Minutes 02-11-20 Minutes i Redevelopment i
Hold on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at 5:30 P.M.
ClubhouseAt the Intracoastal Park
Federal2240 N. Highway, Boynton Beach, Florida
Present:
Steven Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Executive Director
Mack McCray, Board Member Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director
Christina Romelus, Board Member Tara Duhy, Board Counsel
Absent:
Justin Katz, Vice Chair
Ty Penserga, Board Member
1. Call to Order
Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Invocation
The invocation was given by Zacharie Toussiant of the Good Samaritan Church
followed by the members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
. Roll Call
A quorum was present.
4. Agenda Approval
A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda
B. Adoption of Agenda
Motion
Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the
motion. The motion unanimously passed.
5. Legal
A. Consideration of Resolution No. 2020-02 of the Boynton Beach
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Recommend that the City of Boynton Beach Readopt and Extend the Time
Certain for the Completion of Projects Described in the Community
Redevelopment Plan and the Termination of the Boynton Beach CRA
Attorney Duhy explained the item is an action from the 2019 Legislative Changes made
regarding CRA's. This action is something that needs to be done from a legal
perspective to reaffirm the CRA's existing sunset date. It does not change anything
else, only reaffirms the sunset date. The Resolution is a recommendation of approval
will go before the City Commission in March.
Motion
Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the
motion. The motion unanimously passed.
6. Informational t i tBoard
A. Disclosure of Conflicts, Contacts, and Relationships for Items Presented to
the CRA Board on Agenda
Chair Grant disclosed he spoke with Rolando Barrero from the Art Walk, Andrew
Podray, Tim Collins and Mark Woods of South Florida Marine. He also attended the
latter's grand opening. He noted they are all on the agenda tonight.
Board Member Romelus had no disclosures. Board Member McCray had no
disclosures, but did announce he received several calls from multiple television stations
requesting he give them an interview, which he declined. The City had already given
interviews and they were good enough. The interviews had nothing to do about the
CRA.
7. Announcements and Awards
A. In Culture Art Walk on January 18, 2020 Recap
Mercedes Coppins, Business Promotions and Events Manager, announced the CRA
partnered with the Boynton Beach Arts District for the In Culture Art Walk. Food and
beverages and performances were available and the CRA assisted the event by
providing a stage, sound equipment, power, lighting and port-o-lets. Estimated
attendance was 250 people. Feedback survey showed 50% of the respondents had
never visited the Art District, so the event marketing was successful. Feedback on the
event was positive. Event organizer Rolando Barrero advised all the participating artists
and vendors made one to two sales each during the event and they were able to
acquire additional leads for future sales or contract work. She had photos of the event
t up and some of the artist studios open during the event.
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B. Rock the Plaza at One Boynton on January 24, 2020 Recap
Ms. Coppin noted the event was held January 24 at the One Boynton property. It
spotlighted restaurants, retail and service businesses operating there. About 250
people attended and there was a stead show of patrons walking throughout the
shopping plaza. The survey showed that 28% of the respondents had never visited the
plaza and staff received responses that attendees were completely unaware there was
a retail aspect at One Boynton. After the event, staff conducted an impact survey to get
feedback from the businesses open during the event. All of the businesses were
grateful for the exposure and saw an increase in foot traffic, and more specifically,
Baciami, Souvlaki Fast, and Tsunami Subs, experienced an increase in sales
compared to the prior weekend. Staff spoke with the director of One Boynton who only
heard positive things about the events from all of the residents and that they were
hopeful the CRA would hold the event again in the future. Images of the event were
shown. Board Member McCray asked if staff follows up a few months later to see if the
business is still picking up, or do the one surrey. Ms. Coppin advised they generally
conduct only one impact survey after the event. Staff could continue to follow up with
businesses after the event, if desired. Board Member McCray thought it would be
beneficial.
Tracy Smith Coffey, Marketing and Business Development, showed a slide of the Sun
Sentinel ad insert placed the Sunday paper before the event. In January, In Culture and
Rock the Plaza event were advertised in the Neighborhood News. Staff ran a full-page
ad in the Atlantic Current magazine, reaching a younger demographic. It's on the FAU
campus and a lot of younger individuals use the magazine. Staff also placed a full-page
ad in the Boca and Delray newspapers. Images were viewed.
