The newly elected Mayor Rebecca Shelton, alongside re-elected Commissioners Angela Cruz and Thomas Turkin, took center stage during the swearing-in ceremony, with Shelton being inaugurated as the city’s first female mayor in 32 years. Her oath was administered by Judge James Martz, in the presence of former Mayor Jerry Taylor. Shelton expressed profound gratitude and emphasized her commitment to responsive leadership, stating, “You elected me as the first female mayor of Boynton Beach in 32 years.” She promised to enhance public engagement and ensure that every community voice is heard. Commissioner Turkin echoed the importance of community involvement, noting, “You chose results over rhetoric, progress over politics.”

Following the ceremonial aspects, the City Commission turned its attention to pressing community issues, most notably the condition of the city’s infrastructure. A proposed paving project budget of approximately $2.3 million was a central topic of discussion. The plan, intended to distribute around $600,000 per district, is aimed at addressing deteriorating road conditions citywide. Commissioners highlighted the urgency of focusing on improvements in the Chapel Hill area, which had long been neglected despite being a significant tax base. Public Works Director Kevin Ramsey presented potential projects, including work in Golfview Harbour and the Meadows neighborhoods, with a total estimated cost exceeding $3 million.

The allocation of funds and prioritization of projects stirred dialogue among commissioners, with some questioning the impact on other infrastructure endeavors, especially those funded by the county’s transportation surtax. Despite concerns, staff sought consensus to advance the paving plan.

In a procedural move, Vice Mayor Aimee Kelley presented a proclamation for Women’s History Month, acknowledging the contributions of notable female leaders in the community. The proclamation celebrated the achievements of past female mayors and recognized Shelton as the fourth woman to hold the office. Kelley remarked, “After over three decades, it’s my honor to congratulate Rebecca Shelton again.”

Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, as seen in the public comment segment. Residents voiced various concerns, from the substandard conditions at the Boynton Beach Tennis Center to the enforcement of leash laws. Al Coreli lamented the neglected state of the tennis courts, urging a focus on specific improvements in line with neighboring cities’ standards. Meanwhile, Alan Abels raised safety concerns over unleashed dogs, attributing enforcement lapses to potential conflicts of interest involving city officials.

The meeting also addressed the purchase of ADA-compliant portable restroom trailers, with a resolution passed unanimously to allocate $139,460 for two units. These trailers are intended to enhance accessibility and convenience at city events, with the cost fully reimbursed by a developer agreement. Despite approval, some commissioners advocated for exploring permanent restroom facilities in the future, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure at public venues.

Public speakers, including Rick Maharaj and Cindy Falco DiCorrrado, underscored the importance of maintaining accountability and transparency within the new administration. Maharaj highlighted the community’s expectation for Shelton to engage with constituents, while Falco DiCorrrado emphasized the role of public servants in upholding limited government and individual liberties.

The meeting concluded with several board appointments. Appointments included the Art Advisory Board, Education and Youth Advisory Board, and Senior Advisory Board.