Good afternoon. Welcome everyone to the city of Opaaka CRA uh community redevelopment. Thank everyone for being here. We thank God for another day. Uh, board member Bass, will you lead us in
prayer and then we'll have the roll call afterwards, please? Almighty God, everlasting Father, we come before you today with humble hearts. We come before you, oh God, with gratitude. We thank you, Father God, for allowing us to be here to be able to serve and to serve you in spirit of truth. Bless our
efforts in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. of Americ call please. >> Member Santiago >> here. >> Board member Kelly. >> Board member Taylor
>> here. >> Board member Bath >> here. Vice Chair Williams, board member Irving, >> Chair Russell >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you. Uh, we have any add-ons
tonight, Mr. Director? >> No, ma'am. And just for the record, um, board member Irving, uh, called and and said she could not make it today. >> Okay. >> Okay. For the record, we don't have an
attorney present. Would you like to um say something concerning that he's he's not going to be here? >> And the attorney will not be present tonight either. >> Okay. >> Oh, madame chair.
>> Yes, sir. >> Question. And I know it's always the uh city uh the attorney reading the uh >> the agenda. Who's going to read in it? >> The director. >> The director. >> Yes, the director will read the uh >> No problem.
>> read it into the read it into the record. >> Okie do. >> Okay. We're going to open up the meeting for public comments. Public comments are open. >> Good evening. My name is Ranser Thomas. I'm the senior
pastor of the New Generation Missionary Baptist Church located at 940 Philip Street. I'm here tonight uh first to share uh a moment of thank you uh to the CIA under with uh brother Jason Walker
for the assistance and the help uh that we have received thus far with our historical building there on our campus which many of you are familiar with. We have a historical building there which is a landmark uh that has been preserved
in downtown area which I believe is one of only five that is left. Uh this building has been standing since 1926. Um it was the first original location for the first Baptist church of Opalaka.
And over the last 20 years, uh, the building has been sitting empty. And over a year and a half ago, we submitted an application, uh, for renovation and improvements of the building. Uh, first again, I'm
thankful that improvement has taken place with the assistance of uh, Mr. Jason Walker as far as the removal of prohibited items that had been in the building uh for over 20ome years. Uh
we're preparing I want to say this, we we have a vision for the building. Um we've entitled the project uh the Nemi Nemi project which Nemiah is a biblical setting of a Old Testament uh leader
that leads the people during the time of when the building of Jerusalem had been destroyed and they rebuilded in 52 days something that had been destroyed for over 150 years. Our goal is to uh
rebuild, renovate this building uh for future use. And our vision for this project going into 2026 is a major vision, a major project uh from the standpoint um that we would
like to see in this building. For example, one of the things a performing arts and screening room space and by that which all of you are familiar with performing arts a visual screening room
space that it could be used as a theater. I'm not uh fully knowledgeable but I'm not also knowledgeable of knowing if there are any uh theaters here in Opaaka. But I believe this will
be a great project uh upon completion uh for the city of Opalaka and it's not that the church will in any any way be selfish that it's just for new generation but it's for the community uh where the entire city of Opaaka will
have access to the use of the property and the building uh not only for uh performing arts and for theaters but also for art and culture uh various things that are already taking place
here in Opaaka. So it's multi-purpose. It's multi-purpose. Our congregation has taken hold to the vision. Uh we've been here now in Obalaka for 20 years as a church. Uh we've made major progress
with the building that we own there and this is our project uh for 2026. and thereafter financially uh we've stated and I've shared with Mr. Walker and again he's been a big help and I'm very
appreciative of that. Um that we need financial assistance. Um we've had the architect to take a look at the building. We're in need of mechanical, electrical, roofing, windows, doors, uh
the whole works to complete this project. And so tonight, I come asking that as we prepare to go into 2026, uh that once the architect and once um
we receive the proper estimations for roof, windows, doors, uh which we have not fully received, um that we can prepare to go forth and receive your support uh with funding to support this
project. I also wanted to um say it's a two-phase project which will require the CRA support as money will be granted for this uh historical location and also if there's a need there will be a time that
our congregation could also assist from a financial standpoint but pas excuse me pastor Ransel we didn't um uh set a time time limit Okay. >> Uh but uh normally uh we try to stay
around 3 minutes or so, but you could uh wrap it up and then uh we have questions, we'll be more than glad to answer your questions. >> Okay, no problem. So my last statement would be if there's a time that the CRA
uh board or committee would like to uh come and tour the inside of the place uh we believe now that it's in a safe place where that if you all had a desire to come in and see the inside of the
building and we share with you uh also the vision from looking at the building on site. uh we are open to that as well. So again, thank you for your time. Um we look forward to going forth in 2026 with
this project and we really need your support uh going forth. >> Thank you uh pastor and um your congregation >> Peele and uh Deacon Michael Jenkins is here with me tonight. Thank you all uh
for the presentation. Uh board members, do you have any questions? >> Yes, madam. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Good evening. >> How are you doing, >> Reverend? How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Nice to see you, Ron. >> I see. >> Yeah. Um I learned a lot about that
building the other day. I think that you're talking about is the one here behind the supermarket. >> Yes. >> The one is like a a pyramid. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That That's what I'm going to say. They told me that that's supposed to be a bank.
>> That's the bank that never be a bank there. >> They say they say never open it. That's what they told me. They never open. No. No. They never open it. They never But the the building is the the structure they have is nice, is beautiful. And I
hope you you can complete and we can helping you to you know with that ideas, you know. I like it and to do something of the community can use in it and to bring art to the great city of Palaka.
