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Minutes 10-13-20 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING HELD ONLINE VIA THE GOTOWEBINAR PLATFORM BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020, AT 5:30 P.M. PRESENT: Steven Grant, Chair Mike Simon, Executive Director Ty Penserga, Vice Chair Thuy Shutt, Assistant Director Justin Katz, Board Member Tara Duhy, Board Counsel Woodrow L. Hay, Board Member Christina Romelus, Board Member 1. Call to Order Chair Grant called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. John McNally, ITS Director, read an opening statement indicating how the meeting would proceed and how the public could participate. 2. Invocation The invocation was a reading of Autumn Month by an unknown author read by Chair Grant. The members recited the pledge to the Flag. 3. Roll Call Roll call established a quorum was present. 4. Agenda Approval A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections to the Agenda Chair Grant added Items 17E and 14D and have a discussion with the CRA Board regarding 115 N. Federal Highway. He spoke to adjacent property owners and he wanted to update the Board on his thoughts. B. Adoption of Agenda Motion Board Member Katz moved to approve the agenda as amended. Board Member Hay seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 5. Legal A. Purchase and Development Agreement Status on Ocean One Boynton, LLC Attorney Tara Duhy was asked for an update regarding compliance with the developer reporting requirements for the above project. She explained the deadline was extended for a year so the deadlines for the TIF agreement will expire in January. The failure to commence construction would trigger the dedication of the park piece. The most pertinent reporting requirement pertained to their due diligence and to obtain permits until construction is complete when they do commence. She did not believe there was any activity. Board Member Katz asked when would the parcel would revert back to the CRA if they do not commence activity on the land at the park. Attorney Duhy explained the purchase and development agreement as amended states they must commence construction in January of 2021. If not, then they have to commence construction of the public plaza portion the year after. There is a trigger, but the deadline to commence construction is January 2021. 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 Katz and Hay had no disclosures. Board Member Romelus spoke with Harvey Oyer, Bradley Miller, and Davis Camalier regarding the property at 115 Federal Highway. Vice Chair Penserga spoke with the same individuals on the same matter. Chair Grant spoke with Davis Camalier and Buchanan Partners; Art D'Almeida, Mr. Islam who owns Chevron and the Ocean Mart; Valerie Pleasanton of Ace Hardware; Harvey and Christian Oyer; and Bill Morris and Bradley Miller. He disclosed he spoke with Louis Kalliantas, 407 NE 1St Street. He provided him with legal services in the past, but he is not a current client of his. 7. Announcements and Awards 8. Information Only A. Public Comment Log 9. Public Comments Susan Oyer, 140 SE 27th Way, objected to having to wear a mask as it made speaking difficult for her. She spoke about beautification issues in the City and CRA District. She 2 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 explained a few years ago, residents were surveyed. The survey revealed residents wanted beautification and nothing has been done. She indicated people get off 1-95 on Atlantic Avenue and see something nice. In Boynton, there are empty concrete medians and a small sign on Boynton Beach Boulevard, no landscaping, no trees, nor lights on trees. She challenged the Commission to live up to their word. Chair Grant explained there is a $20M project using Transportation Planning Agency funds. It is in the five-year plan and they are still three years away. They would redo Boynton Beach Boulevard from 1-95 to Federal Highway. It will take three years. As to the different environment beautifications, the CRA is funding tree canopies in the City and provided $35K to do so. Ms. Oyer pointed out it did not do anything for Woolbright Road or Gateway Boulevard. Chair Grant explained those roads and land belong to the State and they would be beautified through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). He noted the FCOT has not spent money in Boynton Beach because it is not as well- known as other areas. The State of Florida has to spend 1.5% of a project's cost for landscaping, but it does not have to be spent on that location. It has to be spent anywhere in District 4 which encompasses Broward County to Indian River. He suggested she direct her comments to the Florida Department of Transportation. Ms. Oyer asked about the median. The City had received funding for median strips, but the prior Commission decided not to maintain them and they are in disrepair. They have the opportunity to fix the median or the infrastructure and they are fixing the infrastructure. She asked about the rest of the streets