02/04/2008
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AGENDA
Location: Council Chambers - City Hall
Date: 2/4/2008- 1 :30 PM
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the January 14, 2008 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City
Clerk.
~ Attachments
3. CRA Items
3.1 Approve the agreement with CSDVRS, LLC, providing for the CRA to pay the city parking fund $16,200
over 24 months to pay for parking needed by CSDVRS for its headquarters in downtown Clearwater and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
I@l Attachments
4. Other Business
5. Adjourn
Meeting Date:2/4/2008
Community Redevelopment
Agency Agenda
Council Chambers - City Hall
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the January 14,2008 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
SUMMARY:
Review Approval: 1) Clerk
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 3
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 14, 2008
Unapproved
Present:
Frank Hibbard
Carlen Petersen
John Doran
George N. Cretekos
Paul Gibson
Also present:
William B. Horne II
Jill S. Silverboard
Rod Irwin
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia O. Sullivan
Chair/CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
CRA Trustee
City Manager
Assistant City Manag
Assistant City Manage
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1 :37 p.m.
To provide continuity for research, item
necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes
rove the minut
as recorded a
as duly secon
Redevelopment
itten summation by the
d unanimously.
or Retail Recruitment and Marketin Services.
Proposals FP) by the CRA (Community Redevelopment
nd marketing services for the Cleveland Street District. The
upport and enhance the existing retail base within the
sals will be sought from qualified firms with relevant expertise
ation districts.
y for downtown revitalization has been: 1) implement infrastructure
ct residential development; and 3) create a destination. The RFP marks
CRA's program for downtown revitalization which to-date has included the
Downtown et Study, Fagade Design Analysis, creating the "Sidewalk Cafe Society,"
revised Fagade Improvement Program, Sidewalk Furniture Grant Program (proposed), and
Downtown Branding.
Community Redevelopment Agency 2008-01-14
1
Item # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 3
Over the coming years, Downtown is expected to experience significant growth and
change that will influence retail activity. Expected changes include: 1) Completion of new, high-
density residential developments on Cleveland Street and in other areas of Downtown; 2)
Continued attraction of significant seasonal resident and tourist populations; 3) Continued
attraction of office workers; 4) Resurgence of local hotel market; and 5) Redevelopment and
investment opportunities in CRA District.
The consultant selected for this contract may be asked to perform
following services: 1) Develop a Strategy for Retail Recruitment and
spaces in the Cleveland Street District, consistent with the "Cafe So
characteristics; 2) Develop a marketing and leasing plan to implem
Assist and counsel the CRA with retail contacts and negotiations
prospects. Qualified firms must provide information as to their rele
performance, approach to services, and proposed fee. An Evaluatio
evaluate and rank responsive proposals based on: 1) understanding
qualifications and experience; 3) references and client satisfaction;
the best-rated proposals (short-list) may be invited for oral presentati s w
further demonstrate their qualifications. Final scoring will verage of t
by all committee members.
2008 RFP Timetable: 1) January 15 - RF
6 - proposer questions period; 3) February 13 a
February 19 - evaluation of proposals; 5 Wee
short-list firms; and 6) March 17 CR ing
e release of the est for Proposals for Retail
otion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ram and dele ate authorit to the CRA
c
Cle
CRA'
efforts
Clevelan
iated a Fagade Design Analysis for Cleveland Street within the
alysis, funded by the Downtown Development Soard (DDS),
e improvements, depicted illustrative fagade improvement
nd established a vision for building design that was reflective of
r. Recommendations from the analysis called for changes to the
provement Program and pursuit of a "unifying concept" under which
could be prioritized and allocated. The unifying concept chosen was the
afe District, which promotes a sidewalk cafe environment.
