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Minutes 09-09-14 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2014, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Jerry Taylor, Chair Vivian Brooks, Executive Director Joe Casello, Vice Chair Tara Duhy, Board Counsel Buck Buchanan Michael Fitzpatrick Woodrow Hay 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. Hay gave the invocation followed by Mr. Fitzpatrick leading the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Ill. Roll Call Roll call established a quorum was present. IV. Legal= A. Consideration of Policy on Preliminary Discovery of Requiring all Such Defendants to File the Fact Information Sheet Tara Duhy, CA Counsel, explained this item pertained to collecting on Final Judgments, in reference to enforcing CRA promissory notes. After receiving the Final Judgment on a promissory note, the Court orders debtors to file a Fact Information Sheet reflecting their current financial status which allows the collector to understand how they can collect on a judgment. Often, debtors fail to do this, but the Court could compel the debtor to file the sheet. One option, that is not costly or time consuming, is to file an Ex Parte Motion to Compel which would reinforce the Court's requirement the fact sheet be filed. If the debtor has resources, it would be good information to have about following up on collecting on Final Judgments. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Motion Mr. McCray moved to accept the option from Legal to file a Motion to Compel. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. B. Discussion of Guidance for Handling Public Records Requests Attorney Duhy explained this information was obtained from the Florida League of Cities on how public agencies should handle public record requests. Ms. Brooks explained it was useful information submitted for the Board's consideration and it was already distributed to staff. No action from the Board was necessary. Vice Chair Casello inquired if this was the standard and Attorney Duhy commented the information was consistent with Public Records Law, and was a quick reference guide. Complicated issues would be researched further. A. Report on CRA Sunset Date Attorney Duhy advised several months ago, staff was asked to research when the CRA would sunset. She advised the Statute governing CRAs does not have a provision it will sunset on a date certain. A sunset date is determined by reading the entire Statute and there are provisions regarding Redevelopment Trust Funds, the required contents of a redevelopment plan and the bonding capacity of the CRA. When read together it infers when a CRA would have its business concluded. It was Counsel's position the CRA would sunset no later than the last amendment of the boundary of the CRA. Since the Statute was not clear, they reviewed the Courts and case law; however, there was no case law. They contacted the Florida Redevelopment Association to see if and how they handled the issue. In August, they received a draft memo from the Florida League of Cities counsel and the Florida Redevelopment Association counsel, that took a restrictive interpretation of the Statute to say it would sunset on the 30 fiscal year following the adoption of the first redevelopment plan, which would be September 30, 2014. Attorney Duhy advised they do not agree with the interpretation as it applies to this CRA. Their recommendation, given the existence of the opinion, is they take steps this month to adopt a time certain in the redevelopment plan to complete their work and eliminate any question on the matter. Mr. Merker advised he researched the matter and spoke with Ms. Waldenburg from Tallahassee. He thought the inconsistency of the FRA was interesting, as they did not have a charter or written outline to define CRAs throughout the State. He thought there should be a common law that regulates this but there was none. The conflict or issue that arose was not the City's fault. The State should define the sunset date. Mr. McCray was not in favor of sunsetting this month and pointed out the Commission could sunset the CRA at any time. There were too many projects on the table and they should move forward. He favored sunsetting in 2044. Attorney Duhy commented the 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 action the Board would take will clarify the end time certain. It does not impact the existence of the CRA. They were advising the Board to clarify this and eliminate questions. Messrs. Merker, McCray and Buchanan agreed. Vice Chair Casello commented this question was brought to the Board's attention since March and asked why the information was presented at the 9th hour. The CRA could have legally sunset this month. He contended as the Board's legal representative, counsel should be on top of this. It made the Board to look incompetent. He blamed legal counsel as they should protect and guide the Board. There had been issues with RFPs and now with sunset laws. He commented it was not acceptable. Mr. McCray noted new legal counsel came in after March and this was a housekeeping item. He thought counsel was doing a great job. Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired why they were holding a special meeting, if the matter was not urgent. Chair Taylor explained they wanted to take the steps so no one could argue the CRA should have been sunset. Mr. Hay did not think it was a last minute situation, it was a verbiage issue. He pointed out they would not have needed a CRA if the City had done the right thing and enforced the Codes so areas of the City would not have declined. The City needs the CRA, and the CRA could access funds the City could not. They should ensure the CRA does not sunset in the middle of projects and favored changing the language and extending the deadline to 2044. Chair Taylor requested a motion to accept the Attorney's recommendation to clarify the sunset date. Motion Mr. Hay so moved. Mr. Merker seconded the motion. Mr. Merker thought the CRA was doing a wonderful job in the Heart of Boynton and other areas of the City would move forward. The motion unanimously passed. C. Discussion of CRA Lease with Adventurous Palate, Inc. d /b /a The Little House Ms. Brooks announced the CRA was notified by Christine Benoit, who was leasing the Little House d /b /a as Adventurous Palate, she would be leaving at the end of the month/ Ms. Brooks learned she will vacate on Saturday. Staff planned to inspect the property 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 on Friday. Ms. Benoit will not be in default until she does not pay October's rent. The process requires she would then be notified she will be in default and Ms. Brooks was unsure what would then occur. Attorney Duhy explained Attorney Spillias had provided a memo outlining the CRA's options. If the tenant defaults in October, the CRA could take steps to evict, and file an action to obtain monetary damages for the lease. In addition to those remedies, the CRA could pursue opportunities to re -lease or sublease the property. Once the rent is not paid, they could commence procedures, but it was unlikely eviction would occur as she planned to leave. Vice Chair Casello requested future leases include a provision to attach personal property of the tenant. Ms. Brooks responded Ms. Benoit did not have any personal property and was about halfway through her lease. Mr. Fitzpatrick thought the restaurant was not viable because of its size and asked how it would be viable for the next tenant. Mr. Merker disagreed and pointed out the East Ocean Cafe, another small business, was getting rave reviews and its success was due to other factors. Ms. Brooks explained Ms. Benoit had cooked out of a truck and was used to small spaces. Chair Taylor agreed and recalled when the lease was given, there was a business plan presented. He was told the best business plan came from Kim Kelly from Hurricane Alley. One suggestion was to sublease the property, which he opposed. Ms. Brooks wanted to have a restaurant designer see if they could add a small kitchen. There are other individuals interested in the premises. Mr. Hay, for the record, agreed with what Chair Taylor recalled. Mr. Buchanan pointed out a step was missing. The night Ms. Kelly made her presentation, the lease was awarded to someone else who could not put the deal together. The Request for Proposals was issued again, and then Ms. Benoit was awarded the lease. He suggested the Board be very judicious next time in dealing with the nuts and bolts to ensure the lease is successful. He also pointed out there are local restaurants that have no air conditioning that are successful having inside and outside seating. V. Agenda Approval: A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda None. B. Adoption of Agenda 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Hay 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 No disclosures were made. B. Informational Announcements Mr. Merker spoke with Frank Cerabino, Palm Beach Post Columnist, regarding the proposed rail service and thought there was a lot the Board should learn. Mr. Merker found his column interesting, as he elaborated on the pros and the cons of the service. When this topic comes before the Board, it will be essential for Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, and the entire State of Florida. He looked forward to the discussion Vice Chair Casello and the City Manager attended a meeting in Boca Raton with federal, state and local elected officials about solar homes. It was a very educational discussion about what can be done on a local level up to the federal level. He hoped to get policies in place to protect cities. Mr. Hay announced a 50 -Year Anniversary of Goodyear on U.S. 1 on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at 4 p.m. Goodyear was planning a celebration and the Chamber of Commerce was involved. He requested the Board members attend and make the City's presence known. He