1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:07,840 It is December 19, 2019, and it's 5.30 p.m. The first thing on the agenda is approval of 2 00:00:07,840 --> 00:00:21,120 minutes from the community redevelopment agency meeting on September 5, 2019. 3 00:00:21,120 --> 00:00:25,720 Contact for this approval is Erica Anderson, the deputy city clerk. 4 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:28,720 I'll move for approval of the meeting. 5 00:00:28,720 --> 00:00:29,720 Second. 6 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:50,720 I'd like to open the floor for our public comments at this time. Anyone that would like to come forward can. 7 00:00:56,720 --> 00:01:04,720 Your question regarding the order, did you all vote on item 2.1? 8 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:14,720 I just introduced the minutes from 2.1. 9 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:17,720 Okay. I think a vote is needed. 10 00:01:17,720 --> 00:01:19,720 She was in audience comments. 11 00:01:19,720 --> 00:01:21,720 Okay. All right. 12 00:01:22,720 --> 00:01:26,720 I do believe we have one person that wishes to speak. 13 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:33,720 Okay. Please come forward and state your name with your address, please. 14 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:34,720 Hi, Lawrence. 15 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:35,720 Hi. 16 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:36,720 Good to see you. 17 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:37,720 How are you? 18 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:38,720 Too many years. 19 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:40,720 My name is Oscar. Last name is Pineda. 20 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:47,720 From 940 West Colonial Drive, Suite 700, Nocoy, Florida. 21 00:01:47,720 --> 00:01:50,720 The owner of the building across the street. 22 00:01:50,720 --> 00:01:55,720 Level 1 is Main Street here in downtown Haines City. 23 00:01:55,720 --> 00:02:03,720 I'm here to finally, after too many years of suffering, probably already you know my case. 24 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:07,720 You know what I went through with as an investor. 25 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:17,720 For too many years, we've been suffering drastically with tenants that don't want to be part of the building, 26 00:02:17,720 --> 00:02:23,720 they don't want to be on Haines City for too many reasons. 27 00:02:23,720 --> 00:02:27,720 Last couple of months, we lost in the fate of being here. 28 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:33,720 We do everything that we can, a lot of negativity from the city of Haines City. 29 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:43,720 And finally, we met Jane Waters behind me and Julie, wonderful, amazing women. 30 00:02:43,720 --> 00:02:48,720 They recovered our fate on Haines City again. 31 00:02:48,720 --> 00:02:53,720 And as you know, they know, explain about how we're feeling about the city, 32 00:02:53,720 --> 00:02:58,720 how we're feeling about different things because it's like you're losing a war, you know, 33 00:02:58,720 --> 00:03:04,720 here with too many hours and too many days and different things and that. 34 00:03:04,720 --> 00:03:09,720 Finally, they come to our, you know, different meetings and they give you hope 35 00:03:09,720 --> 00:03:15,720 to do something with the building and do something positive to the city of Haines City 36 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:22,720 where I'm right now here to thank Jane and Jane Julie and the city of Haines City 37 00:03:22,720 --> 00:03:29,720 to be in a couple of months before we're to be something very positive doing 38 00:03:29,720 --> 00:03:33,720 some things with Umbrella probably as you know. 39 00:03:33,720 --> 00:03:40,720 I think it's what was a wonderful idea with we very lucky to be the hardest spot 40 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:46,720 in Haines City to bring not just for the building but to everyone around us, 41 00:03:46,720 --> 00:03:52,720 you know, to get benefit about this attraction to the city of Haines City 42 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:57,720 to be some positive things about the city of Haines City 43 00:03:57,720 --> 00:04:02,720 with everything's been happening right now in the couple of less than a month. 44 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:08,720 So I'm here, I'm the owner to support Jane and Julie and my city, 45 00:04:08,720 --> 00:04:10,720 the city of Haines City to everyone. 46 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:15,720 They live here around to be a benefit of this step, 47 00:04:15,720 --> 00:04:19,720 the smallest step we've been doing that and I would like to thank you guys 48 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:23,720 to be a positive and help us in this project. 49 00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:27,720 Thank you. 50 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:31,720 I just couldn't see you again by the way. 51 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:36,720 Some time ago, I know you and I had been talking and you were working through some issues 52 00:04:36,720 --> 00:04:41,720 and a while back I lost my cell phone and I didn't back up anything 53 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:45,720 so when I inquired about you, I was told you didn't own the building any longer. 54 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:50,720 So I assume you had moved on or moved on to something else. 55 00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:54,720 So I apologize for that but I'm glad to see that something's finally happened 56 00:04:54,720 --> 00:04:57,720 because I know you've been struggling to do something wrong. 57 00:04:57,720 --> 00:05:00,720 The thing that happened was like someone, they say, 58 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:04,720 well, let me management you're building with a different name 59 00:05:04,720 --> 00:05:10,720 because we are afraid to say something in here in the city of Haines City. 60 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:15,720 Any tenant was denied from the city of Haines City for one reason, another reason 61 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:20,720 and people call us to rent space and we don't even get excited anymore. 62 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:24,720 I mean just like go and ask and see what happened 63 00:05:24,720 --> 00:05:27,720 and some company came and they say, no, we're going to make some change 64 00:05:27,720 --> 00:05:30,720 and it would let me management but we know it wasn't all around 65 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,720 because people, you know, they don't do anything. 