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Minutes 10-07-19 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD IN THE INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE 2240 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Steven B. Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Executive Director Christina Romelus, Board Member Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director Tyrone Penserga, Board Member Kathryn Rossmell, Board Counsel Mack McCray, Board Member ABSENT: Justin Katz, Vice Chair 1. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Invocation A. Minister Genine Rumph of St. John Missionary Baptist Church gave the invocation. 3. Roll Call 4. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda None. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 5. Legal Kathryn Rossmell, Board Counsel, advised effective October 1St, the CRA has to follow new procurement rules. Previously, they did not have to follow the same procedures as the city and now they do. Whenever there is an item over $35K, it must be bid. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 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 Board Members McCray and Romelus had no disclosures. Board Member Penserga congratulated Chair Grant on the news that he and his wife were expecting in March. He disclosed he spoke with the Community Caring Center. Chair Grant disclosed he spoke to Coastal QSR and the Community Caring Center. 7. Announcements and Awards A. The 8th Annual Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash Official Proclamation Mercedes Coppin, Business Promotions and Events Manager, was present for the Official Proclamation for this year's Haunted Pirates Fest and Mermaid Splash. She presented Lord Governor Hyde who proclaimed Tales from the Sea, the theme of this year's Pirate Fest. He noted in 1898, the crew of the Loftus wrecked off the coast of Boynton Beach. While the crewman lay dormant for 100 years, something from the deep blue awakened them and they arose and came ashore to pillage and plunder City streets. Legend has the pirates will return to Boynton Beach on October 26th and 27th for the Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash. The area around E. Ocean Avenue is transformed to Hobbs Cove complete with canons, enchanted markets and mermaids, to meet all the townspeople. This year, pirates and mythical creatures will bring to life Tales from the Sea. He invited all to attend the event in their finest attire to enjoy the music, stunt shows, libations, sustenance and youth activities. More information about the free event can be found at www.bbr)iratefest.com. Tracey Smith-Coffey, Marketing and Business Development Specialist, advised the CRA partnered with Due South and will feature Pirates Rebellion at the event again this year. The CRA also partnered, as a Business Development Initiative, with Two Georges, Banana Boat, Hurricane Alley, Fish Depot, Driftwood, and Deep Ocean Reef, located in the CRA for the event. Pirates Rebellion, a custom craft beer created by Due Southwill be on tap for the month of October in their restaurants. Cans of Pirates Rebellion will be available at the Festival. The members viewed a short commercial for Pirates TV (PTV) regarding the event. B. 2019 IFEA Award Announcement Ms. Smith-Coffey announced the CRA received six international awards as follows- 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 • Gold award for the Pirate Fest event map and schedule; • Gold award for the Holiday Boat Parade Calling All Captains ad; • Gold award for the Best Photo for Pirate Fest; • Gold award for the PTV Campaign; • Silver award for the Blarney Bash outdoor Billboard; and • Bronze award for the CRA Annual Report. The four-day conference was held in Williamsburg, Virginia. Staff was working on the Pirate Fest and did not attend. Board Member McCray thought it reflected poorly on the CRA to not attend and thought someone should have. Chair Grant noted staff brings back information from the Florida Redevelopment Association. He asked if one of the Board members wanted to select this conference as their event to attend. Mr. Simon explained there are the Florida and International Conferences and staff chose to attend the Florida Conference, but not the International one. He advised next year staff will make sure the Board is aware of both Conferences so someone could attend in their place. C. Ocean Breeze East Ground Breaking and Sara Sims Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, November 9, 2019 Ms. Coppin advised staff was planning the festivities to take place on the above date at 11:30 a.m. for the Ocean Breeze East project. The groundbreaking will signal the start of development of the 4.4-acre site at 700 N Seacrest Boulevard. The project is a multi- family rental apartment community having 123 units. After the ground breaking, they will celebrate the renovation of Sara Sims Park with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. There will be live music, complimentary hotdogs and hamburgers provided by Christ Fellowship, and fun activities for families. Promotional flyers for the event were available in the back of the room. Board Member McCray asked if flyers were distributed in the community and learned flyers were inserted with the utility bill this month. Ms. Smith-Coffey advised staff will be distributing flyers in the community within the next week. It will be sent to churches, City Hall and all City buildings. Board Member McCray recommended placing some in Bells and Rainbow City. Neighborhood Officers were also distributing flyers throughout the community. Board Member Romelus asked where residents can go to start signing up for affordable rental units. Mr. Simon explained staff has been taking names and forwarding them to Centennial Management who is handling that. When they start the project and have a groundbreaking, they will have a more rigid plan in place. There will be a preference in the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Funding to provide priority placements to CRA and Boynton Beach residents. The CRA has been pressing staff to obtain that information. Rentals will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There will likely be more applicants on the list than units available. Since here is no official organizational structure to take the names of potential tenants, the CRA staff is creating their own list. 8. Information Only 9. Public Comments 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27th Way, left copies of information about Farindola on the dais and announced Farindola, Italy, will be Boynton Beach's new Sister City by the end of November. Three events are occurring in the CRA District and she hoped the CRA would help like and share the event on social medial. The first event will be on Wednesday October 23rd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fire Station No 5. The second event is Painting with an Italian Twist at Painting with a Twist on November 3rd, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A Festa Italiani, hosted by That's Amore, a CRA business, will take place on Friday, November 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Sister Cities Committee was requesting City Commissioners attend at 5 p.m. as there will be officials from a multi-cultural organization present and a meet and greet would take place before the event begins in full force. The official Sister City signing event will take place on Friday November 29th from 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Benvenutos. She passed out flyers. Board Member McCray inquired why one of the events was being held at Fire Station No. 5 and learned they had issues finding another location that would be large enough. Board Member Romelus requested Ms. Oyer send her an email with the dates. 