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Minutes 01-18-18 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH FLORIDA ON JANUARY 18, 2018 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Steven Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Executive Director Justin Katz, Vice Chair Kathryn Rossmell, Board Counsel Christina Romelus, Board Member Joe Casello, Board Member Mack McCray, Board Member 1. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6.30 p.m. 2. invocation Chair Grant gave the invocation, followed by the members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. Roll Call Roll call established a quorum was present. 4. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Chair Grant noted there was a request to remove item 13 K, a request by the Historical Society to use the Woman's Club. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve the agenda as amended.. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 5. Legal None. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida ,January 18, 2018 6. 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 There were no disclosures made by any of the Board Members. 7. Announcements and Awards A. Movies in the Park Azim Hussain, Marketing, Events and Economic Development Assistant, recapped the last Movies in the Park event featuring the latest Spiderman movie, which took place on January 5th, at 7 p.m. About 75 people attended. Prior to the movie, a trailer featuring five CRA local businesses was viewed. At the end of the movie, gift certificates were raffled to event attendees. Mr. Hussain reviewed the CRA Social Media Campaign posted on their Facebook page reached 2,681 people, and another email blast was sent a week prior to the event, which reached 1,404 people. Tracy Smith Coffey, Marketing and Business Development Specialist, reviewed staff posted 10 signs around the Boynton Beach area for the Movies and the Music event. The next movie, Glory Road, will be air at the Ocean Avenue Amphitheater on February 23rd, at 7 p.m. It is a free event. The PG rated film is based on the life of Don Haskins, the controversial basketball coach of the Texas Miners in 1966. Haskins recruited several African Americans to play on an all-white basketball team. The film speaks to the underlying story of racism that existed in the 1960s. Benches will be available to event goers although all are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. A trailer of five CRA local businesses would be shown. B. Music on the Rocks Mr. Hussain explained the last Music on the Rocks concert was held on December 15th at 6 p.m. featuring Rogue Theory. About 100 people attended. An image of the social media campaign for the event reached 929 people. Ten, four-by-four signs advertised the Music and Movies events. Five thousand postcards and 100 posters were distributed throughout the City of Boynton Beach, the Congress Avenue Corridor, the CRA District and in all the stores. The next event will be held on January 19th at 6 p.m., hosting Steeltown Religion. Concessions will be provided by the Food Truck Invasion and cocktails and beer will be available for purchase. Parking at the Ocean Avenue Amphitheater is free. The February 16th Music on the Rocks event will feature Reggae Soldiers. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 C. The MLK Celebration of Unity Recap Mr. Hussain explained the Celebration of Unity event was held on January 6th at the Carolyn Sims Center from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Emcee was Joy Grant and Chair Grant and Bishop Donald Kelley from the Church of Latter Day Saints were speakers. The event drew about 125 people and staff collected 24 feedback surveys. The event also featured live music from the Valerie Tyson Band and ARTIKal Sound System, concessions were from local businesses. Staff implemented a community tent for local organizations to distribute informational materials, which was used by the Heart of Boynton Committee. There was a variety of children's activities, and recap photos were viewed. The social media campaign reached 1,823 people and staff created a blog for the event, which was posted on Facebook, reaching 1,837 people. An email blast also reached 1,415 people. Board Member Casello questioned why the CRA spent over$16,000 on an event that only attracted 125 people. Board Member McCray explained the weather was bad and there was a boycott by the MLK Celebration Committee because they blamed the CRA for not hosting the MLK Banquet. Chair Grant thought the issue and the event budget should be discussed next year as the MILK Committee is not the party holding the event; rather, they were a group of people working with CRA staff on the event. He thought the event should be held before the MLK weekend event. He also noted there was no school the week before, so staff could not advertise the family-friendly event to the students. He suggested planning for the event earlier next year and noted the location had changed three times. As a result, staff did not have enough time to distribute enough notices. Ms. Smith-Coffey had an ad campaign in the New Times paper and received a good response. There were no ads in the Sun Sentinel or the Palm Beach Post as the ads are too expensive. It was noted the latter two papers normally have a Things to Do or an Event Calendar that lists community events. As for marketing, staff had finished the marketing materials, but then the MLK Committee canceled everything. Ms. Smith Coffey she had to recall the materials and make changes. It took time to take the materials back to the printer and get the event back on schedule so time was lost. In addition to local schools being closed for holiday break, staff also reached out to the local colleges, but they were on break as well. The weekend after the first week in January would be a better date to hold the event. A billboard ran at the end of December announcing the week of the event. Staff also displayed 11 signs, one at the Hester Center and four-by-eight signs for the MLK event were displayed throughout the Boynton Beach area. The Neighborhood News ad was mailed to 17,500 homes and had 10,000 digital subscribers online. It was also on the Neighborhood News website and Facebook page. The Delray newspaper has 5.000 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 direct online subscribers and 12,000 home subscribers. The New Times ad campaign was viewed the week prior to and during the event and1,068 people clicked on the banner ad. Both the banner ad and re-skin add take the reader to information about the event and the CRA website. An ad on the bottom also reached 15,181 readers. Board Member McCray explained the MLK Committee wanted to hold the event at the Hester Center, but it was not within the Heart of Boynton, which the Committee did not like. He emphasized when using CRA funds, the organization has to listen to CRA staff. They cannot dictate to the CRA how an event will take place. Board Member Romelus asked if the members of the MLK Committee communicated to staff they were unhappy or unwilling to work together. She wanted to know where the breakdown occurred that they boycotted the event. Mr. Simon explained there was no public or private acknowledgement to staff that they were not going to attend. Staff received an email from Gregory Murphy, the MLK Committee Chair, several days after the MLK Committee meeting at the Library where all met for a planning meeting. When they got to items involving the CRA, staff made it clear what would be operated and managed by the CRA and that the CRA Board had approved funding the event as part of the CRA budget. Staff was excited the MLK Committee was a partner. Mr. Simon sensed some disappointment with the discussion of the Gala and other events the MLK Committee holds. He tried to clearly convey, as an event for Unity, the CRA could not do anything different for them than they would for anyone else. No other Committee runs a CRA event or participates in CRA event planning to the degree the MLK Committee had. He advised the CRA could not pay for advertising the Gala to raise funds for the Committee and he was as optimistic as anyone could be. He noted two City employees were on the Committee and neither attended the event. It was a beautiful day and there was a well laid out venue. He assumed many people from different organizations would attend, but they did not. Mr. Simon explained the CRA holds events like Movies at the Park whether there is 75 or 250 people attend. Staff advertised to thousands of people and used a billboard display on 1-95. It was hoped more people would attend and he did not want to think a few people on the Committee would prevent the event from being a success wherever it is held. He emphasized the CRA has a statutory obligation and he would not sacrifice his or the Board's integrity by funding a prohibited activity. Board Member Romelus felt something went wrong with the process, whether it was a miscommunication issue or lack thereof. The event was supposed to unify and it did not. She thought the Board needed to reconsider the matter if this is not the 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 direction City residents want to move towards. She was unsure if the efforts outweighed the benefits. Vice Chair Katz commented, based on what Mr. Simon indicated, he was adhering to the rules that govern CRAs. He advised the Legislature is admonishing CRAs for activities Mr. Simon would not permit. There is accountability and when negative issues come out, such as CRAs abusing their authority and mismanaging funds, it gives the Legislature the evidence they need to abolish all CRA's or prevent new CRAs from forming. Mr. Simon has to follow the rules. Vice Chair Katz explained people need to understand when they accept CRA funds there are strings attached that cannot be disregarded. He commented the event needs to continue, but individuals need to understand there are restrictions. When Mr. Simon advises the CRA can or cannot do something, it is the law and it is his job. He thought it was a shame people took offense for Mr. Simon doing his job. Board Member Romelus took issue with the Music on the Rocks advertisements noting she cannot write down the dates as she is driving. She suggested the advertisements say every fourth Friday is Music on the Rocks and she will knew to attend at 6 p.m. She thought it was difficult to put dates on a billboard or sign and expect people to pay attention to them when they drive by. Board Member McCray asked, regarding several events including the MLK Unity Celebration, if anyone collects the left over postcards and flyers. He thought perhaps the CRA was printing too many or they could use the information to ascertain if staff is not getting the word out. Ms. Smith-Coffey responded they do not. The stores, after the event, discard them. He suggested staff do so as it would be a concrete way to gauge the marketing's effectiveness Ms. Smith-Coffey explained when they hold the Pirate Fest, they send 700 flyers to Poinciana and 500 to Galaxy, but this year, they missed out on the schools due to the holidays. Board Member Romelus asked if staff knew the date of the MLK Celebration of Unity prior to the holiday. She learned the first MLK meeting was held in November and a date was set, but after the holiday and boat parade events, staff had to get the publication out. Board Member Romelus thought staff could start earlier and advertise the event as the second weekend. Additionally the location was changed from the Amphitheater to the Carolyn Sims Center. When staff learned the Committee cancelled that part of the event, staff wanted to keep the event in the neighborhood so it was moved to the Carolyn Sims Center. The date was tentative when they attended the first meeting. Board Member Romelus urged it be a set day so it is clear and they advertise prior to the holiday. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Board Member Casello advised staff did a great job advertising and understood staff did not reach the schools, but he thought with all the advertising, the schools would have little effect on the turn out, as parents were already aware. Board Member McCray commented the MLK Committee started late and should start organizing during the summer as the event cannot be organized in one or two weeks He also noted Dr. Meeks Light, who had headed the Committee in the past, may resume events responsibility as the Committee dropped the ball this year. D. Marketing and Business Development Campaign Chair Grant requested a summary be provided about the different banners used, how many banners were used and how long they were displayed. Ms. Smith Coffey explained the information was contained in the agenda item. Chair Grant requested information about the Boynton Harbor Marina Banners, with the cost and how many banners were used. Ms. Smith-Coffey agreed to attach quotes so the Board can see why a certain number. 8. Information Only A. Public Comment Log B. Public Relations Articles Associated with the BBCRA C. Project Update on Economic Development Grants 9. Public Comments Reverend Bernard Wright, 713 NW 2nd Street, spoke about the recent shootings and advised he gave an interview with Channel 12. No one likes shootings, but the whole town cannot be indicted. He thought the community needs to have some type of community relationship, which they do not have in District II. He would rather have a neighborhood and each block come together. In reference to the MLK event, he thought it was important to get information and know where the resources are. They do not feel like they are part of MLK and there was no nexus or connection with the MLK event. It was important to ascertain what programs they need and keep them occupied. He does not see the right plan or goal to bring people together in the community. He announced the majority of black males are in jail and most of them were raised by single moms. Youth need a chance at a different life. Fathers are absent and children grow up angry and resentful. They do not know how to handle their emotions and it creates bad situations. Willie Aikens, 726 NE 1St Street, President, Heart of Boynton Neighborhood Association, spoke about the MLK program. He saw two vendors for the MLK event E Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 and residents questioned how many hot dog and hamburger vendors were needed. He thought the CRA should consider some of the prices of the vendors participating in the event. He thought a variety of different foods were needed. Vendors would bring more people and more people would bring in other vendors. He commented people go where people are. If they open the field up for other people to attend who can afford to pay a vendor fee, there is more success. He did not see children's vendors. Unity means open to all and he thought those were some of the reasons why the event was failing. He wanted to show unity with everything across the board. He emphasized more variety and selection with vendors was needed. Devonte Watson, 22A Crossing Circle, a sports entertainment event management marketing major, commented numbers do not matter if no impact is made and he did not feel the marketing was effective. He announced continuous posts alerting the public to the different features of the event were needed. He thought if the community is to be involved, they should be part of the event. This year there were no poems, students talking, or dancers. If more of those activities were included, such as the Boynton Beach Cheerleaders, their families and friends would attend. He expressed ore events of substance in the community, such as voting were needed and interacting more with the community and honing in on the marketing would be beneficial. The world is in a digital age and staff should put an extra foot forward. Mark Karageorge, 240A Main Boulevard, reminded the Board the CRA has excellent staff with expertise. He announced he had friends who marched with Dr. King and the holiday was important to him. In the past, the City had great galas. One of the finest MLK speeches given at the Gala was by Willie Gibson, who is an example of individuals in the community who put God first. He was disappointed about the poor attendance and asked why the Gala was cancelled. He noted St. John Church had an event and they tried to get other churches involved. It was planned at the last minute after they learned the Gala was cancelled. Over 100 people attended a breakfast at the Church to honor Dr. King's life. 10. Consent Agenda A. Monthly Purchase Orders B. Approval of CRA Board Special Meeting Minutes - December 5, 2017 C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - December 12, 2017 D. Approval of Driftwood 2005, LLC for Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program E. Approval of Driftwood 2005, LLC for Commercial Interior Build-Out Grant Program 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve. Commissioner Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 11. Pulled Consent Agenda Items None. 12. Public Hearing None. 13. Old Business A. Financial Report Period Ending December 31 , 2017 Jobara Jenkins, Finance Specialist, was present for Vicki Hill, Finance Director, and announced the auditors have completed the Fiscal Year 16/17 audit. The final audit report was received on January 8th and it and other required documents were uploaded to the Catch Boynton website under the TIF Funding and Budget link. The partner in charge of the CRA Audit, Richie Tandoc, of Sansone, Klein, Jacomino, Tandoc and Gamarra, will be at the February 13th meeting to present the financial audit to the Board. The CRA also received increment payments from the City and County totaling over $11 million as follows: $7,360,931 from the City and $4,450,458 from the County. The CRA purchased and closed on lot 13, on NW 10th on December 19th. The funds were wired and the total cost was $82,316. Staff also verified the deposit of $25,000 by CRA legal counsel from Centennial Management on Tuesday, January 16th as per their agreement for the development of Ocean Breeze East. B. Social Media Outreach Program Update Matt Meinzer and Jamil Donith, Social Media Business Consultants, explained they had guest speakers present to speak about the program. Mr. Meinzer advised several other business owners could not attend due to scheduling conflict. James Alliance, Cooperative Real Estate Alliance, 420 W. Boynton Beach Boulevard explained the CRA contacted him four or five months ago to help market his business on social media. He started the company in April and received CRA funds to help with rent the first year. He and his wife work 13 and 14 hours a day, and he was focusing on obtaining more agents, getting another location and closing transactions every month. Social media was a great help to him. Ms. Donith was able to show them how to market the business and set up social media. Mr. Alliance explained he 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 had ideas, but no game plan and he was discussing how to set up a budget for someone to market his business on social media. He noted Ms. Donith was very helpful and setting up even a Facebook page initially brought in business. She came when they were busy and kept after them. She set up an event they planned to have, but was continuously delayed. She spent the day with his wife discussing what to put on Facebook, how to do it and do it properly. He has some marketing background regarding presentations which was improved with her knowledge. He thanked her for her assistance. Last week, he had 15 people sign up and yesterday, with their first boost, five more people signed up. He has three agents and he is trying to grow them to 20. They are very excited about the first time homebuyer program and it is expensive to pay for leads, which often turn into nothing. This program is a definite way to get people in. He could not say how much it made them. He thanked the CRA for the program and advised they have closed a few transactions in Boynton Beach. His goal is to hire young men and woman and teach them real estate. It helped him sustain a family and it enables workers to improve the quality of their lives. Linda Kovalick, Solinda Waxing Oasis and Custom Airbrush Tanning, explained she was very thankful for the program and Ms. Donith taught her how to market and advertise. She has a questionnaire for new clients and 30% say they heard about Solinda on social media. The Pirates Fest was also a fabulous event and with Ms. Donith's assistance, many people came to her booth. She was giving away gift certificates on social media and advertising the Pirates Fest. Ms. Donith's assistance helped her tremendously, and she thanked her and the CRA. Dena Balka, Infusions Cafe, heard about the outreach program through the Del Sol Bakery. She contacted the CRA and Ms. Donith helped guide her through Instagram. She just started Facebook a year ago and she taught her about different times and ways to post and keep audiences engaged. Ms. Balka holds pop up dinners and it caused a buzz. She was advertising with Facebook and Instagram and the last five pop up dinners were completely sold out since she has been using social media. It helps her communicate with her existing customers. She posts her menu each week so patrons know what is for lunch. She uses hash tags, videos, holds promotions, specials and gift certificates, all of which were successful. A customer came in right after a post regarding gift certificates and purchased gift certificates. She previously did not know anything about social media. She now sees the different businesses that promote their businesses and she uses those ideas, which Ms. Donith helped her learn. Chair Grant asked how many new businesses were assisted and learned there were five more since the last meeting and four more just registered. Staff was trying to assist 40 businesses and then graduate senior business owners and recycle them with new business owners. They provide individual businesses with one-on-one instruction ano were trying to expand the program to offer a greater community, c Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 education component. They started a social media outreach Facebook group that is open to any CRA business. They post tutorials and tips how to market businesses and trends. Ms. Donith noted Facebook now decided no business or page can be on a person's timeline unless there is actual engagement, which means people have to comment. Staff has to now interpret that and how they can market themselves with the new algorithm. Mr. Meinzer started a blog on the main website, Catch Boynton and the Facebook page. The blog is the primary location where the tutorials and videos would be located. The blog is going well, they have two blogs up for most beginning business entrepreneurs and they are focusing on the visibility of the program working with the CRA and plastering the program everywhere to get businesses to join. Board Member McCray thanked Mr. Meinzer and Ms. Donith for the in-person testimonials. Ms. Donith explained they asked the businesses to provide sales information as an estimate. Some will say how much money they made from one Facebook post, but other information was in the meeting backup. Additionally, Ms. Donith and Mr. Meinzer also assist CRA staff. They work together with Ms. Smith-Coffey who is proficient with social media to help promote CRA businesses and events. They are an asset. A meeting scheduled for the next day will discuss how to push the program forward further. Board Member Romelus commented when there is a page with multiple editors, they can then post it on their page. If the CRA posts an event, it should be a requirement for the businesses they have assisted to share CRA events being held. Ms. Donith explained the businesses did team up and publicized the Pirate Fest. There is active cross posting regarding events. They hashtag their name. Businesses also tag the CRA page in every post they do about them. It helps the CRA and helps keep the CRA actively involved with their development. C. Neighborhood Officer Program 1st Quarter Report for FY 2017 — 2018 Sergeant Henry Diehl and Officers Terrance Paramore and Jivanet Rivera were present. Board Member McCray noted he was excited Officer Riviera participated in the Shop with a Cop