66 00:05:33,720 --> 00:05:36,720 They say, you know, we're wasting our time here. 67 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:38,720 It is nothing we can do here and thank you 68 00:05:38,720 --> 00:05:42,720 and they take the building for like almost six months in the management of the building. 69 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:44,720 But happy to see your answer. 70 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:47,720 I'm glad to see things that we're looking out for you. 71 00:05:47,720 --> 00:05:52,720 When I was troubled, you was very kind with us and in that kind of situation 72 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:54,720 and thank you so much. 73 00:05:54,720 --> 00:05:56,720 We never forget that. 74 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:03,720 I'm going to close public comments 75 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:06,720 and we're going to go forward with the proof in the minutes for 2.1. 76 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:11,720 Motion has already, we've already proved it. 77 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:14,720 Motion is made. 78 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:16,720 So we got that. 79 00:06:16,720 --> 00:06:18,720 Approve the minutes. 80 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:20,720 So all in favor? 81 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:21,720 Aye. 82 00:06:21,720 --> 00:06:22,720 All right. 83 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:25,720 So the minutes for 2.1 have been approved. 84 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:30,720 The next item is 2.1 minutes from the community redevelopment agency meeting 85 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:32,720 on November 21st. 86 00:06:36,720 --> 00:06:37,720 Okay. 87 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:41,720 Item 2.2 has been approved. 88 00:06:42,720 --> 00:06:46,720 All those in favor for 2.2? 89 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:47,720 Public comments. 90 00:06:47,720 --> 00:06:48,720 Oh, sorry. 91 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:49,720 All right, guys. 92 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:54,720 Public comments for agenda item 2.2. 93 00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:58,720 Anyone that wants to have a comment, please come forward. 94 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:01,720 Seeing none, I'm closing public comments 95 00:07:01,720 --> 00:07:06,720 and moving to vote on 2.2. 96 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:10,720 All those in favor of 2.2, please say aye. 97 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:11,720 Okay. 98 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:13,720 2.2 has been approved. 99 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:18,720 Next item on the agenda is public comments. 100 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:22,720 I'm opening the report for public comments. 101 00:07:22,720 --> 00:07:24,720 Seeing none, I'm closing public comments. 102 00:07:24,720 --> 00:07:26,720 We're moving on to new business. 103 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:30,720 4.1 Oakland Community Paint Day presentation. 104 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:32,720 This is going to be presented by Mark Bennett, 105 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:37,720 the Deputy Director of Development. 106 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:39,720 Madam Chair, Board Members, 107 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:42,720 thank you very much for this evening. 108 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:45,720 Jane and I are going to do a tag team here. 109 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:48,720 So if you'll bear with us. 110 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:51,720 You want to go ahead? 111 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:54,720 I thought we can definitely move forward. 112 00:07:54,720 --> 00:07:55,720 Okay. 113 00:07:55,720 --> 00:07:57,720 So, how do you want? 114 00:07:57,720 --> 00:08:00,720 I think that's just too new. 115 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:04,720 Well, first of all, everyone should have one of these. 116 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:07,720 Thank you. 117 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:11,720 Our sponsors, I know we have a couple that are on their way, 118 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:13,720 but this portion of the presentation, 119 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:16,720 we may want to wait until the end until they arrive 120 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:18,720 so that they have the opportunity to meet you 121 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:21,720 and be greeted by you as well. 122 00:08:21,720 --> 00:08:24,720 But I think that we do want to at least acknowledge 123 00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:29,720 that the Paint Day program, our return on investment 124 00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:32,720 was somewhere around $72,000 on that program. 125 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:34,720 We spent less than $3,000 126 00:08:34,720 --> 00:08:37,720 and we had about, 127 00:08:37,720 --> 00:08:39,720 and we have this in our presentation, 128 00:08:39,720 --> 00:08:42,720 but somewhere around $21,000 donated 129 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:44,720 to make the day happen, 130 00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:46,720 which is an amazing return on investment. 131 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:49,720 It was really a huge community impact day. 132 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:51,720 And so we want to definitely take time 133 00:08:51,720 --> 00:08:54,720 to thank Gator Giles with Gator Pressure Cleaning 134 00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:56,720 and Custom Painting. 135 00:08:56,720 --> 00:08:59,720 John Mayhand with Omni Services. 136 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:01,720 Mike Tru with Sherwin-Williams 137 00:09:01,720 --> 00:09:05,720 and Mark Whistler with Whistler 4 and Paint. 138 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:07,720 Those were our four sponsors that contributed 139 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:10,720 to the success of the program. 