10. CRA Projects in Progress A. CRA Economic Development Grant FY 2018 -2019 Year End Report Mr. Simon announced at the end of the 2018/2019 fiscal year on September 30, 2019, the CRA will have assisted 13 business and added over 16K square feet of new retail/ restaurant/professional office space within the CRA area with the Commercial Rent Subsidy and Commercial Improvement Grants. Existing businesses were able to make fagade improvements totaling over 26K square feet of commercial space. The Board approved $150K in commercial rent reimbursement grants and $196K in commercial property improvement grants. In total, the CRA gave out$345K in grants and the balance in the account is just under$200K that is rolling forward into this year's grant total for new businesses. B. Palm Beach County Housing Authority Project Update Mr. Simon explained the Board had directed staff and the City Manager to work together with the staff and Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Housing Authority, after sending a letter of interest and requesting something be done with four of the 38 lots the Housing Authority owns. Mr. Simon met with the Executive Director and two board members on September 20 and then had a second meeting on October 3rd with City and CRA staff and Larry Greenberg from the Housing Authority to discuss what options were available to the Housing Authority and/or the City/CRA if redevelopment housing could occur through the Housing Authority. An aerial of the area depicting the lots owned by the Housing Authority was viewed. There were four initial lots on NW 12th Avenue the CRA requested the Housing Authority prioritize because the CRA owns the abutting lots. The disposal process involves the Miami Housing Authority office. There is a disposal application Mr. Greenberg indicated he was bringing to his Board. They hope to have 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 some response to their formal disposition application in the next 90 to 120 days and are asking the HUD office to dispose of the land as they have a plan and an interested party desiring to improve the property involving affordable housing. The CRA was planning to meet with the Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corporation (BBFBCDC), Habitat for Humanity and the Palm Beach County Housing Authority staff to discuss what different types of housing is acceptable under the Code and to help Mr. Greenberg with the plan and application. Mr. Simon advised this item was an update and he will report back. The Housing Authority will look to finalize the application to HUD towards the end of the year. C. Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach (HWCBB) Update Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director, advised at the July 9t" meeting, the Board approved a contract with Specialized Property Services for waterproofing and painting the interior and exterior of the Woman's Club. The Board approved two color schemes. Before and after photographs of the work was viewed and the item was a status report. The work should begin around the beginning of November and staff hoped to close out the project by the end of the year. Board Member Penserga asked about airborne mold and learned mold testing was conducted. Staff was seeking to activate the building. Board Member McCray thanked the Board for the pictures. D. CRA Marketing and Business Development Project Update Ms. Smith-Coffey explained the CRA undertook a few marketing campaigns for the Marina and staff is currently handling a campaign for dockage space for transient travelers in the Marina Life Magazine. She and Mr. Simon spoke with the Dockmaster and decided the transient dockage space was bringing money into the Marina, so staff will market it in the next few months. The theme is The Weather is Here. Discover the Palm Beaches reached out to Ms. Smith-Coffey and the City for ideas for a blog and she provided her ideas and gave information for the Fitness and Fun blog in Boynton Beach, which is on the Discover the Palm Beaches website. Businesses such as Boynton Beach Parasailing, the Sol Oasis Spa and the Boynton Harbor Marina were featured. Staff created a one-month campaign on social media and a blog post as a prize for the Rock the Marina Lion Fish Dip contest. It was noted the Driftwood Restaurant was the winner. Board Member McCray noted there was an issue with someone getting gas at the Marina. Mr. Simon explained there was a miscommunication with a resident boat owner and fuel dock staff about where the owner could and could not put his boat and it was resolved. E. FY 2018 - 2019 Update for the Nonprofit Organization Grant Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County Ms. Shutt gave an update of the first quarter reimbursement for the above. This is the first disbursement of$75K for Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County. All the supporting material was included in the meeting back-up including the compliance review. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Habitat met the requirements and staff issued the reimbursement two weeks ago. Staff will continue to provide updates to the Board each quarter as it is reviewed. E. Social Media Outreach Program 4th Quarterly Report Renee Roberts, Social Media and Communications Specialist, explained there are 74 businesses registered in the Social Medial Outreach Program (SMOP). This quarter, seven new businesses were added and 131 total businesses in the CRA District were visited, bringing the number of businesses visited this quarter to 33. The Beat the Heat campaign finished in September and was continued from last year. The effort commenced on June 3rd on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and the goal was to help promote business through the summer. Staff used unique branded content to share the campaign across social media and used graphics which were given to the business. The CRA also published print ads in the Gateway Gazette and Neighborhood News encouraging people to Beat the Heat by visiting local restaurants and use the CRA's hashtag. Results from the 2019 Beat the Heat campaign were reviewed. Staff is currently working on creating a CRA Social Media Kit for the Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash. The kits are personally designed for every participating CRA business. PTV live advertisements will be filmed from businesses participating in the Haunted Pirates Fest event. Boynton Beach Parasailing contacted staff to inform them that after the video, someone immediately called and booked the entire boat and there have been good results from advertising with PTV live. Staff is continuing the blog alternating between highlighting CRA businesses and CRA projects for the past two quarters to raise awareness for CRA businesses and for what a CRA does. Ms. Roberts advised staff has continued with one-on-one social media assistance and promotions. For the past two quarters, she reported on how she helped businesses who never used social media create new things. This quarter, the SMOP is also for businesses who are experienced with social media. Phairis Luxury had their grand opening. Staff helped share the opening and got people excited about the event. They were able to attend and provide equipment for the grand opening. They assisted Nutrition Cottage who is redesigning their website and are working with a new hosting platform. She assisted and attended the Secret Garden job fair event and helped share it live. Future projects included creating social media kits for all events and for all businesses who participate in CRA events. The holiday season is approaching and the CRA is helping to advertise several businesses via social media who are having specials. Ms. Roberts advised she will continue one-on-one with businesses who have specific needs. Board Member McCray asked about Boardwalk Ice Cream Parlor and learned they are participating in Pirate Fest and they just posted a Facebook live advertisement. She thought they were doing pretty well. G. Social Media Activity Report for Project Development 4th Quarter Report July 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 11. Consent Agenda A. Financial Report Period Ending September 30, 2019 Chair Grant wanted an update of the ending balances. Vicki Hill, CRA Finance Director, responded they still have items coming in from September 30th. She could provide the information next month. Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. B. Finance Department Purchase Orders for amounts exceeding $10,000 for the month of September 2019 C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - September 10, 2019 Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 12. Pulled Consent Agenda Items A. Approval of Commercial Rent Reimbursement Grant Program in the amount of$21,000 for Coastal QSR, LLC d/b/a Taco Bell located at 2319 S Federal Highway (TABLED 9/10/19) Motion Board Member McCray moved to remove Items A and B from the Table. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Attorney Rossmell explained it is clear that an application is not a guarantee for funding. Both grants are very clear that the Board can evaluate each application to see if it is in furtherance of the CRA's plan. Board Member McCray had a comment for both A and B, advising he was not questioning the grant. He did not vote for the project and he will not support it. If the business does not advance the goals and objectives of the CRA, the Board does not have to fund it. Ben DeVries, 161 Oakwood Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, Coastal QSR, and Louis Giorgi of Bark Management, representing Knuckles LLC, the owner of the site, 32 SE 2nd Avenue Delray were present. Mr. DeVries advised he had a short visual overview of the 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 project. They spent two years working on the approximately $2 million project to bring the best product to the City. The project would also generate Tax Increment Financing. They worked with the City to move an existing lift station to an adjoining parcel owned by the landlord and they worked with the County on a corner clip that allows the intersection to be improved. The multi-million dollar improvement would not go forward; however, unless the project moved forward. He noted the CRA Plan Section 2 refers to the rehabilitation, conservation, redevelopment or a combination thereof for such areas that have been blighted or that suffer one or more slum or blighted areas. The goal is to improve infrastructure in a blighted area, which includes two utilities and traffic infrastructure. The project will also create jobs, which is consistent with the enabling CRA Resolution. The team was including many other items above and beyond what was required such as solar canopies, land for a bus stop, and a butterfly-friendly landscaping to create an inviting public urban streetscape that will be inviting to the CRA. He believed the project would improve the infrastructure and provide a business that will employ local residents. Mr. Giorgi explained Coastal QSR owns the land. He reiterated this is a local franchisee, that operates multiple units. It is local company that finds locations and works with businesses and municipalities. They have been in discussion since February 2017. They closed on the property in February 2016 and for one year, they sourced as many leads as possible for the site. Being it is a redevelopment area, there was not much interest, but Taco Bell was interested. They incurred the property tax payments, maintenance and insurance fees and the company has been working with the City and Coastal QSR. Coastal QSR and Knuckles LLC has had cost overruns. The dollars are adding up and the project is taking twice as long as anticipated. The company needs the CRA's support because it is at the point the company may walk from the project. They are focusing on helping them absorb any costs that may be incurred and he supported their receiving the full amount requested. In South Florida, there are a lot of contingencies. The traffic light and lift station would be installed after opening and it will result in a significant reduction in their earnings for six months to a year. He wanted to do all they could to accommodate the tenant and ensure the City knows they have a partner who wants to further the goals of the CRA in this part of town. Board Member McCray noted years ago the property had a furniture store. When it was torn down, they were going to build medical and doctor offices due to the proximity to Bethesda Hospital. He clarified he was not saying Taco Bell was not entitled to the benefits, but he would not support the application. He thought a medical use would have been a better option. Chair Grant asked if the use was considered a Tier 1 business and learned it was. He asked why the CRA separated Tier 1 businesses from the Tier 2 businesses and learned it was because they were focused on restaurant and restaurant uses. Restaurants employ more people and are more costly than other uses. 