that have nothing to do with 1-95. Chair Grant suggested she donate. Robby Patel was new to Boynton Beach. He opened a physical therapy office in the CRA District on January 1St. The pandemic shut him down for two months and it has been a struggle to get back on his feet. He learned about the grant that helps new businesses with rent that was due October 1St, and he missed the application by one month. He hoped the CRA would still consider his application. Chair Grant explained the Board would have to agree to consider it. Mr. Patel commented that he liked the way the Board opened its meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Board Member Katz inquired if this is for a grant that occurs on an annual basis or if this was a special situation. Bonnie Nicklien, Grants and Project Manager explained she was working with Mr. Patel, a recipient of the loan program. In order to be eligible for the grant, recipients have to file within six months of receiving their Business Tax Receipt (BTR.) Mr. Patel received his on March 26, 2020, so they are just outside of the six-month requirement for him to be eligible. Vice Chair Penserga supported this one-time exception. Commissioner Romelus commented the issue is there have been businesses that have missed the deadline by days and not a month. This could set a precedent. She has pleaded for other businesses and was unsuccessful. Vice Chair Penserga rescinded his support. Mr. Patel explained he wanted to get an exception on the basis of the COVID two- month shut down. His business treats the elderly and he needs the funds to pay the 3 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 landlord and allocate the funds to grow his business. When he reached out and learned the grant was available, he had been shut down. He hoped there was a gray area. Chair Grant explained the rule says applicants have six months after obtaining the BTR. If he obtained a new BTR for something else, it is something the CRA Board would hopefully consider. Commissioner Romelus asked staff if they continue to advocate for those programs as people are missing the six-month deadline. She asked if the CRA notifies business of the available grants and to take advantage of the COVID grant. Ms. Nicklien explained they strive to let all new businesses know about the opportunities. She works with Ms. Smith-Coffey and Ms. Roberts and they send postcards about the grant programs, use social media and marketing programs. They notify the businesses from the City's BTR listings, and by the quarterly newsletter, word of mouth and website posting. She was administering other programs. Chair Grant thought the Board could change the requirements from six months to nine months. Attorney Duhy agreed it would apply to all businesses. It was noted there were no Economic Development Grant funds available so even if he did apply, there were no monies left to give. Chair Grant requested the Board change the six-month requirement to nine months. Commissioner Romelus requested it be put on a future agenda and thought for a new business owner, opportunities may slip under the radar. Vice Chair Penserga supported discussing the timelines needed. This item would be heard in November. Vernell Strachan, 208 NE 10th Avenue, explained the last time she was at the meeting, she had problems at the Library with her grandchildren. Before she left the meeting, the Board agreed her grandchildren could go to the Youth Library because she did not have Wi-Fi. She sent them there and the next day, the Library sent her grandchildren back home. Her grandchildren are 14, 15 and 17. She had to leave her doctor's office and come back. She spoke to the librarians and they explained the policy. Ms. Strachan told them she had spoken with the Chair and the Board and they said it was alright. Then the director came out and she told her in no circumstances will there be exceptions to the rule. No child can sit in the Youth Library by themself. Ms. Strachan reiterated she was told at the City Commission meeting that her grandchildren could go to the library and the Librarian responded she knew as she was at the same meeting. Ms. Strachan noted to her right was a small girl between 8 and 110 doing her homework. She was a white girl. She felt that there were exceptions made, but not to her. The Librarian called two security guards on her. Ms. Strachan advised she will take it to the next level. She contacted the Director, who called her back and he was very rude. She thought Mr. Clark and his assistant should be respectful. Kim Kelly, 529 E Ocean Avenue, spoke about 115 N. Federal Highway and commented she spoke with many business owners, community residents and several developers about what the property could be used for instead of a mixed-use project. Ideas discussed included a hotel with retail and tie it into the Marina. Rather than see people go to Delray, and West Palm, they would want to come to Boynton Beach. She 4 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 thought building mixed-use projects is not what the community needed. She had 4K signatures on a petition and people agree with different concepts. Chair Grant received a proposal and spoke with the Executive Director. It was not in the form of a letter of intent. She was trying to show the community and residents that there are alternatives to mixed-use properties popping up. No other formal Letters of Intent on the property were received. No one else coming forward, Public Comments was closed. Board Member Hay requested a follow up on the Library issue. He was unsure it was a CRA issue and thought it was a City issue. Board Member Katz suggested contacting the City Attorney and City Manager as they have the backstory on the issue. Board Member Hay requested it be passed on to Legal. 