[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] Inversement for the new parking spaces is $151,200 or $8,894.12 per space. Bowen Yard West will be a redevelopment of four currently vacant structures into a mix of retail, food and beverage, and service-oriented businesses. The total estimated project cost is just over $2.6 million. Do you have a couple of slides that I'll run through? The existing Bowen Yard
[0:29] And what Bowen Yard East would be on the upper part of your picture there on the screen.
[0:34] So Bowen Yard West is the other side of the FDOT retention pond.
[0:42] So that would be on the left side of the picture that you're looking at now.
[0:45] You can see the four currently vacant buildings that are being redeveloped.
[0:52] So that would be these four buildings, they're referred to as the Dameron Building.
[0:57] of Robert's south, Robert's north, and the Finney building.
[1:02] And there's a little rendering of what they will look like after renovation.
[1:11] And depicted on the right side of your screen here is the area for the 17 parking spaces.
[1:16] 14 will be the angled parking on 5th Street, Southwest, and 3 would be parallel parking.
[1:24] They also will relocate the sidewalk to go along the backside of the parking spaces as well.
[1:32] We do have representatives of 610 who are the applicant here.
[1:36] Should you wish to have any questions of them.
[1:39] This was heard by the Downtown CRA Advisory Committee at their special meeting on August 17th,
[1:47] 2026, and they unanimously voted to recommend approval
[1:52] of this developer's agreement with 610.
[1:55] Two members abstained, Mr. Steve Colle-Gredis,
[1:58] as he has a relationship with 610,
[2:00] and Chris Sexton, as he is a current tenant
[2:02] in Bowen Yard West.
[2:05] Staff recommends approval of the developer's agreement
[2:08] for Bowen Yard West.
[2:11] Any questions, discussion or motion?
[2:14] That's the chairman of Mobile Proof of the Development Agreement, let's go one yard west.
[2:22] Motion's been made.
[2:23] Is there a second?
[2:24] Second.
[2:25] Motion's been made and seconded.
[2:26] Any other questions, discussions on this item?
[2:30] Can I just ask one clarity item?
[2:32] Because the way it was described in the downtown CRA meeting tonight, I just want to be sure
[2:36] I understand it.
[2:37] So if we're collecting $15 in taxes now.
[2:41] Okay, and then they do these improvements and the new tax bill is $30, are we collecting $750 or are we collecting $15?
[2:52] They will get, they will get 50% of the $15 the increment, so it went up by $15.
[2:59] Right, so they get that full 15 back, it's not half of that.
[3:03] They, they will get seven and a half of that.
[3:06] They get 50% of that.
[3:08] You get half of the increase.
[3:09] Correct.
[3:10] I just make sure I was on the same page.
[3:11] Mr. Judge, you can open the public comment.
[3:13] OK.
[3:15] All right, with that, we'll open for public comment on this item.
[3:20] Seeing none, we'll close the public comment.
[3:23] All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[3:26] Aye.
[3:27] Opposed, like sign?
[3:28] Motion carries.
[3:34] RFQ 2625.
[3:35] Yes, sir.
[3:36] Design build services for the Neighborhood Service Center.
[3:39] This is a project we've been working to get off the ground
[3:41] in the Florence Villa CRA District on March 25th, 2026, the city issued RFQ 2625 seeking submittals
[3:50] for qualified design build firms interested in providing design and construction services
[3:55] for improvements to the building known as the Neighborhood Service Center. A responsive deadline
[4:02] of May 7th, 2026 was set with three proposals receiving that received, that met all specifications for qualification.
[4:13] On June 2nd, 2026, the City's selection committee met to score and develop a recommendation for the CRA for their consideration.
[4:25] The committee decided to proceed with presentations and interviews and
[4:29] And heard those on July 20th, 2026, afterwards the selection committee convened and selected
[4:37] SEMCO unanimously as the top ranked firm.
[4:41] A recommendation of a award was posted July 20th, 2026 with no protest received.
[4:48] This does align with your CRA plan.
[4:51] Total budgeted funds for this project include $575,000 in change in CDBG money.
