Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the workshop meeting of the Delray Beach City Commission this Monday, November 2, 2026. If the clerk could please kindly call the roll. Deputy Vice Mayor Markert. Here. Commissioner Mollica. Here. Commissioner Cassell. Here. Vice Mayor Burns. Here. Mayor Carney. Here. Great. We're starting off with public comment today. We have three items, four items on the agenda, right? Yeah, four items on the agenda. So we're starting off with public comment. Are there any members of the public wishing to address the commission on any one of these agenda items? Please come to the lectern. Give your name and zip code for the record, and you will each have three minutes. Seeing one. So Stephanie Emelman, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. I'm just here about the workforce initiative today. I think there was a little confusion at the last meeting because after the education roundtable, I just continued on with our pillar, and I kept going. And I held a meeting, which is what the chamber's been doing for many years now in terms of workforce development. We've done a lot of work bringing students to the businesses and trying to get them together with respect to health care and the automotive industry. So I just want to let you know that as a chamber, we're here to do whatever you want us to do, whether it's a task force, whether it's a committee. We want to help lead in terms of workforce development. So I'm here if you have any questions. Great. Thank you very much. Thanks. Any other members of the public wishing to – are you getting up, Ms. Morrison, or are you just getting up? Okay, good. That's fine. Seeing no other members of the public, public comment is closed. We are now turning this over. We have workshop item number two, the future use and tenant selection for Neighborhood Resource Center. Janai Bowen. Unless, Mr. Moore, did you wish you would – Actually, let's cut to the quick – Ms. Janai Bowens, it is, Director of Neighborhood Community and Education Services, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon, Mayor, Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Manager. Janai Bowens of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. I am accompanied by my Neighborhood Services Administrator, Tavares Parks. And today we're here to discuss the future use and tenant selection for the Neighborhood Resource Center. So the purpose of this meeting, one, is to review all the current organizations occupying the Neighborhood Resource Center, including their current agreements, which are set to expire in January of 2027. The commission is asked to provide direction on the future use of the facility so staff and legal can plan accordingly with the expiration of the contracts. The Neighborhood Resource Center is a city-owned property located at 141 Southwest 12th Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida. Within the facility, our daily operations are overseen by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Resources. So our Neighborhood Services Administrator, which in this case is Tavares Parks, he monitors the contractual and budgetary obligations for the NRC – sorry, Neighborhood Resource Center, which I will refer to as the NRC. And our Neighborhood Planner, which is Tara Jinks, she monitors the services and connects agencies with families and communities in need of the services provided within this center. The NRC currently provides space for four community-serving organizations. That includes Christians Reaching Out to Society, Inc., also known as Cross Ministries. And within our facility, Cross Ministries provides food pantry opportunities for our local residents, as well as hot meal distribution and homebound meal services for applicable residents within Delray Beach. We also have Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. Within our facility, they provide legal services, more so pertaining to the Fair Housing Act, as well as workshops to Delray Beach residents. We also have Urban League of Palm Beach County as tenants in the NRC. They provide comprehensive housing counseling, which includes the first-time homebuyers workshops for low- and moderate-income residents in Delray. And finally, we have the Delray Beach Community Land Trust, which is an extension of the city of Delray Beach that's responsible for providing quality, affordable housing and community development opportunities for qualifying households. So I wanted to elaborate on our partnership with the Delray Beach Community Land Trust as we evaluate the future of the Neighborhood Resource Center. And I want to reiterate that the Delray Beach Community Land Trust is an extension of the city. So they provide all of our functions in terms of affordable housing and workforce housing for the city. So there is a tri-party partnership that we have with the Delray Beach Community Land Trust that includes land donation. So there is a tri-party between the Community Land Trust, the city of Delray Beach, and the Community Redevelopment Agency for future housing and community development. Also, they are budgeted in our daily operations within the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. So that budgeting piece includes our neighborhood stabilization program, which we use to purchase foreclosed properties, which are then donated to the Delray Beach Community Land Trust. And, of course, the city of Delray Beach operates as in-kind facility support in terms of how we budget administrative overhead for operations. So that includes the services that we provide, technology. They are part of our city server and things of that nature. Just as a note to the city commission, they have provided their overall community impact from 2024-2025, according to our annual report for the Neighborhood Resource Center, Urban League served 113 Delray Beach residents during the fiscal year. Legal Aid Society served 70 residents. That includes their workshops that they provide for the Fair Housing Act. Cross Ministries served 4,173 residents across Delray Beach. And the Community Land Trust served 465 residents. In terms of the agreements that we have with each of the tenants in the NRC, so the terms of the agreement includes that we provide the agency's temporary, non-exclusive use of office space and equipment to deliver the services that are within the contract in order to benefit Delray Beach communities. The authorized use of the spaces must be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the revocable license agreement, so they shouldn't be operating outside of what's in that contractual agreement for the use of the office spaces. As a city, we maintain the responsibility of maintaining the building's interior and exterior. We also cover all utility expenses and security expenses for that building. Our current renewal fee, so each agency that's housed in the NRC pays a $1 annual fee that's due at the beginning of each renewal term. And our current agreement, which was executed in January of 2022 and set to expire in 2027, was for a five-year period, and it included an initial two-year term with three operational, I'm sorry, three optional one-year renewals. And so we're on that final one-year renewal. So the commission is asked to provide direction on