Pursuant to the budget discussions, and at the direction of the City Council, City staff is bringing forward City Council initiated programs and projects that have requested funding to address priority areas in the community. These programs are not listed in any particular order, as some are programs and initiatives previously undertaken by individual councilmembers and City staff members.
· Public Safety – Citizen Review Board $30,000
This particular initiative derives from the public safety initiative created in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: City of Riviera Beach - Economic and Social Response. At this time, the nation, state, and city are experiencing civil unrest related to social injustices in the treatment of persons by law enforcement. This initiative is intended to facilitate citizens’ participation in an advisory role. In this capacity, they will review policies, procedures, and policing tactics, as well as community and public relation activities, to provide insights, perspective, and advisory recommendations to the Chief of Police. The recommendations shall not be binding, but quarterly reports concerning recommendations, activities, and actions will be made public and presented to the City Council on a biannual basis or as determined by the City of Riviera Beach Council and the Chief of Police.
o Council Sponsor – Councilperson Miller – Anderson
· Workforce Development Taskforce $20,000
The Workforce Development Program is intended to connect and align educational institutions and employers to prepare students for jobs in the maritime industry and other applicable employers within the City of Riviera Beach. From business operations to logistics, this program has facilitated curriculum development at local high schools and institutions of higher learning and has transitioned students from the classroom to gainful employment opportunities throughout the City of Riviera Beach and Palm Beach County. The program was initiated through conversations involving academic institutions, Chairperson Botel, and local businesses intended to ensure that opportunities are provided for local residents. Most costs associated with the program derive from hosting meetings for 25 to 35 local area business leaders and assisting with the placement of students in courses. This program, using City facilities, has enabled courses to be offered at no cost. It is unique in Palm Beach County as it constitutes the first interlocal agreement between an academic institution and a municipality to offer free courses.
o Council Sponsor – Chairperson Botel
· Hope Dealers $45,000
City Councilperson Lanier requested this program to assist in providing alternatives for young men and women in the City of Riviera Beach. The program is intended to engage the community in a way that encourages community collaboration and peaceful approaches to resolving community violence. The organizer intends to provide positive interactions with community members in a way that is relatable, inspirational, and quantifiable. The program has roots in the City of West Palm Beach, where it has been effective in reducing crime within urban communities and serving as an outlet and a preventive measure preceding interaction with law enforcement.
o Council Sponsor – Councilperson Lanier
· Art in Public Places $50,000
Councilperson Lawson is advocating that the City fund additional investments in the arts in areas such as physical arts, digital arts, and musical arts. The initiative is aimed at beautifying the City and creating a sense of space and place in common areas uniformly enjoyed by the public. City staff members have begun drafting a public arts ordinance funding associated with supporting public arts, as the City is considering modifying existing impact fees and pursuing a study to reevaluate the fees levied by the City. In addition, there have been discussions about a surcharge associated with permits to assist in creating a funding mechanism that will facilitate investments in public art. Mayor Ronnie Felder has also expressed a desire to see public art throughout the City, and the first projects were shared with the board as recently as September 2, 2020. City staff members are moving forward with developing the program’s framework, as well as the funding and the ordinance intended to accompany the initiative.
o Council Sponsor – Councilperson Lawson
· Homeless to Housing $25,000
This initiative is based on Councilperson McCoy’s comments regarding the City assisting in facilitating a program that addresses challenges associated with homelessness in the City of Riviera Beach, including nontraditional forms of homelessness. We may think of individuals being entrenched in the shelter system, which is referred to as chronic homelessness, but the category also includes transitional homelessness that occurs when an individual is faced with unstable housing and resides with friends, family members, or even at a shelter for a short amount of time. There is also episodic homelessness, which young people experience most frequently because of unemployment or experiences with medical, mental health, and substance-related problems. To address these forms of homelessness, Councilperson McCoy desires the City to focus on ways to address such concerns in the community, so as to support opportunities for a better life.
o Council Sponsor – Councilperson McCoy
· Dubba – AA $25,000
This free initiative is a collaboration with the Office of the Mayor intended to provide students with free book bags, haircuts, and a focus on creating synergy and positive influences in the community through music, arts, and culture. This joint effort is intended to create synergy between the community and law enforcement. No funding is requested, but staffing and facility use would be contemplated as part of the arrangements.
o Sponsor – Mayor Felder
Total Funds Requested By Council: $195,000
· Citizens Leadership Academy – City of Riviera Beach
This program has been conducted for many years within the City of Riviera Beach. This program provides an insider’s view into municipal operations, governance, and management. Through presentations made by all departments, residents and business owners become more informed about City operations. Participants must attend at least 80% of classes to obtain a certificate of completion. Funding was provided previously by a utility stipend furnished by Councilperson Miller – Anderson. In FY 2020, a budget of $5,000 was allocated to fund the program for the year. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the program’s commencement has been deferred to FY 2021. City staff members intend that this program continues, given the recommended funding, and that it continues to be a City-sponsored activity.
o Sponsor – Jonathan Evans, City Manager
· Police Activity/Athletic League (PAL)
Police Chief Osgood, in collaboration with the Public Safety Committee, has begun the process of establishing a PAL Program in the City of Riviera Beach. This program is intended to augment and support existing activities while offering new recreational programmatic aspects that are not traditional or currently unavailable within the City of Riviera Beach, such as chess, checkers, fishing, baseball, tennis, and lacrosse. In addition, it is intended to assist with scholastic and academic opportunities within local schools. Staffing will be provided by the existing staffing complement, and funding for the program will be derived from fundraising activities that will be the responsibility of the PAL board members, who will be required to raise $500-$1,000 or contribute that amount each year. Further, revenue will be collected through sponsorships, registration, and other fundraising efforts. The Police Department is requesting an additional $100,000 as seed capital to purchase equipment and tangible items to support the program. No personnel costs will be charged against the $100,000. Moreover, the funding will only be accessed if necessary, and private contributions and other funding sources will be utilized before tapping into the requested funding.
o Sponsor – Nathan Osgood, Chief of Police