The focal point of the meeting was the debate and subsequent resolution regarding the Bernard Thomas mural. The artwork’s historical significance was weighed against the presence of a Confederate flag within its depiction of Florida’s history. The board’s decision to cover the flag with a plaque rather than alter the original artwork reflects an effort to preserve the mural’s integrity while addressing concerns about offensive imagery. The board’s consensus on the matter led to a unanimous vote in favor of requesting the mural’s restoration to its original location at the Women’s Club.

The Unity Project also garnered attention during the session. This collaborative endeavor between the city, the Heart of Boynton community, and the Arts and Cultural Center aims to foster community engagement through a series of events leading up to a Unity Festival on April 27th at Centennial Park. The project’s scope includes activities such as a Night of Joy, soul food Sunday, the March in ordinance burning, and a meet and greet with mural artists. Moreover, a call to artists has resulted in the selection of two muralists to contribute new artworks at designated locations in the city.

Historic preservation efforts were another major topic of discussion. The board highlighted the need for a historic preservation planner to help secure grants and protect historic properties. Particular attention was paid to the protection of landmarks, including the Little League fields, WBR Cemetery, and the bridge over the intercoastal. The Little League field, in use since 1957, received support from some board members for its addition to the local register, though no final decision was made.

Further discussions raised the issue of designating historic neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of gaining community support for such initiatives. Members of the board voiced concerns about the neglect of the Magnuson House and the impact of the removal of the Bernard Thomas mural on the community. The economic benefits of historic preservation were also discussed, alongside the challenges of conveying the value of such efforts to the city commission.

The potential relocation of the Andrews House was updated. The meeting concluded with announcements concerning upcoming events and the scheduling of the next meeting. The need for an updated list of board members’ contact information and terms of service was mentioned, a practice that was once regularly maintained.