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05/04/2022CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING May 4, 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 Terri Novitsky Ray Cassano CRA Assistant Director Matt Jackson CRA Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago CRA Business Assistance Administrator Howard Smith DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters Ex officio Member Mark Bunker Ex officio Member Lina Teixeira Absent: Secretary Caitlein Jammo Shahab Emrani 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 April 6, 2022, meeting were approved. 3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. David Walton, working with Nash Keys, stated his interest in "bringing the rich musical culture" back to downtown Clearwater, and invited participation. Kelly Kelly, author of the blog "Colorful Clearwater", stated that Pirates on the Rocks had agreed to use her video services but removed her credits from the final product; Mr. Smith is reconciling their expenses and will review the matter. 4. New Business Items 4.1. March 2022 Financial Statement. Upon motion duly made by Member Cassano, seconded by Member Novitsky, and carried unanimously, the March 2022 financial statement was approved. 4.2. Update on City of Clearwater's improvements for downtown Clearwater by City Manager Jon Jennings. Mr. Jennings stated the City's intention to hire a CRA Event Manager, as well as a new position of Neighborhood Liaison being added to the new budget. A modified stage design in in the initial phase for Cleveland Street. Discussion continues regarding sale of the 'Bluff properties' with hopes of the item making referendum in November. Imagine Clearwater is on schedule for June 2023, including negotiations for a parking solution. Cleveland Street bollards are caught in the supply chain issues but expected soon. Restoration of the 500 block continues by the Church of Scientology, with an agreement in the works for the 400 block. He thanked Downtown Development Board Meeting —May 4, 2022 Page 1 of 3 .1' Amanda Thompson for her work with the CRA and noted her future assistance as consultant for the Bluff properties sale. Mr. Jennings commented that working together strengthens a city and looks forward to the partnerships and support in Clearwater. 4.3. Discussion of PSTA Jolley Trolley Coastal Route's new blended rate and funding agreement. Cassandra Borchers spoke regarding the matter, thanking the DDB and asking the Board to continue its support of L4% of their budget, roughly equal to $20,000, an increase of $2,000 over last fiscal year, and noted this support does not include the annual Spring Break free ride program. 5. Old Business 5.1. Update of Board ideas to improve Downtown Clearwater. Mr. Santiago presented an update on the various items approved by the Board at the April meeting, including: • Pinellas Trail enhancements. Complicated by different owners; seeking quotes. • Marketing, Social Media. Member Kintzel presented a proposal for digital advertising matching funds grant. Chair Morfopoulos suggested limiting the program to businesses (rather than events) in the District, and a dollar value of $5,000-7,000. Member Kintzel suggested further research of marketing investment in the corridor. 5.2. CRA Update. Mr. Jackson updated the board on: art installations, parklets, park enhancements, and community garden plans; the Special Events staff member opportunity; and the vacancy reduction grant request by 703 Jones Street to be presented at the next meeting. 6. Chair's Report • May 15 -June 15, The World Within — outdoor immersive sound installation featuring the natural sounds of the Everglades from sunrise to sunset at Gaslight Alley off the 500 block of Cleveland Street. • Saturday, May 14, The Market Marie — One Year Anniversary at Court and Myrtle. • Saturday, May 21, Public Art Walk presented by the Clearwater Arts Alliance — Docent lead walking tours showcasing over 20 pieces of public art throughout Downtown Clearwater. • America's Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher — see the natural beauty of iconic landscape photographer Clyde Butcher at the Clearwater Public Library. This free exhibit ends May 31. 7. Board Members to be heard Member Cassano is happy to see City Manager Jennings assisting downtown partnerships, and thanked Ms. Thompson for her work with the CRA. Member Porbeni thanked Ms. Thompson and wished her much success, welcome Ex officio Member Teixeira, and stated he's excited about the progress in downtown. Member Kintzel thanked Ms. Thompson. Member Novitsky is excited to see the collaboration in downtown, thanked Ms. Thompson, and welcomed Ex officio Member Teixeira. Downtown Development Board Meeting —May 4, 2022 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Teixeira noted she is glad to be back with the Board and is excited for the DDB to be part of the revitalization of downtown Clearwater with even more active partnerships. Mr. Bunker noted that Monday had been the first presentation at Airmid Theater, that it was well - attended and well-done, and its Board President Tricia McDermott would be making a grant application with the DDB. He applauded Ms. Thompson for her time and efforts with the CRA, stated that Mr. Jennings is doing a great job, and is excited for the downtown to 'boom' in the next two years. Chair Morfopoulos congratulated and welcomed Ms. Teixeira, said that he was gratified by Mr. Jennings' comments, and is excited for the changes to come in downtown. He stated that Ms. Thompson is a treasure and she has made a huge difference in both the downtown and the DDB. 8. Adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Approved: 4 1 /ZoZ,2_- Date Secretary Downtown Development Board Meeting —May 4, 2022 Page 3 of 3 INDIVIDUAL SPEAKER Citizen Comment Card Name: JU 6 6e_r• Address: rovq j City: C ���`� Zip: 3* J Telephone Number: I, �n f Email Address: 3U Y ))-tor) �n ►' 04mAce,(, Cc Speaking under citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda? ❑ Agenda item(s) to which you wish to speak:CtzMWAU FJ - 116( A lrLc -rale LI Al p ,r 4( �'(CJc/ M it finuri- A (o -i 13e14,.7t,vViU,x-ra r,�`'� What is your position on the item? For ( Against INDIVIDUAL SPEAKER Citizen Comment Card Name: t/ / /Stre.I PO4-//542 L Z% /VS f� I Address: 76W C2Sl PiG F1- v� d City: 62,--/Qre/»?Fi2 Zip: 337.1.3' [ice Telephone Number: 6�‘ 2 cl- T-0:96 Email Address: 2 C,44/// ( /41Q/ l Speaking under citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda? ❑ Agenda item(s) to which you wish to speak- -70f N (1)ScZ-/-P / ?1 v/ What is your position on the item? For Against V