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Riviera Beach council advances Art in Public Places ordinance on first reading
Summary
Councilmembers voted unanimously on first reading to amend Chapter 32 to adopt a public arts master plan by reference and update definitions, duties, and participation rules for the city's Art in Public Places program (ordinance 42-83).
The Riviera Beach City Council on Sept. 3 approved on first reading ordinance 42-83, which amends Chapter 32 of the city code to adopt the city's Public Art Master Plan by reference and revise program definitions, board duties and participation rules.
City staff presented the ordinance as a housekeeping and implementation package for the master plan. Clarence Sermons, the city's director of development services, asked the council to adopt the changes so the previously prepared master plan can be applied "as well as make several text amendments to that chapter to make it align with the plan and adjust any processes and definitions." Principal planner Simon described the substantive changes to definitions and the addition of policies and procedures to guide day-to-day use of the master plan.
The ordinance replaces the term "tangible" with "original creations," adds specific definitions for "local artist," "maintenance with respect to artwork," "mural," "public art collection," "temporary artwork" and clarifies "project" and "unit" in the residential development context. It also adds a new section adopting the master plan by reference and provides policies and procedures for using the plan. Staff said the amendments also clarify how phased developments participate and align the public art budget language with construction cost definitions to reduce burdens on developers.
Councilmembers expressed support for the program as a community beautification and economic-development tool. "This is really about reimagining Riviera Beach," Councilperson Miller Anderson said, thanking staff for staying "the course" on the project. The council called the ordinance "a beautiful" step toward partnering with developers without relying solely on taxpayer dollars.
Acting City Clerk Deborah Hall conducted a roll call; the motion for first reading passed unanimously.
The ordinance returns to the council for final reading at the next required public hearing date.
Ending: The city manager said staff recommends approval and will return the ordinance on its required public-reading schedule. The council provided unanimous support on first reading, leaving the measure poised for final adoption after the statutorily required notice period.
