03/18/2019Monday, March 18, 2019
9:00 AM
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Council Chambers - Main Library
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Agenda
March 18, 2019Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda
1. Call To Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the February 19, 2019 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business Items
4.1 Update on CRA 18 Month Strategy
5. Director's Report
6. Adjourn
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 3/14/2019
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#19-5781
Agenda Date: 3/18/2019 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 2.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the February 19, 2019 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the
City Clerk.
SUMMARY:
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 3/14/2019
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 1
City of Clearwater
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
9:00 AM
Council Chambers - Main Library
Community Redevelopment Agency
Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 2
City of Clearwater
Roll Call
Present 4 - Chair George N. Cretekos, Trustee Bob Cundiff, Trustee Hoyt
Hamilton, and Trustee David Allbritton
Absent 1 - Trustee Jay Polglaze
Also Present – Jill Silverboard – Deputy City Manager, Micah Maxwell – Assistant
City Manager, Pamela K. Akin – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call –
City Clerk, Nicole Sprague – Official Records and Legislative
Services Coordinator, and Amanda Thompson – CRA Executive
Director.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Unapproved
1. Call to Order – Chair Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 9:16 a.m. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the January 14, 2019 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk.
Trustee Hamilton moved to approve the January 14, 2019 CRA
Meeting Minutes 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 a Grant Agreement in the amount of $30,000 with Pour Yours Holdings LLC for
interior building improvements at 522 Cleveland Street and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018 CRA meeting, the Trustees approved a time limited, Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 3
City of Clearwater
grant program for bar and restaurant tenants in the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) area that operate on nights and weekends, that received a
Certificate of Occupancy or were under active construction after January 1,
2018.
Pour Yours Holdings LLC has submitted a grant application, supporting invoices
and the financial documentation necessary for a complete grant request. As
outlined in their application, the tenant has expended $73,012.07 on eligible
grant expenses. These improvements were necessary to open the bar. The
tenant is eligible for a $30,000.00 grant from the Food & Drink Program to be
payable over two years. The tenant has agreed to stay in business and maintain
the existing improvements for a minimum of 2 years.
Pour Yours is a wine bar that has partnered with the neighboring restaurant, La
Fondita, to provide a tapas menu. The proposed grant application meets the
goals of the Food & Drink Program and the CRA’s redevelopment plan to attract
more foot traffic to downtown and improve the appearance of buildings through
the establishment of bars and restaurants that are open on nights and
weekends.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in CRA project 3887552-94893, Opportunity Fund.
In response to questions, CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson
said the current lease ends February 2020. If the entity goes out of
business, the bar portion would receive up to $15,000 for every year it is
open. Pour Yours has been open for over a year and would receive their
first $15,000-payment when the grant agreement is approved, and the
second payment would be received one later.
Trustee Cundiff moved to approve a Grant Agreement in the amount
of $30,000 with Pour Yours Holdings LLC for interior building
improvements at 522 Cleveland Street and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
4.2 Approve a Grant Agreement in the amount of $9,054.82 with Vector Amusements LLC
for interior building improvements at 629 Cleveland Street and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018 CRA meeting, the Trustees approved a time limited,
grant program for bar and restaurant tenants in the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) area that received a Certificate of Occupancy or were under
active construction after January 1, 2018. Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 4
City of Clearwater
Vector Amusements LLC has submitted a grant application, supporting invoices
and the financial documentation necessary for a complete grant request. As
outlined in their application, the tenant has expended $9,054.82 for eligible
improvements, although the total costs of improvements and business start-up
costs exceed $35,000. The tenant is eligible for a $9,054.82 grant from the
Food & Drink Program to be payable in one lump sum. The tenant has agreed
to stay in business and maintain the existing improvements for a minimum of 2
years.
Vector Arcade & Bar is an arcade bar that has classic and modern pinball
machines as well as programming for the gaming community. The proposed
grant application meets the goals of the Food & Drink Program and the CRA’s
redevelopment plan to attract more foot traffic to downtown and improve the
appearance of buildings through providing new restaurants and bars that are
open on nights and weekends.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in CRA project 3887552-94893, Opportunity Fund.
In response to a question, CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson
said the current lease runs through February 2021. The entity has
submitted a lease renewal for additional time.