C. Rock the Plaza on February 29, 2020, at Ocean Palm Plaza located
at 1550 N. Federal Highway
Ms. Coppin announced the above event that will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. It will
feature live music by The Flyers, have family-friendly games and a business
development game that will encourage attendees to visit the plaza stores. Staff will
have two ribbon-cutting ceremonies: one for the new Crime Prevention and
Neighborhood Officer program office, and the second will be to celebrate the one-year
anniversary of Your CBD Store.
Board Member Romelus inquired about the return on investment when using
newspaper ads. She queried if there were survey questions about how the attendees
became aware of the event. Ms. Smith-Coffey responded surrey results indicate social
media is the main way and it is hit or miss with the print ads. The Neighborhood News
reaches the western community. The Atlantic Current reaches a younger demographic,
but she does not have the actual numbers from the ad. Staff is trying to find different
ways to reach out to millennials and that is one magazine they like. Mr. Simon noted
category in the survey was, "Heard about the event via social media/magazine/poster or
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postcard/signage or word of mouth. It looks like social media is the most well received
method followed by word of mouth. He thought a newspaper for the $695, reaching
12K to 15K customers was something they should continue to use. The survey asks if
the attendee heard about the event from the newspaper, but it was not specific to which
newspaper. Board Member Romelus supported keeping the return on investment in
mind. She wants to get the best bang for the buck, while being mindful how staff is
spending CRA money. Ms. Smith-Coffey explained every event is different when they
get the survey. With Rock the Plaza, the survey said 18% became aware of the event
from the newspaper. For the In Culture event, more were aware of the event through
social media. Board Member Romelus requested an email showing how much is spent
on print and social media, and a plan to take advantage of these results, so it would
have a lesser financial impact, while gaining greater results. Ms. Smith-Coffey noted
younger people are on social media and older people look at papers and magazines.
Some older people are on social media, but the majority prefer print. The name is out
there and Boynton Beach is in the limelight.
Board Member McCray noted often, marketing cannot be measured, but they can
measure the CRA is advertising the City and CRA. He noted the publication: "The Real
Florida Jewish Directory." He noted page 49 marketed the Historic Women's Club. Just
being in the publication, whether it was a targeted area or not, if the name is out there,
someone will recognize that Boynton is in the limelight.
Chair Grant favored checking into a special advertising section in Boca and Delray
magazines, so they could partner with one of the businesses. Instead of just advertising
the event, they have the special advertising section, it would be like the CRA's own
article about businesses in the CRA. He also favored keeping print material, as people
seeing it has an exponential effect. Board Member McCray appreciated the
improvements the CRA has made.
. Information Only
9. Public Comments
Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27th Way, asked about the status of beautification, as last year's
surveys showed businesses and residents want beautification. She noted she brought
forward several ideas over the years, and hoped to see beautification occur because
the City was starting to finish up some of its projects.
10. Consent Agenda
A. Financial Report Period Ending January 31,; 2020
B. Financial Reports for periods June 2019 through December 2019
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C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - December 10, 2019
D. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - January 6, 2020
E. Approval of Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program in the
Amount of$50,000 for Pio Pio 3, LLC Located in 500 Ocean at 510 E.
Ocean Avenue, Unit 105
F. Approval of Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program in the amount
of$21,000 for Pio 3, LLC located in 500 Ocean at 510 E. Ocean
Avenue, Unit 105
G. Approval of Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program in the
amount of$31,328.40 for Palm Beach Chefs, LLC d/b/a Organic Kitchen
and Mercantile located in Ocean Plaza at 640 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 6
H. Approval of Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program in the amount
of $9,000 for Palm Beach Chefs, LLC d/b/a Organic Kitchen and Mercantile
located in Ocean Plaza at 640 E. Ocean Avenue, Unit 6
I. Approval of Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program in the amount
of $15,000 for JR Watersports, Inc. d/b/a South Florida Marine located at
725 N. Federal Highway
J. Approval of 90-day Extension for the Commercial Property Improvement
Grant Program for Property Damage Consultants, Inc. located at 125 E.
Boynton Beach Boulevard
Motion
Board Member Romelus moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Board Member
McCray seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
11. CRA Projects In Progress
A. CRA Marketing and Business Development Project Update
Ms. Smith-Coffey reviewed the information as contained in the agenda item. A short
video was viewed. Ms. Smith-Coffey explained staff placed a quarter page ad in the
Coastal Angler featuring the Weather is Here, promoting transient dockage space
available at the Marina. She spoke with Brian Smith, Dockmaster at the Marina and
learned since placing the ad there and in Marina Life and the South Florida Fishing
Sports magazines, they have increased transient dockage space. He commented they
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were "killing it" and next weekend it is entirely booked for all transient dockage space
and empty slips.
