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Showing posts with label City Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City Commission. Show all posts
Immigration concerns reshape Lake Worth Beach PBSO deal
A proposed 10-year policing agreement became a three-year proposal Tuesday night after Lake Worth Beach commissioners faced hours of questions about immigration enforcement, transparency and how much control the city would surrender to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).
Commissioners did not approve the nearly $16 million agreement. Instead, they ordered it rewritten and removed a provision that would have allowed it to renew automatically for additional 10-year terms.
The revised contract could return for a vote Aug. 25.
“I think we go for a three-year contract,” Mayor Betty Resch said. “I think we rewrite this and bring it back with the changes that we’ve talked about tonight.”
That argument followed commissioners into Tuesday’s meeting. About 30 people spoke against the agreement or submitted written comments. Many said PBSO’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program has created fear among residents (a/k/a illegals) and made some people reluctant to call law enforcement for help.
PBSO District 14 Capt. Terrence Carn said the proposed city contract would not expand the agency’s relationship with federal immigration authorities. “PBSO is statutorily obligated to assist our partner law enforcement agencies if and when we’re called upon to provide assistance,” Carn said.
Commissioners wanted body cameras and Narcan training for the park rangers, clearly distinguishable uniforms, bicycle patrols and performance data showing what the program accomplishes and instead of a ten year contract that can roll into another ten years, they want a 3 year contract.
Park rangers could soon patrol Lake Worth Beach parks as city approves $500K safety program
WFLX: Park rangers could soon be a regular sight at some of Lake Worth Beach’s most popular public spaces.
City leaders just approved a $500,000 Park Ranger Program aimed at keeping local parks clean, safe, and family-friendly. The plan, approved at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting, would create a new Park Ranger Division within the city’s Leisure Services Department.
City spending nearly $100K on upgrades to public park restrooms.
Stuart Sword, the city’s director of Leisure Services, said the idea has been months in the making. He describes it as a “cold start program” — the first of its kind for Lake Worth Beach.
“So, the park rangers will initially be at the beachfront, in Bryant Park, in Sunset Ridge, and Howard Park,” Sword said. “Those parks are cumulatively about 30 acres of green space.”
Residents press Lake Worth Beach leaders to take stance on PBSO's cooperation with ICE
WPTV's Vannia Joseph is digging into a special commission meeting where dozens of residents called on leaders to address what they described as growing fear in their community
Immigration concerns are once again taking center stage in Lake Worth Beach, where residents are urging city leaders to take a clear stance on the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office's (PBSO) cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Commissioners agreed that children are among those most deeply affected, but Mayor Betty Resch told residents her authority is limited.
"No matter what I feel about what's going on out there, as the mayor, as a city official, I cannot tell the sheriff's office not to follow the law," Resch said.
PBSO Captain said that there are designated deputies handling these specific cases and emphasized that PBSO is not conducting raids, targeting, or racially profiling people.
The only one who was not set-up to speak against ICE by the anarchists in our city was our friend, Dan Volker who supports the America First agenda. All the rest of the speakers spoke out against following the law and voiced their support for illegals.
The important items on the agenda are under Unfinished Business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Potential charter amendments – election certification
B. Potential charter amendments – police & fire departments
C. Potential charter amendments – most votes
D. Potential charter amendments – term limits
E. Potential charter amendments – lease terms east of A1A
F. Potential charter amendments – lease terms other city properties
G. Potential charter amendments – building heights
H. Potential charter amendments – others not previously discussed
Commissioner McVoy has shared his thoughts on these amendments:
My overall thoughts on all of these charter amendments, regarding rushing to put them on a March 2026 ballot, are:
1) The charter is our strongest city document. It should only be changed if there is widespread understanding of, and support for, the changes. That certainly is not the situation now;
2) at a minimum, the changes should be researched and considered by a charter review committee; followed by lively community discussions;
3) these changes are being rushed through to remove thoughtful PROTECTIONS that were previously adopted to protect our public park beach from development;
4) the argument, “let the public vote,” is disingenuous. What will really happen is the developers will spend serious money for a PR campaign; way outspending the means of any grass roots citizens group trying to defend the public character of our beach (and golf course).
Christopher McVoy
Commissioner, District 2
City of Lake Worth Beach, FL
cmcvoy@lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Lake Worth Beach Commission appoints new CRA Board members
Last night, the first thing on the Agenda were the choices of the commission to the CRA.
Carla Blockson
Harry Wolin
John Szerdi
Richard Mahler
Leah Foertsch
They totally blew offa few with a lot of experience, dedication and a track record of service working for the betterment of the city:
Pam Triolo Clahane (our former mayor)
Greg Richter (Neighborhood Association president)
Craig Frost (Neighborhood Association president)
Sam Goodstein (Business owner and long time resident)
The Ethics complaint was initiated by Vice Mayor Sarah Malega who brought it up for a vote at a commission meeting to proceed with an ethics complaint advisory opinion. The entire Commission voted 5/0 (including Commissioner McVoy).