140 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:11,720 Oh, there's Gator. 141 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:15,720 Gator, please come on up, sir. 142 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:17,720 And so a lot of the work happened 143 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:21,720 prior to Paint Day even taking place. 144 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:23,720 So Gator had his guys out, 145 00:09:23,720 --> 00:09:26,720 painting eaves and getting the houses ready 146 00:09:26,720 --> 00:09:28,720 so that all of our painters could just show up 147 00:09:28,720 --> 00:09:30,720 and roll the flat surfaces, 148 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:32,720 which was greatly safer for sure. 149 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:34,720 But he makes everything possible 150 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:36,720 whenever we call on him. 151 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,720 It was amazing and we just appreciate you so much, Gator. 152 00:09:38,720 --> 00:09:40,720 Glad to help. 153 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:42,720 Okay. 154 00:09:42,720 --> 00:09:44,720 You're in the process. 155 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:46,720 You have to do it right. 156 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:48,720 You're in the process. 157 00:09:48,720 --> 00:09:50,720 You're in the process. 158 00:09:50,720 --> 00:09:52,720 You're in the process. 159 00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:54,720 You're in the process. 160 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:56,720 You're in the process. 161 00:09:56,720 --> 00:09:58,720 You're in the process. 162 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:00,720 I'm sorry. 163 00:10:00,720 --> 00:10:03,720 Sorry to interrupt, sir. 164 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:20,720 It's not like I'm feeling the Protectors. 165 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:24,720 I have lots of emails that take pictures. 166 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:27,720 It's weird. 167 00:10:27,720 --> 00:10:33,720 And Gator is also here on his birthday. 168 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:35,720 Yes, thank you. 169 00:10:35,720 --> 00:10:37,720 Yes. 170 00:10:37,720 --> 00:10:39,720 I've already eaten way too much cake. 171 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:51,720 Pleasure. 172 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:07,720 Thank you. 173 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:13,720 And if it's okay with the board and the interest of moving along, we'll go ahead and discuss the other agenda items. 174 00:11:13,720 --> 00:11:17,720 And then as the other people show up, we'll go ahead and present then. 175 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:19,720 That's okay. 176 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:21,720 All right. 177 00:11:21,720 --> 00:11:25,720 So if we can then move to 4.2 when you're ready. 178 00:11:25,720 --> 00:11:29,720 I'm 4.2 to discuss CRA Home Rehabilitation and Repair Program. 179 00:11:29,720 --> 00:11:33,720 It's going to be presented by Jane Waters, CRA Project Manager. 180 00:11:33,720 --> 00:11:35,720 Sure. 181 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:41,720 I'll give a brief overview of the program, and then Jane has a couple slides and will provide some details. 182 00:11:41,720 --> 00:11:45,720 As you're aware, with the CRA, we have three priorities. 183 00:11:45,720 --> 00:11:51,720 The Northeast, Oakland, neighborhood, historic downtown, and affordable housing. 184 00:11:51,720 --> 00:11:59,720 And part of our goal with affordable housing is what we wish to accomplish is to establish a housing rehab and repair program. 185 00:11:59,720 --> 00:12:09,720 The rationale behind that, of course, is that if we can improve our existing housing stock, then that provides safe housing. 186 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:13,720 It provides for affordable housing because the housing is already owned. 187 00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:23,720 And also, it prevents what I'll call the downward slope, if you will, of houses not being in proper repair, which then leads to potential code enforcement issues. 188 00:12:23,720 --> 00:12:31,720 So by accomplishing this also, if we can avoid potential code enforcement problems in the future, that's a good thing. 189 00:12:31,720 --> 00:12:37,720 The intent of this program is exterior improvements. 190 00:12:37,720 --> 00:12:45,720 This is our, I'm stealing a little bit of your thunder, but something I learned in the Army is the concept of crawl-walk-run. 191 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:52,720 You start out with a program initially, and as you get more involved and more experienced with it, you implement and expand it. 192 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:56,720 So that's where we're at with this program. 193 00:12:56,720 --> 00:13:02,720 And at this point, I'll turn it over to Jane, and she'll give a brief presentation. 194 00:13:03,720 --> 00:13:18,720 Okay, so we are starting with, no, that's okay, that's okay. 195 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:23,720 Home rehab and repair or paint, and we're starting with paint day, that seems appropriate. 196 00:13:23,720 --> 00:13:35,720 Okay, so just kind of a pictorial journey of some of the houses before talking to residents to the final day where we had 93 volunteers, four sponsors. 197 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:48,720 We spent $2,936, we had $20,150 donated, and again, the return on investment is somewhere around $72,000 for the total of nine homes that we did. 198 00:13:49,720 --> 00:14:03,720 And as Mark mentioned, it's just very important that we do as much as we can in rehab and repair to keep in good condition or best possible condition the affordable housing stock that we currently have. 199 00:14:03,720 --> 00:14:10,720 You know, we are working toward building new affordable houses, and those are very important as well. 200 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:18,720 But to maintain what we have, we could not afford or ever repair those houses at that cost if we had to. 201 00:14:18,720 --> 00:14:22,720 So I think that paint day was a huge success. 