Staff decided to target commercial fishing charters to the Marina as the Dockmaster
wanted to have more fishing charters. They placed an ad in the Florida Sports Fishing
Journal and it is.online and on television. The publication reaches over 200K people,
fisherman and charters. Staff also opted to utilize iContacts marketing for the available
dockage space. Board Member McCray asked if the ads would be run continuously and
learned Mr. Smith will supply the number of times transient dockage space was used
this year compared to last year, but did indicate it increased tremendously. The
magazine publishes once a month. The dockage space campaign started in December
and will run for a year. They change the ads but ran the ad in three publications. Staff
utilized the iContacts for the fishing charters and created a spreadsheet of 33 fishing
charters outside of Palm Beach County, Broward, and North Palm Beach County that
are not in the Marina. Staff sent them an email blast with the ad and the video of the
Boynton Harbor Marina for the Redevelopment Works on the CRA's YouTube page and
received a response. Mr. Smith is currently working with a fishing charter from Broward
who is leaving Broward County and is moving up and hopefully he will be the next
Marina. Board Member McCray suggested marketing the Marina by showing an old
picture that says this is what Boynton used to look like 50 years ago, and show that it
changed from a long time ago.
The Boynton YouTube page was viewed, featuring the different business development
videos. There are three different categories of videos.
Ms. Smith-Coffey explained Mr. Hussain did a social media post between January 13'
and February 3rd. He created 10 posts featuring CRA projects and redevelopment
issues on the CRA's Facebook page to build awareness. The post reached 19,715
people and got 1,585 engagements. The Women's Club got the most engagements
overall, during the last month. Two comments were received they were happy the
building was rehabbed. Board Member McCray asked if there was an event schedule
for.the Women's Club and learned staff did not yet have one. There were some prior
bookings, but there will be a public opening in May. The CRA will launch a video and
hold an Open House.
C. CRA Economic & Business Development Grant Program Update
Bonnie Nicklien, Grant Manager, reviewed her handout. The program budgeted $448K
in the line item. After tonight's approvals, the new balance is $137,311. She had
attached a list of new and pending businesses, as well as Business Tax Receipts
issued to new businesses within the CRA District. Chair Grant inquired if they will have
to wait until they submit their Certificate of Occupancy to receive the funds. He
requested receiving an update next month of when the CRA approved the funding and
when it was paid and how much. He requested the information for the 12 months,
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including Rent and Exterior Fagade and Interior Build-out reimbursements so they can
get an update.
D. Ocean Breeze East Apartment Project Update
Mr. Simon provided images of the progress Centennial made since last month on the
Ocean Breeze East project. There was not a lot of change, but there was a lot of
underground work ongoing regarding drainage and infrastructure before they can start
vertical construction. They are moving quickly. Staff is also supplying names of
potential tenants on a weekly basis. Anyone interested in applying for tenancy should
call 561.600.9094 and speak with Theresa Utterback. Board Member McCray
commented residents are excited about the project.
E. Model Block Project Update
Mr. Simon gave an update for the Model Block Project after the CRA completed
improving the road and presented images for the Board to view. Since the ribbon
cutting, the houses are coming up quickly by Habitat for Humanity and the Boynton
Beach Faith-Based Community Development Corporation (CDC). As of August $tt', the
groundbreaking occurred for two homes. Ms. Shutt gave an update on all of the homes;
five homes were from Habitat and another five were from the CDC. Board Member
McCray noted Habitat works quickly whereas the CDC moves slowly. He inquired if the
homes are on target and if the CRA was monitoring the progress. Ms. Shutt replied two
of the five homes were moving along and were awaiting vertical construction.
E. Quarterly Progress Report - MLK Jr. Boulevard Corridor Redevelopment
Project Update
Mr. Simon explained Centennial made application to the Florida Housing Finance
Corporation for the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, which is the program
that is funding Ocean Breeze East. They submitted their application November 7t" and
on February 6th The Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation is
scheduled to meet on March 3rd and is expected to confirm the Review Committee's
recommendation to fund the above project. He provided an overview of the process. A
notice of protest can be submitted after the final recommendation is approved and then
there is 10 days after that first 72 hours that anyone could submit protests to Florida
Housing Finance Agency to challenge the applications. This was conducted in 2017
with Centennial and was able to ward off any protests and Florida Housing Finance
Awarded the Ocean Breeze East with funding. Staff anticipates the same thing will
occur this year, but staff will find out about the determination of award by the end of
April. Ms. Simon was pleased the project was ranked first and was very encouraging.