Following is Commissioner McVoy's reply to the General Counsel, Rhonda Ginger, of the Palm Beach County on Ethics:
On Apr 22, 2025, at 12:32 PM, Christopher W. McVoy wrote:
"Good morning Counsel Giger,
Thank you for your important work on behalf of improved governance for the residents of Palm Beach County. I am sure that it is not always easy. (But I am confident that it is providing excellent qualifications should you ever decide on a career change to refereeing professional hockey!)
My answers for right now may be incomplete as I’m supposed to be adjusting this week’s balance of science / public service toward the science side, that is attending the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Research conference.
My nominal employer, South Florida Engineering and Consulting (SFEC) has long supported my public service by allowing me very generous flexibility in working hours and quantity. In theory, serving as City Commissioner is a part time position, recompensed at $24K/yr. In practice, for me it is much closer to full time work. This is reflected in my SFEC W-2 which indicated that in 2024 I earned less than $97 (yes, less than one hundred $$) from SFEC. I think I did a bit better in 2023, but doubt that it was much over several thousand dollars. (Good thing my wife has a job!) I will send W-2’s when get a chance to dig them out.
SFEC does not have a board. To my knowledge I have always been an employee, not a contractor for SFEC, though given the limited hours, “honorary employee” might be a more accurate description. My wife has nothing to do with SFEC, nor do any other family members.
You will forgive me if I editorialize: Vice Mayor Malega’s allegation, if I understood it correctly, that I was required to recuse myself from any votes regarding a downtown development project, is in my opinion patently incorrect. Again if I understood correctly, she was asserting an old canard, that somehow I was basing my votes on influencing the existence of a federal HUBzone (sp?) that is adjacent(?) to the SFEC office. This is not only 100% false, but mechanistically somewhat ridiculous and 100% insulting.
Impuning motives is always risky business. I can assure you that my choice to serve, at the expense of my scientific research, is simply to try to do the greatest good for the broadest cross-section of the Lake Worth community. My votes have never, and will never, have anything to do with SFEC. They are always guided by my best efforts to make informed votes that, as best as I can discern, will bring the broadest benefit to the residents of Lake Worth.
Best,
Christopher McVoy
Christopher McVoy, Ph.D.
Commissioner, District 2
City of Lake Worth Beach, FL
cmcvoy@lakeworthbeachfl.gov
561.398.6115 (C)
Lake Worth Beach City Commission passed a resolution
This was asking Palm Beach County to change its criteria for declaring cold-weather emergencies.
City commissioners hope their resolution, approved 4-0 (with Mayor Betty Resch on an excused absence), will carry more clout than similar recent requests from homeless advocates that have gotten zero response from county officials.
The resolution, proposed by City Commissioner Christopher McVoy at the request of homeless advocates, asks the county to open its shelters when forecasts call for temperatures of 50 degrees or lower. The resolution also asks the county to announce plans to open the shelters at least 24 hours in advance.
Three commissioners turned down the Lease for Benny's on the Beach
Concerned with ridiculous things
Top citizen speaker for the night: Peggy Fisher
This has to be the most stupid decision this commission or any commission has ever made.
As seen on Nextdoor: 3 of 5 commissioners just voted to evict Benny's on the Beach this evening. 200 people will be out of their jobs soon, the city will be out $250k/year, and the pier will sit vacant for years.
Congratulations to...
Christopher McVoy, District 2
Kim Stokes, District 3
Reinaldo Diaz, District 4
... for killing a small business.
Our city attorney recommended a 6 months extension on the lease. The Three commissioners did not listen...did not want to negotiate further. Lee Lipton, owner, says evict us, I am not re-negotiating the Lease.
This amendment authorizes RTT - Benny's on the Beach, Inc., to extend its lease located at the Lake Worth Municipal Ocean Pier and provides for increases in rent during the extension.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
On February 11, 2013, the City entered into a Lease agreement with RTT - Benny's on the Beach, Inc.,for the lease of certain space located at the Lake Worth Municipal Ocean Pier for use as a restaurant and a bait shop. The lease allowed for ten (10) years with the option of renewing initially for an additional eight years. After the initial renewal the lease allows for one additional renewal for twenty-three (23)months.On August 5, 2015, the City and Tenant entered into the First Amendment of the Lease to address the use of additional outdoor patio area.
On May 19, 2020, the City and Tenant entered into the Second Amendment to the Lease to revise certain terms and conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On February 21, 2023, the City Commission approved a 90-day extension to the Third Amendment at the new lease terms (2% increase in rent) to allow for further negotiations of the proposed lease.
