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Minutes 08-24-10 CRA Interviews MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH LIBRARY, 208 S. SEACREST BLVD. BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, AT 6:30 P.M., ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 24,2010 Present: Jose Rodriguez, Mayor Marlene Ross, Vice Mayor William Orlove, Commissioner Woodrow L. Hay, Commissioner Steven Holzman, Commissioner Kurt Bressner, City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Janet Prainito, City Clerk I. Interviews of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board Applicants Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m. He explained twenty minutes would be allotted for each applicant. The questioning would alternate among the Commissioners so each one would have an opportunity to start the questioning. James (Buck) Buchanan Mr. Buchanan stated his name and address being 807 Ocean Inlet Drive. Vice Mayor Ross asked Mr. Buchanan to detail his understanding of what being involved in the CRA would encompass. He absolutely understood the involvement that would be required and had given his commitment a great deal of thought because it was a very important responsibility. In addition to meetings there would be homework to understand the immediate issues and work with staff to do the job right. It may not be as time consuming now when the economy is slower. He would apply his skills and knowledge as appropriate. In light of the investigation of the current Executive Director, Vice Mayor Ross inquired if terminating her contract or not renewing the contract would be an issue. Mr. Buchanan responded it would not, as it was a matter of violating public trust. He had experience in law enforcement for years and criminal investigations. As far as any fraud, when it is public trust there is an exponential qualifier. Vice Mayor Ross acknowledged that public comment had indicated the applicants were lacking in experience and requested his thoughts on that allegation regarding himself or the entire pool of applicants. Mr. Buchanan expressed he had confidence in the application and the interview process and qualified people could be selected. He did not agree with the assertion that the candidates were ignorant of the issues and ongoing situation simply because they were not able to vote on the issues. He had Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 spent time discussing the issues with the City, CRA, Chamber of Commerce and residents, which are the four elements needed to work together. Vice Mayor Ross confirmed Mr. Buchanan recognized his experience and credentials as relevant for a board member. He added common sense has to be utilized when viewing all the factors. Commissioner Orlove wanted more information on Mr. Buchanan's assertion that establishing a cooperative working relationship with the Board, Commission and business community was essential. Mr. Buchanan explained his belief that a lack of communication with the City Commission and previous Board was an issue. Financial decisions were made that should have been discussed in a workshop forum before they were denied by the CRA and then approved by the Commission. Many projects would have benefitted from input from the business community and residents. Doing some type of ground work could have brought continuity to the decisions and vision. Commissioner Orlove summarized that consensus was need on the bigger picture. Commissioner Orlove inquired about Mr. Buchanan's concept of the dynamics for the Commission and Chamber. Mr. Buchanan responded in the current economic crisis, there is competition locally, state-wide and nation-wide to attract business. The City needs to find ways to make it attractive for business to come to Boynton Beach. The CRA can grant incentives and nurture a cohesive, welcoming attitude where businesses feel comfortable and confident with the support of the City, CRA and Chamber of Commerce and the residents. The City has tremendous geographic advantages with good people. Mr. Buchanan added attractive retail has to be encouraged as well as biotech firms downtown in vertical buildings. He asserted roof top counts would not make the downtown a thriving City. Retail will determine the success of downtown to supplement the established residences. Commissioner Orlove clarified his idea was to have a mixture downtown of some entertainment, business or biotech firms. Mr. Buchanan noted it could be along Ocean Avenue or Federal Highway with office buildings or clean light industry to bring workers downtown and then retail will blossom. Residential would eventually have to expand. Commissioner Orlove sought clarification on Mr. Buchanan's assertion that the Heart of Boynton needed redevelopment, but not a downtown redevelopment concept. He also inquired about Mr. Buchanan's view of the current strategy for the Heart of Boynton. Mr. Buchanan responded the Heart of Boynton was going in the right direction. The Intown project was impossible because of ownership of property and the financial aspect never made sense. There has not been consensus with the residents along the Martin Luther King (MLK) corridor on what they wanted. Most seem to want something similar to what now exists with a hometown, residential and small retail that are achievable if you assemble the land that does not cost a lot and get over the financial aspects to be feasible. 