10. Consent Agenda A. CRA Financial Report Period Ending September 30, 2020 C. Approval of CRA Board Meeting Minutes - September 8, 2020 Motion Board Member Katz moved to approve. Vice Chair Penserga seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. 11. Pulled Consent Agenda Items None. 12. CRA Projects in Progress A. Marketing, Business Promotions, and Social Media Update Rene Roberts, Social Media and Communications Specialist, gave an update on their progress for September. She reviewed Phase II of the Live Like a Local campaign highlighted nail, beauty, spas and hair salons in the CRA District. Followers were encouraged to participate in a contest, which was run on Instagram and Facebook to win a voucher to one of the featured businesses and prizes were awarded. Staff also promoted Phase III which was focused on eateries and restaurants in the CRA District, which was promoted in the same way. Examples of project posts were viewed promoting City and CRA projects including the Boynton Harbor Marina, Town Square, the Historic Women's Club and Ocean Breeze East. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 Tracy Smith Coffey, Marketing and Business Promotion Specialist, reviewed the print marketing to promote the Like a Local campaign. A full-page ad was published in the Neighborhood News in September, and ads were also in the Delray and Boca newspapers. They focused on the health and wellness, and fitness businesses in the CRA. She attended a Discover the Palm Beaches meeting, which discussed marketing initiatives in various localities in Palm Beach and the Dine Like a Local campaign was highlighted for Phase III of the State of Florida reopening. Examples of customized marketing material for the Historic Women's Club of Boynton Beach was reviewed, including the inserts for weddings and others for meetings and events. Mercedes Coppin, Business Promotions and Events Manager, advised in September, the CRA continued its blog series on E. Ocean Avenue and spotlighted businesses there such as Posh Properties, Boulevard Paint, Reed Griffin and Warren, Max Lash and Beauty, and Expert Closet and Shower Door Professionals. As of today, it received 62 views. October 1St the Redevelopment Works Newsletter which provides information on upcoming projects scheduled for the year and a Year in Review of the Economic Development Grant program and updates on the Town Square and Ocean Breeze East projects was issued. The newsletter's Marina section included information about four waterfront businesses in the CRA District and included information on the Economic Development Grant, Affordable and Workforce Housing Rehabilitation Grant and New Construction Forgivable Loan, and the Neighborhood Signage Installation and Repair Grant programs, which was viewed over 500 times. To provide additional exposure to new businesses opening up, the CRA held virtual ribbon-cuttings that are broadcast on Facebook Live. On September 24th, the CRA assisted with a ribbon cutting ceremony at E&C Beautify Salon Experience, which was broadcast live, and was viewed 350 times. Chair Grant asked about the Historic Women's Club of Boynton Beach and if the CRA provided a definition of the word Local, and learned it was someone who lives within Boynton Beach and their license says Boynton Beach. Chair Grant noted there are some areas in the City that have a Delray Beach address. Ms. Coppin advised as they are receiving bookings, they use the address listed on their license. If in Boynton Beach, they get the local rate. Chair Grant thought for the first year, they should open the facility up to everyone and then review the numbers the following October. B. Social Media Outreach Program 4th Quarterly Report (July - September 2020) Ms. Roberts explained they have 89 businesses registered. Five new businesses registered this quarter and 79 were contacted. 