[4:59] And so.
[5:00] $750,000 from the Florence Villa community redevelopment area for a total of just over $1.3 million for the renovation of the building. Staff does recommend that the CRA Board recommend award of RFQ 2625 to Semco construction and it's forwarding to the City Commission for final consideration. We do have representatives Miss Jennifer Hall here from Semco. Should you have any questions from her?
[5:28] Okay.
[5:30] Commissioners?
[5:32] Mr. Mayor?
[5:33] Yes.
[5:33] Make a motion for approval of the budgeted amount for the neighbourhood service in it.
[5:41] Okay.
[5:41] Motion's been made.
[5:42] Is there a second?
[5:43] Second.
[5:44] Okay.
[5:45] Motion's been made and seconded.
[5:48] Any will open public comment on this item?
[5:53] Seeing none.
[5:55] Commissioners, any other questions or discussion?
[5:58] All those in favour signify by saying aye.
[6:00] Aye.
[6:00] All right.
[6:01] Opposed like sign?
[6:02] Motion carries.
[6:08] Resolution R-C-R-A-26-02.
[6:13] Good evening, Therae Board.
[6:14] Angie Hebert, C-R-A Manager for the record.
[6:18] Today we have before you a budget recommendation
[6:21] for FY26-27.
[6:25] Each year we're required to adopt a budget for operation
[6:28] within the C-R-A districts.
[6:30] You have both of those before you tonight.
[6:32] covered in those are personnel operating services, capital improvement, economic development, internal services, and grant and aid.
[6:43] Based on the current millage rate that is proposed at 6.59, the Florence Villacere is anticipated to get in revenue, $1,676,558 for the fiscal year.
[6:59] We'll show you a breakdown of that in the next couple slides.
[7:03] You do have that, the OpenGov printout following the summary page in your agenda packet.
[7:12] The key projects to highlight for Florence Village include construction of bus shelters,
[7:17] development incentive reimbursement, commercial focus, including the new commercial improvement grant programs,
[7:25] the small business commercial development program and the small business support program.
[7:30] Continued residential improvement grant program and then capital projects including renovation of the neighborhood service center that you just saw.
[7:38] In the downtown CRA based on the same millage rate, we anticipate to receive $4,382,780.
[7:48] Again, covering the same areas with the key projects for the downtown development incentives for
[7:54] for reimbursement for the TIS, commercial small business focus, including the new commercial
[8:00] improvement grant program and small business support program, circulate a route, micro transit
[8:06] and electric undergrounding, residential improvement grant program with a focus on the southwest
[8:11] area of the district, capital projects including the beautification of the FDOT pond and renovation
[8:17] of R.H. Malcolm Park in the southwest area of the district.
[8:21] The Florida Advisory Committee met on May 4th of this year and the Downtown Advisory Committee met on May 27th of this year both of them unanimously recommending approval of the budget to the CRA board.
[8:36] Staff does recommend approval of the budget as proposed for FY 2627 and I'll go over real quick so you guys can see kind of where we've got our numbers from.
[8:49] So projected revenues starting with Florence Bella, the $1.676 million estimated cash balance,
[8:58] $1,737,460, interest on investments, $50,000, and then the two CDBG grants, $575,424,
[9:10] bringing us to a round total of just over $4 million.
[9:14] dollars. You can see this is where we have the breakdown, personnel services, $157,000
[9:21] and $80 operating services, things like the professional services including engineering
[9:28] and the different projects that we intend to do, professional services, other contract
[9:34] services which are the circulator route, DTN which is the lightning alert system that we
[9:40] have both at Winnihaven Recreation and Cultural Center and Ruben William's Sports Complex.
[9:47] And then the retail strategies grant that is picking up a lot of speed in both downtown
[9:52] and Florence, Villa.
[9:54] Demolitions and then travel training, office supplies, membership, the everyday expenses of running
[10:01] Bring us the $506,250 for operating services. Going on into capital improvement projects, we have the bus shelters slated at $50,000, property acquisition, $100,000, neighborhood service center, $1,326,000, various projects which are things like the streets, the lighting, sidewalks, signage. We put $500,000 in to cover that sidewalks or concretes getting expensive. And we have several areas that we've
[10:31] like to focus on. Bring us $1,976,000 for capital improvement projects.