the future occupancy and programming of the NRC. I provided a few options. You don't have to adhere to any, but just for your special consideration, we can renew or negotiate agreements with the existing tenants. So what that would look like is entering into a new revocable license agreement with our partners that are currently within that facility. The commission, of course, has the opportunity to negotiate new agreements with updated terms. So that can include providing the city with performance expectations and deliverables. And so currently we do receive quarterly reports from our partner with the community land trust. That can be made as part of the tenant agreement for the remainder of the organizations at the NRC. Also, you can discuss maintaining the existing $1 annual renewal fee, or you could revise the fees for the existing tenants. And so that could be based off of usable square footage. So do you increase the renewal agreements or the renewal fees based off of the office spaces that they use, based off of the pro rata share, which means the office space that they use as well as the common areas, or the city commission could consider a base fee. Consideration two is to establish a tenant selection process. So therefore, my department will work with the purchasing division to develop a formal request for proposal or request for application for other tenants that could occupy the neighborhood resource center. We can invite qualified nonprofit and community-based organizations to submit these proposals and evaluate the applicants based on their proposed services, their community impact, and alignment with city priorities. And then consideration three is the city commission can develop an alternative service model as deemed appropriate. So during the commission discussion, I would ask you all just to consider what are the city commission's priorities and intended use for the neighborhood resource center? Should the city maintain the existing five-year term agreement or consider other options? Should the city move to a tenant application process for new organizations? Or should we continue to support our existing organizations? And should the tenants provide reporting deliverables to the city of Delray Beach regarding their services and impact? And if so, how often? So I turn the discussion over to the commission. Great. Thank you very much. Members of the commission, any questions? No, I would just say I would support staying with our existing tenants and renewing. They provide a great service to our community, and we appreciate them, and I would like to continue that relationship. Thank you. That's my input. Commissioner Malika? I would actually agree the same. I'm not sure about legal aid. The other three I do know. I'm not sure how often legal aid is in-house and utilizing the space, but I do know the community trust does good work, and the – what's the place that feeds people, guys? Cross. Cross. Cross. Cross. Cross. I'm kind of on a board, too, so I forgot it. It's like this brain is not all the way there yet. So I would be in favor of keeping the tenants, but I would like a little more information about legal aid. Okay, so legal aid's operation, they're based by appointments. So they're there only if they have an appointment with a resident from Delray Beach. Is that county or – I mean, legal aid from what? Legal aid of Palm Beach. So they are an organization, a county-wide organization, but they are housed here in Delray Beach as well as in other locations across Palm Beach. So that could be a consideration for the new revocable license agreement in terms of standardizing hours of operation for the existing organizations. If I may, Mayor, I would suggest that we keep them, Ms. Mollica, because that's a really good service for the residents, free legal services for people who need it. And I would hate to not have that available locally. Well, I have some things to say about that, but are you finished? Yes, thank you very much. I'm just saying, so only by appointment. I would like to see – I don't mind the legal aid and whoever's there. Community land trusts, they do their thing. Cross ministry, yes. But I'm looking at – the legal aid only have an appointment, so we're holding a space for if you get an appointment. And so I think that if we can't get a time, certain time that they can be there a week – you know, at one point I was told we're there on Wednesdays. Then I was told we're there on Fridays. Then I was told, oh, it's by appointment only. So I have given at least 20 personal references to the reps myself to get in contact with these people. Now, I haven't followed up with them to see if they got the appointment, but I think it needs to be a little bit easier. If you're going to occupy the space – the space is empty on a daily basis if they don't have an appointment. They're not having appointments all day. So I think that they need to commit to being on site at least once a week, like a dollar a year, and we can't get a day out of a week. And then Urban League, 113, what did they do? What did they do, 113 people, what? So Urban League, according to our contract, Urban League is supposed to provide services for first-time homebuyer counseling. And so they may not do the counseling from my understanding when I did research. The counseling doesn't always happen at the NRC. Sometimes it happens at the SOC building. So we're holding a space for Urban League who doesn't use the property, and so nobody else can get it because – like, what? That doesn't make sense to me. I'm sorry. I would rather have services that our community can use, and they can go to this center and receive a real service. Not saying that the first-time homebuyers is not a great service, but the property is empty while people are – like what? Like they do it at the library, the few times I know about it. So why are we holding this space at the resource center and charging a dollar a year for someone that's not using the facility? It makes no sense to me. Sorry. So I don't know if I'm done yet. Okay. I'm just looking in your general direction. I didn't say a word. Hold on. Okay. Cross Ministries, the 4,000, we know that's a go for me. Community Land Trust, they're doing their thing. I just would like to see if we can – Legal Aid is a fabulous service. However, I heard you say that it's all related to Fair Housing. Yes. So the majority of their workshops is related to the Fair Housing Act, so tenant relationships and rental responsibilities and things of that nature. But they can – but they do have attorneys because I've had two events where they brought – the last event, I think, 18 to 20 attorneys that were in different fields. So our residents can get advice in other areas other than Fair Housing. Is that correct? Okay. That's good. That's good. But as long – if they can commit to a day a week for the use of that space and we not hold it up and no one else can use it because they're not – I need them to commit to a day a week. So I can check with legal to see if within the new agreements if we can put operating hours as well as program deliverables that should be made available to the city commission quarterly, similar to what Community Land Trust does because they're very – they communicate all the time regarding what