>> But I like that idea. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Um, Pastor Thomas, how are you? >> Good. >> Good seeing you all, Reverend and Deacon. Um, I heard you said that you were waiting on an estimate from the architect, >> right, >> for windows, doors, and roof, and you're
going to give that information to Mr. Walker? Well, that's something that we we need to do. Maybe I need to reword it back up and and word that different uh from the standpoint. We did have uh
the CRA had a architect to come out and look at the property, but as far as receiving any estimates at this time as far as windows, doors, no, we have not. Or electric, electrical or mechanical, no, we have not. >> Okay. So, for the historical building,
you're asking for assistance with windows, doors, and the roof. >> Well, it it may be uh more um >> Exactly. >> as for Yeah. Is it electrical? >> Yeah.
>> So, the the tire repair for the build. >> Okay. All right. So, I guess I don't have any other questions until Mr. Walker bring us a report. Whenever you >> I can tell you right now in one minute. Uh just on a second uh board member Bass in Vietnam.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um gentlemen, God bless. Nice seeing you all. I am excited about hearing um what you just spoke about. I think it's time that we move into the 21st century for certain things within our city. So that's that's good. I just wanted to let you know that
I'm in support of it. Um, but now we'll have to look into our budget and see what we have and what we don't have before we can answer any questions or make any promises and we would have to move in that direction. Thank you.
>> Yes. Um, Mr. Walker. >> Yes, ma'am. Um so to give you the background in this um project uh the church applied for at our encouragement uh one of the commercial re commercial
commercial grants that we have uh those grants are capped at $100,000. >> Um the micro grants are capped at $35,000. So we we started we approved them for $100,000 grant um to to do something to
the building. Uh number one, the the first hurdle was uh they had thousands thousands of bottles of drink uh that that been sitting there. I mean thousands of bottles from floor to
ceiling packed to place. Um and so one of the first things we needed to do was remove all that. um that came up to about $35,000 just to remove bottles and we paid that and it's been removed and
they needed to be removed because in order for the architect to go in there and do a proper survey and plans for the building, the bottles needed to be removed. So once the bottles were removed, we paid for an architect to go in there and provide plans for us.
>> CRA paid. >> Yes. >> Okay. for part of the grant >> as part of the grant. >> Yeah. >> So, we knew that we were going to go over just because of the bottles. >> Um, we knew that this was probably going to be a special project that required
more than $100,000 um that would be allowed under the commercial rehab grant. Um so we you know just went along and and we got we hired the architect and and the architect came back to us maybe four
weeks ago um with the plan with three different sets of options uh to make this space into the space that the reverend uh mentioned a community space a theater space performing arts center space. Now I don't like to waste people's time
and I don't like to waste people's money. Um, so before we went to the next step, I I I I challenged the architect. I said, "You need to tell me exactly, and he didn't want to do this, but before we go any further, you need to
tell me exactly what you estimate this is going to cost with the windows, the doors, the elevators, the electrical, and he said about $1.5 to$2 million."
So that number shocked me. Um and most of it is because of because you know I was thinking just an estimate um maybe 500700,000 uh to do it and we can come to you and
get a special approval know to go beyond the $100,000 and do that. Um, and so he said because of the, and we all know this, costs are going up, materials are going up, construction costs are going up, and because he said
that I was probably right with my number, but because of the cost of everything going up, this is probably going to be the number $1.52 million. That took me for a shock to say the least. Um,
I spoke to some board members about the dilemma that we were in. Um, one of the board members asked me to, one of the board members said, "Listen, I wouldn't support this unless we had a stake in the building, unless we own the building
or something." Um I I I immediately called the pastor u told the pastor about the number and then offered you know said look if we we could buy it and maybe that would make and he says absolutely not it's not for sale which
is fine. Um and then he said that we he would get back to me on how we can move forward and I guess that's where we are now but that is the that is where we are. Um, whatever the board decides, how you want to help, how you want to move
forward, we can do. I think we're about, if you look at the grant, we probably spent about a little less than $40,000 of the $100,000 that they were granted. So, they still have $60,000 left on that grant. That's not going to be enough to
do much. Um or we can look at going further doing hard plans because again this is just a number that he guesstimated but we can pay him another I think we paid him $5,000 for those plans and then to to do more in-depth
construction plans from top to bottom it would be like another $15,000. So before we did that to spend that money, we need to make sure that we're going to be invested in this project for $1.52 million. Um and that's where we
are right now. >> Madame Chair, >> board member Taylor. >> Um Mr. Dur, I do have a question. If we didn't pay to outfit the building, but just paid to get it up to
some sort of standard, windows, doors, roofing. What would that number look like outside of you? You can't really tell me right now. I >> Well, to be honest with you, >> can you get us that? >> Yeah, we can. But to be honest with you, that's what that's what this number was. >> The 1.5 was not for outfitting. It was
just for doors and windows. was that we were going to hand them a a vanilla building. Uh the walls, the windows, the electrical, the plumbing, and nothing else. We were going to do just a vanilla building so that they can walk
in and they would bring the chairs, they would bring the kitchen, they would bring the they, you know, they would bring all that other stuff. We were just making a vanilla building. >> Even if it's just the exterior, so just the doors and the windows and the roof. And we don't, that's what I'm saying, not outfitting the building.