[10:37] Economic development, we have a couple tiff reimbursements that we anticipate will need
[10:42] to be done in FY27 for $25,000. Utility connection reimbursements, this is beginning
[10:50] to be a significant request over and over, so we put $125,000 in for that, and then other
[10:57] and incentives $50,000.
[11:00] So under economic development for Florence Village,
[11:03] we're at $200,000.
[11:05] Internal services cover audit, insurance,
[11:08] admin and various services and transfers.
[11:12] $60,000, $60,000, $112 for that category,
[11:16] and then the grant programs.
[11:18] Commercial improvement grant at $500,000.
[11:21] Residential improvement grant at $300,000.
[11:24] Missing middle new construction rental program at a 100,000 small business development assistance program at 200,000 and small business support, which is the retail strategies at 40,000.
[11:37] Grant aid is $1,140,000 bringing us to a balanced budget of $4,9,442 for Florence Village.
[11:49] I'll pause for any questions and keep going to downtown if none.
[11:56] Downtown is very similar, the projected revenue, 4,382,000, estimated cash balance, 3,151,000,
[12:06] interest on investments, 80,000, grants which are CDBG and the FDOT beautification grant,
[12:14] 498,000 and then we do have the rental of the parking spaces in the downtown 4200.
[12:21] Bring us to 8,116,524 dollars.
[12:26] Personnel expenses for downtown, $179,000, operating services,
[12:33] similar to those that we had in Florence, Villa, engineering at $270,000.
[12:38] dollars, professional services which are basically pressure washing the cafe spaces, $5,000.
[12:44] Contract services, the circulator out, micro transit, TCO undergrounding, falls under this
[12:50] category, retail strategies, and the DTN lighting program, $856,500.
[12:58] Parking garage, there's some significant items that we'll be doing in FY27, working toward
[13:05] We're trying to get that all updated since we've done the maintenance $355,215.
[13:13] The major items in there are the improved lighting and painting on the inside and
[13:18] the outside of the parking garage.
[13:20] And then travel training office supplies at $27,141, bringing us to operating services
[13:27] total of $1,513,856.
[13:33] Capital projects.
[13:34] the DOT-PON construction, which I'm happy to say goes out to bid on Wednesday, $1 million,
[13:41] lighting for the FDOT-PON advocacy and second street will all be done at a similar time, $600,000,
[13:49] RH Malcolm Park improvements, $350,000, then various projects, $500,000.
[13:56] The capital depletion of the gem, $2,939, bringing us to a total of $2,452,939.
[14:12] Economic development, the tip reimbursements, the developer agreements that we have already signed, $741,060.
[14:21] Utility connection reimbursements, majority of these are ones that we've already signed through developer agreements as well.
[14:29] 548,875 dollars and then other incentives.
[14:34] 751,200 dollars.
[14:36] Bringing our economic development to a total of $2,041,135.
[14:43] I pointed out to the Downtown Advisory Committee last week.
[14:48] this is a category that excites me because it's showing that we're doing what
[14:52] we're supposed to do as a CRA, putting redevelopment into action in the
[14:57] downtown through the TIFF developments.
[15:00] Typ agreements and developer agreements. So this is where we're seeing it's coming back around. Internal services, we have the transfer to the general fund to cover previous construction bonds and police for $900, $2,251. Audit insurance, admin and internal services at $177,695. Internal services for the downtown are $1,700,000.
[15:29] $79,946.
[15:33] Grant programs, we have Main Street Winnerhaven at $50,000.
[15:37] Reimbursable grants, commercial improvement at $450,000.
[15:42] Residential improvement at $100,000.
[15:45] Cafe furniture, $24,000.
[15:47] Retail strategies, $75,000.
[15:50] And alleyway improvements, $150,000.
