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.
BOARD MEMEBERS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Lynn Daniel- Chair
David Washington- Vice Chair
Maria Sosa
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
Vice Chair Washington called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m., followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no visitors online or in the Chambers.
1. CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Ms. Daniel moved, Ms. Sosa seconded, and the motion carried 3-0 to
approve the May 4, 2022 CRA Advisory Board Agenda.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 12/08/2021
MOTION: Ms. Daniel moved, Ms. Sosa seconded, and the motion carried 3-0 to
approve the consent agenda as presented by staff.
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May 4, 2022
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4. ELECTION OF CRAAB CHAIR
Xavier Colon acknowledged that the previous Chair, Barb Gaulien, resigned after the last meeting. Maria Sosa and David Washington nominated Lynn Daniel as the CRA Advisory Board Chair. Lynn Daniel accepted the nomination.
MOTION: Maria Sosa nominated board member Lynn Daniel as CRA Advisory
Chairperson. David Washington seconded; and the motion carried 3-0.
5. MASONIC LODGE- 1607 3rd Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221
Xavier Colon gave background on the Masonic Lodge property. He discussed the liens the building currently has. He asked if this would be a viable property to repurpose to help the community or possibly a future business. Mr. Colon referenced the Palmetto Armory and the Women’s Club in which they have previously helped restore.
Mr. Washington gave his opinion on the building and the history behind it. He would like to see if it would be able to be used for something useful in the community. He questioned if the building is structurally stable. He would ultimately like to save the building if possible.
Ms. Daniel asked for the address and more information on the property. The Property Appraiser website was pulled up for reference. Ms. Daniel asked if anyone has asked the owners if they would be interested in donating the building. Mr. Washington stated that he did speak to them, and they are not interested in donating. Mr. Washington recommended the City start the process of foreclosure. Ms. Daniel mentioned she would be a strong advocate for a senior center if this property is able to be obtained. Ms. Sosa asked about parking. Mr. Colon stated that this would have to be part of the process.
MOTION: Mr. Washington moved, Ms. Sosa seconded, and the motion
carried 3-0 to investigate acquiring the property located at
1607 3rd Ave W. Palmetto, FL 34221 and bring back for further
recommendations.
6. BUDGET PLANNING DISCUSSION
Mr. Colon stated that the Advisory Board’s job is to make recommendations to the CRA board on the upcoming budget. He gave a synopsis of projects that he may want to increase the budget for, and current projects that are going on. He asked for input from the Advisory Board, as to projects they would like to see grow. He would like to meet a few times in the coming months in preparation of the final budget decision. Mr. Colon asked the Board to look over the previous budget and come back at the next meeting with questions and suggestions for the next fiscal year.
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May 4, 2022
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Ms. Daniel stated that she wanted to be involved in the Advisory Board to help the residents in the City of Palmetto. She wants to help people stay in their homes. She would like to make a difference with the regular people of Palmetto. Mr. Washington shared her sentiments.
7. BILLBOARD DISCUSSION
Mr. Colon is asking the Advisory Board if they would like to move forward with potentially revitalizing the billboard near the Desoto Bridge. Ms. Daniel stated her opinion in favor of this project. She wants to capture people before they go into Bradenton. She would like to capitalize on this opportunity for the City. Ms. Daniel re-iterated her support and advocacy for this project.
Mr. Washington asked if the artist would be the same as the one who designed the Sea Horse. Mr. Colon stated they have several choices for local artists who may be interested in helping with the design.
Mr. Colon will reach out to local artists and come back at a future meeting with ideas to update the billboard. Ms. Daniel will speak to the owner of the land. Mr. Colon suggested a possible inter-local agreement in the future with the landowner and the City.
Ms. Sosa mentioned the Sea Horse being the theme of the City. Mr. Colon agreed that they could potentially incorporate it into the design.
8. DISCUSSION OF INCENTIVES
Mr. Colon stated that in the coming months they will be updating the CRA’s incentives. He said he will bring these to the Advisory Board in the future for discussion. He mentioned a few of the current incentives that were created 10 years ago.
Mr. Washington questioned street scape and the beautification of streets within the City. He asked if there are certain streets that are part of the CRA plan. Mr. Colon clarified that certain streets are owned by the County or the State. Mr. Colon will investigate which streets can be used for their street scape project.
Ms. Daniel asked if there is collaboration with the Commissioners and their possible needs from CRA, within their wards. Mr. Colon answered that the Commissioners are the CRA Board, and everything must be approved by them before moving forward. He also clarified that the CRA only operates in Wards 1 & 3.
Mr. Colon stated that Scott Paine, from Florida League of Cities, will be speaking on May 11th at City Hall. The Advisory Board will be invited.
Chair Daniel adjourned the meeting at 3:08 PM.
CRA Advisory Board Meeting
May 4, 2022
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Minutes approved: July 12, 2022
Xavier Colon
Xavier Colon
CRA Interim Director