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11/14/2022Monday, November 14, 2022 8:00 AM City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Main Library - Council Chambers Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda November 14, 2022Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda Welcome. We are glad to have you join us. If you wish to address the Council, please complete a Comment Card. Comment Cards are on the right-hand side of the dais by the City Clerk. When recognized, please hand your card to the Clerk, approach the podium and state your name. Persons speaking before the City Council shall be limited to 3 minutes unless otherwise noted under Public Hearings. For other than "Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the Agenda," a spokesperson for a group may speak for 3 minutes plus an additional minute for each person in the audience that waives their right to speak, up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Prior to the item being presented, please obtain the form to designate a spokesperson from the City Clerk. Up to 60 minutes of public comment will be allowed for an agenda item. No person shall speak more than once on the same subject unless granted permission by the City Council. The City of Clearwater strongly supports and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please advise us at least 48 hours prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations at 727-562-4090. Assisted Listening Devices are available. Kindly refrain from using cell phones and electronic devices during the meeting. Citizens wishing to provide comments on an agenda item are encouraged to do so in advance through written comment. The City has established the following two options: 1) eComments via Granicus - eComments is integrated with the published meeting agenda. Individuals may review the agenda item details and indicate their position on the item. You will be prompted to set up a user profile to allow you to comment, which will become part of the official public record. The eComment period is open from the time the agenda is published. Comments received during the meeting will become part of the official record, if posted prior to the closing of public comment. The City Clerk will read received comments into the record. 2) Email – Individuals may submit written comments or videos to ClearwaterCRA@myclearwater.com. All comments received by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting (November 13) will become part of the official record. The City Clerk will read received comments into the record. 1. Call To Order 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the minutes of the October 17, 2022 CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda 4. New Business Items 4.1 Approve revisions to the Business Renovation grant program for property owners and tenants to improve the visual appearance of commercial properties through exterior and interior improvements.  4.2 Approve the proposed 2023 Community Redevelopment Agency Board meeting schedule and adopt Resolution 22-04 Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 November 14, 2022Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda 4.3 Approve a second Whitebox Grant extension to Green Culture 2, LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. 5. Director's Report 6. Adjourn Page 3 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#22-1207 Agenda Date: 11/14/2022 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 2.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the October 17, 2022 CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. SUMMARY: APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Page 1 City of Clearwater City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Meeting Minutes Monday, October 17, 2022 8:00 AM Main Library - Council Chambers Community Redevelopment Agency Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Page 2 City of Clearwater Roll Call Present 5 - Chair Frank Hibbard, Trustee Kathleen Beckman, Trustee Mark Bunker, Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira Also Present – Jon Jennings – Interim CRA Executive Director, Jennifer Poirrier – Assistant City Manager, Michael Delk – Assistant City Manager, David Margolis – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call – City Clerk, Nicole Sprague – Deputy City Clerk, and Matt Jackson – Assistant CRA Director To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Unapproved 1. Call to Order – Chair Hibbard The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the minutes of the September 12, 2022 CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Trustee Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2022 CRA Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda Kathy Flaherty expressed concerns with lack of public notice for the Festival Core plan presentation provided at the August 30, 2022 Quarterly Cleveland Streetscape Phase 3 Update meeting. 4. New Business Items 4.1 Confirm the City Manager’s appointment of Jaye Matthews as the CRA Executive Director, to be effective on the date cited in the Employment Contract. One individual spoke in support. Trustee Beckman moved to confirm the City Manager’s appointment Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Page 3 City of Clearwater of Jaye Matthews as the CRA Executive Director, to be effective on the date cited in the Employment Contract. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.2 Approve shade structure and turf designs for the Mercado public space at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The purpose of this item is to request that the CRA Trustees approve shade structure and turf designs for the previously approved Mercado public space in the Downtown Gateway neighborhood. The original design for the space was approved by the CRA trustees at the June 15, 2020 meeting. The construction of the Mercado will be integrated into the Streetscape Phase III construction work currently underway. Due to the previously approved uniquely architecturally designed shade structure cost exceeding monies budgeted, staff researched vendors to provide a high-quality design meeting budget constraint. Two designs were chosen to request public input. Responding to public and staff concerns over no turf being included in the space, staff also researched vendors to include turf options. Two designs were chosen to request public input. Staff hosted opportunities for the public to provide input at a scheduled Cleveland Streetscape meeting on August 30, 2022 as well as engaging the public at local businesses. 53 persons provided input through written and electronic means with the majority choosing the “pinwheel” shade structure design with “cool” colors and the “round” turf shape. CRA Assistant Director Matt Jackson provided a PowerPoint presentation. In response to questions, Mr. Jackson said the original shade structure was designed by an architect and one of kind. The proposed structure is manufactured by a company that makes shade structures. No permanent seating planned at this time, individuals may use the planters for seating. He said the space will be equipped with electricity during special events. Solar lighting is not included because it was cost prohibitive; staff is working with Duke Energy to provide lighting. Staff will work with the City's Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Page 4 City of Clearwater Cultural Affairs Coordinator to seek an artist for an art installation. He said the plan includes a storage shed but the location has not been determined. The shade panels will be removed prior to a storm. The shade structure is permeable. The proposed shade structure design was not shared with the Art and Design Advisory Board. It was suggested that staff contact Sandy Lane Elementary School regarding their student tile mosaic, in lieu of paying for an artist. One individual supported the Mercado space and expressed concerns that the color scheme survey was for a festival core space and not the Mercado. Trustee Bunker moved to approve shade structure and turf designs for the Mercado public space at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. Director's Report CRA Assistant Director Matt Jackson reviewed upcoming events and said the Market Marie is moving to Station Square Park in November. The Hispanic Farmers Market has moved outside of the CRA area. He said the Clearwater Police Department will provide an annual analysis of calls for service within the CRA before the end of the year. Interim CRA Executive Director Jon Jennings said the City employed Kathy Hamm as a Police Social Services Specialist to assist with the City's homeless outreach services. Mr. Jackson said the 5:30 Pub and Grill is under new ownership. Tiny Paws Pet Grooming on Gulf to Bay Boulevard has opened. Kara Lyn's has moved into the old Cleveland Street Cafe space. In response to questions, Mr. Jennings said the new CRA Executive Director will determine if additional staffing is needed after the North Greenwood CRA is established. If permitted for a non-governmental event, a dynamic message board can be used to direct individuals to the new Market Marie location. Trustee Teixeira departed Chambers at 8:30 a.m. and returned at 8:32 p.m. Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Page 5 City of Clearwater In response to concerns, Mr. Jennings said staff feels Ms. Flaherty's concerns regarding the Mercado have been addressed. There was an interest in the neighborhood to change to the name to the Festival Core. He said it was appropriate for staff to change the name. He brought the name issue back to the Trustees to vote on keeping the Mercado name. 6. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m. Chair Community Redevelopment Agency Attest City Clerk Draft Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#22-1183 Agenda Date: 11/14/2022 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve revisions to the Business Renovation grant program for property owners and tenants to improve the visual appearance of commercial properties through exterior and interior improvements.  SUMMARY: The purpose of this item is to request CRA Trustee approval of revisions to the Business Renovation grant program. On August 15, 2022, the CRA trustees approved the Business Renovation grant program to assist in the reduction of blight and encourage private investment into downtown.   