Minutes 11-10-09
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009 AT 6:30 PM
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FL
PRESENT:
Jerry Taylor, Chair Lisa Bright, Executive Director
Woodrow Hay, Vice Chair Jim Cherof, Board Attorney
Jose Rodriguez
Marlene Ross
Ron Weiland
I. Call to Order -
Chairman Jerry Taylor
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. Pledge to the Flag and Invocation
Vice Chair Hay offered the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. Roll Call
The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was present.
IV. Agenda Approval:
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda
Mr. Rodriguez recalled a previous discussion regarding an action tracker of downtown activities.
Ms. Bright agreed to bring some type of tracker to the next meeting.
Mr. Rodriguez requested an update regarding the Heart of Boynton/Downtown Committee. Ms.
Bright reported the Community Committee met just before the October meeting. Some Board
members were present. Since only notes were taken, she indicated she would forward them. A
representative from one of the groups was not pleased with the decisions made by the
Community Redevelopment Agency Board regarding Martin Luther King Drive. The staff was
currently implementing the Board approved $1.6 million program from May 10th and although
some of the items were on the agenda she agreed to provide further information if it was the
consensus of the Board. The meetings were not held regularly. Mr. Rodriguez requested a
regular report.
The meetings were for staff to inform the Committee what the Board was doing and receive
input. If there was an issue for staff to bring back to the Board, staff would do so. The meetings
were open to the public and Board members were welcome to attend.
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Ms. Bright recalled staff was already publicly noticing the meetings and the notice and agendas
were provided to the Board members. A brief overview would be provided to the Board. The
last meeting; however, was only noticed three days before the meeting. It was noted the
meeting was packed. Statistically, 2.3 meetings were held per month to provide input. One
individual was unhappy with the progress the Board made, and the notes will be provided.
Chair Taylor would make an announcement on the Florida Redevelopment Association Awards
under Announcements, Item C.
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
Mr. Weiland moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that
unanimously passed.
V. Announcements & Awards:
.
AHoliday Extravaganza
Ms. Biscuit announced December 5, 2009 was the Holiday Extravaganza. The parade will take
place on Federal Highway from SE 12th to Ocean Avenue. Information was forthcoming where
the Board members would meet for the parade. At approximately 6:30 p.m., after the parade,
the tree, menorah and kwanza displays would be lighted. Singer Gloria Gaynor would perform
afterwards. Food and drink vendors would be available. Pets were not allowed and trolley
service would be provided continuously from the Bank of America on Ocean and Federal
Highway to the concert site. Anyone with a convertible was asked to contact the Community
Redevelopment Agency to participate in the parade. Fire engines would be in the parade as
well.
B. Holiday Boat Parade
The following Friday, December 11, 2009, was the Annual Boat Parade, commencing at the
Boynton Inlet, travelling south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. Food and drink vendors
would be available. No pets were allowed and members were reminded the evenings get chilly
and to bring a coat. Chuck Magazine, Risk Manager, Tim Burger, WIRK, a member from the
Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the boating industry would judge the event.
C. Florida Redevelopment Association Awards
Chair Taylor travelled to Orlando on October 29, 2009 to be recognized by the Florida
Redevelopment Association. The organization issues a 2009 Best book, which ranks
achievements of the various Community Redevelopment Agencies. This year there were 147
submissions. Chair Taylor read from the publication, which disclosed the criteria used to select
the award winners. The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency received the Best
of the Best Award – the President’s Award in the State of Florida. The Community
Redevelopment Agency was also recognized in two other categories – the Special Event
category and for the “Out of the Box” category, which was the dumpster beautification project.
Chair Taylor congratulated staff.
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Vice Chair Hay commented the members attended the 100th Anniversary at the Woman’s Club,
which was very well done. The Board had a table; however, some members did not attend. He
urged the members let others know if they plan on attending the event up front, rather than have
a table for 10 with only four people seated. Taxpayer dollars paid for the table. It was noted
Ms. Ross emailed staff she had a prior commitment three weeks earlier.
D. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes - CRA Board Meeting October 13, 2009
B. Approval of Period Ended October 31, 2009 Financial Report
C. Monthly Procurement Purchase Orders
D. Consideration of Funding $225 to Habitat for Humanity for Trolley Tour of Heart
of Boynton Neighborhood
Motion
Ms. Ross moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that
unanimously passed.
