Welcome everybody. I'm going to call this meeting to order. This is a community redevelopment agency meeting, Palaca Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on April 20th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. We'll begin with the invocation led by Pastor Malbury and the pledge of allegiance um led by Sam Deputy. Please
stand if you're able. >> Good evening everyone. Father, again we thank you for your loving kindness and for the multitude of your tender mercy. We thank you for this opportunity God to come before your presence one more time. We pray your blessing upon the
leadership that you provided for such a time as this. We ask God for your divine wisdom and guidance and all that we under to do for your glory that we might lead the city God in the most perfected way. We thank you for the opportunity
to serve this community in Jesus name. Thank God. Amen. >> Amen. Please join with me on the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. Madame clerk. Commissioner, >> present. >> Commissioner Jones, >> here.
Commissioner Davis present. >> Commissioner Palisia >> here. >> Mr. Deputy >> present. >> Commissioner Campbell excused and Mayor Carrera
>> present. Thank you. We have quorum. Has everybody had an opportunity to read the minutes from our last meeting on March 23rd, 2026? >> Move to approve. >> We have a motion. Motion is second. All in favor? I. Any opposition? Thank you.
>> I'm now going to open the floor open the floor rather to public comments for items not specified on the agenda. Public comment is for three minutes and your um you will not may not re receive a response at that at this point in time. Um does anybody here for public
comment for items not listed on the agenda? Seeing none, we'll close public comment. CRA district representatives and that's only if there's public comment so we don't we'll jump ahead.formational informationational updates. City commission resolution
number 2026R 621 ratification of CRA recommendation authoriz authorization ofou with Florida Small Business Development Center and this isformational this off. >> Good evening mayor and commissioners. This is just a staff report
that'sformational regarding the memorandum of understanding between the CRA, the city, and the small business development center. This will actually be on as a resolution on the upcoming meeting on Thursday, but I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of it
and that it'll be placed on that agenda. >> Does anybody have any questions of Miss Hoff about theou? >> I have. >> Go ahead, Mr. Deputy. Uh Nicole page uh on page one of that we talk about the CRA. >> Yes sir. And then on the resolution, we
talk about the CRA, but in the actual memorandum of understanding, there's no feedback to the CRA from the small business. And I'm wondering if for next year we can get that added because
technically we don't need to get reports then. And I think that we need those and it needs to be stated in the memorandum. Can we do that for 26? >> Yes, sir. I'll >> or 27. >> Um, sure. This is actually a split
between the CRA and the city. So, this is partly funded between CRA and then partly funded by the city as well because it's an initiative that that actually falls within the CRA district, but also it's a it's a city-wide initiative as well. >> Right. But we're not listed as a partner
is all I'm saying. >> I'll defer that. >> But I think we can if we could just add that for the next one. Okay, Miss West, can we get >> anybody else have any? >> And actually on the um page nine of the
resolution, it actually looks as if I guess it don't matter because it's the city is providing it all, but in one fashion or the other, but it it says $25,000 and payable in quarterly installment. So it appears that if the entire 25,000 is
being contributed through CRA versus the 15,000 which it is. >> Yes sir. So there's a split 15,000 of that is CRA funded and then 10,000 is by the general fund within the city. >> Right. I see that. But in your
resolution I mean it says 25,000. So if >> right it should probably be broken to >> 15,000 by the CRA. Understood. Yes, sir. We'll make a notation of that. >> Thank you. >> Questions?
>> Any other further questions? >> Okay. On to um B,formational updates. City commission resolution building improvement grant reimbursement for 801 St. John's AB administrative correction. And again, this isformational. Let me talk.
>> Um I've had I've had an application come back. They've submitted all of their paperwork. They're ready for reimbursement. when I went back and reviewed the previous resolution from October, this particular address was not on that resolution. So, this isformational that they were accidentally left off of that must have
been a just an oversight. And so, I just wanted to make sure that the commission was aware that they will be part of the reimbursement for this next upcoming month. >> And what was that amount for AO? >> Go ahead. Well, excuse me, Mr. Deputy.
>> I'm sorry. That's okay. >> Just so I can add that. What was the amount for 801? >> So their their application is for the full reimbursement of $25,000. They've actually spent over $200,000. >> Thank you. Um Commissioner D.
>> So question, you said the address was left off, but the amount is in the is there any financial impact for for that address being left off? It's in the budget. >> It's in the budget. >> So, it was already allocated. It was
just an oversight as far as the resolution previous I made a um I've included the different addresses here. They were just left off. It was inadvertently left off of the actual resolution. >> Okay. Thank you. I just want to make sure. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Anybody else have any further questions
about this topic? >> Thank you. on to um discussion direction public art program framework and refresher of murals located on city city buildings m
maintained by the city. >> So you should have included in your packet a presentation that I put together um just for reference and this is strictly framework. So this would be the beginning stages of a grant-based
program. So transitioning to grant-based um this is at the direction of the commission from our last board meeting that this was something that you had basically um indicated that you would like to see going forward
and the commission directed the staff to pause the current approach to the murals and explore a more structured and defensible framework for public art. Key concerns were lack of formal agreements, unclear ownership and maintenance responsibility, potential liability
exposure, the absence of consistent approval processes. Um there was some indication that you know when the mural this was mostly geared towards murals and folks were not able to b well they were there was no clear ownership. So if
a building got sold then there was no one there to take care of the mural and in some cases the murals were being eliminated altogether. So this is going to move us or transition us from this to something that's a little bit more structured and we'll have to define the
actual scope and framework as far as you know what is allowable what isn't. Um go back and let me make reference to your presentation. So there's some key components staff is proposing. >> Well, let me go back through here.
>> Yeah. So, basically, we would refer to the public art committee. Um, and that I'm not really sure what the cons the makeup of that committee will be yet. That hasn't been finalized. That's still in the process. But there will be some in some input from the committee as well
as the mural committee and other folks that would be very um public CRA funding decision executive sorry execution of legal agreements application submissions to the CRA. These are all things that
need to be considered. So the staff is recommending direction from the council from the city commission to determine how you would like to proceed. if you would like for this to be something that the committee puts together staff to put a little bit
more meat on the bones of the framework of the of what's here. I'm just looking for direction from the committee. >> Um I I do think we need a little bit more clarity. So on the slide that says ownership and responsibility, it says maintenance is the responsibility of the
applicant/propy owner. In most cases, the majority of the murals were uh um funded and created some with CRA funding by the mural committee. Very few were done by the property owner. Um so they have also
been responsible the mural committee for the maintenance, not the property owner. And I don't know if that's entirely clear in the document. Um, I think that would be helpful to talk to the mural committee, but their role has been primarily the one of determining the the
content of the mural and finding or putting out to bid the artist and then also prepping and maintaining the mural afterwards. And I think that's why we discussed panels going forward >> so that they could be moved because the mural committee also has been unable to
get any property owners to sign their agreements of late. So there the murals are definitely at risk downtown the ones that exist currently and so there has to be some strategy to I don't know if you can force property owners to to do that but I mean
I think that that's why the panels would be beneficial because you could move them if the property owner or a new property owner refuse to take care of them which has been lately the case. Go ahead. I want to get some clarification. Um, as
I've been thinking about this and from our last meeting, we have an existing mural committee, >> right? And so now we are introducing the public art committee. Um,
and when when we um voted to have this public art committee, in my mind, I was not necessarily thinking murals. We've had a lot of convers to almost it's not too much but it is too much because I did not think of the public art
committee as taking over the murals when I voted for this. Um I thought that public art committee would be an overarching committee with all public art whatever decisions are made for public art in the city. to that point. I
believe that the the and let me and here's my question with the existing mural committee. Um they're intact, right? They're still intact. more. >> Um, and so what I don't want this to be
is something that diminishes that mural committee >> or um puts an undue what I want to sayurd on them. >> Yeah. An undue burden or disregard the work that has been in place. So, I want
to make sure we're saying that and I want to make sure when we're documenting about the um the public art committee, I guess what I'm trying to say, it seems like this may be a subset. I don't know the right words. I don't know.
