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12/06/1999COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER December 6, 1999 Present: Brian J. Aungst Chair Ed Hooper Trustee J. B. Johnson Trustee Robert Clark Trustee Ed Hart Trustee Glenn Warren Ex-Officio Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager/CRA Executive Director Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 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 November 15, 1999, meeting, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Trustee. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Accept the recommendation of the staff Selection Committee to accept the proposal submitted and authorize staff to negotiate a Development Agreement between the Developer and the CRA Two proposals were received in response to the RFP/Q (Request for Proposals/Qualifications) for commercial, office residential, and mixed land uses on the Dimmitt Option Parcels A & B only. Both proposals also included City-owned Parcels C & E. Evaluation criteria considered: 1) the development proposal; 2) development qualifications; 3) economic benefit to Clearwater; and 4) financial capability of bidding firm. The Selection Committee reviewed the bids and recommends negotiating with the Balk Company, which proposes to construct 100 townhouse units in a Mediterranean Revival motif, a swimming pool, banquet hall, and decorative wrought iron fences. AND ITEM #4 - Authorize notification by the CRA of its Intent to Accept the proposal, subject to negotiations of a development agreement Florida Statute 163.380(3) requires the CRA to notify the governing body of its intention to accept the proposal submitted by the Balk Company, not less than 30 days prior to the acceptance of a proposal. This item is contingent on CRA acceptance of the Balk Company’s final proposal. The CRA has authorized negotiations between staff and the Balk Company and anticipates considering approval of a development agreement before March 1, 2000. CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Executive Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Keller stated the CRA had exercised its Option to Purchase Parcels A & B of the Dimmitt property fronting on Cleveland Street. The environmental report indicates some minor problems may exist on the property. Centrax, a publicly traded company, proposed a gated community of 84 townhouses bordering the Town Pond. The 2-story units would have 2-car garages and average $135,000 each. The project would include a swimming pool and 3 vest pocket parks. The Balk Company has received strong endorsements from the Sarasota City Manager and Planning Director regarding the firm’s development there. Several letters indicate the firm has a reasonable chance of securing necessary funds. The proposed project advocates a non-gated, traditional town center. Individual units would have private courtyards and privacy fences. More marketing studies are needed to determine unit costs. The bid proposes a quality development with high-end units featuring roof top gardens. It was noted Centrax is valued at $9-million. Mr. Keller reported telephone checks indicated both developers are financially stable. In response to a concern, he reported the proposals are on file in the Commission offices. Concern was expressed the City had little public input regarding this project. Concern was expressed the property under consideration had been identified as a preferred site for the new Main Library. It was suggested a location for the library be determined before this proposal goes forward. The importance of constructing residential units to downtown redevelopment efforts was reviewed. Mr. Keller said the Downtown boards and committees would review this proposal. It was felt decisions related to this property should be delayed until proposals related to bluff development are considered. The City Attorney indicated moving forward with negotiations would require a substantial investment by the developer. Mr. Keller indicated the CRA would incur substantial interest costs if negotiations are delayed. Trustee Clark moved to accept the recommendation of the staff Selection Committee to accept the proposal submitted by the Balk Company (Developer) and authorize staff to negotiate a Development Agreement between the Developer and the CRA and to authorize the notification by the CRA to the City its Intent to Accept the proposal submitted by the Balk Company, subject to negotiations of a development agreement. The motion was duly seconded. It was felt the Commission should be more involved in the process. Upon the vote being taken, Trustees Clark and Hooper and Chair Aungst voted “Aye”; Trustees Johnson and Hart voted “Nay.” Motion carried. ITEM #5 - Executive Director (Assistant City Manager) Verbal Reports Mr. Keller commended the DDB (Downtown Development Board) and all who worked to set up the downtown holiday decorations. This is the second year the City has partnered with the private sector on this venture. Ex-Officio Glenn Warren indicated the downtown partnerships are working well together. He said the DDB supports the construction of additional housing downtown. ITEM #6 - Other Business – None. ITEM #7 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.