E. Pulled Consent Agenda Items:
None.
F. Information Only:
A. CRA Policing Activity Report for the Month of October 2009 and District Statistics
for the Months of September and October 2009
B. Public Comment Log Monthly Update
.
C CRA Media
There were no comments received.
G. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to 3 minutes in duration)
Chair Taylor opened the floor to public comments.
Barbara Ready,
329 SW 13th Avenue, spoke about the Old High School. She distributed an
email regarding the 2011 Historical Preservation Grant from the Florida Department of State
and requested the Community Redevelopment Agency allocate $25,000 for the matching grant.
It was hoped the City Commission would also fund $25,000. The funds would be used to hire a
professional to determine what needed to be done to update the Old High School and to
underwrite the cost of the Historic Preservation Program they would like to implement.
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She also discussed the Downtown Master Plan. As a former member of the Steering
Committee, she advised the plan met the community’s aspirations. The City recently received
responses to an RFP it issued and only one of the respondents submitted plans that conformed
to the plan. She requested the Community Redevelopment Agency uphold its mission statement
and embrace the proposal.
The grant applications would be reviewed March 22 and 23, 2010 and the deadline was
December 18th; however, the City Commission did not have the funds to do so. It was also
requested Ms. Bright review the four proposals and lengthy discussion ensued whether it would
be appropriate for Ms. Bright to do so at this time. Mr. Rodriguez put it on record the Board had
no interest in receiving a recommendation from Ms. Bright on the proposal that was on the table
for the City Commission.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved that the Board request the Executive Director evaluate the RFP that
addressed the Downtown Master Plan and give a recommendation to this Board and the City
Commission. The motion died for lack of a second.
Victoria Castello,
406 S. Seacrest, expressed her displeasure with the Board and requested
the Community Redevelopment Agency adhere to its Vision Plan.
Chair Taylor closed the floor to public comments.
H. Old Business:
a. Consideration of Termination of Lease with Boynton Waterways
Vivian Brooks, Assistant Director, explained the item was a formality. The Community
Redevelopment Agency entered into a lease for the property at 222 N. Federal Highway with
Boynton Waterways, a.k.a. The Promenade, to keep their sales trailer on site. The lease
terminated in April but the trailer remained and they were paying rent. This created a tax liability
for the Community Redevelopment Agency. Staff was recommending the Board formally sever
the lease agreement. The developer was formally notified and agreed to end the lease. The
Community Redevelopment Agency would recapture the monies it paid in taxes by not paying
the developer the commensurate amount of TIF incentives.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to terminate the lease with an effective date prior to December 1, 2009.
Ms. Ross seconded the motion.
The Community Redevelopment Agency would have to pay taxes for 2009, but the amount
should be zero for 2010. Plans for the property would be discussed in the next agenda item.
Vote
There was a vote on the motion that unanimously passed.
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b. Adoption of Resolution Deeding Certain Portions of 222 N. Federal to the
City for Public Right-of-Way
Ms. Brooks explained in October 2002, when the Community Redevelopment Agency
purchased the property, it was much larger. The design of the Boynton Beach Boulevard
Extension took a portion of the property (the Relax Inn site). Through an interlocal agreement,
staff was to draft a deed giving that portion to the City for the public right-of-way; however, it
never occurred. Had it been drafted, it would have had a lower assessed value. This item was
to correct the oversight from the prior director.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to approve the resolution and approve the execution of the Quit Claim
Deed transferring the property identified in Quit Claim Deed from the Community
Redevelopment Agency to the City. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
Ms. Brooks explained under the Direct Incentive from the TIF funds, the Agency was required to
file a Value Adjustment Board hearing request, which was done. The oversight was discovered
while staff was researching the issue. A new survey was obtained and they received a
reduction of 26% of the assessed valuation of the property for 2009, or about a $5,700 refund
on the taxes for 2009.