program. He had seen her picture on the PBA Magazine. Sergeant Diehl announced the program had a productive quarter. Highlights included participating in the CRA Pirates Fest, the Boynton Beach Police Department Police Expo and the Heart of Boynton Thanksgiving Giveaway, providing 150 Thanksgiving dinners on Thanksgiving Day. They participated in the Galaxy Elementary Gobble till you Wobble, and provided 20 families with complete Thanksgiving meals along with 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 other household essential food items. This year, they provided two separate families, one of which was a two-family home, with a Christmas surprise, complete with Christmas gifts, trees and a dinner. St. John Missionary Baptist Church notified them A Step Above Early Learning Center, in District III was in need. They dressed as Santa and gave out two toys each per child. They visited Galaxy Elementary School and provided 40 toys for the Pre-K Head Start program. They mentored 28 children from the community through schools by reading to them at Poinciana and Galaxy, and received information from the CRA Advisory Board to reach out to the Forest Park area. They visited Forest Park Elementary School and held a Christmas event dressed as Santa, taking photographs with the students and handing out candy canes. He met a family whose father was hit and struck by a train and they needed food. Since there were left over Thanksgiving items, they provided those resources to the family as well. They distributed 19 Smart Water kits to the community at events or at the office. Chair Grant commented the License Plate Reader was off line. Sergeant Diehl explained he logs in and views the activity, monitors it and checks its location. Board Member Casello asked how many hours were logged on the segways. He learned the time is logged by minutes and miles, but Sgt. Diehl did not know the minutes offhand. The segways are kept in the Police Department parking garage as they do not fit through the CRA's Neighborhood Officers front door. They pick them up when needed. Sergeant Diehl also explained they received direction from their Captain to add extra patrols for the FEMA recovery center which was the first floor of the Carolyn Sims Center. They ensured people entered and left the site safely. Board Member Casello commented he stopped by Sergeant Diehl's office and had a discussion and learned Sgt. Diehl shared the discussion and program outline with his team, police administration, CRA staff and community stakeholders. Board Member Casello commented Reverend Dames called him and was upset with their conversation. Sergeant Diehl explained based on the conversation and the comments made, he was concerned about the future growth of the program and development in the community. The Boynton Beach Coalition of Clergy, of which Reverend Dames is a member, is a stakeholder. Someone must have reached out to Reverend Dames, who then contacted Sergeant Diehl. Board Member Casello explained he did not like Sgt. Diehl sharing a private conversation with others and thought Sergeant Diehl was out of order to do so. Sergeant Diehl explained his intention was not ill willed. Board Member Casello asserted Sgt. Diehl was concerned with job security, but at the Chair's urging, Board Member Casello agreed, to meet with City Manager Lori LaVerriere's to speak to her about the program. Board Member Casello commented he thought he was misled. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 Board Member Romelus asked what resources or sponsors were used to provide the holiday meals. Sergeant Diehl explained they teamed up with the Heart of Boynton for the Goggle Till you Wobble, but they donated most of the canned goods and staples. He donated 20 turkeys. Six or seven other turkeys were donated. Board Member Romelus thanked him for his dedication. Officer Riviera explained the majority of the presents came from Sergeant Diehl and they were quality gifts and digital items. The team assisted and purchased paper. She praised Sergeant Diehl for his generosity. Board Member McCray explained he had been leery about funding the program for another year and noted, since working together, there has been a 360 degree turn around in the community. There is improvement and he sees the youth smile. Chair Grant opened the floor to public comments. Bernard Wright, Bernard Wright Ministries, commended the officers for the program. He had been concerned about flooding the community with police, but then observed the kids have a passion for the officers. He felt the community could not lose the program as it is the only arm the community had that made leeway into the City. Previously, there had been no line of communication. There is a respect established for police officers and he commented the program is essential and necessary Willie Aiken, 726 NW 1St Street, President, Heart of Boynton Neighborhood Association, commended the officers. He explained they were working with the Heart of Boynton and they have a relationship. The program shows youth what officer's do. The officers are mothers, fathers and teachers and they need more of this type of activity as they are stopping crime. They give ideas and hope to youth about what life is about. His wife has a feeding program and the Officers help distribute the food and help the sick. There is joy in the children. He wanted the program to continue and thought two more officers were needed. The program has impact and will save the neighborhood and the younger generation. Laura Williams, 1890 NE 2nd Court, explained she worked with Sergeant Diehl and the officers on many events in the MLK neighborhood. She attested to how they performed and acted with residents, mentoring and building positive relationships with leaders in the community. She thought it would be a disservice if the program was eliminated in a neighborhood that needs positive guidance. Progress was present and there is a need to enforce the rule of law. She requested the CRA enhance the program with a greater presence, have citizen participation, property owner awareness and business reinvesting in their business. It takes all to make the area a safe environment. 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 She quoted from Assistant Chief Vanessa Snow in 2017: "the officer's purpose is solely to develop relationships within the community through community involvement and public outreach. Overall, this has been an opportunity to integrate our personnel into the fabric of the Heart of Boynton Beach in a non-threatening way. I am looking forward to working in the year 2018 with the Neighborhood Officer Police Program in the year to come." Devonte Watson, 22A Crossing Circle, thanked the Officers for their work in the community. His sister says she wants to grow up to be a strong female officer like Officer Rivera. He thanked Sergeant Diehl and Officer Paramore for inviting him when they read to Poinciana. He advised he grew up here and it warms his heart to give back to the community. The Officers reaching into the community lets them know they can be something and make it. He thanked them for their help. He invited Board Member Casello to the Carolyn Sims Center. Barbara Bernadin, 2317 N. Congress Avenue, thanked the Board for their dedication, commitment and positive service to the community. She advised residents appreciate the work they do and even the wort: of which they are not aware. She shook their hands and thanked the Officers as the program is greatly appreciated. No one else coming forward, Public Comments was closed. D. Community Caring Center 4th Quarter Report for FY 2016- 2017 Mr. Simon explained the item was the review and acceptance of the Community Caring Center's report for the period July 2017 to September 2017. A motion to approve was needed to issue payment. Sherry Johnson, Executive Director, Community Caring Center, thanked the Board for the contract last season to provide services to the Community Caring Center. She thought the grants for non-profits were wonderful, but she perceived her relationship as a contractor rather than a non-profit that provides opportunities to stimulate job growth and entrepreneurship. Making the change to a non-profit grant process was a bit confusing. She was unsure of what the change was and met with Thuy Shutt, Assistant CRA Director. She advised the Community Caring Center will apply for the grant and continue with their services. She praised Ms. Donith and the team with their help with the incubator program. They had provided marketing classes to get a Facebook page and Instagram in the past, but she gave them the daily technical assistance to bring them up to another level. Ms. Johnson explained they met all the requested goals this year and exceeded some. They maintained all the businesses they had from the prior year and they intentionally did not bring in a large amount of new businesses in order to afford them an 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 opportunity for growth. She announced the Infusions Cafe, as an incubator client exceeded the amount of gross sales for any business she ever had. Gross sales for lunch in Ms. Balka's first year was phenomenal. She pointed out this was possible because they did not crowd the incubator and she gave them room to expand. Thinking ahead and knowing development will increase on MLK Jr. Boulevard, they were considering ideas they will discuss in the future. Several businesses came back to them from other locations. Another success story, Laura Fisher of Cakes by Laura, a German immigrant, got her own business in Lantana/Hypoluxo and was doing great; however, there was an issue with the lease and she is returning to Boynton Beach next month. Another man sold his business and recaptured it from the owner who wound up abandoning the business. La Petite was doing exceedingly well and they have contracts in several states to provide their quiche. and they are looking to have a manufacturing presence She will be speaking to the CRA about this as there are many small food processing firms that need the ability to increase their processing capabilities. She announced it was a good year. Motion Board Member Casello moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion that unanimously passed. E. 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 CRA staff has been working with Ms. Johnson to utilize the CRA's property and combining CRA property with the City so the CRA would control all three lots. The architectural firm of Richard Jones has been working with staff and Ms. Johnson to develop a potential site plan for a 3,000 square-foot facility to meet future goals of expansion from her current 1,200 square-foot house they are operating in the Cottage District area, which will be future housing. In a recent meeting, Ms. Johnson revealed a new expansion and new set of goals, which needs to increase the square footage of the proposed building by nearly double. It could cause an issue with parking, but staff could create and extend a new road and connector on 91h and MLK Jr. Boulevard to provide on street parking. There could be an extension of 3rd to Railroad Road Avenue as well. Mr. Simon advised the Board needed to agree how this would be funded, how the transaction might look and how the development might take place. Ms. Johnson is again meeting with Mr. Jones to work on the potential building structure, layout and alleyway abandonments to add square footage. Staff is still working on the project and there may be future opportunities. If the site is not large enough to accommodate the Community Caring Center's needs, there is a concern about losing the incubator 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 businesses and when the Villages begin construction, staff would not want to lose a coop type of business that would be ideal for the location and Heart of Boynton. it will come down to the agency making some decisions that staff will bring to the Board, but staff was working towards the direction they were given. Chair Grant asked about the Community Caring Center's vision, noting the Center runs the Secret Garden Cafe and commercial kitchen incubator. He thought the CRA