09/05/2017 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
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e
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
9:00 AM
City Hall Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair George N. Cretekos, Trustee Doreen Caudell, Trustee Bob
Cundiff, Trustee Hoyt Hamilton, and Trustee Bill Jonson
Also Present—William B. Horne — City Manager, Jill Silverboard — Deputy City
Manager, Micah Maxwell — Assistant City Manager, Pamela K.
Akin — City Attorney, Rosemarie Call — City Clerk, Seth Taylor- CRA
Executive Director, and Nicole Sprague — Official Records and
Legislative Services Coordinator
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call To Order— Chair Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 9:07 a.m. at City Hall.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the July 31, 2017 CRA Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the July 31, 2017
CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda — None.
4. New Business Items
4.1 Approve the Interlocal Agreement with the Downtown Development Board (DDB) to
provide personnel, administrative and management services during Fiscal Year
2017-2018 in the amount of$68,624 and refund the CRA tax increment fee of$210,441.
Florida Statutes 163.387 requires all taxing authorities, which includes the DDB,
to make an annual appropriation in an amount equal to the incremental increase
in the ad valorem revenue within the CRA area. The DDB's increment payment
is $210,441 according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's office. In a
spirit of cooperation to further the downtown redevelopment plan, the CRA
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Trustees executed the first Interlocal Agreement in Fiscal Year 1999-2000 to
provide personnel, administrative and management services to the DDB and to
refund the difference between the increment payment and the management fee.
This is the nineteenth fiscal year that the CRA would enter into the agreement.
Pursuant to Florida Statute 163.01, the CRA and DDB can enter into this
agreement in which the DDB agrees to perform certain responsibilities and
functions including funding projects and programs consistent with the
downtown redevelopment plan. The intent of this agreement is for the DDB and
the CRA to work collaboratively on projects and programs that further downtown
goals and objectives. The management of the DDB by CRA staff enables the
CRA and the DDB to utilize the public dollars more efficiently.
The DDB shall pay the CRA$68,624 for the services agreed to in the Interlocal
Agreement.
The DDB approved the Interlocal Agreement at their meeting on August 2, 2017.
Trustee Caudell moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the
Downtown Development Board (DDB) to provide personnel,
administrative and management services during Fiscal Year
2017-2018 in the amount of$68,624 and refund the CRA tax
increment fee of $210,441. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
4.2 Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
and the City of Clearwater (City) to provide staffing, Information Technology services and
telephone services for the CRA, provide for the reimbursement of certain expenses by the
CRA to the City, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
As per Section 163.387, Florida Statute, allows that moneys in the
redevelopment trust fund may be expended from time to time for undertakings
of a community redevelopment agency, including providing for staff, as
described in the community redevelopment plan. The Clearwater Downtown
Redevelopment Plan establishes that funds received by the CRA through the
use of Tax Increment Funding (TIF) may be for certain redevelopment activities.
The CRA agrees to provide TIF funding in a total amount not to exceed
$421,340.00 for this contract year to provide staffing for the CRA.
This total amount includes $22,080 for Information Technology Services and
$1,370 for telephone services. These amounts are subject to adjustment and
approval in the CRA budget each year.
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Trustee Cundiff moved to approve an Interlocal Agreement between
the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City of
Clearwater (City) to provide staffing, Information Technology
services and telephone services for the CRA, provide for the
reimbursement of certain expenses by the CRA to the City, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in Fiscal Year
2017-2018 in the amount of$174,928.74 to underwrite the cost of additional Community
Policing services by the Clearwater Police Department in the East Gateway District,
Town Lake District, and Downtown Core District, encompassed by the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Area) to address quality of life issues, drug dealing, prostitution, and
homelessness, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Quality of life issues, drug dealing, prostitution, and homelessness, all
negatively impact re-development plans. Additional community policing
resources are needed to effectively address these issues above and beyond
the level provided by routine road patrol functions.
An allowable funding source of this action item is the use of CRA Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) funds. Florida Statutes allows for the use of TIF funds for
community policing innovations in Community Redevelopment Areas.
