On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order - Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Approval of July 21, 2020 CRA Meeting Minutes

   approved

   The CRA Board approved the minutes from the July 21, 2020 CRA meeting.

   • motion:Approve the July 21, 2020 CRA meeting minutes. (passed)

   ▶ Jump to 0:15 in the video

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   [00:00:15] First item on the agenda is the approval of the July 21 [00:00:18] CRA meeting minutes. [00:00:19] Move for approval. [00:00:20] Second. [00:00:21] Any discussion? [00:00:23] Hearing none, all those in favor, [00:00:24] please signify by saying aye. [00:00:25] Aye. [00:00:26] Opposed, like sign. [00:00:28] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

3. 3

   Discussion on Proposal by Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

   approved

   The CRA Board discussed a revised proposal from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to conduct a SWOT analysis, business-type analysis, stakeholder engagement, 3D renderings, and economic forecasts for the Rivergate area along US-19 and Main Street, funded by a $20,000 CARES Act grant from August through November 2020. The original proposal had focused on the parking structure but was rescinded since the city is moving forward with Cocalacas Contracting on a design-build. The board approved moving forward with the proposal, with discussion about possibly extending the study area west of US-19 to include the Wing House/old motel area.

   • motion:Motion to approve proceeding with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council proposal for a Rivergate area planning study funded by a $20,000 CARES Act grant. (passed)

   📍Green Key Road📍US Highway 19 and Main Street corridor📍northeast corner (gray property)📍southeast corner of US Highway 19 and Main Street🏢Burger King🏢Cocalacas Contracting🏢Davis Hardware Plaza🏢Harbor Freight🏢Jilly's🏢Kaiser🏢SunTrust🏢Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council🏢Wing House👤Altman👤Charles Rudd👤Davis👤Driscoll👤Mariano👤Murphy👤Pete👤Pridgen👤Starkey#CARES Act grant#Rivergate district#Robert K. Rees Park#SWOT analysis#Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council resiliency subcommittee#parking structure project