2 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August24,2010 Mayor Rodriguez inquired about Mr. Buchanan's redevelopment training or experience that would be applicable to his role as a board member. The response was he had redeveloped his own house and years of living in Florida and seeing a lot of redevelopment. Mr. Buchanan had seen the success of Bayside and it was gorgeous. The construction industry has changed and high-end projects are not as successful. Mayor Rodriguez asked if Mr. Buchanan had any hands-on experience with redevelopment and Mr. Buchanan replied he did not. The Mayor noted Mr. Buchanan had been named CRA Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Buchanan noted it was in 2006 and the CRA had been holding many events and he was a volunteer who assisted at those gatherings. Mayor Rodriguez understood Mr. Buchanan had indicated a working relationship with the Chamber of Commerce was an issue and asked for more input on the assertion. Mr. Buchanan explained while there was interaction, not all the focus was on economic development with a definitive plan of how to proceed and how to participate in the growth. Mayor Rodriguez pointed out the Downtown Master Plan involved the CRA, City, Chamber of Commerce and citizens. Mr. Buchanan conceded the Downtown Master Plan was a good plan and focuses on Ocean Avenue but lacks specific strategies. Mr. Buchanan speculated the economic development piece in getting businesses to come to the City is critical and needs assistance to work with the owners of the existing buildings to bring more business to the area. Mayor Rodriguez specifically asked if Mr. Buchanan was in favor of the renovations proposed for the Holiday House on Federal Highway. Mr. Buchanan responded he was concerned in the current economy that the rent was too high and the expenses would be high for something the City or CRA would not own. He was not in favor of the present proposal. When asked, Mr. Buchanan advised he was not aware of how much money had been spent in the Heart of Boynton in the last 20 years. Since Mr. Buchanan had mentioned he believed in economic development, Commissioner Holzman wanted to know one economic development strategy that would benefit the CRA. Mr. Buchanan responded he would identify property suitable for various things and have the Business Development Board try to reach out to potential buyers or developers and ask what they could do with the properties to remain competitive. Commissioner Holzman asked about the timeline to achieve the specific goals and Mr. Buchanan replied it should move as quickly as possible and work on the economic development piece immediately. He mentioned there were several projects ready to come online that would bring jobs and increase the tax base that are the type of revitalization that is needed. The northern end of the district needs more incentives to bring buildings out, incentives on signage, and incentives with rent subsidies. The addition of Walmart to the southern end should also be a priority to bring more people to that area. Helping commercial real estate by advising them of the tools that can be used to assist in the growth of their business could be done by partnering with the Chamber and Kelly Smallridge of the Business Development Board. Some projects already in the pipeline need to be advanced to generate jobs, revenue and enhance the tax base. 3 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24,2010 The mission statement of the CRA is to eliminate blight and slum and that was paramount. The Marina project needed to be finished as soon as possible and tie it to Seacrest to make it a walking, residential and business center. Mr. Buchanan contended the City of Boynton Beach had to market its unique attributes to attract business, consumers and residents. Commissioner Holzman asked if the Commission announced goals that were incongruent with the CRA, would he be willing to change his focus and goals to accommodate the goals of the City Commission. Mr. Buchanan answered he would change if the direction would benefit the area and the entire City. The majority would rule and he felt very strongly the CRA Board needs to work in concert with the City, and Chamber so good things would come out of those efforts. Commissioner Holzman wanted specific examples of what the prior CRA Boards failed to accomplish versus Mr. Buchanan's goals. Mr. Buchanan stressed the need to have more cohesiveness to the processes. First there was the Heart of Boynton and the project stalled and could not be completed. Then the CRA brought in the concept of Ocean Breeze and he thought the CRA paid too high a price for the properties in an attempt to get the project going. Mr. Buchanan would not have voted for the huge sales. Commissioner Holzman indicated within the downtown study there were five big moves recommended. They were a transit oriented design, cultural/civic campus, Ocean Avenue cultural avenue, neighborhood centers along Martin Luther King Boulevard and a Federal Highway linear parking gateway. Most of the recommendations Mr. Buchanan agreed with, but he was not sure of the transit oriented design so his opinion would be premature. Lastly, Commissioner Holzman inquired, in lieu of the independent board, did Mr. Buchanan have any friends or relatives in the business of purchasing or selling real estate and he replied none. Asked what drove him to volunteer for the position, Mr. Buchanan responded he was dedicated and had determination to succeed with a unique background and various experiences and education. Commissioner Hay was very pleased with the responses he had heard and had no questions. Mark KaraQeorge Commissioner Orlove asked for more specifics on Mr. Karageorge's wish to revitalize the Federal Highway Corridor. Mr. Karageorge responded there were several things. Walmart coming to the southern end and the boat facility with yacht sales and a small cafe that would bring jobs and increase the tax base were the type of revitalization that was needed to bring in more development in the area such as Gulfstream Gardens. The northern end needs more incentives to bring in developers, including signage incentives and rent subsidy. There needs to be education to make the developers 4 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August24,2010 aware of the tools to bring businesses into the area and partner with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Development Board. Commissioner Orlove noted Mr. Karageorge had mentioned implementation of the Downtown Master Plan and inquired about his vision and the timeframe involved for completion. Mr. Karageorge explained the economic side has to be carefully assessed and focus should be on some smaller projects such as the Jones Cottage and Magnuson House. They will generate jobs and increase the tax base if they are sold rather than leased. The mission of the CRA is to eliminate blight and the slum is essential. Mr. Karageorge indicated the Downtown Master plan had five options for City Hall specific to the CRA, but it did not look outside the CRA district on City owned land. One thing would be to finish the marina project and tie it to Seacrest to make it a walking, residential and business center. The City of Boynton Beach has things other cities do not have. The CRA should work with the Business Development Board and commercial real estate to show them what the City has available. The per square foot price is lower in Boynton than other municipalities. Commissioner Orlove asked about the need for a working relationship with the Commission and other entities outside the elected offices to bring cohesiveness to the process. Mr. Karageorge felt the decisions should be the majority rules and felt strongly that the CRA Board needs to work in concert with the City and Chamber of Commerce. The event recently held at the Woman's Club where the CRA unveiled the Google map program that has been successful and the Chamber's incentive to become trial members was a major step forward. The recent business expo was also a huge success to educate the public on what is available to assist them in business. He was confident the Commission would appoint the best people to the Board to bring the expertise and knowledge needed to make it more cohesive. Commissioner Orlove questioned what Mr. Karageorge felt he could bring to the table and Mr. Karageorge replied he had been involved in a joint venture with HUD to manage affordable housing and HUD used that as a role model to be distributed around the country. Their new direction would be senior affordable housing and they were embarking with Auburn to establish the concept in the Heart of Boynton. Mr. Karageorge opined he had the knowledge and experience to make it happen. The neighborhood needed to serve the retail as well that would be included. Mr. Karageorge had been ambassador for the Chamber for several years and had met with over 45 businesses. He continued to serve as an advisory member for the Community Caring incubator and worked with Habitat for Humanity on their fundraising committees. He had also worked with the City at the American Assembly and he knew business and development and would bring his expertise to the table to move things forward faster. Mayor Rodriguez inquired why he had not worked to bring in businesses and retain businesses since he was active in the Chamber of Commerce, City and CRA. Mr. Karageorge stressed he was only one person and he did not have a vote, nor was he a member of staff. Mayor Rodriguez asked what needed to be done to achieve the top 5 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 five things the previous study outlined. Mr. Karageorge responded the quality of life issue had to be addressed to make neighborhoods safe and that has improved. There was also a need to work with businesses, hand-in-hand that has not been done well enough. The City and CRA has to work as a team to approach the issues and stop the pettiness that has prevailed and move on. There needs to be incentives and he supported the program currently in place. Mayor Rodriguez confronted Mr. Karageorge about his relationship with staff and if placed on the board could he distance himself from those relationships and make decisions without favoritism. Mr. Karageorge felt he could because he