DRAFT MINUTES

CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

OCTOBER 3, 2024

2:30 P.M.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Lynn Daniel- Chair

David Washington- Vice Chair

Herman Cadena - Absent

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Rowena Young-Gopie, CRA Director (First meeting after being appointed on 9/9/2024)

Jenny Silverio, CRA Administrative & Compliance Coordinator

Marisa Powers, CRA Attorney

Chair Daniel called the meeting to order at 2:37pm. There were no visitors online or in the Chambers.

Anyone wishing to speak before the CRA Advisory Board must complete the Speakers Card prior to the meeting, stating name, address and topic to be addressed.  Speakers making public comment will be sworn in. 

All comments will be limited to two minutes.

Call to order, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Swearing-in of all persons intending to address CRA Advisory Board.

**Due to technical errors, no audio recording of meeting until Item 4 (b).

1. CRA ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

MOTION:       Vice Chair Washington moved, Chair Daniel seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to approve the October 3, 2024, CRA Advisory Board Agenda.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT: None

3. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL:

MOTION:       Vice Chair Washington moved, Chair Daniel seconded, to approve the October 3, 2024, Consent Agenda as recommended by staff.

a) 9/4/2024 CRAAB MINUTES

b) SFG#25-01 SEYCHELLES

c) 2025 CRAAB CALENDAR

d) BEEFREE, LLC CONTRACT

4. QUARTERLY REPORT PRESENTATIONS – INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY:

a) CODE ENFORCEMENT – JEFF BOWMAN

b) REBUILDING TOGETHER – REBECCA HANKINSON

a. Mrs. Hankinson advised RTTB approved to work on ten (10) homes with a budget of $300k.

b. Chair Daniel inquired if these are loans?  Mrs. Hankinson responded with no.  Each one is checked to confirm they are living within the homes and are on the deed, current with taxes, check for liens and review for a criminal history for the last year.   

c. Vice Chair Washington asked when RTTB receives funds.  Mrs. Hankinson advised after the work is completed. 

d. Mrs. Hankinson advised the storm delayed their efforts but will be going door-to-door to promote the program. 

c) CPIP – CHIEF SCOTT TYLER

5. MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE: (CRA DIRECTOR, ROWENA YOUNG-GOPIE)    

MOTION:       Chair Daniel moved, Vice Chair Washington seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to recommend the CRA Board approve the CRA Newsletter Template as presented by staff.

6. RESIDENTIAL JUNK ABATEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: (CRA DIRECTOR, ROWENA YOUNG-GOPIE)

MOTION:       Chair Daniel moved, Vice Chair Washington seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to recommend the CRA Board approve the Residential Junk Abatement Improvement Program and the appropriation of TIF funds not to exceed $10,000.00.

7. CONSIDERATION OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO STADLER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: (CRA DIRECTOR, ROWENA YOUNG-GOPIE)

MOTION:       Chair Daniel moved, Vice Chair Washington seconded, and the motion carried 2-0 to deny the CRA Board approve “Second Amendment” to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale between Stadler and the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency.

8. CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:

a. CRA Director, Young-Gopie advised that the CRA Board approved to move forward with foreclosure process on the Masonic Lodge.  Once the process is in place, the owners or anyone of interest will have the opportunity to speak on the matter. 

b. CRA Director, Young-Gopie stated the CRA might be able to move forward with purchasing the site.  She did review the surrounding area and there could be options to put residential units or a home on the site.  Discussions will ensue.  If the structure can’t be saved, demolishing it would be another option.    

c. Chair Daniel unsure if building fit to be rehabilitated. 

d. CRA Director, Young-Gopie gave introduction of herself and touched on her vision with enhancing local neighborhoods, having sustainability, and having affordable housing.  She stated collaboration being a key component.  Director, Young-Gopie advised she is actively listening to concerns and supports local businesses. 

e. Chair Daniel states she welcomes a strong and independent voice and are familiar with Mrs. Young-Gopie’s background. 

9. CRA ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER’S COMMENTS:

a. Chair Daniel likes the idea of installing a statue in the new Roundabout on Haben Blvd and stated she personally received feedback from her community, and they loved the statue.  Not one negative comment out of the 194 responses.  Of those responses, per Chair Daniel, there was concern of ongoing maintenance and a request for the City to work out the infrastructure (irrigation) issue before the statue is installed.  Director Young-Gopie advised the CRA is working with Public Works to have this corrected so the statue can be installed. 

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Chair Daniel adjourned the meeting at 4:11pm.