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   [00:00:29] Next is discussion of a proposal by the Tampa Bay Regional [00:00:33] Planning Council, which apparently [00:00:35] is different from the one that was in our packet [00:00:38] since we got this at our desk. [00:00:39] It is, Mr. Mayor. [00:00:40] So would you care to explain to us exactly what we're talking [00:00:43] about? [00:00:44] I'd be more than glad to do that. [00:00:46] As you indicated, you did have a proposal in your packet [00:00:50] from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Commission. [00:00:54] In large part, they were proposing [00:00:57] to do some design work on the city's project [00:01:01] to establish a parking structure on the southeast [00:01:06] corner of US Highway 19 and Main Street. [00:01:11] There was some discussion that took place at the last meeting [00:01:15] about the fact that we were interested in entering [00:01:20] into a relationship with Cocalacas Contracting [00:01:23] for a design-build project. [00:01:27] Ultimately, you decided that it was appropriate to do so. [00:01:31] The planning that Tampa Bay Regional Planning Commission [00:01:36] was proposing was somewhat delayed by nature of the fact [00:01:42] that they couldn't start it for some period of time. [00:01:46] Therefore, in a conversation that Charles Rudd and I [00:01:51] had with them on Monday of this week, [00:01:54] they agreed to rescind the offer to do work on the parking [00:02:00] structure. [00:02:01] And instead, and that's the reason [00:02:04] that you have a replacement agenda item, [00:02:06] to do some work on the Rivergate area. [00:02:10] And if we could bring up a copy of a map, [00:02:14] it delineates the project area that is under consideration. [00:02:21] As you can see, it's a large corridor of US Highway 19 [00:02:25] and Main Street, picking up some principal properties [00:02:29] in the downtown area as well. [00:02:32] They are proposing specifically to conduct a SWOT analysis [00:02:38] and to additionally go forward with an analysis [00:02:46] of the different business types that currently exist [00:02:51] in the area, as well as to host stakeholder engagement meetings. [00:02:57] At the conclusion of that, they would [00:03:00] be able to present very much what they did the last time [00:03:04] they were before you, some 3D rendering and 3D [00:03:09] sketch-ups of what things could look like. [00:03:12] It'll include some economic forecasts, [00:03:17] as well as detail on sustainability, resilience, [00:03:24] multimodal, transportation, and the idea of multi-use concept [00:03:30] development for some of our properties [00:03:33] that are underutilized or unutilized within the Rivergate [00:03:38] district. [00:03:40] That being said, their specific proposal [00:03:42] is to start the work in August and to conclude [00:03:45] in the end of November. [00:03:47] And they are proposing to do that for us [00:03:50] on a grant basis in the amount of $20,000, which [00:03:55] is being made available to them through the CARES Act. [00:04:04] That picture back up there? [00:04:07] May I ask an initial question? [00:04:08] Please. [00:04:09] I wasn't at the last meeting they presented to us. [00:04:12] I was out of town. [00:04:14] What has prompted their interest in our downtown? [00:04:18] Pete. [00:04:21] He's on there. [00:04:21] Pete has. [00:04:22] Yeah, well, he's on the board. [00:04:23] He's on there. [00:04:24] He's on there. [00:04:24] I understand that, but I mean, that's it. [00:04:26] No one else. [00:04:26] No county commissioners. [00:04:27] No one else has reached out to them and said, hey, [00:04:29] Newport, you're doing great things. [00:04:31] You should take a look. [00:04:32] Just all you. [00:04:33] Well, I mean, I was placed on the resiliency subcommittee. [00:04:40] And we had the forum last January [00:04:43] that the mayor attended, which was one [00:04:46] of the more well-attended events, [00:04:49] particularly since Pinellas County has 24 cities. [00:04:52] And so the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council [00:04:55] is like seven counties, but primarily [00:04:58] Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Sarasota [00:05:02] is in another DOT district. [00:05:04] So bottom line, as I was learning about, [00:05:09] it was at that conference that they [00:05:11] got awarded a half a million dollar grant [00:05:13] to do something on helping with housing and to the future. [00:05:18] And then from what I've learned attending the different things [00:05:24] and being involved in it, it just [00:05:27] seemed like the timeliness for us, [00:05:29] as we've had all these discussions as a council, [00:05:32] why can't you make us have a planning exercise like this [00:05:39] that would allow us to springboard off of that [00:05:41] and see what interest develops from it? [00:05:44] So it really is just understanding [00:05:47] the opportunities there and being able to get them, [00:05:51] I think, to make us the first recipient of these grant [00:05:54] dollars. [00:05:54] Well, I appreciate you doing that. [00:05:56] And like I said last week, anyone [00:05:58] that's looking to try to help us out, [00:06:00] and especially the fact that it's [00:06:02] going to be free to the city for them to do this study using [00:06:06] CARES Act funding, I think it's a great idea. [00:06:09] I just want to be sure that we're still in the driver's [00:06:13] seat. [00:06:14] So if they come back with some ideas [00:06:16] that we may or may not agree with, yeah, [00:06:19] that's my only concern. [00:06:20] But other than that, thank you to the Tampa Bay Regional [00:06:23] Planning Council for investing $20,000 [00:06:25] to help us come up with a cool plan. [00:06:27] Because as we've discussed so many times, [00:06:29] this is kind of our next step, right? [00:06:31] Our downtown corridor east of the bridge [00:06:33] is doing pretty good, except for the business [00:06:36] is struggling so much with the COVID-19 [00:06:38] and kind of the downtown, for the most part, being shut down. [00:06:41] But like you and I discussed, we've [00:06:44] all discussed publicly here, there's so much potential. [00:06:48] I kind of look at that like that new modern district from 19. [00:06:51] And then the US 19 corridor as well, [00:06:53] we're working those