03/17/1996 - Downtown Partnership MeetingDOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
March 19, 1996
Present: Sue Berfield Chair/Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
Rita Garvey Mayor
Bob Clark City Commissioner
Elise Winters Downtown Development Board
Ron Stuart Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Vickie Crouch Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Judi Hackett Downtown Development Board
Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager
Kathy S. Rice Interim Director/Deputy City Manager
Diane Hufford Economic Development Loan Officer
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
Absent: Peter Woodham Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Al Bitman Downtown Clearwater Association
Joyce Baskin Downtown Clearwater Association
Chair Berfield called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall Annex.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes
Member Winters moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 6, 1996, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Unfinished Business
Members' Update Report
DCA (Downtown Clearwater Association) - No report.
DDB (Downtown Development Board)
Member Winters distributed copies of the "Right Downtown" newsletter which is likely to expand and needs volunteer writers. In answer to a question, Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice
said the Harborview Center's advertising budget may be committed to regional advertising only.
It was reported the Festival of Trees will relocate to the Harborview Center.
The landmark Royalty Theater building's owner has announced plans to sell. Member Winters suggested a not-for-profit organization could be formed to purchase the building for
leasing to multiple organizations or the Royalty Theater group could be organized to raise money to purchase and upgrade the building which has 70,000 square feet, 500 seats, and needs
major work including replacement of the air-conditioning system. The building, constructed between 1911 and 1924, does not meet ADA requirements and may need asbestos removal. The
owner is willing to sell it for $150,000 cash plus a $50,000 donation if allowed as an IRS deduction. It was suggested the building also could be used to exhibit an art collection.
The CRA will be requested to review this issue.
Recommendations for artists were requested before a decision is reached regarding the production of a conceptual aerial rendering of downtown in 2016. The resulting art could be displayed
at the City Hall, Municipal Services building, or County Art Council.
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Member. Stuart reported the Chamber of Commerce's annual membership drive begins April 16, 1996. The next Business After Hours is scheduled at the Turtle Club.
Member Stuart distributed a draft of a letter to be sent from the partnership, including representatives' names, titles, organizations, contact telephone numbers, and signatures. Organization
names will be spelled out. Follow-ups are sent after three months. Member Crouch will provide a draft of a partnership letterhead designed with the organizations' logos.
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
Ms. Rice introduced Loan Officer Diane Hufford who is working out of the CRA office and has helped with loans for downtown businesses to expand or remain downtown. Ms. Rice reported
the Jazz International Hall of Fame has made inquiries regarding a Clearwater location. The decision will be based on location and the ability to raise adequate funding. Contacting
board members was suggested.
City of Clearwater
The City Manager reported City departments will move into the Municipal Services building April 26 through May 6, 1996. All department telephone numbers will change. The telephone
company will provide information regarding this change for one year. Construction plans for the 38-story Rome tower are ready for certification. She explained some suggestions the City
Commission had made to change the downtown plan. Specific details of the original plan, such as a downtown lake, had never been approved.
The Mayor said Fun N' Sun is working on events for downtown and throughout the city. The Farmers Market will continue every Saturday. She requested information regarding valet parking
on Cleveland Street and if FDOT permission is required. The City Manager said rules for valet parking on Clearwater beach also must be established.
ITEM #4 - Pending Business
a) Discussion: CRA Executive Director Criteria
Ms. Rice said staff is gathering information regarding a composite of the downtown community's requirements for this position. It was felt the Executive Director should have excellent
communication skills, work well with groups, and not be divisive. Ms. Rice suggested visiting the cities where candidates currently work. A list of recommendations will be compiled
for the CRA trustees.
b) Chair Selection (6 months/Rotating Basis)
The Mayor and City of Clearwater volunteered for next six months.
ITEM #5 - Other Partnership Business
Mayor Garvey referred to the partnership's design committee and noted the City's (DRB) Design Review Board may be duplicating efforts. The City Manager reported the DRB plan to bring
forward their downtown design recommendations for City Commission approval on May 2, 1996. It was felt the DRB had been organized for enforcement purposes not grant purposes. The City
Manager said the DRB could handle grant responsibilities as well.
Chair Berfield announced the next Downtown Partnership Board Meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 16, 1996. The location will be announced.
The DDB adopted goals to gather information regarding: 1) the Memorial Causeway bridge replacement; 2) SR 60; 3) Alternate US 19; and 4) the downtown lake, so decisions can be made
regarding business properties. It was felt streetscaping should move forward and the Pinellas Trail should be completed including amenities and side trails to the beach. It was suggested
work begin on expanding the waterfront park.
ITEM #6 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m.