202 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:28,720 Probably the greatest success for us at the CRA was the community engagement aspect of it. 203 00:14:28,720 --> 00:14:34,720 It gave us the opportunity to really get into the homes of our residents to know what their real needs are. 204 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:42,720 Paint is sort of a band-aid in understanding what social needs are in a community, which is why that program works so well. 205 00:14:42,720 --> 00:14:52,720 You don't know who needs food, you don't know who has inadequate toilet facilities and bathroom facilities until you have a conversation with somebody. 206 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:56,720 And so this opened the door to do a lot of that kind of communication. 207 00:14:56,720 --> 00:14:59,720 This program also made it possible for us to have a 40- 208 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:08,000 43 person waiting list for rehab and repair. Right now, we're 43 people deep, and that is 209 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:14,000 the purpose of coming to you tonight to launch this program fully. As Mark said, we are 210 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:19,000 wanting to launch it in really two phases, and the first phase would be specifically 211 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:25,000 exterior. We have to have a solid foundation, and that's the purpose of exterior first. 212 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:32,000 We want to be able to do the roof, the walls, the outside walls, windows, doors, work on the 213 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:38,000 porches, the entryways to homes, the things that get people in and keep them safe. I'm 214 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:45,000 going to ask if you would mind just going back one. So how do we qualify these individuals? 215 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:51,000 We'll have to qualify our individuals through HUD standards, which is how really every 216 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:58,000 program like this one or similar to this one qualifies their first round of recipients. 217 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:04,000 So owner occupied, very low income, would receive a full grant. Low income would 218 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:12,000 receive a 50-50 matching grant, and the Haines City CRA provides a minimum of 50% 219 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:19,000 of the total cost up to the maximum available award level. In level one is 5,000, 220 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:24,000 in level two is 25,000, and the difference between those two levels is the difference 221 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:29,000 between putting on a complete roof and putting windows in, or do we need to paint it 222 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:36,000 and do just some fascia work, okay? So they must qualify in those three areas, 223 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:42,000 and then one or more of the following elderly, disabled, veteran, or single parent. 224 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:47,000 And if you have any questions, please grab me while we're going through the slides 225 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:51,000 and I'll be happy to answer them. 226 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:55,000 Windows, doors, roof, and exterior paint is what we're looking at in phase one. 227 00:16:55,000 --> 00:17:00,000 Again, this is just sort of a recap to that, but the total could, 228 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:09,000 would not rather exceed $30,000 on a grant through this first phase program. 229 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:15,000 And next slide is, so who and how one more time, because I think it's very important 230 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:19,000 that as we're communicating with our residents that they understand 231 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:24,000 that it is owner occupied and that there are income verification qualifications 232 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:28,000 that have to happen for this particular fund. 233 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:34,000 Now, one thing I do want to mention is that we are aggressively seeking matching dollars 234 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:38,000 in our community through financial community reinvestment act programs 235 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:43,000 and things of that nature. The idea would be to match the funds that we have 236 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:53,000 to do, you know, provide greater services or two more houses. 237 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:58,000 So I think what we're bringing to you tonight is the basis of our program 238 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:04,000 and I would open that to questions at this time. 239 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:07,000 What's the age for elderly? 240 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:10,000 62. 241 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:13,000 Do we have the next paint day schedule? 242 00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:17,000 No ma'am, not at this time, but we will be doing that soon. 243 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:20,000 Because it does take about six months to make that happen. 244 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:21,000 Count me in. 245 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:26,000 Thank you. 246 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:33,000 So with your approval, we'll move forward with this program. 247 00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:44,000 There aren't any more questions on the board so we can move forward with approval. 248 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:46,000 Move for approval? 249 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:47,000 Yeah. 250 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:50,000 All right, so all in favor? 251 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:55,000 Public comments. 252 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:57,000 Does anybody have any public comments? 253 00:18:57,000 --> 00:19:00,000 Please come forward. 254 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:05,000 Okay, so you want to please state your name and your address? 