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07/15/1996 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER July 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 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 9:10 a.m. at City Hall. ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes Trustee Hooper moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of June 20, 1996, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Trustee Hooper moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of June 6, 1996, and regular meeting of June 17, 1996, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - New Business a) Proposed Budget Interim Director/Deputy City Manager Kathy S. Rice reviewed the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency) proposed budget. The CRA plans to do some joint budgeting with the DDB (Downtown Development Board). She reported lowered downtown values have resulted in decreased CRA tax increment revenues. Total revenues have increased because of a transfer of $89,911 from prior years' working capital. If the garage issue is not settled and those bonds are not paid, the CRA will need to add funds to the budget for debt service payments. Approximately $50,000 was added to the budget to reimburse the General Fund for the Development Director. The City Commission may wish to fund additional positions in the City's budget. In answer to a question, Ms. Rice said last year's budget did not meet budget demands. The working capital fund has approximately $800,000 earmarked for redevelopment projects. The City Manager said last year the CRA was not able to cover all expenses on a cash basis. Approximately $10,000 was transferred from the surplus. Next year's transfer of $89,911 will not cover additional positions. The City Manager said the Trustees must make a decision regarding the DDB's contribution. Last year, the CRA returned the DDB's $26,960 contribution. Based on the bond covenants' structure, the CRA must invest 20% of DDB contributions into Fund 214 for debt service which resulted in a $5,200 loss last year. This year, a $23,540 DDB payment would cost the CRA $4,700, if the CRA returns the total contribution. The Chair pointed out that payment is required by law. Ms. Rice suggested the CRA could provide a service to the DDB instead of returning the contribution or return the payment, less the 20% debt service contribution. In answer to a question, she said it would not be beneficial to pay off part of the bond with those funds. The City Manager said resolution of the parking garage issue may affect the bond. Trustee Clark questioned the status of the requirement for the DDB payment. The City Attorney said no proposal to amend the legislation was introduced in Tallahassee. The Chair suggested establishing an agreement that establishes how the DDB must use returned funds. In answer to a question, Ms. Rice said the DDB and CRA will not merge their budgets but will work together during a budget Work Session. She suggested discussing this issue with the DDB. Ms. Rice reported staff will bring forward a third quarter amendment to the next meeting. Trustee Seal questioned the $156,000 debt service requirement and $50,000 reimbursement to the General Fund for administrative expenses. Ms. Rice said $50,000 reimburses the City for the Development Director position. The City Manager explained when the bonds were issued, a level debt service was maintained with small principal and interest rates for the first two years. Finance Director Margie Simmons said the CRA had two outstanding bond issues. When the first bond issue is retired, the principal payment on the other bond increases, but overall payments remain level. Excess money in the debt service funds has been used. Trustee Seal questioned the $46,320 in administrative expenses. Ms. Rice said those funds were used to keep the office open. The CRA's lease for its downtown office cannot be broken but the space can be subleased. In answer to a question, the City Manager said the Development Director's office location has not been determined. She said the CRA's presence on the street has some value. A Development Director's office was not included in City Hall renovation plans but is being considered. The Chair noted the Development Director's responsibilities will be City-wide. Ms. Rice recommended discussing this issue with the DDB at their joint meeting on August 5, 1996. b) Development Director Update Ms. Rice distributed a schedule regarding the Development Director assessment process: 1) August 1, 1996 - panel interviews and reception for candidates, department directors, and City Commissioners and 2) August 2, 1996 - candidate exercises and luncheon speeches that will be taped for assessment by a professional outside team. The Commission is invited to attend the luncheon. She suggested after the City Manager chooses the top two or three candidates, a City Commissioner or City representative visit and evaluate the locations developed by the candidates. In answer to a question, Ms. Rice said staff had not planned to tape the interviews but would check to see if that is possible. Trustee Clark questioned if the City Commission's involvement would be limited to meeting the candidates at a reception and viewing the speeches. Ms. Rice said all information, including the assessment of their skills and reference checks, will be forwarded to the Commission. The Chair said the City Manager will take input from the Commission but the ultimate decision is hers. Trustee Clark expressed concern he learned more information from a newspaper article than he did from staff. He said it is important the Commission be apprised of all relevant information regarding the candidates. The City Manager said staff will forward copies of the candidates' resumes. Trustee Clark said the City Commission should have had earlier input into this process, including selecting those who will establish the short list. The Chair suggested information on the candidates be available for Commission review rather than copying everything. Trustee Clark requested staff advise the Commission when new relevant materials become available. Concern was expressed a salary level had not been determined while many candidates have annual salary levels above $100,000. The City Manager said a $100,000 total package has been budgeted for the position which includes an $80,000 salary plus benefits. Ms. Rice said some applicants indicated they did not expect compensation to equal previous earnings. In answer to a question, Ms. Rice reported candidates who were female or from the South voluntarily had dropped out of consideration. ITEM #4 - Executive Director Verbal Reports - None. ITEM #5 - Other Trustee Business Trustee Clark referred to the DDB's downtown goal setting plan. DDB Consultant Judi Hackett said the working draft was used in an exercise to help the DDB establish priorities. A revised copy, with instructions, will be forwarded. No City Commission or CRA action is required. ITEM #6 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.