may not be able to accommodate the Center's needs on this property, but there is other property available. Ms. Johnson responded she sees a lot of growth. The social services and economic development components fit well together with the food component, making it healthy food and affordable. They could not consider just moving the social service site because the landlord of the site where the economic development component is located had received site plan approval and was in the process of having further drawings drafted. She thought if they can get two more years at the current location, they would be lucky. Last year, she did not want the property to be one because they needed a separate retail component, which included Infusions Cafe as well as Magic in your Kitchen and others. There are other incubators that are caterers that will have a big kitchen as they handle the senior meals program and they hold culinary classes. The catering businesses can go to the new location, but it leaves the retail component out. She has been looking at additional properties to the north and west. The lot the CRA is offering is wonderful as there is the potential to take on the entire block in the future. She wanted the block to be the Cultural Center where they operated the Green Market and mini market with kiosks for food. It becomes a place to come and eat and provide retail along the MLK Corridor. She inquired if there was any way the CRA Board could look at the property to the north. If they could include it in the budget, she would be grateful. She hoped there would be some creative possibilities. Ms. Johnson explained the location would be the job-training center and they would work with Career Source to provide cultural activities and opportunities for small food manufactures and processers before going to a package company. This would take more room. A manufacturer may have to provide 900 units of a product and there is not enough space. Chair Grant asked if all three components could be together or separated. Ms. Johnson explained at one point, she thought they should be separate, but when this property became available, she thought everything could be on the one site. It would it be fine if retail was within a quarter or half a mile, but it would be better if it was adjacent with additional parking. She noted Richard Jones is wonderful to work with and they expanded the site from 4,500 to 5,000 square feet with a second floor bringing the total square footage to 10,000 square feet. If the CRA could handle the side street parking, they would have about 36 parking spaces. Vice Chair Katz noted the CRA Advisory Board recommended not to exceed $400,000 for the purchase of the property. He asked if it was in reference to the $300,000 �F v Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 purchase price and $100,000 of financial assistance and learned that was the original presentation that is now on hold. Board Member McCray appreciated all the Community Caring Center does, but did not favor expanding to the entire block as there are other places to go. He wanted to give the Board a chance to get them where they want to go and they can examine other options. F. Boynton Beach Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project Update Thuy Shutt, Assistant CRA Director, explained at the October update, the Board viewed 30% design drawings for the Boynton Beach Boulevard improvements. Conceptual drawings were presented for lighting, paving design, and landscaping. The Board opted for the pavement treatment, but wanted further information on the durability and life expectancy of each of the materials, the line item cost of each pavement treatment and the overall cost of the project before directing staff to find a way to fund them. The drawings are now 50% complete and were sent to the City on January 10t". Jonathan Hay of Kimley Horn, the project manager and landscape architect was present to review the details of the treatment and the related costs. The overall cost was about $1.9 million, but it did not include the two or three blocks that will be addressed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) by the 1-95 interchange improvements Chair Grant asked if the $1.9 million will be spent on the roadway from Federal Highway to 2nd Street west and learned it was from Federal to three blocks away from the interchange. Board Member McCray asked when he foresaw the interchange addressed. Ms. Shutt had attended an FDOT meeting on Federal Highway and inquired about the project, which is in the preliminary design stage. The design process and FDOT's process will take three to four years to complete. Rather than the Board address the entire corridor and then FDOT start, the Board decided that timing was an issue to avoid paying for the project twice. Mr. Hay explained because of the alignment shift FDOT is currently reviewing, FDOT's work would impact rights-of-way from side-to-side and he recommended not doing anything with the blocks to and from the interchange that might be impacted. Mr. Hay has been working on getting the CRA's typical sections approved, which is a part of the process. The sections were submitted and reviewed a few times including a variance due to a narrower median than what is typically allowed. The FDOT indicated the bike lane width rules had changed and asked if the CRA would have a four-foot bike lane, which was previously proposed. The CRA would need a three-foot buffer. They submitted a variance for a four-foot bike lane, but no comments had been received. 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 The concept selected was a blue, wave pattern on the sidewalk Mr. Hay updated the interchange gateway feature. He thought public art could be commissioned and explained there could be more creative items installed by an artist. The Board had also discussed lighting to match what is on the streetscape. Seacrest Boulevard has FPL poles, and the same would be continued. Kimley Horn had worked on Ocean Avenue a few years ago and had difficulty finding a match for the light poles there, which were no longer made. They had to have several poles custom made to match the poles that were there. The poles from FPL were a good option for Boynton Beach Boulevard, which is what is on the east side of Seacrest. Now that the plans are at the 50% completed stage, they could lay out the entire project, know where the trees would be planted and where the patterning would occur to come up with real cost of$1.9 million. There were comments about the blue colored pavement materials. He studied the pros and cons of each material, its maintenance and durability. All the options were good and they all had relatively the same amount of durability and maintenance requirements. Some were products purchased, like pavers or the overlay, that the Board may be able to negotiate a warranty. The colored concrete options are the best to provide a curvy shape and give the best durability. The blue color additive for the concrete would be an inorganic compound that would provide a better color of blue and be more resistant to fading. Mr. Hay explained the concrete pavers may occasionally need to be resealed. He thought if repairs were made it may be difficult to match the blue color and the Board may need to hire an artistic concrete contractor to match the color. The pavers would never need to be redone. The next step would be to continue the drawings and then for the Engineering Department to get the required approvals from the FDOT. Ms. Shutt hoped, depending on the sequence of the construction that will be ongoing, to go out to bid and have a final cost estimate. The project may have to be a multi-year project, but the CRA will already have a design, which the private sector can complement. Staff will also ensure, where there are lateral connections, the wave design would not be near the connections so there would be less cutting up and repair of the concrete. There are other ways to proceed such as using accent blocks closest to the intersections to avoid having people cutting into the design, and strategically place the waves. Mr. Hay explained the wave would be throughout the entire sidewalk, but could be cut back near the connections. The color additive cost $15 a square foot. Vice Chair Katz favored being in a position to approve a design so the developers of the Town Square, the Villages and other pending projects do not miss out on the opportunity to share some of the cost as it relates to their project's frontage. Ms. Shutt advised she shared the 30% and 50% drawings with those project manager's staff. Staff will come back with a report with 60% drawings and continue to work with the Town Square developer to make them aware of the CRA's progress. They also had 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 a conference call with City staff and their team and received comments. All parties acknowledged the concept. Board Member Casello asked if the FDOT interchange would tie into the CRA's plan. Mr. Hay responded the FDOT will want to do their normal concrete sidewalk. When they come to the City, they will ask if there is anything the City would like done to match up and they will request the City pay for the extra color concrete additives. The FDOT would build it into their project with the specifications the CRA would provide or leave it up to the City to build those parts of the sidewalks. It could be a shared cost. Mr. Hay thought it could be advantageous to have normal colored concrete with a single color as it would be easy for them and their contractors to implement. Board Member Romelus asked if it would it be smarter, instead of having a wave pattern down the strip of Boynton Beach Boulevard, they isolate the color concrete design to the intersections only. All the intersections would match. This could avoid a situation with a broken water main. She sought to avoid issues having to match the color or getting a specialized contractor to do the work. Vice Chair Katz announced he supports the current concept of the wave, its expanse or length. He noted with the exception of the intersections, the sidewalks would then not fulfill the vision of having a continuous feature along the stretch of Boynton Beach Boulevard as public art. He acknowledged there might be additional costs if there was damage that needed repair, but felt it was an important feature of the roadway. Mr. Simon asked what the Board needed to provide Kimley Horn and when to provide it in order to finalize the design. Mr. Hay explained it would be helpful if there was a consensus or a vote on the material and whether they want a continuous wave down the sidewalk or focus the waves on the intersections. Mr. Hay had envisioned the waves trail off the sidewalk away from the intersection a bit. It could trail 20 or 30 feet from the intersection and there would be gaps between the waves during the transition from a normal sidewalk to this pattern. Chair Grant agreed with Vice Chair Katz that people need to know where they are walking in the intersection, which is different from the bike lane. Chair Grant asked if Kimley Horn could design the entryway and when they would have FDOT's plan so the CRA could implement its design. Mr. Hay responded he was not sure they will have definitive plans until they are ready for construction. The CRA has a pattern that could be replicated and they can assist with it when the time comes. Chair Grant asked if the Board could plan for it in the current layout to avoid future changes. Mr. Hay explained now that they are at 50% and understanding the cost of the project and that FDOT would shift the centerline slightly to accommodate the turn lanes, they can begin and end a project in a zone and leave the last part for the future. The design is block to block and does not depend on the prior block to lead into the next. 