Uh thank you for having this day in our community to come out and be with us as we conduct the business of the city. We look forward for um providing the necessary things that we need in order to help move our community forward and
everything we do. We want to be in your precious name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Join me in saluting our nation's flag. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call. Madame clerk, please. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> present. Commissioner Borum >> present. >> Commissioner Davis present.
>> Commissioner Jones. I know he's in Zoom. What's going on, but he's there, Commissioner Pelisia, and Miss Teresa? I'm >> present. Mayor Carrera
>> present. We do have quorum. Thank you. Has anybody had an opportunity to read the minutes from June 4th, 2025, June 9th, 2025, and June 18th, 2025? And is there any >> Go ahead. >> Motion to
>> second. >> We have a motion and second. Any discussion or changes? Everybody in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any. >> Any opposition? Thank you. I'm going to open the floor to public comments for items not specifically on
this agenda. Is there anybody here for public comments on items not related to anything listed on the agenda? State none. We close public comment. On to regular business discussion directions. St. John's Avenue
streetscape bumpouts and electrical miss. >> Good afternoon. So, at the last CRA meeting on June 9th, staff was staff gave an update on the St. John's Avenue bumpouts. There were a few questions that came out of that meeting. One was in relation to the
electrical and the other was in relation to the bumpouts. So one thing to note about the bumpouts is those those were included in the original scope submitted by AIRS to complete the final 5% of the architectural plans which has been submitted to FDOT and choosing a
different cost choosing a different traffic cominging option would cause there to be a plan res revision and a resubmitt. So, um, some of the information you all requested was pertaining to the parking as well as some other cost alternatives because the cost of this project would
exceed over $500,000 for just the bumpouts. So, first I would like to give Mr. Joe the opportunity to talk a little bit about the electrical since he had mentioned before that the cost that you'll see as an attachment, he believes it would be significantly lower than what you're seeing here. So I'll give
him the opportunity to speak and then after that we have Chris from heirs who will talk about the bumpouts a little bit. In this presentation he has a little presentation that's in your packet just talking about those cost alternatives and we'll be able to answer any questions you all may have. >> Thank you Mr. Verio.
>> Hi good evening Joe Verio public works. Um so when they given us their estimate for the electrical I don't remember exactly what it is. It's 400 and something >> initially 570,000. >> Oh, perfect. Thank you.
>> Um, after further inspection, what what I understood this to be is their estimate of the cost to put the electrical in, which is a very high estimate. They want to try to cover all bases. I think that when they put together this estimate, they didn't take into account what we already have here in the city, which was the services
themselves and the home runs, which is a tremendous amount of that bill. So, we have our own meters. We have five of them. They also weren't taken into account that when we put the new street lights in, we also had spare pipes put in through the intersections. So, um but
looking at this, it's roughly $44,261. >> Yes. Um we I I believe that that'll be a significantly less at least 100,000 off of that price right off the rip. Um and then because of the the wire that's from
the panels to the actual junction boxes that are inside the sidewalk currently, the wires are all good. We've been through them. So all that's also going to stay. So you might be able to take another 50 grand off of that. So approximately 150,000 less than what their estimate was, which is a fair
estimate seeing how they didn't know what was here. So they were given a high number. So I think it's going to be significantly less based on my expert opinion. >> Any questions of Mr. Bario about the electrical estimate? >> Go ahead. Did you want to say something?
>> I was just going to say it's going to be 170,000 less. >> Okay. from 570 >> from 570,000 >> okay >> it's down to 400,000 and including both component of cost FPL and also the other
part of the cost from FLT I think >> yeah right correct >> so that's total cost >> total cost is 400,277 >> approximately >> including FPL and >> including FPL and FDLT okay And what's
the budgeted >> initially? It was budgeted this year for 570,000. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Well, that that's good news. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Thanks.
>> Thank you. >> And is Chris going to speak up about the bumpouts? Um, okay. Go ahead. Thank you. We can hear about the bumpouts now. Hey, is can everyone hear me fine? >> Yes. >> Perfect. If uh my audio kicks out, let
me know. I just got a new computer from it and been having some weird tweaks with it happen. So, um so I don't know who's got the screen sharing right now, but I'm wondering if you might be able to zoom out just a little bit. If you hit control minus, you should be able to zoom out on those
sheets just a little bit more. We can see more of the actual pages. But as you do that, just to give you a rundown of what we've prepared for today, um we were asked to take a look at what are some potential uh traffic calming measures we could design into the
project um and look at different solutions to maybe make that work. So what we did is we prepared three different options for traffic calming and then we broke it down on a per um block price. So essentially, you could see if you were to try to incorporate
this into an individual block along St. John's A um the price per block to make a better informed decision of how maybe how many blocks we want to do to um incorporate some of this into the design if it's an option. So
very first um the very first design we've got is simply striping the bumpouts in place. You guys can see those in if you go back a sheet, please. >> I'm sorry. Can you repeat yourself? Can you turn up your volume, please? If you
don't mind, Chris, >> I you might have to turn up your volume. I'm not sure if I can turn mine up. I can speak louder. >> Okay. What did you ask me to do? >> Can you go back one sheet, please?
There you go. that one right there. So, in this option, what we've done is shown where bumpouts would be in the streetscape, just striping them with your traditional cross striping. Um, you probably have seen some of this in the existing streetscape today or seen this around town. These are dead spaces in
the downtown that you can't park in um for site vis visibility triangles, but these are striped to help reduce the width of the streetscape. And then on top of that, we've also added some shar markings. These are shared bicycle and uh vehicle lanes helping pedestri
helping bicyclists and vehicles identify um that this is shared by both bicyclists and vehicles. This is um pretty cost-effective solution. The price per block is roughly $5 to $6,000. Um it includes just painting um and uh
some some stencils to help define those. It should be stated too that I believe it's city standard that bicyclists are not allowed on the sidewalk. So this helps um uh direct bicyclist towards the streetscape where they should be.
The next option, if you can go to the next page, please. We show more of a I'd say a creative solution to try to get this to um bring some color and life to the streetscape. So rather than just doing a standard
cross striping, we do more of a a painted um stencil in these bumpouts to help break up the asphalt even a bit more, bring down the scale of the space a bit more in the streetscape and make it feel a bit more pedestrian and a bit
more fun as well. Uh we st we still have those shers in this location as well. Um, and then we've also got some rollover ballards as they're called where we can help define some of these bumpouts a bit more without having to, you know, actually put in a curb and plant them. So, if you just scroll down
a little bit, the images on the bottom show what those rollover um ballards look like uh in the bumpouts, helping to define that edge, but it also shows a bit of color in that option as well. So, in this option, you're looking at roughly uh 28,000 per block. Now, this
price will vary slightly depending on how many bumpouts each block has, but on average, we're calculating about 28,000 per block. And then if you can go down to the next option for me. This is um installing
full-on bumpouts with concrete curb, plant material, trees um all in the effort to help uh make the streetscape feel a bit more pedestrian, a bit more constrained, and helping to slow down traffic. This is uh a much more proven
traffic calming measure than most. Um but it does come with additional cost. Uh so bumpouts um being installed with concrete curb. You've got a mix of flat material installed and then even something that's not shown in here. We can get some additional trees in those
bumpouts too if we wanted to try to create that sense of scale, bring that scale of space down. Um, in this option too, we could also put those sher markings in the asphalt to help um reduce the uh help help define that this
is uh the drive lanes are actually a shared space between vehicles and pedestrians. You scroll down just a little bit and go down to the cost. So, roughly um $45,000 per uh block. Um it should be stated that we can always try to do a
combination of these to try to make it work. Um but from a construction process, it's always best if a contractor can get um one preferred installation type. And then we do show some precedent images in the bottom lefthand corner of what those bumpouts
might look like. Um the vegetation obviously not very Floridaike, but it gets you an idea that uh gives you an idea of sense of scale of space and what that looks like in a streetscape. Alyssa, I got a co-orker on. Um her name's Alyssa. She's been integral to
the project. Um, anything to add there? And then do you want to run through these last two sheets? >> Yeah. Hi guys. Sorry I was having some technical difficulties there. Are you able to hear me? Okay. >> Yes. I don't know about the audience. The audience isn't um the public, but those of us up here can.
>> Okay. Um, and I I think I'm having some similar issues with audio. I can't get my volume up any louder, and it's kind of a struggle for me to hear you guys. So, I'll do the best that I can. Um so as part of this exercise we were asked to uh identify some projects that um
outside of the scope of work for the St. John a St. John a phase 2 project that could potentially be of a larger scale and provide more traffic calming. So these are three examples of that. Something that we're seeing as sort of an industry standard uh traffic calming
measures are um expanding business fronts uh restaurants and retail through parkletits. This is taking advantage of some of the parking stalls and creating usable space. Um the flush street wound that you see the second uh images of are
creating a pedestrian forward mall versus uh car cars first people second. So it um creates the feel of a large plaza like space where cars are secondary and move through the space very slowly. And if you go scroll down
just a little bit um the gateway option there uh this is usually a combination of uh catinary lights, gateway features and pavement markings which indicates to drivers that they're entering a space that's more
pedestrian focused. Whether that be an area where you dedicate for farmers markets or for, you know, um more outdoor activities, it's just another way to signify through different site features that the space is for
pedestrians and vehic vehicles need to slow down and pay attention to the fact that um there's a lot of pedestrian activity and human activity going on in these specific blocks. So, as a at the request of the group, we put these three
together. They're too much to integrate into the project as is now, but something to sort of keep in mind for future development. Um, I think that's all on this page. If you want to go to the last page, I think page five of the document, we're just uh this is some existing conditions shots.
And something that we discovered while we were uh doing our plan sets is that the striping wasn't necessarily installed exactly as shown in our phase one uh documents. So we went ahead and we remedied that um in our design
documents and that took care of uh some of the concerns that having the bumpouts would reduce the amount of street parking. We were able to identify a number of places that were currently not striped and add additional parking stalls in those areas to offset uh the
areas where those bumpouts would take up space. Keeping in mind that the bumpouts generally are just taking uh dead space from the stop sign and beyond where a parking stall couldn't fit or at the throat of a driveway um a driveway entry
to maintain visibility and pedestrian safety in those places. So largely there will not be a loss of parking if the bumpouts are installed for the alternate plan. >> Thank you. Does anybody have any questions?
>> Commissioner Davis. Yes. When you mentioned that there's an option to only put the bumpouts in the dead space, would that reduce the number of bumpouts
needed overall from the original design? Um it does currently what's shown in our plans is the reduction of the dead space. >> Okay. we have because we have um
quantified the bumpouts per linear square foot um and in an at block basis. I think it's going to be um a a conversation between our two groups where you want to concentrate those bumpouts. They don't necessarily have to
be in every dead space. if you want to sort of bookend the avenue with bumpouts or if you want to have them specifically in some blocks. As Chris was saying previously, we could always do a combination of pavement striping and sherro marking and bumpouts in key areas. Um, so the number of bumpouts, I
guess, is to the discretion of our groups as we converse about what works best for Palka A or excuse me, St. John's A. >> Thank you. Because that was going to be my question. Is it an all or nothing sort of thing? and if we can adjust the
number or the cost, but also is it possible just to kind of plan for the future, start with something and maybe because I think the murals are a cool idea and we have a mural committee and we are a mural city on the mural trail in
Florida. It may be nice to over time do that and not absorb the cost all at once if it's done with local artists, which we have quite a few of who would I think like to participate. I know there's still a cost, but maybe it could be a reduced cost compared.
>> Yeah, absolutely. Something just to keep in mind is infrastructurally all of these bumpouts are showing an electrical connection. Um there would be some back and forth in terms of the engineering drawings. if we're adding them sort of one at a time. From a cost perspective, it would be
better to have maybe one or two phases versus um a few bumpouts at a time. But that's something that we can certainly talk about the phasing of that. >> And can I get clarification on? >> Absolutely. Um, my question when I look
at I see price per block and then there's only eight blocks. Am I correct? >> Eight blocks. >> No, there's more than that. >> 10. >> 10. >> So, I'm looking at 28,000 >> if we're doing the mural and we have
eight blocks. So, then that would give us that 224,000 I think. >> Excuse me. Correct. >> And we don't want to forget the 900 block. So we have virtually 10 blocks. >> Yeah, we didn't want to. Can you explain that just a little bit? >> Yes. And I think the project manager could speak to that a little bit better,
but I believe the project starts at the 400 the 400 block. >> Okay, that that makes sense. The first three already have bumpouts now that you think about. Yes. Yeah. >> So, how many blocks and project manager are we trying to cover? And >> that would be six, right? >> I'm sorry. I'm having a really hard time
hearing the question. >> We're going to have the project manager come up. Mr. Good afternoon to everyone. Um, if I'm not if I'm number one, I believe it's 10 blocks that we're talking about. We're talking about 10 blocks, >> right? But the first three already have bumpouts.
>> Um, so >> so that's correct. >> Yes. >> All seven >> because if we have three, right, we're talking about seven. >> So we talk about seven >> if I do my math. can be iffy at times. But
>> and also I just want to know that currently errors has been sending these plans to FDOT for approval. They have just been having conversation with FDOT at this point and at this point they're just presenting all these options in order for you guys to decide on which options
option on the bumpouts were just moving forward because on the cost estimate that they have just sent to FDOT2 and the electrical and all that stuff has been included but not this yet because we're just waiting on approval on this one. >> Okay. And even when it's a city street it has to go to FOT.
>> Um I believe so. Yes. Because it's grant funded. >> Just asking for because it's grant. So >> not question. Okay. >> Okay. >> And then also if we wait what project manager also um if we were to get that
first standard show uh it's coming to an estimate of 48,000 but that's because the price blocked it's only 5,000 to 6,000. >> You see what I'm saying? That right there. >> Yes. That's correct.
>> Right. So if we if we did that kind of whatever the word is bump out was going to be last our cost would be a total of about 48 to 50,000. >> I don't see the point. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. I just want us to I was just
trying to bring clarity so we understand >> what we're asking the commissioners to >> Yeah. >> look at and and make a decision. We're saying like this first option we have eight blocks based upon what they've submitted but it's really seven. >> Clarify the seven. >> Yeah. I'm just trying to get
>> but but your point is just multiply time seven tell you got and that way it makes it easier to understand what are they talking about >> the minimum and the maximum which you 5,000 the highest >> and whatever. Yeah.
