This CRA Advisory 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 – not present

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Matt Misco, Senior Accountant

 

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

    Chair Daniel called the meeting to order at 10:01 A.M. There were no visitors online or in the Chambers.

 

 

 

1.    CRA ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

 

 

MOTION:                   Mr. Washington moved, Ms. Daniel seconded, and the motion carried

2-0 to approve the July 12, 2022 CRA Advisory Board Agenda.

 

 

 

2.    PUBLIC COMMENT

None

 

 

 

3.    CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: 05/04/2022

 

 

MOTION:                   Mr. Washington moved, Ms. Daniel seconded, and the motion carried

2-0 to approve the consent agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

 

 

 

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July 12, 2022

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4.    COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATION PLAN (CPIP)

   Chief Tyler presented a PowerPoint, giving a brief background of the Plan’s purpose. He discussed that the majority of major crimes (Part 1 crimes) were happening in the CRA community. One of the solutions that was decided by past Boards was to allocate certain Police Officers’ to the CRA community for their entire shift. Chief Tyler highlighted each slide. He discussed Part 1 crimes, being the most serious. He mentioned that overall, Part 1 crimes have decreased over the years. He also discussed hot spots and stated that he will send out the document to have as part of the record. Chief Tyler explained studies showing that in large communities, ex. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Police Officers patrolling the streets, did not have a large effect on crime. However, in small communities, like the City of Palmetto, it does have an impact on decreasing crime, when there are Police Officers patrolling the streets. He went over what is being proposed in the budget for the CPIP this year. They are asking for five full-time Officers, and one part-time Officer. This is a decrease from last year, by one Officer. He also highlighted the other items being proposed in the budget.

 

Ms. Daniel questioned the population of Ward 1. Mr. Colon stated that the CRA makes up 30-40% in population. Ms. Daniel asked Chief Tyler if he is considering the potential of crime increasing if the economy sinks. Chief Tyler responded that he is. He stated that a good amount of all Officers’ time is spent in the CRA area. Ms. Daniel also questioned a K9 Unit. Chief Tyler stated that they are doing an internal study on the need for that now. Ms. Daniel asked about established neighborhood watch programs. Chief Tyler responded that there are not a lot of neighborhood watch programs in the area, but he is always open to them. Ms. Daniel also asked if there are cameras on 8^th and 10^th. He stated no, the cameras that are seen belong to Manatee County as part of a traffic program. They do not record. They are only used for traffic problems. Main Street was questioned, and the lack of cameras. Cameras are in the parks. Chief Tyler is hoping that if he can get down to four Officers in the future, he can have more money for projects like this.

 

Mr. Washington stated that he shared some of the questions Ms. Daniel already addressed.

 

They agreed they will look at the numbers again next year after dropping off one Officer from the budget for this program. Chief Tyler is hoping in the future, the Officers can be put in the City’s budget instead of the CRA’s, under this plan.

 

Ms. Daniel questioned a Junior Officer Program. Chief Tyler answered that they do not call it that. They have had a Citizen’s Academy that was put on hold during COVID, but it is picking back up.

 

 

 

MOTION:                   Mr. Washington moved, Ms. Daniel seconded, and the motion carried

2-0 to recommend the CPIP as presented to the CRA Board for

approval.

 

 

5.         FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET DISCUSSION

 

Mr. Colon gave an overview of the FY23 Budget. He stated that everything must be in the CRA Plan, which dictates what they can do. They keep a balanced budget. Mr. Colon went over a PowerPoint overviewing the budget, which is part of the record. He discussed each slide, highlighting changes and major programs.

 

 

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July 12, 2022

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Ms. Daniel asked for further clarification on the Incentive Payouts with local businesses. She also questioned purchasing vehicles during the current climate. Mr. Colon and Chief Tyler explained that they can use the State contract, lowering the cost. Ms. Daniel asked for a breakdown of the $100,000 that is being allocated for the Mainstreet Program. Mr. Colon responded that when they present the MOU the breakdown will be included.

 

 

            MOTION:                   Ms. Daniel moved, Mr. Washington seconded, and the motion

                                                carried 2-0 to approve and recommend the FY23 budget as

                                                presented.

 

 

6.       RESIDENTIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

 

Mr. Colon discussed the program that is being proposed, which is similar to Bradenton’s current program. It will incentivize people to improve the outside of their homes. This program will match the applicant’s funds. They will essentially give them half of the funding. Mr. Colon went over the document that was attached to the Agenda. He discussed the difference between the Residential Rehab Program and the Residential Façade Improvement Plan. There will not be an income requirement. Renters will also be eligible. Applicants will be eligible up to $10,000 to match. You must have a single-family home within the CRA area. You cannot use these funds to bring a home up to code.

 

Mr. Washington would like there to be stipulations with the landlord/renter if the renter is applying for the grant. Ms. Daniel agreed. Mr. Colon said he can check with legal to add wording to protect the renter and require an agreement with the owner.

 

 

CRA Director Comments:

 

   Mr. Colon met with representatives of the State Masonic Lodge regarding acquiring the Masonic Lodge in Palmetto. He reported that they seemed willing to work with him in this process. He believed it could be mutually beneficial.

 

The Junk Abatement Program was discussed. Mr. Colon is trying to ensure they have money to help with dumpsters. He believed this will help residents clean out their homes instead of putting unwanted items in their yards. He also mentioned working with Keep Manatee Beautiful, which will

be a good partnership.

 

 

Ms. Daniel’s main concern is there are people hurting right now. Inflation is out of control. She wants to make sure the CRA is reaching out to those people in need. She wants citizens to be able to reach out to the CRA when they need help. She wants these programs to be broadcasted to the areas that need them the most.

 

 

 

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July 12, 2022

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          MOTION:                   Ms. Daniel moved, Mr. Washington seconded, and the motion

                                                carried 2-0 to adjourn the meeting at 11:33 AM.

 

 

 

 

Chair Daniel adjourned the meeting at 11:33 A.M.