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Minutes 09-07-10 CRA Interviews MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, AT 5:30 P.M., ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7,2010 Present: Jose Rodriguez, Mayor Marlene Ross, Vice Mayor William Grlove, Commissioner Woodrow L. Hay, Commissioner Steven Holzman, Commissioner Kurt Bressner, City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Janet Prainito, City Clerk Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and explained the purpose of the meeting was to hold special interviews of applicants for placement on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board. He understood the applicants had voluntarily agreed to not be present while other interviews were taking place. The interviews would be conducted in the following order: Nancy Hogan R. Reed Daniel Ed Cairo Revia Lee Michael Grosh Nancy Hoaan Mayor Rodriguez thanked her for applying and appearing and gave a brief explanation of the process that would be utilized. Vice Mayor Ross asked Ms. Hogan to speak about being appointed to the CRA Board at this time. Ms. Hogan expressed hope that the CRA would see a new vision. Her past experience with the Chamber of Commerce included many conversations about the CRA and how to help the neglected areas of the community. The economy is forcing hard decision to be made and the CRA has to be well organized to function and get investors into the area. As a real estate agent, the industry preferred the City and CRA to be separate entities; however most communities have them together for the efficiencies achieved. She opined separate teams should be utilized. 1 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7,2010 Vice Mayor Ross requested a highlight in Ms. Hogan's real estate career that could be brought forward as a CRA Board member. Ms. Hogan advised she had a real estate license for 40 years, over several states in the country, doing residential and commercial rentals. The investment in real estate was critical to the economy and bankers were vital to survival. Her current work centers around referrals and networking with those individuals in every spectrum of the real estate market and by serving on the National Tax Committee of National Realtors on several committees on the State and local level. She was also a Certified Public Accountant and had knowledge of the fiscal realities of life. Ms. Hogan had done volunteer lobbying in Washington, DC as a Commissioner of Housing from Schenectady, New York. She believed in the CRA and felt it was a vital, vibrant corridor. Commissioner Orlove requested further clarification on her residency and involvement in the City of Boynton Beach. She advised she currently owned a condo in Snug Harbor after it was in her family for many years. She visited frequently and 12 years ago moved to Boynton Beach permanently and became a real estate broker in the State of Florida. Ms. Hogan had served as a Commissioner in the Village of Ocean Ridge in 2005-2008. Commissioner Orlove expressed concern that the best interests of Boynton Beach and the CRA district may be compromised as she had loyalties to Ocean Ridge and was a resident there. Ms. Hogan stressed she started out in Boynton Beach, shops in the City and knows the Boynton Beach area very well. The heart of any town is the downtown area and she felt the area was paradise and liked being involved in the community. She was confident the 23 projects that were on-hold due to the recession would come alive and increase the tax base and general area along Federal Highway. It would also be good for Ocean Ridge. Ms. Hogan strongly supported public transportation. Her residency in Ocean Ridge would create no conflict and bring a well- rounded attitude towards the healthiness of Boynton Beach. She owned property in the CRA district, worked as the election clerk in Sterling Village, and a member of the Woman's Club. Commissioner Orlove sought clarification of the phrase in her application, "having a healthy development of the downtown corridor". Ms. Hogan explained the best way to sell an area is to have it look neat and clean. Federal Highway was a very important corridor and should be maintained. The logistics and demographics of having an Ocean Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard going directly to the waterfront is unbelievable real estate. The beach is incredible. Commissioner Orlove wanted her vision or ideas of what the downtown corridor entails. Ms. Hogan replied more information is needed for a decision maker, but developers have to get exposure to the community and leverage the dollars, get bankers excited and invest in the area. Hurricane Alley is a huge success story. Ms. Hogan was aware of the Downtown Master Plan and would look at it more thoroughly. 2 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7, 2010 Mayor Rodriguez noted her application indicated the three development issues were continued development of a vibrant downtown corridor, analyzing the need for a new City Hall and Police station and rejuvenating the Heart of Boynton Beach; all being done by the current Board. He inquired what she would do differently to accomplish the goals. Ms. Hogan replied the investors and banks had to be convinced to spend dollars in a riskier area. She did not think the door being locked at the CRA offices would entice investors. Creating a more friendly and open work environment would be a marketing tool that should be initiated. Although these goals were agreed upon, the efficiency and making things actually happen in the area had to be addressed. Ms. Hogan stressed she would work hard to have congeniality, professionalism and a cohesive team to achieve results. Commissioner Hay inquired if Ms. Hogan was prepared to commit the time and effort needed to be on the CRA Board. Ms. Hogan indicated she had a Masters in Public Administration, Public Finance and government was her interest. She had been involved and participating in City government for some time, especially the business