. That from zero today. We're also contributing the $100,000 to the parks fund. These are all newfound monies on a site that today is an isore and isn't doing much for the development of the overall community. I believe that the director Sherman has done a wonderful job showing the side context, showing what it's like to the south, going up to the north. Our building is shorter than the buildings around us. It is more poignant. It is not going forward into the into any zones. We're not shifting the building at all in any capacity. And as I said, we're stepping back 25 ft on the ground floor versus the required 20 ft. So conclusion, a smaller footprint, a more beautiful building, and a direct investment in Riviera Beach is what we've been trying to do for three years. We've tried to collaborate. We've met everybody here. We're happy to have your feedback. We are we are team players. We would appreciate your support in taking this to the next level. So we may come back and have site plan meetings with you. Thank you.

Thank you. Um Commissioner Guy, thank you, Madam Chair. Um my first question is to uh Mr. Surman um regarding the processes for sightsp specific changes i.e. special exceptions is there a process by which this can be sightsp specific? Madam chair if I may. Yes, go ahead.

Yes. Um, as you know, this is first reading, so all of this language is malleable and can be changed at the um, the will of council. But um, a special exception could be added to this provision so that there is more um, latitude with council in deciding if something is appropriate or not for a particular site. You have many uses that are special exceptions in the code already. Um this language could be altered to say that this provision of a reduced setback is subject to a special exception application um which does give you more latitude and denying a project if you just feel like it's not right for that specific site and um it can be proposed. So that process wouldn't trigger an automatic um approval of future projects if it were fact specific.

Correct. In in any scenario there's going to be of course a rigorous review uh process of the of what's proposed and you've heard the applicant say how long they've been working with our department on this. with a special exception. Um it it is going to be additional criteria that they have to meet with all special exceptions. And one of those main considerations of the special exception is how appropriate or how does it affect the neighboring development and does additional changes need to be made to buffer, screen or reduce potential nuances or is it just all around not appropriate for that site? And those are additional um considerations in the special exception um realm that um that staff evaluates and you have additional latitude to review.

Okay, madam chair. Yes, go ahead.

Follow up. Um and that question was asked um because it is seems that there is um constation about um or heartburn should I say about changing the code completely. Um and I know that there are processes that can make it sight specific with certain criteria as you indicated and um it is something that probably need to be considered. Uh my next question um the shape of the property um is a little unique compared to other properties at the beach there. Does that um impact, and this is a question to the developer, the design that you're proposing? Does the shape of the property impact the design that you're proposing?

Um, it it absolutely does and and as a result of that, we've limited it to a small tower on the beach side and an amenity deck on the back end where we would put our parking, our pool, and other amenities. Normally they would be on the top of our buildings like we've done elsewhere, but in this case we've put it at the bottom and on the on top of the parking deck. So there's been an impact and we've adjusted accordingly.

Yeah. And I make that point too because when you're planning a piece of property, um the shape and the size are two very important components of what one may decide to design on it. So it is not surprising to me that the developer is trying to design something that would fit within the shape of the existing property. The the other thing that I wanted to point out is that um we have public meetings for the public. That is why everybody's here tonight. Um, it was mentioned that maybe the public may not have had a chance to really chime in. We have a lot of people here tonight. They're going to chime in. We're going to listen to their considerations and then we'll make our decision. Um, but to suggest that somehow the public is not being included, I don't think it's completely accurate. Not once but twice. this doesn't get passed on one vote. So the public does have an opportunity and as you all have done sent email

and messages to the council people the public has been engaged and we know it up here but I don't want the message to go out into the public like somehow this slipping under the radar and nobody knew. Now, we we we give our public notices before our meetings and um the community that's impacted fully understood when it was coming before us because we've got a lot of emails about it. So, I just want accurate information to be out. Um, as development get um more intense, the opposition increases to anything else coming in that's everywhere. And um the question in my mind becomes if a person owns um a piece of property, do we want someone else coming in? Let's take a individual piece of property, our own property. We like to do what we would like to do on our property without interference from others. But there the process that has to be taken in order to be approved if if it doesn't apply to the code. That's with residential and commercial and highrises. And the feelings are the same. my property, how can I maximize the return as a businessman? So, I'm not um surprised or um

excited or um expecting the property owner to do something that may not benefit whatever they're trying to accomplish. So, with um that being said, Madame Chair, um I'm going to yield the floor. I do have a couple other comments, but I'll save those for later. Madam Chair, okay, let's go ahead. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, to the applicant, you mentioned community benefits. Can you go back to that slide for me with community benefits? Sorry. Thank you.

And while we're doing that, also, if you can start to um I have a question about Avalor tax. Do we know what the potential Avalor tax revenue will be generated once it's building? uh if approved is completed. We we've run several analysis. We do know that that there's about $2.3 million um of impact and permit and associated fees and impact fees. Yes. Impact and then Avalor annual revenue. Actually, I have that number. If you give me a minute, I'll

And to that same impact fees, if this project is approved, I know that staff, we want to make sure that the impact fees are making sure that they support the area that's being impacted the most. Um, and I believe staff will also focus on that. So, those impact fees, I know there are some concerns for crosswalks. I know there concerns uh with the development of that area. um the impact fees will help with that. But the abalorum tax revenue is what I kind of want to know as to what would be coming in additional revenue for the city. And then also if we can't get to the community benefits, those are my two questions. And thank you. And I'll have that answer for you just within a few minutes. Somebody's going to send it over. Uh thank you. We'll get started public comment first. You can come back with that. Go ahead. Thank you. If you guys can research that and bring those uh questions back after public comment.

Thank you, Madam Chair. If I may, can we just reserve a moment to rebut after public comment? Thank you. Go ahead. Madam Chair, the first speaker is Carolyn Kowalsski, followed by Harvey Gold and then Robert, Robert Comfort.

Hello. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Carlen Kowalsski and I live on Gulfream Way, which is across the street from the proposed project. Um, and I walk down the beach path that's right next to the project just about every day. So, I'm very um impacted by whatever happens there, and that's why I'm here to talk to you. Um, I've lived in the neighborhood and walked around the neighborhood and the beach bath for over 21 years. Um, each day though when I take my walk, I feel like I'm in danger of crossing the street. The street is just the traffic is terrible. People there's no speed enforcement whatsoever and the crosswalks that do exist down um on the south side are completely inadequate. Uh if this project is approved, I want to ask the city that they use those funds that are being contributed by the project to install some effective sidewalks for those of us who live in the community with flashing lights so that we can uh safely walk in our neighborhood. So, we have people from the beach side in the condos that like to come and walk on the neighborhood because it's nice and flat. And then we have people on in on my side on the neighborhood side that like to walk down the path and go to the beach. So, we have people walking both ways and it's very very dangerous. Um, now according to the city staff report for the project, the parks and rat recreation fund is to be used to provide access to recreational and open space to residents and visitors of the city. So in my mind, it seems like that money could be used for a crosswalk. I got an

email from the staff today which suggests that maybe not. So I'd like to get that cleared up. It seems to me that that money, whatever money, and as um Mr. Mayor alluded to, um because he came to a town meeting in our neighborhood this summer and we spoke about this issue, and I appreciate you remembering that. Um so, I want to make sure that whatever money comes from this project is used to benefit the residents of this community and make it safe for us to walk there. I have provided my comments in writing to each of the council members in an email and I ask that that be included in the record tonight. I've given it to the um clerk over here. Um I have spoken with the attorney for the developer and uh their representatives and um asked them to also um remove the existing concrete wall and um install some shade trees for us along the path. So, I appreciate you um considering my comments. Thank you.

Harvey Gold, Robert Comfort, Neil Schiller.

Good evening, Mr. Edwards, Mayor Lawson, council members. Good evening. Uh before I start, I was wondering if I could have everyone who's against this amendment Mr. Gold. Mr. You have to talk to us up here. I'm sorry. Talking to the council up here. Oh, talking to Okay. I was wondering if everyone who's against this amendment might stand up.

Thank you for coming. Um, I wanted to say that Mr. Simmons, we we respect you and you are our guardian, our custodian of the zoning code and the zoning commission. And it's important to us that people go through zoning. That's what the process is. The process is when you want to build something, you go to zoning. If you don't like what the rules are, you explain it to them and you ask for a variance. What's happening here is from a simple text, the the developer wants to change our zoning rules. And I don't think that that's the way you proceed on a project this size. Um, it's kind of in football you'd call it an end round. Rather than go through the process, you find a way to do it some other way. I also think that one of the things that's not pointed out here is there's a public access to the beach that runs on one of the sides of this project. And I believe that the setback, if it's changed, will impinge on that right away. Um, and I want to talk about one more thing, and that's the optics of all of this. I think the optics are terrible. They're going around zoning, around our process, around your process to get this done. It doesn't look good if you approve this.

That's only my opinion. It also doesn't look good that they're willing to make a donation in order to grease the wheel here. Now, they say it's charity. I spoke to them and I was cut off when I was speaking about that. To me, charity is something you do and don't expect something in return. This is not charity. Singer Island pays 54% of the taxes to Riviera Beach. If you need something built, we give you enough income that you can build it with from what we have. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. So, thank you, sir. The next speaker is Robert Comfort, Neil Schiller, and Feain Loseman. Madame Chair, Mr. Mayor, and council persons, thank you very much for this opportunity. Uh simply put, I believe it's poor public policy to permit uh a developer to purchase an exemption in effect from the requirement of seeking a variance from the requirement to demonstrate a hardship. We have a very detailed set of zoning rules. They've been worked out over a number of years with a lot of input from you, from the public, and others. We have a very detailed set of zoning, excuse me, a variance rules um for seeking exemptions from those rules in cases of hardship. And director Surmans put his finger on it in his presentation when he said that this developer couldn't qualify for a variance uh under this circumstance because this hardship was self-created. These ordinances were in effect when the developer purchased the property. Uh and knowing that he couldn't come before a magistrate or the zoning board and claimed there was a hardship. Um instead we're sidest stepping that process as Mr. Gold said. uh and the the benefit uh that u comes with the payment for the sidest stepping of the process isn't even necessarily tied back to the community the locality uh Singer Island which is suffering the loss of the open space that the zoning ordinance created in the first place. Um that to me seems inequitable and poor public policy as well. Uh and as uh council person spiritus said, this isn't just going to

affect this one property. It's potentially going to affect the entire shoreline on Singer Island. And as such, we would ask you to think about the character of this policy and its negative impacts. Thank you.

Neil Schiller, Foseman, David Nusley. Thank you so much, uh, Mr. Mayor, honorable council. My name is Neil Schiller, uh, with Government Law Group, 137 Northwest 1st Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida. I'm here tonight representing Oceans Ed Condominium, which you just heard from uh, two board members. Uh, frankly, I'm a little confused as how we even are here tonight. Seeing as though at the last meeting this issue was raised and brought up, there was no second to actually take a vote on this ordinance. And in Robert's rules of order, which your uh your ordinance, your resolution, excuse me, and your city charter both point to when an or when a motion does not get a second, it dies. This should be dead. This should go back through the planning and zoning process. This should not be before this body tonight. That being said, we are debating the substance of the issue. So I want to tell you why we are objecting to this specifically when you pass an ordinance irrespective when you pass an ordinance to your code it must comply with your comprehensive plan. This proposed amendment to your ordinances does not specifically it conflicts with policy 1.1.4 four, which requires periodic review of development codes to refine on-site open space standards. Allowing fee and loo or a buyout circumvents this by substituting cash for an actual on-site space,

potentially degrading design quality and RM20 districts without the mandated refinements. Policy 1.1.5 directs evaluation of plan amendments to avoid increasing population densities in the coastal high hazard areas where most RM20 properties lie by enab enabling taller density highrises on narrow lots with less open space. The ordinance could burden evacuation routes and increase risks violating this pos uh policy. Let's look at your recreation and open space element. Policy 1.2.2 establishes three acres per a thousand population for a level of service. Fees collected via the proposed parks and recck trust fund may not reliably add inventory as according to that policy. And then coastal management element policy 2.2.2 two calls for careful evaluation of amendments increasing density or intensity to the coastal high hazard area to reduce storm impacts. Ladies and gentlemen, these are conflicts. You should vote no tonight and send them back to the drawing board.