I. New Business:
a. Consideration of Issuing an RFP for Eight Single-Family Lots in HOB
Ms. Brooks explained when the item was discussed with the community regarding what they
wanted to have, and plans were floated to the community regarding the Martin Luther King
corridor. Over the years, the Community Redevelopment Agency acquired land both on the
corridor and on 9th and 11th in preparation for the massive redevelopment. The Treasure Coast
Regional Planning Council had studied how much retail the corridor could hold. It did not
exceed 40,000 square feet. The Heart of Boynton Plan had two small sections zoned C-2
Commercial at Seacrest and MLK and Federal Highway and MLK. They had eight lots that
were not commercial, nor were they recommended to be commercial in the plan. If the Board
desired, the lots could be developed as new single-family infill housing. Staff brought the item
forward for the Board’s consideration.
The members discussed ownership of some of the nearby lots. When developing the area,
there had been discussion that three to five acres was needed for a phase I development. Vice
Chair Hay understood staff was land banking until such time as they could develop the strip
from Seacrest and MLK to a portion of 9th on the east side of St. John Missionary Baptist
Church. With the land the Community Redevelopment Agency owned, plus the Roberts
property, the little church’s property, the five lots, plus what the City owned, there would be a
large parcel. It was thought there would be development, but not single-family housing. Vice
Chair Hay thought the concept of land banking should be continued until the market turned
around. He did not think it was prudent to give it up now. Larry Finkelstein had stopped the
development. The Board had declined to purchase two of the “King” properties in May at
$50,000 each. Mr. Finkelstein subsequently purchased the lots. Through the Community
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Committee, the Community Redevelopment Agency staff was attempting to purchase the
Vilamarin property; however, the Committee did not want staff to purchase the property.
Ms. Bright explained one of the challenges was the community’s frustration in that they did not
get the commercial development and they needed the depth of those lots to accommodate
some serious type of development. Additionally, since Mr. Finkelstein paid $70,000 for the lots,
and they did not have the depth for the development needed, members of the community
expressed frustration nothing was happening. Additionally, the Community Redevelopment
Agency would now have to pay a minimum of $70,000 plus a profit for those two lots. Staff’s
appraisal came in at $50,000 and the Board was not interested in purchasing those lots for
what was being asked. When staff doesn’t purchase the land, it creates issues and in the
future, the Board would have to deal with Mr. Finkelstein.
Ms. Brooks noted they were obtaining a survey for the north side of MLK to 1st and there was
an interested party looking to put retail there. The party was interested in about 20,000 square
feet of retail space. The Roberts and the Church properties could have small retail space that
could be used for incubator space. Staff could transition small operators from the Small
Business Development Program they are starting in January. The full amount of parking spaces
would not be required because MLK has a 50% parking reduction allowance. Part of the retail
would be a grocery store, which would assist staff in obtaining tax credits, and bolster the
Ocean Breeze East and West projects. It was noted that area was the only area to develop
commercial property in the Heart of Boynton.
Discussion followed whether the Board should wait to develop the area or take more immediate
action. It was noted one property owner, Ms. Bell, wanted $1 million firm for her property. Mr.
Barry was also not interested in selling. There was discussion at what point they should move
forward. Land banking meant waiting to acquire land and holding it. Staff needed policy
direction.
Willie Aiken,
726 NE 1st Street, Boynton Beach, spoke about the north corner of Seacrest and
MLK Boulevard. At 11th, there were two parcels that needed to be purchased in order to locate
the retail there. He inquired what happened to the concept. Ms. Brooks explained they could
not get the owner to sell. Staff approached the developer with what they had to work with and
was advised they were obtaining a survey. It was possible the developer could still develop
there because the City abandoned the alley, which provided an additional 7.5 feet.
There was discussion about land swapping in the area. The Community Redevelopment
Agency owns five lots on 9th Avenue. Staff would need eight more lots; however, the owners of
those lots were unwilling to sell. Ms. Brooks had spoken with one owner there who was not
interested and three of the properties were homesteaded. The developer can squeeze in 20,000
square feet on the north side of MLK to the alley. It was noted there was no demand for retail
space on the south side. Ms. Brooks sent information to the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach
and showed them a vacant site which could accommodate a new 20,000 square foot
headquarters, and would create jobs. The Ocean Breeze East area was also an option since
they needed to be on a Palm Tran route.
Discussion followed about how to proceed. Chair Taylor advised he could go either way, and
acknowledged Vice Chair Hay’s thoughts to land bank. Mr. Weiland thought the likelihood of a
large scale development occurring within the next five to ten years was unlikely.