255 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:09,000 Richard 2105, Dr. Martin of the King, Junior Way. 256 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:15,000 I had the opportunity to participate in the program and I was excited about it 257 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:20,000 and the citizens were and it's just good when the community gets together 258 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:23,000 and the city gets together and we can help each other. 259 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:26,000 So I think this is a fantastic program. 260 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:29,000 Thank you ma'am. 261 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:36,000 So we have been closing public comments and all in favor? 262 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:38,000 Can y'all please say aye again? 263 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:39,000 Aye. 264 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:41,000 All right, so motion carried. 265 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,000 It has been approved. 266 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:43,000 Thank you. 267 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:44,000 Okay. 268 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:54,000 The next item on the agenda is 4.3 update work plan definitions. 269 00:19:54,000 --> 00:20:01,000 So in September we were charged with revisiting the targeted business assistant grant 270 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:10,000 and redefining it and after looking at it and some of the questions that were brought to the CRA by you, 271 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:16,000 we did revise it and this is the current definition. 272 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:20,000 I think that the confusion was in what are we actually doing? 273 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:24,000 Is this a marketing fund or are we helping businesses with this fund? 274 00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:26,000 And I think that's kind of where we left it. 275 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:30,000 So we redefined it to a program rather than just a grant 276 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:37,000 because the only real funding that comes out of CRA for this is with regard to rent subsidy. 277 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:43,000 So I will just read verbatim what this says and then take questions if that's okay. 278 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:48,000 So the targeted business assistance program provides funding for specific businesses 279 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:53,000 that are essential to economic growth and stability within the approved retail districts. 280 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:58,000 The funding is awarded to business owners bringing restaurants, art and culture, 281 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:01,000 or advanced technology excluding telephone retail business. 282 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:06,000 The purpose of the grant is to strengthen economic vitality, create jobs, 283 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:11,000 improve foot traffic, and increase retail operations within approved districts. 284 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:15,000 This program provides rent subsidy, business planning assistance, 285 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:20,000 marketing planning assistance, and a personalized approach to recruiting desired businesses. 286 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:26,000 Funds are awarded as available. 287 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:33,000 I was the one that had the questions, was it marketing or are we just paying rent for people 288 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:37,000 and not knowing if they're going to leave the following month. 289 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:43,000 I think that this new definition certainly answers all of my questions. 290 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:54,000 I would like to get with you all later to find out how you determine under the rent subsidy 291 00:21:54,000 --> 00:22:01,000 who's going to get it, how long do they get it, what's the criteria for them to qualify for it. 292 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:05,000 But this is perfect for me. 293 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:09,000 Wonderful. 294 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:13,000 We have a waiting list on this as well. 295 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:16,000 Not at this time. 296 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:19,000 Right now, and without looking at my file, I apologize. 297 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:24,000 I want to say that we have two active rent subsidies that are timing out 298 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:29,000 with their six month time out, but we've had a total of five. 299 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:33,000 But I would have to confirm that and email that to you. 300 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:34,000 Are those five? 301 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:38,000 Are all five going to live beyond the six month period? 302 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:39,000 All but one. 303 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:40,000 Okay. 304 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:43,000 All but one, which is actually a really good statistic for rent subsidy. 305 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:49,000 Yeah, it is. 306 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:52,000 Are there any more questions from the board? 307 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:53,000 All right. 308 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:57,000 We're going to open it up for public comments. 309 00:22:57,000 --> 00:23:00,000 Seeing that I'm going to close. 310 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:07,000 I'm going to go ahead and vote. 311 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:20,000 We don't have to move to approve this update. 312 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:23,000 All right. 313 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:26,000 I move for approval. 314 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:28,000 So all those in favor? 315 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:29,000 All right. 316 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:30,000 All right. 