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

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer

Sheldon Jones, Chair

Brian Williams, Vice Chair

Tamara Cornwell

Harold Smith

Tambra Varnadore

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

1.       Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:17 pm.

 

 

 

2.    CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

 

 

MOTION:                   Ms. Varnadore moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried

5-0 to approve the August 22, 2022 Special CRA Board Agenda.

 

 

 

 

3.    PUBLIC COMMENT

 

  Tyler Allen is concerned about the potential of fencing off the property across from the boat ramp at Riverside.

 

  Elaine Johnson does not agree with fencing off the property across from the boat ramp at Riverside.

 

 

 

 

 

Special CRA Board Meeting

August 22, 2022

Page 2 of 3

 

4.       CONSENT AGENDA

 

a. Minutes: 08/01/2022

 

 

          MOTION:                   Ms. Varnadore moved, Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion carried

5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by Staff.

 

 

5.    P3 CHURCH PARKING

 

   Mr. Colon gave a brief background of the item being proposed. He highlighted the difference from the original quote was due to additional lighting and the structure to support cameras being added.

 

Ms. Varnadore questioned the amount of spacing for each type of parking space. Mr. Colon responded with the reasoning for those decisions.

 

Mr. Jones questioned who would pay for and maintain the cameras. He does not believe this is a high crime area. Mr. Colon responded that the City has funds to install cameras. IT would maintain the cameras. Mayor Bryant responded that they are including cameras on all of their projects throughout the City. Chief Tyler clarified that the CRA is required to do things above and beyond the normal scope of the project.  

 

Mr. Smith asked how many parking spaces there will be. Mr. Colon responded that there are 45 total spots. Mr. Smith believes it is too much money for that amount of parking spaces.

 

Mr. Williams was also concerned that we are spending this amount of money on 45 parking spaces. Mr. Williams shared that he called and spoke with Xavier and Nixa earlier today. He got clarification on the purchasing process. He believes there are a lot of opportunities in the future to use this parking. The only thing he does not like are the 9 motorcycle spaces. He stated that he believes they need to move forward because this project is not getting any cheaper.

 

Mayor Bryant stated that First Baptist Church has opened their parking lot over the years. This was an opportunity that arose. Every project we do, we try to improve the storm water impervious area. She appreciates all the cooperation of the church.

 

 

MOTION:                   Mr. Williams moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 3-

2 to accept the bid from E&L Construction and allow the Presiding

Officer to sign the contract subject to approval by the CRA Attorney. (Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith voted nay)

 

 

6.    CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS

 

  Mr. Colon will provide a printed-out map and addresses for the Board of CRA properties. He gave an update on Connor Park. He is still hoping for an opening around December. He also mentioned that additional lighting has been installed around the Women’s Center.

 

Special CRA Board Meeting

August 22, 2022

Page 3 of 3

 

7.      CRA PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS

 

  Mayor Bryant reminded the Board of the emails that are sent out weekly by Mr. Colon with all the CRA topics and supporting documents.

 

 

8.    CRA BOARD MEMEBERS’ COMMENTS

 

   Mr. Jones would like properties owned by the CRA to be developed for affordable housing.

 

  Mr. Williams would like to recognize Penny Johnston again as employee of the quarter.

 

  Mr. Smith agreed with Mr. Jones and emphasized his desire to move forward with CRA owned properties being developed.

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:46 pm.