01/05/2022CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
January 5, 2022 — 5:30 PM — City Council Chambers
1. Call to Order. Chairman Morfopoulos called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
In attendance:
Chairman Paris Morfopoulos
Vice Chairman Keanan Kintzel
Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
Terri Novitsky
Ray Cassano
Shahab Emrani
Mayor Frank Hibbard
Ex -officio Member Mark Bunker
CRA Program Specialist Anne Lopez
CRA Business Assistance Administrator Howard Smith
CRA Public Relations and Programs Manager Eric Santiago
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
2. Approval of minutes of the December meeting.
2.1. Upon motion duly made by Member Novitsky, seconded by Member Cassano, and carried, the
minutes of the December 1, 2021, meeting were approved unanimously.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Patrick Rafferty requested follow-up
regarding the Chairman's previous statement that the Chairman would share thoughts and
comments on the development of downtown Clearwater. Chairman Morfopoulos responded that it
was part of his planned Chairman's Report at this meeting.
Tony Tello, owner of Nash Keys, stated his belief that downtown needs a stronger social media
presence, less focus on construction and more on beautification, consistency in the narrative of
downtown, and efforts toward attracting businesses other than restaurants. He provided the staff
with a copy of his notes.
4. New Business Items
4.1. Swearing In of the New -Elected Members. Ms. Lopez lead the oath and swearing in of re-
elected members, Caitlein Jammo and Festus Porbeni.
4.2. Election of Officers. Chair Morfopoulos requested nominations and voting. There were not
contested positions, so the following officers were appointed:
Chairman Paris Morfopoulos
Vice Chairman Keanan Kintzel
Secretary Caitlein Jammo
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
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4.3. November Financial Statement. Upon motion duly made by Member Kintzel, seconded by
Member Jammo, and carried unanimously, the November 2021 financial statement was
approved.
4.4. Party Pirates On The Rocks, Inc.'s funding request. Mr. Smith stated that the request had
been increased from no more than $10,000 to $12,400, and introduced Stacy Myers to answer
questions regarding a pirate invasion event in downtown Clearwater January 29, 2022, from
1:00-5:00 p.m. Upon motion duly made by Member Jammo, seconded by Member Casanno,
and carried unanimously, the Party Pirates On The Rocks, Inc.'s funding request in the amount
of $12,400 was approved.
5. Old Business
5.1. Staff recommendation to complete DDB participation in Downtown Coordination Committee.
Mr. Santiago presented the staff's recommendation that the DDB withdraw from the
committee based on complications of the process due to the DDB requirements to follow
Sunshine Law which is not required of the other current members (AMPLIFY Clearwater,
Clearwater Downtown Partnership, and Downtown Clearwater Merchants Association). After
discussion, Chairman Morfopoulos requested an report from staff detailing pros -and -cons of
continued DDB involvement, to be presented at the next meeting.
5.2. CRA Update — Mr. Smith stated that Matt Jackson will join the staff January 17, 2022, as
Assistant Director of the CRA. Holiday Extravaganza voucher program sold 1,300 vouchers, and
more than 5,000 views of that webpage; actual voucher redemption and program participation
will be available at the next meeting.
Chairman's Report.
Chairman Morfopoulos proposed 30 minutes at the next meeting to discuss the Board's
proactive pursuit of ideas to improve downtown Clearwater, and requested the members bring
their ideas to the table at that time.
Current events include:
• The Market Marie, second Saturday of the month on January 8th from 10 am -2 pm.
• Peace Concert Series presents Made in America on January 9th at Peace Memorial Church
Showtime at 3 pm.
• Clearwater Arts Alliance Public Art Walk, third Saturday of the month on January 15 at
10:30 am or 4:00 pm.
• Clearwater Hispanic Farmers Market, third -weekend of the month on January 15 and 16
from 9 am — 3 pm.
• Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher: America's Everglades free art exhibit now on display at
the Clearwater Public Library through May 31st
6. Board Members to be heard
Member Cassano wished everyone a happy new year, and is excited about the prospects for
downtown.
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Member Emrani thanked and congratulated the newly re-elected members of the Board, and
thanked everyone on the Board and the CRA noting the progress of downtown over the past two
years even with the pandemic. Member Emrani is looking forward to the Board's proactive approach
and wished everyone a happy new year.
Member Kintzel commented that the festivities in downtown were elegant, and wished everyone a
happy new year.
Member Porbeni wished everyone a happy new year and looks forward to strides toward a positive
and productive downtown.
Member Jammo commended Chairman Morfopoulos on his invitation to members for their ideas to
present at the next meeting, and takes to heart the concerns regarding the Coordination Committee
and would like everyone to think about that as well.
Member Novitsky noted that Tampa is the 'hottest growth market for 2022' and looks forward to
the Board's proactivity in that regard.
Mayor Hibbard wished everyone a happy new year, noted the successful Holiday Extravaganza, and
stated that he's getting calls from potential downtown business owners concerned that they can't
get more than a one-month lease in downtown — an issue that needs addressed by all to set the
game plan for opening of Imagine Clearwater in June 2023.
Ex Officio Member Bunker noted that he, too, had heard about the one-month lease concerns,
commended Chairman Morfopoulos for his proposal the Board take a proactive approach in the new
year, and wished everyone a successful 2022.
The Chairman summarized by congratulating the newly re-elected members and stating that
everyone's ideas and efforts are welcome, and he knows we are up to the challenge of making
change in downtown Clearwater.
7. Adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
Approved:
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