The next speaker is Fain Lman, followed by David Nisley and then Erica Davis. Floan, first of all, your staff recommended approving the project. Number one. Number two, there was a 35 unit building there. It was torn down. So, you're only adding 17 more units to that property and you're going higher. So, they're asking for additional. They're looking for basically floors from 10 to 15. Five floors. That's it. Five floors to bring hundreds of millions of dollars and put it on the tax rolls. We're looking for five floors. The building to the south, the oasis. They don't have a problem with it. I'm sure it's the Martineique that has the problem. They had a problem with me putting a floating home on 52 acres of property owners. I'm the largest land owner in Singer Island. I have 52 acres with a deed from 1924 to be developed. There's 317 homes have been built, but I've been able to build anything because these people here, we built first. You have to do what's best for your people and your constituencies on the west side. You got a new water plant. You have a new city hall. You have new fire department. You need those hundreds of millions of dollars as the mayor talked about to come on the tax roles. And you need that money. and you're worrying about from from the 10th floor to the 15th floor and the building to the south doesn't have a problem. You have to do what your staff said and approve this project. There's not a candidates for for Glenn Spirit is to try to run for reelection. This is what's in the best interest for the west side for the city and also for Singer Island. This building should be built. It's the premier building. I've been to Solomia their $4 billion project. They did the Aventura Mall. They actually built the father Don Soer actually put together 750 acres and built the city of Aventura. They built the Fountain Blue Hotel in

Las Vegas. They have the Fountain Blue in Miami Beach. This is the best development firm has ever showed up in Riviera Beach. The Aventur Mall is the number one mall according US today, USA Today in the country. I mean, what are we talking about? Five stories. That's what we're talking about. and all this drama. There's only three lots that would be affected. I have the property across from one singer. It's 125 foot lot. Go on the west side and look for my lot across the street. It's not a big deal. It's a beautiful building. So to say because somebody got too close to their to their sideline and built a few town houses, we're going to walk away from hundreds of millions of dollars. That doesn't make any sense. You have to look at what did the impact 10 five floors from floors 10 to 15. We're doing all this drama for that and three potential buildings that have already that may be affected down the road. You need to do what's right for this city and approve this project and follow your staff's recommendations.

The next speaker is David Nisley followed by Erica Davis. Good evening. My name is David Nisley. I live at uh the Martinique 2 West Tower. I'm an engineer and um I have a background in aerodynamics and structural engineering. Uh retired after 44 years at Prattton Whitney. Um, I thought the presentation provided was very slick, but it was also somewhat misrepresented. And I'll tell you why. You cannot assess wind speed by looking at a 2D cross-section. You have to do a vertical and you have to see the position of the buildings both horizontally and set back between them. The wind speed is projected to be up by 27% if that building goes in. Now, how do you reduce wind speed? Wedding cake design as the current ordinance would improve that. Why? The wind has to go either around the building or over the building. And if they would put up the slide that shows the 3D rendering coming from the um ocean side, I will show you exactly what happens with the current building site is it literally puts a funnel on any wind coming from the souththeast. And that wind will funnel to our building. If it comes from the northeast, it'll funnel it to the oasis, the adjacent building. And with wind speed being up 27% you're taking locally a class 2 hurricane in that vicinity of that venturi will be hurricane 44 force wind in the summertime when we have popup storms with wind velocities in the 30 mph gust range it'll be you know near 40 miles an hour the public access walk

between the these properties will be adversely affected. Okay. The other thing is the shading. Reducing the sh the building as it goes up in height reduces shading. Currently, I'm projecting that this building will shade the our ocean villas almost entirely between the hours of 10 and 2:00 in the afternoon during high season. Perpetual shade in southern Florida. In addition, our east pool will also be shaded to some degree. And I urge everybody to to vote against. Thank you. Erica Davis, Eric, excuse me, Erica Davis, Riviera Beach. Sorry, Singer Island, but you all are late to the party. I don't know where you guys are on a weekly basis when we're here fighting for things that we need or what we think that is not right. That building that he wants to build over there, it's on the water. It's by the bridge. It's in a corner. The buildings that that are trying to be built here on Broadway, we have a big impact. It will impact the traffic. It will shadow the small businesses around it. And some of them are going to be built on small properties like this one that you say is going to be built. Frankly, where he has this, it's not going to hurt anything. And if you really want to know the truth about it, environmentally, you guys sit between two bodies of water on sand. The taller the buildings are, the more weight you're putting on the foundation.

L If your buildings are built on limestone, because I've done the study, the salt water is going to erode it anyway and eventually they're going to fall one day. If we get a strong hurricane, you guys are already having sand issues. It's going to get worse. Nobody's talking about that. Miami. Some of the newer buildings on Miami Beach have sunk like 3 in or centimeters or something and they're on a two bodies of water. They're surrounded by water. So, think about that. The taller the building is, the heavier it is on the foundation. I've said this a million times. So, the streets, we already have pipes bursting in the streets. So imagine putting the weight on the streets that we have on Broadway. We don't want these foundations. We don't want these uh buildings on Broadway because we we had what five stories. That was our standard because we are low-lying area. We flood. So that means that's going to be saltwater intrusion on onto that foundation. But nobody's talking about that. So if we're going to match apples with apples, Mr. spiritist. Don't try to gaslight the situation here. If he can't put his building over there, then we shouldn't be putting four tall buildings on one little small foundation that you're going to shadow town homes that are coming up and we shouldn't put the tall 20story building on Broadway on the corner there cuz it's not enough room and you're going to be shadowing the little businesses around it and there's no parking. So, we're going to get technical here. Let's go just really just go into it with two sides of the story here, the pros and the cons of everything. Thank you,

Madam Chair. That's the end of public comment for this item. Uh are there any staff sorry any uh council members in regards to the questions you want to ask of the staff or of the developer? Yes, ma'am. Chair. Yes. Go ahead, sir. Mr. concerns. Did planning and zoning vote on this project? Madam Chair, this time go ahead. Yes, the planning and zoning board did vote and provided a negative recommendation for the project. They did. Thank you. Uh uh one more question, Mr. Surmans. You you were talking about uh uh special exception. How would that work? Madam Chair,

just go ahead. Uh yes, Councilman Gayton did uh make the suggestion of a special exception. We have an existing process that is listed in the code for special exception applications. Uh they are a additional application that is attached to a site plan for any use that requires a special exception and there's a an additional evaluation criteria and the standards of approval are higher. And in those cases, the burden to prove that a project is appropriate for a site is on the applicant and they have to demonstrate and and meet that higher criteria and council has more latitude to deny a use that um would otherwise could potentially be by right. They would have the latitude to deny it as being inappropriate for a specific site.

Madam Chair, yes. Go ahead. So they could come back and do a an application for a spec uh special exception. Correct. And it would not impact all the other properties, Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead.

If the proposed text was amended to say that it is a special exception to request those reduced setbacks, it would require that they submit an additional application and we review um it against the additional established special exception criteria that's in the code. uh so that it could be considered on a sightspecific basis. And any property in the zoning district that wanted to use the um this new language being considered would also have to provide a special exception application and be considered on a siteby-sight basis. Madam Chair, yes, go ahead.

So then it wouldn't be considered uh spot zoning because you'd be giving that opportunity to everybody who has a similar piece of property or a similar situation. Correct. Okay. I I would strongly recommend that the board uh consider a special exception if they're going to vote in favor of this. Any other questions from the board? Yes, Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead, sir. Um I would like to confirm how many properties you mentioned that will actually be impacted if this were to pass tonight. Madam Chair, if I may. Yes. Go ahead.

We have identified five properties that are less than 200 f feet. Um at and at that measurement of less than 200 feet, that's when it begins to get difficult to meet the high-rise setback. Again, depending on the proposed height, but um there's there's five that are um less than 200 feet. And of those five, there are two that are underdeveloped. Two that are recently uh developed and um not likely to be torn down and redeveloped anytime soon because they were developed within uh the last uh 10 to 15 years. Um and then there's one site that's so narrow that it wouldn't be even in consideration um for this type of development because it's it has a single family home on it. It's about 50 feet wide. Uh so it it would not benefit from this.

Okay. Madam Chair, follow up. Yes, go ahead. So, essentially, we're talking about two properties who may be able to qualify for this um if this were to be passed, if they even had an interest. Yes, Madam Chair.

Okay. Um because there was a statement made that um this would impact the entire shoreline as if there were a line of properties that would be able to take advantage of this. But there were only two. Um, so it's it's not the number of properties that probably being suggested here tonight. Uh, Madam Chair, I have another question. Yes, go ahead.

Um, this is a rhetorical question. Did your research does this project comply with the comp plan? Madam Chair, yes.

Okay. Because there was some comments about it doesn't comply with the comp plan, but I served on the PNZ board too and I I I know your diligence when it comes to projects like these. Now sometime it can be interpreted differently that the um codes and laws statutes people can read the same thing and come up with a different conclusion. So I'm not saying that somebody is right or wrong. I'm just saying that you did your due diligence to ensure that this project complies with the comp plan. That's the point I'm making.

Yes, madam chair. those uh questions that were raised were sent to staff uh a while ago and we did go through each one of them and review them according to our comprehensive plan. Okay, Madam Chair. Yes.

Um there were comments about if we receive some type of benefit that it can be construed. It was insinuated like a paytoplay. You know, if you give us a fund, you don't have to comply with the open space. Let let me say this. Community benefits are exercised around the country. Not just in Florida, around the country. Communities have needs. And when a developer come in and they want something waved, the community look at what needs they have in that community and they try to trigger those funds to the needs of the community. That is not pay to play. That is ensuring that your people have what they need in order to have a um comfortable life. that I'm I'm not asking for an agreement or disagreement. I'm telling facts. This is done around the country. That's the point I'm making that this not unique to Riviera Beach. A lot of projects that you see up the city got to benefit from that. So I don't want people to think like Rivier Beach is unique and if they give a contribution to a certain fund that somehow that is what really driving the decision not for me but that decision is made and that's something that we can get that would benefit our community I'm going to accept it and as a matter of fact when it come to

community benefits The top thing on my agenda is water and I'll be asking them about a community benefit to help our water rates. I you know everybody know where I am. This is not going to be something that's hidden. Our water rates about to double in four years. 100%. And a lot of people in our community cannot afford it. Some people are very comfortable. It won't impact them at all. But I know people that lay up at night. I've gotten phone calls, people crying cuz they they can't pay the water bill. Nobody know the experience that some people go through when they don't have resources for the necessities. It's actually heartbreaking. And so I personally know about it and what whatever I can do to help relieve them, I am going to do publicly. Not not in no dark corner trying to cut some deals. No, no. I'm letting you know I'm going to do all I can to get as many resources to help reduce the cost on the residents for this half a billion dollar water plant that the federal government is requiring us to meet certain regulations. We have to pay for it. and we have moderate to lowincome people, many in our community, not not necessarily on the hour. So, Madame Chair, um those are my comments

and I will say this, I will be supporting this project and um you know, I think that it would benefit both the city and the developer. I'm done. Sure. Good. Um Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead, sir. Madam Chair, before we continue to go on, can the applicant answer my questions before we took public comment? Uh, what was that, sir? The applicant is prepared to address my questions before we took public comment. Can they go ahead and do that now, Madam Chair? All right. Yes, go ahead. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Lawson, to answer your your question regarding adarum taxes would be almost I apologize. It would be almost $7 million a year.

Sorry. Uh, sorry, there's people speaking. Madam Chair, um, sir, um, hold on a second. We cannot have outburst in the in the uh audience. We can hear it loud up here if you want to lead and step outside and speak or if we want the officer to escort you outside. We have business to conduct. We are making difficult decisions here and we need to hear both sides to be able to make a decision. So the conversation that are happening in the audience need to be taken outside. Please go ahead sir. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, I'm sorry if you could repeat the number. It's 6 and a half six and a half to 7 million annually would be the adarum taxes created. 6.5 to 7 million annually. Yes. Yes.

Adilum tax. Yes. Mr. Mayor, you brought up community benefits. 2.2 I thought 2.3 2.2 million impact fees. One of my residents spoke earlier about some of the impact to the community crosswalks. I know staff has already talked about that. Matter of fact, years ago, myself and um Councilman Spirit spoke spoke about additional crosswalks. That would be some additional revenue to help with the impact. Mr. Surmans, can you please answer with the impact fees? Where are those fees allocated to when they actually come from these projects? Madam Chair, yes. Um the impact fees are collected through the development process. However, the allocation of them um I'm not the best person to speak on it and I'm not sure if um finance or the manager

does the code require the impact fees go to the area that's being most impacted by the project. Madam Chair, if I may. Thank you, Mr. Evans.