Partnership, I don't know. But that's what's important to me that we keep that intact because it's working. And I think we're introducing some confusion by not being able to clearly articulate
what we are trying to accomplish with this public art committee and how it would impact the mural committee. So this this presentation here is meant to be collaborative. So not to just
restrict it to just murals or let's just say functional art. It's a collaboration of people within the community that all have the same interest, which is to bring art to our community, add beautifification, add visibility for
visitors, something that brings them back. And this basically is just a structure that says going forward, what does this look like from a collaborative standpoint? So, it's the murals, maybe some functional art, whatever that looks like, and it would be feedback from all
of those that are vested within the community. So to that point when I look at ownership and responsibility for example it says maintenance is the responsibility of the applicant/propy owner to the mayor's point that there is a process in place for murals and so
when if we're all encompassing to me that insinuates that now the murals fall under this what I'm suggesting is looking for an opportunity where we do not dismantle the existing mural ederal committee and their operations
to make it fit into our overall public art committee's goals and ownership and responsibility. That's where I think I'm having the angst about it. >> Understood. And this is a framework. So this is just meant to be the backbone
and then we can build upon this and add those pieces of clarity and structure. So what will this look like going forward? So to that point to that point then I know the question is direction like should it be left up to the
committee and I don't >> and and I'm going to say I think it has to be left up to the committees >> committees and that's a much better way to say that correct the intent here >> because I think this new committee is going to have to understand
>> the mural >> mural committee >> yes >> and decide what's grandfathered in, what's not touched, you know, and that's why I keep using this word subset, but you know, does that make sense what I'm trying to say? >> Subcommittee and I think that to for
that to your point, I think because the mural committee has existed for such a length of time and have been doing what they've been doing. I think I was also thinking of as an umbrella com um committee or board and that um on that
board there are seats that are specified for different representation and the mural committee isn't one of those designated seats is it? >> No. So I mean one of the mural committee members certainly can apply to be on
this and that to me would be the best of all worlds so that they could bring it back to the mural committee but I think it's more of a partnership with the mural committee than overseeing the mural committee I think >> and and the vision for this was a partnership between multiple organizations because we have the mural
committee we have the art alliance we have multiple multiple organizations within the community where they everybody could you know they could contribute some insight. >> Madam Chair, >> uh one one minute comm also before you
Mr. Deputy was before you were going to jump in on him. Go ahead, Mr. Deputy. have several. I thought that that what we were setting up is when the mural committee comes to or any committee comes to us for public art uh for
funding for public art and I think we needed to decide what constitutes the public art. Uh is it temporary? Is it longlasting? Are we like wrapping the river or whatever? uh event, but I
thought that we weren't speaking for the whole city because that's the commissioner's job that we were only speaking for them coming to this body for funding. >> So, and to your point, so that's what this is. This is to transition the CRA
funds from from how it is today to more of a grant-based program. And what does that split look like? Is it 50/50? Is it 7525? That's what this is. But as part of that process, there still has to be some
structure to that. And that's that's what this whole presentation is. The direction from the committee how you would like to move forward with the structure of transitioning the CRA public art funds from the way it is today into more of a grant-based focus.
And I see the public art committee as actually the the commission the committee that will come forward with recommendations and and kind of vet what's presented as far as public art that this group I don't feel like I have the expertise but I want that committee to say we've had this request or this
we're making this suggestion for this type of public art and give us a plan and and if they're requesting funding that should be included but I >> I think that I think what's being missed though is that this ask today this what we're asking from the commission is
approval to move or transition from the public art fund into more of a grant-based fund as opposed to >> the CRA just paying for >> and we requested that >> and that's what you requested yesterday >> and that was part I think we need the
workshop because I think and that's in here as well. Do we do this as a workshop? >> Right. You know >> that would be mine because I I there's a couple things I didn't understand. >> Yes. The mural committee has a very distinct theme that they follow, >> right?
>> And parameters. And then I didn't see anything in here to make sure that what we were not doing was advertising any business because that would just negate the public art if we're going to do a business thing. And then the 7525, I
didn't understand. >> That's just a an example. It could be 50/50. 7525. That would be that would be determined when we transition. And so in in this presentation there there says decision points staffers requesting direction on the following. Do you
support transitioning to a grant-based program model? Do you support the proposed governance and approval structure or would you like to schedule a CRA workshop prior to adoption? >> Right. >> Okay. And I want Commissioner >> Pelisier also has something. Go ahead.
>> Um comments and questions both. Um, if you're going to do anything with that mural thing, I think you better get Miss Kitchens involved because she knows a lot about it. Um, I remember when that thing first started, Mr. Snder was the ring leader of that and he, I think, helped secure funds to put these murals
in place. My question was, or is, is um, when these murals were put up and you put it on Mr. Smith's building down here, is there any kind of thing in place that says for 5 years, even if he sells it, it's got to remain there. There's it could you could sell it tomorrow and it's gone. They they need
to come up with something. >> Well, they they have, but again, you have to get the property owner to sign it and they haven't been willing to do that. They have an attorney draft that and it exists. It has always exist in some format. They had it updated, but most property owners aren't willing to sign it because they feel it's too
ownorous for them, too burdensome for them. >> Um, so they haven't been able to get them signed. >> Yep. And that was kind of the what we had discussed when we were here last time. you know, the city's paying or has been helping fund the refreshing of
those murals, but what is the governance? And if someone wants to take that down or get rid of it and we just spent x amount of dollars that week and then it's gone the next week, is that really the best use of our funds, >> right? >> So, that is why we kind of went into this
>> transition to a grant-based >> public art. Do you have anything else? I' down for now. >> Commission forum. >> Yeah. My only uh question would be um to the city attorney would be um on on that spectrum as it relates to the public art
being on the building and you trying to restrict it in as it relates to a sale or different things of that nature. Is that something that um would not would would it be applicable to have something like that or not? because again they've
tried to have that before and people weren't weren't um approving of having that as part of a a conditional portion of a sale. Say for instance if they had public art art on them they needed for 5
years and they could not uh change it within the 5-year period. Is that something that from a legal standpoint that we could impose on somebody? >> You can you can certainly request it. It would basically be a restrictive covenant that gets recorded with
whatever deed is conveying the property. And some people don't want to buy property that is has a restrictive covenant on it. And that's probably why most of the property owners even if they were supportive of the murals probably did not want to restrict their property.
>> And while we're trying to revitalize, we also don't want to be that restrictive. >> Right. You do. Yeah. And that's and that's my point. You know, it's just you don't want to really continue like continue to have government overreach and imposing and saying, "Hey, you can't sell a uh a building if you have made
modifications to it or whatever." You are you have to keep these modifications or whatever paintings for five or 10 years. Just doesn't make sense. >> And with all due respect, Miss Kitchens has been involved on and off of the mural committee, but it's really Mr. Alexander who is the president of the
mural committee. >> Go ahead. So, I'd like to do two things and I want to make sure I understand the best way to do it. First, I would like to recommend that we shift from um shift the public art fund to a grant-based
fund. So, I believe that would be a motion. Correct. Um and then the second thing I want to do is um for the um board to have a workshop to identify the framework of the public art
committee and how it will complement or work with the existing mural committee. And the reason I believe we need the workshop is because we keep having conversations over and over and over, which sounds to me that we're not clear, which was why we can't properly
um explain this to anybody else. So, first thing I'd like to do, if appropriate, mayor, at this point, is I move that we shift from a public art fund in the CRA to a grant-based fund. >> Second. >> We have a motion, a second. All in favor? I
>> any opposition? I I as well. Any opposition? Okay. Thank you. >> And secondly, um that we schedule a workshop to identify the framework of the public art committee to include how this committee will
complement or work with the existing mural committee. >> And a question before we go into need a date first. >> Yeah, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Motion a second. um with that would that be after those board the committee members are appointed so they
could participate in that workshop or prior to their appointment it's a question you think after >> I think it should be before >> because they would know what they're getting into framework and do that after >> you know I feel like there's also other
steps that need to be considered too because we would have to develop a whole program would it like creating application materials coordinating public art structure um formal adoption. So there's multiple pieces of that as well. >> Yeah. So let me clarify what I'm talking
about for the workshop is really for us to clearly identify this framework what the goals of this committee is and then I believe the committee should have the opportunity to do the work of the committee and define how we do it, what
the program looks like and um as was just said. So that was my plan. Yes, >> we have a motion, a second. All in favor? >> I >> I. Any opposition? Thank you. >> There's one point. >> Yes. >> For clarity. >> I hate to say it, but I just want to be sure that that they're aware. Um,
properties that are like owned by the city. We have two of them, right? Yes. The annex and this one. >> The annex and city hall. >> Why don't you explain about the murals? >> Yes. So on the city maintained murals, um we would like to go ahead and
move forward with the refresh of those. We have the murals that are on the side of city hall. They are really in dire need of being refreshed. That's one of the first things that people see when they come into the city over the bridge and they're very faded. >> Um so one thing that we would like to do
is for now to go ahead and to schedule that with Mr. Alexander to to have the ones on the annex and city hall refreshed >> for the city owned buildings that will build the CRA will now be responsible for maintenance. Right. >> Exactly. >> Okay. Of those murals. Okay.
>> And primarily because those buildings are in the CRA district. >> Correct. Well, and that Yeah, that most of the murals are but um Yes. But I understand. I just want again clarity for everybody's sake. Do we want a motion for that? >> Yeah. Do you need a motion? >> I think so.
>> Yeah. because it involves money. But I thought we already said that. Did we >> the last meeting? I wasn't sure about that either. >> Go ahead. >> We We did discuss it, but then it was we were asked to pause that. >> Okay. >> That's why I brought it back up. >> I would like to make a motion that we
fund those two. >> Okay. >> The murals on those two buildings at this point. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. All in favor? >> Any opposition? Thank you. Anything else with public op
um so we do need to get a date for the workshop. Will you >> I'll make certain that the city clerk send that out with uh options. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want to do that right now.