other items on the agenda [00:06:55] tonight that are going to help us clean that up. [00:06:57] So just express my gratitude to them, if you would. [00:07:00] And I appreciate them showing interest and funding [00:07:03] to help us out. [00:07:04] I will have to say that the county commission member of that [00:07:09] is Commissioner Mariano, who, of course, [00:07:11] was the guy who took the seat that I [00:07:16] had at the county commission. [00:07:18] And we have worked together well, [00:07:20] and he's been a supporter of it. [00:07:22] And so I think this is not something, you know, [00:07:24] the counties pay a lot more money [00:07:26] into the regional planning council, [00:07:28] and they get, quite frankly, more [00:07:30] of the attention of the management, [00:07:33] because that's where their money's coming from. [00:07:36] But I think this is a good opportunity for them [00:07:40] to work extra hard to develop that template that they may use [00:07:44] in other places, but to be able to really spend [00:07:47] some time and effort here. [00:07:49] That's all I had. [00:07:49] Thank you. [00:07:50] Mr. Murphy? [00:07:51] I was going to say, you did see the presentation they had, [00:07:53] though, didn't you? [00:07:55] Not. [00:07:56] Oh, yes. [00:07:57] Yeah, I went through that. [00:07:58] But when they were here at our meeting, [00:08:00] I was not in attendance, so I was kind of just catching up. [00:08:03] No, I saw the presentation, a lot of great ideas for sure. [00:08:06] So it definitely looks good. [00:08:08] There are a lot of good concepts there. [00:08:10] So no, I'm willing to listen to them for sure [00:08:12] and see what they come up with, no doubt. [00:08:16] My concern about their presentation in reality [00:08:20] is that they had a lot of good ideas, [00:08:22] and they didn't know the Kaiser was coming. [00:08:26] And so where I am with this being in August, November, [00:08:30] I think it's another example of they're [00:08:32] ahead of the horse, because I think [00:08:37] the development of Kaiser and getting that in. [00:08:40] And so I would rather them come next summer [00:08:43] when Kaiser's there. [00:08:46] And then also, we'll be developing the gray property [00:08:50] or that corner, that northeast corner. [00:08:54] So those, seeing those step forward, [00:08:58] those spots step forward there. [00:09:01] And I like this Rivergate area there [00:09:04] that you're talking about. [00:09:05] But I think there's another large area right [00:09:07] across the street where wing houses that [00:09:11] would lend into this and tie into this too, [00:09:13] because you've got the Burger King, [00:09:15] and you've got the bank there. [00:09:16] But that would be the next step. [00:09:18] So I would like that to be considered more so than way [00:09:22] up north where there are in that whole, [00:09:26] I call it the Davis Hardware Plaza, [00:09:28] because I've been around as long, [00:09:29] not as long as you guys, but I've been around a long time. [00:09:32] So there's that concern, but I think [00:09:34] you will have more of a public interest in the area [00:09:37] once the schools open up and that corner's finished. [00:09:40] So I like them, and I'd love to have them, [00:09:42] but I just don't want, like in their last presentation, [00:09:46] they didn't know Kaiser was coming. [00:09:47] I hear again, we don't know what's gonna happen [00:09:51] with the parking garage and the Kaiser, [00:09:53] and I just think it's a step in advance. [00:09:57] I would rather them come put the money [00:10:00] on hold till next summer. [00:10:02] I think when I saw the presentation [00:10:06] that came out in the packet, [00:10:08] they were concentrating on the parking garage, [00:10:09] and my initial thought was that boat's already sailed, [00:10:14] and we really don't need somebody to rethink it. [00:10:19] We're on an extraordinarily tight timeline [00:10:22] to get that parking structure built, [00:10:25] but doing something that would recognize the fact [00:10:29] that the parking structure is going in, [00:10:32] the Kaiser is going in, and we know that now, [00:10:38] that those things are happening. [00:10:40] It probably isn't too early to start at least visioning [00:10:43] what the rest of that Rivergate area could look like. [00:10:48] I do agree with you, Chopper, [00:10:52] about the area across the highway. [00:10:57] That and for that matter, Davis Plaza, [00:11:00] which is immediately, you can actually see it [00:11:04] just outside the red line at the top. [00:11:06] I mean, those are areas that are going to take our attention [00:11:09] over the next few years. [00:11:11] They've got to. [00:11:12] They're close in, and they desperately need [00:11:17] some redevelopment, but if we can, [00:11:19] my thought would be if we can start. [00:11:21] Davis Hardware's in that. [00:11:23] Just on the north side. [00:11:25] Nah. [00:11:26] Nah. [00:11:28] Yeah, it's in there. [00:11:28] It's way in there. [00:11:29] It's like in the middle. [00:11:31] You're thinking Atomac. [00:11:33] The big gray square is the parking lot [00:11:35] for Davis Hardware Plaza, but just over halfway. [00:11:38] Yeah, yeah, that's in there. [00:11:41] Who come up with these boundaries? [00:11:42] No, Davis's staff, because if you look [00:11:45] at where River Road turns. [00:11:47] Oh, you're right, yeah. [00:11:48] Yeah, it's right on the. [00:11:50] Right past, yeah. [00:11:50] That curve is right up. [00:11:52] It's just on the north side of the red area. [00:11:55] There is a mobile home park in there [00:11:58] that probably could use some redevelopment. [00:12:00] I know the police department has had some issues [00:12:05] up in that area. [00:12:06] And that is principally why we drew it around there [00:12:09] to include the mobile home park. [00:12:11] Okay. [00:12:12] Well, it is commercial property, too, I believe. [00:12:15] Yeah, there's a bunch up in there. [00:12:16] Because I ran into that when I owned Jilly's, [00:12:18] because they complained about the music at Jilly's [00:12:21] and ends up they had to live with commercial music, [00:12:27] decibels. [00:12:29] Mr. Mayor, if I may, I'd like to agree [00:12:31] with Councilman Davis. [00:12:32] We've spoken about those two huge parcels, [00:12:36] the old shopping center behind Wing House [00:12:39] and then that old motel that we've had [00:12:41] so many issues with over the years. [00:12:43] It's just a great, to me, a great, huge amount [00:12:48] of potential there for development. [00:12:49] And it also is on the corner of the only, really, [00:12:52] access to open Gulf of Mexico, Robert Key Rees. [00:12:55] I've always thought even another hotel [00:12:57] or something similar where people [00:13:00] couldn't actually get down Green Key Road, [00:13:03] most people don't even know that that open park [00:13:06] right on the Gulf of Mexico is even there. [00:13:07] And it's just, everything around there [00:13:09] is just so run down from the access from US-19. [00:13:12] That would speak to what Chopper and I were both saying, [00:13:16] that we probably ought to include that area [00:13:19] on the immediate west side of 19, [00:13:23] not necessarily going much further north, [00:13:25] but cover the hotel, the Wing House, [00:13:29] that whole, Harbor Freight, that whole area. [00:13:32] I mean, I say, if we can tweak it a little bit [00:13:34] and kind of change how we're thinking we want to do, [00:13:37] let's do that. [00:13:38] As far as putting it off till next year, [00:13:40] I'm a little leery of that because next year, [00:13:43] next year, that money may not be there. [00:13:45] Okay, well let me rephrase that. [00:13:47] Let's say, let's let them delay until we get [00:13:50] the building permits and all that done for the Kaiser. [00:13:56] Oh yeah, that should be included in it. [00:13:58] Yeah, I mean, just so they have all that information [00:14:02] before we try to go forward. [00:14:03] If they're looking at starting this in August, [00:14:05] I would hope we're gonna have Kaiser in the ground here. [00:14:08] Yeah, we're currently reviewing plans [00:14:10] so that we'll be prepared to issue a permit. [00:14:13] They, in fact, next Friday, [00:14:16] we'll be completing the demolition work and... [00:14:19] Well, let's see, we're still waiting [00:14:20] on the parking garage too, you know, so. [00:14:26] I'd like to make a motion to approve it [00:14:28] just to get it on the table for... [00:14:29] Next. [00:14:30] Okay, and let me say that they've modeled this [00:14:34] to look at each individual parcel [00:14:37] and try to identify what could go in it. [00:14:40] And this fits exactly what the results of the study [00:14:45] that was done by the county that won the award [00:14:47] at the same regional planning council. [00:14:50] And the results, when it was all said and done, [00:14:52] was to say, take a small enough area [00:14:55] that you could actually develop. [00:14:59] And so... [00:15:00] I think I agree with the other side of the highway, but I don't see that they can put [00:15:07] the granular attention to this. [00:15:11] And just by the way, I mean we have in the audience tonight, I think someone who I believe [00:15:15] who owns a piece of the waterfront who's here to see what they can do. [00:15:21] So I mean, short of asking them, there are folks I think that are positioned right now [00:15:28] to look at the SunTrust building and to have some kind of a just basic sketched idea that's [00:15:35] had a couple public hearings and lets the public get some input in, I think can be a [00:15:40] way to stimulate that. [00:15:41] So that's why I'm going to move to kind of just leave it as the staff has done. [00:15:47] I did not draw this up. [00:15:48] I think it gives even a little bit on the other side of that parking, the old law office [00:15:54] and that other space where Mr. Pridgen owns. [00:15:59] But we talked as a group about the importance of trying to acquire that waterfront. [00:16:04] If we're going to acquire it, we've got to figure out what we would do with it, how much [00:16:09] economic engine it could create, how much public space we would need, and try to find [00:16:15] those private investor partners. [00:16:18] That will take a year. [00:16:19] So again, to your comment, Mr. Starkey, it's not telling us what to do. [00:16:29] It's basically asking the community, the investors, the stakeholders, what do you think, and then [00:16:34] giving us some feedback in November, December, you know, before the next couple of us would [00:16:40] be up for election or the next people that want to run for office would be to give us [00:16:45] some fuel for the public to see where we're headed, you know, and to see if I have support [00:16:50] for that as it goes forward. [00:16:52] And there's so much potential in that area to have somebody that actually goes and tries [00:16:58] to get some community buy-in and involvement, and people just thinking about, okay, what [00:17:04] can we make of this whole area? [00:17:06] I think that's important, and again, given the timeframe that they're talking about, [00:17:14] it'll be obvious what we've got, you know, vis-a-vis Kaiser, but it may be the point [00:17:21] where you can say, look at, this is what's going in here, anchoring that southeast corner. [00:17:29] Now, what else would make sense to go in there and get the property owners involved, at least [00:17:39] thinking about what they could do to maximize the value of their properties? [00:17:44] Well, I have a second, but I guess my question is, Mr. Driscoll, is this an actual action [00:17:50] item? [00:17:51] I'm looking at a recommendation that says, submit it and direct the executive directors [00:17:54] of what proper course of action to follow. [00:17:56] We voting on this, or are we just saying, yeah, let's proceed? [00:17:57] I think the executive director is looking for some guidance as to whether you want to [00:17:58] pursue this. [00:17:59] So, it is a vote, then? [00:18:00] Yeah. [00:18:01] Okay. [00:18:02] My second stands. [00:18:03] Okay. [00:18:04] Mr. Murphy, anything else? [00:18:05] No, no. [00:18:06] Mr. Davis? [00:18:07] Mr. Altman? [00:18:08] No, thank you. [00:18:09] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying, aye. [00:18:10] Aye. [00:18:11] Opposed, like sign. [00:18:12] The motion passes. [00:18:13] I just want to say one thing that I just want the utmost teamwork between this group and [00:18:16] the Tampa Bay group, because I don't think that they were hand in hand otherwise they [00:18:17] wouldn't have given us the one last time.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