Trustee Hamilton moved to approve a Grant Agreement in the
amount of $9,054.82 with Vector Amusements LLC for interior
building improvements at 629 Cleveland Street and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Approve a Loan to Grant Agreement in the amount of $62,341.25 with Fourcee LLC d/b/a
Blackbrick Tavern and Kitchen for interior building improvements at 432 Cleveland Street
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018 CRA meeting, the CRA Trustees approved a time
limited, grant program for restaurant tenants in the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) area that received a Certificate of Occupancy or were under
active construction after January 1, 2018.
Fourcee LLC d/b/a Blackbrick Tavern and Kitchen has submitted a grant
application, supporting invoices and the financial documentation necessary for a
complete grant request. As outlined in their application, the tenant has provided
invoices totaling $175,260.72. These building improvements are necessary to
open the restaurant. The tenant spent more than $256,388 dollars to construct Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 5
City of Clearwater
the entire restaurant space. The Food and Drink grant program allows for the
loan to grant to be forgiven over a 5-year period. The tenant has agreed to stay
in business and maintain the existing improvements to the building for a
minimum of 5 years.
Black Brick Tavern will be a full-service bar and restaurant. The proposed grant
application meets the goals of the Anchor Tenant program and the CRA’s
redevelopment plan to attract more foot traffic to downtown and improve the
appearance of buildings through new food and drink offerings that are open on
nights and weekends.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in CRA project 3887552-94893, Opportunity Fund.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve a Loan to Grant Agreement in
the amount of $62,341.25 with Fourcee LLC d/b/a Blackbrick Tavern
and Kitchen for interior building improvements at 432 Cleveland
Street and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.4 Approve a Loan to Grant Agreement in the amount of $100,000.00 with Tequilas Mexican
Grill and Cantina LLC for interior building improvements at 422 Cleveland Street and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
At the October 29, 2018 CRA meeting, the Trustees approved a time limited,
grant program for bar and restaurant tenants in the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) area that received a Certificate of Occupancy or were under
active construction after January 1, 2018.
Tequilas Mexican Grill and Cantina has submitted a grant application,
supporting invoices and the financial documentation necessary for a complete
grant request. The CRA Food and Drink Program allows for the loan to grant to
be forgiven over a 5-year period. The tenant has agreed to stay in business and
maintain the existing building improvements for a minimum of 5 years.
Tequila’s Mexican Grill and Cantina is a bar/full-service restaurant that will be
moving from their current location at 401 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue to 422
Cleveland Street. The proposed grant application meets the goals of the Anchor
Tenant program and the CRA’s redevelopment plan to attract more foot traffic to
downtown and improve the appearance of buildings through the establishment
of new restaurants open on nights and weekends.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in CRA project 3887552-94893, Opportunity Fund.
Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 6
City of Clearwater
Trustee Cundiff moved to approve a Loan to Grant Agreement in the
amount of $100,000.00 with Tequilas Mexican Grill and Cantina LLC
for interior building improvements at 422 Cleveland Street and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.5 Confirm the City Manager’s appointment of Micah Maxwell as the Interim CRA Executive
Director.
CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson will be on maternity leave from
March 1, 2019 through May 24, 2019. The Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA) rules require the Board to confirm the appointment of the CRA Executive
Director. City Manager Bill Horne is requesting that the CRA confirm Assistant
City Manager Micah Maxwell as the Interim Executive Director until Ms.
Thompson returns from maternity leave.
In response to a concern, Deputy City Manager Jill Silverboard said the
City Manager believes the CRA and Imagine Clearwater are closely
aligned and related and within Mr. Maxwell's time and capability to
continue supervising the day to day activities.
Trustee Hamilton moved to confirm the City Manager’s appointment
of Micah Maxwell as the Interim CRA Executive Director. The motion
was duly seconded and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Trustee Cundiff, Trustee Hamilton, Trustee Allbritton and Trustee
Polglaze
Nays: 1 - Chair Cretekos
4.6 Approve amended contract with Sparxoo, LLC for maintenance of CRA website during
2019 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The Community Redevelopment Agency requests approval to amend the
CRA’s contract with Sparxoo, its website maintenance company, to include a
broader scope of work. The first focus area of the CRA’s 18-month strategy is
to create and share authentic, positive stories about downtown Clearwater. The
website, www.downtownclearwater.org <http://www.downtownclearwater.org>,
is an important online platform that is used to promote downtown. By upgrading
the Master Services Agreement from the “Basic Plus” plan to the “Advanced”
plan, the CRA will improve website features, gain monthly reporting on site
performance, speed and security, and improve image and search engine
optimization. The upgrade will also double the amount of project work hours
included in the year (from 100 to 200 hours) from the Sparxoo team to build out Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes February 19, 2019
Page 7
City of Clearwater
new features for the site (a blog, video embed capabilities, etc.), and provide a
dedicated account manager from Sparxoo to work directly with the CRA. This is
a one-year contract. The increase in service will cost an additional $11,700 for
2019.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in CRA project 3887552-94853, Downtown Marketing &
Events.