>> Not sheetrock, not fancy floors and carpet and ceiling tiles and I'm saying just the exterior of the building. That's 1.5. >> No. >> Can we get that? Can we give two options? So, one option, what it looks like to just, you know, get the building up to standard.
>> Yes. >> Option two, a completed project. >> Yes. >> I would like to see that. I don't know about nobody else, but I would like to see those numbered. >> Okay. >> I don't care. Uh, I think that was >> board member Santiago. >> Uh, thank you.
I heard the amount of money that you say that they asking you to redo the building and we're talking about windows, doors and everything. But I saw the building for more than 25 years that I'm here in
Opalakam and I don't see that the building had too many windows. No, >> it doesn't have that many. I would say >> maybe a >> a win. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Um
one other question that I have uh madame chair. >> Yes. >> Okay. One other question that I have I know that we look into spending money from uh CRA. Okay. Now, okay. uh it's nothing to do with the city but something good that I heard the the only
way you know the one of my colleagues that I don't know who who is who is the person okay he say that the only way to be helped is if the building passing to be you know belong to us a property or CRA or the city and that's something no
that's a historical uh building uh for the for the city and you don't have no interest to sell him >> no >> no for some reason you don't want to sell it No, >> not even for a private. Okay. Okay. That >> anything we want to discuss more? >> It's only a question. It's only a question because here we had to know
everything what's going on. Now, let me say that. Okay. I'm I'm with the mayor. Uh when what he say, I don't think that you have to go only to one person. You I I think that you uh like the way the process going that I learned about the process that you have here in CRA. Okay.
I I do my homework. Okay. Uh I know that anyone okay uh is granting for one of these $100,000 grant they're supposed to have at least two or three uh what are you calling a statements for different
quote okay for different company and you only have one anybody can come to say because they know that we have money that's they believe because that's a government okay and they you know they coming with all this higher things. What I say is I have an a historical house
and I get a very nice I don't receive any penny for nobody not even for the state but they they want me to keep a plate there to say this is a landmark whatever it is free >> right >> okay and I know that cost but I believe
that we can uh working in another way Mr. Jason to the director and just get more quote to see what happened in the future. Don't stop there. >> Well, but my my concern uh board members
and a director and to pastor, we can't really make a decision uh as to what uh we could do until we see more numbers. Um, I would be I would be aissed if I didn't say the uh to go into a
million-doll project and the CRA has absolutely no uh no stake in it. I don't know how that would fare um with me going forward. Um I believe that I know Pastor Ransel in the community and you
all have always done a great job. I don't have any um you know I don't have any concerns that you wouldn't allow the community to use it. Sometimes when churches take on uh properties it's up
to them you know but I believe that you have always been involved in uh community and what goes on in Opalaka. I don't think that we would have that problem with you. But everything that we've done in the CRA,
um, we try to make sure that, uh, we don't know how long the CRA is going to be around. So, we try to make sure that whatever goes forth that especially if we're going to spend that kind of money that we have some type of say uh, some
type of stake in the building. I understand church, >> right? I understand how it goes. I understand uh I understand my husband pastor. I understand it. >> I've been in organization for many years. So I understand uh church
protocol and I respect you uh for what you do. But I think that we need to look uh Mr. Director, we need to look at it uh further. We need to get some realistic as much as we can because I
know that construction cost every day is going higher and higher. You get a number today and next week they tell you that quote is no longer good. You got to get another number. So, if we could get some realistic numbers to look at it and
see if the board would be uh willing to entertain something over the $100,000 that we've already um acquired. And to board member Santiago, um anybody just can't come and get
money. There is a policy in place as to how the money is given out. And we uh we have um contractors um that uh that uh bid on the jobs, you know, they they uh
it rotates rotates among um those contractors. So, yes, the CRA has money and we're trying to do things to uh make our community better and um I must say
we us together doing a great job. Um you see the 27th Avenue corridor. >> Yes. >> And Alabama, beautiful. >> It's it's I mean that building that tire is a tire shop over there. That alone
makes a whole difference. So, we are doing some great things. uh in Opal Lock, but we want to make sure that we're being good stewards. And I know that you could appreciate that, pastor, that we be good stewards over the money because then whatever we do, whatever
decisions that we make concerning you, as uh board member Santiago said, then we have the next person that comes and they have a project that's for a million dollars. And then we, you know, we don't have the money. And so we want to make
sure that whatever guidelines we have that we make sure we follow. But I think the project is great. I know you all will do great and uh we are in support of you all um in the project. The $100,000 was a start and uh we'll see
where it goes from there. >> Okay. >> Mother chair >> uh board member Bass and then uh you board member Santi. >> Thank you. Um, like our chair said, I I totally support the project, but I just have another question. >> Um, and I hope it's not uncomfortable,
but I have to ask. Um, like she stated earlier, we are interested in supporting the project, but my question to you would be, if we were to put X amount of dollars into that project, what is the security to the board that the
additional funds would be there to complete the project after we have allotted out whatever amount of dollars that we will give? Well, I would go back, of course, to the church to see, you know, would we be
able to match that or give a certain amount and then come back to you before it's finalized. >> Okay. Because that would be one of my concern and I'm sure you understand to put a lot of money into something and then it's it's still not valuable. >> Yes. So, um yeah, that would be my my
question. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Also, uh this is our deacon, Deacon Michael Jenkins. He's the project manager. He's been out there uh meeting with the various people that Mr. Walker uh may have come out. I believe he just
wanted to say make a statement. >> Mr. Walker, I heard you mention that the possible use of elevators. Now, are there options by if we not make that upper level available to the public, just have office space, would
that still require the use of the uh elevators or would you be able to just put those stairs in there to give you access? >> I believe that the architect said that we could put the stairs there if it was not in use. And just and just for the record there, um, board member Santiago,
the there were no contractors that bid on this job. This is from the architect's point of view of how much it would cost. >> So, what we will do, because we've spent a lot of time on this, we will go back and we will get what the mayor asked
for, which is a a barebones exterior facade cost. Um, and we'll bring that back to the board. >> Okay. And then >> boy uh uh >> but I
>> we we don't we don't want to uh uh the conversation to discuss the project. I would prefer you >> meet with Mr. Walker and y'all discuss that in private and not >> here. We're putting the for the horse
contract. >> We we don't we don't it's a project that we're going to do. Board member Santiago you >> Yeah. Uh thank thank you madam chair. >> Yes >> and to the director let me uh uh clarify you know whatever I believe and they say
>> okay uh >> what I say is I know some of the procedures that the CRA or the city have to do anything. >> Yes. >> Okay. By the rules and regulation that they asking us to go. >> Yes.
