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HomeMy WebLinkAbout126843 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Chairman Jones called to meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman: Albert Jones Vice-Chairman: Anne Castro Board Members: Bob Anton John Bertino Patricia Flury Interim City Manager: Colin Donnelly City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro CRA Secretary: Louise Stilson CRA Director: Jeremy Earle CRA Attorney: Michael Moskowitz 2. Approval of Minutes Board Member Anton motioned to approve the minutes of November 10, 2008; seconded by Vice-Chairman Castro. The motion carried on the following 5-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Anton Yes Vice-Chairman Castro Yes Board Member Bertino Yes Chairman Jones Yes Board Member Flury Yes 3. CRA Update Jeremy Earle, Executive Director, listed some of the accomplishments from the past 8 months, which were included in the agenda packet. He remarked that community involvement has been tremendous, and thanked the Board for their support. The Board members expressed their support and appreciation to Mr. Earle for his tireless efforts on the development of the CRA. Mike Moskowitz, CRA Counsel, provided a history of the timeline of meetings with Broward County on the status of the S6.3M loan to grant funds. He confirmed the County met today and scheduled a meeting with him and Director Earle, for next Wednesday, January 14 at 4:30 p.m. Attorney Moskowitz hoped there would be news to report at the next CRA meeting on January 22, 2009. Interim City Manager Colin Donnelly advised that the previous City Manager met with County Administrator Bertha Henry regarding the $6.3M funds and that it was a very positive meeting. Director Earle confirmed for Chairman Jones that Smart Growth Partnership is finalizing the grant application for a study of the west side of our City to be submitted some time next week. He commended the Community Development Department staff for their time and efforts to get the application completed. Chairman Jones said he would like to see a Master Plan for the west side of town. Director Earle advised that a Master Plan for the west side of our City was vital for our redevelopment and noted that some developers have been asking about it. He pointed out that this type of plan would not have to be as detailed as a CRA plan and certainly not as expensive. Vice-Chairman Castro clarified with Director Earle that the study included in the grant application being processed by Smart Growth Partnership only covers west Griffin Road. 4. Library Update Interim City Manager Colin Donnelly reported the proIecl has been advertised and a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled for Friday, January 9` . He noted that the bids are due January 30, 2009, and the project should be awarded in March. Interim City Manager Donnelly advised that ground-breaking could take place in September 2009. Vice-Chairman Castro asked if this project could be included on a list for government funding. Board Member Flury suggested we fast-track the permitting and building review process for the Library. Interim City Manager Donnelly confirmed this was discussed with the County. Patty Varney, Director of Finance, explained some of the funding options for the construction of the Library and parking garage. Further discussion followed regarding the best use of the funds we have and the suggestion to turn the Library and the parking garage into one project. City Attorney Ansbro clarified that the intent is to maximize the $3.5M for the G.O. Bond, and try to negotiate the $3M with the County and then worry about the $6.3M. Board Member Bertino suggested the developer interested in the 109 Park property, pay for the construction of the parking garage. Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,January 7,2009—6:00 p.m. Director Varney clarified for Vice-Chairman Castro that we would only be able to provide a maximum of 135 parking spaces. Board Member Anton noted that Director Earle needs to know what funds are available before he can discuss an agreement with the developer. He further stated that we could not build the Library without a parking garage. 5. CRA Air Card for Computer Director Earle requested approval to purchase an Air Card for his computer which would keep him connected to the City's network when he is travelling. He noted the cost is $450.00. Board Member Anton motioned to approve the purchase of an Air Card for the CRA Director; seconded by Vice-Chairman Castro. The motion carried unanimously. 6. CRA Credit Card for Director Director Earle explained that having a credit card would help him with quick expenses and account keeping, as it does the other department heads. Board Member Anton noted that the CRA Director should have access to all aspects of the City, just like other department heads. Board Member Bertino motioned to approve a Credit Card for the CRA Director; seconded by Board Member Anton. The motion carried unanimously. 7. CRA Contracts and Expenses for Approval Director Earle provided the Board with information regarding some expenses for contract amendments. He confirmed that all the amounts shown in his report were within the current budget. Board Member Flury motioned to approve the contracts and expenses; seconded by Vice- Chairman Castro. The motion carried unanimously. 8. CRA By-Laws Director Earle explained that the CRA By-Laws would help operate our Community Redevelopment Agency. He thanked Kim Briesemeister, CRA Director for the City of West Palm Beach, for her assistance in putting this document together. Director Earle noted Ms. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Y Wednesday,January 7,2009—6:00 p.m. Briesemeister will also help with our negotiations with developers regarding the 109 Park property. Board Member Bertino referred to Article VI of the By-Laws relating to the disposal of real estate in the CRA district. He questioned if there was a conflict with the City Charter. Kim Briesemeister noted her experience in working with both the public and private sectors. She advised that the CRA Statute provided more flexibility than the City Charter. Ms. Briesemeister pointed out that any transfer or disposal of real property shall be consistent with Florida Statute Chapter 163. She recommended using the valuable tools available to us, if we are planning to enter into a public/private partnership with developers. City Attorney Ansbro advised he would review the provision for disposition of City property. He confirmed the City would have to abide by the Charter provisions in order to sell the property to the CRA. City Attorney Ansbro further noted that he will amend the section of the CRA By- Laws to reflect this provision. Vice-Chairman Castro motioned to approve the CRA By-Laws, with the noted revision; seconded by Board Member Bertino. The motion carried unanimously. Board Member Bertino suggested that Director Earle keep a log of where he is spending his time. He questioned if this could be added to the By-Laws for transparency and accountability in government. Board Member Bertino thought this should be a requirement for all department heads. Board Member Anton disagreed and noted that we should trust our executive staff to use their time wisely. Board Member Flury agreed with Board Member Anton. She further noted that she is more concerned with results. Interim City Manager Donnelly confirmed that department heads notify one another if they will be out of the office. Vice-Chairman Castro noted that keeping a calendar would be more appropriate, and the information would be available as a public record. Chairman Jones noted that productivity is the main issue. 9. CRA Logo and Seal Director Earle asked the Board to make their selection from the three designs provided for the CPA Logo. Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday,January 7, 2009—6:00 p.m. Board Member Bertino motioned to approve the first logo, with the removal of the letters CRA; seconded by Board Member Anton. The motion carried unanimously. City Attorney Ansbro noted that the Logo would need to be registered with the State of Florida. 10. CRA Director Evaluation and Contract The Board determined that Director Earle's Evaluation and extension of contract would be discussed at the January 22, 2009 CRA meeting. Board Member Flury suggested that the CRA Director contract be for a 2- year term. Board Member Flury indicated that Interim City Manager Donnelly should receive the City Manager's base salary until such time as a new City Manager is appointed. It was the consensus of the Board to accept Board Member Flury's recommendation. City Attorney Ansbro noted this action would need to be ratified at the next City Commission meeting,making it retroactive to December 22, 2008. Board Member Anton noted we should give him a vehicle or car allowance. He suggested Interim City Manager Donnelly meet with Finance Director Varney and bring a recommendation to the City Commission at the next regular meeting. 11. Adiournment Chairman Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ATTEST: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGE CY LOUISE STILSON, CMC es° U.an s p/, rp ALBERT C. JONES CRA SECRETARY '� CHAIRMAN — CRA 7 Approved: February 4, 2009 Minutes of Regular Meeting $ City of Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, January 7,2009—6:00 p.m.