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Minutes 12-13-16 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016, AT 6:30 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD BOYN BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steven Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Interim Executive Director Mack McCray, Vice Chair Amy Petrick, CRA Board Counsel Joe Casello Justin Katz Christina Romelus I. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Il. Invocation Chair Grant gave the invocation. Mr. Casello led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. Roll Call Roll call determined a quorum was present. IV. Legal: None. V. Agenda Approval: A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Chair Grant advised he will add a new assignment, Item 15. C, CRA Advisory Board assignments. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Romelus 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 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 1, 2016 Ms. Romelus disclosed she met with Attorney Bonnie Miskel and representatives regarding Ocean One. She expressed her condolences for Officer Joe Crowder and his family. She received a card from the K -9 unit and thanked him for his service. Mr. Casello had no disclosures to make and offered condolences to the Crowder family, his two sons and his fellow officers, noting he was a 14 -year employee. He advised flyers regarding Farm Share, free food distribution will take place on January 28th between 9 and 12 next to St. John Missionary Baptist Church and there are business cards regarding sober homes. If anyone sees something suspicious, they should call the number and the State Attorney will research. He noted the number is a toll -free number. Mr. Katz disclosed he met with the Ocean One team and their counsel last week with Mr. Simon, CRA Interim Executive Director. He offered sympathies to the family and fellow officers of Officer Joe Crowder. Vice Chair McCray also met with Attorney Bonnie Miskel and the Ocean One team. He offered condolences to Officer Crowder's family, friends and the Police Department. Chair Grant attended the Holiday Tree lighting, and the holiday and boat parades. He had met Officer Crowder when his backyard furniture was stolen and praised him as a great officer who would be missed. Chair Grant advised flyers for Tiger Sound Marching Band were available and they will be playing during half time at the Miami versus Golden State game. He advised he planned to attend. B. Informational Announcements VII. Announcements & Awards: A. The 46 Annual Boynton Beach Holiday Tree Lighting & Concert Mercedes Copans, Marketing, Events and Economic Development Assistant, advised the Holiday Tree Lighting and Concert was held on Friday, December 2 nd on Ocean Avenue. Approximately 800 to 1,000 people attended. It was a family - friendly event and staff received positive feedback regarding the children's activities and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Local vendors were on site which she listed. The tree will remain lit until December 30 in front of the Schoolhouse Children's Museum. Vice Chair McCray noted half the lights on the tree were out, and learned Ms. Copans already contacted the company and the matter was rectified. B. The 45 Annual Boynton Beach & Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade The Boat Parade was held December 9 th between Lantana and the C -15 canal. Although the weather did not work in their favor and affected the turnout, staff heard positive feedback. Thirty boats were originally confirmed and 22 participated. About 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board B oynton Beach, Florida December 1, 2016 200 people came to the Marina to view the parade, and others viewed it from parks and other areas. Banana Boat and Two Georges were packed and Two Georges confirmed their sales increased 35% from the prior Friday due to the event. Staff calculated all the winners and will plan an award dinner in the near future. The U.S. Marine Corp also expressed appreciation for all who donated a toy to the Toys for Tots program. C. Music on the Rocks Ms. Copans announced the next concert will take place on Friday, December 16 at the Ocean Avenue Amphitheater, featuring the Redeye classic rock band. They will also include holiday tunes. The event, starts at 7 p.m. and the Food Truck Invasion starts at 6 p.m. which will include Veggie Love, Tiperou, Taco Fresh, Coldstone Creamery and the Hurricane Alley Chowder Truck. Beverages will be available from PCI. C. Movies in the Park Movies in the Park will resume on January 6 with The Secret Life of Bees. The film was also part of the month -long MLK Jr. Celebration. The film is rated PG 13, but since it addresses serious issues, viewer discretion is advised. The Hurricane Alley Chowder Truck will be available and a concession vendor will sell candy, popcorn and other snacks. A preview of local CRA businesses will be viewed, prior to the start of the film at 7 p.m. At the end of film, raffles for the advertised businesses will be drawn. Mr. Casello praised staff and congratulated them for their work on the Holiday Boat Parade. Ms. Romelus agreed with Mr. Casello's comments. She acknowledged Ms. Copans was new and has done a great job. VIII. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Period Ended Nov. 30, 2016 Financial Report B. Monthly Purchase Orders C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes Nov. 9, 2016 Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IX. Pulled Consent Agenda Items: None. X. Information Only: A. Public Comment Log 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 B. Marketing and Business Development Campaign C. CRA Advisory Board Agenda — Dec. 1, 2016 D. Minutes — CRAAB Meeting — Nov. 3, 2016 E. 2017 CRA Advisory Board Meeting Dates XI. Public Comments: (Note: comments are limited to three minutes in duration) Chair Grant opened Public Comments. Lisa Browne Banic, 720 E. Ocean Avenue, thanked all for the opportunity to serve as the newest member of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. She also works with veterans and had some ideas for the community. Lynn Simmons, Splashdown Divers, commented on the Green Space renovation at the Marina and explained the signs did not work or they are not there. She asked if the Board could find a way to offer financial assistance. She signed a lease which required a security deposit. Ms. Simmons noted she has been at the Marina for 35 years. She requested she be grandfathered in, so she would not have to pay the $800+ security deposit. Attorney Petrick advised she would review the documents to see if the Board had the authority to waive the deposit Chair Grant requested a motion to postpone the security deposit until a review was finished. Vice Chair McCray and Mr. Casello seconded the motion. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to suspend the $800 until the Board receives final approval from Counsel. Vice Chair McCray asked what happened to the sign indicating businesses were open. Mr. Simon explained the discussion was to recognize access to the tenants' customers where the boats were and advise they were open. Staff placed two signs with arrows to access Two Georges and the marina slips. Chair Grant asked if the sign indicates it was open during construction and learned it did not. He requested said signs be used. Mr. Simon explained where the signs were located. Ms. Simmons explained she raised the issue because of the loss of advertising because they do not have pedestrian traffic on the dock. Ms. Romelus requested an update. Mr. Simon explained the contractor's estimated schedule was to be entirely finished by January 20 There was a delay because of 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 helical piles, but they were completed sooner than they thought, but there are still some engineering revisions for the span of the new boardwalk. All of the form and steel work for the seawall is in place. They will meet with the geotechnical engineer contractor for the last two piles which are load bearing. The project should be finished on time and on budget. No one else coming forward, Public Comments was closed. XII. Public Hearing: None XIII. Old Business: A. Status of the Ocean Breeze East Project Mr. Simon explained the meeting backup had a letter regarding Nurock Development and Robby Block, Project and Acquisition Manager. The application was turned in on time, and there were 43 other applications. As of November 30 all projects were ranked, and this project was not in the top tier of selected projects. There is a challenge window for applicants not selected to point out issues that may have been overlooked or underscored. There are challenges that are won, but Mr. Block did not know how many other applicants were challenging the rankings. NuRock intended to challenge the findings and hopefully, if not selected, they would look for alternate funding. The contract is still in place, which will come back in January or February, which the Board could terminate or learn about alternate funding. Mr. Casello questioned the success rate of the challenges, noting this was the Board's second or third attempt at development through this method. He thought the Board should re- evaluate the matter and formulate a plan as the land was sitting there way too long and the tax credits are not working for this parcel. Vice Chair McCray agreed. Mr. Katz noted the Town Square proposals were received and there are potential sites for the police or fire station. If the application fell through, he wanted to seek holding the spot open for the Town Square or a land swap. Vice Chair McCray inquired if the members were under the cone of silence and learned they were. Chair Grant wanted an update for January. It was noted this was for a SAIL loan which is the 4% tax credits. Mr. Casello commented they were led to believe success was more likely with the 4% credits than the 9 %. David Katz, 67 Midwood Lane, commented there were 43 applicants and he did not say what his rank was. He thought it would be prudent to ask NuRock to submit a Notice to Perform within 30 days to see if they have performed what they were tasked to do. He did not see where there was any verifiable data by Nurock in the backup. Usually when funds are awarded, they are given and he thought it was rare to take funds away from another application that was awarded. With SAIL funds and incoming Secretary of 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Housing and Urban Development, these funds may be cut. He thought NuRock should have been present and this was not what the HOB wants or needs. He thought there should have been a more definitive recommendation from staff and thought the Board should seek a Notice to Perform. Attorney Petrick was not familiar with a Notice to Perform as a legal instrument, but explained it may pertain to an anticipatory breach of contract. She commented the Board may need an update from the applicant to say whether they can perform and under what conditions, so the Board can determine if the agreements are still in compliance. Chair Grant asked an update be prepared. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to give Legal direction to bring back a report to the Board indicating what NuRock's intentions were for the project known as Ocean Breeze East. Mr. Casello requested a representative from NuRock appear at the next meeting. Mr. Simon explained there were numerous emails sent to NuRock requesting they attend. Staff will ask again. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion. Vote The motion unanimously passed. B. Consideration of Community Benefits Agreement between the CRA and Ocean Breeze Housing Partners, LP (NuRock Development Partners, Inc.) for the Ocean Breeze East Project in the Heart of Boynton Tabled 10/10/16 This item remained on the table. C. Status of the 2.97 Acre Project Site Known as MLK, Jr. South Mr. Simon explained the application deadline was December 8 th for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and was extended to December 30 Mr. Block described challenges made by potential applicants to remove the benefits of a local governmental support agreement which would be scored higher, which the City has. If the challenges to eliminate it or lower its importance is not decided or changed by the 30 then the applications would be due and the funding would remain in the application. Vice Chair McCray asked if the challenges are in his favor. Mr. Simon explained lobbying the application rules was initiated by applicants that do not have a significant contribution from the local government/communities. They feel it is unfair to rank an application based on their level of support. He hoped those in charge would keep the priority ranking for those with the local government match or contribution. The City provided $1 million and the land. The application deadline has not passed. Vice Chair 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 McCray commented the update will not be finalized by the 30 Mr. Simon explained the applications have not been submitted. The whole process was extended 30 days. Mr. Casello understood the contribution would help the ranking, but others say it is not fair. Mr. Simon confirmed the comment as correct. He expected Mr. Block to apprise the Board if it was removed in January. Chair Grant learned the Board would receive an answer regarding the new deadline when Mr. Simon learns of it. D. Consideration of Community Benefits Agreement between the CRA and Heritage at City View Housing Partners, LP (NuRock Development Partners, Inc.) for the 2.97 Acre Project Site Known as MLK, Jr. located in the Heart of Boynton Tabled 10/10/16 (This item remained on the table.) D. Presentation and Consideration of Search Firms for Hiring a CRA Executive Director Mr. Casello commented a lot has happened since Mr. Simon assumed the Executive Director's duties on an interim basis and suggested Mr. Simon should be kept on for six months and then the Board evaluate his performance. He thought the atmosphere had improved and he was satisfied with the information he receives and the dialogue he has with Mr. Simon. He commented he should be able to hire an assistant director to assist him. Colin Benzinger, Beninger and Associates, explained he never worked for Boynton Beach, but has worked for other cities. He noted a resolution in his handout from St. Johns County which was presented to him by the County Commission several years ago. He detailed what should be done to find appropriate candidates in an open and transparent way, and noted it was rare a County Commission passes a resolution thanking a consultant for their services. Comments from the Fernandina Beach City Manager were also included. Mr. Benzinger explained he got into the business 18 years ago. He felt there was an opportunity for a municipal recruiter if he provided services at a reasonable price and provided good candidates. To date, he has worked in 31 states. They handle 70% of city and county manager searches in Florida because of good results and the quality of their work. The firm has the expertise and intuition to find appropriate candidates as they are flexible and will incorporate needed items in the search. He advised Benzinger and Associates is the only firm that checks references. The fees are all inclusive; there are no extra charges and as the expert, they should be able to foresee unforeseen circumstances. The only time a fee is changed is if the search ends quickly or the entity hires an internal candidate. They have been on schedule and never missed a deadline. The results are guaranteed and the firm is customer - service oriented. He invited the Board members to contact him. A flow chart was viewed which encompassed the firm 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 learning what is wanted, what type of person will fit, discuss the community and the challenges they will face. They will also discuss candidate salaries and when finished, put together a brochure, a sample which he distributed. The goal is to be complete and accurate and then put the position in the market place. The firm solicits candidates through outreach, phone, professional organizations, approaching individuals, and advertisements. They have an email data base of 13,200 professionals in local government and they can reach more candidates via email. If recipients are not interested, they may know of someone who is. The process takes about three weeks. The firm collects the resumes which Mr. Benzinger reads. He selects between 6 and 15 applicants, calls each of them and applies a series of 10 basic questions in addition to others and determines if they are good for the position and the community. If so, he turns them over to his staff for background checks. Applicants provide about 20 references, and if they can speak to eight of them, they will have a good idea of the candidate and if there was anything else they need to know. Each reference will be written up for the Board to review and contact. The firm conducts background checks including criminal, civil, credit and bankruptcy, and Department of Motor Vehicles. They check the internet and verify education and experiences for the last 10 years. When the information comes back, applicants complete a five -page questionnaire. The total package is reviewed, he determines who will go forward and sends the package to the Board electronically. After about a week, Mr. Berzinger calls the Board members to discuss the candidates and then meet as a group to select the candidates the Board wants to interview. About 10 days later he brings the candidates for an interview. He also likes the Board to meet the candidates in a public reception as the CRA Director will represent the CRA and interact with people. The firm likes to wait a few days to let the Board contemplate the decision and get input from people at the reception before meeting to select the next CRA Board Director. The price is $24,500 and their guarantee is in the back of the presentation. Vice Chair McCray inquired about the population of St. Johns County and learned it was about 170,000 at the time. He asked if Mr. Benzinger ever hired a CRA Director and learned he had not. Vice Chair McCray commented Mr. Benzinger indicated the Board would indicate what kind of person is wanted, but he thought Mr. Benzinger should tell the Board what kind of person it needs. He thought it was a red flag. Mr. Casello asked how Mr. Benzinger would sell Boynton Beach and learned he would describe it as a wonderful