On September 4,2007, the CRA approved revisions to and funding for the Fagade
Improvement Program to establish several tools for revitalizing buildings within the Cleveland
Street District. These tools included architectural design assistance program and a sidewalk
cafe furniture grant program, with funding assistance by the DDS FY (Fiscal Year) 2007/08
Community Redevelopment Agency 2008-01-14
2
Item # 1
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 3
budget. CRA staff has drafted the following requirements for the Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant
Program: 1) The grant provides financial assistance to eligible applicants seeking to furnish an
approved sidewalk cafe area within the Cleveland Street District; 2) The one-time grants fund up
to 75% of the total project cost, to a maximum of $2,500 per grant award; and 3) To be eligible
for the grant, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria: a) Applicant must be a property
owner or tenant operating a business within the Cleveland Street District; b) Property owner
must endorse any application made by a tenant; c) The property on which the sid alk cafe
business is located is current on all property taxes; d) The business associ ted he
sidewalk cafe is in compliance with State and local code and Iicensin em
Applicant has submitted a completed application to the CRA; and f) ha
Sidewalk Cafe Permit.
The Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant application process may
Planning Department's review of a sidewalk cafe site plan and Sidew
application. Street furnishings purchased prior to the receipt of a co
Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant by the CRA staff will be considered i
program. All grant awards will be disbursed by the CRA as a reimbu eme
inspection of the furniture installation by CRA staff. Staff i g with the
Department to finalize changes needed to the Sidewa ments in
of the Community Development Code to include s for the CI
District.
In response to a question, Economic D
Lopez said as proposed, the furnitur 0 wi
Funding is sufficient to purchase q itur at m
four chairs each. One busine ressed interes
Consensus was to
rant if the business
ing the analysis.
he Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant Program as
nt award if grantee closes business in less than
ecutive Director for the approval of grant
d unanimously.
Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest:
City Clerk
Community Redevelopment Agency 2008-01-14
3
Item # 1
Meeting Date:2/4/2008
Community Redevelopment
Agency Agenda
Council Chambers - City Hall
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the agreement with CSDVRS, LLC, providing for the CRA to pay the city parking fund $16,200 over 24 months to pay for
parking needed by CSDVRS for its headquarters in downtown Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
SUMMARY:
The Economic Development and Housing staff successfully worked with CSDVRS, LLC (Communication Service for the Deaf-Video
Relay Services) to relocate their headquarters from South Dakota to Downtown Clearwater.
CSDVRS is the world's first nationwide video relay service provider. They specialize in the technology called voice carry-over (VCO)
for the deaf and hard of hearing. With VCO technology, the deaf and hard of hearing can speak directly to the hearing caller using a
standard telephone while viewing a Video Interpreter relay. The hearing caller will hear the VCO user's voice during the conversation.
The company chose the City of Clearwater over Maryland and Massachusetts as its new headquarters. The company forecasted the
creation of 45 jobs by December 31, 2008 and an additional 17 by December 31,2009 with an average annual wage of $69,666. To help
induce the creation of these fulltime 62 new jobs, the qualified target industry tax refund incentive (QTI) was approved by the State
(OTTED), City of Clearwater and Pinellas County in June 2007.
The QTI program provides pre-approved applicants refunds for corporate income taxes, sales and use taxes, ad valorem taxes and
certain other taxes paid by the business. CSDVRS, LLC can receive up to $651,000 over a five-year payout period. The City's portion
of this commitment is $65,100.
CSDVRS leased 6,000 square feet at the Bank of America building located at 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 1000. The six-year lease
includes only 17 paid parking spaces based on 2.7 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet.
CSDVRS needs an additional (15) fifteen parking spaces and is requesting economic assistance from the CRA to cover the cost.
The CRA established the Economic Development Incentive Fund to encourage job creation within the Downtown Business District.
This program was used in the 1990s to attract companies to Downtown. The projects are evaluated based on wage levels, capital
investment, economic impact, and commitment to the community. The Fund currently has approximately $147,000.
We recommend that the CRA assist CSDVRS by providing a grant effective March 1,2008 to pay the cost of fifteen (15) parking
spaces in the Garden Avenue Garage for twenty-four (24) months for the following reasons:
. Creation of jobs faster than the initial QTI program commitment by December 31, 2008 (49 full-time and 26 part-time jobs were
created by October 1, 2007 at their downtown location)
. Location of a downtown company headquarters
. Creation of high-wage jobs (average wage is $69,966)
. Company may not be able to take advantage of the full QTI award because of their LLC structure
The total commitment from the CRA over the two years will be $16,200.00. The CRA will pay the City Parking System for the cost of
providing the fifteen (15) parking spaces at $45 per space for 24 months.
This parking incentive will be conditional upon confirmation of 30 full-time employees at its downtown location verified by a notarized
letter from an officer of CSDVRS and confirmed by Paychex Payroll Services report. Employment verification is required semi-
annually.
Funds are available from the CRA's Economic Development Incentive account 0388-99963.
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Type:
Other
Current Year Budget?:
Budget Adjustment Comments:
Current Year Cost:
Not to Exceed:
For Fiscal Year:
No
Budget Adjustment:
No
o
$16,200
Appropration Code
0388-99963- 582000- 552-
000-0000
Annual Operating Cost:
Total Cost:
to
Amount
$16,200
Appropriation Comment
Review Approval: 1) Office of Management and Budget 2) Legal 3) Clerk 4) Assistant City Manager 5) Clerk 6) City Manager 7) Clerk
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 3
AGREEMENT
IN CONSIDERATION of the terms set forth in this agreement made and entered
into this _ day of February 2008, subject to all applicable provisions of the Clearwater
Redevelopment Agency, a body politic and corporate under the laws of the State of
Florida (hereafter "CRA"), and as an inducement to remain within, and to provide
employment within the CRA Business District of Downtown Clearwater, parking
incentive (hereafter" Parking Agreement") to be made available to CSDVRS, LLC.
AS A PROVISION of the Parking Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
I. CSDVRS, LLC has located and will maintain its headquarters inside the CRA
Downtown Business District for the term of this agreement.
2. The term of this agreement will not to exceed twenty-four months (24) from the
date of execution of the parking agreement
3. Confirmation of thirty (30) full-time employees at its business address within the
CRA Downtown Business District is required prior to assignment of parking
spaces. This is to be verified by a notarized letter from an officer of CSDVRS
and confirmed by Paychex Payroll Services report. A corporate average annual
salary shall be at least $69,966.
4. The Parking Agreement will be reviewed semi-annually during the term of the
agreement by CRA staff for compliance. At each review, if staffing levels fall
below twenty-four (24) employees or corporate average annual wages are below
$69,966 the agreement shall be in default. CSDVRS has three (3) months from
date of review to bring the agreement into compliance.
5. In the event that CSDVRS fails to comply with the terms of this Parking
Agreement or terminates its lease agreement, for any reason, the Parking
Agreement with the CRA shall be null and void without further obligation on the
part of the CRA.
6. CRA and the City parking system will provide fifteen (IS) parking spaces at a
tax-exempt cost of forty-five dollars ($45.00) each where designated in the
Garden Avenue Garage. The estimated value of such spaces shall not exceed
Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($16,200.00).
7. CRA will pay the parking system on a quarterly basis.
8. CSDVRS agrees to pay for each refundable card deposit required by the City
parking system. Each cardholder will be required to complete a standard parking
application.
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 3
In WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day
and year first hereinabove written.
CSDVRS, LLC.
By
Its
COMMUNITY REDEVLOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
BY:
Frank V. Hibbard
Chairperson
Approved as to form:
Attest:
Cynthia E. Goudeau
City Attorney City Clerk
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PINELLAS )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of
, 20_, by FRANK V. HIBBARD, Chairperson of the CRA, who is
personally known to me.
Print/Type Name:
Notary Public
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PINELLAS )
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 3
Item # 2