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Minutes 10-09-07 MINUTES OF THE COMMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2007 AT 6:30 P.M. CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Jerry Taylor, Chair Jose Rodriguez, Vice Chair Mack McCray Carl McKoy Ron Weiland Lisa Bright, CRA Executive Director DJ. Doody, CRA Board Counsel I. Call to Order Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Pledge to the Flag and Invocation Mr. McKoy gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. Roll Call The above members were noted as present. IV. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda None. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of the Minutes - CRA Board Meeting - September 11, 2007 1 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 B. Approval of the Period-Ended September 30, 2007 Financial Report C. Approval of a Commercial Fa<;ade Grant to Kim Kelly - 531 E. Ocean Avenue not exceed $15,000 D. Approval of a Commercial Fa<;ade Grant to Lisa Hargrove - 810 N. Federal Highway not to exceed $15,000 E. Approval of Funding $50,000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Will Twigg F. Approval of Funding $50,000 from the Homebuyers Assistance Program to Dawn Osowsky G. Report on CRA Property Acquisitions for FY 2006 - 2007 (Info. Only) H. Boynton Beach CRA and Trolley Website Updates (Info. Only) Vice Chair Rodriguez pulled items B, C and D. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve the Consent Agenda less the items pulled. Mr. McKoy seconded the motion that unanimously passed. A. Public Comments: {Note: comments are limited to 3 minutes in duration> Chair Taylor opened the public hearing. Buck Buchanan, 807 Ocean Inlet Drive, and Vice President of INCA (Inlet Cove Association), spoke on behalf of INCA and read a letter. A copy of the letter is attached to the original minutes in the City Clerk's office. The letter pertained to Federal Highway and how important it was to improve the highway. The letter requested the CRA staff, City staff and other agencies associated with beautification and minimizing infrastructure and utility impacts along the corridor, meet to develop a preliminary plan to attract business. Mr. Buchanan reported he supports the project and INCA liked the neighborhood improvements, but because the corridor would generate TIF, it should be the first priority. He recognized the infrastructure and cost factors involved and felt a City was defined by its downtown. The letter explained there were opportunities to help mitigate costs involved in the undertaking. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Mr. Buchanan discussed North Federal Highway, which he defined as ugly. He referenced Murano Bay was unattractive because of the area across the street. Seacrest Boulevard could use improvement and he thought a four lane roadway bisecting the residential neighborhoods would benefit from a more attractive approach. If the County were a participant, it would help. He requested staff be directed to investigate the issue. Vice Chair Rodriguez agreed with Mr. Buchanan. He inquired on the status of the study just approved recently for $25K. Ms Bright responded the study was just beginning. Ms. Brooks clarified the contract with Kimley Horn was not yet executed and another scope or services, or work order, could be added. Vice Chair Rodriguez thought Federal Highway and Seacrest could be addressed. The Federal Highway Plan update was adopted and dealt with the private sector development and not the roadway. Ms. Brooks reiterated they could approach Kimley- Horn for a quote for a portion, or all of the corridor in the CRA District. Ms. Bright's understanding of the issue was INCA wanted the utility lines underground. Those types of issues are addressed when development occurs. Additionally, she did not see how TIF was generated from a beautification. Mr. Buchanan explained the government improved Gateway which encouraged development. The same would occur along Federal Highway and generate TIF. Mr. Weiland would rather see Federal Highway improved as opposed to Seacrest. The endeavor was already costly. Mr. Buchanan suggested just doing the basics. Utilities would only need to be done once. He referenced the development north of Boynton Beach Boulevard. Vice Chair Rodriguez recommended obtaining a quote from Kimley-Horn for a streetscape design and bring it back. Ms. Brooks explained the scope of work was not for underground utilities on Seacrest; Seacrest was a County road not a City road. There were limitations, design-wise what could be done. They were currently at the design stage. They would need to obtain cost and the board would need to determine if they want it or what phases to implement them. Underground utilities required tearing up of sidewalk and other demolitions. It would be a major undertaking. Chair Taylor explained Gateway was paid for by the County. In reference with the Federal Highway north end, the west side was landscaped by the City to a certain extent. The east side needed improvement and he thought the private sector would 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 assume that cost. There was a brief discussion what occurs first, the redevelopment or the private sector. Ms. Brooks