The Fourth Amendment will extend RTT - Benny's on the Beach, Inc., lease at the Lake Worth Municipal Pier for the full nine (9) years and eleven (11) months authorized under the Lease (i.e., eight (8) year “Initial Extension” option and 23 months “Second Extension” option). The amendment provides for an increase in rent beginning April 19, 2023 wherein the Tenant will pay $42.00 per square foot for the Premises and $15.30 per square foot for the Patio Area. This rent will increase during the second year of the extension, beginning on February 11, 2024 wherein the Tenant will pay $44.00 per square foot for the Premises and $15.30 for the Patio Area. For the remaining 3-9 years and 11 months of the extension, the rent for the Premises and the Patio Area will increase annually by 3.5 percent beginning on February 11th of each year.
STAFF REPORT
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA DATE: December 6, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Manager
TITLE:
Presentation of conceptual design for the pool by CPZ Architects, Inc.
SUMMARY:
CPZ Architects, Inc. was selected on October 12, 2017 to provide professional services for the Lake
Worth Beach Complex Design Phase for replacement of the pool.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
Possible design options for the pool were presented by CPZ Architects, Inc. at the August 7, 2018
commission meeting. At the July 5, 2022 commission meeting, Task Order No. 3 was approved for the
preparation of a final conceptual design of the pool area only as outlined in the previously provided
conceptual design drawings.
MOTION:
Direction sought from the commission regarding the design for the pool.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Fiscal Impact Analysis – N/A
Go to the Agenda of December 6 and scroll down to New Business A to see all the scenarios that CPZ Architects are presenting.
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBER
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 - 7:00 PM
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Resolution No. 51-2022 - Fund Appropriation for Bohemian Lease Agreement,
Ordinance No. 2020-08 - Establishment of a mixed use urban planned development
for The Bohemian
The City is leasing 120 parking spaces on a 35 year lease with two options to renew. We pay insurance.
Full agenda for the City of Lake Worth's Commission Meeting On November 2
A few items on the agenda that are interesting:
1. Resolution No. 80-2021 approves the Agreement with the Supervisor of Elections for calendar year 2022 and establishes the City’s canvassing board for the March 2022 municipal election.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:
Every year, the City approves a one-year agreement with the County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) for equipment use and election services. This agreement outlines all duties and responsibilities of the SOE and City, and the fees to be paid by the City to the SOE for conducting the local municipal election. Changes from last year’s agreement include adding the General Election date and having the SOE oversee the election by hiring, training and assigning the poll workers. The City Clerk will remain as the qualifying officer for the election.
The term of the SOE agreement is from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and the City Clerk’s Office has budgeted $45,000.00 plus the cost of part time poll workers to conduct the General Election.
1) term limits of two consecutive terms for a given seat (6 years—I think 9 years is best—3, 3 year terms)
2) in any election a candidate may concede without forcing a run off--ok
3) change to single-member district voting, mayor at large (totally against this...because it cannot produce proportional representation. Commissioners in actuality represent all of us in this city)
4) allow election by plurality should the leading candidate get 40% plus 1 of the vote. The biggest disadvantage to this is someone can get elected with small amounts of public support
2. The next thing of interest to all of us who love the Lake Worth beach and park will be discussion of it under Unfinished Business. We already know what Herman wants which is not what the people want overall. Everyone with whom I have spoken want the pool repaired. If it no longer can be repaired because of Bornstein's and staff's total neglect, then build it new and keep it where it is...And no private/public partnerships.
And speaking of screwing up our city, this commission passed both items under Public Hearings: Quasi Judicial Ordinance 2019-15 with the vote remaining the same as the First Hearing, 4/1 with Robinson dissenting, upzoning the 3 parcels on Golfview to Commercial zoning therefore instantly making the property more valuable and desirable for developers and greedy owners.
And
the appeal of the Historic Preservation's Board recommendation of demolishing and/or moving 7 historic homes to ready the properties for a huge concrete retail building. The city administration believes that development is the desired goal to increase our city's tax base. They have wanted this growth for years thus changing the flavor of our city forever.
The chamber was packed with those supporting the Appeal and a few Realtors wanting to see the properties razed to the ground. Being a retired real estate broker, this was an embarrassment to me personally as you could see it was all about greed. The Mayor said the hearing was not about historic cottages when in fact that is exactly what it was about. The commission was only to consider the evidence that was presented at the HRPB not the fact that their decision was arbitrary and capricious. Go to 1:40 into the meeting.
This commission and city manager are all about handing over our city to developers, something we have been fighting for decades. Residents are not against development as the mayor indicated. We are for preserving our city and historic properties and not handing it over on a silver platter to every developer who comes along, willingly changing the zoning for them. We don't want to look like Delray. The problem is that these elected officials never listen to the people...never.
Time for Term Limits and time to vote them all out.