makes evaluations objectively and subjectively before arriving at a decision. Mayor Rodriguez asked for any drawbacks that resulted from the CRA buying the Ruth Jones Cottage or Magnuson House. Mr. Karageorge replied the Magnuson House is underutilized and sat vacant when it should have been flipped or sold to someone or rented. It could have been used as office space. Those options should have been considered The other aspect was the properties were off the tax roles at this time. Commissioner Holzman asked if Mr. Karageorge thought the CRA should own its own office. Mr. Karageorge replied it could go either way. The current proposal for the Holiday House property should be tied to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and the 5% adjustment was absurd in this economy. He needed more detail to make a determination. One positive aspect, it would improve a property within the City and add value to the area and tax roles. The negative aspect is the owner would end up paying higher taxes and would create a higher expense out of the CRA budget. A list of two or three accomplishments that had not been achieved by prior CRA boards was requested by Commissioner Holzman. Mr. Karageorge indicated several studies had been done on how to revitalize the downtown and yet none had moved forward. There was a now a Commission and CRA Board that could work with the Chamber and Business Development Board to make the studies and plan come to fruition. The priorities and strategies that need to be in place would be the completion of the marina area and the Ocean Breeze project along Seacrest. A grocery store along MLK would enable everything in that area to move faster. The downtown would be Mr. Karageorge's priority and he defined downtown as the Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach Boulevard and 1st Street as the critical area. He contended the Jones Cottage would be the first project since several responses had already been received. The marina project is on schedule with all 19 slips leased and the revenue from that could be used to continue to promote Ocean Avenue. Mr. Karageorge asserted the first thing was to make sure commercial real estate knew about the business initiatives in Boynton Beach so they would relocate to the City. Commissioner Holzman asked if the Commission's goal and priorities were different than the CRA's direction, would Mr. Karageorge be comfortable following the City Commission's lead. Mr. Karageorge advised he would be willing to listen and recognized the Commission approves the CRA budget and has oversight and control. 6 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24,2010 Lastly, Commissioner Holzman spoke in reference to the five moves delineated in the Downtown Master Plan and requested Mr. Karageorge's position on one or two of those moves. Mr. Karageorge advised he wanted to relocate City Hall to City-owned land and not pay for land. The other area he mentioned was promoting a transit station in the downtown that would bring people to the area. When asked what made him a good applicant, Mr. Karageorge referred back to his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and his continued interest in all aspects of City government. He had volunteered because he thought it was the right thing to do and would devote as much time as possible to the position. Commissioner Hay asked if Mr. Karageorge was willing to commit the time and effort that is takes to be a CRA Board member. He responded he had sat on the Code Board for three years and had only missed one meeting. As a citizen, he had also volunteered with various cleanup projects and his commitment of time to the City would be ongoing. Commissioner Hay inquired if Mr. Karageorge supported the Downtown Master Plan specifically. Mr. Karageorge replied he did support the Plan and wished it would have been implemented quicker. In the Heart of Boynton area, Mr. Karageorge thought the Auburn project could happen and was optimistic about the 21 homes planned. The economy was an issue for developers that must be considered. There needed to be more focus on getting incentives in place and community input to solve the issues that have plagued the area. He mentioned the effort of the citizens and City in closing the EZ Mart and the issues that were resolved to improve the area. Vice Mayor Ross asked for clarification on the event referred to that partnered the City, CRA and Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Karageorge had referred to the Merchant Mingle that had been held at the Woman's Club and the Expo that had built from that and got more people. The focus now had to be the western part of the City as well. The first event had participation from some elected official while the second one did not. There was some participation by City staff at the second. Vice Mayor Ross pointed out Mr. Karageorge had been the Chair of a subcommittee for the American Assembly. Mr. Karageorge noted he had participated in discussions on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing and business development and retention. Mayor Rodrig~ez thanked Mr. Karageorge for this interest in the position. David Madioan Mayor Rodriguez established Mr. Madigan had visited the area over the years and