city on the southeast coast of Florida. Youth can receive a good education, but there are challenges as the downtown is not as developed as some of the other communities. The City has a strong elected body that wants to go forward. There are wonderful resources with the boat and marina area that needs to be capitalized. A basic question he would ask applicants is why they are interested. Bob Slaven, Slaven Management Consultants, explained the company was formed in 1991 as a local government recruitment firm and they work in 47 of 50 states. He 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board B oynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 worked for a large international search firm and then a smaller company and in 1991 he started Slaven Management Consultants. During his tenure, he has placed about 33 individuals in planning, community development and redevelopment positions. Most of the work was done in Florida, but some of it in large jurisdictions such as the CRA for the City of Los Angeles where they placed three senior managers. Many individuals placed in planning positions are responsible for CRAs as are City Managers. The work they do is targeted, strategic and focused on outcomes. They spend a lot of resources in the beginning finding what the Board is looking for and speak with each Board member getting a clear idea of what is wanted. The firm advertises in professional association journals and websites and finds candidates that meet the criteria. They use a national network. Once the criteria is identified, they contact people they know who may have similar organizations or accomplishments that have succeeded. The work they do results in a comprehensive profile that describes the CRA and develops a recruitment profile which is distributed. Once identified, they contact candidates and talk in confidence. They identify 10 or 12 people on which they conduct background checks, including criminal, credit, educational and others and will Google them and ask candidates questions about their work history. They do not want to put anyone's job in jeopardy. They are reasonably sure when the top three candidates are selected, they will pass scrutiny. When the Board indicates who they are interested in, they do their due diligence, including site visits, speaking with the candidate's coworkers and former employers. If community involvement is wanted, or a different kind of interview is wanted with perhaps staff and City involvement, they will assist. The firm will serve as advisors during the interview process and help negotiate an employment agreement. They want to ensure placement is successful and will help the Board set performance goals. They have a two -year guarantee and have honored it twice in 30 years. Mr. Slaven explained in one instance the individual died and in the second instance, the Mt. Dora City Manager left after a few months on the job. Those individuals were replaced at no additional fee. Mr. Casello asked if they placed anyone closer than in Los Angeles and learned they placed planning directors in Lee County, Florida, that has a CRA. They placed a planning director for the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Agency, the Escambia County Planning Director, and Miami. They placed a City Manager in Ocean City, worked for Pompano, the Boynton Beach City Commission, placing Kurt Bressner in the position as City Manager, and have worked for Ft. Lauderdale. Mr. Casello asked how he would network to attract a candidate other than salary. Mr. Slaven explained the location is fabulous. The CRA was in existence since 1981 and has been very active and highly successful over the last three or four years. The City government is well respected and financially sound. Their fee is $15,160, plus expenses which are capped, including all out of pocket costs, report preparations, advertising, his travel, including his travel for candidate site visits, but not for the candidate to travel to the City. The out of pocket expenses are capped at 55% of $15,160 equaling $8,338. If they do not spend it, it is not charged. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Mr. Slaven had a map of the redevelopment area and thought a tour would be very beneficial. He did see some parks and housing, some commercial and new residential in the District when he drove through. Vice Mayor McCray commented if recruiting he should have gone to the CRA. He asked if the three candidates placed in Los Angeles were still there, but learned they were placed over 20 years ago. He asked what the overall success rate was and learned all of their assignments have been filled by people they recommend, and they continue to work for the entity until that happens. The average for most public sector executives is five years and their average is 7.5 years. W.D. Higgenbotham with the Mercer Group responded to Vice Mayor McCray's question if he toured the CRA District and learned he had not. Mr. Higgenbotham distributed a handout containing the complete proposals and advised he has been in operation for over 26 years. The main office is in Atlanta. They have offices in 13 states and one in Volusia County. He handles all the recruitment in Florida and has been in public sector management for over 30 years. He was a City Manager for four cities in Florida and Director of Economic Development for the Regional Planning Council of North Central Florida for eight years. He has recruited businesses for the last five years, and would be the project manager to search for a recruit for Boynton Beach. The services they provide were contained in the handout and on the website. Mercer Group provides a position analysis profile inviting potential candidates to apply. They review and screen applications and conduct reference checks including credit, criminal and local, State and Federal background checks. They have a seven -step approach outlined in the handout. The position analysis defines the work relationship and requirements and he would like to meet with the Board if selected. He would draft a position announcement, prepare a brochure and handle solicitations. He would recruit regionally and on the state and national levels. Most clients in