SPECIAL CRA BOARD MEETING

December 19, 2016

7:00 PM

CRA Board Members Present:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer

Harold Smith, Chair

Tamara Cornwell, Vice Chair

Jonathan Davis

Brian Williams

Tambra Varnadore

Staff Present:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Allen Tusing, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Amber Foley, Assistant City Clerk

Mayor Bryant opened the CRA Board meeting at. 7:49 p.m.

1.  CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL

Motion:      Mr. Davis moved, Mr. Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the December 19, 2016 CRA Board Agenda.

2.  PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

3.  CRA CONSENT AGENDA

            A. November 7, 2016 Minutes                                                                                       

            B. Resolution 2016-04 Carryforward Budget                                                                   

C. Convention Center Complex Improvements                                                               

            D. Financial Advisor Agreement                                                                                    

Items C and D were removed for discussion.

Motion:            Mrs. Varnadore moved, Mr. Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the December 19, 2016 CRA Board Consent Agenda items A and B.

3.C. Convention Center Complex Improvements Discussion:

Commissioner Varnadore questioned if the City will be receiving something from Manatee County before City pays the remaining balance of the $8.5 million in the 3^rd quarter of 2018 [as indicated in the chart in the tab for this item].  Mr. Burton and Attorney Barnebey both indicated that a conceptual approval will be given by the County before the City participates entirely.  Mrs. Varnadore voiced her opinions about “approving” this without anything more solid from the County indicating their agreement and cooperation in all of this.  Mr. Williams agreed with Mrs. Varnadore’s opinions.

3.D. Financial Advisor Agreement Discussion:

Mr. Burton explained that the Agreement is to have a Financial Advisor assist with recommendations on financing for the hotel participation.  The CRA is interested in utilizing the Florida Municipal Loan Council program with an initial fee of $20,000 and it has been budgeted. 

Motion:            Mr. Davis moved, Mrs. Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve items C and D of the Consent Agenda.

4.  CRA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS

Mr. Burton informed the Board that there will be a ribbon cutting in January for the Riverside Park East and West completions.  He will be informing the Commission of the time; it was preferred if the event can occur around noon.

In mid-February there will be a press conference with the University of South Florida regarding the projects that they have been doing for the City/CRA. 

5.  PRESIDING OFFICER’S COMMENTS

Mayor Bryant is very pleased with the projects that have been done at the gateway, Riverside Park East and West.

6.  CRA BOARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

Mr. Williams—will be attending a Regatta Pointe Condo Association meeting early January and asked Mr. Burton to attend with him.

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

Minutes approved: March 13, 2017

James R. Freeman

James R. Freeman

City Clerk