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09/14/1998 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER September 14, 1998 Present: Rita Garvey Chair/CRA Trustee Ed Hooper Vice-Chair/CRA Trustee J. B. Johnson CRA Trustee Robert Clark CRA Trustee Karen Seel CRA Trustee Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Gwen Legters Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. at City Hall. ITEM #2 - Minutes Approval Trustee Hooper moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 13, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Trustee. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - New Business a) Approve the amended third quarter budget for Fiscal Year 1997/98 Proposed third quarter amendments to the FY 1997/98 budget include: amending the revenue budget to reflect changes in amounts already received or amounts expected to be received; and amending the expenditure budget to reflect expected changes in operational costs. It is recommended the CRA authorize appropriation of the entire balance remaining in the CRA Trust Fund as of September 30, 1998 for redevelopment projects that were previously approved and those to be identified in the redevelopment plan. Downtown Manager Diane Smith reviewed proposed changes, noting increased operating expenses are for professional services related to the Mainstreet program. In response to questions, Ms. Smith stated the CRA Trust Fund balance will be approximately $22,665 at the end of September. She will be bringing an item for Trustee approval to use part of those funds to increase facade improvement program funding. Trustee Hooper moved to approve the amended third quarter budget for Fiscal Year 1997/98. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b) Adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 1998/99 The FY 1998/99 budget is based upon estimates received of taxable values, and assumes payment of a tax increment from the Downtown Development Board. Interest earnings and rental income from Garden Avenue Garage and Station Square parking are other revenue sources. Fiscal Year 1998/99 operating revenues increased due to the increase of property values in the CRA. The expenditure budget includes $132,791 transferred to the City of Clearwater to provide staffing for the CRA office. Operating expenses has $25,000 committed to advertising and other promotional activities which include banners, advertising, and promotions for downtown events. Professional services has $45,500 budgeted to provide for a retail marketing study, housing study, and professional services such as appraisals, engineering, and design. Travel and training increases will enable the Main Street Manager to attend required quarterly and annual State and National Main Street meetings. Payment to the Downtown Development Board (DDB) is in exchange for their support of Main Street activities. Ms. Smith reviewed significant changes, noting tax increment revenues have increased. In response to a question, she said the $10,000 grant for Main Street improvements is not shown as revenue, because the money must be spent before grant funds are received as reimbursement. Staff was requested to break out Main Street expenditures and revenues and show them as separate line items. In response to a question regarding the relationship between Main Street and DDB, Ms. Smith said one requirement to receive Main Street designation was to show support from downtown agencies. Money being refunded to the DDB has to be designated for Main Street activities. Staff was requested to investigate whether leasing spaces in the Garden Street parking garage will increase CRA revenue, and to obtain statistics regarding Saturday usage. Staff was requested to delineate consultant services in the CRA and Economic Development budgets, and to ensure consultants coordinate their efforts. Ms. Smith verified staffing for the CRA and Economic Development totals 6 positions. Commissioner Hooper moved to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 1998/99. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. c) Approve the minor amendment to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan from Office to Mixed Use The Clearwater CRA is negotiating with Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMR) for sale of the 1.21-acre parcel and existing 6,200 square foot concrete block building at 1180 Cleveland Street. The proposal from IMR for use of the property is compatible to the IMR Global Center. A mixed use designation will give the developer the flexibility needed to use the site fully. It is anticipated IMR Global Center will anchor the site, with office, residential, and commercial uses occupying the remainder of the amended area. The Pinellas County Commission and Pinellas Planning Council may review the proposed amendment. Senior Planner Lou Hilton reviewed proposed amendments, and boundaries of the CRA district. Discussion ensued regarding need for a mixed land use plan designation for the entire downtown district. The City Attorney stated this amendment changes on what the CRA can spend money; an item for changing designation for the remainder of the property can be brought forward later, if desired. The City Manager stated consultant Charles Siemon will bring back discussion of a recommendation for redesignation to accomplish downtown goals. Commissioner Seel moved to approve the amendment. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #4 - Assistant City Manager Verbal Reports Ms. Smith reported improvements to 3 storefronts will soon make a big difference in the appearance of the 500 block of Cleveland Street. ITEM #5 - Other Business Ms. Smith reported volunteers are needed for a Downtown Cleanup in conjunction with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the Coastal Cleanup on September 19, 1998. ITEM #6 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 1:37 p.m.