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07/29/2003ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER July 29, 2003 Present: Bob Kinney Vice-Chair Rick Rosa Board Member/Community Response Team Capt. Anthony Holloway Board Member/Police Department Bob Fernandez Board Member Ralph Emmanuelli Board Member – arrived 5:17 p.m. Vacant Seat Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Absent: Isay Gulley Board Member Cheryl Wade Board Member Also Present: Reg Owens Director of Economic Development & Housing Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Diane Hufford Economic Development Coordinator Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. at Ross Norton Park, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 3. Introduction – new member Board members welcomed new members Ralph Emmanuelli and Bob Fernandez. It was remarked that two vacant seats need to be filled. The Legal Department has indicated that there is no conflict in allowing Cheryl Wade’s husband Jonathan to serve on the board. Consensus was that Jonathan Wade be permitted to serve on the board. The City Commission would need to officially appoint Mr. Wade to the board. 4. Action Items a. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – April 24, 2002 Member Emmanuelli moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 24, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b. Appointment of New Chair to replace John Connelly Economic Development Coordinator Diane Hufford said board member and Chair John Connelly is no longer eligible to serve on the board. Member Rosa moved to appoint Isay Gulley as Vice-Chair and Bob Kinney as Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Hufford said she would check with Ms. Gulley to ensure she is interested in serving as Vice-Chair. 5. Staff Report Ms. Hufford said she has had numerous inquiries regarding the Enterprise Zone. She said the White Development has applied for a building materials sales tax credit and has received $30,000. Publix and Albertson’s are both in the process of applying for job tax credits. Publix estimates job tax credits of $10,000 for the first quarter of 2003. In response to a question, Ms. Hufford said staff is proactive in informing businesses of these incentives. She referred to the information provided in board members’ packets regarding a survey and suggestions to make the board more proactive. It was suggested that board members review the information provided and brainstorm at the next meeting. Ms. Hufford said she has brochures that the board members can distribute to businesses in the Enterprise Zone. Planning Department employees also spread the word about the incentives in the Enterprise Zone. Director of Economic Development & Housing Reg Owens said developers and business owners are most attracted to business tax credits. Staff has received good responses from people constructing new buildings. Discussion ensued regarding a meeting schedule. Consensus was to meet quarterly at 4:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month beginning in October. The next meeting would be at 4:00 p.m. on October 9,2003, in the Equity Services conference room on the second floor at City Hall. 6. Presentation – Reg Owens, Director of Economic Development & Housing Mr. Owens reviewed plans for the downtown and how they tie in with streetscaping plans, Coachman Park, and a new upscale marina. He said the City plans to purchase and close on the properties owned by Clearwater Automotive, which is MOL (More or less) four-acres, east of the Town Lake. The City is committed to attracting new housing and retail units in the downtown. Cleveland Street will be turned over to the City and will terminate at Osceola. Plans are to begin the streetscaping project the later part of next year. The City is increasing the police presence in downtown to address homelessness. Mr. Owens said if a developer comes forth with a purchase offer on the Calvary Baptist Church property, the City would sell City Hall at fair market value, creating approximately 6.2 acres of developable property near the waterfront. The Commission has indicated if the Harborview Center were to be sold, they would like to see future development of the site include a meeting, hotel, retail, and entertainment component. Mr. Owens said earlier this year, staff produced a major marketing brochure entitled “Development Opportunities” that was distributed nationally to 3,500 developers. The brochure showcases all the development opportunities in the downtown and the beach. Mr. Owens said he receives five to eight calls a week regarding the brochure. Staff was congratulated on their efforts to inform the development community of opportunities in Clearwater. Mr. Owens said unlike other cities’ downtowns, Clearwater’s downtown and beach is a safe, clean environment. In response to a question, Mr. Owens said that State Road 60 would extend from Cleveland Street to Court/Chestnut Street. Alternate 19 (Ft. Harrison Avenue) would be redesignated on Myrtle Avenue, making Myrtle Avenue a major north-south roadway in Pinellas County. Once the City has control of Ft. Harrison Avenue, it can hold farmer’s markets, landscape the medians, etc. In response to a question, Mr. Fernandez said the Farmer’s Market is starting its ninth year in Clearwater. He said it has been successful and there have been no parking or safety issues. He is looking forward to a good 2003. He said he is happy to see the progress happening now in Clearwater. Mr. Owens said the key to success is redeveloping the bayfront. 7. Public Comment – None. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.