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Minutes 08-13-19 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITYMEETING HELD IN THE INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, TUESDAY,ON AUGUST ! ! Steven B. Grant, Chair Michael Simon, Executive Director Justin Katz, Vice Chair Tara Duhy, Board Counsel Mack McCray, Board Member Christina L. Romelus, Board Member Ty Penserga, Board Member 1. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. 2. Invocation Board Member McCray gave the invocation. 3. II Call A quorum was present. . Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda. Mr. Simon explained the CRA added an item to New Business, Item 15 B, Consideration of the CRA's letter of interest to purchase the property located at 100 E MLK Jr., Boulevard. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve the revised agenda. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 5. Legal Tara Duhy, Board Attorney, commented on the MLK Jr. Corridor Purchase and Development Agreement and explained the developers were out of the country, and did Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 not execute the contract. Mr. Simon met with them, and there were some technical and non-substantive changes to the document. She pointed out the closing date in the original draft that was approved and scheduled for July 31, 2019. There is still a remaining deadline to close no later than August 31, 2019, so they moved the date to August 15th. Staff expects the agreement to be executed tomorrow. The final draft was voted on at the July meeting. 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 Chair Grant visited the Harbormaster and spoke with the attendant who indicated they are pleased with what is occurring at the Marina. He toured the Historic Women's Club of Boynton Beach and took a tour before the painting commenced. He encouraged the Members to tour the facility and thought the Board should have a discussion regarding the building when finished. Board Members Romelus and Penserga had no disclosures. Board Member McCray attended the Dedication of the Model Block on NW 11th Avenue. He praised staff on a job well done. Vice Chair Katz had no disclosures. 7. Announcements and Awards 8. Information my A. Marketing and Business Development Campaign B. Public Relations Articles Associated with the BBCRA 9. Public Comments Bernard Wright, 713 NW 2nd Street thanked Andrew Mack, Public Works Director. He commented the Palmetto East Park was closed earlier in the day, which caused him concern. He was glad to see it opened later on. Chair Grant announced he received a request to have public comments on the budget. No one else coming forward, Public Comments was closed. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 10. CRA Projects in Progress A. CRA Economic Development Update Mike Simon, CRA Executive Director, advised the update for the Economic Development Program and Business Development activities for this fiscal year were on the agenda cover sheet. The budget for the program this year was $544,356. Grant dollars awarded to-date were $240,804 and the remaining fund balance as of today was about $303,552. Mr. Simon noted there were several businesses who are applying for funding and he hope to review those applications at the September meeting. Three businesses in the CRA District also received their Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) as contained in the meeting materials. B. Sara Sims Park Project Update Thuy Shutt, Assistant CRA Director, provided an update in the staff report. Substantial completion was obtained as of August 7th and the walk through last week. An aerial of the park was viewed showing the construction completed to-date. The pavilions, restrooms, paving, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and the performance pavilion are substantially complete. Staff was working on the irrigation, the park and cemetery portions. The security components, decorative fencing and access gates will be the last items installed. The completion date is early September and the ribbon cutting will occur towards November. Board Member McCray asked what would occur on the north side of the cemetery. Colin Groff, Assistant City Manager, explained the cemetery was roped-off. The old fence around the cemetery will be replaced to ensure the cemetery is protected and separate from the rest of the park. The entire park will be fenced. Mr. Wright spoke about the Performance Pavilion and commented for years, it was known as an amphitheater. He announced he was running for City Commission and the pavilion will bring about what the community envisioned. He did not think anyone's quality of life would be upset if concerts were held. He hears noise in his living room from the Tiki Bar behind him, and he did not think it was really a problem. He thought adding concrete would not be expensive and there would be no liability, but thought leaving the amphitheater the way it was, was an offense. He announced he would pursue the issue, if he was elected, because the amphitheater was the highlight of the park and no one wants to perform at ground level. He understood the City does not want a liability, and asked why because he is asked about it all the time. He would like to see a grand opening like never before and announced it is a great park. Chair Grant stated he was in Greece and saw an amphitheater and what was on Ocean Avenue was not an amphitheater: it was a raised stage with a canopy. He commented the park has not been used, and they have no idea how good or bad the pavilion is. It is all an assumption right now. He commended him for running for City Commissioner and i 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 commented if elected; Minister Wright could help make those changes. The CRA in the budget meeting will talk about a Unity in the Community event for the opening of Sara Sims Park. First, the City needs to allow for special permits for those types of events because currently there is a total block out for any event at Sara Sims. The special events block at Sara Sims has occurred since January 2016. The City will have to determine what type of special events would be allowed. Minister Wright explained his vision was similar to Club Continental, where celebrities would come as they have an open concert type area. It would be great for the Black community and the people want entertainment. Chair Grant commented there are concerns about the neighbors and recommended speaking to the City Commission about Special Event permits. Minister Wright stated a stage would be good. Board Member McCray pointed out the City has not established rules for the park and they will vote on what can and will take place. Until then the discussion was moot. Board Member Romelus agreed with Minister Wright. When the statement to repurpose or move the amphitheater to Sara Sims Park was made, the public assumed the entire amphitheater would move, not just the overhead cover. It