The CRA and Clearwater Police Department have reached an agreement on a
proposed scope of services and terms as delineated in the Interlocal
Agreement. Included in the scope is the delineation of specific, measurable
crime reduction targets by which to monitor the success of the initiative as well
as providing clear language required by statute assuring that the resources are
applied to the CRA/East Gateway area.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital improvement project 388-94849, Downtown
Gateway, to fund this contract.
Trustee Hamilton moved to approve an Interlocal Agreement
between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in Fiscal Year
2017-2018 in the amount of$174,928.74 to underwrite the cost of
additional Community Policing services by the Clearwater Police
Department in the East Gateway District, Town Lake District, and
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
Downtown Core District, encompassed by the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Area) to address quality of life issues, drug dealing,
prostitution, and homelessness, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
4.4 Approve a Renewal Interlocal Agreement between the Clearwater Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in
Fiscal Year 2017-2018 in the amount of$97,890 to underwrite activities in the Clearwater
Main Library that support community learning in the areas of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math, Entrepreneurship and small business growth and development
pursuant to the recommendations of the Urban Land Institute report on economic
enhancement of the downtown Clearwater area and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same.
The Clearwater Main Library is a partner in the Clearwater Business SPARK
ecosystem of organizations working to support the development of
entrepreneurship and small businesses throughout Clearwater. This
partnership was prompted by the ULI report recommending public/private
partnerships to encourage business growth in this area. The Main Library has a
prominent position in the CRA area, and will provide education and training in
the Business and STEM areas through research opportunities, STEM maker
space areas, classes and tutorials and meeting accommodation. The CRA
funding will pay one staff member to oversee these functions, assist with
additional library hours to make the facility available when needed by the
business community and provide educational and training opportunities.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding will be provided from 388-94887 Library Activation Project
Trustee Jonson moved to approve a Renewal Interlocal Agreement
between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in Fiscal Year
2017-2018 in the amount of$97,890 to underwrite activities in the
Clearwater Main Library that support community learning in the
areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,
Entrepreneurship and small business growth and development
pursuant to the recommendations of the Urban Land Institute report
on economic enhancement of the downtown Clearwater area and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.5 Approve a conceptual plan, as prepared by consulting group Project for Public Spaces
Inc., for a public market/mercado in the Downtown Gateway neighborhood, and authorize
city and CRA staff to proceed with project implementation.
The City of Clearwater's vision for a Downtown Gateway mercado, or public
market, began in 2011 with the East Gateway Vision Plan, a comprehensive
plan prepared by consulting firm Gensler. In this plan, Gensler called on the City
to strive to do the following in the Downtown Gateway neighborhood:
• Energize the community
• Create a greater sense of pride
• Attract businesses
• Attract people
• Become a destination
Gensler's revitalization strategy for the Gateway was reinforced in June 2014
with the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) report called Clearwater Florida: A New
Vision for Downtown. In the report, ULI proposes a "community market," which
can "...take the form of a mercado, a traditional fixed market in Mexico...with
numerous stands...rented by individual merchants to sell produce and other
basic food staples." ULI states that "...the Mercado would form the civic core of
the neighborhood where people could gather in the evening to stroll and chat
while enjoying delicious food from local eateries."
To advance the mercado project, the CRA hired consulting firm Project for
Public Spaces (PPS) in January 2017. PPS visited Downtown Clearwater in
February 2107 to conduct site visits, host public workshops, meet with
stakeholders, and develop a more defined concept for the mercado. In addition,
PPS and CRA staff surveyed community members as well as potential vendors
to better understand the demand for a mercado.
PPS' conceptual plan is a community-based plan whose implementation will
integrate with the Cleveland Streetscape Phase III project, as well as the larger
`festival core.'
CRA Executive Director Seth Taylor provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Mr. Taylor said $600,000 has been allocated
for design and construction, Bellomo and Community Solutions Group
still need to provide more accurate estimates. He said Bellomo-Herbert
worked on the original master plan twelve years ago and is
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
currently working on the Cleveland Streetscape Phase 3 project.