6 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 E&C Beauty Salon Experience has been receiving one-on-one assistance. They opened in July and had very little exposure on social media. Since joining, they established and grew an online following. Staff helped them to create a Google listing. They have a five-star review on Google and the platform allows the owner to respond and interact with patrons. The Google listing resulted in three new clients in their first month. Staff also helped them with creating a business Instagram and Facebook page. Staff also assisted Intracoastal Jet Ski and Boat Rentals and Beach Tennis in the same manner. The Boynton Beach CRA Facebook page grew by 138 followers this quarter and grew 21.5% over the last fiscal year. Twitter has had over 10,500 impressions between July to September and visits increased 53.8%. Instagram reached over 6K users in the fourth quarter and over 10K in the past fiscal year. Future projects included developing new social media strategies, assist with a strategic marketing plan, continue with one-on-one business assistance; continue updating the CRA's business listing; collaborate with the Special Events Team and coordinate with the CRA's Grants and Project Manager to promote the SMOP Program to prospective grant recipients. C. CRA Economic & Business Development Grant Program Update Ms. Nicklien announced there have been no new grants issued. The program launched October 1St and she has been working with several applicants on grants requests that will be presented in the next few months. A list of the Business Tax Receipts issued between July and September was included. D. Ocean Breeze East Affordable Multi-Family Rental Apartment Project Update Thuy Shutt, Assistant CRA Director, advised the project is complete with respect to the buildings and interiors. Installation of landscaping has begun on NE 1St Street as of October 1St. Most exterior landscaping will be installed in time for project completion in December. Centennial is reviewing rental applications for prospective tenants. Interested parties can contact the developer at Obreeze@Centennialmom or call (305) 455-5006. There were over 900 applications received It was noted there are specific HUD requirements to become a tenant and a certain percentage of units have to be rented to a certain number of income category recipients. Chair Grant viewed the two and three-bedroom units and commented the units do not look like affordable housing units. He was pleased the Board decided to include washers and dryers in the units and explained the goal is to help with economic development to build wealth in the City. They have Wi-Fi in the Clubhouse and it is uplifting to see the new residents they will have. Board Member Hay agreed as he had also viewed the units. He hoped the project would maintained and thought it was a job well done. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 E. Palm Beach County Housing Authority Project Update Mr. Simon advised the Palm Beach County Housing Authority staff and Development Director sent the CRA and City an update on the progress of the HUD's application to dispose as there is a technical response and formal application involved. They are gathering letters of support from local advisory Boards as well as their own and local government officials and they asked Chair Grant to send a letter of support, which he did. This would hopefully be submitted to HUD by mid to late November. It is an auction type disposal, he hoped similar to the tax deed sales. He will keep the Board apprised and they will be working with the City. Chair Grant asked if they would like to add a letter of support and mention the Board's willingness to be involved with either the auction or the construction of housing on the land. There was agreement the letter of support will be on behalf of the Board for the Chair's signature. He thought the letter should mention funds as was mentioned in the August letter. There was agreement the letter will be signed by as many Board members as possible. 13. Public Hearing None. 14. Old Business A. Discussion Regarding Prevailing Wage, Benefits and Apprenticeship Policies for CRA Procurement and Requests for Proposals Mr. Simon explained this item was at the request of Board Member Katz seeking policies and direction the Board would like to take. Board Member Katz's opinion, based on reviewing examples sent to him and speaking with elected officials, was he would like to hone in on Broward County's Ordinance and seek the CRA staff and attorney's advice to adapt it to the CRA's purposes, such as how much time would be required on a job to fulfill apprenticeship requirements. He wanted the attorney's and staff to indicate what they need to do to make it applicable to a CRA as opposed to a County. Chair Grant thought the CRA only has a certain amount of land and projects left. One way to implement this is through TIF funding or assets the CRA has to require CRA partners to live up to this. It was like a Community Benefit Agreement. In regard to the 115 N. Federal project, he would like to see, whether it is land or money given to a developer or project, that they be paying a living wage. It is similar to Economic Development grants when they expand, they require the employees be paid a living wage. He thought a $50K project may not require an apprenticeship program, but something over for $500K would. Attorney Duhy explained these concepts can be integrated in ways the Chair indicated. As