>> Right. And it's actually in the they have written here is identifying eight, but you've clarified that there's possibly only seven. Correct. >> But if we were doing eight as we have here in the agenda packet, then 8* 6 is
the 48,000 as you see on page one. Now if you go to the next option, please Karen, >> then the next option see then you would say 8* 28. then that would give you what they have on page one 224
>> you know as compared to 500 something thousand right >> y >> for the bigger number so that's what I want them to >> and and I will say I mean we tried to break this down also per square foot depending on if sort of a kit of parts and if you want some murals and some
striping but also you brought up a great point about a volunteerism or um you know if you bring people out and they volunteer their time and materials and effort to put these And um it's an estimated cost. The city could certainly go about it in a number of different
ways to reduce costs. I've seen a lot of projects like this which have have been done with volunteers. So that brings kind of the flavor of the neighborhood and some uh ownership of the street itself which I think is always so nice. Um so this is our
our average cost based on a typical installation if that makes sense. You have a question, Commissioner B? >> You know, I was just looking at some of the >> the paintings there. >> I I do. So, so even though this is an estimate, is this
a no greater than or a little over or what's the margin of uh municipal? >> No greater than because um you know, I've seen some people bring in professional artists and obviously that's astronomical. I've seen people do this as volunteer efforts and that's
much less expensive. So, this is sort of the middle ground of if you were to create a design um and have it installed in a typical way. >> And I was probably referring more to the price per block. >> Um the price per block would be an
average price. Again, not knowing specifically what sort of route you would want to take with installation method. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? Oh, go ahead. or sir, mayor. And so the budgeted amount for
the bumpouts we had >> or we have we have nothing. >> I just wanted to get that on the record. >> What's the budget amount for the bumpouts, please? >> We would have to now is the time that we that's the point of this discussion.
We're in budget season. it would be the time now to make some calls about that's >> and and to that point that's why it was such an emergency to have this presented so we can get a feel >> but just to give some clarification on
the numbers right here um we have an $1,60,000 from grant money right and um we have budget for next fiscal year 1.3 million on city match so that makes a total
of 2 milli 2.4 millions and the engineer estimate the construction estimate price by the by the engineer was 1.4 million including the sidewalks the electrical not that stop but not the bumpouts. So
we have 941,000 left right now >> because this is what we budget for next year 1.3 million. >> The only thing I have um The only thing that I have to say, I'm
still kind of on the fence about this. Um I know we had some extensive conversation um when it was brought to us previously um with regards to the bumpouts. So I'm a interested in hearing um and I know we'll get to that point
what some of the downtown merchants have to say about it. Um because again I know um on the day is we did have some extensive conversation and from what I can recollect there was a lot of reservations with regards to this particular project. So um again as a
result I appreciate what we hear today but I'm a little I would love to hear from some of our um downtown merchants and um citizens as it relates to this. >> Okay any comment but do you have something commissioner bl first? Yeah,
just to um piggy back off um Commissioner Campbell's comment, but I thought the last meeting that we had, we asked we thought that we were going to be inquiring or sending out communication or working with the the local merchants downtown, all the
business owners to see what their thoughts were regard in regards to the bumpouts. And I don't know if that happened or not. >> You want to give them an update, please? Yes, there are a few of them here that are happy to speak whenever you're
ready. No, I was going to open up to public, but I think he that Commissioner Borum is saying he think he he believed at the last Cing there was go there was a discussion about kind of questioning people in advance, surveying people in advance of this meeting to see what their input was. >> Correct. And then that was supposed to
be brought back. >> I don't recall um there being a formal survey requested so I do apologize for that. But I did reach out to two of the groups in the downtown and invited them to come today and there are a few of them here and I did speak that in a prior meeting back in February I believe
um many of the merchants came here. I think it was about probably 30 of them came and sat in this room and answered qu or asked questions to errors specifically about the bumpouts and they did express that interest and they did invite them to come today to express their opinions on this but I I do not
recall a formal survey being um asked for. So I do apologize for that. >> Commissioner Jones. >> I'm sorry. Commissioner Jones. Yes. Commissioner Jones. >> Permission to speak. >> You asked for permission to speak.
>> Yes. Yes. Please go ahead. >> Okay. Uh in the last meeting, I do recall speaking uh extensively on the bumpouts. One of the one of the big questions were how many parking spaces will be deleted
as we add bumpouts on the additional seven blocks. Uh and I don't think that question had been answered then or even today is is one one thing I want to point out. And secondly, the cost of the
bumpouts per block. It said 28,000 per block. and 28,000 per block. Seven blocks, possibly eight. I I got seven, then I got eight. But I come up with $196,000 for those bumpouts um to be
um built as traffic common devices. as it would explain to us that the bumpouts are traffic common devices. I want to know how much traffic coming do we need on St. John's Avenue when we
have stop signs at every block. Why would we also need an additional addition the bumpouts as well? Have we did a traffic study or anything that says we pro possibly need uh another method of
traffic coming other than the stop signs? I know we took the the stop lights down and it's just a question. I don't know if we did we do it to save money or or
is it cosmetics or what? But those are questions uh that I would like our board to kind of ponder around and and and we going to make these decisions and and and ask or heirs to see have they
actually did those uh studies to give us an answer uh about the traffic coming and the results and the reasons why they feel that I don't know if it was our request or do they feel that we needed
the bumpouts as traffic coming device. I would like to get that answered this evening. It's possible. >> Kristen can answer. >> Yeah. And Kristen can answer the first um ears did speak to loss or not of parking spaces, but I think Kristen can share their response. >> Yes. Um so what they had stated and I
did get it in writing from them post meet um post the last CR meeting that no parking spots will be eliminated from this project and if they have anything to add to that I think they should >> are they still on >> I don't think commissioner Jones could
hear them I I'm guessing that's part of the problem. So, um I believe that the project manager could speak more to that, but no, no parking would be lost in this project and that I got that in writing from them. >> Yeah, that's correct. And as a response to the the question about traffic
calming and so the the effort of the bumpouts is twofold. There was a request for traffic calming as well for street beautifification. There are a number of studies. I can't speak to if the city has performed uh traffic traffic speed studies on these affected blocks, but
there are a number of studies indicating that physical barriers are the best way to reduce the speed of traffic. So, if there is a concern and I believe there there is with the width of the road of pedestrian safety within these blocks,
um that's that's well documented that the bumpouts are the best way to do that. And I say a physical barrier because you some of these other options, the striping and the murals visually will calm traffic, but there's no real physical barrier
integrated in with that. So, I mean, the murals are a great beautifification and it will slow slow traffic down as people look at them, but there's not a real physical barrier in that sense. >> Yes. But I was asking specifically did your company
conduct a traffic study so that I mean you're telling me about other areas but I'm talking specifically about city of Palaka and it would be good to have that information um as it relates to our downtown area.
>> You did not complete a traffic study to make this determination. I would say that though it is uh widely known as an industry standard, this does help slow traffic down and I think it's a goal of downtown to help slow traffic down with
measures like this as much as possible. >> Um I don't know if Chief Shaw I know there's not been a traffic study done, but I don't know if it's feasible if something internally we can do and it's just a question again of Chief Shaw. Is that Chief Shaw? Don't hide. Come on up.
Dave, >> we heard we did hear over it should be stated we did hear over and over through public engagement in the life of the project that there is big concerns and oftentimes um issues with vehicles speeding down St. John's A at a much
higher rate than what is the posted speed limit. >> You sure? >> Yes. I can answer any question you have or I'm just going to be cautious in my answer. I'll tell you that for sure.
>> That's okay. Um I mean the question's been posed. I don't I know there's not a traffic study that's been done recently in St. John. I don't St. John's. I don't believe there has been. >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Um I don't know if there's been anecdotal from the police officers down there as true speeding. I mean, now we
have police officers down there on a regular basis. >> Yes, ma'am. And we have uh paid particular uh u interest to that after it was brought up at the last meeting. We've had a number of different officers not only paying attention to the speed but uh also in effort to run into stop
signs and we have not had or or noticed in any of those issues that is being experienced downtown. >> Thank you. Um, yeah, that. Okay. And now, Commissioner Jones, if if you are finished, I'm going to open up for public comment for those merchants
downtown to speak to any of these and all of these issues discussed as Commissioner Campbell requested. Thank you, Chief Shaw. Is there anybody that owns a business or property downtown that wants to speak to the issue, the need for the bumpouts or not, and
whether they're speeding downtown or not? Please give your name and city or town of residence, please. >> Stamp deputy 623 St. John's Avenue. I'm on an intersection and and yes, I've
lost my coffee at least twice. Uh I wait my turn at the four-way stop to cross, but uh running the stop signs is a very common experience downtown. And running the stop signs by bicycle or electric
bike is horrific. I've been almost taken out numerous times on the sidewalk alone with bicycles and especially electric bicycles going full blast. Uh so and and part of that is as we changed over
people no longer see the stoplight but they don't see the stop sign and you know how it is. It's a change and so you you're not used to the change. I ran the one at 13th Street a number of times before I remembered that there was a new
stop sign there. But I have experienced that. Uh my qu but I do have a question. Uh we mentioned that the striping had been done wrong. So I'm concerned that in the idea that there is no reduction
in parking spaces. Are we going to restripe and make the spaces smaller to make that work? Uh because we already have issues with people parallel parking. Two, uh we hadn't seen up until this
point after 8 years the bike path is that bike path and the and the car path overlapping each other so that bicycles will now be in a section of the road shared with
with the um traffic. I'm a little confused by that because we have not seen that as of right now. But my concern is that we're not making the spaces smaller to put in the bumpouts. So that's a question that I have. Are we
doing that or not doing that? >> Can I ask him a question just for because I'm looking for something specific. Are you in support of the bumpouts or that's what I I guess what I'm asking I want because I heard everything. I heard your concerns but
I'm looking more of >> support if we're not into concern. >> If we're not losing parking spaces then I'm okay with it. Although I do know that sometimes for businesses loading and unloading, we tend to use the
corners because one, there's no curb and a lot of our businesses don't have an alley or if it's an alley, it's not a private or convenient alley. So, we do use corners, which should be a change of habit after 59 and a half years that
we've been there. uh and change of habit is not a hard thing but something that has to be done. So yes, it will be different for us to do that. But if we're not losing or making parking smaller and more difficult to do
parallel, I'm not opposed to it. If we're taking parking away, then then yes, I would be opposed to it. >> Okay, finish up and we'll ask to answer those questions. >> Yes. about >> parking will not be taken away and the stalls are will be the same size as the
stalls that are currently striped. >> Okay. And as far as bicycle traffic and vehicular traffic together, I know in most or many cities that's what happens. Um bicycles ride on the road. They follow the rules of the road like a vehicle. It's a combination. It's not
just focused on autocentric. It's also allowing for bicyclists. Um those of us who do cycle and many cities do that. So that I think that is that what the the v is that what the renderings are showing that the bicycles will ride with traffic or
>> it is and I believe it is a city ordinance that electric bicycles cannot utilize pedestrian rightofway sidewalks. >> I don't know if it's specific to electric bicycles just your regular type of bicycles are not supposed to be on the sidewalk. I don't think our
ordinance addresses electric bikes to be honest but >> Oh I see. Um well the the idea from the drawings is that the roads will become a shar in which ped vehicular and bicycle traffic shares the roadway and is not implementing sidewalk traffic.
>> And this is typical um this is typically this is typically how it's done in the streetscape. just normally don't get the the marking in the streetscape of a sher marking and the sherrow marking helps break up the asphalt a little bit and gives some identification to what's its intended use vehicle and bicycle
sharing. >> Does anybody else who's downtown is a merchant or property owner? Okay, please give your name and it is supposed to be three minutes so let's we can try to stay on task. Jeanie Pierce 701 St. John's Avenue, the
urban. I'm going to agree with Mr. Deputy. We sure don't want to lose any more parking downtown. We do use that corner to load. We sell a lot of furniture and um a bumpout. We would lose that. So, I I would say
that we would not be in favor of it >> for the whole street. >> For the whole Well, for us, for sure. But if you're not just going to exclude us? >> Yeah. And I'm not I'm not disputing or debating that, but I'm just the question. Can loading loading be done on the side street? >> It could be.
>> I mean I again I'm trying to find ways solutions to adapt if we want to make our downtown more friendly to not just vehicles but auto and pedestrians pedestrian as well. >> And again we sure don't want to lose any more parking. >> Well we were at least told and it's in
writing that that's not going to be the case. We're not going to lose any more pocket. >> Well thanks for the interview. Well, again, we wouldn't be we wouldn't be in favor of the five balls. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Alexander.
>> Jeremy Alexander, 134 Timberlane. My wife and I have 712 through 726 St. John's Avenue, and we've kind of followed this whole bumpout conversation for the last several years. And I think the good news is if we go back to the plan that was presented to the merchants a couple years ago, Sixth Street didn't
have bumpouts. So that was taken into consideration of the engineered drawings u for the loading and offloading for those particular merchants. There wasn't a bump out there. There was at 7th. Um my corner at Seventh Street has become worse since this project. We've we've
kind of created a trip hazard um at the corner of 8th Street. So, um, I would be an advocate for a bumpout as originally designed. Uh, there wasn't a bump out designed in the previous block where they're talking about. So, just something for us to go back and look to. There's a little bit of history there.
Would encourage us to do that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And also should be noted that the first few blocks do have bumpouts and everybody seems to be surviving, but not pleased. >> Kathy Griffin, Lady Beex, Shop 423 St.
John's Avenue. I am in favor of the bumpouts only where there's no parking. An example is on St. John's Avenue on the corner of Fifth. There's an empty parking spot. It's ne it's never been marked for parking. We
all put our our signs out to promote our businesses. Um it seems like every block has one. I know there's one on Tam. I don't know if there's one on your street or not. But there I know there's one in front of
this and that cafe. There's there's nothing. So if you use those spots, you can do a bump out there. So I am in favor of some bumpouts. I am not in favor of the painting on the street. I think you're
asking for trouble >> and you're asking for more expenses down the line. I >> agree. Is there anybody else that wants to speak to this? >> Miss. >> Yes. Well, that's one second. Miss
Allegro, come on up. >> Allegra Kitchens, Palaca, Florida. No, I don't own a business downtown, but I do own downtown. I'm one of the many taxpaying citizens, and the public streets and the sidewalks belong to me and the other 10,000 citizens in the city of Palaca. So, I am an owner in downtown Pala. I have a problem with the
bumpouts. Like the other merchants have said, if they take away parking spaces, no. The merchants were assured when all this street stuff came on about 10 years ago that they would not lose any parking spaces. We don't need to lose parking spaces. I have an issue with calming traffic. I'm a good shopper downtown.
