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Minutes 08-08-17MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017, AT 6:30 P.M., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD BOYNTON , FLORIDA PRESENT: Steven B. Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Executive Director Justin Katz, Vice Chair Tara Duhy, Board Counsel Joe Casello Mack McCray Christina Romelus 1. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Invocation The invocation was given by Pastor Tommy Brown, New Disciple Worship Center.. Il. Roll Call Roll call revealed a quorum was present. IV. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Chair Grant added new Assistant Director, Thuy Shutt, to VII. Item C. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Casello seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. Legal None. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 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 Chair Grant attended the Seahorse event with Splashdown Divers and ate at Boss Tacos, which is on Consent Agenda. Vice Chair Katz had no disclosures to make Mr. McCray wished Ms. Romelus a good evening. Ms. Romelus had no disclosures. Mr. Casello attended a roundtable regarding the opioid crisis held by Melissa McKinley, and advised it was well attended. Senate President Negron and several other State Representatives attended. It was a two-hour discussion. The news provided great coverage too. VII. Announcements and Awards A. CareerSource March Career Expo Update Michael Corbett, CareerSource Palm Beach County, advised there were 21 companies at the March 23rd Job Fair. There were 141 attendees and 22 placements. He would like to hold another Job Fair next March or April and believed there would be similar results. He thanked the CRA for the event. Chair Grant attended and thought it was informative. He asked if there is a follow-up event, if they missed the event and obtain the information. Mr. Corbett replied any job seekers can contact him for information and CareerSource holds 35 to 40 job events a year. B. 2017 Project Seahorse Recap Tracy Smith—Coffey, CRA Marketing and Business Development Specialist, explained the CRA partnered with the City of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department, the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation and Project Seahorse for this youth event. The project started July 10th and youth brushed up on swimming skills and were taught how to snorkel on July 17th and 24th. Twenty-four 10 to 12 -year old campers participated and were treated to a snorkeling experience on July 28th at the Lofthaus shipwreck site. There was a very good turnout and many volunteers, including the Mayor, the Marine Patrol, News Channel 5, and the Palm Beach Post. Star Fish Scuba and Splashdown Divers donated their time and vessels and the CRA social media consultants were on each boat posting on social media broadcasting live videos. The youth came back to the Marina for a barbeque and presentation with their parents showing pictures of the campers snorkeling. A short news clip from Channel 5 that K Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 aired at 6 p.m. on July 28th was viewed. This was the third event and all were looking forward to next year. Ms. Smith -Coffey explained they are adding different components to the event each year. Participants learned about Octopus from a Marine Biologist from FAU and next year there will be more educational programs to teach campers about marine biology and ecology. The campers saw many schools of fish. The underwater photography was provided by Sarah Edwards. Mr. McCray congratulated staff on a job well done noting he had been a diver. C. Announce Thuy Shutt, new CRA Assistant Director Ms. Shutt thanked all for welcoming her and looked forward to working with the CRA to further its goals. VIII. Consent Agenda A. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - June 13, 2017 D. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - July 11, 2017 C. Financial Report Period Ending July 31, 2017 D. Monthly Purchase Orders E. Approval of 4 Reel Services, Inc. for Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program F. Approval of Boss Tacos, Inc. for Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program G. Approval of Electronic Signatures for Special Event Contracts and Agreements Motion Mr. Casello moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IX. Pulled Consent Agenda Items None. X. Information Only A. Public Comment Log B. Marketing and Business Development Campaign 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Floridas , 2017 C. Rescheduling the September CRA Advisory Board Meeting to Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 6:30 pm D. Special Meeting to Discuss RFP/RFQ for Ocean Breeze East on August 29, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. XI. Public Comments None. XII. Public Hearing None. [►�11��IC>t3>�1T�� A. Neighborhood Policing Program 3rd Quarter Reports for FY 2016-2017 Mike Simon, Executive Director, presented the report. Sergeant Diehl and Officer Paramore were present and gave a detailed accounting of their calendar and activities for the third quarter. Mr. McCray thanked them for giving a really good report. It was noted there was a third Neighborhood Police position available and the selection process ends on Tuesday. Officer Gary Garaflo was also present at the meeting and was interested in applying. He explained he had been with Boynton Beach for 18 years and has seen the City grow tremendously. He was happy to be present and hoped to be of help. Mr. McCray thought it would be helpful if there was a female officer so community residents will know that not all officers are male and learned there were other candidates. Mr. Casello asked why he was interested in the position and learned there are different components in police work and he would like to try this one. He has volunteered for different activities with the City and also works at the Library. He was always interest in community service. B. Community Caring Center 3rd Quarter Report Mr. Simon advised the Center has an agreement for funding the Culinary Incubator for $70,000 this fiscal year. The report meets the requirements that are part of the agreement. Approval of the reports and issuance of funding is needed. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Mr. Casello seconded the motion that unanimously passed. n Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 C. Consideration of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Boynton Woman's Club located at 1010 S. Federal Highway Mr. Simon explained on June 13th the CRA Board approved the request to purchase the Woman's Club building. Staff was instructed to have Legal negotiate the terms of the contract. After negotiation, both parties agreed to the contract except for extending the feasibility period from 30 days to 45 days. The extension would allow staff to come to the September meeting and the parties move forward to closing and contract at the end of the feasibility period. This was discussed with the Woman's Club and their counsel and they are in agreement. The feasibility period is fairly common contract language. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve the 45 days. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. D. Consideration of Purchase and Development Agreement for the CRA Owned Property located at 711 N. Federal Highway to South Florida Marine, d/b/a BZ Woods Properties, LLC Mr. Simon reviewed the Board approved of Mike and Janna Woods, the owners of South Florida Master Craft to purchase the property at 711 N. Federal Highway for $365,000. The Woods agreed to provide a $73,000 deposit and the CRA would provide maximum funding assistance amount of $117,000. Closing would be on or before October 31st. The site plan will be submitted after CRA design approval or within 60 days of closing. Permit application for construction of the project would be required within 90 days of site plan approval and construction would commence 90 days after the permit. Completion and Certificate of Use would occur on or before 280 days of the permit issuance. There is a first right of refusal clause, a reverter clause and staff recommended, if the Woman's Club disposed of the property, including language for a second mortgage clause which would act the same way as the First Time Homebuyers program. This would provide additional protection for the Agency's investment from an equity standpoint on the reduction in the sales price to the $365,000 versus the appraised value and for the grants they would receive. The Woods have agreed in theory to all the terms, but they requested the Board consider amending the flat 10 -year hold on the second mortgage to a formula that would decrease each year by 10% and at the end, there be a zero hold on the property. Staff could also institute a hold for five - years and accelerate in years 6 to 10. The entire value would be preserved for the first five years. Mr. Casello liked the five-year hold and accelerating after five years. Mr. McCray asked if it was worthwhile to have the clause in the contract. Attorney Duhy recommended it be included because CRA was disposing of property below market value and providing grants. Either proposal was acceptable. Mr. McCray also liked the five year hold. Chair Grant wanted to include the 7.5 feet along the southern boundary and land by the FEC I$ Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 railway which was already abandoned. It was explained CRA staff formally initiated the 20 feet alleyway abutting the property by the railroad track abandonment process with the application and the fee was paid. This was separate from the sale of the property and the two actions would come together. Staff wanted a motion for the dedication of the right-of-way of 7.5 feet would be done prior to closing, so at closing they get the property that is remaining and the Woods would not have to go through the process of dedicating the land on their own. In the 7.5 feet of land, there will be improvements to the curb and sidewalks and they will gain land to the west. Chair Grant was amenable to acceleration of the soft second at the end and including the 7.5 feet of land on the south property line to be included as a right-of-way dedication. Mr. Casello asked about the extra cost for dedication and learned there was no extra cost other than the survey. The abandonment cost a small survey cost and a $750 application fee for a total cost of about $1,200. He pointed out it helps the City and the Woods. Vice Chair Katz commented when the Board discussed the alleyway abandonment and sidewalk improvements, there was a possibility the business could come back and request additional funds with the upgrades. Mr. Simon had not heard anything from the Woods they would ask for additional funding. They are educated by the City and these are normally required improvements. They could request funding, but they are conscious of the funds they will receive. Given the investment, he thought the Woods should absorb the costs for sidewalks or roadway improvements as they already got a good deal. Chair Grant asked for a motion for the 7.5 foot dedication of the south boundary line to the City of Boynton Beach. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Vice Chair Katz seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Chair Grant asked for a motion for the second mortgage clause option for the five-year hold and acceleration in years six through ten. Motion Ms. Romelus moved to approve. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. n. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 E. Status of the Purchase and Development and Tax Increment Revenue Funding Agreement with Ocean One Boynton, LLC for the CRA Owned Property Located at 222 N. Federal Highway Mr. Simon explained at the July meeting, negotiations continued about certain items. Both documents were approved by both parties after Attorney Duhy was instructed to make revisions and corrections and bring them back to the Board for execution. Staff spoke with Attorney Bonnie Miskel, but they have not yet signed off on the revisions due to vacations. Attorney Duhy requested the item be put it on the September agenda as an update. F. Discussion and Consideration of Renovation or Demolition of CRA Owned Property located at 1110 N. Federal Hwy Mr. Simon explained this item was brought back to the Board after staff analysis and for further direction. The structure is on MLK Jr. Boulevard and Federal Highway as contained in the CRA Plan. Due to the low parking count, the structure has a non- conforming configuration for active retail or reuse. Staff had contemplated using the building as a satellite office for veteran career recruitment, but after it being dormant, they cannot meet Code. City and CRA staff had contemplated using the structure for a Neighborhood Officer program as there is one-year left on the current office lease which is on MLK Jr. Boulevard, Mr. Simon anticipated the cost to improve the building to meet Code to be about $185,000. The CRA paid $171,000, which was a good opportunity purchase and it gives the CRA one of the three properties that are on the corner. If contemplating a cost benefit analysis, with the acquisition and rehabilitation in the hope of future redevelopment and then having to eliminate it, he suggested the Board may want to consider another location for the Neighborhood Officer Policing program or the Board renew the lease. The Board could also consider including new space from the Ocean Breeze East RFP as a condition of approval. It would be cheaper than new construction and the building would be on Seacrest Boulevard and some reference was made to expose the Neighborhood Officer onto Seacrest Boulevard or some other avenue other than MLK Jr. Boulevard, Mr. McCray asked how much the CRA was paying to lease the building and learned it was $14,400 a year. The property was purchased for $171,000 and it would be $185,000 to rehab. Mr. McCray asked what the property could be used for. If demolished, he learned the property would be lighted, sodded, invasive plant species removed and could be used as a community garden or some type of beautification. Mr. McCray did not support a community gardens as District II had two community gardens and they were the worst two properties in the District. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Chair Grant thought the CRA could use a portable building for less than the $185,000 plus the cost of demolition because the CRA has vacant land. He favored researching portables and if a portable kitchen could be used for a small restaurant. Vice Chair Katz supported demolition as he had hoped to land bank properties for someone willing to build something there and a repair did not make sense to him. Staff had discussion with the property owner to the rear and there may be an opportunity for redevelopment. Jim Knight, a broker for the property east of the parcel had been in touch with surrounding property owners, but the property was in a Trust. Eventually staff will get a hold of someone that will want to redevelop the property themselves, or someone could look at the CRA property and assemble the property. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve demolition. Vice Chair Katz seconded the motion that unanimously passed. F. Social Media Outreach Program Mr. Simon explained Jamil Doneth and Matt Meinzer were working diligently on the Social Media Outreach program since April and the program received a significant amount of positive feedback. A short presentation was given. Mr. Meinzer also explained they are using a new logo for the social media endeavor and in August, they reached their goal of contacting 23 businesses, including restaurants, pets, arts and crafts. They hope to reach their goal of contacting 30 businesses in September. They reviewed a few of the businesses. Hurricane Alley requested more instruction to help their social media outlets They previously only had Facebook and they were successful with Facebook. In the first week they started their social media account on Instagram, followers jumped from 18 to 339, an increase of 1,617%. They were also looking to start Twitter and social media engagement to inform patrons of events The Amanda James Gallery requested assistance developing brand promotions and sales. Recently, they had an installation at Sacks Fifth Avenue in Palm Beach County and Ms. Doneth and Mr. Meinzer attended the opening with them posting on Facebook, Instagram and Tweets as a live event. The video, to -date, has had 2,200 views, 18 shares and 150 likes. Most of the Gallery's prior posts did not reach more than 100 views and the reach for this was over 6,000. Additionally, three art pieces werepurchased. Mr. Meinzer explained Healing Heart wanted to increase site traffic. Staff developed a blog section on their website. Peaks in the data occurred when staff created new content and new blogs, and that was when most traffic visits the website. Due to the Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 new information being added to the website, Healing Hearts experienced a 