pointed out the Federal Highway Redevelopment Plan calls for a mixed use development at the core and further north was special high density, townhome type multi-family development. Right now, what was there was not economically, commercially or residentially viable. There was much interest in redevelopment for the area due to the proximity to the water. The area was still prime real estate and would develop. The builders could determine, however, how it would look when it was done. Chair Taylor was not opposed to having a study to determine what it would look like. He noted burying power lines costs millions of dollars. Ms. Brooks explained the price would dictate the segment that would be serviced. Ms. Brooks would provide further information for the November meeting. Gertrude Sullivan asked what was happening with the gas company on 6th Avenue and Federal Highway. She reported the property, which was the AmeriGas site, was an eyesore. She also requested when something was planned, the neighborhood have input and be part of the planning. Ms. Bright explained the board will only be selecting the firm to begin negotiations. The Ms. Sullivan requested the Heart of Boynton be included in the process beforehand and not after the fact. Victor Norfus, advised he was a candidate for District II. Mr. McCray requested Mr. Norfus' candidacy announcement be stricken from the record. It was explained political announcements were not permitted at the meeting. Victor Norfus, 261 North Palm Drive, recalled on July 10th, he had inquired about the training the CRA Board had as far as redevelopment. He explained at that time Chair Taylor and Mr. McCray announced they had training. Mr. McCray explained that was an error and he requested if anyone had training as far as community redevelopment training, to disclose the experience. Chair Taylor explained throughout the year there are seminars board members can go to for additional training. The staff attends those and the board members are eligible to attend them as well. Mr. Norfus explained he wanted that clarified because he was corrected when he was not incorrect. Mr. Norfus spoke about City Hall being situated within the CRA area, and whose purview the properties were under. He explained a comment was made the land was prime real estate for a developer. He requested the board's feedback on whose jurisdiction City Hall was under and if there were any plans to sell to a developer. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Chair Taylor explained City Hall falls within the CRA area and plans were not discussed. He explained it was common knowledge, the City had outgrown City hall and there was open discussion but no formal discussion. Will Twigg, thanked the board for their approval of Item E, a program which enabled him to purchase a home. He expressed his gratitude and explained as a member of the National Guard and a deputy, it meant a lot to him to purchase a home in a nice community . Dawn Osowsky, also thanked the board for their approval of Item F, which allowed her to purchase a home. She was excited to be part of the community. Mayor Taylor closed the publiC hearing. Mr. Weiland announced he had a question on item G of the Consent Agenda. Motion Mr. Weiland moved to pull Item G from the Consent Agenda for information only. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The item was heard later in the meeting under pulled Consent Agenda Items. VI. Public Hearing: Old Business: None. New Business: A. National Transmission, Inc. Land Use Plan Amendmentl Rezonin9 PROJECT: AGENT: OWNER: LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: National Transmissions, Inc. (LUAR 07-004) Carl A. Cascio, P .A. Michael and Julia C. Dechantz 502 NE 3rd Street Request to amend the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map from General Commercial (GC) to Industrial (I); and Request to rezone from C-4 General Commercial District to M-1 Industrial District. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Chair Taylor read the request. Gabriel Weubben, Planner, presented the request and reviewed the item. The request was to rezone the property from General Commercial (GC) to Industrial (I) and rezone from C-4 General Commercial to M-1 Industrial. The request was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. There is a shortage of industrial land in the City. The Heart of Boynton Plan, adopted December 4, 2001 has a land use map which shows the subject property fulfills the plan. There were no negative impacts on existing infrastructure or on traffic. Staff recommended approval of the request subject to all conditions of approval. The request was compatible with the adjacent land use designations to the east and exiting uses in the area surrounding the property. Carl Cascio, counsel for the applicant, Mr. Dechantz, was available to answer questions. Ms. Sullivan wanted to ensure the project did not move any further into the neighborhood. The applicant was operating an Automotive Repair Center. Sergio Casaine, asked what does National Transmission did. Mr. Dechantz responded it was an automotive repair center. Mr. Casaine explained he was trying to make a distinction between industrial and light industrial. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. McKoy seconded the motion that unanimously passed. VII. Pulled Consent Agenda Items B. Approval of the Period-Ended September 30, 2007 Financial Report Susan Harris, Finance Director, reviewed the item showing the revenues for the year minus the expenses. She advised there would be rollover funds and explained there would be an adjustment made because they would record a liability for possible TIF refunds that might be incurred because the tax rolls were still not certified. The roll over funds would be less than $8M, and they were not yet allocated. The plan was to put those rollover funds in contingency. The CRA staff was in the process of determining what to do with those monies. While they had some ideas, no formal plan was presented to the board yet. One idea under consideration was an expansion of the trolley. The money was there but not yet audited. Pre-audit adjustments would be occurring in October and an audit in November. The funds did, however, need to be allocated to projects needing to be completed within three years. 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Motion Vice Chair Rodriguez moved to approve. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Approval of a Commercial Fa<;ade Grant to Kim Kelly - 531 E. Ocean Avenue not exceed $15,000. Vice Chair Rodriguez requested clarification whether these types of grants were given to tenants and not owners of buildings. Mike Simon, Development Manager, responded they could be awarded to a tenant, but only with the approval of the owner. In this instance there were two applicants because the owner needed to give approval for the tenant to apply. Attorney Doody explained the CRA could have consent and approval incorporated into the application. The approval could be handled in a way similar to an easement. The applicant would then be the actual recipient of the funds and the individual entity required to make the improvement. Mr. Weiland had a question about the sidewalk cafe and thought removable bollards should be installed. Additionally if they were allowed to use the patio and sidewalk, some type of agreement should be made that the tables would not block the sidewalk and allow for proper pedestrian access. Lastly, he thought the maintenance of the sidewalk should be incorporated. Ms. Brooks explained the sidewalk access was mandated by the Code under Sidewalk Cafe. The maintenance could be added, if no present provisions exist to wash the sidewalk every few months. There was a short discussion about bollards. Ms. Brooks noted there was off street parking there. Mr. Weiland was concerned about safety. Ms. Bright reported the City Manager was not fond of the bollards and suggested she look into the matter further and revisit the matter next month. Chair Taylor commented requiring bollards could be opening a Pandora's box. There were other locations that have sidewalk cafes, but he did understand the safety aspect. Mr. McCray asked who would be responsible if an accident occurred. Attorney Doody responded that was usually determined on a case by case basis, but generally, it was the vehicle operator. Mr. Simon explained it would be easy to add an addendum to the agreement. The larger issue, however, is would it be governed through the City Business Tax Receipt and be incorporated as a requirement. The reimbursement requires proof of payment. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that unanimously passed. D. Approval of a Commercial Fa<;ade Grant to Lisa Hargrove - 810 N. Federal Highway not to exceed $15,000. Vice Chair Rodriguez asked if the item was another owner tenant application. This application was for the owner. Motion Vice Chair Rodriguez moved to approve. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that Unanimously passed. G. Report on CRA Property Acquisitions for FY 2006 - 2007 (Info. Only) Mr. Weiland had questions and requested more information be included when the items were presented. Ms. Harris explained the properties were identified by the former property owner. In the future, she would include a larger comment section and the acquisition plan. VIII. Old Business None. IX. New Business A. Ocean Breeze RFP Ms. Brooks outlined they received three responses to the Request for Proposals. Two respondents met the criteria threshold; they were the American Realty and Carlise Realty Groups. Ms. Brooks explained both groups would have 10 to 15 minutes to make their presentation and questions would be heard at the end. Additionally, the community participated in the process and the proposals were ranked. The scores were aggregated; 74 points went to American Realty and 63 points went to the Carlisle Group. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 (Mr. Weiland left dais at 7:22 p.m.) The prior board selected the participants to rank and shortlist the proposals. Vice Chair Rodriguez explained the board added a person without their consent. It was clarified with the original selection committee, one person dropped off and was replaced. Another person dropped off and never turned in the score sheet. The direction of the board regarding the individual who didn't drop off the score sheet was the CRA would make a recommendation for a replacement. The participants were: Mr. McCray, Buck Buchanan, INCA; Terrence Carera, HOB; Devlin Coughlin, Chamber of Commerce; and Peter Wallace, ITS. (Mr. Weiland returned and Vice Chair Rodriguez left at 7:25 p.m.) I. Presentations by Respondents Jim Dyal, Vice President American Realty, 2602 Merida Lane, Tampa thanked all for the opportunity to respond to the RFP and to introduce the development team. The firm has two principals, and constructed 29 affordable developments with 5,700 units, plus projects they developed in Georgia and Texas, as well as for student housing. (Vice Chair Rodriguez returned at 7:26 p.m.) The developments served families that meet the criteria for affordable housing and use Low Income Housing Tax Credit Loans, S.A.I.L. and S.H.I.P. The PL Development Group was Pascal Levy, which was a Palm Beach County firm, knowledgeable in SAIL housing. Mr. Dyal announced they reviewed the HOB plan and met with Northwood Renaissance and the Boynton Beach CDC who agreed to join the development team at a meeting that took place last Wednesday. They could provide the outreach. The idea was they wanted to bring in the development team to then hold the meetings with the community. Ms. Sullivan was not aware of the meeting. Mr. Weiland spoke about outreach and asked what if the CDC's could not provide enough outreach to address all their concerns and needs. Mr. Dyal explained their job was to ascertain what the community wanted and what they could do. Mr. Dyal explained they have to build units that were wanted and could sell. The plan must be a feasible plan. He wanted a harmonious project. They don't want to build a high density project next to single-family homes. They wanted them to be compatible with surrounding property and land uses. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Mr. Dyal explained the Northwood Renaissance and Boynton Beach CDC would also help with financing. The project needed to have the right financial layering and residents to be successful. LISC (Local Initiative Support Coalition) would also provide financing for the project. Community Development Corporations prequalify buyers. The plan was for part rental and part home ownership. It was recognized not everyone was able to be a homeowner. The rentals would be on one side of the property and home ownership on the other. The rental could be an incubator and stepping stone to home ownership. The goal was to serve as wide a spectrum of families as possible and to facilitate homeownership via the rental program. Mr. Dyal reviewed the plan. The townhome portion had 56 units with green space and parking. Some of the services that would be offered were a tenant program, credit counseling, health care on site, tenant activities, computer labs, literacy and job training. The project would be financed via a first mortgage amount of $2,280,000, tax credits in the amount of $18,474,000 and deferred developers fee of $82,000. The construction costs were anticipated to be $1,972,000 for the land and with $13,020,000 for hard costs and $5,844,000 in soft costs. There would be 56 townhome units in total. There would be 28 each of two and three bedroom units. The sales price for a two bedroom would be $195K and the three bedroom would be $225K. The net profit from townhomes would be 1,346,820. Mr. Dyal spoke about Community Housing Workforce Innovation Pilot Program (CWHIP). The application cycle opens in January and funding awards were announced in March. If they applied to CWHIP and were funded they could get moving with home ownership quickly. They could also layer that funding with LISC and SHIP. If CWHIP was not available they would look to use HOME, SHOP and SHIP. If funded, construction could start in 2009 with residents inhabiting the dwellings at the end of 2009, at best case scenario for the rentals. The townhomes, with CWHIP subsidies, could be constructed within the year 2009. Mr. McCray inquired how much funding could be sought. Mr. Dyal explained they could apply for everything, and do so all at once. Additionally, this was a family development that could also accommodate seniors. The units were not designed the same way as a senior development, but the units would be handicapped accessible. The club house would have a pool, clubhouse and tot lot, fitness center, computer lab, usually leasing office also. 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 American Realty Development has been a corporate entity for 2.5 years and they succeeded Windover Housing Developer, who had been in business for over 20 years. Chair Taylor inquired if the CWHIP funds were not awarded, whether they had the financial capability to complete the project. Mr. Dyal responded there were other financing vehicles, but they needed assistance to make it affordable to residents and had to have the tax credit financing. They had a backup plan and, if unsuccessful on the rental side, they were still fine on the home ownership side. Additionally, they could alter the plan if needed to accommodate more rental or home ownership. Also, in the RFP, their intention on the rental side was to develop and lease the development to full occupancy, and then turn ownership over to the CDC and convey it as an asset as sole general partner. They would the withdraw. Mr. Dyal explained doing so helped them with