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Vice Chair Katz wanted clarification, the project is east of Galaxy Elementary School, NW 4th to Federal Highway and it was more or less around 1-95. It was two blocks west of Seacrest and then two blocks to the highway. Vice Chair Katz asked if they could get a cost estimate for the remaining gap and Mr. Hay responded they could. Chair Grant asked if there was consensus for continuous sidewalks throughout; some gaps in between each wave or a certain amount of waves, or having gaps for the intersection. Board Member McCray wanted some gaps on the intersection. There were no other comments. Chair Grant requested Mr. Hay show some examples. There was consensus to use the same FPL lights that Seacrest has. There was consensus to use the poured in concrete material, not an aggregate and it was fine to have different blues in different places. Ms. Shutt announced she would return to the Board at 60 or 75% drawings and estimates for the portion of the project west of 2nd. G. Consideration of the Amendment to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Professional Services for Sara Sims Park Design Board Member McCray noted a typo on the summary, 2nd paragraph. Ms. Shutt explained the Sara Sims Park Design was a budgeted project which the CRA contributed $600,000. The City used the Watman Group Inc, to complete the conceptual plan, and the CRA would take over from that point. Staff was recommending an amendment to the Kimley Horn Professional Services Contract as the City requested Kimley Horn create the design and develop the construction administration for the project. The CRA estimated the design would take four to six months, as would the construction. The scope of work was reviewed by the City Engineer and staff and the recommendation is to approve the contract for an amount not to exceed $116,600. There is a $10,000 contingency on the design services for a security system design. City staff recommended having the security component and having the infrastructure design finished so the work could be bid. The scope includes a collateral piece for public notice and engagement and a Board presentation if desired. Attorney Rossmell explained the item was drafted as an agreement under the umbrella agreement of the Kimley Horn continuing contract. The CRA would be working with the City as a partner. There are funds in the budget for design portion. There were no comments from the public. 19 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. H. Consideration of the Standard Rental Agreement and Rules and Regulations for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach (Board Member Romelus left the dais at 8:53 p.m.) Ms. Shutt explained the Board had approved draft rules and regulations, subject to legal review. The rules and regulations is a living document that will allow staff to operate and manage the property and avoid risk as it pertains to alcohol and food service. The document will be an attachment to all rental contracts. The second part of the item was the standard rental agreement so staff can book events without having to return to the Board the venue is booked. Ms. Shutt explained the rental agreement talks about rental rates contained in the rules and regulations. She advised staff would like to bring those rates back to the Board every two years, similar to the Marina contract to evaluate the rental fees and the operation of additional services. Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve Item H, and approving and bundling Items I and J. He trusts staff to manage the property. Barbara Ready, 297 13th Avenue, Director of the Boynton Beach Historical Society, thanked the Board for considering the item and the reduction in the rates. The Historical Society budget was already set so they could not afford to rent the venue this year, but she hoped to ask their consideration for the same rate structure next year or the year after. Attorney Rossmell recommended including in the motion that staff can use the standard agreement as it sees fit without coming back to the Board. Motion Vice Chair Katz amended his prior motion to include the recommended language. Board Member McCray seconded the motion as amended that passed 4-0. (Board Member Romelus not present for the vote.) Mr. Simon thanked Ms. Shutt and Attorney Rossmell for their work on the review of this item and the prior item. 20 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 I. Consideration of the Rental Agreement with the Boynton Woman's Club for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach J. Consideration of the Rental Agreement with the Boynton Beach Garden Club for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach K. Consideration of the Rental Agreement with the Boynton Beach Historic Society for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach - removed L. Update Regarding Purchase of 110 NW 6th Avenue Mr. Simon explained the CRA staff went through a tax deed auction for an approved purchase of a vacant parcel adjacent to a City-owned lot at the above address. The tax deed auction is not an easy process in which the CRA had not participated in the past. He advised the Property Appraiser's Office and the Tax Collector's technology simplified the process. The property was appraised at $36,700 and the Board approved a purchase price of no more than 20% above the appraised value which would make the maximum acquisition price $44,040. Yesterday CRA staff participated in the auction at Lewis Longman and Walker's Office and the CRA was the successful bidder. They acquired the property for $9,300. There were a few hundred dollars in administrative fees paid as well. Staff was very pleased. (Board Member Romelus returned at 8:59 p.m.) Mr. Simon noted there are future parcels the CRA is interested in acquiring that were set for auction in April or May. This will be on new business next month for plans for the property. Board Member McCray noted the Andrews House may be available. Chair Grant asked if the CRA was looking into foreclosure properties. Ms. Shutt explained staff wants to take a "first look." She has done this in the past through the Neighborhood Stabilization projects and programs. There are opportunities available to work ahead of time with several banks that are going through the pre-foreclosure process so they would the first look before going to the market. Staff would like to investigate the program further to avoid having to go through the bidding process. The participants are usually big banks such as Bank of America, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Wells Fargo and others who service those mortgages as well. They have to pre-sign purchasing agreements with the banks. M. Project Update 211 E. Ocean Avenue Ms. Shutt explained at the December meeting, the Board had decided that CRA staff would contact the developer and notify them the Board expected revisions would be submitted to the City by December 2111 and if not, the outside date to submit a 21 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 response, was this meeting. If no action was taken by the developer to get the permit approved, the Board would determine if they would use the Purchase Agreement's Reverter Clause. No revisions have been received by the City on their last round of comments. At the last meeting, Mr. Simon emailed Andrew Mack, Shane Kittendorf and others and the architect. Mr. Simon received an immediate response from the developer. Everyone has done all they could to facilitate the drawings and nothing was submitted to-date. Mr. Simon announced staff made a diligent and good faith effort. Board Member Casello explained this was ongoing since 2015. The arrangement was they would build it out to a restaurant and get a client. He thought the developer was trying to get a client before they build out. He felt the Board was more than generous with them and has had numerous communications with them, but nothing was done. The developer is sitting on land that is becoming valuable as the Town Square moves forward and it appeared the Old High School will be finished before the 211 E. Ocean project starts. He requested the Board exercise the reverter clause and start the process. The cost would have to be calculated and Attorney Rossmell advised she could submit a budget. Chair Grant noted it would be another month. He asked if it would be more or less than $50,000 and asked how much it would cost if they had to go to trial. Attorney Rossmell explained she would like to submit a not to exceed amount. Mr. Simon agreed with Attorney Rossmell's suggestion to get them started. The first phase would be a letter to them initiating the research and staff would know within the next 30 days. Chair Grant was concerned if the developer submitted plans and the CRA already filed suit. He asked if the lawsuit would be moot or if the CRA can retain the project. Attorney Rossmell explained it would not be a guaranteed moot suit because the assertion would be made in the filing the developer did not act in good faith and it is not automatic that once a party does start to act, that it constitutes good faith. Board Member Casello suggested starting with a $25,000 figure. Vice Chair Katz explained the land could be valuable because of the Town Square project and because it has a historic building on it. He wanted to see the developer proceed with what they had indicated. He was concerned if the CRA re-acquired the property, the Board was committing them to allocate a significant sum of money to someone in the future to develop it. He questioned what the benefit was if the current property owner does not develop the property. He would rather force them over time to develop it than to take on some unknown cost. Converting the Little House to a restaurant may be an example of how there are unknown costs and he was concerned after the CRA regained the property, the CRA would incur substantial costs to entice a new developer to purchase and develop it. 22 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 Board Member Casello explained the house was only historic on the local level, and the designation could be removed. Chair Grant explained the CRA received $255,000 for the property and the CRA would have to return those funds and perhaps any taxes they paid on the property. The CRA is not getting the property for free even if they use the reverter clause because payment to the CRA had already been made. His issue was at one time, the CRA purchased the property for about $900,000 and the CRA already lost over $600,000. If the CRA could get the $900,000 back by paying $25,000 to $50,000 in extra costs for the two years nothing has occur, he viewed it as a plus because the property value increased in the last two years. He favored spending the money knowing there are costs in the future due to its historic nature. If the developer continues to take his time, the property may not be developed until after the Town Square. He wanted to make sure the Board does all it could to obtain the property and issue another RFP with more stringent requirements for the project with a surety bond. Board Member McCray questioned if the developer wants the CRA to take it back. Chair Grant requested a motion to approve an expenditure not to exceed $25,000 to execute the reverter clause. Motion Board Member Casello so moved. Chair Grant passed the gavel and seconded the motion. The motion failed 2-3 (Vice Mayor Katz, Board Member McCray and Board Member Romelus dissenting.) Vice Chair Katz thought the developer became aware that converting the property to a restaurant was costly and thought the developer was waiting for the CRA to buy them out. Board Member Casello thought the developer was sitting on the property until the value increased and would then flip it. N. Consideration of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Boynton Beach for funding of the Ocean Breeze East Project with Centennial Management Corporation Mr. Simon explained the Interlocal Agreement is with the City to provide the local government match for Centennial Management. The local government match is $567,500 for the low-income housing tax-credit grant application. Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the motion that unanimously passed. 