06/07/2023CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
June 7, 2023 — 5:30 PM — City Council Chambers
1. Call to Order. Chair Kintzel called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
In attendance:
Chair Keanan Kintzel
Vice Chair Terri Novitsky
Secretary Chiara Zaniboni
Ray Cassano
Shahab Emrani
Jennifer Frazier
Ex officio Mark Bunker
Ex officio Member Lina Teixeira
CRA Programs Specialist Anne Lopez
CRA Public Relations & Programs Manager Eric Santiago
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
Absent Treasurer Festus Porbeni
2. Minutes of the May meeting
2.1. Upon motion duly made by Member Novitsky, seconded by Member Zaniboni, and carried
unanimously, the minutes of the May 3, 2023, work session were approved.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Marty Marshall stated that she'd
noticed a sign at Fort Harrison just north of Belleview directing traffic away from downtown. In
attendance was Bob Lasher of the PSTA, who noted the downtown bypass sign is on a bus stop sign
post and stated he will look into it.
4. New Business Items
4.1. Upcoming events funded by the DDB.
• Pride Night Cap, Thursday, June 29, l Opm to midnight at the Pro Shop Pub, 840 Cleveland
Street.
4.2. PSTA Presentation. Bob Lasher of the PSTA gave some history on the Jolley Trolley and its
routes. He particularly noted that ridership numbers remained high through COVID. He
reviewed the Spring Break program, and results of the three -question rider survey noting the
strong return -user numbers. Mr. Lasher said the Jolley Trolley partnerships with PSTA, Cities of
Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Palm Harbor, and the DDB on the north coastal route, and works
with the Dunedin Blue Jays during spring training.
Downtown Development Board Meeting — June 7, 2023 Page 1 of 4
He said the federal grant for the new multi -modal transit center in downtown was approved last
week, so that should be done late 2025/early 2026. Questions included the actual size of the new
facility (it will increase from eight bus bays to 16 or 19), and the possibilities of transportation
from US 19 to downtown for events. Mike Helmstetter, Jolley Trolley CEO, added that they are
working with Kris Koch, City of Clearwater, regarding service to five or six parking lots in the
downtown area, which will start in the next three weeks.
4.3. April 2023 Financial Statement. Upon motion duly made by Member Zaniboni, seconded
by Member Emrani, and carried unanimously, the April 2023 financial statement was
approved.
4.4. Report: Market Marie. Blair Valentine of the Market Marie said the move to Cleveland
Street has increased attendance to approximately 1,100 guests per event, noting that the
DDB logo is on all ads and the newsletter and website. She thanked the Board for their
continued support. The next event will be June 10, 10am-2pm in downtown Clearwater.
4.5. Report: Tampa Bay Ukulele Society (TBUS). Robert Wilde stated that with the latest TBUS
event they feel a legacy has been established. It took place on the 400, 500, and 600 blocks
of Cleveland Street. Approximately 3,500-4,000 people attended throughout theday, up
from 2022 with 2,500-3,000 people. Fifty to sixty people had free lessons. TBUS hosted 100
veterans and their families at the concert. Reviews from merchants, attendees, and
professionals have been outstanding. TBUS is grateful for the initial and continued support.
4.6. DDB AH -Star Awards Program Update. Ms. Lopez reviewed the program. Attorney Winters
corrected an error in the second paragraph of the form from "nominees" to "nominators".
Questions included the frequency, which is quarterly, and the actual award, which is a certificate
awarded at the meeting.
Upon motion duly made by Member Frazier, seconded by Member Zaniboni, and carried
unanimously, the All-Star Awards Program was approved.
5. Old Business
5.1. Digital Advertising Pilot Program update. Mr. Santiago stated that the program was
advertised by direct mailer, flyers, and email with 12 businesses showing interest and eight
meeting the qualifications. All requests were for the maximum amount. Agreements have been
sent to each approved requestor. The program will end August 31 with receipts due by
September 28. Mr. Santiago will report to the Board at the October meeting.
5.2. CRA update. Mr. Santiago reviewed three new business assistance programs, the call for
artists for three new public art projects, and open positions on the CRA team. All
applications are available at www.myclearwater.com.
He stated that Myrtle Avenue will be experiencing lane closures, including the intersection
of Cleveland Street, starting June 13 for sewer work.
Downtown Development Board Meeting — June 7, 2023 Page 2 of 4
On June 13, The Sound will be hosting an open house to meet their team at The Capitol
Theater from 6:00-7:30 p.m. And 5:00 p.m. June 28 is the ribbon -cutting ceremony for
Coachman Park's grand opening. The Jolley Trolley will be offering service from area
parking lots to the park. A schedule for the week of celebration to follow is at
www.downtownclearwater.com.
The Coachman Perks program offers incentives and discounts from select downtown
businesses. See the options at www.downtownclearwater.com.
Join the Clearwater Main Library to celebrate World Ocean Day June 8, and Pride events
will be occurring all month, with Pride Yoga happening the evening of June 7 in Station
Square Park.
5.3. City updates. Ex officio Member Teixeira gave a review of the current Drew Street plans,
with FDOT rejecting the proposal to re -stripe as a test and the timeline stretching into 2025.
Also, the raising of the Pride flag at the Municipal Services Building was a success.
6. Chair's report.
Living the Culture: Pride Events
June 1 — Pride Kick-off with flag raising, chalk art, and light refreshments at the
Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, 10 a.m. to noon
June 3 — Glow party in the 400 block, 10 p.m. to midnight
June 7 — Pride Yoga in Station Square Park, 6:15 to 8:15 pm
June 10 — The Market Marie at Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue
Featuring over 100 local businesses at downtown's reoccurring
monthly market, on the second Saturdays each month.
June 15-18 — Juneteenth Celebration
Special events and programing as part of the City of Clearwater's
Living the Culture Series celebrating Juneteenth.
June 17 — Clearwater Arts Alliance Public Art Walk
Every third Saturday of the month
June 28th — July 4th — Celebrate the grand opening of Coachman Park with a full week of
fun for everyone.
June 28 Grand Opening Celebration
June 29 Clearwater celebrates Diversity and Culture
June 30 Clearwater Celebrates Music
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July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4
7. Adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
Approved:
tole- i Z3
Date
Clearwater Celebrates Community
Clearwater Celebrates Hispanic Culture
Clearwater Celebrates Wellness
Clearwater Celebrates America
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