Post-approval, property owners previously awarded CRA grants expressed interest in applying for the Business Renovation grant program due to the increased funding opportunity over the Whitebox grant program. Staff agrees that a property owner previously awarded a grant but has not received funding should be eligible to apply for the Business Renovation grant. If approved for the Business Renovation grant, no other grant approvals are eligible until after a five-year period. The program description also includes revisions related to blighted buildings and buildings needing renovation ensuring the grant is in line with the goals of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Staff also recommends the addition of “additional permanent improvements will be reviewed by CRA staff” as currently the list of allowable improvements is not exhaustive and restrictive. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in CRA project code 3887552-R2003 ED-City. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 1 [GM22-9311-064/297279/1] A. Program Overview The purpose of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Business Renovation grant program is to assist property owners and tenants with funding to renovate occupied spaces with long-term or short-term uses that generate significant downtown pedestrian foot traffic and assist in the CRA mission of blight removal. Grants may be awarded to property owners or tenants for exterior and interior improvements to commercial property within the CRA district. This program is intended for renovations and repairs of blighted buildings and buildings needing renovation that do not exceed a total project cost of $200,000. Eligible improvements include exterior improvements for painting, signage, lighting, doors, windows, site improvements, and other minor exterior repairs. Eligible interior improvements include windows, doors, standard lighting and electrical, basic HVAC, concrete floor, ADA restrooms, fountain, and fire code improvements. Additional permanent improvements will be reviewed by CRA staff. The CRA will fund projects based on the cost of eligible improvements based on a tiered system based on the below table: Cost of Eligible Improvements Maximum Funding $0 to $24,999 100% of Cost of Eligible Improvements $25,000 – $49,999 $24,999 + 60% of the amount over $24,999 $50,000 - $99,999 $39,998 + 50% of the amount over $49,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $64,997.90 + 40% of the amount over $99,999 $150,000 – $200,000 $84,997.50 + 30% of the amount over $149,999 The amount of grant funds for the program will be established by the CRA Trustees on an annual basis. All grant awards are subject to budget availability. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application form is available at www.downtownclearwater.com. The Business Renovation grant program directly promotes goals and objectives of the 2018 Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, specifically: People Goals (page 46) – Downtown shall be a place that attracts residents, visitors, businesses, and their employees and enable the development of community. The City shall encourage a vibrant and active public realm, recreation and entertainment opportunities and support the community and neighborhoods. Objective 1E: Maintain Cleveland Street as Downtown’s Main Street which is valued for its historic character and pedestrian scale. Urban Design Goal (page 48) – Downtown will be a dynamic built environment of dense and livable patterns City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Business Renovation Program 2 [GM22-9311-064/297279/1] and active and attractive streets through quality urban design and architecture. Objective 4D: Encourage renovation, restoration, and reuse of existing historic structures to maintain the character of Downtown’s neighborhoods. The Business Renovation grant program’s objectives are as follows: • Improve the quality of commercial spaces to increase the number of downtown destination attractors • Incentivize the attraction of new businesses that generate pedestrian foot traffic to occupy vacant spaces by reducing the costs of renovation B. Program Eligibility and Activities The Community Redevelopment Agency staff will administer the Business Renovation grant program. Funding for this grant program is based on budget availability and will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Application submission does not guarantee approval. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and compliance with program criteria to determine eligibility for grant funding. Applications that do not comply with the program criteria and conditions will not be eligible for funding. No grants will be awarded for work completed prior to an executed grant agreement. The funding decision of CRA staff is final. The same property address or building unit cannot be awarded a Business Renovation grant if previously awarded and received grant funds within a five-year period from December 12th, 2022. If a property address or building unit was previously awarded a grant but not received funds, they are eligible to apply for a Business Renovation grant; provided, however, that the applicant agrees to terminate the previously approved grant. If the same property address or building unit was previously approved a grant but not received funds and is awarded the Business Renovation grant, the previously approved grant must be terminated, in writing, prior to receiving funds from the Business Renovation grant. The same property address of building unit can only be awarded one CRA grant within a 5-year period. Individual storefronts contained on one parcel will be considered eligible for funding if they have unique mailing addresses and entrances, and otherwise meet program eligibility requirements. Grants are limited to one grant per business. All applications must meet the following criteria: 1. The subject property must be a commercial or mixed-use property located within the CRA which CRA staff determines is in a blighted condition or in need of renovation. The applicant must be the property owner or a business tenant in the subject property. Business tenants or property owners must possess a current city of Clearwater Business Tax Receipt. 2. The applicant must submit a scope of work with a minimum of two quotes from qualified vendors for completing the work. The total project cost is determined by the total costs of eligible grant expenses. Grant funds can only be used towards eligible expenses. Matching funds must be used towards eligible expenses. The maximum grant amount per application is $99,997.30, which requires a total project cost of a minimum of $200,000. Applicants may spend more than $200,000, however, the maximum grant will remain $99,997.30. 3 [GM22-9311-064/297279/1] 3. Grants funds must be for the following kinds of businesses as defined in the Downtown Zoning code: • Retail and restaurant businesses • Personal Services Industries (e.g., barber and beauty shops, health spas, dance studios, photography and art studios, tailoring, and other similar services) • Galleries, theaters, other cultural and community gathering spaces 4. Prior to execution of a grant agreement, the subject property must be free from any liens (except mortgage liens), judgments, or encumbrances (except easements) of any kind, and all city obligations must be current. Eligible Grant Expenditures Grant funds must be used for improvements to the building, that remain with the building. The CRA’s general rule for improvements that qualify towards a property owner's match is that the improvement should remain with the property. Eligible interior and exterior building improvements include, but are not limited to: • ADA requirements • Window/Doors • Interior Water Fountains • Florida Fire Protection Code Requirements • Mechanicals and HVAC systems • Plumbing and electrical, including utility connections and upgrades • Structure stabilization (repair and replacement of foundations, footers, load bearing walls, roofing systems) • Room and space reconfiguration including wall relocations • Energy efficiency improvements • Windows and Doors (Interior or Exterior) • Outdoor hardscape improvements and lighting • Signage- New Signage Only that meet city department requirements • Painting (including murals) • General exterior surface repairs, new roof, or roof repairs • Siding Materials • Minor site improvements, e.g., driveway repair, re-striping parking lot Additional permanent improvement requests will be reviewed by CRA staff and may be approved at the CRA’s sole discretion. C. Grant Process: Property owners or tenants first complete a grant application. CRA staff reviews the application for funding eligibility. Once an application is determined complete and in compliance with the grant program, CRA staff will execute a grant agreement that outlines the approved funding amount, total project costs, project timeline and scope of work. The application form is available at www.downtownclearwater.com. Application Submission 1. Applications can be submitted via email, in person, or postal services. The applicant must meet with the CRA staff. Staff will provide the applicant with general guidance on proposed project and if the project qualifies for grant funds for submission. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 4 [GM22-9311-064/297279/1] 2. Each application will be reviewed according to the following criteria: • Consistency with the goals of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan • Feasibility of the proposed scope of services and timeline • Ability to meet the program objectives, legal and financial requirements of the grant program 3. If the application is approved by the CRA Director, the applicant shall sign and complete a funding agreement. After the funding agreement has been executed, the applicant may begin work on the project. Project Timeline For scopes of work which require a permit, permits must be obtained prior to the execution of a grant agreement. For scopes of work which require a permit, reimbursement funds are available only for work started after building permit issuance. Any work requiring a permit must be performed by a licensed and insured contractor and comply with the Downtown Design Guidelines of the City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances. Renovations must be completed within one year from execution of the