You ask Sam Deputy, ask a couple of others. If you do this thing, I won't be going downtown to shop. I want to be able to stop and park in front of the store and get my car loaded up. The other thing I'm concerned about the bumpouts is this. What I saw looked real very nice, but right now when you come to the stop sign, which does calm
traffic, by the way, if people are running the stop signs, let the new downtown policeman arrest them. But if you have all that stuff at the bumpouts and all this wonderful uh shrubbery and trees, you're not going to be able to see how to stop. We don't need to calm traffic on St. John's Avenue, enforce the traffic laws if they're breaking the
law. We got a a stop sign with every block and that's very inconvenient but it slows people down. The other thing is I'd like to point out to you a couple of things. First of all, I don't think you have seven blocks. I think you've got five blocks because I don't think you
can put bumpouts on 9inth Street and St. John's because 9inth happens to be a state road krill avenue and you would be messing with the access to State Road 20 the visibility and everything else. So I think that would be out. 11th Street where the fire department and police department come out and has a red light. I don't think you'll have bumpouts
there. So, actually, I think you're talking about five blocks, not seven. And the other thing is, which I've been meaning to speak to you folks for quite a while. When you took the red lights out of downtown Palac, I found it inconvenient and idiotic. The citizens of Palac who we do shop downtown and
this is our downtown. We didn't like it. But then, much to my horror, I found out talking to a legally blind woman, they blind, legally blind people and blind people cannot cross a street without a red light. So, this lady told me, she said, "I no longer go downtown because I can't cross an intersection without red
lights because I can't see. I can't see which way the traffic's coming." I've heard deaf people say the same thing. We don't we can't tell which way's traffic and we look at the red light across the street. So, that made downtown basically inhospitable to the disabled unless they're walking on one side of the street, but they can't cross the streets
where there's no red lights. And the other thing about the bicycles, I really have a problem with have we have bike lanes on Main Street. There's fixing to be bike lanes on Reed Street. I believe there's bike lanes on Laurel and River Street. I don't think we need them on St. John's Avenue. St. John's Avenue is so small right now. If two cars that are
of semi good size, like my car and a truck, we have trouble passing with the cars parked on the sides of the street. There's very little room. So, I think that is an issue. And yes, they are riding on the sidewalks. I was in Mr. Deputy's place of business and a a grown man, probably in his 30s, was riding an electric bike as fast go up and down the
street. and I watched him he come just up and down the sidewalk almost hit some customers very dangerous but that is an issue the police need to take hold of and you can put bike lanes on the street but it's not visibility and I know there's a move on to for past 12 years to have all of
downtown paka stop for vehicle traffic and just have it pedestrian friendly we who are real shoppers we want our vehicles downtown pedestrians and vehicles need to get along but don't make it prohibitive to vehicles thank Go ahead, Commissioner. >> Everything I've heard
is not really swaying me to go along with this project. And I say this simply because a lot of people who started out saying they are in favor drifted to given reasons of doubt.
Another thing is coming down. I agree with what has been stated about um traffic, the lights and or the stop signs. Um even I brought up concerns when the lights were removed to take in
consideration having the flashing red light, I mean flashing lights at the stop sign to bring a little bit more attention because I personally have seen several times where um red light that stop sign is completely ignored. Another
thing is if we're talking about bikes either electric or um manpedal, there are no signs downtown or anywhere within the city stating that bikes are not supposed to be utilized on the
sidewalks. Um, so if we take in consideration some of those measures, I do believe that that will help calm down the traffic as well as the utilization of bicycles on the sidewalk. I don't want anyone to think that I'm not for
the beautifification. Maybe we want to beautify in a different manner. Um, but again, as of now, I'm just not persuaded to on this project. And I think and this this message is for Mr. Carlos. The
money that is in grant funding is it solely for this project. >> Yes sir. >> I will comment just quickly. Yeah, there were ordinances stamped in the concrete for the bicycles being prohibited from
using the pedestrian way. Um, in within the plans for the redevelopment, there will be signs indicating that along the the roadways >> that's existing, right, Alyssa? Existing. That ordinance is stamped in the concrete, right? >> Oh, correct. Yep. I said that wrong.
Excuse me. that, but I think that's something that we need to work on even prior to this um project if it was to proceed. >> Thank you, Commissioner Borum. >> Yes, I want to go back and speak on the
um crossing where there used to be um traffic lights or um traffic coming down St. John's Avenue. Uh in other cities they do have where um if there are stop signs you have crosswalks or whatever
with u flashing lights so that um it at least catches the attention of um >> vehicles or pedestrian or drivers who's coming down the uh the road to be able to at least uh catch the attention. And you can also put like rumble strips uh
in the area so that you know that you're approaching a stop sign. But again, I think uh it's lowhanging fruit in terms of um putting something there to capture the attention of people and then also we need to look at like uh Miss Kitchens was saying, put something in there where
um people who are uh you know have visibility ad have ADA problems um or challenges to put those things in place so that they'll be able to um at least cross in areas where they used to be able to cross on St. John's. Anybody
else? Um, I also just want to say that Commissioner Pelisia has is here. So, please do note that for the record. Um, okay. Go ahead. >> Say one more thing, please. >> Sure. >> So, I just wanted the commissioners to
understand that as it related to funding for the bumpout, that would that is not grant money. That would have been city money. >> Okay. So just >> it would have been CRA money >> but it's still >> right it's city money but it's CRA not general fund just >> city funded not grant funded
>> so what was he talking about when he's helped with the grant because that's was a question that I just asked >> he was letting you understand I and he can always respond but I believe >> understand what >> uh he was trying to let you understand that the that we have this uh project
called streetscape and >> my question was what he was talking about for the funding, the grant funding. Was it specific to this project >> that there was like $900,000? >> Right. It is specific to this project,
but a part of the project was something that was not there after staff had gone back maybe two years ago and they figured out how to reduce the scope of the original project down to the grant funding. So that is why we were where we
were. And then this whole issue about bumpout came up. And so therefore, there's no grant funds for the bumpout. That would have been money that as the mayor has mentioned, it would have come from the city, but it would have been CRA city money. So that wasn't grant
money for that bumpout. >> So yeah. So I'm still a bit confused because >> just as a just as a clarification and remember it was before I was in the city, we got a 1.5 million million grand, right? Right. >> We divide the city divided this in two parts because it was supposed to be used
on the resurfacing on St. John Street that we spend from grand money $439,000 from grand money, right? And we spend also some city city match money on that project. So we have a lef over of $1,60,000
on that grant, right? That we need to use on the sidewalks, the corpse and the landscaping. So, >> so that further, can that money be utilized for other beautifification measures that would address what it needs to be utilized for?
Because again, even when you think about I want to say a street and the tripping hazards that needs to be improved when it comes down to the south. Like there are things that if that money is not specific for bumpouts that we could allocate that money to still beautify
the downtown but just in a different me a different way. >> That's correct. But just clarifying, I mean, right now what ERS has done about landscaping, sidewalks, the corpse and all that stuff, the estimate cost that they have is 1.4 million. So we're
talking that the city is putting 300 and something on city match right now actually without the bumpouts because we just have 1 million 1,60,000 on grants money and the estimate cost that they have right now for what they have done is just you know 1.4 4 million one
1,425,000. >> Maybe I'm just not getting it. I'm just confused. I'm getting it, but I'm not getting it because every >> Am I y'all Do y'all understand? >> Because Okay. So, what we would like to do, uh,
commissioners, if it's okay with you, we'll come back and address it. Is that what you're asking? What are you asking? >> Go ahead. >> Before you talk about coming back to address, let's talk about what we're Let's finish this conversation. >> Okay.
>> There was a $1.5 million grant for >> resurfacing of of San John's Avenue, sidewalks, corpse, and landscaping. >> Okay. I know you said we use 439K plus some city match funds. That's correct.
>> Which leaves approximately $1 million. >> Yes. We have less We have left $1,60,000 >> on grand money. >> That's fine. To Commissioner Campbell's question, and I'm going to ask it in reverse,
the $1 million, does it have to be used specifically for bumpouts? >> No. >> Not really. I >> I know the answer. I just want you to say it because that's um basically he asked can it be used for something else to beautify something other than this.
>> Yes, that's correct. We're not we're not obligated to to do the bumpouts honestly by the granter. We're not obligated. >> That's what I thought I heard him ask. But the money has to be used for downtown. >> Yes. On sidewalks, carbs, and landscaping. >> Okay. So, I do have another question.
when I look at these bumpouts based on where they would be because we've heard some of the concerns and we have a concern now with no bumpouts and that's the the stop signs and people cannot see them because we do have these large trees and things that
are not in the right place. Um, I too, like other people, when I drive downtown, I just stop because and and there's one street that doesn't even have a stop sign. So, let's just add that to the mix of confusion. So
with bumpouts when I look at the current state of down existing conditions and I think I heard us say because we've said a lot so direct me if I go off course that we could put it in spaces in spaces that
are not currently used for parking can be used for the bumpouts. Did I did I hear that? dead space, existing dead space. >> Is some of that existing dead space >> the spaces except for the two merchants
where we talked about the loading and unloading concerns if we put something there. Are they near the intersections where the stop signs are? >> Yes, they are. >> No. Who said no?
>> Which one? on this street. >> The majority I think are there isn't on that one, but the majority are >> Yeah, we're really not supposed to be yelling from the audience, but thank you. So, and and and and to to further clarify, can you tell me what blocks are
we talking of starting this? >> Fourth Street. >> Yes. Can you confirm that please? I believe it's Fourth Street. >> Yep. They begin on Fourth Street. They begin on I can I can take a listen. They begin on fourth fourth street and go all the way to the fire station.
>> I need I need street >> comment >> fourth street all the way to >> Yes. 11. >> And then the comment about them not going into the DOT right away on Ninth Street is correct. We cannot put anything in the DOT right away on Ninth
Street, but we we do have improvements all the way up to that point. >> Okay. And some of those streets already have them. So, what what I'm what I'm gonna add I I don't know. This is confusion to me. I don't know if I'm forward or against. I don't know what I am. Other than to say that if there's an
opportunity to add safety to our downtown, either using this or some other method, that's my number one priority because I don't see stop signs. I I just stop. I don't It It's just very confusing. And
um so so thank you. I think those are my questions for now. >> I I'm also before we even say we're we're doing this or we're not doing it, there was some mention of you know we had what five or six property owners, business owners come up and speak just
now. There are a lot more. I I would a survey would be good I think of some sort to get a better feel for what the majority of businesses downtown are interested in or not rather than a speculating on a small sampling. >> We will follow through.
>> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> I'm I'm going to say it in most meetings where we don't get it. I'm just going to ask if we can have better presentations when you need decisions with complete information.
It was asked in the June. I went back and looked at some minutes. It doesn't specifically say it, but we just need better no better complete information that go into decision
making. And always when there's a target audience, our business owners downtown, we need to know what they want before we can make a decision. So, I'm just going to always say it.
I'm the newest person. Well, there are a couple of new people here, me and and this commissioner. So, one of the things I asked for is I know when we come up here, some of this has been going on for years, but it would be great to have a
snippet of background information, the options, community feedback, or whatever that is. And I apologize for going into this. I don't apologize. I am going into this level of detail because I'm seeing a
pattern. we get incomplete information and this is not for any one person and um Carlos I know you're standing there but we do not get complete information and we tend to ask the same questions over and over and over and then it goes
to another meeting another meeting and another meeting and I'm just asking for complete information for decision making and concise and timely decision making thank you get on my soap >> and this is my last statement
Um, with regards to the meeting that happened, that information, is it what were there minutes reflected from that meeting to get because if you said that there were 30 people or 30 downtown merchants um that attended the meeting,
how was that reflected to us outside of the presentation that was made at the last meeting? So, it was not a public town hall of that sort. I had just started. I think that was a couple weeks in when we had that meeting. So, I do not recollect there being minutes taken at that
meeting unless Miss Karen was there. No, >> I don't remember being there at all. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there any further discussion on this topic? Okay, we will move on to the next agenda item. recommendation of award building of
award. >> I thought you said direction and discussion. >> Well, I thought the direction was basically we need more facts and information before we can make a decision. Was that the sense I got? >> The direction uh I received is more complete information and that is
inclusive of a survey or uh at this point wanting to understand what the business owners themselves want because as it relates to the cost, we have that. What we want to understand is what does the business owners want? Is this
correct? >> We need a motion for clarification of what we're saying so we can make sure >> and that's what >> and that's fine. Who if if that do you feel we need a motion, Miss West? Okay. Would somebody like to make the motion?
I move that we defer this um decision to >> well hopefully in September. I think >> it'll be September the fourth Thursday in September. It's do you mind?
>> September 20th >> 24th. >> Okay. To the September 24th meeting. >> Um >> 25th. I apologize. >> 25th. >> Yes ma'am. with a presentation to include
um feedback from our downtown merchants. >> I would like that information prior to the meeting. >> Of course. >> Okay. Yeah, I agree. um feedback from our merchants and we need to we need a mockup of where these proposed bumpouts
would be. We you know these are examples and they're great but I we'd like to see where we are proposing to put them because we still have some Oh, I'm sorry. Making a motion. Sorry. September 25th meeting with
feedback and a um a proposal of where the bumpouts will be. >> I second. I second that. >> Okay. I hear a second. But one second. >> I second that motion. >> Okay. Um so that that's a commission meeting. We wouldn't come back to the CRA.
>> The meetings were moved um starting in September to be prior to the last meeting. >> I just want to be clear for everybody. Okay. Okay. Go ahead. Sorry. Did you second it, Commissioner Jones? >> Teresa. >> Miss Jackson. Second.
>> Sorry. Okay. >> We have a motion to second. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposition? Thank you. Thank you. >> Before we move forward, I just want to
also have clarification for myself to move forward. I just want to clarify that this is just for the bump house because we're moving forward with the project on the sidewalks, the corpse, and the landscaping because we're just in the final phase on reviewing by FDOT. We're sending the ITV in the next month.