What we Learned at Tuesday Night's Commission Meeting
1. Referendum to raise the heights at the Gulfstream Hotel
a. Referendum on raising heights to 87 feet passed on 5/0 vote. It will be placed on the 2020 March ballot.
b. Commission is strongly implying to voters that there will be a hotel there, using an emotional issue in order to pass this referendum. No guarantees that a hotel will ever be built there.
c. The referendum only affects the Gulfstream property, not the entire block.
d. Commissioner Robinson said he was disappointed in the Palm Beach Post for its reporting in its suggestion that it was the entire block. I am disappointed all of the time with the biased PBPost, but if the Post got it wrong and I got it wrong, perhaps it was due to the City not being clear enough.
2. 2nd Reading on changing our Charter to allow 30 year leases on Parks, City owned waterfront property and City owned downtown property
a. Referendum failed on a 1/4 vote with Robinson and Hardy wanting to bring it back at another time. Pam Triolo suggested changing the wordage of the ballot amendment. A Charter Review Committee was mentioned. Nothing is ever over in this city. Commissioners ALWAYS want their own way and find a way to accomplish that.
b. City hired a Polling company...details were not given to the public on who they canvassed or what concerns were given from the public. I asked about the number of Yeas and Nays from those polled and Commissioner Hardy said 42 yeas, 39 nays and 19 undecided. Omari further stated that we don't have the ability to lease to folks over 20 years in the present Charter that we passed in 2005. This is wrong. He believes that all those opposed are not telling the truth and have some agenda. It's the city with the agenda and those commissioners who want their own way.
c. How the Referendum reads: IN ORDER TO CREATE REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND LONG
TERM INVESTMENT IN THE CITY, SHALL ARTICLE II, SECTION 4, OF THE CITY OF
LAKE WORTH BEACH CHARTER ENTITLED “SALE OF PARKS, CITY-OWNED WATERFRONT
PROPERTY, AND CITY- OWNED DOWNTOWN PROPERTY ONLY BY REFERENDUM” BE
AMENDED TO ALLOW A LEASE OF UP TO 30 YEARS?
d. It's all about catering to developers and investors and the hell with the people or even common sense.
Changing the Zoning of Properties located at 109, 121, 125 North Golfview.
a. Three property owners appealed to the city to upzone their property. The other parcel not involved in this request is a condo building. Some of the owners spoke at the meeting and were opposed to this upzoning from MF-20 to DT, a commercial zoning.
b. Commissioners had to reveal any ex-parte and Hardy, Triolo and Amoroso had communicated with at least one of the owners, John Rinaldi, and at least four of them had received campaign contributions other than Robinson..
c. The Ordinance 2019-15 passed on a 4/1 vote with Robinson dissenting (coincidentally, the only commissioner who had not received a campaign contribution from the applicant(s).
d. What this shows is that any owner can approach the city to upzone their property and it will be approved if the commission wants it. It appears that the city, per this Ordinance, can upzone any time it wants. Now the property of three owners has become more valuable thanks to this commission. John Rinaldi who owns the Sable Palm B&B has been trying to sell his property for several years. He has a better chance now that it is rezoned. That small stretch of Golfview directly across from the golfcourse, could very possibly be changed forever to 65 foot buildings in the future..
Eventually we got to New Business on how to proceed with creating ordinances to place on the March ballot.
FAILED 4/1 Charter Revision regarding Heights. Hardy dissented...was
not interested in the two Charter Amendments, only in what developers
want even saying one of our referendums probably took place before he
was born, which it wasn't unless he was born in 2005 and that was the
one that saved Old Bridge Park. He believes it is "leadership" to go
against the will of the voters. The point is that commissions always
want to dismiss referendums by the people once they are in office to get
their own agenda passed. Their constituents only matter when they need
their vote. In spite of the law in 2013 that caused our referendum to be moot and was retroactive to the
winning referendum on heights, the Commission still could have honored
the vote--they did not.
PASSED 5/0 Charter amendment regarding Lease Terms to 30 years for
all city owned property in Lake Worth. Don't know why this is some
advantage to lessees as the Charter Amendment mentioned above now
provides 20 years. Renewals can be written into the Terms. And speaking of Old Bridge
Park, that Charter amendment was done by the citizens because the city
wanted to sell off our public land to a developer to build a high rise
condo.
FAILED 5/0: Placing the sale of 36 acres in north end on the
ballot. Omari Hardy said he was against this as he had listened to his
constituents but the past charter amendments by the people that have
passed were of no interest to him. He listens to some but not those citizens who won referendums.
FAILED 3/2 Having a straw ballot on the Pool at the beach. Hardy made a motion to Disapprove (This means that the residents won't be able to vote on what this city does at our pool). The vote was 3/2 to disapprove. And all along Commissioner Hardy believes he cares what the residents want.
PASSED 5/0 Charter amendment to give the County a 99 year lease for Jewel Cove. The County will not be able to develop, only maintain.
