08/07/2019 CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
August 7, 2019–5:30 PM–Main Library–Council Chambers
Members Present: Paris Morfopoulos Chairman
Venkat "Vincent" Devineni Vice-Chairman
Caitlein Jammo Treasurer
Ray Cassano Member
Lina Teixeira Member
Thomas Wright Member
Also Present: David Allbritton Ex-officio Member/Councilmember
Jay Polglaze Ex-officio Member/Councilmember
Amanda Thompson CRA Director
Absent: Stu Sjouwerman Member
1. Chairman Morfopoulos called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Approve the Minutes from the July 10, 2019, Meeting
Member Wright moved to approve the minutes from the June 5, 2019, meeting. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the agenda. Bill Jonson, 2694 Redford Court, Clearwater
33761, noted he's happy to see the meters coming out of the former City Hall parking lot and no
barricades around the former Harborview site, and that in July he'd visited Venice, Florida, where he was
impressed by their downtown entry sign.
4. New Business
4.1. Adopt June 2019 Financial Statement for Filing
CRA Director Thompson added updates with numbers valid through September 30. Discussion
following, noting there is approximately$24,000 available plus$29,000 in Future Initiatives line item
still available. Discussion followed regarding clarification of those numbers.
Member Wright moved to adopt the June 2019 Financial Statement for filing. The motion was duly
seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.2. Adopt resolution 01-19 Adopting City of Clearwater Investment policy Per Florida Statute
Requirements.
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Member Jammo moved to adopt Resolution 01-19 the City of Clearwater Investment Policy. The
motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Wright, Member Cassano, and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.3. Presentation on Imagine Clearwater- Michael Delk,Assistant City Manager,was present to share a
slideshow overview of the plan and status. Highlights were: library enhancement ($6.5-7m);three
construction phases compressed to two so they city can continue signature events in the park; hiring
of construction manager in progress; HR&A required to update economic analysis from 2016; RFP
process moving forward for former Harborview site and clarifying process for activated park edge
(along Osceola); development of former City Hall site still an open discussion.
Discussion included clarification of the Harborview site area and the plan to build no higher than the
library with mixed use residential and retail units. Chairman Morfopoulos noted that residential units
should be rented not owned as "owned does not mean occupied," and it was agreed the key to
success of businesses in downtown Clearwater will be residents, not seasonal visitors.
Member Teixeira thanked Mr. Delk for his time, stating that the people she communicates with most
closely are concerned with a large investment in the library without sufficient infrastructure in place
and asked that he consider reallocating a large portion of that funding to downtown infrastructure.
Member Devineni asked how the City Council had responded to the Board's letter recommending
demolition of the former City Hall. Mr. Delk replied that the first consideration is possible reuse of
the building as a civic anchor on the south end of Imagine Clearwater.
Member Wright thanked Mr. Delk for his time, restated his gratitude that Imagine Clearwater has a
full-time manager now and that he does not favor the $6m library plans and clarified boater access to
the marina and other parking concerns for Imagine Clearwater. Member Wright also requested a
timeline of plans for Imagine Clearwater.
Chairman Morfopoulos suggested that Mr. Delk return in the future to continue the discussion and
asked that the item be added to the next agenda.
4.4. Presentations of Post Event Reports and FY 2019/20 Funding Request.
a. Craft Beer& Music Festival - Eric Sullivan noted that by working in conjunction with the
Downtown Partnership,taking advantage of approximately$40,000 in in-kind advertising, and
setting a date for the day after a Blast Friday,the 2019 event saw 5,000-6,000 participants based
on sales. Their goal was 7,000.
The 2020 event will be moved back to a spring date to avoid the extreme heat of this year's
summer event, music and art offerings will be expanded, and it will feature an expanded
children's area, all with the goal of attracting approximately 10,000 people.
Mr. Sullivan thanked the Board for their support,the funding from which would pay for a full-time
event manager.
b. Hooters Clearwater Super Boat National Championship-Frank Chivas announced that the
sanctioning body has changed to Raceworld, but the event itself will not change dramatically,
including the same parade route. Last year was plagued by red tide but still saw 130,000 people
and revenue of$17m based on an impact study he provided to the Board. Mr. Chivas thanked the
Board for their 10 years of support and is looking forward to another successful event.
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4.5. Downtown Development Board Ordinance Revision Project-Amanda Thompson, CRA Director and
Elise Winters, DDB Attorney.
CRA Director Thompson stated that this is an item on the Work Plan and included a brief review of
existing regulations. Attorney Winters gave an overview of the DDB's background, stressing the
requirements of Sunshine Law and noting particularly: meetings must be meaningfully accessible
(state law, not possible for DDB to change); a public record must be kept(state law, not possible for
DDB to change); DDB exists by ordinance of the City(city law, not possible for DDB to change); and
DDB operates by bylaws (only thing possible for DDB to change). As of 1993,the DDB was tied to the
CRA as an advisor regarding revitalization and maintenance.
Chairman Morfopoulos noted that his proposed amended bylaws included only"cleaning up", no
major changes, and asked others to look through for discussion at the next meeting as a vote on
amendments requires 35 days (therefore two meetings).
4.6. Approve DDB Work Plan FY 19/20
Work Plan (WP) items have been re-set for one per person.
PR video item with $24,400 assigned included two options: (1) CRA staff would hire a professional PR
company to create and distribute a video or videos; (2) a third-party group would manage and
promote a crowdsource campaign.
