12/12/2019 CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
December 12, 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
Also Present: David Allbritton Ex-officio Member/Councilmember
Jay Polglaze Ex-officio Member/Councilmember
Amanda Thompson CRA Director
Anne Lopez CRA Program Specialist
Elise Winters DDB Attorney
1. Chairman Morfopoulos called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
2. Approval of minutes
2.1. Approve the Minutes from the November 6,2019, Meeting
Member Jammo moved to approve the minutes from the November 6,2019, meeting. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Cassano,and Member Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda. None.
4. New Business
4.1. Adopt the October 2019 Financial Statement for Filing.
No citizens' comments or discussion.
Member Jammo moved to approve the minutes from the November 6,2019, meeting. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call,the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Cassano,and Member Teixeira.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.
4.2. Appoint a replacement member to fill vacant seat–CRA Director Thompson stated that Thomas
Wright was no longer eligible to serve due to a change in business location, and that four individuals
had been nominated for consideration. (Legislation details are attached.) Of the four, Mr. Porbeni
and Mr. Rakipi were interested to serve on the Board.
Member Teixeira moved to elect Festus Porbeni. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: Chairman Morfopoulos, Member Devineni, Member Jammo,and Member Cassano.
Nays: None.
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Motion carried.
5. Old Business items
5.1. Approve special event funding for larger events–Member Teixeira requested that the DDB redirect
$30,000 in funds on the Special Events line item not currently allocated to assist the Ruth Eckerd Hall
(REH) and the Capital Theatre with additional Blast Friday events. CRA Director Thompson noted that
current grant funding REH $40k, CRA$100k+city co-sponsor. Member Teixeira suggested that the
amount could cover two more Blast Fridays, assisting the downtown merchants through the 'dry time'
of summer and fall. Ex-officio Member Polglaze suggested negotiating with REH to get"the bang for
our buck"with funds available.
Brianna Hoskins, Director of Operations for REH, discussed the costs and conflicts associated with
additional Blast Friday events, and the options available to make use of an additional $30,000.
Chairman Morfopoulos suggested a funding request from REH for an October event to be presented
at the February or March meeting of the DDB. Ms. Hoskins agreed to prepare same and thanked the
Board for their time.
5.2. DDB Work Plan Updates–Amanda Thompson,CRA Director
Attorney Winters stated that the Ordinance review was completed (final draft can be prepared by end
of year), and the Bylaws review was partially completed. She requested the Board's comments for
the remainder of the document be emailed directly to her(by end of first week of January). Chairman
Morfopoulos suggested meeting beginning of February to complete review of Bylaws.
Attorney Winters also stated that she will be preparing policies and procedures for the Board's review
and approval.
Another work session will be required with final drafts.
5.3. Community Redevelopment Agency Updates-CRA Director Thompson.
Imagine Clearwater(IC) has had good attendance over four information sessions.
ImagineClearwater.com includes a fly-through 3D model, and a survey open until December 12.
Chairman's Report.
December 12, Wellness Day with The Ring
December 13,Taste of Downtown Clearwater, Station Square Park
December 14, Say No to Drugs race, Downtown Art Walk at Second Century Studios, Nine & Nine improve
and movie night at Station Square Park, Brass Band and Boat Parade at Coachman Park
December 21,Jazz Quartet at Station Square Park and holiday movie
Holiday Pop-Up Market, Second Century Studios Wed–Sun, 11am-7pm
Winter Wonderland, Dec 1-22, 6-9pm Wed–Sun
City offices closed Wednesday, December 25 and January 1
Many more listed at downtownclearwater.com.
6. Board Members to be Heard.
Member Cassano felt the earlier special meeting had been productive and that 2020 will be an amazing
year.
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Member Teixeira gave a reminder of Taste of Clearwater, and stated that tonight was bittersweet with it
being her last meeting as she is running for City Council. She encouraged the Board to look at their
position as more than a once-a-month commitment but to continue the conversations throughout the
month, and please continue with the parking and sign work. She thanked the Board, and said it had been
an honor serving with them.
Member Devineni felt there was much progress in the special meeting, thanked Amanda and Attorney
Winters and the other board members for their time, and thanked Member Teixeira for her service.
Member Jammo echoed everyone's comments, and thanked Member Teixeira for being their'Rocky
Balboa' and wished her the best in the future.
Ex-officio Member Allbritton offered thanks for Thomas Wright's many years of service, and thanked
Member Teixeira for her time and service. He wished everyone well and a beautiful Christmas and holiday.
Chairman Morfopoulos echoed the sentiments regarding Thomas Wright and Member Teixeira, and
wished everyone happy holidays.
7. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
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