In response to a question, CRA Public Relations and Program Manager
Rosemary D’Amour said Sparxoo will be providing an additional 100
workhours for a project director, increased security and SEO (Search Engine
Optimization) updates. The site is ADA accessible.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve amended contract with
Sparxoo, LLC for maintenance of CRA website during 2019 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.7 Update on CRA 18-month Strategy.
CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
5. Director's Report – None. 6. Board Members to be Heard – None. 7. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:39 a.m.
Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest
City Clerk Draft
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#19-5832
Agenda Date: 3/18/2019 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Update on CRA 18 Month Strategy
SUMMARY:
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 3/14/2019
|1CITY OF CLEARWATER
CRA 18 Month Strategy
March 2019 Update
Desired Outcome
Create lasting change in downtown by shifting
the perceptions held by the public and
investors about city government and
downtown Clearwater to one that aligns with
the adopted vision.
3/14/2019 2 |2Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Four Steps to the Desired Outcome
1. Commit to an 18-month strategy with a defined focus and
measurable outcomes
2. Communicate the strategy
3. Implement the strategy
4. Track and publish results*
*Repeat steps two through four for 18 months
3/14/2019 3 |3Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
CRA 18-Month Strategy
1. Create and share authentic,
positive stories about
Downtown Clearwater
2. Begin construction on Imagine
Clearwater
3. Permit 600 housing units
4. Attract $100 million dollars of
private investment
3/14/2019 4 |4Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Create and Share Positive Stories
Media coverage: Exploring Downtown
Completed
3/14/2019 5 |5Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Create and Share Positive Stories
“Dreams of Dali” Experience
•1,300+ visitors since January
•Engaging community
stakeholders
•Merchant discounts
•Community meeting space
Underway
3/14/2019 6 |6Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Create and Share Positive Stories
Interest in returning to Downtown
Clearwater
Very interested Interested Somewhat interested Not interested
Underway
3/14/2019 7 |7Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
“Dreams of Dali” survey results:
•90% of respondents rate exhibit/space as excellent
•94% of respondents are interested in returning to Downtown Clearwater
•68% of respondents are interested in learning more about Downtown Clearwater
Create and Share Positive Stories
•Mural program: Peace Offering
•The Flag Company
•Brian McAllister & Gibbs High
School Mural Club
•Painted between 11/7/2018-
11/25/2018
Completed
3/14/2019 8 |8Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
https://vimeo.com/320259047
|9Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Permitting
•26 Active & Completed permits totaling $1,048,800 in February 2019
•100 S. Missouri, Building 2: Interior remodel-3rd Floor
•412 Cleveland: Convert retail space into restaurant (Roxy’s)
•601 Cleveland/4th Floor: New offices, floors, ceilings, VAV boxes
•601 Cleveland: Remove and reinstall antennas and cables
•804 Park: Demolition and disposal of 2 story commercial building and
warehouse
Begin Construction on Imagine Clearwater
•Market and Financial
Feasibility study
underway for “The
Green”
•April 1 Workshop
scheduled
Underway
•Harborview Center
demolition celebration on
March 29
•Crowd-sourced video,
submit photos to:
photo@myclearwater.com
3/14/2019 10 |10Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Permit 600 Housing Units
•Redesign for
Streetscape Phase III
to include enhanced
utility infrastructure
•Process food and drink grant applications
Underway
•Negotiating RFP
bid for 115 South
Martin Luther King,
Jr. property
3/14/2019 11 |11Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
|12Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
Food and Drink Grants
•Property Owner Program
•2 Full Applications Received
•$300,000 Total Requested Grant
Amount
•$647,000 Total Investment
•Tenant Grant Program
•4 Grant Requests Approved at
February 19, 2019 CRA Meeting
Attract $100 Million in Private Investment
•Market research
Underway
•Land sale and
acquisition
•Educational and
cultural
partnerships
3/14/2019 13 |13Downtown Clearwater – 18-Month Plan
$50 M
Residential
$30M
Commercial
$20M
Other
|14CITY OF CLEARWATER
CRA 18 Month Strategy
March 2019 Update