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.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer
Brian Williams, Chair
Harold Smith, Vice Chair (left the meeting at 8:41 pm, retuned at 8:43 pm)
Tamara Cornwell
Sheldon Jones
Sunshine Mathews
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director
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 8:40 pm.
2. CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Ms. Cornwell moved, Mr. Jones seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke on the multicultural festival and inspections that are done by North River Fire Department at the 4th of July fest. She also mentioned that the Mayor does not have to be the CRA’s presiding officer.
Reverend MacArthur Sellars spoke on his concern with the CRA not funding the multi-cultural event in the future.
CRA Board Meeting
June 5, 2023
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Mr. Johnson spoke about the new legislation received from the Florida Redevelopment Agency, clarifying what CRA dollars may or may not be spent on. The CRA cannot fund fairs and festivals, but municipalities can fund them through their general revenue fund, if they are able to do so. Mr. Johnson is hoping to request the City to fund those events.
Shavonda Griffin spoke on the lack of resources for the youth in the community.
Janette Kelly wants the City to fund the multi-cultural festival.
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to let Charles Smith speak for 10 minutes.
Charles Smith spoke on the multi-cultural festival not being included in next year’s CRA budget. He also referenced the document that was sent out by a CRA staff member regarding the legislation prohibiting the use of CRA funds to be used for fairs and festivals. He also questioned the CRA vehicle that he believes has been used incorrectly by the Interim CRA Director.
Mayor Bryant recessed the meeting at 9:09 pm.
Mayor Bryant reconvened the meeting at 9:17 pm.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 05/15/2023
b. SFG #23-02 423 & 427 10th Avenue West, Parcel I.D #2753000005
MOTION: Ms. Cornwell moved, Mr. Jones seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
5. MLK PLAYGROUND SITE LOCATION (E.JOHNSON)
Mr. Johnson recapped the Agenda point paper regarding the item. This item was also discussed at the 4:30 pm Workshop.
Mayor Bryant asked what the cost of the equipment was. Mr. Johnson responded that the total cost of the equipment is $354,000. The total cost of the whole project would be $862,816. There is currently $500,000 in the budget for the equipment. Next month, they will come back with a resolution for a budget amendment.
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June 5, 2023
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Mr. Smith asked for a breakdown of the total costs. Mr. Johnson responded. The equipment would cost $354,000. The additional funding would be for the professional services to bring the project to completion: Geotech, SWFMD requirements, architectural requirements, and site work. This would also include fencing, lighting, cameras, benches, waste cans, building the new parking area, contingencies, and project management. He also noted that design and permitting will take approximately 6 months, and construction will take approximately 8 months.
Mr. Jones stated that he is for the project, but he doesn’t like the site near the railroad tracks. Discussions continued between the Board members regarding the location.
Mayor Bryant suggested continuing this to a later time. Mr. Jones wanted to move forward.
Mr. Rayan noted that they can collect information from the county because they have monitoring devices on both sides of that creek. Mr. Williams opined that it’s too far from the restrooms. He is also concerned that the area being discussed was designed for drainage.
Commissioner Smith doesn’t believe it’s that far from the restrooms. He also thinks there needs to be more parking.
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the MLK Playground equipment southeast of the parcel (due south of 4th Ave and due east of 13th street) and approval of funding for parking at the southern end of the park off 12th Street West entrance as shown in the attached conceptual and subject to CC&A advisement.
6. CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
No additional comments.
7. CRA PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bryant apologized to Mr. Johnson for the inappropriate things said tonight.
8. CRA BOARD MEMEBERS’ COMMENTS
Ms. Cornwell mentioned the free music camp at Palmetto High School. There are free camps available for children. She also would like to champion swim lessons next year within the City. She would like to see infant training and up. She suggested for the Mayor to approach the County to offer these lessons in the City. She also suggested advertising free camps on our website.
Mr. Jones opined that the swimming pool at Lincoln Park is not open enough. There is a lack of lifeguards, limiting the times it can be open. Discussions continued about swimming and pools in the county.
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June 5, 2023
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Mr. Smith asked Mr. Johnson about the basketball courts that were put in front of the tunnel at Lincoln Park. Mayor Bryant and Mr. Barnebey said the County put them there.
Mr. Williams noted that the pictures are out of focus on the Agenda and asked if there is anything that can be done to make them more clear. The ones submitting the maps need to use a high-resolution map. He also noted that they need to have a joint meeting with the County.
Ms. Cornwell noted that there will probably be further discussions at the Florida League of Cities conference regarding the limitations on funding fairs and festivals. She also suggested the Commission being a voice for changing that policy, if it is determined that they are not allowed to fund them in the future. She also suggested coming together as a community to develop alternative ways to fund these events.
Mr. Jones spoke on the issue with funding events and festivals. He believed based on the class he attended that it is how these events are done that determines if funding is allowable. If you are promoting the CRA, you can do it. He also questioned the Mayor about the signage at Lincoln park. Mayor Bryant stated that it is in the process. Mr. Jones reiterated his desire to keep the City’s side of the park as Lincoln Park.
Mr. Smith stated that he believed the basketball courts were put in a location that the City didn’t want. He also questioned Mr. Johnson if J&J BBQ was all set for the July 4th fest. Mr. Johnson responded that the owner was coming in on Wednesday to talk to him regarding the menu. Discussions continued regarding the policies and procedures of these events.
MOTION: Mr. Williams moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the
motion carried 5-0 to extend the meeting past 10:00 pm
by 15 minutes.
Mr. Jones questioned the insurance of vendors. He believed the requirements are getting to be too high.
Mr. Williams discussed vendors and insurance. The insurance protects the vendors and the City.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 10:09 pm.
Minutes approved: AUGUST 7, 2023
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk