04/06/2022CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
April 6, 2022 — 5:30 PM — City Council Chambers
1. Call to Order. Chair Morfopoulos called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
In attendance:
Chair Paris Morfopoulos
Vice Chair Keanan Kintzel
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Terri Novitsky
Ray Cassano
Shahab Emrani
CRA Director Amanda Thompson
CRA Assistant Director Matt Jackson
CRA Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
Mayor Frank Hibbard
Ex officio Member Mark Bunker
2. Minutes of the February meeting.
2.1. Upon motion duly made by Member Novitsky, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried
unanimously, the minutes of the March 2, 2022, meeting were approved.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Tony Tello, owner of Nash Keys, stated his
interest in "bringing the rich history of jazz & blues music" back to downtown Clearwater, and
invited participation.
Eleanor Lyda and Sheila Neisler introduced "Bob the Barrel" and spoke on behalf of the East
Gateway Neighborhood Association and efforts to showcase businesses in that area.
4. New Business Items
4.1. February 2022 Financial Statement. Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by
Member Cassano, and carried unanimously, the January 2022 financial statement was
approved.
4.2. Audit presentation by Carr, Riggs, Ingram LLC (CRI). John Brielmaier spoke on behalf of CRI,
outlining the "ultimately clean results" of the September 30, 2021, financial audit.
4.3. Funding request for Market Marie in the amount of $16,029. Mr. Santiago gave an overview
of the request and introduced Blair Valentine to answer additional questions. Upon motion
duly made by Member Kintzel, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried unanimously, the
Market Marie funding request was approved in the amount of $16,029.
4.4. Funding request for Chiang Mai's "The Thais That Bind" in an amount not to exceed $1,700.
Mr. Santiago reviewed the funding request and introduced Soney Louvon of Chiang Mai who
gave an overview of the event. Upon motion duly made by Member Cassano, seconded by
Downtown Development Board Meeting —April 6, 2022 Page 1 of 3
Member Jammo, and carried unanimously, the Chiang Mai funding request was approved in
the amount of $1,700.
5. Old Business
5.1. Party Pirates on the Rocks event update. Stacey Myers appeared on behalf of the group and
gave an overview of the event, thanking the board and stating that they hope to work together
again in the future.
5.2. Equity Committee Update — presentation by City of Clearwater Office of Diversity and Equity
Services. Mr. Jackson introduced members of the City's Office of Diversity and Equity Services,
who gave a presentation on the topic of "equality versus equity".
5.3. Board ideas to improve Downtown Clearwater. Mr. Santiago presented an update on the
various items approved by the Board at the March meeting. The CRA made two
recommendations:
• Pursuing quotes for beautification of the 0.7 mile stretch of the Pinellas Trail through
downtown. Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by Member Cassano,
and carried unanimously, the recommendation was approved.
• Creation of a social media campaign targeting small businesses to promote the Marketing
Grant Program. Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by Member Cassano,
and carried unanimously, the recommendation was approved.
5.4. CRA Update. Ms. Thompson noted the CRA update and quarterly downtown meeting to take
place on April 8, and the opening of a Special Events Coordinator position with the CRA.
6. Chair's Report
• CRA Open House — April 8
• The Market Marie — April 9
• Clearwater Hispanic Farmers Market — April 16
• Clearwater Arts Alliance Public Art Walk — April 16
• Sip and Stroll — April 16
• Ukulele Festival — April 23
7. Board Members to be heard
Member Cassano hosted a party in Station Square Park, and suggested the park be further
promoted as a venue for private parties.
Member Emrani feels parking has received plenty of attention and lighting downtown should be
addressed, beginning and launching from plans for a downtown Christmas tree.
Member Kintzel agreed with Member Emrani, noting the beauty and success of last year's Christmas
tree downtown. He thanked Ms. Lyda and Ms. Neisler for their work with "Bob the Barrel"
promoting businesses in the gateway.
Member Porbeni thanked the CRA. He noted that parking is still an issue as a 15 -minute walk from
Nature's Food Patch (Cleveland and Missouri) may be too much for downtown. He's happy to see
citizens like Tony Tello attending and promoting events in downtown.
Downtown Development Board Meeting —April 6, 2022 Page 2 of 3
Member Novitsky noted her continued interest in parking in downtown. She's excited by green -
lighting of so many DDB ideas to improve the downtown, thanking everyone for their participation.
Member Jammo thanked the CRA for their efforts bringing the diversity presentation in for that
evening.
Mayor Hibbard stated that additional parking opportunities are under review. He noted the large
business assistance budget and needs for publication. The mayor thanked everyone for support of
Imagine Clearwater. The Mayor thanked the DDB for all they do and stated this was his final
meeting, with Councilmember Lina Teixeira attending as ex officio member beginning in May.
Mr. Bunker thanked the Board for continued support of Market Marie. He's happy to continue his
attendance at DDB meetings as ex officio member for another year.
Chair Morfopoulos remembered talk of a lighting project for the bottom of the bridge; Ms.
Thompson noted that the topic is up for discussion with the City Council soon.
8. Adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
Approved:
Date
Secretary
Downtown Development Board Meeting —April 6, 2022 Page 3 of 3