Council approves HR/communications move and three‑year Port Center lease; members question timing and parking

The Riviera Beach City Council approved two companion measures on Dec. 3 to move human resources and the communications department into Office Suite 300 at the Port Center and to cover relocation and buildout costs.

Assistant City Manager and HR director explained that the relocation will give HR a dedicated training room, private meeting space and parking relief; the move includes IT infrastructure, furnishings and a 5,000‑square‑foot layout shared by communications and HR. Resolution 178‑25 authorizes up to $350,000 for the move and buildout, while resolution 165‑25 authorizes a three‑year lease with Port Center LLC at $132,950 per year (Jan. 2026–Dec. 2028) with renewal options.

Councilmembers questioned whether the city had explored using existing city‑owned facilities (old city hall, CRA vacated space) and asked whether spending nearly $133,000 per year on leased space is prudent while a new city hall is planned. Staff answered that existing facilities lack immediate space and parking and that moving now addresses operational constraints; the relocation was approved with recorded dissent by two council members.

Staff said procurement and facilities will manage the buildout and that the CFO will charge lease payments to the rentals and leases account. Council asked staff to provide clearer cost comparisons and parking plans as part of implementation oversight.