Statute requires you to utilize impact fees in the areas that are impacted. So if they're in the region that it's impacted. So invariably if impact fees are collected associated with this project, the city would look to make those impacts in the surrounding area of the development project. Thank you. So to address some of our residents concerns about the impact of this project, the dollars that's coming in will definitely go to that impact. The annual avalorum that's coming in of 6.5 to 7 million will help with offsetting some of the costs and the increases to infrastructure that we're paying for right now. and with the residents that are truly being impacted. And I understand one resident spoke about the 54% that comes from Singer Island, we'll make sure that those impact fees are addressing the concerns. My staff has already addressed some of the legal concerns in regards to the the comp plan and they've given a recommendation. So again, colleagues, this is a project that fits within our comprehensive plan. We're encouraging development in our community and it's a safe project. It's been working with years. I want us to go with staff's recommendation so that we can generate additional revenue for our community of almost $7 million and realizing that we have a billion dollars of infrastructure development. We have to

sorry we have to make these tough decisions madam chair and that's part of the decision that we have to move forward with because if we're truly going to impact the community by addressing infrastructure we have to have some tough hard conversations and this is one of them. So I would be inclined with my councilman Gayton to support this project as well. Madam Chair, thank you madam chair. Yes. Thank you. manager, of that 6 to7 million um in Avalor taxes, do how much of that comes to the city? That's Madam Chair. Yes, go ahead.

That's a great question. That was the question that I was going to ask. If if you estimate the project to be a 200 and I'm just throwing out a number. I don't know what their their estimated cost or where the taxable value of the project would be, but if it's a $200 million project, the only the revenue that the city would experience associated with our millage rate is roughly about $1.6 million because remember your millage rate is all the other taxing authorities in Palm Beach County. So the millage rate countywide may be 2122, but the city of Rivier Beach's mill rate is 8.3500 mills. And so if you just did a $200 million project, the revenue collection on an annual basis for the city would be roughly about $1.6 million. And that and that happens at the co. So if a construction period takes three years for it to happen, you don't really experience that taxable value until that project is is coed. And depending on when it falls, if it happens before December 31st, it will be on the taxes for that year. If it goes January 1, it gets a whole another year before you actually see it on the on the tax roll.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Is that it? Are we finished with the answer for the mayor? Can I now ask my questions? Can I just do one quick followup? Yes. on my um after everyone else. I wanted to know how this this special exception I know how it works. I'm saying how do we move forward with with it possibly? So that's it for me. Mr. Sus, Madam Chair, if I may.

Yes. Go ahead. If it's the desire of councel, we can insert language between now and second reading stating or or um with the effect of requiring any um projects that would like to utilize the reduced setbacks to also apply for or to apply for it through a special exception. And uh that would be a part of the ordinance and and it would be an easy additional addition of text between now and second reading if that's the desire of council

and and as stated we already have a process in another chapter of our code that outlines how the special exception process works. It would uh require based on that I believe it would require the applicant to then submit a special exception application to have their site plan considered under the additional criteria. So there may be a gap between approving this ordinance and when you see this particular project before you if it's your desire to only consider this reduced setback under a special exception application. Madam chair. Yes.

Follow up. Um, I'm okay with them having to do additional since it didn't go to back to planning and zoning and since it did not get approved, I I'm okay with them having to do additional um an additional submission. Madam Chair,

yes. Go ahead. Uh, Director Surmans, just as a point of clarity. So, you're saying that in the event that they wanted to or in the event that the board wanted to explore the special exception process that they would that would be applicable as it relates to the site plan or you would look to make modifications to the existing ordinance to facilitate that before second and final reading. both, if I understand your question correctly, um if we added that language that reduce setbacks um would only be uh considered under a special exception, uh they would have to then submit a special exception application so that their site plan would have both of those uh reviews included before it comes to council. So, it would be an additional application if that's what the ordinance requires.

Yes. Go ahead. Clarification, please, Mr. sermons and so is it your position that they would have to amend this language that is in the current ordinance so that you could properly advertise that it's a special exception and then have the public hearing on that because it's currently not in this title. Correct. And uh first readings are not uh required to be advertised for that reason. So there is flexibility for the board to consider an item, hear public input, and determine if you want to make modifications to it, and then on second reading, it would be advertised uh with the final intended changes based on this conversation. Yes,

but you also have to go back to planning and zoning, I believe. So to follow if that's what's put in place for the process, I believe this um even though there wouldn't necessarily be changes to the proposed site plan, the special exception criteria does require a public hearing and it has a process outline for it. So it is my belief that it would need to go to the planning and zoning board after that's submitted. Um but of course I would um verify all of those things to um to be sure. But um based on what I'm hearing now and the process that we have built, if it's a special exception approval, PNZ would need to weigh in on it prior to city council. Madam Chair, if I may. Yes, go ahead.

Also, one thing to to consider is if the application would wish to go through the special exception process, they may not be willing or wishing to go through that particular process. So that that would be a question if that's a desire that the board is is thinking about. That would be a question that should be posed to the applicant in the event that that is a a pathway on this item. Madam Chair, yes. Go ahead.

I don't agree with the city manager. I don't know how you can tell us that we should be listening right now to the developer to make this decision on what we on which way we want to move forward with this. This is a decision. Let me finish please. This is the decision by this city council that has the authority whether to accept this text amendment or send it back to go through the process again to go through planning and zoning and be and be voting on as a special exception rather than pushing this through right now and then having to start the process all over again after the uh second reading. Madam Chair, if I may provide some clarity.

Yes. that the board does have and has always had the authority to to vote the item down as it is. The applicant has an ability to say they they feel comfortable with, you know, rolling the dice with regards to what's before the board or they can decide to say we're going to look to go through the special exception process. That's all I was communicating is that if the board votes the item up or down, you have that ability to do that. But if it's a situation where the board is considering to have them go through a special exception process, that is something that the applicant has to agree to as well. I'm sure.

Well, uh, the the applicant really isn't going to have an option. We have the ability to amend this right now to amend the motion that's on here to require them to go back through the special exception. Then the developer would have to decide whether they want to go through the process or not. But we have the ability to make that amendment right now to the motion that's before us and require them to go through special exception which clearly will not impact the entire oceanfront. We would be able to look at each project on its individual merits. Madam Chairman, are you?

Yes. Go ahead, sir. Um, I was the one that brought up the special exception before realizing how many properties it actually would impact. It won't be impacting the entire shoreline. I won't be supporting a special exception. It was an option that I threw out before I realized that only two properties would be impacted. and and I think that it would be unnecessary um to go through this special exception because the impact that it would have on the shoreline, the properties on the shoreline would be only two. I'm um you know, we're talking about it's going to impact the entire shoreline. No, it's not.

That is misleading. And it's not accurate. Two properties. Can I finish?

When we give people the impression that a whole shoreline is going to be impacted, that changes the narrative because that's what I thought when I threw out the special exception. But then I realized that that wasn't the case and there's no need to go through a special exception because it won't have a major impact on the shoreline. So I'm I'm not feeling this now. the show um the special exception is a a viable option, but certainly council can vote how they want, but I think that we need to move forward as is because it would only impact two properties and that is not the entire shoreline and there's no guarantee that they would even exercise their right to use this tax amendment.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, hold on a second. We have about one minute left in our discussion and we have to call the question. Madam Chair, I have the right to speak before we I have some more qu This is a very important issue on Singer Island. I would like to get my questions asked and answered. That is fine. We have 30 minutes according to Robert Rules of Order in terms of discussion. According to Robert's rules and order, I have the right to speak three times for 10 minutes. Listen, understand Go ahead.

Okay. Uh Mr. Surmans, you know, I I respectfully disagree with you saying that it's only two properties that are being impacted. We know that there are many older buildings that are already being approached by developers to be purchased. So, it's going to affect more than the two vacant lots that you're referring to right now. We know that the Sea Dunes, for example, is one that's already uh up for sale and and negoti being negotiated. And as I said before, if we pass this ordinance, we're giving that property, which can be built under our zoning code, the ability to build more on their property. Uh I think that a special exception is very important and even if it were two building two lots even if it was two lots you're impacting four bu four buildings besides the two buildings that are being built. It's not just the two lots. It's the buildings next to it that are also being impacted. So it's not just those buildings. So it is impacting the entire shore especially those people that have been in those buildings uh for years. Uh thi this is a very important issue and I think that a special exception is probably the best way to go. Uh I would like to make a can I ask council council?

Uh yes. Could I have uh commissioner Miller Anderson speak first and then I'll enterain your motion. Go ahead.

Um I kind of have sat here and listened to both sides and I've listened to all of the speakers that have come up. I know this is a first reading. Um, and there are some concerns that are being presented. There are things that have been thrown out about the special exception, the variance, and all of these different things. Um, I'm not in favor of killing it tonight. I am absolutely open to at least getting it through tonight and then being able to work out whatever issues that we may see being an issue. we always have the second reading. If if we can't get this off, then you always have a second reading to be able to say no. Um so I think we have a great opportunity here. Um but at the same time, I do hear the residents I'm hoping that they're able to have a conversation. Maybe there's some other issue that may be causing some of the hesitation because if we have other um buildings to the south that are even closer, I don't know that that's really the issue. So, I I would like to see us come out with the true issue of what the problems are and and really talk about them and see how we can meet somewhere in the middle with the residents obviously um those who are being impacted. So, I I I will support it tonight, but I absolutely want to make sure that both sides have an opportunity to talk, see if it's something that can be worked out. Um, and then on second reading, if we can't get past it, then, you know, obviously it may not make it through. But for tonight, I think we have an opportunity to be able to have some conversation and and work this out. Thank you.

Yes.

Well, I'm sure that just like me that many of us have gotten the emails from a lot of the residents that are concerned about the infrastructure, that are concerned about traffic, um, shadows. not you know that's not my biggest issue but you know they do have some concerns about how it will impact daytoday I mean and I understand you know there's it's the island and I know it's already congested and I'm sure you know the same thing that attracted you know the residents there to the island is is what's attractive to others that are trying to come as well. Um but you know they've shared a lot of their you know of the concerns. Um but I am in agreement with the special exception. So I'm ready for that to be at least.

All right. Very good. So Madam Chair, hold on a second. This is how we'll do this. Um there's a motion on the floor and we got a second for it. You want to amend the motion that is on the floor? Yes, I do. I just want to check with council. We would have to have a vote on that amendment. I just want to check with council to see if I can make the motion. Go ahead. Um, Madam Chair, hold on a second. I don't check with council. Uh, council, uh, can you tell me can I make a motion right now to amend what's on the floor? Who I'm sorry, who made the motion? Can I can I make a motion to amend the ordinance that's before us right now? That uh,

I understand the question. I'm asking who made the motion. Miss Miller Anderson. And I second. You second the motion. Right. I think you can you can make the motion the motion. You can you can have an an amendment to the motion. You have to get a second to that. And then you see if it passes and if it does not then the original motion on the floor still stands. Okay. Very good. Okay. Madam chair.

Yes. Go ahead. I'd like to make a motion first that the project must be located on a minimum lot size of 2 acres of land excluding wetlands west of the uh coastal control line. Number one. Number two, the project must have a minimum of 150 ft abuing North Ocean Drive. That's number two. Number three, project must include a seaw wall along order. Madam Chair, point of order, Madam Chair. Hold on. Hold on. Um, point of order. He can He can make a motion how he wants to. It has to be voted on regardless. Go ahead.

Right. Project must include a seaw wall along the easternmost construction edge of the developed area, the entire length of the property, north to south. Number four, any funds provided from the developer uh for parks or other city issues must be spent in district 4. Uh and also that the uh the amount of money be changed to $150,000 per 0.25 25 acres because right now just so that madam chair point of order please I'm in the middle of making a motion madam chair point of order madam madam chair I'm calling for a point of order madam chair chair this is the chair speaking let him finish his motion madam chair I'm calling for a point of order I'm not going to let him finish his

I am not recognizing that point of order mayor that's not how Robert's rules works madam chair that is parliamentary parliamentary procedure says that you recognize the point of order madam chair no I don't have to the amendment must be gerine to this item this item is Germaine is absolutely Germaine. Uh have you finished the motion? No, I haven't. I haven't finished it yet. And I also uh would like to add number five that this project be consisted as a be uh uh be sent back as a special exception which would then give us the ability to come back and and do just what we're doing right now and approve the project if we want. All right. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second?

Pass. What's that? Um, okay. Go ahead. That's for lack of a second. Let us go move to the next motion of the original motion on the floor. Please, Madam Clerk. Council person Davis Pier. No. Council person Gon. Yes. Chairperson Miller Anderson. Yes. Council person Dr. Spiritz. No. Chairperson Laneir. Yes. The item passes with council person Dr. Spiritis and council person Davis Pier dissenting.

