On the agenda

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

   Approval of October 19, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes

   approved

   The CRA Board approved the minutes from the October 19, 2021 CRA meeting.

   • motion:Approve the October 19, 2021 CRA meeting minutes. (passed)

   #October 19, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes

   ▶ Jump to 0:40 in the video

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   [00:00:40] In that case, next item is the approval of the October 19th [00:00:43] CRA meeting minutes. [00:00:45] Move we approve? [00:00:47] Second. [00:00:49] Any discussion? [00:00:50] Hearing none, all those in favor, [00:00:52] please signify by saying aye. [00:00:53] Aye. [00:00:54] Opposed, like sign. [00:00:56] 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.a

   Consideration of Year-End Amendment to the FY2021 Adopted Budget

   approvedon consent

   The CRA Board approved a year-end amendment to the FY2021 adopted budget to recognize additional tax increment financing (TIF) funding received because two neighborhoods were not removed from the CRA's jurisdiction before the TIF was calculated, along with interest revenue, and to cover additional costs for the parking garage project and developer incentives.

   • motion:Approve the year-end amendment to the FY2021 adopted budget recognizing additional TIF funding, interest revenue, and additional costs for the parking garage and developer incentives. (passed)

   👤Mrs. Feist#Developer incentives#FY2021 Adopted Budget#Parking garage project#Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

   ▶ Jump to 0:57 in the video

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   [00:00:57] Next is consent agenda consideration [00:00:59] of the year-end amendment to the FY 2021 adopted budget. [00:01:04] Yes, I'll ask Mrs. Feist to present the agenda item. [00:01:08] Good evening. [00:01:09] Before you is a budget amendment for fiscal year [00:01:12] 21, which is 2020-2021, which includes your review [00:01:21] and approval of the acceptance of additional tax increment [00:01:25] funding that was received by the CRA, recognition of interest [00:01:29] revenue, and the coverage of an additional cost related [00:01:33] to the parking garage project and developer incentives. [00:01:37] As we've discussed before, the CRA [00:01:40] received more tax increment funding [00:01:42] than originally budgeted for fiscal year 21. [00:01:46] The original budgeted amount was calculated [00:01:49] based on the anticipation of the removal of two neighborhoods [00:01:53] from the CRA's jurisdiction. [00:01:55] However, the removal of those two neighborhoods [00:01:58] were not completed before the TIF was officially calculated. [00:02:01] And so that resulted in the receipt of additional TIF [00:02:06] funding. [00:02:07] So the recommendation is that the board [00:02:10] approved the attached budget amendment for fiscal year [00:02:15] 21-22, again, which would allow for the additional TIF funding. [00:02:21] Open it up for public comment. [00:02:24] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to the CRA board. [00:02:27] Move approval. [00:02:28] Second. [00:02:30] Any discussion? [00:02:31] No, sir. [00:02:32] In that case, all those in favor, [00:02:33] please signify by saying aye. [00:02:35] Aye. [00:02:36] Opposed, like sign. [00:02:37] Motion passes. [00:02:38] Next is the 2021 Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge [00:02:41] Feasibility Study.

   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 Real Estate Redevelopment Grant Agmt. RE: Zen Kitchen & Bar

   approved

   The CRA Board approved a Commercial Real Estate Redevelopment Grant Agreement for Zen Kitchen & Bar, to be located at the former Gatsby's Hideaway and Cafe at 6229 Grand Boulevard. The package totals $280,400, consisting of a $200,000 rehabilitation grant paid in four $50,000 reimbursement installments tied to expenditures (with a $750,000 total expenditure threshold), plus an $80,400 lease subsidy extended over two years.