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Mr. Rodriguez felt this was the best time to redevelop. He recommended moving forward with
an RFP and evaluating it. Vice Chair Hay could consider moving ahead with the RFP but
requested hearing from the other speakers.
Victor Norfus advised many individuals want to sell, but do not want to sell for the price the
Community Redevelopment Agency wants to pay. Residents find out the going rate and hold
out. He agreed staff should land bank, but did not want to rush things since the Master Plan
was not agreed to. He thought the land could support a business incubator and advised the
residents wanted to see something. The community was restless because nothing was being
constructed. He reiterated there are start-up businesses that could benefit from a successful
incubator, but advised not to construct a bunch of Habitat homes. He thought some retail should
be constructed.
Mr. Rodriguez left the dais at 7:39 p.m.
Mr. Norfus indicated staff may have to pay more or wait longer, but staff should give hope and
inspiration.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to direct staff to prepare an RFP for the January 2010 agenda with the
desired outcome included in the language of the RFP. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that
unanimously passed. (Mr. Rodriguez not present for the vote.)
b. Consideration of Reinstating Community Meeting Grant Program
Ms. Brooks explained this item was a recommendation from the Community Committee.
Although the Carolyn Sims Center was open, neighborhood associations had to pay for meeting
space, which was problematic. This item would reinstate a program the Board had last year,
which would allow the organization to come in and apply for assistance with paying a fee to the
City to meet at one of the City’s facilities. The funding was reprogrammed from a District III
event to this program.
Mr. Rodriguez returned at 7:42 p.m.
Ms. Bright felt that If the program was reinstated, the Board would be pleased. The organization
signs that they are liable for damages incurred to the facility.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to approve the reinstating of the HOA Meeting Grant. Ms. Ross
seconded the motion.
Staff recommended covering the cost of the program. It was noted staff holds 21 events on
Ocean Avenue, and since the community wanted the program, this was the best way to fund it.
After discussion, it was agreed the funds should come from the contingency account, so an
event could be held on the south end of town. It was noted the Board had approved holding an
event on the south end of town during the Budget Hearings. The amount to cover the
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community meetings was $5,000 and each group could not exceed $1,500 annually. When the
program was instituted two years ago, about $3,500 was expended for the year.
Motion
Mr. Rodriguez moved to pay for the program from contingency rather than taking $5,000 that
was set aside for District III event. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion.
Vote
There was a vote on the first motion to approve the programs. The motion unanimously
passed.
Vote
There was a vote on the second motion to use funds from the contingency account.
The motion passed 4-1. (Chair Taylor dissenting.)
c. Consideration of Economic Development Programs
1. Rent Subsidy
2. Signage Improvement
3. Tenant Improvement
Ms. Brooks explained this item was brought back at the request of a Board member. She
explained some buildings were constructed in the 1920s. Areas that have older commercial
corridors have high vacancy rates and a migration from older areas to newer areas, such as
Congress Avenue, occurs. Delray Beach instituted this program and experienced a high rate of
success. The program encouraged new or existing business to occupy previously vacated
space, and they would assist the business to become established over the next 12 to 18 months
by paying a portion of the rent to the landlord for a limited amount of time.
Discussion followed something needed to happen to draw attention to the downtown. In Delray
Beach, the program was limited to a specified area. Additionally, some municipalities limit the
assistance to certain kinds of businesses that are compatible with the vision of the downtown. It
was noted the lease amount should exceed the subsidy, and it was recommended a multi-year
lease be used. Staff also analyzed the businesses and their financial stability. Applicants
should have a business plan with a five-year financial forecast within it and two years of tax
returns as well. Staff could geographically limit the subsidy to types of businesses. The Delray
Beach Community Redevelopment Agency budgeted $25,000 for the program this year. Ms.
Bright believed the CDBG and HOB areas would probably be the most strategic area to
implement the program, but after speaking to several successful Congress Avenue retail
owners, it was learned rent subsidy up to three months and tenant improvement funding up to
$2,500 was already being provided.
If an applicant received rent subsidy, they might not be receiving Tenant Improvement. Ms.