So, just clarifying that that the other part of the project is moving forward, >> right? >> We're just waiting on the bumpouts >> because we're good to go on the other part of the project. We're just talking about bumpouts right now. Just clarifying that. >> Just clarifying. I'm I'm >> Could you Could you clearly state you're
saying we're good to move forward with >> um the project the other part of the project that's just the landscaping the sidewalks and the corpse on the project that the design is ready. ERS has been working with FDOT regarding the permits.
They just send the final design and FDOT just came with some comments and that ERS is working right now. So after ERIS is done with that, they're sending that back to FD. If if FDOT approved that, we're just good to go on the ITB to be the project.
>> And based on when they we know we don't have an approval yet, but what is the time frame for this? If we get the approval, >> the timeline for starting >> um well >> approximately estimated timeline, >> well the project will start like in January because the business owners don't want the project to start in
Christmas. So, okay. >> Even though we'll do all procurement in this year, we'll start in January. >> Okay. And I think I wanted the community to hear that and the merchants downtown because the merchants downtown didn't definitely didn't want to start in November, December, which is our prime
retail season. Commissioner B. >> Yes. I I I think we probably need to um make sure we have a clean motion in addition to what um Miss Carlos just mentioned. uh we only moved on the
bumpout, but again to thank um the attorney um what we need to also make sure that we add in the sidewalk curbs and landscaping and then uh amend that motion to include those things. So yeah, I think that's what we do. I'm asking to
say their turn. The motion that I have, excuse me, is to defer a decision to the Dece September 25th meeting with a presentation to include feedback from downtown merchants provided prior to the meeting and provide a mockup of where
the bumpouts will be, >> right? >> So, it's specific to the >> specific bumpouts. I >> I believe it's clear. If if you want to make a motion for further clarification, that's fine. But I do believe the motion that just passed is clear. >> Okay. We But they came back and made
other statements as to moving forward with the sidewalks, landscaping, and everything else. But if everybody's good with it and they believe that it's clean and clear, I'm fine. >> Okay. >> Just as a quick clarification, um, we are discussing the physical bumpouts
now. Now, as it relates to what Commissioner Davis been saying before, we need to make sure that things are really clean and clear because when we ask for um um any any um previous um
communication as it relates to notes of the meeting, if those notes are not in the meeting and we have to refer back to them and if it's not in there, there lies the problem. So that's why I was asking for that. >> Is everybody comfortable with that? And
not moving forward. Let's move forward on to the rest of the agenda. Thank you. Recommendation of award for building improvement >> fiscal year 2025 2026 cycle. Miss ODM. >> Yes. Thank you. So on July 31st of this
year, the tax increment fund advisory committee scored and ranked the eligible applicants for the 2025 2026 cycle of the building improvement grant. Those scores are in your packet here. So you can see all of those. So the magic number that everyone needed to get was
105 and those applicants have moved forward here today. So there was just a few reminders I wanted to know since this cycle is a little bit different. Um, back in the spring, you all approved a new grant with a new process. And with that, this cycle, I'm sorry, this building improvement grant is only once
a year and it follows our fiscal year. Therefore, the decision we make today will be used to craft the budget. The way that we've been operating in the budget process and what you all saw at the budget workshop on Wednesday at the city commission budget workshop on Wednesday is that we've allocated
$185,13 for this new cycle for the central business district and 100 for the south historic district. $100,000 for the south historic district. Therefore, what you see in this packet, if it is approved, which staff recommends approving all of the projects, we are in
good shape. And there were no applicants obviously from the north tiff district. >> Correct. Madame mayor, any questions? Miss, any questions? I did have one more thing I wanted to um mention before I forget. 616 Kirby,
you'll see in your packet. They didn't have their COA, but they received that today, so it'll just be the same moving forward. I apologize for not including that. >> Okay. Thank you. Do you want a motion to approval? >> Yeah. And um may I make a motion to
um accept the staff recommendation to approve all grants? Uh that Miss uh West I we can do it all together or we Okay. Yes. Okay. I move that we accept staff recommendation to
approve all of the building improvement grants. >> Second. We have a motion to second. Roll call, please. Madame clerk, just to be safe. >> Commissioner Borum, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Jones, >> yes. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Davis, >> yes. >> Miss Jackson, >> yes. >> Mr. Palace,
>> yes. Mayor Carrera. >> Yes. Thank you. It was approved unanimously. On to discussion, direction, evaluation, and selection of branding firm for CRA branding update. Miss Odum.
>> Yes. So, at the June 9th CRA meeting, staff requested that the board evaluate the 2012 branding that was originally created. So with that, what you all had decided was that you would like to keep the citywide branding that was done in 2012, but do sort of a refresh but still
encompass what was originally used. So based off that and with my research, I took it upon myself to see that well I wanted to mention one more thing. Implementation was also a part of that. So what I did when speaking to the firms was saying that we wanted to focus on
the CRA district because that keeps us compliant with of course all of the statues with making sure we're keeping CRA funds where they're supposed to be in doing a focus on the central business district but also of course keeping in mind the identities of the two other districts. And with that being said I reached out
to 10 different firms and received quotes from four. First was HCP Associates from Tampa and their quote was $17,750. Future friends out of St. Augustine which is $19,000. A5 Branding and Digital they are out of
Chicago but have an office in Tampa was $19,500. Allery Design Associates at Winter Garden which range between 15 to 20,000. And these scopes can be adjusted which of course when the scopes adjust the cost adjusts based on the selection and
staff input. This meeting is just to provide some overviews of some staff qualifications as you'll find on your packet for the staff recommendation. I've since this agenda has been published and through my time I did find out a few other in um a little bit more information. So one I was able to get a
hold of the company that did the 2012 branding. At the time in 2012 it cost $8,000. I asked them what the same effort would cost today. They did say it would cost upwards of $25,000. So just of course with inflation. Next is staff recommendation would be if the
board does not choose to proceed at this time, staff recommends continuing to prioritize and advance existing CRA initiatives. Um there are a few things that we do have on the budget this year that you all are aware of. There's a few other things that we're trying to tie up on our ends before we present that to
you guys. And with that, that would include special branding rates and things to help further our CRA initiative. But if the porta does decide to move forward, I would really recommend that we go with future friends. They are out of St. Augustine and they have staff that live in Palaca.
They're very familiar with the area. And their recent work in St. John's County rep represents their ability to create meaningful placebased branding that reflects a community history, environment, and character. And back to kind of talking about postponing if that's something you all would like to
do. our new PIO has digital um I'm sorry, graphic design experience, so she could help us with some signage in the meantime. So, we're not delaying any projects. We can continue to move forward, but it's something that if you all decide to wait, we can still keep getting projects going, but it's
something we could visit in the future. Thank you. >> Does anybody have any questions in this? >> Do we want to Commissioner >> Jones? >> Jones, do you have any questions? Yeah. Go ahead.
>> Uh, Miss Odum, who who all is included in staff recommendation? Who is the staff that recommends? >> So, in this project specifically, it's myself and Miss Cardi and Miss West if it applies to her. This one, it did not.
>> Okay. Just want for the record. >> Okay. No further questions. Miss Jackson, do you have any questions? >> No, I do not. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Do you want to give any direction?
>> Uh last time we met, direction was in my opinion that uh we've already spent $8,000 and we wanted to use what we have already done. uh the direction was uh pretty much how much would it cost to
upgrade what we've already done. So I don't think we've actually found a cost factor for upgrading because everyone would make it new. So we can utilize what we have and continue on as we're saying unless you want us to have brand
new branding. >> And Miss Cardi I wanted to include that these quotes I provided are using what we already have. This would be the update. This isn't a new brand. >> So, if it was new, then how much more would it be? >> Back to the $25,000 plus.
>> And these are pretty close to 25,000. So, that's my point that we've already spent $8,000. Uh perhaps we could continue using what we have, try to maximize that. But if you all wanted a new flavor, an upgraded flavor, no
matter what, it's going to cost the amounts that have been identified. So, we just wanted your input because we said we would bring it back. >> Commissioner Davis, >> Miss Odum, talk to me about branding. What what
what would we get from spending $19,000 that we don't have today? What would it look like? How would it add value to what you would do or anybody in this city would do? >> Yes, for certain I can tell you that.
So, one thing for certain as I presented this in the last meeting and I've talked about this a few months ago when I visited other CRAAS is that one, a brand creates strong identity for a city which doesn't just attract visitors, it also makes placemaking for residents and
merchants in the city. The next part which I was discussing is the tourism. Having a fresh brand does create that fresh look. I know when I visit places and when I do a lot of research, it's something that people remember. And I think too here, as we learned at the
last meeting, the brand wasn't fully implemented at the time. We do have the it's our nature branding and that's never been fully implemented. But something like that using exactly what we have or something new is going to add to that. Also, with the company that I
recommended, we'd be able to get maps, things like that. I know at a previous meeting, we talked about how there's there's not enough maps for res for business owners and for merchants and for people that come visit the area about the parking things to do. And this would help create something we can use
with CRA funds to create these maps and have this specialized branding on it. It would also help us with advertising ourselves. It's something that the um chamber would use. It's something that we would go on all of our any of the grants we do. So, one of them that I've imple or would like to implement is a
special events grant which would cover only city cost which is allowable under state statue. One of the requirements under that grant would be that our logo would go on that or the poster. So, every time we help with city cost, our logo is put right on there. And of course, we can do the same thing with the city branding that's was done in
2012. But any type of new branding that would be specific to the downtown would really reflect that because um this branding that we see from 2012, it's our nature. I'm not sure if you all feel that that reflects where we are at now. And if it does, then I say we move
forward is my recommendation and we can focus on other initiatives. >> On average, how often do the majority communities update their brand data because it's been here a while? >> Absolutely. So that was something that I did research and spoke to different firms about. It really varies. Many of
them say 10 years. They do some sort of refresh about every 10 years. Any other questions about this? No. Okay. So at this point here we are I guess We have the funds correct in the CRA to
do a refresh. Again, a question of statement here to have all our balance. >> If we moved forward with this branding refresh, can you give me some timelines? Um what what are we talking about?
>> Yes. So, what I proposed to all of the companies was I would love to roll it out in the new year. So January, that gives them enough time to do their work on their end. We would be able to contract with them during this fiscal year, the one we're currently living in. And then we could implement starting in
January, new year, fresh design. >> Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. >> Go ahead, Commissioner. >> I'm assuming they'll bring back to you three or four different models for you to look at and then this group, this body will look that over and come up with the one they like the best or vote
on. >> Absolutely. Yes. Maybe I'm a tad bit uh confused with the phrase refresh because if you look at a refresh or think about refresh, it'll be with a company that we've already had a product from versus
going out and soliciting uh a a a brand from the other. So I guess from the other who you've reached out to. So, I guess my question is with the refresh, are we looking to because I know in our previous meeting,
Commissioner Jones spoke extensively about some of the the products um that we did receive um and some of the stuff that we didn't even know existed. So, with the refresh, would it be that company providing us something
different? And just how is that going to look? >> Yes. So to speak to the company that did it before, I've been trying to get a hold of them for months. I did not hear back from them until after this agenda was published. And of course, at that point, I couldn't get with them to
provide us a scope to include. That's one part of it. The next part of it, it's not atypical for different cities and counties to go with a different firm when they're looking for refresh because it's a refresh idea. >> And you did say when you did reach them, again, not it didn't make this agenda,
but their quote was an estimate of 25. it would have been 25. I was using that as like the same effort. So, for a completely new brand, it would be 25. But other than that, their cost aligned. Um, of course, they didn't give me anything in writing or an email because it was over the phone. >> Um, but it aligned right here with what
you're seeing on the >> 17 to 19 range for refresh. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. when I I'm looking at the packet for the recommended company and I'm on the page where it talks about
branding um the deliverables. >> I didn't have part of what you said. I'm sorry. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry. I was pressing pause. I mean, I pressed pause. So when I look at the deliverables on this page, um it says we get refreshed brand
direction, right? It's updated identifi for the um districts. Um it's going to connect to the 2012 brand. So um and we're going to use our mission vision secondary markets for each district and
brand usage document. Now, there are items underneath it that says they're outside of the branding scope, but we're these are some things we're potentially looking to do. Can I assume that these out of scope
items for the company at this time are some of the implementation activities or will we do some of this because I'm not sure what implementation means once we get the deliverables from the company.
Um I know last time we got something and nothing happened. So what what are what's part of the implementation? >> Yes. And this goes for all of the companies that I spoke with and we spoke about this extensively and I did my research. So what that would look like is that at the end of the day once we
receive this we'd probably get it before we would obviously get it before January because January is when it would actually start a plan on what they recommend we would do when that can be from changing our social media pages or start posting things when we should start ordering signs installing them
based off our streetscape because I let them know that's a big project we have going and that's also a big part of this project that I emphasize was wayfinding signage signage to draw people to the downtown signage to draw people to where they're going. So, it would be truly everything we are wanting to do and if
there's things that come out of that when we do select a firm if and when we do that we all express they would include that in our implementation. So, it's something that staff would follow. It's something to hold us all accountable of when we need to do when and how. >> Thank you. And just for because
Commissioner Pelisio was not here at the time, could you um reiterate the recommend recommendation you made as to which firm? >> Yes, of course. It was future friends. >> Are they listed in here? >> Yes, sir. Yes, they're in here.
>> Isn't that page 281? >> Yes. Page 281, Commissioner and 282. Okay, go ahead. >> Yeah, my question would be I know you mentioned about a timeline for the project, but where does that the
timeline exist? >> So, we did require the companies to keep their brief to five pages. So that may be why you don't see it in this specific one, but it was something that I did explicitly state to them even in writing that January is when we'd like to start. And of course that is flexible based off
the board's discretion. That was just my opinion >> to at least get us to a starting point for this discussion today. >> So I mean if it could be always included if there is anything like a project timeline, >> right? um we need to have that
incorporated with with the packet so that we can better understand how and when things will be um implemented and completed. >> Would they do a series of sharetses and things prior that's going through the process? >> Yes, ma'am. That's included on the first page of this. It says what their first
deliver their first session would be and all of them all do a very similar process. They're all going to want to speak with you all get what the pulse is. If you would like to bring merchants in, I I mentioned that I think it would be important to bring merchants into this discussion since this is their
vision too. It's that their taxpayer dollars going into this as well as residents. So I mentioned that we would like to include merchants a part of this. Again, we did ask them to keep this as brief as possible just for today's meeting and to be able to include some of the graphics that
they've done before. uh Miss if they if uh the commissioners would go to page 290 because most of them were very similar in how they sent the information in. There is a implementation timeline there.