[15:53] Bringing grant programs to a grant total of $849,000,
[15:59] even, expense totals for the downtown bring us to a balanced budget, again, of 8,116,524 dollars.
[16:09] We'll stand for questions that any of us, Chris Reader, is here tonight, from finance to answer those as well.
[16:17] Board members?
[16:19] Yes sir.
[16:20] So there was nothing budgeted for the grant program that we put on hold.
[16:32] Yes sir, I missed it.
[16:34] For both Florenceville and downtown, the commercial improvement grant here for $450,000.
[16:40] And then in Florenceville for $500,000.
[16:44] When I was looking at the breakdown for those, I saw what I saw in there was nothing
[16:57] that related to unless I was looking at it wrong, look at it again.
[17:05] Looking at the sheet from...
[17:09] I was looking at it only on my iPad.
[17:11] okay in the agenda packet that came out the very last page says itemization
[17:20] description one of five yes the page that goes landscape I mean portrait
[17:30] not landscape it is 82 20 is the second page 82 20 has 500,000
[17:40] And again, in downtown, it has I think 450,000.
[17:44] But I'm just saying, it just says facade, sidewalk, cafe furniture.
[17:49] That's what I'm saying, that's what it is a description of what I'm looking at.
[17:54] The second column in as a further description of each one.
[18:01] I'm not sure if we have this.
[18:03] I don't know if you're looking at the same thing I'm looking at on my iPad.
[18:07] So it appears to be coded as facade sidewalk cafe furniture grant program, but the itemization is for specific expenses.
[18:16] I think it is.
[18:20] But it says sidewalk grant. It says that for all.
[18:24] It does because that's the category 8220 in our accounting code calls it facade slash sidewalk furniture grant program.
[18:33] We've talked and it is something that is ingrained into this system, so it's difficult to change the wording
[18:45] So that's why we do a further description on the itemization of exactly what that is
[19:02] Along those lines since we're funding it how are we doing on that program?
[19:07] Are we gonna be revisiting it soon? I know we had some concerns last time we talked about it. Yes, sir
[19:12] We we continue to try to work on that. We we want to get it right
[19:16] Right?
[19:18] And we've had a number of things. We would like to try to get it to you at your
[19:22] next meeting if at all possible. We didn't want to try to rush through it and have to
[19:28] revisit it again. Sure. We had a number of items come up that kind
[19:32] of took a lot of time in this last call at 60 days. Sure, I understand. I support that getting
[19:39] it right. I'm glad to see it's funded because I think we want to show our residents that
[19:44] We are also moving forward, we're going to fix it, and we're going to keep it.
[19:48] So I'm glad to see both that we're going to consider it soon, and also that we have funded.
[19:53] So the downtown is 400 and 50,000?
[19:59] Yes.
[20:00] Yes, sir. And then you have an additional $500,000 in residential improvement. Yes, sir.
[20:12] But I see you just, I didn't have this. You're just just like you say, you, the facade, sidewalk and cafe furnaces, how you have to list it. Yes, sir. Okay. All right.
[20:29] Yes, sir.
[20:35] I can't remember the name of the cemetery that is over behind the 7th Street, right?
[20:41] 7th Street.
[20:41] on the south west side of the church.
[20:46] The west of Oklahoma, I see it.
[20:55] Next near, that's near,
[20:58] there's a rabbit.
[21:00] Back there, there's a rabbit.
[21:02] My wife's behind it.
[21:04] Okay.
[21:05] Who just kind of concerned about it?
[21:08] It wasn't that good.
[21:09] If you were to travel along Seventh Street
[21:12] that runs on the west side of Oklahoma on Cemetery,
[21:15] Avenue and runs westward across the Lake Ship Lake May Canal and it is
[21:22] between that canal crossing and seven street itself. It's a small pocket
[21:28] neighborhood park.
[21:33] That's also the area that we're going to make a
[21:35] concerted effort to advertise the residential improvement grant in the
[21:39] downtown area. So as the park gets fixed up and the homes we'll see hopefully a
[21:45] revitalization in that area as well.
[21:56] So you all are looking to bring back to us when for the
[22:02] grant proposal to make for the grant.