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Chair Grant queried if the application met the criteria of both Tiers 1 and 2, which Mr. Simon confirmed it did. Chair Grant did not think it was in the Board's discretion, if the Executive Director advised the application meets the criteria, that the Board should deny the request. There was over $200K available in Economic Development Grants for CRA businesses. The CRA wants to spend the money to improve the CRA and the Board received a listing of other national companies they have funded in the past. The last three of them went bankrupt even with the funds received which totaled $100K. The company is investing $2 million and they are asking for $71K. With the improvement value and appreciation of the land value, it is a worthwhile investment. The Board funded Cross Fit and Yoga Fit and now there is nothing there. Although the CRA still has the improvement value of Family Dollar, the CRA is still benefitting from the initial investment. Board Member Penserga explained when this issue arose, he understood it was for small businesses. When he makes his decision, he bases it not on what he wishes the program was, but based on what they are actually are. If they want it to make the program about small businesses then they can discuss it, but that discussion has not been held. He felt in order to make a fair decision, it has to be consistent with precedent, or if an exemption would be made or it meets the criteria. It does meet the criteria and the applicant is not on any listing that is disqualified. Board Member Penserga felt the program should be for small struggling businesses, but he will vote in favor of the grants. Until they set the policy he will support the request. Chair Grant noted the Board could decline the application for any legal reason. Attorney Rossmell explained a board member could not use an illegal basis to deny the request. Board Member McCray repeated his prior position he did not support the request only due to his favoring a different use. He had not supported the application in the past and he did not now. Board Member Romelus noted the language in the policy states the commercial property improvement grant application is not a guarantee of funding. She noted the prior CRA grants given to large businesses such as McDonalds or Subway or a Sherwin Williams franchise averaged $25K. None of these come close to the request made by the applicant. She thought it was the largest grant request so far, which she was uncomfortable with. As far as the objectives of the board, she felt the grants were developed to help small business get off the ground and help sustain them through the first five years of business. She advised she will not support it. Mr. DeVries stated for the record, that compared to a Subway or any other small, inline space, the amount invested is considerably less than what Taco Bell was doing. They are spending $2 million, excluding the land value on a brand new building, interior build out and equipment on site. Regardless of whether the business survives or folds, a building will be there on the property which creates a much easier reuse of the property. 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Board Member Penserga asked if the numbers considered both rent reimbursement and physical improvement or one of the other and learned they were sums. Motion Board Member Penserga moved to approve. Chair Grant seconded the motion. A roll call vote was called. Chair Grant and Board Member Penserga voting aye; Board Members McCray and Romelus voting nay. Vote Motion failed. B. Approval of Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program in the amount of $50,000 for Coastal QSR, LLC d/b/a Taco Bell located at 2391 S. Federal Highway (TABLED 9/10/19) No action was taken on this item. 13. Public Hearing 14. Old Business A. Consideration of the Request for Rental Terms and Dates for the Boynton Woman's Club for FY 2020 Meeting Dates at the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach Mr. Simon reviewed the schedule of the Woman's Club requested meeting dates from January 2020 through May 2020. At the time of acquisition, out of consideration of the sale, the CRA approved an office and the use of the facility at no charge to the Woman's Club for their monthly Executive Board Meeting and Business Luncheons, as long as they were held between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with no alcohol and no more than 50 people. This request was the same request as last year, which was meeting without paying rent. If the Board will contemplate the request, staff suggested the Board consider an in-kind service or security deposit. Board Member McCray asked how the CRA handled the purchase of the building for the temporary Library, from the Church and learned the Church paid $10 a month. Board Member McCray favored some type of in-kind services as the CRA paid to improve the building. Kay Baker, President Boynton Woman's Club, noted the CRA would hold events to attract the public to the building. She advised the Woman's Club events are also open to 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 the public and they will have speakers. It will allow people to come in and see what the CRA did to rehabilitate the building. She wanted to partner in on any large events the CRA wants to hold in the building. When Ms. Shutt showed pictures, one photo was a drop curtain from the stage. It was mentioned there may be some restoration for the drop curtain. Ms. Baker had already indicated the Woman's Club, who has 48 members, will assist with the cost of that restoration. Board Member McCray was fine with the schedule for a year with in-kind services. Chair Grant accepted the offer of assistance with the drop curtain. He was present when they offered the building to the CRA and he will do all he could to ensure the Woman's Club always had a home at the Boynton Beach Historic Woman's Club. Motion Board Member Romelus so moved to receive in-kind services from the Boynton's Woman's Club and follow their request schedule that will be worked out with staff. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. B. FY 2018 - 2019 Update for the Non-profit Organization Grant Agreement with the Community Caring Center of Greater Boynton Beach Inc. Ms. Shutt explained this request was the is the second grantee for the FY 18/19 Non- profit Organization Grant Program. Staff reviewed the report for the quarter ending June 30, 2019, and it is consistent with the grant agreement. This grant applicant has to receive Board approval for disbursement of the check. The request is for $9,500. The total received by the Community Caring Center was $19K for their economic development initiative with the Secret Garden, which is a culinary incubator. They have done a great job. Motion Board Member McCray moved to approve. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Sherri Johnson explained they met most benchmarks in the first few months through to June 30th. They were excited about the job fair and Mr. Simon's participation with Career Source and the City's Economic Development Director, who gave a State of the Economy presentation at the job fair. The final report reflected the incubator created two new start- up business. Out of the grant, they paid for three start up businesses to get their food managers license. She introduced fellow board member Jane Snell, Art Whitman, Keturah Joseph, Joyce Portnoy and Doreen Roberson. Board Member Romelus asked if the quarterly report had to be so long and learned staff could shorten it. Board Member Romelus favored seeing the report in a different format. 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Vote The motion unanimously passed. C. Consideration of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Property Located at 100 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd fka Family Dollar (TABLED 9/10/19) Motion Board Member McCray moved to remove from the table. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Chair Grant explained a contract is formed when there is an offer, consideration, agreement and acceptance. When the CRA sent the letter for $1.2 million, it was an invitation to offer. The property owner, Washington Woodcliff offered the CRA the property and building for the $1.2 million and then Mr. Woodcliff rescinded the offer. He asked if the CRA could still re-approach him with an offer of$1.2 million and learned they could. Chair Grant commented the reason the property was listed at a low price was because it was not listed with a realtor. It is now listed for $1.9 million. There is also ongoing litigation between the property owner and Family Dollar. Mr. Simon explained he was negotiating a lease termination that was separate from the CRA's acquisition, but for the purposes of escrow, he was tying the escrowed funds to the closing. The CRA's price was still the $1.2 million. Chair Grant thought it was an opportunity for the Board to make an offer. He noted for the past two years, the CRA spent over$7 million outside the Heart of Boynton (HOB) with the Town Square Project and the Church and only $700K inside the HOB for the park. There has not been any economic development in the HOB. He was told the Family Dollar was the first development in 40 years on MLK Jr. Boulevard. He requested a motion to make an offer to the owner slightly more than $1.2 million because there is a realtor involved. The Board has the opportunity to prevent the property from staying vacant due to the litigation between the property owner and Family Dollar, creating a slum and blighted area on MLK Jr. Boulevard. He felt an offer of $1.3 million was appropriate. Board Member McCray did not support making an offer. The property will not create slum and blight. The building is there and Community Standards will ensure the building is maintained. He wanted the litigation to conclude before the CRA offered a price. Board Member Romelus asked why Mr. Woodcliff rescinded the offer. Mr. Simon advised they approved the Board's offer and contract, but the Board tabled the contract and the owner's intent was to dispose of the property as soon as possible. Board Member Romelus would support Chair Grants comments. She did not want to see the property vacant for years on end. There is development on MLK Jr. Boulevard that is moving forward and she wanted redevelopment to occur simultaneously. She was amenable to proposing the $1.2 million to make the same offer with the same terms and conditions as the previous contract. 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Motion Board Member Romelus so moved to support Chair Grant's request and proposing the acquisition at $1.2 million, if the owner was willing to consider the offer. Board Member McCray reiterated there is no slum and blight now. He wanted to table the item until they had a full Board as there was no urgency. Motion Board Member McCray moved to table. Chair Grant did not want to table the item. He thought the CRA could improve the CRA District with the purchase. Board Member Penserga was not in favor of making an offer at a higher price. They made an offer, they accepted and at the previous meeting, he requested the item be tabled. At no point in the meeting did anyone make a motion to rescind the offer. He pointed out, in reading the letter from David Aikenhad, Manager of Woodcliff Washington to Mr. Simon, the CRA Attorney, Ken Dodge, advised him the CRA had decided not to move forward with the acquisition. He asked who decided not to move forward. All the Board did was table the item, not rescind the offer. Attorney Rossmell explained Attorney Dodge explained the motion had been tabled, not denied. Tabling a motion holds the item still and the letter accurately reflected that. Board Member Penserga did not favor the $1.3 million offer. Board Member Romelus noted her motion was for the original amount, $1.2 million. Board Member Penserga still did not want to move forward. Chair Grant seconded Board Member Romelus' motion. Board Member Romelus clarified the Board tabled the item, which prevented it from moving forward. They did not rescind the item. Board Member Penserga clarified his decision to table the item at the prior meeting, was to give the Community Caring Center an opportunity to speak and they were not present. He was under the impression they were interested in the property. Now that the Community Caring Center has rejected the offer, he did not see how putting it back on the table would change anything. The owner already retained a broker and their intent is to put it on the market. Chair Grant explained most landlord contracts have a duty to mitigate so they are required to list it. The fact they had the letter from the Board and the initial invitation to offer was the reason why they could get the property at a low price, and they would work out a separate negotiation with Family Dollar. Board Member Penserga asked if offer of$1.2 was on the table, if it would preclude anyone else from making an offer. Attorney Rossmell responded that was correct. It would be a new offer on the table. There was nothing to would prevent the seller from talking to anyone they want. Board Member Romelus did not believe the owner rejected the offer, she understood they rescinded the offer because the Board tabled the item Board Member Romelus thought 