>> Okay, let's keep moving. >> No, thank you. It makes you dizzy just to look at it. No, thank you. I've got it in my phone. Um B, National Register of Historic Places and RHP nomination downtown
Palaska. This off the community redevelopment agency is requesting approval for funding in the amount of $50,000 to retain consultant services to prepare and submit the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the downtown Palaca
District. So, in September of 2025, the city engaged property associates to conduct a preliminary state information questionnaire for the downtown area. And the results that the analysis determined that the district is potentially
individually eligible for a listing on the National Register historic preservance from 1885 to 1976. Further, they also further confirmed that the downtown palaca has served as historic center of commerce and government activity for nearly a
century, contributing significantly to the long-term development of the city. The next step required is the process in this process is the preparation and submission of a formal national register nomination which is a comprehensive and
tech technical document requiring extensive historical research, architectural inventory and mapping, professional photography to federal standards, coordination with the Florida Division of Historic Resources, and presentation to the
Florida National Register Review Board. And then this process takes roughly it could take up to six months. It's very extensive as you can imagine. So the CRA is asking for $50,000 to proceed with the process. I've attached a scope
of work what that what that covers and then they will also make the presentation for us. Um, in your packet there is a reference to the different benefits for for being labeled as a national
register and historic places listing. Um, something to keep in mind, those boundaries will be different than what what is considered our central business district. So, it could be bigger, it could be smaller, just depends on what their findings are. So, I don't want
folks to get confused and think this is our downtown area, so that's this the boundaries are the same. It will be determined by their findings >> and some of the downtown is already in the south historic district anyway part very small amount in the north as
well. Um, let me go through the scope of work is also in your packet. The breakdown of of what that covers and then I've also attached some examples of cities that are thriving
with some sort of a historic designation. So just as as a point of reference, Delray Beach, Florida, Stewart, Florida, um Winter Garden, Mount Dora, West Palm Beach, St. Augustine. These are all
examples of places that are or cities and towns that are thriving with historic designation. >> And you can add Jan, Fernandina Beach, the list goes on. >> So many. >> Yeah. >> Go ahead, Mr. Deputy.
>> Mr. This is fantastic. We've been wanting some of this for 20 years. Uh, and it's been quite a hard drive to get to this point. But the the tax benefits on renovations,
etc., are just unbelievable for the business, for the building owners. It gives you some reasons to do things. Uh, but I do have a question, one here. So, I'm excited. >> Okay. >> I would love to see this. Uh, you had mentioned in here a period of
significance of 85 to 76, but over in this other page, >> they're talking about post World War II and New Town, which are just two. That's way different than 1885, but New Town
would also be different from post World War II. This is just some of the information and findings from their initial questionnaire. That's why there's there's a lot more work that needs to be done to get us to that point. And that's what this the scope that's why we're asking for this so that they can
continue on in that process and give you a very comprehensive packet of of their findings. The new town is especially important because we have not taken advantage of that history and that could put us on a map with a whole new tourist
designation >> uh that is up and coming and we've not touched it. Great great work on that. >> There'll be a whole master site survey done on all the properties and that will be part of this whole package with extensive professional photography. It
is quite a process. Having done it for the hotel James singularly, it still took um three or four months to get that done for me to do that alone. So, it is quite the process. Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. I move that we approve the $50,000
funding request to proceed with the National Register nomination for downtown Palaca and authorize the budget transfer. >> It will come from the potable water portable water to professional services. >> Exactly. And that's included in your packet as well.
>> Right. >> So, so part of water from the general fund. >> No, sir. >> Cra specific. Yes, sir. >> Specific. That's what I want. >> Yes. >> Because it's not a concern, but as the
deputy was saying, I'm all for this. First of all, say that. However, uh the city have done a poor job in the past of preserving the history, especially on the north side of the central district. I mean,
there's nothing there too much. We you may have history as people could be uh recant of their memories, but physical buildings like St. James and others that there used to be doctor's offices and stuff like that, first blacks, and
they're not there anymore. So, um, what's the plan to I know I know we we're going to hire this firm, but what do you think the scope is to bring those things to light? What would be what would we do? Historic markers or I mean,
>> we would be buildings that no longer exist. >> Yeah. I mean, are an option. We're also a certified local government and there's a grant program to the certified local government program that we can get. The mock is funded. Um that's how the one at Bronson from Moholland got funded in fact.
>> Yeah. But but so my my question back to us all >> what is I I mean I would like to know what we're talking about when we talk about scope of work. What are we planning on doing >> once the findings come back? >> Yeah. I mean you know even with the new town I'm I'm up in age a little bit but
I didn't know much about New Town at all until recently here. So I don't even know what really we referring to to be honest with you. And Mr. Deputy got >> a lot more mileage on him. >> And from the 700 block then crosses over
Reed to the North 11th Street. That is New Town. That encompasses >> 700 block. >> Scott is the start of New Town. Downtown from the 700 block all the way to the to 11th block. >> So that's down that's again not downtown. >> Part of it down part of it is downtown. It was just adjacent to the other
portion of the business district and it goes all the way to North 11th >> and all the way to 11th I should say in general. 11th. Yeah. So that's so that's what I want to know. So what it encompasses. So there's >> that's being that will be determined >> typically. >> Yeah. >> That to be determined.
>> Yeah. That's a to be determined based on >> based on the findings. >> One minute. We need a second first of all >> because I'll lose track. Okay. Second. >> Can you follow? >> Yeah. My question. Okay. >> And then are you finished? >> Yeah, I'm finished because I wanted to bring the question out. >> I just wanted to bring up Mr. Jones is
so so correct. Uh, I just finished re rereading Mary Bthoon's autobiography book and you know if y'all don't know it but Mary Bthun came from she was a missionary here in Palaca before she went to >> and she had and there was a church behind where the chiropractor's office
is in the 700 block and that is where her first school was. Correct. >> So there could be a mark and her house was just over the tracks and that's where a marker could go because then we would be on that historical trail that people follow. Those are all things to do once we have all this information.
>> This is going to be great because like I say, we're opening doors for tourism to a whole different group that we've never opened the door to. >> And additionally, depending on to the mayor's point with the findings, whatever they deliver to us in that final packet, there might be some
additional things that it opens the door for like special grants for some rehabilitation downtown. There's there's multiple things that we might be able to p, you know, to proceed >> historic markers that people are talking about for those locations where the buildings no longer exist. There's a a
multitude of things that we can >> gain from this and I just think it's great that we're willing to move forward, >> but >> but go ahead. >> Commissioner Davis had a comment then I want I want want to comment again. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Davis. Um, and so what I'm going to do is make a recommendation separately to
Commissioner Jones's point because I think that needs to be a separate project where we or you know it there may be information that comes out of this, but there's an opportunity that if we're going to talk about um historical designations that we do include those
places that are not here as a separate project. no matter what comes out of this finding the findings that we're going to pay for. >> Um because if we're going to do it, let's do it for the whole city. I think that's the point that I hear Commissioner Jones saying.
>> I I agree and do it for all of the CI >> and I want to support. >> So I'm going to ask that that be take a note and that's our request that we do it for all. In addition, I'm I'm with Commissioner Jones. I had never heard of
New Town until recently and hearing the designated streets um because I know there's a group working on this new town museum and um so it put a different frame of reference in my mind hearing
that and trying and getting this museum over at the Jenkins Community Center. So, I just want to make sure we're all on the same page and that we don't have different groups with different ideas that we really understand the true history and the
scope of the work and for here in the CRA district and for the city which is something we can take up >> right >> with the commissioners. Correct. And just so I have a clear understanding, so the ask of the commission is to have a a
process in place to dive deeper into the history of the three different districts within the CRA. And this is my initiative, not look at the city overall. >> That's correct. >> And then present the findings and then we could maybe proceed with historical markers or or whatever that looks like
for us going forward. >> Yes. Ideally, there would be at some point in the future once we have all this information, a heritage walking tour where we could have kiosks or signs with a QR code so people similar to what the mural committee has done. So people can do a heritage walking tour 24/7 on
their own or with uh guided tours whichever works which is again what we do with the mural committee right now. We also guided tours but we also can do them themselves. So something like that in the future. >> Yeah. And we again just to be comprehensive I mean there are different demographics who would be um interested
in different parts of history. I mean when I went to Paris I'm looking for a black walking tour in Paris you know so just whatever history exists we want to make sure we're all encompassing >> and there is a state we could be on the state. Um well and I also feel like this
is a great collaborative effort too because it's not just the CRA what you know the chamber of commerce also has a department for tourism and everybody would collectively work together she's here >> great >> so we have any >> so with that yeah I want to finish
>> okay >> so with that being said will the 50,000 Pala is a small town so with the $50,000 couldn't that already encompass all areas this this >> I know the CRA dollars >> so we can look into that for >> so so what I'm saying is when we have
this person or this firm down here >> it's $50 $50,000 for the CRA district >> what could we find out how much additional to include the rest >> and I just want to make one thing clear so this is for the central business district this is the downtown area this
is not for the north and south and that's why it's coming out of this particular tiff fund is for the central business the downtown tiff >> right Also for the rest of the city it has we have to discuss that at the commission level because it's a different funding pocket but also there
has to be for it's either individual listings or district and beyond the downtown it would be hard to come up with another district frankly. Okay. Um so >> but to your ask I can check with this particular person and find out you know what what is the process to maybe look
into the same sort of a project for North Historic and South Historic District and that would come respectively out of those TIFF funds >> right and we that that we can even do now that's not an issue we just have to go forward with that but as far as the rest of the city beyond the CRA
districts that's hard to carve out a district they have to meet certain criteria area. Um, as was stated in here, there are four criteria points, and if they don't meet at least two of those, it doesn't qualify as a district, and that would be hard to to accomplish anywhere else in the city, frankly.