Approximately two years ago, Frank Bellomo joined Community
Solutions Group. Mr. Taylor said although the new Downtown Gateway
logo does not include "Clearwater,"it exudes sunshine, palm trees,
Bright and Beautiful. CRA capital project funds will be used for the design
and construction of the Mercado and approximately$527,000 in county
TIF funds
The City Attorney requested that the motion be amended to accept the
conceptual plan as prepared by Community Solutions Group.
Trustee Caudell moved to amend Item 4.5 to read, "Approve a
conceptual plan, as prepared by consulting groups Project for Public
Spaces Inc. and Community Solutions Group, for a public
market/mercado in the Downtown Gateway neighborhood, and
authorize city and CRA staff to proceed with project implementation.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Trustee Caudell moved to approve Item 4.5 as amended. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.6 Approve an Agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency and Ruth
Eckerd Hall, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation, to produce Downtown Clearwater's
festival series (Blast Fridays, Miracle on Cleveland Street, Cruisin' at the Capitol) in an
amount not to exceed $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
The Community Redevelopment Agency proposes to contract with Ruth Eckerd
Hall, Inc. to produce a downtown festival series that includes seven events,
tentatively scheduled as follows:
• December 2, 2017 - Miracle on Cleveland Street
• January 26, 2018 - Blast Friday
• Mid-February - Cruisin' at the Cap
• February 23, 2018 - Blast Friday
• March 30, 2018 - Blast Friday
• April 27, 2018 - Blast Friday
• May 25, 2018 - Blast Friday
The festival series continues to gain popularity from local residents and visitors,
and it has become an important economic generator for downtown businesses.
With support and participation from various entities, including the CRA,
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Downtown Development Board, and Downtown Clearwater Merchant's
Association, the festival series is improving in quality and impact each year.
Downtown Clearwater's 2017-2018 festival series will showcase and celebrate
Downtown Clearwater's assets, as well as promote the area's potential for
future growth and activity.
The Downtown Development Board has allocated $30,000 to help fund the
festival series, subject to CRA favorable action.
CRA staff recommends approval of the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Agreement
between the CRA and Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
$100,000 09311-581000
Funds are available in cost code 0188-09311-581000, payment to other agency,
to fund this agreement.
In response to questions, CRA Executive Director Seth Taylor said at this
point, staff only has anecdotal information from the merchants, who rely
on the many individuals who attend the festival series to patronize their
businesses. Many of the merchants are staying open during the events.
Staff will be working on the quantitative data.
Concerns were expressed regarding the city investment to support the
programming versus the lack of metrics for merchant participation and
event participants.
Mr. Taylor said the festival series attracts thousands to Downtown but
many do not return until the next series because the area currently lacks
destinations to bring them back and the reason why the Anchor Tenant
Program is critical.
Trustee Cundiff moved to approve an Agreement between the
Community Redevelopment Agency and Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., a
Florida non-profit corporation, to produce Downtown Clearwater's
festival series (Blast Fridays, Miracle on Cleveland Street, Cruisin' at
the Capitol) in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for Fiscal Year
2017-2018, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.7 Approve the Amended and Restated Clearwater Business SPARK Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), and delegate to the City Manager or his designee, authority to
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administer, evaluate, market, seek funding for the program, and adapt objectives,
services, partners and facilities by amendment to the MOU, as may be identified for
success of the program from time to time, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same.
In May of 2015, the City Council and the Community Redevelopment Agency
approved a non-binding MOU detailing the spirit and intent of the Clearwater
Business SPARK Consortium to collaborate to provide a variety of programs,
services, education and networking opportunities to support entrepreneurs and
small business throughout Clearwater, as well as to define the roles and
responsibilities of the Partners.
