Minutes 08-07-08
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 7,2008,
AT 6:00 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Jerry Taylor, Chair
Jose Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Woodrow Hay
Marlene Ross
Ron Weiland
Lisa Bright, Executive Director
James Cherof, Board Attorney
I. Call to Order - Chairman Jerry Taylor
Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. Pledge to the Flag and Invocation
Mr. Hay gave the invocation and Ms. Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
III. Roll Call
The above members were noted as present.
Susan Harris, Finance Director, explained the board had previously discussed the
impact of tax reform on the budget for the next fiscal year. She explained the TIF funds
they received for this fiscal year totaled $9.5M. In the new budget year it would be
$8.3M, a reduction of $1.2M. Staff would be looking to the board where to adjust or cut
program allocations.
Ms. Harris prefaced her comments by saying they reviewed what they expect TIF
revenues to be in the next four years. The projections showed TIF funds without new
construction at:
./ $8.3M for Fiscal Year 08/09
./ $7.8M for Fiscal Year 09/10
./ $7.9M for Fiscal Year 10/11
./ $8.3M for Fiscal Year 11/12
./ $8.7M for Fiscal Year 12/13
The figures with new construction would be different. It was noted there was no new
construction for fiscal years 08/09 and 09/10, and most construction would occur
between 2010 and 2013. The revenue generated in 2010 and 2011 from new
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Community Redevelopment Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
August7,2008
construction would be $3.2M, in 2011/12 it would be $3.3M and in 2012/2013 it would
be $3.4M.
The numbers were anticipated to change, but the current numbers represented their
best estimate. The CRA assessed valuation figures were lower than the City's
valuations. Part of the rationale for the budget deficit pertained to the impact of not
having the southern properties in the CRA District amounting to $492K. Additionally,
doubling the homestead exemption for some individuals reduced the revenue as did a
correction on the assessed valuations for all residential and condominium units in Palm
Beach County. The Property Appraiser did not reassess commercial or industrial
properties, which impacted the revenues in addition to the market decline. The CRA
only had two revenue sources which were the City, about 60% and the County which
provided about 40%.
The $8.3M TIF revenue had some allocations in terms of debt service and other items.
There were contracts with the City for projects and services. There was an existing
contract with Burkhardt for maintenance for hardscapes and landscapes on Boynton
Beach Boulevard for $110K The CRA also pays the City about $40K for monthly
maintenance and needed repairs. The CRA wanted to reduce that cost in the next year
to $50K because they felt they could make the repairs on an as needed basis and for
less than what they pay Burkhardt.
The CRA Police Program had a $100K reduction.
The City-wide events were allocated for $451 K, which was the total cost of the events
and the personnel costs. It was explained in prior years, the costs were shared with the
City; however, last year the City discontinued funding those events.
The Federal lobbyist fee was a shared expense with the City. The CRA, in light, of the
economic environment, felt the service was not needed. Additionally, they felt the State
lobbyist service should also be discontinued.
An Interlocal Agreement with the City for Human Resource services was used very little.
The cost was approximately $6K and it was used only for recruitment which was
included in the agreement. It was suggested the commensurate cost for the service be
added to the Benefits Interlocal Agreement and the Human Resources Agreement
discontinued.
There was further discussion about the Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension
maintenance contract. The net proceeds of Bond 1 were $18M. The CRA paid $9M for
the construction of the extension and the Promenade plus the purchase of some
property known as the Hall Property which needed to be made a whole parcel to allow
the construction. The debt service on that was $637K per year. When the project was
constructed, the title to the property was turned over to the City and the CRA only pays
for the maintenance and repair.
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The 4th Street roadway improvements and the MLK corridor had no expense in this
fiscal year, but would have an expense next fiscal year. The CRA had been carrying
$1.8M for the 4th Street project in their fund balance since the Interlocal Agreement was
issued, which was prior to the current Executive Director. The $1.3M for the MLK
properties the City was anticipating payment on, would be made in the next year also.
These were contractual obligations.
