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Minutes 08-17-16 MINUTES OF THE CRA BUDGET MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2016, AT 6:00 P.M. AT INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Steven B. Grant, Chair Vivian Brooks, Executive Director Mack McCray, Vice Chair Tara Duhy, Board Counsel Joe Casello Christina Romelus Justin Katz 1. Welcome by Board Chair Steven B. Grant Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 2. Invocation and Pledge to the Flag Vice Chair McCray gave the Invocation followed by Chair Grant leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Roll call established a quorum was present. 3. Amphitheater Site Improvement Recommendation Mike Simon, Assistant Director, CRA, explained the Amphitheater is part of next year's budget. Part of the renovation involves the awning structure which sits inside the walls of the stage. Because the edge of the canopy does not extend over the wall, water comes onto the stage, puddles and shorts the GFI when it rains, and it encroaches onto the usable part of the stage for bands and entertainers. The proposal is to extend a 90 degree angle awning to attach to the exterior trusses extending over the wall so water goes over the wall. A small gutter system will direct the rainfall. The project would be about a six to eight week process from start to finish. The frame structure will be painted and a new canvas will replace the existing canvas. Staff would like to have this project completed by October 7th in time for the first Movies in the Park season, but more likely it would be finished by the Pirates Fest. There is money in the contingency fund that could be used this year, and the project would be removed from next years proposed budget. Chair Grant asked for a motion to approve an amendment to this fiscal year's budget. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to approve. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 Vice Chair McCray asked Mr. Simon to provide conceptual drawings at September's meeting. The awning would be hurricane proof and removable. The project as presented was $52,000. The intent was to give Ms. Brooks signing authority to do the project. Mr. Casello thought the amphitheater needed sprucing up and questioned if it would be better to defer the project in light of the Town Square construction project. Ms. Brooks explained this is a consideration, but it would be a year by the time the project goes through the RFP /RFQ, selection, agreement and construction processes. They lost a lot of events last year, because the stage was wet and the sound equipment could not be used. When this occurs, staff has to pay the band anyway. Staff was trying to use the amphitheater in a more effective way. The amphitheater was built in 2011 and Ms. Brooks thought they could get another two seasons out of it. With construction of a new City Hall, Fire Station 1, Police Headquarters and the Old High School, she did not know if it would be a priority. She did not think the Amphitheater would be subject to construction damage or if it would be in the same location. Mr. Casello asked if the ratio of monies lost justified or equaled $52K and learned it probably did not. There were seven cancellations during the year and Christmas festivities had to be rescheduled. The Christmas event added about $5,000 and each concert was about $2,000 not including the sound. He thought it totaled about $20K. Mr. Simon spoke with Jeff Livergood about the amphitheater. The facility was on the wish list for painting the wall, the spring awning structure and the City wanted to replace the existing canvas. The CRA's efforts were a renovation and City's was maintenance. Chair Grant was present for a few concerts where it was sunny at 5 p.m., it rained at 5:30 p.m., they had to cancel and the sun came out at 6:30 p.m. Chair Grant asked about the cost to rent the Women's Club when they tried to use it as an alternate location and learned it was about $600. The turnout did not justify the expense. Chair Grant asked if staff wanted to hold events at the Women's Club, but there is an issue with parking and people crossing Federal. Staff could research holding events there. Chair Grant commented it has a stage and space available for food trucks that could be used as a contingency Chair Grant favored the extension and approval of the line item to expand the canopy. Vice Chair McCray noted the City had been talking about having events at the Links and asked if the Links would have similar activities and learned they would. Mr. Katz noted the cost was $52K. Ms. Brooks clarified they were only swapping the costs from contingency from next year to this year so this season will not be interrupted by the work. It was noted this year's contingency had more than the needed $52K. Susan Harris, Finance Director, explained any unused funds would be rolled over to the next year's budget or reallocated. Mr. Simon suggested using the engineering, architectural and awning firm that built the amphitheater as companies do not like to 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 start projects started by another company. Staff will have to go out to bid, but needed a number to estimate. There would be a contingency for design changes or broken items, but the Board could limit the budget. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to approve, not to exceed $52,000. If in September, staff learns it will cost more, it could be brought back. Mr. Casello seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 4. FY 2016 -2019 Budget Review Ms. Harris reviewed the executive summary which encapsulates the needs of the entire budget. The 2016/2017 work plan had a narrative and proposed budget amounts for new projects under consideration. The budget overview has a lot of detail about CRA property values, and how Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is calculated, how TIF has grown, details on special events, marketing programs, salary and organizational charts and anticipated fund balance for next year's audit. The next section was the general project and service fund. Each department was listed, including travel, subscriptions, printing costs and others. The main reason for an increase or decrease was included on each page. Debt service was a flat $2.1 million. Ms. Harris explained the budget was reviewed by the Advisory Board. This meeting was for the Board's revision. Staff will bring it to the CRA Board in September with any changes for review and approval, and it goes to the City Commission for review and ratification of the budget. The CRA's sources of tax revenue are the City of Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County. From there it is deposited into the General Fund and it is then transferred out to the project fund to pay debt and the debt services fund. The CRA receives the funds as a onetime payment each December which means the CRA has a gap from October to December each year which must be funded in order to have working capital to keep operating. The working capital was included in cash to keep operating. The CRA major budget factors for 2016/2017 were reviewed. The TIF in the General Fund increased 11%, about $1 million, because property values increased 8 %. Residential and condo property values increased 11 %; commercial properties increased 9 %; and industrial also increased 1% resulting in an increase of $1 million contingent on if the City and the County used the millage rates discussed at their meetings. After the audit, staff learns if there is excess money that has to be reallocated. The Fund Balance had $835,000. There is a resolution for a self- funded insurance reserve which is 20% of the money that is left over at the end of the year. Insurance changed over the past few years, and this should be specific to the Marina. If a catastrophe 3 r Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 occurred, items under water such as the seawall, electrical and others not covered by insurance would be covered. The exposure to the CRA is about $600,000 so funds should be set aside in the event a catastrophe occurred. The funds are kept in the general account. The