The Consortium seeks to amend the MOU to add additional Partner
performance metrics, roles and responsibilities, add/remove Partners, and
going forward, allow amendments to the MOU without seeking Council/CRA
approval. In addition, the MOU extends the date to achieve sustainability from
three to five years from the original executed MOU (May 7, 2015).
Funding requests shall be considered as part of the city's annual budget
process.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Requests for City and/or CRA financial support of Clearwater Business SPARK
will continue to be considered as a part of the annual budget process.
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson said
the performance data shows Clearwater Business SPARK continues to
grow its reach and impact. Thus far, the Department has made 197
referrals to partners within the consortium, social media followers
continue to grow, website hits continue to expand, earned media
throughout the entire Tampa Bay region, as well as earned media and
additional marketing through various publications. There are eight
partners, with Pinellas County Score and Prospera recently joining the
organization. Ms. Sanderson said Tampa Bay Black Business
Investment Corporation and St. Petersburg College will be joining
October 1, 2017. Prospera held four workshops with approximately 240
attendees.
Trustee Hamilton moved to approve the Amended and Restated
Clearwater Business SPARK Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), and delegate to the City Manager or his designee, authority
to administer, evaluate, market, seek funding for the program, and
adapt objectives, services, partners and facilities by amendment to
the MOU, as may be identified for success of the program from time
to time, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.8 Approve the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Community Redevelopment Agency Preliminary
Budget and adopt CRA Resolution 17-03.
The major highlights of the Fiscal Year 2017-18 proposed preliminary budget
are as follows:
Tax Increment Revenue increased by $327,094 over the Amended 2016-17
budget, reflecting an increase in taxable value of approximately 7.93% in the
original CRA area, and an increase in taxable value of approximately 9.19% in
the expanded (East Gateway) CRA. These compare with citywide 8.39%
increase in value.
Operating expenditures have increased by $29,561 or 7.2% largely due to the
increase in Information Technology charges as per City/CRA Interlocal
Agreement and the pass through revenues to the Downtown Development
Board (DDB). CRA is also including funding of$100,000 to Ruth Eckerd Hall for
Blast Friday.
Two new project codes are being proposed; 388-94895 Gateway Mercado,
$527,190 is being allocated towards the upcoming Mercado/Festival Core. Also,
388-94896 CRA Wayfinding with $250,000 is being allocated towards the CRA
wide wayfinding initiative.
Transfers Out to various projects have been designated in the CRA Plan.
In response to questions, CRA Executive Director Seth Taylor said the
operating budget includes $25,000 for Downtown beautification, which
includes pressure washing the sidewalks and supplemental landscaping.
He is contemplating giving Garden Avenue, between Court Street and
Drew Street, a distinctive look and feel as it is the area's midtown office
district. Mr. Taylor said a future Trustee discussion is needed since there
are funds budgeted for the project. The County TIF funds can be used for
capital improvements, property acquisition and environmental
remediation. Mr. Taylor said County TIF funds could be used for
streetscape capital improvements.
A concern was expressed that the City may be missing an opportunity in
the short-term for making incremental improvements in the larger
Downtown Business District by not budgeting for those improvements. It
was stated that the Cleveland Street streetscaping needs to be
completed before other improvements are pursued.
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Community Redevelopment Agency
5. Adjourn
Attest
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017
The City Manager said staff understands Trustee Jonson's emphasis on
making steady improvements throughout the city; staff cannot pursue
everything at the same time. The CRA Executive Director is engaged in
a number of things and should not be distracted by low hanging fruit.
Trustee Caudell moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2017 -18
Community Redevelopment Agency Preliminary Budget. The motion
was duly seconded and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Chair Cretekos, Trustee Caudell, Trustee Cundiff and Trustee
Hamilton
Nays: 1 - Trustee Jonson
CRA Resolution 17 -03 was presented and read by title only. Trustee
Cundiff moved to adopt Resolution 17 -03. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 4 - Chair Cretekos, Trustee Caudell, Trustee Cundiff and Trustee
Hamilton
Nays: 1 - Trustee Jonson
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
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