Mr. Weiland noted the properties on MLK were acquired from the County as tax lien
properties at a cost of about $60K. It was noted those funds were already included in
the City Budget. The CRA had anticipated $492K in revenues from the Federal Highway
Corridor properties being included in the CRA district.
The Budget Highlights were reviewed as follows:
The TIF revenues were reduced $1.2M, (11%) for the Marina. The CRA was moving
forward with the marina construction through a county grant for its renovation. Some
tenants would be moved and rental income would be decreased as a result of the
construction.
Overall there was a 12% reduction in revenue in the upcoming budget year.
The CRA reduced its administrative expenses by $125K which included salaries,
benefits and administrative expenses for all its departments. The reduction included a
4% COLA for staff only. These include membership fees and travel. Only travel for
career benefit purposes would be covered. The account was reduced approximately
$27K.
Vice Chair Rodriguez pointed out the City eliminated 50 positions, Palm Beach County
School Teachers will not receive any increases, nor will the Delray Beach CRA Staff.
The total of the COLA was about $20K. It was noted one position was terminated
resulting in a reduction of about $40K. The City and other entities made sacrifices. It
was noted the City allocated 2% for COLA and 1.5% for merit increases because of
Union contracts. Ms. Bright explained they do not receive pensions and they based it on
what HR advised them.
There was discussion about the TIF revenues for 08/09. Ms. Harris explained two
figures were represented because the CRA anticipated having to refund some TIF
funds.
Further discussion about the $20K for raises for eight employees was discussed. Ms.
Harris explained it was 4% of whatever the current salary was and she distributed a
listing of employee costs. Vice Chair Rodriguez noted the Delray Beach CRA budget
was three times as large as this budget and their salary expenses, including the
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Executive Director, was nearly $50K less. The members wanted to revisit the raise
issue.
The CRA reduced their General Operating Expenses in the General Fund by 17%.
These items having reduced budgets were legal fees, marina revenue, lobbying costs
and professional service consultant fees. Overall the CRA would have reduced
expenses in the general fund by 15%. Personnel costs, as a percent of the total general
fund, were nearly 7.4%. .
Budget projections were reviewed. Total revenues and other funding sources are
$14.2M for 08/09. Adjustments needed to be made in current projects and programs
due to a loss of $1.6M. Ms. Harris explained if they were going to work on the projects,
they needed to transfer the funds out of Other Funding Sources. She explained they
also have obligations they have to meet. She reduced fixed operating expenses in the
general fund by 2.5% and in the outgoing years, it was increased by 5%. She removed
the operating expense for the marina. This left a balance of nearly $3.4M. Ms. Harris
suggested the projects and programs be reviewed for adjustments.
The members believed the 4th Street improvements would experience a lot of
development, which did not happen. The CRA's expenditures were for landscape and
beautification, which the plan currently did not cover rather, most of the work would be
for utility improvements. Chair Taylor thought the project could be deferred.
Additionally, he explained they agreed to pay for some design work.
Mr. Weiland explained he received complaints from residents. The design and
engineering plans were ready, but the City would not move forward with the project
because of the 500 Ocean Project. Back in 2002 and 2003, it was a City project and he
wondered why the CRA was paying for it.
Kurt Bressner, City Manager, explained the project was ready to go out to bid and in
2006, the former CRA board entered into an agreement with the City for $1.8M. Ms.
Brooks explained the CRA met with Paul Fleming for clarification of documents they
received. Mr. Fleming indicated the cost of the project would be $4.7M with overages
up to $5.2M. The CRA explained the costs would change. Mr. Bressner explained the
cost the CRA was obligated to pay under the contract was $1.8M. In October of 2006,
the CRA authorized a reduction in the scope of the contract to reduce streetlights, which
would decrease the amount by $500K. The CRA approved that change, and now the
contract price was $1.2M. The amount the CRA has to pay is still $1.8M.
Mr. Bressner expressed the project should go forward because there are stormwater,
utility and drainage improvements needed. The project was moving through the design
phase and the final engineering was completed in February of 2008. Mr. Bressner did
not mind making a recommendation to the City Commission that the CRA share of this
project be reduced to $1.1 M based on the elimination of costs that were eliminated.