Staff will keep the Board apprised.
F. Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach (HWCBB) Interior and Exterior
Painting and Waterproofing Project Closeout and Update
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Ms, Shutt announced the project is completed and under budget by $952.74. It was
finished on time. Completion of the project will allow staff to start marketing the project
in March and she can apply for reimbursement for the last part of the Solid Waste
Authority Grant for $38,525 for the repainting and water proofing project. Staff was
receiving a lot of compliments and there is excitement about having the building be a
rental facility pending the Board's decision about the operation and maintenance of the
building. Board Member Romelus suggested creating a short video snowing the
transformation and a good marketing tool.
G. FY 2018 - 2019 Update for the Nonprofit Organization Grant Agreement
with Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
Ms. Shutt explained this is the third reimbursement request from Habitat for Humanity in
the amount of$18,750, Images of the progress was shown. Staff believes additional
time would be needed for the three single-family units, the duplex on NE 12th Avenue
and one single-family detached home on NW 6th Avenue. The photos also showed
rehabilitation that would be needed. And some just painting, or handicapped ramp.
"Before and after" pictures were viewed.
12. Pulledn Items
None
13. Public Hearing
None.
1 . Old Business
A. Audited Financial Statements - FY 2018-2019, Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
Vicki Hill, Finance Director, announced there was a clean audit. "l'here were no internal
control deficiencies, no audit findings or non-compliance issues. The CRA's cash
position remains strong at $15.3 million in all funds with sufficient fund balances for
working capital and ongoing project funds. Richard Tandoc, partner with Sansone Klein
Jacomino Tandoc and Gamarra was present for questions. Ms. Hill also thanked
Jobara Jenkins, Accounting and Finance Manager. There were no questions for Mr.
Tandoc. Mr. Simon noted the CRA has had clean audits for 11 years in a row.
B. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget Amendment for Unreserved
Fund Balance and Self-Funded Insurance Reserve
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Ms. Hill explained $411,256 was available in unassigned funds from the audit. They
conducted a cash analysis and staff can turn $885,936 over to the Board, moved from
the General Fund to the Project Fund. Staff deleted some purchase orders for projects
that came in under budget and there was $541,915 available. All together the amounts
totaled approximately $1,427,851. Staff recommended allocating $300K to economic
development, because there are no economic development grants available due to lack
of funds.
Board Member McCray supported allocating the $300K tonight for economic
development, but before doing anything else, they wait for a full Board. Chair Grant
asked if Board Member McCray would be willing to increase the allocation to $400K,
which he did. Mr. Simon explained the Board could approve the resolution to move
funds from the general fund into the project fund. The Board does not have to move all
of it once its in the Project Fund, but staff needed to close out the General Fund from
last year
Motion
Board Member McCray motioned to move the funds. Board Member Romelus
seconded the motion.
Mr. Simon also wanted to, in the short term, move $400K from the Future
Redevelopment Project line item, which has $768K and take the $400K from there, it
would still leave the full amount of money, that is allocated for the board's discretion at
the next meeting or a meeting with a full Board. The Board did not even have to touch
the $1 AM, by using the existing monies in the project fund. It was clarified that was the
intent of the motion.
The motion unanimously passed.
C. Consideration of Approval of Costa Center, LLC's Performance Audit for
Year Ending December 31, 2019 for the Casa Costa Project for Compliance
with the Direct Incentive Funding Agreement
Ms. Hill announced the Direct Incentive Funding Agreement (DIFA) was for 10 years,
and Casa Costa has submitted the performance audit for the year ending December 31,
2019. This will be the last payment on the DIFA, and staff was requesting the Board
approve releasing the $512,444 they are due.
Motion
Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the
motion. There arecurrently 10 businesses that have a Certificate of Occupancy.
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Andrew Podray, 800 North Road, owner of Casa Costa, responded they have 10 out of
12 units filled. They are waiting for two other businesses: one is still attempting to pull
a permit on their unit and the other, a deli, was waiting to open.