bothered her and she spoke to the City Manager. She agreed, the amphitheater was not budgeted and done quickly, but it is about setting expectations for the public. She requested the City get back to the Board about what it would cost to restore it to what the public expected and what other amenities or items will have to be taken into account, such as permitting and ADA requirements. She requested seeing the plans and layout of what the City will do and the Board could discuss future plans for the park in terms of events. She asserted MILK Jr., Boulevard is the epicenter of District II and Sara Sims Park will be an anchor for the redevelopment on MILK Jr. Boulevard. If the Board says there will be restrictions on the park, it will dilute the purpose of what was trying to be accomplished on MILK. Her vision for the Park and others was holding activities such as Jazz in the Garden or other events that bring the community together. The ban that occurred at the park was because of ATV usage and property destruction. Enforcement through the Neighborhood Police program could prevent that. She did not think it was fair to put a jewel in the community and not allow the community to use it to the best of its ability. Vice Chair Katz advised, he would not support additional funding for a performance pavilion or amphitheater. The expectation of the community prior to City staff repurposing the canopy was there would be no amphitheater or performance pavilion at all. It was not included in the master plan or discussed and not a single Board Member advocated for it during their approvals. It was fine if the Board wanted to budget more money for it in the future, but he disagreed with the characterization that the canopy, that cost $80K to $100K, was a hand me down. He disagreed with Board Member Romelus, it was not just ATVs that led to prohibitions at the park; it was unsanctioned parties, violence and shootings that occurred there. The community should celebrate the park as a $2M revitalization project. There are greater needs in the HOB than the amphitheater. The investment is sufficient and in the future, they can discuss an expansion. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Board Member Penserga thanked staff for being proactive and for salvaging the cover. He contended people are grateful for it, but when building with taxpayer funds, people expect the job to be done right. It is compounded by its location and the history of the area. He supported Board Member Romelus' view and thought if there was an affordable solution, it should be pursued. He favored something comparable and doubted it would cost more than $10K. Chair Grant explained the City Commission voted not to issue permits at Sara Sims Park in February 2016, in part because someone was shot the day after Christmas. The City needs to make sure the park is safe. C. The Ocean Breeze East Project Update Mr. Simon explained the developer of the Ocean Breeze East Project, Centennial Management, submitted drawings to the Building Department and received their first round of comments. They will respond before the end of August with revised drawings, and they are still on schedule to begin construction in November 2019. There was brief discussion about a potential ground breaking event for the project start, which was proposed for November 2019. A potential groundbreaking event commencement of the project could be tied to the parks opening. It could highlight both the projects and was a great opportunity to do two things at the same time. The proximity of the park was close to the building site. Mr. Simon will apprise the Board of the dates for both opening celebrations. Chair Grant noted the estimate for the construction of Ocean Breeze East was $17AM, and the cost of a washer dryer was $50 a month. He inquired if the fee was something the tenant would pay. One item repeatedly drawn up at community meetings was the washer and dryers and how the rent would reflect the appliances if the tenant wants to rent those appliances. If so, $50 a month would be included. Mr. Simon offered to speak with the developer how to offset the $50 a month times the 123 units and report to the Board. Chair Grant noted the amount in question was $73K a year. He asked if the rents included utilities including cable. He wanted to ensure the project is affordable and the management is not charging the tenants for utilities and application fees or if the CRA needed to provide a greater subsidy to make it cost effective for tenants. Board Member McCray agreed noting $50 a month was $600 more rent for tenants annually. He wanted to ensure the tenants who rent could afford it. Board Member Romelus recalled the Board was given information rents ranged from $400 to $1,200, depending on family size, income and number of bedrooms. She requested seeing those numbers again and wanted more information publicized how residents in Boynton Beach can start reaching out to Centennial or the property manager to be placed on a first come, first served wait list. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Vice Chair Katz understood basic appliances would be included. It is workforce housing and there is a level of expectation and dignity with having basic appliances included. In regard to utilities such as electric, water and cable, those should be the tenant's responsibility. He wanted the washers and dryers included. Chair Grant noted the developer had not requested tax incremental funding. The Board may be able to use the increased taxes from the development to pay for improvements to the development. D. Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach (HWCBB) Project Update Ms. Shutt advised that last month the Board approved a contract with Specialized Property Services for the interior and exterior painting and waterproofing for the building. The contract was executed by the August 1St deadline. A preconstruction meeting followed on August 9th and the work will commence by August 19th. The bond and insurance is in place. In order to have the painting done, the CRA had to fix all the windows and doors that were badly deteriorated, at approximately $24K including an owners contingency so all would be ready for the painters to start. The hardware will not be replaced until the painting is finished. Weather permitting; the project will be completed by December 1St. Part of the expense will be paid for using the Solid Waste Authority grant of $66K in addition to CRA funds. Chair Grant noted there was a mural at the back of the stage. He wanted the see if the mural had historical value and requested consensus to have the painters delay painting over the mural until staff could ascertain the cost to store or repair it. Vice Chair Katz asked if it would delay the job. Ms. Shutt responded it was not a problem. The issue is the plaster repair. Board Members Romelus, Penserga and McCray had no objections to delaying painting the mural. Ms. Shutt explained staff would assign fees and programming for the building in the next few months. Vice Chair Katz was not opposed to considering preserving it, but wanted further details. There was an original mural in the back that was painted over, and there was a curtain that is historic, which staff kept. Board Member McCray suggested painting around the mural so the rest of the painting could proceed. Presently, the building is losing money. Mr. Simon wanted to move the work forward. The Board bought the building with all the furnishings. Chair Grant wanted the Board to get an appraiser to see if there was anything of value in the building. He asked if the building would have new furniture as some people do not like to use old items and the Board could keep or sell the item after they learn if the items have historic value. Board Member McCray did not want the building to lose its historic effect. Ms. Shutt explained staff would keep the historic contents. Chair Grant suggested itemizing the contents, and taking inventory and pictures to create a record of the artwork and furniture. Vice Chair Katz suggested making those types of decisions when the Board determines a use for the building. If the Board tries to retain the decorum of the building, it may limit use of the building to individuals who favor that style. He thought the building should have a flexible and neutral interior. Chair Grant agreed. 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 E. The Model Block Infill Housing Project - NW 11th Avenue Roadway Project Ribbon Cutting Mr. Simon explained a ribbon cutting for the above project associated with the Model Block Infill Housing project occurred. The project was a joint collaboration with the City and the CRA, which despite the heat was well attended and the newspapers carried it. The CRA appreciated the Community Caring Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the City's involvement with the project. An image of the project was viewed. Mr. Simon noted the grassy area where the next 10 new homes would be built by Habitat for the Model Block. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Habitat for Humanity at the east end of NW 11th. It was a moving experience. He thanked the Board for their participation and partnership. Board Member McCray thanked the CRA for the fence on the north side next to Poinciana Elementary School and he was glad to see the Principal of Poinciana attended. Board Member Romelus was excited about the partnership with Habitat for Humanity and other community partners. F. Palm Beach County Housing Authority Project Update Mr. Simon explained the CRA received a letter from the Housing Authority to schedule a meeting. A meeting was planned for early July, which did not occur and it was rescheduled for August 30th at 10 a.m. at the CRA office. The City Manager, Mr. Simon, and Ms. Jones-Gilbert, Executive Director, Mr. Larry Greenberg, Chief Operating Officer, and the Property Asset Manager from the Housing Authority will be present. A report about the meeting will be made at the September meeting. Chair Grant noted the Housing Authority has their next meeting on August 19th and he planned to attend and explain the Board's position to build something together. It is a big undertaking to do all things at once, based on the letter the Board wrote. There were no objections from the Board for Chair Grant to attend and provide the Board's position based on the letter. 11. Consent Agenda A. Financial Report Period Ending June 30, 2019 B. Financial Report Period Ending July 31, 2019 C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - July 9, 2019 12. Pulled Consent Agenda Items Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida August 13, 2019 ® Public Hearing 14. Old Business A. Consideration and Discussion of Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Budget Jobara Jenkins, Accounting and Finance Manager, noted page one of the budget report and announced staff found additional funding in reference to the DIFA that could be reallocated. The amount was $237,296. This was due to a decrease in the DIFA from Casa Costa at $43,500, Walmart at $100, Seaborn Cove Phase I at $8,250, Seaborn Cove Phase 11 at $10,500, and 500 Ocean at $174,946. As of the July meeting and with the additional funding, the amount available to reallocate was $499,505. Vice Chair Katz noted an upcoming item regarding a property on MLK Jr. Boulevard. He recommended, if there was any desire to try to acquire or appropriate funds to acquire the property, the Board use most of the unallocated money. One property could use up a majority of the available funds and there would be much less money to acquire other parcels. Board Member McCray agreed and wanted public input before voting. Board Member Penserga wanted to increase funds for the Art Walk. The walks receive about 1% or less of the total events budget and the walks have been successful. He supported a prior discussion to increase the allocation from $6K to $20K, pending data from staff. Mercedes Coppins, Business Promotion and Events Manager, placed information on the dais that outlined the request at the last meeting for the In Culture Art Walk in January. She provided a budget breakdown, which gave a full overview of funds spent and a recap of the event provided last February 2019. Board Member Romelus requested a year-to- year analysis, but there was only one In Culture Art Walk in January 2019. Additionally included was an overview of the Rock the Plaza events with the dates and locations for fiscal year 18/19 and the estimated attendance for each event. Board Member McCray agreed to support the Art Walks, but only for$10K. Board Member Romelus queried why a $20K allocation was requested. Board Member Penserga estimated $6K per event, which was about $6,500 per event. If the event was doubled, it was $13K. There are marketing costs and he believed $4K would cover marketing for both events. The request was for $20K because there would be two events. Mr. Simon thought $17K for two events was appropriate. Chair Grant noted the CRA Advisory Board wanted to add an additional officer to the Neighborhood Officer Program (NOP). Chair Grant supported adding a Community Service Officer (CSO), not necessarily a sworn officer. He was happy to see the economic development grants. The CRA Advisory Board wanted to increase the allocation to $289K. Chair Grant wanted the Board to consider having a safety grant so 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 certain CRA businesses could apply for a 50% reimbursement for security cameras and floodlights. The maximum reimbursable amount was $5K on a $10K investment. He felt it would help improve safety, especially with the new Real Time Crime Center. Vice Chair Katz supported the $17K or $20K for two Art Walks and more advertising, noting the art area was included for a reason and the Board should pay attention to it since the last event was successful. He liked the Chair's idea about reimbursement for security upgrades as long as recipients