   • motion:Motion to approve the Commercial Real Estate Redevelopment Grant Agreement with Zen Kitchen & Bar for $280,400 ($200,000 rehabilitation grant plus $80,400 two-year lease subsidy). (passed)

   📍5614 Red Snapper Court, Newport Ritchie📍6229 Grand Boulevard🏢Gatsby's Hideaway and Cafe🏢Hacienda🏢Sebastian's🏢Zen Forest🏢Zen Kitchen & Bar👤Dan Holbeck👤Debbie Manns👤Frank Starkey👤Jay Patel👤Joe DeLuca👤Judy👤Victor#CRA economic development incentives#Commercial Real Estate Redevelopment Grant#Lease Subsidy Program (extended from one to two years)

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   [00:02:42] Ms. Manns. [00:02:43] There was one item before that. [00:02:44] Oh, I'm sorry. [00:02:45] Did I miss? [00:02:46] Number four. [00:02:48] Oh, I'm sorry. [00:02:48] Redevelopment grant. [00:02:50] Jumped one. [00:02:51] Commercial redevelopment grant. [00:02:53] Thank you. [00:02:53] RE Zen Kitchen and Bar. [00:02:55] Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:02:56] We have Mr. Jay Patel in attendance this evening. [00:03:00] And he is representing the Zen Kitchen and Bar [00:03:07] this evening as the managing member and investor [00:03:14] for the project to establish this eatery and bar [00:03:21] at the location of the former Gatsby's Hideaway and Cafe [00:03:28] at 6229 Grand Boulevard. [00:03:33] As I've indicated to you in previous discussions [00:03:37] in relationship to this project, the costs [00:03:42] associated with the renovation of the building [00:03:46] to prepare it for its reuse will exceed $1 million. [00:03:53] And as such, there is some participation [00:04:01] that I believe is warranted on the part of the Community [00:04:05] Redevelopment Authority. [00:04:08] In order to minimize the impact, though, the direct impact, [00:04:15] because both Chef and Jay are eager to initiate [00:04:24] their renovation. [00:04:25] In fact, they're hopeful. [00:04:26] Jay tells me they'd like to be open in March of 2022. [00:04:35] I've proposed that the forms of assistance that we give them [00:04:41] come in two forms. [00:04:44] And the first is a rehabilitation grant [00:04:47] in the amount of $200,000 to be administered [00:04:52] on a project expenditure reimbursement basis. [00:04:56] And to be made payable in four equal installments of $50,000. [00:05:02] The second is a lease subsidy, which [00:05:06] is a program that we also currently [00:05:08] have available in the Community Redevelopment Agency's [00:05:15] toolbox. [00:05:18] It is a subsidy in the amount of half [00:05:21] of the amount of lease payments. [00:05:25] I am asking, though, that the current program, which [00:05:29] allows for a subsidy for a one-year period of time, [00:05:32] be extended to a two-year period of time, which [00:05:35] would aggregate the payments to an amount of $80,400. [00:05:42] So the total amount of the redevelopment grant [00:05:46] that I am recommending for this project is $280,400. [00:05:54] And I believe it is appropriate because it's financially [00:06:02] consistent with other economic development incentive packages [00:06:06] that we've offered to projects that are what are considered [00:06:10] to be catalytic for the city's downtown area [00:06:18] or other areas of the city. [00:06:20] I provided to you a schedule yesterday of other projects [00:06:26] and the types of financial incentives [00:06:31] that we have provided on those. [00:06:33] The variables are always different. [00:06:35] So it's hard to really compare apples to apples. [00:06:40] But having restaurants that are reliable in the downtown [00:06:48] is one of the cornerstones of a downtown that [00:06:54] is going to solidify us as a destination location. [00:06:59] Having both Frank Starkey's restaurant, the Zen Forest, [00:07:03] and the Hacienda collectively legitimizes the city of New Port Richey as a destination location and, in my opinion, [00:07:13] is well worth the investment, particularly [00:07:18] in lieu of the investment they're willing to take. [00:07:24] Absent that, I've shared with you all [00:07:28] privately the plans that the property owner might have [00:07:32] otherwise made for the