317 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:33,000 So updated work plan definitions has been approved. 318 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,000 Moving on to the next item on the agenda. 319 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:36,000 4.4. 320 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,000 The C.R.A. Board appointment. 321 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:40,000 Yes, ma'am. 322 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:43,000 Chair board members, I'll present this item. 323 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:46,000 My understanding is Erica is out. 324 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:47,000 Sit. 325 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,000 So we'll go from there. 326 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:53,000 Kay Amberace was the other citizen member of the C.R.A. 327 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:54,000 Board. 328 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:56,000 She has submitted a resignation. 329 00:23:56,000 --> 00:24:00,000 So therefore we do have one opening. 330 00:24:00,000 --> 00:24:04,000 The original agenda identified one person. 331 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:16,000 The amended agenda that went out has identified two persons. 332 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:17,000 I'm terrible with names. 333 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:19,000 So bear with me. 334 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:23,000 Thank you. 335 00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:24,000 Thank you. 336 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,000 I apologize in advance. 337 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:32,000 And Albertine Richards are two candidates that are interested. 338 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:37,000 Let me mention that Ms. Richards indicated to me that she would like to 339 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,000 speak before the board. 340 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:43,000 However, at this point, staff is recommending that this item be 341 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:48,000 continued and to clarify some issues or concerns. 342 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:52,000 And if there are any questions, I'll ask you to defer to our C.R.A. 343 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:54,000 attorney regarding that. 344 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:59,000 So my suggestion, ma'am chair is open it up. 345 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:03,000 Public speak Ms. Richards speak and then continue it. 346 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,000 We don't have a date set for the next C.R.A. 347 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:08,000 Board meeting, but we would ask that it be continued to the next C.R.A. 348 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:09,000 Board meeting. 349 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:12,000 Thank you very much. 350 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:23,000 I'm going to open it up for public comment. 351 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:33,000 I am a proud graduate of Haines City High School. 352 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:35,000 I am a product of Haines City. 353 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:39,000 I've lived here 50 plus plus years. 354 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:45,000 After I went to college, all my friends and associates were begging me, 355 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,000 why don't you come where I am? 356 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:49,000 I said no, no, no. 357 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:51,000 Haines City is my home. 358 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,000 This is my heart. 359 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:57,000 And I want to come back and do what I can for my city. 360 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:01,000 So my heart has always been in Haines City. 361 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:04,000 That's why I've lived here all my life. 362 00:26:04,000 --> 00:26:10,000 And anytime I have an opportunity to make Haines City a better place, 363 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:12,000 I want to be able to do that. 364 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:16,000 So my goal is to make Haines City a better place, 365 00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:19,000 a community for everyone. 366 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:24,000 And my desire, because I live in the community, 367 00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:30,000 I know and I see the needs, desires and the wants of all citizens. 368 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:34,000 People come to me and talk to me, stop me on the street. 369 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:36,000 Hey, what about this? 370 00:26:36,000 --> 00:26:39,000 Well, I'm here to help any way I can. 371 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:45,000 So I hope you all will give me the opportunity to continue to serve Haines City. 372 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,000 Thank you. 373 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:50,000 Thank you. 374 00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:59,000 It's an honor and a privilege to stand before the commissioners 375 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:05,000 and board this evening to represent a nomination for Vice Chair of the CRAC. 376 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:09,000 My name is Khadija Nyang, Executive Director and Board Chair 377 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:12,000 of Smart Start Learning International, Inc., 378 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:17,000 a 501c3, not-for-profit tutoring and college advisory program 379 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:22,000 serving underserved youth to reach their full potential. 380 00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:26,000 I am a recent Chamber of Commerce business member 381 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:29,000 and have served on boards for over 25 years. 382 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:35,000 I hold a bachelor's degree in human services and an MBA in management 383 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:39,000 with 15 years entrepreneurial experience. 384 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:43,000 It is my passion and purpose to give back to the community 385 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:48,000 and to implant all efforts to rebuild communities and the people thereof. 386 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:50,000 Thank you. 387 00:27:50,000 --> 00:27:52,000 Thank you. 388 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:57,000 We will continue this item for the next meeting. 389 00:27:57,000 --> 00:27:59,000 We'll do the formal motion. 390 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:02,000 So open up for a second. 391 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:04,000 All right, accepted. 392 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:08,000 So we're going to vote. 393 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:10,000 All in favor say aye. 394 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:11,000 Aye. 395 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:19,000 And the next item on the agenda is board comments. 396 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:26,000 Well, I just want to thank Khadija and Ms. Richard 397 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:28,000 for coming before us and speaking. 398 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:32,000 I think it's noble whenever you want to serve the city of Haines City 399 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:37,000 because sometimes it's not the most glamorous job in the world. 400 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:42,000 But so I applaud both of you for coming forward and wanting to serve. 401 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:44,000 I'd like to echo that. 402 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:48,000 The reason commissioners sit on this thing, Mark, 403 00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:54,000 I think if you remember some time back, we couldn't get participation. 404 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:58,000 The board was not made up of commissioners. 405 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:05,000 The only way we could maintain the process was to get somebody we had 406 00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:08,000 captive, which was us. 407 00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:13,000 I think that the interest from people I was raising 408 00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:20,000 that I could clear up that plus plus she added, but I'll leave that alone. 409 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:25,000 I think if we consider again, I don't know if we did a matter of 410 00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:30,000 resolution counselor or not, but I think we may be entering the age 411 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:37,000 where we can go back to the original intent of the CRA, 412 00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:41,000 which is to have a citizen based board. 413 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:45,000 I think that brings ideas that some of us who are too close to the 414 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:48,000 wheels, so to speak, don't see. 415 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:53,000 So I would encourage the board as we sit now to give some thought 416 00:29:53,000 --> 00:30:00,000 to taking the direction that CRA was originally constructed. 417 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:07,000 And under which was citizen board service. Because I think both of these individuals would 418 00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:14,880 make excellent CRA members. And I wouldn't want that forwarded simply because some of the seats 419 00:30:14,880 --> 00:30:22,080 are reserved for commissioners. So if my board would give that some thought, maybe we can 420 00:30:22,080 --> 00:30:23,080 look into that. 421 00:30:24,080 --> 00:30:30,080 Well, first of all, I want to thank the CRA department. You all have done a great job. 422 00:30:30,080 --> 00:30:32,080 Thank you so much. Thank you, Jane. 423 00:30:38,080 --> 00:30:44,080 Painting the homes, revitalize the neighborhood, and looking at what you have for the future 424 00:30:44,080 --> 00:30:54,080 is only going to instill more pride from the community in the neighborhoods. I know you started, 425 00:30:54,080 --> 00:30:59,080 you know, in Oakland and I know you'll end up all over the city where there's a need, but 426 00:30:59,080 --> 00:31:07,080 I really, really, really appreciate that. And as a resident of the Oakland community, I 427 00:31:07,080 --> 00:31:17,080 thank you. I agree with what Commissioner Tyler said that this should become citizen base. I 428 00:31:17,080 --> 00:31:24,080 don't think that we are at that point now because we just had someone to resign. But 429 00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:31,080 perhaps, you know, over a short period of time, we would be able to get someone to 430 00:31:31,080 --> 00:31:41,080 replace the commissioners, replace us, not necessarily all at once because they come and 431 00:31:41,080 --> 00:31:48,080 they don't stay. And sometimes it's because life has taken the wheel. So I don't think 432 00:31:48,080 --> 00:31:54,080 that we're at that point right now, but I certainly would welcome someone else sitting 433 00:31:54,080 --> 00:32:01,080 in the seat and advocating on behalf of all of the residents in the city. 434 00:32:01,080 --> 00:32:06,080 I want to echo the same thing because I've been here for a while, so Commissioner Tyler is 435 00:32:06,080 --> 00:32:13,080 exactly right. That was the intent of the CRA. And I don't know if the city attorney would 436 00:32:13,080 --> 00:32:18,080 frown, but if we're going to start that process, I would be the first to give up 437 00:32:18,080 --> 00:32:22,080 my seat. And if both these ladies, if it's approved by the commission, one of them 438 00:32:22,080 --> 00:32:28,080 can have my seat at the CRA table so that we can start the process. I'll be the first 439 00:32:28,080 --> 00:32:30,080 to go. 440 00:32:30,080 --> 00:32:34,080 I'll definitely be the second. 441 00:32:34,080 --> 00:32:40,080 Hold on a minute. Was it not I who brought that to the table? 442 00:32:40,080 --> 00:32:43,080 Don't I give first dibs? 443 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:46,080 Okay. All right. 