Board Member McCray noted there were problems in the past and asked if they were
rectified. Mr. Podray explained they were. It was a group effort. He felt there was too
much red tape, and four years later, there were positive changes.
The motion passed.
D. Consideration of an Amendment to the Purchase and Development
Agreement between the Boynton Beach CRA and BZ Wood Properties,
LLC for the Property Located at 711 N. Federal Highway
Mr. Simon explained this item is to provide an amendment to Purchase and
Development Agreement for the funds allocated to BZ Wood and Properties LLC, a/k/a
as So. Florida MasterCraft Marine Center. Because their grants were part of their
Purchase and Development Agreement and not an actual application, in order to extend
any time period for funding beyond the date of the agreement, the Board would have to
amend the agreement. Staff is requesting a 30-day extension for them to submit all
their paperwork for reimbursement, to February 29, 2020.
Their second request is that some funding from the left over set aside in assistance, be
used to pay for the improvements made at NE 6th Avenue at the request of the City and
their redevelopment project. There was a confusing layout with the donation, or
abandonment of property the CRA had did prior to closing for provide for additional right
of way for the City and a design from the City and their contractor to accommodate all
the wishes the City and CRA had, regarding sidewalks and their location. The bend in
the road and the location of the railway crossing made it difficult to line up. The work
they did, undid and redid was a hardship, and should be considered. There is funding
left over in the permit grant. He would suggest using funding from permit improvement
grant as opposed to job creation and keep them on track to receive funding by
producing jobs. Chair Grant agreed; use excess funding from permits.
Motion
Board Member McCray moved to approve the recommendation. Board Member
Romelus seconded the motion. Board Member McCray inquired how much was left
over. The amount was $11,100 which was the cost of the sidewalk roadwork.
Vote
The motion unanimously passed. Board Member McCray congratulated all on the
project. It was a big improvement. Chair Grant agreed and thanked the Board
members who voted to acquire the property.
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E. Neighborhood Officer Program 1 st Quarter Report for FY 2019 - 2020
Sergeant Henry Diehl, Boynton Beach Police Department, presented the first quarter
report. They teamed with the Heart of Boynton Community Association and the
American Red Cross and went door to door to about 222 homes and had smoke
detectors installed. For Thanksgiving, they distributed 150 turkeys with bags of food for
residents. They go to the schools and read with the children and mentor them. They
participate in parks and Community Greening events and many events at Ezell Hester,
Carolyn Sims and Sara Sims park. He reviewed the program's community outreach
and had a slide presentation.
Board Member McCray thanked Sergeant Diehl, but commented the program was
supposed to have four officers. He asked Police Chief Michael Gregory if there was
anyone who could fill in to assist Sergeant Diehl. Chief Gregory responded they will
look at what they can do to supplement the program. There were two officers on light
duty who they hoped would be back to full duty for the next several months. There was
supposed to be three officers in the program and a Community Service Associate.
They are in the hiring process now for police candidates. Sergeant Diehl gave a status
report on his fellow officers, Officer Riviera and Officer Paramore. Mr. Simon noted they
are coordinating the ribbon cutting for the new substation with the Rock the Plaza event.
Sergeant Diehl was aware. Board Member Romelus suggested a way to alleviate and
give exposure to the community and kids would be to have Police Department officers
volunteer to drop by and interact with the youth. Sergeant Diehl agreed. Chair Grant
asked if the CRA could pay for overtime through the Neighborhood Officer Program that
go to the different events. Mr. Simon responded they could use the funding in the
Neighborhood Officer Program. Attorney Duhy explained a motion would be needed to
designate the funds fora different type of community policing, as opposed to regular
staff and regular City policework, as there is a legal distinction. Chair Grant hoped there
would be a motion.
Attorney Duhy explained the motion should read there are funds available to designate
funds to reimburse officers who participate in community policing matters off duty within
the CRA District that are determined to be eligible activities by the executive director.
Board Member Romelus just wanted officers to interact more as a volunteer opportunity,
and not to spend funds.
Board Member McCray agreed with Board Member Romelus. Have more officers stop
by to volunteer. Chair Grant asked if this item should be placed on next month's
agenda. Board Member McCray did not want to spend additional funds. Board
Member Romelus would rather use the $1.4 million for something else.
Motion
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Board Member McCray moved to approve the report. Board Member Romelus
seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.