Um staff, thank you for your presentation. Thank the developers. There's a lot to work out between now and the second reading. So please uh get with our staff and and definitely have another community meeting with the people who are most affected by this. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead, sir. For clarity on Madam Chair, for clarity on Robert's rules, when a portter order is raised, the chair does have the ability to either take the point well taken or to not take it taken, but you have to give the member an opportunity to discuss the point of order. You do not give me a clear opportunity to tell you what my point of order was. So that's Robert's rules, Madam Chair, just for clarity sake. All right. Very good. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Uh let us move to public comment. We have uh went over uh our motions. We have our public comment. Okay. Public comment shall begin at 7:30 p.m. Unless there is no further business of the city which event shall begin sooner. In addition, if any item is being considered at 7:30 p.m., then comments from the public shall begin immediately after the item has been concluded. Please be reminded that the city council board has adopted rules of decorum governing public conduct during official meetings. There has been that has been posted here in the front. An effort to preserve order. If any of the rules are not adhered to, the city council chairperson may have any disruptive speaker or attendee removed from the podium from the meeting and or building if necessary. Please govern yourselves accordingly. Madam clerk, how many public comments do we have?

Madam Chair, we have 14 public comment cards. The first three. Andrea from the city clerk's office. We'll call the names. Who's that again?

Andrea Joseph from the city clerk's office. The first speaker that we have is Lloyd Brown. Followed by Annette Dragon and Loseman. What I have to say is uh you are very rude. I'm talking about the council head. You are very rude. And you select who you want to enforce your rules to and that's not right. I don't know how you could say this, but I think the head of this place should be changed. That's you. you should be moved out because you are rude to your own members, your own council people. And anyway, I ain't come up here to talk about that. I came up here to talk about the water just like God and he's not in here. Let me tell you something. I don't know how many times you people came out and calibrated these uh new water meters. My neighbor, she's like really old. They sent her a bill 000. So, okay, she figured she didn't have to pay anything. But when she when my other neighbor called over here because he's younger and he called they told him they made a mistake and then he has to pay that. She has he has to pay that because it has 00 to pay the bill. So my neighbor who doesn't call over here, she thinking it's okay cuz she's a senior. So she said it's okay. And then the next bill she get is double and she's on a fixed income because you people don't even try to get out here. Now let me tell you all those singles island people that came over here. You didn't have to get them no hot dogs and hamburgers. But you got to give if you going to have anything like you had that at the park as far as the police station and all that. Most of the people in my neighborhood don't even know you going to get rid of Barracuda Bay. Why don't you give out hamburgers

and hot dogs and then bring that up over there instead of naming a street after Felder? I mean, I can understand these people from Singers Island. They live over there. They may not want that. But you up here and then with your mayor. Okay. You say I can't talk about He remind me of Gerbal, propaganda man for uh for Hitler. Gerbal, that's what he did. He talked like everything was great. And that's how y'all do up here. I know y'all don't know anything about Gerber. And then you know another thing I'mma say this right quick. We can't go over the bridge over there. We can't fish off the bridge. We can't go the other bridge. You know what? That's a subtle way of Jim Crow coming back. And the only person that talked to me about that is the white guy up there. He's the only one that talked about it. I didn't hear you, you or none of y'all talk about it. Hey guy, I appreciate you talked about the water because my neighbors having problems and how many meters in this place been calibrated and how many how I want to know what they call that f freedom of information act. I want to know how many people having problems with their meters and y'all should bring that up at the next utility meeting. I'm talking about everybody that's having a problem because everybody in my neighborhood talking about the bill and it is too high. 70 something dollars for a dog on sewer. How do you regulate that? Next speaker is Annette Dragon, all about Bane Loman and Darren Cumins. Hello everyone. I think you're getting a bit fed up with seeing me up here every meeting. First off, this proposed building of multi-story developments either on Singer Island or on this side of the waterway is ridiculous. What you're actually doing is putting a whole lot of strain and pressure on the

infrastructure system which is badly needed in terms of renovations, refurbishment, and everything else. Again, congratulations on approving the water plant construction. That's badly needed. But instead of doing all these planning and zoning meetings and approvals or not approvals and easements and 20 ft from each story and all that, before you even get that far, why don't you charge any potential developer $10 million, $5 million, whatever number, million dollar to take the pressure off the population that pay the taxes here. They're going to be using the water can to build their 10, 20, 30 buildings, parking lots, road resurfacing, and everything else. But we, the taxpayers, your constituents, are actually paying for it. An observation, different subject this time. I noticed that there are a lot of advertisements for events like the library reopening and other things that are going on in the community, but you're not actually inviting non-black. You've got black models in your photographs. I live in Riviera Beach. I use the library, but I go to Palm Beach Gardens to the library because I don't feel welcome at the one that we've just reopened. And that's because the ads were all black. Can we please have some multicultural advertising? Not much to ask. We live here, too. And finally, back on to the money situation. I would like to know how much money in dollar amount all of you are appropriated on an annual basis. Um, we

see what you spend, but we don't know what you're actually allocated. When are we going to find that out? Please. Thanks very much. Thank you for your comments. Next speaker is Bane Lisman followed by Darren Cumins and Sydney March.

Uh some of you were curious like why did I care about the Amir hotel? I had filed a complaint against the former development director Mary McKini in 2014 with public corruption office because Dipo the developer had sold her his house in Yacht Harbor Manor for $180,000 and the house was appraised like around 400,000. Interestingly, Mary McKinn who bought Dipro's house for 180 grand. She sold it for 950,000. So there was SEA and others were concerned why why was Dip Bro keep getting an extension on a site plan that should have timed out. He got like a 10-year extension because I believe Mary McKini was corrupted by that house. Um the city in my taking case imply like oh well maybe he could have applied for a variance to develop this property. applied for a variance and the development special magistrate denied it a few weeks ago. Obviously, your outside city attorneys misled the court because any of you up there know that an administrative remedy cannot change a land use designation or zoning code that can only be done by the legislative body. So, we had to go through that whole dog and pony show when it says quite clear in the code. says you know development special mag can't give any special exception you cannot change the land use designation from special preservation to residential or the zoning that's a decision for the legislative body now I have a another 14 property that we're going to go through the same special magistrate process 14 you know another 13 or 13 times it doesn't make sense it's just a waste of taxpayers money having to do having to bring it do all this dog and pony pony show when the when the city should say you're right our code says administrative hearing officer or in this case

development special magistrate cannot change land use or zoning designations regardless of what our outside council had to say when we refile my case and when other property owners in the lagoon refile their cases one of these days you may not be up there but one of these days we're going to have to get paid because the deed that was sold by the state of Florida gave development rights with it and that's how 317 homes are built and built. When this land was plotted back in 1850, it was dry and it was a lake. The reason it became partially submerged was when they dug the inlet tides came in and that the volume of water went up. But when it was it was never submerged land when this when the state got in statehood in 1845, it was always dry land. And then when they dug a trench to steal fill material from our properties and give them to the condos across the street, it caused erosion into that trench. When people say these were sovereign submerged land, they absolutely were not. You can look at maps and see they were dry land back in the 1850s.

Next speaking is uh Darren Cummings, Sandy March, followed by Erica Davis.

Good evening. My name is Darren Cummings and I'm here tonight to talk about Old School Reunion. Uh for nine years, Old School Reunion is an event that has grown into more than just a festival. It was a cultural experience, an economic driver, and a celebration of Riviera Beach. Old School Reunion was created with one mission in mind, to bring our community together in positive, safe, and memorable way. It celebrates music that connects generations, parents, grandparents, young adults, all in one space, enjoying something uplifting and nostalgic. But beyond the entertainment, the event produces measurable impact. Each year, we attract thousands of attendees who support local vendors, restaurants, hotels, transportation service, transportation services, and small businesses. This means real dollars circ circulating right here in Rivera Beach. Local entrepreneurs gain exposure, hospitality workers gain shifts, vendors generate revenue. The economic ripple effect is significant. More importantly, Old School reunion promotes community pride. It shows that Riviera Beach can host large-scale, organized, and well-managed events that reflect the excellence of the city with proper planning, security, coordination and city partnership. We continue to raise the standard each year. We are not just asking to host an event. We are proposing a partnership. A partnership that ensures proper security planning, response, crowd management, cleanup and environmental respect, local vendor inclusion, youth and community engagement opportunities. Our goal is long-term sust sustainability to make Old School reunion a signature annual event that

people across South Florida recognized as a River Beach staple. The event is about legacy. It's about showing that River Beach support culture supports business and supports safe structured community experience. I respectfully ask for your continued support, collaboration as we plan the next old school reunion. Together, we can create something that not only entertains but elevates the city. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you.

Next speaker is Cindy Marge, followed by Erica Davis and Loretta Paul. Good evening, council. I'm so glad that this water plant is moving forward. The utility director told me that you all will be having a cutting ribbon next Wednesday. That's what I'm here for because, you know, I had an associate. She called me last week. She said, "Cindy, they said my water bill was just $100." I said, "You better go over there and talk to them. Don't talk to nobody on no phone. You go find out who you're going to be speaking with and find out about your bill because something was down." And sure enough, she called me last night. She said, "Cindy, you was right. My water bill doubled. It was over $200. We got to do better with transparency. We got to do better not misleading the residents." That's what I fight so hard for. But you all want to talk about corruption. Corruption is right here in the city of River Beach. It's not going nowhere. And you need to re you need to revise this this here what you got going on about the quorum because you all was very well out of order tonight. And I don't want y'all to feel like I just take up for Dr. Glenn Spiritis. But a lot of you all don't don't even have a knowledge about building and you all cut this man off so much. It's very disrespectful to him. I wish I had somebody in my district that supported us like he support Singer Holland. We put you all in office for a reason. And these people are going to remember this and you all know Singer Island vote more than anybody on the west side, the east side of town. This man dirt deserve better. All of you all except Mrs. Miller was very rude to Glenn Spiritus. Very rude for no reason at all because he asking hypothetical questions for his residents that fought so hard to put him

in place where he's at. Whether we like each other or not, it's called respect. If you respect me, I'm gonna respect you to the utmost. If I'm wrong, I will always say I can be the bigger person. I have been the bigger person, but it's enough already. This not what this is about. We sat here for over an hour going back and forth. Your mind, some of your minds are already made up and we have to respect that. That's why you all sitting where you're sitting. But it's at a cost. You all have to be very mindful who will pursue with you all and trying to keeping them from talking. That's their freedom of speech. Whether you like it or whether you don't like the person or you DO LIKE THE PERSON, allow each person to speak and stop interrupting them. We wasting too much time. It's enough already. And I'm so happy that this water plan is moving forward and talking about that that plan that you all got going on Sing Island by building. You all going to find yourself in hot water like the Emirates. you see what's going on with the Emirates. And I also would like to know, are you all going to pay Randon Sherman with the taxpayers money or with the insurance money because he is suing for $500,000. Let's put that on the agenda. Let's talk about something cuz it's going to affect the taxpayers. Have a great night.

Next speaker is Erica Davis, followed by Loretta P and uh Barb Hansen.

Erica Davis, Rivier Beach. Let's talk about this money. Okay, residents, I'm going to give you some some golden nuggets here. We are about to go into I can say close to a billion dollars in debt when it comes to our government facilities and all of the uh projects on this side of town, all of the condominiums and stuff. It sounds good, but they won't be built for another few years. So, just like Mr. Evans said, it's going to impact us financially. So, we need to tighten up on these purse strings. We need to eliminate some of these activities. We need to eliminate people coming in here asking for money because all of this stuff is falling on us and we need to be as tight as possible. Another thing, Mr. Evans, I need to know how much debt exactly that we're going to be in just just with the uh government facilities. And I want to know if you can get your investment guys to give us some insight if we can go and invest in a like global investments. If the government if our government can invest in global imp investments, I know that West Palm gave bought Israel bonds. Are we allowed to invest globally like that? Because we're going to have to wait on extra tax money before these these uh projects grow up. So, we're going to need some money. But you guys got to stop bringing people in here talking about spending our money cuz we don't have any. And all of these activities, if you're going to have activities, make sure you charge. All of this free stuff, it has to be cut out. We got to tighten up. Y'all got to learn dollars and cents, investments, finances if you're going to be sitting up here

making these decisions because we're going to be in trouble. These projects sound good, but like I say, economically, the market is not right right now, and we don't know when these people will be able to borrow money. If they're leveraging their assets right now, they might not be able to uh borrow any money because their debts are here. like they they rob the developers robbed Peter to pay Paul. If their debt is up here, they have assets. They're going to take that asset, sell that asset, and try to bring down some of their debt. So, I'm teaching y'all something here. So, Mr. Evans, if you can get back with me about that, about how much debt we're going to be in with the government facilities and if we can do some global investments, if government is allowed to do global investments. Thank you.

