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03/06/2019 CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING March 6, 2019–5:30 PM–Main Library–Council Chambers Members Present: Paris Morfopoulos Chairman Venkat"Vincent" Devineni Vice-Chairman Caitlein Jammo Treasurer Thomas Wright Member Lina Teixeira Member Ray Cassano Member Also Present: Anne Fogarty France Board Administrator David Allbritton Ex-officio Member/Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton Ex-officio Member/Councilmember Not Present: Stu Sjouwerman Member 1. Chairman Morfopoulos called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Approve the Minutes from the February 6, 2019, Meeting Member Cassano moved to approve the minutes from the February 6,2019, meeting. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,the vote was: Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos,Vice-Chairman Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Teixeira,and Member Wright. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3. Citizens Comments--Items not on the agenda. Bill Jonson, 2694 Redford Court, Clearwater 33761, distributed a page from the September 2014 ULI report and stated that the vision statement of the report was the purpose of the DDB, in his opinion. 4. New Business 4.1. Adopt January 2019 Financial Statement for Filing Member Wright moved to adopt the January 2019 Financial Statement for filing. The motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was: Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos,Vice-Chairman Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Teixeira,and Member Cassano. Downtown Development Board Meeting—March 6, 2019 Nays: None. Motion carried. 4.2. Post Event Report–Achieva Box Car Rally, Chelsea Wilson reported on the 9th annual box car rally stating there were 61 cars entered, including 27 kit cars and 34 homemade cars, and 150 race classes involving 300 heats.This year will be the 10th annual event thought the location is questionable with Imagine Clearwater in progress. Alternative locations were discussed. Chairman Morfopoulos said he felt this was one of the best events Clearwater hosts. Members thanked Ms. Wilson for the work the funds donated from the event do for the community. 4.3. Approve Letter to Board of County Commissioners Regarding Move from Downtown. Ex-officio Member Hamilton noted that no decision has been made and suggested a re-wording of the letter.The Board agreed. Chairman Morfopoulos proposed to revise the letter. Member Wright moved to accept the revision. The motion was duly seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was: Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos,Vice-Chairman Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Teixeira,and Member Cassano. Nays: None. Motion carried. 4.4. CRA Updates. Congratulations to CRA Director Amanda Thompson and her family on the birth of baby Luke, February 23, 2019. In her absence, Board Administrator Fogarty France reported that: The CRA has approved four Food & Drink Program tenant grants for Vector Arcade Bar, Pour Yours, Tequila's and Black Brick Tavern & Kitchen. The Harborview Center is under demolition internally. Ex-officio Member Hamilton stressed again the importance of working carefully on the outside to avoid damage to the surrounding streets and buildings. The City is hosting a celebration in conjunction with Blast Friday from 5-10 p.m., March 29, 2019. A ceremony with the mayor and city council will take place at 5:00 p.m. Ms. Fogarty France distributed an Imagine Clearwater update from Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell. A workshop will be held on April 1 with a tentative time of 2.p.m. Discussion followed as to the types of'removable seating' and possible impact to the site, with Ex-officio Councilmembers Hamilton and Allbritton clarifying changes to the City Charter which allow for various types of seating and the style options that have been discussed. March 9, 2019, 8am-2pm, a pop-up park and mural event will take place to transform the parking lot of the old City Hall into a beautiful stop for the Jolley Trolley's free spring break rides. Downtown Development Board Meeting—March 6, 2019 The City is encouraging promotion of park-and-ride options for the spring break season to alleviate traffic issues. 4.5. DDB Special Event Strategy for FY 2019-2020. Discussion continued from the February meeting regarding wording on the applications about changes in funding consideration. Chairman Morfopoulos noted that this is the most significant item on the evening's agenda and encouraged participation. Board Administrator Fogarty France noted that the application process for funding has remained the same since 2011 for each request, large or small: submission; Board consideration;grant of funding for all or a portion of the request. However, the Board has not always felt that certain events have produced the hoped-for outcome and interest in 2018 leaned more toward ROI. Discussion followed regarding the strategy of funding events, including a blended approach with a percentage of DDB funds focused on small events and a percentage on signature events. Chairman Morfopoulos opened the floor to discussion of the value of three-minute presentations on all events, large or small. Vice-Chairman Devineni proposed a 70%merchant-focused portion of funds, and approximately 30%for large events. Member Wright agreed with clarification and that it's important to let merchants know that return on the investment is key. He is anxious to hear from Rosemary regarding funds needed for promotion and marketing. Member Cassano commented that he would prefer funding fewer events,with a focus on events with a higher`wow'factor. Chairman Morfopoulos proposed smaller, low-cost events i.e. buskers,street artists,$200 input with Facebook ads and social media promotion.This plan would increase the number of events funded from 10-20 per year to possibly 50, increasing downtown's interest factor. He would also like to continue but space out the presentations from those seeking funding. Discussion followed regarding the process and timing of deciding who is funded:first- come/first-served basis or requests up to a deadline after which funding is allotted? Member Jammo agreed with the blended approach for funding. Ex-officio Members Allbritton noted that troubadours,etc.are less expensive,and agreed it was a great discussion, and Ex-officio Member Hamilton stated they are happy to support these efforts with the City Council. Board Administrator Fogarty France sought direction on verbiage for an updated funding request form noting that setting approval for revision to April with distribution of forms in May. The board felt that organizations should be alerted to possible changes in the funding policy. Verbiage should contain an outline to merchants and organizations, a timeline, and notice to 'apply now', that the process is being reevaluated. Lisa Lanza,2043 San Marino Way South,Clearwater 33763,noted her concern about a lack of consistency in downtown events. She knows about Blast Friday and she will come downtown. Her hopes are that future strategies were leaning toward including the older community members in regular dance evenings or musical presentations that they could plan on regularly. 5. Old Business. 5.1. Update on Auction for Jazz Holiday Posters. Member Teixeira noted that each poster had an approximately$100 value, with several having very fine framing. The event was set for Pour Yours on March 23, 2019. Invitations would go out March 7, it will be promoted on all social media platforms, and all proceeds will go to the DDB. Downtown Development Board Meeting—March 6, 2019 5.2. DDB Work Plan Updates. Board Administrator Fogarty France reported no one advised they had any updates for March. In February, CRA Director Thompson had met with the board attorney to discuss updates to the bylaws. As soon as that memo is received from the attorney, it will be provided to all members. 6. Chairman's Report. The Chairman advised viewers of upcoming March events. 7. Board Members to be Heard. Member Cassano feels that progress is being made and steering requests to helping to fund half of the event rather than funding allows more events and that's better for downtown. Member Teixeira felt February was a good month, an excellent Blast Friday and congratulated the Capitol Theatre on an excellentjob and gave kudos to the volunteers for all their hard work. The addition of the Ring signifies a positive direction and puts Clearwater on the map as it is innovative and people from the surrounding three counties are wanting more information. It sends a message and it's nice to be a leader vs. reactive.The Harborview celebration is symbolic and important for the morale of downtown. Another strong message for me was receiving the incentive plan and it shows that the city is working with the private sector in unison for a common goal. Member Wright echoed the Member Teixeira's sentiments about The Ring, adding that it is spectacular, and asked about a development date for the Harborview site. Ex-officio Member Hamilton noted that the site will be grassed over and cleaned by August 1. Vice Chairman Devineni commented that The Ring is beautiful and modern, the bandshell with temporary seating is a great idea, and he feels the DDB should focus on more merchant and smaller events. Member Jammo agreed with all comments and thanked everyone for sharing and feels that DDB goals are aligned with the community. Ex-officio Member Allbritton feels the DDB has a great direction. Ex-officio Member Hamilton stated let's keep moving forward. Chairman Morfopoulos feels there should be more small events focusing on small businesses, not only music but is looking forward to other interesting ideas and feels that no matter when we go downtown there's something interesting going on. 8. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Downtown Development Board Meeting—March 6, 2019