Florida want some or only Florida experience. He would attract candidates through the Florida League of Cities and local professional journals in the State, and review their resumes. He handles the candidate screenings and spends an hour to an hour and a half, at least by phone and if possible, face -to -face with applicants. He would promulgate a list of recommended finalists and meet with the Board to narrow the interview list. When selections are made they conduct their background research, including academics, credit, driving records, reference checks and past performance. This would be presented to the Board before interviewing would occur. If the Board desires, they could coordinate a community meeting for the finalists. The estimated time frame is 10 or 11 weeks to complete the process and he would keep the Board informed on a weekly basis. They charge a flat fee, which is all- inclusive of $15,750. The handout listed all of their guarantees. The firm keeps working until the Board has the candidate it wants. Once a candidate is selected, they will not recruit that candidate from the Board for two years unless the Board gives permission or after some time, the candidate leaves on their own. They do not present the same candidate to more than one agency at the same time to avoid conflicts of interest. If the selected 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 candidate leaves within two years, they will replace the candidate for expenses only which is typically advertising. Vice Chair McCray noted the three prior candidates indicated they will look for what the Board wants and learned Mr. Simon had forwarded a job description to the firms for the CRA Director. Chair Grant noted out of state costs of $600 to $750 per person were listed. Mr. Higgebotham explained if bringing in someone from out of State, they are going to fly in and the cost is for lodging and a stay of one or two nights. The job announcements are helpful, but when meeting, there may be idiosyncrasies the Board is looking for in a candidate. Vice Mayor McCray wanted someone to revitalize and bring growth to the City. If awarded a contract, he will have already spent time touring the community and would have suggestions. Ms. Romelus asked if Mr. Higgenbotham was a veteran and learned he served the Country in three wars, but as a contractor, and more recently, spent seven years in Iraq. He taught transparency in government to provincial councils in IRAQ. Chair Grant opened public comment. Peter Gilio, 305 5 Avenue, commented he was looking to register with the CRA. Chair Grant explained the opening has not been posted. There is a process to go out into the community to get the correct fit. Mr. Gilo asked if a community group could participate. (Mr. Casello left the dais at 8:01 p.m.) Lisa Browne Banic asked about the timeframe to select the recruiting firm and about the timeframe to fill the position. Chair Grant responded the Board could select the firm tonight or table it for 30 days. In the meanwhile, the Interim Executive Director will run the Agency. The process takes about three months. She thought the community should have an opportunity for input similar to a Town Hall or a question and answer session if they hire a firm so they can gather input. No one else coming forward, public comment was closed. Mr. Katz explained the Board gave the interim position to Mr. Simon and in the two months he assumed the Director's duties he has shown potential. He favored offering a one -year contract to expire in August, but noted Mr. Casello's suggestion to keep him in an interim position to have more time to evaluate him. He acknowledged Mr. Simon has knowledge of Boynton Beach. If a new director came, there is a risk they may remove some employees. He favored a greater time window and thought Mr. Simon should hire an assistant. Vice Chair McCray believed in hiring from within and thought he could use an existing individual to be his assistant and hire another position to fill that position. Interim 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 positions run until such time as the Board feels they should be made permanent. He listened to the presentations and thought Mr. Simon should be given a fair chance. Vice Chair McCray favored letting him serve until the Board feels he should be given a permanent position or they filled the position. Motion Vice Mayor McCray moved to table. Mr. Casello seconded the motion. Mr. Katz thanked the firms and apologized to them as he was looking to table the item. Chair Grant commented they were going to see what opportunities are available and was pleased with the work the Interim Executive Director was doing. Vote The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Katz asked how long the Board wanted to re- evaluate the position. Vice Chair McCray wanted to table the issue for six months and then review. There were no objections noted. Mr. Casello asked if Mr. Simon could hire an assistant. Chair Grant explained it would be heard under New Business as Item 14 F. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to amend the agenda to add the Item to New Business, 14. F. Mr. Katz seconded the motion that unanimously passed (place the vote as a separate paragraph. Vice Chair McCray clarified he was discussing hiring an Assistant to the Director, not an Assistant Director. E. Discussion of Request for Proposals and Qualifications for the Cottage District Site Mr. Simon explained the CRA issued a Request for Proposals /Request for Qualifications (RFP /RFQ) for the CRA property known as the Cottage District in the CRA Plan. It is about a 4.5 to 5 acre site. The idea was for the site to be re- platted to accommodate smaller housing, similar to a cottage - styled house and provide for single family homeownership in accordance with the Plan. It creates diversification as varying ag will occupy the smaller houses and they would be similar to the historic homes on 4 having a cottage feel. It was anticipated developers would provide proposals in accordance with the RFP. As of the November 16 deadline, the CRA did not receive any proposals for the project. Mr. Simon noted there are single- family homes being 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 