agree in writing to a tie into the Police Department, effectively becoming part of the Real Time Crime network. Vice Chair Katz expressed his concern over who pays for the NOP and who the appropriate funding source was. The CRA Advisory Board increased the cost. A CSO is less, but at some point if they have a CRA Police Force, it would raise questions as to if it was an appropriate use of the funds. Those funds could be used to alleviate slum and blight in the future. He thought the program would expand and the City Commission should allocate City funds so CRA funds could be used to rehabilitate slum and blight. Marsha Levine, 625 Casa Loma Boulevard, was present. Board Member McCray asked Ms. Levine if the $20K increase was too much money. Ms. Levine advised she was a new resident, but she recognized how special Boynton Beach was with so much public art. She joined the Arts Commission as an art lover and serves as Vice Chair. She works in the Cornell Art Museum and is aware of how successful the Delray first Friday Art Walk is as she visits other South Florida Art walks. The Boynton Beach Arts District is currently, the only thriving outlet for community artists. It needs funding to grow. Parking is challenging as the crowds grow. She recommended a shuttle service during the event. When funding brings in quality vendors, which occurred with the last Art Walk, attendance rose. She attended every art walk since she moved to Boynton Beach. The crowd size is growing and it needs marketing and funding. Boynton Beach is hungry for events like this and it will take more funding to make them successful. Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27th Way, reiterated Ms. Levine's comments. The event became very large very quickly and she believed the District could benefit from the CRA's expertise. She agreed a shuttle bus or crossing guards is needed and parking is the big hindrance. Board Member McCray asked if the NOP needed a Sworn Officer or CSO. Captain Paul Deale explained the CRA Advisory Board wanted four Sworn Officers and one CSO. A Sworn Officer has arrest powers and can respond to certain calls that a CSO could not. CSO's cannot take sworn statements or issue criminal citations. They can only handle non-criminal activities, parking violations and traffic crashes. Captain Deale advised Chief Gregory would have to make the final decision. From a Police Department standpoint, they would love the suggestion of another officer. Board Member McCray thought there was one Sworn Officer and one CSO approved by the City Commission. Captain Deale agreed. He clarified Sergeant Diehl would be taken off the CRA budget and a third officer added to the CRA budget. There will be three officers and one CSO. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Board Member Romelus was fine with the original proposal for three Sworn Officers, and one CSO Officer. Policing is important, but she would rather see the $100K for the Officer be used for other items. As to Board Member Penserga's request for the $20K for the arts, she would like to see numbers. If the numbers justified the results, she would support. She wanted to see a proposed budget and an itinerary. Her concern with the Art Walk was about safety and she thought the Board should consider another location. She did not want a shuttle and wanted to move the Art Walk. Board Member Penserga was in favor of the Safety Program and agreed with Vice Chair Katz they need more officers, but he did not think they needed their own police force. He supported the Art Walk. Chair Grant noted there is a cross walk with a lighted signal for people to cross to the Art Walk. He requested looking into the free shuttles popping up in different locations. He noted a representative from Habitat for Humanity was present and requested he present how they use their non-profit grants and the Board explore raising the allocation as well. Mohamed Abdalla, Habitat for Humanity, 181 SW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, explained they are interested in a grant for $75K. He distributed historical data from 1998 to the present day in Boynton Beach, noting they completed 76 projects. Three projects are still under contract and five were pending, bringing the total projects to 84. They want to use the grant and grow their neighborhood revitalization program. This past year, they completed 11 projects. Their goal is to double the projects to 25 this year. From 2010 to 2019, they completed 72 Brush with Kindness projects, 23 critical repairs, one community master project, four community cleanups, and one Resource Fair. They want to continue the close relationship they have with the City and CRA and double the amount of projects, if awarded the grants. As of July, the Board allocated $95K. Mr. Simon explained the Board could decide if they want all of the funds in the line item or a percentage of it to be used by applicants of the economic and business incubator type, non-profits and housing and rehab and affordable housing non-profits annually. Last year, the CRA Advisory Board decided 80% of the funds would go for rehab or housing, bricks and mortar, and 20% for other types of economic development programs. Vice Chair Katz commented the Board has grants. Every year, the Board gives the bulk of their grants to the Community Caring Center and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to qualifying for the grants, which are open to any non- profits, the Board typically gives land to the entities as the Board is financing the expansion of the Community Caring Center and the relocation of it. He worried if they create a grant for these two organizations, they should name the grants for them because it gives the perception the Board has set aside an allotment for them. These grants should be available to entities who may not be as competitive or well established. Attorney Duhy announced the 2019 Legislative issue resulted in changes to language in the Statute regarding what was an allowable CRA expenditure. There was a clause stricken and non-profit grants was an area they are researching. The work done with 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Habitat is within the parameter, but not the job training. It is more of the other non-profit events. The CRA mandate is for private enterprise. Chair Grant asked if it was better to have non-profit grants for rehabilitation and economic development. Ms. Shutt explained there are four categories under the grant and one is to eliminate slum and blight. There was some inquiry from Community Greening about planting trees. Staff will bring it back to the Board and it would be fine if the Board wanted to eliminate a category. Attorney Duhy explained what the Board has been doing has been fine. It is specific to the activity. Items that were questionable were items not expressly listed in the language. Chair Grant felt outcomes for non-profit grants was fine, but if called a non-profit grant, it may be murky. Chair Grant requested further clarification on all categories and thought grants should be open to all businesses: not just non-profits and the Board can determine if the total of $95K was for all the categories or specific ones. Currently it is the total for all categories. Chair Grant requested the categories be discussed at the next meeting and thanked Habitat for all they do. Ms. Oyer explained the Boynton Beach Arts District is privately owned and moving is not an option. She explained she had suggested the CRA Advisory Board add an extra officer as she gets calls from people in District II and INCA as they are upset about security and they are not in the HOB. He:-thought was another officer would patrol the entire District, excluding the HOB, as it is already covered. The south end of the CRA District would like another officer. Mr. Simon advised the Board funded all of the recommendations staff made at the last meeting but the Professional Services line item (Development Services, Architecture Engineering). If approved, the allocation would fund engineering services for NW 3rd Street leaving $65K in professional services. Mr. Simon suggested the allocation be increased $35K for a total of$100K. The line item in the current year budget for the Economic and Business Development Grants has about $175K to $200K worth of requests pending approval before the end of the fiscal year. If that occurred, staff would only have $150K on October 1st. With the current amount available, there would be $272K for October 1st. The Board could allocate a different amount. Mr. Simon wanted the Board to be aware that given the importance of the project on MILK Jr. Boulevard, it would take precedence over funding programs, but the Board could or decide not to increase the funding. Vice Chair Katz supported per the Executive Director's request adding $35K to Professional Services. He assumed the budget already included the $5K for the Art Walk and adding $12K to the line item for a total of $17K. He supported allocating $200K for MILK Jr. Boulevard in anticipation of a potential property acquisition that is on the agenda later in the meeting. Those three items totaled $247K out of $499K leaving $250K. He supported allocating some to the Economic Development Grants, but did not want to allocate all of the funds as other Board members could make allocations. There was $174K left. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Board Member McCray was in favor of Board Member Penserga's recommendations, but he supported a $20K allocation for the Art Walk. There was consensus for $20K for the Art Walk. Board Member McCray favored the status quo with three Sworn Officers and one CSO. Sergeant Henry Diehle explained that on March 13th the Police Chief made a presentation to the Board for three Sworn Officers and one CSO. He will still be in charge of the unit, but the City of Police Department will pay his salary. Sergeant Diehl reiterated the change was the one CSO added on. Board Member Romelus did not want a fifth officer, but wanted to know what the difference in cost was if the CSO was replaced with a fourth Officer, and learned it would be about $50K. Board Member Romelus was fine with the three officers and one CSO. She agreed the remainder of the cash should to go towards the Business and Economic Development line items. Chair Grant advised V-J Day at Veterans Park in the CRA was forthcoming and the CRA has not promoted those events. He would like to see that changed. He also saw no May event, and they have Armed Forces Day on the Third Saturday in May. He wanted to see if they could partner with the Fish Depot Bar and Grill and Veterans Park for an Armed Forces Day and give special promotions to Boynton Veterans and surrounding areas. He suggested adding $15K to $20K to the Marketing and Events line item. Attorney Duhy explained one question on CRA allowable expenditures had to do with marketing and events. The law on that is from Attorney General Opinions that relied on a clause that was deleted. Some events are within the realm of allowable expenditures, but they have to be directed to marketing businesses and economic development. She would bring back additional information, but some events may be questionable. Mr. Simon commented he also anticipated the second Art Walk would be scheduled in May. The CRA could offer social media and cross marketing for veterans events because it does not involve spending money and it markets the overall CRA. Chair Grant commented when they attend Palm Beach County Days that they would see if they are eliminating Veteran events, He supported adding $50K to Business and Economic Development Grants and the remainder to the MILK Corridor area. Vice Chair Katz asked if the Lionfish Derby continuation was included in the Events line item and learned it was. Board Member McCray agreed with Chair Grant and did not want all the monies going to Business and Economic Development grants. Board Member Romelus agreed with the others about Business and Economic Development Grants. She learned of a pilot project from North Miami to help prevent crime at the Sister Cities Conference. The program purchases cameras for people who 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 want to stop crime but cannot afford to buy one. They form a partnership with the local Police Department to provide Ring cameras and video feeds to help crimes to be solved. The program effected a significant decrease in crime rates. Ring cameras cost $150. She thought about purchasing 100 cameras for $15,000 to fund the program and placing them at the homes of a few interested volunteers per street would be appropriate, spanning from the Intracoastal area to the Heart of Boynton. There was consensus. Vice Chair Katz would support it, as long as the grant was used in the CRA area, as there are some areas that were more crime prone. There would need to be criteria. He did not know what the qualifications would be, but it was essential the cameras be used for the intended purpose. Chair Grant thought the Safety Grant he had mentioned earlier for businesses could include residential properties as well. Mr. Simon explained they are involved with affordable housing with partners that focus on income levels. He thought they might want to fund Ring Cameras for the Model Block, Ocean Breeze West and other income eligible residences, through Habitat for Humanity. Staff should bring the item back for discussion and tie it into income eligible recipients, targeting affordable areas or other areas needing additional security measures. Attorney Duhy advised there is an additional cost for the Ring owner to maintain an archive of videos, but agreed it is an overall deterrent. Board Member McCray supported marketing the program to anyone who would like one, but did not favor giving Rings to all Habitat homes. He favored providing the cameras to the elderly and anyone else who qualified. It was noted Wi-Fi is required. Commissioner Romelus did not feel Wi-Fi was an issue because most families having students receiving free or reduced school lunches qualify for internet from Comcast for $10 a month. The Wi-Fi issue could be resolved. Board Member Penserga supported the initiative. He recommended staff approach the company as it is a pilot program and they may want to contribute cameras as part of a pilot program or give a group discount. Board Member Romelus directed staff to speak with the Police Chief because they were doing something with the cameras and she thought this could expand the effort with a much lower cost. There was agreement to add $124,363 to the MLK Corridor item. There was also consensus on the draft budget for the next meeting. B. Approval of the FY 2019 - 2021 Boynton Harbor Marina Dockage Lease Agreement Tabled 7/9/19 Motion Board Member McCray moved to remove the item from the table. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. This item was tabled pending information on transient dockage and comparable marina lease increases. The rents generated $14,800 in transient slip rentals outside of annual dockage agreements at the $2 pricing. The 50-cent increase would provide an additional 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 $7,400 if the same amount of transient rentals occurred. They are adding advertising to the Marina as boaters can register and find transient slip rentals on the go. There are services and location benefits the CRA Marina has over other marinas, which go well with restaurants and Ocean Avenue. He did not believe the 50-cent difference put the Marina in any danger of turning away boaters. (Board Member Romelus left the dais at 8:35 p.m.) Chair Grant asked Bryan Smith, Harbormaster, if he noted an increase in transient dockage now that the Marina rent is less than other marinas. Mr. Smith, Harbormaster, explained the increase occurred after the building was complete and the addition of the store. Rentals have been steady since then. (Board Member Romelus returned to the meeting at 8:37 p.m.) Chair Grant noted the Marina competition increased their rental rates and thought the $2.50 rate would add value. In a discussion earlier in the day with the Harbormaster, it was suggested the CRA staff start providing event items for the different CRA events for people to buy. It could be a marketing tool. Mr. Smith noted they sell out of cuzzies. The Marina was looking for different cuzzies for the season, but would welcome the Chair's suggestions. Chair Grant wanted the non-transient dockage fee to remain the status quo. Motion Board Member McCray so moved. Vice Chair Katz seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. C. CRA Board Discussion and Consideration of Executive Director's Annual Performance Review Chair Grant did not recall seeing an email about the item. He was able to fill out the review earlier in the day. He asked if the other Board Members wanted to fill out the review before the next CRA meeting. There was agreement to do so. Attorney Duhy asked Mr. Simon if he agreed to the postponement and he did. His contract ended in May and any increase would be retroactive. Motion Board Member McCray moved to table to the next meeting. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Attorney Duhy noted Mr. Simon's contract does not have a fixed term, but he still has an annual review to consider pay and expenses. 14 Meeting Minutes Community e evelop ent Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 1 , 2019 D. 211 E. Ocean Avenue Project Update Mr. Simon explained the Board had requested staff provide an update about the 211 E. Ocean property and potential redevelopment activities around the parcel. In July, it was suggested the property be used as a CRA office, but the discussion ended as the CRA is moving to City Hall when the current lease expires. The 211 E. Ocean Avenue building is there and no new funds were invested in it. Mr. Simon had several meetings with adjacent property owners about them combining their properties and Mr. Simon met with individuals who noticed the proximity to the Town Square and redevelopment opportunities. If the CRA Board wants to continue those discussions, he could bring back a letter of interest, or issue an RFP. Chair Grant was not ready to go to RFP and thought speaking with adjacent property owners was best. Chair Grant noted the City moved the Kapok Tree and the building was older than the tree. He suggested the Board Members tour the building, which he thought, could be used for a Visitors Center for the new green space. The City does not have a Visitors Center and he did not know if the City Hall Library would serve that function. Barring the costs, the property value could be used to defer those costs to the adjacent property owners. Board Member McCray favored the Visitor's Center and pointed out the Chamber of Commerce had information years ago. He wanted visitors to know what was going on downtown. Vice Chair Katz commented the house needed to be moved one way or another, whether it is demolished or not. After years of exhaustive attempts to find a use above someone cleaning up the building and occupying it as a gift shop or other low intensive use. It was prime real estate towards the eastern development of Ocean Avenue and the Town Square. The house needs to go whether the building was repurposed or used as a welcome center. He did not support placing in on greenspace in the Town Square because they will lose the green space. He was concerned about spending additional money into relocating the building for the estimated $125K. He felt the home was on the local historic register to access historic building grants, although the building has no purpose. The home is 728 square feet. Chair Grant suggested Mr. Simon explore the two options using the two adjacent property owners to see what they are willing to do. G. Neighborhood Officer Program 2nd Quarter Report for FY 2018 - 2019 Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. Chair Grant commented in the future, part of the program will not have a Sergeant specifically assigned, but they have access to the Captain from the Crime Prevention Unit. The new location will be in the CRA District in Ocean Palm Plaza. He wanted to see how the CRA could help with the conversion of that location. Board Member McCray asked when the office would move. Sergeant Diehl responded the Board approved 1 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida August 13, 2019 authorization to sign the lease. The tentative move-in date is October 1st of this year. He noted the report was the 3rd Quarter Report. Motion Vice Chair Katz amended his motion to accept the 3rd Quarter Report. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. H. Consideration of the October 8, 2019 Board Meeting Date Mr. Simon noted the October 8th meeting falls on Yom Kippur and asked if the Board wanted to move the date meeting date. There was consensus to meet on Monday, October 7th, 15. New Business A. Consideration and Discussion of the Letter of Interest Submitted by Bride of Christ Tabernacle Church for the CRA Owned Property Located on NE 10th Avenue Mr. Simon provided the location of the lot. The Church purchased the lot and approached the CRA about acquiring the CRAs vacant lot for a childcare center for 40 children, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 p.m. The Church provided a site plan and the plan meets the City's requirements. There was prior discussion about the need for childcare and with the new development from Centennial Management providing 125 to 130 more housing units, there would be an increase in children. The plan meets the City's zoning requirements. The Church has not provided a purchase price, but the property appraised for $49K on August 6t". Staff could ask for a price and bring it back with a formal offer of purchase. The CRA originally acquired the property through a land transfer between the City and CRA in 2010. It was an equal transfer. Board Member McCray noted the Church expanded. As for the child care development center, the property they own is fenced off and thought if the CRA sells them the property, the CRA could have access to the property for any event on MLK when nothing going on at the Church. Chair Grant commented Centennial Management is looking to expand NE 1St Street toMLK. If they need any right away or easement from the Church, they should include it. The Church was using city lots for parking on Sunday. He felt available child care helps economic development. He wanted the CRA Advisory Board to review the different day care facilities the CRA District has to see if they need to expand. He was aware of the Lutheran Non-Profit Florida Head Start. He wanted it broad reaching because of the new development that is ongoing at the Town Square and HOB. He requested a motion for the Advisory Board to review those two items. 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Motion Board Member McCray so moved. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. Board Member Romelus was aware childcare was an issue and questioned what it had to do with the agenda item. She did not want to delay the issue for two months. Chair Grant explained he was trying to get all the information before making a decision. Board Member McCray agreed with giving it to the CRA Advisory Board. Currently, the property the CRA owns is fenced. There was no urgency to give the property away. Dara Marie Verna, Project Manager, explained the Church is a Mission Church which means they give away all of their funds. They had to tear down the other Church in 2016. They are a poor church, which created a problem when Ms. Verna attempted to obtain a mortgage to build the church. They wanted a day care and wanted to open it to the public. Ms. Verna conducted a review of the 18 day care centers in the area, excluding the YMCA, to decide what would work and learned the day care centers are pricey. The prices ranged from $150 for day care in a private home for up to six children to $290 a week. The area across the street is low-income. She spoke with the Church about giving the youth the best care, best teachers and programs that everyone else was offering, while offering it at a very low price, and they agreed. They can charge and still have a new state of the art facility with meal programs, Head Start and programs for single moms. Ms. Verna, when conducting the survey, noted most of the pricier centers had no vacancies. The day cares on the lower end did, but did not provide meals or the appropriate number of instructors for each class. The Church intends to have high quality teachers. Day care facilities have to be certified for Head Start and for other state programs. The Church only has services once a week and used the parking when the new Church was built in 2016. The builders, architect and others who built the Church charged reduced rates. The Church decided it was good to give a little back. Accessible local day care is needed at prices residents can afford. She offered to show her report of the 18 day cares surveyed and hoped the Board would consider their request. Vice Chair Katz asked if the Church was planning to operate the day care and learned the Church would hire the teachers and directors for the day care and they would be paid. If the CRA gives the Church the property, the Church will operate the day care and Unity of Title would be needed. Vice Chair Katz noted the Church members have children that would utilize the day care. He asked what percentage of the day care slots would be available to the public, versus the Church member youth. The parishioners live far away. A bus picks them up to attend services, so day care for parishioner youth would occur where the parishioners live. They only have one service a week. She thought having people moving across the street that are low income would keep the day care full. They need 40 people. They only use the parking on Sunday and when they have their service during the week after 5 p.m. The day care would be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or a little longer, because many day cares charge a dollar a minute if parents pick up their children after 6 p.m. Some cities also allow day care on Saturdays, but some do not. The plan was to offer day care five days a week, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 13, 2019 Board Member McCray was concerned the day care would be used by the parishioner's children and noted CRA dollars would be spent. He had a problem with what was presented and wanted the Advisory Board to review the item. Board Member Romelus asked to see the survey, which Ms. Verna agreed to forward, Ms. Verna reiterated a majority of the students would be local children because the parishioners live far away. Board member Romelus suggested Ms. Verna forward the information to the CRA Advisory Board and talk about the parking lot that is not used five out of seven days. Vote The motion unanimously passed. B. CRA letter of interest to purchase the property. Mr. Simon explained at the Board's direction, staff was monitoring activities with the closing of the Family Dollar store and spent time with Ken Dodge from Legal, trying to stay in front of the Family Dollar Corporate entity. A property owner and investor owns this property. Staff was able to locate the owner and Legal conveyed the Board's interest in seeing the property be successful. The owner was contacted and open to the CRA's efforts. He would use the CRA's assistance to find a tenant, sell the property if they found a purchaser, or even if the CRA was interested in purchasing the property. The owner is actively negotiating a lease buy-out with the Family Dollar, as they are an active tenant under the terms of the lease. If the CRA wanted to purchase the property, he would want $1.1 M to $1.2M, which is the difference between what Family Dollar Corporation is willing to pay the owner to release them from their obligations under the lease. He was giving the CRA the right