property. [00:07:34] So I'm fully recommending in good faith [00:07:37] that we go forward with this program of incentives [00:07:44] for Mr. Patel and his partner on the project. [00:07:50] Thank you. [00:07:51] We'll open up for public comment. [00:08:02] Good evening again. [00:08:03] Just one quick question. [00:08:05] I was looking for name. [00:08:06] Oh, sorry. [00:08:07] Dan Holbeck, 5614 Red Snapper Court, New Port Richey. [00:08:12] I was looking over things. [00:08:14] The only question I have is the $50,000 payments [00:08:19] for the $200,000 that you have in the project that was online. [00:08:23] When would those be paid? [00:08:25] I didn't see where it showed a schedule for that. [00:08:28] I was just curious. [00:08:29] The schedule would be based on the expenditures [00:08:34] and the amounts. [00:08:36] There was actually an agreement that was attached, [00:08:41] and you might not have seen that online, to the agenda item, [00:08:45] which outlined the grant funding. [00:08:48] And it would be made reimbursement [00:08:53] in equal percentages of $200,000 they'd have to spend, [00:09:01] and then they'd get the $50,000. [00:09:03] Right, but my question is, I think [00:09:06] it said it was after the construction was completed. [00:09:08] My only question is, is that? [00:09:10] It wouldn't be after the full construction was completed. [00:09:13] It would be periodic payment through the construction [00:09:18] period. [00:09:19] OK. [00:09:21] OK, thanks. [00:09:22] Yeah. [00:09:24] Did you say $250,000 or $200,000? [00:09:27] $200,000. [00:09:28] So. [00:09:36] The total payment's $200,000. [00:09:37] $200,000, yeah, but OK. [00:09:39] OK. [00:09:40] So every $200,000, then the last $200,000 [00:09:45] they're not getting if they go to $1 million? [00:09:47] Because that's, you know, that'd be. [00:09:51] See, I'm doing work. [00:09:52] I'm asking Shakey at 930. [00:09:53] The $450,000 add up to $200,000. [00:09:55] That may be the total price. [00:09:57] Well, yeah, that's $200,000. [00:09:59] That's $450,000. [00:10:00] But every $200,000, that's $800,000. [00:10:02] Yeah, the agreement is for him to expend $750,000 total. [00:10:06] And the payments will be reduced to the extent [00:10:09] that he fails to meet that threshold. [00:10:11] OK, OK, because you said something about $1 million. [00:10:13] That's why I'm saying. [00:10:14] Wow. [00:10:14] OK. [00:10:15] His costs have gone up since. [00:10:18] OK, I just have one question that maybe you can come down [00:10:22] and I can ask, please. [00:10:27] Pleasure to see you, Mr. Patel. [00:10:29] Sorry to keep you out so late. [00:10:32] Yeah, we don't want to be here either. [00:10:34] No, I went in your place about a month ago [00:10:39] because I saw some people. [00:10:41] After a council meeting, it happened [00:10:43] to be a couple of people working in there, Hispanics. [00:10:45] So they had a tough time explaining [00:10:48] what they were doing there. [00:10:49] But I'm just going to tell you, that place was, [00:10:51] through the back door, was filthy. [00:10:53] And if you make it by March, God bless you. [00:10:56] Well, we're doing a demo right now. [00:10:58] Stripping the walls, the floors, ceiling, everything. [00:11:03] Basically, it's extensive, a lot of work. [00:11:05] Yeah, right. [00:11:08] Because I've been around since it was Sebastian's. [00:11:12] And the same guys owned it since then. [00:11:14] And it's gone through, guess the names. [00:11:19] Yeah, guess the names. [00:11:21] It's been through lots of places. [00:11:23] And I just really want to say, I hope a lot of this money [00:11:26] that you're putting into it is to benefit you, [00:11:29] and you stick around. [00:11:30] Because Joe DeLuca's taken so much money [00:11:33] from all these people, and the next guy gets the benefit. [00:11:35] He puts more in, and the next more, and more. [00:11:38] Yeah, so that's what we plan to. [00:11:42] That's why we're spending all this money. [00:11:46] And the difference with this, as opposed [00:11:48] to some of the other businesses that were in there, [00:11:52] is that my partner, Victor, the owner of Zen Forest. [00:11:57] So