remainder of $668,000 is transferred to the project fund for the Board to allocate. The Property Appraiser, mid -year, will certify the tax rolls from the prior year due to individual tax challenges. This year, there were not many challenges so the CRA did not have to pay any monies to the City or County. Staff also underspent expenses by 30% which will go to the General Fund for use as a project expense. There was a decrease in overall operating expenses of 1%. Operating expenses decreased by 3% due to Marina construction and because they will give slip tenants a free month or two to compensate for construction and maintenance of the open space. Property maintenance costs increased $30,000 due to interlocal agreements (ILAs) with the City for maintenance for the next few years for the 4 th Street parking lot and new sign on North Federal Highway. Administrative expenses increased 10 %, due to staff additions and compliance issues. The Project Fund increased 18% because transfers to the Project Fund from the General Fund increased 31% due to the increased property values in the CRA. Other revenue in the Project Fund this year was $315,000 from the sale of 480 E Ocean Avenue, plus a $500K fund balance allocation from projects in the past that come in under budget so the funds are not needed and the funds are moved and used for other projects. There is $2.5 million for new redevelopment projects; $1.3 million for contractual developer incentive payments which are payments the CRA has to make to Casa Costa, Seaborne Cove, Walmart and the Preserve. There is $5.2 million for ongoing multi -year projects. Debt Service remains flat at $2.1 million. Staff estimated _the fund balance at end of the audit year to be about $250,000. Ms. Harris explained the CRA year ends September 30 and they go into audit which is finished mid - December. Financial Statements are issued for the auditor's review in mid - December and are part of the audit. The audit is reviewed by the Board in January. The auditors conduct two solid weeks of field work twice a year to speak with people, look at records, speak to people and /or the City. They have complete access to every kind of record there is. The Debt Service for 2016/2017 was $2.14 million. The CRA has two bonds that were refunded in 2012 and 2015 due to lower interest. One bond was from PNC and the other from BB &T. Debt Service has to be paid year by year. The total debt service was $21.7 million, the principal was $18.7 million and interest is almost $3 million over the next 10 years. Projects using the bond funds included the Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension and the Promenade Walkway was $10 million. If the CRA had not funded the extension, Marina Village would not be present. Property acquisitions were $11 million 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 with most of it for property for the Ocean Breeze East and West projects at $7 million. The Marina purchase totaled almost $6.4 million. Housing Assistance was $1.4 million, and Economic Development projects were $320,000, totaling almost $30 million. Ms. Brooks explained housing assistance were funds to rehab roofs and doors for homes damaged after. the hurricanes that had no insurance and that were income qualified. The CRA also provided homebuyer down payment assistance to qualified individuals during the height of the market for firefighters, police officers and teachers. Ms. Harris reviewed the breakdown of property values for this fiscal and next fiscal year, noting the values increased 8% and tax increment revenue increased from $9.5 million to $10.6 million. The General Fund budget is $12 million. Fifty five percent is allocated to the project funds at $6.6 million. Debt Service was 18% or $2.1 million and operating expenses were $2.2 million, plus $1 million for the Marina for a total of $3.2 million or 27 %. The General Fund overview reflects the budget is balanced at the millage proposed by the City and the County. Marina revenues decreased due to the anticipated Marina rent abatement and there was some reduction in Marina revenues as there were a lot of rainy weekends when people boat the most. The fund balance allocation for 16/17 was $668,607. Operating expenses increased 1%; debt service was flat, and there was an increase of 31 % to the project fund. Ms. Harris discussed the CRA would sunset in 2044 and she reviewed changes in federal law regarding non - exempt overtime calculation changes. Part -time labor changes were new and they have a lot of independent contractors; however, the CRA has part time labor that comes in and they are not 1099 contractors. They are supervised by the CRA and use CRA equipment, which qualifies them as a part-time employee. The changes require they should be on the payroll and the CRA should pay taxes, which was included in the budget. Staff proposed an administrative assistant position with a base salary of $35,000, plus taxes and benefits. The position had been on the organizational chart for years. Ms. Harris explained they have no administrative support and a lot of additional work due to the CRA Advisory Board. Ms. Utterback is doing several tasks and it is too much work. Someone in the office is needed. The administrative assistant would be limited to 40 hours a week. Vice Chair McCray asked if CRA Advisory Board was not in place, if they would not need the additional person. Ms. Brooks explained staff is holding two meetings a month and producing agenda packages twice a month. Mr. Casello did not agree noting the position was tied to the CRA Advisory Board, but it had been included on the administrative chart for years. Ms. Brooks advised the position was tied to work load. Ms. Harris reviewed the other item was a 3% proposed merit pool which includes taxes. All of the changes totaled $97K. She explained 3% goes to Ms. Brooks to allocate to employees based on merit. It is based on a performance review. It was done last year and the year before. Some employees received more than 3% yes, but last 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 year all got 3 %. Chair Grant asked if it was a raise or a bonus and learned it was a raise; not a bonus or COLA. Mr. Casello commented City employees are lucky to get 1.5% or 1.75% raises. Since he has been on the Board, CRA staff always got 3 %. He thought it should be negotiated instead of receiving a blanket raise. Ms. Romelus asked if it was truly merit. Ms. Brooks explained she looks at every employee and they are high - performing employees working and producing. She would be remiss if she gave them less. She did not think anyone's salary has kept up with inflation. In response to a request from Mr. Casello, Ms. Harris agreed to provide a copy of the checklist. Vice Chair McCray noted the City also has high- performing employees that do not get 3 %. Chair Grant asked if the Board wanted to change it to 2% not based on merit. Ms. Romelus wanted to see more transparency how staff is evaluated. Chair Grant wanted to see the 3% merit raises, before they approve the allocation. He wanted to see the salary for each employee. Ms. Harris reviewed the salary schedule and related personnel expenses, which lists each employee's hire date, benefit costs, retirement benefits, and the total per employee. It also indicates overtime and if employees are exempt or non - exempt. It was total salary and total benefit cost is 25 %. Staff does not have a City pension. Retirement benefits included a 5% match of employee salary contribution of up to 5 %, and 15% is non - contributory. Total retirement funding is 20% of their base salary compared to the City. The City contribution to General Employee pension funding is between 19.4% or 30% annually. Vice Chair McCray explained they sit on the CRA Board and City Commission and they are not going over 3 %. He understood CRA employees go above and beyond, but City employees also go way beyond Chair Grant asked if Ms. Brooks gets3% for herself and learned she did not. Mr. Casello asked what the average raise for employees was over the last five years. He thought it 3% for the last three years. Ms. Harris agreed to provide five years history to the