they're doing. And so maybe we can make that standardized across all the organizations that's in the NRC. Sounds good to me. One last thing. We need a sign out front that tell people what is going on in that building. If you don't know, you don't know. So there needs to be some sort of physical sign so that people will know that legal aid is there, that the Urban League is there, and that they know Community Land Trust is there. Many people use the Cross Ministry so they know, but at least some sort of signage so that people know what is housed in that building. And I mentioned it to some people, and they were like, where, what? I worked down the street from it for 20-some years and never knew that they were in that building. And so if you don't know, you don't know. I think I'm done. Great. I think, by the way, all of the entities should have the performance expectation and deliverables. So I just think that should be a requirement. So if you feel that a – I think quarterly works because I think most of them keep their books quarterly. So I think that would be good for us to be educated as to what all these groups are doing. I do think it's not unreasonable to say we would like to have office hours for, you know, legal aid, and whether they choose to do it on Wednesdays or Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9 to 12 or whatever they feel that they could accommodate. But also, I mean, if there were a requirement that – because that they may not suit somebody, that they should also have the – also the ability to do something by – by, you know, to reserve a time. So – by appointment. And so I do think there's not unreasonable to ask for office hours. And I certainly think that with the Urban League, they – again, they do great work, but we should have some kind of measurement of really what they're doing in terms of, you know, supplying the service to the city because we have limited space. I'm gathering that when we talk about the space that there really is not room for anyone else. Is there – or are we – are we maxed out with the space? I mean, if someone wanted to come along, there's no space for them. Okay. Well, that makes – all more important, then, that we get the performance standards and deliverables so that we understand what the groups who are using our space are actually doing. Did you want to add something? Yes, I wanted to add something. And so if we could – if Urban League and Legal Aid commit to a time, a day, couldn't we open that up to another organization that provides a service as well that would be using a different day? Because one day a week still is, you know, the office is available four days a week. Yeah. So could we open it up to another organization that might have – that, you know, could commit a day? Yeah, that's a good point, Vice Mayor. So if they're only there for a day or by appointment, we could explore maybe like a hotelling kind of setup where other agencies can occupy that office space and they can move interchangeably as their hours shift. Thank you, Vice Mayor. That's actually where I was going with that. Who are you? That's okay. Okay. Because if we do have the opportunity to expand the availability of office space because there's only one group using it one day a week, if we have others that maybe only need one day a week for their services, we should certainly try to expand that. It doesn't cost us anything because we have the space. And I think that we can maximize our space to make as many things as possible to the people as we can. Is this 2,300 square feet? I didn't get a turn yet. Oh, gosh, you didn't get a turn yet? I think I looked it up. Oh, I do apologize. I thought I was going last. Commissioner Marker. Go for it. Commissioner Marker. No, no, no, no. That's a question. Commissioner Marker. I did. I'm recognizing Commissioner Marker. Didn't I look it up for you? I'll get that information to you. I think it is. 2,300 square feet. So it's basically a four-bedroom house. No, no. Got it. Got it. Anyway, go ahead. Recognizing Commissioner Marker. Well, first of all, I think this is a great program, and I definitely am in favor of continuing it. I think we've talked about what generally happens in these situations where we're giving things away pretty much for free. We are, and we don't have a lot of available stuff to give away for free, so I think we have to be very careful about that and very selective about that. And, Janai, you brought up the question. I think we absolutely should be insisting on metrics and reporting from these businesses. I'd say annually would be not bad, but quarterly would be more what I'd be interested in, and I think we should work with these businesses to formulate those metrics so we can make sure that they're actually serving our community in the way that we want them to, given that we're providing basically office space and marketing and other things for free. So I think this is a good thing as long as we have the proper metrics and the proper reporting, and then we can keep an eye on it and adjust accordingly, you know, throughout the year. So what are we telling her to do? Do you have something you wanted to tell her? No, I'm trying to summarize it for Janai. We're saying two of the tenants are golden. Let her summarize it. She has a note. Let her summarize it. What did you summarize? What did you tell us? So what I gather from the direction of the commission is to offer continued use of the facility space at the NRC for our existing tenants while considering in the new agreement or the updated agreement providing standardized hours of operation, also considering if any other additional agencies can utilize the space based off of hours of operation, as well as formulating deliverables and performance metrics for each of the agencies within the NRC. Is everybody satisfied with that? Is everybody satisfied with that? I was going to say. Well, there we go. Thank you very much. Can I say one more thing? Janai, congratulations on your new appointment as director of neighborhood. Thank you. Also, signage. Don't forget. Yes, signage. Signage. We want to make sure that people know what's going on inside the building. You may get more people to use it if they know what's inside. Anyway, thank you both very much. Thank you. All right. Next is the discussion regarding the establishment of an education task force and a workforce development task force. We had some discussion on this a few weeks ago. Who is we got? Is this Janai as well? You are going to be leading this? Okay. This all came out of that breakfast that we did and some great ideas, great people, and want to hear what you have to say. Are you waiting for a presentation? Yes. Okay. I'm sorry. Thank you. I'll just move forward. The mayor did a great job with introducing this item. So the purpose of this presentation is to discuss and receive direction regarding the establishment of an education task force and workforce development task force. It's also to discuss the proposed composition, membership qualifications, appointment procedures, terms of service, and goals for the task force. So just some background information. We did host the Delray Beach Education Roundtable twice during my existence here at the city of Delray Beach. That included in August 29, 2024. And it