[22:05] We're working toward the September 28th meeting.
[22:09] September the 28th?
[22:10] Yes, sir.
[22:11] Okay.
[22:12] This is our 8th.
[22:13] Yes, sir.
[22:14] This is our special meeting and the regular schedule meeting
[22:17] is September 28th.
[22:17] So by the September 28th,
[22:22] is that going to give you enough time
[22:24] to present it to each one of the advisories?
[22:29] We've talked with both advisory committees asking for their input.
[22:33] They've shared some minor input with us, and we've taken note of that and encouraged
[22:39] them if they had any additional thoughts or concerns to reach out directly to us.
[22:46] Let me ask you for direction on that as the CRA board.
[22:49] Or would you like for us to bring back to the advisory committees, the final version before you see it?
[22:56] We've gotten input from the advisory committees and we've taken note of that.
[23:00] We were going to use that information along with previous information.
[23:04] You gave us to put that together and bring it, we were going to bring it back to the CRA board once it's drafted.
[23:11] But if you would like us to bring it back to the both advisory committees first and it's finished version, we can't.
[23:17] Yes, so let me ask you this, when we considered it the last time, did it come before, did it go before, did by?
[23:25] Yes, yes, sir.
[23:26] What do I think is should again?
[23:29] I just thought me that just.
[23:31] I guess my thought is it just extends several more months down the road.
[23:36] Well, no.
[23:37] It does.
[23:38] Because then you've got to have special meetings for the Florence Villacere, the downtown CRA.
[23:44] When do they meet?
[23:45] and
[23:48] the second and that's how we'll be next up to a little bit.
[23:53] What in y'all need to do just like what we're doing here, have special meetings.
[23:58] We could do that.
[24:01] I just worry about the the forums on that, I mean, I guess they don't really necessarily
[24:07] have to make a decision at those meetings, but schedule-wise to have a meeting after the
[24:15] forum.
[24:15] Right, yeah.
[24:19] I guess my thought is, they've seen it, they were given the issues, they provided their input.
[24:27] They can come to this meeting, the CRA board meeting, and then they can have additional input there.
[24:35] But I just would hate to stretch it out several more months personally, but that's just my thought.
[24:42] Well, technically the program can't be funded until October.
[24:49] Am I missing something?
[24:51] October 1 is the earliest that it could be funded.
[24:54] When the program was paused to be rewritten, there was...
[25:00] Still a little bit of money left in the Florence Villa. There was no money left in downtown. Not enough money to make an award. We could have done a smaller award, maybe 50,000 I think was left. We had money for the extra closet. We had one that we could have funded, I believe, not at a full amount. So if we, in theory, if we got something approved before October 1, there'd be a little bit of budgeted money in Florence Villa.
[25:29] The bulk of the money won't be available until October 1st, when we adopt any budget, yes sir.
[25:39] And their question, I mean, your hope is to be able to present that to us at our next meeting which is September 28th.
[25:45] So what I'm hearing is it may not even be ready to present on September 28th, which then would kick it further out.
[25:53] I'm not trying to fast track anything but I just, there's applications pending, ready for review.
[26:01] I just hate to beat this thing to death.
[26:04] Okay, so you said you've contacted the input
[26:10] from both of the advisory.
[26:14] We have, yes, sir.
[26:16] And did they respond?
[26:17] They did, yes.
[26:17] They provided us with some input.
[26:19] Yes, sir.
[26:20] All right.
[26:21] But then I'm fine with it.
[26:22] Okay.
[26:25] So we'll look forward to the 28th.
[26:29] Where are you going to repeat your title what the resolution for?
[26:34] Oh, you want to do something?
[26:36] I'm just—.
[26:36] I'm just cladin' to give them.
[26:37] Kid, I'm just cladin' to give them.
[26:38] I'm just cladin', Kid, and I'm always happy to have you read the title.
[26:40] Thank you, Mr. Boyce, Chair.