Board. Vice Chair McCray asked if they had to approve the merit pool now. Chair Grant commented they can recommend it now and then finalize it. It would have to have a final approval. There was consensus for a 2% salary increase, not based on merit across the board. Ms. Romelus asked if CRA employees were working, on average, over 40 hours a week, and if they were pulling over time and learned they are salaried and do not get paid overtime. Ms. Romelus was fine with 3 %. New employees would get overtime, anyone earning less than $47K must either be paid overtime, compensatory time or after 240 hours in dollars. Vice Chair McCray noted CRA employees do not get a pension, but City employees have to pay into the fund. He could not tie an increase to the pension. Ms. Harris explained to get the 5 %; employees have to contribute 5% of their salary. Mr. Casello asked if the Board could vote on the Executive Director's salary and employee salaries at the same time and learned they could not. Ms. Brooks is a contract employee, and the time to review her contract is when it is up for review. Any changes to employees, except the Executive Director, would have to be made when they approve the budget. Mr. Casello explained CRA employees are hard workers, but the issue is the raise is an 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 automatic 3 %. He would have preferred they ask for 5% and then negotiate. Ms. Harris explained they had 5 %, but felt it was unrealistic to ask for and she had spoken with Tim Howard, Finance Director. After polling the Board, Chair Grant announced there was consensus for 3 %. Vice Chair McCray asked how employees pay insurance and learned the CRA has an ILA with the City to use their benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, and long term disability. The CRA and the City pays for its employees and the employee pays. for spouse and dependents. The CRA also has the same high deductible plan as the City. Vice Chair McCray commented the City will have an employee clinic which CRA employees could use. Ms. Harris reviewed the CRA project fund budget of $9,073,154 and explained new projects comprised 28% of the budget, contractual developer payments were 15% at $1.3 million and ongoing projects were 57% of the budget at $5.2 million. The project fund overview consisted of rollovers from cash that was unused and unencumbered for the next year, transfers in from the General Fund, proceeds from the Sale of 480 E. Ocean Avenue and SWA Grant revenue. The total was $9,073,154. Proposed new projects for 16/17 totaled $2.5 million; direct incentive payments was $1.3 million and ongoing projects was $5.2. The project totals matched the project fund total. Ms. Brooks explained many of the new projects came from Strategic Planning. The MLK Corridor Redevelopment was on CRA property and was budgeted for $1 million. The issue is the other property owners wanting to make a lot of money. She explained it is better for the developer to buy the property and the CRA will give the Community match they need for Florida Housing Finance. She thought the amount would work in their favor at Florida Housing Finance Corporation, earning them a very high score. The property acquisition cost in the developer's budget was $2.2 million. The dog park would involve a potential property purchase which will be on the September agenda for a one -acre wooded, shaded site near the downtown. If the Board approved, staff would include the costs of amenities. Ms. Brooks explained the property acquisition was at a good price of $425,000. The property across the street was half the size and sold for $600,000. Ms. Brooks had a letter of intent, and there will be a purchase agreement on the next agenda. Ms. Brooks included stabilization for the Old High School including roofs, windows and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant match. She thought the CRA would get more funding from the EPA and the Department of Environmental Protection than was thought. She proposed to fix the roof and board the windows and hold off on anything else until the City selects a developer for the Town Square project. Vice Chair McCray asked when staff saw something being done with the building. Ms. Brooks explained the grant, through Palm Beach County, would use federal funds and could be available 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 October 1. Ms. Brooks explained if the Board approved the budget, the CRA match would be $425,000. The EPA would have to conduct air quality and other testing. (Mr. Casello stepped out of the room at 7:15 p.m.) Chair Grant noted there was $185K for the Town Square project and asked if it could be used for stabilization. Ms. Brooks responded it could, but she recommended it not be used. The City would be issuing an RFQ /RFP, and staff will need outside assistance reviewing it, and the $185K was the CRA's contribution to help pay for it, because the City does not have the funding. Ms. Brooks explained this line item was rolling over and she suggested holding onto it because they would need several kinds of consultants. Chair Grant asked if the stabilization for the Old High School and the Town Square could be consolidated as one item. He noted the $185K funds were funds from this year. Ms. Brooks thought the amount for the roof would be more. Chair Grant thought the $185K could be used now for the prep work and on October 1 start the stabilization. Ms. Brooks explained the roof is the main thing and DEP will not enter the structure as there will be no point if there is any water coming in. Chair Grant asked if the CRA could use the $185K so they will know if they can do the roof. Ms. Brooks explained the process is the CRA has to approve the budget and Ms. Brooks will obtain roofing quotes. She believed the quotes would be fairly high. It is only a few weeks away. (Mr. Casello returned at 7:18 p.m.) Mr. Katz recalled at the workshop regarding the Town Square, they did not mandate the proposals had to include the Old High School. Lori LaVerriere, City Manager, explained the City was working with a consultant to build a scope of work for the Town Square which will be sent to the City Commission to review, but it was one of the discussions. A primary scope was to save the building, but to allow alternatives, subject to the Commission's approval. Mr. Katz explained right now they have not committed to absolutely saving the Old High School. By consensus there was agreement to try to save it, but there was no formal vote. He would be more comfortable allocating $500,000 to a building they know they would save. He thought a formal vote as a City Commission to say 100% yes or no, was needed. Chair Grant thought they should keep the school or at least the fagade. Ms. LaVerriere explained it depends on what type of proposal they receive. The Commission's direction was to keep the option open. Last time it was discussed as a group, there was consensus to save the Old High School, and they were on uncertain ground, because right after that discussion, they learned out about the brownfield grant. She thought the Board needs to decide if they want to pursue the grant. Chair Grant proposed the City Commission have a final vote to save or allow for the option of altering the Old High School, so at the next CRA budget meeting they will know if they have to allocate money or not at the next City Commission meeting. Ms. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 Brooks suggested leaving it in the budget the way it is in case a proposal is received that they like. They will vote on it and if they do not agree to save it or alter it, they could approve a budget amendment. Ms. Brooks explained if the City Commission receives a proposal they love, the Board was helping to stabilize it very quickly. Vice Chair McCray noted Ms. Romelus had indicated she was in favor of saving the Old High School, and there was consensus. Ms. Romelus thought the RFP was to give options. She still wanted to weigh her options noting the $450K is allocated, but they could change their mind. She thought it was smart to leave it as it is and look at the plan. Mr. Katz agreed as long as the money will not be accepted until they have seen all the proposals. Ms. Romelus asked if there is a deadline for the grant, and learned the grant is not available until October 1 St and it then required Commission and County Commission approval. She thought it would not come before the City Commission until the end of the year. Ms. LaVerriere explained this grant lines up well with their timing. The RFP should be going out in the next 30 days and then due in 90 days. At the end of the year, the Commission will know what proposal they would have and it could match well with the grant. Chair Grant explained the question was to decide if they would put a new roof on the Old High School. Attorney Duhy clarified they are discussing budget line items. The funds do not have to be spent as they are placeholders for ideas the CRA has. Moving forward with the project or not would be an independent action that would occur at a future, separate meeting. This was staff's way to spend the CRA Redevelopment funds. She recommended leaving it as is, ,as the Board could remove it when more clarity is received from the City Commission, or adopt the budget as is. Ms. Romelus asked when they would see progress. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA could do the roof, but it would be best to wait until the RFP and RFQs come in. The funds will remain and the building will remain untouched for six months. City Code review /revisions for the CRA Consolidated Plan will be heard on September 6 th on First Reading. This was to align the Plan with the City Code of Ordinances for the benefit of developers and builders. It is to ensure what is in the big book aligns with the vision of the Plan. The Plan is the vision and the Code provides the map. The review will be done by consultants and staff will have to issue an RFP as the review is a long protracted process, but it must be done. Chair Grant asked if the CRA was using CRA funds to amend City Ordinances and learned they were. There was not enough City staff to conduct the review and a third party would conduct the review. Ms. Brooks explained the Clean and Safe program and Code Enforcement Officer for the CRA District was discussed with the City Manager. It would mean realigning the Code Enforcement zones, but there would be a Code Enforcement Officer that would 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 work solely within the CRA, who would understand some of the issues the CRA has and its mission and vision. Ms. Brooks thought it was a good idea and other CRA's have used one. The CRA receives calls about properties they own on the Model Block that will be demolished. She thought it would be a good fit for the activities the CRA is undertaking, and it would be a proactive person who can help find resources for elderly residents to take care of their properties. As long as it gets rid of slum and blight, the position could be justified. The position would need a car, a computer, iPad, Officer and pension. The proposed salary was obtained from Code Enforcement. Ms. Brooks explained this item is a place holder and the numbers are not exact. The CRA will enter into an ILA with the City. The officer will be housed in the CRA, but they do not have much room. One office with two computers that is used by the auditors could be used. The position would not prevent City Code from entering the CRA District. It would only ensure one dedicated officer to the CRA over and above City services. Vice Chair McCray noted the CRA District is large. Ms. LaVerriere explained this individual will serve specifically in the CRA, but be part of the City's team. It will help grow the Code Compliance Department. The Officer would meet with Code Compliance on a regular basis and be part of the Code Compliance Neighborhood Enhancement Team. She was working with staff and had a meeting about how to roll this out and be proactive. Mr. Casello thought it would be better to put officers together and share information with City staff. Ms. LaVerriere explained they would operate as part of the team. Amphitheater funding was removed, but was added to Contingency as proposed additional funding. Chair Grant noted only $52,000 had been approved. Ms. Harris explained the Board could allocate the additional $48,000. Chair Grant commented when he toured Recreation and Parks facilities, there were no lights at the Denson Pool, and he wanted Mr. Majors to obtain estimates to put public lights at the pool so people could swim there after 5 p.m. He proposed to put the $48,000 for the lights. Mr. Katz asked if the City would have to pay people extra as lifeguards would be needed. Mr. Katz wanted to see more information as did Ms. Romelus. Vice Chair McCray explained at night, youth squeeze through the fence and swim at night. Chair Grant thought poles and lights would be about $50,000. Ms. Romelus suggested putting it in contingency as there are many other factors that come into play. She suggested discussing it at the Strategic Plan next year. Ms. Harris suggested the $48,000 be placed in Project Fund contingency, and when it is decided how it would be allocated, the funds could be used. The pocket park on CRA land was budgeted for $75K. Vice Chair McCray asked if approved, when work would start. Ms. Brooks explained staff first has to have a design, get it permitted, then issue an RFP. She estimated the best case scenario is six months. It was noted the CRA Advisory Board wanted to reallocate the funding which 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 was specific to the pocket park. Mr. Katz thought it was a large amount of money for an item and was unsure a park would be a priority. Vice Chair McCray explained there are problems because citizens complain they do not want people on the streets and the park would give them some place to go. Chair Grant walks MLK Jr. Boulevard and there are people in the front of MLK Quik Stop walking and people standing in the shade. He commented the park would be a place for them to congregate. He clarified these were older people who did not want to be around children. Vice Chair McCray explained some of the youth have served time, they are ashamed of what they have done and they are trying to get their lives together, which is why they hang with their group. He commented they cannot go to Sara Sims as it is one of the worst parks in Boynton Beach. Mr. Casello asked about park hours. Ms. Brooks explained if they constructed the park, they would not be managing the park. City parks are normally open dawn to dusk. Mr. Casello questioned if Sara Sims Park is awful, why the CRA was not acting on it if people are afraid to go there. Brian Fitzpatrick, a property owner on MLK Jr. Boulevard explained he has lived there since 1992. He owns property in Cherry Hill since 1991. He commented he is a parent and as a parent he has to make decisions that are not favorable to his family, the same as the City Commission /CRA Board may have to make decisions some community members may not like. He thought the park was the wrong thing to do. There has been a problem for decades. The people loitering outside are the players. Some faces have changed and some people made a career selling drugs on MLK and in Cherry Hills. They are destroying the community and the CRA should not give them a place to go. He implored them not to approve the park or they will never redevelop the area. He suggested getting the names of these individuals and run their rap sheets. There have been shootings and murders and it sends the wrong message to other community members. He questioned if they want the youth to continue the same behavior on the streets. Vice Chair McCray appreciated the comments and explained the last time he checked, no matter what those residents did, they were still human beings. He suggested giving it a chance. If it does not work, they can change it. He noted sometimes if something is built, it is used for the right reason. Mr. Fitzpatrick disagreed Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27 Way, attended the August 21, 2016, CRA Advisory Board meeting and advised they had threw out the pocket park and reallocated funding Officers Henry Diehl and Terrence Paramore work next to the subject property. Chair Grant asked if they feel it would improve loitering /crime or not. Officer Diehl explained he has worked for the City for 26 years and has been the Neighborhood Officer since February of this year. He explained the idea is to keep people moving from MLK off of the Model Block. He understood Mr. Bell allows individuals to loiter no matter how much they appeal to him to move people along. The park is good for the community, but it can be open to other individuals. He noted there are sound regulations. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 Officer Paramour explained with road patrol, they see a lot of activity on MLK and that kind of illicit activity will occur whether you give them a park for dogs or a place to hang depending on what you put there. He thought the Board had to be specific to what they wanted it to be and they should not invite people to come out and pass the time. Vice Chair McCray explained they are giving the park to the community. There is loitering. He asked if the Police have tried to make any arrests. After further discussion, there was consensus not to approve the park and uphold the CRA Advisory Board recommendation. Vice Chair McCray commented for the record he wanted the Boynton Beach Police Department to stop being afraid of doing what they are supposed to do and make some changes on MLK Jr. Boulevard and changes in the City. He lives on 4 Street, and sees people in pick -up trucks buying drugs in front of his home. He thought the Police needed to do more than clean up. The CRA just paid them a nice sum of money and residents say they hardly see an Officer. He thought they should step up to the plate. Mr. Katz explained the real issue is the operators do not care about crime in the premises. 'He would be fine with allocating funds this year trying to acquire the properties and turning it into something that contributes to the community. He thought the business owners exploited the community at everyone else's expense. He would spend the $75K and $1 million tomorrow to acquire that property. Mr. Casello noted the Police Department broke up some of the toughest gangs and pill mills, yet one store owner is holding the community hostage. He thought it was incredible the hands of the Police were tied and there must be something that could lawfully be done to stop what was occurring. The street could have been developed long ago. He was afraid it would have an adverse effect on the Dollar Store. He agreed with Vice Chair McCray's comments. Motion Chair Grant proposed to move the $75K to the MLK Corridor Redevelopment on CRA property. Messrs. Casello and Katz seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Ms. Brooks explained the Direct Incentive Funding were for projects that were constructed which were Casa Costa, Seabourn Cove, Walmart, the Preserve and Cornerstone. When 500 Ocean is fully completed, it will be included on the list. Ms. Romelus asked why the CRA was giving 500 Ocean money. Ms. Brooks responded it was the Board's decision. Ms. Brooks explained the only authority she has is hiring and firing below a certain amount if it is in the budget. Ms. Romelus asked what was at the 500 Ocean site and learned it was an old 1920s building and a restaurant. There were four different redevelopment proposals. 500 Ocean was the first to come in after the recession to construct a mixed -use building and their rent, based on 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach,, Florida August 17, 2016 construction, had a gap. Building in South Florida costs the same, but their rent structure was lower in Boynton so the CRA provided the gap financing to make up the difference. The CRA does not receive any upfront money. The agreement was the CRA would pay 50% over 10 years. The developer wanted $3 million up front and TIF for 15 years. Mr. Casello asked why the CRA was giving Walmart money when Walmart is a giant. He also wanted to discuss the empty storefronts at Casa Costa and explained they were subsidizing the stores by $500K for 10 years. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA did not subsidize the stores; they subsidized the development for 10 years, which included the stores. Ms. Brooks explained the stores were minimal. Mr. Casello asked if the requirement was the stores had to be rented up and running. Ms. Brooks explained the agreement was approved by the Board in 2004 or 2005 and it is- based on them attempting to lease retail at below market value. Ms. Brooks noted currently, there are three tenants. The stores were not subdivided and were shell. There is about 19K square feet and they rented 50% of the space. The agreement was not well written, but it had to benefit jobs, and cure blight. The 500 Ocean project included Class -A office space and was a green building. She explained when entering into an agreement, they want to include a Community Benefit Agreement. The CRA does not pay very much to Walmart. Mr. Katz asked what the public benefit for the $500K for 10 years, to Casa Costa was and learned it is sold out and on the tax rolls. (Chair Grant stepped out of the room at 8:10 p.m.) Ms. Brooks explained she has been trying to get people to incorporate public parking into the project and it was not happening. She thought TIF should not be given unless there is something the CRA gets out of it. Ms. Romelus did not think the CRA should be providing TIF at all. Mr. Casello explained the CRA gave the Magnuson House $325K of TIF. Ms. Brooks explained this is an agreement over years. If TIF were not given, it would not be developed. Ocean One would be asking for TIF and staff will ensure the issues the Board was concerned with would be addressed so the CRA can justify the funds. Mr. Casello explained entities sign on and do not follow through, having empty storefronts and are getting paid $500K. Ms. Brooks explained legal had reviewed the document. Property acquisition had a rollover of $136,600. Staff proposed to add $1 million to it. Chair Grant asked if it was for a specific property or any property in the CRA. Ms. Brooks explained they try to make strategic purchases. If it is not in a project area, they do not buy it. Chair Grant asked if the CRA would purchase a condemned property and learned just because a home is condemned does not mean it can be purchased. Chair Grant commented he was talking about short sales and real estate owned properties. Ms. Brooks explained they could bring it to the CRA so they could have the option. The CRA will purchase a home that needs to be demolished so it could be replaced, but the CRA does not do rehab. Ms. Brooks had looked at some properties, but they want a lot 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 of money. She could not spend $100K to purchase a property to demolish the home and give the lot away. Chair Grant would like to see that list and wanted the Board to make that decision and not Ms. Brooks. The Boynton Beach Boulevard design budget was $300,400 and staff proposed adding $300,000 to obtain drawings to bring the project to fruition. It would not include any monies for construction, sidewalks or other property improvements. Ms. Brooks did not think so because the right -of -way was 80 feet and with the enhanced medians and bicycle lanes, there would not be enough room to add wider sidewalks. It would have to be done by a developer. Chair Grant inquired if the trees and sidewalks were part of the plan. Ms. Brooks explained the plan indicates it will be done, and it will be required of the developer. Once something is outside the public right -of -way, the developer is required to improve it. The developer will have to tear up the sidewalk anyhow and be required to underground the overhead utilities. Chair Grant thought it was better to wait for development to occur first and then do the road. The sidewalks will come next. The implementation will coincide with what the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) wants to do. Ms. Brooks had already received correspondence from them and she advised correspondence will be sent that the CRA does not want the turn lane on Seacrest. There were improvements planned for 2020. If