acquired property in Boynton Beach from his parents. He was currently a contract consultant with an economic development company. His client base ran from Tacoma, Washington to Twin Falls, Idaho with no clients in Florida. Mayor Rodriguez questioned in light of the travel necessary for his business, would Mr. Madigan have time to devote to the CRA Board responsibilities. Mr. Madigan replied his assignments involve being onsite for four weeks and then home for a week. He would arrange his schedule to be 7 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 present for the meetings. Mayor Rodriguez asked if Mr. Madigan was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and he replied he was not. Mayor Rodriguez requested three things that the CRA needed to do to redevelop Boynton Beach. Mr. Madigan indicated he did not have the facts available other than through third party or media coverage, but a recommitment between the Board, public and private sectors would be instrumental in achieving any success. Commissioner Holzman inquired what drove Mr. Madigan to volunteer and why would he be good for the Board. Mr. Madigan referenced he had six children and had always been involved as a family whether in church, school or government wherever they lived and he wanted to be involved in Boynton Beach. He had lived here for twelve years, but had been coming to Boynton Beach since 1970. He had a background in economic development that he could bring to the Board. Commissioner Holzman asked what strategy he would propose for the CRA. Without firsthand knowledge of the CRA Board, Mr. Madigan could not respond. Commissioner Holzman asked what area or zone of the CRA would Mr. Madigan make his priority. Mr. Madigan replied the entire CRA district since it is a TIF (Tax Increment Funding) zone. Commissioner Holzman advised the CRA district was the biggest geographically in the state. Mr. Madigan did not feel that was an issue. He had managed larger areas in his past experience. He was unable to answer what his goals and timeline to achieve those goals would be, as well as past failures he perceived had occurred in the CRA. Mr. Madigan could not respond until he had more time to fully discuss the issues and needs with the CRA Board, Executive Director and the Commission. Commissioner Hay garnered that Mr. Madigan was not familiar with the Heart of Boynton or INCA (Inlet Cove Homeowners' Association) and did not have any vision or priorities for the CRA Board. When asked if working with the Chamber of Commerce and Commission would be an advantage or disadvantage, Mr. Madigan responded it would be an advantage and the key to any plan or project's success. Without full knowledge, Mr. Madigan had not goals or objectives for the CRA at this time. Vice Mayor Ross asked if Mr. Madigan had knowledge there was currently an investigation of the CRA Executive Director and Mr. Madigan was aware of the investigation. He did not want to comment on any contract negotiations without being fully aware of all the facts and circumstances involving the investigation. Vice Mayor Ross referred to the assertion that the candidates were not qualified or experienced enough for the positions and asked for Mr. Madigan's perspective on the issue. Mr. Madigan advised he was not aware of the qualifications of the other applicants. He did thank the Commission for including him in the top ten applicants. Commissioner Orlove established Mr. Madigan had attended a few CRA meetings and had gleaned that a more professional environment would be beneficial. Mayor Rodriguez thanked Mr. Madigan for his interest and attendance. 8 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24,2010 Patrick McNamara Commissioner Holzman commenced the interview asking if Mr. McNamara was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and Mr. McNamara replied, somewhat. He was not familiar with the five moves that were the action steps to develop the downtown. Commissioner Holzman inquired what drove Mr. McNamara to volunteer and the response was his background and experiences as a social worker, plus community development efforts across the County through his current employer would be beneficial. His background in finance and government rules and regulations would be helpful. He also had a good understanding of the people and area and what constitutes a vibrant neighborhood, having lived in Boynton Beach the past 16 years. Also, someone had asked him to apply. He felt the City had a great deal of potential. Commissioner Holzman asked for the economic strategies Mr. McNamara would implement for the CRA in the short term. Mr. McNamara responded he would have to learn more about what was going on in Boynton Beach before making any recommendations. He supported any sort of community revitalization taking into consideration the issue of quality of life for the residents. As a resident, he saw a great deal of unrealized potential in the Ocean Avenue corridor and Boynton Beach Boulevard north to Gateway Boulevard, particularly along Seacrest. It was developed that Mr. McNamara or any family member had a conflict of interest to buy or property within the CRA district. Mr. McNamara disclosed he could foresee a potential conflict if his current employer