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
Tamara Cornwell
Sheldon Jones
Sunshine Joiner
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 7:48 PM.
2. CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the January 8, 2024 CRA Board Agenda.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke about the multi-cultural festival.
Vicky Moore spoke in support of the Riverside Property project.
John Moore spoke in support of the Riverside Property project.
Elaine Johnson spoke against the Riverside Property project.
Phil Baker spoke against the Riverside Property project.
Lynn Meier spoke against the Riverside Property project.
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Randy Iaboni spoke in support of the Riverside Property project.
Breanna Davis spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Kamiya Davis spoke about Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death.
Deon Shannon spoke on reopening the investigation into Quinton Marcese Shannon’s death.
4. SELECTION OF CRA CHAIR/VICE-CHAIR
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to elect Sunshine Mathews (Joiner) as CRA Chair.
MOTION: Mr. Smith moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to elect Brian Williams as CRA Vice- Chair.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 12/04/2023 & 12/18/2023
b. SFG #24-01, 500 8th Ave West, Parcel ID #2782200006
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
6. BRADENTON AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PRESENTATION
Sharon Hillstrom, President and CEO of the BAEDC, presented a PowerPoint highlighting their purpose, which was included in the Agenda. Max Stewart, Vice President of Economic Development, spoke on targeting industry sectors. Lauren Kratsch, Senior Director of Business Relations, spoke on their corporation’s initiative.
Mr. Jones is hoping they can schedule to meet with them at other times than previously proposed. Ms. Hillstrom stated that they are happy to accommodate alternative times or meet virtually. Mr. Jones asked what area they have located for work force housing. Ms. Hillstrom answered that they are working with Mr. Johnson to locate an area. They will share as things come to fruition. They recognize this as an issue.
Commissioner Cornwell asked what they have done lately in the City of Palmetto. Ms. Hillstrom responded with mentioning the following businesses, IT Works, Envision America, and Feld Entertainment. They also created a video in November highlighting the City. Ms. Cornwell expressed her frustration with the lack of projects done within the City in the last 5 years. She believed Palmetto needs to be better represented.
Mayor Bryant discussed the organization being instrumental on projects that have been beneficial to the City of Palmetto. She appreciated their continued support.
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Ms. Hillstrom spoke on the benefit of expanding the Conference Center.
Mr. Williams spoke on the frustration they feel regarding the City of Palmetto being underrepresented.
7. CONNOR PARK UPDATE PRESENTATION
Bob Gause, Gause and Associates, spoke on Connor Park. He highlighted the PowerPoint which was included in the agenda packet.
Ms. Cornwell noted that the park is beautiful. She was a little worried about the cattails growing near the pond.
Mr. Williams expressed concern over the appearance of the railroad track and stated that he’s still concerned with future erosion. He also questioned why they can’t have the reef balls in there that look good and stay firm. They need to have a base/foundation. Discussions continued between Mr. Williams and Mr. Gause regarding the following items: the deflectors working properly, certification and accountability with the contractors, and water perking out of the electrical box.
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Barnebey if he had an update on the alleged Coleman property. Mr. Johnson spoke with her, and she is not willing to sell her property. He asked her to maintain that area and she agreed to do so.
8. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE BETWEEN THE PALMETTO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE STADLER DEVELOPMENT CORP. FOR THE NOTHWEST CORNER OF 8TH AVENUE AND RIVERSIDE DRIVE (THE RIVERSIDE PROPERTY) (E.JOHNSON/M.BARNEBEY)
Mr. Johnson read a point paper regarding the history of this project, which was included in the Agenda. Mr. Stadler highlighted a PowerPoint, which was updated since the publication of the Agenda. The new PowerPoint was included in the Minutes.
Mr. Jones asked if they are market rate pricing. Mr. Stadler responded that they were market rate. The complex will be mainly comprised of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Mr. Jones asked how they will “police” the 21 public boat trailer parking spaces. Mr. Stadler answered that it would be up to the City to manage. Mr. Jones went on to opine that he would like the initial deposit to be higher. Mr. Stadler shared that the initial deposit had always been proposed at $50,000. At the end of the due diligence period, they will have $150,000 invested, which is 5% of the purchase price. Mr. Jones asked what happens if they don’t get those additional properties in the surrounding area that they are trying to acquire. Mr. Stadler responded that they have a plan to move forward.