uh what I heard before is you know the cause for that uh project and that's I made that comment and for the record too let me say that uh I don't know if we everybody noted it they already be
granded for when $100 when $100,000 they already spend 40 if I not make a mistake they have another 60 >> yes >> but what they looking for is for more because the produce big >> that's what I want to be make it clear for the record. But what I say is like
the mayor say before like uh board member Taylor say before. Okay, we need to go and search and see how can we help. That's the only thing that I say but I don't try to do anything out of the book. >> Yes. Yes, sir.
>> And and well, I do think we should close this conversation because we got a lot to do. But um to um Commissioner Santiago, that was the reason why I made the statement because we already given the um $100,000, but they only use about 40. So maybe the other 60 plus if they
bring it back, we can see if we can add more to it. What would it look like? How much would it be? Just give them a completed building, a facade, roof, doors, and it's completed. Not outfitted, but just a completed building. But then they can then go in and outfit it the way that they're
trying to do. That's I just wanted to see that option because I do agree 1.5 pastor you know I love you been know you since I was was a kid but 1.5 to2 million that was a lot of money >> that's a lot of money so I that's why I asked for that number cuz it the
building doesn't have that many windows it doesn't have that many doors and maybe we can you know maybe help with the electric help with the plumbing that type of stuff and they can go in and outfit it just want to see those numbers that's it >> sounds Sounds Good. And also um uh Mr.
director to make sure that um for me um whatever uh whatever conversation that we have if we will make sure that uh pastor and the congregation knows that
uh whatever outside of the $100,000 that the CRA um puts in that we need a written something in writing as to how the community is going to uh benefit
that would have to be in writing for me to uh to move forward. >> Yes. >> To uh know how it's going to be and you know will there be time set aside that the community can use the facility that type of thing that would give me more at
ease. Thank you pastor >> and and I've already uh I've already prepared that okay information we have that. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you all very much. All right. Have a good evening. Okay, Mr. Director, we can start with
the uh board. We can start with the resolutions. >> Yes. >> Yes, sir. Um, first >> the first resolution is a resolution of the Opalaka Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing executive director to execute an agreement with Greater Miami Service Corp for the implementation of a
neighborhood beautifification program within the Opalaka Community Redevelopment Area, waving any formal bidding requirements due to the urgency of the need for the services providing for incorporation recital provided for an effective date. Uh, this is um something that we budgeted for in our
budget for this year. This will be hiring uh students or young adults uh to work 5 days a week um to clean up the clean up the public right ofways within the community redevelopment area. Um
and that's that's what it is. >> Move it. >> Moved by board member Taylor. >> Second. >> Second by board member Santiago. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes sir. I know we're not trying to loan belong ah you know what I'm trying to say but we said bel the but u Mr.
Director great great great project it's needed and thank you for bringing this forward so that's all I want to say then we can go ahead and call the question I'm sorry >> uh >> yes sir >> yes uh Mr. director the question okay with that group that
you creating of beautifification you know what what are you talking about beautifification only the uh property the CRA had >> no this would be sidewalks soil areas parks >> yeah all
>> pressure cleaning >> okay well I don't I don't want to make too much noise in that in this meeting you know here but let me tell you we we has some kind of of a department in the city that they call in the beautifification and I want people to
work >> well. They're going to have some help. >> Yeah. But m Madam Chair, I think it's fair. >> Yes. >> Okay. Because city is spending a lot of money in that and I don't see too much action. Okay. >> And and I want to say the truth. Okay. Yes, sir. I want to say the truth. Okay.
If he he doing it only for keep the property that we have of CRA have okay now it's no problem but I don't want to add no people when the money for CRA and helping okay and they're going to be sitting all over the city doing nothing
no I I agreed to bring it okay for the property the CRA have for not to out of them to the group that we already have we pay it and they have all the benefits and everything I want that group be working and if it not okay we going to
do something else with me if we going to do a little member if it that's for the CRA places no problem but if it's not I'm not going to support in that >> chairwoman >> okay but it is for the C >> it is the >> it's for the CRA
>> it's only the C >> it's only the CRA but when we he say that he going to clean the whole city >> and everything no just the CRA areas and within the CRA Okay. Yeah. Be sure this only the CRA areas. >> Yeah. >> Yes.
>> Yes, sir. You you got >> because I'm going to be watching. >> Got it. >> Thank you, >> madam madam chair. >> Yes, sir. >> The only thing I would ask um Mr. Director is that you provide the the the board with a maintenance schedule.
>> We will. >> And and work schedule. >> We will. >> You know what they're going to do, when they're going to do it, so we can all be on the same page. >> We will. and what they'll be tackling. Thank you, Mr. Director. We can we call the question, man. >> Yes, sir. Um,
>> motion, >> they better be working, too. >> Board member Santiago be out there with with the belt. >> Well, well, my colleague, my colleague, is the time, you know, that we make some action in the city.
>> Madam Chair, I'm sorry. I just have a quick question. Yes. to um our director. Are we providing uh transportation? When I say transportation, well, we have our own truck or whatever, our own tools, our
own. >> They provide they they will provide all that stuff. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And they have uniforms that's going to say CRA. >> Who provided the the city uh the group >> Miami service? >> Okay.
>> Miami service corp. >> Yeah. You know, they >> Yeah, they do their they have their own >> not public work. >> No, >> but they are they have uniforms and on their uniforms it's going to say CRA as
well. Yeah. Okay. All right. Uh Mr. Clark, can you call a question, please? >> Please. Here. >> Yeah. Did I change my mind? >> Member Bass? >> Yes. >> Board member Taylor? >> Yes. Board member Santiago
>> for CRA. Yes. >> Chairwoman Russell. >> Yes. >> Resolution has passed. >> Mr. Direct >> item is a resolution of the Oblaka CRA Community Development Agency authorizing executive director to execute a development assistance assistance
agreement with Waltar Enterprises for the rehabilitation of property located at 2120 Alibaba Avenue, Opalaka, Florida. an amount not to exceed $35,000 providing for an incorporation and recital providing for an effective date.
>> Move it. >> Moved by board member Taylor. >> Second by board member Bass. Mr. Director. >> This um is the this is one of those CYA items um that we do. Um this is a part
of the micro grant program. Um, now you all have already approved the program and we normally just give these things out when when when people apply, but because we do a lot of work with Mr. Waltower on other items and other things, every
single thing that we do with him, I'd like to bring to the board for approval. So, that's why we're doing this. Otherwise, we could do it like we do with everybody else. >> Yes. But I would like and this is only 35,000 for the microrant as you know the the building at 21 um
>> 20 had a significant fire um couple couple like a month ago I guess had a significant fire. Uh this money will help to stabilize the building. Um we do we are working on a larger project in that area that I've briefed some of you
on. Um and so that's what this grant that's what this grant is. No questions. >> Okay. Call for the question, please. I uh Mr. Clerk. >> Board member Taylor. >> Yes. >> Board member Bass. >> Yes.
>> Board member Santiago. Chairwoman Russell. >> Yes. >> Resolution has passed. Next item is um a resolution of the Opalaga Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing executive director to issue a request for proposal from experienced
restaurant tours, developers or operators to lease, build out and operate a restaurant at the property located at 14401 Northwest 27th Avenue and to provide for a sustainable redevelopment plan for the property providing for incorporation of recital
providing for an effective date. for discussion. >> Yeah, for discuss. >> So, we skipped number three. No, we're on three. >> We on three. >> That's it. We're on three. >> No, I gave you a new agenda. Uh, Madam Chair. >> Oh,
>> with 100 pages instead of 86. Sorry. >> So, this is an RFP for the um for the Chinese restaurant. >> Okay. Chinese restaurant. Okay. Okay. So, we we're putting an RFP out on the street for people to come and um give us
a proposal. >> Correct. >> Okay. We have some guidelines in place what they need to bring to the table. >> Yes. >> It's all part it's all in the RFP. >> Okay. >> Um Mr. Director. Okay. He says all we're good. All right.
>> And the RFP is very broad. Um just to see what we get. Uh there'll be a selection committee. Um we'll have recommendation the selection committee will have a recommendation where they will recommend to me and then uh I will have a recommendation. I can take the
recommendation and recommend it to you or I can make my own recommendation and then you get two recommendations. >> Okay? >> Or you can not take any of our recommendations and pick whoever you want. >> Okay. >> Mr. Director, I have a question cuz I
don't I think this is an opportunity where we can actually do with our residents. I don't want to miss this opportunity. Is this is this something where the board can stand as the selection committee and whoever brings forth these ideas pitch them in
the public? So, I think somebody asked a question before there is if you read the RFP, there is a a a pitch but not to the board. It is it would be open to the public and the board could attend but the pitch would be to the committee members uh that would be evaluating the
proposals. Um I can ask here's a question for the attorney that we can ask. >> Yeah. >> Uh we can ask that question for you um and and see what the answer is. >> I just want to get some positive momentum behind this especially when the Chinese place has been restaurant has
been empty for a while and we know our residents are anticipating something. So allowing them to weigh in in some way, form or fashion. That's why I asked that. >> We we we'll ask that question. >> Uh I have a question. Uh
uh the selection committee. Who will select the selection committee? You will. Okay. And it's usually someone in the industry, a lawyer, an architect, and maybe one of
the city employees, uh, CIP, somebody, um, and maybe one person from our office, not me, Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. Then if that's the case, can the selection committee I guess it can't be live because you don't want people to
know what the other person is doing. Can the selection you said you're going to have it where they'll be here or somewhere and we're all invited. Yep. >> Okay. >> And we'll advertise it and Okay. All right. >> It has to be. >> And that's part of the RFP. >> And and and so when uh will the board
members be allowed to ask questions during that time or they'll just be making a pitch? >> They'll be making a pitch. And again, we have to confirm with the uh >> I don't think we can >> with the attorney, but I don't think you can. I think you have to wait until the until the end. >> Okay. Okay. No problem. No problem.
Okay. >> But we're going to be sitting here. >> Yeah. We're going to be sitting >> and before you call the question, um, Mr. Director, I would, like I said, I don't want to want this to be a missed opportunity for development and and community engagement. Can we prepare a
flyer? We're looking for restaurants. if you blah blah blah blah and put it on social media, you know, email blast and also do you know what we normally do for for requests for proposals as well. >> Yes, sir. >> But just make sure that we're letting people know that what the CRA is doing.
>> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Um Mr. the director. Um, how do we appetize in the the um the bit that we have for the restaurant? How >> well we're going to take
>> the same the same way that we do >> in the city. >> In the city, >> correct? >> Yes. The same avenue. >> Same same thing. >> Yep. >> But we're going to go the extra mile because >> the board member Taylor has asked that we do social media posts, that we do
flyers. So, we're going to be doing doing more uh than what's required to get the word out. >> Sounds good. >> This is a good opportunity. >> Yes. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Uh I think roll call.
>> Yes. >> Board member Santiago. >> Okay. Yes. >> Board member Taylor. >> Board member Bass. >> Yes. >> Chair Russell. >> Yes. Motion pass. >> Mr. Director, >> a resolution of the Opel Community
Redevelopment Agency authorizing interim executive director and CRA attorney to conduct a purchase of properties located at 21105 Washington Avenue, 2100 Lincoln Avenue and 14441 Northwest 27th Avenue to include
preparing title work to complete the transactions providing for an effective date. Move it. >> Moved by board member Taylor. >> Second. >> Second by board member Santiago. >> Question, >> Mr. Director. Um, it's kind of
selfexplanatory, but uh, go ahead. Uh, board member Santiago. >> Um, this is, uh, property that you're going to purchase it. Is he going to buy? >> Yes, sir.
in 27th Avenue. What is that? The the place next to the Chinese place. >> Yes, sir. >> And what is the plan that you have with that piece of land there or that building? >> I don't have a plan. Um other than
we know that we have a parking issue that it's coming. That question coming. Yeah. Keep on going. Yeah. So, the only way that we can deal with that parking issue is to purchase this property uh to make the restaurant that we just passed
an RFP for uh successful. But that's not, >> you know, that that's a thought. That's the idea. Um but uh the the building is for sale. We own the Chinese building right next to it. Yeah, I know. >> We think it's a perfect opportunity for
us to combine those two properties and do something that could be a successful restaurant. >> And and now my question is, okay, how do you know and now my colleagues, they know about what's going on with that
property with the Chinese restaurant and we sending that to be okay to sell in the Chinese restaurant where we are not do anything yet. We not decide what to do with that piece of land next to the Chinese restaurant. That's something that is made me confused
>> when you planning to make that two properties together because that restaurant have an issue and the issue is parking space. >> Yes. >> And and I believe if whoever see that property together in the future,
Mr. Director, okay, it's going to be a better auction to sell it. Okay. and to do something better there if he bought property. It is it is to get it. I don't know why we bring uh that resolution number three first and then now we had the purchaser of that land
>> after we pass that you know that resolution and I don't I think I don't know if I have a point but I tried to make an appointment. Yes, >> we're doing something now that we don't know what we're going to do in the future. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. And the the director can tell me if I'm
wrong, if I'm going down the wrong um rabbit hole, but commission, I think there's a um what you we've already purchased the property for the Chinese restaurant. >> Yeah. We're not selling the property. We're trying to we're trying to put function inside of the restaurant
itself. >> We try to sell into a company to bring a business there. Uh Mr. director. What is the proposal of that that be >> to put a restaurant >> to bring somebody to rent in the place for a resident or to sell the property?
>> We're not the RP says either. >> But he's going to bring it back to the commission to the commission. Jesus Christ to where are we? >> Hey. Hey. >> But one has nothing to do with the other. And I see what you're saying, but we've all had shared those same concerns, which is one of the reasons why we have been pushing for him to
actually purchase the 27th Avenue 144th um >> property. Mr. Ball, you know, >> Lincoln. >> Yeah, that that one. >> No, >> we've all shared your concerns because we all know what that that Yes. >> Yeah. We all share your concerns. But when the uh I I will say uh commission
uh board member Santiago when the restaurant came became available, we thought it was very necessary. That was the first piece of property that we purchased and we thought it was very necessary that it was for sale. Let's
grab it now. We knew that parking probably would be an issue, but we wanted to get our feet wet and start purchasing property so that we then the CRA the community control what comes in our community.