part of any agreement for TIF or if selling land or supporting development, they 8 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 could create policies to incorporate the provisions into those programs. Most of them deal with procurement. They may have to work with the City, but it may not be the biggest bang for the buck. The Board can incorporate on a case-by-case basis or based on policy standards. Chair Grant requested consensus on the items he proposed for staff and Legal to come back with language. He asked if there was agreement that for $500K they see an apprenticeship program. Vice Chair Penserga wanted to see what staff brings forward, but in general he supported it. Chair Grant wanted subjective language so future CRA Boards can make accommodations available. Attorney Duhy explained she can bring a menu of the different benefits of projects in categories, they will consider requiring one or more of the following. It would be a list to have on hand when evaluating programs. She thought it would be a good place to start. Board Member Katz appreciated the input of staff, the Board and legal. He agreed any project over a certain amount, at least for apprenticeship and interns, should have something iron clad. He would want anyone coming in know if they are applying for assistance, they have to adhere to the requirements. Ms. Oyer suggested a.higher number such as $1 M. Chair Grant disagreed and wanted it on smaller projects as well. Mr. Simon explained staff will bring back something flexible. He thought there would be many more future funding requests. Attorney Duhy commented there was a pending lawsuit challenging an ordinance that implemented some of these requirements which was different than what they do as a CRA. She had no concerns about being able to put something together for what the CRA voluntarily offers that people can ask the CRA for, that would not fall within the lawsuit area. They can develop something that would not raise those kinds of concerns. B. Discussion and Consideration of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Property located at 407 NE 1st Street Mr. Simon explained last month, the Board approved a Purchase and Sales agreement to purchase the above property. After meeting with the owner and his attorney, the following was agreed on: the sales price was $268K, closing would occur 30 days from the effective date. A $5,000 security deposit was requested. Mr. Simon explained they need to approve the document and execution by the Board Chair. Motion Board Member Hay moved to approve. Board Member Katz seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. C. FY 2019-2020 CRA Projects End-of-Year Presentation 9 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 Mr. Simon gave a brief presentation of accomplishments. He highlighted the Town Square comprised of the City Hall/Library, Fire Station No. 1, and District Energy Building and Amphitheater. The CRA's contribution to it was $3.7M this fiscal year, which they distributed to the City as reimbursement. The CRA budgeted $435K for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach. They obtained a $66K Solid Waste Authority grant for painting and window and door repairs. The CRA paid $322K year-to-date for interior/exterior painting, interior repairs, lighting, signage, landscaping and parking lot resurfacing and other building improvements. The CRA spent $645K to improve Sara Sims Park and the CRA already reimbursed the City the funds. The total park improvement was over $1.6M and the project was a City/CRA partnership. This year, additional funds for improvements to the amphitheater were forthcoming. Mr. Simon further expounded on the CRA's Economic Development Grants, the Boynton Beach Boulevard Complete Street Project; the E. Boynton Beach Boulevard Extension; the MLK Jr. Boulevard Mixed-Use Project; the Cottage District Infill Housing Redevelopment Project; the Ocean Breeze East Apartments; Model Block; the NE 12th Avenue Duplex and 110 NW 6th Avenue; the Habitat for Humanity & Boynton Beach CDC NE 12th Avenue homes; the MLK Jr. Boulevard Corridor Beautification; demolition of the structure at 1001 N. Railroad Avenue and at 125 NE 4th Avenue; and fuel sales, slip rentals and other relevant data at the Marina. Board Member Romelus thanked Mr. Simon and the CRA staff. D. Discussion of 115 N. Federal Highway Chair Grant noted he had added the discussion of 115 N. Federal Highway to the agenda and advised he spoke with Bill Morris and Bradley Miller. He had concerns regarding their Letter of Intent and did not think the offer was proper. They said they would give the CRA $3M, but they were providing parking spaces in lieu of the funds. The CRA already has 100 parking spaces. Chair Grant did not think they were getting much in the way of additional benefits to the community . He thought the Board should consider getting the funds up front and as the project progresses, they give that money back, such as a third of the funds at time of permit, a third when they commence construction