12/16/2024 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 16, 2024
1 :00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair Bruce Rector, Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino,
Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Michael Delk—Assistant City
Manager, David Margolis — City Attorney, Rosemarie Call — City Clerk,
Nicole Sprague — Deputy City Clerk, and Jesus Nino — CRA Executive
Director
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Chair Rector
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the November 4, 2024 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Cotton moved to Approve the minutes of the November 4,
2024 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
Barbara Sorey Love requested the CRA and the Downtown Development
Board purchase the historic Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the
Prospect Lake District. She said CRA staff does not believe the property is in
line with the CRA plan and will not move forward with purchasing the
property. She urged the CRA rewrite the plan to include the purchase of the
Church and references to the erased Clearwater African American
community, which includes the St. Matthew Negro Cemetery, 100 S Missouri
Avenue, Williams Elementary, and Pinellas High School.
Marilyn Turman thanked CRA staff for their efforts and their hands-on
approach to educating the community and going the extra mile.
Mr. Holuba expressed concerns that millions of dollars are spent and
documentation for those expenses are not being read by some members
of council.
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
4. New Business Items
4.1 Approve a North Greenwood Commercial Grant for Big Jim's and Family Barbeque, LLC
located at 1303 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755 in an amount not to
exceed $75,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
On July 15, 2024, the CRA Trustees approved the North Greenwood
Commercial Grant program. The Commercial Grant Program is designed to
incentivize commercial property and business owners within the North
Greenwood CRA to invest in building, structural, and site improvements. By
offering grants of up to $75,000, this program aims to enhance the visual appeal
and functionality of the area, stimulate economic growth, and create a
business-friendly environment.
On November 18, 2024, CRA staff received a grant application from Big Jim's &
Family Barbeque, LLC, located at 1303 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave,
Clearwater, FL 33755. The application included improvements for:
• Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
• HVAC
• Interior walls (including drywall), ceilings, floors, doors, and molding;
• Interior paint;
• Certain permanent bathroom and kitchen counter tops, cabinets, sinks;
• The repair of exterior walls;
• Roof repairs or replacement
• Exterior repainting;
• Exterior windows and/or doors;
• Exterior signage;
• The installation, repair, or renovation of porches, patios, plazas;
• Parking area and driveway improvements.
CRA staff recommends the approval in an amount not to exceed $75,000 North
Greenwood Commercial Grant for the businesses located at 1303 N Martin
Luther King Jr Ave. The owner has a zero (0%) percent match legacy credit.
Grant funds will be dispersed contingent upon obtaining construction permits,
certificate of occupancy, digital photographs of the existing structure, an
estimated itemized/detailed budget, and three quotes per intended project.
Upon approval, CRA staff will work with the owners of Big Jim's & Family
Barbeque, LLC to enter into a grant agreement, that specifies the terms and
conditions for accessing the grant funds in increments. All necessary
construction estimates, budgets, invoices, and requested documentation must
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
be submitted and reviewed by staff before disbursement of the funds
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 1817552-G2210, North Greenwood to fund this
grant agreement.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop and retain diversified
business sectors.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards,
proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve a North Greenwood Commercial
Grant for Big Jim's and Family Barbeque, LLC located at 1303 N
Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755 in an amount not to
exceed $75,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2 Approve a North Greenwood CRA Commercial Grant for 1700 North, LLC located at
1700 N Fort Harrison Ave Clearwater, FL 33755 in an amount not to exceed $75,000 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
On July 15, 2024, the CRA Trustees approved the North Greenwood
Commercial Grant program. The Commercial Grant Program is designed to
incentivize commercial property and business owners within the North
Greenwood CRA to invest in building, structural, and site improvements. By
offering grants of up to $75,000, this program aims to enhance the visual appeal
and functionality of the area, stimulate economic growth, and create a
business-friendly environment.
On November 5, 2024, CRA staff received a grant application from 1700 North
LLC, located at 1700 N Fort Harrison Ave Clearwater, FL 33755. The
application included improvements for:
• Roof Retroactive;
• Decorative fencing;
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
• Adding Turfgrass and Patio fixtures;
• The installation of decorative lighting, and security lighting;
• Awnings or canopies over windows or walkways, including shutters,
seating areas;
• Electrical/plumbing upgrades and utility connections;
• Bicycle racks, shade areas, benches, or other pedestrian amenities;
• The installation of landscaping and irrigation systems, not to exceed
twenty percent
• (20%) of the total grant amount.
• Interior& Exterior paint.
The applicant estimates the total project cost to be $78,963.46, but because the
grant amount is only up to $75,000 the applicant will be required to provide a
40% match for the $75,000. In addition, up to 50% of the applicant's match may
be waived at the rate of one hour of community service per $300 of approved
grant amount. Community Service must be performed within the North
Greenwood CRA boundary. Staff recommends a grant in an amount not to
exceed $75,000 for the improvements that are to be made at 1700 N Fort
Harrison Ave.
If approved, the applicant shall occupy the property at 1700 N Fort Harrison Ave,
Clearwater, FL, 33755 for a minimum of five years from the date of final
certificate of completion. If the applicant should vacate the property, (1) the
grant agreement would be null and void; (2) the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) will not tender any further funding; (3) the applicant will reimburse
the CRA all the reimbursed funds.