FDOT does not add the right hand lane on Seacrest, there would not be an issue. Chair Grant asked if FDOT has the right to go against the City's wishes and learned they typically do not. Ms. Brooks explained there is a very short path from 1 -95 to Federal Highway. There is only one pedestrian crossing. Chair Grant asked if they would consider more pedestrian crosswalks and learned staff had. Economic Development Grants were very successful for businesses. This year, the CRA worked with 17 different businesses and leveraged $2.5 million in private money with their funding. Some money would roll over for the 480 and 211 Ocean Avenue projects and staff was adding another $300K for a total of $572K. Legal expenses had a rollover of $50K and staff was adding $100K for a total of $150K and most of the work is real estate. Mr. Casello asked what the CRA pays yearly in legal expenses. Ms. Harris explained $40K is paid for general representation at meetings, and meetings with staff. Preparation and other work is billed individually. Ms. Harris would have to research the total amount paid last year and send it to the Board, but she commented she structured the budget based on last year's legal budget of $150K. She anticipated fees would be $90K to $100K and staff was rolling over the unused $50K to next year's budget. Ms. Brooks reviewed Surveys and Appraisals related to real estate work. Staff was rolling over $50K and was adding another $50K for a total of $LOOK. (Ms. Romelus stepped out of the meeting at 8:12 p.m.) 14 a Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 The Marina Open Space had a $200K roll over from last year. Ms. Harris wanted to add $200K in the event something undetected under the concrete pad had to be removed. Chair Grant asked if it could be included in contingency and learned it could, but it would take a budget amendment in case something had to be done quickly. The project was beginning and the Board would know in a few months if the money would be used. (Ms. Romelus returned at 8:13 p.m.) The Town Square project had a $185K rollover. Ms. Brooks explained the funds would help with studies and surveys and Phase I environmental reviews. Funds would be used for financial analysis and construction amounts as the CRA was a financial partner with the City. The Contingency account had rollover of $100K plus $48K from the Amphitheater. The Plan Update was for the Code Review. There was $50K rolled over from last year and the amount would remain. The funds were anticipated to be used for planning, but were unused. The Cottage District had $75K. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA had to do surveys. A Phase II study will be done for MLK and the Cottage District. She noted the Cottage District was situated on a former nursery which triggered concerns for agricultural pesticides and fertilizers. A Phase I study had been done. Staff had to ensure there is no contamination. Vice Chair McCray asked why a study was not done at Poinciana School as it was formerly a nursery. Ms. Brooks advised the School Board may have the study. The Community, Planning, Economic Development meetings line item was reviewed. There have been several meetings held and the line item was to set up meetings, pay for the room, snacks, etc. Chair Grant proposed one for the MILK redevelopment on CRA property, because they are moving the money for the pocket park. He proposed to have a community meeting for District 11 to figure out what they want and use the $75K for that. Mr. Katz thought it was a good suggestion and it should be done for all districts. Vice Chair McCray commented the community had meetings, the CRA writes it down and then have to have another meeting again and again. He questioned if anyone was listening. Ms. Brooks explained they had meetings with the community and the community met for Neighborhood Policing meetings. The CRA did a mailing. Chair Grant asked if there was documentation what the community wanted and learned the meeting was poorly attended. Vice Chair McCray also pointed out the documentation was in the Vision 20/20 plan which occurred prior to the new Commissioners being seated. He explained nothing changed, but there was no progress. Ms. Brooks explained the Heart of Boynton Plan came out of the Vision 20/20 Plan. Mr. Casello 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 asked what was spent in community planning last year and learned about $1 OK to $15K for meetings and mailings to all residents regarding the entire plan. Ongoing and multi -year projects included the Model Block program which had a budget of $450K; Special events had $413K for 22 events annually and the Neighborhood Police Program which was part of the Clean & Safe Program had $363,200. Vice Chair McCray asked when the program will be evaluated and learned the CRA receives quarterly reports. Ms. Brooks recommended a change to the ILA to be more responsive to what the CRA wants. She noted the agreement indicates the CRA would pay quarterly, but staff wanted it to be more specific. Mr. Casello wanted more transparency and a report of the expenses. Ms. Harris also noted the Police Department recommended adding another Officer to the program. Vice Chair McCray thought they should not add an Officer because the Police were not doing anything about the loitering at Bells and he thought it needed to be revisited. Ms. Brooks explained the line item also included the License Plate Reader, another Segway, another position and a Polaris four -wheel vehicle. Vice Chair McCray asked if the Reader would be on MLK or all over the City. Ms. Brooks explained it is a deterrent for people to come in and buy drugs. Chair Grant asked if the Reader would be stationary or mobile and learned it was up to the Officers. There is money in the budget for a mobile or stationary reader. The issue is people are selling drugs, and people are coming in from outside the district to buy them. Mr. Casello questioned if the police are patrolling why the Reader was needed. Ms. Brooks explained it was a tool. Mr. Casello thought the Police were not having much success there and Vice Chair McCray indicated it was because the patrols are not patrolling where necessary. The Reader was $40,095 plus installation and the software. Mr. Katz pointed out in addition to the cost of one Reader, there was $75K from the pocket park and $100K towards the purchase of potential properties. He thought it was one thing to deter people from coming to the area to buy drugs, but it would also be nice to eliminate the sale of the drugs. He thought an item like this with the $75K was a good chunk of money to acquire that property. He agreed with Vice Chair McCray that it looks like the target population could eliminate the source of the problem. Vice Chair McCray asked what occurred when the CRA installed a camera on their property and learned the camera did not work very well. Staff had to drive to the pole and download it. It could not be remotely downloaded. Chair Grant asked if the CRA would have the software to have a live stream on the readers. Ms. Brooks explained the camera they were purchasing for Ezell Hester was the same way although one can sit at Ezell Hester and download it. Her staff had to sit next to Bells. Half the time it did not work. One of the men who put the camera up and downloaded it was from the neighborhood and he was threatened he would be shot. Chair Grant's experience with the Readers is that they do work and deter and catch criminals because they can obtain the tag number and know 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 who they are. Mr. Casello asked why the Police were having a problem with the drug problem at the Bells store and Cherry Hill. Vanessa Snow, Assistant Police Chief, explained, the Police Department updated the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance and it will be on the September 8 City Commission agenda which will give the Department the teeth needed to address a lot of the issues for non - compliant business owners when dealing with nuisance properties. The Board not seeing the effects of law enforcement efforts was not from a lack of willingness to perform. It had to