and a third upon the project completion. Chair Grant was also concerned about adjacent properties. He spoke with Davis Camalier who owns the. Boardwalk property as Chair Grant did not feel the Boardwalk was the proper use of the land and Mr. Camalier stated the developers had not spoken to him about purchasing the land. Mr. Morris indicated that he would purchase it and the Ace Hardware property and a request was made to submit a written offer as something to work from. There are adjacent properties that may not be involved in the development and Chair Grant asked how the CRA could help improve them. He spoke with Mr. Simon about Economic Development grants, noting when business owners make improvements to their properties, the property appraiser can adjust the property's value. He thought adjacent properties should be included in the project, because they 10 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 will not have the opportunity to build the project again. Businesses with street frontage have a lot of taxable value and a lot more property value. Chair Grant looked at Worthington Place and saw there are two vacant lots next to the building that no one can build on. One lot he let foreclose because it was not needed as part of the project. Chair Grant advised he did not want to see a vacant lot and wanted as much of the block included. There was a discussion between Mr. Morris and Mr. Camalier, and Mr. Camalier had a different version of what Mr. Morris indicated. He hoped this would be addressed before the next meeting, so they could get the best project possible. Chair Grant also spoke with the Transportation Planning Agency Executive Director and he hoped to get an update on other train stations in South Florida in November. Miami/Dade was planning five stops on the Florida East Coast (FEC) Corridor. Boca is getting a stop and has received $16M in federal funding. West Palm Beach has theirs built, and north of the Northwood connection, there are plans to build in Palm Beach Gardens and the Jupiter Tri-Rail stations. The City needs a better understanding of the FEC Corridor plans before the City loses their property. If they do not keep the property and a train station comes, the City will lose it because there is not enough parking to make a train station work if there is already a project there. Board Member Katz reiterated comments he made when he voted to accept the LOI. With the presentation and media hype, people were under the impression that what was presented was actually what would be constructed. Board Member Katz was not supporting a specific project or time frame, rather it was for the Board to find a partner. He wanted to ensure the public the Board never supported anything specific, only that they wanted to move forward and there are variables that have to be included, such as a train station, parking and retail/commercial stores. The project is whatever they want it to be within the Board's ability to incentivize what they want. As to the Boardwalk Ice Cream location and Mr. Camalier obtaining additional land to partner with on the project, Board Member Katz was looking in a different direction. The City owns a piece of land currently in possession by Mr. Camalier on the other side of Federal Highway and there are multi-million dollar TIF agreements that will expire in the coming months. Mr. Camalier needs the CRA property and the TIF to build the project, and the CRA needs the Boardwalk Ice Cream property to enhance the CRAs project footprint, so he did not support or encourage him to obtain more property on the west side of Federal Highway. He favored discussing how to salvage the incentive on his project with some sort of incentive or a land swap so he owns the small parcel on Federal Highway free and clear to be part of his project and the CRA owns the Boardwalk Ice Cream property. Each parcel is worth millions of dollars as it relates to their broader plan. Board Member Katz was amenable to all ideas. They have a $3M property. The CRA needs a developer and there is support for a quality project. They are not committed to any project. They will not please everybody, and there is an outcry that residential cannot be attached, but residential funds the project. Board Member Romelus asked if there was any progress behind the scenes with the developer or if there was any potential for progress. Mr. Simon responded there was 11 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 only to the extent the developer can and has attempted to speak to the Board members, and property owners directly on the future development of the site. They have met with business and property owners. They are continually redesigning, rethinking and reconfiguring their project. The Board was not very specific with their dislikes. They like the project and they are interested in it, but there has been some other interest. The developer believed at the end of 90 days, they would return to the Board for discussion and see where it goes from there. He asked if the Board wanted the developer to