grant agreement. The CRA Director has the authority to extend time limits one year for project completion based on extenuating circumstances. Grantees must request an extension in writing and if approved, an amendment to the grant agreement will be executed. Payment Process Grant funds will be disbursed by the CRA to the applicant on a reimbursement basis for eligible project expenses. CRA staff must review and approve all reimbursement requests. The CRA Director can approve grant reimbursements up to $99,997.30. Applicants must submit paid invoices as proof of payment. Projects requiring a building permit will need to submit proof of a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion prior to requesting reimbursement. The CRA Director has the authority to modify the payment process based on extenuating circumstances. D. Next Steps If you are interested in learning more about the Business Renovation grant program, please visit www.downtownclearwater.com or contact Howard Smith at howard.smith@myclearwater.com. Business Renovation GRANT APPLICATION FORM Program Information The purpose of the Business Renovation Grant program is to assist property owners and tenants with exterior and interior renovations and repairs of commercial property within the Community Redevelopment Agency district. This program is intended for mid-scale renovations and repairs and the maximum CRA grant is $99,997.30. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively for work that has already been completed. Please review the Business Renovation Grant program description for complete information on the review process, eligible improvements, grant amounts and other requirements. Applicant Information Subject Property Address Applicant Name Phone Number Email Are you a Property Owner or Tenant If property owner, please provide your current tenant’s use of the property: Note: The tenant must fall into one of these categories. •Retail and restaurant businesses •Personal Services Industries (e.g., barber and beauty shops, health spas, dance studios, photography and art studios, tailoring, and other similar services) •Galleries, theaters, other cultural and community gathering spaces If tenant: What is your current business? Note: Your business must fall into one of these categories. •Retail and restaurant businesses •Personal Services Industries (e.g., barber and beauty shops, health spas, dance studios, photography and art studios, tailoring, and other similar services) •Galleries, theaters, other cultural and community gathering spaces How long is your lease? Proposed Improvements 1.Provide a brief description of the proposed improvements to the subject property. 2.Please indicate which eligible improvements will be included in your project. (Additional improvements will be reviewed by CRA staff):ADA requirements Window/Doors Interior Water Fountains Florida Fire Protection Code Requirements Mechanicals and HVAC systems Plumbing and electrical, including utility connections and upgrades Structure stabilization (repair and replacement of foundations, footers, load bearing walls, roofing systems) Room and space reconfiguration including wall relocations Energy efficiency improvements Windows and Doors (Interior or Exterior) Outdoor hardscape improvements and lighting Signage- New Signage Only that meet city department requirements Painting (including murals) General exterior surface repairs, new roof, or roof repairs Siding Materials Minor site improvements, e.g., driveway repair, re-striping parking lot 3.What is the total cost of eligible improvements? Note: These costs must be verified by two quotes from qualified vendors 4.When will this renovation project start? End? Please include with this application 1.Two quotes from vendors for the eligible improvements 2. Project budget including costs for eligible improvements3.Photos of the exterior of the property in its current condition I understand that if this grant request is approved, I may be required to provide the following additional information as part of a grant agreement: Clearwater Business Tax Receipt Tenant LeaseBuilding Permit (if applicable) Applicant Signature Date Property Owner/ Representative Signature Date Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#22-1195 Agenda Date: 11/14/2022 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.2 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the proposed 2023 Community Redevelopment Agency Board meeting schedule and adopt Resolution 22-04 SUMMARY: Community Redevelopment Agency staff has prepared the proposed meeting scheduled of the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board for the calendar year 2023. The CRA board meeting will be held monthly in the City Council Chambers, 100 N. Osceola Avenue. The meeting schedule will be posted on the CRA’s website, with separate meeting notices provided by the City Clerk’s Office and noted on the City’s website prior to each meeting. If there is no action for the board to consider at a schedule meeting, staff will recommend the meeting be cancelled. Changes to the dates may be required to accommodate needs of board members and/or CRA staff. If there is a need for a special meeting CRA staff will notify the board and the meeting will be noticed by the City Clerk’s Office as well as on the City’s website. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 Exhibit A City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Board 2023 Meeting Schedule 1. Monday, January 9, 2023, 1:00pm 2. Monday, February 13, 2023, 8:00am 3. Monday, March 13, 2023, 8:00am 4. Monday, April 17, 2023, 8:00am 5. Monday, May 15, 2023, 8:00am 6. Monday, June 12, 2023, 1:00pm 7. Monday, July 17, 2023, 8:00am 8. Monday, August 14, 2023, 1:00pm 9. Monday, September 18, 2023, 8:00am 10. Monday, October 16, 2023, 8:00am 11. Monday, November 13, 2023, 1:00pm 12. Monday, December 4, 2023, 8:00am This is the regular City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting schedule. If possible, meeting announcements, to include cancellations, will be made at least one week in advance of each meeting. Changes to the regular schedule may be required to meet quorum requirements: special meetings may also be required. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held in the City Council Chamber, Clearwater Main Library 100 N. Osceola Avenue. Please note that anyone wanting to appeal an official decision made by the CRA Board on any subject at a meeting must have a verbatim record of the meeting that includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based. If you have any questions, please contact Rosemarie Call at (727) 562-4090 or rosemarie.call@myclearwater.com RESOLUTION NO 22-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE CRA 2023 MEETING SCHEDULE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) annual meeting schedule requirements have been clarified and Section 189.015 and Chapter 286, of the Florida Statues require that CRA’s adopt their annual meeting schedule by resolution, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: Section 1. Adopt the CRA 2023 Regular Meeting Schedule as outlined on Exhibit A. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of November 2022. ____________________________ Frank V. Hibbard Chairman Approved as to form: Attest: __________________________ _____________________________ Michael Fuino Rosemarie Call CRA Attorney City Clerk Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#22-1196 Agenda Date: 11/14/2022 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.3 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve a second Whitebox Grant extension to Green Culture 2, LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. SUMMARY: At the March 15, 2021, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, the CRA Trustees approved the Whitebox grant program for tenants and property owners. Whitebox grant program aims to reduce vacancy in commercial properties by assisting tenants or property owners with funding to renovate vacant spaces for long-term or short-term uses that generate significant pedestrian foot traffic downtown. The program is intended for renovations and repairs that do not exceed a total project cost of $100,000. Eligible exterior improvements include painting, signage, lighting, doors, windows, site improvements, and other minor exterior repairs. Eligible interior improvements include windows, doors, standard lighting and electrical, basic HVAC, concrete floor, ADA restrooms, fountain, and fire code improvements. Green Culture 2, LLC executed a grant agreement with the CRA on June 16, 2021, for the property located at 420 Cleveland Street to complete interior improvements. On June 15, 2022, Green Culture 2, LLC received a six-month grant extension, which will expire on December 15, 2022, from the CRA staff to complete the project. Green Culture 2, LLC requests an additional 12-month extension to complete the project. The reason for the additional twelve-month request is due to: ·The COVID-19 pandemic continued to delay the progress o Kitchen equipment is on backorder and will not be available before the grant extension expires in December 2022 o Production shortages & production delays in the supply chain for materials and supplies needed for the build-outs due to COVID supply issues ·Two partners left their business, leaving Green Culture 2, LLC unable to manage the day-to-day logistics to open the business by the set timeline of June 2022 ·Hurricane Ian halted the building process, which changed their building schedule timeline for scheduling subcontractors to complete tasks. Staff recommends providing a second amendment to the grant to allow a new completion date of December 15, 2023. This location and project are critical to attracting pedestrians to this area, generating a favorable new market downtown. It will also fill a persistently vacant site on Cleveland Street at the 400 block. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in CRA project code 3887552- R2003 ED-City and 3887552-R2004 ED-County. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 11/3/2022 October 12, 2022 To Whom it May Concern, We have applied for and received the CRAs White Box grant. We currently have an upcoming grant deadline that we will not be able to meet. We have received one grant extension from the CRA but unfortunately will need another 12 month extension due to circumstances beyond our control. To give an overview of some of the issues that have transpired over the past year and half. 1.Two of our partners left the business in June which left us shorthanded to manage the dayto day logics to open the business by our set timeline of June 2022.2.Numerous delays with the City of Clearwater, contractors and architects due to slowresponses because of employee shortages and shutdowns due to COVID. 