was in partnership with the Delray Chamber of Commerce as well as the Delray Chamber Education Fund in the school district of Palm Beach County. So that included focusing on three city commission priorities that was developed during our goal setting session, which was kindergarten readiness, grade level reading proficiency, and career readiness. And so we carried this roundtable of these initiatives into 2025. And there we established interagency work groups that met throughout the course of the year. And from there, we were able to really gain traction. So we developed the voluntary pre-kindergarten transition resource fair, again, in collaboration with the school district of Palm Beach County and all appropriate stakeholders. And we also conducted a school readiness screening campaign in which we made developmental services more available to our residents here in Delray Beach. Also for the workforce component, we did plan and host a Delray Beach School and Career Showcase at Atlantic High School in order to show all of our available residents, our parents, and our community partners, the programs that are here within Delray Beach Public Schools. So this was reignited. I had a conversation with Mayor Carney. And of course, Mayor Carney champions education. So he really wanted to codify what we do as a city with all of our external partners. And so we talked about developing our approach to the roundtables to include other educational partners, our businesses, as well as our community stakeholders to advance the priorities that were developed during this year's visioning exercise. So out of that visioning exercise, five priority areas were identified. And that included restoring the Delray Beach Education Board, expanding youth internship opportunities, developing a Haitian Creole dual language program, expanding our available mentorship and afterschool programs, and advancing workforce development opportunities in collaboration with our existing economic development team. So during the mayor's roundtable, there were recommendations made by each group. And thank you to all of the commissioners that did participate actively on these roundtable and in these groups, because a lot came out of it. So the Education Board Task Force was one of the recommended paths forward from our work groups. So that included some of their recommendations were to review and update the education element of the Always Delray Comprehensive Plan, as well as to house all of the other priorities from the visioning assembly within this task force. So that included developing pathways to youth internship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses, assessing the feasibility of a Haitian Creole dual language program, and identifying opportunities to expand available afterschool programming, transportation access, and community partnerships. And then within the Workforce Development Task Force, the primary recommendation was to establish formal partnerships among employers, workforce training providers, the Delray Chamber of Commerce, the school district, our city, and local universities to strengthen career pathways. So I'm offering two considerations. Of course, as I've stated previously in the previous presentation, these are just considerations. Of course, the city commission can go forward with however they deem necessary. So consideration one is to develop a formal city commission appointed task force. And what that will look like is standing members as well as appointed members by the city commission, perhaps developing professional qualifications and demonstrated years of experience in the areas of education, workforce development, and economic development to be a part of these city commission appointed task force. Establishing term limits, goals, and performance measures. And for the task force to be able to propose policy considerations and recommendations for the city commission to review. And I just want to add a little caveat that when we discuss with the recommendation of amending the comp plan, that does require a partnership and collaboration with our development services team, because that's an entire process in and of itself. Consideration two is to offer flexible stakeholder work groups. So education and workforce development partners can convene based on emerging priorities, available resources, and specific initiatives. So if something comes up, if it's direction from the commission, we can work as a work group in order to develop these things and propose them to the city commission without there being a formal appointment of standing members. The membership could vary based on interest, experience, expertise, and goals. We can meet, of course, at the discretion of the city commission. So whether it's quarterly, biannually, to provide updates on those goals and provide next steps. And then the work group can develop events, partnership opportunities, and participate in fact-finding. But the policy recommendations in and of itself can be conducted by appropriate city staff. So I think that the goal is for these work groups, from my understanding, is for them to be as flexible as possible. So we can develop this as you see fit without the Florida Sunshine Laws kind of impeding on the progress of these work groups. So just points to consider from the city commission. Does the commission prefer formal appointments or stakeholder work group format with staff being the one to make the policy recommendations based on the fact-finding of the work groups? Will the city commission participate on these task force or work groups? Because, again, that'll trigger Sunshine Laws, will take into effect. Should participants make policy recommendations or should this be the work of city staff? Should our core partners serve in designated positions or should participation remain flexible? What specific deliverables and performance measures should be established? And how frequently should staff report progress to the city commission? So I turn it over to the city commission to discuss. Great. Thank you very much. Commissioner Malika, would you have anything you'd like to weigh in on? So my answer is I don't know. I mean. Okay, good. Right? I don't know that we need to appoint them or just have people that are interested in having it. You made one distinction about one needing sunshine and something. Could you repeat that part? So I think based off of the functions of the group is where the Sunshine Law would trigger. So if it's staff directed, if I'm working with the work groups, which I have been, and I'm making the policy recommendations, I think we can kind of circumvent the public notice for the meetings, the minutes, and those requirements. Also, if the city commission would like to participate on any of these work groups, if it's more than one, of course, we would have to publicly notice these meetings, then we would have the minutes and all the formalities of the work group. So just some things to consider. Everyone can have a task force. It doesn't have to be multiple elected officials on one task force. So you just have to think about if you want these groups to remain fluid, who can be on the task force and who cannot, and what the functions of those task forces would be. Thank you. Okay. Commissioner Burns. Yes, can