02/02/2009
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 2, 2009
Present: Frank Hibbard Chair/CRA Trustee
Carlen Petersen CRA Trustee
John Doran CRA Trustee
George N. Cretekos CRA Trustee
Paul Gibson CRA Trustee
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Jill S. Silverboard Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager/CRA Executive Director
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Rosemarie Call Management Analyst
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes
2.1. Approve the minutes of the December 15, 2008 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the Community Redevelopment
Agency meeting of December 15, 2008, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the
City Clerk to each Trustee. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - CRA Items
3.1. Approve the East Gateway District Façade and Building Lot Improvement Program and
authorize CRA staff to implement the program.
The proposed East Gateway District Façade and Building Lot Improvement Program
provides incentives for private reinvestment within the district’s aging commercial corridors as a
way to enhance the physical environment and, in turn, the economic and social viability of the
area. An attractive environment draws the attention of customers—old and new—who associate
quality of place with the quality of products and services offered. Surrounding residential areas
would also reap benefits from a more viable commercial district.
Two forms of program assistance offered are: 1) Conceptual Design Services: Design
services by Florida licensed, City-approved architects/engineers are available to assist an
eligible property owner in creating a conceptual design of their improvement project (a grant
paid by the CRA up to $4,000); and 2) Project Funding Assistance will be available to an eligible
property owner to offset eligible project improvement costs. Funding for improvements is
through a zero-interest loan that may convert to a grant over the five-year loan term using
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The maximum loan amount per
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commercial property is $35,000, provided the property owner applies private funds for eligible
project costs representing at least 20% of the loan amount.
The program defines eligible properties, property owners and improvement projects.
Generally, the applicant must be the property owner and properties must be commercial in use
and located on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard or Cleveland Street within the East Gateway District.
Improvements include the construction, installation, or renovation of windows, doors, awnings,
porches, arcades, painting, pavement, and other façade and property improvements.
Funding for the program is derived from CRA East Gateway line item (conceptual design
services and landscaping) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
CDBG funds (detailed design services and project construction). Funds are available on a first-
come, first-serve basis for those projects that meet the minimum point system and outlined
criteria.
A grant agreement will be required for the continued maintenance of the improvements.
In response to questions, Community Development Coordinator Tammy Vrana said no
General Fund dollars are being used for the program. The agreement is made with the property
owner for general façade improvements not for a specific business. If the property is transferred
within five years, the owner must reimburse the City, or the new owner take over the agreement.
Economic Development & Housing Director Ger Campos Lopez emphasized the
objective of the program is to maintain improvements. The loan-to-grant program is on a
reimbursement basis for eligible improvements.
In response to a suggestion, CRA Executive Director Rod Irwin said requiring a personal
guarantee may detract the individuals the program is trying to reach. It was stated that a five-
year maintenance period cannot be required if a grant.
Trustee Cretekos moved to approve the East Gateway District Façade and Building Lot
Improvement Program and authorize CRA staff to implement the program. The motion was duly
seconded. Trustees Cretekos, Petersen and Chair Hibbard voted “Aye” and Trustees Doran
and Gibson voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
4 - Other Business
Article re Downtown Restaurants
CRA Executive Director Rod Irwin reviewed strategy for bringing restaurants to
Downtown. The City is seeking full-service, sit-down restaurants with an established business
plan. The City cannot control private business decisions. Recent restaurant closings have been
expected results of current economy and streetscape efforts.
5 - Adjourn
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The meeting adjourned at 1 :33 p.m.
Attest:
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Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
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