4. 4

   Commercial Landscaping Grant Program

   approved

   The CRA Board approved launching a Commercial Landscape Improvement Grant Program offering reimbursable matching 50% grants up to $25,000 for landscaping, parking lot improvements, irrigation, and impervious surface removal in commercial areas. The program was developed to assist car dealerships and other property owners in complying with landscape requirements adopted in October 2019.

   • motion:Motion to approve the Commercial Landscape Improvement Grant Program providing reimbursable 50% matching grants up to $25,000. (passed)

   🏢Country Pizza Inn🏢Florida Department of Transportation🏢Julian's Auto Showcase👤Mr. Allman👤Mr. Murphy👤Mr. Rudd👤Mrs. Mance👤Troy Julian#Commercial Facade Grant Program#Commercial Landscape Improvement Grant Program#October 15, 2020 compliance deadline#October 2019 car dealership landscape ordinance#US 19 corridor

   ▶ Jump to 18:18 in the video

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   [00:18:36] Yeah, the one they did was just, yeah, they were, they need to be up to speed before they [00:18:44] start this one. [00:18:45] I would agree completely. [00:18:47] Next is Commercial Landscape Grant Program, Mrs. Mance. [00:18:51] Yes, sir. [00:18:54] The purpose of this agenda item is to ask your permission to launch a program that we [00:19:03] are interested in. [00:19:05] It is a grant program for the installation of landscape improvements in the commercial [00:19:12] areas of the city. [00:19:15] In part, this is prompted by the fact that in October of 19, you passed an ordinance [00:19:24] which establishes landscape requirements for car dealerships in the city, some of which [00:19:33] have expressed some concern about the costs associated with it. [00:19:40] So this program was developed as a form of assistance to them as well as to other property [00:19:48] owners that need to install landscaping as part of a parking lot project. [00:19:55] And Mr. Rudd is prepared to present the program to you, which he drafted. [00:20:06] Thank you. [00:20:08] The Commercial Landscape Improvement Grant Program offers financial assistance in the [00:20:12] form of a reimbursable matching 50% grant up to $25,000. [00:20:18] This was modeled after our existing Commercial Facade Grant Program and functions in the [00:20:23] same way. [00:20:24] So projects or items that are eligible are landscaping around buildings and lot perimeter [00:20:29] for buffers, parking lot islands, green space, stormwater ponds and swales, planters, etc. [00:20:36] Parking lot repaving, resealing, and re-striping, irrigation, as well as demolition and removal [00:20:42] of asphalt, concrete, and impervious surfaces in order to add more landscaping, for instance, [00:20:47] to meet our new requirements. [00:20:50] Thank you. [00:20:54] I might additionally add that the staff has been in contact with the Department of Transportation [00:21:05] and their position has changed somewhat in recent years. [00:21:08] They are now allowing planting to occur on their right-of-way. [00:21:14] So the opportunity exists that some of the landscape requirements can be installed between [00:21:21] the sidewalk and the street and a couple of the local car dealerships have requested that [00:21:31] the City pursue that as their interest is to use some of that space and so we will be [00:21:37] doing that on their behalf. [00:21:38] It's up to how much? [00:21:41] Pardon me? [00:21:42] $25,000. [00:21:43] $25,000. [00:21:44] The only concern, the only question I kind of throw it on the table, if you're going [00:21:52] to be a car dealership, I just wonder why you would come to the City to pave your lot. [00:21:57] To pave it or to landscape it? [00:21:59] Well, no, there's paving that was mentioned in that too. [00:22:02] I think at the time, if you'll allow me to respond to the question, the thinking was [00:22:10] that there would have to be asphalt torn off in order to make the irrigation system connections. [00:22:19] We've learned since then that many of the meters are located in such a location so that [00:22:26] air jetting underneath the sidewalk is a possibility so that we might not be required [00:22:31] to tear off and restore asphalt barriers. [00:22:34] Okay, so it would be associated with that, not just, hey, here, I paved my lot $25,000. [00:22:38] Oh, that's correct. [00:22:39] Okay, okay, that's fine. [00:22:40] I'll move for approval. [00:22:41] Second. [00:22:42] Oh, I like how you all put it in here, it's just to provide another tool in our commercial [00:22:50] incentives toolbox and this is a great tool, I think. [00:22:54] I had met with Troy Julian, it's a guy that I grew up and went to high school with. [00:22:58] He and his uncle have the Julian's Auto Showcase. [00:23:00] It's an example of a car dealership that actually takes pride in their business and how they [00:23:06] display their inventory. [00:23:09] But Ms. Manns actually came out and spoke to Troy with me. [00:23:15] He was looking at a lot of money because it's just all asphalt and that's how they bought [00:23:19] it. [00:23:20] This entire business is sidewalk asphalt. [00:23:23] I think it's a great tool to help them, like we said, tear up some asphalt, put some irrigation [00:23:29] in. [00:23:30] A huge pet peeve of mine is two things, being on the NPO board, and I haven't had any update [00:23:35] information in about a year, but when I brought this up to DOT at an NPO meeting about this [00:23:40] time last year, it drives me crazy that we have all these businesses along 19 and then [00:23:45] this right-of-way. [00:23:46] It used to be the medians as well, but now we maintain those. [00:23:52] The right-of-way along 19, I said, what do you guys budget in, like how many, I've said [00:23:57] this before, but for the people who don't remember, they're budgeted for eight mowings [00:24:02] a year on that grass. [00:24:03] So we have businesses that own property. [00:24:05] If it was my business, I'm going to mow the right-of-way because I don't want to have [00:24:08] a nice business and then two and a half foot of grass in the right-of-way. [00:24:11] So now it's public that you guys can maintain your own right-of-way and you can put landscaping [00:24:17] in it to enhance your business. [00:24:19] We can't touch that. [00:24:20] That's DOT now. [00:24:22] So it's not just asking you all to mow the right-of-way when DOT can. [00:24:25] If you want your business to look presentable, we're now giving you a tool to add landscaping, [00:24:30] whether it's a car dealership or any business, to your property out front, which is going [00:24:35] to enhance the US 19 corridor and enhance your business. [00:24:39] So I think it's a great idea. [00:24:40] Second? [00:24:41] Yes. [00:24:42] The way I look at it is like, you know, we gave them a sheet of paper and said, hey, [00:24:48] clean up your property. [00:24:49] You know, and here we sit back and I just think this is just a positive step from the [00:24:54] council to step up and say, hey, not only do we want you to clean it up, but we'll give [00:24:58] you some money to help you clean it up and straighten it up. [00:25:01] So I think it's a win-win situation. [00:25:03] Mr. Murphy? [00:25:04] Yeah, I agree. [00:25:05] I think that they'd definitely be more at ease with this program and be able to help [00:25:10] out because I don't know if anybody is, you know, price landscaping, but it's expensive. [00:25:16] So there may be people that definitely tap out that 25,000, depending on what they're [00:25:21] doing or how big they are. [00:25:22] So I think it'd be a big help and I think they'll appreciate it too. [00:25:28] Mr. Allman? [00:25:29] Well, not only is it a toolbox for the residents of the city, commercial residents of the city, [00:25:35] but it might also turn the old story of the person that put the flowers out in front of [00:25:44] their house and then the neighborhood did. [00:25:46] So we are totally helpless in trying to get businesses that are outside the city limit, [00:25:53] even in that zone we were just talking about on the other side of 19 right near Main, like [00:25:58] the Country Pizza Inn and some of the others that are not even in the city. [00:26:03] It gives our commercial property owners who are paying a little tax money a sense that [00:26:08] they are getting something and it may turn the other ones to say, well, maybe I should [00:26:13] look at becoming part of the city. [00:26:17] That would hopefully be maybe a side effect if it were. [00:26:24] Excellent points. [00:26:27] I've from time to time heard grousing from some of the business owners along US 19 that [00:26:38] we spend all of our time and efforts on the downtown and we ignore US 19. [00:26:42] Here's a prime example of their being able to take advantage of something to make their [00:26:50] places look better. [00:26:53] One of the loudest grousers I can think of, which I will not name tonight, needs to apply [00:26:59] for one of these grants and fix up his property because it's just bare. [00:27:04] I just have one other question. [00:27:08] The ordinance that we passed, was there a year or two years that they had to do that? [00:27:13] It was a year. [00:27:14] So they have until October 15th of 2020 to implement improvements. [00:27:19] And then this will be available to them after tonight? [00:27:23] It is. [00:27:24] Okay. [00:27:25] It's not like we have to do another vote down in two weeks or... [00:27:28] No, we do not. [00:27:29] Okay. [00:27:30] All right. [00:27:31] We need to get the word out then fairly quickly for anybody that might be interested in it. [00:27:36] It will be introduced to the business owners. [00:27:39] Okay. [00:27:40] Any other discussion? [00:27:42] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:27:45] Aye. [00:27:46] Opposed, like sign. [00:27:47] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

5. 5

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Debbie Manns” — transcript expanded below

   US Highway 19 and Downtown Master Plan

   approved

   Council/CRA authorized a $92,060 contract with Arnette Muldrow and Associates for phases two and three of the US Highway 19 and Downtown Master Plan, covering master planning following the previously completed branding/marketing phase. The 8-10 month process will include research, community charrettes, visioning workshops, and design guideline review. Written comments from Frank Starkey cautioning about the limits of design guidelines and questioning a parking garage proposal were read into the record after the vote.