Mr. Smith asked about the makeup of the complex. Mr. Stadler responded that there would probably be a few 3-bedroom units, but most will be 2 bedrooms.
Ms. Cornwell questioned technology and if they will offer high tech capabilities for those wishing to work from home and charging stations for cars. Mr. Stadler responded yes; they are planning to have state of the art technology. She also asked about storage for bikes, kayaks, etc. It was answered yes, they can accommodate
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those type of things in the parking garages. Ms. Cornwell also mentioned that we are a large dog community. He stated that he is hoping to incorporate a lot of the ideas she was discussing. Ms. Cornwell liked the Spanish/Key West influence they were proposing.
Mr. Williams agreed that it was a great presentation. He asked that the updated presentation be sent to the Board. Ms. Bailey emailed the Board the presentation during the meeting. Mr. Stadler noted that the renderings are subject to change based on other acquired properties. The Board will be able to review that before the site plan approval. The proposed entrance to the parking garage will not be on 8th avenue. Ed Vogler, Attorney for the Stadlers, answered what the special warranty deed insurance is. Mr. Barnebey answered questions regarding the deed restriction with the old gas station which was previously on the property. The site plan and rezoning will come back to them in the future.
Ms. Joiner didn’t have any additional questions.
MOTION: Mr. Williams moved, Ms. Corwell seconded, and the motion
carried 4-1 to approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale
between the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency and
Stadler Development Corp., as presented by staff. (Commissioner
Smith voted nay)
9. MULTI-FAMILY UNIT IMPROVEMENT AND INCREMENT REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT (E.JOHNSON/M.BARNEBEY)
Mr. Barnebey recapped this item that was discussed at the Workshop earlier today. This is the old Heartland Site on 11th Avenue and 10th Street. Aaron Thomas gave a brief rundown of the project. The presentation was part of the Agenda packet. The amended site plan was approved in December 2022. The current owner is completing remediation of the property. Michael Minceburg, Principal at Sight Development, further explained their project.
Mr. Smith asked Mr. Barnebey when he thought the land would be ready. Mr. Barnebey responded that his understanding is that the remediation plan is done, and ready to be signed off by the owner and the potential buyer. The construction must start by the end of 2025.
MOTION: Ms. Cornwell moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to approve the Increment Reimbursement Agreement for Sight Development, LLC in the amount not-to-exceed $10,000,000.00 with a payout period of fifteen (15) years
or when the CRA expires.
10. CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Nothing additional to report.
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11. CRA PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS
Nothing additional to report.
12. CRA BOARD MEMEBERS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Johnson for an update on the sign at Lincoln Park. Mr. Johnson responded that he and Mr. Barnebey went on a tour of the park, and they have come up with an idea and they are getting quotes from sign manufacturers to place a sign on the City’s portion of the property. It would be a lighted sign, which would be visible from US 41. He did note that there is a “Welcome to Lincoln Park” sign already there that leads out to the aquatic center. Mr. Jones wants another sign location at the front of the park. He also wanted 2 options to choose from.
MOTION: Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried
5-0 to extend the meeting by 20 minutes.
Mr. Gause noted that there is nothing on the plans at Connor Park about anchoring the reef balls. However, if they want to direct him to have the team anchor them, he will do that. It is up to Board.
Mr. Johnson reiterated that it is up to Board to make a decision on this but there may be costs associated with that.
Mr. Williams stated that if you look at them now, they’re tilted. He is concerned with what will happen in the future.
Mr. Rayan opined that they need to bring the engineers and contractors back to discuss.
Ms. Cornwell questioned if they have to be flat to be a proper habitat for fish. She agreed that they need to ask the reef ball designers these questions as well. Mr. Williams also noted that there is an aesthetic value to them since part of them are above the water.
The consensus was to bring back the engineers, architects, and contractors back for further discussion.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 10:06 PM.
Minutes approved: MARCH 4, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk