07/12/2023CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
July 12, 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
Treasurer Festus Porbeni
Ray Cassano
Shahab Emrani
Jennifer Frazier
Ex officio Mark Bunker
CRA Director Jaye Matthews
CRA Senior Manager Anne Lopez
DDB Attorney Elise K. Winters
Absent Secretary Chiara Zaniboni
2. Minutes of the June meeting
2.1. Upon motion duly made by Member Cassano, seconded by Member Emrani, and carried
unanimously, the minutes of the June 7, 2023, meeting were approved.
3. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Marty Marshall proposed that the
Beatles Museum move to downtown Clearwater having outgrown its space in Dunedin.
4. New Business Items
4.1. May 2023 Financial Statement.
Upon motion duly made by Member Frazier, seconded by Member Porbeni, and carried
unanimously, the May 2023 Financial statement was approved.
4.2. Certify Taxable Value Received from Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Ms. Lopez
reviewed the preliminary tax roll information provided May 30, 2023, by the Pinellas County Tax
Appraiser.
4.3. Request for adoption of the Aggregate Millage Rate of 0.9700 for FY 2023-2024. Ms.
Lopez reviewed the item. Upon motion duly made by Member Emrani, seconded by Member
Novitsky, and carried unanimously, the Aggregate Millage Rate of 0.9700 for FY 2023-2024
was approved.
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4.4. Set Public Hearing Dates for the Proposed Millage and Budget on September 5, 2023
and September 13, 2023. Ms. Lopez stated that schedules for Pinellas County, the Pinellas
County School Board, and Clearwater City Council were reviewed before setting public
meeting dates of September 5, 2023 and September 13, 2023.
4.5. Set minimum reserves for Fiscal 2023-2024. Ms. Lopez reviewed the item and stated that
staff recommends continuing with reserves of $75,000.00. After discussion, it was agreed that
no change would be made.
4.6. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. Ms. Lopez stated that she will be bringing
forward a tentative budget in August and reviewed the status of their two-year Work Plan as well
as the amended budget from January. Discussion included increasing requests for business
assistance grants, possible funding of events on private property within the DDB district, and new
staff joining to get District re -branding back on track versus having a marketing person on staff.
4.7. Appoint Downtown Development Board Members to serve as the nominating committee
members for the October 2023 Election. Ms. Lopez stated that Board seats occupied by
Members Cassano, Novitsky, and Frazier expire with this term and requested appointment of
a nominating committee for the next election. She said she's reaching out to previous
applicants, and Attorney Winters clarified that responsibilities include promoting the DDB
and encouraging those eligible to run for a seat with no committee meetings required. Chair
Kintzel appointed all members who are not running for election — Members Emrani, Porbeni,
Zaniboni, Member Cassano, and himself.
5. Old Business
5.1. CRA update.
Digital Advertising Pilot Program. Ms. Lopez stated that eight businesses were approved
and are participating in the Digital Advertising Pilot Program. Mr. Santiago will be following
up later in the month which would mark the approximate midway point of the program, ending
August 31.
CRA Update. Dr. Jaye Matthews stated that three people have been onboarded to assist
current Managers with the Clearwater CRA and the Greenwood CRA being formed. Three
new grant programs have been released: $50,000 for facade improvements ($25,000 each for
interior and exterior), $3,500 micro -grant for restaurant essential equipment, and a business
renovation grant. Applications open online July 1, 2023. The request form has been revised
to one page which will be reviewed by a CRA team to determine which program would be
serve the applicant.
5.2. City updates. Ex officio Member Bunker thanked the Board for new attention to the East
Gateway, stated that the Coachman Park opening was amazingly successful and serves as a
turning point for the city, and that his concerns continue for empty buildings in downtown.
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6. Chair's report. The opening of Coachman Park is a success for the city, the CRA, the downtown
and everyone involved.
July 7 - Sad Summer Festival at The Sound
July 8 - The Market Marie on Cleveland Street
July 9 - Peace Concert Series presents Summer Piano Concert
July 15 - Clearwater Arts Alliance Public Art Walk
July 15 - Greg Gutfeld at The Sound
July 21 - Michael Franti and Spearhead at The Sound
July 24 - Goo Goo Dolls with special guest O.A.R. at The Sound
July 29 - John Fogerty at The Sound
Every Wednesday night through August, yoga in Station Square Park, 6:15 p.m.
7. Adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
Approved:
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