capacity building and would allow local community development corporations to develop their own properties for capacity on the non profit side. They would negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding and they would receive equity for participating. Some subsidies could be added. Their major role would be on the home ownership side and for every unit they sold, they would be compensated. He has not seen the MOU, but the basic concept was very fair. Lloyd Boggio, CEO of Carlisle Development Group, announced their proposal was different from the other proposals. He explained their proposal was an all rental development with 148 units consisting of 116 two bedroom two bath and 32 three bedroom two bath units. The financing was the same as that used by American Realty Group and they would use the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, (LIHTC). They would not be doing any home ownership. He announced he was a general partner of over i2K units in Florida, with 3K presently under construction. They were proud of their ability to access that financing. They would have no interest in the development if they could not get tax credit funding. He explained affordable housing cannot be built with conventional housing and that LIHTC is used throughout the country. They were the first tax credit development in the nation to provide housing for youth exiting the foster care system. Mr. Boggio related they were the first developer to create multi-development partnership with nationally recognized charitable organizations such as Camillus House and YMCA. They were the first for profit developer of supportive services housing. They were the first for-profit tax credit developer to successfully develop in the Florida Keys. They were the only for-profit developer to build for the homeless and the first for tax credits in the Florida Keys for the last fifteen years. They were working in 23 counties 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 in much of the State and were constructing three story wood frame houses and high rises in Broward. The Ocean Breeze site plan did not have on street parking. The units would be two stories in the front and three stories in the back. They constructed 71 of these developments starting in 1994. There would be a clubhouse, exercise and computer rooms, a large playground and play and recreation areas. They would provide services and make the units become equity residential properties. The proposal was only rental units on both sides. Mr. Weiland inquired about the timeframe was for funding. The applications would be submitted in February and they would be notified in July if awarded and receive official notice in September. They would break ground in the first quarter of 2009 and begin leasing in late summer of 2009. Mr. McKoy noted the company scored low in adherence to the HOB plan. Mr. Boggio who unable to account for the score. The developer would manage the property with an on-site office. The firm has 154 employees in their management firm. He explained the units were conventionally financed. He personally signs the guarantee on the mortgage to the state, and personal guarantees to those investing in the tax credits, agreeing to stay affordable for the life of the agreement (50 years). They would manage up until the point a non profit partner would take it over. Right now the tax credits and obligations ran longer than 15 years. Mr. Weiland was concerned with the project being all rental. He explained the City had public housing operated by the government. Mr. Boggio explained this project was privately owned and operated via a program created in 1986 to enlist private developers to build affordable housing. The tax credits were then created and would go to the developer who would build it, and own and operate it. He explained if they charge the rents mandated and kept it affordable for the term, they would get the tax credit. (Mr. McCray left the dais at 8:230 p.rn.) There was discussion on the HOB Plan wanting rental on one side and home ownership on the other. Whether to disqualify the developer because they were not offering home ownership was also discussed. Mr. Boggio explained the difference between building different types of affordable housing. One ongoing project that closely resembled this area was the Tall Man Pines project in Delray Beach. There was a single- family aspect to the project with a non-profit partner handling that portion. The property was situated on an 11 acre parcel with 200 rental units and 42 Single-family 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 units. That project was currently under construction and would begin leasing early next year. Of the 42 homes, four were affordable and 38 were market-rate units. There were no other questions. (Mr. McCray returned to the dais at 8:23 p.m.) II. Recommendation by Selection Committee III. Board Selection Mr. Weiland noted that when it was agreed to go out for proposals, it was thought there would be three responses. He thought they should move forward and make a decision. He indicated he would love to see 100% home ownership and recognized many apartments were going condo conversion. There was a lack of affordable rentals. The second presenter did not adhere to the HOB