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 putting the item back on the table officially indicating where they stand could provide them with the opportunity to make a deal. She wanted to hear from the Community Caring Center. Doreen Robinson, Community Caring Center Board President, thanked the Board for their support. Ms. Robinson explained when the property was put on the market, the Board felt compelled to explore the site as an alternative to building. Nancy Richardson pursued the sale with the owner. Based on the sale conditions imposed by the owner, the Board decided to abandon their interest in the property. Development plans for the property on NE 9t"Avenue has been ongoing for months. At the June 11, 2019, meeting. The Community Caring Center presented their conceptual and landscape design review and got approval for the project. They will continue to work with Desanti Design Group and Caufield and Wheeler on plans for the project. As plans develop, they hope they can share plans with the Board and would like to schedule time with each Board Member to answer questions they may have. Board Member Penserga explained he had previously attempted to address multiple issues at the same time. He sought to ensure the property was no longer vacant, and find an entity to solve the food desert situation. If the Community Caring Center moved in, the Board would no longer have to fund the construction of their new building which would save money, Board Member Penserga asked what the future plan for the site was if they acquired the property. Mr. Simon explained from a redevelopment perspective, the highest and best use of the property is to include it into the overall Centennial project as the entrance feature. For$1.2 million, the cost of the land is affordable. The building itself and the work that was done including the parking lot and exfiltration would exceed the value. The commercial appraisal for the mixed-use site is $1.9 million. The site is a large corner lot, that could accommodate affordable residential units. The Board could also move forward with a new project. Chair Grant went to see pop-up festivals, similar to the one in the Boynton Beach Market Place which has small businesses, a grocer and farmers market. He felt a pop-up on MILK Jr. Boulevard and Seacrest could create a gathering space/entertainment complex. Attorney Rossmell clarified if the CRA acquires the property, it would still have to go through the normal property disposal procedures, which would be either an RFP or a letter of interest from Centennial Management. Board Member McCray recalled the CRA had indicated they were not going into the landlord business. Mr. Simon agreed. The CRA spent about $750K in closing costs and the grant was $55K. Board Member McCray emphasized whether the CRA offered $1.2 or $1.3 million, he wanted the full Board to vote on the item. Ms. Johnson explained the County is providing a new way to provide wrap-around services and all of the Foundations have aligned with the County's programs. They are coming out with a new program called SoFIA which takes low-income families and gives 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 them wrap-around services to help lift them out of poverty. The talent in the HOB is incredible. Many of the individuals cannot maneuver typical jobs. There are different platforms that become available that provide more opportunities. She mentioned Board Member McCray could be a leader with that effort that could provide a location residents could come to and begin to increase their disposable income. It could be used as a green market center by providing low rental facilities to help build business. She thought the building could be a center and the CRA can lead the way to help address poverty in the community. The programs will be rolled out and social services have to provide them, which they will do in their next grant cycle. They are looking for a location, but they cannot find one. It would be vital and rich with the cultural heritage that is part of the community that is celebrated on a daily basis. Board Member McCray pointed there is poverty in every community. Board Member Romelus asked if Centennial could expand and how many additional units it would add and learned it could add an extra 12 to 18 units. There could be 6,500 to 8,000 square feet of commercial space underneath the units or it could address the food dessert. Board Member Romelus liked the idea of having development along the MILK Jr. Boulevard. The Board had already spent $1 million on the property, and then would spend another $1.2 million and has already pledged up to $624K for MILK Jr. Boulevard. She thought it was a small price to pay to change the landscape of the community. She thought the offer should be made. Mr. Simon suggested the motion authorize the Board Chair to execute the contract offer from the purchaser's side when the dates are changed in the contract so it reflects today's date and signature. In this manner, when they present the offer to the owner, the Board will have agreed and is offering a signed offer. All else in the contract would remain the same except the dates. Board Member Penserga announced when voted in favor of the offer, he wanted to ensure something good was put in the community, such as a grocer or something to address the food desert to ensure something was built. He advised he would vote in favor of offering $1.2 million. Vote The motion passed 3-1 (Board Member McCray dissenting) D. 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 Motion Board Member Penserga moved to approve. 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Mr. Simon explained staff was bringing back the contract document, but the terms that were discussed to put into the document was the acquisition of the property at the above address for $205K, with a lease back to the Community Caring Center at $10 a year with them maintaining all of the insurance and liability and maintenance of the project, not to exceed 30 months from the date of closing. There is $45K in financial assistance for reimbursable predevelopment costs available to them and the disposal and transfer of CRA lots on the corner of NE 3rd Street and NE 9t" Avenue with a first right of refusal and a reverter clause in the event the project does not go forward. The reverter could fall off after the Certificate of Occupancy is obtained, but the first right of refusal should stay. Doing so would provide an additional $300K in site development funding as contained in the agenda item, which the Board had previously agreed to. Mr. Simon explained the development timeline and performance milestones that are typical in all CRA contracts were included. The lending requirement from the bank for a construction loan, is the property must be under the control and ownership of the Community Caring Center, given they are looking