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Minutes 04-08-14 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014, AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBE 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Jerry Taylor, Chair Vivian Brooks, Executive Director Joe Casello, Vice Chair Ken Spillias, Board Attorney Buck Buchanan Mike Fitzpatrick Mark Karageorge Mack McCray David Merker I. Call to Order Chair Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Invocation and Pledge to the Flag Mr. Karageorge gave the invocation followed by the Pledge to the Flag led by Mr. Fitzpatrick. III. Roll Call Roll call was taken. A quorum was present. IV. Legal: A. Update on Bid Protest from West Construction — Boynton Harbor Marina Harbor Master Building Project Attorney Spillias explained a memo on the matter was included with the meeting materials, which he briefly reviewed. West Construction filed a lawsuit against the CRA and Collage Construction, the winner of the bid for the Boynton Harbor Marina project. This was a bid protest claiming the criteria for the bid award was arbitrary and capricious. West Construction asked for a temporary, and ultimately a permanent, injunction to halt the construction, reverse the Board's decision and make an award to West. A hearing was held to obtain an immediate injunction and the judge did not do Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 so. The matter is placed on the judge's docket for July and August and the CRA filed a motion to dismiss the complaint which the judge indicated he wants to hear. If the motion is denied, he would hear the request for an injunction. West Construction wrote two letters to the judge asking him to consider the matter an emergency and the judge has not responded to either letter. unless something else happens, the hearing will not occur earlier than July and he advised Ms. Brooks there was no reason to delay commencement of the construction. V. Agenda Approval: A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Mr. Karageorge added two items to Future Agenda for the next meeting: Code Compliance in the CRA District, and the Woman's Club and the CRA. He thought there was a solution for both. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Merker seconded the motion that unanimously passed. VI. Informational Items and Disclosures by Board Members and CRA Staff: A. Disclosure of Conflicts, Contacts and Relationships for Items Presented to the CRA Board on Agenda Items Mr. Karageorge disclosed he is a customer at the restaurant owned by the applicant for the New Business, Item B, pertaining to additional outdoor seating. There would be no personal gain to him, but he wanted to disclose the friendship on record. He also disclosed he and Mr. Merker accidentally ran into Ms. Lisa Bright. The encounter was cordial and polite, but there was no discussion of any matter. Vice Chair Casello had no disclosures or announcements nor did Messrs. Fitzpatrick, McCray and Buchanan. Mr. Merker explained he did not know he met Ms. Bright, but he said hello and Mr. Karageorge said that was Ms. Bright. He disclosed he frequents the East Ocean Cafe and knows the owner, who has an item on the agenda. He also acknowledged he knows Mr. Woodrow Hay who would receive an award. Chair Taylor advised he met with representatives from Auburn Group to discuss city - owned property. It is not an item on the agenda, but at some time in the future, they may come before the CRA and City Commission. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 B. Informational Announcements Mr Karageorge attended the CRA's concert, movie and market and praised the staff for their marketing efforts. He noted there were three generations of attendees at the events, which were past, present and future dollars. He recognized Tracy Smith -Coffey and Amy Zimmermann for their efforts He also contacted the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Executive Director, Carol Westmoreland and Jeremey Earl, the Chair of FRA about adding a new category of Financial Excellence to the FRA Awards because the Boynton Beach CRA is one of the few CRAs that have had five years of clean audits. Again, he recognized Susan Harris and commented she should be recognized statewide. Mr. Karageorge commented Ms. Westmoreland would contact him the next day as they are organizing the next FRA conference in Miami. Mr Karageorge commented he will be graduating from a Community Real Estate Development course on May 22nd. His project on the Cottage District received a bronze medal He commented it was a very difficult project and he thanked Dave Brandt of the Finance Housing Authority of Palm Beach County, Ms. Brooks, Mike Simon and Mike Rumpf for their assistance. He also thanked the City Commissioners, CRA and City staff for attending the Wells Fargo Check presentation ceremony. Over $458,000 is being invested by Wells Fargo in the CRA district to beautify, upgrade the quality of housing and the streetscape in the area. Mr. McCray commented he attended the Boutique Market and suggested Chair Taylor continue to solicit disclosures and announcements starting with Mr. Karageorge since he provides a good summation for all the members Mr. Buchanan agreed with Mr. McCray's suggestion. Chair Taylor commented he and his wife attended the movie Frozen at Dewey Park. He read an article from the Sun - Sentinel entitled Boynton Model Block Scores $450K donation detailing a model block in Boynton Beach received a large donation on Monday. Wells Fargo Community Bank presented two checks totaling $458K to the Boynton Beach Faith -Based Community Development Corporation and the Neighborhood Renaissance Corporation to beautify a blighted block between Sara Simms Park on NW 9 Court and Poinciana Elementary School on Seacrest Boulevard. The money will be used to revamp the Heart of Boynton block by providing new landscaping, sidewalks, trees, neighborhood signs, a bus shelter and other property renovations. Chair Taylor commented it was close to half a million dollars and will go a long way in that area. - - - -- - - -- - --- - - • - - -- - - -- 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 VII. Announcements & Awards: A. Presentation to Woodrow Hay for Service to