>> So that would give because they're all so similar. So that would give you a snapshot of basically what they're planning that is a sixmonth project. >> Okay. So that gives you an idea.
>> That's for that company. But pretty much they all kind of sent the same thing. >> Thank you. >> That was okay. >> I know. I want to just tell you my hesitation. I don't know where to go. One of the things and I I I get this is
government and sometimes but I don't understand it in all cases that when we make decisions to get something done, we don't see it. I I just I don't see it. And I know it takes time, but I want to make sure that they're going to see some fruit of
something. Not just this is not just to you, but >> Go ahead, Commissioner. I'm going to say this and some may disagree, but I think we had a lot to pull from from what we had previously that we truly can take in
consideration and possibly put some of this funding to something different. um based on what I'm just seeing that was submitted um from the different I'm not a fan of what I'm seeing and I'm just gonna be honest and I feel that if
we already have a product that the community has not seen it gives us the opportunity to push something out and have funding go to somewhere else based on because there was a lot of renderings in that previous um packet that was
submitted to us in our last meeting and I would just like for us to really take in consideration and have staff come back with a recommendation from that proposed um uh branding because again why pay for something that we didn't
utilize the first time and I think that is not wise spending when it comes down to our citizens um uh tax dollars. But there was a lot of stuff that was in that last rendering that I had no clue and I would like for staff to come back
with a with a recommendation from that and let's move forward then actually paying $19,000 upwards to $25,000 for something we didn't even utilize from the last time it was reported to us. >> And I think that was the bigger problem the last time because I'm the one that
shared the packet with Miss Odin because I've had it for years is I've had it on a thumb drive. that the implementation never happened. All this work was done. The money was spent. That large body of information was created for branding and
marketing way finding signage and then very minimally things happened. It was a little drizzle of it, but overall it was not used extensively and it was kind of a waste of money at the time and a waste of this company that company's efforts. Ret and Maldo. They spent a lot of time
here. Thank you for direction. >> May I May I ask a question? >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Um, Commissioner Campbell, would you mind elaborating a little bit more of what you'd like to see when you say, um, I do agree with you. I think that's a great point. I think it would be a great opportunity to utilize this branding
because it wasn't done in the past. I would love to do an implementation plan on my own of how we can roll that out. But when you're speaking to um, could you elaborate a little bit more on what you were saying of what you would like to see? Well, I based on the
different segments of what was presented, I think you've done enough research um and trying to put out what you want um to be brought back to us. So, when I say a staff recommendation and you being fresh into
that seat, you are still a fresh set of eyes. So, I would like for you to take in consideration the vision that you have as the CRA uh coordinator and give us the vision of how you see it presented based on what was already
presented to us because again, you are a fresh set of eyes. And when you look at that and you see that, hey, this may not be what we really think or what we can make out of this, then I think we can really take in consideration. But for the duration, I think it's an
opportunity for you to have a vision for the position that you're in in the city that you represent. >> And you don't have to reinvent. You go to many other communities and you can see how they've used their branding packet and information to further
advance and promote their city. >> Yeah. I just don't want to limit you so much the way you don't have the free reign to really be the visionary of how you see it being branded. And it sounds like we have an internal resource in our >> Yes. public organization that also
>> I was going to mention that. That's excellent direction. Thank you. I will speak with her. I show I spoke with her about this today and she's she's ready to go whenever you guys are. So I will work with her soon and we'll get going on some fresh ideas using what we already have. Thank you. >> Thank you. And thank you for spending the time on Can we please get that in a
motion? I'll make a motion that we utilize the branding um that was provided to us previously as a starting point um to move forward and bring back a recommendation from staff um in not to
only include CRA coordinator and um public information officer, but to make sure um that something is brought back to us prior to us moving forth with any other recommendation as far as a company, another company or another
refresh. >> We have a motion to second any further discussion. Miss Hitchens, do you want to come up and make any comments on >> Okay, thank you. Um, she had submitted a yellow card with that as a possible point of discussion. >> Um, could we uh roll call just because
we have people zooming, please? City clerk. >> Commissioner Borum. >> Yes. Commissioner Jones, >> yes. >> Commissioner Campbell, >> yes. >> Commissioner Davis, >> yes.
>> Miss Jackson, >> yes. >> And Commissioner Pelia, >> yes. >> Mayor Carrera, >> yes. Thank you. Was unanimous. On to D. Discussion direction. Tilman's house.
>> Yes. I'd like to have project manager discuss this a little bit more but uh we have tried now for more than a year possibly more than that more than that maybe a year and a half to um
give uh re renovations to the Tilman house. There have been challenges. Uh we put it out to good at least three or four times and still we have not been able to move forward primarily uh cost factor but I'd like for project
manager speak more. >> Hello good afternoon. Um as our city manager was saying um just some background history on this project. Um last year in 2024 before I came to the city um the city just bid this project
out twice and no bids were received on the project. So when I came into the city the city manager told me to reach out to some contractors to see if we can find some quotes to move forward with the project. I reached out to some contractors in order to get some quotes and all that stuff. I received two
quotes. One of them was like 165,000 and the other one was 140,000 I believe and the last CR a meeting I don't know if it was the last one or the one before might try to award that contractor and I remember um some commissioners have some concern about if
that company have some previous experience working in historical houses and all that stuff. So I reached back to them. I did my homework and all that stuff. um that company told me that they have some background experience but I asked them like you know for some um pictures or whatever that I can you know
prove that you have experience I never received them so I just disqualify them and I know that the other quote that I got he was not experiencing that you know type of buildings so we have been reaching out to some to some contractors that have you know experience in those
historical buildings and none of them seems to be interested in in giving me quotes on the building. Um, we think it's about the money. The money is like a main concern honestly because I believe they might um see some unknowns
on the project and all that stuff. So yes, and we're asking by um city manager guidance, we're asking to increase um the money the money that we have budget for the project and then just redo the ITB and all that stuff and send the ITB out in some websites that I have been
using. I don't know which websites were used when I was not here honestly. in some websites include, you know, some historical contractors and all that stuff to bid on the project and then just do a new ITB with a new budget to see if we can have some some beers in the project.
>> Anybody have any questions? Mr. Bur Domingo. >> Um, do we know the scope of work that we want done? Um, and I guess what I'm really asking is there's someone internal who looks and see this is what
we want. So when we're going out to, you know, get these quotes, I don't want somebody to come in and say we need 50 things if we really need 30 or I mean does that make >> Yes, I know what you're saying. I think
Joe can help me on that because I believe he was the one working with I believe the previous um city manager now working on that scope and to send that bit out. >> Uh yeah, so I was part of the original team that did the original ITB year and a half almost two years ago. Um, and
what happened was is we put the original ITB out and when we had the on-site visit for the contractors, they came on site. We had two contractors show up that day and we walked them around the project. We're supposed to do all the siding um you know the jams, the windows, the
mechanisms, the sophets, all these things that to to refurbish the entire outside of the uh building. As we're walking around the building, you know, one of the contractors pointed out, well, your chinme is coming off the building. Okay. So, that was something else that they noticed right off the bat with the chin me coming off the
buildings. It it's more of a problem than you could possibly imagine. This becomes a foundation problem and an issue. So, by the end of the conversation, um the ex assistant city manager I was with had expressed what our budget was for this project and both
contractors were like, "No, no, no." And they walked off the job, never came back, never called us, never contacted. And so we do have a very indepth scope of what we need done on that building. And in my professional opinion, we don't have the money in the budget currently
to cover all the work that's actually going to need to be done. And again, anybody who's ever dealt with older homes at any given point, the minute you pull a board off, it goes up. And every one of these contractors, especially the contractors who are experienced at dealing with older homes, who have that
experience, which we're looking for, they know. They know immediately they're going to tear down half of that house and they're going to go, "Okay." And then they start doing damage to the inside of the home. It it becomes it's an onion obviously and everybody's been in contract and understands this. So
when they look at what our budgeted numbers are, they're like, "We're going to blow that out of the water instantly and then they're not sure how easy it's going to be to get paid after that." It's it's a process. Everybody's aware of it. So yes, we do have them very defined. Ma'am, >> 300k >> is sufficient.
>> Is sufficient. sound like it >> might be 325 closer to 325 350 would be a a number to it would be more >> solid foundation for them to work with. It doesn't necessarily mean that they'll quote the job at that but they need to
be have the reassurance that they the money is going to be there when they need it but when you tell them there's 175,000 known >> and as we remember there it was treated for termites so there's a good likelihood there's old all the houses in that neighborhood because I own two are
all all have old charm. >> Yeah, I knew how understood and and that was my reason for bringing it here because I want to be certain that the commissioners really are committed to the historical renovation. Yeah. >> Because look at the cost,
>> but it's in the district and it's Anyway, Commissioner Pelisia has a question. >> Um I've reddone old houses myself and flipped them. Um, and in certain situations, maybe we should look at this in the uh scope of what can we afford to
do? Maybe do just the worst now, one to two years from now, then we tackle another part of it, but do what's what's mostly structural that is could cause the building to to fail and and that type thing. Absolutely not a bad idea if we call it out in the ITB and say, "Look, we do understand and that we're
cognitive of the fact that there's going to be other issues, but we just want this tackled at this point. We are not going to exceed that." Yes, maybe that's a great idea that we do explain that in the ITB so it is clear for them that they do understand they're not going to be responsible as they tear off half the building to have to replace the rest of
the building or we make the decision at that point >> to come in and get future funds or further funds if it becomes to the point where we have no choice. give them a list a detailed list of this is all I want you to look at this this this and this what you describe as the the
critical points and say this is all we want you to give us a bid on right now and you know we'll deal with the rest at a later date but this is what we deem is is could be failure to the building and safety and whatever the case may be and so everybody's reading off the same
playing card and then when they come back they'll give you an answer and then you know one to two three years later we go okay now we can tackle the rest to the pink elephant in the room. >> I understand and I absolutely agree with you. However, if we take all the siding off and the problems are underneath that siding, you have to take all that siding
off again to get back to that problem a few years down the road. So, it ends up costing you three times to four times the amount. So, it is a good plan. However, how do we come up with a plan that we devised where we work from the inside out? That would be the only real way that that would work. >> Maybe we only attack one side of that
house at the time. The other the other piece of this though is we have to be a role model for the rest of the community. If we want the rest of the historic district to live up to a certain standard and we're going to start fighting them codewise, then we have to be the lead.
>> Sure. >> And set that standard in my opinion. So we got to be careful about that too. Yes, ma'am. >> Um, I want to make sure we do it right, that we do it structurally and safety first, but that we also know that when people look at it, they're going to say, "Beautiful building. This city cares,
>> beautiful, safe building." >> Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Right. >> That's our goal. >> So, with all that said, is there any more questions? >> I already spoke, but I do want to just say I I am a proponent of um putting the
additional money into the budget. I agree with the mayor and I believe the I am a proponent of what's happening with that building. Um, and I I believe that's something we need to invest in. >> Okay.
>> Just need a motion, please. >> Well, I want to make sure that Miss Jackson and Commissioner Jones don't have anything to say. Miss Jackson or Commissioner Jones, do you have any comments, input, questions? >> Not at this time. Thank you, >> Commissioner Jones.
Uh I kind of agree with uh Mr. palace and you know let's let's let's see what we can do at that's most cost effective but uh I also want to be an example as
well to the community as far as you know we code folk out for violations and we should at least have our buildings up the code um but do it in a cost-effective manner >> mayor >> yes
>> I just want to bring to the uh to the forefront of this conversation that even prior to we took in consideration possibly getting rid of the the Tilman house at the time because it was going
to cost in excess of 150,000 to get fixed. So, I want us to be mindful to take in true consideration what our city manager said. Are we really going to be committed to making sure that we are um in a position to carry out the um
the the expenditures of a historic preservation? >> So are you asking that question? >> I'm not asking. I was bringing it to the front of the commission for >> my thought. >> And we do have money in that's in the
south tiff technically. Yes, ma'am. We do have the funds there. >> Okay, >> Madam Chair, I could like to make a motion. >> Okay, go ahead. that we direct staff to go and evaluate the building from three maybe four different aspects of
one-sided only this much whatever the whatever break it down in some several different ways that you can let different contractors bid it and come back to us with some sort of a a direction of cost and then we can come this board can look back and say this is
how we want to attack that or that whichever way it works out but let let them give them give them three or four different angles of of how much we want to do and what and at what time. That's my motion. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> I'll second.
>> We have a motion in a second. Um, we do have somebody that wants to make public comment. Miss Kitchens, could you please come up before we take a vote? >> Allelu Kitchens for Florida. And I'm very familiar with old houses. I live in one that was built in 1876. And as far as tearing this a few of the plates off
and oh, the whole building's going to be torn off. No. Uh back in ' 06, I think it was, uh I had to have some uh outside clapboards replaced. My handyman pulled them down and he found one sill that had termite damage about 2 feet and he
repaired it. That was all three three or four feet up all the way down the side of the house. Everything else was fine. 1876 the codes enforcement people found a certain number of codes enforcement problems with the Tilman house which the
uh art league addressed to some degree that I think they ended up with three of them that needed to be addressed immediately and that was addressed at the time. The Tilman house is not just a historical building. It is one of the first thing that people see when they come by boat is the historical building.