[26:43] Resolution RCAR-2602, a resolution of the Community達 Development Agency of the city
[26:48] window in Florida, adopting a budget for fiscal year 2006, 2027 providing for scrivener's
[26:54] errors and providing an effective date.
[26:56] Thank you.
[26:56] Thank you.
[26:57] Since you've had the rest of it, you're ready for the motion.
[27:00] I'm ready if you're ready.
[27:01] I move approval resolution RCR-A-26-0-2, CR-A annual budget for fiscal year 26-27.
[27:12] Motion's been made.
[27:13] Is there a second?
[27:14] Second.
[27:15] Got a second.
[27:16] We'll close the meeting, open public hearing.
[27:19] Anyone wish to speak to the budget?
[27:20] But seeing none, we'll close the open public comment.
[27:26] We'll reopen the board meeting.
[27:28] Any further discussion or questions on the budget?
[27:32] All those in favor signify by saying aye.
[27:34] Opposed?
[27:35] Aye.
[27:35] Like sign?
[27:36] Motion carries.
[27:42] Comments from the board.
[27:44] Board members, do you have any other comments or questions or concerns?
[27:48] In terms,
[27:51] I'll just ask one question at the Florence Village CRA meeting.
[27:55] Mr. Doodney stood up and offered up donating a portion of his land for a physical bus shelter.
[28:07] Have we contacted Mr. Doodney and is that in the works?
[28:11] Because you don't often have someone willing to donate land to accommodate for a bus shelter.
[28:18] Yeah, understood and and I appreciate his his comment. There are some details we need to work through on that
[28:25] specifically
[28:27] If he needs to donate property that is currently green space
[28:34] He has a pretty high impervious surface ratio on his property already
[28:38] We don't want him to dedicate land and then create a problem on the impervious surface ratio
[28:43] So we need to explore that to make sure he doesn't need that green space
[28:48] Okay.
[28:49] The other piece that needs to be explored is that is a section of FDOT roads.
[28:54] So if we were to put a bus shelter there, we would have to go through the FDOT permitting
[29:02] in the hoops and design as well.
[29:06] So, but yes, sir, we are chasing that.
[29:08] We are chasing that.
[29:08] I don't want to lose an opportunity, somebody's willing to donate land that we need to seize
[29:13] that opportunity.
[29:14] So those are my only only question or comment but comments from staff.
[29:23] So we just had the next regular meeting on the 28th, redevelopment week for the first time ever.
[29:32] The FRA has pushed out just a couple of weeks ago.
[29:36] September 14th through the 18th will be redevelopment week in the state of Florida.
[29:41] So we will be working to highlight the various CRA goals and achievements that we've done in both
[29:49] Lawrenceville and the downtown.
[29:51] Yeah.
[29:52] Well the neighborhood service center, whether any concepts or scope of the work of what you're
[29:57] Not specifically were
[30:00] We're doing a design build on that, so once we get with them and get the contract and the agreement, ironed out, we will move forward with designing and getting input as to exactly what is needed so that we can get the most in the best out of their services. They've got an architect that is involved in the project as well.
[30:19] We'll have to be some kind of concept for you to bid on it's that correct for somebody.
[30:24] There's not there's not an exact price, so that's the negotiate.
[30:29] There was a design criteria.
[30:31] Yes, there was a design criteria package.
[30:33] Okay.
[30:34] Yeah, that's all there were specific things that we were trying to address.
[30:38] Yes, sir.
[30:39] The ADA access into the building, the bathrooms, doing better ADA access throughout the entire
[30:46] area.
[30:46] the parking, there's some drainage issues.
[30:49] The screen room could be more utilized
[30:53] if there was a little bit of a redesign,
[30:55] and there's some roof issues
[30:57] that we're aware of that we needed to address.
[31:00] So beginning with those and then expanding as we can.
[31:05] No, there was an expansion of square footage though.
[31:08] Was it pretty much just working within the existing square foot?
[31:12] We would like to see it expanded.
[31:15] We just, until we get specific numbers and get into details with them, that's what will happen with the design portion of it, they'll take our dream list and work with us to make a reality list of this is what your budget will be to do these following things.