   • motion:Approve contract with Arnette Muldrow and Associates for $92,060 for phases two and three (master planning) of the US Highway 19 and Downtown Master Plan. (passed)

   📍US Highway 19📍West Main area🏢505 Designs🏢Arnette Muldrow and Associates🏢B2 Communications🏢Community Design Solutions🏢Kimley Horn🏢Mahan Reichel🏢Media Garage Group Urban Arts🏢Place and Main Advisors🏢Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council👤Councilman Starkey👤Frank Starkey👤Mr. Davis👤Mr. Murphy👤Mr. Rudd👤Ms. Mann#COVID-19 travel restrictions#Design guidelines#RFP for branding, marketing, and master planning#Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council parking garage proposal#US Highway 19 and Downtown Master Plan

   ▶ Jump to 27:50 in the video

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   [00:27:50] Next is the Highway 19 and downtown master plan. [00:27:54] Mr. Mayor, members of council, late last year, an RFP was related to the branding, the marketing, [00:28:05] and master planning initiative. [00:28:10] And the respondents to the RFP were Arnette Muldrow and Associates with Community Design [00:28:18] Solutions, Mahan and Reichel, Place and Main Advisors. [00:28:24] And they were ranked in first place. [00:28:26] Kimley Horn, B2 Communications and 505 Designs was ranked in second place. [00:28:34] And Media Garage Group Urban Arts was ranked in third place. [00:28:39] At the time that this item was originally presented to you, we felt comfortable going [00:28:47] with the first phase of the project, which was the branding and the marketing. [00:28:52] And you now have come to know Arnette Muldrow. [00:28:56] We are now before you this evening requesting your authorization to enter into a contract [00:29:03] with them for $92,060 for the remaining component of the project, which is master planning. [00:29:13] And Mr. Rudd has been working with them. [00:29:16] And we're going to ask him to present what they'll be doing for the requested fee. [00:29:25] Thank you. [00:29:26] Thank you. [00:29:27] So, as Ms. Mann has indicated, this is phases two and three, two master plans essentially [00:29:33] that interlock the U.S. 19 and downtown of this overall project. [00:29:39] And pending your approval tonight, the first part of that, of course, will be the research [00:29:44] and background. [00:29:45] The next few months will be in looking over the plans we've done to date, as well as the [00:29:50] results of phase one, which was the new market analysis and the community input and stakeholder [00:29:55] groups and so forth, as well as the branding information. [00:29:59] And part of this [00:30:00] This process is going to have to be somewhat fluid and with the COVID-19 in terms of their [00:30:04] site visits and so forth. [00:30:07] The first few months will be primarily research, and then the ideal would be to the first visit [00:30:14] of a three-day charrette with the community to gather more information to visit the community [00:30:19] and so forth, potentially in September or October, again, depending on how travel restrictions [00:30:26] may be and so forth. [00:30:28] So after that part of the phase, the next session will be a visioning workshop with [00:30:34] the community, and to your comments, Councilman Starkey, about being able to have input, we'll [00:30:42] receive a draft version of all these components of this with a review period so we can talk [00:30:50] about it with them, look at what we like, what we don't like, and then they'll go back [00:30:54] to them for revisions. [00:30:56] So in the end, when we're finished, we'll have exactly a plan that we love and we're [00:31:03] ready to implement. [00:31:04] I believe very strongly in pulling out of a consulting team what we want rather than [00:31:09] let them do their thing and kind of see what they put down in front of us. [00:31:12] So I'm looking forward to working with them, I'll work very well with them, and they'll [00:31:17] do a visioning workshop session where they'll come back to the community again as part of [00:31:23] an urban design charrette, and then again give us a draft document and a tremendous [00:31:28] amount of supplemental graphics I made sure we put in the RFP that would illustrate the [00:31:34] plan for us, what we want it to look like in the future. [00:31:39] We may not all be participating in the process decades from now, but we want to be able to [00:31:44] see if what we're talking about in reality is what we want for that highway and for the [00:31:50] downtown. [00:31:51] There will be lots of illustrations, lots of graphics, and again we'll see drafts of [00:31:57] those. [00:31:58] If we don't like what we're seeing, we have to go back and do it again until we come out [00:32:02] of this with a plan that we're excited about. [00:32:06] And then the final, they will review our design guidelines. [00:32:11] We ask them just to take a look at those because we have some guidelines that are not required, [00:32:16] but they are recommended, and they'll comment on those, and they will also again prepare [00:32:23] the final draft of the plan, show us the draft, we'll be able to comment and review it, and [00:32:29] then they'll give us the final presentation. [00:32:31] So this process is expected to take somewhere to 8 to 10 months, but it will be very thorough, [00:32:39] and I think you'll be very pleased with the results. [00:32:43] The Arnette Muldreaux is out of Greenville, South Carolina, Mahan Reichel will be the [00:32:49] lead planning firm, they're out of Baltimore, and then Community Solutions Group, I don't [00:32:54] remember where they're from, but... [00:32:55] I was just asking because of the, you know, they're trying to get here and COVID and all [00:32:59] that. [00:33:00] Yeah, and each state has a little different response to the travel restrictions, so we [00:33:05] may be able to do the first charrette virtually, as we've done a lot so far, and we could have [00:33:10] the public here and have folks online, as we have, to gather, it's input gathering, [00:33:16] get the ideas and the thoughts of the community, to add on to what we've already heard through [00:33:21] our visioning, because this is going to be a lot more about US-19, and how folks feel [00:33:27] about 19, how they'd like to see 19 develop, what they want in the community on 19, and [00:33:32] so forth. [00:33:33] Questions, anyone? [00:33:34] I'll move approval. [00:33:39] I'll second. [00:33:42] I won't be here in decades, though. [00:33:47] Did we have any comment from the public before we head back in? [00:33:52] To the maker? [00:33:53] Yeah, I think, again, this is another planning exercise, and I think since we already have [00:34:00] the advanced visual approval we just made, that it would be very useful for, as Chopra [00:34:10] has said, for us to have a real teamwork effect, not just to be an economic development initiative, [00:34:16] but also having our engineering is going to be involved in Highway 19, the transportation [00:34:22] elements, the drainage elements, so when you do planning, I guess, you're going to be getting [00:34:27] the entire. [00:34:30] I'm assuming that you'll be leaning on the entire various staff of the city for input [00:34:36] from the staff level, and I would assume there would be some public meetings along the way. [00:34:44] It would be very participative in that respect, yes. [00:34:49] One leads to the other. [00:34:50] I think the idea of pulsing out from the initial study we just approved, and trying to maybe [00:34:57] get some focus on that other side we just talked about, you know, would give a good [00:35:05] group of planning discussions as to what would happen with the house or the big, the collision [00:35:13] center I guess is probably a big asset to the city, it doesn't draw retail, but I think [00:35:19] that was recently remodeled, right? [00:35:21] Oh man, it's beautiful. [00:35:22] We're going to spend money on that, and we still have a bank and a new Burger King, and [00:35:31] so what goes from there? [00:35:34] But it's not just what we want, I mean, things are happening to us as an economy, I mean, [00:35:38] I don't know what's going to happen with strip center retail, you know, when we've got, you [00:35:43] know, the big news is Amazon coming in because everything's coming in on trucks from mail [00:35:50] order, so I think it'll be very interesting to hear from national folks what those trends [00:35:57] are and then share it with the local and see what kind of appetite we have for it. [00:36:03] But there's been discussion of housing, right? [00:36:05] That's what's happening at the mall in New Port Richey, which is really sad. [00:36:09] I can remember the crowds, I don't know how long they lasted, Mr. Starkey, if you remember [00:36:17] crowds at the food court or at the mall. [00:36:19] I worked at Chancellor's. [00:36:22] But I was there last week, and now it's like the biggest store is kind of like a flea market [00:36:28] with all the stuff laid out in it, but things are changing, so it's important that we think [00:36:35] about that, try to stay ahead of it, so I think it's great. [00:36:37] Thank you, Mr. Davis. [00:36:38] The only comment I would like, you know, for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Committee [00:36:43] to get with these people so they can talk among themselves and make sure that connection, [00:36:49] yeah, make sure that connection. [00:36:52] Excellent point. [00:36:53] Mr. Murphy. [00:36:54] This COVID pandemic has been very trying on everyone, a lot of uncertainty out there, [00:37:01] but I think from our perspective as a city, I think it's good to show that we're moving [00:37:06] forward and still moving forward with our plans and what we want to do with the city [00:37:09] and live up to the potential that it has. [00:37:13] And I think that's a good sign, and I think people will think positively of that. [00:37:17] Mr. Jerky. [00:37:18] I'm very impressed with Arnett and Ultro and Associates so far with the first presentation [00:37:23] of the branding, so I'm sure they'll, I'm looking forward to see what they come up with [00:37:27] here. [00:37:28] I couldn't agree more. [00:37:30] It's very impressive what we've seen so far. [00:37:35] Any further discussion? [00:37:36] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:37:39] Aye. [00:37:40] Opposed, like sign. [00:37:41] Yes. [00:37:42] I'm going to ask the clerk, I believe a communication was received from Frank Starkey in relationship [00:37:49] to this agenda item, maybe in your email. [00:37:52] I went to log on, I didn't log on my email. [00:38:12] There was an email that was received, I received from Mr. Starkey. [00:38:28] I have some comments for the board's consideration with regard to the downtown US-19 master plan [00:38:34] proposal and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council proposal. [00:38:38] Some of this might be addressed by the presentation, I'm just going by what I read in the agenda [00:38:41] packet. [00:38:43] Master plan proposal by Arnett Muldrow, the deliverables seem to emphasize proposals for [00:38:48] streetscape and public space improvements, all on the public sector dime. [00:38:53] These are important and need to be matched with good guidance for the redevelopment of [00:38:56] private properties. [00:38:58] The proposal includes design guidelines to do this. [00:39:01] I would caution that design guidelines alone are a rather weak tool for accomplishing redevelopment [00:39:07] that meets the expectations they set. [00:39:10] There are some reasons for that. [00:39:13] Guidelines are aspirational, but lack teeth for enforcement. [00:39:18] Need to have metrics to assess design proposals, minimize making arbitrary decisions, which [00:39:24] is a losing proposition. [00:39:26] Need to address fundamental matters like building size, location, setbacks, fire density, or [00:39:32] parking, et cetera, that are key things a property owner needs to know up front. [00:39:37] Parking needs to be significant overhaul, dramatically more density, far reduce, eliminate [00:39:44] setbacks, et cetera. [00:39:46] Hopefully the master plan will address how these should be amended. [00:39:50] And then in regards to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council proposal, I think it's premature [00:39:56] by many years to proceed with a garage in the West Main area, as a large amount of redevelopment [00:40:02] can take place with smart service parking at a sliver of the cost. [00:40:06] A better use of the study would be to compare the economics of a surface lot with trees [00:40:12] hidden by buildings, walls, landscaping, versus basic parking garage, rather than comparing [00:40:18] a parking garage with a more expensive version of a parking garage. [00:40:23] The economic impact analysis needs to balance the cost of a lot or a garage capital and [00:40:30] operations, excuse me, with the tax revenues generated by the potential development. [00:40:36] For example, a single space costs so much for a surface lot and so much for a garage. [00:40:43] Each space generates 300 square feet of commercial development worth Y dollars a year in new [00:40:50] tax revenue. [00:40:52] If both proposals are accepted, there needs to be coordination among the two efforts. [00:40:57] The Tampa Bay Regional Planning proposal, I would not recommend proceeding with this [00:41:01] as it would overlap with the Arnett-Muldrew, et cetera. [00:41:05] I think he was dealing with what went out in the papers, or in the packets, not what [00:41:16] we actually dealt with tonight. [00:41:21] These points are well taken on some of the other stuff we need to look at, from the zoning, [00:41:29] parking requirements, et cetera, as we try to redevelop. [00:41:38] Comment to that, too. [00:41:39] Just to say, I think that from talking with the city manager that we're already moving [00:41:45] forward with some of the recommendations. [00:41:48] I know when Matt and I first got elected, we went to one of those people places thing [00:41:53] and started hearing about some of his ideas on density and parking and all of that. [00:41:59] Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we're waiting for the master plans for us [00:42:04] to proceed forward with some of the ideas that have been floated out over time with [00:42:09] respect to density. [00:42:10] Is that correct? [00:42:11] Correct. [00:42:13] I think it's good to catch him up with where we're at on all of that. [00:42:19] I'll do that. [00:42:20] Okay. [00:42:21] Good point. [00:42:22] All right, so we had a motion passed.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

