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Minutes 01-04-18 MINUTES OF THE CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING IN CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD. BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA 33435 HELD ON THURSDAY, January 4, 2018, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Linda Cross, Chair Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director, CRA Robert Pollock, Vice Chair Theresa Utterback, Development Services Allen Hendricks Manager Rick Maharajh Bonnie Nicklien, Administrative Services James DeVoursney (arrived at 6:37 p.m.) and Grant Manager, CRA Lisa Edmondson, Prototype, Inc. ABSENT: Thomas Murphy, Jr. I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Roll was called, and it was determined a quorum was present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. III. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda - None B. Adoption of Agenda Motion made by Mr. Maharajh, seconded by Mr. Hendricks, to adopt the agenda as presented. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (4-0), with Dr. DeVoursney not yet arrived. IV. Information Only A. Financial Report Period Ending December 31, 2017 V. Public Comment Meeting Minutes CRA Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 4, 2018 Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27 Way, said that her neighborhood has a holiday decorating contest, and it has improved the morale of her neighborhood. She would like to see the City and the CRA promote a contest, whether it is for businesses or residential. She talked about competitions in other cities and thought it would become a tourist attraction. When Mr. Maharajh asked if she was willing to spearhead the effort on a volunteer basis, and she said she would. [Dr. DeVoursney arrived at 6:37 p.m.] VI. Consent A. Approval of CRAAdvisory Board Meeting Minutes - December 7, 2017 Motion made by Mr. Hendricks, seconded by Dr. DeVoursney, to approve the minutes of the December 7, 2017, meeting. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5- 0). VII. Assignments A. Pending Assignments from November 14, 2017, CRA Board Meeting 1. Review and Discuss the CRA Special Events Grant Ms. Shutt recapped the assignment and referred to the attachments in the backup. She noted that the Statute does not mention what the CRA can do in terms of paying for special events. The Attorney General stated an opinion with respect to funding entities promoting tourism and social benefitting programs which departs from the Statutory requirements for CRAs. The opinion stated that events should be done on a case-by- case basis, and are not prohibited outright. Ms. Shutt stated that the CRA is allowed to consider certain aspects of the policy and can recommend alternative funding sources. Ms. Shutt elaborated that the Boynton Beach incubator program was funded through the library grant. The incubator program is limited to economic development for job creation and entrepreneurship, but has to be specific to certain industries that connect to the CRA plan and benefit the CRA District. Vice Chair Pollock feared that using the special events grants would open the CRA up to a lot of organizations wanting handouts. He would prefer the money be spent in the CRA. 2 Meeting Minutes CRA Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 4, 2018 Chair Cross agreed, noting that the Statutes previously looked at were specific to property, from buying it to improving it. She wanted to recommend to the CRA Board that they do not pursue the special events grants. Ms. Shutt commented that several bills are now being discussed in the legislature (SB432 and HB17) in which special events are not going to be allowed to be funded by CRA dollars. Chair Cross confirmed that the memorandums cover what the CRA can spend with its TIF money. Ms. Shutt pointed out the CRA has already spend over $25 million on the marina for beautification, etc. They hope that the revenue from the marina would help cover upkeep and maintenance. Mr. Hendricks noted that they believe that promoting activities in the CRA area is a good thing, but they need to figure out how to do it, perhaps by getting the City involved. He suggested identifying what kind of events they want, and then pursue them. Mr. Hendricks wondered how to classify some activities, such as a Treasure Hunt - whether they would be special events or special programs. Ms. Shutt suggested they might be able to recommend activities to promote "Destination Boynton." She advised following a conservative course of action, staying with what is allowable: brick and mortar, infrastructure, community policing, and economic development case-by-case. If they were found to be in violation of the Statute, Ms. Shutt said they would probably be audited. The Chair of the CRA Board would have to appear before the State and explain the actions of the CRA. Mr. Hendricks asked what was meant by the "AGUIS." Ms. Shutt said it is a grant for nonprofits to be able to fund programs and projects that will further economic development, affordable housing, and two other categories. She said that Boynton Beach has a nonprofit organization grant program, but it is limited to economic development for job creation and entrepreneurship, and the industries have to comply with industries mentioned in the CRA plan. There is $125 million in the program. Mr. Hendricks wanted to work with the City partners to get the best results. Ms. Shutt mentioned that the cycle is still open for the grant. They could fund for job fairs related to economic development in the CRA district to benefit the District and its occupants. Chair Cross reminded the Board that their task is to discuss the special events grant, and she thought they should not pursue them. Mr. Hendricks commented they should focus on opportunities and coordinate with the City. 3 Meeting Minutes CRA Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 4, 2018 Motion made by Mr. Hendricks, seconded by Dr. DeVoursney, that the CRA Advisory Board recommends that: a) The CRA not pursue special events grants considering the restrictions on use of TIF monies by CRAs; and b) To coordinate more with the City on ways the CRA can support events sponsored by the City within the CRA District. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0). B. Reports on Pending Assignments - None C. New assignments from December 12, 2017 CRA Board Meeting - None VIII. CRA Board Items for CRA Advisory Board Review and Recommendations A. Old Business - None B. New Business - None IX. Future Agenda Items A. David Scott, Director of Economic Development and Strategy, City of Boynton Beach, Presentation Regarding the Local Vendor Process (February) X. Adjournment The Unity Festival celebration and movie were announced. Vice Chair Pollock mentioned they have a good group on the Board, and he was glad that a member resigned who was causing a distraction. Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m. [Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.] 4