>> Well, great. I'mma talk slow so that we could understand what I'm trying to say. >> Okay. >> So, the central business district does include >> 11th Street Quarter. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So that was predominantly black as
it is right now today. >> Correct. >> In those areas. So there are some historic things that happen in that area is what I'm saying. So also Mr. Deputy uh Miss Pthun also held classes at now Shallow Baptist Church which is on North
19th Street. >> Um al also known as uh MLK Boulevard at this time. Um, so there would there could be some connecting the dots is what I'm seeing. So if her if her first
school was behind the >> the chiropractor's office >> chiropractor's office and then she moved so that would be included in his in history which should be traced back to that point as well. >> Um, some so
>> again I'm talking I waited I waited to say that's why I'm talking slow. So when I asked can these places be included that's saying more comprehensive. Secondly I don't think any of us was here on this
dis but didn't something like this happened in the past have they ever done this in the past because how is the St. John's hotel already on a >> I put the Hotel James on singularly. I completed the application and went through the process and it's singularly
as a single building as is the Lama as is several other buildings like St. Mary's we just heard St. Mary's Church that is being placed as a singular structure versus a district and you identify those >> that just from their historical
significance. So for the hotel James it's designed by Henry John Cluto who's a well-known and famous architect and so there was certain criteria it met so that was individually listed as was the LMA as was St. Mary St. Knox there are s bethl is also listed individually um not
as part of a district you can list properties individually >> right was the old mount table >> church on historic I'm just asking no and never made or it would have been a little it could have still been demolished but it would have been a little more of a challenge and I wish it were but >> so yeah so I just wanted to make certain
that where there's opportunity we do cuz the buildings hadn't been preserved and reasons why but under our control and we don't know but uh we want to make certain that we can do it equitably across the city. >> All right. >> And and I'll speak
>> and there may be opportunities to individual list structures. Yes. >> And I'll speak with the gentleman that's conducting the surveys and just make sure that I ask him if if that could be included if if there's something additional needed just what it looks like. >> Just bring Yeah. bring just bring that information back and then as the
commission we could decide and I on our side with that. Thank you. >> Absolutely. And I just want to make sure point of clarification Miss Cardi you can do it. CRA stay with the CRA. Miss Cardi as a city manager hear the request.
>> I >> so there's an opportunity to talk to find out what the city can do. >> If there's an opportunity of course. >> Thank you. I just want to redirect appropriately. Sorry. Thank you. >> No worries. >> Um I call for the question.
>> Okay. I Well, I was about to Thank you. >> All in favor? >> I Any opposition? >> Thank you. Thank you very much, everybody. It's okay. >> Okay. Love it. >> I'm used to it.
>> I know. >> I do. >> That was good. >> Thank you. Um 2026 building improvement grant cycle program timeline and direction. >> Yes. So previous cycle for the building
improvement grant the application opened on May 1st and ran through June 15th. We are quickly approaching May 1st. So, I just wanted the commission's guidance as to if we want to keep the same time frame,
the same dates or if you see maybe you want to move that date a little bit. >> We would have to really really if we want to do it from May 1st, promote it, promote it, promote it because that's not much of a timeline to complete the grant application >> and just to be >> and I'm just concerned that people won't
have the right opportunity. >> I've had multiple calls. That's why I'm I'm bringing this to you this evening. May I ask what is your recommendation madame CR coordinator? >> Um I feel like just based on community feedback there are a lot of people that
are aware of the current cycle dates and that's why they're already calling me because they're wanting to confirm that this is going to be open when they they're ready to start applying on May 1st. So in my opinion it's what they're used to and I I really do feel like May 1st is is a really good date to go ahead
and start. >> Okay. Go ahead. What? >> Mr. Deputy, >> I'm I'm with you on that except I know how difficult it is to get three bids and it is very difficult to get three
bids in downtown Palaka. Um, and so I I'm okay leaving it if we do away with the three bids because >> there's unless they've already started, there's no way you're going to get three bids in that. >> Go ahead. Let me Yes. Sure.
>> Okay. Uh, so the three beds that you're referring to is only after, you know, they've gone through the application process, they've been awarded, now they're out there getting their work done. This May 1st through June 15th is simply the window for them to apply. We don't have to have that.
>> No, that's not a part of it. I'm then I'm okay. But how can we get this out to everyone within that district and know that they got it so that it's fair across the board? It's it's three diff it's it goes out to all three.
>> Yes, it goes out to all three districts. >> But how can we do that to make sure that >> a lot of people are already aware um and when I say that I've had just today alone I've had two calls and I get multiple calls a week. Not only that, but I don't know if you know this, but
I've been out knocking on doors and handing out flyers for different things that the city is doing for those folks within, say, the North Historic District or South Historic District that we don't necessarily have immediate access to. So, just to make sure that those folks are aware of the things that we are
doing that can help them, I'm making sure that I am making contact with those people. >> And not to mention, Miss Greta. >> Yep. It's on our website as well. >> Well, go ahead, >> Mayor. Um, >> I have a question. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> It is 2026. >> I do know that we have all of the addresses and some form of contact information for the people in the north south historic districts and the central districts. You know, it's time for us to start using our resources more
effectively. I'm sure there's a database where information can be extracted and some kind of way we can make an attempt to contact everybody who falls in that category and that way we can assure ourselves that we have made contact. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> And yes and so north tiff, south tiff
and central tiff. They are not the same as the historic district. >> I'm just I I >> I knew what you meant though. >> Yeah. >> I just right. >> Right. And we do work with the utilities as well as various avenues.
>> As well as code compliance because th those folks are out there too and they're trying to help as many people as they can as well. >> And I just want to say something about the big program which I think is very applicable for downtown business and commercial structures. that is not an affordable program for those people in
the two north and south tiff districts because the match they're not going to be able to produce to be able to get reimbured they're not going to be able to do that work up front and pay that cost if they could they've already had done the work um this is a problem that we brought up before so I think the big
program which originally was only used downtown is now used throughout the three tiff districts it doesn't work in the residential tiffs because people can't afford to do the work first and get reimbursed. It's just not realistic. So, we have to
think about a better way to address the home improvement program. We the Tiff Hip used to do that. Um it was a whole different process where the the homeowner never put out the money. The city did the three bids. Originally, it was a committee in each district, but
then the city took it over and uh required the bids and went through that process and hired the contractor. So, the CRA paid the contractor directly. the homeowner never had to deal with the money aspect. Um, now that that went away and people are just not applying in
the residential districts because they can't afford to for the most part. >> And so I can take that as an initiative from the committee to look into that and see what we can come up with and maybe develop a new program going forward. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Did you have something, Mr. Dippy? I'm sorry. I I'm just saying it's
how important that everyone's contacted because so many of our business owners don't live here and they're single businesses with one person. They're already stretched and to go to the city website and hunt for things that you don't know are even there. You know, I
think we need that proactiveness and I appreciate you doing that for that. But do we need a motion on this? >> It is one direction. >> We just Congratulations. If you guys approve May 1st,
>> we're not we're just approving it date. >> Go forward. Yeah, we're going forward. >> And we'll also consider the comments as well and see if there's a way to modify it so that it's much more uh achievable for those that don't have the funds up front.
>> Oh yeah. >> Um okay. Any further discussion on this? Are we all set? Discussion direction to repurpose funds. Yeah. Go ahead. Keep going. >> Okay. Could you please please please appreciate you?
>> Yeah, it is. It is finance. >> Finance director. Thank you. >> Greetings everyone. Can everyone hear me pretty clearly? >> Yes. >> Awesome. So, presented before you is the staff report. finance met with public's
works and along with the project manager to discuss the status of the downtown and south potable water improvements and both projects are completed. Um that's why we're here before you to request a
direction on the funds being reallocated or repurposed for a CRA eligible CRA activity. Now, we're already ahead of the curve because we just did 50,000 from the downtown um district and that
relieves 50,000 remaining along with the 30,000 remaining in the south district um funds. So, we could start with downtown the 50,000 remaining where you would like to repurpose the funds.
>> Yes. And so that leaves us with for the downtown beyond the 50,000. Additionally, what is in the portable water? I had it right in front of me. >> It's it was originally a 100,000. >> Okay. So, there's another 50,000 to um allocate to another line item. >> Correct.
>> Madam Chairman, I'm confused. Uh you say downtown, but I'm reading that you have 100 from the north historic and 30 from the >> No, it's the other way around, actually. >> It's what? The other way around. >> Yeah. 100 from central, 30 from north.
>> 30 from north. >> So when we >> Okay. So Okay. Cross off the south. Then >> the south doesn't have at this point. There's no line item. >> Okay. So we have >> I think there's a >> Yeah, cuz this this is wrong in this.
>> So can you can you look at your staff report and make sure the report is accurate because that's what we >> It's actually the south and the central. South has 30 We just want you has 100. >> So it's central. I see central is the
same as downtown. And that's >> the central tip. The central tip is what's written in the staff report. >> Can we have one? Can we have one person? >> One person at a time, please. >> Um so yes. So the um when I say central business, it's the downtown tiff.