I don't know if you've heard of him. [00:11:59] Yeah, we're all familiar. [00:12:00] So he's been around for 18 years. [00:12:02] And he's got a very loyal following. [00:12:05] And that's why we're moving to this location [00:12:08] and adding a full liquor bar to it. [00:12:11] So it's definitely. [00:12:13] Off the top of your head, you don't have a figure [00:12:15] if you walked out of the project how much percentage would [00:12:18] be left for Joe DeLuca to be happy. [00:12:22] Well, we're working on renegotiating some terms [00:12:26] with Mr. DeLuca. [00:12:28] And really, I have to tell you that Mr. Patel and Chef Victor [00:12:37] have shared with me some of what they're doing on the inside. [00:12:40] And the improvements are first rate. [00:12:41] And we are very fortunate that they're [00:12:44] making the level of investment that they are. [00:12:46] Yeah, yeah, I'm really happy. [00:12:47] I just want you to be there. [00:12:50] You'd reap the benefits of what you're putting into this. [00:12:52] That's all I'm saying. [00:12:53] Sure. [00:12:53] You know, right. [00:12:56] I looked at the market. [00:12:57] I understand the need for downtown Newport, [00:12:59] Richard, that really nice restaurant [00:13:01] with some different type of cuisine from what's [00:13:04] out there in that area. [00:13:05] Seems to be all the same, pretty much. [00:13:07] And I think I'm very confident this will [00:13:11] be the nicest place in town. [00:13:12] OK, I just want to take one other step ahead [00:13:14] of my brothers here, is that I want the first reservation. [00:13:18] And I'm putting it in right now. [00:13:20] For the grand opening night. [00:13:22] All right, thank you very much for coming up and talking to us. [00:13:26] Any other questions? [00:13:27] Thank you. [00:13:28] Thank you. [00:13:29] Some of us remember Chef Victor's parents [00:13:32] had the Chinese restaurant before he went to get his chef [00:13:36] school and go on. [00:13:37] Yeah, yeah, he's been there a long time. [00:13:39] And I think that location where he's at is not ideal for him. [00:13:43] It's just people. [00:13:44] It's kind of hidden back there. [00:13:45] Right, it'd be wonderful to welcome him. [00:13:47] I think that this will draw. [00:13:49] Once we get there, it's going to look spectacular on the inside. [00:13:51] I've got a really good designer. [00:13:53] It's going to look modern, clean. [00:13:55] And I think it'll attract from all over. [00:13:58] From Spring Hill, Palm Harbor, you name it. [00:14:01] Trinity, Tampa even. [00:14:03] So it's going to be really nice. [00:14:05] Yeah, we almost lost him to Tampa. [00:14:07] So we're very, very lucky. [00:14:09] Thank you. [00:14:10] All right, thank you very much. [00:14:11] Any other comments? [00:14:13] Well, we haven't voted yet. [00:14:14] No, we have not. [00:14:17] Yeah, just to comment on, as city manager explained, [00:14:24] this is one of those things that really would be [00:14:29] a catalyst to our downtown area. [00:14:32] And as we analyze some of these projects and financial help [00:14:39] for businesses and so forth, I think [00:14:41] the city's come to a point now where we're in demand [00:14:45] as much as we're demanding people in. [00:14:48] I think it's time for us to look at that closely. [00:14:51] And I'm really comfortable on this project [00:14:55] because of the tenure. [00:15:00] the proprietor has and and that's a in the local market right you know people [00:15:06] can come in and from outside and so forth and but you know when you've been [00:15:12] there and you've done it it means a lot more and makes me a little bit more [00:15:16] comfortable and going this route the other Judy we had a motion in a second [00:15:26] did not I was going to say I moved I moved for approval thank you I was [00:15:33] trying to remember okay who did it in the answer was nobody chopper is nothing [00:15:39] more nothing second sir looking forward to it said my piece and I got my [00:15:46] reservation right in that case all those in favor please signify by saying [00:15:50] aye opposed like sign and now we'll go to the one I tried to jump to knowing