F. Consideration of Approval of 500 Ocean Performance Audit for Year Ending
December 31, 2019 for Compliance with the Direct Incentive Funding
Agreement
Ms. Hill explained 500 Ocean is ready for their first DIFA payment. They submitted the
proper paperwork according to the agreement and staff is ready to release the $392,311
they requested. It was noted 500 Ocean was filling up fast. Ms. Nicklien explained there
are seven retail locations on the street. Five are leased and she was working with four
retailers on grant applications. As for office space, there was less than 5K square feet
which was leased by one tenant. Ms. Nicklien met with him before he signed the lease
and he has now signed it. It was good that the Board approved more funding so the
CRA can help the tenant as well. Mr. Simon commented there is 6,600 square feet of
office space on the second floor and one tenant signed a lease for the entire second
floor. He agreed timing of the new grant funding was beneficial. The residential portion
was 98% to 99% leased and only two retail spaces left. Mr. Simon explained questions
are often posed what the return is when the CRA is providing businesses with 75% of
the increment they produced and he thought it was important to know prior to the
development occurring, when the lot was vacant, the taxable value for the five acres
was $3,921. The taxable value after the project was built increased from $3.9M to
$47M and the difference, which is the tax increment value which is used to formulate
TIF, and they entered an agreement to provide the project with a portion of that
increment as an incentive for the project, greening, commercial and office space.
Board Member McCray asked about the mold issue and learned it was addressed. He
wanted to ensure all items were addressed including trash which was abated. Board
Member Romelus was there over the holidays for a gathering and heard nothing
negative about the community. She was glad they were in the downtown.
Motion
Board Member Romelus moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the
motion. The motion unanimously passed.
15. New Business
A. Consideration of a Board Waiver for the Commercial Property Improvement
Grant Program in the Amount of$7,096.50 for Civic Center Condo
Association, Inc., located at 612, 614 and 618 N. Federal Highway
Ms. Nicklien explained this item was a waiver request. According to the grant program,
non-profits are ineligible entities to apply for the grant program, but this is a condo
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association established for three commercial businesses that are all open and operating
and they want to make a fagade grant. In order to pay for those improvements, the
funds would have to come from their condo association which is a non-profit. They are
requesting the Board waive the technicality. Attorney Duhy reviewed the item and it
adhered to the Statute. The buildings were just south of the CRA office. They are
improving the parking lot, resealing, updating the electrical and some roof shingles.
Chair Grant explained this was a waiver for non-profit because it is a commercial.
Attorney Duhy clarified there is no statutory ban on non-profits, per se; it is the type of
use it is applied to which is why they can fund Habitat for Humanity, who builds
affordable housing. This was similar. It was a grant to support improvements of
structures and it is not being spent on social services which is where the real prohibition
lies.
Motion
Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the
motion. The funds will come from economic development grants. The motion
unanimously passed.
B. Consideration of Funding of an additional Rock the Plaza Event to Promote
Fish Depot and other Businesses Between Federal Highway and FEC
Railroad Tracks Adjacent to Veterans Park REVISED
Mr. Simon explained Chair Grant requested the item. He wanted to hold an additional
event. The program budget and events approved in September approved in Fiscal Year
19120, did not include this area or the funding for it. If approved, staff would bring back
further details. Chair Grant suggested holding the event in the gap between June and
July. Mr. Simon explained due to Rock the Marina and Clean up the Reef, were
shooting for the end of April, early May. Board Member Romelus suggested keeping it
within season before everyone leaves. She asked where would it be. Mr. Simon
explained Fish Depot is its own restaurant and bar, and not part of a plaza. Staff was
brainstorming where to hold the event, which could be held outside the walls of the
restaurant. There is a stage inside the restaurant, but the CRA usually provides outside
stages. Staff would want to involve other businesses, such as Buds or That's Amore,
who has the brick oven mobile pizza, or they could invite the Boardwalk. He thought it
would be difficult to get the Casa Costa businesses across the street.
Board Member McCray noted the event is called Rock the Plaza, and now staff would
be featuring businesses on both sides of the streets. It is not a plaza. He thought it
needed to be revisited and more thought out due to safety issues.
Board Member Romelus asked if they ever held Rock the Plaza at Casa Costa and
learned they did not because there were disagreements. They did assist by marketing
several events such as volunteer appreciation for Pirate Fest there, the Novos Escape
Room and other businesses there so the volunteers would be able to get to know the
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businesses. The Rock the Plaza did not occur there. Staff could revisit it, but it was not
identified in this year's budget. Board Member Romelus wanted to highlight the
businesses on the north end of the City. She asked if they could use Veterans Park.