side of government and its efficiencies. Commissioner Hay asked if she saw the ability of the Chamber of Commerce, City of Boynton Beach and the Community Redevelopment Agency working together as an advantage or disadvantage. Ms. Hogan felt it was very, very important and was an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and on the government affairs committee. All the participants care about the community so the partnership is vital. Commissioner Hay asked about her vision for north Federal Highway and the Heart of Boynton as far as improvement. Ms. Hogan felt the situation was sad and the history of the area had to be changed. Due diligence on a developer had to be done to entice them into the area. The process has to be sharpened and any developer has to be investigated to assure performance of the promises made is the goal rather than zoning changes to flip properties for the quick buck. Professionalism has to be demanded. Commissioner Hay asked for a summary of the purpose of the CRA Board as Ms. Hogan viewed the situation. Ms. Hogan came from a fiscal background and she knew the marketing was important to find investors to come into the area. There had to be a united front showing a professional organization is available. Commissioner Holzman asked what area or zone of the CRA would Ms. Hogan make her priority and the strategies she would implement. Ms. Hogan indicated she was a generalist and thought the entire area was important. The Board had to be able to balance the needs in very, very poor areas to offer incentives to developers to invest in the City. The increase in taxable property would assure continued revenue. Home values had to increase to generate more revenue. All proposals have to be considered. Commissioner Holzman asked Ms. Hogan if, as a real estate broker, she intended to sell any properties within the CRA district while on the Board. Ms. Hogan had no plans to sell her apartment in Snug Harbor, but would consider selling if necessary with full disclosure. The integrity between the Board and the developers had to be exceptional. 3 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7, 2010 She contended buying and selling properties within the CRA district should not be done by any Board members. Commissioner Holzman requested three specific goals for the CRA area and the time lines for implementation. Ms. Hogan responded an inventory of what is available should be done along the downtown corridor and the high crime areas such as the Heart of Boynton and downtown corridor. The Commission thanked Ms. Hogan for her responses. R. Reed Daniel Commissioner Orlove noted the application mentioned the lack of support from the urban community and lack of cohesiveness of the City in terms of development issues and sought clarification and possible remedies. Mr. Daniel spoke about the lack of support from the community because of past experience of projects that never came to fruition. His perspective was if one area dies, the remainder would not function properly. In other words, the Heart of Boynton and Downtown project were interconnected and had to be developed as a contiguous unit of development. The Promenade and Marina Harbor are tastefully done and a great draw to the area, but needed to be jump started to move out from there. Mr. Daniel reported he owned several properties along Martin Luther King Boulevard. The status of the properties was a concern and if appointed, would he recuse himself from dealing with issues in and around those properties. Mr. Daniel remarked asking to be excused would be the right thing to do and the law. He confirmed he did own a couple of properties in Boynton Beach. Mayor Rodriguez confirmed the applicant lived in West Palm Beach rather than in Boynton Beach. It was not Mr. Daniel's intent to redevelop the vacant lot he owned. Mayor Rodriguez questioned how managing a Youth Violence Prevention Program in the City of West Palm Beach would benefit the Boynton Beach CRA. Mr. Daniel advised he wrote the grants for the project including construction grants that would bring money to the City of Boynton Beach to do building projects for those in re-entry and in the 16 to 24 age bracket to rehab or build houses. Green growth building would also have grant funding available to bring money to the City. Mayor Rodriguez determined Mr. Daniel had not attended a CRA meeting in over a year. Commissioner Hay inquired if Mr. Daniel viewed a working relationship among the Chamber of Commerce, City of Boynton Beach and CRA as an advantage or disadvantage. Mr. Daniel saw the working relationship as an advantage. The Chamber would be working to bring new business to the area and the CRA should be doing the same and working together. Commissioner Hay asked for Mr. Daniel's interpretation of the purpose of the CRA. Mr. Daniel replied the CRA had done interviews with the 4 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7,2010 community to create a vision and they should be implementing those action plans. In his opinion, the CRA has not reached its potential due to ongoing political posturing. An independent Board would bring new thinking to assess the plans and move forward. Commissioner Holzman established Mr. Daniel had read the Downtown Master Plan; however, he was not familiar with the five moves that were suggested to jump start growth in the CRA district. Commissioner Holzman asked for an economic development strategy that could be implemented for the CRA. With the support of the Board, Mr. Daniel's first economic strategy would be to create jobs by seeking government funding to develop jobs, re-entry programs to educate and develop job skills to help the community rebuild. Commissioner Holzman wanted to know Mr. Daniel's knowledge of two or three things not accomplished by prior CRA Boards. Mr. Daniel responded nothing had been done in the Heart of Boynton except tearing down, no building up, even downtown. Nothing seemed to be coherent in the CRA district. Vice Mayor Ross wanted Mr. Daniel's thoughts on the meaning of being an