do with lack of legislative mechanisms to do so. She offered to give a report on the Department's efforts to deal with Bells and drug sales at other properties. Vice Chair McCray asked if the City had a nuisance abatement policy before and learned the City did. Ms. LaVerriere responded the City studied best practices and West Palm Beach has a stronger Ordinance that is being used for the City's model. Mr. Casello thought Ms. LaVerriere should share some of this information coming down at their one -on -one meetings. Ms. LaVerriere explained she did not have the information yet as she was waiting for it from staff. When she is informed they can discuss it. Mr. Casello did not favor the additional officer and Reader. Vice Chair McCray did not favor an additional officer, but wanted the Reader on MILK and in Cherry Hill. Chair Grant favored the reader and having the two officers and the sergeant there so the police can do their job. Ms. Romelus thought the objective with the $1 million for property acquisitions was to try to buy out the nuisance properties, but they do not know how long that would take. She thought it was smart to install the Readers to keep neighborhoods safe and help the Police do their job by getting a visual on individuals who are frequenting the area and causing the problem they are facing now. Chair Grant commented there was consensus for the Reader and the additional officer. Mr. Katz strongly supported purchasing the convenience store. Mr. Casello asked about the new Ordinance, and if more patrols would alleviate a lot of the problem. Assistant Chief Snow explained it would. After further brief discussion, there was consensus there would be no additional officer, the Reader would be funded and the extra funds would go to purchases on MLK Jr. Boulevard. The recommendation for the Reader was to purchase a mobile reader. Assistant Chief Snow explained the Reader is housed in the cloud so it is downloadable to devices. The camera is not a live stream; it takes pictures of license plates and is motion activated. The Marketing Programs had a budget of $228,590. Chair Grant asked if signs could be put out for a RFP and learned it could. Ms. Brooks explained it was for design and the CRA has had a good return on investment. Design and Engineering services had $150K. Ms. Brooks explained she currently was conducting a feasibility analysis for the AmeriGas site to determine what could be put there. Funds could be spent for an as built appraisal. The study cost $1,200. Mr. Katz 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 asked if it was reasonable to conduct these studies before purchasing expensive properties. Ms. Brooks explained they could, but most properties the CRA purchases are not like that. The properties are blighted. Mr. Casello understood the site could accommodate a fire station. Mr. Mack was given a survey and a building would fit. She clarified the site is not for a fire station. It was for a commercial building. The Board could issue an RFP to sell it, and determine the highest and best use so the CRA could recoup its cost. The Site work and Demolition line item had $100,000 and is used when buying properties they have to demolish. Vice Chair. McCray how many companies they use for demolition and learned three bids are issued for each demo. The Business Culinary Incubator project is run by Sherry Johnson. Ms. Johnson explained the Incubator focuses on culinary businesses. It is a working incubator and people come in and practice their trade. It can accommodate those that want to operate a hot dog cart, be a sophisticated caterer or a restaurateur. The facility has a deli and bakery component. They have a beer and wine license and the Incubator provides the ability to compete with other bistros. It also allows for retail of products out of their store. Several participants are green market vendors, and some work to build a business. Two or three individuals are located in the Boynton Beach area. Ms. Johnson explained this year, they were starting to experience graduates coming back and hiring. The current incubator functions to enhance their business. One client provides a jet airline concierge service from Palm Beach International Airport, who hired three chefs and she anticipated generating over $250K in income, through Sunny Airline. Their contract was $120K to put the food products on the plane. It created three new hires. She would be using La Petite, an existing incubator client for French pastries for breakfast. Another has a blue ribbon program for athletes and they focus on a Paleo menu. They found many clients do not want to take the time to cook. She picked up another contract and her revenue jumped from $600 a week in sales to almost $2,000 a week. There are 21 incubator clients and another six waiting to get into the incubator. The economic impact is about close to $1.3 million. The majority of clients are small vendors earning $10K to $50K, and they include green market vendors, retiree or those working full -time and doing this on the weekend. Mr. Casello asked how many jobs the incubator generated. Ms. Johnson explained they have gone through about 2,500 small businesses. There were 17 successful businesses up and running and it created almost 96 jobs. This year alone, La Cucina hired six people, another client hired three and Perfect Package should hire two more. By the time the reporting period is over, another 15 jobs would be created. They want to work at creating a resource center to bring all entities together. She proposed using a micro loan program as many food processors have to get equipment to help them reach production levels. Many of their food processors have a 2,000 unit production before they can go to a packaging plant. She wanted to have a food processing center. 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 It would help with gap of processing the 900 to 2,000 unit mark. Mr. Casello asked what the CRA could do to help the incubator; he understood more space was needed. Ms. Romelus asked how the incubator was funded by the CRA. Ms. Brooks responded the CRA funded the incubator for the first time last year as an economic development driver. La Cucina opened in Flamingo Plaza and a few others opened. The clients come from all over, not just from Boynton Beach. The CRA has economic development grants to help them to stay in the area. She asked how the program is marketed and learned it was on the web. Many people had shared kitchens, but they were not an incubator. They only offered a location to get the work done. The Incubator offers technical assistance and marketing plans. Ms. Romelus asked what the demographics are and learned most were Caucasian, 30% were African American, and there were one or two Hispanics that are part of the program. Chair Grant asked if the incubator could fill the vacant Sailfish Cafe and learned they could. He asked if the Incubator could pay the electric and learned it would be a struggle. Rent is $48K and they generate the rest from incubator income and fundraising. Chair Grant asked if they added $5K to the budget, if they could go to the Sailfish. Electric is about $200 to 300 a month. Ms. Romelus asked how much the City gave to the program last year and learned the City does not fund the incubator, only a staff person and social services office. Chair Grant asked if she had an incubator client that would be willing to pay the electric bill at Sailfish. Ms. Johnson had a few clients in mind she would approach. Mr. Casello advised he would like the Board to fund her endeavors. Mr. Katz asked if there were funds in contingency and Ms. Brooks advised the Board could take money from any line item. Ms. Johnson commented Sailfish should not be part of this budget. She would return after speaking to her incubator clients. Mr. Casello asked how much funding would help the incubator project. Out of the $50K, the incubator has about $20K which covers the overhead and utilities. She noted the Incubator programs in Pompano receive $250K annually. She expressed she would be happy with any amount. Mr. Casello wanted to add $20K. Ms. Romelus disagreed. This is a non - profit and there are a lot of non - profits that are giving jobs and doing what this non - profit is doing. She noted the City has the Community Development Block Grant program funds. She asked why there aren't other projects to consider funding they could split the funding pool with different demographics in the City. She wanted to fund other entities next year and thought there needed to be more diversity. Chair Grant asked if there were any other incubators in the City. He favored giving $20K this year for economic development and next year it be competition -based to spread money around to other incubators. Ms. Brooks was unaware of any others and explained only the economic development piece can be funded, not the social services part. 19 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 Mr. Katz suggested, after the budget is passed, they discuss using contingency funds for this purpose. Ms. Brooks explained if the Board wants to add money to the project, it relates to their deliverables. Staff would have to write the contract to bring back to the Board the deliverables which is driven by how much money will be funded. She suggested determining an amount so staff can create the agreement. Ms. Johnson has a technical assistant, training and several other items Ms. Johnson would have to disclose. Ms. Harris explained Ms. Johnson has two reports left to provide. For the first two quarters of this year, she has provided all the deliverables and has met or exceeded all in the contract. Vice Chair McCray did not feel it was inappropriate to give a total of $70K this year, and advise next year she would be in competition. Ms. Johnson has proven her success and methodologies. He thought other incubators could approach the CRA and they could invest in them the same way they invest in Ms. Johnson. Chair Grant commented that was an option. Ms. Brooks suggested Ms. Johnson market to Boynton Beach and CRA residents Ms. Romelus agreed and thought most residents were unaware of the incubator. Ms. Johnson explained it is one thing to start a business. Most incubator employees are hired from the HOB, but she pointed out starting, hiring, starting and marketing businesses are very different. Individuals have to have an entrepreneurial drive. There was agreement to take $20K from contingency for the program The Clean and Safe program only got off the ground this year. Ms. Brooks explained this is a litter program. The CRA will use a vendor the City contracts with to pick up litter. South Federal Highway would not be addressed, but Boynton Beach Boulevard, N. Federal Highway, Ocean Avenue and MILK will be the focus. She has seen a difference and when she sees an area with litter, she calls. She explained the program will not cure people who litter. Vice Chair McCray called Jeff Livergood about tires and vacant land with litter. He commented there are many areas he saw. He called about tires, but no one picked them up. Chair Grant commented Public Works could hold another tire amnesty day. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA does not have a direct contract with the vendor. There are CRA areas that are not being cleaned. Only the main access ways are cleaned, and there are no deliverables. Chair Grant would support the initiative if the CRA outlines the area they have to work within including the entire Heart of Boynton and the side streets as well. Ms. Brooks advised they would need a lot more money. Mr. Katz explained there is no way to quantify the results. He asked how much of the allocation of $50K was remaining. Ms. Harris responded she had not yet received bills from the City, but thought at least half of it was available from this year's budget. No additional funds were being allocated. He commented the vendor would be cleaning up citizen's trash in the streets forever. Ms. Brooks explained other cities have programs. When pedestrians get ice cream or go to a bar, there is a system in place to clean up after them. There is a business improvement district in place, similar to Times Square. The CRA was still trying to get 20 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 people to visit and see the area. Chair Grant commented the only way to go forward with the program is they hire City residents to pick up their own trash. Ms. Brooks explained they could get part -time employees, but they need someone to manage them. Ms. Brooks did not think staff could manage the program. Mr. Katz suggested paying non - profits or youth to pick up the trash and a system or a plan must be in place. Mr. Casello suggested using the money for another Code Enforcement officer. Mr. Katz suggested using the Wildcats. Ms. Harris commented there are certain items that may be dangerous or unsafe to remove and dispose. Ms. Romelus noted there are project initiatives such as Adopt -a- Street. Vice Chair McCray noted it is very effective in Broward County. Chair Grant commented it is a City function not a CRA function. Adopt -a- Street is voluntary. Vice Chair McCray and Ms. Romelus favored the Adopt -A- Street program to create community pride. Chair Grant asked how much money the Board wanted the CRA to give to the City for the program. Vice Chair McCray suggested keeping the $50K, let it roll over and they could put it in contingency. There will be no bids, they will review how to start an adopt -a- street program and the funding will remain. It was noted some of the Board members had seen the litter crew. Tim Howard, Assistant City Manager - Administrative Services /Finance Director, explained the contractor, through Public Works submits invoices to Jeff Livergood, Director, Public Works, or Christine Roberts, Assistant Director, Public Works. It is a separate line item and there is a purchase order they are paid from. They are paid, but they do not bill the CRA every week. Mr. Simon will send an email to the Board members regarding an invoice. James Brake explained the program is a version of the Adopt -a- Street program where each entity had a street. He explained how it worked. Vice Chair McCray wanted to see how other cities are handling the program. Ms. Romelus commented the Board removed the additional Neighborhood Police Officer from the program and removed the Segway. The funds freed up $68,303 for the officer and another $17,078.84 for the ancillary costs. Ms. Harris explained she would detail all the changes on the agenda coversheet and revised line items. Ms. Romelus commented at the City's budget workshop, they had an Excel spread sheet where changes were made, making it easier to see the changes. Mr. Casello also suggested putting numbers on the pages. 5. Advisory Board Recommendations 6. Public Comment None. 21 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 17, 2016 7. Adjourn Ms. Romelus wanted to see a Caribbean Fest created or added to the Pirate Fest to celebrate island roots. Vice Chair McCray understood, but thought it should be separate from the Pirate Fest. She asked how much the tree lighting and holiday parade being held together would save the City and suggested it be held together. Ms. Brooks explained it does not save any money. Mr. Simon explained the $25K is given to the City as the CRA pays the City's expenses. Mr. Casello agreed attendance is better when held together. Ms. Romelus asked where the parade starts and learned this year it would start on Seacrest on 12 Avenue. Due to construction of 500 Ocean, the City decided to hold the parade on Seacrest instead of Federal Highway to Ocean Avenue. It would start at 11 am. Ms. Brooks noted it would be difficult to have a tree lighting right after the parade. Ms. Brooks explained the CRA had planned to hold the events together. It was noted there is also a menorah. Vice Chair McCray commented elected officials are saying what they want and the City is announcing what the City is going to do. Ms. Coffey explained the City planned the change. Chair Grant announced he was told of it which he approved. Mr. Katz thought all changes should come through them. Mr. Casello and Ms. Romelus were unaware of the change. Motion There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Katz moved to adjourn. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 090716 22