1, 2016 constructed on infill lots on N. and S. Seacrest Boulevard. The subject site is a great piece of land, similar in value to Ocean Breeze. Mr. Simon wanted to meet with some of the single - family housing developers in the area on their vision for the lots and re- evaluate it in six or eight months. Chair Grant researched what a Federal Housing Authority does as the CRA was trying to build single - family homes there using federal money. He wanted to know if the CRA was able to create a housing authority for this and other properties in the CRA using federal and CRA funding as well. The CRA has a $10 million budget every year and he thought the few hundred thousand for Ocean Breeze East and MILK South may not be used this year. It may be up to the Board to decide to build in District II and he wanted the Board to consider asking private developers to build something the people want to live in. Ms. Romelus agreed and wanted additional information. Mr. Casello thought it was a great concept and thought the CRA should not acquire more property in that area until further direction is given. Vice Mayor McCray wanted to direct Legal staff to bring back criteria to the Board to proceed to be a housing authority if they want to go that route. He also commented in reference to Ocean Breeze, they can also put single - family homes on the property. Chair Grant thought the CRA, as an agency should see what they can do to help construct buildings. F. Boynton Woman's Club Window & Door Repair Restoration Project and CRA Grant Mr. Simon explained in 2014/2015, the Woman's Club sought a Historic Preservation Grant from the State for the Woman's Club that needed matching funds. The CRA approved a $50K grant to match the requirement. The Woman's Club was awarded the grant and got the work done under the historic guidelines. Pat Waldron, Woman's Club, explained she and another woman wrote the Special Category Grant two years ago and they appreciated the CRA's support. The grant is ongoing and the project will be finished in January. She gave a brief update and thanked the CRA for their support for recognizing the importance of the building and the City's history. She invited all to the building next year when renovations are complete. Mr. Casello asked how many members the Woman's Club had and learned about 75 members. He asked how the Woman's Club generated revenue to keep the building in good condition. Ms. Waldron explained the building is being managed by an outdoor vendor. The lease will expire in 2017 and then the Woman's Club will resume responsibility for the building again. Mr. Casello thought the CRA would be interested in purchasing the building and preserving it. 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Vice Chair McCray appreciated the newsletter. XIV. New Business: A. Discussion and Direction for the Potential Acquisition of 416 E. MLK, Jr. Blvd Tabled 11/9/16 for 90 days B. 2017 CRA Board Meeting Dates Ms. Romelus noted the Department of Transportation (DOT) was also making a presentation on January 10 The Board did not have to move its meeting, but she wanted to announce the date. Motion Ms. Romelus moved to approve the CRA meeting dates as presented. Vice Chair McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Consideration of Agreement for Services between the CRA and the Community Caring Center for Culinary Business Incubator Services — FY 2016 -2017 At the August 17 CRA Budget meeting, the Board approved a request for $70,000 to generate start-up businesses and assist existing business become independent through workshops, training and providing a site to prepare food items on E. Boynton Beach Boulevard. This is a one -year agreement. This year, staff tightened the deliverables to be more measurable, and increased the budget from $50,000 to $70,000. The CRA was looking to see 10 new full -time equivalent jobs and have a quarterly report with an increased focus on marketing, a description of the individuals they are assisting, and providing information where residency is, where the businesses intend to locate, if known, and tie the assistance to job creation with an emphasis on Boynton Beach residents and/or existing businesses. The agreement was approved by the Community Caring Center and is ready for approval. Motion Vice Mayor McCray moved to approve. Mr. Casello seconded the motion. Chair Grant attended a Secret Garden tasting event and advised the food was delicious. Mr. Simon also explained they participate in the Taste of Boynton each year. Bryan Fitzpatrick, 409 N 1 St Street, explained the Community Caring Center does a great job providing services to the community, but thought the CRA should start thinking about the Center relocating from their current office location, which was a duplex. He 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 commented their location is in the Cottage District. They are outgrowing the location and parking is an issue. Mr. Casello noted they are in the process of looking for a new location and they will work to see if they can make it happen. It was an item for a future agenda or budget discussion. Vote The motion unanimously passed. D. Consideration of Revised Credit Card Policy — Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual Mr. Simon explained there was a change as part of the Human Resource policy, which adds another approval. Mr. Simon clarified the revised policy will make it easier to reconcile monthly credit card receipt forms and it takes away the potential for the loss of receipts between the use of the card and the time when reconciliation takes place It will not inconvenience staff and it affords better accountability. When a card is used for a purchase, it will be approved by Ms. Harris or Mr. Simon prior to the purchase as opposed to the current method. Chair Grant asked what happened if a staff member needs to make a purchase and does not have a card available. Mr. Simon explained they can sign out the card and indicate what the purchase is for. Mr. Casello noted when receipts come in, the employee, Ms. Hill or Ms. Harris reviews the receipts and now Mr. Simon will sign making it three required signatures. There is a $5,000 limit