Grant funds will be dispersed contingent upon obtaining construction permits,
certificate of occupancy, digital photographs of the existing structure, an
estimated itemized/detailed budget, and three quotes per intended project.
Upon approval, CRA staff will work with the owners of 1700 North LLC to enter
into a grant agreement, that specifies the terms and conditions. All
required/supporting documents, invoices and payments must be submitted and
reviewed by staff prior to disbursement.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 1817552-G2210, North Greenwood to fund this
grant agreement.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
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Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve a North Greenwood CRA
Commercial Grant for 1700 North, LLC located at 1700 N Fort
Harrison Ave Clearwater, FL 33755 in an amount not to exceed
$75,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Update on Exploration of Arts and Cultural Redevelopment Options for the Clearwater
Main Library.
This memorandum provides an update on the CRA Trustees directives from the
November 4, 2024, meeting, and outlines next steps to explore redevelopment
options for the Clearwater Main Library. The proposed initiative focuses on
transforming underutilized library space into an arts and cultural hub, aligning
with the City Charter, CRA redevelopment goals and the City's Strategic Plan.
Progress and Next Steps
• Progress: Key goals, legal and funding considerations, and a high-level
scope of work for a Request for Proposal (RFP) have been developed,
ensuring alignment with city charter, CRA guidelines, and City's
Strategic Plan.
o Staff will incorporate Trustees feedback at their December 16,
2024 meeting to modify project scope and times lines.
• Next Steps if Approved by Trustees to Move Forward:
o Finalize and advertise the RFP or RFLOI by January 2025,
allowing 60 days for proposal submissions.
o Evaluate submissions and present recommendations to CRA
Trustees by May 2025.
Conclusion
This project supports downtown revitalization, economic growth, and cultural
engagement and is in alignment with Councilwoman Teixeira's December 4,
2024 presentation and council direction at the same meeting.
In response to questions, Mr. Nino said approximately 10,000 sq. ft. can
be used for the endeavor. Although the item is being presented to the
CRA, the Main Library is a city asset that requires to be surplused for lease
by the City Council.
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
Discussion ensued with support expressed to move forward with staff's
recommendation and to post a broad RFP that allows the market to drive
the response. There was consensus to move forward with staff's
recommendation to post a solicitation that includes 12,000 sq. ft. or less
footprint in the RFP solicitation and to provide 120 days for the
solicitation.
4.4 Downtown Clearwater Revitalization Updates.
Updates on Sculpture 360 program.
Updates on vacant properties owned by CRA and City.
CRA Manager Eric Santiago said the Clearwater Arts Alliance applied for
a proposal to reinvigorate the Clearwater Sculpture 360 series. The art
sculptures are located on raised platforms in the medians of the 400,
500, and 600-blocks on Cleveland Street. He said the Arts Alliance
proposes to take over the art sculpture series, which will create
excitement, beautify the street, and continue the City's dedication to
investing in public art. The placemaking grant will not exceed $25,000
and will allow the Clearwater Arts Alliance to select three artists, whose
work will be on display for 12 to 18 months. Clearwater Arts Alliance
representative Beth Daniels said the city program was robust and has
become one of the more popular places on the Art Walk.
In response to questions, Mr. Santiago said, as part of the grant
agreement, a Selection Committee comprised of representatives from
the CRA, Cultural Affairs, the Arts Alliance, Public Art and Design Board,
and local business community will review the submissions and award the
three artists. Ms. Daniels said the sculpture rotation will occur if there is
additional funding. Mr. Santiago said the city program ended due to lack
of staffing resources.
Mr. Nino said 1105 Carlton Avenue is a CRA-owned property that staff is
seeking Letters of Interest. The solicitation period will close in a few
weeks. He said staff will provide the Trustees with recommendations if
any proposals are received.
Economic Development Coordinator Philipp Kirkpatrick said the City owns
427 properties, of which 82 parcels can be considered for surplus. The most
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City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024
significant parcel is the PSTA transfer station because it is adjacent to four
county parking lots, when grouped together represents 2.06 acres of
potential development. He said a majority of the parcels are located in the
North Greenwood CRA, Prospect Lake Subdistrict, and the downtown core.
He said of the 82 parcels, only 11 parcels located outside of the area.
In response to questions, Mr. Kirkpatrick said 13 of the identified parcels
are on the Affordable Housing List. The City Manager said the update is part
of relooking at city assets via the tools available in Economic Development.
Staff has been tasked to identify a plan for the properties. She said more
information will be provided as staff continues to analyze the data.
4.5 Discuss the transfer of increment funds between districts.
5. Adjourn
The City Attorney said the North Greenwood CRA was created officially
by Pinellas County in Spring 2023 and established two districts. The
previous CRA Director and former Board Members were interested in the
flexibility of having resources generated in Downtown be used in North
Greenwood, or vice versa; the resources would still be used within the
redevelopment area collectively for CRA permissible purposes. He said
he was directed a year ago to seek an opinion form the Attorney
General's office regarding the use of increment funds. Staff has finally
heard from the Attorney General's Office; any increment funds raised
within one district must be used within that district.
The meeting adjourned at 2:04 p.m.
Chair
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City of Clearwater