you go back one slide to the two choices? So consideration one is Sunshine Law, and then consideration two is a little flexible and fluid. It could be flexible unless there are policy recommendations made by these work groups, and if more than one elected official would like to participate in one work group. Okay. Correct. All right. So I would be in favor of the flexible, not confined by the Sunshine Laws because, and, you know, it doesn't matter about us but for the public. So the flexible. Option two for me. But that question about flexibility, that is because it would not be construed to be an official kind of board? Is that the way it works? It's more like a – It's more what the task is. You know, if you're delegating any type of authority to them, then that's what's going to trigger the sunshine. If they're just meeting to convene and give you recommendations and you're not delegating some form of authority to this board, you know, like the Opioid Advisory Committee where they come in and make these formal recommendations on how to use money, then I think you can have that more formal environment – informal environment. I think the informal environment makes better sense with this kind of a group because you want to be – I don't want not to be able to talk to my fellow, you know, board member without having to worry about violating some rule. But, you know, we'll have much greater communication if it's structured the way you've described, I think. Sure. I mean, obviously, if commissioners want to participate, then we're going to have to notice it for Sunshine purposes and have all those things. I don't know how much involvement you're each going to have, but if it's really just one of you that's participating, that's fine. Well, I want to make it available for any one of the commissioners to go, but in that rare occasion where you may have somebody wanting to attend the education or the workforce task force meeting, you would just have to notice it. It's not really – Right. It doesn't really become a, you know, a big event because I don't want it to be tasked like a big event. No, no, no. I don't think we'll make any progress that way. That's just for your purposes, really, not for the committee's purposes. Right. So. Okay, that's fine. So, I mean – Could I ask a question? Sure, go ahead. And I thought this was going to be kind of perfunctory after our last conversation because, look, all we're getting is great qualified people helping us get to the place where we want to go, and we need to make it as easy for them and us as possible. And Ms. Emelman talked about the workforce development group, but that's actually been going on prior to the roundtable and this breakfast for a very long time, and she's doing an amazing job. And the idea of calling it a task force was to give us some prestige because the group – there's some pretty impressive individuals. One of the questions was, though, our economic development director was sitting in on the meetings, and that was why there was the question of does it have to – because we have a city employee on it, how do we work it? Ms. Jelen, I think that was the thing that you pointed out last time. And then the second thing that was discussed at our last meeting was if we are asking people to engage in terms of creating a comp plan change recommendation, did we need to do that by some form of appointment? And so – but I would like to say I sit on the workforce development task force, and I would like to continue. We each did individual tables, so that's the one that I've been on and I would like to continue on. But if that precludes it from being a task force or takes away from it, I will step off because I believe in what they're doing, and the group is amazing. And I'm not an important part of the group, but I would like to continue if that's possible. So I think the issue with that, candidly, was I don't know how much – the city manager has to direct his staff to participate on these committees, right? So I don't know how much Mr. Moore was aware that one of our staff members was participating in this. I understand, but it's a matter of process and procedure. Right. And he's the one who should delegate where his staff's attention is directed to. I also feel that that was more of the chamber's, you know, task force. I don't think we should get so hung up on the titles of what we're calling these groups. I think it's more of what you want them to do. And so the more formal the recommendation – look, can you give a group a copy of the comp plan and say, look at this and make us recommendations? Absolutely. I don't know if that rises to the level of the sunshine. But I do think, though, that the more that staff is involved, I think that that's making it more of a formal board. Okay. As opposed to, you know, you directing the manager to – you know, Stephanie's a great tool, right? So if Stephanie were to, you know, engage a group of people who can help the city come up with its education goals and things like that, that's excellent. And then they can always bring it to the city commission for your review and whatever further action you deem appropriate. But I just feel that the more involvement we have at the city level, that's when you start getting more into the weeds about is this a sunshine group or not. They're not delegated authority. They're just making recommendations. So I do feel comfortable saying that from that standpoint, it can be very informal. But I just, you know, the amount of staff involvement starts making it look a little bit more formal is all I would say. Well, the – can I please – the chamber has been doing this for a long time and they've done a great job with this. I mean, you and I have talked – I mean, Stephanie and I have talked about this like a year ago when they were talking about reaching out to the car dealers and doing all this other kind of stuff. So I think it's a great idea. I do think that the chamber needs to continue to be involved, whether or not we want to expand that to include a – I mean, as we did with the Old School Square for years, there was a designated representative at the Old School Square that we had some kind of an agreement, however, with them which enabled that feature because you certainly want to have your economic development person kind of involved with your workforce, whatever we're calling it, group. So, I mean, I – But I think that was more – Well, that could be made available on an as-needed basis as opposed to being a permanent member because you may not need him there, he or she there all the time. But if they could make the request, as others have done, when people want to have a meeting with builders or something, we get staff to come in and do that on an ad hoc kind of a basis. I just think we want the best bang for our buck. We've got dedicated people already in the chamber and a well-established network of people that they're using. So I want to keep – I want to not lose that valuable asset, which has been a valuable asset. So I – I just think that with that other board that you were referring to, that was a nonprofits board. Right. And the city – it was by agreement also that the city had a designated representative. I don't think they were a voting member of the board, but it was almost like