and senior staff has a $10,000 limit. The amounts are consistent as when booking six or seven hotel rooms for a conference, there will be a limit more than $1,500. They explored getting a corporate card, but the bank does not allow a corporate card, so it was left as is under the supervision of the Finance Director. Staff knows when the purchases are coming. Chair Grant thought staff should determine which credit card would be the best for the new policy and could consider another credit card as well. Mr. Simon could provide an analysis at the next meeting. Motion Vice Mayor McCray moved to approve. Mr. Katz seconded the motion that unanimously passed. E. Consideration of Special Events Grant for Boynton Beach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee This item was heard out of order (before item A) 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Vice Chair McCray explained this event is a signature event in District II. This year, the Committee was working with Congressman Alycee Hastings. He spoke with Mr. Murphy about the $5,000 they were requesting and wanted to ensure all understood what the money could be used for. Mercedes Copans had also advised him what the funds could and could not be used for. Greg Murphy, Co- Chair, 2017 MLK Celebration Committee, explained he serves on the Committee along with Deputy Fire Chief, Latosha Clemons, other community members and the Fire and Police Departments. He thanked the committee members present and the CRA and City for their past support. The event has been around since 1990 and was a self - funding event each year which started with a march from the railroad on MILK Jr. Boulevard to Heritage Park. There is a small community cleanup and a banquet held at Benevenuto. During the past three years, the event upgraded from a march to a parade in conjunction with the CRA sponsored Unity Day. The banquet is now a Gala. The keynote speaker is the new superintendent of Palm Beach County Schools. Last year as part of the event, four houses for senior citizens in the Heart of Boynton were painted. Music on the Rocks was also included in the festivities. The projected budget for this year's event was included and the committee was requesting $5,000.. Vice Chair McCray noted the CRA budgeted $40,000 for Committee events for District II because they wanted to make it a signature event, The Committee is indicating they need an additional $5,000 to help offset some of the incurred costs. Vice Chair McCray commented it will not be feasible for this group if they did not approve the request. He asked for a budget to see how much was left and there was a balance of $577. He favored the additional $5,000 for administrative costs in accordance with CRA Guidelines. Chair Grant inquired if they were allowing vendors to participate or had sponsorships from community businesses. Mr. Murphy explained vendors participate on Unity Day and they house the merchandise or the eateries they have. There is no vendor fee. Vice Chair McCray thought there should be a cost and it could go to the CRA Committee to offset other expenses the MLK Committee has. He commented this year the Committee was requesting $5,000, but if their account was larger than $577, they may not have to request $5,000 from the CRA. Mr. Murphy explained it is not supposed to be a fund raising event, it is an open event. Vice Chair McCray explained there is a cost for vendors and if the Committee is not pursuing charging vendors, they are losing revenue for the next event. Chair Grant agreed having sponsorships available and creating tee shirts can help make the event bigger and grander every year. Mr. Murphy explained the vendor event is a CRA sponsor event and the funds go to the CRA. Mr. Simon explained with larger events, vendors pay to attend, but local businesses and vendors are free. This is not a CRA sponsored event, it is a MLK Committee Event. The suggestions are to the Committee. With Movies in the Park and Music on the Rocks, vendors should be charged a nominal fee because CRA provides tents, tables 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 and chairs. Vice Chair McCray thought they should discuss it as a group. The CRA is trying to assist the MILK Committee generate revenue. Ms. Romelus asked if the program booklets have local businesses advertising and learned they do. The ads pay for the cost of the book. Mr. Casello asked if the police presence for the parade was an in -kind service and learned it was. He asked what the extra $5,000 was for. Susan Harris, Finance Director, explained this grant is a reimbursable grant. Funds are spent and the Committee provides documentation it was spent for the purposes of the grant and then the CRA reimburses them if the Board decides to approve the full $5,000. Motion Mr. Casello moved to approve. Vice Chair McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Ms. Romelus commented there were a few issues with the application as they had applied late and there were several documents missing so the Board can approve or disapprove the request. F. Assistant Director Mr. Casello noted the former Director had an Assistant Director which helped with the CRA workload and he thought Mr. Simon should have the same ability to hire someone to assist him. Mr. Casello thought whoever is chosen would be the next one up and they should be kept in the loop as he was surprised how isolated Mr. Simon was from the day -to -day decision making. Whoever is hired as management, should all be on the same page. Vice Chair McCray was not in favor of hiring an assistant director. He commented he could create an Administrator I, II or III position and move an employee up the ladder. Mr. Casello asked Mr. Simon what he preferred. Mr. Simon explained if an assistant director is hired, they would attend meetings, meet with developers, handle acquisitions and the period ends in a four or six months . He did not know what kind of security they would have. They could be a consultant or something similar, but there may be personnel shifts. It would also be hard to hire someone that quickly. Another administrator could come from a firm, such as they had with Ms. Bright where they hired someone to help with the Haunted Pirate Fest. Mr. Simon noted the City had hired someone on a temporary basis and he would work with the City to try to find a person to pick up the extra or find a consultant or temporary employee. 