The actual cost was $1,123,000. He suggested, because TIF revenues were lagging, to
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defer the CRA's expense to the City until their Fiscal Year 2011, which frees up $1.8M
from the budget, and covered the $1.6M deficit. He emphasized the project must move
forward because the water and sewer improvements must be made. Ms. Bright also
explained the CRA's share of the cost was offset by a subsidy from Commissioner
McCarty in the amount of $300K earmarked for the project.
Mr. Bressner explained he had not spoke with Mr. Fleming and would like to further
review the matter and the grant. Ms. Bright explained the funds from Commissioner
McCarty were from Gas Tax monies and was closed out. Originally the project scope
presented to the board was from 4th Street from Ocean to 12th Street. The project
currently extended to Boynton Isles.
Mr. Bressner explained the Interlocal Agreement in 2006 allocated $250K to roadway
and service improvements. The rest of the CRA's share was for stormwater and
irrigation $500K, water mains $5K, power poles $200K and the street lighting $536K.
the street lighting component of the agreement was removed. The agreement had a
fairly minimal amount that was approved by the CRA and City Commission for
landscaping. It is a project the CRA had authorized the $1.8M of work, and much of the
work was necessary infrastructure work to support the development and redevelopment
of the property. It was not just about landscaping and streetscaping. It was about
providing the infrastructure to support the redevelopment in the core area of the Central
Business District. Mr. Bressner recommended, although no development was presently
occurring, they put in the needed infrastructure and it was unwise to undersize the
utilities for the area. The areas added for reuse was added to the City's tab and the
CRA's responsibility remained the same as specified in the contract.
The members discussed Boynton Isles was added to the project under the City's CIP
budget and the City's water reuse program also occurring along Federal Highway. The
CRA budget projections showed a shortfall in 2011. It would not be known if deferring
the cost to 2011 was beneficial until they conducted an analysis of the MLK Boulevard
and whether they went forward with a Master Developers Agreement with Auburn
Group. Phase I would be completed approximately 2011 and 2012 and the upfront
funds in the second phase were $6M. Ms. Bright thought if the CRA were in a position
to bond in 2011, they could budget the remainder and they would allocate the $800K
balance and the City agreed to accept the $300K gas tax fund grant this year.
The members discussed the CRA office. Currently the CRA rented the space and could
get a mortgage in the future. That mortgage amount was removed.
The Homeowners Assistance Program was revIewed. The members moved $200K
from the budget.
Special Events were reviewed. The events and associated budgets were:
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./ The Holiday Extravaganza which was $170K and included the holiday parade,
the tree lighting and the concert.
./ The Boat Parade was about $5K.
./ The Fourth of July event was $75K including the fireworks and the barge.
There was brief discussion if the CRA would receive a credit from the vendor. Ms.
Bright explained the board direction was to have a better event next year.
./ Oceanfront Park Concerts - $15K (five concerts at $3K) which the CRA was
trying to get underwritten because the location was outside of the CRA district.
./ The main concert in Heritage Fest was eliminated saving $5K
./ All the events at the Sims Center with the Exception of Family Day were
eliminated.
./ The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce seed money for a new event, a Cuban Art
Show was $15K and was eliminated.
Mr. Weiland preferred to see as many events as possible be underwritten and the
balance split with the City. He explained they were City-wide events and wanted to see
the event costs split with the City. Vice Chair Rodriguez disagreed and preferred to see
those funds used towards housing. He explained comments will be made that jobs
were eliminated, but the City has a parade. Mr. Weiland felt they could not cut the
entire event budget.
The Community Caring Center had requested support in the amount of $200K which
was not addressed. There was discussion about moving funds for 4th Street, but it was
noted next year's budget would be worse. Ms. Bright explained if the board was
committed to the MLK project, they would have a bigger deficit.
Ms. Adelsperger noted events generate redevelopment. It draws residents to an area.