Downtown TIF is 100,000. South Tiff has 30. Correct. So those are the two. It's just not correct on this cover sheet. >> It looks like it's correct. >> Okay. So, so one second
>> read the project and >> you want me to read it? >> No, no, let's >> let let Miss Pierre read it. >> It's her report. >> Okay. So, the reallocation of 100,000 from downtown historic district and
30,000 from the south historic district. >> South district. Yeah. >> We've already uh reallocated 50,000 of the 100,000 and that leaves 50,000 remaining in the downtown historic
district that needs to be repurposed. >> Madam Chairman, >> I'd like to get the terminology right. The downtown is the central business district. >> Central business tiff. >> TIFF. She keeps saying the downtown. >> I know we've mixed her all up. It's not her. I I understand.
>> I'm just trying to get the terminology right for that. >> Central business tiff and south tiff. North tiff. >> There is no downtown historic district. >> Yeah. >> Terminology. >> Yeah. Mayor, I I I know it it's What I'm going to ask is that the staff person
who did this report corrected All of us up here have not been here and we're hearing and we're using words interchangeably and I think it's important we get it correct and consistent. So I I know you know it all >> but I don't know it all. >> No meaning meaning you know the
differences but we keep using these terms interchangeably and I'm with Mr. Deputy. I really would like to just press pause and let's make this correct and consistent. These are documents that are in our
meeting documents and this will be in the meeting minutes. So please let's correct it. >> I agree and we I've requested that for the last couple of meetings >> and I think we need for the sake of the community as well. >> Yes, >> we're just confusing the beeas out of
everybody. Yeah, >> this board. >> So downtown should say central business district. >> Tip. Yes, it should. >> Central business tiff, >> south tiff, north tiff, >> and we'll make the changes on the uh
financial reports as well going forward. >> Not downtown, but central business >> consistent. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So, at this point in the central business tip, we have 50,000 that has to be allocated to another line
item >> that is coming out of the potable water >> line item. So what are we landscaping? I need to put some >> We don't have to do it tonight. We don't have to do this tonight. >> We're just introducing the concept to you >> so that you can think about it and give
us direction. >> Madam chairperson, was there a recommendation from staff? >> No question. >> No. So I think the recommendation would come from this off actually in this case as to what other line item it could be assigned to.
>> Well, should the C? I mean I can give recommendation if you'd like. >> Yeah, if you if you have one. >> What do you say, Miss Pier? >> I said I can give recommendation. >> Oh, please do. >> Go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> Before you do it, what was the intent of putting this report in here for this
meeting? What are you trying to accomplish? And I'm not being funny because we're we're all over the place a little bit. What do you want us to do with this staff report? What with the staff report? Okay. with this with the purpose of the staff
report is to let you uh be aware that we have a project we had funds assigned for the project has concluded. We met with the public works department along with the project manager who provide the status of projects because fin
cuz you you said I heard we could get a recommendation letter later then I heard you can make one and I mean what are we trying to accomplish? It's just getting a little too confusing for me >> for me. I can only speak. >> Okay. This is my understanding. Please correct me if I'm incorrect. The purpose
is to uh reallocate funds that no longer have a purpose because the project is complete. So ideally to receive direction from the board stating we would like to reallocate 50,000 to the central business district
for you can put it put more funds in art. You can put more. >> Well, we understand that. My question is what is your recommendation? >> You said you have a recommendation. >> Did you not? >> I've heard yes. >> Oh, okay. My recommendation would be to
put it towards art because the city seems to be very passionate in this area and I believe the funds will be used to be for beautifification and for the o overall welfare and benefit for all residents and
constituents involved. Okay. So now my question is um since our city manager introduced it, is that in line with what the CRA coordinator would be interested in doing or is this something that you guys want to get together on and come back in
another meeting? My preference would be that we treat this asformational first of all for the uh CR board so that you can be aware that we have completed a project. We have $80,000 that really can
be repurposed. uh as uh suggested we will we being CRA coordinator with this vision and the plan of CRA will look at that and finance director or CR
coordinator next meeting we'll come back with the recommendation. >> Perfect. Okay. >> So the purpose this time was just to let you be aware >> that we have $80,000 available for repurposing. >> Thank you. You're welcome.
>> Um, Mr. Deputy, >> thank you. Um, >> but I would also like to put on your list, um, I think with the 30,000 from the south historic, they desperately, they used to have great signs, you're
entering or whatever the south and those have gone and I think that should be on the list as something extra that could be done with extra funds to delineate their districts now. So, and then only one of those signs can be purchased. The other sign is not in the CRA or the or
the historic district, but it's not in the South Historic District, but it's on city property. Um, historically, what used to happen many years ago, and I don't know that it can even happen anymore, is that the South Historic Neighborhood Association and the North
Historic Neighborhood Association used to bring forth to the CRA their recommendations for the those two tiff districts. I don't even know if those organizations really are functioning at this point. They were the ones that would bring the recommendations and that was their district and where they and
that makes sense to me. Also, the same should hold true for the central tiff district that those people living working part of those districts should bring those recommendations to the CRA director and then to this board. >> Say something in line with that comment.
uh the CRA coordinator has already reached out and started interacting with uh those individuals. Can you give us a quick >> Yes. So I have had um several conversations actually with Mr. Russo who is located in the South Historic
District regarding signage and my understanding is there's that process had already been started a while back. However, I will preface that with there was some pieces of information that were missing. um for example, certificates of appropriateness are needed in order to
proceed. I did let them know that and I have not received any such information since that conversation. >> Um on the North Historic District, that has been a little bit more challenging. Um I have someone that has we've
somewhat designated them as a representative for the district. Um but it's it's just not been very consistent communication. um I'm reaching out and I'm just not really getting anything back. And as you can imagine, it's been very it's it's been difficult to get
someone as one person to represent that that tiff district. Um it's it's just been a little bit more of a challenge in that area >> and I knew it would be and they used to have regular meetings in those neighborhoods so that the members of that the residents of that neighborhood
could talk about it and give it to the representatives >> and those meetings are no longer happen. >> I've already gone down that road and they're just not happening. I know. Unfortunately, that would make life a lot not easier, but it make more sense, frankly.
>> It would be more efficient. >> It would be more efficient and then people couldn't come here and say we don't listen to them. It will be just helpful. But I get it. I get it. >> But I wanted you to know that we have been working on that. That's one of the reasons why on the agenda we have in put
their CR district representatives. And I will say I did email each one of those representatives prior to this meeting just as a reminder that we were having this meeting tonight. So it's it's really up to them if if they're here to represent their districts or not.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Are we set to move on? CRA district boundary overview and public awareness update. Mhm. So, based on feedback from some of our previous meetings, I thought it would be a really good idea just to
revisit this information. Um, one of the things that came to light when I had the workshop for the gateway, one of the questions was, "Do you live in a CRA district?" The feedback was 25% of those people that participated in that survey were not aware if they lived in the CRA
district or not. So, we have a lot of new residents um that are are moving here. And then also folks that have been here for a while, maybe because it doesn't come up a lot for them specifically because they're not in the CRA district, maybe they're just not aware or remember if they are. So, there
is a map um city clerk, >> can you please? >> Yes, please. And I'm not sure how easy it's going to you'll be able to read it there, >> but one of the questions was what south historic district versus south tiff,
north historic district versus the the tiff and then same with central. So if you and this matters and the reason this matters is one thing that I have learned, it's a learning lesson when we're looking at tiff fund allocation.
even to the side of the road matters. So if you have, let's just say we're on Laurel Street, your TIF funds will cut off on the south side of Laurel Street for everything that's going to be covered by the South Tiff. If it's on
the north side of Laurel Street, that is a different TIFF fund. >> That's a central tiff business. >> Exactly. So that matters and that's where this if you'll look on this map and I know it's a little bit more difficult to see but
I don't know if we can zoom in but the area in pink on the bottom that is the south tip and it runs up to the south side of Laurel Street and then on the other side of Laurel Street is where the central dis the central business district tiff
picks or sorry the central business district tiff picks up the black outline however is the actual south historic district. So they are very separate things and they are independent of each other. >> Um and then if we go to the other side
in yellow you'll see the yellow is the north historic tiff. I'm sorry, the north tiff and that runs through that's Madison Street and then on the other side of Madison is you'll have in
green is not correct. >> Yeah. So the outline in blue that's actually the north historic district. So it it carries over whereas the tiff ends on the other side of Madison. And so basically that is saying that um
a tiff district does not necessarily right the tiff allocation >> the tiff allocation does not necessarily cover the whole district >> the whole historic district. Correct. >> Right. The whole historic >> and whoever designed this to begin with I don't know why they did this but they they did not keep the boundaries the same just to add to people's confusion.
>> Yes. And the other reason this is important, as everybody here knows, we're in the process of putting together or updating our our redevelopment plan for the next five years. So, this is going to be very important for that new plan that'll be coming out because that's going to be our our basically our
guiding light for the next five years on what we can do within the tiff districts and what we can't. >> And this isformational? >> Yes, informational only. I just felt like this was a really good >> and maybe I revisit it.