[31:32] Have the idea of how soon that would be.
[31:35] I think we'll meet with them as soon as the city manager finishes negotiating the terms of it.
[31:45] We do anticipate holding some public meetings as part of this process to get input from the community as well.
[31:51] I just wanted to point out that in the RFQ, they did a concept of what the neighborhood service that's on your screen right now, what the neighborhood service center.
[32:01] Yeah, I saw that, it's really kind of made me think about it.
[32:06] I like what I see there and there are a lot of people that are certainly interested in what that will look like.
[32:11] The building's been here a long time, as you know, and it is being utilized, you know,
[32:17] regularly by the residents, and I know they're very excited.
[32:22] I try to go by and update them with information that I do, or am aware of, concerning it, and
[32:28] so they're very excited about, you know, the improvements that are going to be made.
[32:33] So I like, as soon as you have something, I'd certainly like to see it.
[32:36] And I'm sure what we're going to put from them, because they will be happy to tell you
[32:41] trust me.
[32:46] Doing a correctional question.
[32:47] Yes, sir.
[32:48] In a renovation period, where were the residents go?
[32:53] What were the people called when they came to this?
[32:57] During the renovation time, we are working with parks and recreation to see what facilities
[33:02] could be offered as an alternative, since they're the ones that negotiate the lease.
[33:07] We're bringing them into the process, too, and they do oversee the different parks and
[33:11] rec buildings.
[33:12] So we'll make sure that we keep everybody updated and they know well ahead of time what's
[33:19] going on.
[33:23] All right.
[33:23] I think we've bounced around a little bit, but I believe staff was done with their comments
[33:27] as well, right?
[33:28] All right.
[33:28] Board, is there any other comments or questions, discussion?
[33:32] Okay.
[33:33] All right.
[33:33] At this point, we'll open comments from the public.
[33:36] If you've got anything that you'd like to speak about regarding either the Florence,
[33:41] Villa, CRA, or the downtown CRA, now's your opportunity.
[33:45] If you'll state your name and address for the record and you have five minutes.
[33:49] Good evening.
[33:50] My name is Jessie Scoop, no 100, Third Street, Southwest.
[33:53] I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you thank you for granting the three grants that
[34:00] you granted me a few months back and just kind of give you a little update on where we are
[34:05] However, we've got some permits in and hopefully soon we'll be able to break ground on the work and I truly believe that I wouldn't be able to do these projects without you.
[34:17] So I just wanted to take the time to say thank you and I also wanted to let you know that because of this, because of these grants and us being able to redevelop the piece of property that we bought, we're going to be bringing in two new businesses right away.
[34:32] And once we get those up and operating, we're going to be working on a third business.
[34:36] So the grants are working the way they're supposed to.
[34:40] And I wanted to say thank you, and I wanted to urge you to continue the grant so
[34:45] the people in line and the people after them get the same opportunity that I've been granted.
[34:51] And I see that you are willing to do that because you keep asking the right question.
[34:55] So I just wanted to say thank you.
[34:57] I appreciate it.
[34:57] Thank you.
[35:01] Yes, sir. Branded more on zero first street north.
[35:08] Mine is regarding the appointments. I think that the Florence Village
[35:13] ERA is going to benefit greatly from Mr. Pittman's appointment. However, on Mr. Pittman's application,
[35:21] he put down for the downtown CRE. I was one of the candidates considered for the Florence Village
[35:28] CRE, and with my organization being the biggest landholder in Florenceville, the fact that
[35:38] born, raised, knowing the history of Florenceville and things of that nature, I just have to say,
[35:46] does raise a little bit of concern of the process of how we go about selecting advisory board members,
[35:53] And being a little bit more transparent in that is their rubets or something that is gone by and what are the exact qualifications for choosing candidates as well as even though DEI is out of the picture.
[36:08] I still don't think that we're getting fair representation as Mr. Pittman works downtown.
[36:14] Mr. Pittman does lunch downtown and so he would have much been better suited for the downtown CRA, as well as there's several black business owners in downtown CRA.
