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HomeMy WebLinkAbout324969 - MINUTES - CRA MINUTES OF MEETING CITY OF DANIA BEACH COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 — 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Chairman Duke called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman: Walter B. Duke III Board Members: Chickie Brandimarte Patricia A. Flury Bobbie H. Grace CRA Executive Director: Jeremy Earle City Attorney: Thomas Ansbro CRA Secretary: Louise Stilson Absent: Vice-Chairman: Albert C. Jones Board Member Grace motioned to excuse the absence of Vice-Chairman Jones; seconded by Board Member Flury; the motion carried unanimously. 2. Citizens Comments There were no comments at this meeting. 3. CRA Updates 3.1 Broward Redevelopment Program Director Earle spoke of the new Broward Redevelopment Program which Broward County is opening up to TIFless CRAs, municipalities that have designated an area as blight, and itself. The program will be funded with $5 million per year for the next 3 years, with a maximum grant application of$1.5 million per entity. The county is still awaiting a response from the County Commission on how to weigh and score the projects. Director Earle noted we should be aggressive and apply; he has ideas for some possible projects. The Board concurred with applying for funds. Director Earle noted he will speak to the Board members individually about prospective projects. 3.2 Community Garden: Dania Beach PATCH and Farmers Market Director Earle provided an overview on the progress and success of the community garden. Director Earle provided an update of the community and roadway improvements within the CRA, which included West Dania Beach Boulevard, US-1 Phase II landscaping, Dania Beach Heights, College Gardens, and Sun Garden Isles. He noted we have saved approximately $52,000.00 on all of the community projects combined. Kathleen Weekes, CRA Coordinator, provided an update on the Dania Beach Arts and Seafood Celebration to be held April 6-7, 2013, which included information on sponsorships, food vendors, artists, entertainment, marketing and media. She noted sponsorships and volunteers are still being sought. Board Member Grace asked about parking at Dania Jai Alai and if notice of the event had been placed on the water bills. Ms. Weekes responded that Dania Jai Alai is an in-kind sponsor and their parking lot would be used. Placement of notice on water bills would be followed up on. Board Member Flury suggested having additional water booths so that other charitable organizations can benefit. Chairman Duke suggested a CRA staff person should attend the community and City board meetings to recruit volunteers. 4. Presentations 4.1 Alcalde & Fay, LTD Josh Gaboton, Alcalde & Fay, Government and Public Affairs Consultants, spoke about his firm's work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the City and CRA, and noted he met with the individual Board members today. Board Member Grace commented that someone on the Board needs to continue in former Commissioner Castro's position as the legislative liaison. 5. Consent Agenda 5.1 Minutes: Approve minutes of December 5, 2012 CRA Board Meeting 5.2 Travel Requests: None 5.3 Approve Dania Beach Community Arts Plan Minutes of Regular Meeting 2 Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6,2013—6:00 p.m. 5.4 Approve Fagade and Exterior Grant for Nu-Black Septic and Drainfield Board Member Grace motioned to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Board Member Flury. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Brandimarte Yes Vice-Chairman Jones Absent Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Duke Yes Board Member Grace Yes 6. Proposals and Bids There were no proposals on this agenda. 7. Discussion and Possible Action 7.1 Dania Beach City Center Project Director Earle reviewed the proposed project, particulars of which were included in the agenda backup. He noted a new City Hall is included as part of the project and recommended that we proceed with negotiations with the developer. Board Member Grace asked if we could control the type of retail that goes into the buildings and whether there would be outside space for vendors such as a jazz band. Director Earle responded that we cannot deny a particular business if it meets zoning code and outside space would be available for functions and events. Board Member Flury questioned the timeline and phasing process. Director Earle explained construction of the two buildings directly north of the parking garage could begin mid-2014 and final project completion would take 3-4 years. Board Member Flury asked what would happen if the rentals were not successful during the phasing-in process and Director Earle said if the market were to crash, construction of the north building would not proceed. Board Member Grace motioned to move forward with negotiations with the developer; seconded by Board Member Flury. Board Member Flury questioned if the presentation should be made at a Commission meeting so that the residents are aware of the project. Ann Page, Friends of the Library, commented that the library is bursting at the seams and she is concerned whether it is meeting the needs of the community, particularly those of the children. She felt the library will not be able to accommodate the addition of all of these residences and asked if the developer could expand the library building as part of the plan. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3 Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6,2013—6:00 p.m. Board Member Brandimarte asked why the Board was voting if the project has not been presented to the community. Director Earle explained the process as outlined in the beginning, and noted additional community meetings can be held if the Board so desires. The motion carried on the following 4-0 Roll Call vote: Board Member Brandimarte Yes Vice-Chairman Jones Absent Board Member Flury Yes Chairman Duke Yes Board Member Grace Yes Board Member Flury asked about the loan-to-grant with the county, in particular, when the loan is due and what incremental percentage in taxes is required to convert it to a grant. Additionally, she questioned if the money is being tacked on to our overall debt. Director Earle responded that the $2.5 million for the parking garage is due in 17 years and interest starts next April. Chairman Duke requested this matter be placed as a discussion item on the next agenda. Further responding to Board Member Flury, Mark Bates, Director of Finance, said the money in question is part of the total City debt and will remain as such until it is turned into a grant. 8. Adjournment Chairman Duke adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. ATTEST: COMM IT REDEVELOPMENT AGENC k�': LA LOUISE STILSON, CMC WALTER B. DUKE III CRA SECRETARY CHAIRMAN—CRA Approved: March 6, 2013 B� DANIA BEACH COMMU�EDOELOPMENT At WY: Minutes of Regular Meeting 4 Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, February 6,2013—6:00 p.m.