responded to any RFP he would advise the CRA immediately and abstain from any voting. There was also a partnership with his employer and St. John Missionary Baptist Church CDC as a subcontractor that would have to disclose when appropriate. Commissioner Holzman inquired about Mr. McNamara's goals for the CRA and timeline for those goals. Mr. McNamara did not want to comment until he was more informed on the issues and the various perspectives for the best strategy for reinvestment. Commissioner Holzman asked what Mr. McNamara perceived the prior CRA board had not accomplished or missed opportunities. Mr. McNamara responded it had been frustrating not to see a great deal of progress in the Heart of Boynton and plan for development that became embroiled in controversy and never got off the ground. He would have liked to have seen more progress. A.lignment with the City Commission's goal would be important to any progress. Commissioner Hay established Mr. McNamara had lived in Boynton Beach for 16 years and had worked with St. John Baptist Church the past year. Mr. McNamara believed a balance had to be struck between fostering market recovery and quality of life rather than pitting against each other. It is one role and the complexities of good revitalization requires considering both sides. There is a common assumption that because the housing market has tanked, affordable housing issues are solved and that was not the case. There are definitely affordable housing issues in the Heart of Boynton area. Commissioner Hay asked if Mr. McNamara was prepared and ready to commit long 9 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 hours to make Boynton Beach a better place. He was prepared to make the commitment. Commissioner Hay wanted to know Mr. McNamara's vision and priorities for the CRA and Heart of Boynton. Promoting economic development was his first goal and raising the quality of life of the citizens was another. He thought the City should be further ahead than it was and may suffer from Delray envy and other cities. The City needed to focus on its own identity rather than pattern after another City. Vice Mayor Ross noted Mr. McNamara was involved with Beacon Centers and Forest Park Elementary School. He explained Beacon Centers are a community center in a disenfranchised neighborhood and many students from the CRA district attend the school and participate in the Beacon Center programs and services. The Children's Services Council assisted in creating these smaller community hubs to assist the kids and parents to ensure the future workforce in the area. Commissioner Orlove asked if Mr. McNamara had attended any CRA meetings and he replied he had attended one special meeting and it was pretty heated. At Commissioner Orlove's request, Mr. McNamara revealed Brian Edwards had asked him to apply. Commissioner Orlove asked for suggestions of things Mr. McNamara envisioned to revitalize the City. His vision was to create a thriving area to visit and saw the need for a greater concerted effort for fostering businesses and redevelopment along Seacrest and down Ocean Avenue. It would be a good mix of homegrown businesses and perhaps a chain-type development of retail and restaurants to attract the level of activity to sustain the businesses. Mayor Rodriguez noted Mr. McNamara had marked one of his skills as real estates sales and marketing. He explained he was a licensed clinical social worker and licensed mortgage broker dealing mostly with affordable housing. It had all been in mission based, non-profit work. Since Mr. McNamara currently lived in the Chapel Hill area, Mayor Rodriguez asked for his insight into the deterioration of the south end of the City. Mr. McNamara suggested a more comprehensive approach in dealing with absentee landlords, preventing foreclosures when possible or getting properties back on the market. He was aware of the housing stock in Boynton Beach and driving around could see there were areas of substandard conditions. Dr. Martha Meeks-LiQht Commissioner Hay established Dr. Meeks-Light had lived in Boynton Beach for 71 years. Commissioner Hay asked what improvements she felt were needed in the Heart of Boynton. Dr. Meeks-Light indicated it needed to be revitalized and a vibrant downtown area made. More businesses were needed along MLK and the crime rate needed to be addressed. Bringing jobs to the area was critical. She did support the Downtown Master Plan. Commissioner Hay inquired what Dr. Meeks-Light thought she brought to be table and why she should be selected. Dr. Meeks-Light replied she knew the City of Boynton Beach and watched it go from a farming community to bustling businesses and now to a blighted area. She knew what improvements were needed 10 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 and could be an asset to accomplish what was needed in a timely manner. Dr. Meeks- Light was prepared to give the effort and time needed to be a CRA Board member. Vice Mayor Ross was aware Dr. Meeks-Light had attended many CRA Board meetings and asked her understanding of the CRA Board and staff's working relationship. She contended the Board and staff should work in harmony without bickering. She was a peacemaker and wanted to eliminate the blight as a common