Bright believed EPOCH Properties and Woolbright Development needed assistance to entice
businesses there. There was no federal funding for small business assistance available in any
of the stimulus plans. The program could be implemented as a pilot program through August of
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next year. To spur the type of small business development that was needed in the downtown
area, staff had to try something creative.
Barbara Ready
, 329 SW 13th Avenue, spoke as Chair of the Arts Commission. She indicated,
in reference to the signage improvement program, that the Arts Commission would be
interested in being involved in the process as the signage could have art features. She also
thought incentivizing was great because it would assist with attracting artists to the area.
Ms. Brooks explained there was a small business assistance approved line item of $50,000
which could be split among the three programs.
Motion
Mr. Weiland moved to approve consideration of the economic development program items 1, 2
and 3. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
D.Launching of CRA Downtown Google Map
Margee Walsh, reviewed the site. The Community Redevelopment Agency’s webpage was
updated.
Mr. Weiland left the dais at 7:58 p.m.
Staff was ahead of the curve in reference to social media tools. Last year they implemented
virtual tours. The site was easy for residents., business owners and developers to maneuver.
The idea was to create Boynton Beach as a destination. All 500 businesses are listed on the
map but only 62 have videos. All 62 of them have their contact information listed.
Mr. Weiland returned to the dais at 8:02 p.m.
The philosophy between marketing and branding was to appeal to people in the country and
state. For newcomers who were not familiar with the downtown, it was easier to divide the area
into districts. The Community Redevelopment Agency District divided businesses into five
categories that individuals could search. Mr. Rodriguez suggested indicating what districts were
considered the downtown.
The concept was to market Boynton Beach. The CRA linked their site to the Florida Visitor’s
Bureau and were running ads, editorials and press releases to foster development. Mr.
Rodriguez and the members thought Ms. Walsh did a great job.
th
.
EConsideration of Purchasing Hollis Property Located at 111 NW 6 Avenue
in the Amount of $90,000
Mr. Simon presented the request. Over the past two years, staff has been engaged in
discussions with the Hollis’ to try to purchase property that was adjacent to the Ocean Breese
West site. In June of 2009 it was appraised for $90,000 and the owners agreed to sell it for that
price. Staff recommended approving the purchase.
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Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to approve the purchase at $90K. Mr. Weiland seconded the motion that
unanimously passed.
E. Consideration of Entering into a Lease Agreement with Hollis
Mr. Weiland inquired about the need for a lease for $10.
Mr. Simon explained the action was similar to the action taken regarding the Jones property.
Aside from the tax liability, the family needed time to find another home after the Community
Redevelopment Agency purchased it. Staff could not offer more than the appraised value of the
property and it might offset some of the rental they may need to find another home. It was a
deal sweetener. Any property acquired that involves home ownership, as opposed to
commercial ownership, would be handled in a gentler manner. The tradeoff between acquiring
the property outweighed what they would lose in taxes. The structure was given zero value
from the appraisal. The only value it had was the land.
Motion
Mr. Weiland moved to approve. Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
J. Future Agenda Items
a. Consideration of GreenCentive Program
K. Comments by Staff
Ms. Biscuiti provided an invitation earlier in the meeting, which was for the sponsor/hospitality
area for the Holiday Extravaganza. Members were requested to limit their parties to a maximum
of six guests, including themselves. She requested the members RSVP. The regular VIPs
would be invited and a list would be created and distributed and a “meet and greet” would occur
before Ms. Gaynor performed.
Ms. Brooks explained the Brandom property would be closing next week. Staff was closing on
the CDC property and Ms. Roberts property; however, staff had to conduct a Phase II
Environmental analysis of soil and water, which was passed. Ms. Brooks advised St. John
Missionary Baptist Church had an interest in renting the property.
Mr. Simon updated the Board on the Sims and Ruby leases, which were executed. Staff would
move forward with making minor improvements to assist the business. The contractor changed
over for the Shoreline Foundation to become the official contractor for the slip renovation, and
submitted the paperwork. The project was ongoing since its approval and there was much
behind the scenes activity occurring before the physical construction took place. A
preconstruction meeting took place for the surrounding property owners. The target date for
construction must coincide with the development of the prebuilt frames, and they anticipate
dovetailing the start in December commencing with dredging work.