Mr. Simon considered the park and the City lot where the cell tower was, but to do so,
they have to set up vendor tents for the businesses to come outside of their location,
which part of the idea with Rock the Plaza was to get the public to the business location.
The CRA could hold something for local businesses to provide some type of their
service, focusing outside of their store as part of an event.
Board Member Romelus thought because of where the business locations are, they all
have to go to a mobile site within the business' vicinity, but she did not agree with
having an event at Fish Depot; it would need to be offsite. Board Member McCray
agreed if an offsite event is wanted, it would have to be at a centralized location.
Chair Grant agreed there are city facilities with Veterans Park, the Cell Tower, and Casa
Costa, CVS and other businesses on Federal Highway have parking in the front. But
it's not a plaza. They will never have the opportunity to have the CRA promote their
businesses. They come to the Pirate Fest or Blarney Bash, but there is nothing
specifically for the north east corner until reaching the Ocean Palm Plaza. Have a lot of
small businesses, that could use this benefit to have a music event. He was trying to
give the CRA options for partnerships. Federal Highway is a busy road but there is a
specific crosswalk with a red light in between Casa Costa and Veterans Park. They
could work with nearby businesses for parking to allow people to come to the area.
Board Member McCray thought if something would be held in that manner, it should not
be called Rock the Plaza because it is not a plaza. Mr. Simon commented if the Board
wants to contemplate the event, it would be a logistic challenge. Staff could research
the matter and bring it back to the Board. He did not think the Board should approve
the item right away. Board Member Romelus asked who owned the property where
Troy's was located and learned it was private property.
Tim Collins commented there are details that need to be worked out, but there is a way
to bring the community in to what they are doing. There is a stage north of the building
in the parking lot that can be put up against the white building. Mr. Collins likened the
area to a little neighborhood that could be enclosed. He supported having some type of
event to bring in all the small businesses that want to be involved in the neighborhood
while using the parking across the street with the cross walk. He appreciated
something occurring for the NE corridor. He suggested tabling the item and discussing
it further. Chair Grant noted there was consensus to move forward. If they have a plan,
the CRA could fund it.
16. CRA Advisory Board
A. Pending Assignments
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B. Reports on Pending Assignments
C. New Assignments
Future17. Items
A. Disposition of the CRA Owned Property located at 115 N. Federal Highway
B. Consideration of the City of Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department
Letter of Interest for Operation and Programming of the Historic Woman's
Club of Boynton Beach
C. Consideration and Discussion of an RFPIRFQ for the Operation and
Management of the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach
D. Consideration of the FY 19 - 20 CRA Affordable and Workforce Housing
Grant Program
E. Consideration and Discussion of the Property Inspection for the Purchase
and Sale Agreement associated with 209 N. Seacrest Boulevard
Chair Grant noted the letter of interest from the City for item B was not received, only a
Notice of Intent. It was important to receive it prior to the next meeting. Board Member
Romelus inquired about the status of the Surf Museum and learned, as far as an
RFPIRFQ, staff was to determine a specific use; however, if the City a letter of interest
that will incorporate that, they would review it as well. Attorney Duhy explained the
nature of the use of the building will determine whether it should be owned by the CRA
or the City. The hope was to bring the use to the Board through the Letter of Interest
they were discussing and then have the discussion all at one. Mr. Simon explained it
will be on the next agenda. Chair Grant asked if the CRA had a website up with the
prices for the Woman's Club and learned there was a link on the CRA website. Ms.
Coppins and Ms. Smith-Coffey were also working on brochures. Mr. Simon explained
they were looking at inserting another event in April. Both will be brought back to the
Board.
Attorney Duhy explained Attorney Kathryn Rossmell will be present at the March
meeting as she will be in Tallahassee. Mr. Simon advised Azim Hussain, Marketing and
Business Development Promotional Assistant is leaving the CRA to work for Florida
Power and Light in Jupiter in communications and social media interactive work. His
last day is Friday and his position will be filled.
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18. Adjournment
Motion
There being no further business to discuss, Board Member McCray moved to adjourn.
The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned
at 7:07 p.m.
ddu�%t
Catherine Cherry
Minutes Specialist
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