15% increase for phone inquiries, which resulted in increased scheduling of services. Mr. Meinzer explained they teach users how to access website, post the information on it and they are given a notebook. Bark Avenue wanted to develop social media platforms. They lightly used Facebook and staff introduced them to Instagram and Twitter. Their following increased 39% and a lot of it was attributed to what they were doing and not content staff posted for them. There was a 230% increase in engagement, a 400% increase in reach and they have shown Bark Avenue how to use videos as an asset, which resulted in almost a 10,000% increase in video engagement. Ms. Doneth explained they are currently concentrating on cross promotions. They were not only working with the businesses they are helping with social media outreach programs, but also businesses within the District and Boynton Beach. One upcoming promotion is "Grilling on the Boardwalk". The Boardwalk Italian Ice and Creamery wants a grill out with fried food and hot dogs and teamed up with Del Sol Bakery who will provide the baked goods and buns. If someone attends the event and they hashtag Grilling on the Boardwalk, they get 10% off the items. In addition to Del Sol sharing the event on their Facebook page, it was hoped that they would double the reach of both businesses. Ms. Doneth explained they plan to work with Bailey's Blendz and Art Sea Living. They are trying to create a Boynton Beach version of Palm Beach Rocks. Art Sea Living will offer classes to paint the rocks, hide them in places and whoever finds the rocks has the responsibility to share the love of the community. Baileys will be involved and offer a social media promotion if posting a picture of the rock, they tag Bailey's Blendz and like their page, they will get a discount on their next class and Bailey's will give $5 off their smoothies by picking up their rocks at their location. They are also doing cross promotions with the hospital and Palm Beach Rocks. The goal is to teach the owners of the programs so they can move on to help other businesses that have no marketing capital at all. A testimonial was viewed about the social marketing services offered and how it positively impacted their business. Mr. McCray saw two different types of logos and noted one of the logos has the trees cut off on the top. He recommended they keep the logo simple. Chair Grant was happy the Board invested in this project. Vice Chair Katz liked the potential for the program more than basic economic development grants as this program helps to sustain and retain businesses. Many small businesses operate on a very small margin. It was an educational and marketing program with the potential to create jobs. 01 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Mr. Casello asked what they are pursuing and learned they want businesses to reach out to them. They will be working with two new businesses which were a pizza parlor and a waxing and beauty studio. They started out with businesses already receiving grants and those that needed the most help. They used a campaign to promote the program on the website and solicited within the District and the Marina. They have a few dive companies interested in working with them. Mr. Casello asked what the saturation point was. Mr. Meinzer responded in his opinion, 20 accounts is the maximum one person can handle. Mr. Casello thought assisting 40 businesses would be considered successful. Mr. Simon explained the 40 would all be businesses with varying time needs and degrees of assistance. It would likely be more than the 40. The six-month commitment will be over for Mr. Meinzer in September and Ms. Doneth in December. Funding to continue the program in the budget was identified. Motion Mr. McCray moved to grant another extension. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Ms. Romelus commented she has been asking for this program and hoped it would continue. She was unaware of any other cities that offer this program to their businesses owners. Mr. Simon advised keeping the two positions ongoing at a cost of $80,000 to $85,000 was a part time rate. If two full-time positions with benefits, it would be about $110,000. The employees are 35 -hour a week employees at a rate of $17 an hour plus paying the employee management fee of $22 an hour. Ms. Romelus and Mr. Casello favored the program, but Mr. Casello was not ready to make it a permanent position and noted it will be revisited in six months. It was noted each position was extended for six months. Funding for the positions would be from the economic development grant line item, which has $519,000 for grants. Mr. McCray advised this was a way to sell a project or product. G. Discussion and Consideration of the Budget for FY 2017-2018 Mr. Simon explained Ocean Breeze East was allocated $551,000. Mr. McCray asked if there were additional funds that could be used if more was needed and learned there were. Town Square had $2.5 million allocated. The Board approved $2.1 million to be drawn down from the development team as the City Commission decides to go forward with the 30% drawings mark and some funding will be used for improvements at the Old High School during the same time. If the project reaches a funding readiness during the fiscal year, then the $2.5 million will go right to the Town Square allocation. If it continues into the next fiscal year, the funding amount over the course of 20 years would still be needed. It was a place holder. 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Mr. Simon noted staff identified by line item which part of the CRA plan was being addressed. Sara Sims Park improvements had $600,000 allocated which was part of the HOB Plan to match the City's $700,000 commitment to the Park. The Town Square was for the Cultural District. Chair Grant noted there has not been redevelopment on MLK since he moved and he was aware the Ocean Breeze East project was close to MLK. He supported getting the Ocean Breeze East project in motion if it took an extra million dollars and wanted the Board to consider it because it is the same District. He was fine with keeping the funding in the MLK Corridor redevelopment and getting ideas for the street. He favored lights wrapped around the poles to add some panache to MLK. Mr. Simon explained this item was addressed by the CRA Advisory Board who recommended, if considering some type of site redevelopment assistance grant or redevelopment project with the Community Caring Center, the MLK Corridor Redevelopment or the Acquisition line items be used. The Model Block project was a roll over from the current budget of $360,670 to continue the replat, road work and site development for the Model Block project. There will be a connection from Seacrest to NW 1St Street on NW 11th Avenue. Mr. Simon explained by the end of this fiscal year, there will be a physical change on the roadway. It was coordinating with FPL underground lines and cable providers. The CRA will create more lots. The E. Boynton Beach Boulevard improvement extension was ongoing. Staff was working with the City to reconfigure the existing parallel parking spaces on the north side of the Boynton Beach Boulevard extension entering the Marina area and providing new spaces in the roundabout where there currently are none. There was $125,000 budgeted. With the estimate from Kimley Horn and with the City's match, there may be an overage. The City budgeted $75,000 and the CRA budgeted $125,000. Staff will keep the Board apprised of the construction cost to ascertain if the Board still supports providing additional parking, realigning of the landscape bed and the lighting. Chair Grant opposed the item noting last year, Marina Village got $900,000 for the beautification of the Marina space. He thought the $125,000 should go to road improvements, but there are many pending improvements on Federal Highway with the FDOT roadway resurfacing plans. He thought the Board should wait a year or two because more than 50 new spaces would be created by Ocean One. He commented the company that originally constructed Boynton Beach Boulevard did a poor job and there was leaking irrigation. He did not mind if the funds would be used elsewhere to make a better impact in the CRA. Mr. Simon agreed regarding the FDOT improvement project, which was also supported and recommended from the CRA Advisory Board. The Board did not identify a line item, but recommended the Board consider finding funding to enhance that project. Staff could identify those items if the Board wanted to allocate funds and would speak with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and FDOT to see how they could work together to 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 improve the project or add items FDOT does not have available funding. He noted improvements could be cosmetic, include better identification of pedestrian safety at larger intersections, bike paths or others. Mr. McCray did not want anyone to tell the MPO the CRA has money for the project. There was agreement to keep the funds in the line item. If the Board wanted to reallocate, the City would still make improvements regarding the raised planter beds regardless of any CRA assistance to add parking in the roundabout. The funds could be used as a placeholder, but staff would not want to bid the project if the Board wanted to use the funds for FDOT. It will take some time to get with the FDOT so a decision did not have to be made. The property acquisition line item had $766,000 to roll forward. Last year, the line item had $1.5 million. About $800,000 was spent. Mr. Simon would forward a list of what was acquired to the members. The Cottage District project funds would roll over for site information and potential design work of $70,000. The Special Events line item had no change and had $578,000 allocated. Mr. McCray asked about the Special Events/Community Grants funds and if the grants were reimbursable. Mr. Simon explained this year, the Board and the CRA Advisory Board did not support traditional special event grants to non -profits or for-profit organizations to hold neighborhood or other types of special events that met a list of criteria the Board had provided. With the grant applications that have come before the Board, there was a desire for economic development and special events that would be a catalyst for existing businesses, and it was evolved into a community building grant. The Board wanted to stay with more direct cause and effect types of grants, and it is a category the State reviews with a more critical eye. The Woman's Club renovation was $200,000 for repairs to the existing building. There are some renovations that are pressing and need to be done this year such as flooring improvements and refinishing. It was noted the CRA will apply for grant funds. The Economic Development Grant programs were allocated $519,000 including the funding allocated for the social media outreach program. Staff had indicated the grant application guidelines would be reviewed by the Board next month, and they will tweak the grants based on the Board's recommendation to spread funding out. Mr. Simon advised all the funds in the line item are spent every year. The Professional Services line item covered site demolition, legal costs, and architectural services. Some funds in this line item could be reallocated later in the year. `N Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 The Neighborhood Policing Program and the addition of a third