the CRA and the Community Chair Taylor requested former Board Member, Woodrow Hay, come to the podium for a presentation recognizing his service to the CRA and community. Chair Taylor commented he appreciates his friendship and service on the Board over the past few years. He did an excellent job and set the bar high. He presented him with an award inscribed: Boynton Beach CRA, Woodrow Hay, 2007 -2014, with heartfelt appreciation for your dedication to the Boynton Beach CRA. Mr. Hay explained it was an honor to serve and he enjoyed it and he learned to walk the walk and talk the talk. He has taught Sunday school for 40 years and he teaches his class they must lift the words out of the Bible and make them become living words that live in them enabling them to be a master servant. He explained the job is to serve others and the members should never forget it or let the title go to their heads. If they serve others, the Lord will take care of them. Mr. Hay acknowledged his wife for all her support and attendance. She has attended nearly every meeting and has always been there for him. He wanted to publically thank her from the bottom of his heart for 48 years of marriage. He requested the Board keep doing what they are doing and he commented to Mr. Merker he still loves him and there was nothing Mr. Merker could do about it. Mr. Merker explained in Greek thinking there are three types of love including felos, which is love of friendship, understanding, and being there for one another. He wished Mr. Hay felos. B. Movies in the Park: April 4 - Frozen — Recap Amy Zimmermann Marketing, Events and Economic Development Assistant, estimated about 300 people attended the April 4 th viewing of Frozen and agreed it was a multi - generational event. Maui Wowi and Oldtime Kettle Corn were present and the Schoolhouse Children's Museum ran out of craft supplies. Costumed characters, obtained by a local business, were a hit. May 2 — The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Ms. Zimmermann explained this event was not an animated movie and would be marketed as a "Date Night ". Oldtime Kettle Corn, the Pizza Trolley, the Little House and Maui Wowie will again be present and she hoped for good weather. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 C.. Happy Hour Thursday — Music on the Rocks /Shaken Not Stirred Ms. Zimmermann explained the March 20 concert featured Wonderama. The band was so well liked, staff asked them to play an extra 30 minutes. Staff is exploring the option of having the next band, Funkabilly Playb%s, play till 9 p.m. There will be food and a full bar available. The last concert is May 15 h and will feature Riverdown band. D. Boynton Beach Boutique Market Ms. Zimmermann spoke with the market managers who confirmed there were 21 vendors present and they explained the attendance overall was slow for this Sunday, due to many snowbirds returning north. The markets will continue until April 27 Mr. Merker left the dais at 6:52 p.m. Vice Chair Casello commented there were two ground - breaking ceremonies and it was great to see two construction projects occurring at the same time. He commended staff for the reception for the new Harbor Master Building. VIII. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Minutes — CRA Board Meeting, March 12, 2014 B. Approval of Period Ended March 31, 2014 Financial Report C. Monthly Purchase Orders Motion Mr. Fitzpatrick moved to approve the consent agenda. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that passed 6 -0 (Mr. Merker not present for the vote.) IX. Pulled Consent Agenda Items: None. X. Information Only: A. Public Comment Log Chair Taylor noted there were two comments received. Mr. Merker returned to the dais at 6:54 p.m. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 B. Business Development Advertising Campaign Mr. Karageorge thought the campaign was excellent and he commended staff. The members had received the Boynton Forum containing the CRA's Annual Report as an insert. He commented people were starting to realize the great things the CRA does for businesses. He thanked Ms. Smith -Coffey and commented people were starting to see the return on investment. C. Recap of Commercial Broker Reception — 3/13/14 Ms. Brooks commented this event had a good turnout and staff received great feedback from the attendees. Staff will be sending follow -up postcards to attendees, those who did not attend, the Commercial Broker Alliance and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties detailing the available incentives. Staff will send them on a quarterly basis so potential businesses do not forget Boynton Beach. Chair Taylor commented he received positive feedback on the update and the information that was presented was helpful. XI. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to three minutes in duration) None. XII. Public Hearing: None XIII. Old Business: A. Update on Seacrest Banner Project Ms. Brooks explained this project was just completed. There are new light poles installed as part of the Seacrest streetscape to enhance the neighborhood's feel. Elements taken from the public art on the corner of Seacrest and MILK Boulevards were contained in the banners and the banners signified one was in a neighborhood. In total, 16 light poles were-installed. Mr. McCray commended Ms. Brooks and her staff for a job well done and pointed out the lights look good. They enhance the neighborhood, and create a feel of being part of something. Ms. Brooks acknowledged the area was coming together. B. Update on Marina Phase II Project Chair Taylor noted Items B and C both had recent groundbreaking ceremonies. Mike Simon, Assistant Director, explained staff will provide updates and photographs on the progress of these types of projects. He noted the members saw the result of the photographs contained in the meeting materials and Collage, as part of their 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 construction phasing, takes monthly aerial photographs. On Monday, they started work on the grade beam and forming the slab foundation, and the work was progressing well. He thanked the Board for attending the groundbreaking ceremony. Mr. Simon explained staff would send photos between meetings for the members to review