ex-officio where they were present. Right, but I'm saying – I'm not positive we can't fashion something along those lines to – I'm agreeing with you. But I just think that it can still be through the chamber, and then we can have an agreement that Mr. Moore will designate somebody to, you know, act in an advisory capacity. Because, look, it's what you're saying. You know, it's a valuable asset, but we don't want them going down the wrong path if they don't know the processes or rules or whatever, you know, whatever the city has. So I'm agreeing with you, but that was more of a board with an agreement with the city where this is a chamber thing, and then the manager can just have somebody, almost like how you are on the DDA. Yeah. You don't get to vote, but you participate in doing these. Yeah, as an age. And I think that's good. And as for whether, you know, we have a commissioner that's expressing an interest, and that's good. All I'm saying is that if other commissioners want to go, that opportunity needs to be – And all we need to really do is go to the clerk's office and say that, you know, Judy Mollican intends to, you know, go to the meeting, and it's a – Right. It's a nothing I – it's a – you know, it's an easy fix. It doesn't – It doesn't change anything. It doesn't really change anything. Okay. And for clarification, if I may, the economic development director went to one meeting. I don't want anybody to think that someone's doing something that they're not supposed to be. And I don't imagine that we probably will meet six – four to six times a year. So you're not talking about a whole – it's four to six hours working on the focus, which serves the city. So I think it's not unreasonable, and I'm excited. And I'm sure. We're actually all in agreement, I think. Great. Commissioner Marker. Yeah. I'll be quick. Janai, I'm in favor of number two. I think flexible is the way to go. I do think that this committee should – we should expect formal quarterly updates to the commission of what they're doing. I think formal quarterly updates would be good. But ad hoc updates as things progress in between the formal updates. I do not believe city commissioners should be a part of the committees. I think we can participate if we have to, but I think our role is more of an oversight role. And I think we should let the committees do their thing and help them where we can. And I think that those committees should be bringing findings and recommendations to the city commission. And we should be – we should be reviewing that work. So that's where I stand on that. Pretty straightforward. Okay. Commissioner Byrne, did you have something – I did. Did you already speak? I did. Oh, I see. I'm forgetting. Okay. Commissioner Malika? So I don't have a – You want to speak again. I do. Well, because congratulations that the workforce has already been working, and we've got good people doing it. And I don't have a problem with the commissioner being part of that at all. Because as a commissioner, I'm on a lot of different not-for-profits. For the record, I didn't raise my hand to be part of the education task force because I don't have the education background that some of the people that had an interest in being on that task force has. But so, yay, the workforce task force is already going on. But how do we create the education one? Just say, yes, we're ready? I'm going to segue into them next. You're going into that? Okay. I'm going to segue into them. So I guess we are, with the exception of Mr. Markert, and I also think that if any one of the commissioners want to go to these things, as you say, we are oversight. There's no – like I do, to sit there and observe as to what's going on. And I'm not disagreeing with you at all. I think it's fine to be able to go and be an observer, but I also think these committees should function independently. We're staffing them with really good people, and we shouldn't be influencing the work they're bringing to us. I don't think that's good governance. It might take sense. So I don't know how we want to – I mean, if Commissioner Casale is already – she wants to participate, but there's nothing stopping you from participating. No, I think four people said it's okay, so I feel like, you know. I think it's okay. Thank you. I wanted to participate on the education one. Yeah, do it. Well, you're going to get there. Usually I just sit back and listen a lot, and then I'll throw my professional advice in when it's needed. All right, let's segue into the – so the same format – Wait, before we conclude, Mayor, so we can officially call ourselves a Workforce Development Task Force then. Is that okay with that? I'm going to leave that to the city attorney, too. Yeah, there you go. Thank you. Okay. Okay, then there's no problem doing that. So we're going to call it City of Delray Beach Task Force. Workforce Development Task Force. They're going to give us quarterly reports as per Commissioner Markwick's suggestion as to what you're doing, which is a great idea because it keeps everyone up to date, and I think the commission, as the oversight board of us now, City Task Force, needs to be kind of kept – Wait a minute now. With regard to the city commissioner, and a city task force is different than the chamber task force. We're not calling it a city – we're just calling it a Workforce Development Task Force. We're not calling it – we're just calling it a Workforce Task Force. Okay, got it. Don't make it too complicated so that it becomes a problem. Let's try it and see how it goes, and then, you know, we'll do it. Now let's segue to the education task force, or whatever we're calling that. We need to – in that particular case, since we don't have an established group that's already doing it, we do need to have appointments made to this committee. We need to find out who's interested in serving on it. I would recommend that Vice Mayor Burns kind of be the – just spearhead that, being that she is – I mean, it's not just education. I am interested in education. I don't have 30-plus years' worth of classroom experience, so I'm not going to pretend that I got those answers. I certainly would like to participate on the same basis that I've – you know, because I've been participating. But – so we just – I need to get a formula then for each of us. Would you recommend that people apply to – you know, once you start applying, it makes it more formal, and I'm trying to keep it ad hoc. We had a group originally at the table that we were at, the education roundtable, that were all interested in becoming a part of that. I was at that group without an interest of – I just – I have an interest of seeing it move forward. And so I know those people and can present those to you or whomever would like to have those people. So just for clarity, so is it the commission's decision to create a more formal structure for the education task force as opposed to the workforce development task force because then, if it's by appointment, then we will essentially go into a more formal structure where there will be standing members, if that's what you all want, appointed members based off of qualifications. And so then we'll have to start discussing what are the qualifications of the board members. I'm in favor of flexibility there, too, because