SPECIAL CRA BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 23, 2021
7:00 PM
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.
CRA BOARD MEMBERS PREENT IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Presiding Officer
Harold Smith, Chair
Tambra Varnadore, Vice Chair
Tamara Cornwell
Sheldon Jones
Brian Williams
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Jeff Burton, CRA Director
Xaiver Colon, Assistant CRA Director
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant
Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
1. Presiding Officer Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., and added one item. Item 4.A will be Resolution 2021-20 Florida Main Street Program.
2. SPECIAL CRA BOARD AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion: Mrs. Varnadore moved, Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the August 23, 2021 Special CRA Board Agenda with the additional item 4.A Resolution 2021-20 Florida Main Street Program.
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Mr. Burton, CRA Director, gave a brief narrative of the Community Policing Innovation Plan (CPI) and
requested a motion to approve the CPI Plan.
Motion: Mrs. Varnadore moved, Mr. Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the 2021-2022 Community Policing Innovation Plan.
CRA Board Meeting
August 23, 2021
Page 2 of 2
4A. RESOLUTION 2021-20 FLORIDA MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Before the Florida Main Street Program discussion, Mr. Freeman, City Clerk, requested clarification on the reference that the City financially supports an Apprentice Program for at least 3 years and participates in its activities that was mentioned in the resolution. Mr. Burton, CRA Director, explained that the expense is funded through the CRA budget, and the CRA staff does the work.
Next, Mr. Colon, Assistant CRA Director, gave a presentation on the Florida Main Street Program, and the presentation is a part of the minutes. The goal of the Florida Main Street Program is to revitalize the historic downtown, and the designated areas are 10th Street West northern boundary, Regatta point southern boundary, 9th Avenue West eastern boundary, and the 12th Avenue West western boundary. Mr. Colon stated that a designation to Florida Main Street gives access to additional grants and joins a network of other main streets.
Discussion ensued: Mrs. Cornwell expressed that the presentation didn’t mentioned any cost information for the internship program and commented that internships usually doesn’t get paid.
Mr. Williams mentioned his concerns about the training involved and the funding. Mrs. Varnadore voiced her opinion about the dates and times of the meetings since the CRA Board will have to attend and hoped that they will be accessible virtual. Mr. Jones also echoed that more information is required. Mr. Smith emphasized that the information provided should be presented beforehand, so it can be reviewed. Mr. Colon explained that the recommendation is just to apply for it. If the application is approved, it will be brought to the Board for acceptance and more information will be provided about the program. After Mr. Colon’s clarification, the Commission had no further comments.
Mr. Burton reported that he received the MLK maps and the playground company is sending catalogs, which will be provided to the Board to review. Also, meetings need to be scheduled, so the Board may provide information on the items and locations they want pertaining to the MLK Playground and Sutton Park. Next, Mr. Burton thanked the Board for granting the CRA to apply for the Florida Main Street Program.
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Minutes approved: NOVEMBER 1, 2021
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk