06/05/2019 CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
June 5, 2019–5:30 PM–Main Library–2nd Floor Board Room
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
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 May 1,2019, Meeting
Member Cassano moved to approve the minutes from the May 1,2019, meeting. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member 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, presented a news article highlighting KnowBe4's CEO,
Stu Sjouwerman and Malwarebytes' CEO, Marcin Kleczynski. Mr.Jonson cheered the positive effects of
bringing employees to downtown Clearwater and suggested the city capitalize on their needs for housing
and entertainment. (https://stpetecatalyst.com/knowbe4-ceo-tampa-bay-offers-a-massive-competitive-
advantage/)
4. New Business
4.1. Adopt April 2019 Financial Statement for Filing
Member Wright moved to adopt the April 2019 Financial Statement for filing. The motion was duly
seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo, Member Teixeira,and Member
Cassano.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.2. Consideration of DAF & DREAM Funding Request. Daniela Lovera, 331 Cleveland Street, Unit B,
Clearwater, presented her funding request for a style show event possibly in October, including a
detailed description of the event and a glowing recommendation of the stylist, Loretta Guilietti.
There followed considerable discussion regarding the$9,700 amount requested for an unproven
Downtown Development Board Meeting—June 5, 2019
event. Member Cassano stated that he likes the idea but was adamant in his objection to granting
funding. Member Teixeira suggested cutting costs by use of local models and vendors and involving
other merchants to share expenses. CRA Director Thompson suggested speaking with Special Events
about a date and to possibly incorporate it with the slate of November-December holiday events.
Member Wright commented that it sounded like a "natural Blast Friday event" in January weather,
noting that he likes the idea but does not want to 'force things' by rushing the timeline and would like
to see documentation supporting its success elsewhere as well as a more well-formed business plan.
A motion was considered; however, the board proposed that Ms. Lovera speak with Ms. Giulietti and
with the City about a date closer to the end of the year when the weather is more amenable to an
outdoor style event, revisit the associated costs and possible partnering options, and return with an
updated request possibly as early as the July meeting.
4.3. Adopt FY 2019-2020 DDB Preliminary Budget.Treasurer Caitlein Jammo presented the preliminary
budget based on current best estimates, noting that changes can occur after July 1. Discussion
followed.
Member Cassano moved to adopt the FY 2019-2020 DDB Preliminary Budget. The motion was duly
seconded. Upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo,and Member Teixeira.
Nays: Member Wright.
Motion carried.
4.4. Discussion regarding FY 2019-2020 DDB Funding Requests–Board Administrator Fogarty France
stated that after notice to merchants and organizations that the Board was changing the focus to PR
and marketing of downtown, seven applications have been received. After discussion, the Board
agreed to continue hearing the applicants' three-minute presentations. Board Administrator Fogarty
France agreed to arrange those for future meetings.
4.5. CRA Update–CRA Director Amanda Thompson was welcomed back, and stated that the CRA is
continuing work to make special events "less painful", and that she would like to keep the ordinances
and bylaws projects moving forward while we have the current elected officials.
CRA Director Thompson presented a slideshow detailing the CRA's 18-month strategy, reviewing the
current standing half-way through, acknowledging the disconnect between reality and perception,
and stating that she was "shocked and amazed by the negative reports about downtown Clearwater"
in local publications.The parking study was also reviewed as well as goals for permitting of 600 new
housing units and commitments for$100-million in investments.
Member Wright asked about the plan for City Hall. CRA Director Thompson stated that architects are
reviewing options for adaptive use versus demolition.
Chairman Morfopoulos asked about employee parking plans in downtown Clearwater on behalf of his
employees. CRA Director Thompson asked for suggestions on the best way to reach those affected
and Member Teixeira offered the DCMA's assistance in communications.
4.6. DDB Work Plan (WP) Update- Board Administrator Fogarty France stated that member meetings
were not complete and reviewed each member's WP status. It was noted that Sunshine Law makes a
two-person team of champions "unwieldy", slowing the processes considerably.
Board Administrator Fogarty France asked if the Board would like to continue with the WP items.
After discussion, the Board agreed to continue with each member by emailing Board Administrator
Fogarty France to (a)take ownership, (b) commit to a level of involvement with an item, or(c) opt
out.
Downtown Development Board Meeting—June 5, 2019
5. Old Business. Member Teixeira reviewed the status of the duPont REGISTRY Cars &Coffee event. Due to
duPont's demand for a large amount of space in the Coachman Park area, which cannot be guaranteed at
this point due to Imagine Clearwater construction, the event is on indefinite hold with a low level of
confidence on her part that it will happen.
6. Chairman's Report. Chairman Morfopoulos announced dates for a few upcoming events and stated that
more events were listed at downtownclearwater.com.
7. Board Members to be Heard.
Member Cassano is excited about the changes at the Harborview Center site.
Member Teixeira celebrated the first anniversary of Pour Yours and stated that the final Blast Friday of the
season was an incredible success for the downtown merchants, thanking REH's Brianna Hoskins for her
efforts toward those events.The Craft Beer Fest results were less exciting than hoped, but the weather
was sweltering and many visitors took to the indoor venues rather than the street for entertainment;that
said, the level of volunteer activity was amazing.
Member Wright noted "the occasional nugget" and that today's was "recruiting from Silicon Valley",
stating "if we are not, we are missing the boat."
Member Devineni echoed the sentiments of other members.
Member Jammo noted that she would approve Jazz Holiday funding request without reviews and is open
to suggestions regarding the rest of the process in general.
The Ex-officio Members were absent, having attended the City Council meeting scheduled at the same
time as the DDB meeting.
Chairman Morfopoulos will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the One Stop Shoppe with an event in
late July/early August.
Each member expressed their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Board Administrator Fogarty France
upon the notice of her retirement July 5, 2019.
8. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Downtown Development Board Meeting—June 5, 2019