active CRA Board member and explain his vision. Mr. Daniel responded it would require understanding the policy and mission of the Board and to carry it out to the best of your ability by abiding by the policy and let nothing stand in the way of doing what is required. He was willing to accept the responsibility for all of Boynton Beach. He had grown up in Boynton Beach and wanted to bring his knowledge and investment back to the City that gave him the foundation for his current life. Vice Mayor Ross had noticed Mr. Daniel was retired and a musician. She inquired if he traveled a great deal as a musician. Mr. Daniel replied he used to travel extensively when he was musician. Edward Cairo Mayor Rodriguez had seen that one of Mr. Cairo's objectives was to revitalize the downtown area and he wanted specifics on how the objective could be achieved. Mr. Cairo had been interested in the downtown area and he felt the area needed a draw to bring people to the area. He wanted to help by bringing in a draw type of tenant and work with the local people to bring in other tenants and let the area grow sequentially. Mr. Cairo opined some sort of tax break could be offered to get a business that would bring more people to Ocean Avenue. Hopefully it would encourage others to capitalize on the additional visitors to the new venture. Mr. Cairo mentioned the Ruth Jones Cottage and Oscar Magnuson house could be used as restaurants if special incentives would be offered. He had been in the restaurant business for years and felt it would be a good way to start. Commissioner Hay inquired if a working relationship between the Chamber of Commerce, City of Boynton Beach and the CRA would be an advantage or disadvantage. Mr. Cairo saw it as an advantage although they are separate entities, cooperation could only assist the entire City of Boynton Beach. He viewed the CRA as a Board of Directors that could carry out the objectives. Mr. Cairo's vision for the CRA 5 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7,2010 Board was to look at projects, property, blighted areas and isolate properties that could be revitalized to bring more business, increase the tax roll and create tax dollars. The Board should penetrate the market, talk to the people and figure out areas to improve. Commissioner Holzman asked Mr. Cairo to cite any goals or projects that had not been accomplished by previous CRA Boards. Mr. Cairo knew there had many projects and the Marina district was one that had been worked on for considerable time. The Heart of Boynton and Martin Luther King corridor needed more attention. A study of the area would be needed to create a real vision of what the community would like to have and work on one project at a time to fruition. Mr. Cairo advised he had attended the last CRA meeting. Vice Mayor Ross sought clarification on Mr. Cairo's ideas of the primary targets for redevelopment in the CRA district. Mr. Cairo delineated Seacrest and Martin Luther King Boulevards as the first area that needs assistance. He had lived in the City of Boynton Beach for 16 years and noticed there was no grocery or drug stores in the area. It would be a good place to start redevelopment. Vice Mayor Ross wanted to know Mr. Cairo's perspective on being a very involved CRA Board member and the commitment involved. Mr. Cairo advised he had given it a lot of thought. He had been a real estate and mortgage broker and investor for a considerable amount of time with the restaurant business primarily in his background. He wanted to work within the City to try and assist in any way to use his skills, knowledge and experience. He has always been self-employed and self-motivated to succeed. He does travel for business on occasion but he set his own schedule and did not see it being an issue for him to serve. Commissioner Orlove established Mr. Cairo was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and asked if there was something in particular he would want to focus on to create his vision for the downtown. Mr. Cairo replied the Federal Highway Corridor was an area that incentives should be offered for store-front improvements. He wanted to discuss options with the owners to assist in their makeovers. There did not appear to be continuity to improve the Corridor. Commissioner Orlove asked if Mr. Cairo's experience and credentials would create any conflicts working in the area. As far as the restaurant angle, Mr. Cairo had not been involved for some time. He had been a real estate broker since 1983 and if a conflict arose, he would step down. Revia Lee Commissioner Hay asked if the Chamber of Commerce, City of Boynton Beach and the CRA working together would be an advantage or disadvantage and why. Ms. Lee answered it would be an advantage because the Chamber attracts businesses and attempts to sell the City to those moving to the area. A partnership with the Chamber would be very beneficial. Commissioner Hay inquired about her vision of the reason for the existence of the CRA Board. Ms. Lee contended it would be a viable entity to have in a community because it is a resource for funding and building up the community. 6 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7,2010 Commissioner Holzman inquired about an economic development strategy that she would implement within the CRA. A strategy that could be used would be looking at the physical and natural resources to generate funds for projects according to Ms. Lee. She did not have a plan, but knew there were entities that have to be in place for economic development to take place. Usually it is money and knowledge of the needs and resources to have a plan. Commissioner Holzman wanted to know three or four specific things that Ms. Lee felt had not been accomplished by previous CRA Boards and she would like to see accomplished quickly. Ms. Lee replied she wanted to see more happen in the Heart of Boynton. The major plan developed should be moved forward. Ms. Lee also wanted something to happen with the Old High School that would bring some culture into the City of Boynton