and he encouraged them to visit Two Georges and walk around the front of the building to get a clear view. All was going well with Two Georges and the roundabout. After the grade beam is laid and the foundation is poured in the next two weeks, vertical construction will begin. C. Update on Parking Lot Project on NE 1 St Ave. & NE 1 St Street and & Sidewalk Connector located at 208 NE 1st Avenue Mr. Simon explained the parking lot project site is cleared and grubbed. Some excavation work for the drainage took place and some work was started on the sidewalk project. Staff has been working with and sent a letter to the Millicent Condominium residents announcing the project would take place. The residents there have been great and were supportive of the work. Mr. Simon anticipated the project would last about four months, contingent on the weather. IV. New Business: A. Presentation of the CRA Annual Report Ms. Brooks explained the CRA is required to file an annual report. The report can be plain and boring, and, by law, only has to be sent to individuals who contribute to the Tax Increment Finance fund and to be posted online. She explained the report could be used as a marketing tool to let the public know what is being done, which staff does every year. This year, rather than mailing the report, which was expensive, Ms. Smith - Coffey suggested sending it as an insert in the Boynton Forum by zip code. It only cost $180 to insert the report as opposed to spending thousands for mailings. The report was sent to residents who receive the paper, it is on the website, and it was sent to the County Commission because they contribute a portion of the revenue. The report details the projects the CRA worked on and how the money was spent last year. It also highlights the CRA's transparency. Mr. McCray thanked staff for delivering the paper to his home. Mr. Karageorge commented he received positive feedback from those who received it. B. Consideration of Approval of Sidewalk Cafe Permit for East Ocean Cafe — 412 East Ocean Avenue. Mr. Simon reviewed the item which requested a permit. City Land Development Regulations require these permits be issued in order to operate outdoor dining when they abut a sidewalk or when there is outdoor seating in a public right -of -way. The requests go before the City Commission that the CRA district is located in and requires 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 the CRA Board approve or deny the request. This application meets all of the requirements according to the City's review and Planning and Zoning deemed the request appropriate and complete, with one condition the tables do not encroach onto other business areas and any future changes must come back before the City. Staff recommended approval of the request. Motion Mr. Merker moved to approve. Mr. Buchanan seconded the motion. Vice Chair Casello had breakfast there and noted there was a tree in front of the establishment. He thought the tree could be replaced to provide shade and spoke with Ms. Brooks about it. Mr. Simon agreed to look into the matter and commented they are implementing a lighting project on Ocean Avenue and they could both be addressed together. Mr. McCray was concerned about cars driving onto the sidewalk and inquired if there were barriers at the location. Mr. Simon commented there is curbing. Mr. Merker commented tables were setback even more. The motion unanimously passed. XV. Executive Director's Report: A. New Businesses in CRA District Chair Taylor noted there were three new businesses in the District who were: Bluestone Cabinet at 1370 W. Industrial Avenue, Native Kava LLC, 100 NE 6 th Street, Marina Village, and Sobriety Now, 639 E. Ocean Avenue, #205. Vice Chair Casello commented there was a bill in Tallahassee which could affect the Sobriety Now business. Mr. Karageorge noted with the opening of Native Kava, there are now three occupied storefronts where previously they were empty. One more business was needed to completely fill that side. There was also brief discussion about Kava being a specialty tea or whether it was an unregulated drug. The beverage was from a root and it is a Fiji Island drink that can have mild euphoric effects. B. Development Projects Update Chair Taylor noted there were 11 updates included in the meeting materials. Vice Chair Casello inquired about the Denny's site and Ms. Brooks responded they met regarding 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, FL April 8, 2014 the application process for Code Lien reductions. Ms. Brooks wants to investigate all the properties that have that same issue as she believes there are many, and send a letter advising owners if they are unable to sell their properties because of the liens, there is a process they should consider. Chair Taylor noted an ordinance was heard at the last City Commission meeting that moved those issues to the City Manager. Mr. Karageorge noted it was a factor with one site and there are many buildings there that had liens on them for years. XVI. Future Agenda Items: A. Consideration of a Direct Incentive Funding Agreement with LeCesse Development Group Ms. Brooks explained staff was trying to work with LeCesse and requested documents that have not yet been received. When received, they would be brought to the Board. Staff also issued a letter in support of the City's grant for quiet zones Mr. Fitzpatrick commented on LeCesse and 500 Ocean. He requested Ms Brooks keep a list of how the CRA was being proactive with the project. Should it fail, he did not want Ms Brooks to suffer any repercussions and the list would show how the CRA actively pursued the initiative. Ms Brooks explained she emails LeCesse periodically. From a design perspective, the City and CRA worked out the details, but now it is a financial discussion. Mr. Merker thought it was typical a business owner would want something for nothing. He thought the CRA should take a stand, be smart and prudent. Mr Karageorge commented LeCcscc indicated they would come to Lyman Reynolds would give a report at the next meeting. XVII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Taylor adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p m. (il_atitAklul, Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 040914 9