6. 6

   Consideration of Amendment to the FY 19/20 Adopted Budget

   approved

   The CRA Board approved a budget amendment to the FY 19/20 adopted budget in the amount of $101,780 to cover costs for the branding strategy, US-19 marketing/master plan, entryway feature at US-19 and Main Street, unbudgeted trash removal on CRA properties, and increased insurance costs. Board members also discussed the design of the entryway feature, with preferences expressed for lit columns rather than an arch over the road.

   • motion:Approve budget amendment to the FY 19/20 adopted budget in the amount of $101,780 to fund branding, US-19 marketing/master plan, entryway feature design, trash removal, and insurance cost increases. (passed)

   📍US Highway 19 and Main Street🏢Haffey Theater👤Crystal👤Murphy👤Tim#Branding Strategy#CAFR#Entryway Feature at US-19 and Main Street#FY 19/20 Budget Amendment#US Highway 19 Marketing and Master Plan

   ▶ Jump to 42:28 in the video

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   [00:42:28] Next is consideration of the amendment to the fiscal 19-20 adopted budget. [00:42:33] As long as we had you in the room and collected up around the table. [00:42:38] Just a point, Tim, since we introduced those emails, should we vote again? [00:42:47] I don't think you need to. [00:42:49] Okay. [00:42:50] All right. [00:42:51] Thank you. [00:42:52] I thought that it might be an appropriate time to clean up the books a little bit as it relates [00:42:57] to fiscal year 19-20 budget. [00:43:00] What we're specifically asking is for a budget amendment, the total of which would be in [00:43:06] the amount of $101,780. [00:43:11] It is to support projects like the branding strategy, the marketing and master plan for [00:43:22] US Highway 19, and the entryway feature into the city at Main Street. [00:43:30] There were some costs that we didn't budget for, for trash removal expenses related to [00:43:35] properties in the CRA. [00:43:38] We have increased insurance costs of CRA properties, and we have now engaged a consultant to develop [00:43:47] a design for some entryway features at US Highway 19 and Main Street. [00:43:53] The recommendation on the budget amendment is outlined in the request form to you and [00:44:02] identifies the sources of funds to balance the budget. [00:44:05] Public comment? [00:44:06] Anyone? [00:44:07] Move approval. [00:44:08] Second. [00:44:09] I think it's good to see us making those adjustments, and it's going to be very helpful for us throughout [00:44:20] the city to see where we're at as we make our final budget. [00:44:25] Generally, there's a number of versions of the budget. [00:44:32] The fewer, the better. [00:44:34] I'm sure I can see Crystal over there glaring at me because it's a lot of work to put out [00:44:40] another version and change it, but as we get closer to the end and we get to know more [00:44:44] about what needs to be done in reference to the CAFRA that we just had to get those budget [00:44:51] amendments coming out so we know where we're at. [00:44:54] I think it's great. [00:44:55] As to the purpose of the amendments on the... [00:45:00] And the design, I've asked our executive director for us to have a discussion about that design. [00:45:10] I know it's been talked about having something on both sides of the road. [00:45:14] I remember way back, and I think it was Chopper who had the big over the road entry feature [00:45:22] too. [00:45:24] As we look at our design of how we come into town, I think that's one I don't want to move [00:45:31] too fast to make sure that we integrate whatever's happening on the other side of the road. [00:45:37] But I think it's good for us to start planning it, so I'm in favor of the motion. [00:45:42] Thank you. [00:45:43] To the second? [00:45:44] I have no comments. [00:45:45] Thank you. [00:45:46] To the second? [00:45:47] Second? [00:45:48] You know, having Crystal here and having this guy like to keep things in line, I like the [00:45:51] money to be in the right columns for, you know, as we move on forward. [00:45:55] So, you know, I'm going along with that, but I will say that I didn't really want the arch [00:45:59] over. [00:46:00] What I wanted was the, I had the, I showed you the examples of Haffey Theater as a suggestion, [00:46:09] and that's what I was looking for, because I think an arch over top of it, you're not, [00:46:14] you don't see until you're on top of it, where I had the lit up columns, yeah, lit [00:46:21] up columns. [00:46:22] Mr. Murphy? [00:46:23] No, nothing further for me. [00:46:25] Okay. [00:46:26] Yeah, I am glad to see this numbers getting into the right place before the end of the [00:46:30] fiscal year, but we'll get rid of one more little note in next year's audit report, so. [00:46:41] Any further discussion? [00:46:43] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:46:45] Aye. [00:46:46] Aye. [00:46:47] Opposed? [00:46:48] Like sign. [00:46:49] Communications.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

7. 7Communications▶ 46:50
8. 8Adjournment▶ 1:03:21