commented businesses in the City open for 50 years were few. The business was also trying to get the Goodyear Blimp in celebration of the event. Ms. Brooks reminded the members about the FRA conference on October 8, 9 and 10 in Miami. She was aware some of the members were attending the Public /Private Partnership Conference, but some may want to attend the conference as well. Members interested in attending should let her know so she could register them. She also announced, LeCesse will be approaching the Board in November to discuss an incentive. Ms. Brooks will send an email to members with further information. Mr. Merker attended the service by the Police who were retiring a police dog and commented it was a very nice event. Mr. McCray announced the 106 Anniversary of St. John Missionary Baptist Church on the 4 th Sunday in September. He invited all to attend. VII. Announcements & Awards: 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 A. 2014 SunSational Award - 1 sf Place to the Boynton Beach CRA for the Promotional Poster — Catch a Free Event (Presented by Florida Festivals & Events Association) Ms. Brooks explained the CRA won First Place for the Catch a Free Event poster. The award was unexpected and the Board congratulated staff. Ms. Brooks explained the marketing budget was increased and had an improved image. Being recognized by the Association was proof it was occurring. Mr. McCray commented he drove down Ocean Avenue and the Pirate Fest signs look good. VIII. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Minutes — CRA Budget Meeting, August 7, 2014 B. Approval of Minutes — CRA Board Meeting, August 12, 2014 C. Approval of Period Ended August 31, 2014 Financial Report D. Monthly Purchase Orders E. Approval of Rent Reimbursement Grant to Healing Heart, Inc. F. Approval of Interior Build Out Grant to Healing Heart, Inc. Motion Mr. Merker moved to approve. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IX. Pulled Consent Agenda Items: None. X. Information Only: A. Public Comment Log B. CRA Development Project Update: Boynton Harbor Marina Harbor Master Building Project Mr. Merker commented the Harbor looks beautiful. C. CRA Development Project Update: Parking Lot Project on NE 1st Ave. & NE 1st Street and & Sidewalk Connector located at 208 NE 1st Avenue 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 There were no comments on these items. I. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to 3 minutes in duration) David Katz, 67 Midwood Lane, explained an August 14 newspaper article was incorrect and pointed out he registered with the County as a Lobbyist for Florida Affordable Housing because it was ethical, although not required. He noted members of Neighborhood Renaissance, including Mark Karageorge, had not registered. At the August 12 meeting when Mr. Merker questioned whether he was a lobbyist, neither Ms. Brooks or Attorney Spillias advised him they were not required to because the CRA was not governed by the County's Ordinance. Mr. Merker also had not made the same inquiry of Mr. Karageorge, or anyone else from Neighborhood Renaissance. Mr. Katz explained it was common knowledge Mr. Merker and Mr. Karageorge socialize together. Mr. Katz suggested the Board should be concerned Ms. Brooks had helped Mr. Karageorge gain employment through her relationship with Neighborhood Renaissance. When this occurred, Mr. Karageorge was a Board member who rated Ms. Brooks' performance and voted on her raises. He noted the Board requires staff disclosures at each meeting. When Mr. Karageorge resigned from the Board during the May 13 meeting, he cited conflicts of interest with his employer, Neighborhood Renaissance. At the August 12 meeting, Ms. Brooks disclosed she had been employed by Neighborhood Renaissance and Mr. Katz felt she should have disclosed the relationship at the May meeting. He asserted Ms. Brooks was on the selection committee, but removed herself from it after questions were raised. She supplied incorrect information with regard to the economic impact each proposal would have on the CRA regarding the Ocean Breeze project and although she sent a correction, the story was already published. He felt awarding the RFP to Neighborhood Renaissance and Hudson Holdings was a great injustice. Chair Taylor closed public comments. XII. Public Hearing: A. Consideration of Resolution 14 -06 to Amend the CRA Plan to Clarify Time Certain for the Completion of CRA Projects Ms. Brooks explained this item was discussed by Attorney Duhy earlier in the meeting. Motion Mr. Fitzpatrick moved to approve. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 XIII. Old Business: A. Consideration of Resolution No. 14 -05 Adopting the CRA Budget for FY 2014 Susan Harris, Finance Director, explained the budget was the same as was presented August 7 th except for one change. There vias property acquired between then and this meeting and she needed to reduce the rollover funds for property purchases in next year's budget by $92 thousand to reflect that purchase. This item requested the Board review and approve the budget and corresponding resolution, subject to the City Commission's approval and ratification. Motion Mr. McCray so moved. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. A. Consideration of Cone of Silence Policy for RFPs, RFQs and Invitations to Bid Mr. Merker commented communication was important and the Cone of Silence was a stumbling block that prevents people from learning and understanding. He thought understanding what a developer or attorney was thinking was good. Mr. McCray received confirmation the Cone of Silence was not required by the CRA. Mr. Buchanan favored the Cone of Silence as written. Anything that was presented to the Board should be presented in public. He thought the information and presentations should be sufficient for the Board to make decisions. Vice Chair Casello agreed with Mr. Buchanan. The item should be discussed in Chambers and not in back rooms with developers. Mr. Fitzpatrick was unclear and thought it dealt more with contracts and not developers. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA often issues RFP's for land and deals with developers. The Cone of Silence was designed to cover all those kinds of projects. Mr. Fitzpatrick's concerns were they were dealing with two different Cones of Silence between the City and CRA. Unless something occurred, he did not see a need for the Cone of Silence for the CRA. Mr. Hay, for consistency purposes, felt they should abide by the City's policy. Mr. Merker left the dais at 7:93 p.m. and retumed at 7:94 p.m. Ms. Brooks clarified the Cone of Silence starts when the RFP is issued and there should be no discussion about it until presented. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Mr. Buchanan observed if they do not have a Cone of Silence consistent with the City's, and developers lobby City Commission members as CRA members, and since the City Commission has to approve the project, the City's Cone of Silence is practically violated. The policies must be consistent. Mr. McCray wanted to be consistent, but to ensure all were on the same page, he agreed with the Cone of Silence. Motion Vice Chair Casello moved to accept the Cone of Silence. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that passed 5 -2 (Messrs. Merker and Fitzpatrick dissenting.) The way Mr. Fitzpatrick read the first line was if they send an email to a developer, they can respond. Ms. Brooks explained they can only respond to the person outlined in the RFP or invitation to bid listed as the contact person, not Commissioners or Board Members. Mr. Fitzpatrick read it applied except for written correspondence. Attorney Duhy interpretted it the way Ms. Brooks explained. In every RFP, a contact person is identified who could respond to questions, and questions and answers are usually published as an addendum to the RFP. Mr. Fitzpatrick commented someone from the County told him as long as it was written correspondence, he could speak with County Commissioners during the Cone of Silence. Attorney Duhy agreed to research the matter. Chair Taylor thought doing so was the same as talking and "correspondence" included email. IV. New Business: A. Consideration of Revised Human Resources Policies & Procedures Manual Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. B. Consideration of Executive Directors Annual Review and Evaluation Mr. Merker thought overseeing and planning for development in the City was a difficult position. Ms. Brooks could only initiate projects and does not have a crystal ball to see the outcome. She works 24 -hours a day, seven days a week. Motion Mr. Merker moved Ms. Brooks receive a 3% raise. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Mr. McCray explained when he evaluated the executive director, he only worked with her five months, but clarified he had previously worked with her. He favored giving her 3% because City employees received 3 %. He expressed Ms. Brooks was one in a million. Mr. Buchanan agreed with the last two comments. She did an outstanding job and he favored a 3% increase. Mr. Hay seconded motion. Vice Chair Casello commented Ms. Brooks does a great job; however, in the 14 months he has been on the Board, other than the Marina which was in place before he was elected and the parking lot, he did not see much occurring. He agreed there were many projects in the pipeline, but they have not yet been constructed. He noted they were still in negotiations regarding 500 Ocean Avenue, which had deals that fell apart, another on Seacrest with Hudson they are going to negotiations, and a Dollar Store that had not yet pulled permits. He opined there were several "maybe" projects. Vice Chair Casello noted they spent a lot of money to bundle property, but wanted to see progress and that was how people benchmark progress. He agreed Ms. Brooks did a great job managing the CRA, but preferred to wait another six months before he gave her another