officer was supported by the Board and the Advisory Board. The third officer will help fulfill the program goals and augment the functions of the two current officers. Regular police officers would be interviewed for the position. The Site Work and Demolition line item had $73,000 allocated. The Business Incubator program had $125,000 allocated which included marketing/banners/signage for the business the CRA promotes and at the Marina. Ms. Romelus had wanted to increase marketing. Staff was looking at its marketing methods and would use some of the funds for new sources and bring it to the Board during the year. The Board had allocated $50,000 to the Housing Rehab Program. Mr. Simon commented this might be a good opportunity for another non-profit organization looking for grant funding to supplement an existing rehab program. Chair Grant disagreed and had learned about the PACE program. He wanted housing programs available for roof repairs in addition to the PACE funds which would be more environmentally friendly. Mr. Simon wanted to bring forward an organization that already handles roof and other types of repairs. If the Board does not want to proceed, the CRA could handle it themselves as staff had been contacted by organizations that handle HALO or other residential projects. Chair Grant commented the City has a new sustainability officer to see what can be done for residents in the CRA. There are a few different companies with coop options, if residents want to join together, through a joint effort, the CRA can increase residents and property values in the City. Mr. Simon estimated a roof replacement would cost between $2,500 to $4,500 and there are eligible items and income eligibility requirements. The Board could also institute senior eligibility criteria or identify four or five items and if all conditions are met, the item with the greatest need for those residents would be addressed. Staff will bring back a list of items for the Board to identify which items to fund. Affordability, existing CRA housing stock and population is something to consider. The Board can look at sustainability, the PACE program and steer people to where they can get assistance. Mr. McCray asked how the CRA seeks grants. Ms. Shutt explained there is a grant.gov site. Additionally, a portion of the grant funds can be used to administer the grant which could be done in-house or by hiring an individual to administer the program. Vice Chair Katz thought the CRA should considers placing caps on how much would be spent so more people could be served. If using taxpayer dollars to rehabilitate only one or two homes is a disservice. He would rather use the program as a hand up rather than a hand out and favored more homes serviced. He did not think the CRA should buy a new roof, rather they should provide assistance so the homeowner can get it themselves. Ms. Romelus agreed. Mr. Simon will bring back the terms of the grant. 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Mr. Simon noted the debt service portion of the budget was a statement of fact and not an allocation. The General Fund houses the CRA and CRA Advisory Board expense line items and the administrative costs by department were reviewed. If the Board was happy with the CRA Budget, the Board should approve it and it would then be ratified at the September 19, 2017 City Commission meeting. XIV. New Business A. Consideration and Discussion of the Letter Submitted by the Community Caring Center Boynton Beach, Inc. (CCC), for their property located at 145 NE 4th Ave, Boynton Beach, Florida. Mr. Simon explained an email was distributed to the Board and was a review of a request submitted by the Executive Director, Sherry Johnson, to discuss relocation for the Community Caring Center. He noted the Center's activities are well established and needed in the community to move to a location that would be better suited for a commercial building than a residential building. The current location is also on the corner of the Cottage District project site. One possible use when the CRA purchased the vacant lot on the corner of NE 3rd Street and 9th Avenue was to combine that lot with two lots owned by the City as a redevelopment site, one of which was for the Community Caring Center. Staff had been meeting with Ms. Johnson over the last six or seven months and working with the City for a proper location. The location on the corner of NE 2nd and 9th Avenue behind the neighborhood policing office could be supported by staff. It is a general commercial node on the east end of MLK Jr. Boulevard, having an unimproved right of way to the west which would be improved as a component of the project. There is no lane or road between E. MLK Jr. Boulevard and NE 9th Avenue. By creating a right of way on 3rd Street north, commercial corners would pave the way for future redevelopment of the site. The letter was a Sale offer from Ms. Johnson for the CRA to acquire the current Community Caring Center parcel and provide the land under discussion for $10 as the site for relocation. Ms. Johnson also requested additional matching grant funds for a larger project that was to $800,000, which the additional $200,000 would be a portion of. Staff analyzed the offer and provided the Board with three options. Mr. Simon explained the current Community Caring Center property appraised for $171,000 and Ms. Johnson wanted the CRA to provide new land and then help her build. The Community Caring Center was using the funding proceeds from the sale of their current property towards the new property. The CRA could grant Ms. Johnson the property for $10 or some other value and an additional grant of $200,000 which was requested. Mr. McCray asked what the CRA could do with the property the Community Caring Center currently occupied and learned the property is the linchpin of the Cottage District, but the Center's activity is a detriment to a home developer as a social service activity would not be appropriate in a residential area. 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Vice Chair Katz inquired about the cost of the property that would be granted and learned the financial outlay on the investment from the CRA was $32,000 on the lot the CRA purchased and the City's investment of the two lots they would transfer are appraised for $60,000 in total. Vice Chair Katz supported the item. It helped foster the Cottage District and was good for all parties. Chair Grant was concerned with the swap and about capital gains, if the CRA provided $300,000. He wanted to ensure the transaction was tax reviewed. He announced he favored approval and wanted site plan approval. He asked if there would be a food pantry or a commercial kitchen, and if the Secret Garden moved there, noting there was a lease involved. Mr. Casello explained the Community Caring Center wanted to provide all Community Caring Center services under one roof. It would be more efficient and they can expand their services with a new facility. Mr. McCray favored the transaction and also wanted to view the site plan and traffic flow. The CRA owns the property to the north and can create a throughway. If supported, staff would have to bring back a Purchase and Development Agreement. Mr. Simon asked where the Board would take the funds. Chair Grant thought it was one block south of MLK and suggested looking at the MLK line item and then property acquisitions. Commissioner Romelus asked for the total cost to the CRA in terms of buying the property and the grants. Mr. Simon explained it depended on if the land is donated or not as contained in the meeting backup. Mr. McCray requested options be presented when the item returns to the Board. B. Consideration and Discussion of the Boynton Beach CRA Non -Profit Organization Grant Funding Program Mr. Simon advised at prior budget meetings, the Board discussed creating a Notice of Funding for non -profits interested in receiving CRA assistance for programs and/or activities such as a business incubator, development programs or any other activities that meet the goals of the CRA. Ms, Shutt explained the goal is to create a process to review non-profit funding to ensure it is aligned to the goals and activities of the CRA. In prior items, the program would leverage CRA funds to provide the greatest benefit for the dollars spent, provide benefits for residents in the community overall, provide for measurable outcomes and transparency, and capacity building so non -profits can use CRA funds to leverage funds from other sources. She noted attachment II contained eligibility criteria, the method of evaluation and the deliverables while providing the Board maximum flexibility to determine funding and work within the fiscal year's budgetary cycle to determine how much to fund. The Board approved $125,000 this fiscal year. If approved, staff would bring back an application and a review process so the program could be activated on October 1st. The CRA also offers the funding cycle recommendation. If commencing the program October 1st, it would take about 90 days from the time the program is advertised to the grant agreement execution. If there is a low response in the dollars 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 requested, the funds could be continued to the next quarter, or extended on a quarterly basis. Ms. Shutt reviewed the eligibility criteria as contained in the agenda item and commented the CRA recommended CRA funds be allocated for programs and activities for non -profits that will further the CRA goals. Staff was recommending the applicant have the ability to apply for 25% of their operating budget or a maximum of $75,000. If the Board wanted to exceed the 25%, it was recommended the request be a priority project or in a priority area or if it was needed to leverage other funding sources. It was also recommended there be a service agreement and quarterly reimbursement for the funds. Staff wanted to bring back an application and the draft program. If the Board approved, staff can advertise it October 1St. A suggested timeline was contained in the meeting materials and have a pre -submission meeting. November 1St would be the application deadline and the grant evaluation conducted before Thanksgiving. A recommendation would be forwarded to the Board in December and grant execution take place in January. Applicants have to describe what they are doing, what type of program they are providing and meet the other listed criteria. Staff hoped interested parties would attend the workshops. Mr. Casello asked if the Community Caring Center met a lot of the criteria and learned the program was modeled after best practices and prior economic development grants. All the criteria is similar to what they are dealing with now. The program could be expanded to include other activities to remove slum and blight and clean up, or for affordable/workforce housing and recreational and cultural activities. Ms. Shutt noted some non -profits address housing and some may address recreational activities. Staff would publicize the program in to cast the broadest net. Ms. Romelus requested a copy of the flyer be sent to the Board. The flyers would also be printed in Creole, Spanish and English. Motion Mr. McCray moved to approve. Ms. Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Consideration and Discussion of the Boynton Beach CRA Policy for Addressing Letters of Intent to Purchase Property Owned by the CRA Mr. Simon explained the Board requested an actual policy to handle unsolicited or solicited Letters of Intent for entities interested in acquiring or developing CRA -owned parcels. Staff provided information to provide flexibility and to give submitters and proposers guidelines of what to expect as part of the process. Mr. Simon reviewed the letter would be presented to the Board at the first available meeting. If desired, the Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 8, 2017 Board could issue an RFP, or if it was not a property that was well sought after, the Board could entertain the letter and issue the 30 -day Notice to Dispose. If the CRA received a second letter for the same parcel during that time, staff recommended an RFP immediately be issued. Another option was the Board can decide to solicit offers right away and not do the public notice. Chair Grant supported option 1. Attorney Duhy explained the policy does not have to be selected, when a letter comes forward, the Board could move on it at any time depending on what is before the Board. Vice Chair Katz wanted firmer language to say staff will automatically begin the RFP process. He wanted wording to specify if a letter of intent is submitted and another offer comes in during the notice period, it automatically goes to RFP. Attorney Duhy commented the wording could be changed to indicate staff will automatically begin the RFP process and bring the RFP to be issued to the Board for approval at the next meeting. Motion Mr. Casello moved to approve as amended regarding the automatic language. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed XV. CRA Advisory Board A. CRA Advisory Board Agenda - August 3, 2017 B. Minutes from CRAAB Meeting - July 6, 2017 C. Pending Assignments D. Reports on Pending Assignments Mr. Simon explained one of the pending assignments under review by the Advisory Board was in a tabled status was the special events grants review and the second item was the review of the current CRA vendor policy as it pertains to the number of non- profits and how local vendors and out of town vendors are handled. The intent of the review was for event vendors and not vendors as a whole. He advised this was discussed with the City and the economic development strategy regarding wealth building and procurement. Chair Grant had requested the item be reviewed and commented it was not for the Haunted Pirates Fest, it was more for movies and music. He wanted artists to sell art during movie events and non -profits be available during the music events to spread awareness of their service. He thought there should be a policy in place. It was to convey to people the Town Square could be used for activities other than just a movie. Vice Chair Katz, generally, did not object to asking the CRA Advisory Board to think about ways to leverage events for a variety of ideas including the non and for profits. 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida August 8, 2017 Mr. McCray did not mind the Board reviewing the concept, but did not want individuals who wanted to display their wares at the events. He thought there were many things that could happen. The intent was, regardless of the event, there are opportunities seen by both non and for -profits to become involved in events. In every major event held, someone walks over and wants a tent at the last minute, or contacted staff because a group needs to raise funds, but did not want to pay the application fee. Groups complain one group has a tent and another does not. Staff does not have a policy and needs direction. They need to have an idea for how many non-profit tents will be needed as the CRA will start getting calls in the next 30 days for Pirate Fest. The CRA has policies regarding for-profit vendors, but not non -profits. Mercedes Coppins, Special Events, agreed specifically for non-profit vendors. It is a gray area. The vendor policy for Pirate Fest is they must be a retail vendor with a tangible product related to the theme of that event. The non-profit policy would be for the movies and music events, not big or signature events. The Board agreed. Ms. Romelus asked if staff seeks sponsorships for Pirate Fest and learned staff does. Last year, staff solicited about $20,000 and was trying to attract new business sponsors. Staff learned at the Florida Festival and Events Association Conference, businesses do not want to sponsor events without knowing the head count and demographics. It is hard to track attendance at free events and staff was considering using free tickets, wrist bands, technology boards and others. One goal is to get an attendance type event. Eventually, the event was intended to turn into a profit, ticket -type event. So far $7,000 in sponsorship funds has been raised. It was hoped this year, sponsorship dollars would exceed the $20,000 from last year. Chair Grant commented he would mention it at the Florida League of Cities event next week. Ms. Romelus asked if the Board would consider an Ordinance regarding Local Minority Preference for bids, Chair Grant did not want to do the same thing as the City. She clarified she wanted the Board to consider adopting the policy and learned they would. The item would be on the next agenda. E. New Assignments from CRA Board Meeting July 11, 2017 1. None XVI. Future Agenda Items A. Consideration of the Purchase and Development Agreement with Heartfelt Florida Housing of South Palm Beach County Community Land Trust Inc. (Habitat for Humanity) B. City Owned Lots, Lot 154/156 NE 3rd St liFQ Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida August 8, 2017 XVII. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss Vice Chair Katz moved to adjourn. Mr. McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8-56 p.m. tA 11 Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 19