for funding from an outside source and not equity plus the CRA. He thought it was fine as the Board still has securities in case the project does not go forward. Ms. Johnson explained the Community Caring Center was just getting to where the contract would go to their legal counsel. She noted the Board would allow them a few months to lay it on the table, review it with legal and tweak anything. When the contract returned to the Board for approval, they would sign that night. The Community Caring Center is ready for site plan approval. Chair Grant thought it would be easier to extend the time. Community Caring Center explained the Board has not discussed the contract. They want the Board to understand what they are doing and vote to agree to it. She wanted the legal team to attend a Board meeting or two for them to understand the process and ask questions. She hoped 40 months would not be necessary. Chair Grant cautioned the offer can change. Board Member McCray did not think the offer would change and agreed with Chair Grant to table it. Ms. Johnson could return in 30 months and the Board will pay her $10. He advised she would be taking responsibility. The item needs to be tabled and let the Board know when the paperwork is in order. Mr. Simon advised that was fine. There were no objections from Board Member Penserga or Board Member Romelus to table. Ms. Johnson only saw the contract two weeks ago. Motion Board Member Penserga moved to table to January 14, 2020. Board Member Romelus seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. E. Consideration of Neighborhood Officer Policing Program Description and Third Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for FY 2019 — 2020 16 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Mr. Simon explained the only change post presentation from the Police Chief during the budget was the introduction of a Ring program, where Rings, funded by the CRA, could be used with the innovative policing techniques practiced in the Neighborhood Officer Program (NOP) and distributed in conjunction with the NOP Officers providing a Ring or some other camera or device without the obligation, per Legal, that would require a link of the products the resident would receive for free and the Police Department. The program would be voluntary. The resident could opt to carry forward a system that would store the data in a cloud. The Ring only stores the data collected for three days. If it was a better idea to store the data longer, it would cost more, which staff was not comfortable with paying a monthly fee for individuals. Mr. Simon was comfortable with the physical cameras and working with the Innovative policing techniques under the Statute. During the budget, the Board discussed setting aside $15K for the cameras. It was presumed the CRA would be able to receive a discount on a bulk purchase. Board Member McCray asked if the Ring cameras come with a monthly charge and learned they would, only if the resident wants to store the data in the cloud. Board Member McCray asked, in reference to statutory changes effecting CRA's October 1, if the Board was allowed to make a payment for someone and learned it would fit within the statutory limitations. Board Member McCray thought the Police should pick up the tab, not the CRA, and the cameras would benefit the citizens. Chair Grant thought the cameras would already make the area safer. He did not think the CRA needed to pay for the cloud storage. Residents could pay for it, if wanted. He also thought having a maximum limit on the value of the homes could exclude some homes from receiving a camera during the first round of cameras issuance. Only after everyone else applies, could those individuals apply on a first-come, first-served basis. Board Member McCray thought more officers were needed and he asserted the City or Police Department could pick up the tab. Board Member Penserga liked the idea of the cameras. He thought there were many questions, such as do they need a recording or do they not need to pay for the monthly recording. He thought it was essential because crime occurs when people are not looking at their cell phone or through a live stream. He did not know if the Real Time Crime Center could process. He did not know if the Police Department was able or capable of handling this type of video feed. He though a workshop level event would be helpful and wanted to hear from the Chief. It was something he wanted to have in the community, but wanted to work out the details. Board Member Romelus explained the intent of the idea is when there are cameras and criminals know they are watched, it deters crime. It will provide accountability and help residents feel safe. A Protection Plan can be $3 per month. She thought if the CRA bulk purchased the cameras, the residents could decide themselves if they want the $3 a month charge. Board Member McCray noted the Police had indicated there would already be cameras recording in high crime areas. He felt the CRA would keep incurring costs. 17 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Ms. Oyer cautioned the resident needed to have active working WiFi, which might be an issue for some residents. She advised she uses a Panasonic Home Hawk system, which was similar for under $100 and has all of the same features. There are other options available. Keturah Joseph, Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corporation, advised the Board they have cameras. She conveyed about three months ago, at one of their properties, a crime occurred in the parking lot. The Police came to the office and retrieved the information and were able to arrest the person. Board Member Romelus explained they are creating the program not necessarily for only Ring, as it would be open to all companies to get the bests product. As to the internet, by working with the NOP to implement the program, they will seek to educate the public about programs that Comcast and ATT have for low-income individuals, seniors, or those with families who get free or reduced lunch. The program could help the CRA accomplish several things. Mr. Simon needed approval of the NOP program as attached, which has a reference to the Ring program during this fiscal year and an interlocal agreement (ILA) was needed. The budget was approved as of October 1, 2019, and the NOP Officers are accruing costs, which the City is incurring. The CRA could decide to add funds in the adjusted ILA or have that project return to the Board when there is more information and the Board could then amend the program. Chair Grant asked about Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training and learned it was included in the NOP budget. Chair Grant asked if there were funds if one of the NOP officers needed to take the training and learned they did. He requested a motion to approve with or without the Ring