Plan. He explained home ownership must be in the proposal for people to invest in the community and have a vested interest. Mr. McCray commented the proposalS did not call for all rental units and he was not in favor of having another Boynton Terrace. He thought the first proposer did due diligence. Attorney Doody, advised there was a legal distinction between single-family ownership and home ownership. He asked for clarification on what was being offered. American Realty explained the home ownership portion were townhomes and were attached. They were not single-family detached homes. Chair Taylor did not feel all rental units were appropriate and requested American Realty explain about the services they would provide. (Vice Chair Rodriguez left the dais at 8:29 p.m.) Mr. Dyal responded when a non-profit group is engaged, they provide job training, similar to the welfare to work programs and others that would be of benefit to the residents. When application for the tax credits is made, a list of services is provided to them to select from. American Realty explained they do not manage the property. The homeownership would be turned over to a community land trust and homeowners association to manage. (Mr. McKoy left the dais and Vice Chair Rodriguez returned to the dais at 8:31 p.m.) 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Representatives from the R.M. Lee CDC, the Neighborhood Renaissance and the Boynton Beach Faith Based CDC were present. Mr. Weiland had questions regarding the homeowner not owning the land and how a problem under the foundation would be handled The homeowner and whatever contractor guarantees they had on the home would ultimately be responsible. A community land trust would be a vehicle that enters into a 99 year ground lease. The non-profit owns the land and the homeowner would have the use of the land. (Mr. McKoy returned to the dais at 8:33 p.m.) The land trust owns the land and the homeowner owns the home and has the right to the land. There is a minimal nominal fee paid to the land trust. With affordable housing, there is a unique mechanism there. There is a fiduciary relationship with the homeowner. Non-profits have a zero foreclosure rate. The land trust helps them to provide continuous contact with the homeowner. There are benefits to having a community land trust which provides additional support and training to make successful homeowners. With a co-op you own a share, and everything owned in common. A land trust model is straight forward. National studies by the Lincoln Land Institute showed land trusts were very successful with resale of units because they maintain their resale values. The Burlington Land Trust has hundred of units, that over time resold and they graduate first time home buyers to market rate homes and it keeps the housing ladder moving. There would be two transactions which could occur simultaneously when purchasing a unit associated with a land trust. (Mr. Weiland left the dais at 8:37 p.m.) They have 14 brand new homes in West Palm Beach that were involved with a land trust. They have had no trouble with conventional lenders, and worked with Wachovia, Washington Mutual, Bank Atlantic, Harris Bank and others. Fannie Mae also accepts the program as a product and the units are not difficult for resale. Vice Chair Rodriguez asked what happened when it was near the end of the 99 year lease and whether the ground lease had to be renewed. The owner did not have to renew the lease. The mission of a non-profit was defined by the IRS and in the corporate papers. The 99-year lease was a legal issue. Neighborhood Renaissance indicated they would be happy to work with staff to make a formal presentation and be able to answer more thoroughly any questions they may have. 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 There was discussion the land trust would have to be back to the board as a negotiating tool. (Mr. Weiland returned at 8:42 p.m.) Motion Mr. McCray moved to award the project to American Realty Development. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that passed unanimously. B. Consideration of Amendments to Residential Improvement Grant Program Chair Taylor recalled the board had brought up amendments recommended to be expanded to the entire CRA District. Ms Brooks highlighted some of the amendments were to require all applicants to provide a Statement of Net Worth Form, Statement of Insurance and other miscellaneous changes as contained in the staff report. Mr. Weiland indicated there had been a previous grant award pertaining to a landlord that was removed; the discussion had been they would give the award if a statement of net worth to determine whether the applicant/landlord truly needed the assistance was submitted. Otherwise they would review the requests on a case by case. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Consideration to Change Board Travel Policy Chair Taylor reviewed the item and discussion followed whether the board should approve travel for the individual members. Mr. McKoy felt it should be left up to each member to decide if it was a conference or event that would enhance their knowledge. Mr. Weiland expressed some members were term limited but thought taking a trip one month before the end of term was not beneficial. Chair Taylor clarified the arrangements had been made and at the last minute something came up. The member was asked to fill in since the conference fees had been paid. Mr. Weiland was not discussing individuals, only situations as to whether that should be permissible. 