3.Our Contractor unfamiliarity using the city’s on-line submission system that had numerous issues and delays (which are likely documented). The system was new and being used during COVID and people were really struggling using it. It would be weeks before city staff replies were provided to the contractors responses in the on-line system.4.Permitting delays due to the on-line submission, slow return calls and emails and otherthings mentioned in both 1 and 2. 5.Production shortages & production delays in the supply chain for materials and supplies needed for the build outs due to COVID supply issues (this is still occurring). 6.Hurricane Ian halted the building process for everyone two weeks ago, which changed ourbuilding schedule timeline for scheduling subcontractors to complete tasks. 7.In addition, the building roof sprung a leak and the roof issues had to be address so certainwork could not be completed until this unforeseen problem was fixed for the safety of allworking in the building.8.Some of our necessary kitchen equipment is on back order and will not be available beforethe grant extension expires in December of 2022. for several months. Our build out is in active progress but we are requesting a 12-month extension to get the build out fully completed, staff hired and trained, and open for business. We hope to have it done LONG before that time, but we do not want to assume anything. This grant is very important to us and without it our project will be severely compromised. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if the grant can be extended. Thank you, Michele Fasnacht, Green Culture Owner michele@eatGreenCulture.com 727-656-2920 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE COMMERCIAL BEAUTIFICATION GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE COMMERCIAL BEAUTIFICATION GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT, entered into this 15 day of November 2022, by and between the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Clearwater, Florida (hereafter "CRA"), whose address is P.O. Box 4748, Clearwater, Florida 33758-4748, a public body corporate and politic of the State of Florida, and Michele Fasnacht, Green Culture 2, LLC whose address is 420 Cleveland Street Clearwater, Fl 33755 (hereinafter "Applicant"). WITNESSETH WHEREAS, the CRA and the Applicant entered into a Commercial Beautification Grant Program Agreement ("the Agreement") on June 16, 2021, for the property commonly referred to as Green Culture 2, LLC; and WHEREAS, the CRA and the Applicant amended the Agreement on June 15, 2022, to extend the time period by which the Applicant had to obtain an active tenant or a tenant that will open the business descried in the Agreement; and WHEREAS, the parties now desired to again amend certain provisions of the Agreement on the terms and conditions contained here; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants, and promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the Applicant and the CRA agree and covenant each with the other as follows: Section 1. Section 6, "Grant Funding" of the Agreement is amended to read as follows: The Agency shall reimburse the Applicant for 50% of the Project's costs up to a maximum of $ 50,000.00 ("reimbursement funds"), payable only if: a) the Applicant obtains an active tenant or a tenant that will open for business by December 15, 2023, and b) the Applicant produces evidence that it has actually incurred these Project costs to the satisfaction of the Agency's Executive Director. Section 2. All terms and provisions of the Agreement not modified changed or amended hereby shall remain in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Applicant and CRA have executed or caused these presents to be executed by its respective authorized representatives to be effective as of the day and year first above written. This Amendment is executed in two original copies, of which one is to be delivered to the Applicant and one to the CRA. [MU21-9311-058/297349/1] [MU21-9311-058/297349/1] COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA By: __________________________ Jon Jennings, Interim Director Community Redevelopment Agency Approved as to form: Attest: ________________________ ______________________________ Michael P. Fuino Rosemarie Call CRA Attorney Clearwater City Clerk APPLICANT: Green Culture 2, LLC By: Michele Fasnacht Its: 420 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PINELLAS The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of physical presence or online notarization, this ___ day of __________, 2022, by ____________ ______________________. ____________________________ NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission Expires:_________ Personally Known __________ OR Produced Identification__________ Type of Identification Produced__________