09/07/2022CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
September 7, 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
Shahab Emrani
Terri Novitsky
Ray Cassano
Ex officio Member Mark Bunker
Ex officio Member Lina Teixeira
CRA Assistant Director Matt Jackson
CRA Programs Specialist Anne Lopez
CRA Business Assistance Administrator Howard Smith
CRA Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
Absent: Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
2. Approval of Minutes of the August 3, 2022, meeting
2.1. Ex officio Member Bunker objected to his "characterization" in Item 7.0, whereupon
Attorney Winters stated that the minutes are a record of what was said. Upon motion
duly made by Member Kintzel, seconded by Member Emrani, and carried unanimously,
the minutes of the August 3, 2022, meeting were approved.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda.
Robert Wilde, Tampa Bay Ukulele Society (TBUS), endorsed the function and processes of
the DDB, stating that their event had been a milestone in its 20 year history thanks to the
DDB funding and the assistance through a seamless process from Mr. Smith, Mr. Santiago,
and the entire CRA staff. Estimated attendance was 2,500-3,000 guests through the day of
classes, displays, and evening concert. TBUS looks forward to returning next year.
Blair Valentine, Market Marie, thanked the Board for its partnership and looks forward to
returning in October with a new funding request.
4. New Business Items
4.1. First Public Millage Hearing and adoption of Resolution 22-02. Ms. Lopez read the
statute requiring two public hearings and confirmed that the second meeting is next
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Wednesday. Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by Member
Cassano, and carried unanimously, Resolution 22-02 was approved.
4.2. First Public Budget Hearing and adoption of Resolution 22-03. Ms. Lopez read the
statute requiring two public hearings. Upon motion duly made by Member Kintzel,
seconded by Member Novitsky, and carried unanimously, Resolution 22-03 was
approved.
4.3. July 2022 Financial Statement. Upon motion duly made by Member Cassano, seconded
by Member Kintzel, and carried unanimously, the July 2022 Financial Statement was
approved.
4.4. Imagine Clearwater Project Update. Mr. Smith introduced Catherine 'Cat' Corcoran for
a more detailed review of after the balcony tour from the library's second floor
windows. A virtual tour and live webcams are available at imagineclearwater.com.
4.5. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority's (PSTA) Jolley Trolley Coastal Route new blended
rate and funding agreement. Mr. Smith reviewed the new agreement for Fiscal Years
2023-2027. Attorney Winters stated that although it is present as a multi-year
contract, it is not binding to subsequent boards. Whether or not the contract is funded
each year is subject to the affirmative vote of the DDB.
Upon motion duly made by Member Novitsky, seconded by Member Cassano, and
carried unanimously, the PSTA Jolley Trolley Coastal Route blended rate and funding
agreement for Fiscal Years 2023-2027 was approved.
4.6. Appointment of a DDB member to the Canvassing Committee for the 2022 Election.
Chair Morfopoulos requested volunteers, to which Member Novitsky responded. Ms.
Lopez stated that this year's date is October 11, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the office of the
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.
Upon motion duly made by Member Cassano, seconded by Member Emrani, and
carried unanimously, Member Novitsky's appointment to the Canvassing Committee
for the 2022 Election was approved.
5. Old Business
5.1. Update CRA Enhancement Projects. Mr. Santiago stated that the planters and plants
have been installed on Cleveland Street, two new shade -providing myrtle trees have
been added, and new furniture has been installed in Station Square Park including 30
tables with umbrellas and seating for 124 people. The Marketing Grant program on
hold pending review of the CRA -DDB Interlocal agreement, and the Pinellas Trail scope
of services is under review by various City departments.
5.2. CRA Update. Mr. Jackson stated that the first Food Truck Thursday attracted more
than 250 people. The CRA is in the final stages of hiring a director and is hosting a meet
& greet of the two candidates at 5pm on September 16 in the library. The newly -hired
CRA Special Events Specialist Vickie Shire will be introduced at next week's meeting of
the DDB. A Second Amendment to a development agreement will be presented at the
next CRA meeting to keep the project at 1250 Cleveland Street moving forward for 81
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units of affordable housing. He introduced Dave LoGuercio, the new owner of the 530
Pub & Grill, who spoke briefly to introduce himself to the DDB and state his intention to
be involved in Downtown Clearwater matters.
6. Chair's Report.
• Food Truck Thursday — September 8 at Station Square Park.
• The Market Marie — Saturday, September 10 at Court and Myrtle.
• Public Art Walk presented by the Clearwater Arts Alliance — Saturday, September 17.
Docent -lead walking tours showcasing over 20 pieces of public art throughout
Downtown Clearwater.
• Daydreaming: Niki Butcher's Hand Painted Photography — open through February 24,
2023, a new exhibit at the Clearwater Public Library. Free to the public.
See www.downtownclearwater.com for events and details.
7. Board Members to be heard
Member Emrani thanked the CRA team for their support and its effect on downtown. He
appreciated the speakers from TBUS and Market Marie for reporting on their events after
funding.
Member Cassano thanked the CRA and the Main Library for the tour earlier, stating that
everyone should know about the services offered by the libraries. The view of the
waterfront project is amazing from the library and he is expecting great concerts with
accommodation for 9,000 at the new amphitheater.
Member Kintzel was grateful for the tour and thrilled by the digital services available at the
library.
Member Novitsky noted a previous statement by City Manager Jennings about partnering
on the expansion for Imagine Clearwater and she would love to see that happen.
Ms. Teixeira stated that new additions to the downtown area are always welcome, noting in
particular Vickie Shire, who she had seen out familiarizing herself with the streetscape, and
the involvement of Dave and Erica LoGuercio of the 530 Pub & Grill.
Mr. Bunker is excited about progress on Imagine Clearwater which he feels makes up for
the loss of affordable housing project to the Church of Scientology.
Member Novitsky asked if Board members shouldn't be the only ones commenting at their
own meeting, to which Chair Morfopoulos responded that allowing all to comment is a
longstanding tradition.
Chair Morfopoulos noted his email to the Board members regarding the CRA meeting the
coming Monday at 8:00 a.m. in Council Chambers at which the DDB Interlocal agreement
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will be discussed, inviting everyone to be there. Attorney Winters stated that she had that
afternoon emailed a memo to the Board, the CRA, and the City Council responding to the
various points.
8. Adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Approved:
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