23 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 14. New Business A. Discussion Regarding Redevelopment Options for CRA Owned Parcels within the MLK, Jr. Boulevard Corridor Chair Grant spoke with Channel 5 regarding the lack of development on MLK Jr. Boulevard. This year the CRA has $1.2 million in the budget to do something and he hoped the Board would reach consensus to build a building and chose what is best for the area. Ms. Shutt explained the CRA was assembling property along this corridor for commercial and residential uses. The commercial uses would be located at the intersections of MLK Jr. Boulevard and US 1, and Seacrest and MLK Jr. Boulevard. The CRA has approximately 6.22 acres in total on the north and south and east side. There are several hold out parcels and the area most likely to be developed is the northern corner. Conceptual plans of what could be built on the corner would entail a one-story permitted commercial/neighborhood building with four bays having about 1,000 square feet and associated parking. If desired, that would be something the Board could direct staff to review. The building would be similar to a shell building. There are several options the Board could consider as well as developing the project itself. The first option is to hire one of the CRA consultants for an architectural design as well as engineering and site work. The CRA could use a design bid build process. Another option could be a design bid build process with pre-qualified general contractors as the project is relatively small. Using pre-qualified general contractors is advantageous as opposed to using the bid process and taking the lowest bidder. A third option is a design build option. Staff allocated 12 to 18 months for the project to be built. Under the current budget, the CRA could start the process, but would still need additional funds, which could be budgeted in the next fiscal year. Staff cannot spend the $1.2 million between now and September so there is opportunity to replenish the project funds. Board Member McCray noted the parcel on Seacrest and MLK Jr. Boulevard was not being developed. He wanted to obtain that property and develop from the corner in and then develop down. He thought it would be piece meal, which may not look good. If they start developing, residents will offer to sell their property at a high price. He thought the community should be consulted to see if it is the way they want the CRA to proceed. He favored development, but did not want to rush. Chair Grant wanted to see the top portion of the street developed. The Community Caring Center is looking for retail space and the Neighborhood Officer has an office. He thought the CRA could have a retail restaurant complex with parking. He understood once the CRA starts building, the land value would increase and if it did not, residents would not sell for the appraised value. A plus side is the land value 24 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 could increase and another developer could obtain and develop the property. He favored starting with building a commercial development that is an office, retail restaurant and perhaps a grocery store. The Community Caring Center has the green market option and the Secret Garden Cafe that had a green market in it. If the CRA starts building, they will come. Vice Chair Katz asked about the cost estimate and learned that a commercial/retail shell building that does not have a restaurant or salon is about$200 a square foot. At 5,000 square feet, the shell building would cost $1 million. About 15% to 20% more (about $200,000) would be for site work, and design costs would be another 8% to 10% more and a developer fee or contractor profit and overhead is 18% to 20%, adding about another $400,000 in addition to the $1.2 million. A continuous fagade would be needed. If the CRA acquired a hold out parcel to the west, as the CRA owns some of the other parcels, the CRA could extend the building. The parking in that portion of the corridor allows for 50% reduction, but staff would have to coordinate with Planning and Zoning. Mr. Simon explained expansion of the building footprint would incentivize development and connects well. Vice Chair Katz inquired if the plan was for the CRA Board to be landlord of the property. Ms. Shutt responded staff could issue a request for qualifications for a realtor to manage, operate and lease the building. Vice Chair Katz favored Chair Grant's idea and agreed with Board Member McCray. Once the CRA initiates movement, owners of surrounding vacant parcels will want high prices, which stops development. Vice Chair Katz thought the process should be started. The CRA should build something now that will hopefully spark private interest. There has been a demand for commercial property. Board Member Casello asked if there were inquiries from any parties that may be interested in building on the lot and learned there were inquiries to the south for affordable housing, but nothing commercial. Some options included using the northern portions for affordable housing. He asked if it would be smarter to pursue commercial interests and the CRA indicate they could assist with building. Ms. Shutt advised there are options and staff could conduct a market study. He was concerned about too many empty storefronts. He was afraid to put up a million dollarshell and it would be empty. He favored pursuing possible tenants and working with them as partners to build the shell. Board Member McCray understood, but expressed he did not want commercial on MLK Jr. Boulevard. He thought life was taken away from the Boulevard. Chair Grant opened public comments. Sherry Johnson explained the MLK Jr. Boulevard corridor, for a long time, had one of the most vibrant communities. The community wants the ethnic vibrancy to return to the corridor. She noted there is a man selling amazing garlic crab there that attracts customers from Ft. Lauderdale. The man has no place to go other than that one 25 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 building and the Bell's own the property between the lots. She asked if a property swap might be appropriate. She thought there may be a way to assemble a larger portion on the north to add to the south to create a development site. She was unaware about CRA efforts to negotiate parcels in the last two years. The only information CRA staff had about five years ago were conversations about what they wanted, but she did not think staff sat with the owners and ever asked why the owner was asking for such a large sum of money. She thought if they had, there may be more opportunities. Ms. Johnson explained those were the same questions she had, as she was also interested in the corridor. Vice Chair Katz believed the parcel owners wanted more money. Staff attempted to acquire the parcels for affordable housing, residential and mixed uses. One land owner was offered in excess of $1 million. They have a viable property and a viable business that earns them money so they saw an opportunity to obtain as much money as they could. Staff did meet with them on several occasions while the CRA pursued tax credits to acquire their property and develop it. He thought the CRA should develop around them and the owners will get private interest in their property and sell or they will continue to operate their businesses around additional commercial space and potential revenue. The property owner was not interested in the offer. Chair Grant thought it was hearsay. Mr. Simon explained they have personally met with them over the last several weeks and they are clear where they are on both properties. The CRA has a great relationship with the Bells and they have been to the CRA office numerous times assisting Ms. Bell to find locations for a child-care center. Rev. Bernard Wright, 713 NW 7t" Street, explained he has always wanted a better Boynton. After all the buildings were torn down on MLK Jr. Boulevard and not replaced, the town became a graveyard and activities were occurring that would not have occurred The neighborhood experienced separation and division because they have no place to assemble and meet. He noted a parcel next to the Bells was the former site of Club Continental. He explained the community needs a state of the art pool hall, game room and studio with a concert hall over the top. There is sufficient property there to bring Hollywood back to Boynton and they will generate revenue and attract promotors. Celebrities will return and there are a lot of gospel, rappers and rhythm and blues. He was certain it would generate revenue. He commented just putting anything there would not be sufficient because it would be something that is a part of gentrification and would not bring the community into a unity phase because it has nothing to do with the community's interest. If the CRA puts commercial businesses there to meet the supply and demand of the community, it should be what they want and what was there before. They had a pharmacy, a clothing store, restaurants and sport bars. There was a legacy, community and culture 26 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 that was disrespected and dishonored for many years. When the community is returned to the fundamentals, it will return to parenting, teaching, education, teaching children to respect people, things they need to do and the options they have. Now they have nothing to do and a criminal aspect is present. He implored the CRA if building, to build what the community wants that would draw revenue into the City. Vice Chair Katz commented even with perfect economic conditions in an area that formerly had high incomes, it is difficult to prescribe a particular business. The CRA is not working with the best economic conditions and was trying to spark development. He supported building commercial property there, but they cannot force the economy to do what the community wants. Vice Chair Katz felt the community was one vote away from getting a million dollar piece of real estate in an area that the community was asking about. He appreciated specific designs and getting specific businesses, but advised his support was uncertain as the CRA cannot predict or force certain businesses to locate there. Mr. Wright thought if the Board does not prescribe businesses that are wanted by the community or how revenue will be generated, they would build anything. He commented he is in the community every day and people know what they need. If the CRA meets people at their point of need, there will be change. There is a need for items people want and a common ground. He explained everyone likes to shoot pool. When you change the dress code and attitude, personalities start to change. Until redevelopment occurs, nothing would change and the CRA could build something in the area that will be torn down. He objected to the CRA building what they want, and not what the community wanted without getting input. Brian Fitzpatrick, 409 NE 1 st Street, asked if Ms. Shutt was referring to four potential businesses and learned the CRA would want the most flexible space possible. It could be one business occupying the entire space, or be split. It should be constructed with the flexibility to accommodate retail/commercial uses. There is the possibility of having restaurants, but the cost was just for the shell and some extra for water and sewer needs. The CRA was seeking community-serving users and at some point, a market study should be considered to determine what the community would support. Mr. Fitzpatrick, as a property owner, urged the Board to move forward. It could be a business incubator in the area. He recalled Downtown Ocean Avenue before 500 Ocean and the demolition of the south side of the street, had small businesses. He thought it brings character to the neighborhood and the WalMarts and KMarts destroyed small neighborhoods. Building smaller retail businesses could bring vibrancy to MLK Jr. Boulevard and he hoped that is what the Board would support. Linda Cross, 65 Casa Loma Boulevard, Unit 61, noted with the $1 .6 million building with design costs, there was no one to lease it and the CRA had no idea what it would be used for. No one has wanted to do anything with the property for some time. She 27 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida January 18, 2018 proposed the CRA plan should not construct buildings for building sake, but rather build to suit. The CRA can contribute funds, help