Next speaker is Loretta Pop. Um, followed by Barb Hansen and Oddly Diamond. Good evening. My name is Detta Park and I just want to um make a statement to clarify something. Uh Mr. Brody, we had the opening of the library the other week and Mr. Brody is the director of the library. We do have white Caucasian people in our book club that comes to the library. We do. So that statement was in an era because we do have them and we we have a wonderful time. Absolutely wonderful. And maybe you all should come out cuz we have the literature there. So come out and just join us. Another thing I want to talk about is um the police department. They were at uh Washington Elementary reading to the children. That was wonderful. just I saw it on Facebook. It was uh absolutely u enchanting event that they put on and children seemed like they were engaged and uh enjoyed it and that builds a bond between the police and the children and maybe the fire uh chief gird maybe uh you you can have your firefighters EMT paramedics go to a school that would be wonderful thing for our children. Now, I want to talk about this this money,

the vote that was done. You just stated uh Councilman that you know people who are really suffering and sometime they crying to you concerning their water bill. It is going to be astronomical. and for three council people to vote to get this money and where this money needs to stay is in the water department every dime we need. So I just want to know what are you all going to do with this money? Are you going to say pay some water bills? Help seniors just like me give us some water. pay for some water for us. You know, you know, cuz I don't drink the water. Some people may drink this water, but I don't. So, I just want to know if I can, what are you going to do with it? And then, uh, certain person, I know you said we can't say names, said they want to bring the mayor into it. he gets a a a little portion of this money but you know and then we say about respect also council Gayton when you go and said how Mr. uh Sherman didn't respect you and that he was uh he did he lost he was um taken out of work and he was not paid and then you go on to say this man over here

thank you can't do that that's disrespectful and certainly not kind and I thank you so much so much the next speaker is Barb Hansen followed by Oddley Diamond and Ellen Burgerer.

Good evening. I've lost a lot of my supporters here tonight, but if you are here and oppose the proposed development on Singer Island, please stand. Thank you. My name is Barb Hansen. I am a responsible citizen of Riviera Beach living on Singer Island. I come before you today to ask for each of you to also be responsible in the coming weeks, months, years as you listen, discuss, contemplate, and make decisions as it relates to the proposed high-rise developments on Singer Island. I am aware of a formal application that was received by the city a couple of weeks ago to build a 300 ft high-rise at the Blue Heron Bridge. In summary, a really bad idea. I am aware of other proposals that you've received and or and and or may be receiving in the near future for additional high-rise developments on the south side of Singer Island. Again, a really bad idea. Tonight, I will focus on the application received for the proposed 300 ft building at the foot of Blue Heron Bridge. Approving a building of this magnitude could set a damaging precedent and create innumerable negative consequences on Singer Island. Negatively impacting our neighborhoods, negatively impacting our infrastructure, negatively impacting the number one shore dive site in the United States and part of the Palm Beach's worldrenowned snorkeling trail located at Phil Foster Park. Where is the commitment to protect this rare marine environment and beautiful public resource for current and future generations? I ask. Think about the additional marine traffic and docking at this location. Does it not pose an added threat to diver and swimmer safety? What about the added

need for police, fire, and first responders? And especially with one road on and off the island, we already have a huge problem with traffic and congestion. This project expects to add 819 trips a day to the Lake Drive, Blue Heron Boulevard, Ocean Drive area. There are only short turn lanes on Blue Heron onto Lake Drive. There are no turn lanes on Lake Drive onto Blue Heron. This area will be a mess, a nightmare. Oh boy, I'm out of time. In closing, I would like to remind each of you have a direct responsibility to your constituents to serve as our representative, not a developers. Advocate for our needs, not a developers. I would also ask each council member to take a moment and remember how and why they are currently sitting in their seats. Singer Island has a strong turnout at the polls. Sing Singer Island voters change election results. I would ask each of you how votes came from how many votes came from Singer Island.

Thank you so much for your comments. Majority of these votes could go away and the likelihood of reelection is unlikely. Out. Thank you so much. Next speaker is Oddly Diamond followed by Ellen Burgerer and Rochelle Hughes. 310 letters to the city council members in opposition. Thank you so much. Next public comment, please. Madam Chair. Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead. Okay. Can Can we make sure that those letters are put into the record, please? Yes. Very good. Next.

Thank you. Um, Ellen Burgerer and Rochelle Hills. Okay. Next speaker is Rodney Roberts, followed by Dolores Williams and Mary Bram,

Roshelle Hughes.

Good evening everybody. Um, first I do want to say that um, the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson um, it was sad. I I respected him very much. So, I just I'm glad you guys said something and had that tribute to him. That was very nice. Um, where do I start? So, I kind of have a feeling after listening to the planning and zoning meeting the other night regarding another building going over here in the marina, I kind of feel like the CRA in the city is trying to take away this marina from those of us who already live here. Years ago, there used to be a great tiki bar and there were vendors that could sell their stuff. It was great. Nukem Hall was here. Awesome. That got taken down. This got built. Great. Super. Then there was talk about maybe putting a hotel. Great. Super. It would still have open space for your current residents who live here and pay taxes. This is city-owned property which is owned by us, the residents. Now I'm seeing that we want to put in two 20story towers next to whatever is being built here right now. And then you see that, oh, there's going to be even further development to where you're going to take away the marina access or it's being proposed and it looks like you want to take away the marina access to all of us who live here and pay taxes now in hopes to get that tax dollar down

the road. Guess what? in Tallahassee right now they're talking about getting rid of the property taxes or lowering them then what so I I get where we want to bring in money and we want development we want to clean up Broadway I understand but at the same time you're taking away things from your current citizens as it looks now I mean now we have to pay for parking to come here if we're going to just come here but the other buildings. There's going to be parking garages and hopefully retail space and hopefully office space, but who's going to come here? Can the developers tell you who they have signed up? So, I'm more concerned about this being taken away from me being able to enjoy coming over here and and walking this marina and looking at the boats, looking over at Peanut Island, watching the boats out there because you're putting up two 20s story buildings or proposed. It's blocking. It'll block. That's all I Thank you. Next speaker is Rodney Roberts, followed by Dolores Williams and Mary Bram. Dolores Williams.

Uh, go to the next person. Dolores Williams.

Dolores Williams by Mary Brim. Good evening to the council and to the citizen of this great city. I want y'all to give me some information about the CRA why it doesn't come across Australian Avenue on the west side. And I'd like to give a compliment for a young lady, Miss Carol Hester. She did a workshop on teaching health wellness to the seniors. It was very very educational and I think she should get a a plaque or something. She's a her nonprofit. She works here too. So I hope I see her be getting up there getting a good plaque too. And uh I need a quite understanding about you say when they build this building for the millions of dollars we would get one point. How much Mr. Evans?

Uh ma'am could you address us please?

Uh how much would we get? I just want to know. You said until the billing is complete, that's when we will receive it as the citizen. I like to know about that. On uh last Saturday had the garden uh community garden on 10th Street. It was very very good. And again about the water bill, I'm telling you now, I got to get this water bill straight. My water bill be running me like5 or $600. So somebody want to come out and check that meat off. You don't have to come out and check it. Check it. just pay it for me. That's all. Let me know you paid it. But I appreciate that. And some of you know I'm going have to say this about Mr. Spearman. He came out to the garden thing. I didn't see but two councils out there. That's was Davis and Mr. Speman. It was very, very good. And I think he has a heart for this city. Mr. You say don't call no names. I just have to call name because you call my name to come up here. Mr. Gayton, I want to get straight back this water and I want to get straight back cold enforcement. All right. I just want to get all that straight I cleared out from under my name. All right. I want to get straight. Please help the people. I don't understand too much about this bill and y'all saying it. All the money. Why? But all those people that was from Sanger Island here, why y'all didn't let those people get up and express themselves? They all left after you say you going to do it over. But you still should have heard some of their comments. And I don't think that was fair cuz seem like y'all was trying to throw off on Mr. Spearman. But he's an engineer. He's been through all these things. If you can't learn from experienced people, you're not going to learn anything. We all going to know some thing that we

don't know and we going to prosper from it. So let us have the right heart to do the right thing for everybody cuz I'm tell you time going to tell on you it going to come up again. Next speaker is Rodney Roberts followed by Mary Bram.

Good evening Rodney Roberts River Beach residents. Uh back in November, uh back in November, uh the city manager said in reference to the city hall project that he was going to bring a resolution back at the next meeting. Uh that was going to include his uh his uh uh negotiated negotiation committee, the people that he wanted to submit for the negotiation committee. After that, you all would have a chance to uh get with the negotiation committee, iron out what it is that you all wanted to submit as far as what you all wanted to be a part of the project. It is February. I don't believe that the resolution came or and we I would like to know what is going on with that project. uh because he didn't say anything about public input. So, I guess maybe he's putting it on us or putting it on you as the representatives of the public to get out to the public and y'all might get our suggestions from that on that end. But I guess it should be both ways where he would be telling us, hey, this is what's going on and getting our input from the community and you all could do the same thing. But uh that was in November. The resolution was to come back the next meeting. That's what he said. And it's February. So what are we doing? Oh, excuse me. To my to my neighbors, I want to publicly apologize because I was keeping chickens and I got them from babies. We have a a tractor supply store here in Riviera Beach. That's my understanding. They sell chickens. I bought some babies. Few of

them happen to be roosters. They make a lot of noise. It's crazy. My point is that now I'm in trouble with the city because I bought chickens in the city that I can't keep. There are a lot of communities that allow for you to keep chickens. They against roosters, but the chickens should not be a problem as far as I'm concerned. if you guys could uh make some way where it's okay for us to have backyard chickens without the roosters because I don't want to be subjected to whatever treatment the the egg producers are doing to their chickens. I like to feed my own chickens and have my own so I can provide for myself and I think that that's a part of you know this community as well. Uh thank you.

Last speaker is Mary Brown. Good evening, Miss Mary Bram River Ria Beach. Uh, first of all, thank you all for moving that along. We must move this city here. We must. It is a burden on all of us. The Holocaust, the Native Americans, the Civil Rights Movement. We all had those struggles there, but we survived. We're still standing here today in our generation and generation and generation. They were carried it on. I always say what's good for the goose is good for the gander. We can't just keep saying that when it comes over on this side, you could put everything over on this side, but don't touch that over there. See, we are homeowners here, too. We pay taxes. We told we we we pay our home insurance, all other kinds of of insurance and we bear those burdens there. Miss Bram is poor. I tell everybody when I speak, I'm poor. So look at Miss Bram. Yes, I'm poor, but I make it because I know my obligations depend on me making it one way or the other. I get so tired of just hearing whining, whining, whining, whining, whining all the time. We live in a city is whereas we got to move things. But I always say it's how we move them in order that's predicated on every last one of us. And and I'm for one and I know the others that looks at this city too, they want this city to move on, but they want it to move on. so that everybody can say

that they are a part of this city. I've been decades and every time we say single island comes in here, everybody caves in, gives them what they want. Why don't you fight for all of this over here? Make sure that that's in the same category. You're always giving them what they want, but it should be no division. See, they think that they have all the monies, but it's some just on this side over here that has monies, too. We can't keep separation. This is what caused a whole lot of separation. I heard the lady stand up here and say, "Oh, oh, oh, oh, your votes are predicated on on them over there." See, see, see, that's that's that playbook. That's that playbook that they gives you when you do not meet their demands. And that's wrong. That's wrong. They want to continue to to be separated as long as they get what they want TO GET. THE HELL with Miss Graham's children OVER HERE. THE HELL WITH THE seniors over here. The hell the hell with building up up over here.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you. It's time for that. I didn't get I didn't get I didn't get to this. Yes. Thank you because that just annoyed me. Thank you. Thank you so much. Uh Mr. Evans, could you address some of the issues that were raised by the residents, please?