appear at the November meeting. Chair Grant thought Mr. Simon should speak with the developer and review the video. Commissioner Romelus' concern was the adjacent property owner. developing the area and developing it in a certain type of way. She also was concerned with the $3M offer price in exchange for parking. She agreed with Board Member Katz. They accepted an unsolicited LOI. She agreed they have to keep an open mind. If the right offer is made, they will accept it under the Board's terms and conditions. They want to ensure they do not close the door to a potential train station or alienate property owners. Board Member Hay agreed with Board Members Katz and Romelus. He always had some type of train station in the back of his mind. He likes having all the cards on the table. He would like them to come back in November and they can take a look at what is on the table. It is a strategic piece of property. 15. New Business A. Discussion Regarding the 2020 Holiday Boat Parade Mr. Simon explained COVID has affected the CRA and City's planning for events. The City Manager spoke to him about cancelling the Holiday Parade, and wanted the Board to consider the safety and welfare of anyone who may come out to watch the parade. In prior years, the CRA had a partnership with Delray Beach for the Boat Parade. Both cities contributed towards the parade which when to both cities. This year, the Delray Beach City Commission opted not to fund the parade. If the CRA wanted to move forward, they have to determine where the parade would end and they would need to know what safety measures to have in place at the Harbor Master building and any other public area at the Marina. The CRA Board approved $14,750 for the parade. Board Member Hay favored cancelling the parade due to COVID, but thought they could add lighting on Ocean Avenue. He thought they could come up with something that would not invite crowds. Vice Chair Penserga also favored not moving forward with the parade now and thought it was hard to proceed with a parade without a partner. He would be amenable to other options. Chair Grant noted videography has come a long way, but it is difficult to film at night. He would like to consider a virtual boat show. He also thought the CRA could have a raffle with certain businesses. If there was no boat show, he asked what else can they do to advertise CRA businesses. Past activities, such as Movies in the Park 12 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 held had raffles for gift cards to local businesses and would like to see Boynton Beach Bucks implemented before the holiday season. He wanted to move forward with a discussion, but he did not want to guarantee it would occur in December. He supported discussing it in November, and he did not want to be part of a super spreader event. If they cannot have a virtual or socially distanced boat parade, he wanted to proceed with a raffle in accordance with the law, and advertise local businesses for the holidays. Board Member Katz agreed with Board Member Hay that much would change regarding COVID. He suggested pushing it back to a Christmas in July thing and holding it in the summer. He hoped by then, the social distancing requirements would be relaxed. Board Member Katz suggested pushing the event back to a Christmas in July Holiday Boat Parade where local businesses could setup and advertise themselves at the Marina. The situation may be very different then. He thought nearly anything would be difficult to pull right now. Vice Chair Penserga asked if they could light up all of Ocean Avenue, The Town Square is at one end and the Marina is at the other. People seemed to like the lights and people may be able to walk around and stroll. Mr. Simon explained they have the funds and the location at Dewey Park would have a nice effect. Chair Grant agreed with additional lights and requested the CRA speak with the owners of 500 Ocean about more of a permanent light lighting with enhanced lights for the holiday season. There was agreement the Boat Parade would be cancelled, but there was consensus to have additional lighting. Chair Grant asked about the Boynton Beach Bucks campaign. Ms. Coppins explained staff was working to finalize the effort and anticipated it would be ready in January, but could expedite it and try to get it online in December. She will give an update next month. B. Consideration of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Between the Boynton Beach CRA and City of Boynton Beach for certain enhancements to the Sara Sims Park Amphitheater Mr. Simon explained this item was part of the budget approval for FY 20/21. The Board set aside $50K to help the City in upgrading the existing amphitheater pavilion. It is a standard Interlocal Agreement, but he did not have a more detailed explanation of exactly what the funds would pay for. If the item is approved, the Board could wait and withhold reimbursement until more details or a conceptual plan was provided. Chair Grant supported moving forward with the funding for the platform, but he