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:

Dan West, Presiding Officer

Scott Whitaker, CRA Chair

Harold Smith, CRA Vice-Chair

Tamara Cornwell

Sunshine Joiner

Brian Williams

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Marisa Powers, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

1.               Mayor West called the meeting to order at 7:26 pm

 

 

 

2.               CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

 

 

MOTION:                   Ms. Joiner moved, Mr. Whitaker seconded, and the motion

carried 5-0 to approve the February 24, 2025 Special CRA Board Agenda.

 

 

 

 

3.               PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Betty Sailes Rhodes doesn’t think there needs to be 5 people on the CRA Advisory Board. She doesn’t think any business people should be on there.

 

 

 

 

Special CRA Board Meeting

February 24, 2025

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4.                     SVN CONTRACT EXTENSION

 

Ms. Young-Gopie read from the point paper, explaining the desire to continue the SVN contract.

 

 Dr. Cornwell noted that during their contract, they haven’t had an extreme amount of interest in the properties. She feels like this is a lot of money for a 6-month period. 

 

 Mr. Smith agreed with Dr. Cornwell.

 

 Mr. Williams had the same concerns, along with, questioning what monies the CRA has paid them over the last 6 years. We have not paid them anything. In the contract, it says we will pay them 6% upon sale.   Ms. Young-Gopie further explained the contract. Discussions continued regarding the percentages the broker would receive. The SVN contract addendum addresses this.   Mr. Williams asked why we would want to give them an additional $1,000 if we cancel the contract. Mr. Williams questioned the 7 entities. It was decided that the 2 were excluded.

 

 Mr. Whitaker asked about the 1% retainer fee. Is the 1% in addition to the commission? It would not be credited back if the property were sold.

 

 Dr. Cornwell questioned what the incentive would be to go forward. She thinks it is a lot of money. She doesn’t think there have been viable options. Ms. Young-Gopie shared that there are 3 developers that have been working with SVN for that property and will be coming forward soon.

 

 Mr. Whitaker clarified that their current contract expires at the end of the week.

 

 Ms. Joiner asked if we haven’t paid them up until now, what prompted them to ask for a retainer now. Ms. Young-Gopie believes it would be fair to give them a retainer after 6 years.

 

 Mr. Williams doesn’t think they have brought anything viable over 6 years. He doesn’t think they’re going to leave us if they have 3 developers already working with them. He’s not in favor of giving them a retainer.

 

 Mr. Smith recalled a time they were here, and they said they had 2 people interested in the property, but they never told the Board who those people were.   Ms. Young-Gopie reminded them that they brought Stadler forward. They also brought Silver Hills.

 

 Mr. Whitaker asked if this 1% they’re asking for can be negotiated as part of the commission for sale.  The Board would like the 1% to come out of their commission if they sell it.

 

 Ms. Powers suggested tabling this matter to have further discussions with SVN.              

 

           

 

 

Mayor West adjourned the meeting at 7:49 pm.

Special CRA Board Meeting

February 24, 2025

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