This CRA Board Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Board and Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

CRA Board Members Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer

Tamara Cornwell, Chair

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Chair

Harold Smith

Sheldon Jones

Brian Williams

 

Staff Present in chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Kera Hill, Planning Analyst

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Phil Southwick, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   1. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

 

2. CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

 

                                Motion:  Mrs. Varnadore moved, Mr.  Williams seconded, and the motion                                                                                                           carried 5-0 to approve the December 7, 2020 CRA Board Agenda

 

 

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

 

 

   4. CONSENT AGENDA

 a. Legal Bills

 b. Minutes: July 20th, October 1st, and October 5^th

 

                                Motion:  Mrs. Cornwell moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to                                                                                          approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff with the removal of item A                                                                                   for discussion.

 

 

 

CRA Board Meeting

December 7, 2020

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4. A.  LEGAL INVOICES DISCUSSION:

Mr. Smith questioned the number of legal invoices for West Coast Tomato.  City Attorney Barnebey replied that the legal invoices pertains to a contract with West Cost Tomato in regards to Connor Park.

 

 

                                Motion:  Mr. Smith moved, Mr. Jones seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve                                                                                  the Legal Invoices as attached to the agenda.

 

 

   5. PURCHASE CONTRACT 440 10TH AVENUE WEST (J. Burton)

 

                                Motion:  Mrs. Varnadore moved, Mrs. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried

                                                   5-0 to approve the purchase of 440 10th Avenue West, and incorporate any                                                                                      necessary documents to close, and authorize CRA presiding officer to sign contract.

 

 

   6. EXTENSION OF CRA LEASE FOR 3 YEARS (J. Burton)

Mr. Burton, CRA Director, stated that the extension of the CRA lease will expire at the end of March 2021.  The current lease is with extensions and can be extended.  Also, the rent hasn’t been increased in 3 years, and the new extension will initiate a 3% annual increase.  Mr. Burton also requested additional spaces for a second restroom, so the males and females will have separate restrooms, and additional office space for the part-time employee.  Mr. Burton asked the Board’s approval for the additional spaces. 

 

Mr. Williams asked the square footage based on the current rental, and the square footage on the new rental minus the 3%.  Mr. Burton replied 12 dollars a square foot.    

   

 

                                Motion:  Mr. Williams moved, Mrs. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to                                                                      approve the 3 year extension of the CRA lease, beginning April 1, 2021, at                                                                                                       $2,455.50 with the addition of 1 restroom and office, and instruct the CRA                                                                                      presiding officer to sign the lease.

 

 

7. CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS

Mr. Burton communicated that he will bring the CRA List of Priorities to the Board soon. He added that he wants to invite Professor Trent Green, from the University of South Florida, to speak to the Board regarding updates to the CRA Plan and housing.  Also, he reminded the Board that Randy Iboni will return to discuss marketing strategies at the Workshop on January 4, 2021.

 

 

8. PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS

Mayor Bryant asked if a letter had gone out to Dr. Sedillo.  Mr. Burton replied that a letter doesn’t go out for the incentive because City Attorney Barnebey prepares the necessary documents, and Dr. Sedillo is aware. 

 

9.  CRA BOARD MEMBER’S COMMENTS

Mr. Williams asked when the demolition on the buildings would start, and Mr. Burton responded any day.

 

 

CRA Board Meeting

December 7, 2020

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Mr. Jones asked how to obtain an employment application on the City’s website and requested an update on the Women’s Club.  Mr. Burton replied that all applications are online, and they could be emailed to the applicant.  Also, the Women’s Club is closed due to Covid-19 guidelines and the City’s policies.

 

Mrs. Cornwell reported that it is difficult locating items on the City’s website.  She recommended that the titles be specific in guiding others to particular documents.  

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.