raise. He wanted to see actual shovels in the ground. Ms. Brooks explained Family Dollar just received final approval from the City Commission. The development process is about a two -year process from concept to shovel ready. She does not control the time line and she tries to match the dirt to the developer and excite people to develop in the CRA District. Bundling property was how to get a project done. There are projects in the plans stage that need to be bundled in order to make them come to fruition. The CRA has made much progress. They constructed 21 homes and a total of 34 new homes in the Heart of Boynton. The Marina, which used to be deplorable, would be the epicenter of the entire CRA District, which was in the original CRA plan. They did not bond for it. They budgeted for it year after year, and it was almost finished. They spent millions of dollars on it and it will attract new investments. Each day, Ms. Brooks speaks with developers. She cannot force developers or property owners to lower their price; she can only offer incentives to the extent the Board approves them. Mr. Hay expressed they were a long way from where they used to be. He was thankful for the "maybes" and favored a 3% raise. The CRA had received several awards. Since he has been on Board, he has never been as close to these projects as now. He thought the Board must acknowledge what Ms. Brooks accomplished and supported 3 %, Mr. Fitzpatrick explained when he was elected, there was some turnover in staff and each one was an improvement. Things were moving in a positive direction. He 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 reminded all they just came out of the worst economic downturn in years. He agreed it was about 18 months from concept to construction. He favored 3 %. Vice Chair Casello noted they already compensated the Director 3% for the 21 homes and the Marina. Mr. Hay explained in order to make those projects possible, they had to join with the City and ensure they had enough land. Through the efforts of Ms. Brooks and staff, they obtained the land and she should be rewarded. Chair Taylor agreed 21 homes was significant, and pointed out they eliminated drug dealers, demolished dilapidated buildings, have events to bring people to the downtown, have movies and music at night on a monthly basis, and all of them were significant. Vote The motion passed 6 -1 (Vice Chair Casello dissenting.) C. Consideration of Economic Development Grant Revisions for FY2014 -2015 a. Commercial Rent Reimbursement Ms. Brooks explained they wanted to double the amount they will reimburse for these programs for full - service restaurants, meaning open for lunch and dinner and having seating for 50 people indoors and outdoors. There is a lot of interest in the programs, and Las Ventanas and Casa Costa do not offer any build -out assistance. She noted restaurants bring a lot of activity to a downtown at night. Chair Taylor noted they need to have two full -time employees to receive the maximum assistance and inquired how a restaurant could open without at least two full -time positions, those being a manager and a cook. Ms. Brooks clarified it could be an equivalent, such as four part time positions. Ms. Brooks pointed out it was a reimbursement grant. They have to spend their own money before they get CRA money. They do not get the funds up front. Ms. Brooks pointed out this was successfully done in other areas and they could double the number of employees required. Chair Taylor thought it was important to create employment. After discussion, Ms. Brooks agreed to require four full -time equivalents. Motion Mr. McCray moved to table the item to get the information and bring it back again. Ms. Brooks explained they have people looking at two restaurants and they were in a hurry. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Mr. Merker seconded the motion Mr. Buchanan agreed with Chair Taylor. It should be three or four positions created. Vice Chair Casello and Mr. Hay agreed. Chair Taylor called for a vote to table the item, which unanimously failed. Motion Mr. Buchanan moved to accept it with a change to four employees. Mr. Merker seconded the motion that unanimously passed. b. Commercial Interior Build -Out Motion Mr. Buchanan requested changing the Interior Build -Out Grant to four full -time employees. Mr. Merker seconded the motion that unanimously passed. D. Consideration of Marina Slip Lease Renewal Ms. Brooks explained the only change was adding language permitting slip tenants to only park for 15 minutes. Tenants were parking in the spaces meant for the public to access. Staff intended to give them a warning the first time and tow them the next. It was a problem and they wanted it in the rules to be enforced. It was explained tenants would be notified of the change if their lease was approved and Marina Management would enforce it. The tenant would receive a warning placed on their vehicle and staff would work with a tow company. Mr. McCray suggested