West Palm Beach Commission ratifies police chief, approves zoning, small-business and funding measures

The West Palm Beach City Commission on Monday ratified Antonio “Tony” Arujo as the city’s police chief and approved a package of ordinances and resolutions affecting small-business contracting, zoning incentives for workforce housing, waterfront permits, library programming and utility appropriations tied to State Road A1A work.

The approvals include an ordinance changing the name of an office and raising the city’s small-business participation requirement to a maximum of 18% on construction and master contracts; a zoning text amendment to expand Broadway Mixed Use district height incentives and clarify how bonus units are calculated; a series of resolutions approving waterfront and development permits and easements; and appropriations to pay settlements and fund library and law-enforcement equipment.

Why it matters: the measures alter procurement and zoning rules that influence local contracting opportunities and development incentives, allocate roughly $85,188 in identified external or forfeiture funds for specific purchases and settlements, and authorize city participation in an FDOT-led resurfacing project that requires utility relocation.

Key actions and details

• Police chief ratification: The commission ratified Antonio “Tony” Arujo as West Palm Beach police chief (action recorded as a formal ratification/appointment).

• Small-business ordinance: The commission approved an ordinance (after a second public hearing) amending the Code of Ordinances. Revisions include…