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Mr. Simon also thanked the Board and his colleagues. As a professional in the industry, he
acknowledged there was a certain pride that could be taken with the Presidential Award that
was won. Many other entities work very hard, and it was a significant accomplishment that the
City and citizens could be proud of. He was proud to be a part of it.
Additionally, Ms. Bright spoke with Reverend Chaney regarding a lease agreement for office
space, and whether he would object to the Police having a presence there on the evenings and
weekends. Reverend Chaney was very agreeable. Staff would bring back proposals for the
Board to decide.
Ms. Walsh also distributed another handout. She indicated staff was ahead of the curve as far
as tools for social media such as Twitter, Facebook, podcasts, etc. A video on the statistics and
immense impact social media has was shown. A copy of the presentation is available at the
Office of the City Clerk.
Mr. Rodriguez left the dais at 8:28 p.m.
L. Comments by Executive Director
Ms. Bright spoke about the Community Committee and advised it was effective and provided for
good dialogue between staff and the citizens. Staff follows up on the directions given. Ms.
Bright reported the community was frustrated about Cherry Hill and advised staff could not
develop those lots. She drafted a letter which will be sent to the Governor, every State Senator,
and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The U.S. Government is no longer in
the land business, and they could not find anyone to discuss how to purchase the land from the
Palm Beach County Housing Authority who controls the vacant parcels. The letter would be
going out sometime next week and the letter would be signed on behalf of the Community
Redevelopment Agency Community Committee. One of staff’s goals was to redevelop the lots.
On a different note, Ms. Bright indicated she represented the region at the Urban Land Institute
International Fall meeting conference. The Community Redevelopment Agency was well
positioned and she advised if one was not in the Affordable Housing Business, they are not in
any business. The Community Redevelopment Agency Board should be planning, with the
current economy, to have Government as a partner in all real estate transactions. The
commercial real estate market was expected to tank over the next three years and she thanked
the Board for their insight in establishing the small business assistance subsidies.
She recognized November 11, 2009 was Veterans Day, and she recognized staff’s favorite Air
Force Veteran, Chair Taylor, who was also celebrating his birthday.
M. Comments by CRA Board Attorney
Attorney Cherof made three comments regarding real estate transactions moving forward.
First, the Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corporation transaction was a
short sale. They did not have the funds to pay the taxes on the property, which were
approximately $4,000. Board approval was needed to shift the cost to the Community
Redevelopment Agency on the closing statement and pay the amount. Staff recommended the
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request be approved in order to change that provision of the contract and initial it on the closing
statement.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to pay the $4,000. Ms. Ross seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
(Mr. Rodriguez was not present for the vote.)
Regarding the Brandom property, there were two Code Enforcement Liens, of which one was
approximately $21,000 and the second about $1,500. He recommended going to the closing
and taking the property subject to the liens because those could be resolved and reduced or
completely extinguished. A motion to close subject to the liens was needed.
Motion
Vice Chair Hay moved to close. Ms. Ross seconded the motion, that unanimously passed. (Mr.
Rodriguez was not present for the vote.)
Betty’s Place, which was the Robert’s transaction, as they move to closing needed to have an
environmental study. They just received the Phase II Environmental Report. They located a
tank on the property although they do not know what was in it. Recommendations for additional
evaluation were made. There would be an additional expenditure associated with excavating
and determining what the tank is. It may involve permitting with the Department of
Environmental Resources.
Ms. Brooks explained there was no water or soil contamination revealed around the tank.
Whatever it was did not leak and should not cause problems if they were to purchase the
property as it pertained to contamination issues.
Attorney Cherof commented if the Community Redevelopment Agency attempts later to develop
the property, the issue would need to be dealt with at that time. The property was a former gas
station.
Attorney Cherof recommended following the recommendation of the environmental consultant
which was to do further exploration of what the use of the tank was and possibly delay the
closing to bring it back to determine how to deal with it. Ms. Brook would obtain an estimate.
Motion
Ms. Ross moved per NEF’s recommendation that further exploration be performed in the area of
the underground tank and in an attempt to better evaluate the nature and content of the tank.
Vice Chair Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. (Mr. Rodriguez was not present
for the vote.)
N. Comments by CRA Board
None.
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O. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
~~'}\.L Qh>>.Jt
Catherine Cherry 0
Recording Secretary
11/11/09
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