>> Madame chair, I don't have any problem to purchase the piece of land. I want it. >> Okay. >> Okay. I don't say that. I say we have you have a plan to put the two property together. It does mean it's going to make the value go high >> and better and people we're going to
have more people coming when ideas that probably is going to be better from you know what we have now. >> Yes. >> It's my concern. Yeah, for sure. Buy it tomorrow if it's possible. But I told you like you had something here first and you're going to look for somebody to
take over the restaurant. But just be thinking that the next building that's for parking. Okay, that's it. >> Any any other uh uh we have a dollar amount uh or we're going to be negotiating that for those
properties. I know the ball I know the the air the area that the ball property they're asking for, but the other two properties, do we have a dollar amount? It's in the packet. Okay. >> Okay. And madam chair, >> yes. I just want to say thank you Jason
for finally bringing this because I know we've been we've been around this for for a while. >> Oh wow. >> The ball we've been we back and forth >> back and forth for a while. So thank you for finally bringing it. Thank you. And
also while we're on um the ball property, the uh I am very happy and elated to see the food truck situation is going well. And when you pass by there on Sunday morning when I'm going
to church, there's no trash. >> Yeah, >> that's the that's like the number one thing. There's no trash all over the place. >> We could do that in the closing remarks. Okay. Call question. Call a question. Board member Bass, >> yes. >> Board member Taylor,
>> yes. >> Board member Santiago, >> yes. >> I don't remember. >> Chairwoman Russell resolution as >> Yes. >> Uh the director had to step out to the restroom. I I'll read the uh next resolution if you like. Mhm.
A resolution of the board of the Opaaka Community Redevelopment Agency amending, approving, and adopting an amendment to the Opalaka Community Redevelopment Agency's general operating and tax increment fund budget for fiscal year
commencing October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025 to reallocate funds from green projects to home improvement assistant as set forth an exit an in
exhibit A directing the interim executive director to transmit a copy of said amended budget to the state of Florida oversight board providing incorporation of recital providing for
severability providing for conflict and repealer providing for scrivenness errors and providing for an effective date. Move it. >> Moved by board member um Bass, second by board member Taylor. Um uh Mr. Jerome,
you want to tell us a little bit about that? What's being done? >> It's self-explanatory. >> Self-explanatory, but I can give you a little bit of the backstory. Okay. >> In the 20 in the 2024 year, we had a home
improvement project with the Greater Service Miami Corps. the billing for that somehow did not commence until the 2025 fiscal year. So once that came from our home rehab fund, we exhausted too
many funds based on the budget and the number of homes that we granted. So we need to move this 35,000 now so that we can close out the existing projects. >> Yes, madam chair. >> Yes, sir. Is this the the um last budget amendment and the closeout?
>> Yes. >> For the year. >> For the year. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Are uh we should be having the some ribbon cutting ceremony soon. >> Yes. Um the com the commissioners and the mayor
have been very busy over the last few months and it has been a challenge for us to coordinate. >> I like how you just going to throw us under the bus like >> No, you have. Everyone has been working hard supporting the great city of Opaaka, but with that it has been a
challenge for us to coordinate a time for everyone to get together. So what we may have to do, we wanted to try and have all of the board members there. We may have to try to get three or four of you at a time and we kind of split the homes into groups. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank Thank you,
Jerome. Thank you, Jerome. >> The schedule of this >> I'm sorry madam chief. We are trying to uh >> get a schedule because you all are so busy. Y'all just don't have time. >> We're working with your office to coordinate times.
>> Madam, may I I'm asking for a tentative or if not a concrete schedule of the ribbon cutings. If we can get those, then we can more facilitate our timing. >> Select three dates and give it to us. >> We will do that. >> And we can do it all in one. >> We will do that. So you don't have to
throw up under the bus in January. >> Yeah. >> No, you've been working hard supporting the great city. >> Good save. >> Okay. C. Uh uh. Did we vote? >> No, we did not. >> Let's go. >> Board member Taylor.
>> Yes. >> Board member Santiago. >> Yes. >> Board member Bass. >> Yes. >> Chairwoman Russell? >> Yes. >> Resolution has passed. >> Number six. A resolution of the board of the Opaaka Community Redevelopment Agency amending,
approving, and adopting an amendment to the Opaaka Redevelopment Agency's general operating operating and tax increment fund budget for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 to
reallocate funds from fund balance carryover to building purchases as set forth in exhibit A, directing the interim executive director to transmit a copy of said budget to the state of
Florida oversight board, providing for incorporation of recital, providing for severability, providing for conflict and repealer, providing for scrubbers errors, and providing for an effective date. >> Move it. Moved by board member Taylor.
>> Second for question. >> Second by uh board member Santiago. Question. >> Oh. Oh, no. No. >> You say you have questions. >> No, no. I say, you know, ready to vote. >> I have a a question. Are we going to
have enough money to pay for all of the properties? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Board member uh Bass, quick question. I haven't read all of this. What is the dollar amount that
we're carrying over? >> It it is $1.1 million. So, just to give you some context, um originally when we worked on the fiscal 26-year budget, um I made some oversightes due to a lack of
access to some reporting and misstated the carryover from the previous year. I stated originally that it would be 415,000 and now we have corrected those errors and we have found that we have an
additional $1.1 million Thank you. >> Luckily, it was a mistake in the positive in in the positive. That's what I did. >> Says Jerome want to throw us under the bus. >> I take accountability with >> self. Thank God it was in the positive,
right? But this will allow us to um because we would not be able to buy both of these properties, all three of these properties if if we didn't have this carryover. So, this actually will allow us to buy all three properties cash uh
without without having to go uh get financing. >> Wow, that's great. >> That is great. >> That's great. Thank you. Thank you, >> Jerome. CRA is going to uh have some exciting uh uh
um projects on the books in the coming years. Very positive. I'm looking forward to it. >> Also, um Oh, call the question. >> Okay. >> Are you ready to call the question? >> Yes, sir. >> Board member Bass. >> Yes.
