04/15/1996 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 15, 1996
Present: Rita Garvey Chair/CRA Trustee
J. B. Johnson CRA Trustee
Robert Clark CRA Trustee
Ed Hooper CRA Trustee
Karen Seel CRA Trustee
David Stone Ex-Officio Trustee
Elise Winters Ex-Officio Trustee
Kathy S. Rice Interim Director/Deputy City Manager
Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:22 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes
Trustee Clark moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 18, 1996, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each Trustee. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
ITEM #3 - New Business
a) Update on International Jazz Hall of Fame
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Interim Director/Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice reported the Mayor had written a letter indicating the City is interested in the International Jazz
Hall of Fame locating to Clearwater but offered no commitments. The Hall of Fame plans to display donated memorabilia, promote jazz, educate the public about jazz, and attract retiring
jazz performers. Jazz greats have indicated support. The concept fits with the City's downtown plan for a family-oriented entertainment project and would work well with a library if
it is moved to the Annex site. The Hall of Fame is not coming with much money but has backers who they indicate can raise funds. Their attempts to locate in Kansas City have been confirmed.
Trustee Johnson questioned if the decision will be based on the City's offer. Ms. Rice said that is the case. The organization likes the site. The facility would attract English
and German visitors who are jazz aficionados. Ms. Rice said an incentive package could include building money, a gift of land, equipment or bond financing as a 501(c)3, lines of credit,
a low-interest, long-term, asset-based loan package, reduction and/or deferment of fees, financial assistance with operational expenses for first three years, infrastructure development
for signalization and road access, and an enterprise zone type exemption. The City owns the
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce building on Osceola Avenue which may meet Hall of Fame's needs for the first three years. Informal proposals from Lakeland, Hollywood, and Hillsborough
County total approximately $2-million each. Trustee Seel questioned the total value of the Annex property. Ms. Rice will provide the Trustees with those numbers but noted the value
of the land is based on the use.
DDB (Downtown Development Board) member David Stone supported the concept but said the project must make financial sense for the City. DDB Member Elise Winters thought the concept
is exciting and worth pursuing. In answer to a question, Ms. Rice said a City proposal would be required around July or August. The Mayor noted the project's enthusiasm about Clearwater.
Ms. Rice said she has checked the organization's background for legitimacy. Trustee Seal recommended developing the concept as a joint effort with DDB. Ms. Rice said she also would
like to work with the Jazz Holiday Foundation.
Trustee Seal moved to authorize staff to develop a package in conjunction with area businesses and the DDB to welcome the Jazz Hall of Fame in Clearwater. The motion was duly seconded.
In answer to a question, Ms. Rice said the package will be brought back to the Trustees for approval.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
b) Downtown Development Board's request to form a joint board with the CRA
The City Attorney said the CRA can only have seven members. The City's CRA was established by Pinellas County and the County must approve all changes. She questioned if the CRA can
have a citizen board. The statute allows for two citizens to sit on the CRA if Pinellas County so allows. Ms. Rice said if the goal is for all downtown groups to work together, an
interlocal agreement to hire a joint staff could be an interim step. Mr. Stone felt it appropriate for the CRA and DDB to combine to share power and money instead of different entities
working on downtown. Both the CRA and DDB deal with the defined downtown district. He suggested affiliating the two would enhance the opportunity for members to work in unison. The
Chair said the groups should have common goals and objectives.
Trustee Seel moved to authorize Ms. Rice and the City Attorney to explore the legal and management issues related to combining the CRA and DDB. There was no second.
Trustee Johnson indicated he wished to discuss this issue at the Special Work Session on April 16, 1996. Commissioner Clark agreed. He said issues relating to the CRA go beyond the
proposed merger. Direction will be provided at tomorrow's session.
Mr. Stone questioned the CRA's contingent liability regarding the Park Street garage. The City Attorney reported that issue is in discovery and litigation and it will be some time
before a settlement is reached. Mr. Stone said that issue could have a tremendous bearing on the future.
ITEM #4 - Executive Director Verbal Reports
Ms. Rice reported she is not advertising for the executive director position until after tomorrow's discussion. The CRA office currently is staffed and open.
ITEM #5 - Other Trustee Business
a) Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Trustee Clark moved to appoint Trustee Garvey as CRA Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Trustee Clark moved to appoint Trustee Seel as CRA Vice-Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #6 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.
Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest:
Board Reporter