goal. Vice Mayor Ross asked for her thoughts on the comments made that the applicants were not qualified or had enough experience. Dr. Meeks-light felt all the applicants wanted to be a part of the Board and with the proper training were more than qualified to do the job. Speaking for herself, she was very well versed in alot of areas, including development and budgeting. She was a landlord and the mother of ten children with ten grandchildren. She was also a property owner in Boynton Beach and familiar with the entire City. The residents have to grow with the City, but some of the tradition needs to be maintained and the history preserved. Commissioner Orlove inquired what type of businesses and jobs Dr. Meeks-Light envisioned for the Heart of Boynton. She wanted to see a multi-purpose building and job opportunities with training available including family counseling. Commissioner Orlove asked what parts of the Downtown Master Plan did she agree needed to be addressed. Dr. Meeks-Light thought the Ocean Avenue area and Old School Square should be developed with some type of theater, gym or arts and music for young and old. An area close to the ocean and the Marina needed to be continued. In general, Dr. Meeks-light felt the CRA had been limited because of economic conditions, but did not think the CRA had put enough effort into the north end of the CRA district. More job opportunities were needed with more building rather than just tearing down. The money spent in the Heart of Boynton had not benefited the people, it just acquired land. Commissioner Orlove asked about her peacemaking role if she was selected on the Board. Dr. ~eeks-Light said she would work towards consensus and if she did not agree with a decision she would vote to move the project forward rather than cause dissention and halt progress. Mayor Rodriguez sought Dr. Meeks-light's opinion on how the Heart of Boynton had deteriorated to its current condition. She felt the introduction of drugs into the area lead to robberies and crimes, forcing businesses to close and the area declined. The Boynton Beach Police Department and the CRA have initiated change by driving out some of the drug and violence and instituting youth programs to prevent the violence and encourage personal development and success. Mayor Rodriguez asked for evidence of economic development training. Dr. Meeks-Light said she had taken economic course throughout college and in conjunction with the Head Start program. Her experience in real estate involved the properties she owned and rented as an investment. Mayor Rodriguez asked whether the Heart of Boynton or the downtown should be given first priority. Dr. Meeks-light felt they should be developed together. She was in favor of the Holiday House redevelopment project. 11 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24, 2010 Commissioner Holzman ascertained Dr. Meeks-Light was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan, but not familiar with the five steps outlined to jump start the downtown development. Commissioner Holzman inquired why she was volunteering to be on the Board. She indicated she was familiar with the problems since the beginning and would be an asset to getting this done. She had not previously volunteered to serve on the Board due to family responsibilities. She was now retired and would have more time to devote to the Board. The economic strategy she would use to develop the CRA would be to seek out developers and investors interested in the Heart of Boynton area including arts program that would make the area more appealing. She would work for the entire area with her main interest the Heart of Boynton and downtown. The north part of US 1 would also be a priority. Commissioner Holzman inquired how she would reconcile the potential conflict of interest that would arise because she is a property owner in a blight area. She would excuse herself from any votes in that event. Commissioner Holzman asked what her goals for the CRA would be and the timeline for implementation of those goals. Dr. Meeks-Light wanted to see the downtown area developed and some type of multi- purpose building built on MLK Boulevard within the next five years that included businesses and decent job opportunities. Along US 1 she wanted to see the north and south ends improved. Commissioner Holzman asked if she felt it was CRA responsibility to build this multipurpose building or seek out developers. She saw it as a CRA responsibility ~o invite developers to build and offer them opportunities for incentives. Dr. Meeks-Light advised she was willing to negotiate with the City Commission to develop common goals for the CRA. The area remains very blighted in spite of the efforts of previous Boards. She felt it could be accomplished with new developers being brought in. As a peacemaker she would listen and consider the view of others including the staff. Genevive Morris Commissioner Orlove opened the interview by asking for elaboration on a short-term plan for the Federal Highway and MLK Boulevard area. Ms. Morris realized most of the properties were privately owned and many were empty lots. She suggested neighborhood vegetable gardens could be established until a permanent resolution is found. On her application, Ms. Morris had suggested redesigning MLK Boulevard to preserve the culture and identify of the current residents and Commissioner Orlove asked for specifics. It is single-family homes historically, with a large black population including their traditions and churches that should be preserved to protect their culture. A more active environment with retail stores or a grocery store would be beneficial, while maintaining the flavor of the area. Ms. Morris agreed with the direction of the CRA for a cultural center for Ocean Avenue and the beautification of Seacrest Boulevard. Commissioner Orlove developed Ms. Morris was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and was in agreement with the concept. 