01/08/2004
.
.
.
ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 8, 2004
Present:
Bob Kinney
Isay Gulley
Rick Rosa
Capt. Anthony Holloway
Bob Fernandez
Ralph Emmanuelli
Kristin Griffin
Brian Schuh
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member/Com. Resp. Team - arrived 1 :11 p.m.
Board Member/Police Department
Board Member - departed 1:40 p.m.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Cheryl Wade
Board Member
Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides
Diane Hufford
Brenda Moses
Assistant City Attorney
Economic Development Coordinator
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1 :08 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
3.
Action Items
a. Introduction of new members - Kristin Griffin and Brian Schuh
b. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting - October 9,2003
Member Fernandez moved to approve the minutes of October 9,2003, as submitted in
written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
c. Support letter for Senate Bill 0648 (Community Contribution Tax Credit)
Economic Development Coordinator Diane Hufford said last year, $10 million in
affordable housing funds was budgeted but most of it was given to one applicant within two
hours. Therefore, last year, commercial and industrial businesses were shut out from any
funding opportunities. Senate Bill 0648 proposes that in the first six months the funds are made
available, only 50% of the $10 million can be allocated to low-income housing. Funds are made
available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ms. Hufford said she hopes this Board would
support Senate Bill 0648 by allowing her to draft a letter under the Chair's signature. She will
work with the City's Official Records & Legislative Services Department and the Greater
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce to ensure the appropriate authority receives the letter. The
Brownfields Advisory Board and the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce also support
Senate Bill 0648. She said a business must be located within the Enterprise Zone in order to
Enterprise Zone 2004-01-08
1
.
.
.
receive tax credits, however residential housing does not. In response to a question, Ms.
Hufford said once qualified by the State, eligible sponsors can ask businesses for contributions
towards their approved project. The approved project must be for the purpose of constructing,
improving, or rehabilitating housing or commercial, industrial, or public facilities, or to provide
development opportunities such as jobs for low-income persons. Ms. Hufford felt that letters of
support would give Senate Bill 0648 a better chance of passing.
Concern was expressed that under Senate Bill 0648, after six months, the same entity
that received 50% of the funds in the first six months could be first in line again to receive the
remainder of the available funds. It was suggested limiting the dollar amount on the funds that
one entity could apply for and be awarded. Ms. Hufford said that issue is not included in
Senate Bill 0648. Member Griffin, who also sits on the St. Petersburg Enterprise Zone
DevelopmentAgency, said that board also supports Senate Bill 0648. Ms. Hufford offered to
draft a letter of support for the bill. She will provide a copy of the letter to the Board prior to the
Chair's signature.
Member Fernandez moved that the Board issue a letter in support of Senate Bill 0648
as proposed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4. Staff Report - Diane Hufford. Economic Development ProQrams Coordinator
a. New Incentive - EZDA (Enterprise Zone Development Agency) Ad Valorem Property
Tax for Child Care Facility)
Ms. Hufford said she was informed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office
that a new tax incentive is available to daycare facilities located in the Enterprise Zone, making
them exempt from property taxes. Once she eliminated churches and some of the entities that
do not pay taxes, Ms. Hufford found there were only three eligible daycare providers. The
Property Appraiser's office has mailed notification letters regarding the new incentive to. these
three business owners. The tax savings range from $2,200 to $10,000 for the property owners.
They have until February 1, 2004, to complete and return the required paperwork to Ms.
Hufford, and until March 1, 2004, to apply for the exemption with the County Appraiser's Office.
The deadline for responding to the County Appraiser's office is March 1, 2004.
In response to a question, Ms. Hufford said the incentive applies to licensed daycare
facilities. She did not know if home-based licensed daycare facilities were eligible. It was
suggested Ms. Hufford contact the County Licensing Board to determine if home-based
licensed daycare facilities are included in this tax incentive, as time is of the essence. It was
remarked that businesses renting a residential property would not be eligible. Assistant City
Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides will research how childcare facilities are defined in the Statutes.
b. Annual Report Filed with OTTED
Ms. Hufford provided a copy of the EZDA Annual Incentive Report that was filed with
OTTED (Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (Governor's Office).
c. Approval for Community Contribution Tax Credit Sponsor RCS (Religious Community
Services)
Enterprise Zone 2004-01-08
2
. Ms. Hufford said on January 15, 2004, she will present to the City Commission, a
request for approval of a resolution for RCS to become a Community Contribution Tax Credit
sponsor.
d. Update on Brochure
Ms. Hufford said she is meeting with staff regarding the brochure. When it is ready, she
will provide a copy to the Board.
5. Public Comment - None.
6. Adiournment
The next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2004, for 1 :00 p.m. at the Greater Clearwater
Chamber of Commerce building.
The meeting adjourned at 1 :41 p.m.
Chair
Enterprise Zone Development Boar
.
Attest:
\I3Mt1J{l7~ )YJ~
Board Reporter
.
Enterprise Zone 2004-01-08
3