>> Board member Taylor. >> Yes. >> Board member Santiago. >> Yes. >> Chairwoman Russell. >> Yes, sir. >> Resolution has passed. >> Just on a note, you do have one more item. You didn't pass the minutes, so we got to do that. Um >> Oh, yeah. I forgot about But the uh just
to give you an update, we have given the eviction notices for the >> for the thrift market. I think two people have turned in their keys. Um we hope to have everybody out by the end of December and then that that point will
come to you with your ideas on what we should do to move forward. Also, uh, the community health building that sits in the middle of the pink building we bought and the church that we bought. >> We've started negotiations with the owners of that building to purchase that
building as well. >> Say that again. What building is it? >> The clinic. >> It's a clinic. The clinic. The clinic. >> Wow. That's a good >> Yeah, it's really good. >> So, we met with them on Friday, I think. >> Thursday. >> Thursday. We met with them. We uh we sent out for an appraisal. Um, I told
them, you know, their asking price is outrageous. Um, but I think they they've dealt with other government entities and selling and purchasing property, so they understand what restrictions we have. I mean, this is not going to be a back and forth. This is what we're allowed to pay if you're
going to take it or leave it. Um, but I think it'll help our portfolio if we can grab that piece of property and we've started those efforts. So, I just wanted you all to know that. >> Go ahead. Go Just quick question. So, are they closing shop? >> Um, they have a
they have a uh a lease that expires in June that they were going to renew in January. They're not going to renew it now because we've expressed interest in purchasing. >> Okay. >> Um but, you know,
they plan on the community health center would like to stay. Um, but if we purchase, that'll be up to us, right? >> But they're not going to sign a lease. They wanted to sign a 15-year lease >> starting in June. And we said, "Please don't do that. Um, let us work let us
negotiate for the next couple of months. And if if if it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, then sign your 15-year lease." And >> Mother Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Let me let me um asking my CRA director. Okay. Oh, you be talking about
the building here in the corner. Okay. When the uh trip store is, you know that. Okay. Um like a week and a half ago, I received a phone call very early in the morning. Uh when a person that she think that she's
an activated here in Opalaka, she's not even from Opalaka, but she she fighting with me and she say that I had to do something to helping that person out there to stay there for more longer time. And you know what I talking about and that's the reason why that I call
you and I said that we already giving a chance to that person to move out and we giving a problem to blah blah bl and you told me yes commissioner and the guy have nine months or 10 months already that he don't pay no rent. That's what
happened when we be so nice when people okay and they pay us back that way. black and white is the best you know to do with everybody because they're not really going to appreciate what we do in
the past. Okay. Now what I say that is to tell you when the clinic it's not a good idea to negotiate in no 15 years you know anything because the project that you have in my Cali the vision that
we have is something else is to make downtown look like a real downtown area in Opalaka. Agreed. >> Yes. Keep it keep my don't don't do that mistake. Thank you.
>> I don't want to prolong this anymore. I'm not feeling too well. But um the just so you all know because you should. We have not had a problem with most of the people in the building. There's one tenant who had a relative um who was
upset about them having to move their business after 30 years. And I understand that. Um and so they were making posts. They have been making posts on Facebook, on our page. I just want to let you know where it's coming from. We've spoken to the
actual person that has the lease. She's completely fine uh with everything. We've given here's what we did. Number one, we didn't charge rent since we purchased the place. Number two, we've given them we only we only because we're
on the monthto monthth legally, we only we could give them 15-day notice. Um, we given them the 15-day notice, but we've given them 90 days actually to move out. Um, we also offered them all of them uh
the opportunity to we would grant them money to pay first license security in a new building within the Opalaka CRA. Uh, and then we would help them get a grant to build out if needed that new building. Um, we made that offer to
everybody. No one took us up on that offer. So for those people that are on Facebook or whatever saying that CRA, Opalaka, they're not doing the poor people, you know, well, that's not true. So just so you know, they haven't paid rent since we bought the place.
Actually, they didn't pay rent when the old person owned the place either. Um, we did offer them incentive to stay within the CRA versus the security on the new building and build out. So just so you have that in your back pocket in case somebody uh stops you on the
street. >> Um >> thank you sir for that update. Uh madam chair member Taylor >> I have to leave but before I leave I do want to say she already said it. I want to echo the chair on the food truck city that is happening in the city of
Opalaka. I go by every every weekend and good job. And it seems like it's growing and growing, getting bigger and bigger and bigger and it's actually bringing positive positivity into that area. Me and Commissioner Santiago went broke. >> Oh my god. But
>> we bought from every every >> The good the good thing is we not complain because it's really the food was good. We weren't broke. >> We enjoy that and everything. The food was good. Every time I go, I buy from I buy from every >> I got to buy from every vendor, too. But
yeah, y'all Yeah. >> But it's good. >> It's good. >> It's a good look. It's a good look. Um, >> before you leave, board member Taylor, can we approve the minutes? I see you. I don't want to I don't want to without the minutes.
>> Yeah, come on. Let's go. Yeah, because I have to go to uh Madame Chair. Uh, I going to the same place that may go and I >> Oh, y'all >> the approval of the um minutes. >> Yes. >> September board meeting amendments. >> Move it. >> Move. >> Moved by board member Taylor. Second by
board member Bass. >> Board member Santiago. >> Yes. >> Board member Taylor. >> Yes. >> Board member Bass. >> Yes. >> Chairwoman Russell. >> Yes. >> Got it. >> Thank you. >> Can we get a motion to adjourn? >> Move it. >> Mr. Director, do you have anything else
for us tonight? Thank you, sir. >> This meeting is in this meeting. >> This meeting is ajourned.