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5. 5

   2021 Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study

   approved

   The CRA Board approved a proposal from S&M Incorporated, not to exceed $88,425, to complete the 2022 US Highway 19/Marine Parkway Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study. The study will include site analysis, data collection, two overhead crossing configurations, one at-grade configuration, and surface road alternatives, funded through TIF dollars. Board members discussed leveraging the federal infrastructure bill for transit and pedestrian/cycling funding and reviving prior county interest in a transfer station.

   • motion:Approve the proposal from S&M Incorporated not to exceed $88,425 for the 2022 US 19/Marine Parkway Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study, funded by TIF. (passed)

   📍US Highway 19 / Marine Parkway🏢S and M Incorporated🏢Starbucks👤Altman👤Murphy👤Peters#2022 US Highway 19 Marine Parkway Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study#Federal Infrastructure Bill#Pinellas Trail#RFQ for bridge feasibility analysis#Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

   ▶ Jump to 15:55 in the video

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   [00:15:56] that mr. Altman would be very excited about this the 2021 bicycle pedestrian [00:16:02] bridge feasibility study we'll see how excited I am after the [00:16:12] please thank you this request for the directors is to consider for approval [00:16:18] the attached proposal from S and M incorporated in the amount not to exceed [00:16:23] eighty eight thousand four hundred and twenty five dollars this is for the [00:16:27] completion of the 2022 USA Highway 19 marine parkway bicycle pedestrian bridge [00:16:33] feasibility study as you were aware this consultant was ranked number one by [00:16:40] staff on the RFQ for this analysis it was brought to you for approval [00:16:46] subsequent to your approval staff went into negotiations with the consultants [00:16:52] over the last month we've gone back and forth we feel like we have ironed out [00:16:58] and have submitted a good feasibility study that once completed will give you [00:17:03] pretty much everything that you're requesting to be able to make a informed [00:17:08] decision the deliverables in this task order include the meetings with city [00:17:13] staff and CRA Board of Directors site analysis data collection implementation [00:17:20] strategy with approximate costs associated with two overhead crossing [00:17:25] configurations and one grade configuration and then a final draft [00:17:30] and final feasibility study that we can bring to you and with that the funds are [00:17:37] identified as TAC increment financing dollars and we would recommend approval [00:17:41] thank you open up for public comment seeing no one come forward bring it back [00:17:46] to the agency move for a second to the maker how long do you think it'll take [00:17:53] them to do this not too long they know we're in a hurry yeah I think it is [00:17:59] whatever 90 220 days okay thank you correct me if I'm wrong I mean in [00:18:09] addition to do the feasibility study for the bridge you're going to give us [00:18:11] some options you know for other improvements in case it's something that [00:18:17] just doesn't make sense to us correct surface road improvements as an [00:18:22] alternate as well okay [00:18:28] just to say that as we talked about the infrastructure bill coming out the [00:18:34] chopper mentioned and the opportunities for funding that might be out there I'm [00:18:40] hopeful that the old plans that related to transit because that's a huge part of [00:18:46] the bill that's coming out and I know that you know [00:18:53] councilman Murphy that the discussion of having a an express line bus for [00:19:02] whatever express you could possibly have on highway 19 but a low number of [00:19:07] stop commuter type transit that there has been in the past interest in having [00:19:15] a facility the county wanted to build in the city there was at one point a [00:19:21] strategy where the county could get on board with some of their monies to do [00:19:25] park and ride and bike and ride and when you have a facility where commuters come [00:19:30] it's not just for people who can't afford to have a car it's for people and [00:19:35] families that may have one car or may prefer as these Millennials don't have [00:19:39] any car sometime so if we can become part of the new riders of transit versus [00:19:46] looking at our historical passenger list that we see coming in and off of the [00:19:53] buses it really is hard to imagine but if it is true that the connectivity of [00:19:59] some of these new types of transportation is a popular one bicycling [00:20:05] to catch a ride to a job you may have in Clearwater or st. Petersburg I'm I guess [00:20:12] I'll get my chances the rest of you to have a discussion with the consultant [00:20:16] but I think that the county's transportation division undoubtedly [00:20:23] will be a stop hopefully from this consultant for the amount of money that [00:20:27] we're paying we should not be we should look under every stone I think to find [00:20:32] the supplementary funding that might help to make this affordable are you [00:20:38] talking about like a bus station there at the design at one point and the [00:20:43] county was going after federal money to build a transfer station so they always [00:20:48] decided that they wanted it here because it goes Hudson Spring Hill back in all [00:20:53] directions their transfer station was really unacceptable because it had no [00:20:59] no place for anyone to use the bathroom it was right next to the Starbucks [00:21:04] outside the city limits which we have plenty of stops that they can do [00:21:08] whatever they want in in what we consider our city they had selected a [00:21:14] site they were going to build it and they had agreed that if they could make [00:21:19] some more sense with it that they would have a security restrooms cameras and a [00:21:26] really tight ship so if you were in Fort Myers and happen to see the transit [00:21:31] facility or you see what's happening in the city of Clearwater I think that [00:21:37] there's the potential and it's a multimodal world that everything is [00:21:42] supporting I think it's important to identify the the users of that not only [00:21:49] the vacationers or the recreational users crossing the state or the people [00:21:54] from the Pinellas Trail coming into our city but also how would it service our [00:21:59] own community to allow them to live in New Port Richey and have a good job [00:22:03] somewhere and change the character of the folks that are on the buses because [00:22:08] I understand and I recognize the angst that we have when we talk about transit [00:22:14] but it looks as if there's more money being poured into transit and if [00:22:19] something's going to happen I'd like it to be the best thing it could be and I [00:22:23] think there's a chance that we could get some interest rekindled in that thank [00:22:28] you mr. Peters sir yeah and I believe in the infrastructure bill there is money [00:22:35] set aside for pedestrian and cycling improvements so there may be some [00:22:41] opportunities to pick up money to help build this thing if we find that it's [00:22:47] actually feasible if there's no other discussion all those in favor please [00:22:53] signify by saying aye opposed like sign next is the parking structure project