had an issue with electrical, speakers or enhancements that may be possible as the platform is raised. When the City approaches the CRA Board and they approve the plans, he wanted to ensure the plans were approved before the City started spending the money, and that they have all the information. Another request received is that construction 13 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 would not start until the Juneteenth holiday weekend is over. Mr. Simon noted they could make the enhancements before. Chair Grant explained if there is a delay and is not completed, it is a problem. They have to wait to hear what the City has next month and they can partner with the City on the timeline. Attorney Duhy explained the plans have to be reviewed before the Board agrees to reimbursements. Expenditures can only be used for the enhancement of the amphitheater. Chair Grant wanted to approve the final construction timeline and everything before the City would move forward. Attorney Duhy recommended approving the item with the addition of a clause to require prior CRA approval of the site plan. Motion Vice Chair Penserga moved to approve the ILA as amended. Board Member Katz seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. B. The Villages Project Update Mr. Simon gave an update on the Villages located between Boynton Beach Boulevard and SE 2nd Avenue. To the west is 3rd Street and the railroad tracks on the east. Mr. D'Almeida met with numerous developers trying to sell the project and find a venture partner. To-date, nothing has been offered that was satisfactory. A map of the area showed the location of the project. Mr. Simon made himself available to Mr. D'Almeida. Chair Grant spoke to Mr. D'Almeida and he was amenable to including more economic development for the project. The 500 Ocean TIF agreement required they build retail shops on the first floor and office space, on the second floor, but no one anticipated that one company took all of the office space. Chair Grant wanted to see if the Board was willing to open discussions with Mr. D'Almeida to see if they could use TIF to get more office space downtown. There was consensus to do so. He requested Mr. Simon review the TIF Agreement with 500 Ocean so the Board could propose something. In order to have something developed, the cost of construction has to be less than the financing needed to pay off that cost. Mr. Simon will keep the Board apprised. 16. CRA Advisory Board A. CRA Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - September 3, 2020 B. Pending Assignments 1. Review of Commercial Properties within Boynton Beach Boulevard Corridor within CRA Area 14 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 Mr. Simon advised the Advisory Board is reviewing existing properties for sale and other properties. They will make recommendations and comments on future investments regarding land acquisition on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway. Vice Chair Penserga requested a member of the Advisory Board attend the meeting and give a report. Chair Grant was agreeable, but that they be heard under Announcements, so they will not have to wait until the end of the meeting. C. Reports on Pending Assignments D. New Assignments 17. Future Agenda Items In regard to economic development, Chair Grant wanted to know if the CRA Board wanted to include apprenticeships in any other mixed-use projects in progress, such as Riverwalk or One Ocean, excluding the Town Square. He did not know if construction on Riverwalk had commenced, but thought if they are giving TIF, they should ensure there are community benefits. Board Member Katz was fine with anything that was not in progress, but did not want to include Riverwalk, because they have not asked for anything and he did not want to slow their project down. They have developed the outparcels and the rest of the shopping center. He did not want to get involved in an active project. Chair Grant agreed. A. MLK Jr. Boulevard Corridor Commercial Redevelopment and Affordable Multi-Family Rental Apartment Project Update B. Discussion and Consideration of Request from South Florida Marine regarding the Purchase and Development Agreement C. Consideration of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Boynton Beach for the Historic Woman's Club of Boynton Beach located at 1010 S. Federal Highway D. Discussion and Consideration of Responses to the RFP/RFQ for the CRA Owned Properties located at NE 4th and NE 5th Avenue a.k.a. Cottage District E. Discussion and Consideration of a Letter of Intent from Ocean Avenue Residences and Shoppes, LLC for the CRA Owned Property Located at 115 N. Federal Highway 15 Meeting Minutes Community Redevelopment Agency Board Boynton Beach, Florida October 13, 2020 18. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Romelus moved to adjourn. Board Member Katz seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Mr. McNally explained how the public could access the recording of the meeting. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 16