collecting $25 and after that, they be towed. Ms. Brooks explained it was a difficult situation. It was a private road, so police could not ticket them. Staff wanted three strikes before towing. Mr. Hay asked how staff came up with the 15- minute requirement. Ms. Brooks explained they were unloading rods, reels and dive equipment. The tenants park there all day long and people who want to fish or dive have no place to unload. Mr. McCray requested revisiting the matter in three months to see how it was working. Vice Chair Casello inquired why staff was not increasing the rents to $16 per linear foot. Ms. Brooks explained there would be complaints there is construction occurring and it was disturbing the businesses. After construction was complete, staff will conduct an analysis of other Marinas and suggest to the Board what they think would be a fair rent and the Board can decide to subsidize it or not. Currently, they are subsidized and 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 there was a discount on the gas. At some point, it will be a top notch Marina. When it was completed there would be no more subsidies. Motion M. Buchanan moved to approve the lease. Mr. Hay seconded the motion that unanimously passed. E. Consideration for the Subordination of CRA's Mortgage for HAP Recipients Arden and Sandra Gayle Ms. Brooks explained the Gayles were still in their home and paying, but wanted to lower their interest rate. To obtain the lower rate, they had to obtain Board approval. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Buchanan seconded the motion that unanimously passed. F. Review of CRA's Property Acquisition Relocation Policy This item was at the request of a Board member regarding the Nathaniel Robinson home purchase. Ms. Brooks advised she pulled the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines on relocation assistance. She recommended they adopt the HUD uniform relocation assistance moving cost schedule based on the year, and the room size. The chart listed the moving costs which would eliminate negotiating back and forth. The guidelines specified they would pay $550 for one room, $700 for two rooms, $870 for three 3 rooms, and $1,050 for four rooms. Ms. Brooks recommended paying for the moving expenses only. If the CRA purchased a property with a rental tenant in it, she recommended the CRA pay the moving, plus the first, last and security. There would be no payments for water and cable hookups. As to hardship cases, Ms. Brooks recommended they take the average market rent for each apartment size and pay first, last, and security and that was all. Ms. Brooks explained sometimes there are too many people in the house as defined by Code. When purchasing those properties, they did not want to relocate the family into the same situation. They had to give them enough to relocate into an apartment that was the right -sized housing. Vice Chair Casello expressed they were paying people who broke the law. Chair Taylor commented liked the assistance given under the HUD guidelines, not by how many people were in the home. 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve the acquisition /relocation policy using the HUD guidelines Mr. Buchanan inquired if the guidelines included with the first, last and security deposits. Ms. Brooks explained they were paying moving costs. If they did not include first, last and security, they would have to evict. This pertained to landlords having tenants. Mr. McCray repeated his motion as follows. Mr. McCray moved to approve the relocation guidelines using the HUD guidelines including first, last, and security for comparable size. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed. V. Executive Director's Report: A. New Businesses in CRA District Ms. Brooks advised there were new businesses in the CRA as listed in the meeting backup. B. Property Acquisition Report There were no questions on this item. C. Development Projects Update There were no questions on this item. Vice Chair Casello noted the holistic dog center was moving slowly and the contractor did not seem to be committed to this project. He inquired if there was a timeline. Ms. Brooks explained they could only draw down on CRA money after they spend theirs. She looked at the property and quite a bit of work was done, the windows were in and completion was not that far off. Landscaping was needed and Ms. Brooks anticipated the Center was perhaps a month away from opening. Mr. Merker responded to Mr. Katz's earlier statements about a reporter and commented Mr. Katz has a habit of hurting people. Mr. Merker thought it was deplorable when a person abuses another citizen who was only trying to do their job. He found it offensive and distasteful, and requested if it occurred again, Mr. Katz be removed. 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 9, 2014 VI. Future Agenda Items: None. VII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Taylor adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 099214 15