07/07/2025 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 7, 2025
1 :00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Page 1
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
Rollcall
Present 5 - Chair Bruce Rector, Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino,
Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Daniel Slaughter—Assistant City
Manager, Alfred Battle —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 1:59 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the June 2, 2025 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the June 2,
2025 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 — None.
4. New Business Items
4.1 Approve a Lease, Property Operation, and Grant Agreement between the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the City of Clearwater (City), and the Clearwater Urban
Leadership Coalition (CULC); and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The purpose of this item is to approve a Lease, Property Operation, and Grant
Agreement between the City, the CRA, and CULC (Lease). The City and CRA
jointly issued a request for letters of interest (LOI) for an operator of a shipping
container village to whom the City and CRA would lease certain real property to
for such purpose.
Page 2
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
The CRA-owned property is addressed as 1325 N. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755 and the City-owned properties are addressed as
1321 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755; 1317 N. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755; and 1106 Tangerine Street,
Clearwater, FL 33755 (collectively, the aforementioned properties are the
"Project Site"). The legal description for the CRA-owned property is provided
below:
Lot 16 of Block "C" of Greenwood Park, according to the map or plat thereof as
recorded in Plat Book 8, Page 22 of the Public Records of Pinellas County,
Florida.
On January 13, 2025, the CRA Board of Trustees selected CULC as the winner
of the request for LOI and authorized the CRA Director to enter lease
negotiations with CULC.
The Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition (CULC) proposes to establish a
shipping container village consisting of an assortment of not less than five
shipping containers repurposed to provide commercial space to businesses
offering retail, dining, and entertainment experiences at the Project Site.
The Lease shall be for an initial term of ten years with two five-year renewal
periods at the sole option of CULC. Rent shall be due in installments of
$2,000.00 per month increasing 3% annually. However, no rent shall be due for
the first four years of the initial term. Additionally, the Lease also contains a
development timeline that CULC must meet to maintain compliance with the
Lease. Under the Lease, the CRA will also be giving CULC a grant in the
amount of$500,000.00 to aid in the development of the village. Additional
details on rent, expenses, and terms are outlined in the Lease.
Staff recommends approval of the Lease.
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
investment, and supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality
job growth.
One individual spoke in support.
Page 3
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve a Lease, Property Operation,
and Grant Agreement between the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA), the City of Clearwater (City), and the Clearwater
Urban Leadership Coalition (CULC); and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2 Approve a Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant for Talanga's Holding, LLC, located
at 1343 Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL 33755, in an amount not to exceed $106,786.78
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same
The Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant Program is designed to support
commercial property and business owners within the Downtown Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Area (DTCRA) by providing financial assistance for
improvements that enhance the appearance, functionality, and economic
viability of properties. The program consolidates previous grant offerings into a
single, more accessible structure to better serve applicants and advance the
goals of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
On April 28, 2025, CRA staff received a grant application from Talanga's
Holding, LLC for a series of building and site improvements. The proposed work
includes:
• Retroactive Reimbursement for:
• Security Camera System
o Large Fans
o Cooler Repairs
o Fryer
o Signage
• Future Work for:
o Paving & Parking Lot Paint
o Electrical
o HVAC
The total estimated cost of the project is $194,157.79, and the applicant will
provide a 45% match, totaling $87,371.01.
Staff recommends approval of the grant in an amount not to exceed
$106,786.78.
If approved, CRA staff will work with the applicant to execute a grant agreement
outlining the terms and conditions. Grant funds will be disbursed upon
Page 4
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
submission and verification of all required documentation, including permits,
itemized budgets, and photographic evidence of work performed.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this new program are available in R2003- Economic
Development-City in an amount of$800,000 for FY 2023-2024.
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
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.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
Trustee Mannino moved to approve a Downtown Clearwater
Commercial Grant for Talanga's Holding, LLC, located at 1343
Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL 33755, in an amount not to exceed
$106,786.78 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Discuss St. Petersburg College and City of Clearwater partnership to bring a
Management Consulting Services pilot program to the North Greenwood CRA
The City of Clearwater, in partnership with the College of Business at St.
Petersburg College (SPC), is prepared to launch a Management Consulting
Services (MCS) Pilot Program designed to strengthen local business
performance while advancing student professional development.
This initiative offers pro-bono consulting services to one Clearwater-based
business per quarter, delivered by a team of junior business consultants-SPC
students enrolled in an intensive 8-week Management Consulting course.
These students will operate under the expert leadership of Dr. Andy Rojas, a
seasoned professor with over 25 years of consulting experience across diverse
industries.
Program Overview:
• Duration: 8 weeks (beginning October 2025)
Page 5
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
• Participation: One small to medium-sized Clearwater business per
quarter
• Consulting Team: 7-10 students per project, led by Dr. Rojas
• Deliverables:A comprehensive, co-branded business report that
includes a SWOT analysis, industry and competitive research, and a
tailored strategic growth plan
Business Commitment Requirements:
• Signed Certificate:To recognize student participation and achievement
• Availability: Participation in two in-person meetings (onboarding and final
presentation) and virtual collaboration throughout the engagement
• Open Communication: Ongoing access to company information and
personnel as needed
Benefits to Participating Businesses:
• Complimentary business assessment and strategic growth plan
• Customized insights into operational improvements and competitive
advantages
• Contribution to student career readiness and community-wide economic
development
Next Steps:
City staff met with leaders of the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition and Dr.
Rojas to discuss the pilot program, and both sides were excited about this
collaboration and would like to proceed in the process. Dr. Rojas will list the
course for open enrollment and as soon as they have a minimum of six
students enrolled, we can proceed.
The St. Petersburg College Management Consulting Services pilot program
represents a unique opportunity to foster innovation, education, and economic
development in Clearwater by bridging academic talent with real-world business
challenges.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.5 Facilitate partnerships with educational and research institutions to
strengthen workforce development opportunities.
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sector.
2.3 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises and encourages high-quality job
growth.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
Page 6
City of Clearwater
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025
The Trustees supported the partnerships and thanked staff for their
efforts.
No action taken.
5. Director's Report
6. Adjourn
CRA Executive Director Jesus Nino reviewed recent events and staff
efforts. He said staff will begin to provide regular updates regarding
construction in Downtown, the former North Ward Elementary School site
redevelopment, and the Reimagine Main Library Project. Planning and
Development staff will be presenting an update on the North Ward school
site at a council work session which will include an update by the architect.
He said staff has been working with other city departments to coordinate
efforts to establish a comprehensive list of Downtown residents,
stakeholders, and organizations in order to communicate construction related
updates. He said the information is also available online. Staff received six
proposals for the Reimagine Main Library Project; recommendations will
be presented to the Trustees after the review process is completed.
In response to questions, Mr. Nino said the construction webpage identifies
all city -related or city -initiated construction projects. The communication
strategy to inform the public on Downtown construction includes social
media and staff interactions. He said staff is always considering new
ideas and technologies that will improve outreach efforts.
The meeting adjourned at 2:13 p.m.
air
Attest Q` �:�•""•'��. munity Redeye 1 'ment Agency
'cor : Cit
City of Clearwater
ESTASI‘