West Palm Beach City Commission approves key resolutions and amendments during June 9 meeting

West Palm Beach, Florida – The West Palm Beach City Commission held a pivotal meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, with significant decisions that will affect city operations, development projects, and community initiatives. During this session, Mayor Keith A. James and other city officials discussed several resolutions, amendments, and approvals aimed at improving services, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting the community’s well-being.

The meeting opened with the approval of two resolutions by the Mayor’s office. The first resolution amended the City’s Salary Plan for FY2024-2025. This change included the addition of various job classifications and updated pay grades and salary ranges for certain positions across the city. The second resolution, a companion measure, also amended the full-time equivalent (F.T.E.) budget for various city departments and specific funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These adjustments reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the workforce.

In a significant symbolic gesture, Mayor Keith A. James proclaimed the month of June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in West Palm Beach. The proclamation was an important recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and the city’s commitment to inclusion and equality.

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The City Attorney’s office was also busy during the meeting, approving several important resolutions. The commission authorized the assessment of city liens totaling $13,826.15 for unpaid water service, sewer service, and stormwater service fees from February 2025. This action is aimed at ensuring that the city’s utilities continue to be funded and maintained.

Additionally, the City Commission approved a resolution for a Settlement Agreement involving Selestreon A. Novembre and the City of West Palm Beach. The settlement amounts to $55,000 and resolves the legal matter in a way that allows the city to move forward.

Another critical decision involved Greenberg Traurig, P.A., a law firm that represents both the Norton Museum of Art and the City of West Palm Beach. The commission authorized the waiver of a potential conflict of interest related to the law firm’s dual role in a proposed Ground Lease Transaction and its work with the City on unrelated matters.

The Development Services department presented several key ordinance changes. The first, after a second public hearing, was a privately-initiated text amendment to Chapter 94 of the Zoning and Land Development Regulations. This amendment introduces additional standards for hospital use within the Downtown Master Plan (DMP) and clarifies the existing definition of hospitals. The move aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance downtown development while maintaining clear zoning laws.

In a related matter, another ordinance approved after the second public hearing addresses residential development regulations in the North Railroad Avenue district (NORA) of West Palm Beach. Specifically, the ordinance eliminates the height-in-stories requirement for residential developments that utilize the Downtown Master Plan (DMP) Housing Incentive Program. This change provides greater flexibility for residential developers, enabling them to better meet housing demand in the area.

The Engineering department brought forward an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances at Chapter 86 to revise permit requirements and approval processes for construction traffic management and construction parking plans. The change will streamline the approval process, ensuring that construction projects proceed efficiently while minimizing disruption to the city’s transportation infrastructure.

The Fire Department also had important resolutions to discuss. The commission approved a Seventh Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Fire Vehicle Maintenance between Palm Beach County and the City of West Palm Beach. This agreement ensures that fire vehicles are properly maintained, promoting the safety and efficiency of the city’s fire department.

Housing and Community Development played a significant role in the meeting’s agenda, particularly with regard to the Tamarind Parcel Lease and the Currie Park Redevelopment project. The City Commission approved Amendment No. 4 to the Tamarind Parcel Lease with Transit Village PPP-Seaboard, LLC. This amendment extends the Commencement Date for the Seaboard Train Station, a key part of the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and modernize its transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, the commission approved the transfer of city funds for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to amend the Grants Capital Project fund budget. These funds will be allocated to provide additional appropriations for the Currie Park Redevelopment project, a vital effort to enhance public parks and green spaces for local residents.

The Parks and Recreation department also had several noteworthy approvals. The City Commission authorized the provision of Child Care Services at the Pleasant City and South Olive Community Centers. This decision includes the approval of a State of Florida Statewide School Readiness Provider Contract and a Children’s Services Provider Contract, both of which will provide funding for these essential services.

In addition, a resolution was passed to approve a service agreement with J.D. Thornton Nurseries, Inc., in the amount of $108,910. This contract will allow for the relocation of large specimen trees within Dreher Park, an effort necessary to accommodate the development of the Boys and Girls Club. The project will enhance Dreher Park and provide valuable resources for the community.

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Furthermore, the commission authorized the appropriation of $350,000 from the 2020 General Obligation Bond Fund reserves to fully fund the construction of the Brian Chappell Park fishing pier. This project will offer local residents and visitors a new recreational facility and contribute to the overall beautification of the park.

The West Palm Beach Police Department received attention in the meeting with two companion resolutions. The first approved the acceptance of a donation from The Fund for West Palm Beach Police Department in the amount of $89,165. This donation will support the expansion of the city’s camera and license plate reader project, a key initiative for enhancing public safety and crime prevention in the city.

The second companion resolution recognized and appropriated the $89,165 donation for use in the expansion of the city’s surveillance technology. Additionally, a resolution was passed to amend the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Miscellaneous Trust Fund Budget, authorizing appropriations of $196,653 from State Law Enforcement Forfeiture Receipts. These funds will be used to purchase new law enforcement equipment, further enhancing the department’s capabilities in ensuring public safety.

The decisions made at the June 9, 2025, City Commission meeting in West Palm Beach reflect the city’s commitment to improving public services, fostering development, and enhancing quality of life for residents. With approvals across a broad range of city departments—from engineering to police to housing—West Palm Beach continues to build a strong foundation for its future growth and success.

As the city moves forward with these approved resolutions, ordinances, and agreements, it’s clear that the City Commission’s focus remains on ensuring that West Palm Beach remains a vibrant, safe, and well-managed community for all who live, work, and visit here. The work done in this meeting is just the beginning of many transformative projects that will shape the city’s landscape in the coming months and years.