444 00:32:46,080 --> 00:32:51,080 Vice Mayor Huffman's concern I think will always be a concern on any board we have. 445 00:32:52,080 --> 00:32:59,080 This one included. At some point in time, life does in fact become again the primary 446 00:32:59,080 --> 00:33:05,080 issue with, but I just simply would not like to pass over the possibility of people 447 00:33:05,080 --> 00:33:11,080 who've come to that point where they say I want to give back to my community. 448 00:33:11,080 --> 00:33:16,080 I think it'd be a travesty to not allow them to do that. 449 00:33:17,080 --> 00:33:23,080 And a varying voice has always made the better decision, so to speak. And I certainly 450 00:33:23,080 --> 00:33:28,080 would like to see us move toward that. And then this group can draw straws as to who 451 00:33:28,080 --> 00:33:33,080 starts to succeed from this union, so to speak. 452 00:33:33,080 --> 00:33:38,080 Well, in my comment was not to get away from the CRA board, but to put people who 453 00:33:38,080 --> 00:33:43,080 wanted to serve outside of the commission. And I listened to both these ladies and 454 00:33:43,080 --> 00:33:48,080 I heard their resume, one being a lifelong citizen and I know have been in the 455 00:33:48,080 --> 00:33:53,080 school system for years. I listened to Ms. Khadija's resume and I thought, well, 456 00:33:53,080 --> 00:33:57,080 both these people are highly qualified and so why not start the process now? 457 00:33:57,080 --> 00:34:00,080 So I just wanted to clear the air that I wasn't trying to run away from 458 00:34:00,080 --> 00:34:05,080 responsibility, but rather find people who would assume that responsibility 459 00:34:05,080 --> 00:34:08,080 and move toward the ultimate goal of having a citizen CRA. 460 00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:11,080 And I agree with Commissioner Huffman not all at once. 461 00:34:11,080 --> 00:34:16,080 So that's why I wanted to see if maybe one of us could step down and see if we 462 00:34:16,080 --> 00:34:19,080 could start moving toward that and see if it works out and if those folks 463 00:34:19,080 --> 00:34:23,080 stayed and maybe over a period of the next four to five years we could get 464 00:34:23,080 --> 00:34:27,080 the majority of our citizens on the CRA board versus the commission. 465 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:30,080 So that was my reason for making that comment. 466 00:34:30,080 --> 00:34:35,080 Two points if I can make. We do have a citizens advisory committee for the 467 00:34:35,080 --> 00:34:39,080 CRA and we have a couple openings there. 468 00:34:39,080 --> 00:34:42,080 So that, of course, is a one immediate option. 469 00:34:42,080 --> 00:34:47,080 And secondly what I'm hearing from the board is to examine the possibility 470 00:34:47,080 --> 00:34:51,080 of changing the current makeup of five commissioners and two citizens 471 00:34:51,080 --> 00:34:54,080 to perhaps something else, four, three, three, four. 472 00:34:54,080 --> 00:35:03,080 So depending your guidance I'd like to bring back to maybe in a workshop 473 00:35:03,080 --> 00:35:06,080 format or something like that. 474 00:35:06,080 --> 00:35:11,080 Let us research what the rules requirements are, the different options. 475 00:35:11,080 --> 00:35:16,080 I know from personal experience I've seen a four, three type of setup. 476 00:35:16,080 --> 00:35:21,080 So that's what I'm hearing and that's unless I hear otherwise we'll come 477 00:35:21,080 --> 00:35:24,080 back to the CRA board with something like that. 478 00:35:24,080 --> 00:35:25,080 Okay. 479 00:35:25,080 --> 00:35:28,080 Some variables and you said four, three, five, two, what? 480 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:31,080 Because it never escapes this body's accountability. 481 00:35:31,080 --> 00:35:33,080 I truly understand that. 482 00:35:33,080 --> 00:35:37,080 It's not like we're passing the baton to somebody else. 483 00:35:37,080 --> 00:35:39,080 The baton still rests here. 484 00:35:39,080 --> 00:35:41,080 I'm clearly aware that. 485 00:35:41,080 --> 00:35:47,080 It's just that I feel like that we now have folk who are aware of the 486 00:35:47,080 --> 00:35:49,080 significance of. 487 00:35:49,080 --> 00:35:52,080 I think part of the problem, Commissioner West, if you remember, 488 00:35:52,080 --> 00:35:56,080 is the CRA just didn't have a nickel to give us. 489 00:35:56,080 --> 00:36:00,080 So they were tired of coming to the meetings with nothing 490 00:36:00,080 --> 00:36:02,080 essentially to accomplish. 491 00:36:02,080 --> 00:36:06,080 So now that that has evolved to a degree, I think the opportunity 492 00:36:06,080 --> 00:36:10,080 for others to serve is pertinent at this point. 493 00:36:10,080 --> 00:36:11,080 Yeah. 494 00:36:11,080 --> 00:36:16,080 And we should continue to have some commission presence on the CRA board. 495 00:36:16,080 --> 00:36:20,080 I don't know if I would agree that we should all move out. 496 00:36:20,080 --> 00:36:24,080 But I think that having the commission's perspective on things 497 00:36:24,080 --> 00:36:27,080 and having someone represent the commission on the CRA board 498 00:36:27,080 --> 00:36:29,080 will always be a plus. 499 00:36:29,080 --> 00:36:30,080 Okay. 500 00:36:30,080 --> 00:36:32,080 Real quick, I'm going to... 501 00:36:35,080 --> 00:36:36,080 Okay. 502 00:36:36,080 --> 00:36:42,080 Unfortunately, no other awardees, if you will, are here. 503 00:36:42,080 --> 00:36:48,080 So the final comment is thank you for your support on behalf of the CRA team. 504 00:36:48,080 --> 00:36:51,080 I say those two ladies make it happen. 505 00:36:51,080 --> 00:36:55,080 I try and do the general management thing and get out of the way. 506 00:36:55,080 --> 00:36:56,080 And accomplish great things. 507 00:36:56,080 --> 00:36:59,080 So with that, thank you very much. 508 00:36:59,080 --> 00:37:00,080 Happy holidays. 509 00:37:00,080 --> 00:37:03,080 And I'm sure there's nothing else. 510 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:06,080 All right. 511 00:37:06,080 --> 00:37:08,080 I think I knew what you were saying. 512 00:37:08,080 --> 00:37:09,080 Okay. 513 00:37:09,080 --> 00:37:11,080 There's no other comments? 514 00:37:11,080 --> 00:37:12,080 No. 515 00:37:14,080 --> 00:37:17,080 I just want to thank you guys for having me again. 516 00:37:17,080 --> 00:37:22,080 This hour is being thank you so much for being here and going here to the meetings. 517 00:37:23,080 --> 00:37:29,080 But yes, I would love to introduce my knowledge and expertise from a business standpoint 518 00:37:29,080 --> 00:37:31,080 to help a hate city grow. 519 00:37:33,080 --> 00:37:34,080 Good. 520 00:37:34,080 --> 00:37:35,080 Thank you. 521 00:37:35,080 --> 00:37:36,080 All right. 522 00:37:36,080 --> 00:37:39,080 We're going to go ahead and adjourn the meeting at 6.05. 523 00:37:39,080 --> 00:37:40,080 Thank you. 524 00:37:40,080 --> 00:37:41,080 Thank you very much. 525 00:37:52,080 --> 00:37:53,080 Thank you.