funding. He wanted to include the Ring funding, although it did not have to be spent in the NOP program. He thought the Board should choose one of the events and was aware there is a substation in Ocean Palms Plaza. He wanted to ensure at least one officer on duty should have a table and educate the public about what they do and distribute the cameras at the event. Mr. Simon explained it is offered at every CRA event. Chair Grant wanted to include that in the ILA. Motion Board Member McCray motioned to approve the agreement without the Ring cameras. They could come back and amend the ILA when they get the information. He wanted to obtain the best use and bang for the buck. Board Member McCray wanted to meet with the Chief and find out other things they could implement as they could always amend the ILA. Board Member Romelus commented the Police are already doing a smaller version of the program and distributed 10 cameras at a recent event. The Police wanted to see if the Board was in agreement with moving forward with a program like this and if the Board would allocate funding. Board Member McCray wanted to leave the matter alone 18 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 and wait to see how the police program with the 10 cameras worked. The matter could always be revisited. Motion Board Member Penserga supported the concept and agreed there is no rush. The matter could be brought back with additional comments from the Chief and he could vote then. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Option B was approved. F. Consideration of the Economic Development Grant Program Guidelines and Application for FY 2019-2020 Mr. Simon explained the only changes with this item were the dates and deadlines. There was some discussion between CRA Legal Counsel to ensure the Rent Reimbursement Grant met the amended CRA Statutes. Attorney Rossmell explained both grant programs should be fine under the amended Statutes. There were a few minor tweaks made, but the program was not substantially changed. Staff added a security camera as an item the applicant could utilize. Chair Grant wanted to ensure existing grantees, who received Commercial Exterior Fagade Grants in the last five years could come back and apply for funding for the cameras. It would be under the same application. He proposed a $5K to $10k match. The Board had discussed having a security system grant, but no amount was allocated. The cameras would be listed in the overall eligible items. The program could be capped, but it would still be a matching grant. If an applicant came in just for the cameras, they would not spend more than a certain amount of eligible costs. If the program would apply retroactively, the Board should allocate a specific amount. Chair Grant explained if an applicant already spent money on cameras, it would not apply retroactively. It would be effective October 1, 2019 and it encourages business owners to put cameras up, but the Board would have to decide how much to spend on the cameras Mr. Simon thought there were 30 or 40 Exterior Fagade Grants awarded within the last five years and noted it would cost $200k. Chair Grant noted there was $200K in Economic Development Grants rolling over. Mr. Simon explained the Board is not talking about increasing the maximum grant to include new money for security. He did not want CRA funds for security cameras. If there is no maximum, someone might not paint the building, or add landscaping, but may put the cameras. He did not want to de-incentivize the fagade improvement, but liked the idea of funding an element that was important that was not previously an eligible item. He thought the Board could cap the amount that would apply for security, or they would not reimburse more than $3K worth of expenses for the security and the applicant would still spend the rest of the money on the exterior improvements. Board Member McCray, Board Member Romelus and Chair Grant was okay with that. 19 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 Board Member Romelus asked if it would allow for prior grant recipients to come back and get up to the cap. Mr. Simon explained only if the Board approved it as part of the motion. Mr. Simon inquired if a recipient maxed out their grant, if they were eligible for funding and learned they would not. It is only for businesses that did not max out the Commercial Exterior Fagade grant. Motion Board Member Romelus moved to approve as amended. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 15. New Business A. Discussion and Consideration of Reimbursement Request for NE 12th Avenue Infrastructure Improvements Motion Board member Romelus moved to approve. Board Member McCray seconded the motion. Chair Grant asked how much the improvements would cost. Mr. Simon explained learned it was not to exceed $20K reimbursable to the Community Development Corporation or Habitat for Humanity when they submit for reimbursement for water and sewer connections for affordable housing on NE 12th Avenue that does not currently exist. He noted the City does not have a program in the Utility Department to pay for the hook-up. Chair Grant requested a condition of approval be that the Board request from Habitat for Humanity and the Boynton Beach Faith Based CDC come to CRA events, such as Rock the Plaza or a Marina Event, and participate as a vendor, if possible, to help educate the public. Ms. Joseph, BBFBCDC, advised she already participates. (Board Member McCray left the meeting at 9:08 p.m.) Mr. Simon explained staff generally does not include non-profits in events. They are not located in the CRA District. In this case, staff could set up a space for them. The approval for them to attend could be acknowledged, but it is not a condition. Attorney Rossmell suggested including it in the motion as a request. Motion Board Member Romelus so moved and to include the request. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. (Board Member McCray not present for the vote.)16. CRA Advisory Board A. CRA Advisory Board Agenda - October 3, 2019 20 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 7, 2019 B. CRA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - September 5, 2019 C. Pending Assignments D. Reports on Pending Assignments E. New Assignments 17. Future Agenda Items A. CRA Procurement Policy B. Discussion of a Joint Venture Agreement C. Consideration and Discussion of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Bride of Christ Tabernacle Church for the CRA Owned Property Located on NE 10th Avenue D. 2019 FRA Annual Conference CRA Advisory Board Reports E. Ocean Breeze East Update and Consideration of Purchasing Washers/Dryers for all Dwelling Units 18. Adjournment Motion Board Member Romelus moved to adjourn. Board Member Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. A4 Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 21