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6. 6

   Parking Structure – Project Close Out

   approved

   The CRA Board approved a final pay request of $276,158.18 to Cocolac Contracting for the parking structure project, contingent on receipt of remaining outstanding items before the check is released. The completed $6.5 million structure provides 350 public parking spaces and 8 EV charging stations (expandable to 16), funded by 2020 bond proceeds.

   • motion:Approve the final pay request to Cocolac Contracting in an amount not to exceed $276,158.18 and approve project closeout, with the check held until remaining punch-list items are completed. (passed)

   🏢Cocolac Contracting👤Debbie👤Murphy👤Peters👤Rivera#2020 bond proceeds#350 parking spaces#EV charging stations#Parking Structure Project Close Out

   ▶ Jump to 22:58 in the video

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   [00:23:00] closeout mr. Rivera thank you this request for the directors is to consider [00:23:05] for approval the attached final pay requests in the amount not to exceed [00:23:10] $276,158 and 18 cents this is submitted by [00:23:16] coca-lac as contracting for the parking structure the total cost of that [00:23:22] structure was 6.5 million as you may recall this construction started in [00:23:29] February of 2021 and subsequent to its completion the city has created 350 [00:23:36] vehicle parking spaces to the public of the 350 spaces eight electrical vehicle [00:23:42] charging stations are installed and capable of expanding to 16 and funding [00:23:49] for the project is the 2020 bond proceeds and with that we would [00:23:54] recommend that you approve the final pay request as well as approve the project [00:24:00] thank you open up for a public comment seeing no one come forward I will bring [00:24:06] it back to the CRA and may I have some assurance that if it's approved tonight [00:24:13] the check will not go out until we we get the final gingerbread there's a [00:24:20] item still remaining on that basis approval second to the maker nothing [00:24:27] more second mr. Murphy mr. Peters in that case all those in favor please [00:24:35] signify by saying aye opposed like sign any further communications Debbie I

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7. 7Communications▶ 24:40
8. 8Adjournment▶ 24:47