Yes, Madam Chair. Um, I believe Director Neman uh communicated at the last utility district meeting with respect to the uh the age and the frequency when the meters are calibrated and stated that um our our meters in the grand scheme of things are are fairly new. But uh over the next couple of years that that's something that the utility district will have to do. But I'll make it a point to ask Director Neman and his staff to make contact with Mr. Brown to see if there's some specific issues that we can look to address. Uh there was also another remark about uh the burden of the utility and uh fees and associated with that and one of the things that we have brought before the board and we will have continuing conversations with the board is about the institution of impact fees. impact fees is a way that you can reduce the actual burden of the um the water plant on the rateayers and the more we collect in impact fees uh we can defay some of the cost uh that the rateayers will see in in subsequent increases. Um the the next com the next comment was with respect to investment policies or investment in global investments. Um the city has an investment plan and anything that's provided for in the investment plan uh the city has to adhere to that that's statutoily. Anything that um is outside of that plan is strictly prohibited. And so I would have to take a look at that investment plan, but most likely it doesn't allow for um investments that are risky investments. Um but I I will look at that and and provide another response. Um the comment was another comment about the utility or the marina district. I would encourage uh residents to attend the February 25th meeting of the CRA when the uh Marina Village project is going to be discussed. That particular

discussion will kind of put into context what is going to happen here at Marina Village. Um, the high-rise development that was referenced would be adjacent to the development that you see going on on the property right now, but the intent behind the development here at the Marina District is to create almost an activity center where you would have shops, restaurants, and the like. Things to create what is a pseudo downtown feel in this particular area. and also making sure that we preserve some of those viewing corridors and some of the um amenities that we have here because it is a working uh marina and so we do want to make sure that the public still has access to the marina operations but it really is intended to create synergy with regards to that. There was another question about the expansion of the CRA. In order to expand the CRA, there's a study that has to be done. The county has to agree with it. So, it's a pretty arduous process and I know that the CRA has had discussions about, you know, CRA boundaries over the past couple of years, but uh it is not just something that the city has the ability to do. They have to work with the county and you have to identify a need and identify that there is a demand for that and then uh go through that process. Um there was a question about the um revenue that would be collected if the property that was discussed later on today was to be placed on a tax roll. Um I gave you a number of roughly about $1.6 million. That's at a um appraised value of about $200 million. So depends on um the the cost of of that particular property once it does hit the tax role as to what the city would see. And then depending on when it does hit the tax roll, it is a um that's when the the revenue would come into the city, but that could be

three to four years depending on the construction period. Um I will also have staff go out to um the resident about their their water bill. Um there shouldn't be a situation where their water bill should be $500. So we'll we'll take a look at that. Um the there was another question about the negotiation team for city hall. That project is under the cone of silence. I did bring that resolution before the board to facilitate a negotiation committee. Uh we have had two meetings. Once we get to what we believe to be at least terms, we will have conversations with board members to have discussions about what are some of the terms proposed and then invariably have an item that we'll have a discussion with the board about what deal terms are before we get into um any agreements. And so th those meetings are forthcoming. And then there was a a question about uh chickens and um the hens. Um there are some cities uh in other areas of the state of Florida that do allow for that. Uh but I think our code may have a prohibition against uh hens and specifically roosters. You can't have roosters. Um but we can certainly take a look at that and see if we can um try to address that in in the most appropriate fashion.

Madam Chair, um the the resident mentioned um workshops for the uh for city staff and residents regarding the um city hall complex. Is that still going to take place? Because that is something that was said. Madam Chair,

yes, go ahead. Um we would after we would get to what are close to what are deal terms uh we will facilitate you know conversations and discussions but we would have to get to a a good point as it relates to an agreement um once we no different then with the utility district now that we're moving forward with the water plant we are going to facilitate some community conversations about the utility district what the impact's going to be to the residents and those types of things. So when we get closer to what can be deal terms and what the the development schedule timeline, what the facilities are, we would certainly facilitate conversations with the community so they're informed of the project moving forward.

Okay. You just mentioned in the water plant we're talking about city hall. Is that what Madam Chair, if I may? Yeah. I was just communicating once we got the water plant approved then we are going to have additional conversations with the community so they know what the impact is. So we don't have right now the construct of what the city hall deal is going to look like. And so once we get a better understanding of the phase of the construction, the timeline, what the ask is for the city, what the developer going to do, what are the facilities that are going to be on the campus, there will be subsequent conversations that we would have as part of the development process with the community and with the board. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

We go to our next item, Madam Clerk. Madame Chair, we are on item number 12. Item 12A under discussion and deliberation. Discussion of special event program matters.

Madame Chair, if I may, I think the next we have a special event. Yes. Go ahead. Yes, we have special events discussion.

Okay, Madam Chair, members of the board, if I can ask for the assistant city manager as well as the special events um manager to come up and share with the board uh with regards to special events and special events uh programming. U we had this this is a this is listed on the agenda as a discussion of special events programs. When I first received the agenda for tonight, it had about six or seven different asks in terms of helping out for an event. Um, some private, some public, some forprofit, some not. Um, I think that we need to get to a place where we have one policy on how we going to address these types of asks. Um, I think that the special events manager told me that she have at least up to 20 organizations or businesses asking for money from the city to be able to provide events in the city. Um, we've had this conversation, but not really. I think that when we get to having to entertain 20 different organizations or businesses in terms of what the city is going to

give them to put a event on in the city, then we need to start talking about a policy for that. And I understand that uh the public wants more events uh and that's that's fine, but we have to as a city and as a board determine how we're going to move forward with these sponsorships because what happens is that you will open the floodgates for every nonprofit, every for-profit business to be able to come to the city and ask for money. So, we need to have some understanding of how we're going to address that. We're talking about and then we get into the point of you got 400 million for a water plant, 45 million for for a uh police station, you got 20 million, 25 million that went to two police station, which is 50 million, another fire station is being built. Uh city hall 230 million. So, we're looking at a lot of money. So we have to be very clear about the policy we want to set for organizations for businesses to come and solicit the city for money because what's h what's going to happen is that we will have 10 or 15 every uh meeting to ask for money. So we need to have a conversation about what that looks like. And I say that because we have and I took them off of the agenda for a purpose. I took them off of the agenda because I didn't want the board to be blindsided by seven different organizations on it and you have to make a decision right then about it. So, we need to have some guidelines for special events to be able to either look at these uh uh special event uh permits,

what their ask is, what they want from the city, what they're willing to do.

Um because we are we can't keep doing this. We can't keep having items on the agenda for sponsorship and we have no clue as to how we're going to proceed with this. Um, we talked about all different types of scenarios. We talked about if you want us to give you money, then what do we get back? We talked about, um, there are a lot of inind services like police and fire and fencing, but that costs money. That's overtime money. So, we need to be able to be clear so that these types of asks when they come before us, we know exactly what we're going to do. And if we have a policy, they don't need to come before us. But I did not want to put us in the position tonight where we had to make a decision about an event that an organization or a business is asking us for money. Um so Mr. Evans, you want to kind of kind of put a little bit a little bit more on the conversation that you and I had with special events um in regards to what it's going to look like for the city and what discussion we need to have about that. Yeah, Madam Chair, if I may. Yes, go ahead.

So, I'll tee up the the conversation. So, um and the special events manager can can definitely correct me if I'm wrong. Um we have about 20 events that are currently requesting anywhere from $500 worth of sponsorship to $180,000 worth of sponsorship. Whether it be in kind, whether it be cash contribution, whether it be partnership, those particular types of arrangements all vary over all the different applications. There is certain things that are provided for in your policy that prohibit certain activities and require vendors to in fact pay for services specifically when it comes to public safety. The biggest challenge and the biggest hindrance for the event organizers they will tell us is the cost for public safety because of the cost for the amount of officers, the amount of fire personnel, what is necessary to be able to do on to do an event. Um so in most cases that is the the the biggest issue when it comes to event organizers and routinely that's the the main principal complaint that we get. And so instead of right now the policy allows for provides for that these items come before the board and the board then authorize these items going forward. So we wanted to have a conversation with the board to put forth what is a way to facilitate private providers doing events that can complement the events that the city does. Is there a pathway forward that says, "Okay, if you want to get a sponsorship for an event, there's an application process that happens once a year. You give us your events. We then look at all the information and the sponsorship is for instance, and this is

just for conversation sake, not to exceed $5,000. That $5,000 could be to offset and defay public safety costs or it can be for marketing and promotion and the like. Or is there a situation where if it is a large-scale event, the city is a bonafide partner that if you ask for $10,000 that the city will say, "Okay, if you're charging for alcohol or gate, the city will be a 50/50 partner until the revenue that the city put forth is received. And then the profits, we can get into a different type of an arrangement. But the city's contribution to take the risk is recaptured. And so we are looking at different situations like that that we wanted to get the board's appetite to facilitate some type of way to allow for private providers to come in and do quality events and then ultimately look to address some of the application processes that go through the special events process because you know you're talking about insurance and and documents and you know whole harmless agree there's a whole bunch some nuances to that. And so really what special events is looking for is kind of what the board's appetite is because we do have an ordinance and then in the ordinance it does we do have a manual and a policy that is prescribed as what it is. But right now the nature of the events that we have really don't jive and connect well with the policy and the the speed in which some of the event organizers want to go. a lot of the work takes an exorbitant amount of time to to work through. And so I did want to if if Miss Frank uh Edwards wants to provide any additional commentary or remarks associated with that, but that's that's

the crux of the issue. Every ask is different. Every request is different. It's not a a cookie cutter. Um, Madam Chair,

yes, let me say this before uh, Commissioner Gayton, there was a recent event, I won't name it, that received money from the city, but they were charging, which means that what my position is that if you were charging and you got this money from the city, then we should get our money back. I think that's fair. That's just me. I mean, if we're going to give you $200,000 and you have since we serving alcohol, you got $50 at the door, then we should be able to get our money back. That's a true partnership, I think. But for you to get $200,000 from the city and charge and keep all the profits, I don't think that's fair. That's just my position. Um,

yes, go ahead, sir. Yep. It would be easier for me if staff reduced some of their suggestions to writing and gave us time to look them over and make comments. Um, but at 9:30 and we got a 10:00. I I'm not sure if this the right venue, but I would rather get my suggestions in writing and then we can respond back accordingly. then we can have a discussion about what they suggested and what council think would be reasonable or any new suggestions that council may think of but I'm not sure 9:30 right 9 is the right time for this discussion.

I mean I I think that's fair. I think that's fair that I'm sure all of us have some input into how this should look

and you know given that you give us what you think it should look like and then we have our conference about that then I think we can come to a happy medium but we cannot continue to give out funding for paid events where you're charging and we have given you police fire and fencing and um emergency cleanup afterwards and we did I can see that for a nonprofit because you're not there to make money, but you're making money, you know, and I think that if we're going to give money for that, we should be able to recoup some of that. But that's just my opinion, and I think that each board member has their understanding or what they want to see happen with this. So, um, yes, sorry. Go ahead. Um and if you could possibly get um examples from maybe some other municipalities that have done it for a very long time. And the other thing is did we put uh how much money did we put away in the budget for special events?

Madam Chair, if I may. Yes, go ahead. Uh you have budgeted $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 budgeted. And that includes uh our um events that we do or that's just strictly for people to come to us. Madam Chair, if I may. Yes, go ahead. That's strictly for city events in the special events department. So that is for MLK parade, Fourth of July, all that. That is for city special events. We don't have an allocation of money for sponsorships and and the like for people the city council. We did put monies aside for your events, but for persons to enter into sponsorships, we h we don't have monies that are set aside for those types of events and activities.

So, where have we been taking it from? We've when we've assisted or or provided any support, departments have largely absorbed the cost. So, if it's a $4,000 ask for public safety, then the police department or the fire department make the appropriate adjustments in their budget and have been absorbing that cost. No, we we have to have a a budget for that. And and maybe and one of the I think one of the problems that we're having is that

kind of people are coming like a week or two before the event and want to do it. I'm not in favor of that type of stuff. I think we need if you're having some sort of event, you have to start planning it in a decent amount of time, I'm sure. And so I'm thinking when we do have all of these conversation, we have to stick with the deadlines in terms of when it needs to be submitted and if we're going to put money in the budget for this, we need to stick within whatever that budget is. And if that means we have five, say we put in maybe accept applications twice like we were doing for the um the grants, maybe twice a year. the first part of the year we'll if we had 50,000 in the budget we'll do 25,000 for the first part 25,000 for the second part and that's it I mean we can't we have too much we have to do in terms of facility building um especially the water plant I you know I don't want to cut it out all together but we really have to figure out what's important and what's not important and obviously having um events and stuff is important. You want to have that opportunity for families to come together and all of that, but the city is not in a position right now to continue to give monies away. And and I say money, we could say in kind, but at the end of the day, it still is money that has to be spent for the police or whoever the fence or whatever it is that we're doing. Um, so, so we're just going to have to really tighten up on that in terms of identifying exactly how much we want to spend. And when that's it, that's it. We can't just keep grabbing money and absorbing things because we we may be absorbing something, but it's coming from somewhere. And that means something is being shorted. So, I mean, you you want less police on the street and you

want a community vent. I mean, you got to make a decision on what's important. And like I said, I totally agree. It's important to have these community events, but at the same time, we have things that have to be taken care of such as our infrastructure, such as paying people are you have your different um uh unions coming for negotiation of their contract. I mean, there's a everybody's wanting something. So, We have to really take a look at it and but I would like to see just for example what some other places are doing how they do it. Madam chair

let me say one more thing too um before mayor um I also want to say and I'll say again if we give money we need to get it back and we need to be able to get some of the profits too. I mean that's the purpose of you know having these paid events. I mean what do we get out of it? what do the residents get out of it? So, if you know you have an event that you may make a half a million dollars, we want some of that. Um, we want to be able to say that we put this event on and it kind of got us some more money for our projects. I think that's fair as well.

