05/02/1994
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Minutes
May 2, 1994
The City Commission, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, met in regular session at City Hall, Monday, May 2, 1994 at 9:25 am, with the following members present:
Arthur X. Deegan, II Chairperson
Rita Garvey Vice-Chairperson
Richard Fitzgerald Trustee
Sue Berfield Trustee
Fred Thomas Trustee
Elise Winters Ex-officio Trustee
Also Present:
Betty Deptula City Manager
Peter Gozza Executive Director
Alan S. Zimmet Interim City Attorney
Gil Gott Chamber of Commerce
Jacquie DeGroy Secretary
Absent:
David Stone Ex-officio Trustee
2. Approval of Minutes
A motion was made, seconded and carried unanimously to approve the corrected minutes of April 18, 1993. The correction to read: "Bringing brick buildings back to their original state
is cost prohibitive."
3. Unfinished Business
None
4. New Business
Cleveland Street Planter Program
Peter Gozza reviewed the proposed Cleveland Street Planter Program. In keeping with the downtown beautification theme, the CRA is proposing to plant and maintain flowers in the planters
along Cleveland Street. The City of Clearwater will assume the responsibility and cost for the plants and planting.
Due to the high maintenance cost of this project, Mr. Gozza proposed that the CRA authorize funding as follows: $2,000 annually from the CRA; the CRA request $2,000 annually from
the Downtown Development Board as their contribution to this project; and to authorize the "adopt-a-planter" program so 1/3 of the annual maintenance costs are assumed by those downtown
merchants interested in participating. There are 34 planters - each planter would cost a downtown merchant $60.00 per year. A plaque with the company name/logo will be installed on
the adopted planter.
The CRA will sign and assume responsibility for the maintenance contract. The Nursery Division, Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Clearwater, will monitor the performance
of the company awarded the planter maintenance contract.
Trustee Thomas moved that the CRA approve the adopt-a-planter program with the CRA contributing $2000 to the program; to sign a maintenance contract subject to the DDB and the individual
downtown merchants contributing equal amounts to the CRA for annual maintenance of the planters. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
CRA/DDB Joint Meeting Issue
Due to the institution of a Joint Partnership Meeting being held on a quarterly basis, it was discussed as to whether it was necessary to continue the CRA/DDB joint quarterly meetings.
A motion was made to hold quarterly meetings of the Joint Partnership which will consist of: the Downtown Development Board members; the City of Clearwater City Commission; the CRA
Trustees; the President of the Downtown Clearwater Association; and the Chamber of Commerce designee. The motion was seconded and carried on a 4-1 vote. Trustee Thomas voted nay.
5. Executive Director Verbal Reports
Midyear Budget Adjustment
Midyear budget adjustments will be submitted prior to May 31, 1994 to coincide with other City departments.
East End Discussions Update
Peter Gozza reported that Western Reserve Life is now looking at six locations for their complex. Trustee Fitzgerald re-stated his position that he will not support any arrangement
for the East End property where the City finances the project.
AEDC Conference
Mr. Gozza reviewed the Chicago Film Commission information submitted and addressed the economic impact the film industry can bring about.
Another topic that was discussed was the disaster relief that was supplied to businesses after Hurricane Andrew.
Referencing the 1995 Olympics that will be held in Atlanta, Mr. Gozza suggested that the City of Clearwater meet with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce
to further discuss the ways & means of promoting Clearwater Beaches to the Olympic attendees in Orlando.
6. Other Trustee Business
A motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried confirming the ex-officio members to the Downtown Development Board are Arthur Deegan, Chairperson and Sue Berfield, Vice-chairperson.
It was noted that both the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson should be in attendance at all DDB meetings.
The St. Petersburg Community Development Corporation has expanded their boundaries county-wide and the opportunity now exists for Clearwater businesses to apply for low interest, long
term financing through the them. The program makes loans available for acquiring land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and for building, modernizing, renovating or restoring existing
facilities and sites.
7. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 10:04 am.
Chairperson
Attest:
Secretary