Discussion involved funding divisions, combining the options, and setting a timeline for sooner rather
than later. Member Teixeira offered to use her contacts to Option 2, with news at the next meeting.
Member Wright moved to request CRA Director Thompson to go ahead with Option 1(find a
marketing firm) and Member Teixeira to be the organizer and driver behind Option 2,all to be
funded out of Future Downtown Initiatives as$5,000 for the video(contest prizes),approximately
$2,500 possible fee to third-party organization awarding prizes, and remainder of$24,400 budget
item to marketing. The motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
CRA Director Thompson reviewed other WP items including: Partnership with education institutions;
championing revision of special events process; funding of art/tech exhibition (augmented reality);
and ordinance update.
Member Wright moved to approve the Clearwater One-Year Tactical Plan,August 1, 2019. The
motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
.7. Approve proposed FY 2019/20 DDB Annual Budget. CRA Director Thompson presented the proposed
budget effective October 1 with the caveat that the Board can amend it at any time, with reserves
clarified at$75,000.
Chairman Morfopoulos thanked CRA Director Thompson for the very readable layout of the
presentation, and,there being no further discussion, asked for a motion on the item as is.
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Member Wright moved to approve the proposed FY 2019-20 Annual Budget. The motion was duly
seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.8. Approve CRA/DDB FY 2019/20 Interlocal Agreement. CRA Director Thompson briefly outlined the
agreement that CRA will staff the DDB, each group's responsibilities under the agreement, and that
the incremental tax payment will be returned to the DDB minus the CRA administrative fee.
Member Wright moved to approve the CRA/DDB FY 19/20 Interlocal Agreement. The motion was
duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.9. CRA Updates.
CRA Director Thompson presented a review of the parking study including three possible sites for new
parking, short-term options, and a short overview of the status of wayfinding. Discussion included a
review of the three locations considered, PSTA's planned moved, and City Hall possibilities.
Member Devineni requested clarification regarding the origin and funding of the report. CRA Director
Thompson confirmed that the CRA commissioned,funded, and paid for the report, as well as the fact
that the July 25, 2019,version is the final report. Chairman Morfopoulos asked if the City Hall parking
lot is now available for city employees; Ex-officio Member Allbritton confirmed that availability, and
Ex-officio Member Polglaze expanded on the downtown short-term parking plans until a parking
garage is built.
Member Teixeira had specific questions about the parking report. After discussion, Member Teixeira
proposed continuing the discussion at the next meeting. CRA Director Thompson noted that the
report had been thoroughly vetted by City staff and is in its final form. Chairman Morfopoulos
approved the new agenda item for September.
5. Old Business Items.
5.1. Approve Funding Request for CRA 2nd Holiday Extravaganza-2nd reading-CRA Director Thompson
Member Wright moved to approve the funding request for the CRA 2nd Holiday Extravaganza upon
this second reading. The motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
5.2. Approve CRA request to transfer$25,000 Budget Line Item Art/Tech Exhibitions for Downtown
Clearwater Augmented Reality Experience to CRA project budget-CRA Director Thompson
This item is approval to move funds for CRA to pay costs of the project.
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Member Teixeira updated the Board on USF's contract finalization to bring the downtown murals to
life, with an official launch in 2020. The board gave credit and thanks to CRA PR Manager Rosemary
D'Amour for her efforts moving this project forward.
Member Wright moved to approve the CRA request to transfer$25,000 Budget Line Item Art/Tech
Exhibitions for Downtown Clearwater Augmented Reality Experience to CRA project budget. The
motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Cassano,and Member
Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
5.3. Nominating Committee Updates-CRA Director Thompson
Candidate list currently includes:
Keenan Kintzel–owner of Buzzazz Websites
Shahab Emrani–resident of Waters Edge Condos
Festus Porbeni–The Ring
Dan Shovelin–Clear Sky, has asked for information; is determining eligibility.
Complete list available at September 4 meeting. Confirming three open seats, CRA Director Thompson
noted that Member Teixeira is running for City Council, and Member Sjouwerman and Chairman
Morfopoulos have not made announcements.
6. Chairman's Report.
August 16, downtown ARC 5K race.
Many more listed at downtown clearwater.com.
7. Board Members to be Heard.
Member Teixeira thanked everyone.
Member Cassano likes the direction of things.
Member Wright asked about applicants for the vacancy of former Director Anne Fogarty France; CRA
Director Thompson confirmed interviews are ongoing, the position will be open until filled with the right
candidate, and that she would email the job link for distribution.
Member Devineni had not comments.
Member Jammo wished everyone a good night.
Ex-officio Member Polglaze noted that the City Council had also just received the parking study and he also
had questions and concerns about the results.
Ex-officio Member Allbritton is happy Mr. Delk will be returning to talk about other parts of Imagine
Clearwater such as the park program, LED uplights on the bridge, including other initiatives of interest.
CRA Director Thompson confirmed the two added agenda items to be carried to September (Imagine
Clearwater, and the parking study), and reminded the board of their second meeting in regarding budget.
Chairman Morfopoulos asked whether the Board would like to add the two agenda items to the regular
meeting(September 4) or the second, generally shorter meeting (September 9). The decision was tabled
until Mr. Delk's availability is confirmed.
Chairman Morfopoulos appreciated everyone's comments and patience.
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8. The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
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