12/01/2021CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
December 1, 2021— 5:30 PM — City Council Chambers
1. CaII to Order. Vice Chairman Kintzel called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
In attendance:
Absent:
Vice Chairman Keanan Kintzel
Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Terri Novitsky
Ray Cassano
Shahab Emrani
Ex -officio Member Mark Bunker
CRA Director Amanda Thompson
CRA Program Specialist Anne Lopez
CRA Business Assistance Administrator Howard Smith
CRA Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
Chairman Paris Morfopoulos
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
Mayor Frank Hibbard
2. Approval of minutes of the September meetings.
2.1. Upon motion duly made by Member Jammo, seconded by Member Novitsky, and carried, the
minutes of the November 3, 2021, meeting were approved unanimously.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Aaron Smith -Levin stated his concern that
properties in the area of the Seminole boat dock have been bought by companies represented by
Member Novitsky and related to her husband with no plan for development, which he feels
contradicts the mission of the DDB.
4. New Business Items
4.1. October Financial Statement for approval. CRA Program Specialist Lopez noted the addition to
the report of the Budget Balance on each line for easy reference. Upon motion duly made by
Member Emrani, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried unanimously, the October 2021
financial statement was approved.
4.2. Intercultural Advocacy Institute's Hispanic Outreach Center (HOC) funding request for holiday
event in the amount of $4,655.75. After questions regarding previous HOC events and concern
of possible discrimination in booths for this event and others, upon motion duly made by
Member Jammo, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried unanimously, the HOC funding
request for holiday event in the amount of $4,655.75, set for December 9, 2021, at 5:00 pm,
was approved.
5. Old Business
5.1. Marketing Assistance Grant for Lina Teixeira Productions (LTP) in the amount of $6,000. CRA
Director Thompson presented the CRA's suggestion of granting the request with a focus on
Downtown Development Board Meeting —December 1, 2021 Page 1 of 3
enhanced marketing. Ms. Teixeira spoke on behalf of the project, clarifying display locations
(currently four of ten are in the DDB district), rotation of pieces through the locations, materials
used, and marketing and sponsorship credit displays. Upon motion duly made by Member
Jammo to approve as suggested by the CRA, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried
unanimously, the Marketing Assistance Grant for LTP in the amount of $6,000 was approved.
5.2. Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association (DCMA) marketing grant update. Sheila Neisler
of Catalyst Marketing updated the Board on the DCMA plans and activities, including focus on
infrastructure (outreach to restaurants in the entire DDB area), the Friends of the District
program (geared toward restaurants and major business within a one -mile radius), and
AMPLIFY'S Resiliency award.
5.3. Equity Committee Update — Member Jammo stated that events are still on hold due to COVID
concerns, and the next step is moving forward with their 'breaking bread' meeting. Input and
participation are welcome.
5.4. CRA Update — CRA Director Thompson introduced the new City Manager, Jon Jennings, who
greeted the board, noted his background in economic development, and stated his
commitment to the revitalization of downtown Clearwater and the entire city.
Ms. Thompson noted the CRA meeting on December 13 at 8am, the availability of business
assistance grants, that January will see another meeting of the Downtown Coordination
Committee, and that she would appreciate input via email from the Board regarding the
opportunity to bring in a speaker on the issues of diversity and equity.
Upon request of Vice Chairman Kintzel, Ms. Thompson clarified the process for anyone to add
to or suggest an item for the Board's agenda: Email howard.smith@mvclearwater.com at least
10 days before the meeting for the staff to review and address appropriately. Anything
submitted and approved by staff less than 10 days before the scheduled meeting will be
included at the discretion of the Chairman.
Chairman's Report.
The 4th Annual Holiday Extravaganza is underway in Downtown Clearwater. For a complete list
of events please visit www.downtownclearwater.com/holidays. Highlights include:
• The Holiday Voucher campaign. Sign up online for a $15 off voucher redeemable at
participating businesses.
• Thursday Night Holiday Movie Series — Free at The Capitol Theatre
— December 9 — National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
— December 16 — Die Hard
— December 23 — The Muppet Christmas Carol
— December 30 — Last Holiday
• Movie Matinee and Breakfast with Santa — December 18 and 19 ... Breakfast sponsored
by 12 Days of Christmas Clearwater with Santa from 9 am — 11 am. Free matinee at
11:30 am at The Capitol Theatre.
— December 18 — The Grinch (2018 Animated)
— December 19 — The Polar Express
• The 12 Days of Christmas — December 12-23 ... December 12 at 6 pm, kick off at Station
Square Park with the reading of a classic holiday story from Mrs. Claus with appearances
from The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
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• The Market Elaine Holiday Market — December 16 ... This spunky nighttime sister to
Clearwater's already popular The Market Marie takes place outside of Station Square
Park from 5 pm — 9 pm with 50+ local vendors and artisans from the Tampa Bay Area.
• Clearwater Holiday Pet Paw -rade — December 18 ... Registration starts at Noon; parade
kicks off at 1 pm on the 400 block of Cleveland Street traveling east towards Station
Square Park. Presented by Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association. Dress in your
holiday finest for pet and family photos with Santa and The Grinch.
America's Everglades — Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher. Now open inside the Clearwater
Main Public Library. On display through May 2022. Free admission.
6. Board Members to be heard
Member Cassano enjoyed the treelighting at Station Square Park and is very excited about the
season in downtown.
Member Emrani welcomed City Manager Jennings and said he's looking forward to working
together, thanked the CRA for their support during this interesting year, and thanked the other
members of the Board, wishing everyone a happy holiday.
Member Novitsky thanked the Board for all she's learned working them, saying it's been a pleasure,
welcomed City Manager Jennings, noted the exciting changes since she moved to Clearwater six
years ago, and wished everyone a happy holiday.
Member Jammo thanked the CRA team for making the DDB process a smoother one, and wished
everyone a happy holiday.
Ex officio Bunker said attendance for the treelighting was fantastic and he is encouraged by the
success of the great work in the District, wishing everyone a happy holiday.
7. Adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
Approved:
v s/22 -
Date Secret
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