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Vice Chair McCray suggested leaving the matter in Mr. Simon's hands and he provide the Board with a report next month. He was not in favor of hiring a consultant. No motion was made. Chair Grant mentioned one thing the CRA has been lacking was an investment professional to sell the CRA to developers. Chair Grant asked who was in favor and learned there were no objections. XV. CRA Advisory Board A. Reports: 1. City Services Survey for the CRA District B. Pending Items: 1. Research for a Potential CRA Grant for Job Creation 2. Review the 29 Recommendations made in February 3, 2016 Miami -Dade County Grand Jury Report Concerning Affordable Housing and Mismanagement of CRAs 3. Draft Community Benefits Agreement C. New Assignments: 1. None Chair Grant thought the Board should contemplate what it would request from developers if they asked for Tax Increment Funding (TIF) and the Advisory Board should study the issue as the funds are taxpayer dollars going to a private developer. Chair Grant also wanted to see workforce housing /affordable housing and WiFi, and come back with items they can consider when developers ask for TIF. Mr. Casello commented the task was outside of the scope of what the Advisory Board was established to do. They were to look at certain projects in the CRA District that the Board may have a question about The Advisory Board was conducting surveys and others and that was not the initial idea of the Advisory Board. They go through the entire agenda making recommendations and obtain answers the Board may have about a project. Chair Grant agreed they can discuss what the Advisory Board can do rather than reviewing the full agenda. He reiterated the Advisory Board could make recommendations if a developer asks for TIF. Vice Chair McCray agreed. Ms. Romelus thought there was a lot of redundancy and thought they could work on pending items. She thought the Board could revise their role, give suggestions on items, but change their focus and work on the pending items. She thought studying TIF recommendations would be appropriate. There could be a standard policy and reviewing the agenda would not be included. 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Mr. Katz cautioned implementing additional regulations without considering the CRA is unique within itself. He had no objections with the Board or Advisory Board developing a list of suggested items the Board would like to see in exchange for TIF, as it comes up on a case -by -case basis. Chair Grant agreed with case -by -case and thought it would be helpful to know all the tools that are available for TIF. Linda Cross, 625 Casa Loma Blvd, Chair, CRA Advisory Board, commented the City Services was previously discussed. The Advisory Board has done research on the grant for job creation, and connected Mike Simon with an organization that tries to see how the organization and the CRA can work together. The Advisory Board reviewed all 29 Grand Jury recommendations regarding CRAs. The items relevant to Boynton Beach are receiving a step -by -step review about how the recommendations could be implemented in the City. The draft Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) was a new assignment and staff was asked for information about CBAs used by other CRAs. Developer requests for Direct Investment Funding was an important issue for the Advisory Board and the CRA to work on to determine what benefits the City should obtain. She commented going through the entire agenda was labor intensive which she did not think was appropriate for an Advisory Board. Mr. Simon explained the CRA already has a direct incentive funding policy. It is short and brief, but it lists items to consider. Prior to 2012, staff felt vulnerable to requests and developed the policy to provide the agency with direction and protections as clear guidelines. He thought in addition to the wording of the assignment would be to look at the existing policy and work on that. An unidentified man commented the CRA is designated to develop underdeveloped parts of the City to eliminate blight. He asked what happens to redevelopment of the Boynton Terrace apartments and Cherry Hills. Vice Chair McCray explained the Cherry Hill is a county project and the land is owned by the Housing Authority. The Boynton Terrace area was the NuRock project. The man asked about the process of reaching out to the community on what projects may or may not be approved. There were meetings earlier this year regarding the Consolidated CRA Plan. Vice Chair McCray also commented there is a HOB association and if he gave his name to Mr. Simon, they would notify him about meetings so he can attend. It was noted the City Commission sits as the CRA board and asked if there was a lot of red tape with processes and decisions and learned there was not a lot of red tape. Vice Chair McCray provided the speaker with his phone number. No one else coming, forward public comment was closed. Motion Mr. Katz moved to approve adding a DIFA policy update to the Advisory Board to review. Vice Chair McCray seconded the motion. 19 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 13, 2016 Vote The motion unanimously passed. Motion Vice Chair McCray moved to limit the CRA Advisory Board review to pending items and any new projects coming into the City such as purchase and development agreements. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion. This would be limited to certain New Business and Pending Items. Vote The motion passed 4 -1 (Mr. Casello dissenting.) XVI. Future Agenda Items: A. Direction Regarding the Disposal of CRA Owned Properties Located at E. MLK, Jr. Blvd. and NE 9th Avenue to St. Paul AME Church of Boynton Beach (appraisals ordered 11/23/16) B. District Clean Program C. Discussion of CRA Owned Property Located at 222 N. Federal Highway XVIL Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Vice Mayor McCray moved to adjourn. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist. 20