I think these kinds of task forces, they do their most effective when they can speak among themselves without having to worry about have they violated some rule. So if it's a task force – and correct me if I'm wrong, Ms. Jellett – would we be able to allow both of the task force to rest with or be housed under the Delray Chamber and then we coordinate appropriately for anyone that wants to be involved with these work groups to go through the chamber with the city representative being there in order to, you know, provide that existing, that institutional knowledge from the city standpoint? Yeah, because the chamber has been involved a lot with the education things to begin with, so maybe they – as a, you know – Should we ask Stephanie? What do you think, Steph? You're not getting any more money, Stephanie. She's just been voluntold. Voluntold as well. So maybe Stephanie can come back – maybe the chamber can come back with a suggestion on how they would, you know – I mean, you have one – I have the Delray Chamber Education Fund, which is our 501c3 nonprofit, which is solely focused on education or raising money for our public schools. They're not exactly a task force. They're a fundraising arm. But we did start the education roundtables years ago. Yes, I've been to four. So we can – I know, most of you have been to that. So we can continue that if that's the commission's pleasure. We'd be delighted to do it. I'm speaking on behalf of my board who has no idea I'm saying this. But we do obviously believe education is very important. So as long as we can work in tandem – and it's important for one of the city staff to also at least hear what's going on. Yeah, I think that's a very effective way – I mean, you'll be reporting to us also. I mean, you'll be telling us what – because obviously we're all concerned about it. We're not trying to meddle. But – well, some of us are. Only a little. Could I ask a question? Yes. Is it – do you feel – I mean, we have the task force title, but do you feel you need the City of Delray task force? Do you think that's a better title? And I'm asking you that because I know there's value in that in terms of who we're able to attract to participate. And in the instance of this workforce development, you're taking principals, people out of the school system, and bringing them in to help. So whatever supports how we get to where we want to get, which is how we're getting the quality people on that. Well, the terminology – when I look at consideration one and number two, number one is a task force, but that was the more formal one. And number two was a work group, which is less formal. Right. So maybe we should call it a work group so it's not as – No, we can still call it a task force. Can you? But the question is, do you need the title City of Delray Beach in front of it? No, I think the city attorney thinks that work groups is a better word than task force. It's less formal. Can we use the terminology City of Delray Beach Workforce Development Work Group? I don't think it should be City of Delray Beach. If the chamber's doing it, I don't think it should be City of Delray Beach. It can just be whatever, you know, education task force or whatever. They can call it a task force. We can call it a task force. That's not the issue. But I think when you start putting City of Delray Beach on it – Okay. So we just call it a task force. Workforce Development Task Force. Correct. And leave it at that. Okay. Yes. But I guess, you know, you've been doing it without, so to speak, the chambers – I mean, the commission's backing. I have been doing it without – So I think that it will give you greater strength because it is something that – That's what we want. Yeah. Super excited. Thank you. Do we have consensus on doing the same thing with the education side with the flexibility? Yes. I think as long as a group can get together, whether it's at the chamber or whether it's a city building somewhere, as long as they can get together and work towards it. So we're not directing them in which direction we want to stop the education task force to go, correct? Right. It'll be based on the Vision 2035 initiatives, obviously. That seems fine with me. Does that work with everybody? Me too. Thank you for your willingness. I just want to say, I don't want to get hung up on the titles, right? Right. It's the action that you're – you can call whatever you want. It's really what they're actually going to be doing. That's the function, correct. The function, exactly. Then I think we're all in agreement. Thank you. Okay. I'm seeing – Oh, Jim. Do you want to weigh – I mean, public comment was – I'm sorry? Is this public comment? Really? I think we're missing a big point here, and that is, what do we do with the results of this? We have these two task forces. Mr. – sir. Sir. Need to introduce yourself for the name, your name for the record, please, and who you are. Yes, Mr. City Manager. It's not public comment, Mr. Charge, so I'm reluctant to open up the – unless the chamber – That's why I'm writing on her coattails. Is the chamber inviting you up to speak? Is that – Use the chamber number one. Then by all means, give your name and zip code for the record, and you will have three minutes. Jim Charge, 33483, Osceola Park. And I was also vice chair of the chamber at one point in time. But I think we're missing a very big point here, which is, let's say we have the greatest two task forces in the world, and they come up with great ideas. What then? What do we do with the results? And I think that is critical to the success of this. One thing I suggest is those suggestions get worked into the policies in the comprehensive plan. So we have them in writing and documented. The other is that they go into a letter of agreement, an ILA, with the county, where we are saying, based on what this process has generated, what the city wants and needs. And it gets, again, incorporated in a legal document that's an ILA. Both are very good suggestions. We can work those in as things develop and they come up with proposals. We can work those in. So I think those are valid points which need to be worked in. And certainly to the extent that the education task force work group, whatever we're calling, comes up with a great suggestion that we can approach the school board with and incorporate it into whatever the interlocal agreement is with them, we would have that flexibility. I think it's a great idea. That's really going to be up to the work group to get it to us and for us to have a discussion of what the work group is doing and see what we want to do at that point. Right? I mean, is that kind of more or less what we're saying? I think that should be. City attorney, yes? But then you have results that can be measured. Right. Thank you for letting me speak. You're welcome, former chairman of the chamber. Are there any other wishing to, Mr. Moore, did you have anything more to say on this? Not on this topic. However, I was planning to take the last item once we conclude this topic. Okay, well, as soon as I close out, I'm sorry, did you have another comment? Yes, I did. Sorry. So is it the commission's direction that I work, and thank you, Stephanie, of course, for always collaborating with me as well as providing the resources for