Yes, it is a part of the historic south historic district. As such, it needs to be preserved from that thing alone. But the other thing is the art league has been there for years. And they bring in thousands of tourists to the city of Paca every year. Many years ago it was
seven or eight thousand and I talked to them more recently. It's more many more thousand than that come to Palaca for the Christmas uh house and the things that go on at the Tilman house. The Tilman House also has classes and various things for adults as well as children. It's a very integral part of
Palata for art and for his history. And I I think the PAL if Pala wants to show that they do care about our history, then we need to preserve one of the crown jewels of the South Historic District. And I agree with I think Mr. Pelis said or maybe Mr. Campbell, I
forgot which one said it. Okay, we're not replacing all the siding. Just take off the rotten siding. For heaven's sakes, take off the rotten siding. If you find one issue, repair it. Like Mr. Peliser said, you don't need it. Oh, there's one rotten thing here. So, we're going to take all the signing off. No, that's just the way for a contractor to get get more money. And we do have two
local contractors. Maybe they were uh uh talked to, David Church and uh Conrad Van Rensburg. They do historical renovation. I doubt they've been talked to or even recalled. However, you don't need to do the whole building. Like Mr. Peliser said, you do what you need to do right away. And as far as the chimney
coming off the foundation problem, no. If the house was built around the chimney, then the foundation is the chimney. If the chimney was added onto the house, then the chimney might be pulling away, but that that can be remedied and that's not that big of a deal. So, don't make it an issue. Please preserve this house. You got the money.
And one more question real quick. The $300,000 is that in addition to the $135,000 you got from the sale of Hammock Hall. It includes that. So, it's not really 350 is it's just up to that. Thank you. >> Right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I say something please? >> Go ahead. with the budget that was uh
sorry the motion that was made what we were trying to ask is can we increase it the line item I didn't get a I didn't hear that part so can we I'm asking can you increase it from the 155 up to
350,000 >> yes please >> that we move the spendable dollar value up to 300,000 with the conditions that staff comes back with three or four different
>> angles of of of how we want to attack the repairs. >> Okay. >> So, >> Miss West, we have to go through point of clarification. There was a vote that was made. So, there needs to be a vote for reconsideration. >> We never voted. >> There was no vote. >> My bad. >> There was no vote.
>> It was just a motion. >> We just been here for a while. >> Yes. Go ahead. Go ahead. You know, my question is do does do they need to come and bring us an approach of how they're going to
do it? I don't know that that's what we do. And then and if it is, correct me if I'm wrong, versus their request was to increase the budget so they can go out with an ITB to get somebody to come in
and do the work. So I guess I'm not sure I'm following the motion of telling them to go look, come back and tell us. I I didn't know the benefit of that. So, what would be the benefit?
>> In my way of thinking, we're going to up their amount of money they are allowed to spend up to 300,000. Then they're going to come back and tell us um they they know that this is going to be what our top end is. They're going to come back with from a contractor and tell us
that uh you know, we we have we see three sides of this thing that need to be attacked. Uh if we do this, it's going to be 150,000. We do that, it's going to be 220. If we do this, it's going to be whatever. Gonna give you three. We'll know we stayed within our budget, but we're gonna have what what
can we afford right now? Got to walk for you and, you know, run. I don't think we should. >> I don't think we should have put the $300,000 on the on the table first.
uh just a general estimate uh that they could have given us and it would been us up to us to know how much that we're going to spend. I don't think we should have put that out there or should we make a motion to go that to that amount at this point. That's just my opinion.
>> Commissioner, we're not giving them a blank check. >> Go ahead one minute. >> It sound like we It sound like we giving them a $300,000 check. No, I don't interpret it that way. >> Okay, Commissioner Bar, go ahead.
>> Well, I'm in I'm in agreement. Well, everybody have good valid points, but again, I think, you know, as we continue to run the number up, I think what we need to have is what we can approve what we're having and if it goes above that,
they can let us know the additional cost. We but we you know we we we just need to approve what we have and if it goes above that so be it. We that's what that's where we'll be at but we know what our numbers are instead of giving them our number
because if we give them a number granted they going to they're going to run it they're going to run it up whether whether they um whether they whether you want them to or not. >> Commissioner Davis. >> Yes. Commissioner Davis go first and then if
we're going to bring up >> I I just the staff made a recommendation. I I just want to address they they asked us to increase the budget >> period and and and I think we are going
in another direction and I'm not saying we can't give them direction but all they asked for is for us to increase the budget so that they can go out and get an ITB. They've assessed the work that needs to
be done. I I just believe our staff will know how to work. I feel like we're telling them how to do their job and I think I don't think that's our job is the point. And um Commissioner Pel, I know you have experience in it, but I just believe that our staff
>> needs to do the work. They're just asking us to increase the budget because what we had is not sufficient to even go out and get an appropriate bid. >> I I agree with you, Commissioner Davis. 110%. We're not telling them you can go spend all 300,000. We're telling them
that we know that the 150 odd is not enough, right? Okay. We know that's not enough. So, we know we got up at the 300. If you have three to four hopefully competitive biders that are looking at the same thing and they say, "We we did
we cut it up in three different ways, A, B, and C." And each bidder gives us a bid on A and a bid on B and a bid on C. You got three different bids for three different projects. Then you got a competitive process of who pays how much it's going to cost and it's not going to, you know, you're not they're not out
there going, "Hey, we we can write a check. We we can bill it for 299,000. They got 300." You you're not doing that when you get competitive biders that are going against each other and you give them the the parameters of what they can bid on or what they are bidding on.
>> Commissioner Davis, >> question. How many times have you guys gone out to bid to get work done? Um, >> I'm just meant in your jobs >> in general in your jobs as an estimate. How often do you have do this
>> in my but I'm a contractor for 30 years so I can say literally hundreds and hundreds of times in my life. >> I I guess is absolutely correct. No, I know the point I'm trying to make is as
part of your responsibility to the city to be fiscally prudent with our funds. That's part of what you do in your job, I guess, is the point I'm trying to make. >> 100% our goal. We want our best product for the best.
>> Yeah. And I think that's the point I'm trying to make. >> I I'm not saying that doesn't need to be done. I'm just saying I don't think we need to tell them how to do it because I think that's what they do. >> I think I was telling them that. >> Well, >> I'm just saying that's how I interpreted
the motion, but I'm not saying it's giving specific direction on how they're to go out and do it. And so that was why I was asking the question. Um, so there's a motion on the floor. I'm stop talking about it floor in a second. We
can vote on it and go from there. So >> can you repeat >> Davis? I don't think it's our role on this board to micromanage individual positions and jobs and the folks that are in them. They do know what they're doing. I think we are just been asked or tasked to increase the
budget. >> So I'm missing something because I didn't know I was micromanaging in the in >> Well, I just feel this board might be doing that by directing to that degree. I I I don't I think there's just a >> but anyway we have a vote in
>> I think when he was make I think when commissioner was making his statement he was just giving >> his idea and not necessarily direction direct different set of eyes >> it's in the motion >> it's in the motion
>> only reason I'm bringing it up if it was discussion it's in the motion >> miss can you read the motion Commissioner Pelisia directed staff to um three or four aspects different contractors and moved up on the amended
motion moved it up to 300,000 for the >> but it was also specific areas of the building. >> Do you want to break the motion up into two things? One, the money and two, how do we handle it? >> No, I don't think we want to just be one
motion. Am I right? >> I should say that. >> I I'll resend it if if you want to break it up and do it two different ways. That might make it simple. >> We have to hear the motion you presented exactly as it was presented. That's what I think we're asking for to read that
motion back as it was presented. And there was more detail in it than was just said. >> I mean, if you want to reiterate your motion, maybe that would help. Commissioner Palisia. I I'm thinking I'm thinking I honestly think to to for
easier clarification for all involved do it in two motions. >> I can't do it right now. I have to go back and listen to it. >> I thought it was recorded. >> If if we do it in two separate motions, one the money to two what what kind of
direction we want to give them. I think that might be more cl easier clarification. if you want to. I was just making I was just saying I think all we need to do is some money. That's all only point I was trying to make. >> Well, okay. So, we have a motion and a
second of um all we'll do a vote roll call. All in favor madam cler clarification on what the motion was. >> Yeah. >> Well, I that's what I was ask my my notes. Um >> city attorney is trying to share ahead.
The motion was have staff evaluate the building in several three to four different ways and come back with all the available options and then it was amended to have the budget up to $300,000. >> I'm good with that. >> And that was amended. There was a
second. Could you please vote? We're going to take a vote. Could you please give us a roll call, Madam Commissioner Borum? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Jones. >> Nay. Commissioner Campbell. >> Okay.
>> Commissioner Davis, >> no. >> Commissioner Palaceia, >> yay. >> Miss Jackson, >> yes. >> Mayor Carrera, >> nay.
The motion passed. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yes. >> I changed. >> So you understand >> basically uh you all go back to what you were doing.
>> We're redoing the scope and then when we redo the scope, we need to come back here before sending the ITV out. That's my understanding. >> That's not No, no, no, no. She re she restated. She stated what the motion was originally, but she went back and said
what the re motion for reconsider or the the amendment was, which was just solely for the increase. >> That's what we voted on. >> She read it in its entirety and then what the reconsideration of the motion was, which was for the increase up to
the amount that was given. Am I correct, Legal? >> That was my understanding. >> Right. Let's Yes. >> Just name we come back to what you know now we can actually selecting.
>> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> I want to make sure we're on the same page. Forget the money cuz that was in there up to 300, right? What I'm objecting to was I don't see
the need for them to go do work and come back to us to tell them what they're given that information. That's that's the only objection I had. I just want to make sure we're clear and I want to make sure I understand what the direction is from that motion. The direction for them
to go do some stuff and bring it back to this board. >> It is. And then it's going to go to the city commission. >> Correct. That's all I'm saying. Delays. That's all I'm trying to say. Because this is a CRA board. >> Well, to to be clear, >> wouldn't you like for them to come back
and say, "We've had this evaluated. I think they I believe in their competence >> and I'm saying no I don't believe that and that's the that's the fundamental difference. I do not believe they have to do that to this board. That's all I'm saying. >> But I think
we're having multiple conversations. >> Go ahead commissioner Pelis multiples. The part I'm saying if they come back to you with three proposals and you're not micro imagine then you've got to decide which one do we want to hit first.
Is it project A? Is it project B or C? >> I >> does that make sense? Is that cleared up or not? >> So when we come to this budget that's all we want to do ahead. They're going to do work if the budget >> but they bring you back three proposals
>> and don't you want to decide what you're going to attack first? Who's going to who's going to make that decision? >> They're going to make >> I didn't think that was included in >> Yes. At some point in the future when they go back >> No. >> Go ahead, Commissioner K. I think my and
this is and I'm going to make a general statement what we're trying to clean up and I'm going to call it out because it happened in the meeting and it happened when staff >> I asked legal to restate what the motion
was because I was trying to get clarification. The response was we'll figure it out. We need to figure it out. Hence the reason of why I asked the question because if there was a question going out of here, it needs to be
clarified in this meeting and not be taken out. So, I'm calling it out because it happened in this meeting and it couldn't wait. And I'm still asking that the motion be spoken back to us because what I stated was I thought the original motion that was out there
included the phases but also within the reconsideration it was taken in consideration solely for the amount that was given. Hence the reason I asked for that clarity during that time and it was blown off and I don't like that.
>> Should and I'm asking the question and it was >> and I'm asking legal mayor. >> Okay. With all due respect, I'm asking mayor I mean I'm asking the legal to answer the question that I proposed. >> Okay. >> So to answer your question, the way the
motion was phrased, having staff evaluate the building in several different ways and come back with options is going to require for staff to evaluate the building and come back to this board with several different options. >> Would you just read the motion as it was
presented? With all due respect, Commissioner, I don't take verbatim minutes. That is the clerk's job. >> I mean, >> I I'm taking as good of notes as I possibly can. That is what I wrote. >> You're jumping to a conclusion when I ask you just to restate what you stated the first time. >> Sure.
>> Staff evaluate the building in several three to four different ways and come back with the options. Then the motion was amended to budget up to 300,000. That's where the confusion comes in because it was redone and that's what I
got from it that it was throughout the discussion and this is why from the day's perspective we get c we we do talk when things don't we and it it it has its purpose but I was under the assumption and I'm still not going to change my vote but I was under the
assumption that it was the from the conversation that that first part was mixed out and the motion was >> pretty And I asked that that's why I specifically asked that question. >> That that's helpful. >> So I understand where Carlos confusion
was because if I'm confused, Carlos is confused. That's why he got back up. That's why and I never want that to happen again that we blow off a commissioner question. If staff has a question amongst us on this and we ask for clarity, clarity
should be provided. And that's what we come into these meetings oftent time and staff state what they thought was a direction and it does not necessarily be the correction. So Carlos I thank you for bringing that back up and saying that you were confused
because I was confused as well and I asked that question. >> Now Carlos what what is your understanding please? Well, again, my understanding is that we need to go out redo the scope, right? And let's say we say we're just
attacking three different areas, right? But in order to do what you're asking, Mr. Walton, I'm sorry, maybe I spelling your last name wrong, so I'm you know, Commissioner Walton. Sorry. >> But I mean, in order to do three different scopes, we'll need to do three different bits.
>> True. >> That's what you asking, right? >> Yes. >> Three different bits for the same project. Not same pro well same area of the building. >> Break your building up into three four whatever the I don't know the the what kind of condition that building's in. I
really don't I don't know. Is it about to fall to the ground or is it just you know this this and this or is it maybe the building's got four sides both sides of it >> because >> based on my experience honestly what I will do it's like okay let's say we're
attacking three different areas of the building right I'll put these three different areas on one bid >> exactly >> so everyone will bid on these three different areas everyone so let's say the lowest bidder was $450,000 right the lowest one. We'll need to come
back and say like, hey, we have three different errors. We have two choices. One is to increase the amount of money to 450 and the second one is just to reduce the scope of work and just do two different areas instead of three. That's my >> to make this more micro not micromanage
as as Commissioner Davis says, you decide where is the very worst part of this building. What needs to be attacked first and let three or four different biders come in and bid that spot. Whatever y'all think is your your opinion, this is where we have the most critical area that needs to be repaired
and get three different or four different as many biders as you can that will bid on fixing just that and and take it from there. You know, if it's within our budget. >> Okay. >> First of all, it's all within our budget. Correct. District. We just underutilized the
funding for the grant that that came in less for the district. So, and we need to allocate all these funds. We cannot have them on the books and not use them because we will lose them. So, the money is there and available and we want to do
this right. And I'd like I I don't I hate to say a dumb peace meal >> and putting undue burden on staff. Let me just be real. This that I think that's putting an undue burden. I'm not saying
they couldn't come to that conclusion, but now we're told them they have to do it because we voted and made an emotion. That's the point I'm trying to make. I'm very confident they would have done that if it was necessary, but now they have to do it and we don't even know if it
has to be done that way. That was the only point I'm trying to say. We've Am I >> Yeah, we understand. >> That's all I'm saying. >> Commissioner Bor, go ahead. >> Yes. I want to res just respect everybody's opinion or what have you. But uh we we could have easily solved
that a while back when we wanted to get the motion because if the motion had been recorded, which I think it is recorded, we could have took a easily had a recess had our city clerk to replay it to bring it back to us
verbatim and then we can understand from that point. And that's what I was trying to ask for. But we we went uh on and on and on. Now, are we still clear as to what the true motion is and we have not
heard it verbatim from a recorded message. Now, we we heard a synopsis of it, but we have not heard it verbatim and do our meetings is recorded. But that was one thing. The other thing is um we know that we need to spend the
money. We know the tilma house is important to us but again we need to have a number that we are going to budget for the building and what is that number so if that number is stopping at 300 or I mean what is the number that
we're going to cuz if they go in and find more things it may go to 450 it could go to 500 so we need to figure out what we're going to spend and that's what I think commissioner um paliser was trying to get to as it relates to that
and provide options and I think that's where he was trying to go with that. >> Thank you. And and I was trying to speak because that was Commissioner B suggestion about the recording and we just never got it out there but that's okay. Here we are. Okay. I think we need
to move forward because we've exhausted this. Is there any further information or questions? >> Mitches. >> We're going to move forward. Okay, >> we have a motion that was approved. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. >> There is if there was
according to the Robert's rules of order, if there is any confusion with regards to a motion that was made in a vote, there could be reconsideration of a vote.