of first refusal. Board Member McCray asked how much the CRA spent on the property and learned they spent about $800K for two vacant lots that comprised the site plus $103K in Economic Development grants. Boos Development constructed the building. Board Member McCray thought the CRA was suckered. He did not want to pay another$1.1 M or$1.2M. Board Member Penserga support keeping the property under the CRA's control and favored purchasing the property. Chair Grant noted the appraised value of $1M to the Boos Family and placed a soft second on it so they could not just turn around and sell it. He thought it was an opportunity to obtain an 8,000 square foot building that could be used for a grocery store the community always wanted. He thought it was foolish to think the owner would do anything in the range of$1.1 to $1.2M and thought the Board should offer the $1.2M as their highest bid to avoid negotiating back and forth. Board Member Romelus agreed with Board Member McCray. When Family Dollar was built, it was all they could get. At this point, the CRA has a much better layout of what 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 1 , 2019 MILK Jr. Boulevard would b-- and can recreate an anchor on MILK Jr. Boulevard and Seacrest. The food dessert in the HOB would also be alleviated. Vice Chair Katz commented many of the properties have not turned out the way they wanted. He felt the CRA should wash their hands of the matter, but recognized the value in trying to control the property, which is adjacent to a major project. If the CRA does purchase the property and discuss a grocer or a green market, they would spent $1.2 million and just hand it to someone or sell it to someone at a discount. He could not support making a decision at this time because he did not know enough about it to allocate $1.2M. Chair Grant did not know what the owner would get from Family Dollar. If he only gets $300K or $400K, the CRA's offer would not be good enough and he would ask for more. If he gets $1.5M, he would take the CRA's offer. The property sold in 2016 for $2.5M, so the CRA would be getting the building for less than it would have cost the CRA to build. If they do not make the offer, they have no chance to control the outcome. Acquiring the property would allow the Board to decide what would occur at the site. They have a myriad of options and it will add value to the Centennial Management project by allowing for additional parking. He noted Centennial can only build three stories because do not have a parking garage. The property is Mixed-Use II, which allows height up to 65 feet. He did not think the developer has any issue of paying property taxes, which are $40K a year. Chair Grant asked for a motion to approve spending $1.2M to move ahead with the letter of interest. Motion Board Member Penserga moved to approve the letter of interest. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-2 (Board Member McCray and Vice Chair Katz dissenting.) C. Consideration of an Interlocal Agreement between the Boynton Beach CRA and City of Boynton Beach for Engineering Services Related to the NE 3rd Street Roadway and Utility Improvements Project. Motion Vice Chair Katz moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. D. Consideration of Registration and Travel Expenses to Attend the Florida Redevelopment Association 2019 Annual Conference on October 16-18, 2019 in Tampa, Florida 19 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 1 , 2019 Chair Grant requested confirmation the item would permit all five Board Members to attend the Conference. Vice Chair Katz and Board Member McCray advised they could not attend. Chair Grant attended last year and thought it was very beneficial. He noted there are two CRA Advisory Board members that would attend and he requested they provide a report on the sessions they attended, what they learned and what they would like to see the CRA Board change. Board Member Penserga would like to attend, as did Board Member Romelus. Board Member McCray requested Board Members Romelus and Penserga also provide a report. Motion Board Member Romelus moved to approve. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. E. Consideration of the Invitation to the 37th Annual Business Development Board Gala for Palm Beach County Chair Grant commented he requested this item be put on the agenda, noting there is a significant cost to attend the award ceremony. He requested, since he was not attending the FRA Conference, to attend this function instead in order to meet and work with high level businesses in Palm Beach County. Board Member McCray thought the price was high and the cost for the ticket should be used for the CRA mission. He thought Chair Grant had networked long enough. Board Member Penserga agreed and commented he will not attend. The ticket cost was high and it is not a work related event. Board Member Romelus disagreed. She will not attend, but thought Chair Grant could. It is a coveted board and she thought he could meet employers to help grow the City. Vice Chair Katz thought it was extravagant. He thought it an irony for a Business Development Board to throw an event for the CRA and charge the highest ticket price. He could not support the event at this time. David Katz, 67 Midwood Lane, explained the meeting backup states there is a budget for meetings and conferences. He asserted the event was a gala. He thought it was a meet and greet and attending may go outside the constraints of Chapter 163. He requested the Board not approve the request. The FRA is a much more important event and it has lectures and workshops. This event was just a dinner. Ms. Oyer opposed attending the event. She asked if other cities were attending. She commented it is expensive and overpriced even for the Breakers. She thought if Chair Grant truly wanted to go, he could use his expense funds. Boynton Beach is the third largest City in Palm Beach County, and the City is on every radar. She questioned how 20 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton each, Florida August 13, 2019 the event matched the CRA's mission and requested the Board vote against it as it is not a good use of taxpayer dollars. Seeing there was no agreement on the issue, Chair Grant moved to the next item. 16. CRA Advisory Board A. CRA Advisory Board Agenda - August 1, 2019 B. CRA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2019 C. Notice of Relocation of the September 5, 2019 CRAAB Meeting D. Pending Assignments E. Reports on Pending Assignments F. New Assignments Child Care and Bride of Christ Letter of Interest. 17. Future Agenda Items A. Consideration of Terms for the Purchase and Development Agreement with the Community Caring Center Boynton Beach, Inc. (CCC), for their property located at 145 NE 4th Avenue B. Discussion of a Joint Venture Agreement 18. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss, Board Member McCray moved to adjourn. Board member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 21