the Delray Chamber. So is it the city commission's direction that I ask staff for the city work with Stephanie Immelman and all appropriate stakeholders in order to provide quarterly updates regarding the work groups? I would say yes, provided it's not violating anything or creating any upper echelon issue. I would say yes. Thank you. And we've decided staff will be available on an as-needed basis should they need to be participating in some of these. So the interested education task force people should contact Stephanie or Janine? They can contact me, and I work very closely with Ms. Immelman, so we'll be able to coordinate appropriately. Thank you. Perfect. Okay. Are we done on this item? People? Yes? Great. Okay. All right, next, the last item is the Palm Beach State College Panther Partner Award recognition. I don't even know what that is, but go ahead. I'll describe what it is, Mr. Mayor, and if I may, ladies and gentlemen. I've actually invited representatives from Palm Beach State College to be here at approximately 430, so they may be walking in any minute to offer a presentation of what the award looks like. In essence, the Panther Partner Award is in recognition for the city's continued support of workforce development, student success, and community engagement. The partnership having made a meaningful impact, and they are grateful for their ongoing commitment to advanced education and career opportunities throughout the region. And specifically, Dary Beach is being recognized because, of course, we enjoy a solid working relationship in several regards. One, in terms of public safety, we have a relationship in that regard, public safety training, Palm Beach State College, as well as our summer internship program and other workforce development-related initiatives that they decided that we were worthy of recognition. Again, I did invite them to join us at 430 for a brief awards ceremony presentation here in the City Commission Chamber. I do not see anybody here yet available. However, that's, in essence, why we are where we are. That's the basis of the recognition. And they're not online. No, good question. Do we know that somebody is coming? Because if so, we can take a five-minute break and wait for them to come. I believe you can take a break. But, again, their expectation was to join us here physically. And if they arrive successfully, we can reconvene. All right. So why don't we wind up with the commission's approval. Let's take a five-minute recess. No big deal. And we'll be reconvening at 432. Good afternoon, everyone. We are reconvening the meeting here at 435. We're now on agenda item WS4, which is Palm Beach State College Panther Partner Award recognition. Mr. Moore. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen. I actually gave you all an overview prior to taking a break to allow representatives from Palm Beach State College to convene because they do have the special recognition of the Panther Partner Award. I'd like to, therefore, bring to the lectern Ms. Natasha Nettles, who's Assistant Dean of Student Services, and she's accompanied by Mr. Matthew Lanahan, who's Director of Business and Academic Relations, Palm Beach State College. So if you all can please approach the lectern. And we appreciate the presentation and recognition, and we look forward to the resulting accolades. So thank you very much. You're welcome. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Moore, thank you so much for having us here today on this. I don't know, it seems like it's raining the last two months or so, and I'm sure we're all dug out of this. But, again, this is just a truly thank you again for having us here. I did want to say on behalf of President Ava Parker, Provost Dr. Van Williams, this is a recognition to our partners in the community that share a committed goal of serving our constituents, serving the workforce of Palm Beach County, and building a vibrant community that serves all of the folks and all of the students that we serve at Palm Beach State College. The City of Delray has been a longstanding partner of ours. We've been, you know, we recently celebrated our 90th anniversary partnerships with municipalities. Like the City of Delray is why, you know, why we are who we are. And I know throughout our time, many of the students that have gone through our doors were residents of the city and have gone on to truly successful, longstanding careers here within Palm Beach County and obviously within the City of Delray Beach as well. You know, we are here to commit. We are committed to the students of the community and the programs that we're offering. Without your feedback in terms of the relevancy of the jobs that are here in the city now but also in the future, you know, that's why we rely on you guys in order for us to shape these programs. So, again, this is really just a token of our appreciation to you all for now and obviously moving into the future as the city continues to grow and do great things. We're here to be a resource for you every step of the way. So, again, on behalf of our president and behalf of the provost and everyone at Palm Beach State, including our staff, faculty, and obviously our students, we just wanted to say thank you to all of you guys. And we're here to celebrate our success. You're welcome. Do you like the shaping? As in you, Ms. Nettles. You're holding the... I am here as a plus one. But good evening, everyone. Natasha Nettles here. Just to kind of piggyback off of Matt, thank you all for your continued support in the community and the great things that you're doing in Delray. I am a resident of Boca, but I find myself often in Delray. So, thank you for all that you do. We do have a very nice partner, Panther Award, that we would like to present you all and take a picture if that's possible. Well, we would like to do that. So, would you already put our... Can I just add one thing? I am not an original Palm Beach County resident. I grew up in New York. You know, shocking. But I will say my grandparents were snowbirds back in the 90s, and they came to Delray Beach. And the fact that I live here in this area now as a full-time resident is just full circle. So, and to be here on the stage, you know, thanking you all and obviously the residents here, I mean, it's crazy to think about. And it was always something in the back of my head as a kid. I would love to live down here one day. And here I am now honoring the city of Delray. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Gina Carter with our communication, director of communication. Gina, you should you want to bring in, please. I know, right? I'm a photo person. And my child actually goes to Palm Beach County. I want to see that trophy, too. That looks kind of cool. Sometimes those things they do with glass now are so amazing. Yeah, it's amazing. It's all right. You can make that happen. We do have a meeting afterwards. It's canceled. It's canceled. We just canceled? It's canceled. It's a rain delay. It's a rain delay. It's a rain day. Good. Rain delay. Thank you all very much. Anyway, this workshop is now concluded. So, we are going to adjourn the workshop. We will reconvene at 5 o'clock for the regularly scheduled city commission meeting. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.