to draw people to the downtown. Vice Mayor Ross commented Ms. Lee had been a teacher and principal and could identify with the schools within Boynton Beach and their problems and concerns. Vice Mayor Ross asked if Ms. Lee would have the time to devote to being a CRA Board member and Ms. Lee replied she was retired and had a great deal of time. There would be duties beyond meetings. Ms. Lee remarked if she was a part of something, she makes a commitment to do whatever is required. Commissioner Orlove asked if Ms. Lee was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and if so, what component would she want to address during her first few months as a Board member. She indicated she would want the Marina project to continue to completion. Commissioner Orlove sought elaboration on her comment in the application, "I have demonstrated knowledge of the processes and procedures for addressing growth, fiscal management and initiatives dealing with change." Ms. Lee commented the appropriate use of funds is paramount, as well as addressing the solicitation of funds to get the progress needed to grow the City. Her experience involved the appropriate use of funds and accountability. Mayor Rodriguez remarked Ms. Lee had listed the development of the north end of the City, inadequate housing, jobs and attracting new business as issues facing the CRA. He asked what specific plans or ideas did she have to address those issues. Ms. Lee had no specific plans because plans have been created to resolve some of the issues. Her idea was to encourage use of the plans already developed. There was nothing that she would halt or change direction, without further knowledge and data. Michael Grosh Commissioner Holzman established Mr. Grosh was familiar with the Downtown Master Plan and asked if Mr. Grosh agreed or disagreed with any segment of the Plan. Mr. Grosh thought the private projects were the best examples and Marina improvements were nice projects and should be encouraged through completion. Commissioner Holzman inquired if there were any projects that previous eRA Boards had failed to 7 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7,2010 accomplish that he would like to see accomplished. Mr. Grosh felt all the current CRA projects were worthy. The economy and market, real estate values and future value of commercial real estate would affect even the best development plans. Focusing on what has been done and the quality of current projects and maintaining those projects would be the most important objective at the present time. Vice Mayor Ross noted Mr. Grosh had extensive experience in property acquisition and property management in Florida and other states, including working at a Special Improvement District in Sebring, Florida. Mr. Grosh reported he had started as the Director of Development at an independent special improvement district under Statute 189. It was a specific purpose district with powers to tax through municipal bonds. It is slightly different than a CRA. He was involved with the financing of forming a tax-free municipal bond and all the infrastructure, utilities, roads and all planning involved in putting together the tax free municipal bonds and working with bond counsel. Vice Mayor Ross wanted assurance that Mr. Grosh understood the commitment required to be a Board member and the time to devote to the CRA Board. Mr. Grosh concurred he understood the position and the time-consuming effort needed, plus research and knowledge of funding opportunities to make good decisions. Commissioner Orlove noted Mr. Grosh had indicated he wanted to see the continued development of the coastal and intracoastal lands and he wanted clarification on the comment. Mr. Grosh responded continuation of the existing private developments and their success as well as encourage further development would be crucial since incremental financing would not be improving in the near future. Renovation of the Sunshine Plaza and completion of Las Ventanas has been impressive. Mayor Rodriguez asked for two projects that Mr. Grosh would propose or do differently. Mr. Grosh would first want to examine the budget carefully and examine the pace of projects. Public education of the duties of the CRA should also be encouraged and developed. Mr. Grosh did like the trolley service that was effective outside of the CRA. It would be important that the CRA make sure none of the private developers fail. All projects should have time frames to move forward. Mayor Rodriguez inquired what skills sets Mr. Grosh possessed that would set him apart from other candidates. Mr. Grosh responded his experience in commercial real estate from the bottom up, construction experience including general contracting and minute construction, and a far more than average knowledge of bonds and how they function, how they are funded and the payback parameters including revenue. Commissioner Hay asked if the Chamber of Commerce, CRA and City working together was perceived as an advantage or disadvantage and why. Mr. Grosh could not see any disadvantage of a team of people working together. The Chamber overlaps the CRA and the City has arguably one of the more talented City Managers in the area and staff that can do the job. The CRA is going through changes and hopefully they would be positive and able to envision the changes needed including funding and revenue. The 8 Meeting Minutes Special City Commission Meeting Boynton Beach, FL September 7, 2010 biggest handicap and opportunity would be how to cope with the new economic environment. Commissioner Hay wanted to know Mr. Grosh's perception of the purpose for having a CRA Board. Mr. Grosh offered it was to help chart the course for the future and protect the investments of the CRA and City. The CRA district is a huge asset that needs to be protected and moved forward. Mayor Rodriguez announced the interviews were concluded at 6:52 p.m. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH --)?~ Marl,ne Ros ) Vice Mayor /J.'./~.fi ' 'f/ ~/ tit a/l~~ Willia qrlove, Commissioner / ATTEST: 9