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL October 9. 2007 Mr. McKoy responded the Chair explained the money had already been spent and he volunteered his time. He was offended. Vice Chair Rodriguez asked what was the purpose of the item. Chair Taylor explained the issue was whether any travel should come before the board for approval in total. To keep things clean and above board, the board would consider whether to approve travel, to approve the expense or if each member should approve their own travel. Ms. Bright outlined the procedures in 2005. The board collectively made a decision on those types of issues. They know what industry conferences are beneficial ahead of time. The conference travel request form and the Chair and Vice Chair approve anyone's travel including their own, but it usually is put on the agenda under consent agenda. If they don't want to use the budget as the guiding document, staff needs to know that to bring it back under consent. Motion Vice Chair Rodriguez moved to approve the revised travel policy so that it comes before the board. Weiland seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Motion Mr. McKoy moved to approve the Chairs travel. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. X. Comments by Staff Ms. Bright referenced the downtown master plan, and advised they were currently following the 2006 parking plan which would provide for over 2K spaces. Mr. McCray explained he was approached and the item needed to be discussed. Attorney Doody advised he met with Auburn Group on a draft development agreement on the MLK corridor and they indicated a draft would be available in 10 days. In about two weeks they could negotiate in earnest with them. XI. Comments by Executive Director Mr. McCray announced he was term limited and thanked all for serving them and the boa rd. 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Boynton Beach, FL october 9.2007 Vice Chair Rodriguez acknowledged Messrs. McCray and McKoy and thanked them for taking responsibility and for their diligence. Chair Taylor encouraged the CRA to use Boynton Beach businesses whenever possible. Mr. McKoy indicated he enjoyed working with staff, Mr. McCray and the board. XII. Comments by CRA Board Attorney None. XIII. Comments by CRA Board None. XIV. Adjournment There being no further business before the board, there was consensus to adjourn at 8:58 p.m. (i . (Jh.l1J) -J<iuJwUlttrl\\ Catherine Cher~-Guberman Recording Secretary 101007 17 1"ld C.ove AssocIatIon Dear Chairman Taylor and Board Members: October 9,2007 Federal Highway is not only the gateway to the city from both the north and the south, but also, in many ways, the face of Boynton Beach. Unfortunately, it is an ugly duckling. Much effort has been expended to encourage redevelopment along Federal Highway, but none of it directed toward the one thing that would have the most profound effect - improving Federal Highway itself. Improvement has never been given serious consideration. It has been mentioned in terms of "it would be nice if' or, even worse, by the short-sighted in terms of "we can't afford to do it." We can't afford not to do it, that is, if Boynton Beach is ever going to become the place we've all been working for it to become. Gateway Boulevard east of 1-95 is the model. Government improved the street then property owners improved their properties. Today Gateway is a transformed street because beautifYing the street triggered private investment. The same result would occur on Federal Highway but with a big bonus. The private investment engendered would be redevelopment with a huge TIP potential which would fmance other CRA projects. At your September meeting, the eventual need for a bond issue to accomplish the improvement of Seacrest Boulevard, a residential street, was mentioned. We support this project; it will improve the neighborhoods fronting it, and neighborhood improvement is one of the things we stand for. However, because Federal Highway is a gateway to the city, the face of the city, and a TIF generator that could fund the Seacrest project, it must be the first priority. We feel that this is a propitious time to develop a plan. There are opportunities in place and on the horizon that could mitigate the expense of the undertaking. We recognize some fact finding about costs, engineering and construction considerations, scheduling, etc. is necessary before a plan can even be discussed. Therefore, we respectfully request that you instruct CRA Staff to meet with City Staff, DOT, FPL, AT&T, FEC, Adelphia, et aI, concerning burying utilities, minimizing train whistles, landscaping, etc. to obtain sufficient information to develop a preliminary plan for your evaluation. We would be happy to assist in any way that we can. A city's identity and character are defined by its downtown. Please take this first step to change Federal Highway from an ugly duckling to a beautiful, TIP generating swan. Sincerely, ::t~ ~~ Lulu DaCamara President, INCA