[36:26] And I don't necessarily know if their voices are being heard and why we need some type of representation on the downtown CRA.
[36:33] But back to Florence Villapese, it does kind of puzzle me that and it's not for Mr. Pittman under the bus because he's a very smart man.
[36:43] but it is puzzling that a person that has maintained and operated a business that does at least 5 million in revenue yearly in the Florenceville area to be totally overlooked then I went to look at the board members as I saw none of the advisory board members
[37:04] a manager on or operate a business in the Florence Villa sector.
[37:12] So now that questions, what is the advisory board really doing for businesses in the area,
[37:18] granted at the much tough pool push and fight for years on end,
[37:24] including Mr. Dutney kind of leading that charge,
[37:27] and a lot of us following and piggybacking off of it,
[37:30] Finally, this program that you all put on pause finally got introduced and some funds got
[37:37] reallocated for that instead of the $5,000 in which went to $10,000 grant program.
[37:44] So I think there needs to be more clarity on how advisory members are chosen.
[37:51] As well as I think that we need to look at our advisory boards as a whole and see if they
[37:58] They are the people really benefiting the folks of the community because at the end of the day this is public service and then someone that I stepped out of it, but back into it at this point, I do see there's a lack of representation for my standing on any of the advisory committees of what truly are the interest of my business, the business I manage.
[38:28] and the people that I associate worship and congregate with on a regular and daily basis.
[38:39] Thank you.
[38:40] Director Lavi, do you have a...
[38:43] Yes, specific to Mr. Pittman.
[38:44] He did originally apply for the Downtown CRA Advisory Committee in the interview process
[38:50] and talking about his background in history and what he does in his history with community outreach and civic engagement.
[38:57] He did say that he would be interested in serving in the Florence Villa capacity as well
[39:02] And we felt like he was a really good fit for the Florence Villa advisory committee given his background and experience
[39:09] And so he indicated he would like to be appointed to that board as well
[39:13] So we considered him for that position and and are all the all the seats now are now filled correct on both
[39:20] CRAs or no, we still have an open spot so downtown after this appointment tonight is full
[39:27] Mr. Joe Holman resigned when he took the city manager position in hate city
[39:33] And so that one has been advertised so our process if you're if you're curious is that
[39:39] When there becomes a vacancy we notify the city clerk. There's an advertisement that runs for two consecutive weeks
[39:46] We receive applications, and then we as staff review those new applications
[39:52] We receive plus the applications that we already have on file
[39:56] Now, review those conduct interviews and then make a recommend.
[40:00] And so we're going through that process right now to Phil, Mr. Holman's seat. Gotcha. Okay. Well, I'll say to the gentleman that just spoke. I mean, I'm at most of those Florence Village, the IRA meetings, if not all. I try to attend both downtown and Florence Village, just so that I can kind of have a pulse as to what's going on. And you're always at those meetings. So I appreciate you coming to those meetings. And I think any time that we can provide clarity and just better transparency on the process.
[40:29] all for that so it sounds like we've still got another seat open so we're going to go back through
[40:36] the process and be able to make another appointment here very soon so yes sir. I want to speak to
[40:45] this as well you know I asked about how how this is appointed and I just told that we are the ones
[40:51] that are making the appointment and yet it felt like a rubber stamp. Is there any way we can do this
[40:55] better. Can we get your reasons for your recommendations? Can we get a scoring something where we understand
[41:01] your thought process? I am concerned with what I just heard. It does sound like a little bit of lack of
[41:05] transparency. You mentioned you had the interview process. I would like to have seen that explanation
[41:10] somewhere. That would have helped us, I think, quite a bit also, to help the gentleman that just spoke,
[41:15] understand where we are coming from. You know, we are the ones making the decision, so we need to be
[41:19] able to justify our decision. And I just felt like tonight, I don't really know what the reason was,
[41:23] except the fact that staff recommended why we took the decision that we did.
[41:31] Okay, so we're still in a public comment.
[41:33] Is there anyone else that wishes to speak to the CRA board?
[41:38] Okay.
[41:39] Seeing none, I've got nothing else on the agenda.