Correct. >> Correct. Correct. It appears that there was a lot of dialogue that has transpired that there should be a con a
reconsideration of vote. >> Okay. Just >> based on the conversation that has come as a result of the vote that the vote the motion and the vote that was made. So again, if we are not
in it, I mean, if we are not satisfied with what what it is, because there was some information that was provided and attorney West, I apologize and I was only asking because I asked the question to say what you said because you were
the most close to it. So again, I would like to make a motion, mayor, that there be reconsideration of the v of the previous motion and vote that was made due to information that was provided from staff
after the conver after the official vote. >> Okay, we have a motion to reconsider the previous vote. Do we have a second? Y'all missing the point to re to clear it. >> I know. I get it. >> A second. We have a motion to second.
Any further discussion? Oh, can we take a roll call? Go ahead. >> Yes. >> This is just a motion to reconsider first. >> Right. This is for a question. And um I I think when we when we talk about because we we could have missed some a a crucial or
critical point that M uh Commissioner Palaceir made and we never really heard the motion verbatim. That's my only caution and pause to to this whole thing here. So, uh, everybody have valid points, but again, we don't
know exactly what was stated and you and we discounting we're discounting um this whole thing. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. >> Um, I second the reconsideration for
discussion. I'm not in favor of reconsideration and that is only because we fully discussed this. The point I was making in my discussion is that whether
the stipulation was verbatim or not, I was simply saying we only needed to approve the recommendation of the budget without any further direction. That was
the only point I was trying to make. And so whether we had it verbatim or not, I was just stating I didn't believe we needed to give any direction um at that point. I will also say one of the things I've asked um and Miss
Carter, we've talked about this with staff when they come with a recommendation. We need a full recommendation, not what we can uh tolerate. I do agree to the point with
commissioner um Pelisier that and and that's why I asked the question is 300 enough and then I heard 325 350 which tells me we don't know but again I was in favor of increasing
the budget because you're right number one we have the money number two I believe it's important that we do this work on that house So that's the only point I was trying to make. >> I want to bring clarity to the reason for the reconsideration of the vote. The
only reason and I stated it was because when I asked legal to reinstate what she stated, I thought when she stated or when she made the mention of that it had been amended to and cap to capture the funding
amount. So, I'm thinking when I voted that that other part was no longer a voting matter because of the reconsideration of the motion because when it was stated back, Commissioner Pelis said, "I'm fine with that."
>> So, that's what I understood. So there was not as much clarity and again I will apologize but that's why I wanted at that moment to bring clarification to that vote because there was confusion and even when I stated it Carlos shook
his head. Yeah. So we were of the same >> when it came down to it. So that's why that motion that's the only >> So we have a motion in a second. >> Yes. >> And can I point a clarification? >> Okay. Go ahead. Miss West is only really
trying to fill us in to keep this m um speak on your behalf to keep this meeting moving because technically she don't even have to read the motion back to us. Miss Hayes needs to take the motions verbatim and I do and I know you know that but I just wanted to keep saying that because it wasn't even her
responsibility to read the motion >> but she mentioned it so that's why >> no I no I understand I just wanted to go on record >> and do we not have software that is able she has the recording >> and we would probably Miss Haste what
would be required in order to give us a verbatim of that conversation >> I actually found a program that I'm using right now that's doing verbatim morning >> but that's not going to help us >> that's not going to help us on that one unless I go back and listen to it >> it's critical >> and we also
>> so this is for future at this point we're where we're at we now have >> another motion to remand on the floor can you do a roll call please so we can take a vote >> commissioner Davis >> yes
Commissioner Campbell. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Jones. >> Commissioner Jones. >> Nay. >> Commissioner Borum. >> What am I voting on?
>> The reprimand remand rather. >> The reconsideration the reconsideration of the motion. Nay. me. >> Commissioner Pelisier. >> No. >> Teresa Jackson.
>> Mayor Carrera. >> Yes. >> One, two, three. >> Is it? We only have three three >> three. >> So we didn't have Miss Jackson, so we had a tie vote. >> So it dies.
>> It dies. >> It dies. >> Just for point of reference, I thought that it it might have been easier if we'd have broke it up and done the 300,000 raising the limit to that as one item than the other item being what
direction do we want to get staff? That's what I thought might have make it more more easier to understand. Okay, we're go we're going to move on. City manager CRA coordinator verbal update. >> Yes. Uh what we would like to uh just
bring you up today are three matters. One is port consolidated uh the fact that they have recently submitted a $75,000 grant application. Um however at the same time we're also
pursuing um an RFP for the short-term usage of port consolidated site. Do you want to explain more about that fiveyear? >> Yes ma'am. So um there was a five-year plan done through the CPTA grant that's
referenced here was for $40,000. We received that at the beginning of the year when Miss Dietrich did a presentation at the city commission meeting. And in that 5-year plan, it was stated that Port Consolidated is a catalytic site for us since it is the gateway into the city. So following
that, Shu found this grant again and applied for a $75,000 grant through the same grant from the Florida Commerce to provide a gateway community, I'm sorry, a gateway redevelopment plan for the port consolidated site. And in here it would focus on the long-term market
supported uses for the site and include public engagement, a summary of environmental remediation, redevelopment scenarios, and final presentation to stakeholders. And just as Miss Cardi said, um, staff is working on the short term. The goal with this once we would get this back would be able to use what
we find in here to create what we'd like to do in the future, whether that is a development RFP or any type of RFP in the future. So, this plan will help us decide what we're going to do for the long term. >> Also, there's a timeline associated. >> Yes, ma'am. >> What I remember,
>> I did include the grant application in this packet. You'll find the letter as well as a framework and timeline. So, we would have this back in May of May 30th. I'm sorry. Um May 18th would be the due date. And speaking with Miss Dietrich,
depending on when this grant is awarded, she thinks we would possibly be able to get this sooner. she gets putting on the long end just because we are not sure when we'll get awarded if we do but we're very confident about this grant and it's a wonderful opportunity for us. >> Okay. And we just wanted to give an
update. >> Um another item we're looking at >> I got a question on this question. >> Yes. So so we're looking to try and spend you say 40 you say $40,000 you mentioned we paid is did you 40,000 or
40,000? So, the first grant that we received through the CPTA grant was $40,000 for the five-year strategic downtown plan. No city money. It was something we received through this grant to get that product. It's the same grant again. The ask is $75,000 to get this
plan for the port consolidated site. All grant funded, no city um max required, >> right? But there's a lot of work that needed to go into that facility in terms of electrical, plumbing,
roof, mold, all of those things. There's a number of different things that's wrong with that. And it's it's in the report that was written up. So, in addition to the Brownsfield petroleum stuff that we have to still deal with, still phase
one. So, we got to figure out how much we want to spend and we can just build up a sale. Have we thought about that? >> So, >> yes, we've had all kinds of conversations than a staff sping. However, it's better if we would bring the expert in and let them explore the
options, put it in writing for us and then that individual and this and this is the health health associates. they will come back and do the presentation and give us all of the various options that we can pursue for a long term. But
additionally, instead of the building just sitting there as it is now, we do have potential for short-term use. So, we're looking at that as well using where we are with the remediation. The remediation is not in the building. The
environmental hazard has been reduced to the point that it's only on the site, not inside the building. >> Have we done a true assessment of the building? True assessment. >> There may be a need to do further, but
there has been an assessment done. Now, whether it's the most detail and all of that, you know, I'm >> but the the one that I read, I I'm not um friendly to what I read. But if we had somebody to come in and do a true
assessment of the building, that's what I would like to have. I'm not even happy with what what was in the packet when we when when the swap happened. Okay. So, that's where I'm at with the electrical, the plumbing, the roof, all of those
things. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else have any questions or discussion? I'd like to piggy back off of Commissioner Bor as well as when we run into issues with the neon sign that
you're about to construct. You know, we come to find out that the assessment for the appraisal hadn't done or completed. So, uh, I kind of agree we need to
actually come back and devise a plan. It seems like staff have but let him finish if we ain't understanding what he's saying. So, we need to act. >> We need to let him know. >> Let him know that we can't hear. >> Can you text him? I mean, um, put it in
the chat. I mean, I'm reading what he's saying. >> I'm reading that and I don't understand. >> No, >> but can't she put it in the chat that we can't hear? >> Okay, I understand. You can't hear. You can't hear me. >> It's a little better now. >> Yeah, it's a little better, but as loud
as you can. >> Uh, I move that we get our uh audio fixed. I mean, we've been putting money in it, but it don't seem like we fixed it so it could be uh usable during these times.
What I was saying, I agree with Commissioner Borum on the short uh short and sweet. I agree with Commissioner Borum. >> Commissioner Bor and one last thing, I mean, I get different things from from from my city manager when when we speak
about different things. When I meet with you, I get one thing and then we get here and there's another thing. But we need to circle back around. We need to we I need for you to take positions on things to and let's not be
playing around one foot in one foot out. We need to really look out for the best interest of the city. >> Okay. I I >> And leadership matters to me. >> I am doing that. >> Thank you. Uh an additional item is landscaping and
crown maintenance and the three CR districts. Uh we want to try to improve the appearance of the three districts and even though we currently have a contract with FUD landscaping, it's very
limited. It's just from River front to 11 Street. So we're looking to expand. uh would like to put flowers up. So, is there more things that we would like to do to just try to make the environment, you know, be more friendly
and beautiful? >> Yes, sir. With that state head, I want us to be real cautious about um the type of stuff that we utilize because there has been there have been some extensive conversation with regards
to some of the the pots and all of those kind of things and how it does not just look aesthetically pleasing because I'm not sure if the rotation of um work is not being fulfilled or how that works. But I really want us to take in consideration as we move forth and look
for something different that we take in consideration the uh how often the rotation of maintenance that's the word I'm looking for of maintenance when it comes down to the beautifification everything look good for a season but when it's out of season it tends to make
everything look a little >> we may ask for the help from IAS from the extension center the right plants right place is kind of their mantra um for putting the for this climate and I think it would be helpful Wendy lives right downtown. She's the extension
director. I think it would be helpful to reach out to EAS to the extension center and ask for their thoughts and inputs. The master gardener program might be willing to volunteer and come in and help. So it might be worth doing that >> it's coming from my mic honestly. I
don't know why >> that might be >> it's coming from mine. I don't know what I'm doing to it, so I apologize. >> Okay, go ahead, Commissioner James. >> Um, in terms of plants and maintenance at the riverfront,
those big bushy trees, can we again talk about uh meet with somebody to determine the best shrubs or what should be there? They're just big and everywhere and things are
hiding under them and um yeah, it's not >> Yes, >> I don't think that's the appropriate plants to be there. Do you know what I'm talking about? >> Yes, ma'am. Absolutely. So, I'll address a few things with that. So, um I 100%
agree with you. Um I I'll start at the very beginning if that's okay. So, I met with Futch. So, just like Miss Cardi originally said, we do have a contract with Fetch where they're just doing pulling weeds, cleaning things up here and there on St. John's Avenue only from
the riverfront um right before the clock tower. They're not touching the clock tower, anything over there all the way into 11th. And then they're doing Third Street, like the actual Third Street. What I'm proposing with them, I met with them on Thursday and we did a walk through up and down St. John's Avenue on
Thursday and we want to include all of those side streets so they're maintained. I did express to her that we are doing a streetscape so we want to just clean up what we have on St. John's Avenue since we're going to be investing a lot of money in the near future on that to the flower pots. We did so before I
started but when I did start I did um complete some invoices for those flower pots there. We have a contract with revitalized downtown I'm sorry revitalized Historic Palaca and I believe Miss Cathy's here and she may be able to speak to that. Um, but our role
was to buy the pots and buy the flowers and put them in there. And my understanding it was the flowers that they requested and it was signed off on. And then it's their responsibility to maintain those. My understanding is that there was a little bit of a miscommunication that just came to my
attention this week, this past week, that there wasn't water in those pots. Those are selfwatering pots. That has now been resolved and the flowers are looking much better. But it is their responsibility to maintain the pots as well as the plants inside of those. And I'll give her the opportunity to speak
if you would all would like. The next part is at the riverfront, those plants that are there. I walked with um Miss Jennifer from Futch. She is very excited about this. She's very excited to help the city. One of the major things we talked about was not only planting new
plants that are appropriate for the area, but maintaining them. Cuz we could put the most beautiful plants, but if they're not maintained, that's the problem. And that's something we are lacking at the riverfront. In speaking with Mr. Eddie, who's in charge of the parks, he's very excited. He's all for whatever we would like to do with that,
I asked her for her recommendations are not only cost effective, but we're going to get the most bloom out of because we don't want to see things that aren't in bloom all year round. We want to get the most out of our money, especially when people are coming to visit our downtown. So, those are things we are all addressing. Again, I did do that walk through on Thursday with her. So, she's
going to get back to me on some different options and some different quotes how we can address that to make our downtown a little bit more vibrant when it comes to plants. And on the other end, it's my responsibility to work with public works for the irrigation because they need to have a water source if we're asking them to maintain these plants.
