Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout54280 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Chairman Anton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman: Bob Anton Vice-Chairman: Albert Jones Commissioners: John Bertino Anne Castro City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro City Clerk: Louise Stilson CRA Consultant: William Salim Absent: Commissioner: Patricia Flury Chairman Anton advised Commissioner Flury's flight from New York was delayed. 2. Approval of Minutes of January 9, 2008 Commissioner Castro motioned to approve the Minutes of January 9, 2008; seconded by Commissioner Bertino. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Bertino Yes Vice-Chairman Jones Yes Commissioner Castro Yes Chairman Anton Yes 3. Community Redevelopment Director Interviews Chairman Anton noted we have two candidates to be interviewed for the Community Redevelopment Director position. Pau!J. Herman Paul Herman introduced himself to the Board. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Masters in Real Estate and Urban Analysis, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. Mr. Herman noted he has spent the last three years working with DR Horton, Inc., in Deerfield Beach as Development Project Manager/Entitlements Analyst, mainly dealing with construction of vertical structures. During this time he worked in conjunction with several government agencies. He responded for Commissioner Castro that he was involved in projects like Coronado at Doral, and Mandarin Lakes in Homestead, which was in a CRA district. Commissioner Castro confirmed with Mr. Herman that he is familiar with the principles of Enterprise Zones, but has no experience with them. Mr. Herman responded for Commissioner Castro that he has driven around Dania Beach and is acquainted with some areas in the City. He indicated that the first thing he would do if selected for the position, would be to talk to the individual members of the Board to familiarize himself with their visions. Then he would meet with developers to see what incentive we could offer to attract them to come to the City. In response to Vice-Chairman Jones, Mr. Herman indicated that his strength lies in his development background and his understanding of what developers are looking for. He further noted that he has a lot of experience and good contacts. Mr. Herman confirmed for Chairman Anton that he had experience in purchasing properties for development and facilitating agreements among multiple land owners and individual developers. Mr. Herman responded for Commissioner Bertino that he had dealt with DR Horton, WCI Communities, Inc., Toll Brothers, Inc., and local and regional brokers, with whom he still maintains good relationships. He confirmed that he has not dealt with financial or lending institutions. Mr. Herman clarified for the CRA Board that his Masters Degree in Real Estate and Urban Analysis involves the development of commercial real estate as well as the financial aspects of development. V. Bernard Jones Bernard Jones introduced himself to the Board. He has been in South Florida for 10 years, and has a Master of Science in Sports Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Mr. Jones worked for the City of Pompano Beach as their Economic Development Coordinator. During his seven years in Pompano Beach he conducted business and marketing outreach through public speaking engagements, web site development and daily interaction with multiple Minutes of Regular Meeting Z City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6, 2008—6:00 p.m. community based organizations. He stated the City of Pompano Beach has two different CRA districts and he was assigned to develop and cultivate these areas. Some of his responsibilities included: acting as liaison to intergovernmental officials, private consultants, contractors, advisory boards, neighborhood groups and City departments, as well as coordinating the development of professional and business organizations through outside financial and political entities. Mr. Jones indicated that one of the major projects he was involved in was attracting Aetna Headquarters to Pompano Beach. Mr. Jones commented that some parts of the Dania Beach CRA are out of place and the City needs to identify its strengths and resources. Commissioner Castro asked Mr. Jones to be more specific regarding the changes he would envision in the downtown area, and what experience he had in construction redevelopment. Mr. Jones thought a fagade program within the downtown area might be a good project and indicated that the CRA district should be more uniform. Mr. Jones noted he was actively involved with a site selection partnership with Broward County to build a regional library. He also advised that he had some experience in Enterprise Zones, although it did not succeed in Pompano Beach. Mr. Jones responded for Commissioner Castro that he was familiar with the TOD/TOC plan recently implemented in Dania Beach. He further indicated that because we are a TIF-less CRA he would try to leverage resources and make the right approach for developers to become interested in our City. Mr. Jones responded for Vice-Chairman Jones that in order to attract developers to the City he would implement solutions to develop our downtown, such as creating monthly events that would give a positive exposure for the City, providing revenue for local businesses and enhance the quality of life for the community. Tours of the City with possible developers could also motivate them to invest in our City. Mr. Jones confirmed for Chairman Anton that he had previous experience working on a theme- type approach within a redevelopment area. Chairman Anton noted that the CRA Board will have a Special Meeting on Tuesday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m, to make a decision and rank the candidates. The City Clerk and Human Resources Director will provide the CRA Board with copies of the resumes from all five candidates, as well as a blank ranking sheet for each member of the Board. City Manager Pain pointed out that we still need to resolve the issue of what type of employee this person will be, City employee or Independent Contractor. Chairman Anton noted we would discuss this matter next Tuesday and proceed with the hiring process. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6,2008—6:00 p.m. 4. Library Update Chairman Anton congratulated Commissioner Castro and City Manager Palo for their efforts on the Library project. City Manager Palo said he and Commissioner Castro have earned the trust of the County Commissioners who made themselves available when we needed them. He thanked Commissioner Castro for her dedicated efforts on this project. Commissioner Castro noted they had a lot of help from the City Commission and thanked several members of the community who contributed to this success. She said the County is concerned with the property tax reduction, but we are going to be saving them money by having our own Library. Commissioner Castro indicated the City Attorney should be contacting the County to move forward with an agreement. Attorney Salim noted the existing Interlocal Agreement with Broward County would need an amendment. City Manager Palo indicated that a timetable of events needs to be established. He noted PGAL already has the plans and Broward County staff has the expertise with building libraries. City Manager Palo would like to see the project completed before 2010, and for construction to begin within the next 6 months. Chairman Anton stressed the fact that this matter is a top priority for all of us and we should move forward with this project without delay. Commissioner Castro thanked Chairman Anton for sitting out of the County Library negotiations in light of other outstanding issues between the City and County. She recognized Mrs. Anton for her support with this matter. 5. Adjournment Chairman Anton adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ` , LOUISE STILSON, CMC OB A TON CITY CLERK CHAIRMAN —CPA Approved: March 6, 2008 Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6,2008—6:00 p.m.