Ms. Bright requested the 4th Street project be completed by the spring of 2009 and the
City could cover the CRAs portion of the cost until 2011. If nothing was encumbered for
next year, the CRA would not be able to meet their obligations to Auburn, unless
Auburn would consider deferring the project for another year.
Tom Hinners, Auburn Group, explained whether they commence construction or not
was contingent on the progress of the rezoning. It could move the initial phase back one
year. The financial markets would be better. The company was acquiring parcels now
but would need assurances the funding they needed would be there. The land the City
owned was not needed by Auburn until he received his funding from the State, and they
would need an agreement. If the first phase was moved back a year, the CRA would be
buying the land and holding it until they received their tax credits. It could be deferred
because the developer would not need the land for 18 to 24 months.
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August7,2008
Mr. Bressner explained when the issue was discussed, the $1.3M was based on an
estimate of current market value. He was surprised when he reviewed the proposed
CRA budget that they would get paid $65K. It was in contrast to the policy
recommendation of the board in May. Staff keeps coming back to this point. The City
based their budget on assurances given to the City, that the funds would be available.
The Professional Services budget was discussed. The marina redesign was $2M for
construction. The project was at the conceptual level, not construction drawings, which
were much more money. Staff reduced the funds from $900K to $500K, because they
did not anticipate any large projects. It was unknown if they would need to hire an
architect or engineer. Vice Chair Rodriguez suggested further reductions down to
$300K.
Ms. Bright noted the Southern Trolley Route and police would have cuts. The Police
are not in the downtown Master Plan until 2013. The agreement with the Police will be
changed because they are not allowed to purchase vehicles or bike equipment and
their budget included another vehicle. There were many items up for grabs.
Vice Chair Rodriguez was interested in seeing the rationale behind the numbers.
Discussion followed about deferring the 4th Street costs; however, Vice Mayor
Rodrigeuz was not in favor of doing so and believed the economic climate would
continue to worsen next year. The trolley service was considered for further reductions.
There were 383 riders per day in the n'orthern route. Ms. Bright suggested eliminating
$15K for events, the seed money for a Cuban Art Show and Professional Services
would be reduced to $300K.
Mr. Bressner explained until he saw the terms of the grant for 4th Street and whether it
required the scope of the project be changed and additional costs incurred there would
be no savings. He also indicated if it required the City to add components to the project
that were not currently in the project, they should not apply those dollars. After
discussion, it was decided the CRA would pay the $1,123,394 for the 4th Street project
and $1.3M for land on MLK this year.
The other areas with cost adjustments were finalized as follows:
)0> Eliminate the 211 East Ocean expenses of $750K
)0> Removed $200K from the Homebuyers Assistance Program
)0> Eliminate the requested support items for $480K (purchase Community Caring
Center Land on 4th Street, Community Caring Center Building purchase, the
Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History Purchase of Land and the Green
Market.
)0> Professional Services budget reduced by $200K
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~ Eliminate $15K from Special Events for the Cuban Art Show
Ms. Bright explained the CRA is not legally required to have a second budget hearing,
and the regular CRA has been moved to September 2, 2008 after the City Commission
meeting. She would like to bring back the balanced budget at that time.
Ms. Harris explained she would make the changes to the budget for the general fund
and project fund. She would redistribute the revised budget to the members and call to
ensure they had no issues.
There was board consensus to allow the staff increases to remain. Mr. Bressner
inquired about the disposition of the Old High School if it would remain in the City or the
CRA. It was explained that item was contained in the general fund and the item would
be addressed in October. There was a question on the travel line item costs; however,
the number was not available. Ms. Harris would email the information to Vice Mayor
Rodriguez.
Ms. Harris explained this fiscal year she attended the financial software annual
conference training session and the Florida Government Finance Officers Association
and the Government Finance Officers Association because they were in Florida. She
would only attend one conference going forward for professional purposes, as would the
other departments.
Ms. Bright also pointed out there were no discretionary funds for the board this
upcoming year.
Adiournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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Catherine Cherry :.
Recording Secretary
080708
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