But, I mean, the the staff is going to come back with some other stuff. But I I really think that if we're going to do this, we need to be able to look these taxpayers in the in in the face and say, "Well, we did give 250, but we got that 250 back." I'm sorry. Go ahead, Mayor.

Thank you, ma'am. Miss Millanderson referenced getting some examples. Um, Jas Gardens is a prime example. Uh, Jas Gardens started here on our beachfront. Now, it's making the city of Miami Gardens $7.6 million annually. And that's the partnership that Miss Laneir is talking about. We as a community have to make the investment and we have to be constructive or we have to be creative with the ideas of what we're doing with partnerships. So I I would definitely recommend having staff take a look at what they're doing with Jazz in the Gardens and seeing how we can kind of replicate that because that's generating money for the city in partnerships where they're allowing for outside agencies. We as a community in the city don't specialize in special events. Uh we provide a service to our residents, police, fire, parks, wrecks. special events is not our expertise. So if we're asking somebody to come into our city to do some services, we need to make sure i.e. the speaker earlier, Old School Union's been here 10 years. I'm not sure the total dollar amount of contributions that we've given, but I do know that they haven't generated $500,000. I know that it's getting expensive for these cost when it comes to police, fire, and entertainment. So we have to make sure that we can bring in attractive events, make sure the businesses benefit from them, and generate enough revenue. I have a few questions though. Um, Mr. Evans, we have a groundbreaking next week, Wednesday. Do we require a special events application for that?

Madam Chair. Oh, yeah. Um, I will defer to the special events uh team, but they're shaking their head and say yes. I'm sorry. It's yes. Has one been submitted as of yet? Madam Chair, have answer. And when was that submitted? I'm sorry. Can someone use the microphone, please?

Sure. Um, good evening everyone in your respective places. For the record, my name is Dear George Jacobs. I'm the assistant city manager with the city of Rivier Beach. Um, I believe it was on yesterday the special event application was provided to the executive director of the utility district for him to complete. We don't have another meeting of the board and are we going to be voting on that to approve moving it forward outside of the timelines I said in the special events policy? Um may I

um thank you for the question. That particular special event is not going to require any types of um services um that the city would have to provide. We're working along with Haskell CDM Smith and they're going to absorb any of the costs that are involved. So then why did they submit a special events application? It's because of the type of event that will be taking place, not because of the monies.

Okay. To that same point, if there's a special event that doesn't meet the timeline, there's certain requests and guidelines that are being followed. That's the ambiguity in the policy. That's my concerns with the policy because as a board, we're talking about the money. We've already allocated $500,000. So that'll be my follow-up question is to see where the budget is currently. But in regards to the policies, I want to clear up any ambiguity with this policy. Make sure it's clear and concise. So you're saying that because Haskell is paying for all of the cost for the special event we're hosting as a city for our water plant that we don't have to vote on the board. We don't have to bring it before the DAS and that we can proceed with the discretion of our staff.

Madam Chair, may I? Yes. Go ahead. Thank you, mayor. Um, thank you for your question. The difference is that this is a city hosted event. So, this is coming from city funds opposed to city sponsored events. We're request they're requesting funds. So, we want to uh present that item to you for review and approval. So, the difference is we have three different types of events in the uh current policy. Private event, city sponsored, and city hosted. So um the private event well that's enough if you want more information. So this is a city hosted event.

This is a city hosted event. This is produced by the city of Rivera Beach. Yes. And then we can al always get sponsors. It's the other way other way around where the applicant is asking us for funds. So that's why we have to submit the application. So, in regards to city hosted events, we can put an application at any time and we can host it within a short period of time. So, if I decide as a city sponsor that I want to host an event on Saturday, I can submit an application to you and it will be approved for Saturday's event.

I don't approve that. That goes before Mr. Evans, Miss Jacobs. But based on the circumstances and the fact that the uh council voted on the groundbreaking and it's so such an important event I know that we wanted to go ahead and who made that determination mad uh Miss Miss Rex what was Madam Chair? Go ahead. What was the question? who made that determination that this was such an important event that we could vi by bypass the policy and move forward with this special event. Ma'am,

may I miss um Mayor Lawson, the event that will be taking place, a groundbreaking event, it is a unique event and it is a city hosted event. So it's not like it's an event that um an entity from the outside would be coming in wherein we would have to be in a position to take on extraordinary um activities in order to make sure that they comply with certain services. It's a relatively low-key event that we'll be hosting along with Haskell CDM Smith and it doesn't require an extensive amount of energy or activities for us to put on.

So, you're saying it's an entity from the outside will not be coming in. You know, I was comparing the city itself to to an entity that would be an external entity as opposed to one as as opposed to us or has CDM Smith, which is an agency that we've been working with since 2023 in order to effectuate the design and construction of the water treatment plant. So, it's rel I'm sorry,

Pascal CDM Smith is an outside entity that's coming in to do this event. So, I do understand we've been working with them for three years, but this is my concerns with the ambiguity in this policy, and I need clarity in regards to how do we proceed. We also budgeted $500,000 to date. How much money have we spent from that budget for the special events?

Why she's looking for that? Madam Chair, a quick question for the city manager. Um, Mr. Evans, we we asked you back in August to start having monthly events. We're in February, March going into March, and now we haven't had not one. Why is that, Madam Chair, if I may? Yes, go ahead.

Um, we had conversations internally with staff and we're looking to spin up a series of events and activities. So, we will be doing that. Mr. Evans, you're not giving me a timeline. You didn't answer my question about why it's been six months and you haven't done one. You'd answer that question. Madam Chair, if I may. Yes. Go ahead. I would have to get with uh staff and I can provide you a response in writing. The city manager, you have to get with staff to tell me why we haven't had an event. Madam Chair, go ahead.

If I may, as it relates to a monthly event or what have you, um, you know, we've had internal conversations with staff as it relates to food truck rallies, different events, different activities, the coordination effort. We haven't been able to execute on those. Uh, but we can look to, like I said, we've had internal conversations about moving forward with a series of events that will be hosted out of the special events department. So, that's something that is forthcoming. So, we haven't been able to move forward with those events for it's been a half a year. I think that's a derived due to Mr. Evans. Um, that's my opinion.

Okay. Very good. So, uh, are we clear board about our move forward that they're going to bring us back some examples? They're going to give us a policy where if we're doing sponsorship, at least we get our money back. And number three, uh, what does that look like? Do we do it twice a year? Do we say one time a year submit your applications and let us see? Um so give us all those scenarios of what that looks like

because uh I think that if it's a city sponsored event, of course we're not expecting uh at a groundbreaking for anybody to pay to come today. But we're having a program where we have artists or guests. Of course we should ask to be paid for that. I mean, we don't have any money.

So, we need to be very clear about how we move forward with sponsorships. And it truly has to be a sponsorship where we get and recoup some of these costs back. I think that's only fair. And, you know, give us all those scenarios so that we can be able to make a informed decision about how we move forward and do we do this twice a year? Do we do this once a year? what other cities are doing because it's gonna be a hard sale to the public to give upund2 and and we get nothing back and they say well we're going to put an event in your city. Well then you going to charge for it. It's not like it's a nonprofit where they're not charging anything. So I think it's just business that we be able to recoup the cost that we put out. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Oh, and I was just going to say, would when you give us the list of, you know, options, just give us a a good options that, you know, we have to choose from that we can add to or delete from so that, you know, we can move this forward. But I'm I'm understanding city sponsor events like this um groundbreaking, the ribbon cutings. Okay, that's something that we're doing for the city and it's something that's a part of, you know, our initiative. Now, I'm not understanding, mayor, about the, you know, the the difference or that you're not I mean, I'm not sure what your confusion was the difference when they're asking for money and and the quick turnaround. I understand. That's something that's a groundbreaking. You can do that. you're going to plan it and like you said someone else is um taking the cost when you're talking about concerts that are asking for a certain amount of money and things of that nature and I know we approved one for you mayor maybe within

a week's turnaround. So I I'm I'm about it need it needs to be clear and concise as well but it also needs to be consistent. So, you know, if if it's going to be a time frame, it's going to be a time frame for everyone. It doesn't matter who it is or who's bringing it before the board. So, consistency also matters when it comes to these rules and policies and not certain rules for certain people and certain events and certain things. So, that's what I'm saying.

Yes. Go ahead. Now, the only thing with the groundbreaking those type of activities that we're doing as a city, I don't see why I don't understand why that it has to go through application process. That to me, I mean, if it's just a matter of organizing, you can have a checklist, you know, or something like that, but

that's expected. That should just be a part of what we do because we know we have new buildings coming online. We do a groundbreaking. what kind of I mean what are we approving? I think as a part of the approval process when we say we want to have this happen you know if we're going to build it is expected we're going to have a groundbreaking at some point. So if it's just I mean if there's monies that we're having to spend because of it that should just be a part of the process. I I don't think that's the I don't I don't think that should be the same as

someone wanting to have a concert and on and they're outside agency and they're wanting to put in an application or maybe we should have two separate type of applications. One if the council individual council people are wanting to do an event that's one process. I don't think groundbreaking should be a process like we would do for that or for a group that's coming to us asking for money. So maybe there's different levels, you know, of application processes that we need to follow, but I I don't I don't understand that about the groundbreaking stuff. M I

Yes. Go ahead. Yes. Um thank you um Council Person Miller Anderson. There are you are exactly you're correct. There are different levels. So, not every event will be high impact. So, this is considered a special event, but it won't require as much uh inind services because we're going on city property. Uh this is a groundbreaking ceremony. This is community. Um the director uh the executive director completes the application that provides the special events committee information to see if it's a high impact, low impact. based on that. That's how we know how to permit it. But we do have to have some procedure because we're dealing with community, we're dealing with liability. We want to make sure that every our fire department, our police department, our parks wreck, everyone eyes has been on this application and if anything happens, we've done our due diligence. So, it's more of a checks and balance process as well.

Sure.

Right. So what you're saying basically is like a checklist, not necessarily an application process because that means it has to be approved or denied. I mean obviously if we're going to be doing a groundbreaking is going to cause someone to get killed. I mean we won't we want to make sure it's been processed and everybody's eyes been on it. So in my mind that would be more or less of a checklist, not of an approval. Because if you had an an outside group coming asking for $50,000, I mean, that would require an approval because we're not just going to hand them over the $50,000. You all just won't be the only ones to approve it. So, I just think it I don't want to say it's just being a little technical in terms of whether it's a checklist or an application, but I I don't know where it I could be wrong, but it just sounded like the mayor was basically trying to say it was not followed as if a group was coming asking for money when you when you put in the application for the groundbreaking the other day. So I'm just thinking they should be is it in the policy that there are different levels and how that is to work out. So what what do we is there what is our concern? What are we what are we doing?

Just for madam chair may I for clarification are you saying as far as approval before the board or so I or just the application internally? Um so with the application um forgot a question. Oh so listen uh before I mean we it's 10 o'clock. Yeah we've got we're not going to get anywhere. We understand you understand what we are asking for. Yes I I do m and also too I'd like to know why we would need an application for our own groundbreaking. That's another story. But that's that was my point. remember um there you know I was

I'm sorry but I just wanted to add something as well. It's important to point out that especially Vince committee has been working to revise the policies. So we've had meetings and and uh different uh conversations. So we have revised the policy. We work closely with police department as well um along with fire and police and and parks and wreck. So the the latest policy was presented I think September 29th, 2025. So we I think what the committee really needs is some form of workshop, a conversation where we could really uh get and get get you guys involved in the process because we've g gathered a lot of the information from the surrounding municipalities. But I really think as the special events manager that this has been about four months now and now we if we do feel like if we could have a conversation or schedule workshop um that would be more beneficial and that's just my recommendation um because I'm internally involved and also I don't just speaking uh how do special events proceed uh do we need a moratorum because I'm constantly getting in uh incoming special events so should there be a moratorum on this special events request. How do I respond to this request because they're coming in by the load. So, uh, and that I'll need direction on.