get the building going and look for a tenant, but she thought to spend $1.6 million on a building without a tenant who planned to use it was a total waste. The CRA should start from a different perspective and seek out the desired business and assist them. Vice Chair Katz pointed out that is how shopping centers operate and outfit based on potential tenants. He commented no one wants to invest in these properties. Mark Karageorge, 240 A Main Boulevard, commented, in the past, the CRA sent staff to annual shopping center conferences attended by developers. They had an inventory of businesses that were needed in the CRA. At the conference, staff meets with developers and show them incentives to come into the CRA. At annual conferences, developers look for markets. He commented for 15 years, the CRA was trying to situate a grocery store on MLK Jr. Boulevard, but the demographics must support putting a store there. There is interest with the second grocery store tiers, such as Save-A-Lot, EI Presidente, and others. A property owner with several properties on MLK Jr. Boulevard has had conversation with Save-A-Lot, but the problem was land assembly. He emphasized flexibility and incentives are a good idea. A 1 ,200 square-foot bay could accommodate a Subway store and others and franchisees can lease a location, but the market demographics must support it As the building, however, is constructed for a business, costs will increase. He noted Family Dollar made over $2 million a year in sales volume and retail to service the neighborhood was needed. That is what made Sunshine Square successful, which at one time, was run down. Incentives are needed as is flexibility. Sherry Johnson commented she supports the project, but the problem was the Bell property will affect whatever the CRA does. The CRA has one chance to try to solve the problem with the Bell's before this development starts and prices begin to skyrocket. She advised it was not all about the money and there were other issues and family dynamics. She pointed out the Greater Mount Olive Church on 5t" Avenue pursued the property to the south of them for five or six years. The family dynamics prevented the sale and once the CRA understands what is occurring in the family, the CRA can find a solution. Ms. Johnson explained she was aware the Bells needed to be on the street. She requested staff revisit the Bells with more than just the price tag of what they want to offer and try to solve the family dynamics. Ms. Johnson thought there was a real potential with Larry (Bell) to have a restaurant and he wants to be on that street. She offered to help any way she could, but thought it would be a missed opportunity to solve the situation before the CRA begins to build. No one else coming forward, Chair Grant closed public comments. 28 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Chair Grant spoke with Mr. Robinson and he wants a new building constructed and he would pay the rent. Chair Grant suggested the CRA offer tenants a rent to own option which is something most developers would never offer. The CRA gave the developer of Family Dollar, $1 million in land and they invested $1 .5 million to build property to sell for $2 million. As to other tenants besides Mr. Robinson, Chair Grant proposed the Neighborhood Officer Program office costs $14,000 every year and there have been issues with a leaky roof. He felt similar to Town Square as being a j catalyst for Boynton Beach, a building on MILK Jr. Boulevard would be a catalyst. The CRA does not have any tenants going into the Town Square, but it is being constructed. Staff has faith they are building the best product they can and the CRA will have extra incentives available to tenants to ensure they are successful. The CRA has a social media campaign and Chair Grant thought it was interesting that nearly every unit in Casa Costa is under construction or has a new tenant. He explained the $1 .2 million is not collecting interest and they can attempt to improve land banking and incentives for developers, but developers want a for-profit gain. It would not make money for the CRA, but CRAs remove slum and blight. By constructing a building, it would remove slum and blight. He favored the concept, thought a new building was needed there and they were trying to work with other people Chair Grant believed they will be successful. The CRA knows the incubator or a restaurant could go there. He implored the Board to consider spending money to see what it costs to have a building there and see who would want to be there as a tenant. He expressed staff could find tenants. Board Member McCray favored starting the process to see what kind of building should go there. Board Member Casello favored construction on MLK Jr. Boulevard, but did not think it was under the CRA's purview to handle the construction. He supported reaching out to the community or potential renters and owners to see what they were willing to do to build a $1.6 million shell building that could sit on a corner vacant. He proposed the build it and they will come theory did not work, and he favored getting interested tenants and incentivising them. Board Member Romelus understood the need to build and thought the building should serve the public. She questioned the need to construct a building now rather than asking the community what they want. She thought there was too much history in the area to disregard the community's will. She favored listening to the wants of the community. Vice Chair Katz commented he would not support the building. Board Member McCray suggested taking a conceptual drawing to the community to get their input. 29 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Chair Grant summarized the Board wants to conduct outreach regarding CRA properties with what the community wants, with a better drawing and what can go on the north side of the property. Board Member McCray suggested getting input from all the sides and then moving on. Motion Board Member McCray so moved. Board Member Casello seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Consideration of Funding Request by Reverend Bernard Wright Rev. Bernard Wright explained each year he appears before the Board and receives funds in celebration of the heritage, legacy, history and accomplishments of African Americans. His goal is also to bring about change and use the event as a platform to educate and distribute information. This year, he contemplated focusing on something grand at the event that was conducive to bring about change. He wanted to use this event to have speakers discuss issues the community normally does not discuss such as decorum, personality, parenting, what to do and not to do around children that seems to be prevalent in the community. He requested the Board consider including funding this event every year. Mr. Simon had received his letter requesting $10,000 to hold the event. Rev. Wright also received a copy of the letter from Mr. Simon to the City Manager, Lori LaVerriere, indicating there may be some unused funds left over from the MILK Celebration of Unity. Rev. Wright noted Mr. Simon should have some idea of what funds are available to assist with the event. He itemized a list regarding insurance, police, stage, tents, the DJ and sound systems, and food and beverages. Rev. Wright commented there had to be funds that could be used as there are funds from the City Commission dais, the CRA, and forfeiture funds. He thought the event was something that had relevance and significance. He asserted the event was about a mindset that needs to change in the community and that there are certain types of programs and businesses that will help bring about change. He requested the Board support his request. Chair Grant learned there were about $12,000 in leftover funds from the MLK Unity Celebration. Attorney Rossmell explained the CRA cannot support, under the statute, most types of special events. There are attorney general opinions, which she would forward. She explained it is not necessarily that no event held by the CRA would qualify, but as described, the event does not fit the narrow mission of the CRA. Chair Grant asked if Rev. Wright could, in the future have a historic African American day in February regarding the people in Boynton Beach's history. Attorney Rossmell responded the event would not qualify as described. If it were linked or integrated to a development 30 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 related activity, it might and CRA funds may be able to be used for that part of it. Mr. Simon explained it would be his desire that municipal or city/community-type events are funded, but generally, these are the types of events the legislature is focusing on and trying to prohibit. Many sections of the statue are written that if a City or a municipality would typically hold an event, the statute would not support a CRA funding it in his place. Mr. Simon understood an event that honors a community entity such as MLK Jr., Presidents or Columbus Day, or the 4t" of July are thought of municipal sponsored events. Mr. Simon would feel more comfortable supporting events that are unique and surrounded by local businesses or redevelopment opportunities. He and the City Manager discussed the issue. This event honors Robert E. Wells. It has not on the event calendar or approved in the budget and there is no connection to the event except a one time request, although it was an admirable request. The event falls within a social service component for which funding is not permitted. Mr. Simon's vision for next year was started this year by not having a special events grant because of the ambiguities. He sought to get the Board on solid ground and find other types of redevelopment activities that are clearly supported by the Statute and let the City do the feel good events. The CRA can be partner assisting with volunteers and advertising, but the CRA cannot fund those types of community events. Board Member McCray asked about the ramifications if they funded the event and learned there are several consequences ranging from auditing to lawsuits. Attorney Rossmell pointed out that this topic is the subject of current legislative amendments. There is a lot of support in the Legislature for adding a specific exclusion for supporting any type of community event. Mr. Wright recalled last year the CRA assisted him and paid for a stage and offered police protection. He asserted now that he wants to elevate the event to a level that would reach the community, there are issues. He did not view the Robert E. Wells event any differently than the Pirate Fest or MLK Celebration of Unity. He viewed the Robert E. Wells day as having more relevancy than Pirates Fest. The CRA did not take the initiative to help the event grow. Mr. Wright explained the CRA was aware of the event and this year he sent letters to Wells Fargo who was interested in the City's history. There have been some contributions made and for someone from the outside to take more of an interest in the event than the City was disappointing. He read Mr. Simon's memo "while the intentions of the request are admirable, current statute regulations do not allow direct funding of such." He asked why Mr. Simon did not inform him about the issue three months ago. He noted in a video recording of Mr. Simon and the City Manager, they discussed it and Commissioner McCray was called. All agreed to get behind the event. He alleged the CRA was trying to undermine him from growing the event. He noted there were failed events after failed events and the 31 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 CRA spent thousands on the MLK Unity event, which failed for two years because there was no nexus. He asked how the CRA determines which event qualifies compared to other events. Chair Grant reminded Rev. Wright Attorney Rossmell had indicated there is no nexus between the statutes and there are Attorney General opinions regarding this issue. He contended unless Rev. Wright had evidence that indicates it is part of Florida Statute 163 and the CRA is allowed to assist, they cannot fund him. Rev. Wright countered that the CRA assisted last year and asked what changed. Chair Grant explained that was the issue. The CRA could be sued because of what was done last year. The Board has no issue with Community Support Funds from Commissioners, but as Board Members, they do not have the same discretion. Chair Grant asked the Board if they wanted to continue hearing from the public on the item. Vice Chair Katz explained the matter was briefly discussed earlier. The Legislature is rewriting laws to prevent CRAs from being part of events. The CRA can justify large scale, economic-based events involving significant amounts of businesses and drawing tens of thousands of people, but it is a slippery slope to fund small-scale events without restrictions and outside of the statutory guidelines. Anyone can make a similar request, and if the CRA approves it once, it subjects the CRA to having a double standard. If Susan Oyer's family, whose family has been in Boynton Beach for hundreds of years asks for $10,000 for an event, he would say no based on what is occurring in Tallahassee. They are cracking down on CRAs because it appears in certain situations that CRAs are doling out money. Legally, the money should not have come from the CRA for such a small-scale event that has no economic nexus. The CRA was trying to divest itself from other existing events and getting them off the CRA books including the Pirates Fest. The Legislature has even said events like Pirates Fest that draws 75,000 people and generates economic benefits is not considered to be within a CRA's purview. It is not permissible under law as interpreted by the Board Attorney. Willie Aiken asked how the Legislature could say the Boynton Beach CRA meets their criteria, but they cannot hold an event in an undeveloped area due to legislation that has not been finalized. Chair Grant asked if whatever the CRA does is part of the CRA Redevelopment Plan which allows for certain activities pertaining to the elimination or prevention of slum and blight or reduction and/or prevention of crime and learned it was. Rev. Wright and Mr. Aikens were asserting the activity is meant to eliminate and prevent the spread of slum and blight and reduce or eliminate crime. Chair Grant thought the event was within the Statute. He favored giving them the left over money from the Celebration of Unity, which meets that purpose. He thought the issue was the event was a private event. Attorney Rossmell disagreed. The issue was not that it is a 32 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 1 , 2018 private event, although there is a connection between community development and a lower crime rate. The issue was CRAs can only do what they are authorized by Statute to do. The Attorney General, and not the courts, indicated the elimination of slum and blight is more narrowly defined than broader concepts. It focuses on physical development and when it does not, it focused on job creation, job fairs and those types of events. There are activities specifically focused on economic development, which is the underlying purpose of a CRA. Chair Grant asked if the event could be worked out to be legal and noted the CRA can spend funds for community policing innovations. He asked if the event could be held if the Neighborhood Officers Program participated in the program. Attorney Rossmell responded she would like to review the matter as Neighborhood Policing Innovations are generally understood to be more narrow. She had never seen that type of application. Board Member Casello asked if Police Forfeiture Funds could be used to fund the event. Attorney Rossmell did not understand that to be part of the CRA budget. Board Member Casello noted the list of event expenses submitted by Rev. Wright and asked if the City could waive the fee for Police services at the event. Vice Chair Katz reiterated in the near future, the CRA will not fund such events and funds could be found elsewhere. Although the Board was seeking a justification of the event, if he were in Tallahassee attacking CRAs, the video of the meeting would be the example of why CRAs may need to be scrutinized. Board Member Romelus explained she believes in this event, but the Legislature is intentionally pursuing CRAs for holding them. She wanted to avoid litigation, but supported the event as both a City Commissioner and CRA Board member. She noted the House portion of the bill passed. She expressed the event should be held annually as it helps residents find better opportunities in life, but it cannot be funded by the CRA. Mr. Aiken asked if there were other funds they could request such as the police department and learned the CRA could not provide funds from any CRA account and could not mandate police funds be used. Chair Grant read a portion of Attorney General Bill McCullum's opinion as follows: "Accordingly, I cannot say that the use of Community Redevelopment funds would be so limited that the expenditure of funds for the promotion of a redeveloped area would be prohibited: however, grants to entities that promote tourism and economic development as well as to non- profits providing socially beneficial programs would appear outside the scope of the Community Redevelopment Act." 33 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Chair Grant explained the subject program appears to fall outside the scope of the act and thought if funded, there would be a long legal proceeding. The Board will follow the Attorney General's opinion. Mr. Aiken asked about the Forfeiture funds and how to meet the criteria with every program in the City. Mark Karageorge explained if it is not in the Plan, it cannot be held and the event is not in the Plan. It is an admirable event, but the Board would open a door that does not need to be open. Mr. Karageorge recalled when he was a CRA member, the Board transferred the 41h of July event from the CRA to a City event because of this issue. If it is a City function, it has to be paid for by the City, but the CRA can provide in-kind services, such as marketing and promotions because they are enhancing the event. If the CRA sponsors this event, they would violate their own plan. Additionally, there must be a connection tied to direct economic development. The police portion of the event would be a stretch and there could be issues as well. The CRA is guided by Statute and the CRA Plan. The Attorney General's opinion has been in place for a few years, but it is not law. Representatives Bobby Powel and Lori Berman had advised there were Legislators who recently got on the floor that used the Delray Beach CRA as a whipping post on the presentation on the floor of the House. Representative Powell defended Delray. He was going to go after Boynton Beach next, but they had no ammunition. This action would be the ammunition for the Legislature. Other CRAs have been cited, such as the Miami CRA and have had audits from the Inspector General. Those CRA had to reallocate funds and cease and desist from sponsoring events. In the future, the event should be tied to economic development and have a job fair or something to have direct link to economic development. Then a direct sponsorship could occur. He pointed out the new building discussed earlier in the meeting could be used for a job fair. Chair Grant explained the Board asked the Executive Director to reach out to the community regarding what they want on MLK Jr., Boulevard. He asked if the event could be held on the same day as the event. Motion Board Member Romelus requested the Board, based on what Mr. Karageorge said, if they could, assist Mr. Wright with the event in terms of handling marketing and putting out social media advertisements for him to help attract people and attention to the event to help it be successful. 34 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 I Motion Board Member Romelus so moved to request if the Board agreed, which was for in- kind contribution funding to help the Robert E. Wells Day. Board Member Casello seconded the motion with an amendment if the City would waive their police fee of $400. Board Member Romelus requested confirmation the Board could assist with marketing and in kind services. Attorney Rossmell explained CRA dollars could not be used for the event, but she would be happy to work with staff, review proposals and advise what they believe is legal. City Manager Lori LaVerriere clarified the $188 was for police coverage for a few officers for a few hours. The $400 was insurance. Ms. LaVerriere waived the $188 police fee. Chair Grant asked if the Board wanted to limit the amount of in-kind services. Board Member Romelus asked about an appropriate cost to market the event. Ms. Smith- Coffey explained it cost $100 to reskin a four-by-eight sign. Social media is free in- kind. The website is free. Ads cost money, which was contained is in the agenda item. The CRA has a strong presence on social media and they could create social media posts and a free social media campaign. The signs at the entrance to the City were currently advertising the Music and Movies events and the Blarney Bash, which would be held in March. Ms. LaVerriere explained the City is cross marketing the event as well. They are posting the event on Facebook and Eleanor Krusell, Communications Manager will send live tweets from the event on twitter. Mr. Wright added it was a love fest in the City. The motion passed 5-0. 15. CRA Advisory Board A. CRA Advisory Board Agenda - January 4, 2018 B. Approval of CRA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - December 7, 2017 C. Pending Assignments: 1. None D. Reports on Pending Assignments from November 14, 2017 CRA Board Meeting: 1. Review and Discussion regarding the CRA Special Events Grant 35 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Mr. Simon explained the CRA Advisory Board took up the item and they recommended the CRA not fund special event grants due to statutory restrictions, but did endorse collaborating with the City in non-financial ways to support special events sponsored by the City for events taking place within the CRA District. Motion Board Member Romelus moved to approve both recommendations. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. Board Member Casello asked if this would include special events like the boat parade, and learned it would not. It pertained to the Bru Fest and events held by Hurricane Alley and other grants to private business or non-profits. Funds would not be included in the budget. The motion unanimously passed. E. New Assignments from December 12, 2017 CRA Board Meeting: 1. None 16. Future Agenda Items A. Consideration for Revision to the CRA Procurement Policy Including a Local Business Preference Under a Competitive Process B. Consideration of Parameters for an RFP/RFQ for the CRA Owned Property Located at NE 4th and NE 5th Avenues, a/k/a the Cottage District (Tabled 11/14/17) C. Results from the Non-profit Organization Grant Program D. Consideration of Human Resources Outsourcing 17. Adjournment Mr. Simon explained he has been trying to meet, over the last eight months, with the Housing Authority and they have had some meetings regarding single-family individually-owned properties outside of their developments with Larry Greenberg. It was a great meeting and they did not hear from him for several months. He contacted Theresa Utterback, CRA Development Services Manager, earlier in the day and he was present at the CRA Board meeting earlier. Mr. Greenberg reaffirmed his commitment to try to do something. He is not the director, but is in charge of the field properties. Staff also had a good meeting with the County members regarding the CRA's request to use funding for the Town Square and at any opportunity, he could, when asked what else they can do to assist the City and the CRA, he spoke about the properties in Cherry Hill. 36 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 18, 2018 Board Member Romelus asked how Mr. Simon's meeting went with the County Commission and learned Mr. Simon received very good feed back. The agenda item will be on the County Commission Agenda on the 23 Id of January. He will report back. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was properly adjourned at 10:48 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 37