09/14/2022CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
September 14, 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
Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
Shahab Emrani
Ray Cassano
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: Terri Novitsky
2. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. There were none.
3. New Business Items
3.1. Final Public Millage Hearing and adoption of Resolution 22-02. Upon motion duly made by
Member Jammo, seconded by Member Emrani, and carried unanimously, Resolution 22-02 was
approved.
3.2. Final Public Budget Hearing and adoption of Resolution 22-03. Upon motion duly made by
Member Jammo, seconded by Member Emrani, and carried unanimously, Resolution 22-03 was
approved.
3.3. Request to increase the KnowBe4 grant of $8,750.00 for Food Truck Thursdays in Downtown
Clearwater. An increase of $6,000, for a total amount not to exceed $14,750, was requested
and recommended by staff. Mr. Smith stated that due to the success of the event, sponsors
and the CRA would like to add a third food truck and a dessert truck. Upon motion duly made
by Member Jammo, seconded by Member Emrani, and carried unanimously, an additional
$6,000 funding to the KnowBe4 Food Truck Thursdays grant was approved for a total of
$14,750.
3.4. Funding request for Intercultural Advocacy Institute / Hispanic Outreach Center's Dia de Los
Muertos event on October 28, 2022, with up to $6,400.00 requested and recommended by
Staff. Mr. Santiago introduced Vicky Obando from IAI/HOC. Upon motion duly made by
Member Jammo, seconded by Member Kintzel, and carried unanimously, the funding request
for the IAI/HOC's Dia de Los Muertos event October 28, 2022, was approved in the amount of
$6,400.
3.5. Funding request for Florida Best Promotions Inc. (FBP) presents Salsa at The District 2022
with up to $14,050.00 requested and recommended by Staff. Mr. Santiago presented the
request for Saturday, October 22, 2022, with an estimated attendance of 1,000 at this first-time
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event for downtown. Richard del Rio and Darnell Macapinlac spoke on behalf of FBP. It was
noted that FBP was referred to the DDB by the Clty of Clearwater Park & Recreation
department.
Upon motion duly made by Member Kintzel, seconded by Member Cassano, and
carried unanimously, the funding request by FBP for Salsa at the District on October 22,
2022, was approved in the amount of $14,050.
3.6. Funding request for Florida Penguins Productions (FPP) presents Bottoms Up Block Party on
Cleveland Street with up to $50,000.00 requested and recommended by Staff. Mr. Santiago
presented the updated request as CRA funding is pending review by the City and CRA Attorney.
The event is scheduled Saturday, November 19, 2022, with an estimate of 1,500-2,000
attending this first-time event for downtown. He introduced Kevin Tucker from FPP who spoke
to his experience and the details of the request. DDB event funding is generally provided on a
reimbursement basis. Mr. Santiago clarified the request for an advance of $10,000 to cover
otherwise reimbursable expenses for marketing and City requirements with the balance of
$40,000 payable on a reimbursement basis.
Discussion included Chair Morfopoulos's statement that it is an exciting time to be thinking
ahead for the new year and Imagine Clearwater with people coming downtown more, and
Member Kintzel's concern that funding for future events not be limited to the Coachman Park
venue.
Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried
unanimously, the funding request by FPP Bottoms Up event on November 19, 2022, was
approved in the amount of $50,000 with an advance of $10,000 to cover otherwise
reimbursable expenses for marketing and City requirements with the balance of $40,000
payable on a reimbursement basis.
4. Old Business
4.1. CRA Update. Mr. Jackson thanked his staff for their hard work and professionalism during a
particularly busy day. He noted that Kara Lynn's Kitchen has moved to the 600 block of
Cleveland Street, reminded everyone of the meet & greet of the two CRA director candidates at
5pm on September 16 in the library at 5:00-7:00 pm, and introduced newly -hired CRA Special
Events Specialist Vickie Shire.
5. Chair's Report. Chair Morfopoulos invited Ms. Shire to a future meeting regarding her plans and
possible collaboration with the DDB. He commended CRA staff members Mr. Smith and Ms. Lopez
for their efforts and preparation and thanked Attorney Winters for responding to questions raised
about the DDB and its relationship with the CRA. The CRA approved the Interlocal Agreement with
the DDB. The wisdom of that was proven when the DDB was able to fully fund the FPP funding
request while a determination as to whether the CRA can fund such events. The Chair also thanked
the DDB members who were able to attend CRA workshop. The Chair has been speaking to past
grantees who indicated they are excited about future events. With those and the opportunities to
celebrate Imagine Clearwater that will be many opportunities to help fund exciting events for the
District. The Chair has spoken with the DCMA regarding funding issues and believes it will be
resolved soon. The Chair invited Chris Koch of the City's Special Events Department to review with
the DDB upcoming events and opportunities to partner with DDB.
• The Market Marie — Saturday, September 17 at Court and Myrtle.
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• Public Art Walk presented by the Clearwater Arts Alliance — Saturday, September 24. Docent -
led walking tours showcasing over 20 pieces of public art throughout Downtown Clearwater.
• The Sip & Stroll — Saturday, September 24.
• 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.
The Chair conveyed a business owner's concern for the safety of employees finishing work late night
in the 400-50o blocks where police cannot so easily patrol. The business owner suggested a safety
patrol for those hours. The Chair asked for suggestions from staff.
The Chair asked for an update of the Social Media Marketing program. Mr. Smith explained that the
timeline to create a program that is successful for the businesses in the District will require the
Board's review of process options suggested by Staff and he hopes to have it ready at the DDB's
next meeting.
6. Board Members to be heard
Member Emrani thanked the CRA team for their support, the Chair for his work on the meeting
regarding the Inter -local Agreement, and all those who attended the CRA work session to support
the DDB.
Member Porbeni thanked the staff and Attorney Winters for their efforts on behalf of the DDB, and
is excited to see four very interesting new events funded for downtown.
Member Kintzel noted the heavy attendance at the DCMA meeting that morning, proof of the
support they have. He also thanked the CRA and the DDB attorney for their support of the Board.
Member Cassano echoed everyone's sentiments, noting that all the groups and citizens make a
great team. He is excited about the waterfront event and the amphitheater's capacity.
Member Jammo echoed everyone's sentiments as well, noting her takeaway from the Monday CRA
Trustee meeting was the need to continue funding events to put money back into the community.
She also thanked the CRA for their support in those efforts.
7. Adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Approved:
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