>> Yeah. Can get this out to the community. >> Yeah. I'm kind of going downtown, but maybe I think also for those people living in those districts, it would be helpful if they could see this map. >> Um or have a little workshop so they could be I just think a lot of people
don't understand and with good reason. Yes. Right. And this comes down to when we have people, you know, they're they're coming to the CRA and they're asking about landscaping and watering. This is important to know, okay, well, which tiff does this come out of? Who's responsible? Is this the south tiff or
is this the central business tiff? Well, lesson learned on me. My bad. Um, so some of this was actually supposed to be central business district, not south historic district or south tiff. And so we did do a budget transfer to take care of that. And I just wanted everybody to
understand that that is in the right it has come out of the right tiff. Now, >> another group to tap into to share knowledge is realtors. I explain to everybody which tiff district they're in and which historic district they're in and what they're not in. Um most
realtors don't do that. >> M commissioner Borne was next. >> Go ahead. >> All right. Thanks, Mayor. Um just uh thank you for the wonderful job you've done with this. Just I want to just make a recommendation on just say for instance your legends here on the on the
side with the colors. Would it be possible just add the the text in those areas or maybe put like a number designation or a letter next to the legends? So you could maybe put it in the area so it can kind of help
especially for areas that may have areas that kind of like the green that could be shaded to where it's a little bit it's hard to determine which right. So if if you could just put like a number or letter designation in those areas, I think that might >> it might help. The this emanated from
the property appraisers office, the map originally. So >> and and honestly I I and hopefully this comes out to fruition the way I'm envisioning it. The folks that we're working with for the redevelopment plan update, she has a wonderful background in engineering and mapping. So I'm
hoping she will be able to present us with something that's a little bit easier to read than this. Um, so stay tuned. We should be getting that information soon. >> Great. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mr. Deputy. First lady, >> if we could get this to the real estate
because the the north line of the pres of the south preservation district actually runs through our alleys. And so when I step out my back door, uh, I'm in a different preservation zone.
>> Yes. That's and >> you're in a you're in the South Historic District, >> right? Real estate people have no idea and and they're representing properties incorrectly. >> When I dove down into this, this some of these run through buildings like it's
it's not it's not like actual property lines. One of these lines ran right down the middle of buildings all the way >> down. One they run behind the buildings on the north side of Oak. So basically cutting through those alleyways and straight through if there is no alleyway
up until it heats south ninth and that is confusing for people. So the Coca-Cola building is in the south yes >> tiff district the warehouse central business >> part of the the part of the warehouse is not >> so yeah so it's clear as mud but hopefully this
helps. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Finance report year to date for the months ending March ended March 31st 202. >> Hello everyone. >> Hi. >> Hi again.
>> Pretty good. Wonderful learning experience. Um so this is the vision of commission. See, she suggested to prepare a financial dashboard for the CRA and I
will note to make changes where it says downtown, we will put central business district. >> So, I've got it. >> Okay. >> Central business tiff. >> Central business tiff noted. Okay. So,
overall uh we're um looking at the financial condition. We are March 20. This is as of March 31st, 2023, which is six months into the fiscal year. That's 50% of the year. Um, our overall con
financial condition is stable. We have our expenditures, a summary of budget, sorry, budget versus actual expenses there to give you to combine all the funds together. And that's the total. And then we go into more detail as we go
into the expenditure dashboard. We have the first um the central business district. Just imagine a strike out through that downtown where we compare the budget for fiscal year 2026 versus actuals which is 14.67%.
Although we we have a lot of moving parts with each district, but the fact that we are expenditures do not exceed our revenues is a um factor I just want to point out that um makes us sound in what we're what we're trying to
accomplish in our expenditures that we've um expended thus far. Uh we have for the south historic district 33.5% of the budget has been expended and our um north historic district um 18 I'm sorry 8.75%.
And for revenues the central business district is 99.48% um we've received from the city and 92.12% from the county. And that kind of just
breaks out how much what we received and percentages versus um from budget to actual amount received. So the the lines that have the most activity as far as expenditures are landscaping, the building
improvement grants, Christmas Christmas lights for the South Historic. We've made a lot of progress with the um Tilman project thanks to our project manager and public works department and we have administrative costs that cover
expenses like for finance and other administrative departments and oh looks like you had a question. >> Yeah, I thought we were going to stop that because it's a a different legal entity. I by state statute I don't think
we can keep doing that. I could be wrong, Miss West. Where are we? >> Wait, wait, please say the question again. >> The question is about the um transfers of general administrative expenses. >> Administrative. >> Okay. May I We still have to do that because
>> why do we do it for every other department? >> Okay. Why don't I say it this way, please? >> Okay. >> I would prefer that you give us an opportunity to look in the into this further. And the reason why I say that um I want to make certain about CRA
being considered it's a component district from what I remember know >> separate legal entity >> a separate legal entity then let us give us an opportunity to work together collaboratively. I I don't have a problem with that except I brought this up with individual meetings with you at
several occasions and it's still going on and it just concerns me because I don't think it's a necessary expenditure for the CRA three tiff districts to absorb. Um and so please I I hope that we can resolve it soon. Miss West has
anything. >> We willal Miss >> Could you get the legal I was I was just trying to ask her >> Miss West. So, the transfers for administrative purposes uh probably made a lot of sense prior to uh hiring a CRA
coordinator, but because obviously we had to step in as city administration to help with management and HR and all the administrative tasks. So, those transfers made a lot of sense. Um, upon
the hiring of a CRA coordinator, that is a little bit more dubious in in my legal opinion as to uh whether or not those transfers make sense, but I will go ahead and defer to the city manager and meet with her to discuss that. But
that is my understanding of how it is statutoily regulated. >> Thank you. >> So, >> go ahead. >> That didn't answer the question. What we going to do? Are we pulling or what? Right now we're let we're letting the city manager come back to this board
>> with a some direct some >> some information so that we can give some direction basically >> right because honestly um I've worked with CRAAS in various capacities and even though in some cases we had CRA
director and staff and due to the inter the agreement that was made between the CRA A and the city there was still administrative transfers for the support that is rendered to CRA. So that's why I
did not move quickly and I would prefer to be given the opportunity to >> Yes, they were giving the opportunity. >> Um and also I have a question. What happened to the line item? The the new trees are floundering. It's been extremely hot. They are not getting
watered. I thought we were adding that to Mr. to Shane's contract, Mr. Shane's contract to pick up the additional watering. What What is going on with that? >> So, we did have a $2,000 incumbrance. It was for inter interim watering until we were able to look at possibly amending
his current contract, which is due to end in October, and at which time we will put out an RFP because with all of the new landscaping going in, we'll it'll be at an amount where we'll have to sub submit a formal RFP. >> I get that. um that $2,000 that we had set aside has now been used. It's been a
couple months. So, it's it's completely used up. We need to go ahead and set aside some additional funds to get us through to October. >> Well, speaking of water, we just found out that we don't we have money in the potable water that we didn't need to use. So, can we use it for other water?
>> That would be a great suggestion. >> Yes. Thank you. so we can because we're going to lose if we not have if we haven't already lost some of those trees and it's upsetting to me let alone the rest of the community. >> Go ahead. >> Um the $2,000 we transferred that was for the temp for him to the current
person. >> Yes. So he has a contract but it didn't include those the laurel and oak trees. >> So that's what we had the interim watering for until we could figure out how we wanted to move forward. So,
how did we come up with the $2,000? I mean, >> he offered to water those. It was $250 a week. >> Okay. >> And then for that amount of time in the inter room, it was Yeah, >> I remember now. So, Okay. Got it. So, Wow. >> And now we >> didn't last very long, huh?
>> No. >> Well, it was two months ago, so we're at the end of that two months. So, now we >> 250 a week. >> Yeah. This two months. >> Yeah. So, we don't have uh employees that >> We don't have enough. Well, we could build that out to our >> We we did look
>> department or something. I mean, it seemed like it could be a different fix than that. I mean, >> well, we >> can we look into that because we have people that work 8 hours a day that walking down watering plant shouldn't be that much more. It's almost like street sweeping.
>> Well, I think part of the issue was where the the resources were for the water. We don't have a water truck is my understanding. We could buy one. >> Of course we could. >> I mean, we have a truck. Oh, it's a container. It's a container. >> That I'm not sure that that would have
to do with public works. >> Well, but I'm saying, can we look into that most cost effective way to to water a tree trees downtown? I mean, they're downtown pruning trees on a regular basis. So,
>> without the expertise, there's nobody pruning trees. I don't want to break them. >> Well, they go back there and Well, they doing stuff. go in that conversation. >> I got a comment. >> But I think that it's a more cost effective way we can do that versus I mean uh 250 a week
>> for that amount of trees though. There's there's quite a few trees. >> It is. But we have >> and there will be more. Yes. With the streetscape the completion of the streetscape project there'll be about 105 new trees plant planted up and down St. John's Avenue >> and that's not counting the ones on Laurel. >> Correct.
>> Yeah. We already have a contract with this gentleman anyway. I don't know. I think it's worth looking into, but I we need to do something like now. >> I will. I will. Um and I can do that with the >> in the interim at least. Can we pay him to keep it going and then figure this out quickly?
>> Okay. because we did bring public works into the conversation initially and he felt that he could not make the commitment with the existing staff >> that he had and that was one of the reasons why we did you know look into that 250 a week to keep it going. So
with my uh city manager discretion abilities that I have I will make sure that this is followed up on. >> Thank you. >> Thank you >> Commissioner Bor. Uh yes. I mean when when we initially put this whole thing in, did they not have that all
encompassed as it relate to how the ongoing maintenance would be that we're getting into a peace meal? Um you know, we ran out of we used it for 2 months, 250 a week, but if you go across 52 weeks, that's $13,000 for the year.
>> And so just just for watering. So going forward if it wasn't budgeted and this is only for the central business. >> Yes. Those the the trees on Laurel are within the central business district. Everyone was under the assumption it was south tiff but it's not. It's it's the
downtown tiff. >> Right. So, so my generally my understanding for when you got stuff in the tiff districts that if it's not in the plan, if it's not in the plan, >> Mhm. >> that you you can't spend money towards
something that was not already alloc I mean that you had already in the plan. That's my understanding of how tiff uh fund should work. And so we're spend so that mean that we would be spending money that we was not in the plan. So how does that work? and what it looked
like. >> We can defer to Mr. Landscaping's in the plan. Landscaping is in the plan and maintenance is a part of landscaping, >> right? >> That project that brought those trees there were part of they were within the CRA plan as well,
>> right? So the other question is that is that separate and apart from those pot potted plants that we have? Yeah, those are different things >> because we had a a committee that was working to um water those plants.
>> Correct. And that was for free. >> For the ones we have now, there are going to be additional pots added during this streetscape project. And so I don't realistically think that organization can manage all those pots. I h I happen to have adopted one and it cost me $100
to adopt it plus the plants and maintenance. >> And and to be perfectly candid, whenever and this this is just from research that I've done um and what other CRA districts are doing, when you complete a project as part of the scope of that
project, you are supposed to allocate or look forward to maintenance to protect your investment going forward. So whether that's 6 months, 12 months, whatever that looks like, that should be built into >> and then that's my Yeah, that was my point. It should should have been
already built in, but >> it was missed. >> It was missing. So now we have to >> So now we have to >> do a fix and >> protect our investment because that is those trees are an investment. >> You certainly want to protect Yeah. Protect the trees, >> but they are going to look into whether public works can >> I will look into it again. Well, well, I
just want to say this on the record that >> Commissioner Borne calculated so quickly. $13,000 >> he likes to do that >> is a half year salary that one of our public works laborers, you know, so
that's an employee that you could probably pay to do that and that could be part of the job because if you think about it, $13,000 for someone only making 22,000 or what have you. Um, that's just being considered. I'm just saying that's a
salary versus we giving that to a vendor that we already have. That's that's a lot. >> I mean, >> I don't know. Maybe somebody wants some overtime. >> Anything else? >> I agree. Yeah, >> that's I'll have it.
>> Okay. Um, let's see what we're CRA project status update. >> Well, before we do that, are we finished with the finances? Miss Pierre, >> are we finished? I'm sorry. Miss Pierre, so I have a comment. I want to say, Miss Pierre, thank you very much. I know you
have a lot going on. I thank you for the dashboard. It's it's very helpful. I can't speak for anybody else, but just to get the overview to understand the areas we need to work on. I really appreciate your work on this. Thank you. >> I second that. >> Thank you.
>> Sorry. C project status update report. Miss this is strictlyformational um based on the request of the commission at the last board meeting just an update on ongoing completed or imp um not started projects within the
CRA and these are CRA projects only. So Bronson Mahullen House substantially complete. There was some additional improvements underway with the anticipated completion that the porch they were trying to put the porch on and David is here if if we need any
clarification on any on any of these items. Tilman house renovations complete with the exception of the punch list. The pride of palaca 2 complete. Price Martin center uh the renovations are on track. Gateway redevelopment project
that is also on track. The consultant report is anticipated. Um we're supposed to get that for our review within the next week and then um submission to the Florida Commerce by April 30th is when that should be done for the port
consolidated and her recommendations. Uh the CRM the CRA plan update that is also on track. The municipal transportation hub is on track and the streetscape 2 project is back on track.
>> I knew it was coming. Mr. Deputy, >> I just have a list here. Uh, explain to me, and I wasn't on at that point, the River Street Wall. What is that project? >> That's not in the CRA, so we really can't discuss it here. >> Okay. But it's on You have it on.
>> Was it funed by the CRA? No, no, it is not funed by the CR. >> It doesn't need to be on this. >> Correct. Correct. Take that off. Let's not go there. >> Well, I do have some questions now on this. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> As you know, my block was test block and
we've suffered now >> and you did it wonderfully. Good job. >> We we've suffered 12 14 weeks. Um, so, um, what was the total I got to seriously say, what was the total budget on that on our streetscape sidewalk
project? Do we know the >> Do you know my heart, David? >> No, no, it would be better we bring that back to you because I could say an amount and I might not be precise. >> And and then in your report that we have here, you mentioned that a schedule is
currently being developed. >> Yes. We're very interested in that. When do you think that we as merchants would use that? >> So, when we had our last projects call and we I put together the flyer to let you know that where they were moving
after the 600 block, that was one of the requests that the project manager gave the direction he gave to the contractor is that we need a better schedule that's a little bit further down than the next block. >> Okay. So, how when will when will we be
expecting that to be paper in my hands type thing because merchants can't plan a thing and and for example you're on my block the seven block is expecting you but you're jumping to the 800 right >> and so you know businesses don't exist
that way um with with little or no leeway and and I understand that that we can't locate the junction box. >> So, okay, >> the flyer I put out last week and and keep in mind that gives everybody about a month and a half notice that we're
moving from 600 block to the 800 block as opposed to the 700 because your side of the street should take approximately four weeks. So, that gives them about a month's notice of that particular transition. Where we go from there, that's the the big question and that's the information we're waiting to get
back from the contractor. I think that can David can you come up because I think um Mr. Boom God's meeting with the contractor tomorrow or maybe he'll have more information after that but just to explain that you are meeting with them tomorrow. >> Well, David is our project manager. So
>> hopefully with DCCM tomorrow >> which is a contractor >> which is the project manager that we sub this up. >> That's right. Okay. >> Me between me, myself, Joe and Chris, we stay on these guys almost every day, >> right? This is the biggest thing we deal
with every day of the week, trying to get them to communicate with us. We received an email last week stating Mike, who is the project manager for DCCM, Wednesday will be his last day, and we are they're transitioning to a new project manager. >> Oh, no.
>> This is what we have to deal with every day. We are constantly with him. So, I am making Mike come out there tomorrow so we can go over any issues we have. So at least me and Joe can, you know, jump into it as hard as we can to try to keep
this up. This is what we deal with non-stop with DCCM. >> Do you have a specific question? >> Okay. No, go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> And and I know this was chosen before you got here, David. So this may be for
Miss Cardi. Miss Cardi, I'm still going to go back to questions we've asked over and over and over about these contractors that we hire. >> I am confused as to when we hire a contractor, they win the bid, we hire
them. Do we not get a highlevel project schedule and and and and I get that. So, so let me ask this question. I don't need to go into all the detail, >> okay? When things change, do we get updated
schedules? >> Answer. Okay. >> Yes. So, >> yes or no? >> Please. I I want to keep going. I don't want a narrative. >> Yeah, it would be better. >> Do we do we get an updated schedule? No. No. No. Do we get it? I know we should.
I am a retired project manager of large projects. So, let me go ahead and say that. I know how it works. And so what I'm concerned about is when we contract, we contract with somebody. I don't care who DCCM who who's who did we contract
with. Did we contract with DCCM or is DCCM the project manager is a subcontractor to who we contracted with? So my question, you don't have to worry about it right now. My question is when we contract with a company to provide a
service and that word is contract because there's a legal agreement. I want to know who's holding them liable when they breach the contract. Okay. So, uh we have levels. The first
level is project manager lets us know that they're not being, you know, in compliance at this point. >> And that project manager then communicates with whoever. >> When you say that project, are you talking about David? >> I'm talking about David.
>> You're talking about the city project manager. >> Okay. Okay. I didn't know if you were talking about DCCM. Okay. >> That is in fact what he does all day long. >> Okay. >> So So let's stick with my question. I I I we do know what everybody's role is. My question is when there's a breach of
contract, what does that look like for the city of Palcoa? >> What action is taken? >> If any. >> Well, at this point, we we do a variety of things. I mean, we there are times that we honestly >> No, no, no. >> Because every every differs.
>> Can you can >> specific to this though, the specific card? Yeah. specific to this. We have a breach of contract it seems to me >> and my Yes, this is a breach of contract, Miss Cardi. Yes, this is a breach of he
>> I'm sorry. >> Let's let David answer or Miss West if that we're actually at the point of being breaching of contract. >> I do not know legally if there's a breach. I have given some of the documents to Miss West. Being a builder myself in past, if I tell you I'm going
to do something, I probably ought to do what I tell you I'm going to do and it should be backed up. >> Nicole can attest to this. We do the weekly calls. If you remember when we told you a couple weeks ago, Wednesday they were going to start. I got on that call and Miss Cardi was as
well. And when I got off that call, I emphatically asked, I said, "Let me clear this up so there's no room for a question. Are we going to be there on Wednesday?" and the contractor which is mayor said yes. Nicole sent him a follow-up email which he would not
respond to. Then when we I asked him about it the next meeting why nobody was there he got very angry and would not would not respond to that at all. So, in doing so, DCCM, which we hired to project manage this, I went to him
directly since we're paying him to do that and say, "Hey, you need to address this since we're paying you to do this job to manage it." I'm staying on top of them. We joke around between me and Joe. We stay on top of it more than they do, we feel like almost because it's just a constant battle with these people. And
so what we are going to follow up as if they are not responsive then that's when legal does get involved. >> So so I I I really want to have a different conversation. Miss Cardi I do hear you. I don't want to talk about what we're going to do. I want to know
what we have done. And so where are we um with this process? I'm still hearing a little the answer a little squishy. I hear what they've not done. Where are we in holding the company that we've
contracted with, sounds like two companies, Mayor and DCCM, where are we withholding them accountable for not responding, not delivering, not meeting deliverables because there is a contract. Now,
whether or not they're legally non-compliant, I don't know. We can yield to our um attorney for that. But I do know if you sign a contract to deliver something and you don't deliver it, you're in breach of the contract.
