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01/25/1997NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY TASK TEAM CITY OF CLEARWATER January 25, 1997 Present: Reverend William Graham Chair MacArthur Boykins Team Member Ed Hooper City Commissioner Karen Seel City Commissioner Bob Clark City Commissioner J. B. Johnson City Commissioner Rita Garvey Mayor Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl Special Assistant to the City Manager/Community Response Team Bob Keller Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Sid Klein Police Chief Eleanor Breland Human Relations Director Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Alan Ferri Economic Development Director Michael Holmes Assistant Economic Development Director Mark Teunis Police Lieutenant Tony Holloway Police Sergeant Dan Mayer Research Environmentalist Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 1201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. To provide continuity, the items listed were not necessarily discussed in that order. 1. Discussion - City Manager/Economic Development, Bob Keller Assistant City Manager/Economic Development, Bob Keller, addressed the group regarding his role in the economic development of Clearwater, particularly the North Greenwood community. His role is geared toward business and physical development, and Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice’s goal is to focus on community development. However, residents are welcome to contact both Mr. Keller and Ms. Rice regarding any issues concerning the community. Mr. Keller discussed 3 major areas affecting the North Greenwood community: 1) business development by bringing jobs and investments into the community; 2) physical development; and 3) community development which includes housing redevelopment and job training. Mr. Keller noted he has a solid private business background which will be an asset in his new position. It was noted there are many challenges in the City which will be addressed proactively. The past few months, senior City staff have met to discuss new innovative ways to implement economic development throughout the City. A strategic framework will put in place to include 1) creation of a pro-business environment throughout the City; 2) encouragement of existing businesses to create new jobs; 3) implementation of a delivery system for redevelopment that combines competence and innovation with responsive regulation, by revamping the way the laws government redevelopment in the City; 4) implementation of catalytic projects that are in themselves good, and stimulate redevelopment in sections of the City where redevelopment could enhance prosperity of the entire City; 5) upgrade tourism; and 6) implementation of targeted marketing projects. Mr. Keller explained the concept of development around “industries of the mind” as developing industries driven by technology and relying on the mind rather than physical attributes. This scenario encourages businesses to locate to an area. A high quality of life, a sophisticated, technically-trained labor force, and an easily accessible investment tool will greatly enhance economic development in the City. By the end of May 1997 plans are to establish business development components, including the use of community development block grant funds for this community. A proposal which was derived from North Greenwood Community Task Team meetings was the possibility of joining the North Greenwood community with the downtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). The tax base and revenue process in a CRA district was explained. Only the additional tax increment that comes from North Greenwood would be used in North Greenwood, and the projects being built in the foreseeable future will not significantly impact North Greenwood. There are many legal avenues to obtain the funds necessary for economic redevelopment in this area. It was noted although change starts and develops slowly, many positive changes are being planned throughout the City. 2. Discussion - Economic Development Director, Alan Ferri Economic Development Director, Alan Ferri, discussed CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) programs available for the North Greenwood community. This program is probably the single most flexible federal program available at this time. It provides funding of housing developments. Nearly all of the 100 single family homes built by Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services in North and South Greenwood neighborhoods have been financed by block grants. The CDBG also allows for the funding of public facilities development, which are buildings that are used by non-profit groups in the community. The current cap on this type of funding has been set by Congress at $150,000. Mr. Ferri invites the community to stop by his office, temporarily located at the Memorial Civic Center on Clearwater Beach. 3. Discussion - Police Chief Sid Klein Police Chief Sid Klein introduced Lieutenant Mark Teunis in charge of the west district from Bayfront to Highland Avenue and everything north and south, and Sergeant Tony Holloway, Commander of the North Greenwood substation. Chief Klein had researched the grants awarded to North Greenwood and indicated since 1993 over $1.7 million in funds have been obtained. Additional police officers have been added at all community stations. Recreational and educational programs have been implemented in this area. Americorp is a partnership that has been formed through federal grants with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, Largo Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Department, and the St. Petersburg Junior College. Young people in criminal justice programs at St. Petersburg Junior College are being hired to work in the Police Department, assigned to community policing stations. This is an effort to help youth obtain employment in the criminal justice system. The Weed and Seed Program has been implemented for communities where crime is high. The process involves “weeding” out the crime, getting it under control, then “seeding” the community with ongoing programs for educational, recreational and other purposes. Two grants totaling $90,000 were specifically targeted for the Weed and Seed areas, which are North Greenwood, South Greenwood, and the old Clearwater Bay community. Funds will be used to develop a job training program and computer skills for youth. With federal dollars there is always a requirement for a Steering Committee. A Steering Committee has been developed to include representatives from each of these 3 neighborhoods. Ms. Mayme Hodges from North Greenwood and Mr. Duke Tieman from South Greenwood have agreed to serve on the Steering Committee. A representative from the old Clearwater Bay neighborhood is being sought. Their task will be to meet with representatives from the Police Department and the United States Attorney’s office to talk about the future of federal dollars and how the Weed and Seed Programs are affecting the community. It was noted the Police Department went door-to-door with fliers inviting the community to attend today’s meeting. Chief Klein noted the Police Department is always looking for ways to enhance the quality of life in the community. City government cannot affect changes alone. The community’s help is needed. The meeting recessed at 2:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:25 p.m. 4. Consulting Group - Ken and Barbara Vorhees The Vorhees have worked with the Indian Shores Commission and approached Clearwater to determine whether they could assist this community in defining key community issues. They asked that residents keep in mind the reasons they attended today’s meeting. Everyone participated in identifying areas of concern and value to the community by breaking into smaller groups of 5 to 6 people. Residents were asked to bear in mind what they would like this community to be in 3 to 5 years, regardless of whether or not they felt their choices were achievable. The group was reunited into one group, and issues were discussed and categorized under 6 key headings: 1) attractive inviting environment; 2) unified local communications; 3) fun, wholesome community activities; 4) hometown village (UJAMAA); 5) thriving economic opportunities; and 6) safe “walking” community. Due to time constraints on the meeting facility, a final electronic vote was not taken. Residents were asked if they felt this type of community meeting was beneficial and the general consensus was very positive. Residents were encouraged to contact City staff should they have any questions. The group adjourned at 5:00 p.m.