12 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August 24,2010 Commissioner Orlove reviewed Ms. Morris's residency within the City and her involvement with INCA, various cleanup programs and event participation as well as her use of the Library on a regular basis. He asked how she saw herself on the diverse Board and her ability to come to consensus on the issues. As a professional, Ms. Morris had been involved with diverse teams working with customers from different backgrounds and understanding their needs. It is always a give and take and receiving other ideas. Vice Mayor Ross concluded that Ms. Morris would have ample time to devote to the CRA Board since her retirement. She agreed and elaborated her understanding that she would be making decisions based on information received by reviewing studies or instigating studies to determine what would be in the best interest of the City. Vice Mayor Ross pointed out remarks about the applicants not having enough experience had been made and asked for Ms. Morris's view on the comment. Ms. Morris agreed she had no experience in redevelopment, but she was not new to going into a new area or industry and learning how to navigate in new territories. Vice Mayor Ross established Ms. Morris had knowledge of the boundaries of the CRA district and the various projects that were ongoing. The Seacrest development area was of interest to her since she lived in the northern end of the City and was active with INCA. Mayor Rodrig'Jez noted Ms. Morris had a background in information technology and asked if she had any specific interaction with blighted areas. Ms. Morris indicated she had been involved with the City of Istanbul in Turkey and implemented various systems and utilities in the area. Ms. Morris advised she was not familiar with any issues in the southern end of the CRA district or the downtown area. Commissioner Holzman inquired if Ms. Morris had ever attended a CRA Board meeting and she had not. She had attended City Commission meetings. Ms. Morris had volunteered for the Board because she felt strongly about having independent board as opposed to the Commission. It had only been in the past three of four years that she had the time to realize the conflict of the Commission wearing two hats. She had succeeded in the past going into unfamiliar areas and learning what was required and felt she could be an asset on the Board. Commissioner Holzman asked what specific development strategies would she utilize within the CRA. Ms. Morris contended the strategy would have to fit with the current neighborhoods and not try to mimic Delray or other cities. She agreed with keeping the fishing fleets and Marina. It is specific to Boynton and should not be a private venture. The height limits should be maintained. She was not in favor of the Promenade or the Marina Village as far as height and was glad the Arches were not being built. It was not the feel and look of Boynton Beach. Commissioner Holzman asked, if selected, what would be her priorities. Ms. Morris agreed with the concept of a cultural corridor and enjoyed the statues and art along Ocean Avenue. She did not have any conflicts of interest with friends or relatives buying 13 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL August24,2010 or selling properties in the INCA or Heart of Boynton section. Commissioner Holzman inquired about any timelines Ms. Morris might have to do something successfully in the CRA. Ms. Morris did not have timelines. She did want to make sure there is some type of progress being made. Ms. Morris advised she would work with the Commission and CRA staff to achieve a common goal that would better the City of Boynton Beach and the CRA district. Commissioner Hay cautioned the CRA required a great deal of time and effort and Ms. Morris replied now that she was retired she could be more involved and make the commitment to the Board. Commissioner Hay asked for her vision for the CRA. It was to give some direction and encourage commercial redevelopment, cultural development and neighborhood redevelopment. Commissioner Hay inquired what improvements she would like to see done. Ms. Morris reiterated she did not agree with the height extension along Federal Highway and wanted something done with the empty lots to improve the general appearance of the area. The addition of green space would be a good direction and would keep activities within the neighborhoods. There being no further applicants to interview, Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ATTEST: 14