>> Any further questions or discussion about the plants? And then finally the finding of necessity study uh you know we are asking them to help us and do a better they they have more information
that if we did it. So they're going to compare or prepare a preliminary 10-year estimate of potential tax increment revenues from the proposed expansion area. The revenue uh projections will be
based solely on historical growth trends and current property tax structures. Uh with that identified area in the RFP that they already was working on. Uh our primary concern with them, they will be presenting
um in that budget meeting. Right. >> August 27th budget workshop. >> Right. Yes. Right. And and tell what they're gonna >> Yes. So they will go over all of the things Miss Cardi discussed which you'll find on the back side of the verbal report staff report. So just like Miss Cardi said all of those projections you
all were asking for and they'll be doing an explanation of all the different options as well as the recommendation. We've had very in-depth meetings with them. They understand what the city says. I provided them with notes from that last meeting we had and they're getting ready to bring all of that
forward on August 27th to help you all make the best decision. And because ultimately this is a budgetary question um for us as well with general fund because it's going to cost a lot of money. It's like a $100,000 or more. >> Right.
>> And what we're trying to No problem. Uh the most important thing is that they're looking at updating our redevelopment plan for the three existing CRA areas. So that's a given. The question is should we really expand? And that's the
question that we're hoping in this uh next budget meeting for CRA that they would be able to answer because that will tell us should we budget this uh this information here. >> Yes. In the finding a necessity just to um restate that that comes out of the
general fund. If we were to do a community redevelopment plan update for the existing three districts, that would just come out of the CRA funds. And the background behind that is just because I know we have a lot of excellent initiatives are moving forward, but they're not necessarily aligning with the strategies that are outlined in the
CRA plan. Um, this is a conversation that I will definitely leave to the next meeting because it's very exciting. I think there's some excellent things we're doing already, but I think if we align the community redevelopment plan, which is truly our roadmap of what we should be following with everything we
do, if we change the plan, we're going to be on track. Thank you. I did have one more thing that's not on here regarding the gas lamps, if I may. Just a slight update. I apologize that that's not on here. So, it got delayed a few times um with the Historic Preservation
Board for many reasons, but they did deny the motion for the or I'm sorry, the request to change the gas lamps in the South Historic District to solar. So, the planning director, he did tell me if this was something you all would like to continue to pursue. we can do to
I guess it's not necessarily an appeal, but it could be taken in front of the city commission in a commission setting to move forward if they would like and Miss West can speak to that a little better than I can. >> So, as you know, the historic preservation board uh sits in an
advisory capacity to the city commission. So, their recommendation to the city commission is that you do not approve of the solar uh lamps throughout the South Historic District. That is their recommendation. It can still go up to the city commission and it is within
your discretion whether or not to accept that recommendation. >> And I think what we're asking um if you all feel comfortable is just for a little bit of guidance. I'm prepared to do a survey. I've already created that to send to the district, but again, I didn't get any information from this um historic preservation board until
Thursday and we're here today. >> Okay. >> Do you have something for >> Yes. Did they have any um thing that they can reference the reason why that they um disapproved of the gas lamps? >> Yes. Their reason was is they didn't
feel that um the that solar was appropriate for the historic district that the option of solar is not historically relevant. >> Well, we've heard that before. >> However, those lights are not original
historically original. They were added in whatever the 90s. >> Yes, that's what I was told. But that was their reasoning for denying the item. >> Not original. did get support from the other members for that. >> That's out of >> So
>> yeah. So So they want the gas lights. They just don't want to be solar powered. >> Correct. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Correct. >> Thank you. Did you want to come up, Miss Alra? >> Alra kitchens for Florida. A couple of
things. Uh, as some of you already know, our city contract with Mr. Legacy, uh, he is supposed to maintain the riverfront from the boat house marina to the bridge. If he is supposed to maintain the riverfront, I would think that would include the landscaping and
watering it. So, that needs to be checked into, I believe, before we hire Futch to do also the riverfront. So, no problem with it. Let me just double check that we're not duplicating our actions. Once again, um the other thing,
two things actually. The CRA is talking about expanding. At the last time this came up, you still had a legal description for west of the railroad track, which includes my area. And you said it was not that. It was only expanding toward North 11th Street, which is what the citizens there asked for. I want to make sure that my area
has not been included. Again, my neighbors do not want it. I do not want it. We do not want to be in a CRA. Let me be very clear. No CRA. Period. The other thing is um let's see about the uh the gas lamps.
They are not historically the solar lamps are not historically accurate. No, the lamp posts were put in the 90s. Big freaking deal. The h some of the houses were repaired in the 90s. What's the point? The point is in the in the historic times gas was what ran the street lights, not solar. So the point
is not that the lamp post was put up in the 90s. So that's not really historical. It is historical. The source of the light is what's historical. And it was pointed out during the historic preservation board league. Well, the the current lights have to be they have to be the posts have to be painted and maintained. Well, so does solar. So that
was a non nonsequitative and but the board turned it down because the question was are solar lights historically accurate and the answer is no. They are not historically accurate and that was the question and that's why the board turned it down. And yes, I'm sure that the city will appeal it to themselves to the city commission.
However, my point here is check and make sure that Mr. Legacy is not responsible for what you're going to want going to pay fudge to do. Number two, make sure that your CRA expansion does not include west of the railroad track. >> Thank you. >> And uh I think that's about it.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Small business development center report. Oh, you are you going to make a comment about >> the the expansion? >> Expansion. Go ahead. Yes. Um, so I don't have the map in front of me today, but my understanding is that any person has
the opportunity to opt out of being in the district. There's a few that you can see in the North Historic District by Mohalland Park there. They chose to opt out of being included in the CRA. So, anyone can choose to do that. And then, um, I just wanted one thing just for direction. Would you all like me to move forward with the survey and maybe that
will help um with if you chose to do the appeal process? I know there is a time frame on that, Miss West. Are do you know what the timeline to move forward with an appeal if they would choose to do so would look like or if that's not something you're interested in? I will not move forward with the survey. The city would have 30 days to file an
appeal. Okay. Thank you. >> The um the necessity of need finding though I think Miss Kitchen's question was the re the PL the >> expansion. Yeah, the extension the boundaries are basically going north. It's not going in the direction of um
the south. >> I don't have the map with me today, but Miss Kitchens, I'm more than happy to provide that to you tomorrow. I'll give you >> that's kind of the question. Where are the bound where are the projected boundaries? >> Right. And I don't have that with me today, but I will provide that to her tomorrow. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Small business development center report. Mr. Paul. Evening Paul from the Small Business Development Center. Madame Mayor, commissioners, staffers, is everybody else that's still doing here. I hope you had a good
Monday. Um, a couple of things here. Uh, safe and beautiful downtown is really required to get businesses down here. And so whatever you guys do to make it safer and more beautiful, I think is very appropriate. Um, one quick
suggestion. I don't know if each of the stop signs on St. John's Avenue has stop painted on the road surface itself or is it just a sign that's off to the side? >> Just a sign. >> Maybe stop where all the stop signs are. That
that might help with that regard. Uh, I am very much pro um the uh the bumpouts, I guess you call them. And I really liked all the murals that were on there. It fits very well with the mural town that you already have here. Uh, and you
could have lots of different murals. You could get the local artists to come in and paint them. You could have gators, bass, manatees, great blue herring, ski boats. You could do anything you want. facility impressive studio last year with all their benches and
they had local in and paint the benches and stuff like so I think that's a a pretty cool thing as far as my stats for this calendar year not your fiscal year my calendar year I've had over 163 new
clients um as far as the money gain there weren't for fellow consultants that and muscle his way on my clients, I would be number two in the area with about $9 million. Right now, I'm at 1.7.
Uh same thing with new business starts. I'm really encouraging people very strongly to say that we helped them out when we did help them out. I'm still missing three or four, but I'd be number two of our county region.
Uh even my number of hours are a little bit lower. That's because I've had uh 10 workshops so far this year and I'm spending at least 10 15 hours per workshop. Um the last workshop I had uh we had was at the Zeli City Brewing
Company, the social uh we had over 80 people attend there. Very good, very successful workshop. As far as new workshops coming up, I don't know if you remember or not, last year I've been working very closely with Donnie Anderson and all the SBA staff and our
region. They've been holding quite a few workshops here. Last year we had an SBA lenders forum that was just for the lenders. The next workshop we got coming up in early October is going to be access to capital which means that the
people who are looking for loans can come in and talk to one of these lenders. Uh so that's going to be very interesting. With that um I know it's been a long evening. Thank you for your attention. Are there any questions?
>> Are there any questions of Mr. Paul? >> I think we're all set. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Police Department Community oriented Police and Service Cops Unit Report. >> Chief Shaw,
>> good evening. >> Good evening >> for us. Thank you for things all these issues on a birthday school and those retired those who have to deal with school or to deal with traffic such and
have to deal with children. We like to say thank you for being here and I'll try not to take up too much. My report is in your committed order but I'll touch on some highlights. Uh first thing is we've increased visibility in the area. Uh we have two officers who are
now spending 95% of their time in the area. We are still looking to move forward with the full-time CRA officer, but we are making sure we provide that opportunity to the staff or sorry to the the residents and business owners that we make sure we give coverage for them
during this period of time. Um that increased uh coverage has been more has resulted in more engagement. Um we are communicating with the business owner Daniel residents on a regular basis. Whenever issues come up we not only make sure we follow up on but we go meet with
them so we can get a further understanding of what they're seeing and what issues that are occurring so that we can then become and create problem solving to make sure we address those issues. um to that uh I think the um
engagement has been um beneficial for both um relationship building with the residents as well as the business owner and has been um beneficial in the problem solving and the um fostering of
a safer environment for everyone. Um outside of that, we are bringing or we did bring this last uh past 30 days event to the downtown area which was our national night out was a very I like to
say was a very positive respectful event and I thought it was something that the guys of those officers who worked in that area strictly worked them on that project. So it's something I was very appreciative for. um one of the best national lights out that I've seen in my
career and I thought that uh it spoke on what they wanted to uh do for our time. Other than that, if you have any questions, don't ask any questions. >> Any question? I concur on the National Night Out. I think it was a great event and the community really turned out and
seemed to have a great time. So, thank you. >> Any questions? Thank you. The district's code enforcement report officer just recently started new recently started in March this year
myself. Give a little update of what the code enforcement is doing. I have recently have been assigned to CRA district 80% of my complaints or whatever I respond to them but I also go elsewhere as well also my other
colleagues so still we all still attend the area I just focus more so on there and working and trying to get things going things we've been doing is going around the communities identifying ourselves um identifying um complaints talking with the homeowners basically
educating them, asking any information we can provide them and any guidance they need for like um fixing problems, issues or anything like that that they might have to ask us about. So um districts uh the north uh district uh
your central business district not district and your south districts. Um recently, uh we have working six active cases in the north district. Um in the central business district, uh
we're working actively working 20 active cases in that district and in South District we have 16. Um something new in case you're aware like what else we do our system we have is called network. So basically any go
on there file a complaint hook up with an issue or whatever. This is basically when we say ask what are code compliance people we do uh there's some activities that we do this just I broke it down for just the C just um we do courtesy notices emails general letters
inspection in person so as you can see more interaction you know we're going out door to door talking to people calling on the phones emailing um so this is something it's in the system which we we're getting used to putting them in there so it's something that's tracked so we call and ask us what you
guys we can call hey this is what we've done for this month and that's about it for the st districts the next one are overall basically um the whole districts the whole city and in general since January 340 cases
and different areas what we've been doing this is something we started tracking everything so when you call and ask us what do we do we ever go out the houses do we ever go reinspect we ever send out emails we call you on the phone we send letters and basically just we'll
break it down between each other is what we do. Um pointed place in there. Um we do also do lings unfortunately we haven't been keeping up that Miss Jane she's been killing it. I know for that makes 10 probably the last month or so. So it's nothing new that we put on there
and and we appreciate her help. Know she hates us because we're killing her but uh working on getting everything done. um as Miss Odin has stated with CRA, they're working on different things with programs for the um communities um grants and stuff like that. So we're
working together hand in hand with each other to make improvements in the communities and for our input and also our input basically at the same time. And also as a code force, we're trying to as our our group, you know, as we get try to get our head above the water for
our cases and everything. Uh we're going to implement something where we as our group, you know, go out to community and give give back. Uh so we're working on something along the lines of that inhouse sort of kind of thing. We got to go with this M see if there's things that we can do. Basically, we're going
to volunteer our time to go out to a community anywhere because we we don't just focus on we got full. So it doesn't matter where you're at or where you're from. If there's a house us or somebody we think needs our help or assistance
that's got volunteer time our help to give them we come back and clients and do whatever we can our team miss Christy Low myself and Miss uh she's also knew her and I started same time in March. Um and that's just a
friendly update if you have any other questions I will answer any question you all have. Does anybody have any questions? >> Thank you. >> Thanks. Appreciate it. >> Financial report for the seven months
ended June 30th, 2025. Miss Pierre, >> can everybody hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay. Good evening. And so you have a staff report that summarizes the financials. So I'll just highlight a few
things. On page one of four, the total budget is $2,188,828 and that is 43% of the budget realized. We have current year-to-ate revenues of 931,000.
And if you go to page three of four, there's the total expenditures of 273,360 and that's 12% realized. And then on the last page, we have our net um results um current year to date
of $657,743. and with only three months remaining in the fiscal year, um that doesn't give our CRA coordinator much time. Um so she is um working with us on the upcoming um fiscal year and I want to thank her for
answering all of my questions. Good job there. Any questions? I'm just keeping it short and sweet since you saved the best for last finances for last. No, >> we appreciate it. Thank you. Any questions?
No, no. Just I just like a little sheet. That's it. Like a quick sheet. But you got you put you you communicated up there, but you the numbers. That's what I like to hear with the highlights that you had and that's what we're looking for. But get those little >> You want a quick sheet? >> The stumble sheet.
>> Okay. >> But yeah, excellent job. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions, Commissioner Jones? >> No. >> Thank you. So, we're done with >> Well, that is I need a motion to
adjourn. >> Motion.