Madam Chair, point of order. Yes. We're getting close to 10:00 and I have a very pressing item that's on the agenda that's timesensitive and cannot be, uh, extend the meeting. So, can we extend the meeting? Extend the meeting. Yes. Um, a motion to extend the meeting to so move. Madam cler got no second. Oh, okay. Sorry. I I'll second it. I'll second it. All right. Very good. Madam clerk. Council person Davis Pier. Yes. Council person Gon. Yes. Chairpro 10 Miller Anderson. No. Council person Dr. Spiritz. Yes. Chairperson Laneir.

No. The item passes with chair Miller Anderson and chairperson Lenir desenting. All right. So we are clear about what we got to going on with special events, right? Madam chair. Uh hold on one second. Please all this poking out here. Ruth. So um special events. Are you clear about where we're trying to go with this, Madam Chair? Yes,

if I may. Um, and we won't prolong this. Um, I know Dr. Spiritis has an item that he needs to bring before you, but um, the special events manager, Lady, and myself, we really do um, I know the word consistency was brought up a lot in terms of the discussions that you're having. Um, that is what we're looking for. We want to be in a position to be able to honor whatever it is your desires and wishes are. We It would help us a whole lot if we would have the workshop. I think is scheduled for March the 11th because we are put in different types of situations whenever events are bought before us and um it just creates a bit of anxiety and um just turmoil when the processes that we already have in place are not followed. So, we're looking forward to March the 11th, the workshop that'll take place so that we can share our concerns and what we found um with you and we can get your feedback to make the program work the way that it should. Overall, um, Alia works really hard to put the processes and procedures in place and we do we have respect for it and and you'll find out through the workshop as to why we're so interested in making sure that things are in order and consistent because at the end of the day, it really will protect the city in so many different ways.

I'm sure. Uh, yes. Go ahead, sir.

Okay. So, uh, Aladia and Deedra, I really do appreciate everything you do. I know how hard it is. It's very, very difficult when you're dealing with all the different people that are involved in special events. Uh, I'm glad that you're holding a workshop. I think that's great. So, we the community can have some input and the city council and we can think this out. I just think that we have to really uh do a better job when we do our budget. You know, when we approve $500,000, we shouldn't just say $500,000 goes into a pot. We should try and decide how we want to divvy up that money. What events we want to spend that money on, whether it be the display, whether it be food trucks, whether it be counciling different events, each getting a certain amount of money uh to sponsor certain events. But I think that that should be done during the budget process as well. So hopefully you'll take that into consideration. But I do appreciate everything you're doing and I know how hard this is. But thank you so much.

Okay. We're Yes. Thank you so much, staff. Madam Chair, Madam Chair, I'm coming to you there. Hold on one second. I I think we keep forgetting that I asked the question that I haven't mad. I just wanted to say thank you to Miss Jacobs and Miss Alia Franks because this is a hard decision. These are hard decisions to make when people come and say they want to get money from the city. you don't know, you know, whether you should, whether you shouldn't. So, having a something in and and uh having something in place will definitely help you guys out to be able to move further. But we really appreciate all the hard work that you do and put in for the city. Madam Chair, I'm going to resend my vote for extending this meeting.

Okay. Uh mayor sending his vote. That means that we got to go right now. No, but but we we we need to put a time limit on the 15 minutes. We said to the end of the agenda, you have to remember done. I'm telling y'all. So y'all can finish up. 15 minutes. Yeah. For me. He can leave. All right. Very good. Mayor, thank you, Madam Chair. It's just back to the question of what we expect from our special events budget. Do we have a number as of yet? Well, if I may, um, we've done I'm sorry, Madam Chair. May I

Yes. Go ahead. Yes.

Uh, since October, mayor, we have, um, hosted um, at least one event a month. Um, starting in October, we had our Halloween fright night. Um, then, uh, we had our veterans, it was a smaller event, a different scale, Veterans Day celebration. Then after that we had our taco Tuesday in celebration to Hispanic Heritage Month uh with due to the holidays. We had the holiday lighting festivities for our community and all the beautiful things. And so they during the holidays and then we had our MLK parade in January. And so now we're in February uh where we are presenting a black history celebration. Um and we have the old school gang. Um so we're working on to bring that by the end of the month. So, and then we will then commence hopefully with our jazz uh events, six of them, um every third Friday of the month, similar to the jazz after dark concept. Um from March until August um and then um that'll be the summertime. We're also hosting some movie nights and some skate in the park. So, we're doing a variety of things. Um and we're working on that calendar structure internally as well.

Thank you. And in the report that you're sending over to the board, if you can just give us an update on what we've expense so we can have a clear direction. Uh Dr. Spiritis mentioned that we need to at budget cycle allocate where we want the funds to go so we can kind clearly articulate them and possibly have our signature event. So the workshop will be good. So thank you for putting that together. I just want to know what we've spent so far and then what's our plan and vision. And as I told you in our agenda review, we just need to give clear direction from the board. And I think based upon some of the ambiguity, even some of my council was concerned and questioned why do we have applications for certain things. That was the intent of my question, not talking about the event that was hosted for Jamaican relief. It was to actually talk about what do we need applications for and what does the policy need to look like. So we just need to make sure it's clear for you. But that was the only concerns that I had. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Uh with that being said, let us go to our next item. Madam Chair, we are on item 12B, Singer Island Beach Polo. We do have one public comment card on this item. Uh, Mr. Evans. Oh, that's I'm sorry. That's Mr. Speed. I'm sorry, Dr. Spear. Madam Chair. Yes, go ahead.

Just to go back, you know, not for profits make money also on these events. Just because you're a not for profofit doesn't mean that you're not making money. But, uh, I just want to get to, uh, the Singer Island uh, polo event. We do this every year on Singer Island. It's the only event that we do every year. Uh it brings people into the community, into our hotels. It brings people to the restaurants. We provide ponies uh for all the children in the community in all of Riviera Beach to come and sit on a pony and ride on a pony. They get to touch the horses. Uh it's it's a great event. We look forward to it every year. We're asking uh for the city to cover uh up to $6,000 in policing uh for this event. The rest will be covered by the event itself. The rest of the cost.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't hear the amount. 6,000. Madam Chair. Yes. Go ahead. So, has this been uh has an application been submitted through special events? Yes. So, I mean, why why wasn't it just I'm lost. Why why was it just added to the agenda instead of being placed on the agenda? Madam chair, if I may through the special events people, the these are this is one of the events that was pulled off the agenda. This item was slated to come before you all uh but this item was removed for the broader discussion. But there there was an item that was queued up to come before you requesting for sponsorship.

So when did they submit the application? Some time ago. Madam Chair, may um the application was submitted uh in August and the event organizer I think changed the date at least twice. Um and there was no sponsorship request form submitted in order to uh trigger it coming before the board. So it was first presented as a private event and and it has changed and they're requesting in kind services from the city. Right, Madam Chair? Private event. put all that. Yes, ma'am. And now it's what? Public is it public now or is

city sponsored? They're requesting in kind services. It's called city sponsored. Yes. They're requesting now it to be a city sponsored event. I don't understand the private what what's private? PI private event is when a event organizer or applicant handles the entire event with no assist assistance from the city. Okay. Whereas the applicant now is requesting services from the city police services and I think fencing. Okay. So that's a uh event through Dr. Spiritis. Where you going to land on that?

Yes, Madam Chair. I I am co-sponsoring this event. Okay. So what do you need us for? Lease up to $6,000. We out of that $500,000, we've asked for nothing so far. We've approved many, many, many projects that were for many council members and other organizations. This is the one event we hold every year. We're asking for up to $6,000 in the policing. Madam Chair, yes, go ahead. Who Who is we, Mr. Spiritus? Uh, we're doing this with Singer Island Polo. And you're you're on the board of this event?

I'm not on the on their board. I'm co-sponsoring the event with them. as I did last year. But last year, we didn't use the money. I used it out of my own uh funding. But since we have uh budgeted $500,000, we were asking for 6,000 out of that 500,000. I'm sure we don't have 500,000 still. Well, we budgeted we budgeted 500,000.

So, we have a a request. Uh and Dr. spirit is that is why I took all the requests off of the agenda because if we allow you to present yours then the mayor has some then another council person has some they should be heard as well but we I pulled them because I wanted to give the board opportunity not to be blindsided by ask and you can put it as a motion sir and you can see where it lands madam chair yes go ahead when is the event to Saturday Saturday. That is tight. Uh Dr. Spir, you going to put a motion on the floor?

One more. I'm sorry. Because we don't have any backup. What What um what is the question? How much did we give last year? You said I gave out of my account $5,000. Okay. So, when was the last time we provided a sponsorship to this organization? Anybody know? I wasn't sure. I think 2019 is or last year if it was Dr. Spiritis. Was it last year? But I believe you also received funding the year before. No, I'm talking from the No, it was it was it was a private event. So, she didn't get any services the year before.

I believe my predecessor co-sponsored that. I believe that there was city funding that went into that. I think Williams, but go ahead. I mean, I I do I have a little hesitation because I know we had some sort of controversy, some issues that happened and I just want to make sure that that is cleared up before so we don't have that same issue. So, for me, it's I'm not going to be able to support that tonight because one, I need some documentation as my councilman to the right says, but knowing that we had some issues before, I want to make sure we don't have that again. Madam Chair, Madam Chair,

hold this eventually. We held this event last year and we had no issues. Okay. Doc, put a motion on the floor. I can make a motion that the city uh fund up to $6,000 for policing for the Singer Island polo event which we hold every single year. Second. There's a second. Yes. Motion and a second. Madam clerk, council person Davis Pier. Madam Chair, you have to take comments if you put one public comment card. Silia Sharps.

That's right. I'm sorry. Good night, I mean evening. Um, Sylvia Sharps, Royal Palm Beach. I am standing here because I am a part of the Singer Island Beach Polo. I'm here for Jill because she had to have a pet test. So, if I can answer any questions, that's why I put in a comment card. Thank you. That work mad. No question. really quickly if if the if we can also just amend the motion to make sure that they provide us all the appropriate insurance information, right, and documentation necessary to facilitate said event,

right? I'll amend the motion to include that. My second remains

when she says she just wants to ask answer questions. Yeah, you're right. You're right. You're right. Uh you have three minutes but uh you stopped but that's I stopped because I'm standing here in case you have any questions for Jill. No sir. No ma'am. Thank you. Okay. Go ahead madam clerk. Council person Davis Pier. Council person Gon. Chair Tim Miller Anderson. No. Council person Dr. Spiritis. Yes. Chairperson Laneir. No. That passes with chairpro 10 mill Anderson and chairperson near dissenting.

See, I want to know why the mayor can put his on here. That's the case. But anyway, I digress. Uh, next item. You took them all. Madam Chair, the next item is item 12 C, mayor's report. Madam Madam Chair, I must I'm not I'm not dealing with that tonight, but at the next meeting, it's going to be put up on the agenda and not at the bottom. Okay, very good. So, you I got I got three minutes before I Are there any comments from the board? Nope.

Just check my um Facebook page. Um I am having a black history reception on Friday from 6:00 to 8 and everybody is invited. black, white, red, brown, all of us. Thank you. Wait, wait, wait. Let me just say this. Um, wait, wait. Um, we we've got um up here on this board, we jail. Well, I don't want people to think when we disagree on something or I'm passionate about something that we got some beef. We good up here. We do very well together. I think this is a very good board. We do very well. So don't think if we're on different side of issue that we No, we're not. Um, madame attorney has one announcement and then we're going to adjourn. Go ahead.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just have an announcement of a closed executive session pursuant to Florida statute 286.0118D, public meetings and records and a desire to obtain advice concerning labor negotiations. I'm requesting a time that the council can be available for a close session in the matter of the PBA labor negotiations. We would like to have this close session on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 5:00 pm um at the Marine Event Center, 190 East 13th Street, River Beach, Florida 33404. Those persons in attendance will be myself, city attorney Don W andor assistant city attorney Corey Smith, special counsel Brett Schneider of Weiss, Serotaa, Hefman, Cole and Burman, Mayor Douglas Lawson, members of the city council, city manager Jonathan Evans, assistant city manager Deedra Jacobs andor assistant city manager Kevin Coppen, the union negotiating team members, chief of police Michael Coleman, human resources director Tanil Das, finance director Randy Sherman, and or assistant finance director Dr. Nidia Reynolds. This um closed session will be restricted to police benevolent association discussions. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. This meeting is a journ.