That's just me, but I I would like to hear more from our attorney. >> Sure. >> So, in this particular case, and and I am very loathed, as as your fellow commissioners know, to get into legal opinions on a potential breach of
contract action that may be or maybe not forthcoming. So, I'm I'm very hesitant to divulge that here in a public setting. I'm more than happy to meet with you on a onetoone basis to discuss this a little bit further, but as of right now, if you have multiple change
orders, that does change the underlying terms of the contractual agreement. And so, you you do maybe maybe not have a a blatant breach of contract as of this point. So again, I would like to speak
with you one-on-one with the city manager to discuss uh whether or not we are technically in breach and whether or not we've got options under the terms of the contract to to pursue potential delay damages. Thank you. And then my
next question is when we have projects in this case, we have a project that is impacting our business owners. We have a project that is impacting our central business tiff
>> district. So my question is as a project manager what is the city's contingency to projects especially of this magnitude >> with the most of the projects in the city we don't have any of these issues
because I am it's directly me running the project if that makes sense with this is a different situation if you look at any of the project normal projects we have if we have an issue I'm right there let's address it let's figure out what the solution is let's get it done. This does not seem to be
the solution to this this project. I wish I had the correct answer to tell you this because if I did, I'd do it. >> I don't know how to get these people to do what we've contracted these people to do. >> I think we have the guidance. I'd greatly appreciate from anybody.
>> No, I think it's going to be time for each of us if we have this concern to meet with Miss West and and Miss Mr. Deputy. >> I still am on my questions here. Mr. Dave, if you would. Is the deadline still December 31st? >> That is our goal. As much as we can.
That's what we're being told someway. >> Was Okay. What is the deadline in the contract? >> I would have to review the contract to see. >> Okay. We were told December 31st at the mer at the last merchants meeting. >> No, that's the deadline. That's
>> Is there still an active penalty clause, which we made sure was included at the beginning in this contract? And that's what I think you have to meet with Miss West >> would probably >> well wait a question that somebody should be able to answer
>> just a very simple answer to that that contract clause will be fine but I would imagine since we've done all these change orders that would negate that clause >> so in other words they can just go forever >> no not at all but you have to remember from my understanding to the best of my knowledge this project has been in the
works for approximately eight years if that correct which I think >> I've been there the whole time >> I'm sure you've had to deal with But with all these change orders, it has been a non-stop battle to literally just a point blank simple question. Okay. When this is done, when we get this
change order approved, when can you start? >> Okay. >> When are you going to be there? >> Okay. So, are those change orders from us or are they from where? Who's making the change orders? The original change order, the big one we had to deal with was from heirs with the electric the 30
and 50 amp boxes for >> so the penalty clause is now gone. I don't know that answer to that question, >> but somebody can find out, right? >> I think this >> one more question I have with that is, >> you know, I've been involved in this project from the beginning.
>> Bumpouts have appeared and now I saw my map and my block is now different than what I saw in January. And I have five, maybe six bumpouts on my block. I'm losing 10 parking spaces. Now, the city
has no parking on my end, just St. John's Avenue. If a mayor's bank wasn't so kind, I'd be losing these parking spaces. I Who okayed these new parking spaces and why are they there? >> The new bumpouts that I think David, is that something that's going to be
addressed at the meeting tomorrow? So, we'll have more information after tomorrow. >> We're reviewing the plans. That's again, I'm meeting with Mike at DCCM tomorrow. I am. Joe is. We're all getting >> So, you can tell me. I will have that answer to who who okayed these bumpers. >> I can I can tell you I didn't I didn't
this was before my time. >> That's all I can say >> because it it I mean we're down there watching this and and it's it's to get no answers. I know it's frustrating for you, but be the business owner who I'll tell you how meticulous I
am. Every hour I know how many people have come in my store every hour. And since this project started, I'm and I'm the first block. I've nosed. Just nosed. And when the sign goes up
that the street is closed, nobody comes down my street. >> Well, with that being said, just so y'all know, this is something we're working on. Nicole has secured funding, I believe, to get two electronics. >> That's what I'm going to tell the >> and I appreciate Nicole. I bow to you
because you have been wonderful. Thank you. It's just that this is so frustrating because things keep changing and we can't get those plans didn't change without somebody from the city signing them. >> That's whose signature I want to know.
>> I do not know. It was not my signature, >> but it it's somebody's and we have it. Correct. >> I would assume so. >> Can I have that information soon? >> Give us an opportunity to We're meeting tomorrow. uh because we want to know who >> Well, I think I don't know if that you
know again we're going to get that information once after this meeting and I you know I'm sorry it's such a delay. We're all I I'm in the same boat. I'm downtown too. You're not the only one. There are many of us and so we all have concerns. We knew this was going to be a painful project. Um and the eight years
encompasses several phases of this project. This this is the last phase >> and and I want to say I'm in on the project. I'm in on it. But this project was a 2year project eight years ago and we have dealt and and the thing we hear
that we don't want to hear from the city again is we didn't know we were going to run into >> I agree >> because I hear that every week. >> Um and it's just >> I agree 100%. I I really don't I'm tired
of hearing we didn't know we were going to run into this problem. When we hire a company to do this, you would think that would be their due diligence to >> let us know these problems. >> And no, they did not finish the southside today. >> Sounds like part for the course.
>> All right. All right. We need to move this meeting. Commissioner >> I'm done. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> Well, I I just have one request. I mean if you don't mind since we had uh I just want to know what you don't have to answer right now but the total cost of the project from what it was and what
it's projected to be and the change orders like to get the board at least to know the number of change orders that we've had and who approved those things. I just want to see how out of scope this whole project is and if the timeline may be impacted and also following up on the
um >> the only two change orders since I've been here. >> No, no, I'm just you just if you could just provide that to us or whatever. We just want >> not today. >> Right. Right. Right. We just want to kind of understand and see how impacted this uh project has been. It's supposed to been a two-year project. Sound like
it turned into a eight-year project. So I want to know the overall impact of this whole project and all of the change orders and the overall cost and then the contract performance on it. >> And the green does the grant doesn't the grant have to be closed out by the end
of the year? That was >> 31 >> unless we ask for an extension ask for an extension. >> Right. Right. And I don't know if we'll get one to be honest with you. >> Asking about you know the funds being spent change orders. We're still early on in the project. I mean >> we haven't spent timing any
>> Yeah. you just don't know what you're going to run into. We got to go all the way till December. So, I will just caution with that. >> You're deal dealing with a very old infrastructure under all of this. And that's always something that can create more issues, but hopefully not, >> right? But again, when you when you hear
about change or just change orders, change orders, change and and so if we just go go along with whatever staff says and and there those change orders end up being whatever the original project supposed to been, a million dollars and it turned out to be $1.5 or
$2 million and it wasn't where where's the money coming from? So yeah, it this needed to be in the budget of what we were in the original scope and how much has it changed. >> One more. >> One more. I would like to see on the
agenda for the next meeting a discussion on the intersections and their collapse because every every truck that goes over my intersection, we hear it in the store because every intersection that they put
in is wagon ruted >> and they're two years old. Um, and then I understood that the four corner slopes for handicap have to be redone on my corner for some reason. Uh, and they were out there measuring those and we just put those in
two years ago. So, I'm I I'm I'm just confused by what I'm seeing and and what I'm seeing and what I'm hearing. That's why I'm asking is to get the correct response so that I can pass that word. But I would appreciate
>> that being on the agenda for next next month. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Any further updates, Miss? >> No, that was it. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> that was so I wanted to make sure that I brought those.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> City city manager report two. >> Before Miss all, can I just say, Miss All, I am very glad you're here. I know this is a lot going on, but I am very grateful. You are doing a great job
navigating a lot of stuff, >> stuff and personalities, >> stuff, personalities, things that are beyond your control, answering to, you know, between the commission and this board. I just want to say thank you very much and you're doing a great job. The
same for our project manager. We do understand. We're just asking these tough questions. So, thank you very much. >> So much. I just want to say kudos and we're grateful that you're here. >> You're not you're not giving beat up for sure. Just saying that. We we thank you for everything you do. >> Thank you. I appreciate it.
>> Yeah. So, don't feel like that, >> Miss Cotti. >> Okay. So, I'm going to close out quickly. Uh we just simply wanted you to know that we have pursued your recommendation of uh getting a messenger aboard and we've already ordered it.
It'll be here how soon? Pretty soon. Well, the information's been submitted for the for the PO. >> Okay. So, just wanting you to understand that we did because of your recommendation, not only did we pursue uh going after the messaging board for
CRA and that's being paid for with CRA funds. It's about 17,000 I believe 16. And uh we're also making sure that we do it as well, purchase it as well for the city. That's just a heads up letting you
know that we've done it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That will help with like what you're asking. >> A streetcape.