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

Brian Williams, Chair (Zoom)

Harold Smith, Vice Chair

Tamara Cornwell

Sheldon Jones

Sunshine Mathews

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk (Not present)

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

1.   Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:51 p.m.

 

2.    CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

 

MOTION:       Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the February 27, 2023 Special CRA Board Agenda.

 

3.    PUBLIC COMMENT

  Betty Rhodes questioned if the CRA Director had to be decided by the Mayor.

 

  Pastor David Washington commented on the need for a well-versed CRA Director.

 

 

4.  CONSENT AGENDA

a. Riverside Property-Extension of Call for Offers

Mr. Tony Veldkamp and Matt Fenske with SVN Commerical Advisory Group stated they had received 4 valid offers by Friday, February 24, 2023 and did not feel they needed a 30-day extension to accept proposals.  The City will post a 30-day notice that the property is for sale.  Commissioners requested printed copies of the proposals and staff will attempt to set meetings with the realtors and individual Commissioners for Thursday.

 

 

Special CRA Board Meeting

February 27, 2023

Page 2 of 2

 

MOTION:       Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, and the motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.

 

5. APPOINTMENT OF CRA DIRECTOR

 

Mr. Ed Johnson, President, and CEO of Edward Johnson Community Solutions Inc., and Contractor as an Interim CRA Director under contract, not as an employee.

Commissioner Jones opined that he wanted a full-time director that is here.

Commissioner Smith inquired if this arrangement is legal.  Mr. Johnson will be working 4 days a week and will be attending the Commission meetings.  Mr. Johnson also committed to meet with any of the Commissioners prior to meetings to discuss any issues.

Mr. Johnson added that he can also instruct CRA 101 class to help the Commissioners understand.

 

Mayor Bryant said Mr. Johnson has vast experience with very large CRA’s.  Mr. Johnson came highly recommended and is prepared to start tomorrow.  Mayor Bryant asked for a vote of confidence from the Commission.

 

  Commission discussed the importance of advertising correctly for the CRA position.

  Mayor opined that it is very irregular for the Commission to weigh in on hiring personnel.

  Commissioner Williams felt Mr. Johnson was well-prepared to take the lead position with the CRA.

 

  MOTION:         Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 3-2 to accept the proposal and contract to confirm Mr. Johnson as the Interim CRA Director.  Commissioner Jones and Smith voted no.

 

6. CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS

No comments yet, tomorrow is his first day.

 

7. CRA PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS

 Mayor Bryant was hoping for a presentation about Connor Park. Copies were sent to the Commissioners.

Tropic Isles asked for an extension to December 31, 2023, to be discussed at the City Commission agenda.

 

8. CRA BOARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

Commissioners welcomed Edward Johnson to the CRA.  Commissioner Smith and Jones both said they look forward to meeting with him. 

  Commissioner Cornwell commented on the Community meetings at Jet Park and Tropic Isles.

  Commissioner Williams asked about the Epic mediation but that will be on the City meeting. 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m.